bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study on bank income diversification: which non-interest income component is beneficial?
Authors: Pasha Rania , Lewaaelhamd Israa
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct a comparative study on the impact of income diversification and the main non-interest components on banks’ financial performance and risk-adjusted profitability in China and Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses both static and dynamic panel regression analyses on a sample of Egyptian and Chinese banks from 2009 to 2022.

Findings

Income diversification yields positive effects on bank profitability in Egypt and China. Trading income consistently exhibits a significant positive influence on bank profitability in both nations. Conversely, fee-based income positively impacts bank profitability in China, whereas in Egypt, this effect is observed under dynamic-based regression models. On the contrary, income diversification does not consistently increase risk-adjusted profitability in both countries, especially Egypt.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the impact of income diversification on Egyptian bank performance while identifying the most significant non-interest income components. In addition, the comparative analysis conducted in this study reveals the positioning of China, the largest economy among emerging countries, in terms of the degree of income diversification, its impact on bank profitability and the extent to which non-interest income components contribute to bank profitability when compared with Egypt, representing an emerging country characterised by different levels of bank market power, financial infrastructure and expertise. Findings hold significant implications, suggesting that bank managers and policymakers should prioritise diversifying income sources, particularly through fee-based services and trading activities in China, and trading activities in Egypt, to enhance financial profitability.
Property management services under the Malaysian Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers Act 1981 and the Property Management Standards
Authors: Au-Yong Cheong Peng , Saw Tiong Guan , Chua Shirley Jin Lin , Ali Azlan Shah , Musa Zairul Nisham , Wan-Shukery Wan Siti Aisha
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Although a regulatory framework was established in Malaysia to govern practising property managers, the satisfaction level on residential property management remains low. This unfortunate situation necessitates a review of property managers’ job scope and their current standards of practice. Hence, this study aims to investigate the correlation between the performance of property managers in residential property management job scope and resident satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The scope of work in property management services was first identified through a review of existing research and literature on property management. Subsequently, a survey questionnaire was administered, and the data collected was analysed to determine the relationship between the performance of the scope of work in residential building management and resident satisfaction. The research data was obtained from occupiers of residential properties and the findings formed the basis for research with an objective to enhance current property management practice.

Findings

Residential buildings represent the major building stocks of the country. The research showed that a majority (7 out of 9) of the identified scope of work significantly influence and affect resident satisfaction. Additionally, the logistic regression analysis outcome further confirms that the performance of maintenance management is a significant predictor of resident satisfaction.

Originality/value

This research identifies the critical scope of work in property management services which affects resident satisfaction. It also suggests various recommendations to improve property management services to achieve a higher level of resident satisfaction.
The role of augmented reality app attributes and customer-based brand equity on consumer behavioral responses: an S-O-R framework perspective
Authors: Jiang Ziyou , Lyu Jewon
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Augmented reality (AR) provides consumers with added value by allowing them to experience products via mobile devices. An increasing number of brands have adopted AR apps, but little is known about how consumers respond to AR app attributes or what motivates them to use luxury brand AR apps. To fill this gap, this study aims to use the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model to examine how AR app attributes (i.e. interactivity and virtuality) and customer-based brand equity (CBBE) (i.e. brand awareness and brand image) of luxury brands affect consumers’ behavioral intention to share about the app and use it for future purchases.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were recruited using a quantitative online survey (n = 214) and asked to use the Gucci mobile AR app before completing the survey. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data. All measures were adapted from existing literature.

Findings

Findings indicate that AR app attributes lead to positive consumer experience, in turn, creating behavioral intention, while CBBE partially leads to positive consumer perceptions. Post hoc analysis confirms that consumers’ perceived values mediate the relationship between AR app attributes and consumers’ attitudes toward a luxury brand AR app.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this study expands the application of the S-O-R model along with brand equity to AR adoption and luxury retail by demonstrating the intricate mechanism of how AR app attributes and CBBE promote consumers’ behavioral intentions toward luxury brand AR apps. Practitioners may create more interactive and immersive virtual product demonstrations and focus on establishing the overall brand image.
University–industry collaborations as processual inter-organizational learning: implications of the third context
Authors: Thomassen Anja Overgaard
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explicate how the processual third context learning approach provides new understandings and dimensions to the well-established terminology within the fields of inter-organizational learning and university–industry collaboration. These understandings and dimensions are empirically informed by an analysis of a collaboration between Aalborg University and Bang & Olufsen, a Danish loudspeaker manufacturer.

Design/methodology/approach

To fulfill the research purpose, a case study based on a participatory data collection strategy was applied in the collaboration between Aalborg University and Bang & Olufsen. Data were collected through a qualitative multimethod approach, comprising semi-structured interviews, field observations and field notes. Phenomenologically inspired content analysis revealed the themes outlined and discussed.

Findings

The third context framework was useful in outlining the complexity of a bidirectional collaboration. The inter-organizational learning processes were, for example, influenced by the actors’ recurrent inquiry of perplexities regarding the purpose and content of the collaboration. The extracted empirical findings are discussed and related to the fields of inter-organizational learning and university–industry collaboration, thereby explicating how a processual learning perspective provides new understandings and dimensions to collaboration across organizations.

Originality/value

The paper contributes empirically informed processual-learning dimensions to the literature on inter-organizational learning and university–industry collaboration.
Extrinsic calibration method for integrating infrared thermal imaging camera and 3D LiDAR
Authors: Zhang Dan , Yuan Junji , Meng Haibin , Wang Wei , He Rui , Li Sen
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In the context of fire incidents within buildings, efficient scene perception by firefighting robots is particularly crucial. Although individual sensors can provide specific types of data, achieving deep data correlation among multiple sensors poses challenges. To address this issue, this study aims to explore a fusion approach integrating thermal imaging cameras and LiDAR sensors to enhance the perception capabilities of firefighting robots in fire environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Prior to sensor fusion, accurate calibration of the sensors is essential. This paper proposes an extrinsic calibration method based on rigid body transformation. The collected data is optimized using the Ceres optimization algorithm to obtain precise calibration parameters. Building upon this calibration, a sensor fusion method based on coordinate projection transformation is proposed, enabling real-time mapping between images and point clouds. In addition, the effectiveness of the proposed fusion device data collection is validated in experimental smoke-filled fire environments.

Findings

The average reprojection error obtained by the extrinsic calibration method based on rigid body transformation is 1.02 pixels, indicating good accuracy. The fused data combines the advantages of thermal imaging cameras and LiDAR, overcoming the limitations of individual sensors.

Originality/value

This paper introduces an extrinsic calibration method based on rigid body transformation, along with a sensor fusion approach based on coordinate projection transformation. The effectiveness of this fusion strategy is validated in simulated fire environments.
The impact of dynamic pricing on restaurant customers’ perceptions and price sentiment
Authors: Gómez-Talal Ismael , Talón-Ballestero Pilar , Leoni Veronica , González-Serrano Lydia
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine how dynamic pricing impacts customer perceptions of restaurants and sentiment toward prices via online reputation metrics. In addition, to deepen the debate on dynamic pricing, a novel definition is drawn by exploring the specific forms of discrimination that can manifest in different industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging a comprehensive data set of restaurant reviews sourced from TripAdvisor, the study focuses on restaurants affiliated with one of the largest groups of restaurants in Spain. We used a quasi-experimental method (difference-in-differences), to study how dynamic pricing strategies influence customers’ perceptions of value based on numerical ratings. Meanwhile, we used a Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers model on the textual component of reviews to dissect the emotional nuances of dynamic pricing.

Findings

Results did not reveal a causal impact of dynamic pricing strategies on customers’ perceptions. Moreover, the sentiment analysis shows no heightened negative view after introducing dynamic pricing in restaurants compared to the control group. Contrary to what previous literature suggests, our findings indicate that implementing dynamic pricing does not adversely affect customers’ perceptions or sentiments regarding prices in restaurants.

Research limitations/implications

The quasi-experimental setting of the study presents inherent challenges in establishing causality that require further investigation using controlled experimental settings. Nevertheless, our study reveals that restaurant customers do not perceive dynamic pricing as unfair. This finding is critical for restaurant managers when considering the implementation of dynamic pricing and revenue management strategies. In addition, our study highlights the importance of considering not only numerical ratings but customer sentiment analysis as well. This more holistic approach to assessing the impact of pricing strategies can give restaurant managers a deeper understanding of customer reactions. In addition, a more rigorous definition of dynamic pricing is provided, clarifying its nature and its distinction in using different price discrimination.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the evolving understanding of dynamic pricing strategies’ impact on customers’ perceptions and sentiments in the restaurant industry. It aims to fill the gap in understanding customer reactions to algorithmically determined prices (via revenue management systems such as DynamEat) in this industry. The combination of causal inference and sentiment analysis offers a novel perspective, shedding light on the nuanced connections between dynamic pricing implementation and customers’ emotions.
Exploring the impact of red mud on the mechanical, durability, and microstructure properties of concrete
Authors: Pawar Prathamesh , Patil Sudhir , Sathe Sandeep
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the potential of partially replacing cement with red mud (RM) in concrete and examined its effects on its mechanical properties and microstructure. This study aims to explore sustainable alternatives to traditional cement and evaluate the performance of concrete mixtures with varying percentages (%) of RM as cement replacement.

Design/methodology/approach

This research aims to comprehensively understand the impact of RM on concrete, aiming for both environmental sustainability and improved construction materials. Subsequently, concrete mixtures were prepared with varying RM contents, ranging from 0% to 21% in increments of 3%, replacing cement. The workability of these mixtures was evaluated using the Slump Cone Test, whereas their mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength and split tensile strength) were assessed through standardized tests. The durability was further investigated via water absorption, acid attack, rapid chloride permeability tests, open porosity test and Sorptivity test. To gain deeper insights into the internal structure of concrete, microstructure analysis was conducted using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the results were analyzed and quantified.

Findings

The finding demonstrates that substituting 12% of cement with RM not only boosts the mechanical characteristics of concrete but also mitigates waste disposal. The microstructural analysis identified a denser cement matrix and improved bonding between the cement paste and the aggregates, suggesting potential improvements in strength and durability.

Originality/value

These results suggest that RM can be efficiently used to produce sustainable concrete with potential applications in construction projects with environmental considerations.
Pity the rich man
Authors: Wig Ståle
Published: June 2024

Across the world, economically marginalized people employ inventive strategies to encourage pedestrians to part with small sums of money by offering goods or services rather than directly requesting cash. People who use drugs wander urban streets selling magazines that some will buy but few will read. The homeless clean car windows that need no cleaning or provide token items instead of requesting donations because asking for money is contentious to the extent that selling stuff is not. Surveying existing ethnographic research, this article explores why. I analyse how informal income‐generating practices adapt to the cultural assumptions of majority populations, including the notion that adults should become valuable through gainful employment and the idea that the unreturned gift humiliates givers and receivers.
‘When all you have is a hammer, everything has to be a nail’: Managing diagnostic uncertainty in urinary tract infection
Authors: Kashouris Eleanor
Published: June 2024

Diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTI) is a routine part of medical work and yet is well recognised to be an area of high clinical uncertainty. Meanwhile, diagnosis of UTI is becoming increasingly important to policymakers globally due to concerns about antibiotic over‐prescription. Drawing on Mol’s concept of ontological multiplicity in clinical work, I explore how diagnostic uncertainty is co‐ordinated into certainty by a UK national diagnostic algorithm for UTI. The diagnosis of UTI is produced or withheld as a post hoc rationalisation of a prior decision whether to prescribe antibiotics or not. Work in the sociology of diagnosis has already noted that diagnostic steps are often re‐ordered by health‐care professionals taking diverse actions in the best interest of their patients. This article contributes an argument that ordering diagnostic work around antimicrobial stewardship agendas has the effect of narrowing possible actions. Exploring the consequences and effects of doing diagnosis in this way for different groups, I argue that a greater creativity about what could be done to care for painful bladders could be found in a return to more clinical ways of working.
Institutional vulnerability to urban flood risk management: A case study of the 7·20 flooding disaster in Zhengzhou, China
Authors: Shi Chunyu , Xie Chengyuan
Published: June 2024

The ‘vulnerability’ approach highlights institutional factors as the primary drivers of flooding risk. However, the intricate connections between institutional vulnerability and urban flood disaster risk have not been extensively explored until now. This study aims to address this gap by examining the case of the 7·20 heavy rainfall disaster in Zhengzhou. Employing a hybrid analysis methodology that integrates text coding, fault tree analysis and analytic hierarchy process methods, the study seeks to identify and assess the distinct contributions of various institutional factors and their interplay, culminating in ineffective urban flood risk management. In contrast to previous research findings that emphasize the determinant role of policy‐making and organizational coordination, this study demonstrates that inadequate legislative compliance constitutes the root cause determining the ineffectiveness of urban flood risk management. It is further exacerbated by insufficient policy attention, resulting in inadequate allocation of resources that ensure the legislative quality, risk coping skills and knowledge and stakeholders' coordination and collaboration. By emphasizing the significance of legislative compliance and policy attention, the study offers a fresh conceptual perspective to understand the factors influencing the efficiency of urban flood risk management. It provides valuable insights to develop targeted countermeasures for mitigating similar urban flood risks in the future.
Chinese exclusion? Agent response in the market for owner‐occupied housing
Authors: Hanson Andrew , Hawley Zackary
Published: June 2024

We design and implement a correspondence experiment to test for differences in real estate agent response to Chinese clients. In the full sample, real estate agents are no more likely to respond to white clients than Chinese clients. Subsample results show statistically significant differential treatment of Chinese clients in rural areas and in some states. White real estate agents favor white clients (7.90% higher response rate), and Chinese real estate agents favor Chinese clients by a wide margin (151.11% higher response rate).
The frailty in older hemodialysis patients and associations with depression, functional status, dialysis adequacy
Authors: Bulbul Elif , Namoglu Selda Selimoglu
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the level of frailty in older hemodialysis patients and to examine the relationship between their functional capacity, depression, and laboratory variables.

Method

This was a cross‐sectional study, and the data were collected 243 dialysis patients aged 65 and over between May 2021 and May 2022.

Results

The frailty rate was 49%. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the frailty and age, hemodialysis vintage, and the number of hospitalizations. The frailty was negatively correlated with body mass index, Kt/V, Albumin, and parathyroid hormone. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between frailty and depression and a negative correlation between functional capacity.

Conclusion

A relationship was found between frailty and depression, functional capacity, and laboratory variables. In addition, the variables affecting the level of frailty in geriatric dialysis patients included dialysis vintage, dialysis adequacy, number of hospitalizations, albumin level, and patient weight.
Risk factors for severe immune‐related pneumonitis after nivolumab plus ipilimumab therapy for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sumi Toshiyuki , Sekikawa Motoki , Koshino Yuta , Nagayama Daiki , Nagahisa Yuta , Matsuura Keigo , Shijubou Naoki , Kamada Koki , Suzuki Keito , Ikeda Takumi , Michimata Haruhiko , Watanabe Hiroki , Yamada Yuichi , Osuda Koichi , Tanaka Yusuke , Chiba Hirofumi
Published: June 2024

Background

The efficacy of anti‐CTLA‐4 antibody (ipilimumab) plus anti‐programmed cell death 1 antibody (nivolumab) in treating advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is impeded by an elevated risk of severe immune‐related adverse events. However, our understanding of associations among pre‐existing fibrosis, emphysematous changes, and objective indicators as predictive factors is limited for severe pneumonitis in NSCLC patients receiving this combination therapy. Thus, we retrospectively investigated these associations, including overall tumor burden, before treatment initiation in the Japanese population.

Methods

We focused on patients (n = 76) with pre‐existing interstitial lung disease (ILD) to identify predictors of severe pneumonitis. Variables included age, sex, smoking status, programmed cell death ligand 1 expression, overall tumor burden, chest computed tomography‐confirmed fibrosis, serum markers, and respiratory function test results.

Results

Severe pneumonitis was more frequent in patients with squamous cell carcinoma, fibrosis, low diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (%DLCO), and high surfactant protein D (SP‐D) level. Notably, squamous cell carcinoma, baseline %DLCO, and SP‐D level were significant risk factors. Our findings revealed the nonsignificance of tumor burden (≥85 mm) in predicting severe pneumonitis, emphasizing the importance of pre‐existing ILD. Conversely, in cases without pre‐existing fibrosis, severe pneumonitis was not associated with %DLCO or SP‐D level (93.2% vs. 91.9%, and 63.3 vs. 40.9 ng/mL, respectively) and was more common in patients with a large overall tumor burden (97.5 vs. 70.0 mm).

Conclusion

Vigilant monitoring and early intervention are crucial for patients with squamous cell carcinoma, high SP‐D level, or low %DLCO undergoing ipilimumab plus nivolumab therapy.
Mapping the unicellular transcriptome of the ascending thoracic aorta to changes in mechanosensing and mechanoadaptation during aging
Authors: Rivera Cristobal F. , Farra Yasmeen M. , Silvestro Michele , Medvedovsky Steven , Matz Jacqueline , Pratama Muhammad Yogi , Vlahos John , Ramkhelawon Bhama , Bellini Chiara
Published: June 2024

Aortic stiffening is an inevitable manifestation of chronological aging, yet the mechano‐molecular programs that orchestrate region‐ and layer‐specific adaptations along the length and through the wall of the aorta are incompletely defined. Here, we show that the decline in passive cyclic distensibility is more pronounced in the ascending thoracic aorta (ATA) compared to distal segments of the aorta and that collagen content increases in both the medial and adventitial compartments of the ATA during aging. The single‐cell RNA sequencing of aged ATA tissues reveals altered cellular senescence, remodeling, and inflammatory responses accompanied by enrichment of T‐lymphocytes and rarefaction of vascular smooth muscle cells, compared to young samples. T lymphocyte clusters accumulate in the adventitia, while the activation of mechanosensitive Piezo‐1 enhances vasoconstriction and contributes to the overall functional decline of ATA tissues. These results portray the immuno‐mechanical aging of the ATA as a process that culminates in a stiffer conduit permissive to the accrual of multi‐gerogenic signals priming to disease development.
A drug–drug interaction study and physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling to assess the effect of an oral 5‐lipoxygenase activating protein inhibitor on the pharmacokinetics of oral midazolam
Authors: Knöchel Jane , Panduga Vijender , Nelander Karin , Heijer Maria , Lindstedt Eva‐Lotte , Ali Hodan , Aurell Malin , Ödesjö Helena , Forte Pablo , Connolly Kat , Ericsson Hans , MacPhee Iain
Published: June 2024

Aims

Early clinical studies have indicated that the pharmacokinetics of Atuliflapon (AZD5718) are time and dose dependent. The reason(s) for these findings is(are) not fully understood, but pre‐clinical profiling suggests that time‐dependent CYP3A4 inhibition cannot be excluded. In clinical practice, Atuliflapon will be co‐administered with CYP3A4 substrates; thus, it is important to determine the impact of Atuliflapon on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of CYP3A4 substrates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Atuliflapon on the pharmacokinetics of a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate, midazolam, and to explore if the time‐/dose‐dependent effect seen after repeated dosing could be an effect of change in CYP3A4 activity.

Methods

Open‐label, fixed‐sequence study in healthy volunteers to assess the PK of midazolam alone and in combination with Atuliflapon. Fourteen healthy male subjects received single oral dose of midazolam 2 mg on days 1 and 7 and single oral doses of Atuliflapon (125 mg) from days 2 to 7. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed to assess this drug–drug interaction.

Results

Mean midazolam values of maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) to infinity were increased by 39% and 56%, respectively, when co‐administered with Atuliflapon vs. midazolam alone. The PBPK model predicted a 27% and 44% increase in AUC and a 23% and 35% increase in Cmax of midazolam following its co‐administrations with two predicted therapeutically relevant doses of Atuliflapon.

Conclusions

Atuliflapon is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4; this was confirmed by the validated PBPK model. This weak inhibition is predicted to have a minor PK effect on CYP3A4 metabolized drugs.
The alleviatory effects of koumine on MSU‐induced gouty arthritis via the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Lin Shi‐kang , Chen Shi‐ting , Zhan Ying , Guo Xin‐yue , Wu Wen‐tao , Lin Yi‐ting , Yu Chang‐xi , Yang Jian
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study was to validate the preventive effects of koumine (KM), a monoterpene indole alkaloid, on gouty arthritis (GA) and to explore its possible mechanisms. C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally administered KM (0.8, 2.4 or 7.2 mg/kg), colchicine (3.0 mg/kg) or sterile saline. One hour later, a monosodium urate (MSU) suspension was injected into the right hind paws of the mice to establish an acute gout model. Inflammation symptoms were evaluated at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h, and the mechanical withdrawal threshold was evaluated at 0, 6 and 24 h. After 24 h, the mice were euthanized, and the joint tissue, kidney and blood were collected for subsequent experiments. Histological examination and antioxidant enzyme, kidney index and serum uric acid (UA) measurements were taken. The expression levels of the signalling pathway components were determined. KM effectively alleviated the symptoms of redness, swelling and pain; counteracted inflammatory cell infiltration; and increased antioxidant enzyme levels, reduced kidney index and serum UA levels through regulating UA excretion in MSU‐induced mice. The expression of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB)/nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain, leucine‐rich repeat and pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) signalling pathway proteins and mRNA were reduced in the KM group. These results suggest that KM may be effective in alleviating GA through the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 pathway.
q‐Space Myelin Map: A new myelin‐specific imaging technique for treatment monitoring of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kitagawa Satoshi , Kufukihara Kenji , Motegi Haruhiko , Sekiguchi Koji , Sato Yayoi , Nakahara Jin
Published: June 2024

Objectives

In multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, hyperintense signals on T2‐weighted images by magnetic resonance imaging are signs of demyelination; however, T2 signals lack specificity and fail to detect remyelination. For more precise monitoring of MS, a new magnetic resonance imaging technique, q‐space Myelin Map (qMM), which specifically identifies myelin, has been developed. This study aimed to explore clinical factors associated with remyelination for different disease‐modifying drugs, and to examine the utility and feasibility of qMM in clinical practice.

Methods

Data from sequential patients with relapsing–remitting MS initiating disease‐modifying drugs at our center were collected. After treatment initiation, qMM was carried out at 6‐month intervals and the resulting images analyzed for evidence of remyelination.

Results

A total of 48 patients with relapsing–remitting MS were included: 22 with dimethyl fumarate, 14 with fingolimod, four with glatiramer acetate and eight with natalizumab. qMM showed qMM‐remyelination in 22 patients (45.8%). In natalizumab patients, baseline ages were 33.6 ± 6.9 years (n = 5) and 47.3 ± 5.8 years (n = 3) in patients with or without qMM remyelination, respectively. In dimethyl fumarate patients, the proportion of women was 100% (n = 10) and 50% (n = 12) in patients with or without qMM myelination, respectively.

Conclusions

This exploratory study suggested the potential clinical utility of qMM for visualizing remyelination in MS patients and fine‐tuning their pharmacotherapy. Two potential clinical factors promoting qMM‐remyelination were identified: female sex with dimethyl fumarate and younger baseline age with natalizumab; a larger prospective study is warranted to confirm these results.
SIRT1 mediates the excitability of spinal CaMKIIα‐positive neurons and participates in neuropathic pain by controlling Nav1.3
Authors: Wang Yuanzeng , Zhang Yidan , Ma Nan , Zhao Wen , Ren Xiuhua , Sun Yanyan , Zang Weidong , Cao Jing
Published: June 2024

Aims

Neuropathic pain is a common chronic pain disorder, which is largely attributed to spinal central sensitization. Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα) activation in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) is a major contributor to spinal sensitization. However, the exact way that CaMKIIα‐positive (CaMKIIα+) neurons in the SDH induce neuropathic pain is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of spinal CaMKIIα+ neurons in neuropathic pain caused by chronic constriction injury (CCI) and investigate the potential epigenetic mechanisms involved in CaMKIIα+ neuron activation.

Methods

CCI‐induced neuropathic pain mice model, Sirt1loxP/loxP mice, and chemogenetic virus were used to investigate whether the activation of spinal CaMKIIα+ neurons is involved in neuropathic pain and its involved mechanism. Transcriptome sequence, western blotting, qRT‐PCR, and immunofluorescence analysis were performed to assay the expression of related molecules and activation of neurons. Co‐immunoprecipitation was used to observe the binding relationship of protein. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)‐PCR was applied to analyze the acetylation of histone H3 in the Scn3a promoter region.

Results

The expression of sodium channel Nav1.3 was increased and the expression of SIRT1 was decreased in the spinal CaMKIIα+ neurons of CCI mice. CaMKIIα neurons became overactive after CCI, and inhibiting their activation relieved CCI‐induced pain. Overexpression of SIRT1 reversed the increase of Nav1.3 and alleviated pain, while knockdown of SIRT1 or overexpression of Nav1.3 promoted CaMKIIα+ neuron activation and induced pain. By knocking down spinal SIRT1, the acetylation of histone H3 in the Scn3a (encoding Nav1.3) promoter region was increased, leading to an increased expression of Nav1.3.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that an aberrant reduction of spinal SIRT1 after nerve injury epigenetically increases Nav1.3, subsequently activating CaMKIIα+ neurons and causing neuropathic pain.
Differential associations of risk factors with severe and non‐severe hypoglycaemia: the Hypoglycaemia Assessment Tool prospective observational study in people with insulin‐treated type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes
Authors: He Ying , Kunutsor Setor K. , Kingsnorth Andrew P. , Gillies Clare , Choudhary Pratik , Khunti Kamlesh , Zaccardi Francesco
Published: June 2024

Aim

To assess the differential association of risk factors with severe and non‐severe hypoglycaemia.

Materials and Methods

The Hypoglycaemia Assessment Tool study evaluated the risk of hypoglycaemia over a 4‐week period in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) on insulin in 24 countries. Negative binomial regressions were applied to examine the associations of several risk factors with severe and non‐severe hypoglycaemia.

Results

The median age was 41 years in 5949 patients with T1D and 62 years in 12 914 patients with T2D. The 4‐week rates of non‐severe hypoglycaemic were 5.57 and 1.40 episodes per person in T1D and T2D, respectively; the corresponding rates for severe hypoglycaemia were 0.94 and 0.30. The excess risk was 42% higher for severe than non‐severe hypoglycaemia in females versus males with T2D; 27% higher in patients with T2D with versus without a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM); and 47% lower in patients with T1D with versus without an insulin pump. The excess risk also differed across geographical areas and was marginally lower for severe than non‐severe hypoglycaemia for higher values of HbA1c in patients with T2D. Associations with severity of hypoglycaemia were not different for age, diabetes and insulin therapy duration, previous hypoglycaemic episodes and insulin regimen.

Conclusions

The risk of severe versus non‐severe hypoglycaemia differs in patients with T1D and T2D; sex, the use of a CGM and insulin pump, and geographical areas were differently associated with one type of hypoglycaemia than the other.
Integrated biomarker profiling for predicting the response of type 2 diabetes to metformin
Authors: Long Jianglan , Fang Qiushi , Shi Zhe , Miao Zenghui , Yan Dan
Published: June 2024

Aim

To explore biomarkers that can predict the response of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients to metformin at an early stage to provide better treatment for T2D.

Methods

T2D patients with (responders) or without response (non‐responders) to metformin were recruited, and their serum samples were used for metabolomic analysis to identify candidate biomarkers. Moreover, the efficacy of metformin was verified by insulin‐resistant mice, and the candidate biomarkers were verified to determine the biomarkers. Five different machine learning methods were used to construct the integrated biomarker profiling (IBP) with the biomarkers to predict the response of T2D patients to metformin.

Results

A total of 73 responders and 63 non‐responders were recruited, and 88 differential metabolites were identified in the serum samples. After being verified in mice, 19 of the 88 were considered as candidate biomarkers. Next, after metformin regulation, nine candidate biomarkers were confirmed as the biomarkers. After comparing five machine learning models, the nine biomarkers were constructed into the IBP for predicting the response of T2D patients to metformin based on the Naïve Bayes classifier, which was verified with an accuracy of 89.70%.

Conclusions

The IBP composed of nine biomarkers can be used to predict the response of T2D patients to metformin, enabling clinicians to start a combined medication strategy as soon as possible if T2D patients do not respond to metformin.
Effectiveness of the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol goals in secondary cardiovascular prevention
Authors: Garcia‐Gil Maria , Alves‐Cabratosa Lia , Cunillera Oriol , Blanch Jordi , Martí‐Lluch Ruth , Ponjoan Anna , Ribas‐Aulinas Francesc , Tornabell‐Noguera Èric , Zacarías‐Pons Lluís , Domínguez‐Armengol Gina , Guzmán Elizabeth , Ramos Rafel
Published: June 2024

Background

The effectiveness of statin treatment to reduce coronary events and mortality has been hardly examined considering goals of LDL‐C. We aimed to analyse such association in secondary cardiovascular prevention.

Methods

Retrospective cohort analysis of electronic health records from the SIDIAP database, Catalonia‐Spain. Recruitment period was from 2006 to 2017 and study period finished at the end of 2018. We included 54,175 people aged ≥35 years in cardiovascular secondary prevention starting statin treatment. We analysed the association of achieved LDL‐C goals after statin initiation with coronary heart disease and all‐cause mortality.

Results

Mean age was 69 years and 20,146 (37.2%) were women. Coronary heart disease occurred in 5687 (10.5%) participants, and 10,676 (19.7%) persons passed away. Median follow‐up lasted 5.7 years (interquartile range, 3.4–8.1). The coronary heart disease HRs (95% CI) for the LDL‐C goals of 70–100, <70–55 and <55 mg/dL were .86 (.81–.92), .83 (.76–.9) and .8 (.72–.88), respectively. They were .89 (.83–.96) in the group with 30%–40% reduction and .86 (.8–.93) in the groups with 40%–50% and ≥50% reduction. We observed no association with mortality. We observed no relevant differences by sex or age.

Conclusions

This population‐level retrospective analysis of real‐world data observed that treatment with statins is effective to achieve certain LDL‐C goals and CHD reduction. The lack of significant difference between LDL‐C goals needs confirmation in additional studies with real‐world data. The LDL‐C target should consider the magnitude of the decrease in coronary events.
Biomimetic pulp scaffolds prepared from extracellular matrix derived from stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth promote pulp–dentine complex regeneration
Authors: Yang Ning , Shen Rou , Yang Wenxiao , Zhang Shengcai , Gong Tianxing , Liu Yao
Published: June 2024

Aim

To evaluate the role of biomimetic pulp scaffolds derived from the extracellular matrix derived of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED‐ECM‐PS) in promoting pulp–dentine complex regeneration.

Methodology

SHED‐ECM‐PS was prepared through cell aggregation and decellularization techniques. Histological and immunofluorescence analyses, scanning electron microscopy, and DNA quantification assays were used to characterize the SHED‐ECM‐PS. Additionally, a tooth slice implantation model was established to evaluate the effects of SHED‐ECM‐PS on regeneration of the pulp–dentine complex in vivo. Extraction medium for SHED‐ECM‐PS was prepared, and its effect on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) was assessed in vitro. Cell counting kit‐8 and Ki‐67 staining assays were performed to determine cell proliferation. The rate of apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Wound healing and transwell assays were conducted to evaluate cell migration. Alizarin red S staining was performed to examine mineralized nodule formation. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of osteogenic and odontogenic markers. The results were analysed using an independent two‐tailed Student's t‐test. p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

SHED‐ECM‐PS was successfully constructed, exhibiting a striped dental pulp‐like shape devoid of nuclear structures or DNA components, and rich in fibronectin, collagen I, DMP1 and DSPP. Notably, SHED‐ECM‐PS showed no impact on the proliferation or apoptosis of BMMSCs. Histological analysis revealed that dental pulp fibroblasts formed an interwoven mesh in the root canal, and angiogenesis was observed in the SHED‐ECM‐PS group. Moreover, a continuous, newly formed tubular dentine layer with polarized odontoblast‐like cells was observed along the inner wall of the root canal. SHED‐ECM‐PS promoted the migration, polar alignment and mineralized nodule formation of BMMSCs and specifically elevated the expression levels of odontogenic markers, but not osteogenic markers, compared with the control group in vitro.

Conclusion

SHED‐ECM‐PS exhibited no cytotoxicity and promoted pulp‐dentine complex regeneration in vivo as well as cell migration and odontogenic differentiation of BMMSCs in vitro. These findings provide evidence that SHED‐ECM‐PS, as a novel biological scaffold, has the potential to improve the outcomes of REPs.
Psoriasis knowledge gaps and misconceptions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions: patients' survey‐based study
Authors: AlOrbani Aya M. , El‐Komy Mohamed H. M. , Mourad Ahmed , Amer Marwa Ahmed
Published: June 2024

Background

Misconceptions among psoriatic patients often lead to a negative impact on disease outcomes.

Objectives

Our main target was knowledge assessment among a sample of psoriatic patients in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region where data are scarce.

Methods

The present study is a cross‐sectional descriptive survey. It consists of an online questionnaire comprising 19 questions designed to assess psoriasis knowledge and five demographic questions. The questionnaire link was posted on the official Facebook page of the Kasr Al Ainy Psoriasis Unit (KAPU).

Results

The questionnaire was taken by 527 participants, but only 396 responses were complete and adequate for analysis. The mean psoriasis knowledge score was higher in females (P = 0.005) and participants with advanced education degrees (P < 0.001). Patients reporting regular follow‐ups with dermatologists were more likely to acknowledge joint involvement (P = 0.044) but also incorrectly assume biologics are a final cure (P = 0.038). In addition, they were more likely to assume psoriasis affects pregnancy (P = 0.013). Patients with a family history of psoriasis showed a better mean knowledge score than those without (P = 0.01). Only 54.55% of participants reported knowledge of possible disease exacerbation by drugs. A minority (26.77%) of our patients responded that a diet change could not permanently cure psoriasis.

Conclusion

This study reports knowledge gaps in a cohort of Arabic‐speaking psoriasis patients, especially regarding areas of extracutaneous involvement, the hereditary nature of the disease, and the effect of psoriasis on pregnancy and fertility. Most participants were unaware that biological therapy and a change in diet do not offer a permanent cure. Dermatologists in our region must reach out to their patients and correct the various misconceptions reported in this study.
A Recipe for Success
Authors: de la Roche Maike
Published: June 2024

In this article, I aim to give some pieces of career advise for young immunologists based on my own experiences.
A Two‐stage Bayesian Small Area Estimation Approach for Proportions
Authors: Hogg James , Cameron Jessica , Cramb Susanna , Baade Peter , Mengersen Kerrie
Published: June 2024

With the rise in popularity of digital Atlases to communicate spatial variation, there is an increasing need for robust small area estimates. However, current small area estimation methods suffer from various modelling problems when data are very sparse or when estimates are required for areas with very small populations. These issues are particularly heightened when modelling proportions. Additionally, recent work has shown significant benefits in modelling at both the individual and area levels. We propose a two‐stage Bayesian hierarchical small area estimation approach for proportions that can account for survey design, reduce direct estimate instability and generate prevalence estimates for small areas with no survey data. Using a simulation study, we show that, compared with existing Bayesian small area estimation methods, our approach can provide optimal predictive performance (Bayesian mean relative root mean squared error, mean absolute relative bias and coverage) of proportions under a variety of data conditions, including very sparse and unstable data. To assess the model in practice, we compare modelled estimates of current smoking prevalence for 1,630 small areas in Australia using the 2017–2018 National Health Survey data combined with 2016 census data.
Decision‐making on systemic antibiotics in the management of periodontitis: A retrospective comparison of two concepts
Authors: Winkler Patrizia C. , Benz Leander , Nickles Katrin , Petsos Hari C. , Eickholz Peter , Dannewitz Bettina
Published: June 2024

Aim

To retrospectively compare two approaches for the adjunctive use of systemic antibiotics in non‐surgical periodontal therapy: one based on the detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and the other on age and severity of periodontitis (Age & PPD). We also assessed the additional benefit of antibiotics in reducing the need for further surgical therapy in each group.

Materials and Methods

Patients of the Department of Periodontology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany, were screened for microbiological testing between 2008 and 2018. Patients were categorized by their microbiological result (Aa+/−) and demographic/clinical data (Age & PPD+/−). Agreement on antibiotic indication was tested. The clinical evaluation focussed on teeth with probing pocket depths (PPDs) ≥ 6 mm.

Results

Analysis of 425 patients revealed 30% categorized as Age & PPD+ and 34% as Aa+. Sixty‐three percent had consistent antibiotic recommendations (phi coefficient 0.14, p = .004). Patients in the Age & PPD+ group receiving antibiotics showed the most substantial reduction in the number of teeth with PPD ≥ 6 mm after non‐surgical periodontal therapy.

Conclusions

Both strategies resulted in a significant clinical improvement compared with those without antibiotic treatment and restricted antibiotic use similarly, but targeted different patient groups. Younger individuals with severe periodontitis benefited most from antibiotics, reducing the need for additional surgeries. The study was registered in an international trial register (German Clinical Trial Register number DRKS00028768, registration date 27 April 2022, https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00028768).
Impact of comprehensive medication reviews on potentially inappropriate medication discontinuation in Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Hung Anna , Wilson Lauren E. , Smith Valerie A. , Pavon Juliessa M. , Sloan Caroline E. , Hastings Susan N. , Maciejewski Matthew L.
Published: June 2024

Background

The use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) is associated with increased risk of hospitalizations and emergency room visits and varies by racial and ethnic subgroups. Medicare's nationwide medication therapy management (MTM) program requires that Part D plans offer an annual comprehensive medication review (CMR) to all beneficiaries who qualify, and provides a platform to reduce PIM use. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of CMR on PIM discontinuation in Medicare beneficiaries and whether this differed by race or ethnicity.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of community‐dwelling Medicare Part D beneficiaries ≥66 years of age who were eligible for MTM from 2013 to 2019 based on 5% Medicare fee‐for‐service claims data linked to the 100% MTM data file. Among those using a PIM, MTM‐eligible CMR recipients were matched to non‐recipients via sequential stratification. The probability of PIM discontinuation was estimated using regression models that pooled yearly subcohorts accounting for within‐beneficiary correlations. The most common PIMs that were discontinued after CMR were reported.

Results

We matched 24,368 CMR recipients to 24,368 CMR non‐recipients during the observation period. Median age was 74–75, 35% were males, most were White beneficiaries (86%–87%), and the median number of PIMs was 1. In adjusted analyses, CMR receipt was positively associated with PIM discontinuation (adjusted relative risk [aRR]: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.20–1.32). There was no evidence of differential impact of CMR by race or ethnicity. The PIMs most commonly discontinued after CMR were glimepiride, zolpidem, digoxin, amitriptyline, and nitrofurantoin.

Conclusions

Among Medicare beneficiaries who are using a PIM, CMR receipt was associated with PIM discontinuation, suggesting that greater CMR use could facilitate PIM reduction for all racial and ethnic groups.