bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monetary policy and Islamic banks: a critical literature review
Authors: Savon Zakaria , Yousfi Abdellah
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to review to what extent Islamic banks carry conventional monetary policy impulses. Hence, the authors focus to review on the presence or absence of an Islamic financing channel.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic approach to the literature review was adopted. The search criterion is confined to empirical studies that examined the transmission of interest-based monetary policy through Islamic banks’ financing, particularly empirical studies that check the existence of an Islamic bank financing channel of conventional monetary policy. By adopting a systematic approach, over 40 empirical papers published in Scopus and Google Scholar were selected for review and analysis to suggest prospects for future analysis in this field.

Findings

The existence of Islamic banks may raise concerns for local central banks, particularly in terms of implementing monetary policies that rely on interest rates. Indeed, the specific nature of the business model of Islamic banks based on the sharing of losses and profits as an alternative to interest rate–based remuneration suggests a priori the non-transmission of monetary policy through these free-interest banks. Despite this, the actual asset structure of Islamic banks may facilitate the transmission of monetary impulses to the economy. Currently, there are limited and inconclusive empirical studies on how Islamic bank financing contributes to the transmission of monetary policy. Additional research is required to fully comprehend the response of Islamic banks to fluctuations in monetary policy interest rates, as well as the factors that impact their reactions.

Originality/value

This literature review is incredibly important as it thoroughly examines a critical issue from both academic and practical perspectives. Analyzing how monetary policy actions can be transmitted through Islamic bank financing is an important task that can provide insights for future research. A straightforward response to this inquiry could assist central banks in formulating effective monetary policy.
Assessing tax collection efficiency of G20 countries: an analysis of tax potential, tax evasion and anti-corruption efforts
Authors: Alqalawi Usama , Alwaked Ahmad , Al Qudah Anas
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the tax potential of G20 countries and estimate the tax revenue they could generate. The study evaluates the effectiveness of tax revenue collection for G20 nations from 2008 to 2020 and investigates the relationship between tax collection efficiency and tax evasion. The study also examines the link between tax collection efficiency and a proxy for tax evasion through anti-corruption efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

The study assumes that tax collection is a function of gross domestic product (GDP), population, imports and price level. The study uses a stochastic frontier analysis to calculate the efficiency of tax collection. It estimates the loss in total tax collection due to inefficiency by comparing actual and best-practice tax collection.

Findings

The findings indicate that anti-corruption measures and technological advancements positively impact tax collection efficiency. Great Britain is identified as the most efficient country in tax collection, whereas Saudi Arabia is the least efficient. Germany has the highest losses in tax collection due to inefficiency, while Australia experiences the lowest losses in tax collection.

Originality/value

This study suggests several practical implications. For example, legislators and policymakers should pay more attention to anti-corruption policies. Also, tax agenesis should focus on better understanding variations in tax collection efficiency between countries and how they relate to tax evasion.
Impact of workplace fun in a co-working space on office workers' creativity
Authors: Wu Xiaojun , Zhang Yinuo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Fun at workplace is considered an important initiative to build co-working communities, and this study aims to study its role in promoting the innovative behaviour of co-workers [members of co-working spaces (CWS)] and the mechanism of its influence.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the theory of social exchange and resource conservation, the authors conducted a qualitative study to explore the four dimensions of workplace fun and a quantitative study to empirically analyse the relationship between community embeddedness, organisational embeddedness, workplace fun and creativity of co-workers, taking K-space as an example.

Findings

Workplace fun is positively correlated with co-workers' creativity. Community embeddedness plays a complete mediating role between workplace fun and organisational embeddedness. Community embeddedness and organisational embeddedness play a chain-mediating role between workplace fun and creativity.

Originality/value

This study explores the process and impact of fun on employee creativity in a shared office environment by clarifying the composition of fun in CWS workplaces and the transmission mechanism of fun through informal community embeddedness and formal organisational embeddedness, expanding the research perspective on the factors influencing employee creativity in the new office model and enriching the research findings on the impact of fun at work on job performance.
Does state ownership mitigate political risk in foreign direct investments? Evidence from subsidiary-level data for Norwegian MNEs
Authors: Rygh Asmund , Knutsen Carl Henrik
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Recent international business research finds that state-owned multinational enterprises (SOMNEs) invest relatively more in politically risky host countries than do privately-owned multinational enterprises (MNEs). This study aims to investigate theoretically and empirically whether state ownership mitigates the impact of host-country political risk on subsidiary economic risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors link theoretical arguments on state ownership to arguments from non-market strategy literature to outline mechanisms whereby state ownership can buffer subsidiaries from political risk, weakening the link between host-country political risk and earnings volatility in subsidiaries. Using a data set on Norwegian MNEs’ foreign subsidiaries across almost two decades, the authors test this prediction using both matching methods and panel regressions.

Findings

While standard panel regressions provide empirical support only for the infrastructure sector and for the highest political risk contexts, nearest-neighbour matching models – comparing only otherwise similar private- and SOMNE subsidiaries using the full sample – reveal more general support for the political risk mitigation hypothesis.

Originality/value

The study presents the first comprehensive analysis of whether state ownership can mitigate the effect of political risk on subsidiary economic risk.
Patterns and determinants of aerated drinks consumption among adolescents in India: analysis of National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021) data
Authors: Jeena Baliyeri P , Kodali Prakash Babu , Longchar Wapangjungla , Hense Sibasis
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the consumption pattern of aerated drinks and examine its determinants among adolescents’ boys and girls (15–19 years) in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The fifth round of National Family Health Survey (2019-2021) data was examined applying sample weights. Pattern of consumption and its determinants was analysed separately for boys and girls using binary logistic regression and calculating adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at 95% confidence interval.

Findings

The daily, weekly and occasionally consumption of aerated drinks was 4.4%, 22.7%, 63% for boys and 2.9%, 14%, 70.8% for girls, respectively. Factors such as secondary/higher education [Boys AOR = 1.5, (1.2–1.9) (p= 0.001); Girls AOR = 1.2, (1.1–1.2) (p< 0.001)]; rich wealth index [Boys AOR = 1.8, (1.6–2.1) (p< 0.001); Girls AOR = 1.3, (1.3–1.4) (p< 0.001)]; fried food consumption [Boys AOR = 11.1, (9.5–12.9) (p< 0.001); Girls AOR = 11.5, (10.8–12.3) (p< 0.001)]; and watching television [Boys AOR = 1.5, (2.3–1.7) (p< 0.001); Girls AOR = 1.3, (1.3–1.4) (p< 0.001)] were found significant predictors of aerated drink consumption among adolescents.

Originality/value

The authors noted differences in consumption pattern between adolescents’ boys and girls. A shift to occasional consumption from weekly and daily was also observed. A further decrease in consumption may requires gender and region-specific health-promotion interventions. Rationalising sugar-sweetened beverages taxation adhering World Health Organisation’s recommendation to reduce affordability may be further researched in the Indian context. Furthermore, sale and consumption of traditional and locally available fruits, vegetables and healthy beverages may be warranted.
Insecurity and counter-banditry strategies of the affected communities in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ojedokun Usman Adekunle , Oyelade Olufikayo K. , Adenugba Adebimpe A. , Akanji Olajide O.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Banditry is a major social problem in Nigeria that has over time defied series of intervention measures introduced by the federal and state governments to address it. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the counter-banditry strategies of the affected communities in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was exploratory and cross-sectional in design. Situational criminal prevention theory was used as conceptual guide. Data were elicited from community leaders, community members and local security guards using in-depth interview, key-informant interview and focus group discussion methods.

Findings

The results showed that communities affected by banditry problem were adopting different internal and external interventions to combat the criminal act. Although the counter-banditry strategies of the affected communities have brought about a reduction in the occurrence of the criminal act, the problem is yet to be totally eliminated as people still get victimised.

Originality/value

This research expanded the frontiers of knowledge by focusing on the counter-banditry strategies of the communities affected by the problem of banditry and also suggested relevant practical steps that can be taken to further strengthen the existing security architectures in such locations.
Bank capital and risk relationship during COVID-19: a cross-country evidence
Authors: Thieu Nguyen Quang Thi , Anh Dao Le Trang , Gan Christopher
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between bank capital and bank risk during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

The study covers 20 countries during the period from Q4:2018 to Q4:2020, using different measurements of risk with consideration for the interrelationship between bank risk and bank capital and the impact of COVID-19.

Findings

The findings show that higher bank capital mitigates bank market risk and default risk; banks incur higher market risk during the COVID-19 period, and these risks are greater if banks have higher capital levels; and low-capitalized banks reduce risks more than well-capitalized banks, and moderately low-capitalized banks behave the most prudentially. These results are robust to different capital measures and model settings.

Practical implications

The research results are important in proving the motivation and practicality of capital regulation as well as the impact of COVID-19 as an exogenous shock to the bank’s operations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the relationship between bank capital and bank risk. In addition, while most of the studies on this nexus are based on the US data and the conclusions are inclusive; our results provide empirical cross-country evidences on the relationship between bank capital and bank risk.
Relation of antepartum stillbirth to birthweight and gestational age: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Papastefanou Ioannis , Ashoor Ghalia , Syngelaki Argyro , Akolekar Ranjit , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To investigate the incidence of antepartum stillbirth in relation to the distribution of neonatal/fetal weight for different gestational ages.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Obstetric ultrasound departments in two UK maternity hospitals.

Population

168 966 women with singleton pregnancies attending for routine antenatal care.

Methods

We examined the incidence of antepartum stillbirths, within different birthweight and fetal weight percentile subgroups, conditioning for gestational age.

Main outcome measures

Incidence of antepartum stillbirth.

Results

The risk of stillbirth progressively increased for lower birthweight. Considering the 25–75th percentile as the reference category, the relative risks for stillbirth at <37 weeks’ gestation were 7.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.7–10.2) <1st percentile, 2.6 (95% CI 1.8–3.7) 1 to 10th percentile, 1.4 (95% CI 0.9–2.1) 10 to 25th percentile, 0.8 (95% CI 0.4–1.5) 75 to 90th percentile, 0.8 (95% CI 0.4–1.7) 90 to 99th percentile, 0.9 (95% CI 0.3–2.5) >99th percentile. The respective values for births at ≥37 weeks’ gestation were 5.0 (95% CI 2.9–8.9), 2.1 (95% CI 1.4–3.3), 1.4 (95% CI 0.9–2.1), 1.2 (95% CI 0.7–1.8), 1.0 (95% CI 0.6–1.8) and 4.0 (95% CI 1.8–9.3). The incidence of stillbirth in ongoing low‐risk singleton pregnancies gradually increases for smaller fetuses at any gestational point. The higher incidence (5.56%) was evident for fetal weight <1st percentile between 24 and 28 weeks’ gestation.

Conclusion

Fetal weight and the weight of the stillborn have a continuous association with the incidence of antepartum stillbirth which is affected by gestational age.
Multiplex PCR assay for identifying five species of chigger mites in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Lee Hyeon Seung , Choi Kwang Shik
Published: September 2023

Chigger mites (Trombiculidae), which are known vectors of Orientia tsutsugamushi, have significantly fewer molecular data available than other known species, with a focus on morphological species identification rather than molecular species identification. However, chigger mites are easily damaged because of small size. In addition, natural variation and adult similarity would interrupt accurate classification and identification. Therefore, in this study, a multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of five frequently occurring species (Euschoengastia koreaensis, Leptotrombidium orientale, Leptotrombidium pallidum, Leptotrombidium palpale, and Leptotrombidium scutellare) among eight species known to mediate the spread of is presented. This is the first report using molecular species identification for the classification method of chigger mites, which was only possible with morphological species identification, and is expected to be used as basic data for vector surveillance.
SAPHO syndrome complicated by multiple venous thrombosis of left lower limb: A case report and literature review
Authors: Li Leqing , Du Mengmeng , Xu Heng , Hou Xiujuan , Li Chen
Published: September 2023

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is an uncommon clinical syndrome with the signs of skin problems and osteoarthropathy as its main features. The pathogenesis of SAPHO syndrome has not been fully elucidated, and multiple complications may be present, including thrombosis. A 39‐year‐old male patient was diagnosed with SAPHO syndrome, complicated by multiple venous thrombosis of the left lower limb. We conducted a brief review of the current available literature on thrombosis in patients with SAPHO syndrome and speculated that the presence of lower extremity thrombosis in this patient with SAPHO syndrome may be related to physiological structure or antiphospholipid syndrome. Whether positive lupus anticoagulant has an effect on thrombosis in patients with SAPHO syndrome remains to be investigated.
The real effects of transparency in crowdfunding
Authors: Nan Lin , Tang Chao , Wang Xin , Zhang Gaoqing
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we investigate the real effects of information transparency in crowdfunding markets. Our analysis shows that the crowdfunding market features an under‐implementation inefficiency, driven by two types of uncertainty that consumers face: fundamental uncertainty about the entrepreneur's implementation cost, and strategic uncertainty due to potential coordination failures among consumers. We find that when both fundamental and strategic uncertainties are present, eliminating the fundamental uncertainty alone by revealing the implementation cost does not necessarily improve efficiency. Surprisingly, from an ex ante perspective, greater transparency makes the coordination among crowdfunding consumers less efficient, which makes the under‐implementation problem even worse and thus impairs efficiency. Our findings send a message of caution against promoting greater transparency in the crowdfunding market.
Predict first–assemble later versus assemble first–predict later: Revisiting the dilemma for functional biogeography
Authors: Deschamps Gabrielle , Poggiato Giovanni , Brun Philipp , Galiez Clovis , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: September 2023

Predicting community‐level trait indices, such as community‐weighted mean or functional dispersion, in space or time, is crucial, as they are markers of ecosystem functions, proxies for ecosystem services, and are now integral part of conservation planning. On one hand, since members of a species share similar traits, a natural way is to model species distributions as a function of the environment first (i.e. with species distribution models), and then to reconstruct trait indices for any locality of interest (predict‐first). On the other hand, community‐level trait indices can be seen as the direct result of environmental filtering, and thus their distributions may directly be modelled in response to the environment (assemble‐first). Although relatively different, these two approaches have been used interchangeably in trait‐based ecology with unknown consequences on their usability.

Here, using plant community (4463 plots) and trait data (LNC, leaf nitrogen content; PLH, plant height; SLA, specific leaf area, for >800 species) covering the French Alps, we compared the two approaches to predict community mean and functional dispersion indices, accounting or not for abundance (CM, community mean; CWM, community weighted mean; FDis, functional dispersion; uFDis, unweighted functional dispersion). We tested both interpolation versus extrapolation capabilities of the two approaches. To support the empirical findings, we also run the same comparative analysis on simulated community data.

While both approaches produced similar and skillful CM/CWM predictions (R2 > 0.63 for CWM PLH) for interpolation, the assemble‐first outperformed the predict‐first approach for extrapolation to unobserved environmental conditions (R2 = 0.60 against 0.54 for CWM PLH). Functional dispersion was generally less well predicted, although the assemble‐first approach again provided better predictions for both interpolation (R2 = 0.31 against 0.27 for FDis PLH) and extrapolation (R2 = 0.28 against 0.18 for FDis PLH). The predict‐first approach systematically overestimated FDis. Results were confirmed by the simulation experiments.

We conclude that the direct modelling of community‐level indices provides more robust spatial predictions over space and time and should thus be preferred. This approach also does not suffer from having generally too many species predicted by the predict‐first approach.
Characterizing malpractice cases involving emergency department advanced practice providers, physicians in training, and attending physicians
Authors: Antkowiak Peter S. , Lai Shin‐Yi , Burke Ryan C. , Janes Margaret , Zawi Tarek , Shapiro Nathan I. , Rosen Carlo L.
Published: September 2023

Objective

The objective was to evaluate available characteristics and financial costs of malpractice cases among advanced practice providers (APPs; nurse practitioners [NPs] and physician assistants [PAs]), trainees (medical students, residents, fellows), and attending physicians.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of claims occurring in the emergency department (ED) from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019, contained in the Candello database. Cases were classified according to the provider type(s) involved: NP, PA, trainee, or cases that did not identify an extender as being substantially involved in the adverse event that resulted in the case (“no extender”).

Results

There were 5854 cases identified with a total gross indemnity paid of $1,007,879,346. Of these cases, 193 (3.3%) involved an NP, 513 (8.8%) involved a PA, 535 (9.1%) involved a trainee, and 4568 (78.0%) were no extender. Cases where a trainee was involved account for the highest average gross indemnity paid whereas no‐extender cases are the lowest. NP and PA cases differed by contributing factors compared to no‐extender cases: clinical judgment (NP 89.1% vs. no extender 76.8%, p < 0.0001; PA 84.6% vs. no extender, p < 0.0001), documentation (NP 23.3% vs. no extender 17.8%, p = 0.0489; PA 25.9% vs. no extender, p < 0.0001), and supervision (NP 22.3% vs. no extender 1.8%, p < 0.0001; PA 25.7% vs. no extender p < 0.0001). Cases involving NPs and PAs had a lower percentage of high‐severity cases such as loss of limb or death (NP 45.6% vs. no extender 50.2%, p = 0.0004; PA 48.3% vs. no extender, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

APPs and trainees comprise approximately 21% of malpractice cases and 33% of total gross indemnity paid in this large national ED data set. Understanding differences in characteristics of malpractice claims that occur in emergency care settings can be used to help to mitigate provider risk.
The mess in the middle: Portraying the unrecorded purposeful labors of care that emerge throughout multimodal ethnographic methods and researcher peer support
Authors: Newhouse Katie Scott , Cheng Stahl Catherine Y. , Gottesman‐Solomon Shoshana , Oliver Kyle M. , Von Joo Lucius
Published: September 2023

In this “Reflections from the Field,” we describe and interrogate our ongoing engagements with designing, conducting, and documenting multimodal field research as early‐career ethnographic education researchers. Our Multimodal Scholarship Working Group engages with content across media and multimodal methods to promote collaboration and support. This approach helps our community of emerging scholars develop their multimodal ethnographic research practices, allowing simultaneous input from diverse sources and fostering access, play, and experimentation throughout the research process. We argue that a peer support network is necessary for emerging and early‐career researchers as they prepare to enter the field of educational research, especially in an emerging subfield like multimodal ethnography.
Complications after surgical correction of penile fractures—Is there a clinical impact?
Authors: Costa Silva Alberto , Rodrigues Vasco , Martins Silva Carlos , Morgado Afonso
Published: September 2023

Background

Surgical exploration and closure of the tunica albuginea is the recommended treatment for penile fractures. The recovery of sexual function is the main result that surgeons and patients pursue.

Objective

We sought to evaluate the sexual health effects of a surgically corrected penile fracture. Secondarily, we sought to identify risk factors that may influence long‐term sexual function and their effects on genital body image satisfaction.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgical correction of penile fractures between 2007 and 2022 in a tertiary center was performed. Lesion characteristics, weeks until the resumption of sexual activity, and post‐operative sexual function were recorded. The presence of glans hypoesthesia, penile deformation, penile nodule palpation, and self‐satisfaction with body image were assessed.

Results

Sixty‐nine patients with a mean age of 42.30 ± 12.98 years and a median follow‐up of 70 (20–134) months were identified. Sexual intercourse was recorded as a percentage. Penile deformation was the most common complication, appearing in 14.5% of patients, erectile dysfunction in 5.8%, penile nodules in 4.3%, and glans hypoesthesia in 2.9%. The median post‐operative International Index of Erectile Function‐5 was 24 (21.5–24). Self‐satisfaction with body image had a median of 9 and was negatively associated with bilateral lesions and penile deformation.

Discussion and conclusion

Distal fractures could be linked to erectile dysfunction and glans hypoesthesia. Surgical correction of penile fractures shows positive functional and self‐reported outcomes, and the potential andrological complications rarely necessitate specific treatment.
A Reflection on Self‐disclosure1
Authors: Escandon Rodrigo Sanchez
Published: September 2023

The technical aspect of managing the analyst's emotional responses to a patient has changed over the years, from Freud's position (1910, 1912, 1915), stating that emotions are a sign of an incomplete analysis from the analyst, to the recognition of this emotion as a communication between patient and analyst by Bion (1954). This recognition led to the acknowledgment of their importance as a diagnostic tool, while avoiding disclosure by Heiman (1950) and King (1978). More recently, consideration in the ways we can interpret these feelings during the analysis has been study (Winnicott, 1947; Little 1951; Casement 1986; Ogden 2018). This paper, advocates for the disclosure of such feelings (self‐disclosure) mainly when they are of a positive nature and the patient has a history of neglect. Also, there is a reflection on the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. Finally, there is consideration of the difference between a patient's need and a patient's desire before such disclosures.
Upregulated SPAG6 correlates with increased STAT1 and is associated with reduced sensitivity of interferon‐α response in BCR::ABL1 negative myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Ding Li , Luo Jie , Du Juan , Zhao Beibei , Luo Jin , Pan Shirui , Zhang Linyi , Yan Xinyu , Li Junnan , Liu Lin
Published: September 2023

Sperm‐associated antigen 6 (SPAG6) has been identified as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in various types of human cancer. However, the role of SPAG6 in BCR::ABL1 negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) remains unclear. Herein, we found that SPAG6 was upregulated at the mRNA level in primary MPN cells and MPN‐derived leukemia cell lines. The SPAG6 protein was primarily located in the cytoplasm around the nucleus and positively correlated with β‐tubulin expression. In vitro, forced expression of SPAG6 increased cell clone formation and promoted G1 to S cell cycle progression. Downregulation of SPAG6 promoted apoptosis, reduced G1 to S phase transition, and impaired cell proliferation and cytokine release accompanied by downregulated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) expression. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of interferon‐α (INF‐α) on the primary MPN cells with high SPAG6 expression was decreased. Downregulation of SPAG6 enhanced STAT1 induction, thus enhancing the proapoptotic and cell cycle arrest effects of INF‐α both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, a decrease in SPAG6 protein expression was noted when the STAT1 signaling was blocked. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that STAT1 protein could bind to the SPAG6 promoter, while the dual‐luciferase reporter assay indicated that STAT1 could promote the expression of SPAG6. Our results substantiate the relationship between upregulated SPAG6, increased STAT1, and reduced sensitivity to INF‐α response in MPN.
Exploring the mechanism of Astragali radix for promoting osteogenic differentiation based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation
Authors: Tian Zenghui , Li Yingying , Wang Xiaoying , Cui Kaiying , Guo Jinxing , Wang Mingliang , Hao Yanke , Zhang Farong
Published: September 2023

The present study used network pharmacology and molecular docking to predict the active ingredients and mechanisms of action of Astragalus radix (AR) to promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs), and cell experiments were conducted for verification. First, network pharmacology was used to predict the effective components, targets, and mechanisms of action of AR to promote osteogenic differentiation. The effective components and corresponding target proteins of AR, and the target proteins of osteogenic differentiation were collected through the database. The intersection targets of the two were used for the construction and analysis of a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Gene Oncology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes, and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted. Next, molecular docking technology was carried out to verify the interaction between the active ingredient and the target protein, and to select the appropriate effective active ingredient. Finally, the results of network pharmacology analysis were verified by in vitro experiments. A total of 95 potential targets were retrieved by searching the intersection of AR and osteogenic differentiation targets. PPI network analysis indicated that RAC‐α‐serine‐threonine‐protein kinase (Akt1) was considered to be the most reliable target for AR to regulate osteogenic differentiation. GO enrichment analysis included 21 biological processes, 21 cellular components and 100 molecular functions. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the class I phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (PI3K)‐serine‐threonine kinase (Akt) signaling pathway may play an important role in promoting osteogenic differentiation. The results of molecular docking showed that quercetin's performance was improved compared with that of kaempferol. In vitro experiments showed that quercetin promoted the expression of osteogenic marker proteins (including collagen I, Runt‐related transcription factor 2 and osteopontin) in BMSCs and activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. AR acted on Akt1 targets through its main active component quercetin, and promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BM‐MSCs by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Long‐term health consequences of congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Pofi Riccardo , Ji Xiaochen , Krone Nils P. , Tomlinson Jeremy W.
Published: September 2023

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) caused by 21‐hydroxylase deficiency accounts for 95% of all CAH cases and is one of the most common inborn metabolic conditions. The introduction of life‐saving glucocorticoid replacement therapy 70 years ago has changed the perception of CAH from a paediatric disorder into a lifelong, chronic condition affecting patients of all age groups. Alongside health problems that can develop during the time of paediatric care, there is an emerging body of evidence suggesting an increased risk of developing co‐morbidities during adult life in patients with CAH. The mechanisms that drive the negative long‐term outcomes associated with CAH are complex and involve supraphysiological replacement therapies (glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids), excess adrenal androgens both in the intrauterine and postnatal life, elevated steroid precursors and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels. Alongside a review of mortality outcome, we discuss issues that need to be addressed when caring for the CAH patient including female and male fertility, cardio‐metabolic morbidity, bone health and other important long‐term outcomes of CAH.
Hemodynamic failure and graft dysfunction after lung transplant: A possible clinical continuum with immediate and long‐term consequences
Authors: Scaravilli Vittorio , Guzzardella Amedeo , Madotto Fabiana , Morlacchi Letizia Corinna , Bosone Marco , Bonetti Claudia , Musso Valeria , Rossetti Valeria , Russo Filippo Maria , Sorbo Lorenzo Del , Blasi Francesco , Nosotti Mario , Zanella Alberto , Grasselli Giacomo
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The postoperative hemodynamic management after lung transplant (LUTX) is guided by limited evidence. We aimed to describe and evaluate risk factors and outcomes of postoperative vasoactive support of LUTX recipients.

Methods

In a single‐center retrospective analysis of consecutive adult LUTX, two cohorts were identified: (1) patients needing prolonged vasoactive support (>12 h from ICU admission) (VASO+); (2) or not (VASO−). Postoperative hemodynamic characteristics were thoroughly analyzed. Risk factors and outcomes of VASO+ versus VASO− cohorts were assessed by multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐eight patients were included (86 (62%) VASO+ versus 52 (38%) VASO−). Vasopressors (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) were used in the first postoperative days (vasoactive inotropic score at 12 h: 6 [4–12]), while inodilators (dobutamine, levosimendan) later. Length of vasoactive support was 3 [2–4] days. Independent predictors of vasoactive use were: LUTX indication different from cystic fibrosis (p = .003), higher Oto score (p = .020), longer cold ischemia time (p = .031), but not preoperative cardiac catheterization. VASO+ patients showed concomitant hemodynamic and graft impairment, with longer mechanical ventilation (p = .010), higher primary graft dysfunction (PGD) grade at 72 h (PGD grade > 0 65% vs. 31%, p = .004, OR 4.2 [1.54–11.2]), longer ICU (p < .001) and hospital stay (p = .013). Levosimendan as a second‐line inodilator appeared safe.

Conclusions

Vasoactive support is frequently necessary after LUTX, especially in recipients of grafts of lesser quality. Postoperative hemodynamic dysfunction requiring vasopressor support and graft dysfunction may represent a clinical continuum with immediate and long‐term consequences. Further studies may elucidate if this represents a possible treatable condition.
Desmoplakin I/II immunohistochemical staining may be a helpful tool in differentiating cutaneous graft versus host disease from the erythema multiforme, Stevens–Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis spectrum disorders
Authors: Irwin Trent , Yeung Cecilia C. S. , Shinohara Michi M.
Published: September 2023

Cutaneous graft versus host disease (cGVHD) has substantial clinical and histopathologic overlap with erythema multiforme (EM), Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). This overlap can make it difficult to distinguish these disorders in patients who have received hematopoietic transplants. We sought to evaluate the utility of Dp I/II immunohistochemical stain in differentiating EM/SJS/TEN and cGVHD in a large cohort. Skin biopsy specimens from patients with cGVHD (n = 58) and EM/SJS/TEN (n = 60) were evaluated for Dp I/II expression by immunohistochemistry. We found a statistically significant difference in Dp I/II staining between cGVHD (all grades) and EM/SJS/TEN (mean scores 1.62 and 2.14, respectively; p < 0.005), as well as between Grades 2 + 3 cGVHD and EM/SJS/TEN (mean scores 2.26 and 1.62, respectively; p < 0.005), while we did not find a significant difference between Grade 4 cGVHD and EM/SJS/TEN (mean scores 1.69 and 1.62, respectively; p = 0.71). Dp I/II immunostain may be useful for differentiating EM/SJS/TEN from Grade 2 and Grade 3 cGVHD, especially in clinically ambiguous cases without extracutaneous GVHD.
Retinodural haemorrhage of infancy: Support for continuing current terminology and approaches
Authors: Frasier Lori
Published: September 2023

This commentary is on the invited review by Squier on pages 290–297 of this issue.
Neural dynamics underlying successful auditory short‐term memory performance
Authors: Pomper Ulrich , Curetti Lorenza Zaira , Chait Maria
Published: September 2023

Listeners often operate in complex acoustic environments, consisting of many concurrent sounds. Accurately encoding and maintaining such auditory objects in short‐term memory is crucial for communication and scene analysis. Yet, the neural underpinnings of successful auditory short‐term memory (ASTM) performance are currently not well understood. To elucidate this issue, we presented a novel, challenging auditory delayed match‐to‐sample task while recording MEG. Human participants listened to ‘scenes’ comprising three concurrent tone pip streams. The task was to indicate, after a delay, whether a probe stream was present in the just‐heard scene. We present three key findings: First, behavioural performance revealed faster responses in correct versus incorrect trials as well as in ‘probe present’ versus ‘probe absent’ trials, consistent with ASTM search. Second, successful compared with unsuccessful ASTM performance was associated with a significant enhancement of event‐related fields and oscillatory activity in the theta, alpha and beta frequency ranges. This extends previous findings of an overall increase of persistent activity during short‐term memory performance. Third, using distributed source modelling, we found these effects to be confined mostly to sensory areas during encoding, presumably related to ASTM contents per se. Parietal and frontal sources then became relevant during the maintenance stage, indicating that effective STM operation also relies on ongoing inhibitory processes suppressing task‐irrelevant information. In summary, our results deliver a detailed account of the neural patterns that differentiate successful from unsuccessful ASTM performance in the context of a complex, multi‐object auditory scene.
Home‐based exergaming to treat gait and balance disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease: A phase II randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nuic Dijana , van de Weijer Sjors , Cherif Saoussen , Skrzatek Anna , Zeeboer Eline , Olivier Claire , Corvol Jean‐Christophe , Foulon Pierre , Pastor Jénica Z. , Mercier Gregoire , Lau Brian , Bloem Bastiaan R. , De Vries Nienke M. , Welter Marie‐Laure
Published: September 2023

Background

Exergaming has been proposed to improve gait and balance disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. We aimed to assess the efficacy of a home‐based, tailored, exergaming training system designed for PD patients with dopa‐resistant gait and/or balance disorders in a controlled randomized trial.

Methods

We recruited PD patients with dopa‐resistant gait and/or balance disorders. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive 18 training sessions at home by playing a tailored exergame with full‐body movements using a motion capture system (Active group), or by playing the same game with the computer's keyboard (Control group). The primary endpoint was the between‐group difference in the Stand‐Walk‐Sit Test (SWST) duration change after training. Secondary outcomes included parkinsonian clinical scales, gait recordings, and safety.

Results

Fifty PD patients were enrolled and randomized. After training, no significant difference in SWST change was found between groups (mean change SWST duration [SD] −3.71 [18.06] s after Active versus −0.71 [3.41] s after Control training, p = 0.61). Some 32% of patients in the Active and 8% in the Control group were considered responders to the training program (e.g., SWST duration change ≥2 s, p = 0.03). The clinical severity of gait and balance disorders also significantly decreased after Active training, with a between‐group difference in favor of the Active training (p = 0.0082). Home‐based training induced no serious adverse events.

Conclusions

Home‐based training using a tailored exergame can be performed safely by PD patients and could improve gait and balance disorders. Future research is needed to investigate the potential of exergaming.
Abrupt permafrost thaw drives spatially heterogeneous soil moisture and carbon dioxide fluxes in upland tundra
Authors: Rodenhizer Heidi , Natali Susan M. , Mauritz Marguerite , Taylor Meghan A. , Celis Gerardo , Kadej Stephanie , Kelley Allison K. , Lathrop Emma R. , Ledman Justin , Pegoraro Elaine F. , Salmon Verity G. , Schädel Christina , See Craig , Webb Elizabeth E. , Schuur Edward A. G.
Published: September 2023

Permafrost thaw causes the seasonally thawed active layer to deepen, causing the Arctic to shift toward carbon release as soil organic matter becomes susceptible to decomposition. Ground subsidence initiated by ice loss can cause these soils to collapse abruptly, rapidly shifting soil moisture as microtopography changes and also accelerating carbon and nutrient mobilization. The uncertainty of soil moisture trajectories during thaw makes it difficult to predict the role of abrupt thaw in suppressing or exacerbating carbon losses. In this study, we investigated the role of shifting soil moisture conditions on carbon dioxide fluxes during a 13‐year permafrost warming experiment that exhibited abrupt thaw. Warming deepened the active layer differentially across treatments, leading to variable rates of subsidence and formation of thermokarst depressions. In turn, differential subsidence caused a gradient of moisture conditions, with some plots becoming consistently inundated with water within thermokarst depressions and others exhibiting generally dry, but more variable soil moisture conditions outside of thermokarst depressions. Experimentally induced permafrost thaw initially drove increasing rates of growing season gross primary productivity (GPP), ecosystem respiration (Reco), and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) (higher carbon uptake), but the formation of thermokarst depressions began to reverse this trend with a high level of spatial heterogeneity. Plots that subsided at the slowest rate stayed relatively dry and supported higher CO2 fluxes throughout the 13‐year experiment, while plots that subsided very rapidly into the center of a thermokarst feature became consistently wet and experienced a rapid decline in growing season GPP, Reco, and NEE (lower carbon uptake or carbon release). These findings indicate that Earth system models, which do not simulate subsidence and often predict drier active layer conditions, likely overestimate net growing season carbon uptake in abruptly thawing landscapes.
Accelerated organic matter decomposition in thermokarst lakes upon carbon and phosphorus inputs
Authors: Li Ziliang , Xu Weijie , Kang Luyao , Kuzyakov Yakov , Chen Leiyi , He Mei , Liu Futing , Zhang Dianye , Zhou Wei , Liu Xuning , Yang Yuanhe
Published: September 2023

Mineralization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in thermokarst lakes plays a non‐negligible role in the permafrost carbon (C) cycle, but remains poorly understood due to its complex interactions with external C and nutrient inputs (i.e., aquatic priming and nutrient effects). Based on large‐scale lake sampling and laboratory incubations, in combination with 13C‐stable‐isotope labeling, optical spectroscopy, and high‐throughput sequencing, we examined large‐scale patterns and dominant drivers of priming and nutrient effects of DOM biodegradation across 30 thermokarst lakes along a 1100‐km transect on the Tibetan Plateau. We observed that labile C and phosphorus (P) rather than nitrogen (N) inputs stimulated DOM biodegradation, with the priming and P effects being 172% and 451% over unamended control, respectively. We also detected significant interactive effects of labile C and nutrient supply on DOM biodegradation, with the combined labile C and nutrient additions inducing stronger microbial mineralization than C or nutrient treatment alone, illustrating that microbial activity in alpine thermokarst lakes is co‐limited by both C and nutrients. We further found that the aquatic priming was mainly driven by DOM quality, with the priming intensity increasing with DOM recalcitrance, reflecting the limitation of external C as energy sources for microbial activity. Greater priming intensity was also associated with higher community‐level ribosomal RNA gene operon (rrn) copy number and bacterial diversity as well as increased background soluble reactive P concentration. In contrast, the P effect decreased with DOM recalcitrance as well as with background soluble reactive P and ammonium concentrations, revealing the declining importance of P availability in mediating DOM biodegradation with enhanced C limitation but reduced nutrient limitation. Overall, the stimulation of external C and P inputs on DOM biodegradation in thermokarst lakes would amplify C‐climate feedback in this alpine permafrost region.
Association between clinician specialty and prescription of preventive medication for young adults with migraine: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shapiro Hannah F. J. , Loder Elizabeth , Shapiro Daniel J.
Published: September 2023

Objective

We aimed to compare the prescribing patterns of preventive medications between pediatric and adult neurologists for young adults with migraine.

Background

Although preventive medications are effective for adults with migraine, studies in children have failed to demonstrate similar efficacy. As a result, lifestyle modifications and non‐pharmacological interventions are often emphasized in children. It is not known whether young adults are prescribed preventive medications at different rates according to whether they are cared for by an adult or pediatric neurologist.

Methods

We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort analysis of patients with migraine aged 18–25 years who were seen by a pediatric or adult neurologist at Mass General Brigham Hospital between 2017 and 2021. The primary outcome was whether the patient received a prescription for any preventive medication during the study period.

Results

Among the 767 included patients, 290 (37.8%) were seen by a pediatric neurologist. Preventive medications were prescribed for 131/290 (45.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 39.5%, 51.0%) patients seen by a pediatric neurologist and 206/477 (43.2%; 95% CI: 39.0%, 47.7%) patients seen by an adult neurologist (p = 0.591). In the mixed effects logistic regression model, clinician specialty was not associated with preventive medication use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.20, 95% CI: 0.62, 2.31). Female sex (AOR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.66) and number of visits during the study period (AOR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.49, 1.80) were associated with receiving preventive medication.

Conclusion

Approximately two fifths of young adults with migraine were prescribed preventive medications, and this proportion did not differ according to clinician specialty. Although these findings suggest that pediatric and adult neurologists provide comparable care, both specialties may be underusing preventive medications in this patient population.