bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residual mechanical properties of basalt fibre reinforced cement mortars at elevated temperatures
Authors: Revanna Naveen , Moy Charles K.S.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

A study on the mechanical characteristics of cementitious mortar reinforced with basalt fibres at ambient and elevated temperatures was carried out. To investigate their effect, chopped basalt fibres with varying percentages were added to the cement mortar.

Design/methodology/approach

All the specimens were heated using a muffle furnace. Flexural strength and Compressive strength tests were performed, while monitoring the moisture loss to evaluate the performance of basalt fibre reinforced cementitious mortars at elevated temperatures.

Findings

From the study, it is clear that basalt fibres can be used to reinforce mortar as the fibres remain unaffected up to 500 °C. Minimal increases in flexural strengths and compressive strengths were measured with the addition of basalt fibres at both ambient and elevated temperatures. SEM pictures revealed fibre matrix interaction/degradation at different temperatures.

Originality/value

The current study shows the potential of basalt fibre addition in mortar as a reinforcement mechanism at elevated temperatures and provides experimental quantifiable mechanical performances of different fibre percentage addition.
Resistance of facial recognition payment service: a mixed method approach
Authors: Lee Crystal T. , Pan Ling-Yen
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Sellers view facial recognition mobile payment services (FRMPS) as a convenient and cost-saving way to receive immediate payments from customers. For consumers, however, these biometric identification technologies raise issues of usability as well as privacy, so FRMPS are not always preferable. This study uses the stressor–strain–outcome (S–S–O) framework to illuminate the underlying mechanism of FRMPS resistance, thereby addressing the paucity of research on users' negative attitudes toward FRMPS.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from the stressor–strain–outcome (S–S–O) framework, the purpose of this study is to illuminate the underlying mechanism of FRMPS resistance. To this end, they invited 566 password authentication users who had refused to use FRMPS to complete online survey questionnaires.

Findings

The findings enrich the understanding of FRMPS resistance and show that stressors (i.e. system feature overload, information overload, technological uncertainty, privacy concern and perceived risk) aggravate the strain (i.e. technostress), which then leads to users’ resistance behaviors and negative word of mouth.

Originality/value

Advances in payment methods have profoundly changed consumers’ consumption and payment habits. Understanding FRMPS resistance can provide marketers with strategies for dealing with this negative impact. This study theoretically confirms the S–S–O paradigm in the FRMPS setting and advances it by proposing thorough explanations of the major stressors that consumers face. Building on their findings, the authors suggest ways service providers can eliminate the stressors, thereby reducing consumers’ fear and preventing resistance or negative word-of-mouth behaviors. This study has valuable implications for both scholars and practitioners.
Trust disruption and preservation in the Covid-19 work from home context
Authors: Panteli Niki , Nurse Jason R.C. , Collins Emily , Williams Nikki
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The paper posits that the enforced work from home (WFH) arrangement due to Covid-19 provides a unique setting for the study of trust in changing contexts. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to examine to what extent Covid-19 WFH changed trust relationships among remote employees, their managers and organisations and how this has taken place.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used semi-structured interviews with employees and managers from different organisations across different sectors. Interviews were supported with image prompts as suggested by the storyboarding method, and took place between November 2020 and February 2021. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The findings identified factors that contribute to trust disruption and factors that led to trust preservation within the changing workspace landscape enforced by WFH environment. Employees reported trust in their organisations, feeling as though their organisations proven resilient at the time of the crisis caused by the pandemic. Interestingly, managers reported trust in employees to remain productive but also anxieties due to the possible presence of others in the household.

Originality/value

The study identified factors that affect intra-organisational trust that have not been previously recognised, exposing tensions and challenges that may disrupt trust relations between managers and employees whilst also identifying evidence of trust preservation in the Covid-19 WFH context. The study has implications for workplace learning within the remote, WFH context, which are discussed.
Using blockchain for global governance: past, present and future
Authors: Tiwari Chandan Kumar , Pal Abhinav
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper examines the current state of blockchain governance research. The study’s findings also propose a conceptual framework for the use of blockchain in governance and global governance and provide a global look at how public and private sectors alike are implementing new technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is qualitative as well as quantitative in nature. The authors used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to gather data for the study. Furthermore, a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer visualization tool and R Studio was carried out to attain the research objectives.

Findings

Many scholars and practitioners from around the world are interested in the topic, according to the analysis. This is a multidisciplinary study, so researchers have looked at how the blockchain can be used to govern countries, public utilities and global facilities, including corporations. There are numerous examples of how technology has been used in global governance, and the authors found that governments, as well as corporations around the world, have implemented technology in a variety of areas that affect the public and other stakeholders.

Practical implications

This study makes numerous contributions. In the first place, it presents the complex concept of blockchain in an easier to understand way. The numerous governmental and commercial initiatives that have made use of blockchain are also highlighted. As a result, the use of technology in corporate and social governance will continue to grow. Finally, the research will inform the academic community on the current state of the topic and potential future directions.

Originality/value

As a result of this research, academics and scholars can better understand the potential of blockchain in various governance models, ranging from developed to developing economies. The general public, as well as organizations, will benefit from the decentralized nature of the blockchain in a variety of ways related to their day-to-day governance. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is a first kind of research on blockchain in governance using PRISMA and bibliometrics tools.
The mediating effect of trust on consumer behavior in social media marketing environments
Authors: Karunasingha Aloka , Abeysekera Nalin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating effect of trust on the relationship between consumers' social motivation and online purchase intentions in the context of social media marketing in the fashion industry of Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample selection was done using a convenience sampling strategy. An online survey was conducted, and data gathered from consumers who worked for a range of organizations, including universities in the Colombo district (Sri Lanka).

Findings

The results illustrated that social motivation has a significant positive effect on trust as well as online purchase intentions. And they further demonstrated that a consumer's level of trust has a significant impact on their online purchase intentions. Trust was also found to partially mediate the relationship between social motivation and online purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

The study was solely focused on the Sri Lankan fashion industry. Consumer behavior relating to other industries may differ. Therefore, this model can be further developed to encompass other industries in future studies.

Practical implications

The study contributes to practical solutions in the development of consumer behavior (in the context of social media marketing). Stakeholders in the fashion industry may take the suggestions of this research, such as how to incorporate “trust” in social media marketing to attract and retain customers, into consideration in their future decision making.

Originality/value

This study is the first study in the Sri Lankan context to assess the mediating effect of trust on the relationship between consumers' social motivation and online purchase intentions in the context of social media marketing in the fashion industry of Sri Lanka. Overall, the results offer implications that align with existing theories and contribute to practical solutions in the development of consumer behavior (in the context of social media marketing).
Overview of LiDAR point cloud target detection methods based on deep learning
Authors: Huang Siyuan , Liu Limin , Fu Xiongjun , Dong Jian , Huang Fuyu , Lang Ping
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the existing point cloud target detection algorithms based on deep learning, and provide reference for researchers in related fields. In recent years, with its outstanding performance in target detection of 2D images, deep learning technology has been applied in light detection and ranging (LiDAR) point cloud data to improve the automation and intelligence level of target detection. However, there are still some difficulties and room for improvement in target detection from the 3D point cloud. In this paper, the vehicle LiDAR target detection method is chosen as the research subject.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the challenges of applying deep learning to point cloud target detection are described; secondly, solutions in relevant research are combed in response to the above challenges. The currently popular target detection methods are classified, among which some are compared with illustrate advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, approaches to improve the accuracy of network target detection are introduced.

Findings

Finally, this paper also summarizes the shortcomings of existing methods and signals the prospective development trend.

Originality/value

This paper introduces some existing point cloud target detection methods based on deep learning, which can be applied to a driverless, digital map, traffic monitoring and other fields, and provides a reference for researchers in related fields.
Digital transformation, operational efficiency and sustainability: innovation drivers for hospitality's rebound in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Nadkarni Sanjay , Haider Inam
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The paper researches the actions taken by United Arab Emirates (UAE) industry stakeholders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate impact, ensure continuity and target growth. More specifically, the focus is to investigate innovations adopted across hotel brands, both, local and international, and the UAE Government's policies that have created an enabling ecosystem for such innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an exploratory analysis technique, the paper provides a socio-economic, scientific and economic overview of the UAE and then proceeds to highlight the zeitgeist in the context of the hospitality and tourism industry. The impact of COVID on the industry is discussed and stakeholder feedback is solicited and analyzed to gauge the variety of innovations adopted to address the pandemic induced challenges.

Findings

A key finding of this research indicates that proactive government policies have enabled the hospitality and tourism industry to stay viable and perform better than their counterparts in most destinations. The “innovate or perish” mindset spurred by the pandemic is evident in the variety of innovations adopted by hotel brands in the UAE. Another key finding is that digital transformation, operational efficiency and sustainability are the innovation drivers in hospitality.

Originality/value

Using the UAE as a case in point, the study highlights the importance of an innovation mindset which the hospitality and tourism industry needs to embrace in order to tide over the crisis triggered by the pandemic.
Is biofilm formation intrinsic to the origin of life?
Authors: Römling Ute
Published: August 2022

Biofilms are multicellular, often surface‐associated, communities of autonomous cells. Their formation is the natural mode of growth of up to 80% of microorganisms living on this planet. Biofilms refractory towards antimicrobial agents and the actions of the immune system due to their tolerance against multiple environmental stresses. But how did biofilm formation arise? Here, I argue that the biofilm lifestyle has its foundation already in the fundamental, surface‐triggered chemical reactions and energy preserving mechanisms that enabled the development of life on earth. Subsequently, prototypical biofilm formation has evolved and diversified concomitantly in composition, cell morphology and regulation with the expansion of prokaryotic organisms and their radiation by occupation of diverse ecological niches. This ancient origin of biofilm formation thus mirrors the harnessing environmental conditions that have been the rule rather than the exception in microbial life. The subsequent emergence of the association of microbes, including recent human pathogens, with higher organisms can be considered as the entry into a nutritional and largely stress‐protecting heaven. Nevertheless, basic mechanisms of biofilm formation have surprisingly been conserved and refunctionalized to promote sustained survival in new environments.
Momentum, Imitation and Partner Selection in Nascent and Mature Product Markets
Authors: Xie En , Zou Honghui , Liang Jie
Published: August 2022

Determining which partners to ally with is a key strategic decision for managers. Many studies suggest that firms select alliance partners by rationally evaluating their quality, but it is possible that information asymmetry and managers’ limited cognitive capacity actually drive firms to adopt behavioural strategies like momentum and imitation to make decisions. This study examines how momentum and imitation affect firms’ selection of partners in nascent and mature product markets. We suggest that the absolute, relative and interactive impacts of momentum and imitation on alliance partner selection decisions change as a product market evolves from its nascent stage to maturity. Evidence from 13,071 partner selection decisions initiated by Chinese fund firms largely supports these predictions. Specifically, as a nascent product market moves towards maturity, the effect of momentum on partner selection decisions becomes weaker, while that of imitation grows stronger. However, momentum is more influential than imitation in both nascent and mature product markets. Momentum diminishes the effect of imitation on partner selection decisions in nascent and mature product markets, but this substitute effect is weaker in mature product markets than in nascent ones.
Optimisation of consolidation and whey drainage during the process of Paneer pressing
Authors: Tellabati Rajasekhar , Ravindra Menon Rekha , Rao Kulkarni Jayaraj
Published: August 2022

Test cells of various profiles (circular, square, rectangle) were designed to conduct experiments to evaluate consolidation mechanism and drainage of whey during Paneer pressing. The milk coagulum was subjected to different pressure levels (1.0–3.5 kg/cm2) for different time periods (300, 600, 900 s). The non‐dimensional whey expression ratio (WER) during pressing followed an exponential relationship with pressure, and the maximum value for WER ranged from 20.5 to 23.0 for the test cells. The visco‐elastic consolidation process was adequately described using Kevin–Voigt models. The void ratio, porosity and consolidation ratio were estimated by the Terzaghi consolidation test.
Assessing patient, physician, and practice characteristics predicting the use of low‐value services
Authors: Shin Eunhae , Fleming Chris , Ghosh Arkadipta , Javadi Arvin , Powell Rhea , Rich Eugene
Published: August 2022

Objective

To examine characteristics of beneficiaries, physicians, and their practice sites associated with greater use of low‐value services (LVS) using LVS measures that reflect current care practices.

Data Sources

This study was conducted in the context of a large, nationwide primary care redesign initiative (Comprehensive Primary Care Plus), using Medicare claims data in 2018.

Study Design

We examined beneficiary‐level total counts of LVS based on the existing 31 claims‐based measures updated by excluding three services provided with diminishing frequency to Medicare beneficiaries and by replacing these with more recently identified LVS. We estimated hierarchical linear models with an extensive list of beneficiary, physician, and practice site characteristics to examine the contribution of characteristics at each level in predicting greater use of LVS. We also examined the proportion of variation in LVS use attributable to the set of characteristics at each level.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The study included 5,074,642 Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries attributed to 32,406 primary care physicians in 11,009 primary care practice sites.

Principal Findings

Patients with disabilities, end‐stage renal disease, and those in regions with higher poverty rates receive 10 (standard error [SE] = 3.0), 80 (SE = 14.0), and 10 (SE = 1.0) more LVS per 1000 beneficiaries across all 31 measures combined than patients without such attributes, respectively. Greater physician comprehensiveness and an increase in the number of primary care practitioners at a practice were associated with 40 (SE = 20.0) and 20 (SE = 6.0) fewer LVS per 1000 beneficiaries, respectively. Yet, the explanatory variables we examined only account for 11 percent of the variation in LVS use, with most of the variation (87 percent) being due to unobserved differences at the beneficiary level.

Conclusions

Unexplained residual variation, from underlying patient preferences and behavior of non‐primary care providers, could be important determinants of LVS use.
A review of the growth and development of Australian practice nursing: Insights for the dietetic workforce
Authors: Davidson Alexandra R. , Reidlinger Dianne P.
Published: August 2022

Aim

The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of the development of practice nurses, and the learnings that could be applied to improve the profile of dietetics practice in primary care.

Methods

A scoping review synthesising peer‐reviewed and other literature relevant to the development of Australian practice nurses was conducted. Structured searches using keywords ‘general practice’, ‘nurse’ and ‘Australia’ were conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar in June 2021. Key government websites, Department of Health and Services Australia, were searched to identify grey literature. One reviewer screened the titles and abstracts against inclusion criteria; two reviewers conducted full‐text screening independently. Data on the evolution of practice nursing were extracted based on its interest and transferability to the dietetics workforce.

Results

A total of 102 results (82 peer‐reviewed and 20 other literature) were included in the review. Key drivers for practice nurse role development in Australia were government funding, practice nurse practice standards, cost–benefit analyses of practice nurses, career and education opportunities, general practitioner and patient perspectives of practice nurses and, individual, community and local needs.

Conclusions

The practice nurse role has grown and strengthened and there are three key learnings that could be translated to strengthen the dietetics workforce in primary care. (1) Use and expansion of government funding, (2) furthering post‐tertiary education and career opportunities, including dietetic primary care practice standards and (3) targeting underserviced areas such as those that are rural and remote and building positive relationships with other stakeholders including practice nurses, general practitioners, patients and the broader primary care team.
Love thy neighbour: Evidence from capital structure decisions
Authors: Chu Chien Chi , Su Xiu‐Fen , Lin Yu‐En , Omura Akihiro , Li Bin , Cheung Adrian Wai‐Kong
Published: August 2022

We examine how the peer effects arising not only from the leading firm but also from a slightly better performing firm affect the capital structure decisions of a firm. There is a large body of literature documenting the importance of peer effects, but it is unclear whether managers pay close attention to activities of slightly better performers. This study uses both book‐ and market‐value based approaches to estimate the peer effect measures. Our analysis shows that: (1) our peer effect measures induce the convergence of the follower firms' capital structure towards better performing firms; and (2) the capital structure converges more towards a slightly better performer.
Identification of suitable reference genes for normalization of quantitative real‐time PCR‐based gene expression in chicken (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Mogilicherla Kanakachari , Athe Rajendra P. , Chatterjee Rudra N. , Bhattacharya Tarun K.
Published: August 2022

The recent availability of genome information greatly facilitates the fundamental research on chicken. In different organs, gene expression patterns can provide clues to understanding the biological functions. For rapid and accurate quantification of gene expression, quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) has become one of the most widely used methods. However, the success of qPCR data normalization depends on the use of a suitable reference gene and a single reference gene is not universally suitable for all the experiments. Therefore, reference gene validation is a crucial step for different organ tissues of chicken where suitable reference genes for qPCR analysis in varieties of tissues have not been investigated exhaustively so far. In this study, we have selected 30 Gallus gallus candidate reference genes from NCBI, amplified and studied their expression profiles by qPCR in different organ tissues (breast muscle, thigh muscle, heart, liver, spleen, gizzard, and bursa) of chicken. The result showed that, for breast muscle HSP10 and RPL23, thigh muscle RPL14 and RPL13, liver ALB and HSP70, spleen ALB and GAPDH, heart CYCS and TUBA8B, gizzard RPL5 and 18S rRNA, and bursa EEF1A1 and PGK2 are most stable genes respectively. The results also showed that for different organ tissues, individual or a combination of reference genes should be selected for data normalization. In this study, we have identified and validated 30 reference genes in seven different organ tissues to provide accurate transcript normalization and quantification, which can be useful for gene expression studies in other avian species.
Review article: guide to tofacitinib dosing in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Irving Peter M. , Leung Yvette , Dubinsky Marla C.
Published: August 2022

Background

Tofacitinib is an oral small molecule Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The induction dose is 10 mg twice daily (b.d.), whilst for maintenance therapy, the lowest effective dose should be used.

Aim

To examine published evidence on the two tofacitinib dosing strategies used in UC treatment, including expert interpretation of the data and how they could inform clinical practice.

Methods

The use of tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg b.d. was assessed using data from the tofacitinib UC clinical programme in the context of different clinical scenarios. We include experts' opinions on the clinical implications of dose adjustment to inform the benefit/risk of using tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg b.d., based on clinical scenarios and real‐world data.

Results

Factors to consider when adjusting the tofacitinib dose include disease severity, comorbidities and previous biological exposure. The endoscopic subscore can determine whether a patient is a good candidate for dose reduction. Following disease relapse, the response can be recaptured in a substantial number of patients with a dose increase. Furthermore, data are now published showing real‐world use of tofacitinib and, so far, these are consistent with data from the clinical trials.

Conclusion

Clinicians must consider the benefit/risk balance of tofacitinib 10 versus 5 mg b.d. in terms of dose‐related side effects, as well as the safety implications of undertreating active disease. All patients should be closely monitored for disease relapse following dose reduction or interruption for early recapture of response.
Characterizing the immune microenvironment for nodular lymphocyte‐predominant Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Binkley Michael S.
Published: August 2022

The microenvironment of nodular lymphocyte‐predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) and its relationship to presentation and outcomes has not been widely investigated. In a large cohort of patients with NLPHL, Hartmann and colleagues showed an association between microenvironmental factors and clinical presentation serving to inform future studies evaluating the prognostic impact of the immunoarchitectural patterns and cell types present.

Commentary on: Hartmann et al. Tumor cell characteristics and microenvironment composition correspond to clinical presentation in newly diagnosed nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. Br J Haematol 2022;199:392‐401.
Unmanipulated haploidentical haematopoietic cell transplantation with radiation‐free conditioning in Fanconi anaemia: A retrospective analysis from the Chinese Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry Group
Authors: Xu Lanping , Lu Yue , Hu Shaoyan , Li Chunfu , Tang Yongmin , Wang Hongmei , Yan Jinsong , Chen Jing , Liu Sixi , Sun Yuan , Wu Xuedong , Lin Fan , Lu Peihua , Huang Xiaojun ,   the Chinese Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry Group (CBMTR)
Published: August 2022

Haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only curative treatment for haematological complications in patients with Fanconi anaemia (FA). Haploidentical (haplo‐) HCT is a promising alternative for FA. We aimed to analyse the outcomes of unmanipulated haplo‐HCT in patients with FA with radiation‐free conditioning. A total of 56 patients from 11 centres between 2013 and 2021 in China were retrospectively analysed. The mean (SD) cumulative incidence was 96.4% (0.08%) for 30‐day neutrophil engraftment and 85.5% (0.24%) for 100‐day platelet engraftment. With a median (range) follow‐up of 2.4 (0.2–5.8) years, favourable mean (SD) overall survival of 80.9% (5.5%) and event‐free survival of 79.3% (5.6%) were achieved. The mean (SD) incidences of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGvHD) Grade II–IV and Grade III–IV were 55.4% (0.45%) and 42.9 (0.45%) respectively. The mean (SD) cumulative incidence of 3‐year chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGvHD) was 34.7% (0.86%) and that of moderate‐to‐severe cGvHD was 9.0% (0.19%). Our data demonstrate that in unmanipulated haplo‐HCT for patients with FA, radiation‐free regimens based on fludarabine and low‐dose cyclophosphamide ± busulfan achieved favourable engraftment and survival with relatively high incidences of aGvHD and cGvHD. These results prompt the use of low‐intensity conditioning without radiation and intensive GvHD prophylaxis when considering unmanipulated haplo‐HCT in patients with FA.
It's not all doom and gloom: What the pandemic has taught us about digitally inclusive practices that support people with learning disabilities to access and use technologies
Authors: Seale Jane
Published: August 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to examine whether and how people with learning disabilities were being supported to use technologies to keep connected and stay well during the pandemic.

Methods

Thirty‐eight people in a range of support roles were interviewed about their experiences of trying to support people with learning disabilities to use technologies during the pandemic with a particular focus on the difficulties experienced by learning disabilities and the practices that supporters developed to try to overcome these difficulties.

Findings

Findings revealed examples of digital exclusion, where people with learning disabilities were not able to use technology. The three main barriers to digital inclusion were cost, access and environment. The findings also revealed examples of digital inclusion, where those in support roles worked to overcome these barriers. These digitally inclusive support practices can be characterised as ‘possibility focused’. Possibility focused support has four key components: creativity, resilience, risk‐management and shared decision‐making.

Conclusion

The pandemic has shown us that it is important to support people with learning disabilities to use technologies. It is important that we learn from the experiences of those supporters who helped people with learning disabilities access and use technologies during the pandemic, so that digitally inclusive support practice is shared more widely and more people with learning disabilities are supported to be digitally included beyond the pandemic.
Long noncoding RNA SNHG7‐miRNA‐mRNA axes crosstalk with oncogenic signaling pathways in human cancers
Authors: Malakoti Faezeh , Alemi Forough , Yeganeh Shirin Jafari , Hosseini Foroogh , Shabestani Nazila , Samemaleki Sahar , Maleki Masomeh , Daneshvar Sarvin Fathi , Montazer Majid , Yousefi Bahman
Published: August 2022

LncRNAs and miRNAs are the two most important non‐coding RNAs, which have been identified to be associated with cancer progression or prevention. The dysregulation of lncRNAs conducts tumorigenesis and metastasis in different ways. One of the mechanisms is that lncRNAs interact with miRNAs to regulate distinct cellular and genomic processes and cancer progression. LncRNA SNHG7 as an oncogene sponges miRNAs and develops lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA axes, leading to the regulation of several signaling pathways such as Wnt/β‐Catenin, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, SIRT1, and Snail‐EMT. Therefore, in this article, after a brief overview of lncRNA SNHG7‐miRNA‐mRNA axes' contribution to cancer development, we will discuss the role of lncRNA SNHG7 in the genes expression and signaling pathways related to cancers development via acting as a ceRNA.
Airway autoimmunity, asthma exacerbations, and response to biologics
Authors: Venegas Garrido Carmen , Mukherjee Manali , Bhalla Anurag , Nair Parameswaran
Published: August 2022

Biologic therapies in asthma are indicated in severe disease, and they are directed against specific inflammatory modulators that contribute to pathogenesis and severity. Currently approved biologics target T2 cytokines (IgE, IL‐5, IL‐4/IL‐13, and TLSP) and have demonstrated efficacy in clinical outcomes such as exacerbation rate and oral corticosteroid dose reductions, blood and airway eosinophil depletion, and lung function improvement. However, a proportion of these patients may show inadequate responses to biologics, with either initial lack of improvement or clinical and functional worsening after an optimal initial response. Exacerbations while on a biologic may be due to several reasons, including imprecise identification of the dominant effector pathway contributing to severity, additional inflammatory pathways that are not targeted by the biologic, inaccuracies of the biomarker used to guide therapy, inadequate dosing schedules, intercurrent airway infections, anti‐drug neutralizing antibodies, and a novel phenomenon of autoimmune responses in the airways interfering with the effectiveness of the monoclonal antibodies. This review, illustrated using case scenarios, describes the underpinnings of airway autoimmune responses in driving exacerbations while patients are being treated with biologics, device a strategy to evaluate such exacerbations, an algorithm to switch between biologics, and perhaps to consider two biologics concurrently.
Common and rare variants in patients with early onset drusen maculopathy
Authors: de Breuk Anita , Lechanteur Yara T. E. , Astuti Galuh , Galbany Jordi Corominas , Klaver Caroline C. W. , Hoyng Carel B. , den Hollander Anneke I.
Published: August 2022

Early onset drusen maculopathy (EODM) can lead to advanced macular degeneration at a young age, affecting quality of life. However, the genetic causes of EODM are not well studied. We performed whole genome sequencing in 49 EODM patients. Common genetic variants were analysed by calculating genetic risk scores based on 52 age‐related macular generation (AMD)‐associated variants, and we analysed rare variants in candidate genes to identify potential deleterious variants that might contribute to EODM development. We demonstrate that the 52 AMD‐associated variants contributed to EODM, especially variants located in the complement pathway. Furthermore, we identified 26 rare genetic variants predicted to be pathogenic based on in silico prediction tools or based on reported pathogenicity in literature. These variants are located predominantly in the complement and lipid metabolism pathways. Last, evaluation of 18 genes causing inherited retinal dystrophies that can mimic AMD characteristics, revealed 11 potential deleterious variants in eight EODM patients. However, phenotypic characteristics did not point towards a retinal dystrophy in these patients. In conclusion, this study reports new insights into rare variants that are potentially involved in EODM development, and which are relevant for future studies unravelling the aetiology of EODM.
Prevention of occupational hand eczema in healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A controlled intervention study
Authors: Symanzik Cara , Stasielowicz Lukasz , Brans Richard , Skudlik Christoph , John Swen Malte
Published: August 2022

Background

Occupational hand eczema (HE) is common among healthcare workers (HCWs) and has—in some regions of the world—increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic due to related hygiene measures.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of an intervention for HE prevention in HCWs during the pandemic.

Methods

A prospective, controlled, unblinded interventional trial was conducted in 302 HCWs. The intervention group (IG) (n = 135) received online‐based health education and free access to hand cleansing and hand care products. The control group (CG) (n = 167) did not receive any intervention within the study. At baseline (T0), after 3 (T1) and 6 (T2) months, participants completed standardized questionnaires. The Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI) was assessed at T0 and T2.

Results

During the observation period, there were no new HE cases in the IG (n = 115) and 12 cases (8.8%) in the CG (n = 136). OHSI values at T2 were lower in the IG (b = −1.44, p < 0.001). Daily use of emollients was higher at work (b = 1.73, p < 0.001) and at home (b = 1.62, p < 0.001) in the IG at T2.

Conclusions

The intervention was effective in HE prevention and improving skin care behaviour during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Factors associated with early postoperative exercise tolerance after living‐donor liver transplantation
Authors: Yoshioka Yuji , Oshima Yohei , Hata Koichiro , Sato Susumu , Hamada Ryota , Sato Tatsuya , Kaido Toshimi , Munekage Fumiaki , Ito Takashi , Ikeguchi Ryosuke , Uemoto Shinji , Hatano Etsuro , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: August 2022

Background

Physical dysfunction, including exercise intolerance, is a major factor for delayed societal reintegration for patients who underwent living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT). However, what may contribute to early postoperative physical function is not well known. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the perioperative factors affecting early posttransplant exercise intolerance.

Methods

103 consecutive patients who underwent LDLT were enrolled, and 68 patients were retrospectively analyzed. We examined the relationship between postoperative exercise tolerance evaluated by a 6‐minute walking distance (6MWD) at discharge after surgery and demographic data, surgical information, preoperative physical function, clinical course, and the postoperative decline in physical function with univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Almost all patients were discharged within 3 months after surgery. The postoperative 6MWD was 408 ± 94 m (68 [61–84]% of the predicted value), and patients who had a low %6MWD at discharge had significantly lower preoperative physical function than patients who had a high %6MWD at discharge (grip strength: 29.8 ± 8.9 kgf vs. 23.0 ± 8.8 kgf, P < .01, knee extensor strength: 138.9 ± 59.4 Nm vs. 95.2 ± 42.1 Nm, P < .01). Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative knee extensor strength (standardized β = 0.35, P < .01) and first postoperative walking day (standardized β = −0.22, P = .04) were independently associated with the postoperative %6MWD.

Conclusion

These results suggest that maintaining preoperative muscle strength and allowing for early postoperative mobilization might help to enhance the recovery of physical function and facilitate the patient's social reintegration after LDLT.
More than words: Neurophysiological correlates of semantic dissimilarity depend on comprehension of the speech narrative
Authors: Broderick Michael P. , Zuk Nathaniel J. , Anderson Andrew J. , Lalor Edmund C.
Published: August 2022

Speech comprehension relies on the ability to understand words within a coherent context. Recent studies have attempted to obtain electrophysiological indices of this process by modelling how brain activity is affected by a word's semantic dissimilarity to preceding words. Although the resulting indices appear robust and are strongly modulated by attention, it remains possible that, rather than capturing the contextual understanding of words, they may actually reflect word‐to‐word changes in semantic content without the need for a narrative‐level understanding on the part of the listener. To test this, we recorded electroencephalography from subjects who listened to speech presented in either its original, narrative form, or after scrambling the word order by varying amounts. This manipulation affected the ability of subjects to comprehend the speech narrative but not the ability to recognise individual words. Neural indices of semantic understanding and low‐level acoustic processing were derived for each scrambling condition using the temporal response function. Signatures of semantic processing were observed when speech was unscrambled or minimally scrambled and subjects understood the speech. The same markers were absent for higher scrambling levels as speech comprehension dropped. In contrast, word recognition remained high and neural measures related to envelope tracking did not vary significantly across scrambling conditions. This supports the previous claim that electrophysiological indices based on the semantic dissimilarity of words to their context reflect a listener's understanding of those words relative to that context. It also highlights the relative insensitivity of neural measures of low‐level speech processing to speech comprehension.
Population genomic monitoring provides insight into conservation status but no correlation with demographic estimates of extinction risk in a threatened trout
Authors: Hemstrom William , Dauwalter Daniel , Peacock Mary M. , Leasure Douglas , Wenger Seth , Miller Michael R. , Neville Helen
Published: August 2022

The current extinction crisis requires effective assessment and monitoring tools. Genetic approaches are appealing given the relative ease of field sampling required to estimate genetic diversity characteristics assumed related to population size, evolutionary potential, and extinction risk, and to evaluate hybridization with non‐native species simultaneously. However, linkages between population genetic metrics of diversity from survey‐style field collections and demographic estimates of population size and extinction risk are still in need of empirical examples, especially for remotely distributed species of conservation concern where the approach might be most beneficial. We capitalized on an exceptional opportunity to evaluate congruence between genetic diversity metrics and demographic‐based estimates of abundance and extinction risk from a comprehensive Multiple Population Viability Analysis (MPVA) in a threatened fish, the Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT). We sequenced non‐native trout reference samples and recently collected and archived tissue samples of most remaining populations of LCT (N = 60) and estimated common genetic assessment metrics, predicting minimal hybridization with non‐native trout, low diversity, and declining diversity over time. We further hypothesized genetic metrics would correlate positively with MPVA‐estimated abundance and negatively with extinction probability. We uncovered several instances of hybridization that pointed to immediate management needs. After removing hybridized individuals, cautious interpretation of low effective population sizes (2–63) suggested reduced evolutionary potential for many LCT populations. Other genetic metrics did not decline over time nor correlate with MPVA‐based estimates of harmonic mean abundance or 30‐year extinction probability. Our results demonstrate benefits of genetic monitoring for efficiently detecting hybridization and, though genetic results were disconnected from demographic assessment of conservation status, they suggest reduced evolutionary potential and likely a higher conservation risk than currently recognized for this threatened fish. We emphasize that genetic information provides essential complementary insight, in addition to demographic information, for evaluating species status.
Enhancement of nerve regeneration with nimodipine treatment after sciatic nerve injury
Authors: Al‐Saedi Haider F. , Panahi Yasin , Ghanimi Hussein A. , Abdolmaleki Arash , Asadi Asadollah
Published: August 2022

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI/s) are common orthopedic conditions, characterized by motor and sensory deficits in the damaged region. There is growing evidence that the L‐type calcium channel antagonist nimodipine has neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects in animal models of neurological disorders. The efficacy of nimodipine on improving motor function and sensation following a sciatic nerve crush model was investigated in male Wistar rats as a model of PNI. At different time periods following damage, we evaluated motor function, sensory recovery, electrophysiology, histomorphometry, and gene expression. Moreover, we used histological and mass ratio analysis of the gastrocnemius muscle to assess atrophy. Our findings suggest that the nimodipine improves motor and sensory function more quickly in the damaged region 2, 4, and 6 weeks after 1 week of treatment. Nimodipine treatment also increased the number of myelinated fibers while decreasing their thickness, as shown by histomorphometry. Additionally, nimodipine treatment increases the mRNA levels of neurotrophic factors (BDNF and NGF), which are known to contribute to the regeneration of injured neurons. The impact of nimodipine in PNI recovery may be due to its stimulation of the CREB signaling pathway and suppression of pro‐inflammatory factor production.
Single‐molecule tracking of perfringolysin O assembly and membrane insertion uncoupling
Authors: Senior Michael J. T. , Monico Carina , Weatherill Eve E. , Gilbert Robert J. , Heuck Alejandro P. , Wallace Mark I.
Published: August 2022

We exploit single‐molecule tracking and optical single channel recording in droplet interface bilayers to resolve the assembly pathway and pore formation of the archetypical cholesterol‐dependent cytolysin nanopore, Perfringolysin O. We follow the stoichiometry and diffusion of Perfringolysin O complexes during assembly with 60 ms temporal resolution and 20 nm spatial precision. Our results suggest individual nascent complexes can insert into the lipid membrane where they continue active assembly. Overall, these data support a model of stepwise irreversible assembly dominated by monomer addition, but with infrequent assembly from larger partial complexes.
Integrating the impact of global change on the niche and physiology of marine nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria
Authors: Wrightson Lewis , Yang Nina , Mahaffey Claire , Hutchins David A. , Tagliabue Alessandro
Published: August 2022

Marine nitrogen fixation is a major source of new nitrogen to the ocean, which interacts with climate driven changes to physical nutrient supply to regulate the response of ocean primary production in the oligotrophic tropical ocean. Warming and changes in nutrient supply may alter the ecological niche of nitrogen‐fixing organisms, or ‘diazotrophs’, however, impacts of warming on diazotroph physiology may also be important. Lab‐based studies reveal that warming increases the nitrogen fixation‐specific elemental use efficiency (EUE) of two prevalent marine diazotrophs, Crocosphaera and Trichodesmium, thus reducing their requirements for the limiting nutrients iron and phosphorus. Here, we coupled a new diazotroph model based upon observed diazotroph energetics of growth and resource limitation to a state‐of‐the‐art global model of phytoplankton physiology and ocean biogeochemistry. Our model is able to address the integrated response of nitrogen fixation by Trichodesmium and Crocosphaera to warming under the IPCC high emission RCP8.5 scenario for the first time. Our results project a global decline in nitrogen fixation over the coming century. However, the regional response of nitrogen fixation to climate change is modulated by the diazotroph‐specific thermal performance curves and EUE, particularly in the Pacific Ocean, which shapes global trends. Spatially, the response of both diazotrophs is similar with expansion towards higher latitudes and reduced rates of nitrogen fixation in the lower latitudes. Overall, 95%–97% of the nitrogen fixation climate signal can be attributed to the combined effect of temperature on the niche and physiology of marine diazotrophs, with decreases being associated with a reduced niche and increases resulting due to a combination of expanding niche and temperature driven changes to EUE. Climate change impacts on both the niche and physiology of marine diazotrophs interact to shape patterns of marine nitrogen fixation, which will have important implications for ocean productivity in the future.