bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giant concha bullosa presented as left nasal mass: a case report and literature review
Authors: Al-Kholaiwi Feras M , Al-Khatabi Reema A , Al-Shehri Ghada A , Al-Ghonaim Yazeed A
Published: October 2023

Concha bullosa (CB) is not considered to be a disease, but rather a variation of the paranasal sinus. A CB is defined as the presence of an air cell within the turbinate (pneumatization). The main function of CB is to maintain upper respiratory humidity, regulate thermoregulation, and regulate airflow and filtration. It is common for CB to occur in the middle turbinate, while superior and inferior locations appear to be rare. The patient in this case report was presented mainly with nasal obstruction. During examination, a large mass was found in the left nasal cavity, causing a deviated nasal septum to the right. For this patient, surgery was the last resort. Either perioperative or postoperative complications were observed, and the quality of life of patients improved after surgery.
On the pulsar Y-point
Authors: Contopoulos I , Ntotsikas D , Gourgouliatos K N
Published: October 2023

The pulsar magnetosphere is divided into a corotating region of closed field lines surrounded by open field lines that emanate from the two poles of the star, extend to infinity, and are separated by an equatorial current sheet. The three regions meet at a magnetospheric Y-point. In steady-state solutions of the ideal force-free magnetosphere, the Y-point may lie at any distance inside the light cylinder. Time-dependent force-free simulations, however, develop closed-line regions that extend all the way to the light cylinder. On the other hand, Particle-in-Cell (PIC) solutions consistently develop smaller closed-line regions. In order to understand this effect, we solve the pulsar equation with an improved numerical method. We show that the total electromagnetic energy stored in the ideal force-free magnetosphere manifests a subtle minimum when the closed-line region extends to only 90 per cent of the light cylinder, and thus argue that the system will spontaneously choose this particular configuration. Furthermore, we argue that the intersection of the corotating region with the equatorial current sheet is at right angles, literally leading to a T-point.
Knowledge-First Inferential Evidence: A Response to Dunn
Authors: Williamson Timothy
Published: October 2023

This paper is a response to “Inferential Evidence” by Jeffrey Dunn, in which he argues that my account of evidence is internally inconsistent, and that any form of Bayesian epistemology excludes evidence gained by inductive inference (which my account allows). In response, I show how the alleged inconsistency dissolves once the process of gaining evidence by inductive inference is fully articulated into the relevant stages, with due attention to the potential role of recognitional capacities.
MSC-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Alleviate Diabetic Retinopathy by Delivering miR-22-3p to Inhibit NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Chen Yueqin , Yao Genhong , Tong Jun , Xie Hairong , Zheng Xinyu , Zhang Huayong , Xie Zhenggao
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) on diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

In vivo, MSC-sEVs were injected intravitreally into diabetic rats to determine the therapeutic efficacy. In vitro, MSC-sEVs with/without miR-22-3p inhibition were cocultured with advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)-induced microglia with/without NLRP3 overexpression to explore the molecular mechanism.

Results

In vivo, MSC-sEVs inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suppressed microglial activation, decreased inflammatory cytokines levels in the retina, and alleviated DR as evidenced by improved histological morphology and blood-retinal barrier function. Based on miRNA sequencing of MSC-sEVs, bioinformatic software, and dual-luciferase reporter assay, miR-22-3p stood out as the critical molecule for the role of MSC-sEVs in regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Diabetic rats had lower level of miR-22-3p in their retina than those of control and sEV-treated rats. Confocal microscopy revealed that sEV could be internalized by microglia both in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, compared with sEV, the anti-inflammation effect of sEVmiR-22-3p(−) on AGEs-induced microglia was compromised, as they gave a lower suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inflammatory cytokines. In addition, NLRP3 overexpression in microglia damped the anti-inflammatory effect of sEV.

Conclusion

These results indicated that MSC-sEVs alleviated DR via delivering miR-22-3p to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our findings indicate that MSC-sEVs might be a potential therapeutic method for DR.
Glycometabolic reprogramming in cementoblasts: A vital target for enhancing cell mineralization
Authors: Wang Huiyi , Peng Yan , Huang Xin , Xiao Junhong , Ma Li , Liu Heyu , Huang Hantao , Yang Zhengkun , Wang Chuan , Wang Xiaoxuan , Cao Zhengguo
Published: October 2023

Cementum, a constituent part of periodontal tissues, has important adaptive and reparative functions. It serves to attach the tooth to alveolar bone and acts as a barrier delimit epithelial growth and bacteria evasion. A dynamic and highly responsive cementum is essential for maintaining occlusal relationships and the integrity of the root surface. It is a thin layer of mineralized tissue mainly produced by cementoblasts. Cementoblasts are osteoblast‐like cells essential for the restoration of periodontal tissues. In recent years, glucose metabolism has been found to be critical in bone remodeling and osteoblast differentiation. However, the glucose metabolism of cementoblasts remains incompletely understood. First, immunohistochemistry staining and in vivo tracing with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) revealed significantly higher glucose metabolism in cementum formation. To test the bioenergetic pathways of cementoblast differentiation, we compared the bioenergetic profiles of mineralized and unmineralized cementoblasts. As a result, we observed a significant increase in the consumption of glucose and production of lactate, coupled with the higher expression of glycolysis‐related genes. However, the expression of oxidative phosphorylation‐related genes was downregulated. The verified results were consistent with the RNA sequencing results. Likewise, targeted energy metabolomics shows that the levels of glycolytic metabolites were significantly higher in the mineralized cementoblasts. Seahorse assays identified an increase in glycolytic flux and reduced oxygen consumption during cementoblast mineralization. Apart from that, we also found that lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), a key glycolysis enzyme, positively regulates the mineralization of cementoblasts. In summary, cementoblasts mainly utilized glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation during the mineralization process.
An Integrative Review of the Use of the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory in Research
Authors: Bauer Wendy S. , Schiffman Rachel F. , Ellis Julie L. , Erickson Jeanne M. , Polfuss Michele , Taani Murad H. , Sawin Kathleen J.
Published: October 2023

The extent of the application of the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory (IFSMT) in research has yet to be determined. The purpose of this analysis was to review the use of the IFSMT in published research and evaluate posited constructs and relationships. Dimensions and categories of the IFSMT and the interrelationships were generally supported in the 77 articles reviewed. A majority focused on self-management of chronic conditions in the adult population. More research on the strength, direction, and interaction of relationships is needed. Defining and exploring social constructs, including race, ethnicity, and gender, should be prioritized in future IFSMT research.
Workplace Productivity Loss and Indirect Costs Associated With Preterm Birth in the United States
Authors: Patel Vanessa Perez , Davis Matthew , Li James , Hwang Seungyoung , Johnson Scott , Kondejewski Jane , Croft Damien , Rood Kara , Simhan Hyagriv N.
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE:

To estimate workplace productivity loss and indirect costs in the year after birth among individuals who deliver preterm in the United States.

METHODS:

This retrospective, observational cohort study estimated workplace productivity loss and indirect costs for individuals aged 18–55 years with an inpatient delivery between January 1, 2016, and September 30, 2021, using data from the Merative MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database and the Health and Productivity Management database. Workdays lost and costs attributable to medical-related absenteeism, workplace absenteeism (defined as sick leave, leave, recreational leave, Family Medical Leave Act); disability (defined as short-term and long-term disability), and aggregate workplace productivity loss, a combined outcome measure, were compared between propensity-score–matched birth cohorts: preterm birth (before 37 weeks of gestation) and full-term birth (at or after 37 weeks of gestation). Outcomes were also compared between the full-term birth cohort and preterm birth subgroups (before 32 weeks of gestation and before 34 weeks of gestation). Estimations of indirect costs assumed an 8-hour workday. Costs were inflated to December 2021 U.S. dollars.

RESULTS:

In total, 37,522 individuals were eligible for medical-related absenteeism, 1,028 for workplace absenteeism, 7,880 for disability, and 396 for aggregate workplace productivity loss after propensity score matching. Compared with full-term birth, preterm birth was associated with more workdays lost and costs in the year after childbirth attributable to medical-related absenteeism (differences of 4.2 days and $1,045, P<.001) and disability (differences of 2.8 days and $422, P<.001). Preterm birth was not associated with workplace absenteeism (differences of 1.4 days and $347, P=.787) and aggregate workplace productivity loss (differences of 5.2 days [P=.080] and $1,021 [P=.093]). Numerical differences were greater in magnitude and inversely related to gestational age at birth across outcomes.

CONCLUSION:

Preterm birth was associated with medical-related absenteeism, disability claims, and indirect costs in the year after birth compared with full-term birth.
Reconstructive Surgery at Hysterectomy for Patients With Uterine Prolapse and Gynecologic Malignancy
Authors: Deshpande Rasika R. , Foy Olivia B. , Mandelbaum Rachel S. , Roman Lynda D. , Dancz Christina E. , Wright Jason D. , Matsuo Koji
Published: October 2023

In this cross-sectional study examining 211,708 patients with a diagnosis of uterine prolapse who underwent hysterectomy between 2016 and 2019 identified in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample, co-diagnosis of gynecologic malignancy was reported in 2,398 (1.1%) patients, and they were less likely to receive reconstructive surgery at hysterectomy (odds ratio [OR] 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.96). This absence of reconstructive surgery was most pronounced among patients with complete uterine prolapse and gynecologic malignancy (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.57–0.81). The association was also consistent in coexisting gynecologic premalignancy (n=3,357 [1.6%]). In conclusion, this national-level assessment suggests that patients with uterine prolapse and coexisting gynecologic malignancy or premalignancy may be less likely to receive reconstructive surgery for pelvic floor dysfunction at hysterectomy.
Prevalence and impact of vasomotor symptoms due to menopause among women in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Nordic Europe: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Todorova Lora , Bonassi Rogerio , Guerrero Carreño Francisco Javier , Hirschberg Angelica L. , Yuksel Nese , Rea Carol , Scrine Ludmila , Kim Janet S.
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study investigated the prevalence and impact of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS), related treatment patterns, and experiences in women.

Methods

The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of moderate to severe menopause-related VMS among postmenopausal women aged 40 to 65 years in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and four Nordic European countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden) using an online survey. Secondary objectives assessed impact of VMS among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with moderate to severe VMS using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System sleep disturbances assessment, and questions regarding treatment patterns and attitudes toward symptoms and available treatments.

Results

Among 12,268 postmenopausal women, the prevalence of moderate to severe VMS was about 15.6% and was highest in Brazil (36.2%) and lowest in Nordic Europe (11.6%). Secondary analyses, conducted among 2,176 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, showed that VMS affected quality of life across all domains measured and impaired work activities by as much as 30%. Greater symptom severity negatively affected sleep. Many women sought medical advice, but most (1,238 [56.9%]) were not receiving treatment for their VMS. The majority (>70%) considered menopause to be a natural part of aging. Those treated with prescription hormone therapy and nonhormone medications reported some safety/efficacy concerns.

Conclusions

Among women from seven countries, moderate to severe menopause-related VMS were widespread, varied by region, and largely impaired quality of life, productivity, and/or sleep.
Oxygen-supplemented and topography-guided epithelium-on corneal crosslinking with pulsed irradiation for progressive keratoconus
Authors: Cronin Brendan , Gunn David , Chang Clark Y.
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

To investigate the effects of customized topography-guided epithelium-on crosslinking (epi-on CXL) with oxygen supplementation on procedural efficacy and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in patients with progressive keratoconus (KC) at 1 year.

Setting:

Private eye clinic, Brisbane, Australia.

Design:

Retrospective, single-center, nonrandomized case series.

Methods:

Topography-guided epi-on CXL using the Mosaic system was performed on patients with progressive KC. Oxygen goggles; transepithelial riboflavin; and pulsed, high UV-A irradiance (1 second on, 1 second off; 30 mW/cm2) were applied to enhance oxygen kinetics and bioavailabilities of riboflavin and UV-A. Guided by baseline topography, a higher UV-A dose (15 J/cm2) was applied to the area of steepest anterior curvature with decreasing fluence (as low as 7.2 J/cm2) toward the outer 9 mm. Postoperative CDVA and maximum keratometry (Kmax) were evaluated.

Results:

102 eyes (80 patients) were followed for 11.5 ± 4.8 months. At the latest follow-up, mean CDVA (logMAR), mean K, and Kmax (diopters [D]) improved from 0.18 ± 0.28, 46.2 ± 3.8, and 53.0 ± 5.67 at baseline to 0.07 ± 0.18, 45.8 ± 3.7, and 51.9 ± 5.56, respectively (P< .001). 3 eyes (3%) lost more than 1 CDVA line, and another 3 eyes (3%) had increased Kmax greater than 2 D. 43 eyes were followed for at least 12 months (n = 43): mean CDVA, mean K, and Kmax improved from 0.19 ± 0.33 logMAR, 46.5 ± 3.5 D, and 53.6 ± 5.67 D to 0.07 ± 0.17 logMAR, 46.0 ± 3.5 D, and 52.33 ± 5.49 D, respectively (P≤ .002). No complications were observed.

Conclusions:

Tailoring oxygen-supplemented epi-on CXL with differential UV-A energy distributions, guided by baseline topography, in patients with KC seems to be safe and effective. At 1 year, study reports sustained improved CDVA and corneal stabilization.
Real-world socioeconomic determinants of corneal crosslinking in a national cohort
Authors: Gupta Angela S. , Yu Yinxi , Orlin Stephen E. , VanderBeek Brian L.
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

To characterize recent socioeconomic trends in patients with keratoconus/corneal ectasias undergoing corneal crosslinking (CXL).

Setting:

A deidentified administrative medical claims database comprised commercial and Medicare Advantage health claims from across the United States.

Design:

Population-based retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

This study identified 552 patients with keratoconus/corneal ectasia who underwent CXL and 2723 matched controls who did not undergo CXL based on Current Procedural Terminology coding from a U.S. national insurance claims database from 2016 to 2020. For each patient, characteristics, including sex, race, age, household net worth, education level, insurance plan type, and geographic region, were extracted. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to determine the odds of undergoing crosslinking.

Results:

Age 30 years or older (odds ratio [OR], 0.34, P < .001) was associated with decreased likelihood of undergoing CXL. Sex, race, education, and patient income were not associated with odds of undergoing CXL. Patients with health maintenance organization insurance had lower odds of undergoing CXL (OR, 0.64, P = .047). Geographically, patients on the east coast (OR, 0.37, P < .001) and Lower Midwest (OR, 0.31, P < .001) had statistically lower odds of undergoing crosslinking.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to identify socioeconomic determinants of CXL, and it highlights that geographic location and insurance type may limit accessibility to patients.
Diagnosis and referral of patients with AL amyloidosis in Portugal: results from a Delphi panel
Authors: Bergantim Rui , Caetano André , Silva Francisco F. , Tavares Isabel , Ferreira Manuela , Jaime Ana R. , Esteves Graça V.
Published: October 2023

Light chain amyloidosis (AL) is a complex disorder defined by the extracellular deposition of insoluble amyloid fibrils formed by intact or fragmented immunoglobulin light chains, leading to cell dysfunction, rapid organ deterioration, and, ultimately, death. Although the clinical presentation of AL is directly connected to organ involvement, signs and symptoms of AL are frequently nonspecific, misinterpreted, and late recognized. Thus, an early diagnosis combined with effective therapies to cease disease progression and rescue organ function is essential. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and characterize the current clinical practice regarding AL diagnosis and referral among Portuguese physicians. A Delphi-like panel (one round only) with a group of national experts from different medical specialties (cardiology, hematology, internal medicine, nephrology, and neurology) was carried out online, in which 30 statements were classified using a 4-point Likert scale. For each statement, the consensus level was set at 70% for “fully agree/disagree” and the majority level was defined as >70% in agreement or disagreement. Although the results suggest the existence of adequate general knowledge of AL amyloidosis, they also disclosed the necessity to raise awareness for this disease. Overall, this Delphi panel revealed a high lack of consensus regarding the diagnosis and early management of patients with AL among different specialties despite the qualified majority obtained in 26 statements. An optimized strategy for AL early diagnosis, transversal to several medical fields, is urgently needed. Moreover, referral centers with access to diagnostic technology and a network of diverse specialties should be established to foster an early diagnosis and better disease approach to boost the possibility of a better outcome for patients with AL.
Heating up: climate change and the threat to human health
Authors: Byg Blaire , Shah Ankur D.
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

This review discusses the urgency of addressing human-caused climate change and its impacts on health and the environment.

Recent findings

The latest evidence shows that current climate changes are primarily attributable to greenhouse gas emissions from human industrial activity. Exceeding 1.5°C of warming above preindustrial levels is projected to increase extreme weather events, increase rates of heat-related morbidity and mortality and vector-borne disease, exacerbate food and water insecurity, harm biodiversity and agriculture, displace communities, and disproportionately impact disadvantaged groups.

Urgent action is required to curb emissions, enact adaptation strategies, and promote climate justice. The healthcare sector must reduce its ecological footprint and prepare systems and workers to address climate change's health effects. Further research should support climate solutions while promoting health equity and environmental justice.
Detection and management of latent rheumatic heart disease: a narrative review
Authors: Lamichhane Pratik , Patel Fiuna , Al Mefleh Renad , Mohamed Gasimelseed Shahad Yasir , Ala Abdul , Gawad Gamal , Soni Siddharath
Published: October 2023

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a public health concern in many developing nations around the world. Early detection of latent or subclinical RHD can help in reversing mild lesions, retarding disease progression, reducing morbidity and mortality, and improving the quality of life of patients. Echocardiography is the gold-standard method for screening and confirming latent RHD cases. The rates and determinants of progression of latent RHD cases as assessed by echocardiography have been found to be variable through studies. Even though latent RHD has a slow rate of progression, the rate of progression of its subtype, ʻdefiniteʼ RHD, is substantial. A brief training of nonexpert operators on the use of handheld echocardiography with a simplified protocol is an important strategy to scale up the screening program to detect latent cases. Newer advancements in screening, such as deep-learning digital stethoscopes and telehealth services, have provided an opportunity to expand screening programs even in resource-constrained settings. Newer studies have established the efficacy and safety profile of secondary antibiotic prophylaxis in latent RHD. The concerned authorities in endemic regions of the world should work on improving the availability and accessibility of antibiotic prophylaxis.
Pre-Extubation Ultrasound Measurement of In Situ Cuffed Endotracheal Tube Laryngeal Air Column Width Difference: Single-Center Pilot Study of Relationship With Post-Extubation Stridor in Subjects Younger Than 5 Years Old
Authors: Burton Luke , Loberger Jeremy , Baker Mark , Prabhakaran Priya , Bhargava Vidit
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Post-extubation stridor (PES) is difficult to predict before extubation. We therefore evaluated the potential diagnostic performance of pre-extubation laryngeal air column width difference (LACWD) measurement, as assessed by intensivist-performed point-of-care laryngeal ultrasound, in relation to clinically important PES.

DESIGN:

Prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING:

Single quaternary care PICU (July 19, 2021, to October 31, 2022).

PATIENTS:

Included subjects were younger than 5 years old, intubated with a cuffed endotracheal tube, requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for greater than 24 hours, and nearing extubation. Subjects at high risk for supraglottic airway obstruction were excluded.

INTERVENTIONS:

Laryngeal ultrasound with measurement of laryngeal air column width with the endotracheal tube cuff inflated and deflated. Clinically important PES was defined as a high-pitched inspiratory respiratory noise suspected to be from a subglottic focus necessitating received medical intervention or reintubation.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Among 53 enrolled subjects, 18 of 53 (34%) experienced PES and three of 53 (6%) were reintubated because of severe subglottic upper airway obstruction. Median LACWD was significantly lower in the stridor group compared with the nonstridor group (∆ 0.41 mm; 95% CI, 0.37–0.48;p< 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for LACWD as a diagnosis of PES was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.89–1.00;p< 0.001). The LACWD cutoff for PES was less than or equal to 0.47 mm, which yielded a diagnostic sensitivity of 91.4% and specificity of 88.9%. In this population, the pre-to-post-test change in probability of PES for LACWD less than or equal to 0.47 mm is 0.34 to 0.81.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pre-extubation LACWD is a novel, noninvasive assessment that can be performed and interpreted by the intensivist at the bedside. There is, however, diagnostic uncertainty in the use of this measurement for identifying those at-risk of PES and larger validation studies are needed.
Scandiatransplant Exchange Program (STEP): Development and Results From an International Kidney Exchange Program
Authors: Duus Weinreich Ilse , Andersson Tommy , Birna Andrésdóttir Margrét , Bengtsson Mats , Biglarnia Alireza , Bistrup Claus , Boulland Line , Bruunsgaard Helle , Helanterä Ilkka , Kölvald Kulli , Lauronen Jouni , Lindahl Jørn Petter , Skov Karin , Schwarz Sørensen Søren , Wennberg Lars , Lindner Per
Published: October 2023

Background.

Kidney transplant candidates may be incompatible with their intended living donors because of the presence of antibodies against HLA and/or ABO. To increase the possibility of finding an acceptable kidney donor for these patients, the Scandiatransplant Exchange Program (STEP) program within Scandiatransplant was launched in 2019.

Methods.

This is a retrospective review of our experiences from the first 4 y of the STEP program, including details about the match runs, performed transplantations, and recipient outcomes within the program.

Results.

During 2019–2022, 11 match runs and 4 reruns were performed. In total, 114 pairs and 6 anonymous donors participated in these match runs. Fifty-one pairs (45%) participated in 1 match run, 31 pairs (27%) participated in 2 match runs, and 32 pairs (29%) participated in ≥3 match runs. Seventy-two individuals (63%) participated because of HLA incompatibility, 19 (17%) because of ABO incompatibility, and 7 (6%) because of both HLA and ABO incompatibility.

Forty percent of the patients enrolled in the program underwent transplantation. In total, 49 transplantations have so far been performed within the program, and 46 (94%) of the recipients had a functioning kidney graft at follow-up in February 2023.

Conclusions.

The STEP program offers sensitized patients an enlarged pool of living donors and a chance of a compatible international living donor, resulting in an increased number of total transplantations. Currently, STEP is one of the largest transnational kidney exchange programs and has improved the situation for patients waiting for kidney transplantation in Scandiatransplant.
Representation of event and object concepts in ventral anterior temporal lobe and angular gyrus
Authors: Zhang Yueyang , Wu Wei , Mirman Daniel , Hoffman Paul
Published: October 2023

Semantic knowledge includes understanding of objects and their features and also understanding of the characteristics of events. The hub-and-spoke theory holds that these conceptual representations rely on multiple information sources that are integrated in a central hub in the ventral anterior temporal lobes (vATL). Dual-hub theory expands this framework with the claim that the vATL hub is specialized for object representation, while a second hub in angular gyrus (AG) is specialized for event representation. To test these ideas, we used RSA, univariate and PPI analyses of fMRI data collected while participants processed object and event concepts (e.g., ‘an apple’, ‘a wedding’) presented as images and written words. RSA showed that AG encoded event concept similarity more than object similarity, although the left AG also encoded object similarity. Bilateral vATLs encoded both object and event concept structure, and left vATL exhibited stronger coding for events. PPI analysis revealed greater connectivity between left vATL and right pMTG, and between right AG and bilateral ITG and middle occipital gyrus, for event concepts compared to object concepts. These findings support the specialization of AG for event semantics, though with some involvement in object coding, but do not support vATL specialization for object concepts.
Increased epithelial mTORC1 activity in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Huang George X. , Hallen Nils R. , Lee Minkyu , Zheng Kelly , Wang Xin , Mandanas Michael V. , Djeddi Sarah , Fernandez Daniela , Hacker Jonathan , Ryan Tessa , Bergmark Regan W. , Bhattacharyya Neil , Lee Stella , Maxfield Alice Z. , Roditi Rachel E. , Buchheit Kathleen M. , Laidlaw Tanya M. , Gern James E. , Hallstrand Teal S. , Ray Anuradha , Wenzel Sally E. , Boyce Joshua A. , Gutierrez-Arcelus Maria , Barrett Nora A.
Published: October 2023

Background

The airway epithelium plays a central role in the pathogenesis of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), but the mechanisms by which airway epithelial cells (EpCs) maintain inflammation are poorly understood.

Objective

We hypothesized that transcriptomic assessment of sorted airway EpCs across the spectrum of differentiation would allow us to define mechanisms by which EpCs perpetuate airway inflammation.

Methods

Ethmoid sinus EpCs from adult patients with CRS were sorted into 3 subsets, bulk RNA sequenced, and analyzed for differentially expressed genes and pathways. Single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) datasets from eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic CRSwNP and bulk RNA-seq of EpCs from mild/moderate and severe asthma were assessed. Immunofluorescent staining andex vivofunctional analysis of sinus EpCs were used to validate our findings.

Results

Analysis within and across purified EpC subsets revealed an enrichment in glycolytic programming in CRSwNP vs CRSsNP. Correlation analysis identified mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) as a potential regulator of the glycolytic program and identified EpC expression of cytokines and wound healing genes as potential sequelae. mTORC1 activity was upregulated in CRSwNP, andex vivoinhibition demonstrated that mTOR is critical for EpC generation of CXCL8, IL-33, and CXCL2. Across patient samples, the degree of glycolytic activity was associated with T2 inflammation in CRSwNP, and with both T2 and non-T2 inflammation in severe asthma.

Conclusions

Together, these findings highlight a metabolic axis required to support epithelial generation of cytokines critical to both chronic T2 and non-T2 inflammation in CRSwNP and asthma.

KEY MESSAGES

Epithelial mTORC1 activity is upregulated in CRSwNP.

mTOR regulates EpC cytokine generation.

Epithelial metabolic reprograming correlates with T2 inflammation in CRSwNP, and with both T2 and non-T2 inflammation in asthma.

CAPSULE SUMMARY

mTORC1 mediates EpC cytokine generation in CRSwNP.
Perovskite-related structures of Ba2YAlO5 and the β and α phases of Ba6Y2Al4O15 containing AlO4 tetrahedra
Authors: Simura Rayko , Suzuki Yamato , Yamane Hisanori
Published: October 2023

Single crystals of Ba2YAlO5 and of the α and β phases of Ba6Y2Al4O15 suitable for X-ray structure analysis were obtained via grain growth of polycrystalline samples prepared by solid-state reactions. Ba2YAlO5 was found to have a monoclinic crystal structure, with lattice parameters a = 7.2333 (7), b = 6.0254 (5), c = 7.4294 (7) Å and β = 117.249 (3)°, and to belong to the space group P21/m, while α-Ba6Y2Al4O15 was determined to be monoclinic, with a = 5.9019 (2), b = 7.8744 (3), c = 9.6538 (3) Å and β = 107.7940 (10)°, and the space group Pm, and β-Ba6Y2Al4O15 was found to be monoclinic, with a = 7.8310 (2), b = 5.8990 (2), c = 18.3344 (6) Å and β = 91.6065 (11)°, and the space group P2/c. In each of these compounds, BO6 octahedra in ABO3 perovskite-type structures were replaced by AlO4 tetrahedra and YO6 octahedra. Polycrystalline samples in which some Y atoms were replaced with Eu exhibited orange–red luminescence in the range 580–730 nm in response to exposure to radiation having a wavelength of approximately 250 nm.
Short- and long-run relationship between financial development and economic competitiveness in WAEMU: does institutional quality matter?
Authors: Sigue Moussa , Drabo Désiré , Woni Soumaïla , Sirpe Gnanderman , Ouedraogo Aminata
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the short- and long-run effects of the interaction between institutional quality and financial development (FD) on the competitiveness of the WAEMU economy over the period 2007–2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consisted of cross-referencing a synthetic indicator of FD with indicators of institutional quality and then estimating an auto regressive distributed lag model.

Findings

The results of the pooled mean group and dynamic fixed effect estimation show a positive and significant impact of this interaction on the competitiveness of the economy in the long run. In the short run, the results are quite similar to those in the long run for the direct effects but different for the crosses. Also, the analysis of country specificity shows that the results are similar to those in the short run since the interaction between FD and institutional quality (political stability and government effectiveness) negatively affects the competitiveness of Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Mali, and positively affects the competitiveness of Benin and Senegal.

Social implications

These results suggest the need for effective policies to improve the quality of institutions to enhance the mobilization of financial resources through FD to ensure the competitiveness of economies. Improving the quality of the political and institutional environment is a prerequisite for economic competitiveness.

Originality/value

The paper is in line with the New Institutional Economics that developed in the 1970s. This referential framework is a heterogeneous body of work that encompasses works whose common point is the determination of the role of institutions in economic coordination. Unlike previous studies, which have focused on the contribution of the interaction between institutional quality variables and FD on economic growth, this paper analyzes the effects of this interaction on economic competitiveness. It, therefore, constitutes a contribution to this literature and aims primarily to fill this gap.
Marks of usage: discerning information literacy practices from medieval European manuscripts
Authors: Whitworth Andrew
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to discern medieval information literacy (IL) practices through scrutiny of medieval manuscripts: both the content and the “marks of usage” evident therein.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of the writing of scribes. Engagement with selected primary texts (manuscripts) and prior scholarly investigations.

Findings

Ample evidence exists of the practice of IL in the medieval era, and how it was transmitted and negotiated across time and space. Popular guides for scholars, including Hugh of St. Victor's Didascalicon, and the marks of usage left on manuscripts by readers/scribes, are evidence of how members of scholarly communities engaged in collaborative metacognitive work, helping each other with tasks such as understanding the ordinatio (organisation) of texts; cross-referencing; locating information; and making judgments about relevance, amongst others. New practices were stimulated by key historical transitions, particularly the shift from ecclesiastical to secular settings for learning.

Research limitations/implications

This is a preliminary study only, intended to lay foundations and suggest directions for more detailed future investigations of primary texts. The scope is Eurocentric, and similar work might be undertaken with the records of practice available elsewhere, e.g. the Arab world, South and East Asia.

Originality/value

Some previous work (e.g. Long, 2017) has investigated medieval scholarly communities by retrospectively applying notions from practice theory, but no prior work has specifically focused upon IL as the practice under investigation.
Challenges affecting bank consumers’ intention to adopt green banking technology in the UAE: a UTAUT-based mixed-methods approach
Authors: Bouteraa Mohamed , Raja Hisham Raja Rizal Iskandar , Zainol Zairani
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Sustainability has become a global need for survival in every field since the side effects of financial development have resulted in environmental devastation. Green banking (GB) has been proposed as a way to reduce the carbon footprint caused by banking operations by promoting paperless financial services through the intensive use of technology. However, the adoption level of GB technology remains unsatisfactory among customers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Therefore, using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), this study aims to comprehensively investigate the challenges affecting the intention of bank consumers in the UAE to adopt GB technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used exploratory sequential mixed-methods research. Preliminary semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten banking professionals using a purposive sampling technique to explore the challenges affecting consumers’ intention to adopt GB technology. Sequentially, the study tested various factors through a quantitative cross-sectional online survey of a sample of 332 bank customers and used the convenience sampling technique to obtain further empirical support for the research framework. Thematic content analysis using NVivo 11 was used for the qualitative data analysis. Meanwhile, partial least square structural equation modelling in Smart PLS 3.3 was used for the quantitative data analysis.

Findings

The qualitative analysis identified six new challenges affecting customers’ intention to adopt GB technology, including customer awareness, personal innovativeness, bank reputation, security and privacy, system quality and government support. The preliminary qualitative findings were confirmed mainly through quantitative data analysis, whereby customer awareness, personal innovativeness, system quality and bank reputation were found to significantly impact customers’ intention to adopt GB technology. However, the effects of security and privacy and government support were insignificant.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to propose a comprehensive model that considers individual, technological, organisational and environmental factors to address the issue of customers’ low GB technology adoption rates in the UAE. Meanwhile, this study extends the UTAUT by integrating new factors. This paper is also among the first to investigate customers’ GB technology adoption intention using a mixed-methods approach, which combines the strengths of quantitative and qualitative methods within the same study to offer better insights than a single-method approach.
How productive is liquid waste management practices in Indian informal micro, small and medium enterprises?
Authors: Posti Lokesh , Bhamoriya Vaibhav , Kumar Rahul , Khare Rajan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Waste management is a crucial aspect of sustainable development, but is it economically sustainable for marginalized informal firms? The study tries to answer this question by revisiting the Porter–Wagner dilemma about the association between environmental management (EM) and firm performance (FP). The study looks into the various liquid waste management practices (LWMPs) adopted by them and the overall impact of LWMPs on firms' economic performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the latest available cross-sectional data source on Indian informal firms by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), 73rd survey round 2015–16. First, ordered logistic regression was used to analyse the factors that impact a firm's adoption of a particular LWMP. Subsequently, to capture the heterogeneity among the firms based on productivity and size, a quantile regression (QR) was employed to analyse the impact of LWMPs on firm productivity. Additionally, the propensity score matching technique was used to address endogeneity concerns.

Findings

The authors find that bigger, urban-located and female-owned firms adopt cleaner LWMPs that positively impact their economic performance. Furthermore, the QR analysis observed that the most productive firms could extract higher returns from adopting cleaner LWMPs, indicating the relevance of the Porter–Wagner dilemma, i.e. environmental and economic sustainability are possibly symbiotic, thus having a feedback mechanism.

Originality/value

To the authors’ limited knowledge, this is the first study analysing the relationship between EM and FP among the informal sector firms, which are away from any regulations or obligations. Since sustainability is a two-way process, policies should be devised that incentivise sustainable business practices.
Marketing communications’ dimensions and brand loyalty in the banking sector
Authors: Quayson Agartha , Issau Kassimu , Gnankob Robert Ipiin , Seidu Samira
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The study investigated the effect of marketing communications’ dimensions on brand loyalty in the banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the quantitative research approach which relied on the explanatory design due to the nature of the hypotheses tested. The convenience sampling technique was used to pull 377 customers of a branch of a commercial bank in Ghana. Furthermore, the PLS-SEM technique was deployed to assess the measurement model and test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Results show that the following dimensions of marketing communications are significant predictors of brand loyalty: direct marketing, public relations and sales promotion. The exception is advertising, which had an inverse relation with brand loyalty.

Practical implications

The results provide significant pointers to banks’ management that they should deploy a variety of marketing communication channels other than intensive advertising to reach and persuade customers.

Originality/value

The study illustrates the latest effort to extensively provide insights into how commercial banks could leverage marketing communication tools to sustain loyalty in an emerging economy that is intensively competitive.
Plant functional traits are dynamic predictors of ecosystem functioning in variable environments
Authors: Huxley Jared D. , White Caitlin T. , Humphries Hope C. , Weber Soren E. , Spasojevic Marko J.
Published: October 2023

A central goal at the interface of ecology and conservation is understanding how the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function (B–EF) will shift with changing climate. Despite recent theoretical advances, studies which examine temporal variation in the functional traits and mechanisms (mass ratio effects and niche complementarity effects) that underpin the B–EF relationship are lacking.

Here, we use 13 years of data on plant species composition, plant traits, local‐scale abiotic variables, above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP), and climate from the alpine tundra of Colorado (USA) to investigate temporal dynamics in the B–EF relationship. To assess how changing climatic conditions may alter the B–EF relationship, we built structural equation models (SEMs) for 11 traits across 13 years and evaluated the power of different trait SEMs to predict ANPP, as well as the relative contributions of mass ratio effects (community‐weighted mean trait values; CWM), niche complementarity effects (functional dispersion; FDis) and local abiotic variables. Additionally, we coupled linear mixed effects models with Multimodel inference methods to assess how inclusion of trait–climate interactions might improve our ability to predict ANPP through time.

In every year, at least one SEM exhibited good fit, explaining between 19.6% and 57.2% of the variation in ANPP. However, the identity of the trait which best explained ANPP changed depending on winter precipitation, with leaf area, plant height and foliar nitrogen isotope content (δ15N) SEMs performing best in high, middle and low precipitation years, respectively. Regardless of trait identity, CWMs exerted a stronger influence on ANPP than FDis and total biotic effects were always greater than total abiotic effects. Multimodel inference reinforced the results of SEM analysis, with the inclusion of climate–trait interactions marginally improving our ability to predict ANPP through time.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that temporal variation in climatic conditions influences which traits, mechanisms and abiotic variables were most responsible for driving the B–EF relationship. Importantly, our findings suggest that future research should consider temporal variability in the B–EF relationship, particularly how the predictive power of individual functional traits and abiotic variables may fluctuate as conditions shift due to climate change.
Consequences of light spectra for pigment composition and gene expression in the cryptophyte Rhodomonas salina
Authors: Schomaker Rachel A. , Richardson Tammi L. , Dudycha Jeffry L.
Published: October 2023

Algae with a more diverse suite of pigments can, in principle, exploit a broader swath of the light spectrum through chromatic acclimation, the ability to maximize light capture via plasticity of pigment composition. We grew Rhodomonas salina in wide‐spectrum, red, green, and blue environments and measured how pigment composition differed. We also measured expression of key light‐capture and photosynthesis‐related genes and performed a transcriptome‐wide expression analysis. We observed the highest concentration of phycoerythrin in green light, consistent with chromatic acclimation. Other pigments showed trends inconsistent with chromatic acclimation, possibly due to feedback loops among pigments or high‐energy light acclimation. Expression of some photosynthesis‐related genes was sensitive to spectrum, although expression of most was not. The phycoerythrin α‐subunit was expressed two‐orders of magnitude greater than the β‐subunit even though the peptides are needed in an equimolar ratio. Expression of genes related to chlorophyll‐binding and phycoerythrin concentration were correlated, indicating a potential synthesis relationship. Pigment concentrations and expression of related genes were generally uncorrelated, implying post‐transcriptional regulation of pigments. Overall, most differentially expressed genes were not related to photosynthesis; thus, examining associations between light spectrum and other organismal functions, including sexual reproduction and glycolysis, may be important.