bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motives of the self and brand hate
Authors: Sharma Isha , Jain Kokil , Behl Abhishek
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Consumer–brand relationship literature has seen a recent surge of work on the concept of brand hate. Considering that hate is not easily acknowledged, it is challenging to uncover the psychological mechanisms that underpin its development. Using the concept of “self” as over-arching theory, this study aims to uncover consumers’ psychological triggers for hating a brand by providing contextualized perspectives from the informants.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use an interpretive approach focused on exploring the role of self in explaining the development of brand hate. Data is collected through 25 in-depth interviews and inductively analysed using the NVivo 12.

Findings

The findings of the study align with the motivational perspective of hate discussed in psychology literature. Six psychological strategies (coping, moral consciousness, ego defense, self-esteem protection, power reinstatement, and self-concept strengthening) cater to three motives of the self (self-preservation, self-defense, and self-enhancement).

Originality/value

The current study uses an interdisciplinary approach and draws perspectives from psychology, sociology and interpersonal relationship theories to study consumer brand hate. It uncovers the subconscious mechanisms that lead to the germination of brand hate and provides answers to unexplained and missing pieces in the existing literature. In particular, it offers a detailed perspective on how self-related motives can explain the psychology of brand hate.
Servant leadership in relation to organizational justice and workplace deviance in public hospitals
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Jan Azeem
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Leadership literature has identified that the servant leadership style can reduce employee negative work outcomes, even in challenging work environments like the health-care sector as nurses play an important role in the performance of a hospital. That is why, the efficiency and effectiveness of the nurses are believed to be directly linked to improved health benefits to the public. So, this study aims to investigate the inter-relationship between servant leadership, organizational justice and workplace deviance of nurses in public sector hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administrated questionnaire using a drop-and-collect method was used for collecting the data from nurses working in the public sector hospitals of Pakistan using a convenient sampling technique. In total, 370 questionnaires were distributed among the nursing staff, of which 201 completed and usable questionnaires were returned and used for data analysis. Further, the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach is used in this study using SmartPLS version 3 software to test the hypothesized model and determine the direct and indirect effects.

Findings

Results showed a negative relationship between servant leadership and workplace deviance, positive relationship between servant leadership and organizational justice, negative relationship between organizational justice and workplace deviance and that organizational justice mediates in the relationship between servant leadership and workplace deviance.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable recommendations and practical implications to address the nurses’ deviant workplace behaviors in the public sector hospitals of Pakistan.

Originality/value

This study is novel as it shows the significance of servant leadership behavior which has the ability to positively influence organizational justice perception leading to less likelihood of the emergence of nurses’ deviant workplace behavior, specifically in the context of public sector hospitals of Pakistan.
The actuation performance of a piezoelectric laminated plate actuator via Galerkin method
Authors: Mao Chenyang , Zhou Bo , Xue Shifeng
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Piezoelectric materials are widely used as actuators, due to the advantages of quick response, high sensitivity and linear strain-electric field relationship. The previous work on the piezoelectric material plate structures is not enough; however, such structures play a very important role in the practical design. In this paper, the actuation performance of piezoelectric laminated plate actuator (PLPA) is analyzed based on Galerkin method to parametric study the shape control.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the actuation performance of PLPA is analyzed based on Galerkin method to parametric study the shape control. The stress components of the matrix plate are formulated based on electro-mechanical coupling theory and Kirchhoff's classical laminated plate theory. The effectiveness of the developed method is validated by the comparison with finite element method.

Findings

The actuation performance of PLPA and its influencing factors are numerically analyzed through the developed method. The deflection of PLPA is reasonably increased by optimizing the electric fields, the piezoelectric patch and the matrix plate.

Originality/value

The Galerkin method can be used for engineering applications more easily, and it does not require to rebuild the calculation model as finite element method during the calculation and analysis of PLPA. This paper is a valuable reference for the design and analysis of PLPAs.
Machine learning for conservation of architectural heritage
Authors: Karadag İlker
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Accurate documentation of damaged or destroyed historical buildings to protect cultural heritage has been on the agenda of architecture for many years. In that sense, this study uses machine learning (ML) to predict missing/damaged parts of historical buildings within the scope of early ottoman tombs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses conditional generative adversarial networks (cGANs), a subset of ML to predict missing/damaged parts of historical buildings within the scope of early Ottoman tombs. This paper discusses that using GAN as a ML framework is an efficient method for estimating missing/damaged parts of historical buildings. The study uses the plan drawings of nearly 200 historical buildings, which were prepared one by one as a data set for the ML process.

Findings

The study contributes to the field by (1) generating a mixed methodological framework, (2) validating the effectiveness of the proposed framework in the restitution of historical buildings and (3) assessing the contextual dependency of the generated data. The paper provides insights into how ML can be used in the conservation of architectural heritage. It suggests that using a comprehensive data set in the process can be highly effective in getting successful results. The findings of the research will be a reference for new studies on the conservation of cultural heritage with ML and will make a significant contribution to the literature.

Research limitations/implications

A reliable outcome has been obtained concerning the interpretation of documented data and the generation of missing data at the macro level. The framework is remarkably effective when it comes to the identification and re-generation of missing architectural components like walls, domes, windows, doors, etc. on a macro level without details. On the other hand, the proposed methodological framework is not ready for advanced steps of restitution since every case of architectural heritage is very detailed and unique. Therefore, the proposed framework for re-generation of missing components of heritage buildings is limited by the basic geometrical form which means the architectural details of the mentioned components including ornaments, materials, identification of construction layers, etc. are not covered.

Originality/value

The generic literature as to ML models used in architecture mostly constitutes design exploration and floor plan/urban layout generation. More specific studies in the conservation of architectural heritage by using ML mostly focus on architectural component recognition over 3D point cloud data (1) or superficial damage detection of heritage buildings (2). However, we propose a mixed methodological framework for the interpretation of documented architectural data and the regeneration of missing parts of historical buildings. In addition, the methodology and the results of this paper constitute a guide for further research on ML and consequently contribute to architects in the early phases of restitution.
Building an ecosystem brand
Authors: Krippendorff Kaihan
Published: September 2022

Purpose

At Haier, one of the world’s largest suppliers of kitchen appliances, an initiative successfully transformed a culinary innovation into a novel ?ecosystem brand? ? a rapidly emerging economic model that is disrupting industries from entertainment and electronics to aviation and IT.

Design Methodology Approach

In addition to attracting and engaging users/ customers and employees, the brand must now be effective with a third stakeholder group: ecosystem partners.

Findings

Without a brand that attracts ecosystem partners an ecosystem will not exist.

Practical Implications

Ecosystems use a variety of mechanisms and processes to encourage adherence to a consistent brand.

Originality Value

Because ecosystem companies can continuously customize their offering by configuring the individual value of ecosystem partners in new ways they can compete. in a new way
Share and embrace demographic and location diversity: Creating an Instagram‐based inclusive online learning community
Authors: Zhu Wangda , Hua Ying , Zhu Gaoxia , Wang Luping
Published: September 2022

It is critical to create an inclusive online learning environment for students with diverse demographic information studying in different environments, especially during the COVID‐19 pandemic when they are disconnected from peers. Guided to create an inclusive online learning community by situated learning theory and community of practice, both of which advocate learning in context and community, we invited 115 undergraduate students to post photos related to environmental psychology concepts and their surrounding environments and discussed their postings on Instagram over eight weeks. To understand the inclusiveness of the community and students' perception, we collected their posts by searching designated hashtags and interviewed representatives of participants using a stratified sampling strategy. Through network analysis of 272 posts and qualitative analysis of 22 in‐depth interviews, we found that when participants shared and discussed their surroundings and environmental psychology concepts on Instagram, their learning community was inclusive regarding gender, ethnicity, and program. Student participants' centrality and influence were more relevant to whether and how they expressed their identities in the community through posts. We further discuss how our findings could inform to create inclusive and active communities in the future.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic?

The definition of inclusive education extends to diversity and accessibility.

Social media can support online learning communities.

What this paper adds?

It explores the inclusiveness of an Instagram‐based learning community using network analysis.

It suggests expressing identities in a learning community helps promote inclusiveness.

Implications of this study for practice and/or policy

It provides information to education practitioners that will help them create inclusive and active communities through social media.

It explores the possibility of analysing the inclusiveness of a learning community through social network analysis.
Exploring proteomic plasma biomarkers in eosinophilic and neutrophilic asthma
Authors: Kere Maura , Klevebro Susanna , Hernandez‐Pacheco Natalia , Ödling Maria , Ekström Sandra , Mogensen Ida , Janson Christer , Palmberg Lena , van Hage Marianne , Georgelis Antonios , Bergström Anna , Kull Inger , Melén Erik , Björkander Sophia
Published: September 2022

Background

Few biomarkers identify eosinophilic and neutrophilic asthma beyond cell concentrations in blood or sputum. Finding novel biomarkers for asthma endotypes could give insight about disease mechanisms and guide tailored treatment. Our aim was to investigate clinical characteristics and inflammation‐related plasma proteins in relation to blood eosinophil and neutrophil concentrations in subjects with and without asthma.

Methods

We included 24–26‐year‐old subjects (n = 2063) from the Swedish population‐based cohort BAMSE. Subjects with asthma (n = 239) and without asthma (n = 1824) were subdivided based on blood eosinophil and neutrophil concentrations (cut‐offs 0.3 × 109/L and 5.0 × 109/L, respectively). We measured the levels of 92 plasma proteins using Olink Proseek Multiplex Inflammation Panel Assay. Group statistics tests were used to analyse the data, as well as adjusted multiple logistic regression models.

Results

Among subjects with asthma, 21.8% had eosinophilic asthma and 20.5% neutrophilic asthma. Eosinophilic asthma, but not neutrophilic asthma, was associated with a distinct clinical phenotype with, for example, higher proportions of eczema and sensitization. Most plasma proteins that associated with high eosinophil and/or neutrophil blood concentrations in subjects with asthma showed similar associations in subjects without asthma. However, out of these proteins, MMP10 levels were associated with eosinophilic asthma and were significantly higher as compared to controls with high eosinophilic concentration, while CCL4 levels associated with high neutrophil concentration only in subjects with asthma.

Conclusions

Eosinophilic asthma was associated with a clear clinical phenotype. With our definitions, we identified MMP10 as a possible plasma biomarker for eosinophilic asthma and CCL4 was linked to neutrophilic asthma. These proteins should be evaluated further in clinical settings and using sputum granulocytes to define the asthma endotypes.
Analysing sinonasal microbiota of fungal rhinosinusitis by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Huang Yu‐Wen , Wang Wei‐Hsin , Lan Ming‐Ying
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Fungal rhinosinusitis is an inflammatory disease of the nose that may lead to life‐threatening complications. This study compared the bacterial and fungal microbiomes between patients with invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFRS) and non‐IFRS (NIFRS).

Design

This was a prospective study including 18 IFRS and NIFRS patients. Fungal and bacterial microbiomes from surgical specimens were sequenced from amplicons of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region and the V3–V4 region of the 16S locus, respectively. Microbiomes were generated using the Illumina MiSeq System 2 x 301 base pair chemistry with a paired‐end protocol.

Setting

Tertiary medical centre.

Results

Targeted metagenomics identified Aspergillus spp. as the predominant fungus in both IFRS and NIFRS patients. Based on phylum and genera level diversity, and abundance differences, significant differences of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (Fusobacterium, Prevotella, Pseudomonas, Neisseria and Streptococcus) were more abundant in NIFRS compared with IFRS patients.

Conclusions

This is the first study to analyse bacterial and fungal microbiomes in patients with IFRS and NIFRS via ITS1 and 16S genomics sequencing. Bacterial microbiomes from patients with IFRS demonstrated dysbiosis (alterations in diversity and abundance) compared to those from patients with NIFRS.
Endoscopy and MRI for restaging early rectal cancer after neoadjuvant treatment
Authors: Stijns Rutger C. H. , Leijtens Jeroen , de Graaf Eelco , Bach Simon P. , Beets Geerard , Bremers Andre J. A. , Beets‐Tan Regina G. H. , de Wilt Johannes H. W.
Published: September 2022

Aim

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has great potential to downstage rectal cancer. Response assessment has been investigated in locally advanced rectal cancer but not in early stage rectal cancer. The aim is to characterize the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy performed by surgical endoscopists compared to (diffusion‐weighted, DWI) MRI only and a multimodal approach combining (DWI‐)MRI and endoscopic information both analysed by an abdominal radiologist for response assessment in early rectal cancer after neoadjuvant CRT.

Materials and methods

Patients treated with neoadjuvant CRT for early distal rectal cancer (cT1–3 N0) followed by transanal endoscopic microsurgery were included. Three separate reassessment groups were analysed for response assessment using endoscopic evaluation alone versus (DWI‐)MRI alone versus the combination of endoscopy with (DWI‐)MRI with a focus on sensitivity and specificity and analysis using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Three cohorts (N = 36, N = 25 and N = 25, respectively) were analysed for response assessment. Of the endoscopy cohort, 16 of the 36 patients had a complete response. Area under the curve was 0.69 (0.66–0.74; pooled sensitivity 55.3%, pooled specificity 80.0%). Agreement for scoring separate endoscopic features was poor to moderate. Of the (DWI‐)MRI cohort, 11 of the 25 patients had a complete response. Area under the curve for (DWI‐)MRI alone was 0.55 (sensitivity 72.7%, specificity 42.9%). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve improved to 0.68 (sensitivity 90.9%, specificity 75.0%) when (DWI‐)MRI was combined with endoscopic information, with 11 out of 25 patients with a complete response. The most accurate response assessment was made by combining endoscopy and (DWI‐)MRI with a high negative predictive value (90.9%).

Conclusion

Good and complete responders after chemoradiation of early stage rectal cancer can be best assessed using a multimodality approach combining endoscopy and (DWI‐)MRI.
Mitochondrial DNA mediates immunoparalysis of dendritic cells in sepsis via STING signalling
Authors: Tu Qing , Li Yi , Zhu Jiali , Guo Long , Liu Chenchen , Liu Lu , Yuan Yuan , Zou Yun , Chen Feng , Yao Liangfang , Li Jinbao
Published: September 2022

Background

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a potent activator for pro‐inflammatory response. Dendritic cells (DCs) are immunosuppressed in sepsis, whether mtDNA mediates immunoparalysis in sepsis remains unknown.

Methods

The mRNAs were assessed by qPCR. Flow cytometry was used to measure the expression of costimulatory molecules and the proliferation of CD4+ T cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyse the expression of proteins. Cytokine secretion was detected by ELISA. Histology of lung tissue was used to assess the inflammatory injury.

Results

Lipopolysaccharide‐induced endotoxemia increased plasma mtDNA levels and immunoparalysis of spleen DCs, while hydrolysing mtDNA reversed immunoparalysis of spleen DCs in vivo. Moreover, cytoplasmic mtDNA of DCs was accumulated in endotoxemia and sepsis. mtDNA transfection into bone marrow‐derived DCs (BMDCs) inhibited the expression of costimulatory molecules (e.g., CD40, CD80 and CD86) and the release of IL‐12p70, while increasing the secretion of IL‐10. Cytoplasmic mtDNA also inhibited the ability of BMDCs to promote the proliferation of CD4+ T cells. Mechanistic analysis revealed that STING signalling was required for mtDNA‐mediated immunoparalysis of DCs in vivo and in vitro. Further studies showed deletion of STING reversed mtDNA‐mediated immunoparalysis of DCs and improved the prognosis of endotoxemia and sepsis.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that mtDNA promotes immunoparalysis of DCs, and contributes to sepsis‐associated immunosuppression by activating STING signalling. Our study may provide new insights to elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of immunosuppressive DCs in sepsis.
Mendelian randomization identifies age at menarche as an independent causal effect factor for gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lu Likui , Wan Bangbei , Sun Miao
Published: September 2022

Aims

The relationship between age at menarche (AAM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk is still inconclusive. This Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to assess systematically the causal relationship between AAM and GDM risk in human beings.

Materials and Methods

Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms associated with AAM, oestradiol levels, sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) levels and bioavailable testosterone (BioT) levels were screened via the genome‐wide association study enrolling individuals of European descent. Summary‐level data for GDM (123 579 individuals) were extracted from the UK Biobank. An inverse‐variance‐weighted method was used for the primary MR analysis. Sensitivity analyses were examined via MR‐Egger regression, heterogeneity tests, pleiotropy tests and leave‐one‐out tests. The directionality that exposure causes the outcome was verified using the MR‐Steiger test.

Results

Genetically predicted early AAM was found to have a causal positive association with a higher risk of GDM (odds ratio = 0.798, 95% confidence interval = 0.649‐0.980, p = .031). In the multivariable MR analysis adjusted for oestradiol, SHBG and BioT levels, the causal association between AAM and GDM risk remained (odds ratio = 0.651, 95% confidence interval = 0.481‐0.881, p = .006). A 1‐SD increase in SHBG or BioT levels was significantly associated with a 41.4% decrease or 20.8% increase in the overall GDM risk (p = 3.71E‐05 and .040), respectively. However, after controlling for AAM, oestradiol levels and BioT levels by multivariable MR analysis, there was no direct causal effect of SHBG levels on GDM risk (p = .084). Similarly, after adjusting for AAM, oestradiol levels and SHBG levels by multivariable MR analysis, there was no direct causal effect of BioT levels on the risk of GDM (p = .533). In addition, no direct causal association was identified between oestradiol levels and GDM risk in univariable MR analysis or multivariable MR analysis.

Conclusion

Genetic variants predisposing individuals to early AAM were independently associated with higher GDM risk. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms underlying this putative causative association. In addition, AAM may be helpful in clinical practice to identify women at risk for GDM; pregnant women who are young for menarche may need to take precautions before GDM develops.
Multiaxial fatigue life prediction by equivalent energy‐based critical plane damage parameter under variable amplitude loading
Authors: Tao Zhi‐Qiang , Qian Guian , Sun Jingyu , Zhang Zi‐Ling , Hong Youshi
Published: September 2022

A new path‐independent multiaxial fatigue damage parameter
, which is defined as the largest normal stress range between adjacent turning points of the maximum shear stress on the critical plane, is proposed to describe multiaxial fatigue damage. By combining the maximum normal stress
or the largest normal stress range
with the maximum shear stress range on the critical plane, two axial equivalent stress modification factors,
and
, are proposed, which can account for the influence of non‐proportional additional hardening. The sensitivity of the proposed axial equivalent stress modification factors to multiaxial variable amplitude loading sequences is analyzed. Furthermore, two new multiaxial fatigue damage models based on the axial equivalent stress modification factors are proposed to estimate fatigue life. The applicability of the presented methodology was verified by the experimental data of En15R steel and 7050‐T7451 aluminum alloy, and the results showed that the predicted fatigue lifetimes agree well with the experimental data under variable amplitude multiaxial loading.
Worldwide impacts of landscape anthropization on mosquito abundance and diversity: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Perrin Antoine , Glaizot Olivier , Christe Philippe
Published: September 2022

In recent decades, the emergence and resurgence of vector‐borne diseases have been well documented worldwide, especially in tropical regions where protection and defense tools for human populations are still very limited. In this context, the dynamics of pathogens are influenced by landscape anthropization (i.e., urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural development), and one of the mechanisms through which this occurs is a change in the abundance and/or diversity of the vectors. An increasing number of empirical studies have described heterogeneous effects of landscape anthropization on vector communities; therefore, it is difficult to have an overall picture of these effects on a global scale. Here, we performed a meta‐analysis to quantify the impacts of landscape anthropization on a global scale on the presence/abundance and diversity of mosquitoes, the most important arthropods affecting human health. We obtained 338 effect sizes on 132 mosquito species, compiled from 107 studies in 52 countries that covered almost every part of the world. The results of the meta‐analysis showed an overall decline of mosquito presence/abundance and diversity in response to urbanization, deforestation, and agricultural development, except for a few mosquito species that have been able to exploit landscape anthropization well. Our results highlighted that these few favored mosquito species are those of global concern. They, thus, provide a better understanding of the overall effect of landscape anthropization on vector communities and, more importantly, suggest a greater risk of emergence and transmission of vector‐borne diseases in human‐modified landscapes.
A 16S rRNA amplicon approach to the structural and functional diversity of bacterial communities associated with horse gram crop for drought mitigation and sustainable productivity
Authors: Evangilene Shirley , Uthandi Sivakumar
Published: September 2022

Aim

In this study, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analyses were performed to determine the diversity of the bacterial community present in the soil, rhizosphere region, root nodules and seeds of the horse gram plant.

Methods and Results

We observed the dominance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes and Gemmatimonadetes across all four domains of the horse gram plant. For community analyses, the significance of the alpha diversity was estimated using the Shannon index, Simpson index and Chao1 index, which revealed no significant difference among the samples. However, the estimation of the beta diversity indicated a significant difference among the samples, with p < 0.001 and R2 = 1. A strong positive correlation was found between the rhizosphere and root nodule samples. Comparative genomics of the 16S rRNA gene showed that ammonium-oxidizing metabolism (amoA), nitrite-reducing metabolism (nirK) and nitrogen-fixing metabolism (nifH) were prominent mechanisms in all samples. The genes involved in the biosynthesis of amino acids, purine metabolism and nitrogen metabolism were identified as the key genes associated with the functional traits of microbial domains in horse gram.

Conclusion

The culturable microbes associated with horse gram can be used as a substitute for synthetic fertilizers to maintain soil fertility and ecological health in agricultural practices.

Significance and Impact of the study

Determining the survival strategies of bacterial communities that positively respond to multiple gate selection helps in understanding the structural diversity and functional traits primarily focused on the development of beneficial microbial consortium for promoting plant growth.
Agency and vulnerability in the field of immigration law: a linguistic‐ethnographic perspective on lawyer–client interaction
Authors: JACOBS MARIE , MARYNS KATRIJN
Published: September 2022

Migrants are often perceived as a group of vulnerable victims, especially within a legal context such as the one in this study: lawyer–client consultations in the field of immigration law. The literature describes how institutional limitations often translate into asymmetric lawyer–client dynamics. The linguistic‐ethnographic data gathered for this study shows, however, that the reality is more complex. In operationalizing the concept of agency, this study focuses on the dynamic‐relational nature of power differences, which implies a move away from the binary conceptualization of structure and agency. The ethnographic lens helps to unpack agency and reveals a picture of strategic behaviour that is contextually embedded and multi‐layered. In this light, the performance of agency and vulnerability is shown to be (1) interactionally achieved, (2) indicative of an awareness of macro‐level processes, and (3) reflective of the philosophy behind the authorities’ migration management.
Dialecticism in romantic relationships: An examination in Chinese and American cultural contexts
Authors: Lam Ben C. P. , Cross Susan E. , Chen Sylvia Xiaohua , Au Algae K. Y. , Ng Jacky C. K. , Zhang Jin‐lin , Zheng Li‐jun
Published: September 2022

The cultural theory of naïve dialecticism, denoting Chinese lay beliefs about expectation of change and tolerance of contradiction, was employed to examine Chinese and European Americans' representation and evaluation of their romantic partners and relationships across three studies. We found that Chinese were more likely than Euro‐Americans to spontaneously describe their partners with contradictory attributes (Study 1). While Chinese and Euro‐Americans organized their evaluative partner knowledge in equally compartmentalized ways, Chinese were more likely to hold complex knowledge structures and to value both positive and negative partner knowledge (Study 2). Moreover, Chinese were more likely than Euro‐Americans to simultaneously hold positive and negative attitudes toward their partner and relationship (i.e., being ambivalent), both implicitly and explicitly (Study 3). These findings illuminate theories and research on contradictions in intimate relationships from a cultural perspective.
Robotic‐assisted bronchoscopy versus CT‐guided transthoracic biopsy for diagnosis of pulmonary nodules
Authors: Yu Lee‐Mateus Alejandra , Reisenauer Janani , Garcia‐Saucedo Juan C. , Abia‐Trujillo David , Buckarma EeeLN H. , Edell Eric S. , Grage Rolf A. , Bowman Andrew W. , Labarca Gonzalo , Johnson Margaret M. , Patel Neal M. , Fernandez‐Bussy Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Background and Objective

Currently, computed tomography‐guided transthoracic biopsy (CTTB) is the most accurate diagnostic approach for pulmonary nodules suspected of malignancy. Traditional bronchoscopy has shown suboptimal diagnostic sensitivity, but the emergence of robotic‐assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, maximize diagnostic yield and complete mediastinal and hilar staging in a single procedure. We aim to assess the efficacy and diagnostic performance of RAB compared to CTTB for diagnosing pulmonary nodules suspected of lung cancer.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent RAB and CTTB for evaluating pulmonary nodules from January 2019 to March 2021 at Mayo Clinic Florida and Mayo Clinic Rochester, United States. Clinical and demographic information, nodule characteristics, outcomes and complications were compared between RAB and CTTB.

Results

A total of 225 patients were included: 113 in the RAB group and 112 in the CTTB group. Overall diagnostic yield was 87.6% for RAB and 88.4% for CTTB. For malignant disease, RAB had a sensitivity of 82.1% and a specificity of 100%, CTTB had a sensitivity of 88.5% and a specificity of 100%. Complication rate was significantly higher for CTTB compared to RAB (17% vs. 4.4%; p = 0.002).

Conclusion

RAB, when available, can be as accurate as CTTB for sampling pulmonary nodules with similar or reduced complications and should be considered as a means for nodule biopsy, particularly when mediastinal staging is also clinically warranted.
Silk proteins in reconstructive surgery: Do they possess an inherent antibacterial activity? A systematic review
Authors: Schäfer Sogand , Aavani Farzaneh , Köpf Marius , Drinic Aleksander , Stürmer Ewa K. , Fuest Sandra , Grust Audrey Laure Céline , Gosau Martin , Smeets Ralf
Published: September 2022

The field of reconstructive surgery encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures and regenerative approaches to treat various tissue types. Every surgical procedure is associated with the risk of surgical site infections, which are not only a financial burden but also increase patient morbidity. The surgical armamentarium in this area are biomaterials, particularly natural, biodegradable, biocompatible polymers, including the silk proteins fibroin (SF) and sericin (SS). Silk is known to be derived from silkworms and is mainly composed of 60–80% fibroin, which provides the structural form, and 15–35% sericin, which acts as a glue‐like substance for the SF threads. Silk proteins possess most of the desired properties for biomedical applications, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, minimal immunogenicity, and tunable biomechanical behaviour. In an effort to alleviate or even prevent infections associated with the use of biomaterials in surgery, antibacterial/antimicrobial properties have been investigated in numerous studies. In this systematic review, the following question was addressed: Do silk proteins, SF and SS, possess an intrinsic antibacterial property and how could these materials be tailored to achieve such a property?
On the chemistry mechanism for low-pressure chlorine process plasmas
Authors: Levko Dmitry , Raja Laxminarayan L.
Published: September 2022

A chemical reaction mechanism of chlorine plasma under low-pressure conditions that is widely used in the literature is validated against the experimental data of Y. Wang and J. K. Olthoff [J. Appl. Phys. 85, 6358 (1999)] for an inductively coupled plasma reactor. The model used in the present study is a self-consistent two-dimensional fluid plasma model coupled with Maxwell’s equations. The quantities of interest in the plasma are the fluxes and energy distribution functions of Cl2+ and Cl+ ions. We find that the charge exchange reaction between Cl+ and Cl2 that is typically included in chlorine plasma reaction mechanisms results in poor predictability of the model compared to experiments. Neglecting this reaction allows for a correct prediction of the dominant ion species in the low-pressure chlorine plasma and dependence of their fluxes on the gas pressure. Additionally, neglecting the charge exchange reaction allows for a rather accurate prediction of ion energy distribution functions at the grounded electrode. Overall, we conclude that the rate coefficient of the charge exchange reaction between Cl+ and Cl2 reported in the literature significantly exceeds what may in fact explain the role of this process in a low-pressure plasma discharge.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Radioresistant Bacterium Deinococcus aetherius ST0316, Isolated from Air Dust Collected in the Lower Stratosphere above Japan
Authors: Satoh Katsuya , Hagiwara Kakeru , Katsumata Kosuke , Kubo Aya , Yokobori Shin-ichi , Yamagishi Akihiko , Oono Yutaka , Narumi Issay
Published: September 2022

Deinococcus aetherius
ST0316 is a radioresistant bacterium that possess proficient DNA repair capacity. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
D. aetherius
, which was obtained by hybrid assembly using short- and long-read sequencing. This sequence will be important information for elucidating the unique DNA repair mechanism of
Deinococcus
bacteria.
Supplemental Material: Intense metamorphism-generated radiogenic Sr regulated Cenozoic water Sr isotope evolution on the NE Tibetan Plateau: A perspective on Qilian orogen denudation and Asian eolian transport
Authors: Yang Yibo , al. et
Published: September 2022

Tables S1–S16.
Novel peptide-based vaccine targeting heat shock protein 90 induces effective antitumor immunity in a HER2+ breast cancer murine model
Authors: Kang Jinho , Lee Hye-Jin , Lee Jimin , Hong Jinhwa , Hong Kim Yeul , Disis Mary L , Gim Jeong-An , Park Kyong Hwa
Published: September 2022

Background

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a protein chaperone for most of the important signal transduction pathways in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer, including human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and Akt. The aim of our study is to identify peptide-based vaccines and to develop an effective immunotherapeutics for the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer.

Methods

HSP90-derived major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II epitopes were selected using in silico algorithms and validated by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT). In vivo antitumor efficacy was evaluated in MMTVneu-transgenic mice. HSP90 peptide-specific systemic T-cell responses were assessed using interferon gamma ELISPOT assay, and immune microenvironment in tumors was evaluated using multiplex immunohistochemistry and TCRβ sequencing.

Results

First, candidate HSP90-derived MHC class II epitopes with high binding affinities across multiple human HLA class II genotypes were identified using in silico algorithms. Among the top 10 peptides, p485 and p527 were selected as promising Th1 immunity-inducing epitopes with low potential for Th2 immunity induction. The selected MHC class II HSP90 peptides induced strong antigen-specific T cell responses, which was induced by cross-priming of CD8+T cells in vivo. The HSP90 peptide vaccines were effective in the established tumor model, and their efficacy was further enhanced when combined with stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist and/or anticytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 antibody in MMTVneu-transgenic mice. Increased tumor rejection was associated with increased systemic HSP90-specific T-cell responses, increased T-cell recruitment in tumor microenvironment, intermolecular epitope spreading, and increased rearrangement of TCRβ by STING agonist.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we have provided the first preclinical evidence of the action mechanism of HSP90 peptide vaccines with a distinct potential for improving breast cancer treatment.
MoveStrong at home: a feasibility study of a model for remote delivery of functional strength and balance training combined with nutrition education for older pre-frail and frail adults
Authors: Wang Ellen , Keller Heather , Mourtzakis Marina , Rodrigues Isabel B. , Steinke Alex , Ashe Maureen C. , Thabane Lehana , Brien Sheila , Funnell Larry , Cheung Angela M. , Milligan Jamie , Papaioannou Alexandra , Weston Zachary J. , Straus Sharon , Giangregorio Lora
Published: September 2022

Exercise and nutrition interventions are often recommended for frailty; however, effective strategies are required for real-world implementation. Our primary aim was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of telephone and virtual delivery of MoveStrong, an 8-week exercise and nutrition program with a 4-week follow-up for older pre-frail and frail adults. A priori criteria for success included: recruitment (≥25/12 weeks), retention at follow-up (≥80%), and adherence to exercise and nutrition sessions (≥70%). We recruited community-dwelling Ontario residents; ≥60 years, ≥1 chronic condition, ≥1 FRAIL scale score. Participants received mailed materials, a personalized exercise program, 11 remote one-on-one training sessions with an exercise physiologist and 3 online dietitian-led nutrition education sessions. We completed exploratory analyses of secondary outcomes including physical function and dietary protein intake. Semi-structured interviews supported program evaluation. In total, 30 participants were enrolled. 28 (93%) participants completed program and follow-up assessments. Adherence to exercise and nutrition sessions (CI) was 84% (77%–91%) and 82% (70%–93%) respectively. At program end and follow-up [mean change (CI)], significant improvements were measured in 30-second chair stand test [3.50 (1.12–5.86), 4.54 (1.94–7.13) chair stands] and dietary protein intake [12.9 (5.7–20.0), 9.2 (0.4–18.1) g]. Overall, participants were satisfied with program delivery. Trial registration number: NCT04663685.
Fine mapping of a major QTL qPA7-1 for low hydrocyanic acid content in sorghum–sudangrass hybrid
Authors: Wu Guofang , Yu Xiaoxia , Yu Zhuo , Lu Qianqian , Yang Dongsheng , Shi Yue , Li Jiaqi , Li Jingwei
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to study the genetic mechanism of low hydrocyanic acid (HCN) content. The segregation of HCN content trait in fresh stems and leaves was determined in the sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)–sudangrass ( Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf) hybrid F2 population ( N = 1200), also used to detect a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for HCN content. Our hypothesis was that the additive effect of QTL was negative, showing that QTL was associated with low HCN. In the present research, a total of 11 simple sequence repeats (SSR) polymorphic primers were screened, and four SSR markers associated with low HCN content were developed based on the bulked segregant analysis method. A high-resolution genetic linkage group of the previously known qPA7-1 locus of the low HCN trait was constructed by analyzing different populations, families, and recombinants. Then, the QTL qPA7-1 of sorghum–sudangrass hybrid was fine-mapped to a 203.6 kb region between markers SORBI4G4-120 and SORBI4G4-680, and seven candidate genes for low HCN were predicted in this region based on sequence comparison with the sorghum reference genome. According to gene annotation, the candidate genes related to low HCN content may be different from those involved in the known regulation mode of sorghum dhurrin biosynthesis and metabolism.
Behavior of Private Retailers in a Regulated Input Market: An Empirical Analysis of the Fertilizer Subsidy Policy in Nepal
Authors: GAUTAM SHRINIWAS , CHOUDHARY DYUTIMAN , RAHUT DIL BAHADUR
Published: September 2022

The private sector in Nepal participates in the regulated import and distribution of three types of subsidized fertilizer. However, almost 55% of the agrovets (family-owned microenterprises) that retail agricultural inputs do not comply. Many farmers rely on the fertilizer purchased through these agrovets, including subsidized ones. There is no private sector importer of the three types of fertilizer covered by the subsidy program, which indicates that the agrovets either acquire these through leakage in the government distribution system or through illegal cross-border trade from India, both of which are considered legal noncompliance. We discern the determinants for this noncompliant behavior of agrovets using logistic regression. The results from logistic regression suggest that the agrovets that are more likely to comply are registered, have membership in business associations, and have a higher number of competitors. Those with diversified business portfolios and covering a greater number of districts are less likely to comply. Key informants, consisting of both public and private sector stakeholders, were solicited for their views on solving this noncompliant behavior. The private sector unanimously asserts the need for deregulation of fertilizer imports and the participation of agrovets in the distribution of the subsidized fertilizer. In contrast, the public sector is skeptical of the ability and trustworthiness of the private sector in the import and distribution of quality fertilizer. We propose a middle ground to mitigate private sector noncompliance and suggest a policy revisit to increase the fertilizer supply and distribution efficiency.
Psychology of Climate Change
Authors: Steg Linda
Published: September 2022

Human behavior plays a critical role in causing global climate change as well as in responding to it. In this article, I review important insights on the psychology of climate change. I first discuss factors that affect the likelihood that individuals engage in a wide range of climate actions. Next, I review the processes through which values affect climate actions and reflect on how to motivate climate actions among people who do not strongly care about nature, the environment, and climate change. Then I explain that even people who may be motivated to engage in climate actions may not do so when they face major barriers to act. This implies that to promote wide-scale climate actions, broader system changes are needed. I discuss relevant factors that affect public support for system changes that facilitate and enable climate action. Finally, I summarize key lessons learned and identify important questions for future research.
The Essential Role of the Choriocapillaris in Vision: Novel Insights from Imaging and Molecular Biology
Authors: Mulfaul Kelly , Russell Jonathan F. , Voigt Andrew P. , Stone Edwin M. , Tucker Budd A. , Mullins Robert F.
Published: September 2022

The choriocapillaris, a dense capillary network located at the posterior pole of the eye, is essential for supporting normal vision, supplying nutrients, and removing waste products from photoreceptor cells and the retinal pigment epithelium. The anatomical location, heterogeneity, and homeostatic interactions with surrounding cell types make the choroid complex to study both in vivo and in vitro. Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing, in vivo imaging, and in vitro cell modeling are vastly improving our knowledge of the choroid and its role in normal health and in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Histologically, loss of endothelial cells (ECs) of the choriocapillaris occurs early in AMD concomitant with elevated formation of the membrane attack complex of complement. Advanced imaging has allowed us to visualize early choroidal blood flow changes in AMD in living patients, supporting histological findings of loss of choroidal ECs. Single-cell RNA sequencing is being used to characterize choroidal cell types transcriptionally and discover their altered patterns of gene expression in aging and disease. Advances in induced pluripotent stem cell protocols and 3D cultures will allow us to closely mimic the in vivo microenvironment of the choroid in vitro to better understand the mechanism leading to choriocapillaris loss in AMD.
Research on Evaluation Method of Wayfinding Signs in Medical Institutions Based on Mobile Network Intelligent Navigation
Authors: Deng Lujie , Romainoor Nurul Hanim
Published: September 2022

With the rapid development of our country’s economy, there has been a phenomenon of population concentration and centralization of medical institutions. At the same time, with the continuous development and improvement of medical disciplines, large-scale general hospitals have become more comprehensive and larger in area. Therefore, hospital users often get lost in the public space of the hospital. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to study the evaluation method of wayfinding signs in medical institutions based on mobile network intelligent navigation. This article first analyzes the research status of navigation signs in medical institutions and then introduces the current wayfinding behaviors of large general hospitals, and analyzes the problems and deficiencies in them. On this basis, the intelligent navigation is researched and designed. This article systematically expounds the main characteristics of hospital users’ pathfinding behavior, the spatial order of the process, and the hierarchy of pathfinding behavior, and uses questionnaire survey, field survey, and other research forms to carry out experimental research on the theme of this article. Studies have shown that the hospital’s public organization space model will directly affect the efficiency of people seeking medical care.