bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison on the evaluation standards of sustainable campus between China and America
Authors: Zhu Bifeng , Liu Gebing , Feng Jing
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to make a comparative study on the latest version of green campus evaluation standard between China and America: Green Campus Evaluation Standard (GB/T51356-2019) and the sustainability tracking, assessment and rating system (STARS 2.2). The differences of evaluation methods and contents are analyzed and their respective characteristics and advantages are sorted out, so as to promote the development of sustainable campus evaluation standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The research mainly adopts the method of comparative study, which is carried out from three dimensions, namely, the related policies development of campus construction and world university sustainable rankings; the content of evaluation standards (including evaluation methods and evaluation categories and scores); the characteristics and current application of standards.

Findings

There are great differences between the evaluation standards of China and America in organization and participation mode, evaluation method and content. Public engagement, energy and campus engagement are the hot spots. Buildings, energy, food and dining and investment and finance will become the focus of sustainable campus in the future. Specific optimization strategies of key points, evaluation method and content and organization and participation mode of Chinese standard are put forward.

Practical implications

This paper clarifies the advantages and disadvantages of the current global sustainable campus, and provides the basis for the next stage of construction policy. At the same time, it is helpful for all countries, especially China, to formulate construction guidelines that not only meet their own actual needs but also conform to the trend of global sustainable campus development.

Social implications

The connotation of sustainable campus is enriched, and the evaluation standards of sustainable campus are improved. The development of sustainable campus is promoted, so as to realize the sustainable development goals.

Originality/value

This research expands the scope of the study to the whole campus, rather than just one aspect of campus buildings. It compares the evaluation standard of green campus in China with STARS in the USA, and no longer compares leadership in energy and environmental design for schools. It discusses the campus building’s energy conservation while paying attention to the campus green consciousness, green management and green planning. Based on the relevant data currently used by STARS in the global evaluation, this paper analyzes the hot spots and shortcomings of the current global sustainable campus construction and puts forward some optimization suggestions for China’s green campus evaluation system.
Real-time pixel-wise grasp affordance prediction based on multi-scale context information fusion
Authors: Wu Yongxiang , Fu Yili , Wang Shuguo
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to use fully convolutional network (FCN) to predict pixel-wise antipodal grasp affordances for unknown objects and improve the grasp detection performance through multi-scale feature fusion.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified FCN network is used as the backbone to extract pixel-wise features from the input image, which are further fused with multi-scale context information gathered by a three-level pyramid pooling module to make more robust predictions. Based on the proposed unify feature embedding framework, two head networks are designed to implement different grasp rotation prediction strategies (regression and classification), and their performances are evaluated and compared with a defined point metric. The regression network is further extended to predict the grasp rectangles for comparisons with previous methods and real-world robotic grasping of unknown objects.

Findings

The ablation study of the pyramid pooling module shows that the multi-scale information fusion significantly improves the model performance. The regression approach outperforms the classification approach based on same feature embedding framework on two data sets. The regression network achieves a state-of-the-art accuracy (up to 98.9%) and speed (4 ms per image) and high success rate (97% for household objects, 94.4% for adversarial objects and 95.3% for objects in clutter) in the unknown object grasping experiment.

Originality/value

A novel pixel-wise grasp affordance prediction network based on multi-scale feature fusion is proposed to improve the grasp detection performance. Two prediction approaches are formulated and compared based on the proposed framework. The proposed method achieves excellent performances on three benchmark data sets and real-world robotic grasping experiment.
Healthcare quality for Muslims: TCCM and TSR frameworks analyses
Authors: Islam Shahidul , Muhamad Nazlida , Leong Vai Shiem
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Transformative service research (TSR) has received considerable attention from researchers and marketers in recent years and becomes a research priority in health care. In response, this paper adapts the TSR entities and wellbeing framework to systematically review healthcare quality research on Muslim consumers. The purpose of this paper is to identify research gaps and provide directions for future research, aligning healthcare studies with the TSR framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors of this paper reviewed empirical papers in healthcare quality research on Muslim patients between the years 2000 and 2020. The recorded journal articles were synthesized using insights from the TSR framework. Several literature gaps were identified and future research directions were provided using the TCCM framework, in which T stands for theory, C for context, C for characteristics and M for methodology.

Findings

This paper finds studies that encompass several domains of the TSR framework including cultural and religious dimensions, service interaction and customer engagement dimensions and customer service wellbeing. Findings also reveal subject matters related to the TSR framework, which receive less attention in the healthcare literature. A number of potential avenues for theoretical extension in health care are also discussed.

Social implications

The implications of this paper are highly relevant to Muslim healthcare consumers, the healthcare system and society in general. The findings suggest inspiring changes in the healthcare ecosystem that yields a greater quality of life (health and wellbeing) for individuals and their respective communities.

Originality/value

This paper advances the current state of healthcare research by identifying and organizing components of TSR entities and wellbeing framework, using Muslim patients as the context. It enhances some pioneering approaches within the domain of TSR and quality dynamics and provides a holistic perspective as guidance and systematic thinking to further advancement in the field of services marketing and Islamic marketing.
Do risk attitude and trust moderate bank managers' risk perceptions in lending to micro, small, medium enterprises?
Authors: Talaulikar Harsha , Hegde Desai Purva , Borde Nilesh
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study the antecedents of risk perceptions of bank managers towards micro, small, medium enterprise (MSME) lending, in the situation of information asymmetry, where cognitive factors assume significance over organisational norms of lending.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposed and tested a conceptual model based on the factors identified from literature review and exploratory and quantitative study. Multinomial logistic regression technique is used for quantitative analysis.

Findings

The research postulates that information asymmetry, risk attitude, perceived trust and organizational norms have a significant relationship with branch managers' perceived risk in lending to MSMEs. The research emphasized that the risk attitude of managers and perceived trust moderate the relationship between information asymmetry and perceived risk. The findings and discussions enrich the knowledge about the alleviators of constraints to MSME funding in developing nations despite information asymmetry.

Originality/value

Authors have given holistic view on the risk perception in the financial decision-making process of bank lending. The research highlights the importance of cognitive factors in decreasing the negative impact of information asymmetry on risk perception.
Artificial intelligence research in agriculture: a review
Authors: Sood Amit , Sharma Rajendra Kumar , Bhardwaj Amit Kumar
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review on the academic journey of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture and to highlight the challenges and opportunities in adopting AI-based advancement in agricultural systems and processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a bibliometric analysis of the extant literature on AI in agriculture to understand the status of development in this domain. Further, the authors proposed a framework based on two popular theories, namely, diffusion of innovation (DOI) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), to identify the factors influencing the adoption of AI in agriculture.

Findings

Four factors were identified, i.e. institutional factors, market factors, technology factors and stakeholder perception, which influence adopting AI in agriculture. Further, the authors indicated challenges under environmental, operational, technological, economical and social categories with opportunities in this area of research and business.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed conceptual model needs empirical validation across countries or states to understand the effectiveness and relevance.

Practical implications

Practitioners and researchers can use these inputs to develop technology and business solutions with specific design elements to gain benefit of this technology at larger scale for increasing agriculture production.

Social implications

This paper brings new developed methods and practices in agriculture for betterment of society.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive review of extant literature and presents a theoretical framework for researchers to further examine the interaction of independent variables responsible for adoption of AI in agriculture.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-10-2020-0448
Bridging the gap in real estate enterprise: the impact of mentoring on entrepreneurial intentions of real estate students in Nigeria
Authors: Ayodele Timothy Oluwafemi , Ekemode Benjamin Gbolahan , Kajimo-Shakantu Kahilu
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of mentoring on real estate students' entrepreneurial intentions with a focus on Nigeria, an emerging African economy. Specifically, the study assessed the influence of mentoring on the entrepreneurial intentions and career preferences of real estate students and analysed the influence of having a real estate mentor on the respondents' perception of the motivators and inhibitors to their entrepreneurial intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a descriptive research approach using closed-ended questionnaires. The study population comprise final year real estate students selected from three federal universities offering Real Estate in southwest Nigeria. Total enumeration was adopted for the study. From a total population of 231 students, a response rate of 69.26%, representing 160 questionnaire were retrieved and found suitable for the analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed for data analysis.

Findings

The result shows that the factor structure of the motivators for students who have real estate mentors clustered into four constructs; in order of influence are personal fulfilment/satisfaction, flexibility/financial motives, mentoring/economic influences and personal preferences/prestige and status. Meanwhile, economic/independence, personal preference/fulfilment, financial motives/self-perception and mentoring were the factor clusters influencing intention for real estate enterprise by students who have no real estate mentor. Predominant debacles across both categories of respondents relate to the lack of support and market uncertainty.

Practical implications

There is a growing body of knowledge exploring the linkages between mentoring and the development of entrepreneurial intentions. However, scant empirical investigations have examined the impact of mentoring on real estate students, especially from the perspectives of emerging markets which are usually characterised by low economic opportunities and where issues of graduate unemployment appear endemic and yet to be appropriately resolved.

Originality/value

This study explores the implications of mentoring on the entrepreneurial intentions of real estate students' from the perspective of an emerging market.
Fan‐Led Review of Football Governance: A Kick in the Right Direction or a Maoist Collective Power Grab?
Authors: Maguire Kieran
Published: December 2021

The Fan‐Led Review of Football Governance, chaired by Tracey Crouch MP, has recently been published and makes forty‐seven recommendations in relation to the professional game in England. The core recommendations are: the creation of an independent regulator; more scrutiny of ownership and directors; financial review and redistribution; governance over issues of history and heritage; fan consultation; golden shares; parity for women’s football; diversity and player welfare. The report has led to a lukewarm response from football authorities and clubs, but has been welcomed by fans and commentators.
Bacterial rather than fungal diversity and community assembly drive soil multifunctionality in a subtropical forest ecosystem
Authors: Han Shun , Tan Shuang , Wang Achen , Chen Wenli , Huang Qiaoyun
Published: December 2021

Microbial diversities are key drivers of soil multifunctionality in terrestrial ecosystems and are important for stability and productivity of ecosystems. However, the relationships among microbial diversity, community assembly and soil multifunctionality in forest ecosystems remained unclear. Here, soil samples were collected from a subtropical forest ecosystem, Lushan Mountain, China. High‐throughput sequencing was employed to reveal the bacterial/fungal community assembly and biodiversity, as well as 10 enzyme activities were measured to assess soil multifunctionality. We found that soil multifunctionality was negatively regulated by bacterial and fungal alpha diversity, implying a higher potential functional redundancy in this forest soil. The null model indicated that deterministic processes (variable selection) and stochastic processes (dispersal limitation) govern bacterial and fungal phylogenetic turnover, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that bacterial rather than fungal community assembly processes have a significant linkage to soil multifunctionality. These observations projected that soil variables could regulate multifunctionality by shaping the phylogenetic and taxonomic turnover of bacteria rather than fungi. In summary, our study highlighted that soil multifunctionality is mainly driven by bacterial diversity and community assembly processes while not fungal, presenting different views and knowledge of microbial diversity and community assembly processes in ecosystem functioning.
Combined targeting of EGFR and BRAF triggers regression of osimertinib resistance by using osimertinib and vemurafenib concurrently in a patient with heterogeneity between different lesions
Authors: Sun Mengyao , Wang Xu , Xu Yinghui , Sun Chao , Guo Ye , Qiu Shi , Zhao Renshan , Zhu Wenhao , Ma Kewei
Published: December 2021

Acquired BRAF V600E mutation can occur in tumors with EGFR mutation and is suspected as a resistance mechanism to third‐generation EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, the treatment strategy for the coexistence of EGFR and acquired BRAF mutation with heterogeneity in lung cancer has not been systematically established. Here, we report a patient in whom BRAF V600E and EGFR 19del mutation in a metastatic lesion followed by disease progression on osimertinib was detected. Treatment with single‐agent vemurafenib was effective for treatment of the metastatic lesion in this patient but the primary lesion progressed. A concurrent combination of vemurafenib and osimertinib was therefore administered and a partial response of both primary and metastatic lesions was achieved with progression‐free survival (PFS) of 7 months. The concurrent combination treatment was well tolerated by the patient through dosing modification and supportive medical care. This case highlights the consideration of heterogeneity between different lesions and provides a successful example of the concurrent therapy with vemurafenib and osimertinib for triggering regression of osimertinb resistance induced by BRAF mutation.
Development of a core outcome set for general intensive care unit patients—A protocol
Authors: Kjær Maj‐Brit Nørregaard , Granholm Anders , Vesterlund Gitte Kingo , Estrup Stine , Sivapalan Praleene , Bruun Camilla Rahbek Lysholm , Mortensen Camilla Bekker , Poulsen Lone Musaeus , Møller Morten Hylander , Christensen Steffen , Strøm Thomas , Laerkner Eva , Brøchner Anne Craveiro , Rasmussen Bodil Steen , Vestergaard Stine Rom , Barot Emily , Madsen Martin Bruun , Egerod Ingrid , Perner Anders , Collet Marie Oxenbøll
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Different outcomes are reported in randomised clinical trials (RCTs) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and no core outcome set (COS) is available for ICU patients in general. Accordingly, we aim to develop a COS for ICU patients in general.

Methods

The COS will be developed in accordance with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) Handbook, using a modified Delphi consensus process and semi‐structured interviews involving adults who have survived acute admission to an ICU, family members, clinicians, researchers and other stakeholders. The modified Delphi process will include two steps. Step 1: conduction of a modified Delphi survey, developed and informed by combining the outputs of a literature search of outcomes in previous COSs and semi‐structured interviews with key stakeholders. We plan at least two survey rounds to obtain consensus and refine the COS. Step 2: a consensus process regarding instruments or definitions to be recommended for the measurements of the outcomes selected in Step 1. A ‘patient and public involvement panel’ consisting of a smaller group of patients, family members, clinicians and researchers will be included in the development, analysis and interpretation of the COS.

Discussion

The outlined multiple method studies will establish a COS for ICU patients in general, which may be used to increase the standardisation and comparability of results of RCTs conducted in patients in the ICU setting.
Tolerance, biochemistry and related gene expression in Pagiophloeus tsushimanus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) exposed to chemical stress from headspace host‐plant volatiles
Authors: Li Shouyin , Wang Jingting , Chen Cong , Li Hui , Hao Dejun
Published: December 2021

Camphor, Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl, is used for mothproofing material due to its content of secondary metabolites. However, the phloem‐feeding weevil, Pagiophloeus tsushimanus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), has been observed to feed exclusively on this plant without incurring apparent fitness costs. This phenomenon remains to be elucidated.

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of essential oil extracted from the phloem of camphor tree was performed. The top three components, all monoterpenoids, were eucalyptol (31.9%), D‐camphor (19.2%) and linalool (10.2%), respectively.

In headspace bioassays, both eggs and larvae showed the greatest sensitivity to eucalyptol, and there was a bell‐shaped relationship between the concentrations used and developmental time for eggs when exposed to D‐camphor volatile.

Exposure to essential oil mixture and D‐camphor notably increased the activity of glutathione S‐transferase in the weevil. A corresponding short‐term induction of gene expression was also observed according to quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis.

In general, P. tsushimanus possessed various levels of tolerance to different host monoterpenoids. Over‐expression of glutathione S‐transferase in vivo probably relates to detoxification metabolism of these monoterpenoids. Our findings provide a valuable clue to understanding the mechanism underlying resistance to host‐specific chemical defences in this weevil pest.
Forensic DNA phenotyping: Canis familiaris breed classification and skeletal phenotype prediction using functionally significant skeletal SNPs and indels
Authors: Raymond Patrick W. , Velie Brandon D. , Wade Claire M.
Published: December 2021

This review highlights a novel application of breed identification and prediction of skeletal traits in forensic investigations using canine DNA evidence. Currently, genotyping methods used for canine breed classification involve the application of highly polymorphic short tandem repeats in addition to larger commercially available SNP arrays. Both applications face technical challenges. An additional approach to breed identification could be through genotyping SNPs and indels that characterise the array of skeletal differences displayed across domestic dog populations. Research has shown that a small number of genetic variants of large effect drive differences in skeletal phenotypes among domestic dog breeds. This feature makes functionally significant canine skeletal variants a cost‐effective target for forensic investigators to classify individuals according to their breed. Further analysis of these skeletal variants would enable the prediction of external appearance. To date, functionally significant genes with genetic variants associated with differences in size, bulk, skull shape, ear shape, limb length, digit type, and tail morphology have been uncovered. Recommendations of a cost‐effective genotyping method that can be readily designed and applied by forensic investigators have been given. Further advances to improve the field of canine skeletal forensic DNA phenotyping include the refinement of phenotyping methods, further biological validation of the skeletal genetic variants and establishing a publicly available database for storage of allele frequencies of the skeletal genetic variants in the wider domestic dog population.
Late follow‐up of genital and ophthalmologic chronic graft‐vs‐host disease in females after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Smith Knutsson Eva , Nicklasson Malin , Björk Yvonne , Stenberg Kristina , Sundfeldt Karin , Brune Mats
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Genital chronic graft‐vs‐host disease (cGvHD) is a common late effect after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. In a previous cross‐sectional study, prevalence, signs and symptoms of genital and extra‐genital cGvHD were accounted for in a cohort of 42 women. Classifications of cGvHD were performed as per the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 2005 criteria. In this follow‐up study on surviving women, the aim was to assess genital and extra‐genital cGvHD status after long period of time. Our hypothesis was that signs and symptoms of cGvHD alleviate over time.

Material and methods

All surviving women (n = 38) were re‐examined by an ophthalmologist, a gynecologist and a hematologist. Signs and symptoms were classified according to the NIH 2014 criteria. Clinical scorings of affected organs were combined for estimating global score of cGvHD. To make possible comparisons between the two studies, data from the original study were re‐classified as per the NIH 2014 criteria, and the four dead women were excluded. The same questionnaires were completed. Cervical smear, human papilloma virus test and vulvar photo‐documentation were performed.

Results

Median time after original study was 8.4 (5.8–12) years and after transplant 14.5 (10–19.3) years. The prevalence of genital cGvHD was similar in the original (50%) and follow‐up (58%) studies (p = 0.646) as well as extra‐genital cGvHD. Systemic corticosteroid treatment of cGvHD was ongoing in 34% and 29%, respectively (p = 0.805). Ocular cGvHD was found in 24 of 37 examined women (65%) in the follow‐up study. Genital cGvHD had disappeared in three women and developed in two women 5–12 and 9–17 years, respectively, after transplantation. The severity of global cGvHD changed over time in 14 women, but was the same on group level (p = 0.345). Atrophic mucous membranes as in estrogen deficiency were seen in 66%. Three women had human papilloma virus genotypes associated with the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Conclusions

Chronic GvHD did not alleviate over time. Allotransplanted women require early and continuous life‐long contact with a gynecologist and an ophthalmologist for the detection of cGvHD. Specific attention should be given to the need for local estrogen and the risk of genital epithelial malignancies.
To act or not to act? How do pregnant employees perform based on family‐supportive supervisor behavior
Authors: Duan Jinyun , Xu Tingting , Cai Yujie
Published: December 2021

Female employees' experience of pregnancy can have an impact on their work performance and behavior. We investigate the impact of female employees' pregnancy status (whether pregnant or not) on their impression‐management motives (IMM) and their in‐role and extra‐role performance. We also examine the role of family‐supportive supervisor behavior (FSSB) in the relationship between employees' pregnancy status and their IMM. A three‐wave survey of 129 female employees (not pregnant: 74; pregnant: 55) and their direct supervisors in 52 organizations located in Eastern China revealed that female employees' pregnancy status had an indirect effect on their performance through IMM and that FSSB moderates this indirect relationship. Specifically, if female employees are pregnant, they have higher IMM, which is associated with higher performance when FSSB is lower. However, this indirect relationship is not significant for female employees who experience higher levels of FSSB. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
A systematic review of methods used to conduct decentralised clinical trials
Authors: Rogers Amy , De Paoli Giorgia , Subbarayan Selvarani , Copland Rachel , Harwood Kate , Coyle Joanne , Mitchell Lyn , MacDonald Thomas M. , Mackenzie Isla S. ,   Trials@Home Consortium
Published: December 2021

Aims

To evaluate, using quantitative and qualitative approaches, published data on the design and conduct of decentralised clinical trials (DCTs).

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses,ClinicalTrials.gov, OpenGrey and Google Scholar for publications reporting, discussing, or evaluating decentralised clinical research methods. Reports of randomised clinical trials using decentralised methods were included in a focused quantitative analysis with a primary outcome of number of randomised participants. All publications discussing or evaluating DCTs were included in a wider qualitative analysis to identify advantages, disadvantages, facilitators, barriers and stakeholder opinions of decentralised clinical trials. Quantitative data were summarised using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

Initial searches identified 19 704 articles. After removal of duplicates, 18 553 were screened, resulting in 237 eligible for full‐text assessment. Forty‐five trials were included in the quantitative analysis; 117 documents were included in the qualitative analysis. Trials were widely heterogeneous in design and reporting, precluding meta‐analysis of the effect of DCT methods on the primary recruitment outcome. Qualitative analysis formulated 4 broad themes: value, burden, safety and equity. Participant and stakeholder experiences of DCTs were incompletely represented.

Conclusion

DCTs are developing rapidly. However, there is insufficient evidence to confirm which methods are most effective in trial recruitment, retention, or overall cost. The identified advantages, disadvantages, facilitators and barriers should inform the development of DCT methods. We recommend further research on how DCTs are experienced and perceived by participants and stakeholders to maximise potential benefits.
Blockade of TMEM16A protects against renal fibrosis by reducing intracellular Cl− concentration
Authors: Li Xiao‐Long , Liu Jing , Chen Xiao‐Shan , Cheng Li‐Min , Liu Wei‐Ling , Chen Xing‐Feng , Li Yue‐Jiao , Guan Yong‐Yuan , Zeng Xin , Du Yan‐Hua
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose

Renal fibrosis is the final common outcome in most forms of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the underlying causal mechanisms remain obscure. The present study examined whether transmembrane member 16A (TMEM16A), a Ca2+‐activated chloride channel, contributes to the progression of renal fibrosis.

Experimental Approach

Masson staining, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to measure renal fibrosis and related proteins expression. MQAE was used to evaluate the intracellular Cl− concentration.

Key Results

TMEM16A expression was significantly up‐regulated in fibrotic kidneys of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and high‐fat diet murine models and in renal samples of IgA nephropathy patients. In vivo knockdown of TMEM16A with adenovirus harbouring TMEM16A‐shRNA or inhibition of TMEM16A channel activity with inhibitors CaCCinh‐A01 or T16Ainh‐A01 effectively prevented UUO‐induced renal fibrosis and decreased protein expression of fibronectin, α‐SMA and collagen in the obstructed kidneys. In cultured HK2 cells, knockdown or inhibition of TMEM16A suppressed TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition, reduced snail1 expression and phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and ERK1/2, whereas overexpression of TMEM16A showed the opposite effects. TGF‐β1 increased [Cl−]i in HK2 cells, which was inhibited by knockdown or inhibition of TMEM16A. Reducing [Cl−]i significantly blunted TGF‐β1‐induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation and profibrotic factors expression. The profibrotic effects of TGF‐β1 were also reduced by inhibition of serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible protein kinase 1 (SGK1). SGK1 was also suppressed by reducing [Cl−]i.

Conclusion and Implications

Blockade of TMEM16A prevented the progression of kidney fibrosis, likely by suppressing [Cl−]i/SGK1/TGF‐β1 signalling pathway. TMEM16A may be a potential new therapeutic target against renal fibrosis.
Evolution of syn‐ to early post‐rift facies in rift basins: insights from the Cretaceous–Paleocene of the Great South Basin, New Zealand
Authors: Sahoo Tusar R. , Strogen Dominic P. , Browne Greg H. , Nicol Andrew
Published: December 2021

Evolution of rift basin fill and geometry depend on the complex interactions between fault growth, sediment supply, base level changes and pre‐existing basement fabric. This study integrates multiple datasets in the Great South Basin (GSB), southeast New Zealand, and provides key insights into the evolution of depositional environments in rift basins, including the interplay between normal faulting, sediment supply and sediment dispersal patterns. It also examines the control of pre‐existing basement fabric on rift geometry and sediment distribution in the syn‐ and post rift successions. The syn‐rift is up to ~5.5 km thick in the GSB, and is underlain by several different basement terranes. Three syn‐rift stages are recognised; c.105–101, 101–90 and 90–83 Ma. During the initial syn‐rift, isolated northeast‐trending graben developed, with resultant alluvial fan/fan delta, fluvial, coastal and lacustrine sediment fill. The balance between sediment supply and accommodation space exerted considerable control on facies, especially the presence of lacustrine facies. During the later stages of syn‐rift, marine transgression occurred and connectivity between the graben developed, with shelfal, shoreface and marginal‐marine facies deposited. With marine transgression across the hinterland, sediment supply was significantly reduced in the northeast of the basin, leading to underfilling of graben, and preservation of rift topography for up to ~20 Myr after the cessation of faulting. In the west, where sediment supply was higher, rift topography was quickly filled. The NW‐trending basement terrane boundaries controlled accommodation space development during the initial stages of graben formation. Later in the syn‐ and post rift stages, these terrane boundaries formed long‐lived sediment input points into the basin, and controlled the position of repeated large deltaic depositional units.
Next‐generation sequencing of endoscopically obtained tissues from patients with all stages of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Takano Shinichi , Fukasawa Mitsuharu , Shindo Hiroko , Takahashi Ei , Fukasawa Yoshimitsu , Kawakami Satoshi , Hayakawa Hiroshi , Kuratomi Natsuhiko , Kadokura Makoto , Yamaguchi Tatsuya , Inoue Taisuke , Maekawa Shinya , Enomoto Nobuyuki
Published: December 2021

Routinely available clinical samples of all stages of pancreatic cancer are used in the present study to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic targets. We evaluated the use of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of endoscopically obtained pancreatic cancer tissues. We enrolled 147 patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration or endoscopic biopsy. The quantity and quality of the extracted DNA was assessed. Tissue samples were used for NGS of 78 cancer‐related genes, from which gene alterations and microsatellite instability (MSI) were extracted. NGS was successful in 141 out of 147 (96%) cases. Gene alterations were detected in 134 out of 141 (91%) samples, among which eight out of 10 samples with a DNA concentration below the detection limit had some type of gene alteration. Targetable genes were detected in 28 (19.9%) cases. MSI and germline mutations in homologous recombination repair associated genes were detected in 5% and 3% of cases, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed that metastasis (P < .005; hazard ratio [HR], 3.30) was associated with poor prognosis in all pancreatic cancer patients. In addition, fewer than three mutations (P = .03; HR, 2.48) and serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels >5 ng/mL (P < .005; HR, 3.94) were associated with worse prognosis in cases without and with metastasis, respectively. Targeted sequencing of all stages of pancreatic cancer using available samples from real clinical practice could be used to determine the relationship between gene alterations and prognosis to help determine treatment choices.
A modified MethyLight assay predicts the clinical outcomes of anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Ouchi Kota , Takahashi Shin , Okita Akira , Sakamoto Yasuhiro , Muto Osamu , Amagai Kenji , Okada Takaho , Ohori Hisatsugu , Shinozaki Eiji , Ishioka Chikashi
Published: December 2021

DNA methylation status correlates with clinical outcomes of anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment. There is a strong need to develop a simple assay for measuring DNA methylation status for the clinical application of drug selection based on it. In this study, we collected data from 186 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who had previously received anti‐EGFR treatment. We modified MethyLite to develop a novel assay to classify patients as having highly methylated colorectal cancer (HMCC) or low‐methylated colorectal cancer (LMCC) based on the methylation status of 16 CpG sites of tumor‐derived genomic DNA in the development cohort (n = 30). Clinical outcomes were then compared between the HMCC and LMCC groups in the validation cohort (n = 156). The results showed that HMCC had a significantly worse response rate (4.2% vs 33.3%; P = .004), progression‐free survival (median: 2.5 vs 6.6 mo, P < .001, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.22), and overall survival (median: 5.6 vs 15.5 mo, P < .001, HR = 0.23) than did LMCC in patients with RAS wild‐type mCRC who were refractory or intolerable to oxaliplatin‐ and irinotecan‐based chemotherapy (n = 101). The DNA methylation status was an independent predictive factor and a more accurate biomarker than was the primary site of anti‐EGFR treatment. In conclusion, our novel DNA methylation measurement assay based on MethyLight was simple and useful, suggesting its implementation as a complementary diagnostic tool in a clinical setting.
Suppression function against environmental dust exposure after Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus immunotherapy is associated with production of specific and cross‐reactive immunoglobulin G4
Authors: Feng Mulin , Luo Tian , Xian Mo , Shi Xu , Qin Rundong , Zeng Xiaohui , Su Qiujuan , Li Jing
Published: December 2021

Background

Whether Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der‐p) allergen immunotherapy (AIT) can induce Dermatophagoides farina (Der‐f)‐specific immunoglobulin (sIg) G4 production, and tolerance to environmental allergens has not been fully investigated.

Objective

We aimed to determine serum Der‐p‐sIgG4 and Der‐f‐sIgG4 levels in asthma and/or rhinitis patients undergoing Der‐p AIT and their ability to reduce immune responses triggered by indoor dust extracts.

Methods

We performed a real‐world prospective trial and enrolled patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma in Guangzhou, China. These patients received either Der‐p AIT (SCIT group) or routine medications (non‐SCIT group) for 156 weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the combined symptom medication score (SMS) and FEV1% changes. House dust samples were collected to analyse allergen levels. Serum levels of Der‐p‐sIgG4 and Der‐f‐sIgG4, serum inhibitory capacity against Der‐p, Der‐f and indoor dust extract by sIgE‐facilitated allergen binding to B cells (IgE‐FAB), and serum blocking indoor dust extract‐induced basophil activation inhibition assays (BATI) in peripheral blood monocytes were carried out at weeks 0, 4, 12, 16, 52, 104 and 156 after the initiations of the treatments.

Results

Our study enrolled a total of 60 participants, with 30 patients in each group. Patients in the SCIT group had significantly improved SMS when compared with the baseline and the patients in the non‐SCIT group. Median levels of Der‐p 1 and Der‐f 1 in indoor dust extract were 1.86 μg/g and 4.74 μg/g, respectively. Serum Der‐p‐sIgG4 and Der‐f‐IgG4 levels in SCIT patients showed a significant increase from weeks 12 to 156. Serum in these SCIT patients could significantly block Der‐p, Der‐f and indoor dust extract formation of allergen–sIgE complex and reduced the threshold of IgE‐FAB from 16 weeks after the initiation of the treatment. The capacity to inhibit Der‐p, Der‐f and indoor dust extract BATI was observed in SCIT serum after 12 weeks. Der‐p‐sIgG4 and Der‐f‐sIgG4 had a significant correlation with IgE‐FAB and BATI in SCIT patients at all time points.

Conclusion

Single Der‐p immunotherapy induced both Der‐p‐sIgG4 and Der‐f‐sIgG4 production, which might cross‐reactively induce tolerance against environmental allergen exposure in patients with asthma and/or rhinitis.
Two new patients with focal dermal hypoplasia: A novelPORCNvariant and insights on the diagnostic considerations
Authors: Elhossini Rasha Moheb , Abdel‐Hamid Mohamed S. , Ashaat Engy , Otaify Ghada A. , Dawoud Heba , Elshimy Khalid , El Ruby Mona , Aglan Mona
Published: December 2021

Mutations in thePORCNgene cause an X‐linked dominant condition; focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH), characterized by atrophic skin, pigmented skin lesions in addition to several ocular and skeletal malformations. FDH is rare with around 275 cases reported so far from diverse ethnic groups. Herein, we provide a report of two new patients with FDH from Egypt. In addition to the typical clinical manifestations of the disease, infrequently reported clinical findings in the form of broad metaphysis, bilateral short broad femurs, and dermal sinus over the sacrum were seen in Patient 1 and partial fusion of labia majora, ventral hernia, and bladder extrophy were present in Patient 2. Two heterozygous protein‐truncatingPORCNmutations were identified in our patients, a known nonsense c.370C>T p.(Arg124Ter) and a novel frameshift c.375delG p.(Ala126HisfsTer3). Segregation analyses confirmed that the two mutations were “de novo” and not inherited from any of the parents. Our study expands the clinical and mutational spectrum of focal dermal hypoplasia and emphasizes the importance of investigating the different body systems and organs for the early management of patients.
An interest‐based rights ethic for wildlife management and applications to behavioral training
Authors: Sommer Nathalie R. , Ferraro Kristy M.
Published: December 2021

The growing field of conservation and wild animal ethics has the potential to guide practitioners facing difficult management decisions. Drawing from previously established rights frameworks, we explore an applied ethic for wildlife managers and conservationists, outlining when there can be ethical justification and moral obligation to intervene with wildlife. To demonstrate the use of this ethical framework, we apply it specifically to the emerging field of behavioral training in wildlife management. We use a series of case studies to illuminate how ecological context is fundamental to ascertain when there is ethical justification for behavioral training under the framework, and conclude with practical considerations for implementation. Our work explains how a rights‐based ethic emerges from both biological principles and fundamental philosophical concepts, and illustrates how it could serve as a useful guideline for wildlife management.
Autonomic profiles and self‐regulation outcomes in early childhood
Authors: Zeytinoglu Selin , Calkins Susan D. , Leerkes Esther M.
Published: December 2021

This study examined autonomic profiles in preschoolers (N = 278, age = 4.7 years) and their relations to self‐regulation outcomes concurrently and one year later, in kindergarten. Children's sympathetic (preejection period [PEP]) and parasympathetic activity (respiratory sinus arrythmia [RSA]) were measured at rest and during cognitive and emotional tasks. Three self‐regulatory competencies were assessed: executive functions, emotion regulation and behavioral regulation. Executive functioning was measured at ages 4 and 5 using laboratory tasks designed to assess updating/working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. Emotion regulation was observed during emotionally distressing tasks in the laboratory, both at ages 4 and 5. Behavioral regulation and emotional reactivity were assessed via teacher ratings in kindergarten, at age 5. Latent profile analysis yielded four autonomic profiles: moderate parasympathetic inhibition (45%), reciprocal sympathetic activation (26%), coinhibition (25%), and high sympathetic activation (7%). The reciprocal sympathetic activation group showed better executive functioning in preschool and kindergarten, particularly compared to the high sympathetic activation group. The moderate parasympathetic inhibition group showed lower emotional reactivity and better behavioral regulation in kindergarten, compared to the other three groups. Findings suggest that autonomic profiles meaningfully associate with self‐regulation outcomes in early childhood, such that certain profiles relate to better self‐regulation than others.
Amantadine treatment and delayed onset of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia in patients with early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Wang Chi‐Chuan , Wu Tsai‐Ling , Lin Fang‐Ju , Tai Chun‐Hwei , Lin Chin‐Hsien , Wu Ruey‐Meei
Published: December 2021

Background and purpose

Levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID) is a common motor complication in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Although amantadine is indicated for LID treatment, it is uncertain whether early treatment with amantadine reduces the risk of LID in patients with PD. We aimed to evaluate the association between amantadine treatment and LID onset in patients with early‐stage PD.

Methods

This was a hospital‐based retrospective cohort study that used electronic medical records from January 1, 2009 to October 31, 2016. The effect of amantadine on LID onset was compared with those of anticholinergics and monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors in patients with PD. Propensity‐score weighting and landmark analysis were used to reduce potential confounding. The time to LID onset was analyzed using Cox models. Sensitivity analyses were performed to determine the robustness of the results.

Results

The analyses included 807, 661, and 518 patients at 6‐, 12‐, and 18‐month landmark points, respectively. Amantadine use was associated with delayed LID onset in the 6‐ and 12‐month landmark analyses, with adjusted hazard ratios of 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.49–0.86) and 0.64 (95% CI = 0.47–0.88), respectively. Sensitivity analysis findings were comparable to those of the main analysis.

Conclusions

Early treatment with amantadine may delay LID onset more than treatment with other symptomatic agents. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of amantadine in LID onset delay and to validate our findings.
The ICOS–ICOSL pathway tunes thymic selection
Authors: Dong Mengqi , Chang Jinsam , Lebel Marie‐Ève , Gervais Noémie , Fournier Marilaine , Mallet Gauthier Ève , Suh Woong‐Kyung , Melichar Heather J
Published: December 2021

Negative selection of developing T cells plays a significant role in T‐cell tolerance to self‐antigen. This process relies on thymic antigen‐presenting cells which express both self‐antigens and cosignaling molecules. Inducible T‐cell costimulator (ICOS) belongs to the CD28 family of cosignaling molecules and binds to ICOS ligand (ICOSL). The ICOS signaling pathway plays important roles in shaping the immune response to infections, but its role in central tolerance is less well understood. Here we show that ICOSL is expressed by subsets of thymic dendritic cells and medullary thymic epithelial cells as well as thymic B cells. ICOS expression is upregulated as T cells mature in the thymus and correlates with T‐cell receptor signal strength during thymic selection. We also provide evidence of a role for ICOS signaling in mediating negative selection. Our findings suggest that ICOS may fine‐tune T‐cell receptor signals during thymic selection contributing to the generation of a tolerant T‐cell population.