bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Value of Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy Using an Ultrathin Cryoprobe and Guide Sheath for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions
Authors: Chung Chaeuk , Kim Yoonjoo , Lee Jeong Eun , Kang Da Hyun , Park Dongil
Published: March 2023

Background:

The addition of cryobiopsy to conventional biopsy methods improves the diagnostic yield of peripheral pulmonary lesions. Moreover, cryobiopsy with a guide sheath (GS) provides additional diagnostic benefits. Semi-real-time biopsy can be repeatedly performed using conventional biopsy devices and a GS, and subsequent cryobiopsy can be easily performed at the same location. Recently, a disposable 1.1 mm-diameter ultrathin cryoprobe has been developed and can be used with a 1.95 mm GS in a 2.0 mm working channel. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) with the 1.1 mm cryoprobe and a GS in patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial lung biopsy with a guide sheath and TBLC from July 23, 2021 to April 30, 2022 at Chungnam National University Hospital.

Results:

Of a consecutive series of 229 patients, 199 were included. The diagnostic yields of forceps biopsy and cryobiopsy were 65.3% (130/199) and 84.4% (168/199), respectively, and the total diagnostic yield was 91.5% (182/199) (P<0.001 vs. forceps biopsy). Multivariate analysis showed that solid lesion morphology [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.659, P=0.002] was associated with a significantly greater diagnostic yield of cryobiopsy, whereas a lesion diameter >20 mm (P=0.026; adjusted OR 3.816) and ‘within’ orientation (P=0.004; adjusted OR 6.174) were associated with a significantly greater overall diagnostic yield.

Conclusion:

TBLC using an ultrathin cryoprobe and GS markedly improves the diagnostic yield.
As-needed inhaled corticosteroids as add-on therapy versus SMART therapy: an evolving understanding of the two approaches in the management of moderate-to-severe asthma
Authors: Salciccioli Justin D. , Israel Elliot
Published: March 2023

Purpose of review

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disorder, characterized by recurring, reversible airflow obstruction due to inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Although biologics have provided significant advances in the treatment of asthma, they are expensive, and their use remains restricted to more severe asthma. Additional approaches in the management of moderate-to-severe asthma are necessary.

Recent findings

ICS–formoterol as maintenance and reliever therapy in asthma and its effect on improved asthma control has been demonstrated in multiple cohorts of asthma. Although ICS–formoterol as maintenance and reliever therapy has been widely validated, there are significant design considerations including the requirement for exacerbation and bronchodilator response and the lack of evidence for effectiveness in patients who use nebulized reliever therapies, which may limit the use of this therapy in selected populations. More recent trials of as-needed ICS have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing asthma exacerbations and improvements in asthma control and may provide an additional therapeutic strategy for individuals with moderate-to-severe asthma.

Both ICS–formoterol as a maintenance and a reliever as well as as-needed ICS have demonstrated significant improvements in the control of moderate-to-severe asthma. Future investigational work will be necessary to elucidate whether a strategy of ICS–formoterol as maintenance and reliever therapy or an as-needed ICS strategy demonstrates superiority in asthma control in the context of the cost to individual patients and health systems.
Disparities in the Operative Experience Between Female and Male General Surgery Residents
Authors: Winer Leah K. , Kader Sarah , Abelson Jonathan S. , Hammaker Austin C. , Eruchalu Chukwuma N. , Etheridge James C. , Cho Nancy L. , Foote Darci C. , Ivascu Felicia A. , Smith Savannah , Postlewait Lauren M. , Greenwell Kathriena , Meister Katherine M. , Montgomery Kelsey B. , Zmijewski Polina , Byrd Samuel E. , Kimbrough Mary K. , Stopenski Stephen J. , Nahmias Jeffry T. , Harvey Jalen , Farr Deborah , Callahan Zachary M. , Marks Joshua A. , Stahl Christopher C. , Al Yafi Motaz , Sutton Jeffrey M. , Elsaadi Ali , Campbell Samuel J. , Dodwad Shah-Jahan M. , Adams Sasha D. , Woeste Matthew R. , Martin Robert C.G. , Patel Purvi , Anstadt Michael J. , Nasim Bilal Waqar , Willis Ross E. , Patel Jitesh A. , Newcomb Melisa R. , George Brian C. , Quillin Ralph C. , Cortez Alexander R.
Published: March 2023

Objective:

To examine differences in resident operative experience between male and female general surgery residents.

Background:

Despite increasing female representation in surgery, sex and gender disparities in residency experience continue to exist. The operative volume of male and female general surgery residents has not been compared on a multi-institutional level.

Methods:

Demographic characteristics and case logs were obtained for categorical general surgery graduates between 2010 and 2020 from the US Resident OPerative Experience Consortium database. Univariable, multivariable, and linear regression analyses were performed to compare differences in operative experience between male and female residents.

Results:

There were 1343 graduates from 20 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited programs, and 476 (35%) were females. There were no differences in age, race/ethnicity, or proportion pursuing fellowship between groups. Female graduates were less likely to be high-volume residents (27% vs 36%, P < 0.01). On univariable analysis, female graduates performed fewer total cases than male graduates (1140 vs 1177, P < 0.01), largely due to a diminished surgeon junior experience (829 vs 863, P < 0.01). On adjusted multivariable analysis, female sex was negatively associated with being a high-volume resident (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.98, P = 0.03). Over the 11-year study period, the annual total number of cases increased significantly for both groups, but female graduates (+16 cases/year) outpaced male graduates (+13 cases/year, P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

Female general surgery graduates performed significantly fewer cases than male graduates. Reassuringly, this gap in operative experience may be narrowing. Further interventions are warranted to promote equitable training opportunities that support and engage female residents.
Risk Factors Associated With Surgical Morbidities of Laparoscopic Living Liver Donors
Authors: Rhu Jinsoo , Choi Gyu-Seong , Kim Jong Man , Kwon Choon Hyuck David , Joh Jae-Won
Published: March 2023

Objective:

This study analyzed the incidence and risk factors for surgical morbidities of laparoscopic living donors.

Background:

Although laparoscopic living donor programs have been established safely in leading centers, donor morbidities have not been discussed sufficiently.

Methods:

Laparoscopic living donors operated on from May 2013 to June 2022 were reviewed. Donor complications were reviewed, and factors related to bile leakage and biliary stricture were analyzed using the multivariable logistic regression method.

Results:

A total of 636 donors underwent laparoscopic living donor hepatectomy. The open conversion rate was 1.6%, and the 30-day complication rate was 16.8% (n=107). Grade IIIa and IIIb complications occurred in 4.4% (n=28) and 1.9% (n=12) of patients, respectively. The most common complication was bleeding (n=38, 6.0%). Fourteen donors (2.2%) required reoperation. Portal vein stricture, bile leakage, and biliary stricture occurred in 0.6% (n=4), 3.3% (n=21), and 1.6% (n=10) of cases, respectively. The readmission rate and reoperation rate were 5.2% (n=33) and 2.2% (n=14), respectively. Risk factors related to bile leakage were 2 hepatic arteries in the liver graft (OR=13.836, CI=4.092–46.789, P<0.001), division-free margin<5 mm from the main duct (OR=2.624, CI=1.030–6.686, P=0.043), and estimated blood loss during operation (OR=1.002, CI=1.001–1.003, P=0.008), while the Pringle maneuver (OR=0.300, CI=0.110–0.817, P=0.018) was protective against leakage. Regarding biliary stricture, bile leakage was the only significant factor (OR=11.902, CI=2.773–51.083, P=0.001).

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic living donor surgery showed excellent safety for the majority of donors, and critical complications were resolved with proper management. To minimize bile leakage, cautious surgical manipulation is needed for donors with complex hilar anatomy.
Combined translational and rotational perturbations of standing balance reveal contributions of reduced reciprocal inhibition to balance impairments in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Jente Willaert , Kaat Desloovere , Anja Van Campenhout , Ting Lena H. , Friedl De Groote
Published: March 2023

Balance impairments are common in cerebral palsy (CP). When balance is perturbed by backward support surface translations, children with CP have increased co-activation of the plantar flexors and tibialis anterior muscle as compared to typically developing (TD) children. However, it is unclear whether increased muscle co-activation is used as a compensation strategy to improve balance control or is a consequence of impaired reciprocal inhibition. During translational perturbations, increased joint stiffness due to co-activation might aid standing balance control by resisting movement of the body with respect to the feet. However, during rotational perturbations, increased joint stiffness will hinder balance control as it couples body to platform rotation. Hence, we expect increased muscle co-activation in response to rotational perturbations if co-activation is caused by reduced reciprocal inhibition but not if it is merely a compensation strategy.

We perturbed standing balance by combined backward translational and toe-up rotational perturbations in 20 children with CP and 20 TD children. Our perturbation protocol induced a backward movement of the center of mass requiring balance correcting activity in the plantar flexors followed by a forward movement of the center of mass requiring balance correcting activity in the tibialis anterior.

We found that the switch from plantar flexor to tibialis anterior activity upon reversal of the center of mass movement was less pronounced in children with CP than in TD children leading to increased co-activation of the plantar flexors and tibialis anterior throughout the response. Therefore, our results suggest that a reduction in reciprocal inhibition causes muscle co-activation in reactive standing balance in CP.
APOBEC3 degradation is the primary function of HIV-1 Vif for virus replication in the myeloid cell line THP-1
Authors: Ikeda Terumasa , Shimizu Ryo , Nasser Hesham , Carpenter Michael A. , Cheng Adam Z. , Brown William L. , Sauter Daniel , Harris Reuben S.
Published: March 2023

HIV-1 must overcome multiple innate antiviral mechanisms to replicate in CD4+T lymphocytes and macrophages. Previous studies have demonstrated that the APOBEC3 (A3) family of proteins (at least A3D, A3F, A3G, and stable A3H haplotypes) contribute to HIV-1 restriction in CD4+T lymphocytes. Virus-encoded virion infectivity factor (Vif) counteracts this antiviral activity by degrading A3 enzymes allowing HIV-1 replication in infected cells. In addition to A3 proteins, Vif also targets other cellular proteins in CD4+T lymphocytes, including PPP2R5 proteins. However, whether Vif primarily degrades only A3 proteins or has additional essential targets during viral replication is currently unknown. Herein, we describe the development and characterization ofA3F-,A3F/A3G-, andA3A-to-A3G-null THP-1 cells. In comparison to Vif-proficient HIV-1, Vif-deficient viruses have substantially reduced infectivity in parental andA3F-null THP-1 cells, and a more modest decrease in infectivity inA3F/A3G-null cells. Remarkably, disruption of A3A–A3G protein expression completely restores the infectivity of Vif-deficient viruses in THP-1 cells. These results indicate that the primary function of Vif during HIV-1 replication in THP-1 cells is the targeting and degradation of A3 enzymes.

Importance

HIV-1 Vif neutralizes the HIV-1 restriction activity of A3 proteins. However, it is currently unclear whether Vif has additional essential cellular targets. To address this question, we disruptedA3AtoA3Ggenes in the THP-1 myeloid cell line using CRISPR and compared the infectivity of wildtype HIV-1 and Vif mutants with the selective A3 neutralization activities. Our results demonstrate that the infectivity of Vif-deficient HIV-1 and the other Vif mutants is fully restored by ablating the expression of cellular A3A to A3G proteins. These results indicate that A3 proteins are the only essential target of Vif that is required for HIV-1 replication in THP-1 cells.
Towards high-throughput parallel imaging and single-cell transcriptomics of microbial eukaryotic plankton
Authors: Grujcic Vesna , Saarenpää Sami , Sundh John , Sennblad Bengt , Norgren Benjamin , Latz Meike , Giacomello Stefania , Foster Rachel A , Andersson Anders F
Published: March 2023

Single-cell transcriptomics has the potential to provide novel insights into poorly studied microbial eukaryotes. Although several such technologies are available and benchmarked on mammalian cells, few have been tested on protists. Here, we optimized a microarray single-cell sequencing (MASC-seq) technology that generates microscope images of cells in parallel with capturing their transcriptomes. We tested the method on three species representing important plankton groups with different cell structures, the ciliateTetrahymena thermophila, the diatomPhaeodactylum tricornutumand the dinoflagellateHeterocapsasp.. Both the cell fixation and permeabilization steps were adjusted. For the ciliate and dinoflagellate, the number of transcripts of microarray spots with single cells were significantly higher than for background spots, and the overall expression patterns were correlated with that of bulk RNA, while for the much smaller diatom cells, it was not possible to separate single-cell transcripts from background. The MASC-seq method holds promise for investigating “microbial dark matter”, although further optimizations are necessary to increase the signal-to-noise ratio.
Caveola mechanotransduction reinforces the cortical cytoskeleton to promote epithelial resilience
Authors: Brooks John W. , Tillu Vikas , Verma Suzie , Collins Brett M. , Parton Robert G. , Yap Alpha S.
Published: March 2023

As physical barriers, epithelia must preserve their integrity when challenged by mechanical stresses. Cell-cell junctions linked to the cortical cytoskeleton play key roles in this process, often with mechanotransduction mechanisms that reinforce tissues. Caveolae are mechanosensitive organelles that buffer tension via disassembly. Loss of caveolae, through caveolin-1 or cavin1 depletion, causes activation of PtdIns(4, 5)P2signalling, recruitment of FMNL2 formin, and enhanced cortical actin assembly. How this equates to physiological responses in epithelial cells containing endogenous caveolae is unknown. Here we examined the effect of mechanically-inducing acute disassembly of caveolae in epithelia. We show that perturbation of caveolae, through direct mechanical stress, reinforces the actin cortex at adherens junctions. Increasing interactions with membrane lipids by introducing multiple phosphatidylserine-binding undecad cavin1 (UC1) repeat domains into cavin1 rendered caveolae more stable to mechanical stimuli. This molecular stabilization blocked cortical reinforcement in response to mechanical stress. Cortical reinforcement elicited by the mechanically-induced disassembly of caveolae increased epithelial resilience against tensile stresses. These findings identify the actin cortex as a target of caveola mechanotransduction that contributes to epithelial integrity.
Trapped DNA fragments in marine sponge specimens unveil north Atlantic deep-sea fish diversity
Authors: Neave Erika F. , Cai Wang , Arias Maria Belén , Harper Lynsey R. , Riesgo Ana , Mariani Stefano
Published: March 2023

Sponges pump water to filter feed and for diffusive oxygen uptake. In doing so, trace DNA fragments from a multitude of organisms living around them are trapped in their tissues. Here we show that the environmental DNA retrieved from archived marine sponge specimens can reconstruct the fish communities at the place of sampling and discriminate North Atlantic assemblages according to biogeographic region (from Western Greenland to Svalbard), depth habitat (80-1600m), and even the level of protection in place. Given the cost associated with ocean biodiversity surveys, we argue that targeted and opportunistic sponge samples – as well as the specimens already stored in museums and other research collections – represent an invaluable trove of biodiversity information that can significantly extend the reach of ocean monitoring.
MORC2 restriction factor silences HIV proviral expression
Authors: Lasserre Angélique , Marie Sébastien , Morel Marina , Martin Michael M. , Legrand Alexandre , Vauthier Virginie , Cimarelli Andrea , Etienne Lucie , Margottin-Goguet Florence , Matkovic Roy
Published: March 2023

The HUSH complex (composed of TASOR, MPP8 and periphilin) represses HIV-1 expression from its promoter by inducing both propagation of repressive epigenetic marks and degradation of the nascent transcript. Vpx from HIV-2, and Vpr proteins from some simian lentiviruses (SIVs), antagonize HUSH, thereby increasing proviral expression. The chromatin-remodelling MORC2 protein plays a critical role in the epigenetic silencing of host genes by HUSH. Here, we deciphered the role of MORC2 in retroviral silencing. We show that MORC2, in contrast to HUSH components, presents strong signatures of positive selection during primate evolution. Like HUSH, MORC2 represses proviral expression in two models of HIV-1 latency. However, while HUSH is degraded upon HIV-2 infection in a Vpx-dependent manner, MORC2 levels are increased, raising the question of a feedback control mechanism without HUSH. Upon infection with an HIV-1-derived virus, MORC2 and TASOR antiviral effects are interdependent. However, once the lentiviral DNA is integrated into the host genome, MORC2 may maintain the repression independently of HUSH. At the post-transcriptional level, both MORC2 and HUSH act in association with CNOT1 of the CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex and the TRAMP-like PAXT complex. Finally, MORC2, but not HUSH components, is expressed in primary quiescent CD4+ T cells. Altogether, our data highlight MORC2 as an HIV restriction factor and a chromatin remodelling protein operating both at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. We speculate that MORC2 could serve as an immune gatekeeper following HUSH inactivation by Vpx and contribute to the maintenance of retroviral silencing in reservoir CD4+ T cells.

Significance statement

One hurdle to HIV eradication is viral latency, which refers to the persistence of the virus in reservoir cells despite antiretroviral treatment. The HUSH complex represses HIV expression, once the viral genome is integrated into the host genome. HUSH activity on host genes depends on MORC2, a protein incriminated in the Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuronal disease. Here, we first show that MORC2 presents signs of evolutionary arms-races in primates. Furthermore, MORC2 contributes to HIV silencing in cooperation with HUSH, but also, likely without HUSH. Despite identified as a chromatin remodeler, MORC2 also works at a post-transcriptional level. Altogether, MORC2 appears as a host defense factor, which plays a role in HIV latency.
NETosis Induced by Serum of Patients with COVID-19 is Reduced with Reparixin or Antibodies Against DEK and IL-8
Authors: Kılıç İrfan Baki , Yaşar Açelya , Yalım Camcı İrem , Güzel Türkan , Karahasan Ayşegül , Yağcı Tamer , Çine Naci , Kandilci Ayten
Published: March 2023

DEK locates in the nucleus of the cells or the cytoplasmic granules of neutrophils and plays different roles in cellular processes including NETosis, a suicide mechanism of neutrophils. Here we showed that the interaction of rDEK with CXCR2 leads to NETosis, which could be reduced by the CXCR1/CXCR2 inhibitor reparixin. We found that IL-8, IL-6, IL1-β, MPO, and CitH3 were increased whereas DEK was decreased in the serum of COVID-19 patients. Interestingly, reparixin or anti-DEK antibody reduced the NETosis induced by the serums of patients, suggesting that initial cytokine stimulation may further induce the release of DEK. Our results support the use of reparixin as a potential therapeutic strategy in COVID-19 and suggest that DEK-CXCR2 interaction plays a role in NETosis.
Hierarchical packing of racemic metallosupramolecular cages with Ni(II)-based triple-stranded helicate building blocks
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Nhan , Nguyen Anh Ngoc , Tran Ngoc Minh , Park In-Hyeok , Yoo Hyojong
Published: March 2023

Three novel hierarchical Ni-based metallosupramolecular cages were constructed from nickel ions, pyridine dicarboxylates and isophthalate derivative ligands (the substituents on C5 of isophthalate are methyl, tert-butyl and bromo groups). In every cage, two multinuclear nickel clusters, assembled from four nickel atoms and three pyridine dicarboxylate ligands, are interlinked by three isophthalate-derivative ligands to form a nickel-based triple-stranded helicate (TSH), which then becomes the supramolecular building block for the fabrication of a metallocage. Six homochiral TSH supramolecular building blocks, either left (M)-handed or right (P)-handed, are connected by four linking nickel atoms to generate M
6 and P
6 discrete racemic cage molecules (M
6 – cage with six M-TSHs; P
6 – cage with six P-TSHs). The crystal packing of the racemic cages was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. An additional cobalt-based molecular cage with 5-methylisophthalate bridging ligands was synthesized for host–guest interaction studies. The methyl groups in Co- and Ni-TSH can act as guest units to be accommodated in the cone-shaped metal clusters (host) of an adjacent cage.
A counterfactual analysis of the impact of the 2008 and 2020 crises on Spanish employment
Authors: Jerez Miguel , Montealegre-Luna Alejandra , Garcia-Hiernaux Alfredo
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the impact of the 2008 and 2020 economic crises on employment in Spain.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors perform a counterfactual analysis, combining intervention (interrupted time series) analysis and conditional forecasting to estimate a “crisis-free” scenario. These counterfactual estimates are used as a synthetic control, to be compared with the observed values of the main variables of the Spanish Labor Force Survey (EPA).

Findings

The authors measure the effect on Spanish employment of the 2008 recession and the ongoing COVID/Ukraine crisis and the speed of recovery, which yields a rigorous dating for the beginning and end of the crises studied. Finally, the authors provide estimates about which part of the employed and unemployed people was in furlough (ERTE) based on microdata provided by the Spanish Institute of Statistics.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are no counterfactual studies covering all the basic variables in EPA and no estimates for the effect of ERTEs on the basic employment variables. Finally, the authors combine well-known intervention and forecasting techniques into an integrated framework to assess the effects of both, past and ongoing crises.
An effective high-order five-point stencil, based on integrated-RBF approximations, for the first biharmonic equation and its applications in fluid dynamics
Authors: Mai-Duy Nam , Tien Cam Minh Tri , Strunin Dmitry , Karunasena Warna
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new discretisation scheme, based on equation-coupled approach and high-order five-point integrated radial basis function (IRBF) approximations, for solving the first biharmonic equation, and its applications in fluid dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

The first biharmonic equation, which can be defined in a rectangular or non-rectangular domain, is replaced by two Poisson equations. The field variables are approximated on overlapping local regions of only five grid points, where the IRBF approximations are constructed to include nodal values of not only the field variables but also their second-order derivatives and higher-order ones along the grid lines. In computing the Dirichlet boundary condition for an intermediate variable, the integration constants are used to incorporate the boundary values of the first-order derivative into the boundary IRBF approximation.

Findings

These proposed IRBF approximations on the stencil and on the boundary enable the boundary values of the derivative to be exactly imposed, and the IRBF solution to be much more accurate and not influenced much by the RBF width. The error is reduced at a rate that is much greater than four. In fluid dynamics applications, the method is able to capture well the structure of steady highly non-linear fluid flows using relatively coarse grids.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study lies in the development of an effective high-order five-point stencil based on IRBFs for solving the first biharmonic equation in a coupled set of two Poisson equations. A fast rate of convergence (up to 11) is achieved.
Counteracting dark sides of robo-advisors: justice, privacy and intrusion considerations
Authors: Aw Eugene Cheng-Xi , Leong Lai-Ying , Hew Jun-Jie , Rana Nripendra P. , Tan Teck Ming , Jee Teck-Weng
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Under the pressure of dynamic business environments, firms in the banking and finance industry are gradually embracing Fintech, such as robo-advisors, as part of their digital transformation process. While robo-advisory services are expected to witness lucrative growth, challenges persist in the current landscape where most consumers are unready to adopt and even resist the new service. The study aims to investigate resistance to robo-advisors through the privacy and justice perspective. The human-like attributes are modeled as the antecedents to perceived justice, followed by the subsequent outcomes of privacy concerns, perceived intrusiveness and resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted to gather consumer responses about their perceptions of robo-advisors. Two hundred valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results revealed that (1) perceived anthropomorphism and perceived autonomy are the positive determinants of perceived justice, (2) perceived justice negatively impacts privacy concerns and perceived intrusiveness and (3) privacy concerns and perceived intrusiveness positively influence resistance to robo-advisors.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to robo-advisory service research by applying a privacy and justice perspective to explain consumer resistance to robo-advisors, thereby complementing past studies that focused on the technology acceptance paradigm. The study also offers practical implications for mitigating resistance to robo-advisors.
Impact of monetary policy rate on commercial banks' lending rate: empirical evidence from Ghana
Authors: Kamasa Kofi , Afful Solomon Luther , Bentum-Ennin Isaac
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the effect of monetary policy rate (MPR) on the lending rates of commercial banks in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employed the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model as well as the non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model econometric techniques on a quarterly time series data from 2002 to 2018.

Findings

The ARDL results revealed that, MPR has a positive and significant effect on lending rate in the long and short run. Although there exists a direct relationship between MPR and lending rate, from the NARDL revealed an asymmetric effect of MPR on lending rate to the effect that, lending rate in Ghana responds more to positive shock (a rise in MPR) compared to a negative shock (a decrease in MPR) both in the long and short run.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to policy and literature in Ghana by providing empirical evidence on the asymmetric effect that MPR has on lending rates in Ghana. The paper recommends among others, the establishment of a rating system of banks according to their monetary policy compliance, where highly rated banks could have for instance a reduction on borrowed reserves from the central bank.
Impact of delightful somatosensory augmented reality experience on online consumer stickiness intention
Authors: Huang Tseng-Lung , Chung Henry F.L.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Drawing on embodied cognition theory, this study examined the impact of midair, gesture-based somatosensory augmented reality (AR) experience on consumer delight and stickiness intention. The mediating effects of three psychological states for body schema (i.e. natural symbol sets, vivid memory and human touch) on the relationships between somatosensory AR and consumer delight/stickiness intention are determined. By filling gaps in the research, we hope to provide guidance on how to drive delightful somatosensory AR marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experiments were conducted (Study 1 and Study 2) to test the research model and hypotheses. These experiments compared the effects of the “presence” (midair, gesture-based) and “absence” (mouse-based traditional website) conditions in somatosensory AR on consumer body schema and the creation of a delightful virtual shopping experience (i.e. consumer delight and stickiness intention).

Findings

The consumer delight and stickiness intention created in the presence condition was much higher than those in the absence condition. Consumers appeared to prefer engaging in a midair gesture-based somatosensory AR experience and exploring an augmented metaverse reality to interacting with a mouse-based traditional website. We also found that giving online consumers more somatosensory activities and kinesthetic experiences effectively inspired three psychological states of body schema in online consumers.

Originality/value

The results contribute to the AR experience and somatosensory marketing literature by revealing the role of natural symbol sets, vivid memory and the sense of human touch. This research breaks through the long-developed research paradigm on consumer delight, which has been limited to traditional entities and web contexts. We also extend embodied cognition theory to the study of somatosensory AR marketing.
Examining the issue of employee intentions to learn and adopt digital technology
Authors: Chaudhuri Ranjan , Chatterjee Sheshadri , Vrontis Demetris , Galati Antonino , Siachou Evangelia
Published: March 2023

Purpose

In the post-COVID-19 era, the hospitality industry is rapidly moving towards digitalization, which requires employees to upgrade their knowledge and skills. Some employees resist those changes and refuse to upgrade their knowledge, skills and ways of doing things. Therefore, there is a need to understand this unexplored area and so this study examines employee intentions to embrace digital technology from the perspective of upgrading their skills and knowledge. The study investigates the moderating role of the employees' resistance to change motive (RCM) on their intention to embrace digital technology, especially in the post-COVID-19 pandemic scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is conducted using dynamic capability view (DCV) theory and status quo bias (SQB) theory. Drawing on the existing literature in this area, a theoretical model is developed, which is validated using the structural equation modelling technique to analyse data from hospitality industry employees.

Findings

The results indicate that employees' dynamic capability plays a significant role in employees' upgrading their skill and knowledge capabilities, and this significantly improves employee intention to embrace digital technology. It also finds that the employee RCM plays a significant role in the relationship between upgrading skill capability and their knowledge capability to relation to embracing digital technology.

Originality/value

The findings could be used by hospitality managers to better understand employee intentions with regard to adopting digital technology, challenges faced and the way forward.
Executive Compensation Tied to ESG Performance: International Evidence
Authors: COHEN SHIRA , KADACH IGOR , ORMAZABAL GAIZKA , REICHELSTEIN STEFAN
Published: March 2023

Using a wide sample of international publicly traded firms, this paper studies the rapidly increasing practice of incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics in executive compensation contracts. Our evidence suggests that this compensation practice varies at the country, industry, and firm levels in ways that are consistent with efficient incentive contracting. We also observe that reliance on ESG metrics in executive compensation arrangements is associated with engagement, voting, and trading by institutional investors, which suggests that firms could be adopting this practice to align their management's objectives with the preferences of certain shareholder groups. Finally, we find that the adoption of ESG Pay is accompanied by improvements in key ESG outcomes, but not by improvements in financial performance.
Cold atmospheric plasma‐induced protein modification: Novel nonthermal processing technology to improve protein quality, functionality, and allergenicity reduction
Authors: Olatunde Oladipupo Odunayo , Hewage Anuruddika , Dissanayake Thilini , Aluko Rotimi E. , Karaca Asli Can , Shang Nan , Bandara Nandika
Published: March 2023

With the constant increase in protein demand globally, it is expedient to develop a strategy to effectively utilize protein, particularly those extracted from plant origin, which has been associated with low digestibility, poor techno‐functional properties, and inherent allergenicity. Several thermal modification approaches have been developed to overcome these limitations and showed excellent results. Nevertheless, the excessive unfolding of the protein, aggregation of unfolded proteins, and irregular protein crosslinking have limited its application. Additionally, the increased consumer demand for natural products with no chemical additives has created a bottleneck for chemical‐induced protein modification. Therefore, researchers are now directed toward other nonthermal technologies, including high‐voltage cold plasma, ultrasound, high‐pressure protein, etc., for protein modification. The techno‐functional properties, allergenicity, and protein digestibility are greatly influenced by the applied treatment and its process parameters. Nevertheless, the application of these technologies, particularly high‐voltage cold plasma, is still in its primary stage. Furthermore, the protein modification mechanism induced by high‐voltage cold plasma has not been fully explained. Thus, this review meets the necessity to assemble the recent information on the process parameters and conditions for modifying proteins by high‐voltage cold plasma and its impact on protein techno‐functional properties, digestibility, and allergenicity.
Pulsed electric field using the needle–needle electrodes for improving the salt diffusion of pork brine salting
Authors: Dong Zhiqin , Li Xinfu , Liu Zhao , Wang Yuhan , Xiong Qiang
Published: March 2023

Pulsed electric field (PEF), as an emerging nonthermal processing technology, has attracted extensive attention and research in food processing. In the present study, PEF has been approved that has the potential to enhance salt diffusion in pork. In this study, pork lions were pretreated with PEF before being immersed in the brine (5% NaCl [w/w]) at 4°C to investigate the effect of needle–needle PEF pretreatment on pork brine salting. The changes in the weight, moisture, and salt content were detected during the salting process. The effective diffusion coefficient (De) and mass transfer kinetics were calculated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were subsequently used to analyze the microstructure of the pork and the secondary structure of myofibrillar proteins (MPs). The outcomes demonstrated that after brining for 8 h with PEF pretreatment, the weight, moisture, and salt changes increased significantly. The central salt content achieved by 12 h brining after PEF treatment (4.5 kV) is equivalent to that achieved by brining for 20 h without any treatment. The De was raised to 4.0 × 10−10 (PEF) from 3.1 × 10−10 (control). SEM and FTIR results revealed that PEF altered the microstructure of pork and the secondary structure of MP. Our study demonstrated that PEF generated by needle–needle electrodes could effectively promote salt diffusion and shorten salting processing.
A survey of compliance with stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy quality recommendations
Authors: Claridge Mackonis Elizabeth Ruth , Hardcastle Nick , Haworth Annette
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Many publications have proposed quality standards for stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR). However, data on the level of compliance with these guidelines is lacking in the literature. This study aimed to understand how these guidelines are applied in the clinic and to identify barriers to implementing such recommendations.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with multidisciplinary staff at radiation oncology centres across New South Wales formulated around the RANZCR Guidelines for Safe Practice of Stereotactic Body (Ablative) Radiation Therapy. The interview responses were grouped into 20 topics, assessed against the guidelines and thematically analysed.

Results

Good compliance with the guidelines was found, with more than 80% of centres achieving satisfactory results in more than half the topics. The areas with the lowest compliance were auditing, risk assessment and reporting recommendations. Barriers to the quality of SABR treatments included limited training opportunities, low patient numbers and a lack of clear requirements on comprehensive auditing and reporting.

Conclusion

Overall, the centres surveyed reported good compliance with most of the RANZCR SABR guidelines. The tasks with the lowest compliance were those that monitor quality outcomes. Potential strategies for improvement include inclusion in clinical trials and the use of databases which link treatment parameters, dosimetry and outcomes. Further work will focus on the barriers identified in this survey and propose practical solutions to improve compliance in these areas.
Using metatranscriptomics to better understand the role of microbial nitrogen cycling in coastal sediment benthic flux denitrification efficiency
Authors: Marshall Alexis J. , Phillips Lori , Longmore Andrew , Hayden Helen L. , Tang Caixian , Heidelberg Karla B. , Mele Pauline
Published: March 2023

Spatial and temporal variability in benthic flux denitrification efficiency occurs across Port Phillip Bay, Australia. Here, we assess the capacity for untargeted metatranscriptomics to resolve spatiotemporal differences in the microbial contribution to benthic nitrogen cycling. The most abundant sediment transcripts assembled were associated with the archaeal nitrifier Nitrosopumilus. In sediments close to external inputs of organic nitrogen, the dominant transcripts were associated with Nitrosopumilus nitric oxide nitrite reduction (nirK). The environmental conditions close to organic nitrogen inputs that select for increased transcription in Nitrosopumilus (amoCAB, nirK, nirS, nmo, hcp) additionally selected for increased transcription of bacterial nitrite reduction (nxrB) and transcripts associated with anammox (hzo) but not denitrification (bacterial nirS/nirk). In sediments that are more isolated from external inputs of organic nitrogen dominant transcripts were associated with nitrous oxide reduction (nosZ) and changes in nosZ transcript abundance were uncoupled from transcriptional profiles associated with archaeal nitrification. Coordinated transcription of coupled community‐level nitrification–denitrification was not well supported by metatranscriptomics. In comparison, the abundance of archaeal nirK transcripts were site‐ and season‐specific. This study indicates that the transcription of archaeal nirK in response to changing environmental conditions may be an important and overlooked feature of coastal sediment nitrogen cycling.
Children's book illustrations from China and Ukraine: Comparison of different formats
Authors: Wang Hanping
Published: March 2023

This study was aimed at comparing different formats of illustrations for children's books created by modern Chinese and Ukrainian artists. At the same time, it was not focused just on determining the leading format, but on identifying the attractiveness factors of each format. To this end, the study investigated children's illustration preferences drawing from the following three age groups: 5–6 years old (preschoolers), 7–8 years old (second‐graders), and 9–10 years old (fourth‐graders). According to the survey, children were most concerned with illustration colourfulness (this is true for paper and pop‐up books) and viewing convenience. There were no statistically significant differences found between Chinese and Ukrainian books in terms of these parameters. At the same time, Chinese e‐books appeared to outperform the Ukrainian texts in terms of feature management and illustration colourfulness. Publishers and artists of children's books can use these data for effective creative activity and making constructive decisions. At the same time, these findings may be of interest to parents, informing or guiding book selection for children.
Tobramycin and antiglaucoma agents as increasing culprits of periorbital allergic contact dermatitis from topical ophthalmic medications: A 24‐year study from Turkey
Authors: Özkaya Esen , Keskinkaya Zeynep , Babuna Kobaner Goncagül
Published: March 2023

Background

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from topical ophthalmic medications (TOMs) poses an additional disease burden to patients who already suffer from eye problems.

Objectives

To investigate the epidemiological/clinical profile of patients with periorbital ACD from TOMs in Turkey.

Patients and Methods

This was a retrospective, cross‐sectional, single tertiary centre study based on files of 75 patch tested patients with suspected periorbital ACD from TOMs among a total of 2801 consecutively patch tested patients with suspected ACD of any origin between 1996 and 2019.

Results

Periorbital ACD was diagnosed in 25 of 75 (33.3%) patients (female:male = 1.8:1; age range: 6–85 years) with suspected ACD from TOMs showing an overall prevalence of 0.9% (25/2801) among the whole patch test population. Atopy was not present. Tobramycin‐containing TOMs were the most frequent culprits, followed by antiglaucoma preparations. Their frequency increased, whereas no new cases of neomycin‐induced ACD were observed after 2011. Positivities with thimerosal were of unknown clinical relevance, while benzalkonium chloride (BAC) caused ACD in two patients. The diagnosis would be missed in each 20% of patients without performing day (D) 4 and D7 readings and strip‐patch testing. Ten culprits were identified only by testing with patients' own TOMs in eight (32%) patients.

Conclusions

Aminoglycosides, particularly tobramycin, were the leading cause of ACD from TOMs. The frequency of ACD from tobramycin and antiglaucoma medications increased after 2011. BAC was a rare but important allergen. Additional D4 and D7 readings, strip‐patch testing, and testing with patients' own TOMs seem essential when patch testing with eye medications.
The representation of the economic situation in Lebanese satires: Unfiltered or propaganda in practice?
Authors: Asher Avner , Naor Dan , Mann Yossi
Published: March 2023

In recent years Lebanon has been facing economic challenges. Various Lebanese satire shows deal with the difficult economic situation in Lebanon, displaying the high cost of living, corruption, and poor infrastructure. It seems that these shows are faithfully airing public grievances, but is this the case? Are satire shows looking for the common Lebanese denominator while dealing with economic issues or highlighting the different and divisive issues? Does each TV station follow its sectarian affiliation regarding the economic situation? Or do they present socioeconomic issues neutrally? The article uses Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky's propaganda model to answer these questions. By examining six satire shows from five TV stations broadcast mainly between 2011 and 2016, the article will try to determine whether satire shows fit the propaganda model by shaping their messages or airing their sketches unfiltered.
Natural history of epilepsy in argininosuccinic aciduria provides new insights into pathophysiology: A retrospective international study
Authors: Elkhateeb Nour , Olivieri Giorgia , Siri Barbara , Boyd Stewart , Stepien Karolina M. , Sharma Reena , Morris Andrew A. M. , Hartley Thomas , Crowther Laura , Grunewald Stephanie , Cleary Maureen , Mundy Helen , Chakrapani Anupam , Lachmann Robin , Murphy Elaine , Santra Saikat , Uudelepp Mari‐Liis , Yeo Mildrid , Bernhardt Isaac , Sudakhar Sniya , Chan Alicia , Mills Philippa , Ridout Debora , Gissen Paul , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo , Baruteau Julien
Published: March 2023

Objective

Argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) is integral to the urea cycle, which enables nitrogen wasting and biosynthesis of arginine, a precursor of nitric oxide. Inherited ASL deficiency causes argininosuccinic aciduria, the second most common urea cycle defect and an inherited model of systemic nitric oxide deficiency. Patients present with developmental delay, epilepsy, and movement disorder. Here we aim to characterize epilepsy, a common and neurodebilitating comorbidity in argininosuccinic aciduria.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study in seven tertiary metabolic centers in the UK, Italy, and Canada from 2020 to 2022, to assess the phenotype of epilepsy in argininosuccinic aciduria and correlate it with clinical, biochemical, radiological, and electroencephalographic data.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients, 1–31 years of age, were included. Twenty‐two patients (60%) presented with epilepsy. The median age at epilepsy onset was 24 months. Generalized tonic‐clonic and focal seizures were most common in early‐onset patients, whereas atypical absences were predominant in late‐onset patients. Seventeen patients (77%) required antiseizure medications and six (27%) had pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy presented with a severe neurodebilitating disease with higher rates of speech delay (p = .04) and autism spectrum disorders (p = .01) and more frequent arginine supplementation (p = .01) compared to patients without epilepsy. Neonatal seizures were not associated with a higher risk of developing epilepsy. Biomarkers of ureagenesis did not differ between epileptic and non‐epileptic patients. Epilepsy onset in early infancy (p = .05) and electroencephalographic background asymmetry (p = .0007) were significant predictors of partially controlled or refractory epilepsy.

Significance

Epilepsy in argininosuccinic aciduria is frequent, polymorphic, and associated with more frequent neurodevelopmental comorbidities. We identified prognostic factors for pharmacoresistance in epilepsy. This study does not support defective ureagenesis as prominent in the pathophysiology of epilepsy but suggests a role of central dopamine deficiency. A role of arginine in epileptogenesis was not supported and warrants further studies to assess the potential arginine neurotoxicity in argininosuccinic aciduria.