bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social media influencers as human brands: an interactive marketing perspective
Authors: Kim Do Yuon , Kim Hye-Young
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study examined how social media influencers create and leverage followers' attachment to deliver marketing messages by applying human brand theory and attachment theory.

Design/methodology/approach

An online self-administered survey by 490 US adults who are Millennials (27–40) or Generation Z (18–26) in 2020 and currently following any specific social media influencer was conducted and analyzed.

Findings

The results suggest that homophily, social presence and attractiveness create a greater attachment. Attachment enhances followers' loyalty to the influencer and advertising credibility and reduces their resistance to advertising, whereas it does not affect advertising perception.

Research limitations/implications

This study suggests the significance of emotional bonding which explains the recent industry shifts targeting “micro-influencers” and long-term partnerships. The attachment to the influencer leads the followers to become loyal, credit marketing messages and lower the resistance without altering the perception as advertising.

Originality/value

This study identifies how attachment affects the followers' perception and response to the marketing message delivered by the influencer while previous studies were limited to the formulation process of attachment.
Tailoring sustainability indicators to small and medium enterprises for measuring industrial sustainability performance
Authors: Mengistu Azemeraw Tadesse , Panizzolo Roberto
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The lack of suitable indicators tailored to manufacturing industries’ needs, particularly to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), has been the major challenge to measure and manage industrial sustainability performance. This paper aims to empirically analyze and select the useful and applicable indicators to measure sustainability performance in the context of SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was carried out to identify potential sustainability indicators from the literature. A questionnaire was designed based on the identified indicators and then pretested with the selected industrial experts, scholars, and researchers to further refine the indicators before data collection from the Italian footwear SMEs. Fuzzy Delphi method with consistency aggregation method was applied to analyze and select the final indicators.

Findings

The study’s findings show that the selected indicators emphasized measuring progress toward achieving industrial sustainability goals in terms of increasing financial benefits, reducing costs, improving market competitiveness, improving the effectiveness of resources utilization, and promoting the well-being of employees, customers and the community. In doing so, Italian footwear SMEs can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting health and well-being, promoting sustainable economic growth, providing productive employment and decent work, and ensuring responsible consumption and production.

Social implications

The results of this study have significant social implications in terms of promoting the well-being of employees, customers, and the community.

Originality/value

By providing empirically supported indicators tailored to measure and manage sustainability performance in the context of SMEs, this paper contributes to the existing knowledge in the field of industrial sustainability performance measurement. Furthermore, it links the selected indicators to their respective SDGs to provide policy implications.
Characteristics and perceptions associated with COVID‐19 vaccination hesitancy among pregnant and postpartum individuals: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kiefer Miranda K. , Mehl Rebecca , Costantine Maged M. , Johnson Alyson , Cohen Jessica , Summerfield Taryn L. , Landon Mark B. , Rood Kara M. , Venkatesh Kartik K.
Published: February 2022

Objective

To assess the frequency and associated characteristics of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant and postpartum individuals.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Prenatal care at a single academic tertiary care centre.

Population

Pregnant and postpartum individuals enrolled in prenatal care at a single academic tertiary care centre from 22 March 2021 to 2 April 2021, concurrent with state guidelines recommending COVID‐19 vaccination in pregnancy.

Methods

We used logistic regression to identify characteristics associated with COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy, and adjusted for: age, parity, race, trimester of pregnancy, and chronic comorbidities.

Main outcome measures

COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy, defined as uncertainty or refusal of the vaccine, despite the availability of vaccine services, in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on vaccine hesitancy.

Results

Of the 485 individuals screened and approached, 456 (94%) enrolled and completed the survey (435/456, 95% pregnant). The frequency of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy was 46% (95% CI 41%–51%). Sociodemographic characteristics, including non‐Hispanic Black race, younger age, lower education, public health insurance receipt, parity >1, and reported substance use, were associated with a higher odds of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy, but not clinical risk conditions. Individuals who had a family or friend vaccinated for COVID‐19, prior or planned vaccination for tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) and/or influenza, and who perceived that vaccination benefited the baby were less likely to express COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy was frequent among pregnant and postpartum individuals. Those who may face barriers to accessing healthcare services were more likely to report vaccine hesitancy. These results can inform interventions to increase COVID‐19 vaccine uptake in pregnancy.

Tweetable abstract

COVID‐19 vaccination hesitancy is frequent among pregnant and postpartum individuals, and those who face barriers to accessing healthcare services are more likely to report COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy.
Positive blood phosphatidylethanol concentration is associated with unfavorable waitlist‐related outcomes for patients medically appropriate for liver transplantation
Authors: Faulkner Claire S. , White Collin M. , Manatsathit Wuttiporn , Lamb Bernadette , Vatsalya Vatsalya , McClain Craig J. , Jophlin Loretta L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Excessive alcohol use is a leading etiology of liver disease and indication for liver transplantation. Accurate measurement of alcohol use remains a challenge in the management of patients in the pre‐, peri‐, and post‐liver transplant settings. Blood 16:0‐18:1 phosphatidylethanol (PEth) concentration is a sensitive and specific biomarker of binge and moderate, chronic alcohol use. As PEth has the longest detection window of available blood‐based direct alcohol biomarkers for moderate to heavy drinking, it shows promise as an indicator of patterns and chronicity of drinking. However, the utility of PEth in clinical liver transplantation is understudied. This study examines the association of PEth results with liver transplantation waitlist‐focused patient outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective data for all patients tested for PEth for a one‐year period at a tertiary care medical center with an active liver transplantation program were abstracted. Indications for PEth testing, liver transplantation waitlist‐related outcomes (e.g., listing and delisting) following testing and associations of PEth results with other parameters were analyzed.

Results

Over a one‐year period, 153 PEth tests were performed on 109 individuals. The most frequent indications for PEth testing were as an objective indicator of alcohol use patterns (86.3%) and to assess alcohol as a putative etiology of liver injury (13.7%). Of the 109 patients, 56 were medically appropriate for liver transplantation. Medically acceptable candidates with unfavorable transplantation waitlist‐related outcomes (delisting, deferment of transplant evaluation, deferment of listing until completion of recommended alcohol rehabilitation, and being deemed not a transplant candidate) were at least 3.41 times more likely to have a positive PEth test than those with favorable transplantation waitlist‐related outcomes (odds ratio 3.41, confidence interval 3.41 to ∞, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

This single‐center study reporting a comprehensive account of PEth utilization at a liver transplant center demonstrates that liver transplantation waitlist‐related outcomes are associated with PEth test results. Patients with positive PEth tests were more likely to have unfavorable transplant waitlist‐related outcomes. PEth testing has not been validated as a predictor of relapse to drinking in post‐transplant patients and because its utility in the pre‐transplant setting is unclear its use could lead to disparities in the selection of patients for liver transplantation.
Age estimation in young dogs by radiographic assessment of the canine pulp cavity/tooth width ratio
Authors: Van den Broeck Martine , Stock Emmelie , Vermeiren Yoni , Verhaert Leen , Duchateau Luc , Cornillie Pieter
Published: February 2022

Age estimation in adult dogs can be performed by the radiographic measurement of the tooth pulp cavity, but the technique has hardly been described. In this study, the application of measuring pulp/tooth width ratios (P/T ratios) of the maxillary canine teeth was investigated. Pulp and tooth widths were measured at two locations on 166 maxillary canine teeth of the heads of 84 dog cadavers, using digital extraoral lateral oblique open mouth radiographs. The dogs belonged to different breeds and sexes and had a known age between 194 and 1907 days (approximately 6 months ‐ 5 years). Both at the cemento‐enamel junction (CE) and the half‐height of the tooth, a comparable non‐linear regression with age was demonstrated. Measuring at the CE location was less hindered by wear or superimposition. No statistically significant difference according to sex and breed size and no clinically significant difference according to skull type was found. The highest predictable capacity was found in the youngest dogs until the age of 448 days, of which 84.4% of the canine teeth had a P/T ratio above 0.39. Our results demonstrate that measuring P/T ratios of canine teeth can be used in practice to assign dogs to age categories, with the highest accuracy in young adult dogs.
Legalization of cannabis in Canada—Local media analysis
Authors: Sorensen James L. , van Draanen Jenna , Shingle Mallory
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives

Legalization of recreational cannabis is occurring across the United States, with some controversy. To understand the range of issues that can arise when such a policy change is enacted, we examined portrayal of legalization at the local level by studying newspaper articles in Calgary, Alberta, shortly before and after cannabis legalization in Canada.

Method

We searched the largest‐circulation newspaper for cannabis‐related items and analyzed for content and slant toward cannabis legalization.

Results

Among 165 items, business/economics (70.9% of items) and legalization (69.7%) were most frequent, with health only 29.7%. Across all items, the slant was more approval (44.2%) than disapproval (23.0%).

Discussion and Conclusions

When cannabis was legalized, the local newspaper focused more on economic aspects of legalization rather than about health issues. Further research can determine the generalizability of the findings to other locales and provide comparison as other similar policy changes roll out.

Scientific Significance

The study provides new information on what happens when drug policies are enacted. Documenting the media portrayal of substance use policies is a promising tool.
Impact of COVID‐19 on rural and remote student placements in Australia: A national study
Authors: Hoang Ha , Jessup Belinda , Obamiro Kehinde , Bourke Lisa , Hellwege Barbara , Podubinski Tegan , Heaney Susan , Sheepway Lyndal , Farthing Annie , Rasiah Rohan , Fitzroy Robyn , Jatrana Santosh , Argus Geoff , Knight Sabina
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate students' perceptions of the impact of coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 on rural and remote placements facilitated by 16 University Departments of Rural Health in Australia in 2020.

Design

A mixed‐method design comprising an online survey and semi‐structured interviews.

Setting

Australia.

Participants

Allied health, nursing and medical students with a planned University Departments of Rural Health‐facilitated rural or remote placement between February and October 2020.

Intervention

A planned rural or remote placement in 2020 facilitated by a University Departments of Rural Health, regardless of placement outcome.

Main outcome measures

Questionnaire included placement outcome (completed or not), discipline of study (nursing, allied health, medicine), and Likert measures of impact to placement (including supervision, placement tasks, location, accommodation, client contact and student learning) and placement experience (overall, support, supervision, university support). Semi‐structured interviews asked about placement planning, outcome, decisions, experience and student perceptions.

Results

While coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 reportedly impacted on the majority of planned placements, most students (80%) were able to complete their University Departments of Rural Health‐facilitated placement in some form and were satisfied with their placement experience. Common placement changes included changes to tasks, setting, supervisors and location. Allied health students were significantly more likely to indicate that their placement had been impacted and also felt more supported by supervisors and universities than nursing students. Interview participants expressed concerns regarding the potential impact of cancelled and adapted placements on graduation and future employment.

Conclusions

The coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic was reported to impact the majority of University Departments of Rural Health‐facilitated rural and remote placements in 2020. Fortunately, most students were able to continue to undertake a rural or remote placement in some form and were largely satisfied with their placement experience. Students were concerned about their lack of clinical learning and graduating on time with adequate clinical competence.
A diagnostic workup and laparoscopic approach for median arcuate ligament syndrome
Authors: Diab Jason , Diab Vanessa , Berney Christophe R
Published: February 2022

Background

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare disorder characterized by the compression of the coeliac trunk and plexus by fibrous arches of the median ligament. It commonly occurs in young women with postprandial epigastric pain, weight loss and nausea. We present a single surgeon experience on the diagnostic approach and management of MALS with a focus on laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review of adult patients diagnosed with MALS during a 10‐year period (2011–2021) was conducted at Bankstown‐Lidcombe hospital in New South Wales, Australia.

Results

MALS was diagnosed in six patients (mean 46 years, range: 27–74 years old), all confirmed on mesenteric duplex ultrasound and computed tomography angiography. The most common presentations were women with post‐prandial pain, exercise induced pain and an average weight loss of 14.5 kg. The median interval from onset of symptoms to surgical referral was 10.5 months. The average BMI was 24.1 kg/m2 and most had a grade III American Society of Anaesthesiologist physical status. All patients underwent laparoscopic release of median arcuate ligament with one patient requiring endovascular stenting. The mean operative time was 119 minutes with two minor post‐operative complications, but no mortalities. The median hospital length of stay was 3.5 days with a median follow up of 3.5 years.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic median arcuate ligament release with endovascular support for selected cases provides sound clinical resolution of symptoms and long‐term results.
Show me the money: Income inequality and segregation in UK cities
Authors: Cauvain Jenni , Long Gavin , Whiteley Timothy , Farcot Etienne
Published: February 2022

The social geography of cities is argued to be changing globally; rising economic inequality is associated with increasing segregation. Yet, income inequality has been predominantly mobilised through national and regional imaginaries. In cities, a number of factors such as the normative policy motivation to intervene in ‘disadvantaged’ neighbourhoods, have led to (concentrations of) poverty becoming prioritised in empirical studies of household income. This paper addresses a gap in understanding the relationship between local income inequality and the segregation of high‐income households at the urban and neighbourhood scales in England and Wales. The results highlight that wealthier cities and districts (Cambridge, Winchester, and Rushcliffe in the Nottingham conurbation) have higher income inequality (Gini), but are less segregated (Index of Dissimilarity). Lower average income cities tend to be more segregated, due to self‐segregation of high‐income households into ‘pockets of affluence.’ These results confirm that high‐income households are the most segregated group in our sample, consistent with trends in global urban segregation patterns. The research also highlights just how prevalent low income is in urban neighbourhoods, making the case for high income as the designated minority population in segregation studies. In our detailed case study of Nottingham, income homogeneity is typical of areas with high deprivation. Neighbourhoods with a high Gini coefficient could be described as mixed income: the Gini is raised by the presence of high‐income households in urban neighbourhoods. We argue that the Gini therefore offers potential as an indicator of social mix in urban studies. These results are based on an experimental household income dataset released by the Office of National Statistics, with analysis of all core cities in England and Wales, alongside Derby, Leicester, Cambridge, Southampton, and Winchester, followed by a detailed case study of Nottingham (UK) and its extended suburban boundary.
The VRAC blocker DCPIB directly gates the BK channels and increases intracellular Ca2+ in melanoma and pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma cell lines
Authors: Zuccolini Paolo , Ferrera Loretta , Remigante Alessia , Picco Cristiana , Barbieri Raffaella , Bertelli Sara , Moran Oscar , Gavazzo Paola , Pusch Michael
Published: February 2022

Background and purpose

The volume regulated anion channel (VRAC) is known to be involved in different aspects of cancer cell behaviour and response to therapies. For this reason, we investigated the effect of DCPIB, a presumably specific blocker of VRAC, in two types of cancer: pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and melanoma.

Experimental approach

We used patch‐clamp electrophysiology, supported by Ca2+ imaging, gene expression analysis, docking simulation and mutagenesis. We employed two PDAC lines (Panc‐1 and MiaPaCa‐2), as well as a primary (IGR39) and a metastatic (IGR37) melanoma line.

Key results

DCPIB markedly increased whole‐cell currents in Panc‐1, MiaPaca2 and IGR39, but not in IGR37 cells. The currents were mostly mediated by KCa1.1 channels, commonly known as BK channels. We confirmed DCPIB activation of BK channels also in HEK293 cells transfected with α subunits of this channel. Further experiments showed that in IGR39, and to a smaller degree also in Panc‐1 cells, DCPIB induced a rapid Ca2+ influx. This, in turn, indirectly potentiated BK channels and, in IGR39 cells, additionally activated other Ca2+‐dependent channels. However, Ca2+ influx was not required for activation of BK channels by DCPIB, as such activation involved the extracellular part of the protein and we have identified a residue crucial for binding.

Conclusion and implications

DCPIB directly targeted BK channels and, also, acutely increased intracellular Ca2+. Our findings extend the list of DCPIB effects that should be taken into consideration for future development of DCPIB‐based modulators of ion channels and other membrane proteins.
Mood symptoms, neurodevelopmental traits, and their contributory factors in X-linked ichthyosis, ichthyosis vulgaris and psoriasis
Authors: Wren Georgina H. , Humby Trevor , Thompson Andrew R. , Davies William
Published: February 2022

Background

High rates of adverse mood/neurodevelopmental traits are seen in multiple dermatological conditions, and can significantly affect patient quality of life. Understanding the sex-specific nature, magnitude, impact and basis of such traits in lesser-studied conditions like ichthyosis, is important for developing effective interventions.

Aim

To quantify and compare relevant psychological traits in men with X-linked ichthyosis (XLI, n = 54) or in XLI carrier women (n = 83) and in patients with ichthyosis vulgaris (IV, men n = 23, women n = 59) or psoriasis (men n = 30, women n = 122), and to identify factors self-reported to contribute most towards depressive, anxious and irritable phenotypes.

Methods

Participants recruited via relevant charities or social media completed an online survey of established questionnaires. Data were analysed by sex and skin condition, and compared with general population data.

Results

Compared with the general population, there was a higher rate of lifetime prevalence of mood disorder diagnoses across all groups and of neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses in the XLI groups. The groups exhibited similarly significant elevations in recent mood symptoms (Cohen d statistic 0.95–1.28, P < 0.001) and neurodevelopmental traits (d = 0.31–0.91, P < 0.05) compared with general population controls, and self-reported moderate effects on quality of life and stigmatization. There were strong positive associations between neurodevelopmental traits and recent mood symptoms (r > 0.47, P < 0.01), and between feelings of stigmatization and quality of life, particularly in men. Numerous factors were identified as contributing significantly to mood symptoms in a condition or sex-specific, or condition or sex-independent, manner.

Conclusion

We found that individuals with XLI, IV or psoriasis show higher levels of mood disorder diagnoses and symptoms than matched general population controls, and that the prevalence and severity of these is similar across conditions. We also identified a number of factors potentially conferring either general or condition-specific risk of adverse mood symptoms in the three skin conditions, which could be targeted clinically and/or through education programmes. In clinical practice, recognizing mood/neurodevelopmental problems in ichthyosis and psoriasis, and addressing the predisposing factors identified by this study should benefit the mental health of affected individuals.
Changing Educational Assessments in the Post‐COVID‐19 Era: From Assessment of Learning (AoL) to Assessment as Learning (AaL)
Authors: Yang Li‐Ping , Xin Tao
Published: February 2022

The upgrade educational information technology triggered by COVID‐19 has shaped a new educational order and new educational forms. As a result, traditional educational measurement is now facing a systematic transformation, that is, from the Assessment of Learning (AoL) to Assessment for Learning (AfL), and finally to Assessment as Learning (AaL). By showing the initiative and the flexibility of large‐scale online learning during the COVID‐19 pandemic, this paper examines the evolution from AoL to AaL from four aspects: participants, test form, multivariate data for process‐based measurement, and measurement models for multivariate data. We propose multidisciplinary corporations in the field, which integrate education, psychology, and information technology into the theories and methods of educational measurement. Further, we emphasize that the validity, ethics, and fairness of the measurement should also be considered the critical issues. Researchers and practitioners of educational measurement must persist in pursuing the substantive significance of measurement and provide unique experience and guidance for the theoretical and practical development of educational assessment in this great revolution.
Comparing humoral immune response to SARS‐CoV2 vaccines in people with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls: An Austrian prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Bsteh Gabriel , Hegen Harald , Traxler Gerhard , Krajnc Nik , Leutmezer Fritz , Di Pauli Franziska , Kornek Barbara , Rommer Paulus , Zulehner Gudrun , Dürauer Sophie , Bauer Angelika , Kratzwald Sarah , Klotz Sigrid , Winklehner Michael , Deisenhammer Florian , Guger Michael , Höftberger Romana , Berger Thomas
Published: February 2022

Background and purpose

SARS‐CoV2 vaccination is recommended for patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), but response may be limited by disease‐modifying‐treatments (DMTs). The aim of this study was to compare the rates of humoral immune response and safety of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines in pwMS and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

In this multicenter prospective study on 456 pwMS and 116 HCs, SARS‐CoV‐2‐IgG response was measured 3 months after the first vaccine dose. The primary endpoint was defined as proportion of patients developing antibodies (seroconversion). Secondary endpoints included antibody level, safety and efficacy.

Results

Compared to 97.4% in HCs, seroconversion occurred in 96.7% (88/91) untreated pwMS, 97.1% of patients (135/139) on immunomodulatory DMTs and 61.1% (138/226; p < 0.001) on immunosuppressive DMTs. Seroconversion was lowest in patients on antiCD20 monoclonal antibodies (CD20 mAbs; 52.6%) followed by sphingosine‐1‐phosphate‐receptor‐modulators (S1PMs; 63.6%). In the S1PM subgroup, seroconversion increased with lymphocyte count (odds ratio [OR] 1.31 per 0.1 G/L; p = 0.035). In pwMS on CD20 mAbs, B‐cell depletion decreased seroconversion (OR 0.52; p = 0.038), whereas time since last DMT did not. Safety of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines in pwMS was excellent.

Conclusions

Humoral response to SARS‐CoV2 vaccines in pwMS is generally excellent. While reduced by immunosuppressive DMTs, most importantly by B‐cell‐depleting CD20 mAbs and S1PMs, seroconversion is still expected in the majority of patients. SARS‐CoV2 vaccination should be offered to every MS patient.
Unusual dermoscopic patterns of basal cell carcinoma mimicking melanoma
Authors: Di Matteo Eleonora , Pampena Riccardo , Pizzichetta Maria A. , Cinotti Elisa , Chester Johanna , Kaleci Shaniko , Manfredini Marco , Guida Stefania , Dika Emi , Moscarella Elvira , Lallas Aimilios , Apalla Zoe , Argenziano Giuseppe , Perrot Jian L , Tognetti Linda , Lai Michela , Cantisani Carmen , Roberti Vincenzo , Fiorani Diletta , Baraldi Carlotta , Veneziano Leonardo , Papageorgiou Chryssoula , Ciardo Silvana , Rubegni Pietro , Zalaudek Iris , Patrizi Annalisa , Longo Caterina , Bianchi Luca , Pellacani Giovanni , Farnetani Francesca
Published: February 2022

Background

Basal cell carcinoma can simulate melanoma and specific dermoscopic criteria have not yet been defined in a large cohort.

Objective

To identify dermoscopic “trump” characteristics for differential diagnosis, identify cluster groups and assess the clinical impact of this study's findings.

Methods

Retrospective, multicentric comparative study of atypical, non‐facial basal cell carcinoma (≥1 seven‐point checklist criteria) and melanoma (with at least one BCC criteria) at dermoscopy. Observed dermoscopic features were used to develop a proposed score. Lesion clusters were defined with hierarchical analysis. Clinical impact was assessed with a blinded reader study following this study's results.

Results

A total of 146 basal cell carcinoma and 76 melanoma were included. Atypical vascular pattern was common to most lesions (74.5%). Twelve trump features were included in the proposed score (sensitivity 94.1% and specificity 79.5%). Cluster analysis identified 3 basal cell carcinoma and 3 melanoma clusters. Findings improved overall diagnostic accuracy and confidence (26.8% and 13.8%, respectively; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings support the notion that atypical vascular pattern should be considered a shared feature of both melanoma and atypical basal cell carcinoma. Our proposed score improves diagnostic accuracy and confidence. Absence of pigmented features was associated with lower diagnostic accuracy and confidence.
Disquieting Analogies: Benjamin and Heidegger on Medieval Speculative Grammar
Authors: Johannßen Dennis
Published: February 2022

This article examines Walter Benjamin's engagement with Martin Heidegger's postdoctoral thesis on the Scholastic philosophers Duns Scotus and Thomas of Erfurt. I argue that Benjamin's fragment “Wenn nach der Theorie des Duns Scotus” from the Winter of 1920–21 contains a direct response to Heidegger's thesis, marking the difference between their philosophies of language as well as a vital shift in Benjamin's critical project. After studying Heidegger's book, Benjamin abandons the plan to work on Scholastic analogies, focusing instead on allegory in Baroque mourning plays. This shift motivated Benjamin to distinguish his non‐hierarchical and anti‐anthropocentric understanding of language further from Heidegger's ontological view, which adheres, despite its non‐instrumental character, to an authoritative relationship between language and being.
Hospital Frailty Risk Score predicts adverse events in older patients with vertebral compression fractures: Analysis of data in a nationwide in‐patient database in Japan
Authors: Shimizu Akio , Maeda Keisuke , Fujishima Ichiro , Kayashita Jun , Mori Naoharu , Okada Kiwako , Uno Chiharu , Shimizu Miho , Momosaki Ryo
Published: February 2022

Aims

This study investigated the usefulness of frailty for predicting adverse events in patients with vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) during hospitalization using data obtained from the Japanese health insurance system.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study of patients with VCFs aged ≥65 years was conducted using a nationwide database in Japan. We examined the relationships between frailty risk, classified using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS), in‐hospital mortality, and complications such as pressure ulcers and pneumonia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between the HFRS and the outcomes of patients with VCFs.

Results

In this study, the data of 30 980 in‐patients with VCFs were analyzed. Of these patients, 76.8%, 21.3%, and 1.9% had low, intermediate, and high risks of frailty, respectively. The higher the risk of frailty, the higher the rate of in‐hospital mortality and the occurrence of all complications (P < 0.001 for trend). An intermediate risk of frailty was independently associated with in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.421; P < 0.001), whereas a high risk of frailty did not show statistical significance (OR, 1.385; P = 0.150). Each frailty risk was independently associated with the occurrence of all complications during hospitalization.

Conclusions

The HFRS, which can assess the risk of frailty based on routinely collected medical records, was predictive of adverse events in older patients with VCFs based on a nationwide database in Japan. Future studies need to assess approaches to preventing adverse events in frail VCF patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 233–239.
Using financial incentives to support service engagement of adults experiencing homelessness and mental illness: A qualitative analysis of key stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Reid Nadine , Brown Rebecca , Pedersen Cheryl , Kozloff Nicole , Sosnowski Alexandra , Stergiopoulos Vicky
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Homelessness and mental illness are associated with poor service engagement, health and health service use outcomes. Existing literature suggests that financial incentives may effectively support service engagement of this population, but studies investigating key stakeholder perspectives are lacking. This study aimed to elicit, using qualitative methods, nuanced service user and provider experiences by using financial incentives to support service engagement among adults experiencing homelessness and mental illness.

Methods

This qualitative study is part of a larger mixed‐methods pragmatic trial of financial incentives (Coordinated Access to Care for the Homeless—Financial Incentives [CATCH‐FI]) within a community‐based brief case management programme (CATCH) in Toronto, Ontario. Twenty‐two CATCH‐FI participants were purposefully recruited to participate in in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews; five CATCH service providers participated in a focus group and seven key informants in individual interviews. Data collection occurred between April 2019 and December 2020. All interviews and the focus group were audio‐recorded and transcribed. Topic guides prompted participant perspectives on and experiences of using financial incentives to support engagement, health and well‐being. Grounded theory and inductive thematic analysis guided coding and interpretation of transcripts. Triangulation and member‐checking enhanced the analytical rigour and validity of findings.

Results

CATCH service providers, key informants and subgroup of CATCH‐FI participants perceived financial incentives to directly facilitate service engagement. The majority of CATCH‐FI participants however highlighted that intrinsic motivation and service quality may be relatively more important facilitators of engagement. Most study participants across stakeholder groups perceived that financial incentives have direct positive influences on health and well‐being in enabling access to basic needs and simple pleasures.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that for some adults experiencing homelessness and mental illness, financial incentives can directly support service engagement. In addition, financial incentives may positively impact health and well‐being by easing financial stress and enabling deeper attention to individual health needs. Further research on the effectiveness and acceptability of financial incentives is needed to improve understanding and uptake of a promising intervention to support health and health service use outcomes in an underserved population.

Patient or Public Contribution

Study participants provided input into the study research questions, study design, interview guides and interpretation of findings.
Controlling factors of the particle size of spherical silica synthesized by a dry process
Authors: Saiki Keiji , Ishikawa Toshihiro
Published: February 2022

Silica is an important inorganic compound used in many materials, including quartz products and resin fillers. To synthesize silica by a dry process, combustion methods using organosilicon compounds as raw monomers have been extensively studied. However, few studies have considered mass production or compared preparation methods using different types of organosilicon compounds and the same equipment. In this study, we used six starting materials in a dry process and examined the effect of monomer species on particle shape and size. The amount of raw monomer supplied was adjusted so that the calorific value of combustion was the same for all the raw monomers. We focused on the calorific value because it affects the construction cost of industrial‐scale production plants. For example, when the calorific value is high, the manufacturing plant is large and costly because the heat generated after the reaction must be removed. We obtained spherical silica particles by a dry process using six monomers. The particle size depended on both the basic unit of the monomer and the required oxygen (RO) ratio of the primary burner gas. This combination was essential in determining the speed of the initial reaction, number of nuclei, and residence time. Consequently, we established a factor that determines the size of spherical silica particles and successfully adjusted the particle size.
Utilization of gold tailings for the construction of foamed ceramics used in external insulation buildings
Authors: Duan Xuchen , Meng Fantao , Li Zhanchong , Mu Qinglin , Liu Zhekun , Zhang Haoxiang , Li Shuang
Published: February 2022

The utilization of gold tailings and bentonite as raw materials for prepared foamed ceramic was studied. The effects of boric acid and titanium dioxide content on the properties and microstructures of foamed ceramic were studied from the aspects of bulk density, compressive strength, bending strength, phase composition, and micromorphology. These results show that the synergistic effect of boric acid and titanium dioxide leads to the crystallization of quartz, which enhanced the compressive strength and bending strength and decreased the thermal conductivity of foamed ceramics, while the bulk density increases gradually with the addition of titanium dioxide. Taking into account all of these properties, the optimal results are as follows: bending strength of 1.111 MPa, compressive strength of 1.165 MPa, bulk density of 0.258 g/cm3, the porosity of 81.89%, the thermal conductivity of 0.088 (W/(m⋅K)). This study indicated that gold tailings are a promising candidate for the preparation of foamed ceramics used as external insulation building materials.
Presence of CD133‐positive circulating tumor cells predicts worse progression‐free survival in patients with metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Yang Yunjie , Liu Zheng , Wang Qifeng , Chang Kun , Zhang Junyu , Ye Dingwei , Kong Yunyi , Dai Bo
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the clinical significance of the expression of the stemness marker CD133 in circulating tumor cells of newly diagnosed metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer patients.

Methods

For this study, 104 metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer patients treated at the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from September 2015 to February 2017 were considered. After enrollment, the patients received androgen deprivation therapy (bicalutamide + goserelin). Circulating tumor cells were isolated and identified using the CanPatrol system, which can identify not only traditional epithelial markers but also mesenchymal markers in cells that have undergone epithelial mesenchymal transition. CD133 was used to characterize the circulating tumor cells. The primary endpoint of this research was to evaluate progression to castration resistance.

Results

Among the 104 patients enrolled, 89 patients were circulating tumor cell positive at baseline, and the median circulating tumor cell count was four. The median follow‐up was 24 months, and at the end of follow‐up, the proportion of patients who progressed to castration‐resistant prostate cancer in the CTC+CD133+ group was 93.3%, which was significantly higher than that of the circulating tumor cell negative group (73.3%) and the CTC+CD133− group (75.0%), with P = 0.043. After follow‐up, progression‐free survival for CTC+CD133+, CTC+CD133−, and circulating tumor cell patients was 10.0, 13.0, and 14.0 months, respectively, with P = 0.022. Univariate and multivariate analyses also confirmed that the characterization of circulating tumor cells using CD133 can independently predict progression‐free survival in metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer patients after receiving androgen deprivation therapy (P = 0.042; hazard ratio 1.396).

Conclusion

Baseline CTC+CD133+ was a poor independent prognostic factor for metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer patients to progress to castration‐resistant prostate cancer after receiving androgen deprivation therapy.
Founding family ownership and firm performance: Evidence from the evolution of family ownership and firm policies
Authors: Li Huimin , Ryan Harley E.
Published: February 2022

We use a novel dataset to follow the evolution of family ownership, firm value and firm policies for up to 25 years post initial public offering (IPO). Firm value, measured by Tobin's Q, increases as family ownership decreases over time. Firms with higher family ownership invest less in research and development (R&D) and have greater R&D sensitivity to internal cash flow. A path analysis reveals the lower R&D investment as a mechanism through which firm value relates negatively to family ownership. Firms with higher family ownership rely more on debt financing, and firms with higher levels of family ownership at the IPO are less likely to conduct seasoned equity offerings. Altogether, the valuation, investment and financing patterns are consistent with the premise that firms with higher levels of family ownership are unwilling to issue equity and dilute family ownership. A reluctance to issue equity creates financing constraints that limit the firms’ abilities to fully exploit their investment opportunities and contributes to lower firm value among firms with more concentrated family ownership.
Metabolomics analysis of placental tissue obtained from patients with fetal growth restriction
Authors: Karaer Abdullah , Mumcu Akın , Arda Düz Senem , Tuncay Görkem , Doğan Berat
Published: February 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a difference in placental metabolite profiles between patients with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and healthy controls.

Methods

The study included 10 patients with FGR diagnosis with 14 healthy controls with both matched maternal age and body mass index. 1H HR‐MAS NMR spectroscopy data obtained from placental tissue samples of patients with FGR and healthy control group were analyzed with bioinformatics methods. The obtained results of metabolite levels were further validated with the internal standard (IS) quantification method.

Results

Principal component analysis (PCA) and the partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) score plots obtained with the multivariate statistical analysis of preprocessed spectral data shows a separation between the samples from patients with FGR and healthy controls. Bioinformatics analysis results suggest that the placental levels of lactate, glutamine, glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine, taurine, and myoinositol are increased in patients with FGR compared to the healthy controls.

Conclusions

Placental metabolic dysfunctions are a common occurrence in FGR.
Immunohistochemical biomarkers in oral submucous fibrosis: A scoping review
Authors: Kavitha Loganathan , Ranganathan Kannan , Shyam Sivasamy , Fathima Jaffer Hussain Shazia , Umesh Wadgave , Warnakulasuriya Saman
Published: February 2022

Introduction

This scoping review was done to study the immunohistochemical biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis and malignant transformation of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), in literature published from 2010 to 2021.

Method

The protocol was adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual (2017), and reported according to the PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews.

Results

Eighty‐six studies included in this review reported 84 immunohistochemical (IHC) biomarkers in OSF: 10 epithelial markers, 28 connective tissue markers, 22 proliferative markers, and 24 other biomarkers that are transcription factors, cancer stem cell markers, cell signaling markers, proteins, and enzymes. The commonly reported IHC biomarkers were alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and E‐cadherin (seven articles each) followed by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD34 (six articles each), p53, p63, and Ki67 (five articles each). α‐SMA, Ki67, CD105, and hTERT were significantly increased in oral squamous cell carcinoma arising in a background of OSF (OSCC‐OSF) compared with OSF and normal subjects.

Conclusion

The identified surrogate IHC biomarkers reported in OSF in this scoping review require validation with long‐term prospective studies to facilitate early diagnosis, for use in risk assessment, and plan appropriate treatment for OSF in clinical practice.

Open Science Framework ID: osf.io/epwra
Quantitative proteomic study reveals differential expression of matricellular proteins between fibrous dysplasia and cemento‐ossifying fibroma pathogenesis
Authors: Duarte‐Andrade Filipe Fideles , Pereira Thais dos Santos Fontes , Vitório Jéssica Gardone , Diniz Marina Gonçalves , Amorim Larissa Stefhanne Damasceno , Nawrocki Arkadiusz , Felicori Liza Figueiredo , De Marco Luiz , Gomes Carolina Cavaliéri , Larsen Martin R. , Melo‐Braga Marcella Nunes , Gomez Ricardo Santiago
Published: February 2022

Background

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) and cemento‐ossifying fibroma (COF) are the most common gnathic fibro‐osseous lesions. These diseases exhibit remarkable overlap of several clinicopathological aspects, and differential diagnosis depends on the combination of histopathological, radiographic, and clinical aspects. Their molecular landscape remains poorly characterized, and herein, we assessed their proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiles.

Methods

The quantitative differences in protein profile of FD and COF were assessed by proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue samples. Pathway enrichment analyses with differentially regulated proteins were performed.

Results

FD and COF exhibited differential regulation of pathways related to extracellular matrix organization, cell adhesion, and platelet and erythrocytes activities. Additionally, these lesions demonstrated distinct abundance of proteins involved in osteoblastic differentiation and tumorigenesis and differential abundance of phosphorylation of Ser61 of Yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1).

Conclusions

In summary, despite the morphological similarity between these diseases, our results demonstrated that COF and DF present numerous quantitative differences in their proteomic profiles. These findings suggest that these fibro‐osseous lesions trigger distinct molecular mechanisms during their pathogenesis. Moreover, some proteins identified in our analysis could serve as potential biomarkers for differential diagnosis of these diseases after further validation.
CAD‐CAM Fabricated Denture Base Resins: In Vitro Investigation of the Minimum Acceptable Denture Base Thickness
Authors: Alaseef Nawarah , Albasarah Sara , Al Abdulghani Hanan , Al‐Harbi Fahad A. , Gad Mohammed M. , Akhtar Sultan , Khan Soban Q. , Ateeq Ijlal Shahrukh , al‐Qarni Faisal D.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To investigate the influence of reducing material thickness on flexural properties of computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) denture base resins.

Materials and methods

Four CAD‐CAM denture base acrylic resin materials were selected; two were made via the subtractive method (AvaDent and IvoCad) and two were made with the additive method (FormLabs and NextDent). One heat‐polymerized denture base material was used as a control. Specimens were fabricated with varying thicknesses (n = 10/group): 3.3 mm, 2.5 mm, 2 mm, or 1.5 mm. Flexural strength was evaluated via a three‐point bending test. One‐ and two‐way ANOVA were used for data analysis along with Tukey's post hoc comparison (α = 0.05).

Results

Reducing the thickness of materials made via the subtractive method did not influence flexural strength up to 2 mm (p > 0.05). However, the difference was significant at a 1.5 mm thickness (p ˂ 0.001). For materials made via the additive method, NextDent specimens had no significant decrease in flexural strength when the thickness was reduced to 2 mm (p = 0.58). FormLabs specimens showed a significant decrease (p ˂ 0.001), although the values of flexural strength were clinically acceptable. During testing, specimens manufactured via the additive method at a 1.5 mm thickness bent without fracturing and were therefore excluded. All materials showed a reduction in elastic modulus as the thickness decreased (p ˂ 0.001).

Conclusion

Heat‐polymerized, AvaDent, and IvoCad materials may be used for denture base fabrication at a minimum thickness of 1.5 mm. FormLabs and NextDent may be fabricated at a 2 mm minimum thickness, with clinically acceptable flexural properties.