bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A group recommender system for books based on fine-grained classification of comments
Authors: Ye Jiaxin , Xiong Huixiang , Guo Jinpeng , Meng Xuan
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how book group recommendations can be used as a meaningful way to suggest suitable books to users, given the increasing number of individuals engaging in sharing and discussing books on the web.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose reviews fine-grained classification (CFGC) and its related models such as CFGC1 for book group recommendation. These models can categorize reviews successively by function and role. Constructing the BERT-BiLSTM model to classify the reviews by function. The frequency characteristics of the reviews are mined by word frequency analysis, and the relationship between reviews and total book score is mined by correlation analysis. Then, the reviews are classified into three roles: celebrity, general and passerby. Finally, the authors can form user groups, mine group features and combine group features with book fine-grained ratings to make book group recommendations.

Findings

Overall, the best recommendations are made by Synopsis comments, with the accuracy, recall, F-value and Hellinger distance of 52.9%, 60.0%, 56.3% and 0.163, respectively. The F1 index of the recommendations based on the author and the writing comments is improved by 2.5% and 0.4%, respectively, compared to the Synopsis comments.

Originality/value

Previous studies on book recommendation often recommend relevant books for users by mining the similarity between books, so the set of book recommendations recommended to users, especially to groups, always focuses on the few types. The proposed method can effectively ensure the diversity of recommendations by mining users’ tendency to different review attributes of books and recommending books for the groups. In addition, this study also investigates which types of reviews should be used to make book recommendations when targeting groups with specific tendencies.
Developing public managers' reflective thinking through continuing management education
Authors: Thomassen Anja Overggaard
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to outline how public managers' reflective thinking capacity is developed through integration of education and practice using a real-life organizational problem as the educational starting point. Managers' reflective thinking capacity becomes important due to an increasing organizational complexity and the growing trend of introducing post-new public management paradigms.

Design/methodology/approach

Inspired by Brinkmann's (2012) approach to the inquiry on everyday life materials, semi-structured interviews were conducted with public managers taking a public management program. A phenomenologically inspired content analysis was applied in the process of scrutinizing the findings, subsequently informing the discussion on the development of problem solving through public management education.

Findings

The analysis indicates that the managers' pre-understanding of continuing education at the university level, managers' personal objectives, along with a growing experience with and insights into problem-based learning (PBL), appear to facilitate managers' integration of theory and practice. As revealed in this paper, an inquiry that integrates daily organizational practice and theoretical models and terms, as the origin of the personal development module, seems to facilitate managers' reflective thinking and self-reflexivity.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates that learning processes facilitated by seminars like the personal development module (PDM) not only facilitates the development of reflective thinking, but managers also seem to develop competencies in self-reflexivity – the latter being an underdeveloped element of Dewey's (1933) notion of reflective thinking. Thus, further theoretical and empirical research is needed to explore the potentials of developing a pragmatically inspired notion that offers an understanding of managers' self-reflexivity. By inquiring about managerial puzzlements through a personal development lens, a self-reflective focus adds to the Dewey-inspired approach to reflective thinking.
Probability estimation in accounting: subjective numeracy matters
Authors: Zhang Yuqian , Seufert Juergen , Dellaportas Steven
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study examined subjective numeracy and its relationship with accounting judgements on probability issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A subjective numeracy scale (SNS) questionnaire was distributed to 231 accounting students to measure self-evaluated numeracy. Modified Bayesian reasoning tasks were applied in an accounting-related probability estimation, manipulating presentation formats.

Findings

The study revealed a positive relationship between self-evaluated numeracy and performance in accounting probability estimation. The findings suggest that switching the format of probability expressions from percentages to frequencies can improve the performance of participants with low self-evaluated numeracy.

Research limitations/implications

Adding objective numeracy measurements could enhance results. Future numeracy research could add objective numeracy items and assess whether this influences participants' self-perceived numeracy. Based on this sample population of accounting students, the findings may not apply to large populations of accounting-information users.

Practical implications

Investors' ability to exercise sound judgement depends on the accuracy of their probability estimations. Manipulating the format of probability expressions can improve probability estimation performance in investors with low self-evaluated numeracy.

Originality/value

This study identified a significant performance gap among participants in performing accounting probability estimations: those with high self-evaluated numeracy performed better than those with low self-evaluated numeracy. The authors also explored a method other than additional training to improve participants' performance on probability estimation tasks and discovered that frequency formats enhanced the performance of participants with low self-evaluated numeracy.
Investor attention and IPO returns: evidence from Indian markets
Authors: Mulchandani Poonam , Pandey Rajan , Debata Byomakesh , Renganathan Jayashree
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The regulatory design of Indian stock market provides us with the opportunity to disaggregate initial returns into two categories, i.e. voluntary premarket underpricing and post market mispricing. This study explores the impact of investor attention on the disaggregated short-run returns and long-run performance of initial public offerings (IPOs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs regression techniques on the sample of IPOs listed from 2005 to 2019. It measures investor attention with the help of the Google Search Volume Index (GSVI) extracted from Google Trends. Along with GSVI, the subscription rate is used as a proxy to measure investor attention.

Findings

The empirical results suggest a positive and significant relationship between initial returns and investor attention, thus validating the attention theory for Indian IPOs. Furthermore, when the returns are analysed for a more extended period using buy-and-hold abnormal returns (BHARs), it was found that price reversal holds in the long run.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the importance of information diffusion in the market. It emphasizes the behavioural tendency of the investors in the pre-market, which reduces the market efficiency. Hence, along with fundamentals, investor attention also plays an essential role in deciding the returns for an IPO.

Originality/value

According to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies that has attempted to explore the influence of investor attention and its interplay with underpricing and long-run performance for IPOs of Indian markets.
Dynamic relationship of volatility of returns across different markets: evidence from selected next 11 countries
Authors: Shafiq Sadia , Qureshi Saiqa Saddiqa , Akbar Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether the volatility of returns in commodity (gold, oil), bond and forex markets is related over time to the volatility of returns in equity markets of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, Philippines, Turkey and Vietnam. In addition, the authors analyze the integration of the commodity, bond, forex and equity markets across these markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic conditional correlation GARCH (DCC-GARCH) model is used to capture the time-varying conditional correlation among markets. The authors use daily data of stock prices, oil prices, gold prices, exchange rates and 10 years' bond yields of the six countries from Datastream and investing.com from January 2001 to April 2021.

Findings

Findings reveal that the parameters of dynamic correlation are statistically significant which indicates the importance of time-varying co-movements. Estimation of the DCC-GARCH model suggests that the stock market is significantly correlated with bond, forex, gold and oil markets in all six countries.

Practical implications

This study has practical implications for policymakers and investment professionals. A better understanding of dynamic linkages among the markets would help in constructing effective hedging and portfolio diversification strategies. Policy makers can get insight to build proper strategies in order to insulate the economy from factors that cause volatility.

Originality/value

Several studies have investigated the linkage between commodity and stock markets and the volatility spillover effect, but very little attention is given to study the interrelationship between groups of market segments of different economies. No study has comparatively examined the dynamic relationship of multiple markets of a group of emerging countries simultaneously.
Doing good or looking good: how socially responsible human resource management practices influence employees' CSR-specific performance
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhang Zhe , Jia Ming
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study examines whether, how and when socially responsible human resource management (SRHRM) practices increase employees' in-role and extra-role corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data from 422 employees of 68 companies.

Findings

SRHRM improves employees' in-role CSR-specific performance via impression management motivation and enhance extra-role CSR-specific performance via prosocial motivation. Moral identity symbolization strengthens the relationship between SRHRM and impression management motivation, and moral identity internalization reinforces the relationship between SRHRM and prosocial motivation. The authors also propose mediated moderation models.

Practical implications

This study indicates that company can adopt SRHRM practices to improve employees' in-role and extra-role CSR-specific performance.

Originality/value

This study reveals how and when SRHRM practices influence employees' CSR-specific performance and sheds light on the social impacts of SRHRM.
Assessing the accuracy of individual property values estimated by automated valuation models
Authors: Matysiak George Andrew
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The intent of this paper is to identify uncertainty surrounding automated valuation models (AVMs) valuations and the criteria by which a valuer could judge the accuracy of an AVM estimate of value when being assisted by such AVM as a valuation tool.

Design/methodology/approach

European law and European Valuation Standards allow valuers to use AVMs as one tool among others in reaching an estimation of Market Value, but only insofar as the valuer is able to satisfy him/herself and the client of the relevance of the AVM report, its inputs and outputs. To enable this, it thus becomes essential that AVMs be more transparent and their accuracy verified.

Findings

This paper recommends minimum reporting requirements thereby enabling an assessment of AVM valuations. At the outset, a distinction needs to be made between two groups of AVM users: banks and valuers. Banks will require considerably more information, including details of the types of models employed and “Bulk” accuracy test results.

Practical implications

This paper addresses the minimum information needed by valuers in order to gauge the usefulness and accuracy of the AVMs they propose to use as one of their valuation tools.

Originality/value

This paper provides guidance on minimum information requirements for AVMs. Indeed, it may be that the AVM vendors' industry will recognise that providing more transparency in their reports along the lines suggested would facilitate a wider and more supportive acceptance of AVMs.
The adoption of smart banking services from a dual perspective: a qualitative study
Authors: Hassaan Muhammad , Li Gang , Yaseen Asif
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the facilitators and inhibitors that might influence customers' adoption of smart banking services (SBS) in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 bank customers in Multan and Lahore using a case study design. Cases were selected using a purposive sampling strategy with maximum variation. A thematic content analysis (TCA) was performed to analyze the qualitative data.

Findings

The findings of this study support the notion that SBS has become a sine qua non of 21st-century banking owing to performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, price value, facilitating conditions, habit and hedonic motivation. However, information privacy concerns and big brother effect impair customers' cognitive, personal and social experiences, creating an obstacle toward SBS adoption.

Research limitations/implications

Studying SBS adoption only in Pakistan represents the perspective of a developing country, which limits the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Pakistani customers' demand for SBS can be linked to its performance. By upgrading technology, banks can improve the usefulness of these services.

Originality/value

The first scholarly inquiry explores the facilitators and inhibitors that could influence the adoption of SBS in Pakistan.
Bank competition, regulatory capital, and risk taking: international evidence
Authors: Abou-El-Sood Heba , Shahin Rana
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Motivated by recent financial liberalization policies in emerging markets, this study investigates whether bank competition and regulatory capital affect bank risk taking in an international banking context.

Design/methodology/approach

Bank competition is regressed, using GLS regression, on various measures of bank risk, to reflect regulatory, accounting and market-based risk-taking. The authors use a sample of publicly traded banks operating in Africa during 2004–2019.

Findings

Results show that higher level of bank competition increases bank risk taking and results in greater financial fragility in the absence of banking capital regulations. Furthermore, larger capital adequacy ratios control the risk-taking incentives of managers and guard banks against the risk of default. Further tests confirm the significance of market-based risk measures over accounting and regulatory measures.

Practical implications

Findings are relevant to bank managers and regulators in their sustained effort of finding an optimal balance between bank competition and financial stability. Increased competition should be balanced with capital regulations to curtail bank excessive risky behavior and derive the social benefits of greater competition in the market while sustaining overall economic growth.

Originality/value

This study provides novel evidence in an international context. First, it uses regulatory, accounting and market-based measures of bank risk taking to reflect regulators', management and market participants' emphasis. Another original contribution is the investigation of bank competition across African economies characterized by financial liberalization, stringent banking system and interesting socio-economic challenges.
Anti‐KIF20B autoantibodies in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: Their high prevalence in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Koizumi Haruka , Muro Yoshinao , Yamashita Yuta , Takeichi Takuya , Fritzler Marvin J. , Akiyama Masashi
Published: April 2023

The kinesin superfamily protein 20B (KIF20B), also known as M‐phase phosphoprotein‐1, is a plus‐end‐directed motor enzyme for cytokinesis. Anti‐KIF20B antibodies have been reported in idiopathic ataxia, but no previous studies have examined anti‐KIF20B antibodies in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). We aimed to establish methods for detecting anti‐KIF20B antibodies and to investigate the clinical significance of these antibodies in SARDs. Serum samples from 597 patients with various SARDs and 46 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Fifty‐nine samples that had been examined by immunoprecipitation using the recombinant KIF20B protein produced by in vitro transcription/translation were used for establishing the ELISA cutoff with the same recombinant protein for measuring the anti‐KIF20B antibodies. The ELISA performed well, showing close agreement with the immunoprecipitation results (Cohen's κ >0.8). The ELISA results for 643 samples showed the prevalence of anti‐KIF20B to be higher in the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients than in the HCs (18/89 vs. 3/46, P = 0.045). Since no SARD other than SLE had higher frequencies of anti‐KIF20B antibodies than those of the HCs, we investigated the clinical characteristics of anti‐KIF20B antibody‐positive cases in SLE. The score on the SLE Disease Activity Index‐2000 (SLEDAI‐2K) was significantly higher for the anti‐KIF20B‐positive SLE patients than for the anti‐KIF20B‐negative SLE patients (P = 0.013). In a multivariate regression analysis of the anti‐single‐stranded deoxyribonucleic acid, anti‐double‐stranded deoxyribonucleic acid, and anti‐KIF20B antibodies, the presence of anti‐KIF20B antibody was significantly associated with high SLEDAI‐2K scores (P = 0.003). Anti‐KIF20B antibodies were found in ~20% of patients with SLE and were associated with high SLEDAI‐2K scores. Much larger cohort and longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the association between anti‐KIF20B antibodies and SLE.
The Future of British Political History: Concluding Remarks
Authors: Innes Joanna
Published: April 2023

These concluding remarks reflect, in the light of the preceding articles, on two themes that recur throughout the collection. First, how can historians maintain an effective presence in public debate about politics in Britain? Second, how should political historians position themselves within the discipline, at a time when—it is suggested—political history is losing ground among British academic historians? It is argued here that, in each case, they should reflect on what they can most distinctively contribute, either as historians or as political historians; and that they should frame their interventions accordingly.
Evaluation of nutritional quality of fat obtained from different breeds of cow and buffalo with respect to fatty acids and in vitro digestibility
Authors: Singh Richa , J. M. Hema , Kishore Anusha
Published: April 2023

A comparative fatty acid analysis of raw milk and during in vitro digestion of milk from different breeds of cow (Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, and Karan fries) and buffalo (Murrah) maintained under similar feeding regimes was conducted. Saturated fatty acids were higher in Murrah and Karan Fries, whereas monounsaturated fatty acids were higher in Gir, Sahiwal and Tharparkar. Based on the fatty acid profile, atherogenic, thrombogenic index and hypercholesterolemic saturated fatty acids were lower, and desired fatty acids were higher in milk from indigenous breeds than in crossbred and Murrah. The size of milk fat globules was also lower in indigenous cattle breeds, which has allowed for faster in vitro digestibility of milk fat.
Environmental assessment of gunshot residue particles in the public domain of the United Kingdom
Authors: Blakey Lauren , Sharples George P. , Chana Kal , Birkett Jason W.
Published: April 2023

Only limited data currently exists on the inadvertent transfer of gunshot residue (GSR), or GSR‐like particles through contact with public places. In this study, an assessment occurrence of GSR in public environments in England, UK was undertaken. Utilizing a stubbing sampling technique over 260 samples were collected from areas accessible to the public, including buses, trains, taxis, and train stations. Stub analysis was performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X‐ray Analysis (SEM‐EDX). The results showed no characteristic GSR particles were detected on any of the 262 samples taken. From these samples, a total of four indicative/consistent particles were identified on one train seat (2× BaAl, 2× PbSb). Although geographical location and firearm association is likely to influence GSR occurrence, the data suggests that the potential for inadvertent GSR transfer through contact with public transport and associated communal areas is insignificant. Further research assessing environmental background levels of GSR in additional geographical locations is critical in an evaluation of the potential for GSR transfer from the environment.
Review article: Prehospital telehealth for emergency care: A scoping review
Authors: Janerka Carrie , Leslie Gavin D , Mellan Mellissa , Arendts Glenn
Published: April 2023

Telehealth has been successfully implemented in the prehospital setting to expedite emergency care, although applications are still in their infancy. With recent advances in technologies, it is not described how prehospital telehealth has evolved over the past decade. This scoping review aimed to answer the research question ‘what telehealth platforms have been used to facilitate communication between prehospital healthcare providers and emergency clinicians in the past decade?’. The review was guided by Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology and reported in accordance with the PRISMA checklist for scoping reviews. A systematic search of five databases and Google Scholar was undertaken using key terms ‘prehospital’, ‘ambulance’, ‘emergency care’ and ‘telehealth’, and results were limited to research articles published in English language between 2011 and 2021. Articles were included if they related to the research question and reported quantitative, qualitative, mixed‐method or feasibility studies. A total of 28 articles were included in the review that reported feasibility (n = 13), intervention (n = 7) or observational studies (n = 8) involving 20 telehealth platforms. Platforms were commonly implemented to provide prehospital staff with medical support for general emergency care and involved a range of devices that were used to transmit video, audio and biomedical data. The benefits of prehospital telehealth to patients, clinicians and organisations were identified. Challenges to telehealth involved technical, clinical and organisational issues. Few facilitators of prehospital telehealth were identified. Telehealth platforms to facilitate prehospital to ED communication continue to develop but require technological advances and improved network connectivity to support implementation in the prehospital environment.
Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in patients with pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma in clinical practice
Authors: Inomata Minehiko , Tsuda Takeshi , Ichikawa Tomomi , Matsumoto Masahiro , Mizushima Isami , Azechi Kenji , Takata Naoki , Murayama Nozomu , Hayashi Kana , Hirai Takahiro , Seto Zenta , Tokui Kotaro , Masaki Yasuaki , Taka Chihiro , Okazawa Seisuke , Kambara Kenta , Imanishi Shingo , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Miwa Toshiro , Hayashi Ryuji , Matsui Shoko , Tobe Kazuyuki
Published: April 2023

Objective

Studies have suggested the potential efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma. This multicenter observational study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of systemic ICI therapy and chemoradiation followed by durvalumab therapy for pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma.

Methods

We analyzed the data of patients with pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma who received systemic ICI therapy or chemoradiation followed by durvalumab therapy between 2016 and 2022.

Results

In this study, data of a total of 22 patients who received systemic ICI therapy and four patients who received chemoradiation followed by durvalumab therapy were analyzed. In the patients who received systemic ICI therapy, the median progression‐free survival after initiation of therapy was 9.6 months, and the overall survival did not reach the median. The 1‐year progression‐free survival rate and overall survival rate were estimated to be 45.5% and 50.1%, respectively. Although the log‐rank test revealed no significant association between the tumor expression level of programmed death ligand‐1 (tumor proportion score evaluated using 22C3 antibody: ≥50% vs. <50%) and the survival duration, the majority of patients showing long‐term survival showed a tumor proportion score of ≥50%. Of four patients treated with chemoradiation followed by durvalumab therapy, two patients showed an overall survival of ≥30 months, whereas the remaining two patients died within 12 months.

Conclusion

The progression‐free survival of patients who received systemic ICI therapy was 9.6 months, suggesting that ICI therapy might be effective in patients with pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma.
Dysregulated cellular redox status during hyperammonemia causes mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence by inhibiting sirtuin‐mediated deacetylation
Authors: Mishra Saurabh , Welch Nicole , Karthikeyan Manikandan , Bellar Annette , Musich Ryan , Singh Shashi Shekhar , Zhang Dongmei , Sekar Jinendiran , Attaway Amy H. , Chelluboyina Aruna Kumar , Lorkowski Shuhui Wang , Roychowdhury Sanjoy , Li Ling , Willard Belinda , Smith Jonathan D. , Hoppel Charles L. , Vachharajani Vidula , Kumar Avinash , Dasarathy Srinivasan
Published: April 2023

Perturbed metabolism of ammonia, an endogenous cytotoxin, causes mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced NAD+/NADH (redox) ratio, and postmitotic senescence. Sirtuins are NAD+‐dependent deacetylases that delay senescence. In multiomics analyses, NAD metabolism and sirtuin pathways are enriched during hyperammonemia. Consistently, NAD+‐dependent Sirtuin3 (Sirt3) expression and deacetylase activity were decreased, and protein acetylation was increased in human and murine skeletal muscle/myotubes. Global acetylomics and subcellular fractions from myotubes showed hyperammonemia‐induced hyperacetylation of cellular signaling and mitochondrial proteins. We dissected the mechanisms and consequences of hyperammonemia‐induced NAD metabolism by complementary genetic and chemical approaches. Hyperammonemia inhibited electron transport chain components, specifically complex I that oxidizes NADH to NAD+, that resulted in lower redox ratio. Ammonia also caused mitochondrial oxidative dysfunction, lower mitochondrial NAD+‐sensor Sirt3, protein hyperacetylation, and postmitotic senescence. Mitochondrial‐targeted Lactobacillus brevis NADH oxidase (MitoLbNOX), but not NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside, reversed ammonia‐induced oxidative dysfunction, electron transport chain supercomplex disassembly, lower ATP and NAD+ content, protein hyperacetylation, Sirt3 dysfunction and postmitotic senescence in myotubes. Even though Sirt3 overexpression reversed ammonia‐induced hyperacetylation, lower redox status or mitochondrial oxidative dysfunction were not reversed. These data show that acetylation is a consequence of, but is not the mechanism of, lower redox status or oxidative dysfunction during hyperammonemia. Targeting NADH oxidation is a potential approach to reverse and potentially prevent ammonia‐induced postmitotic senescence in skeletal muscle. Since dysregulated ammonia metabolism occurs with aging, and NAD+ biosynthesis is reduced in sarcopenia, our studies provide a biochemical basis for cellular senescence and have relevance in multiple tissues.
Invisible and stigmatized: A systematic review of mental health and risk factors among sex workers
Authors: Martín‐Romo Laura , Sanmartín Francisco J. , Velasco Judith
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Sex work is a common phenomenon, but socially invisible and stigmatized. Due to exposure to work‐related risks, sex workers (SWs) are vulnerable to developing health problems. However, little attention has been paid to their mental health. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the existing literature on mental health and to explore risk factors related to psychopathology in sex workers.

Methods

A systematic review (CRD42021268990) was conducted on the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and PsycInfo for peer reviewer papers published between 2010 and 2022. The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to examine the quality of the studies. Of the 527 studies identified, 30 met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Mental health problems were prevalent among sex workers. Depression was the most common mental health problem; however, other psychological problems were also high, including anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. Sex workers are exposed to numerous work‐related risks, including violence and high‐risk sexual behaviors. Despite the high prevalence of mental health problems, SWs often encounter significant barriers to accessing healthcare services.

Conclusion

These results suggest the need to focus on preventive measures to promote psychological well‐being among sex workers.
Antipsychotic drugs and risk of acute pancreatitis: A nationwide case–control study
Authors: Sadr‐Azodi Omid , Ljung Rickard , Lindblad Mats , Oskarsson Viktor
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Use of antipsychotic drugs, especially second‐generation agents, has been suggested to cause acute pancreatitis in multiple case reports; however, such an association has not been corroborated by larger studies. This study examined the association of antipsychotic drugs with risk of acute pancreatitis.

Methods

Nationwide case–control study, based on data from several Swedish registers and including all 52,006 cases of acute pancreatitis diagnosed in Sweden between 2006 and 2019 (with up to 10 controls per case; n = 518,081). Conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) in current and past users of first‐generation and second‐generation antipsychotic drugs (dispensed prescription <91 and ≥91 days of the index date, respectively) compared with never users of such drugs.

Results

In the crude model, first‐generation and second‐generation antipsychotic drugs were associated with increased risk of acute pancreatitis, with slightly higher ORs for past use (1.58 [95% confidence interval 1.48–1.69] and 1.39 [1.29–1.49], respectively) than for current use (1.34 [1.21–1.48] and 1.24 [1.15–1.34], respectively). The ORs were largely attenuated in the multivariable model—which included, among others, alcohol abuse and the Charlson comorbidity index—up to the point where only a statistically significant association remained for past use of first‐generation agents (OR 1.18 [1.10–1.26]).

Conclusion

There was no clear association between use of antipsychotic drugs and risk of acute pancreatitis in this very large case–control study, indicating that previous case report data are most likely explained by confounding.
Eosinophils from A to Z
Authors: Gigon Lea , Fettrelet Timothée , Yousefi Shida , Simon Dagmar , Simon Hans‐Uwe
Published: April 2023

Eosinophils are bone marrow‐derived granulocytes and are found in low numbers in the peripheral blood of healthy subjects. In type 2 inflammatory diseases, eosinopoiesis in the bone marrow is increased, resulting in a rise in the number of mature eosinophils released in the circulation. From the blood, eosinophils can migrate in multiple tissues and organs under both physiological and pathological conditions. Eosinophils exert their various functions through the synthesis and release of a variety of granule proteins and pro‐inflammatory mediators. Despite being present in all species of vertebrates, the functional role of eosinophils is still a matter of debate. Eosinophils may play a role in host defense against various pathogens. In addition, eosinophils have been reported to be involved in tissue homeostasis and exhibit immunomodulatory activities. In this review, we aim to provide a broad overview of eosinophil biology and eosinophilic diseases in a lexicon‐style format using keywords starting from A until Z with cross‐references to other chapters indicated in italics in the text or specified in parentheses.
Oral and periodontal assessment at the first trimester of pregnancy: The PERISCOPE longitudinal study
Authors: Thomas Charlotte , Timofeeva Inessa , Bouchoucha Elyes , Canceill Thibault , Champion Camille , Groussolles Marion , Arnaud Catherine , Vayssière Christophe , Nabet Cathy , Laurencin‐Dalicieux Sara
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) are chronic non‐communicable inflammatory diseases. The risk of developing gingivitis and periodontitis increases during pregnancy. Also, periodontitis increases the risk of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and preeclampsia. Early diagnosis of adverse pregnancy outcomes is essential and periodontitis could be an early sign to take into consideration.

Material and methods

We conducted a longitudinal observational study (PERISCOPE study: CNIL, no. 1 967 084 v 0; CER, no. 01–0416) on 121 pregnant women in the first trimester to determine their oral and periodontal health status. We explored the relations between oral and periodontal health status and sociodemographic and behavior characteristics, as well as their course and outcome of pregnancy.

Results

A total of 47.1% of the women had periodontitis, of which only 66.7% presented clinical manifestations associated with the disease such as gingival bleeding. These women had a poorer oral and periodontal health, and a higher body mass index, and more of them developed gestational diabetes during the course of pregnancy. The remaining 33.3% showed only discreet and isolated inflammatory signs and, unless thoroughly examined, would have gone undiagnosed for periodontitis. Interestingly these women were more often primiparous, still active professionally and had had a recent oral examination.

Conclusions

The PERISCOPE study is one of the few studies that reports the oral and periodontal health status of pregnant women in the first trimester. Furthermore, the results highlight the need for early oral and periodontal assessment and treatment, even in the absence of exterior clinical signs, in order to prevent periodontal disease aggravation and also, by reducing low grade systemic inflammation, possibly adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Vibrational characterization of cavitation in left ventricular assist device
Authors: Kisendal Ditte Juhl , Josiasen Katrine Rafn , Larsen Marie Nørkjær , Schmidt Samuel Emil , Skov Søren Nielsen
Published: April 2023

Background

The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical circulatory support device for patients with severe heart failure. Microbubbles caused by cavitation in the LVAD can potentially lead to physiological and pump‐related complications. The aim of this study is to characterize the vibrational patterns in the LVAD during cavitation.

Methods

The LVAD was integrated into an in vitro circuit and mounted with a high‐frequency accelerometer. Accelerometry signals were acquired with different relative pump inlet pressures ranging from baseline (+20 mmHg) to −600 mmHg in order to induce cavitation. Microbubbles were monitored with dedicated sensors at the pump inlet and outlet to quantify the degree of cavitation. Acceleration signals were analyzed in the frequency domain to identify changes in the frequency patterns when cavitation occurred.

Results

Significant cavitation occurred at the low inlet pressure (−600 mmHg) and was detected in the frequency range between 1800 and 9000 Hz. Minor degrees of cavitation at higher inlet pressures (−300 to −500 mmHg) were detected in the frequency range between 500–700, 1600–1700 Hz, and around 12 000 Hz. The signal power of the dominating frequency ranges was statistically significantly different from baseline signals.

Conclusion

Vibrational measurements in the LVAD can be used to detect cavitation. A significant degree of cavitation could be detected in a wide frequency range, while minor cavitation activity could only be detected in more narrow frequency ranges. Continuous vibrational LVAD monitoring can potentially be used to detect cavitation and minimize the damaging effect associated with cavitation.
‘I believe in building people up’: A call for attention to asset‐based community development in geographical framings of poverty in the global North
Authors: Denning Stephanie
Published: April 2023

This paper calls for human geographers examining poverty in the global North to attend more to asset‐based community development (ABCD) poverty interventions in order to complement geographers' current foci on how people experience and respond to poverty. ABCD is a community movement that originated in the USA that emphasises principles of focusing on gifts and assets rather than deficits, and on relationships at the neighbourhood level. In doing so, ABCD starts from what is ‘strong’ rather than ‘wrong’ in order to work towards community transformation. This paper's focus on ABCD emerges from an ethnography with a community following ABCD on an estate in Birmingham, UK. The housing estate in which the ethnography was conducted is an area of relatively high UK deprivation. However, the ethnography drew out how, through ABCD intertwined with a Christian ethos, local volunteers and community workers endeavoured to reframe the questions being asked of and by the community in order to focus on people's gifts, foster neighbour‐to‐neighbour support, and shun stigma. In conclusion, the paper argues that giving more attention to ABCD poverty interventions will complement human geographers' existing attention to poverty in the global North by broadening our foci, including to question whether ABCD interventions could be used more widely to combat both the existence and experience of poverty. However, this comes with a warning: in giving more attention to assets, we must be careful to avoid romanticising poverty, and so this must be alongside existing geographical attention to austerity and welfare provision.
Potential diagnostic utility of PRAME and p16 immunohistochemistry in melanocytic nevi and malignant melanoma
Authors: Bahmad Hisham F. , Oh Kei Shing , Alexis John
Published: April 2023

Background

PRAME (PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma) is a tumor‐associated antigen that has been studied in various cutaneous melanocytic lesions. p16, on the other hand, has been proposed to aid in distinguishing between benign and malignant melanocytic neoplasms. Studies on the diagnostic utility of PRAME and p16 in combination in differentiating nevi from melanoma are limited. We aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of PRAME and p16 in melanocytic tumors and their role in distinguishing between malignant melanomas and melanocytic nevi.

Methods

This is a single‐center retrospective cohort analysis over a 4‐year period (2017–2020). We used the pathological database of malignant melanomas (77 cases) and melanocytic nevi (51 cases) specimens from patients who underwent shave/punch biopsies or surgical excisions and evaluated immunohistochemical staining percentage positivity and intensity for PRAME and p16.

Results

Most malignant melanomas showed positive/diffuse PRAME expression (89.6%); on the other hand, 96.1% of nevi did not express PRAME diffusely. p16 was expressed consistently in nevi (98.0%). However, p16 expression in malignant melanoma was infrequent in our study. PRAME had a sensitivity and specificity of 89.6% and 96.1%, respectively, for melanomas versus nevi; on the other hand, p16 had a sensitivity and specificity of 98.0% and 28.6%, respectively, for nevi versus melanoma. Also, a PRAME+/p16− melanocytic lesion is unlikely to be a nevus where most nevi were PRAME−/p16+.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we confirm the potential utility of PRAME and p16 for distinguishing melanocytic nevi from malignant melanomas.
Women as wives and rulers in Martin Luther's theology
Authors: Mathiasen Stopa Sasja Emilie
Published: April 2023

This article offers a theological analysis of Martin Luther's complex view on women and their role in society, focusing on his exposition of the narratives of creation and fall in the Lectures on Genesis. Luther's understanding of women is defined by an ostensible paradox. On the one hand, Luther claims that all women are equal to men in relation to God and hold the power to rule over the earth, which they execute as leaders of the household. On the other hand, Luther passes on a traditional view of women being of a weaker nature and argues that wives have to subordinate to their husbands. I interpret this understanding of women as an outcome of Luther's theological anthropology based on his doctrine of justification. Men and women are equal as priests and kings in relation to God and authorized to manage their relationship with him, to teach and pray for others, and to disobey authority that interferes with this faith relation. As sinners, though, they must submit to authority to suppress sin. Both men and women exercise authority through their gender‐specific callings in the earthly hierarchies, which constitute God's created order. However, women have to subordinate to their husbands in order to suppress sin. The article discusses whether this complex view on women promoted patriarchal social structures or whether the freedom and equality of the spiritual realm over time filtered through to the role of women in society, paving the way for their liberation.
Long‐term prognostic impact of subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients recovered from COVID‐19
Authors: Cannata Francesco , Pinto Giuseppe , Chiarito Mauro , Maurina Matteo , Condello Francesco , Bombace Sara , Villaschi Alessandro , Novelli Laura , Stankowski Kamil , Liccardo Gaetano , Gasparini Gaia , Donia Dario , Celata Anastasia , My Ilaria , Kallikourdis Marinos , Figliozzi Stefano , Mantovani Riccardo , Fazzari Fabio , Bragato Renato M. , Condorelli Gianluigi , Stefanini Giulio G.
Published: April 2023

Background

Cardiovascular sequelae may occur in patients recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Recent studies have detected a considerable incidence of subclinical myocardial dysfunction—assessed with speckle‐tracking echocardiography—and of long‐COVID symptoms in these patients. This study aimed to define the long‐term prognostic role of subclinical myocardial dysfunction and long‐COVID condition in patients recovered from COVID‐19 pneumonia.

Methods

We prospectively followed up 110 patients hospitalized at our institution due to COVID‐19 pneumonia in April 2020 and then recovered from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. A 7‐month clinical and echocardiographic evaluation was performed, followed by a 21‐month clinical follow‐up. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure hospitalization, and all‐cause mortality.

Results

A subclinical myocardial dysfunction—defined as an impairment of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (≥−18%)—was identified at a 7‐month follow‐up in 37 patients (34%), was associated with an increased risk of long‐term MACE with a good discriminative power (area under the curve: .73) and resulted in a strong independent predictor of extended MACE in multivariate regression analyses. Long‐COVID condition was not associated with a worse long‐term prognosis, instead.

Conclusions

In patients recovered from COVID‐19 pneumonia, a subclinical myocardial dysfunction is present in one‐third of the whole population at 7‐month follow‐up and is associated with a higher risk of MACE at long‐term follow‐up. Speckle‐tracking echocardiography is a promising tool to optimize the risk‐stratification in patients recovered from COVID‐19 pneumonia, while the definition of a long‐COVID condition has no prognostic relevance.
Species distribution models affected by positional uncertainty in species occurrences can still be ecologically interpretable
Authors: Gábor Lukáš , Jetz Walter , Zarzo‐Arias Alejandra , Winner Kevin , Yanco Scott , Pinkert Stefan , Marsh Charles J. , Rogan Matthew S. , Mäkinen Jussi , Rocchini Duccio , Barták Vojtěch , Malavasi Marco , Balej Petr , Moudrý Vítězslav
Published: April 2023

Species distribution models (SDMs) have become a common tool in studies of species–environment relationships but can be negatively affected by positional uncertainty of underlying species occurrence data. Previous work has documented the effect of positional uncertainty on model predictive performance, but its consequences for inference about species–environment relationships remain largely unknown. Here we use over 12 000 combinations of virtual and real environmental variables and virtual species, as well as a real case study, to investigate how accurately SDMs can recover species–environment relationships after applying known positional errors to species occurrence data. We explored a range of environmental predictors with various spatial heterogeneity, species' niche widths, sample sizes and magnitudes of positional error. Positional uncertainty decreased predictive model performance for all modeled scenarios. The absolute and relative importance of environmental predictors and the shape of species–environmental relationships co‐varied with a level of positional uncertainty. These differences were much weaker than those observed for overall model performance, especially for homogenous predictor variables. This suggests that, at least for the example species and conditions analyzed, the negative consequences of positional uncertainty on model performance did not extend as strongly to the ecological interpretability of the models. Although the findings are encouraging for practitioners using SDMs to reveal generative mechanisms based on spatially uncertain data, they suggest greater consequences for applications utilizing distributions predicted from SDMs using positionally uncertain data, such as conservation prioritization and biodiversity monitoring.