bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic action of actin binding proteins regulate actin network organization and cell shape
Authors: Serres Murielle P. , Smith Matthew B. , Lavoie Geneviève , Roux Philippe P. , Paluch Ewa K.
Published: September 2023

Animal cell shape is largely determined by the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Spread shapes result from a balance between protrusive actin networks and contractile stress fibers, while rounded shapes are supported by a contractile actomyosin cortex. The assembly and regulation of distinct types of actin networks have been extensively studied, yet, what determines which networks dominate in a given cell remains unclear. In this Brief Report, we explore the molecular regulation of overall actin organization and resulting cell shape. We use our recently published comparison of the F-actin interactome in spread interphase and rounded mitotic cells to establish a list of candidate regulators of actin networks in spread cells. Utilizing micropatterning and automated image analysis we quantitatively analyze how these candidates affect actin organization. Out of our initial 16 candidates, we identify subsets of proteins promoting stress fibers or regulating their arrangement. Interestingly, no single regulator depletion caused significant cell shape change. However, perturbing two hits simultaneously, supervillin and myosin II, led to stress fiber disassembly and cell rounding. Overall, our systematic investigation shows that actin networks are robust to perturbations, and identifies regulatory modules controlling overall actin organization and resulting cell shape.
Optimising a self-assembling peptide hydrogel as a Matrigel alternative for 3-dimensional mammary epithelial cell culture
Authors: Lingard Eliana , Dong Siyuan , Hoyle Anna , Appleton Ellen , Hales Alis , Skaria Eldhose , Lawless Craig , Saadati Simon , Miller Aline F. , Domingos Marco , Saiani Alberto , Swift Joe , Gilmore Andrew P.
Published: September 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) organoid models have been instrumental in understanding molecular mechanisms responsible for many cellular processes and diseases. However, established organic biomaterial scaffolds used for 3D hydrogel cultures, such as Matrigel, are biochemically complex and display significant batch variability, limiting reproducibility in experiments. Recently, there has been significant progress in the development of synthetic hydrogels forin vitrocell culture that are reproducible, mechanically tuneable, and biocompatible. Self-assembling peptide hydrogels (SAPHs) are synthetic biomaterials that can be engineered to be compatible with 3D cell culture. Here we investigate the ability of PeptiGel® SAPHs to model the mammary epithelial cell (MEC) microenvironmentin vitro. The positively charged PeptiGel®Alpha4 supported MEC viability, but did not promote formation of polarised acini. Modifying the stiffness of PeptiGel® Alpha4 stimulated changes in MEC viability and changes in protein expression associated with altered MEC function, but did not fully recapitulate the morphologies of MECs grown in Matrigel. To supply the appropriate biochemical signals for MEC organoids, we supplemented PeptiGels® with laminin. Laminin was found to require negatively charged PeptiGel® Alpha7 for functionality, but was then able to provide appropriate signals for correct MEC polarisation and expression of characteristic proteins. Thus, optimisation of SAPH composition and mechanics allows tuning to support tissue-specific organoids.
ARF6 as a novel activator of HIF-2α in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Fellows Adam L. , Chen Chien-Nien , Xie Chongyang , Iyer Nayana , Schmidt Lukas , Yin Xiaoke , Mayr Manuel , Cowburn Andrew , Zhao Lan , Wojciak-Stothard Beata
Published: September 2023

ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6), a GTPase associated with cancer metastasis, is activated in the lung endothelium in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). To identify ARF6-regulated pathways relevant to PAH, we performed a state-of-the-art proteomic analysis of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) overexpressing the wildtype, constitutively active, fast-cycling and dominant negative mutants of ARF6. The analysis revealed a novel link of ARF6 with hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), in addition to endocytotic vesicle trafficking, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Active ARF6 markedly increased expression and activity of HIF-2, critical in PAH, with HIF-1 relatively unaffected. Hypoxic ARF6 activation was a prerequisite for HIF-2 activation and HIF-dependent gene expression in HPAECs, PAH blood-derived late outgrowth endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) and hypoxic mouse lungsin vivo. A novel ARF6 inhibitor, chlortetracycline (CTC), reduced hypoxia-induced HIF-2 activation, proliferation and angiogenesis in HPAECs and reduced HIF-2 expression in lung and heart tissues of hypoxic mice. PAH ECFCs showed elevated expression and activity of ARF6 and HIF2, which was attenuated by CTC. Oral CTC attenuated development of PH in chronically hypoxic mice. In conclusion, we are first to demonstrate a key role of ARF6 in the regulation of HIF-2α activationin vitroandin vivoand show that HIF-2α, a master-regulator of vascular remodelling in PAH, can be targeted by a clinically approved antibiotic chlortetracycline.
Allele-specific RNAN6-methyladenosine modifications reveal functional genetic variants in human tissues
Authors: Cao Shuo , Zhu Haoran , Cui Jinru , Liu Sun , Li Yuhe , Shi Junfang , Mo Junyuan , Wang Zihan , Wang Hailan , Hu Jiaxin , Chen Lizhi , Li Yuan , Xia Laixin , Xiao Shan
Published: September 2023

An intricate network ofcis- andtrans-elements acts on RNAN6-methyladenosine (m6A), which in turn may affect gene expression and, ultimately, human health. A complete understanding of this network requires new approaches to accurately measure the subtle m6A differences arising from genetic variants, many of which have been associated with common diseases. To address this gap, we developed a method to accurately and sensitively detect transcriptome-wide allele-specific m6A (ASm6A) from MeRIP-seq data and applied it to uncover 12,056 high-confidence ASm6A modifications from 25 human tissues. We also identified 1184 putative functional variants for ASm6A regulation, a subset of which we experimentally validated. Importantly, we found that many of these ASm6A-associated genetic variants were enriched for common disease–associated and complex trait–associated risk loci, and verified that two disease risk variants can change m6A modification status. Together, this work provides a tool to detangle the dynamic network of RNA modifications at the allelic level and highlights the interplay of m6A and genetics in human health and disease.
Instilling employees with meaning to communicate: servant leadership affecting employee voice behavior through meaning
Authors: Khan Muhammad Mumtaz , Mubarik Muhammad Shujaat , Ahmed Syed Saad , Ali Syed Rizwan , Siraj Syed Sajid
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the connection between servant leadership and the promotive and prohibitive voice behavior of employees. In addition, this study explained how servant leadership affects promotive and prohibitive voice behavior through meaning.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, data were collected from employee–manager dyads employed in the service sector. Each of the waves was initiated two months after the first wave. Finally, 286 useful responses were obtained. The collected data was analyzed through covariance-based structural equation modeling.

Findings

Servant leadership is related with meaning, promotive voice behavior and prohibitive voice behavior. Meaning is found to mediate the relationship between servant leadership and the two facets of voice behavior.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the mediating role of meaning relating servant leadership to promotive and prohibitive voice behavior.
Rethinking the role of hospitality in society: the HOST model
Authors: Bilgihan Anil , Hanks Lydia , Line Nathan Discepoli , Mody Makarand Amrish
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to provide a critical reflection on the role of hospitality in society. Specifically, this research criticizes contemporary conceptualizations of hospitality in academic research and practice and suggests a reconceptualized approach for capturing the full potential of hospitality to elicit transformative social change.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a critical analysis of hospitality research and practice as reflected in the extant literature. A typological approach to conceptualization is used to develop a framework that views hospitality from three distinct epistemological pathways.

Findings

Hospitality has largely been conceptualized as an industry- or a business-level context in which economic activity takes place, a pathway referred to as application. This paper offers the hospitality-oriented society of tomorrow (HOST) framework, which urges researchers and practitioners to explore two additional pathways – infusion and transformation – through which hospitality can contribute to society. The nonrecursive relationships between these three pathways and the five pillars of sustainable development espoused by the United Nations 2030 Agenda are proposed to form the basis of future inquiry into the role of hospitality in society.

Practical implications

The HOST model provides a framework whereby stakeholders within and outside of the traditional contours of the hospitality industry can benefit from a broader conceptualization and implementation of the hospitality phenomenon.

Originality/value

The paper offers a thought-provoking assessment of the fundamental tenets of hospitality as an academic discipline and social phenomenon. It offers a unique framework that should inform the evolution of hospitality research and practice if the discipline is to bolster its social significance.
Drivers of Nigeria’s real house prices: long-run analysis and short-run dynamics
Authors: Okey Paul Chinedu
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the long-run and short-run drivers of real house prices in Nigeria from 1991Q1 to 2020Q4.

Design/methodology/approach

Vector autoregression and cointegration tests were used to assess the key drivers of Nigeria’s real house prices in the long run and short run.

Findings

The empirical findings revealed that household disposable income is the most important determinant of house prices in Nigeria. House prices increased by 1.6% and 60.8% in response to a 1% increase in disposable income in the long run and short run, respectively, while real mortgage credits pushed up house prices by 5% and have no long-run effects, suggesting that most Nigerians depend on their money income rather than credits in securing a home. In addition, prices of oil sector products and real interest rates had negative and significant relationship with house prices, while positive correlations were found for real effective exchange rate and real housing investments regardless of the time horizon. The impact of construction costs and cement prices was also documented.

Originality/value

This is likely a pioneering study of its kind to focus on the determinants of real house prices in Nigeria. It is probably the first study, the best of the author’s knowledge, to empirically examine the impact of the oil sector on house prices in the country.
Public information sharing in enterprise social networks: a communication privacy management perspective
Authors: Wang Yu , Zheng Daqing , Fang Yulin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The advancement of enterprise social networks (ESNs) facilitates information sharing but also presents the challenge of managing information boundaries. This study aims to explore the factors that influence the information-control behavior of ESN users when continuously sharing information.

Design/methodology/approach

This study specifies the information-control behaviors in the “wall posts” channel and applies communication privacy management (CPM) theory to analyze the effects of the individual-specific factor (disposition to value information), context-specific factors (work-relatedness and information richness) and risk-benefit ratio (public benefit and public risk). Data on actual information-control behaviors extracted from ESN logs are examined using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis.

Findings

The study's findings show the direct effects of the individual-specific factor, context-specific factors and risk-benefit ratio, highlighting interactions between the individual motivation factor and ESN context factors.

Originality/value

This study reshapes the relationship of CPM theory boundary rules in the ESN context, extending information-control research and providing insights into ESNs' information-control practices.
How enterprise social media affordances affect employee agility: a self-determination theory perspective
Authors: Sun Yuan , Mengyi Zhu , Jeyaraj Anand
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether and how enterprise social media (ESM) affordances affect employee agility.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting self-determination theory (SDT), this study examines a model in which the four ESM affordances (i.e. visibility, association, editability and persistence) impact employee agility through the three basic psychological needs satisfaction (i.e. perceived autonomy, perceived relatedness and perceived competence) of employees. Mplus 7.4 was used to analyze survey data gathered from 304 employees who used ESM in the workplace.

Findings

The authors’ findings show that all four ESM affordances contribute to perceived relatedness and perceived competence; visibility and association affordances also have positive impacts on perceived autonomy; and all three psychological needs satisfaction positively impact employee agility.

Originality/value

First, this study adapted SDT to explore how ESM influences employee agility. Second, this study enriches the relevant research on the antecedents of employee agility and also provides new evidence and theoretical support for employee agility. Third, this study effectively expands the antecedents and outcomes of employee basic psychological needs satisfaction in the domain of ESM and agility.
Effect of creative and collaborative learning communities on virtual learning environment for Education 4.0: a quantitative study of Pakistan
Authors: Asad Muhammad Mujtaba , Hussain Safdar
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Education 4.0 is one of the major transformations in the field of education to improve the quality of teaching and learning processes and prepare students as 21st-century learners. This study aims to examine the effect of Educations 4.0 on creative and collaborative learning of students.

Design/methodology/approach

In this correlational research study, a quantitative data collection tool such as a questionnaire is used. This research is conducted on university students (N = 365), and purposive sampling technique is used to achieve the purpose. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 is used to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that there is a strong positive relationship between education 4.0 and the two major 21st-century skills, i.e. collaboration and creativity. The value of correlation coefficient value of the variables is 0.597, which indicates positive and strong relationship; hence, null hypothesis is rejected and an alternative hypothesis is accepted.

Practical implications

The results of the current study are beneficial for the school managers to enhance students' two significant 21st-century skills, i.e. “Creativity” and “Collaboration.” Also, the school managers can make efforts to develop teachers' competence to adapt the technological advancements for improving students' creativity and collaboration to benefit their learning.

Originality/value

This is a unique study because there are only a few recent studies that show a connection between Education 4.0 and 21st-century skills. Also, there is no other study that presents the direct association of Education 4.0 and students' creativity and collaboration specifically in the context of Pakistan.
Navigating services for consumers with disabilities: a comprehensive review and conceptual framework
Authors: Tuli Nikhita , Srivastava Ritu , Kumar Harish
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Access to services for consumers with disabilities (CwD) has gained increased attention from researchers and service providers in recent years. Consequently, ensuring that services are designed and maintained in a manner that is more inclusive and accessible to CwD has become imperative. However, academic literature is fragmented and thus, this study aims to provide a state-of-the-art synthesis for further theoretical development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews 77 relevant articles in the domain using a multidisciplinary review following the PRISMA protocol, and a thematic analysis was conducted.

Findings

The study thoroughly synthesizes the theories, contexts and methods used in the extant literature. Next, the study presents a new theoretical framework with four broader dimensions: beyond regulations, towards accessibility, value co-creation, inclusion of CwD and role of stakeholders. Furthermore, it highlights the related sub-dimensions attributed to the service design stages (planning, usage and post-usage). Based on this, the study offers critical avenues for future research using the Double Diamond framework.

Originality/value

The study contributes significantly to service design literature for CwD and transformative service research by developing a new consolidated theoretical framework. The findings should direct service providers towards better service designs in related fields. Socially, the study has implications for promoting accessibility and inclusion for CwD, while providing them the freedom of choice.
Workplace learning in transient workplaces: the tourism and hospitality industry in the Arctic region
Authors: Parding Karolina , Ek Styvén Maria , Lindström Frida , Näppä Anna
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on conditions for workplace learning (WPL) in highly transient workplaces, exemplified by the tourism and hospitality sector in the Arctic region. The aim is to analyse and discuss how employees and employers view the conditions for employees’ WPL from their respective perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a qualitative approach. Ten interviews with employers and ten interviews with employees were carried out. This opens for different perspectives, including identifying “learning gaps”. The analysis was thematic, with a focus on opportunities and challenges for WPL in these transient workplace contexts.

Findings

Overall, conditions for WPL seem unsatisfactory. On the one hand, both employees and employers see WPL as essential for staff retention. Employers also see WPL as a strategy for business development and, thus, profit. On the other hand, high staff turnover makes it challenging to strategically invest in and organize for WPL, especially formal learning. Hence, a Catch-22 situation emerges.

Research limitations/implications

As this study is qualitative in its scope, generalizations are analytical rather than statistical.

Originality/value

There is a shortage of studies on conditions for WPL, focusing particularly on transient workplaces. Moreover, by including employer and employee perspectives, the authors contribute to a gap in the literature. The empirical contribution of this paper thus lies in using a theoretical WPL framework on transient workplaces, exemplified by the tourism and hospitality industries in the Arctic region.
Brand hate in the cosmetic industry: drugstore versus luxury make-up brands
Authors: Xin Ying Ong Sharon , Vila-Lopez Natalia
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Marketing scholars have begun to look at negative emotions that young consumers could develop toward brands, such as brand hate. Brand hate has experienced exponential growth during the past decades in the cosmetic industry. In this frame, the purpose of this paper is to identify the weight of each of the five key drivers of brand hate and to analyze if these weights are the same (or not) for drugstore and luxury make-up brands regarding.

Design/methodology/approach

To carry on this paper, brand haters in the make-up industry were contacted with the help of cosmetic influencers. Participants of the online questionnaire (N = 162) were existing young makeup consumers. They were divided into drugstore and luxury makeup brand haters by classifying their identified hated brands into either group.

Findings

The authors’ results showed, first, that experiential, identity, moral, deficit-value and advertising avoidance all had a positive effect on brand hate, being identity avoidance the strongest one. Second, drugstore and luxury makeup brand haters do not differ, as far as no differences were identified in the strength of each avoidance type on brand hate.

Originality/value

There is a gap in the literature related to the absence of work investigating brand hate in the make-up industry; moreover, studies measure whether brand hate drivers are the same (or not) for luxury brands and drugstore brands that compete in the same arena. In this framework, this research will provide a specific industry context involving young consumer opinions. Research into consumer–brand relationships has been largely focused on the positive forms, while the negative forms are still a relatively newer area of academic interest. Even more, brand hate has been investigated from a multidimensional approach linking proposals from different authors has been tested.
Servant Leadership as a Catalyst for Middle Managers’ Learning Ambidexterity: A Resource‐Based Perspective
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Ogbonnaya Chidiebere , Roodbari Hamid , Yusuf Rebecca , Hirekhan Manjusha
Published: September 2023

Although recent years have seen a proliferation of research on organizational ambidexterity, important questions remain about the role that leaders play in leveraging learning ambidexterity for organizational benefits. Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, we investigate the indirect links between servant leadership and middle managers’ learning ambidexterity, with structural empowerment and role breadth self‐efficacy (RBSE) as serial mediators. We also examine the importance of leader boundary‐spanning behaviour as a moderating factor for these relationships. Using time‐lagged and multi‐source data from 344 middle managers and their supervisors, we show that servant leadership has a positive indirect influence on two forms of learning ambidexterity: exploitative and explorative learning. In particular, servant leadership promotes structural empowerment (as a contextual resource), which in turn influences RBSE (as a personal resource) and encourages learning ambidexterity. In addition, we show that when leaders engage in boundary‐spanning behaviour, these indirect relationships become more prominent. This research offers new theoretical and practical insights to assist organizations in improving learning ambidexterity and achieving higher levels of performance.
Unveiling changes in rhizosphere‐associated bacteria linked to the genotype and water stress in quinoa
Authors: Maestro‐Gaitán Isaac , Granado‐Rodríguez Sara , Redondo‐Nieto Miguel , Battaglia Antonio , Poza‐Viejo Laura , Matías Javier , Bolaños Luis , Reguera Maria
Published: September 2023

Drought is among the main abiotic factors causing agronomical losses worldwide. To minimize its impact, several strategies have been proposed, including the use of plant growth‐promoting bacteria (PGPBs), as they have demonstrated roles in counteracting abiotic stress. This aspect has been little explored in emergent crops such as quinoa, which has the potential to contribute to reducing food insecurity. Thus, here we hypothesize that the genotype, water environment and the type of inoculant are determining factors in shaping quinoa rhizosphere bacterial communities, affecting plant performance. To address this, two different quinoa cultivars (with contrasting water stress tolerance), two water conditions (optimal and limiting water conditions) and different soil infusions were used to define the relevance of these factors. Different bacterial families that vary among genotypes and water conditions were identified. Certain families were enriched under water stress conditions, such as the Nocardioidaceae, highly present in the water‐sensitive cultivar F15, or the Pseudomonadaceae, Burkholderiaceae and Sphingomonadaceae, more abundant in the tolerant cultivar F16, which also showed larger total polyphenol content. These changes demonstrate that the genotype and environment highly contribute to shaping the root‐inhabiting bacteria in quinoa, and they suggest that this plant species is a great source of PGPBs for utilization under water‐liming conditions.
Landmarks in the history of selective sweeps
Authors: Panigrahi Manjit , Rajawat Divya , Nayak Sonali Sonejita , Ghildiyal Kanika , Sharma Anurodh , Jain Karan , Lei Chuzhao , Bhushan Bharat , Mishra Bishnu Prasad , Dutt Triveni
Published: September 2023

Half a century ago, a seminal article on the hitchhiking effect by Smith and Haigh inaugurated the concept of the selection signature. Selective sweeps are characterised by the rapid spread of an advantageous genetic variant through a population and hence play an important role in shaping evolution and research on genetic diversity. The process by which a beneficial allele arises and becomes fixed in a population, leading to a increase in the frequency of other linked alleles, is known as genetic hitchhiking or genetic draft. Kimura's neutral theory and hitchhiking theory are complementary, with Kimura's neutral evolution as the ‘null model’ and positive selection as the ‘signal’. Both are widely accepted in evolution, especially with genomics enabling precise measurements. Significant advances in genomic technologies, such as next‐generation sequencing, high‐density SNP arrays and powerful bioinformatics tools, have made it possible to systematically investigate selection signatures in a variety of species. Although the history of selection signatures is relatively recent, progress has been made in the last two decades, owing to the increasing availability of large‐scale genomic data and the development of computational methods. In this review, we embark on a journey through the history of research on selective sweeps, ranging from early theoretical work to recent empirical studies that utilise genomic data.
The poor do not pay more: Evidence from Tanzanian consumer food expenditures controlling for the food environment
Authors: Sauer Christine M. , Reardon Thomas , Mason Nicole M.
Published: September 2023

We revisit the question of whether the poor pay more for food using household food expenditure data from Tanzania. We control for spatial factors that could affect food prices, namely, whether a rural household is in a peri‐urban, intermediate, or hinterland rural zone (distinguished by distance to urban areas) and whether an urban household is in a primary city, secondary city, or a town. Our results differ from conventional wisdom. First, we find that the rich and the poor pay about the same price per kilogram on average for certain key Tanzanian food products like rice, maize flour, and cooking oil. Second, we find that poor households do not buy meaningfully smaller quantities per transaction than do richer households. Third, the rich and the poor also make roughly the same number of purchases per month for most food products studied. Lastly, we find that bulk discounts (a decrease in price per kilogram with an increase in quantity purchased) do exist, but only up to a certain quantity (with exceptions in some animal proteins), below which few households purchase. Hence, our evidence suggests that poorer Tanzanian households do not pay significantly more for key food products.
Inside a jaguar's jaws
Authors: Ruiz‐Serna Daniel
Published: September 2023

Inspired by the case of a jaguar raised as a pet by some paramilitary warlords, this article discusses how armed conflict encompasses more‐than‐human realities, becoming a hybrid experience capable of dislocating the borders between environmental and social processes, predation and warfare, human and nonhuman agency, and subjects and objects. It draws attention to a pervasive form of damage—afterlives—that stays with people in ways that compel us to reconsider wartime and the delivery of justice in places, such as traditional Afro‐Colombian territories, that are palpably made of entangled relationships between the human and nonhuman.
Efficacy and safety of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation versus cyclocryotherapy in the treatment of intractable glaucoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Shih‐Yi , Yen Chu‐Yu , Kuo Bo‐I , Yen Ju‐Chuan , Liou Shiow‐Wen , Chen Chun‐Chen
Published: September 2023

To perform a meta‐analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) and cyclocryotherapy (CCT) in the treatment of intractable glaucoma. Systemic searches of the Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases yielded experimental and observational comparative studies. TSCPC and CCT efficacy and safety outcomes were compared. Subgroup analyses of participant ethnicity, preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) level, and underlying causes of glaucoma were conducted. The pooled effects were computed using the random‐effects model. The meta‐analysis included nine studies totalling 668 eyes. There was no statistically significant difference between the TSCPC and CCT groups in the IOP reduction (IOPR%), decrease in antiglaucoma medications, the operative success rate with or without medications, or retreatment rate in the efficacy analysis. In the subgroup analysis, CCT had a better IOP‐lowering effect among non‐Asian participants and a non‐inferior IOPR% to TSCPC among Asian participants. TSCPC and CCT were associated with similar rates of deterioration in visual acuity, postoperative visual analog scale, and other analysed postoperative complications in the safety analysis. In both groups, severe complications were uncommon. Diode laser TSCPC and CCT had nearly equivalent clinical efficacy in treating intractable glaucoma, while CCT demonstrated a better IOP‐lowering effect in non‐Asian. Both cyclodestructive procedures have a comparable safety profile.
Low bone mineral density and reduced bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase in 5q spinal muscular atrophy type 2 and type 3: A 2‐year prospective study of bone health
Authors: Kroksmark Anna‐Karin , Alberg Lars , Tulinius Mar , Magnusson Per , Söderpalm Ann‐Charlott
Published: September 2023

Aim

Individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are at risk of developing skeletal problems. This study investigated bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers and motor function in children and adolescents with SMA type 2 and type 3 over a two‐year period. The effect of nusinersen was studied in a subgroup.

Methods

Single‐centre study, including 20 patients, 2–18 years, of whom ten patients received nusinersen treatment. BMD was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry.

Results

All patients had low BMD levels at baseline; mean Z‐score −2.3 for total body less head (TBLH) and −2.9 for total hip left (THL). Significant correlations were found both at baseline and for the follow‐up change for motor function and Z‐scores (TBLH and THL). For the whole study group, reduced bone formation and unchanged bone resorption, assessed by bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) (p = 0.0006, ES = –0.83) and C‐terminal cross‐linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), respectively, were found over the study period. However, BALP decreased less in the nusinersen treatment group, which suggests a positive development on bone mass in these patients.

Conclusion

Bone health evaluation is important in follow‐up programmes for SMA patients. Further investigations are warranted for individuals on survival motor neuron‐targeted treatments.
Continence criteria of 193 618 patients after open, laparoscopic, and robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Moretti Tomás B.C. , Magna Luís A. , Reis Leonardo O.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To apply a new evidence‐gathering methodology, called reverse systematic review (RSR), to analyse the influence of different continence classification criteria on urinary continence rates among open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP), laparoscopic RP (LRP) and robot‐assisted RP (RARP).

Materials and Methods

A search was carried out in eight databases between 2000 and 2020 through systematic reviews (SRs) studies referring to RRP, LRP or RARP (80 SRs). All references used in these SRs were captured referring to 910 papers in an overall database called the ‘EVIDENCE Database’. A total of 422 studies related to post‐RP urinary continence were selected for the final analysis, totalling 782 reports referring to 193 618 patients.

Results

Overall, 206 (26.4%) reports for RRP, 243 (31.0%) reports for LRP, and 333 (42.6%) reports for RARP were found. Mean overall continence rates, respectively for RRP, LRP and RARP, were: 42%, 34% and 42% at 1 month; 62%, 64% and 65% at 3 months; 73, 77 and 79% at 6 months; and 81%, 85% and 86% at 12 months. The most used criterion was ‘No pad’ (53.3%), followed by ‘Safety pad’ (19.3%), ‘Not described’ (10.6%), and ‘No leak’ (9.9%). ‘No pad’ showed the lowest discrepancy in continence rates in each period compared to the overall average for each technique, demonstrating less ability to influence the final results favouring any of the techniques.

Conclusion

The RSR demonstrated that the ‘No pad’ criterion was the most used in the literature and showed the lowest bias capable of influencing the results and favouring any of the techniques and is the fairest option for future comparisons.
The relationship of peri‐implant soft tissue wound healing with implant cover screw design: Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Güney Zeliha , Karacaoglu Fatma , Barıs Emre , Gezer K. Gökalp , Akkaya M. Murat
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Dental implants are frequently preferred method for oral rehabilitation all over the world. The incidence of various complications such as incorrect prosthesis, peri‐implant mucositis, and peri‐implantitis is high; premature loss of implants is encountered due to osteointegration process not being completed for some unexplained reasons. However, there is no study in the literature examining the nonfunctional period of implants. Closure screws of different implant companies have different designs like surface properties, and areas, where closure screws sit, are important reservoirs for microorganism colonization. Our study aims to evaluate the inflammatory response, epithelial maturation, and epithelial‐connective tissue interaction around closure screws.

Methods

For this purpose, 52 implants belonging to five different implant companies were included in the study. Tissues removed over the cover screw during fitting of healing caps were used as biopsy material and for epithelial proliferation Ki‐67, for epithelium‐connective tissue interaction Syndecan‐1, and for macrophage activation CD‐68 expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyzes were performed to evaluate the presence of gap between the implant and the cover screw.

Results

As a result of our study, intensity of subepithelial inflammation between groups wasn't statistically different. Differences in CD‐68 and Syndecan‐1 levels were obtained at the lamina propria level. H score of CD‐68 was statistically significantly different in epithelium (p = 0.032), and H score of Syndecan‐1 was different in lamina propria (p = 0.022). There wasn't a statistically significant difference between the groups for Ki‐67 (p = 0.151).

Conclusion

Our study results indicate that in addition to the implant surface morphology, the design of the closure screws is important in the inflammatory response and epithelial maturation that develops during wound healing. Although the inflammatory response is required for healing, osteointegration, and implant survival, further investigation is needed to investigate the relationship between initial neck resorption and closure screws with radiographic and microbiological examinations.
Full endoscopic minimally invasive extraperitoneal modified Sugarbaker approach for para‐colostomy hernia repair: Technical aspects and 2‐year follow‐up results of a prospective cohort
Authors: Bellido‐Luque Juan , Bellido‐Luque Araceli , Gomez‐Rosado Juan Carlos , Gomez‐Menchero Julio , Suarez‐Grau Juan Manuel , Licardie Eugenio , Tejada‐Gomez Antonio , Navarro‐Morales Laura , Moreno‐Suero Francisco , Sanchez‐Matamoros Inmaculada , Capitán‐Morales Luis , Nogales Muñoz Angel , Morales‐Conde Salvador
Published: September 2023

Aim

This study aimed to assess technical aspects and clinical results of a new minimally invasive technique in parastomal hernia (PSH) repair, full endoscopic retromuscular access, after 2 years of follow‐up.

Methods

Data from consecutive patients requiring minimally invasive ventral PSH repair were collected from 2019 to 2022. The inclusion criteria were patients aged between 18 and 80 years old with symptomatic PSH. Demographics and perioperative and postoperative data were collected. Postoperative pain and functional recovery were compared with preoperative data.

Results

Twelve patients with symptomatic PSH were included. The mean PSH defect area was 16.2 cm2 and the mean midline defect was 8.7 cm2. No intra‐operative complications or conversion to open surgery were detected. One patient (8%) required postoperative readmission due to partial bowel obstruction symptoms that required catheterization of the stoma. Pain significantly worsened after the first postoperative day compared to preoperative data but improved after the first postoperative month compared to the first postoperative week and after the 90th postoperative day compared to the first postoperative month, with significant differences. Significant restriction improvement was identified when 30 days after surgery data were compared to preoperative data and when the 180th postoperative day results were compared to 30 days after surgery. The average follow‐up was 29 months. During the follow‐up no clinical or radiological recurrence was observed.

Conclusion

This paper shows low rate of intra‐ and postoperative complications with significant improvement in terms of pain activities restriction compared to preoperatory. After 29 months follow‐up, no recurrence was identified, confirming that this approach offers good mid‐term results.
LincRNA‐EPS inhibits caspase‐11 and NLRP3 inflammasomes in gingival fibroblasts to alleviate periodontal inflammation
Authors: Hu Anni , Xiao Fan , Wu Wenjing , Xu Huilin , Su Jiansheng
Published: September 2023

To investigate the effects of long intergenic noncoding RNA‐erythroid prosurvival (lincRNA‐EPS) on periodontal inflammation mediated by inflammasomes and to explore its mechanism. Experimental periodontitis was induced in KO (lincRNA‐EPS−/−) and WT (lincRNA‐EPS+/+) mice to compare the periodontal bone loss and inflammation by using micro‐computed tomography, immunofluorescence staining and haematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression and activation of cysteinyl aspartate‐specific proteinase‐11 (caspase‐11) and NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes, as well as nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) activation in mouse gingival fibroblasts (MGFs), were measured by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent and lactate dehydrogenase assays. MGFs were transfected with overexpression plasmids to assess the biological functions of lincRNA‐EPS. RNA pull‐down and immunoprecipitation experiments were performed to identify the interacting protein of lincRNA‐EPS. LincRNA‐EPS‐expressing lentivirus was locally administered to inflamed periodontal tissues to evaluate its salvage function in periodontitis. The absence of lincRNA‐EPS increased bone loss and expression of myeloperoxidase, interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) and IL‐1β in the inflammatory periodontium. LincRNA‐EPS KO MGFs exhibited increased expression and activation of caspase‐11/NLRP3 inflammasome components than WT MGFs under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The expression and activation of these molecules were inhibited in lincRNA‐EPS overexpressed MGFs. Mechanistically, lincRNA‐EPS directly bound to transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP43) in the nucleus of MGFs, and TDP43 knockdown exerted a similar inhibitory effect on NF‐κB activation and the inflammasomes as lincRNA‐EPS overexpression. Locally injecting lincRNA‐EPS‐expressing lentivirus weakened the periodontal damage. LincRNA‐EPS inhibits the LPS‐induced production and activation of caspase‐11 and NLRP3 inflammasomes by suppressing the activation of the NF‐κB signalling pathway via interacting with TDP43, thereby alleviating periodontitis.
Healthy lifestyle, lipoprotein (a) levels and the risk of coronary artery disease
Authors: Tada Hayato , Yamagami Kan , Sakata Kenji , Usui Soichiro , Kawashiri Masa‐aki , Takamura Masayuki
Published: September 2023

Background

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the role of healthy lifestyle against the risk of CAD with consideration of high Lp(a) levels remains unclear.

Methods

This study examined 4512 participants who underwent serum Lp(a) level assessment at Kanazawa University Hospital from 2008 to March 2016. Their lifestyle habits were examined based on four questionnaires regarding dietary pattern, exercise habits, smoking status and body weight. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the association between healthy lifestyle and CAD independent of Lp(a) levels.

Results

The Lp(a) levels were significantly associated with CAD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.17, p = 1.3 × 10−7 per 10 mg/dL). Under these circumstances, the lifestyle risk score was also significantly associated with CAD (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.12–1.36, p = 2.4 × 10−8). Compared with patients with a favourable lifestyle who have Lp(a) levels of <30 mg/dL, those with an intermediate or unfavourable lifestyle were at higher risk for CAD (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02–1.20, p = 0.003 and OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.16–1.54, p = 3.6 × 10−5, respectively). Further, patients with a favourable, intermediate or unfavourable lifestyle who have Lp(a) levels of ≥30 mg/dL were at high risk for CAD (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.08–1.34, p = 0.0014; OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.14–1.48, p = 1.2 × 10−4; and OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.44–2.18, p = 2.2 × 10−7, respectively).

Conclusions

Healthy lifestyle was associated with a lower risk of CAD regardless of Lp(a) levels.
Impact of the leaf‐mining jewel beetle Hedwigiella jureceki on two forms of cat's claw creeper, Dolichandra unguis‐cati
Authors: Rahman Md Mahbubur , Shi Boyang , Dhileepan Kunjithapatham
Published: September 2023

The impact assessment of a weed biocontrol agent offers insight into the potential of the agent and weed responses in long‐term weed management. The impact of the jewel beetle Hedwigiella jureceki Obenberger (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) and its first‐generation larvae on the long‐pod (LP) and short‐pod (SP) forms of cat's claw creeper, Dolichandra unguis‐cati (L.) L.G. Lohmann (Bignoniaceae) was studied by initiating one, two, or five pairs (male and female) of adults in a glasshouse experiment. With the higher density of adults, the number of leaves increased significantly, as did the numbers of dead leaves and larval mines, and the percentages of affected leaves (up to 40%), and damaged leaf areas (up to 60%). Plants with the five pairs of adults had fewer leaves and reduced dry weights (e.g., tuber biomass was reduced by 50.4–62.5%). Regardless of adult density, the dry weights of the leaves and tubers were lower in the SP form. Conversely, the LP form had fewer leaves (ca. 17% fewer) and slower shoot growth (mean ± SE = 46.3 ± 2.6 cm per week) than the SP form (66.5 ± 3.8 cm per week). However, the number of tubers was not affected by the plant form and adult density. Larval mines (262 ± 30), pupae (186 ± 17), and adults (144 ± 14) in LP form were higher than in SP form (243 ± 20, 167 ± 14, and 115 ± 11, respectively). Likewise, the average weight of adults that emerged on the LP form was higher. Therefore, H. jureceki impacted both LP and SP forms. The SP form showed a higher impact in terms of reduced tuber growth, and the LP form is anticipated to be harmed more in the long term as a higher number of H. jureceki offspring developed on it when competition for food was increased.
Human resources analytics in practice: A knowledge discovery process
Authors: Belizón María Jesús , Majarín Delia , Aguado David
Published: September 2023

Existing scholarship offers a comprehensive understanding of the concept and purposes of human resource analytics (HRA). However, how HRA is carried out in practice in organisations is still under‐researched. We examine the practice of HRA through a systematic review across three disciplines, namely, human resource management, business analytics and management information systems while using a process lens: the knowledge discovery process (KDD) model. A hundred and three high‐end quality manuscripts were analysed. Our findings show that the scope of HRA is expanding both in the use of HR and business data and certain sophisticated statistical techniques. However, much needs to be done to uncover the measurable impact of HRA on HR and business outcomes.
Evaluation of equi‐biaxial strength of thin sic coatings using ring‐on‐ring testing and digital image correlation
Authors: Iwamoto Sola , Kondo Sosuke , Katsui Hirokazu , Shimoda Kazuya , Yu Hao , Ogino Yasuyuki , Kasada Ryuta
Published: September 2023

To assess the strength of coatings under multi‐axial stress conditions, a method was developed to evaluate the biaxial strength of thin silicon carbide (SiC) coatings using a ring‐on‐ring test. A graphite substrate was used as an intermediary to transmit stress from the load ring to the coated specimen, and the thin coating was subjected to a uniform equi‐biaxial stress. The strain in the thin film was continuously monitored using digital image correlation, allowing the identification of the time at which and when the initial crack occurred; the stress applied to the loading area at time was determined to be the fracture strength of the thin SiC films. The obtained fracture strength ranged from 209 to 1014 MPa and was dependent on specimen volume. Notably, the thinnest specimen exhibited the highest strength, whereas the strengths of thicker specimens approached previously reported bulk strengths.