Major Growth Research Articles

Boron deficiency responses in maize (Zea mays L.) roots

AbstractBackgroundBoron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plants. Dicot plants respond to insufficient B supply by altering root architecture and root hair growth. How root systems of rather low‐B demanding monocot species such as maize (Zea mays L.) respond to B deficiency in terra has not been experimentally resolved, yet.AimsThe study aims to investigate root responses and their physiological consequences under B deficiency during the vegetative growth of maize.MethodsB73 wild‐type (WT) maize and its root hairless rth3 mutant were grown under varying B supply conditions in soil columns and in an automated root phenotyping facility. Biomass data, root system architecture traits, the mineral elemental composition and molecular B‐deficiency responses were quantified.ResultsThough having very low leaf B concentrations, no major growth deficit, apart from chlorotic stripes on leaves, was recorded on maize root and shoot development, with or without root hairs, on B‐deficient conditions. Although leaf B concentration of the rth3 mutant is significantly lower under B‐deficient and under B‐surplus conditions compared to the WT, the rth3 mutant neither developed a larger total root length, more fine roots nor displayed a higher expression of B uptake transporters as compensatory adaptations.ConclusionsStrikingly, maize plants did neither react with an inhibited root growth nor by a compensatory root foraging behaviour to severe B‐deficient in terra growth conditions. This is rather atypical for plants. The performance and altered leaf B concentrations of rth3 mutants may be biased by secondary effects, such as an overall reduced root growth.

Halo growth and merger rates as a cosmological test

ABSTRACT Dark matter haloes grow at a rate that depends on the value of the cosmological parameters σ8 and Ωm through the initial power spectrum and the linear growth factor. While halo abundance is routinely used to constrain these parameters, through cluster abundance studies, the halo growth rate is not. In recent work, we proposed constraining the cosmological parameters using observational estimates of the overall dynamical ‘age’ of clusters, expressed, for instance, by their half-mass assembly redshift z50. Here, we explore the prospects for using the instantaneous growth rate, as estimated from the halo merger rate, from the average growth rate over the last dynamical time, or from the fraction of systems with recent episodes of major growth. We show that the merger rate is mainly sensitive to the amplitude of fluctuations σ8, while the rates of recent growth provide constraints in the Ωm–σ8 plane that are almost orthogonal to those provided by abundance studies. Data collected for forthcoming cluster abundance studies, or studies of the galaxy merger rate in current and future galaxy surveys, may thus provide additional constraints on the cosmological parameters complementary to those already derived from halo abundance.

270 Cellular Response to Heat Exposure: Influences on the Growth Potential of Bovine Skeletal Muscle and Adipose Tissue

Abstract Our lack of understanding regarding how heat exposure affects major tissue growth and meat attributes impedes our ability to counteract more frequent climate extremes and promote profitability in the beef cattle industry. The objective of the study was to determine pathways that heat shock proteins (HSPs) regulate in beef cattle’s skeletal muscle and adipose tissue growth and metabolism. Bovine satellite cells (BSCs) were isolated from the longissimus muscle of 3-month-old Holstein bulls (n = 5). Preadipose cells were isolated from the subcutaneous fat of 18-month-old Angus steers (n = 5) and induced adipogenic differentiation. Satellite, myofibers, and adipose cells were incubated at 38°C (control; CON), 39.5°C (moderate heat stress; MHS), and 41°C (extreme heat stress; EHS) and harvested for mRNA gene expressions, protein level, proteomics, immunostaining. Heat exposure cued bovine satellite cell proliferation and may increase the self-renewing satellite cell population. After 3 h of heat exposure, the mRNA gene expression and protein levels of Pax3 and Myf5 were downregulated, while HSPs 20, 27, 70, and 90 were upregulated. Small heat shock proteins, especially HSP27, appear to be essential in regulating satellite cell activity under heat stress. When HSP27 knock-down BSCs were exposed to EHS for 3 h, Myf5 gene expressions and protein levels returned to normal. This may indicate that HSP27 directly regulates Myf5 under heat stress and temporarily activates the self-renewal mechanism instead of committing myogenic differentiation. Results from proteomics showed that pathways related to oxidative phosphorylation, NADH dehydrogenase activity, and transmembrane transport were upregulated by EHS while MHS upregulated biosynthesis of amino acids, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Heat exposure during myogenic differentiation of satellite cells seemingly stimulates the commitment of myogenesis. Heat treatments increased mRNA gene expressions of IGF I, MHC I, MyoD, and myogenin and protein levels. Heat exposure also improved the muscle protein synthesis pathway by regulating the phosphorylation of mTOR, Akt, and P70S6. Heat stress triggered adipogenic differentiation and lipid storage, followed by increased expression of HSP. Extreme heat stress increased adipose cell growth by upregulating C/EBPα and PPARγ, key regulators of adipogenesis. Lipogenic genes FAS and SCD were also increased, accompanied by HSPs. Adipocytes exposed to EHS also increased intracellular lipid accumulation. Proteomic analysis revealed that carbon and pyruvate metabolism pathways were upregulated by MHS, whereas glycolysis/ gluconeogenesis, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, RNA transport, and biosynthesis of amino acids were upregulated by EHS. Cellular mechanisms related to skeletal muscle hypertrophy and adipose tissue growth are responsive in in-vitro settings; however, the results are controversial depending on cell type and animal species. Various factors such as metabolic, hormonal, and immunologic regulation need to be considered to accurately assess the effect of HS on the postnatal growth of major tissues at the animal level.

Monitoring and Investigating the Change Patterns of Major Growth Parameters of Almond (Badam) Trees under Different Irrigation Conditions

Knowledge of the response of growth parameters of almond (Badam) trees to different water supply conditions is important for Badam production. To identify growth parameters that are sensitive to water deficit in almond trees, field experiments were conducted during a median water year to monitor the major growth characteristics of almond trees under different irrigation conditions in Shache County, Xinjiang, China. A field (in-situ) monitoring system was also constructed using various sensors for the continuous and non-destructive monitoring of the growth parameters, such as soil water in the root zone, canopy temperature depression, trunk diameter, and fruit diameter of almond trees. The results confirmed the reliability of the monitoring system. Both canopy temperature depression and the diameter shrinkage of the trunk and fruit were significantly negatively correlated (r values ranging from −0.996 to −0.823) with the irrigation water quantity. This correlation was observed from the young fruit stage to the maturation stage of almond trees, under irrigation conditions representing 50–100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). These parameters were sensitive (|r| ≥ 0.778) to the water deficit status of almond trees from 14:00 to 18:00 in sunny weather. These results can provide both technical and theoretical support for real-time non-destructive assessment of the water deficit status of almond trees.

Crouching beliefs, hidden biases: The rise and fall of growth narratives

The debate among economists about an optimal growth recipe has been the subject of competing “narratives.” We identify-four major growth narratives using the text analytics of IMF country reports over 1978–2019. The narrative “Economic Structure”—services, manufacturing, and agriculture—has been on a secular decline overshadowed by the “Structural Reforms”—competitiveness, transparency, and governance. We observe the rise and fall of the “Washington Consensus”—privatization and liberalization—and the rise to dominance of the “Washington Constellation,” a collection of many disparate terms such as productivity, tourism, and inequality. We interpret these changes through the lens of a nexus of the changing pool of economic ideas, the power structure within organizations, and the shocks that trigger a shift of narratives and their translation into policies.

Genetic Dissection of Seasonal Changes in a Greening Plant Based on Time-Series Multispectral Imaging.

Good appearance throughout the year is important for perennial ornamental plants used for rooftop greenery. However, the methods for evaluating appearance throughout the year, such as plant color and growth activity, are not well understood. In this study, evergreen and winter-dormant parents of Phedimus takesimensis and 94 F1 plants were used for multispectral imaging. We took 16 multispectral image measurements from March 2019 to April 2020 and used them to calculate 15 vegetation indices and the area of plant cover. QTL analysis was also performed. Traits such as the area of plant cover and vegetation indices related to biomass were high during spring and summer (growth period), whereas vegetation indices related to anthocyanins were high in winter (dormancy period). According to the PCA, changes in the intensity of light reflected from the plants at different wavelengths over the course of a year were consistent with the changes in plant color and growth activity. Seven QTLs were found to be associated with major seasonal growth changes. This approach, which monitors not only at a single point in time but also over time, can reveal morphological changes during growth, senescence, and dormancy throughout the year.

Economic Analysis of Plant Growth Promoter - Pulse Magic Application on Pigeonpea Production in Karnataka, India

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L) mill. sp.) is one of the major pulse crops of the tropics and sub-tropics and has several unique characteristics. The study was conducted in the Raichur district of Kalyan Karnataka region. Pulse Magic is a combi product, released by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur as it contains major nutrients, micronutrients and Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) which help the crop to achieve maximum yield potential. A total sample size of 120 respondents consisting of 60 users and 60 non-users of Pulse Magic. The total cost of cultivation of pigeon peas with Pulse Magic use was (₹ 23238) considerably higher than non-users (₹ 22344). The net return accrued was also highest in Pulse Magic users (₹ 16951.62) compared to non-users (₹ 11287.52). The returns per rupee of investment were found to be marginally higher in Pulse Magic (1.73) users compared to non-users (1.50). The per acre incremental gain yield was 19.52 per cent due to the application of Pulse Magic in comparison with non-adoption of Pulse Magic technology. The partial budgeting revealed a higher net gain of ₹ 5667 per acre in Pulse Magic users compared to non-users of Pulse Magic on pigeon pea production. The results of the probit model indicated that age, education, variety and extension contact were statistically influencing in adoption of Pulse Magic technology.

Archean to Paleoproterozoic magmatic and metamorphic evolution of the Lofoten – Vesterålen area in northern Norway through zircon U-Pb and Hf isotopic analysis

Neoarchean (2.8–2.5 Ga) and Paleoproterozoic (2.5–1.6 Ga) crust preserves a record of major crustal growth events, the oldest supercontinent assemblies, and the likely transition to modern plate tectonics. The Lofoten–Vesterålen area in Norway underwent a multistage tectono-magmatic history from the Neoarchean to the Paleoproterozoic. In this region three main components are distinguished: 1) a granulite facies zone (GFZ); 2) an amphibolite facies zone (AFZ); and 3) an anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite-granite (AMCG) suite. New zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope data are used to investigate the evolution of this 2.7–2.6 and 1.9–1.8 Ga crust and evaluate how the developments fit in the global context of Earth’s crustal evolution. In-situ LASS–MC-ICPMS analyses were conducted on zircons to simultaneously determine U-Pb ages and Hf isotope compositions. Solution Hf isotope compositions were additionally obtained on zircons previously dated by ID-TIMS. In general, there is a good agreement between solution and in-situ data. Samples from the GFZ and AFZ both yield Neoarchean (2.7–2.6 Ga) and Paleoproterozoic (1.9–1.8 Ga) populations. Neoarchean populations have εHf(i) of +0.9 to −0.3; Paleoproterozoic populations have εHf(i) around −16 and −7 at ∼1.80 and ∼1.87 Ga, respectively. The AMCG suite was emplaced in two magmatic pulses: the early one at 1.87–1.86 Ga characterized by εHf(∼1.87 Ga) ∼ −7, and the main pulse at 1.80–1.79 Ga has εHf(∼1.80 Ga) between −4.0 and −15.0. Metamorphic overprinting recorded within the GFZ and the AMCG at ∼1.80 Ga is absent in the AFZ, supporting the hypothesis of a tectonic boundary between these domains. The Hf isotope compositions suggest that Paleoproterozoic magmatism was sourced from a combination of juvenile material and incorporated ancient crust, probably in variable proportions, as suggested by the variation in the isotope composition of the AMCG suite. Broadly chondritic Hf isotope compositions in Neoarchean rocks indicate the absence of significantly older crust as a source component. Main crustal growth events recorded in the Lofoten–Vesterålen area coincide with global age peaks and zircon Hf isotope record. The AMCG suite was emplaced during the Columbia supercontinent assembly. Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic crust in the Lofoten–Vesterålen area exemplifies the elevated preservation potential in collisional tectonic settings.

A quest for the stereo-electronic requirements for selective agonism for the neurotrophin receptors TrkA and TrkB in 17-spirocyclic-dehydroepiandrosterone derivatives.

The neurotrophin system plays a pivotal role in the development, morphology, and survival of the nervous system, and its dysregulation has been manifested in numerous neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. Neurotrophins NGF and BDNF are major growth factors that prevent neuronal death and synaptic loss through binding with high affinity to their specific tropomyosin-related kinase receptors namely, TrkA and TrkB, respectively. The poor pharmacokinetic properties prohibit the use of neurotrophins as therapeutic agents. Our group has previously synthesized BNN27, a prototype small molecule based on dehydroepiandrosterone, mimicking NGF through the activation of the TrkA receptor. To obtain a better understanding of the stereo-electronic requirements for selective activation of TrkA and TrkB receptors, 27 new dehydroepiandrosterone derivatives bearing a C17-spiro-dihydropyran or cyclobutyl moiety were synthesized. The new compounds were evaluated for their ability (a) to selectively activate the TrkA receptor and its downstream signaling kinases Akt and Erk1/2 in PC12 cells, protecting these cells from serum deprivation-induced cell death, and (b) to induce phosphorylation of TrkB and to promote cell survival under serum deprivation conditions in NIH3T3 cells stable transfected with the TrkB receptor and primary cortical astrocytes. In addition the metabolic stability and CYP-mediated reaction was assessed. Among the novel derivatives, six were able to selectively protect PC12 cells through interaction with the TrkA receptor and five more to selectively protect TrkB-expressing cells via interaction with the TrkB receptor. In particular, compound ENT-A025 strongly induces TrkA and Erk1/2 phosphorylation, comparable to NGF, and can protect PC12 cells against serum deprivation-induced cell death. Furthermore, ENT-A065, ENT-A066, ENT-A068, ENT-A069, and ENT-A070 showed promising pro-survival effects in the PC12 cell line. Concerning TrkB agonists, ENT-A009 and ENT-A055 were able to induce phosphorylation of TrkB and reduce cell death levels in NIH3T3-TrkB cells. In addition, ENT-A076, ENT-A087, and ENT-A088 possessed antiapoptotic activity in NIH-3T3-TrkB cells exclusively mediated through the TrkB receptor. The metabolic stability and CYP-mediated reaction phenotyping of the potent analogs did not reveal any major liabilities. We have identified small molecule selective agonists of TrkA and TrkB receptors as promising lead neurotrophin mimetics for the development of potential therapeutics against neurodegenerative conditions.

Dampness and mould in Chinese homes and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms – Associations with climate, family size, cleaning and ventilation

We investigated associations between dampness in Chinese homes and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms and studied the role of climate, family size, cleaning and ventilation for dampness, mould and SBS. A questionnaire survey was done in 2019–2020 among adults in five cities (32349 participants) and data on outdoor climate was collected. Multilevel logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs). In total, 2.2% had rhinitis, 1.8% eye, 1.6% throat and 2.9% skin symptoms, 2.1% headache and 8.7% fatigue (weekly symptoms). Overall, 12.1% reported indoor mould, 5.7% damp bedding, 5.3% mould odour and 33.8% humid air in current home. Mould was associated with all symptoms (ORs 1.86–2.15 for minor mold growth and 1.65–3.45 for major mould growth). Damp bedding was associated with all symptoms (ORs 2.18–2.80 for minor dampness and 2.51–8.03 for major dampness). Mould odour was associated with all symptoms (ORs 1.84–2.77 for sometimes odour and ORs 3.78–7.80 for weekly odour). Perception of humid air was associated with all symptoms. ORs increased by number of dampness signs. Precipitation, outdoor relative air humidity and temperature increased dampness, mould and SBS symptoms. Large family size increased dermal symptoms. Daily floor cleaning, airing in winter, putting bedding to sunshine and mechanical ventilation in the bathroom reduced dampness, mould and SBS symptoms. In conclusion, mould and dampness in Chinese homes can increase rhinitis and SBS-symptoms in a dose-response manner. A warmer and more humid climate can increase, and cleaning and ventilation in the home can decrease dampness, mould and SBS symptoms.

Tracking the formation and evolution of the Ordos Block basement, North China Craton: U-Pb age and Lu-Hf isotope record of detrital zircons from the early Mesoproterozoic sandstones

The Ordos Block (OB) is generally considered to be an important micro-block concerning the early geological evolution of the North China Craton (NCC). Previous geophysical and limited geological researches for the OB basement have provided a preliminary understanding of the lithological assemblages and geological structure of the basement, but little was discussed about its formation time and early Precambrian evolution. In this contribution, to better understand the formation and evolution of the OB basement, the new LA-ICP-MS U-Pb ages, Lu-Hf isotope, and trace element composition have been carried for the detrital zircons from the sandstones of the Changcheng System overlying the OB basement. The youngest concordant U-Pb age constrains the Changcheng System to be deposited after ∼1.7 Ga, consistent with the Changcheng System in the other regions of the NCC. The 3.6–3.3 Ga detrital zircons preserved in the sandstones from the Changcheng System, associated with the 3.4 Ga inherited zircon in basement rocks, indicate the potential presence of Paleoarchean crustal materials in the OB. The 2.8–2.6 Ga zircons with positive εHf(t) values (+0.6 to +6.4) have the two-stage model ages (TDMC = 3.23–2.75 Ga) close to their formation ages, combined with the crustal thickening during this period, suggesting a major crustal growth in the early Neoarchean. In addition, the main age clusters of the 2.5–2.4 Ga, 2.2–2.0 Ga, and 1.95–1.8 Ga yield εHf(t) values of −6.9 to +7.7 with TDMC of 3.39–2.47 Ga, −13.4 to +7.5 with TDMC of 3.49–2.19 Ga, and −14.0 to +2.2 with TDMC of 3.41–2.40 Ga, respectively, indicative of three main stages of crustal reworking associated with two stage of minor juvenile crustal growth around 2.5–2.4 Ga and 2.2–2.0 Ga. They were corresponding to partial melting of the continental crust in the late Neoarchean, magmatism resulting from the plate subduction in the mid-Paleoproterozoic, and the collision and amalgamation between eastern and western blocks in the late Paleoproterozoic, respectively. All demonstrate that the OB was an ancient block formed mainly in the early Neoarchean and then subjected to three strong tectonothermal events of 2.5–2.4 Ga, 2.2–2.0 Ga, and 1.95–1.8 Ga, which occurred in the peripheral orogenic belts.

Reconfiguring resources for strategic posture: Changes of entrepreneurial orientation through acquisition

In order to pursuit opportunities for growth and competitive advantage, firms reconfigure resources for becoming more entrepreneurial-oriented, i.e. more innovative, risk-taking and proactive in decision-making. As an important part of corporate strategy, firms incorporate external resources, e.g. through business acquisitions. Therefore, we study the emergence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) within an organization by investigating if major business acquisitions alter an acquiring firm’s EO. We measure the acquiring firm’s EO by computer-aided text analysis (CATA) before, during and after an acquisition as historic events by screening letter to shareholders of US-Fortune 1000 companies. Our results from a sample of 202 firms show that companies closing major acquisitions have a significantly higher level of innovativeness while being more risk-averse in different phases of the acquisition process. Additionally, the relatedness (i.e. operating in the same industrial sector) between the acquiring firm and the target firm positively moderates the relationship between closing a major acquisition deal and innovativeness growth. For practitioners, our findings indicate that firms can spur their innovativeness by acquiring companies that operate in the same industrial sector, thus reconfiguring resources in a more productive way and in the same line of business.

Spatial structure and evolutionary logic of urban agglomerations based on remote sensing data

City clusters are important spatial carriers for countries to participate in global competition. The continuous monitoring of a city's status can be performed through sensors and processors applied within the real-world infrastructure. Based on the DMSP/OLS and NPP-VIIRS night-time light remote sensing data of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) and Boswash (BW) urban agglomerations from 2000 to 2019, this study used the methods of dynamic threshold and spatial statistical SDE, with the support of GIS technology, to portray the spatial morphology and evolutionary logic of BTH and BW. The analysis used urban life entity theory. The results showed that BTH is in the middle stage of growth and development, with large differences in internal development, centered on the two major growth poles of Beijing and Tianjin. It is expanding in a circular wave-like pattern in all directions, characterized by fast metabolism and strong self-adaptation. BW is in the mature stage, with its overall development level well ahead of BTH's. The cities within are developed in a balanced manner, with a ribbon-like corrugated pattern in all directions, and its development is characterized by slow metabolism and strong self-adaptability.

TET2 is required to suppress mTORC1 signaling through urea cycle with therapeutic potential

Tumor development, involving both cell growth (mass accumulation) and cell proliferation, is a complex process governed by the interplay of multiple signaling pathways. TET2 mainly functions as a DNA dioxygenase, which modulates gene expression and biological functions via oxidation of 5mC in DNA, yet whether it plays a role in regulating cell growth remains unknown. Here we show that TET2 suppresses mTORC1 signaling, a major growth controller, to inhibit cell growth and promote autophagy. Mechanistically, TET2 functions as a 5mC “eraser” by mRNA oxidation, abolishes YBX1–HuR binding and promotes decay of urea cycle enzyme mRNAs, thus negatively regulating urea cycle and arginine production, which suppresses mTORC1 signaling. Therefore, TET2-deficient tumor cells are more sensitive to mTORC1 inhibition. Our results uncover a novel function for TET2 in suppressing mTORC1 signaling and inhibiting cell growth, linking TET2-mediated mRNA oxidation to cell metabolism and cell growth control. These findings demonstrate the potential of mTORC1 inhibition as a possible treatment for TET2-deficient tumors.

The Messinian reservoir in El-Tamad oil field, Nile Delta, Egypt: Seismic interpretation and 3D modeling

El-Tamad Field, the first oil discovery in the onshore Nile Delta, is one of the promising areas in the Nile Delta for oil and gas. Therefore, thirty seismic lines, core data, and real-time flowline resistivity measurements of the Messinian Qawasim Formation were analyzed to characterize and model the reservoir in El-Tamad Field. The structure model shows that there are three main faults in the investigated area; F1 fault is a major growth fault trending E-W with a downthrown to the north, F2 trending NW-SE with a downthrown northeast, and the NE-SW trending F3 fault with a downthrown southeast. The depth-structure contour map on the reservoir's top shows that there is a rollover anticline fold formed at the downthrown side of the major growth fault. The petrophysical model illustrates that effective porosity increases towards both of southeastern and southwestern parts, while water saturation decreases in the southeastern part of the field, and the net-to-gross increase towards the center. Penetrating more vertical and sidetrack wells along the line connecting wells 1, 3, and 4 in El-Tamad Field, especially in the crest of the anticline fold that was recorded in the area is highly recomended. The spatial variation of the reservoir quality was attributed to the depositional setting, where many branches of larger distributary channels (sand facies) accumulated within a muddy estuary (shale facies) on the front of a bay-head delta.

A spatial agent-based model of e-commerce last-mile logistics towards a delivery-oriented development

The spread of e-commerce has driven a major growth in the parcel delivery market, bringing a negative impact on sustainability, especially due to last-mile deliveries in urban areas. It is crucial to appropriately tackle this issue to foster consolidation of deliveries, possibly by using collection and delivery points (CDPs), where customers might receive their parcels. This paper proposes a new spatial agent-based modelling approach to explore different scenarios of last-mile logistics referred to e-commerce deliveries, comparing fragmented door-to-door deliveries with consolidation-based strategies. The case study is the central urban area of Catania, a medium sized city in Southern Italy. The Agent-Based Model (ABM) reproduces feasible operations considering real-world spatial constraints and demand data, including the possible matching of customers’ systematic trips and parcel delivery via CDPs with small detours from the scheduled trip. Key performance indicators consider both customer and logistics operator perspectives. Main results of the simulation show that the scenario without CDPs is the costliest and least efficient, implying a high number of failed deliveries. Using cargo bikes instead of vans to perform the delivery implies high costs, but much higher benefits in terms of reduced energy consumption. The highest logistics efficiency is achieved in the scenario with a doubled demand, implying a better use of the CDPs. The results suggest that it is advisable to incentive the use of CDPs instead of increasing their number. The ABM can provide useful information to decision-makers on how to manage growing on-demand urban deliveries and plan last-mile logistics using a delivery-oriented development approach.

Cochlear implants and deafness: a global case study to increase policy awareness and action on an under-resourced health issue

There has been a major growth in global health networks in recent decades to address health issues including tobacco use, alcohol abuse, and maternal mortality. Most conditions that incur high costs have provoked networks of advocates working to mitigate the impact, increase investment in research, and establish campaigns. Global health networks often work simultaneously across policy, knowledge creation, and advocacy. Until recently there has been limited activity in global health networks and advocacy addressing hearing loss and deafness which has contributed to its relatively low visibility with policymakers compared to other health conditions. This discussion paper reports on a global consultation that explored the views of advocacy groups and individuals on advocacy for the management of hearing loss, and cochlear implantation (CI). It focussed on stakeholders’ views of current advocacy endeavours, opportunities and barriers, and the possible development of a global advocacy network to improve access to cochlear implantation and the supporting services. The subsequent development of a global health network, the Cochlear Implant International Community of Action (CIICA) is discussed and the conditions necessary for the successful development of health networks are explored. This paper will be of interest to those wishing to understand the factors influencing the development of health networks and advocacy.

The relationship between papillary thyroid carcinoma and preoperative TSH level: A cross-sectional study from Syria

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is the major growth factor for thyroid cells. It is also an available, inexpensive test and performed routinely while evaluating thyroid nodules. Yet the relationship between TSH levels and PTC is still controversial. Understanding the relationship between preoperative TSH levels and thyroid cancer helps to break new ground of current prevention, diagnosis, and management approaches of thyroid cancer. A cross-sectional retrospective study of patients underwent total thyroidectomy during 2019 at Al-Assad University Hospital, which included 305 individuals. All patients underwent thyroid ultrasonography and laboratory assessment of serum TSH levels prior to surgery, in addition to recording histological features of resected thyroid samples. The malignancy rate was 21.3%, PTC patients had higher TSH values across the entire study even when gender, age and number of thyroid nodules differed. A statistically significant increase in TSH levels was noticed by moving from the benign thyroid nodular disease (BTND) group to papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) group, then to thyroid cancer of larger size (TCLS) group (P = .001). A statistically significant relationship was also found between high TSH levels and lymph node metastases (LNM) (P = .008). TSH concentrations were significantly higher in patients with PTC, and higher TSH values were associated with TCLS and LNM.

DOES ANTI-CORRUPTION FACILITATE OR HINDER TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION?

Innovation is a major economic growth contributor, which is often hindered by corruption. However, this relationship is not always supported. This study analyzes the interrelation between anti-corruption (AC) and technological innovation (TI) in China by applying the bootstrap rolling-window full-sample and subsample Granger causality test. The results confirm that the influence of AC on TI is two-fold. On the one hand, AC positively influences TI, indicating that it facilitates TI. This finding supports the “sanding-the-wheels” hypothesis, which postulates that corruption impedes innovation. On the other hand, there is a negative influence from AC to TI, which is mainly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, the results show that TI positively influences AC, implying that TI can affect government’s AC-related decisions. Based on these findings, governments should coordinate their efforts toward innovation and AC, while firms should adopt innovation-driven strategies for long-term growth.

Tourism and the perils of an oppositional atmosphere

Using Exarcheia, a neighbourhood in Athens, as our research context, we identify an oppositional atmosphere that is encouraging a major growth in anarcho-tourism to the area. We illustrate how the production and consumption of this unique atmosphere depends on the many grassroots initiatives and anti-authoritarian mobilisations that are predominant in Exarcheia, and how the atmosphere is being threatened by the encroachment of tourism provision. Yet, drawing on Duncombe's (2007) concepts of the ethical spectacle and transmutation, we challenge the co-optation/resistance binary to contemplate whether elements of spectacular consumption can, under specific conditions, be used as tools for progressive social change.