bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process innovation capability in less-structured business processes: a systematic literature review
Authors: Goni Joklan Imelda Camelia , Van Looy Amy
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Building process innovation capability (PIC) is becoming increasingly important to keep pace with changing business environments and emerging technological opportunities. However, the literature on process innovation capability (PIC) is still very broad and does not consistently reflect today's reality that is becoming increasingly complicated and knowledge-intensive, leading to more organizational needs for supporting less-structured business processes (LSBP).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a systematic literature review (SLR), the authors provide evidence for this under-investigated subject by consolidating organizational capabilities for managing PIC in LSBP. The authors screened 1,083 and identified only 26 peer-reviewed articles that simultaneously encompass process innovation and LSBP.

Findings

The authors explain which LSBP types are typically addressed, and in which sectors. The authors categorize research avenues, best practices and a framework that links PIC to performance outcomes by also considering business environments. Three theories (i.e. resource-based view, dynamic capabilities and sociotechnical theory) help to underpin the six empirically observed capabilities along three pillars (i.e. people, process and technology).

Research limitations/implications

Besides a research agenda, the authors offer a conceptual framework for PIC in LSBP as a reference to guide scholars and practitioners.

Practical implications

The authors offer best practices, as derived from the literature.

Originality/value

This is the first SLR for PIC in LSBP, consolidating and categorizing the PIC-LSBP characteristics. Due to few studies on the subject, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of the PICs needed for LSBP to obtain the desired performance outcomes.
Predicting collaborative consumption behaviour: a meta-analytic path analysis on the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Ashaduzzaman Md , Jebarajakirthy Charles , Weaven Scott K. , Maseeh Haroon Iqbal , Das Manish , Pentecost Robin
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Collaborative consumption (CC), a unique business model, provides several monetary and non-monetary benefits to customers. Several adapted theory of planned behaviour (TPB)-based models were developed and tested to understand this consumption behaviour with the findings inconsistent and fragmented. Thus, this study aims to develop a general and consistent TPB model using a meta-analytic path analysis to better understand customers’ CC adoption behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 37 studies, a meta-analysis was performed adopting several analytical methods; bivariate analysis, moderation analysis and path analysis.

Findings

The universal TPB model shows that factors, that is, trust, attitude, perceived environmental responsibility and communication facilities, drive both perceived usefulness and CC. However, subjective norms, such as perceived behavioural control and emotional value, drive only perceived usefulness. Moderation analysis shows that the relationships between variables used in the proposed TPB model tends to vary depending on five moderators, that is, countries’ economic development level, type of CC, sample size, sample type and survey administration method.

Research limitations/implications

The consideration of only quantitative papers and papers written in English language in this meta-analysis may bias the study’s findings.

Practical implications

Based on the findings regarding important factors that consumers consider when adopting CC, this study provides insightful recommendations to companies facilitating CC.

Originality/value

By developing the universal TPB model, this study theoretically contributes to the TPB model, and by conducting the moderation test, the study contextually contributes to the TPB literature in the CC context.
Micromorphological transformation and frictional nonlinearity at a graphite powder lubricated sliding interface with low speed and heavy load
Authors: Zhou Weijie , Zhang Yi , Yang Bin , Lei Xing , Hu Zhaowen , Wang Wei
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the microtopography transformation at a low-speed heavy-load interface with the lubrication of powder particles and its nonlinear friction effect on the sliding pair in contact.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the universal mechanical tester (UMT) tribometer and VK shape-measuring laser microscope, comparative friction experiments were conducted with graphite powder lubrication. The friction coefficient with nonlinear fluctuations and the three-dimensional morphology of the boundary layer at the interface were observed and analyzed under different operating conditions. The effects on lubrication mechanisms and frictional nonlinearity at the sliding pair were focused on under different surface roughness and powder layer thickness conditions.

Findings

At a certain external load and sliding speed, the initial specimen surface with an appropriate initial roughness and powder thickness can store and bond the powder lubricant to form a boundary film readily. The relatively flat and firm boundary layer of powder at the microscopic interface can reduce the coefficient of friction and suppress its nonlinear fluctuation effectively. Therefore, proper surface roughness and powder layer thickness are beneficial to the graphite lubrication and stability maintenance of a friction pair.

Originality/value

This research is conducive to developing a deep understanding of the microtopography transformation with frictional nonlinearity at a low-speed heavy-load interface with graphite powder lubrication.
Predicting students’ continuance use of learning management system at a technical university using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Kuadey Noble Arden , Mahama Francois , Ankora Carlos , Bensah Lily , Maale Gerald Tietaa , Agbesi Victor Kwaku , Kuadey Anthony Mawuena , Adjei Laurene
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate factors that could predict the continued usage of e-learning systems, such as the learning management systems (LMS) at a Technical University in Ghana using machine learning algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model for this study adopted a unified theory of acceptance and use of technology as a base model and incorporated the following constructs: availability of resources (AR), computer self-efficacy (CSE), perceived enjoyment (PE) and continuance intention to use (CIU). The study used an online questionnaire to collect data from 280 students of a Technical University in Ghana. The partial least square-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) method was used to determine the measurement model’s reliability and validity. Machine learning algorithms were used to determine the relationships among the constructs in the proposed research model.

Findings

The findings from the study confirmed that AR, CSE, PE, performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence predicted students’ continuance intention to use the LMS. In addition, CIU and facilitating conditions predicted the continuance use of the LMS.

Originality/value

The use of machine learning algorithms in e-learning systems literature has been rarely used. Thus, this study contributes to the literature on the continuance use of e-learning systems using machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, this study contributes to the literature on the continuance use of e-learning systems in developing countries, especially in a Ghanaian higher education context.
The market access of innovation in health care: insights from EC-funded research
Authors: Lettieri Emanuele , Marone Laura , Spezia Nicola , Gheno Ilenia , Mambretti Cinzia , Andreoni Giuseppe
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to offer novel insights on how industrial marketing might contribute to bringing innovations to market in the peculiar case of health care. This study aims at shedding first light on how the alignment between dissemination and exploitation activities might contribute to bringing to market innovations developed by public–private partnerships funded by the European Commission (EC).

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical development comes from an inductive research design based on the 42-month pan-European H2020 research project NESTORE aimed at developing an integrated portfolio of innovations for the healthy aging of European citizens.

Findings

This study advances the theory and practice of industrial marketing in health care by conceptualizing an actionable method to align dissemination and exploitation activities within EC-funded projects, facilitating that innovations will go to market. The method is composed of five phases. First, an external analysis to define market opportunities and users’/stakeholders’ needs. Second, an internal analysis to identify the most promising exploitable outputs. Third, scenarios crystallization to define the most suitable scenarios (business models) to bring the selected exploitable outputs to market. Fourth, exploitation and dissemination alignment through the identification and involvement of the most relevant stakeholders. Fifth, scenario refinement and business plan.

Originality/value

This study is relevant because many EC-funded projects still fail to move innovations from labs to market, thus limiting the benefits for the European citizens and the competitiveness of Europe with respect to the USA and China. Although this relevance, past studies overlooked the peculiar context of EC-funded innovation projects, privileging pharmaceutical and biomedical companies. This study advance theory and practice of industrial marketing in health care.
Compliance determinants of anti-money laundering regime among professional accountants in Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad Tarmizi Masetah , Zolkaflil Salwa , Omar Normah , Hasnan Suhaily , Syed Mustapha Nazri Sharifah Nazatul Faiza
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Money laundering offences occur worldwide, with recent discussions involving issues related to the low levels of compliance among professional accountants towards the anti-money laundering (AML) regime. Under the regime, professional accountants are required to implement compliance programs (Know Your Customer, Clients Due Diligent, Record Keeping) and to submit any suspicious transaction report encounters to the authorities. Due to the lack of research in this sector, this study aims to examine the compliance determinants towards AML regimes among professional accountants in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Premised on protection motivation theory, a questionnaire was developed and distributed among 1,100 professional accountants. Of which 275 questionnaires were returned and subjected to regression analysis.

Findings

Based on the findings, “perceived risk of non-compliance” and “awareness of Anti-Money Laundering Act 2001 and Financial Action Task Force standard” were significantly related to the level of compliance towards the AML regimes. Meanwhile, “compliance cost” did not influence the compliance behaviour of professional accountants. Moreover, the findings demonstrated that awareness programs among the reporting institutions should be enhanced, specifically the professional accountants.

Practical implications

This study recommends the professional bodies particularly professional accountants in Malaysia to establish a blueprint as a guideline for money laundering reporting.

Originality/value

This is one of the pioneer studies looking into AML compliance determinants among the professional accountants in Malaysia. This study will provide insights on the current practices and recommend ways to improve the current AML reporting practices among the professional accountants.
Adoption of safe motherhood practices and the moderating role of facilitating conditions
Authors: Rai Shashibala , Biswas Saswata Narayan
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate the factors responsible for the utilisation of safe motherhood practices under the Government of India (GOI)-run maternal health programme Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY).

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the survey were collected from 435 expectant mothers registered under JSY from seven districts of western Uttar Pradesh, India. Based on the existing theories of behaviour change and the social marketing framework, a model of antecedents of adoption of safe motherhood practices was tested out empirically.

Findings

The results suggested that controlling for demographic variables such as age, education, number of children, intention to follow safe motherhood practices, maternal health self-efficacy, attitude towards safe motherhood, life satisfaction and facilitating conditions all contributed towards the adoption of safe motherhood practices. However, facilitating conditions moderated the relationship between intention to follow safe motherhood practices and adoption of safe motherhood practices.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused only on maternal health, excluding child health under JSY.

Practical implications

The study findings suggest that social marketers should focus on the individual (micro)- as well as programme (macro)-level factors to bring about systemic behaviour change.

Social implications

The adoption of safe motherhood practices will result in a reduction of the maternal mortality rate. This will improve the overall health of mother and child.

Originality/value

The JSY programme is targeted at promoting safe motherhood practices among poor women in the reproductive age group from India. The adoption of safe motherhood practices will result in less maternal mortality and contribute to the well-being of the family.
Discovering ethnography and passing on the baton: exploring life in a hospital school
Authors: Sikes Pat , Platt Madeline
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper considers an undergraduate student's coming to, and use of, an ethnographic approach as a particularly appropriate way in which to investigate aspects of life in a British hospital school. Such schools occupy a liminal position with regard to education policy and provision. There is a paucity of research on hospital schools and particularly of the experiences and perceptions of teachers who work in them. This lack of research has implications for policy development. The paper therefore offers some rare insights into one of these schools. It also gives insights into how ethnography can challenge taken for granted assumptions.

Design/methodology/approach

An ethnographic participant observer approach was adopted.

Findings

This paper gives insights into how ethnography can challenge researchers' taken for granted assumptions as well as offering illustration of some aspects of life in schools.

Originality/value

Although there is an extensive literature on uses of ethnography, this approach has rarely been applied to hospital schools. The paper makes a small step towards addressing this lack.
The evolution of firms’ social responsibility and stock performance
Authors: Gao Ning , Qayyum Arif
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The authors ask the question if firms would continue the efforts to improve their social responsibility and how that continued efforts would impact their financial performance over time. This study’s approach helps better understand the effects of changing social responsibility on firms’ stock performance over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigate the relationship between firms’ evolving social responsibility and their stock performance changes.

Findings

This study’s findings suggest that more socially responsible firms tend to perform better. In addition, improvements in companies’ social responsibility measures are associated with better stock performances.

Originality/value

Existing literature uses firms’ social capital scores at a single point in time and does not account for the changes in firms’ social effort over time. By using Media Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s 100 best corporate citizens ranking for a 10-year period from 2009 to 2018, we construct a unique data set that includes the firm’s social responsibility levels for 10 years.
What does the literature mean by social prescribing? A critical review using discourse analysis
Authors: Calderón‐Larrañaga Sara , Greenhalgh Trish , Finer Sarah , Clinch Megan
Published: April 2022

Social prescribing (SP) seeks to enhance the role of the voluntary and community sector in addressing patients' complex needs in primary care. Using discourse analysis, this review investigates how SP is framed in the scientific literature and explores its consequences for service delivery. Theory driven searches identified 89 academic articles and grey literature that included both qualitative and quantitative evidence. Across the literature three main discourses were identified. The first one emphasised increasing social inequalities behind escalating health problems and presented SP as a response to the social determinants of health. The second one problematised people's increasing use of health services and depicted SP as a means of enhancing self‐care. The third one stressed the dearth of human and relational dimensions in general practice and claimed that SP could restore personalised care. Discourses circulated unevenly in the scientific literature, conditioned by a wider political rationality which emphasised individual responsibility and framed SP as ‘solution’ to complex and contentious problems. Critically, this contributed to an oversimplification of the realities of the problems being addressed and the delivery of SP. We propose an alternative ‘care‐based’ framing of SP which prioritises (and evaluates) holistic, sustained and accessible practices within strengthened primary care systems.
Smoking prevalence following the announcement of tobacco tax increases in England between 2007 and 2019: an interrupted time–series analysis
Authors: Beard Emma , Brown Jamie , Shahab Lion
Published: April 2022

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of announcement of tax increases on factory‐made (FM) and roll‐your own (RYO) cigarettes in England.

Design, Setting and Participants

Autoregressive integrated moving average with exogeneous input (ARIMAX) time–series modelling in England, UK. Data were aggregated monthly on 274 890 participants between 2007 and 2019 taking part in the Smoking Toolkit Study (STS).

Measurements

The association of sustained step level changes for tax rises for FM cigarettes and temporary pulse effects for tax rises for RYO cigarettes with smoking, quit attempt and quit success prevalence as well as per‐capita self‐reported cigarette consumption and cost per cigarette was assessed.

Findings

A 10% rise in tax on RYO cigarettes was associated with a temporary 21.1% decline [95% confidence interval (CI) = –30.4 to −10.7] in smoking prevalence, and 20.7% decline (95% CI = –32.4 to −7.0) in per‐capita self‐reported cigarette consumption; while a 3% rise of tax on RYO cigarettes was associated with a temporary 20.7% decline (95% CI = –33.3 to −5.8) in the amount paid per RYO cigarette. For tax increases on FM cigarettes, a 5% above inflation tax rise was associated with a step‐level increase of 33.1% (95% CI = 18.4–49.5) in quit success rates. However, some of the findings were sensitive to model specification and temporally specific.

Conclusion

The announcements of tax increases for cigarettes in England between 2010 and 2019 were inconsistently associated with temporary reductions in smoking prevalence, per‐capita self‐reported cigarette consumption and improved quit success. Paradoxically, reductions in the cost for roll‐your‐own cigarettes were also found. The results were not robust in all sensitivity analyses.
Aging‐induced atrial fibrosis in If current change and its effect on atrial fibrillation in dogs
Authors: Wang Fei‐Fei , Han Ya‐Fan , Liang Xiao‐Yan , Zhang Ge‐Ge , Lu Yan‐Mei , Li Yao‐Dong , Tang Bao‐Peng
Published: April 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a very common type of cardiac arrhythmia that threatens public health. Aging is an independent AF risk factor. However, the mechanism of age‐related AF remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 36 Beagle dogs were selected and divided into three groups (12 in each group): two groups were 9‐year‐old aged dogs, and one group was 4‐year‐old adult dogs. Electrophysiological testing was employed to determine if modeling is successful. Patch‐clamp technique was employed to measure the If current. The expression of protein and mRNA related to If current were also tested. Collagen deposition was observed with the use of Masson staining.

Results

Aging resulted in a higher collagen deposition percentage in the left atrium. The hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN)2 and HCN4 expressions were increased in the atria and pulmonary veins but decreased in the sinus node of the aged group. Moreover, in the aged group, the left atrium mRNA expressions of Kcnd2 (Potassium voltage‐gated channel subfamily D member 2), Kcnh2, Kcnq1, Kcnj2, Kcnj11, and CACNA1H were significantly downregulated. The aged AF group also demonstrated sustained AF and significant changes in electrophysiological characteristics. The If current demonstrated an increased amplitude and was easier to activate in the aged AF group than in younger group. Finally, AF occurrence exacerbated aging‐induced cardiac fibrosis, thereby aggravating the above‐listed symptoms.

Conclusion

With age, the increase in atrial fibrosis affected the expression of the ion channels, thereby modulating the If current. Moreover, AF also further exacerbated the degree of atrial fibrosis.
Selective laryngoscopy before thyroidectomy: a risk assessment
Authors: Black Katherine A. , Wilkinson David S.
Published: April 2022

Background

Patients presenting for thyroidectomy may have an unrecognized pre‐existing vocal cord palsy (VCP). This raises the danger of bilateral VCP if a patient sustains an injury to the RLN on the sole functioning side. Part of the rationale for routine preoperative laryngoscopy is to eliminate such a risk. This paper endeavours to quantify the relevant potential risk.

Methods

Patients who underwent laryngoscopy prior to thyroid or parathyroid surgery in an endocrine surgical unit over a 5 year period were identified. Literature review revealed four papers in which VCP prevalence in patients without risk factors was reported. Using our data, combined with that of these other authors, the background rate of pre‐existing VCP was ascertained, and the subsequent risk of bilateral VCP estimated.

Results

Of our 632 patients who underwent preoperative laryngoscopy, there were four patients (0.63%) who were found to have a unilateral VCP, but all had voice symptoms or previous neck surgery. When patients with these risk factors are excluded, our data combined with the published data provides a pre‐existing VCP rate of 0.2%. Calculations estimate that if preoperative laryngoscopy is omitted in patients with no risk factors, the risk of bilateral VCP, due to the nerve on the sole functioning side being injured, would be between 1/50000 and 1/150000, depending on an individual surgeon's level of experience.

Conclusion

Selective use of laryngoscopy prior to thyroidectomy would result in an acceptably low statistical risk of bilateral VCP. Routine laryngoscopy for all patients is not necessary.
A novel hybrid polymer of PCL/fish gelatin nanofibrous scaffold improves proliferation and differentiation of Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal cells into islet‐like cells
Authors: Mirtaghi Seyedeh Masoumeh , Hassannia Hadi , Mahdavi Mohammadreza , Hosseini‐khah Zahra , Mellati Amir , Enderami Seyed Ehsan
Published: April 2022

Background

Using a different source of stem cells to compensate for the lost beta cells is a promising way to cure diabetic patients. Besides, the best efficiency of insulin‐producing cells (IPCs) will appear when we culture them in an environment similar to inside the body. Hence, three‐dimensional (3D) culture ameliorates the differentiation of diverse kinds of stem cells into IPCs compared to those differentiated in two‐dimensional (2D) culture. In this study, we aim to create an ideal differentiation environment by using PCL/Fish gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds to differentiate Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal cells (WJ‐MSCs) to IPCs and compare them with a 2D cultured group.

Methods

The evaluation of cellular, molecular, and functional properties of differentiated cells on the 3D and 2D cultures was investigated by several assays such as electron microscopy, quantitative PCR, immunochemistry, western blotting, and ELISA.

Results

The in vitro studies showed that WJ‐MSCs differentiated in the 3D culture have strong properties of IPCs such as islet‐like cells. The expression of pancreatic‐specific genes at both RNA and protein levels showed higher differentiation efficacy of 3D culture. Besides, the results of the ELISA tests demonstrate that in both groups the differentiated cells are functional and secreted C‐peptide and insulin in glucose stimulation, but the secretion of C‐peptide and insulin in the 3D culture group was higher than those cultured in 2D groups.

Conclusion

Our findings showed the use of PCL/Fish gelatin nanofibrous scaffolds with optimized differentiation protocols can promote the differentiation of IPCs from WJ‐MSCs compared to the 2D culture group.
Evaluation of neuroretinal integrity in optical coherence tomography‐graded eyes with partial‐thickness macular holes
Authors: Stino Heiko , Wassermann Lorenz , Ristl Robin , Abela‐Formanek Claudette , Georgopoulos Michael , Sacu Stefan , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula , Pollreisz Andreas
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To evaluate neuroretinal integrity in different subtypes of optical coherence tomography (OCT)‐graded partial‐thickness macular holes.

Methods

Fovea‐centred SD‐OCT images (Cirrus, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG; Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering GmbH) and visual acuity (VA) acquired at every visit were analysed by two retina specialists retrospectively in 71 eyes of 65 patients. Partial‐thickness macular holes were classified as lamellar macular hole (LMH), epiretinal membrane foveoschisis (ERMF) or macular pseudohole (MPH).

Results

Lamellar macular hole, ERMF and MPH were diagnosed in 33 (47%), 31 (43%) and 7 (10%) eyes with a VA of 0.18 ± 0.25, 0.15 ± 0.2, and 0.06 ± 0.08 (p = 0.323), respectively. Median follow‐up time was 11 (interquartile range 4–32.5), 10 (interquartile range 5–18) and 19 (interquartile range 8–24) months in LMH, ERMF and MPH. In all subgroups, VA remained stable during the follow‐up (p = 0.652, p = 0.915 and p = 1.000). Epiretinal proliferations (EP) were present in 12 LMH and 3 ERMF. At baseline, eyes with EP had significantly worse VA (p < 0.001), wider foveal cavities (p = 0.007) and thinner foveal floors (p < 0.001) compared with eyes without EP. Twelve out of 15 eyes with EP showed exudative cystoid spaces. Among all 71 eyes, 51 remained morphologically and functionally stable during follow‐up.

Conclusion

In our study cohort, EP are associated with worse VA and advanced neuroretinal tissue loss presenting with wider foveal cavities and thinner foveal floors. During the follow‐up period, VA remained stable in all entities of partial‐thickness macular holes.
Muscle‐tendon architecture in Kenyans and Japanese: Potential role of genetic endowment in the success of elite Kenyan endurance runners
Authors: Kunimasa Yoko , Sano Kanae , Oda Toshiaki , Nicol Caroline , Komi Paavo V. , Ishikawa Masaki
Published: April 2022

Aim

The specificity of muscle‐tendon and foot architecture of elite Kenyan middle‐ and long‐distance runners has been found to contribute to their superior running performance. To investigate the respective influence of genetic endowment and training on these characteristics, we compared leg and foot segmental lengths as well as muscle‐tendon architecture of Kenyans and Japanese males (i) from infancy to adulthood and (ii) non‐athletes versus elite runners.

Methods

The 676 participants were divided according to their nationality (Kenyans and Japanese), age (nine different age groups for non‐athletes) and performance level in middle‐ and long‐distance races (non‐athlete, non‐elite and elite adult runners). Shank and Achilles tendon (AT) lengths, medial gastrocnemius (MG) fascicle length, pennation angle and muscle thickness, AT moment arm (MAAT), and foot lever ratio were measured.

Results

Above 8 years old, Kenyans had a longer shank and AT, shorter fascicle, greater pennation angle, thinner MG muscle as well as longer MAAT, with lower foot lever ratio than age‐matched Japanese. Among adults of different performance levels and independently of the performance level, Kenyans had longer shank, AT and MAAT, thinner MG muscle thickness, and lower foot lever ratio than Japanese. The decrease in MG fascicle length and increase pennation angle observed for the adult Japanese with the increase in performance level resulted in a lack of difference between elite Kenyans and Japanese.

Conclusion

The specificity of muscle‐tendon and foot architecture of elite Kenyan runners could result from genetic endowment and contribute to the dominance of Kenyans in middle‐ and long‐distance races.
Long noncoding RNA lnc‐H2AFV‐1 promotes cell growth by regulating aberrant m6A RNA modification in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Xi , Liu Yunxia , Sun Dongyuan , Sun Rongqi , Wang Xiaoxiao , Li Minmin , Song Ning , Ying Jicheng , Guo Tao , Jiang Yingying
Published: April 2022

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common malignant tumor in the oral and maxillofacial regions, and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in the occurrence and progression of HNSCC. The lncRNA lnc‐H2AFV‐1 was found to be upregulated in HNSCC tissues; however, the function of lnc‐H2AFV‐1 in regulating HNSCC proliferation and the potential molecular mechanism is unclear. The present study evaluated the expression of lnc‐H2AFV‐1 in HNSCC tissues using quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and associated abundant lnc‐H2AFV‐1 expression with tumor size. Functionally, lnc‐H2AFV‐1 significantly promoted the proliferation of HNSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Quantified N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation and dot blot assays revealed that total m6A methylation in HNSCC cells was accompanied by lnc‐H2AFV‐1 expression. Western blotting showed that the expression of methyltransferase‐like (METTL) 3 and METTL14 was consistent with that of lnc‐H2AFV‐1, whereas the expression of demethylase fat mass and obesity‐associated (FTO) was contrary to that of lnc‐H2AFV‐1. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP‐seq) and MeRIP‐qPCR revealed that lnc‐H2AFV‐1 overexpression led to the elevated expression and maximal m6A methylation of intraflagellar transport (IFT) 80 in HNSCC. In addition, METTL3/14 knockdown decreased IFT80 expression. Thus, our findings suggested that lnc‐H2AFV‐1 might be a biomarker that alters m6A modification by regulating the m6A methylases METTL3/14 and FTO and then mediating the downstream target IFT80 to promote HNSCC progression.
Altered gene expression due to aberrant DNA methylation correlates with responsiveness to anti‐EGFR antibody treatment
Authors: Otsuki Yasufumi , Ouchi Kota , Takahashi Shin , Sasaki Keiju , Sakamoto Yasuhiro , Okita Akira , Ishioka Chikashi
Published: April 2022

The cetuximab gene expression signature and DNA methylation status of colorectal cancer (CRC) are predictive of the therapeutic effects of anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody therapy. As DNA methylation is a means of regulating gene expression, it may play an important role in the expression of cetuximab signature genes. This study aims to determine the effects of aberrant DNA methylation on the regulation of cetuximab signature gene expression. Comprehensive DNA methylation and gene expression data were retrieved from CRC patients in three tumor tissue (TT) cohorts and three normal colorectal mucosa/tumor tissue paired (NCM‐TT) cohorts. Of the 231 cetuximab signature genes, 57 exhibited an inverse correlation between the methylation of promoter CpG sites and gene expression level in multiple cohorts. About two‐thirds of the promoter CpG sites associated with the 57 genes exhibited this correlation. In all 57 gene promoter regions, the methylation levels in NCMs did not differ according to comparisons based on cetuximab signature or DNA methylation status classification of matched TTs. Thus, the altered expression of 57 genes was caused by aberrant DNA methylation during carcinogenesis. Analysis of the association between cetuximab signature or DNA methylation status and progression‐free survival (PFS) of anti‐EGFR antibody agents in the same cohort showed that DNA methylation status was most associated with PFS. In conclusion, we found that aberrant DNA methylation regulates specific gene expression in cetuximab signature during carcinogenesis, suggesting that it is one of the important determinants of sensitivity to anti‐EGFR antibody agents.
Longitudinal antibody responses to peanut following probiotic and peanut oral immunotherapy in children with peanut allergy
Authors: Hsiao Kuang‐Chih , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise , Ashley Sarah , Lee Cassandra Yuen Yan , Jindal Lalita ,   The PPOIT Study Team, Tang Mimi L. K.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Probiotic and Peanut Oral Immunotherapy (PPOIT) is effective at inducing sustained unresponsiveness (SU) at end‐of‐treatment and this effect persists up to 4 years post‐treatment, referred to as persistent SU. We sought to evaluate (i) how PPOIT altered peanut‐specific humoral immune indices, and (ii) how such longitudinal indices relate to persistent SU.

Methods

Longitudinal serum/plasma levels of whole peanut‐ and peanut component‐ (Ara‐h1, ‐h2, ‐h3, ‐h8, ‐h9) specific‐IgE (sIgE) and specific‐IgG4 (sIgG4) antibodies were measured by ImmunoCAP and salivary peanut‐specific‐IgA (sIgA) by ELISA in children (n = 62) enrolled in the PPOIT‐001 randomized trial from baseline (T0) to 4 years post‐treatment (T5). Multivariate regression analyses of log‐transformed values were used for point‐in‐time between group comparisons. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used for longitudinal comparisons between groups.

Results

Probiotic and Peanut Oral Immunotherapy was associated with changes in sIgE and sIgG4 over time. sIgE levels were significantly reduced post‐treatment [T5, PPOIT vs. Placebo ratio of geometric mean (GM): Ara‐h1 0.07, p = .008; Ara‐h2 0.08, p = .007; Ara‐h3 0.15, p = .021]. sIgG4 levels were significantly increased by end‐of‐treatment (T1, PPOIT vs. Placebo ratio of GM: Ara‐h1 3.77, p = .011; Ara‐h2 17.97, p < .001; Ara‐h3 10.42, p < .001) but levels in PPOIT group decreased once treatment was stopped and returned to levels comparable with Placebo group by T5. Similarly, salivary peanut sIgA increased during treatment, as early as 4 months of treatment (PPOIT vs. Placebo, ratio of GM: 2.04, p = .014), then reduced post‐treatment.

Conclusion

Probiotic and Peanut Oral Immunotherapy was associated with broad reduction in peanut‐specific humoral responses which may mediate the clinical effects of SU that persists to 4 years post‐treatment.
Athena Speciality Certificate Examination case for cutaneous allergy
Authors: Harnett Clare , Drumm Claire , Meah Nekma , Eustace Karen
Published: April 2022

We present a case of cyclical periorbital angio-oedema, and highlight the appropriate investigations to support the clinical diagnosis of this rare dermatosis.
Fine particulate matter exposure aggravates ischemic injury via NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis
Authors: Gao Li , Qin Jie‐Xing , Shi Jian‐Quan , Jiang Teng , Wang Fei , Xie Chong , Gao Qing , Zhi Nan , Dong Qing , Guan Yang‐Tai
Published: April 2022

Aims

Accumulating evidence has suggested that airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aim to investigate the role and mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in ischemic stroke after PM2.5 exposure.

Methods

The BV‐2 and HMC‐3 microglial cell lines were established and subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) with or without PM2.5 exposure. We used the CCK‐8 assay to explore the effects of PM2.5 on cell viability of BV‐2 and HMC‐3 cells. Then, the effects of PM2.5 exposure on NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis following OGD/R were detected by western blotting, ELISA, and the confocal immunofluorescence staining. Afterwards, NLRP3 was knocked down to further validate the effects of PM2.5 on cell viability, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and pyroptosis after OGD/R in HMC‐3 cells. Finally, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured and the ROS inhibitor N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) was used to investigate whether ROS was required for PM2.5‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis under ischemic conditions.

Results

We found that PM2.5 exposure decreased the viability of BV‐2 and HMC‐3 cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner under ischemic conditions. Furthermore, PM2.5 exposure aggravated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis after OGD/R, as indicated by an increased expression of NLRP3, ASC, pro‐caspase‐1, Caspase‐1, GSDMD, and GSDMD‐N; increased production of IL‐1β and IL‐18; and enhanced Caspase‐1 activity and SYTOX green uptake. However, shRNA NLRP3 treatment attenuated the effects of PM2.5 on cell viability, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and pyroptosis. Moreover, we observed that PM2.5 exposure increased the production of intracellular ROS following OGD/R, while inhibiting ROS production with NAC partially attenuated PM2.5‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis under ischemic conditions.

Conclusion

These results suggested that PM2.5 exposure triggered the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis under ischemic conditions, which may be mediated by increased ROS production after ischemic stroke. These findings may provide a more enhanced understanding of the interplay between PM2.5 and neuroinflammation and cell death, and reveal a novel mechanism of PM2.5‐mediated toxic effects after ischemic stroke.
A survey of active and passive concept drift handling methods
Authors: Han Meng , Chen Zhiqiang , Li Muhang , Wu Hongxin , Zhang Xilong
Published: April 2022

At present, concept drift in the nonstationary data stream is showing trends with different speeds and different degrees of severity, which has brought great challenges to many fields like data mining and machine learning. In the past two decades, a lot of methods dedicated to handling concept drift in the nonstationary data stream have emerged. A novel perspective is proposed to classify these methods, and the current concept drift handling methods are comprehensively explained from the active handling methods and the passive handling methods. In particular, active handling methods are analyzed from the perspective of handling one specific type of concept drift and handling multiple types of concept drift, and passive handling methods are analyzed from the perspective of single learner and ensemble learning. Many concept drift handling methods in this survey are analyzed and summarized in terms of the comparing algorithms, learning model, applicable drift type, advantages, and disadvantages of the algorithms. Finally, further research directions are given, including the active and passive mixing methods, class imbalance, the existence of novel class in the data stream, and the noise in the data stream.
Interfering with CSE1L/CAS inhibits tumour growth via C3 in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Ye Mei , Chen Yufei , Liu Jianni , Tian Jiawei , Wang Xunda , Fok Kin Lam , Shi Jianwu , Chen Hao
Published: April 2022

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer. However, the treatment regimens for TNBC are limited. Chromosome segregation 1‐like (CSE1L), also called cellular apoptosis susceptibility protein (CAS), is highly expressed in breast cancer and plays a crucial role in the progression of various tumours. However, the involvement of CAS in TNBC remains elusive. In this study, we showed that the expression of CAS was higher in TNBC samples than in non‐TNBC samples in the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Knockdown of CAS inhibited MDA‐MB‐231 cell growth, migration and invasion. Further RNA‐seq analysis revealed that complement pathway activity was significantly elevated. Of note, complement component 3 (C3), the key molecule in the complement pathway, was significantly upregulated, and the expression of C3 was negatively correlated with that of CAS in breast cancer. Lower C3 expression was related to poor prognosis. Interestingly, the expression level of C3 was positively correlated with the infiltration of multiple immune cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that CAS participates in the development of TNBC through C3‐mediated immune cell suppression and might constitute a potential therapeutic target for TNBC.
Introducing an educational series about statistical reporting
Authors: Vielh Philippe , Vrbin Colleen M.
Published: April 2022

This editorial introduces a forthcoming series of articles focused on data reporting tailored to the methods most often used by contributors to Cytopathology. The series will emphasize the main aspects that should be reported for the statistical methods that matter most to the journal’s audience. The editorial encourages authors to consult with statisticians at the earliest phase of their study planning.
Comparison of MiniMed 780G system performance in users aged younger and older than 15 years: Evidence from 12 870 real‐world users
Authors: Arrieta Arcelia , Battelino Tadej , Scaramuzza Andrea E. , Da Silva Julien , Castañeda Javier , Cordero Toni L. , Shin John , Cohen Ohad
Published: April 2022

Aim

To investigate real‐world glycaemic outcomes and goals achieved by users of the MiniMed 780G advanced hybrid closed loop (AHCL) system aged younger and older than 15 years with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Materials and Methods

Data uploaded by MiniMed 780G system users from 27 August 2020 to 22 July 2021 were aggregated and retrospectively analysed based on self‐reported age (≤15 years and >15 years) for three cohorts: (a) post‐AHCL initiation, (b) 6‐month longitudinal post‐AHCL initiation and (c) pre‐ versus post‐AHCL initiation. Analyses included mean percentage of time spent in AHCL and at sensor glucose ranges, insulin delivered and the proportion of users achieving recommended glucose management indicator (GMI < 7.0%) and time in target range (TIR 70‐180 mg/dl > 70%) goals.

Results

Users aged 15 years or younger (N = 3211) achieved a GMI of 6.8% ± 0.3% and TIR of 73.9% ± 8.7%, while spending 92.7% of time in AHCL. Users aged older than 15 years (N = 8874) achieved a GMI of 6.8% ± 0.4% and TIR of 76.5% ± 9.4% with 92.3% of time in AHCL. Time spent at less than 70 mg/dl was within the recommended target of less than 4% (3.2% and 2.3%, respectively). Similar outcomes were observed for each group (N = 790 and N = 1642, respectively) in the first month following AHCL initiation, and were sustained over the 6‐month observation period.

Conclusions

This real‐world analysis shows that more than 75% of users with T1D aged 15 years or younger using the MiniMed 780G system achieved international consensus‐recommended glycaemic control, mirroring the achievements of the population aged older than 15 years.
Short‐distance nocturnal migration in an island endemic bustard
Authors: Abril‐Colón Inmaculada , Alonso Juan Carlos , Palacín Carlos , Álvarez‐Martínez José Manuel , Ucero Alberto
Published: April 2022

Migratory birds typically fly long distances in response to large‐scale seasonal climate variation. However, most migratory species are partial migrants, and some fly only short distances, for example to take advantage of suitable feeding conditions during the non‐breeding season. In spite of their short distance, such migrations may also be fixed in populations as a result of evolutionarily adaptive responses to local habitat conditions, but the causes and details of these partial, short‐distance migrations have been scarcely investigated. Here we analyse the migratory patterns of the insular endemic subspecies of Houbara BustardChlamydotis undulata fuertaventuraein a small island of the Canary archipelago. We tagged 41 individuals with GSM/GPRS loggers and tracked them over two annual cycles (2017–2019). We found that Canarian Houbara Bustards are short‐distance, partial migrants. Once the mating season was over, more than one‐third of all males and females moved from their breeding territories to non‐breeding areas where they spent the hottest months of the year. No bird changed its migratory status between years, and most individuals showed interannual fidelity to their breeding and non‐breeding areas. There were differences in the productivity of green vegetation between breeding and non‐breeding areas, as estimated from remote‐sensing‐based indicators of vegetation productivity (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Soil‐Adjusted Vegetation Index). During the non‐breeding period, values of both indices were higher at the non‐breeding than at the breeding areas in migratory birds, providing a plausible explanation of why these individuals moved to non‐breeding areas rather than remaining in their territories. Moreover, during the non‐breeding period, Soil‐Adjusted Vegetation Index values were lower at breeding areas abandoned by migratory birds than at breeding areas occupied year‐round, although values at the latter did not differ from those at non‐breeding areas, suggesting that partial migration arises from variability in food availability during summer across different areas. One of the four non‐breeding areas was selected by over half of migrant individuals. This area had a mosaic of cultivated and non‐cultivated patches, with more fallow fields and irrigated farmland than the other areas. Finally, most migratory flights were performed at night. The Houbara Bustard is globally threatened, and given its vulnerability to collision with electric and telephone lines during migration, we recommend burying electric and telephone lines in high‐traffic areas underground. Finally, we urge protection of the known non‐breeding areas, and recommend that current farming condition practices and natural shrubland at these areas continue to provide suitable habitat for Houbara Bustards.
Present status and future directions – Managing perforations
Authors: Clauder Thomas
Published: April 2022

Root perforations are severe complications and are associated with compromised endodontic treatment outcomes, especially when bacterial infection is allowed to establish. Perforations may occur due to pathological processes or treatment consequences. Various dental materials have been proposed over the years for perforation repair with varying degrees of success. The use of bioactive materials, such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and other calcium‐silicate cements, promotes a favourable environment for regeneration and has been used successfully for perforation repair. This is in contrast to materials used previously that often led to unpredictable outcomes. With the increasing range of new bioactive endodontic materials available, the number of potential materials being used for repair of root perforations is growing. Though promising to date, there is little evidence to support the use of most of these new materials. The aim of this narrative review is to provide the background, clinical techniques and outcome of nonsurgical and surgical perforation repair.