bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the psychological characteristics of style and fashion clothing orientations
Authors: Nielsen Kristian Steensen , Joanes Tina , Webb Dave , Gupta Shipra , Gwozdz Wencke
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the conceptual distinction of two clothing orientations – style orientation and fashion orientation. Style and fashion orientations both express identity and individuality, but the fashion orientation may more strongly reflect materialistic values, which extensive evidence shows are detrimental to well-being. This study investigates how the clothing orientations are associated with materialism and subjective well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual distinction between style and fashion orientations and their associations with materialism and subjective well-being were investigated via an online survey (N = 4,591) conducted in Germany, Poland, Sweden and the USA. Participants aged 18–65 were recruited based on national representative quotas for age, gender, education and region.

Findings

The regression results support a conceptual distinction between the style and fashion orientation. Style orientation was positively associated with subjective well-being compared to fashion orientation. Both the style and fashion orientations were positively correlated with materialism, but the association was much stronger for fashion orientation and materialism exhibited a strong negative association with subjective well-being. Interestingly, materialism moderated the association between fashion orientation and well-being but not between style orientation and well-being.

Research limitations/implications

The four examined countries were Western, and, thus, the findings cannot be generalized to other populations. In addition, this study specifically examined relationships in a clothing context. To enable wider generalization, the relationships tested must be explored in other countries, especially non-Western, and also across other product categories.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can help retailers develop their marketing programs, product and service offerings and specifically their communications more closely targeted to consumers’ clothing orientations.

Originality/value

This study contributes by conceptually distinguishing between clothing style and fashion orientations and investigating their divergent associations to materialism and subjective well-being. This research also raises the question of whether fashion orientation is independent or rather, an aspect of materialism, which has implications for other consumption domains as well.
Authentic leadership and organizational citizenship behaviors: How do harmonious passion and obsessive passion mediate?
Authors: Yen Chang-Hua , Han Tien-Cheng , Wen Yi-Shih
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Among different leadership styles, scant hospitality researchers have studied the link between authentic leadership and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). This article examined the associations among authentic leadership, job passion, and OCBs and examined the mediation effect of job passion.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were distributed to 314 Taiwan's hotel employees. Structural equation modeling was performed to examine the hypotheses of this study.

Findings

The results indicated that authentic leadership positively affects harmonious and obsessive passion and that harmonious passion positively affects OCBs directed to individuals (OCBI) and OCBs directed to the organization (OCBO), whereas obsessive passion positively affects OCBI. Furthermore, harmonious passion mediates the linkage between authentic leadership and OCBs (both OCBI and OCBO), whereas obsessive passion only mediates the linkage between authentic leadership and OCBI.

Practical implications

Training programs for hotel managers should incorporate courses on authentic leadership to strengthen managers' skills. Succession plans for managers should prioritize the promotion and retention of candidates with authentic leadership traits. Furthermore, managers should use authentic leadership to create a transparent employee incentive system and career development plans, thereby creating a workplace with fair rewards and opportunities for promotion.

Originality/value

The major contribution is that it expands the knowledge of hospitality leadership and determines the linkages among authentic leadership, job passion, and OCBs. Furthermore, job passion was revealed as a mediator in the authentic leadership–OCB association.
Community dynamics and knowledge production: forty years of research in quantum computing
Authors: Dupouët Olivier , Pitarch Yoann , Ferru Marie , Bernela Bastien
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the interplay between community dynamics and knowledge production using the quantum computing research field as a case study. Quantum computing holds the promise of dramatically increasing computation speed and solving problems that are currently unsolvable in a short space of time. In this highly dynamic area of innovation, computer companies, research laboratories and governments are racing to develop the field.

Design/methodology/approach

After constructing temporal co-authorship networks, the authors identify seven different events affecting communities of researchers, which they label: forming, growing, splitting, shrinking, continuing, merging, dissolving. The authors then extract keywords from the titles and abstracts of their contributions to characterize the dynamics of knowledge production and examine the relationship between community events and knowledge production over time.

Findings

The findings show that forming and splitting are associated with retaining in memory what is currently known, merging and growing with the creation of new knowledge and splitting, shrinking and dissolving with the curation of knowledge.

Originality/value

Although the link between communities and knowledge has long been established, much less is known about the relationship between the dynamics of communities and their link with collective cognitive processes. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present contribution is one of the first to shed light on this dynamic aspect of community knowledge production.
Prioritization and taxonomy of factors related to environmental tax reform (ETR) using fuzzy AHP approach
Authors: Askari Shahamabad Mahdi , Rahimi Alireza , Shamsadini Kazem , Shafiee Hemmatabad Milad
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Environmental taxes have been in place for many years to reduce environmental damage and pay more attention to the environment. However, some of the adverse socio-economic impacts that may result from such taxes and the many challenges facing developing countries have necessitated policy reform. Therefore, identifying and prioritizing the factors related to environmental tax reform (ETR) is necessary to help governments and environmental protection agencies (EPAs) focus on this prioritizing to develop and improve this process. Awareness of the benefits of ETR encourages governments to use this policy to reduce adverse environmental impacts and contribute to economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary purpose of this work is to prioritize and taxonomy the factors related to ETR using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) approach. In the first stage, 25 factors were extracted from the available literature. These factors were divided into five categories for more accessible review. In the second stage, the FAHP as a Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Technique was used to prioritize and develop the taxonomy of identified factors and the categories of these factors.

Findings

The results show that reducing carbon emissions (DF4) is the essential prioritization factor that governments and environmental organizations can achieve if the ETR is implemented. Following that, reducing greenhouse gas emissions (DF1), double benefit (EcF7) and increase sustainability reports (EnF4) can be achieved by implementing ETR.

Research limitations/implications

This study is geographically limited to Iran. In terms of the study population, this study is limited to 25 academic, tax and public policy experts. Moreover, in this study, FAHP is the only approach used. For further research, the results of this study can be compared with that of other multi-criteria techniques like FAHP, fuzzy TOPSIS or BWM.

Practical implications

Ratings of factors related to ETR can guide and help governments identify important factors that affect environmental tax reform, which can, in addition to controlling ecological pollution will, increase the economic benefits of governments.

Originality/value

This study is the first to identify factors related to environmental tax reform and to develop an MCDM technique for prioritizing these factors and finding important ones.
Machine learning applications for a better demand controlled ventilation system experience in buildings: a review
Authors: Ismail Zul-Atfi
Published: August 2023

Purpose

At the beginning of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a digitalized construction environments surfaced in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the form of a modern delivery system called demand controlled ventilation (DCV). Demand controlled ventilation has the potential to solve the building ventilation's biggest problem of managing indoor air quality (IAQ) for controlling COVID-19 transmission in indoor environments. However, the improper evaluation and information management of infection prevention on dense crowd activities such as measurement errors and volatile organic compound (VOC) generation failure rates, is fragmented so the aim of this research is to integrate this and explore potentials with machine learning algorithms (MLAs).

Design/methodology/approach

The method used is a thorough systematic literature review (SLR) approach. The results of this research consist of a detailed description of the DCV system and digitalized construction process of its IAQ elements.

Findings

The discussion revealed that DCV has a potential for being further integrated by perceiving it as a MLAs and hereby enabling the management of IAQ level from the perspective of health risk function mechanism (i.e. VOC and CO2) for maintaining a comfortable thermal environment and save energy of public and private buildings (PPBs). The appropriate MLA can also be selected in different occupancy patterns for seasonal variations, ventilation behavior, building type and locations, as well as current indoor air pollution control strategies. Furthermore, the conceptual framework showed that MLA application such as algorithm design/Model Predictive Control (MPC) integration can alleviate the high spread limitation of COVID-19 in the indoor environment.

Originality/value

Finally, the research concludes that a large unexploited potential within integration and innovation is recognized in the DCV system and MLAs which can be improved to optimize level of IAQ from the perspective of health throughout the building sector DCV process systems. The requirements of CO2 based DCV along with VOC concentrations monitoring practice should be taken into consideration through further research and experience with adaption and implementation from the ventilation control initial stage of the DCV process.
Food tourism research in India – current trends and future scope
Authors: Kumar R. Ganesh
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to enhance the knowledge by offering perspectives from an emerging market by reviewing the existing literature on food tourism. This study applies a multimethod analysis, providing insights into the advancement of food tourism in India, the contributions, critical findings and emerging research themes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a multimethod analysis using descriptive, narrative and bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer to analyze research papers published on food tourism in India shortlisted from Scopus and Google Scholar.

Findings

Future research should focus on gauging the potential of food tourism in different regions of the country, applying theoretical frameworks that have not been used. “Culinary Diversity and Heritage,” “Sustainable and Responsible Food Tourism,” “Consumer Behavior and Food Tourism Experiences,” “Rural Development and Economic Impact,” “Technology and Digitalization,” “Stakeholder Collaboration,” “Food Safety and Hygiene” and “Policy and Regulation” were the identified future research themes. These findings are significant for emerging economies across the globe.

Research limitations/implications

This study summarized the progress of food tourism research in India, the contributions and emerging themes, supplementing the need to study food tourism in India. This study contributed methodologically to the literature by adopting a multimethod review combining descriptive, narrative and bibliometric analysis. Finally, by proposing ideas and constructs for future research, this study provides directions for future food tourism research from an emerging market’s perspective.

Practical implications

Findings will assist managers and stakeholders in comprehending the factors influencing tourists, destination marketing and branding, aiding in effective planning and executing food tourism strategies to promote destinations. The identified themes and keywords can help academicians and researchers dwell upon the emerging research themes in food tourism.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study analyzing food tourism research in India adopting a multimethod analysis. The study provides an in-depth analysis applying descriptive, narrative and bibliometric analysis, highlighting the critical trends and research themes. A framework for future studies was also proposed.
Changes in methamphetamine impurity profiles induced by tert‐butoxycarbonylation
Authors: Segawa Hiroki , Okada Yuki , Yamamuro Tadashi , Kuwayama Kenji , Tsujikawa Kenji , Kanamori Tatsuyuki , Iwata Yuko T.
Published: August 2023

Analysis of impurities in methamphetamine (MA) can be used to characterize MA seizures, investigate the relationship among MA seizures, and provide information on their synthetic routes. Recently, chemically derivatized MA, such as tert‐butoxycarbonyl (t‐Boc) MA, has been seized and attracted attention because routine forensic analysis methods may fail to correctly identify them. Chemical derivatization is a simple method for protection and deprotection of a compound, and protection of MA using t‐Boc can be used to mask the MA. Although t‐Boc derivatization might alter the impurity profile of MA, the actual changes in the impurity profile have not been investigated. In this study, changes in the MA impurity profile with tert‐butoxycarbonylation were explored. MA and some typical impurities were derivatized using di‐tert‐butyl dicarbonate and water. Analysis of the impurities in five MA samples by gas chromatography showed that peaks both appeared and disappeared for the deprotected MA compared with the original MA. However, typical impurities important for characterizing MA seizures were conserved after derivatization and deprotection. Most of the new peaks were speculated to be contaminants introduced during derivatization and deprotection. A peak giving a mass spectrum similar to that of t‐Boc MA was detected in the chromatograms of t‐Boc MA and deprotected MA. Although the origin of this peak was not determined, it might be a marker for the MA involving tert‐butoxycarbonylation. These results indicate that tert‐butoxycarbonylation can alter the MA impurity profile; therefore, care is needed when interpreting results for derivatized MA.
Robotic distal splenopancreatectomy
Authors: González De Godos Andrea , Marcos Santos Pablo , Pinto Fuentes Pilar , Pacheco Sánchez David
Published: August 2023

Aim

The use of minimally invasive approaches for pancreaticobiliary surgery has recently gained wider acceptance. Surgical arms with unparalleled flexibility, manual dexterity, 3D imaging and tremor elimination have increased anatomical access and decreased the difficulty of surgery. We describe a case of mucinous cystadenoma treated with robotic distal splenopancreatectomy.

Patients and Methods

A 72‐year‐old woman presented with anorexia, nausea, constipation and weight loss of 9 kg in 3 months. Imaging and histological studies indicated it likely to be a mucinous cystadenoma of the body–tail of the pancreas. Robotic distal splenopancreatectomy was performed with intraoperative identification and splenic artery ligation.

Results

The patient made an uneventful recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 7. A pathology study confirmed mucinous cystadenoma with focal low‐grade epithelial dysplasia and clear margins.

Conclusion

Robotic distal pancreatectomy is a safe and feasible approach in appropriately selected patients. Although the procedural cost is higher with the robotic approach, some argue that this is balanced by the shorter overall length of stay, thus making robotic distal pancreatectomy a cost‐effective option.
Building resilience to extreme weather and climate events in the rural water and wastewater sectors
Authors: Kettle Nathan P. , Trainor Sarah F. , Edwards Renee , Antrobus Donald , Baranowski Curt , Buxbaum Tina , Berry Kevin , Brubaker Michael , De Long Kristine L. , Fries Steve , Holen Davin , Keim Barry , Meeker Danielle , Penn Harry , Rosa Cheryl , Thoman Rick , Walsh John , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2023

Extreme weather and climate events pose significant risks to rural water and wastewater systems. We examine the vulnerability of the water sector to weather and climate extremes in rural, predominantly Indigenous and underserved coastal areas and analyze how networks support resilience. Drawing on the analysis of 39 web‐based questionnaire responses and 19 interviews with rural water and wastewater managers and service providers in southern Louisiana and western Alaska, this article reports a range of interrelated historical, environmental, and social factors that influence vulnerability to extreme weather events. Formal and informal social networks serve multiple roles in building resilience. These roles include building technical and financial capacities, supporting emergency response and operational‐ to long‐term planning, fostering data collection and monitoring, supporting information sharing and innovative research, and providing institutional support. Results from this research enrich our understanding of the social, relational, and networking processes that condition community resilience to extreme weather events.
Increased histological severity and chronicity of interface inflammation in anti‐MDA5 dermatomyositis—A comparative dermatopathological analysis
Authors: Chan Agnes Wai Sze , Cheung Christina Man‐Tung , Wong Priscilla Ching‐Han , Choi Paul Cheung Lung , Ng Joanna Ka Man , Li Joshua Jing Xi
Published: August 2023

Anti‐melanoma differentiation‐associated gene 5 (MDA5) dermatomyositis is characterized by serological detection of anti‐MDA5 antibody and rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease. In this study, the largest cohort of skin biopsies to date of anti‐MDA5 dermatomyositis was reviewed and compared with cases of dermatomyositis with negative serology. Findings contribute to the histological diagnosis and evaluation of the severity of cutaneous inflammation in anti‐MDA5 dermatomyositis. Skin biopsies collected over a 7‐year period from individuals with clinically and histologically confirmed dermatomyositis with anti‐MDA5 serology were reviewed. A total of 46 cases with 17 anti‐MDA5 positive cases were retrieved. Patients with positive antibody were younger (53.7 vs. 60.6 years, p = .013). No differences in epidermal changes (p > .05) were observed. Pertaining to interface changes, anti‐MDA5 dermatomyositis showed a higher degree of pigmentary incontinence (p = .014), suggesting increased and sustained cutaneous inflammation. Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stain demonstrated a greater degree of basement membrane thickening (p = .045). Other parameters, including dermal inflammation, dermal mucin deposition and vasculitic/vasculopathic features did not show statistical difference between anti‐MDA5 positive and negative dermatomyositis (p > .05). Findings suggest increased cutaneous inflammation for anti‐MDA5 dermatomyositis. In skin biopsies, marked pigmentary incontinence or basement membrane thickening should raise suspicion of anti‐MDA5 dermatomyositis.
Institutional investor horizons, ownership structure and investment efficiency in China
Authors: Wang Zhihao , Liao Kezhi , Wang Sisi
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the effects of institutional investor horizons on investment efficiency in China. By analysing 26,831 firm‐year observations from Chinese listed companies, we find that long‐term (short‐term) institutional ownership is negatively (positively) associated with the level of inefficient investments. A battery of robustness tests indicates causality. Further analyses reveal that the rise in environmental uncertainty and information asymmetry are transmission channels for increased inefficient investments. Moreover, we find that the single controlling shareholder and state owner can curb the management myopia induced by short‐term institutional investors while they do not impede the monitoring effort of long‐term institutional investors.
Epigenetic responses to rhinovirus exposure in airway epithelial cells are correlated with key transcriptional pathways in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Soliai Marcus M. , Kato Atsushi , Naughton Katherine A. , Norton James E. , Klinger Aiko I. , Kern Robert C. , Tan Bruce K. , Nicolae Dan L. , Schleimer Robert P. , Ober Carole , Pinto Jayant M.
Published: August 2023

Background

Viruses may drive immune mechanisms responsible for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), but little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Objectives

To identify epigenetic and transcriptional responses to a common upper respiratory pathogen, rhinovirus (RV), that are specific to patients with CRSwNP using a primary sinonasal epithelial cell culture model.

Methods

Airway epithelial cells were collected at surgery from patients with CRSwNP (cases) and from controls without sinus disease, cultured, and then exposed to RV or vehicle for 48 h. Differential gene expression and DNA methylation (DNAm) between cases and controls in response to RV were determined using linear mixed models. Weighted gene co‐expression analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify (a) co‐regulated gene expression and DNAm signatures, and (b) genes, pathways, and regulatory mechanisms specific to CRSwNP.

Results

We identified 5585 differential transcriptional and 261 DNAm responses (FDR <0.10) to RV between CRSwNP cases and controls. These differential responses formed three co‐expression/co‐methylation modules that were related to CRSwNP and three that were related to RV (Bonferroni corrected p < .01). Most (95%) of the differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs) were in modules related to CRSwNP, whereas the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were more equally distributed between the CRSwNP‐ and RV‐related modules. Genes in the CRSwNP‐related modules were enriched in known CRS and/or viral response immune pathways.

Conclusion

RV activates specific epigenetic programs and correlated transcriptional networks in the sinonasal epithelium of individuals with CRSwNP. These novel observations suggest epigenetic signatures specific to patients with CRSwNP modulate response to viral pathogens at the mucosal environmental interface. Determining how viral response pathways are involved in epithelial inflammation in CRSwNP could lead to therapeutic targets for this burdensome airway disorder.
Immunoregulatory mechanisms between epithelial clear cells and mononuclear phagocytes in the epididymis
Authors: Battistone Maria Agustina , Elizagaray Maia L , Barrachina Ferran , Ottino Kiera , Mendelsohn Alexandra C , Breton Sylvie
Published: August 2023

Introduction

One of the most intriguing aspects of male reproductive physiology is the ability of the epididymis to prevent the mounting of immune responses against the onslaught of foreign antigens carried by spermatozoa while initiating very efficient immune responses versus stressors. Epithelial clear cells are strategically positioned to work in a concerted manner with region‐specific heterogeneous subsets of mononuclear phagocytes to survey the epididymal barrier and regulate the balance between inflammation and immune tolerance in the post‐testicular environment.

Objective

This review aims to describe how clear cells communicate with mononuclear phagocytes to contribute to the unique immune environment in which sperm mature and are stored in the epididymis.

Materials/methods

A comprehensive systematic review was performed. PubMed was searched for articles specific to clear cells, mononuclear phagocytes, and epididymis. Articles that did not specifically address the target material were excluded.

Results

In this review, we discuss the unexpected roles of clear cells, including the transfer of new proteins to spermatozoa via extracellular vesicles and nanotubes as they transit along the epididymal tubule; and we summarize the immune phenotype, morphology, and antigen capturing, processing, and presenting abilities of mononuclear phagocytes. Moreover, we present the current knowledge of immunoregulatory mechanisms by which clear cells and mononuclear phagocytes may contribute to the immune‐privileged environment optimal for sperm maturation and storage.

Discussion and conclusion

Notably, we provide an in‐depth characterization of clear cell‐mononuclear phagocyte communication networks in the steady‐state epididymis and in the presence of injury. This review highlights crucial concepts of mucosal immunology and cellcell interactions, all of which are critical but understudied facets of human male reproductive health.
Genetic variant annotation scores in congenital long QT syndrome
Authors: Younis Arwa , Bodurian Christopher , Arking Dan E. , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Tabaja Chadi , Zareba Wojciech , McNitt Scott , Aktas Mehmet K. , Polonsky Bronislava , Lopes Coeli M. , Sotoodehnia Nona , Kudenchuk Peter J. , Goldenberg Ilan
Published: August 2023

Background

Congenital Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a hereditary arrhythmic disorder. We aimed to assess the performance of current genetic variant annotation scores among LQTS patients and their predictive impact.

Methods

We evaluated 2025 patients with unique mutations for LQT1–LQT3. A patient‐specific score was calculated for each of four established genetic variant annotation algorithms: CADD, SIFT, REVEL, and PolyPhen‐2. The scores were tested for the identification of LQTS and their predictive performance for cardiac events (CE) and life‐threatening events (LTE) and then compared with the predictive performance of LQTS categorization based on mutation location/function. Score performance was tested using Harrell's C‐index.

Results

A total of 917 subjects were classified as LQT1, 838 as LQT2, and 270 as LQT3. The identification of a pathogenic variant occurred in 99% with CADD, 92% with SIFT, 100% with REVEL, and 86% with PolyPhen‐2. However, none of the genetic scores correlated with the risk of CE (Harrell's C‐index: CADD = 0.50, SIFT = 0.51, REVEL = 0.50, and PolyPhen‐2 = 0.52) or LTE (Harrell's C‐index: CADD = 0.50, SIFT = 0.53, REVEL = 0.54, and PolyPhen‐2 = 0.52). In contrast, high‐risk mutation categorization based on location/function was a powerful independent predictor of CE (HR = 1.88; p < .001) and LTE (HR = 1.89, p < .001).

Conclusion

In congenital LQTS patients, well‐established algorithms (CADD, SIFT, REVEL, and PolyPhen‐2) were able to identify the majority of the causal variants as pathogenic. However, the scores did not predict clinical outcomes. These results indicate that mutation location/functional assays are essential for accurate interpretation of the risk associated with LQTS mutations.
The diagnostic utility of the basal and post‐exercise QRS‐T angle in patients with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Günay Tufan , Karakus Alper
Published: August 2023

Background

To evaluate the diagnostic utility of basal and post‐exercise QRS‐T angle in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

This cross‐sectional and observational study analyzed 190 patients with stable angina. The QRS‐T angle is measured on the 12‐lead electrocardiograms at baseline and just after stopping the treadmill stress test in patients undergoing conventional coronary angiography (CAG). The pre‐ and post‐exercise QRS‐T angle and ΔQRS‐T angle were analyzed.

Results

Of the 190 patients, 66 (34.7%) were assigned to group 1 (patients with coronary lesion) and 124 (65.3%) to group 2 (patients without coronary lesion) after CAG. There was no statistically significant difference in QRS‐T angle between groups at baseline (pre‐exercise) (30.7 ± 17 vs. 27.8 ± 12.8, p = .233). The QRS‐T angle value was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (68.8 ± 40.3 vs. 22.7 ± 21.5, p = .01) after exercise (post‐exercise). The ΔQRS‐T angle was also significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (38.1 ± 37.6 vs. −5.1 ± 22.9, p = .01). Receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that the cut‐off value of QRS‐T angle (post‐exercise) for the coronary obstruction was >51.5° with 81% of sensitivity and 66% of specificity (AUC: 0.832, p = .001, CI: 0.769–0.894). Duke treadmill score for coronary stenosis was >1.5 with 77% of sensitivity and 69% of specificity (AUC: 0.814, p = .001, CI: 0.749–0.878).

Conclusion

It could be proposed that post‐exercise QRS‐T angle and Δ QRS‐T angle are significantly associated with coronary obstruction in patients with stable angina and appear to be more sensitive than the Duke treadmill score and traditional electrocardiographic parameters.
STAR SIGN study: Evaluation of COVID‐19 vaccine efficacy against the SARS‐CoV‐2 variants BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Woelfel Simon , Dütschler Joel , König Marius , Dulovic Alex , Graf Nicole , Junker Daniel , Oikonomou Vasileios , Krieger Claudia , Truniger Samuel , Franke Annett , Eckhold Annika , Forsch Kristina , Koller Seraina , Wyss Jacqueline , Krupka Niklas , Oberholzer Melanie , Frei Nicola , Geissler Nora , Schaub Peter ,   STAR SIGN Study Investigators, Albrich Werner C. , Friedrich Matthias , Schneiderhan‐Marra Nicole , Misselwitz Benjamin , Korte Wolfgang , Bürgi Justus J. , Brand Stephan
Published: August 2023

Background

Vaccine‐elicited immune responses are impaired in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with anti‐TNF biologics.

Aims

To assess vaccination efficacy against the novel omicron sublineages BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5 in immunosuppressed patients with IBD.

Methods

This prospective multicentre case–control study included 98 biologic‐treated patients with IBD and 48 healthy controls. Anti‐spike IgG concentrations and surrogate neutralisation against SARS‐CoV‐2 wild‐type, BA.1, BA.5, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1.5 were measured at two different time points (2–16 weeks and 22–40 weeks) following third dose vaccination. Surrogate neutralisation was based on antibody‐mediated blockage of ACE2‐spike protein–protein interaction. Primary outcome was surrogate neutralisation against tested SARS‐CoV‐2 sublineages. Secondary outcomes were proportions of participants with insufficient surrogate neutralisation, impact of breakthrough infection, and correlation of surrogate neutralisation with anti‐spike IgG concentration.

Results

Surrogate neutralisation against all tested sublineages was reduced in patients with IBD who were treated with anti‐TNF biologics compared to patients treated with non‐anti‐TNF biologics and healthy controls (each p ≤ 0.001) at visit 1. Anti‐TNF therapy (odds ratio 0.29 [95% CI 0.19–0.46]) and time since vaccination (0.85 [0.72–1.00]) were associated with low, and mRNA‐1273 vaccination (1.86 [1.12–3.08]) with high wild‐type surrogate neutralisation in a β‐regression model. Accordingly, higher proportions of patients treated with anti‐TNF biologics had insufficient surrogate neutralisation against omicron sublineages at visit 1 compared to patients treated with non‐anti‐TNF biologics and healthy controls (each p ≤ 0.015). Surrogate neutralisation against all tested sublineages decreased over time but was increased by breakthrough infection. Anti‐spike IgG concentrations correlated with surrogate neutralisation.

Conclusions

Patients with IBD who are treated with anti‐TNF biologics show impaired neutralisation against novel omicron sublineages BQ.1.1 and XBB.1.5 and may benefit from prioritisation for future variant‐adapted vaccines.
Perivascular wall tumour presenting as pastern mass in a Standardbred gelding
Authors: Stutsel M , Gimeno M , Young A , Bell JW , Horadagoda N
Published: August 2023

A 2‐year‐old Standardbred gelding was referred for a mass on the palmaromedial right front pastern which was accompanied by progressively worsening lameness. The mass was firm to palpation and covered by normal skin. Ultrasonographically, a smooth encapsulated mass was present, medial to the flexor tendons and palmar to the neurovascular bundle. Because of a poor prognosis for future athletic performance without surgical or chemotherapeutic intervention and economic constraints preventing further diagnostics and treatment, the horse was euthanised. Post‐mortem magnetic resonance imaging, histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed the mass to be a perivascular wall tumour, the first record of such a neoplasia in the horse.
Bortezomib in relapsed/refractory immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A single‐centre retrospective cohort and systematic literature review
Authors: Lee Nicholas C. J. , Yates Sean , Rambally Siayareh , Sarode Ravi , Ibrahim Ibrahim F. , Shen Yu‐Min , Hofmann Sandra L. , Bavli Natalie R.
Published: August 2023

Immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a rare and life‐threatening haematological condition. Initial treatment involves plasma exchange (PLEX), corticosteroids, caplacizumab and rituximab. In relapsed and refractory cases despite initial treatments, further immune‐modulating therapy includes the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib. Evidence for bortezomib in this setting is limited to case reports and case series. We report our experience and perform a systematic review of the literature. We identified 21 publications with 28 unique patients in addition to our cohort of eight patients treated with bortezomib. The median age of patients was 44 years (IQR: 27–53) and 69% female. They were usually in an initial, refractory presentation of iTTP where they had received PLEX, corticosteroids, rituximab and another line of therapy. After bortezomib administration, 72% of patients had a complete response, with 85% maintaining a durable response without relapse at the last follow‐up.
Emollients for preventing atopic eczema: Cost‐effectiveness analysis of the BEEP trial
Authors: Sach Tracey H. , Lartey Stella T. , Davies Charlotte , Chalmers Joanne R. , Haines Rachel H. , Bradshaw Lucy E. , Montgomery Alan A. , Thomas Kim S. , Brown Sara J. , Ridd Matthew J. , Lawton Sandra , Cork Mike J. , Flohr Carsten , Mitchell Eleanor , Swinden Richard , Wyatt Laura , Tarr Stella , Davies‐Jones Susan , Jay Nicola , Kelleher Maeve M. , Perkin Michael R. , Boyle Robert J. , Williams Hywel C. ,   the BEEP Study Team
Published: August 2023

Background

Recent discoveries have led to the suggestion that enhancing skin barrier from birth might prevent eczema and food allergy.

Objective

To determine the cost‐effectiveness of daily all‐over‐body application of emollient during the first year of life for preventing atopic eczema in high‐risk children at 2 years from a health service perspective. We also considered a 5‐year time horizon as a sensitivity analysis.

Methods

A within‐trial economic evaluation using data on health resource use and quality of life captured as part of the BEEP trial alongside the trial data. Parents/carers of 1394 infants born to families at high risk of atopic disease were randomised 1:1 to the emollient group, which were advised to apply emollient (Doublebase Gel or Diprobase Cream) to their child at least once daily to the whole body during the first year of life or usual care. Both groups received advice on general skin care. The main economic outcomes were incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER), defined as incremental cost per percentage decrease in risk of eczema in the primary cost‐effectiveness analysis. Secondary analysis, undertaken as a cost‐utility analysis, reports incremental cost per Quality‐Adjusted Life Year (QALY) where child utility was elicited using the proxy CHU‐9D at 2 years.

Results

At 2 years, the adjusted incremental cost was £87.45 (95% CI −54.31, 229.27) per participant, whilst the adjusted proportion without eczema was 0.0164 (95% CI −0.0329, 0.0656). The ICER was £5337 per percentage decrease in risk of eczema. Adjusted incremental QALYs were very slightly improved in the emollient group, 0.0010 (95% CI −0.0069, 0.0089). At 5 years, adjusted incremental costs were lower for the emollient group, −£106.89 (95% CI −354.66, 140.88) and the proportion without eczema was −0.0329 (95% CI −0.0659, 0.0002). The 5‐year ICER was £3201 per percentage decrease in risk of eczema. However, when inpatient costs due to wheezing were excluded, incremental costs were lower and incremental effects greater in the usual care group.

Conclusions

In line with effectiveness endpoints, advice given in the BEEP trial to apply daily emollient during infancy for eczema prevention in high‐risk children does not appear cost‐effective.
Recurrent Motion Refiner for Locomotion Stitching
Authors: Kim Haemin , Cho Kyungmin , Hong Seokhyeon , Noh Junyong
Published: August 2023

Stitching different character motions is one of the most commonly used techniques as it allows the user to make new animations that fit one's purpose from pieces of motion. However, current motion stitching methods often produce unnatural motion with foot sliding artefacts, depending on the performance of the interpolation. In this paper, we propose a novel motion stitching technique based on a recurrent motion refiner (RMR) that connects discontinuous locomotions into a single natural locomotion. Our model receives different locomotions as input, in which the root of the last pose of the previous motion and that of the first pose of the next motion are aligned. During runtime, the model slides through the sequence, editing frames window by window to output a smoothly connected animation. Our model consists of a two‐layer recurrent network that comes between a simple encoder and decoder. To train this network, we created a sufficient number of paired data with a newly designed data generation. This process employs a K‐nearest neighbour search that explores a predefined motion database to create the corresponding input to the ground truth. Once trained, the suggested model can connect various lengths of locomotion sequences into a single natural locomotion.
BNT162b2‐vaccine‐induced neutralization responses are immune correlates of clinical protection against SARS‐CoV‐2 in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Peled Yael , Patel Jignesh K. , Raanani Ehud , Eilon Ram , Fardman Alexander , Beigel Roy , Atari Nofar , Kliker Limor , Elkader Bayan Abd , Mandelboim Michal , Afek Arnon
Published: August 2023

Background

Defining immune correlates of protection against COVID‐19 is pivotal for optimizing the use of COVID‐19 vaccines, predicting the impact of novel variants on clinical outcomes, and advancing the development of immunotherapies and next‐generation vaccines. We aimed to identify vaccine‐induced immune correlates of protection against COVID‐19‐related hospitalizations in a highly vaccinated heart transplant (HT) cohort.

Methods

In a case‐control study of HT recipients vaccinated with the BNT162b2 vaccine, patients were prospectively assessed for vaccine‐induced neutralization of the wild‐type virus, and the Delta and Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 variants. Comparative analyses with controls were conducted to identify correlates of protection against COVID‐19 hospitalization. ROC analyses were performed. Primary outcomes were COVID‐19 hospitalizations and severity of SARS‐CoV‐2 breakthrough infection.

Results

The study cohort comprised 59 HT recipients aged 58 (49,65) years with breakthrough infections after three or four monovalent BNT162b2 doses; 41 (69.5%) were men. Thirty‐six (61%) patients with COVID‐19 were hospitalized; most cases were non‐severe (58, 98%). For hospitalized (vs. non‐hospitalized) COVID‐19 patients, vaccine‐induced neutralization titers were significantly lower against all SARS‐CoV‐2 variants (p < .005). Vaccine‐induced neutralization of the wild‐type virus and delta and omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 variants was associated with a reduced risk for COVID‐19‐related hospitalization. The optimal neutralization titer thresholds that were predictive of COVID‐19 hospitalizations were 96 (wild‐type), 48 (delta), 12 (BA.1), 96 (BA.2), 96 (BA.4), and 48 (BA.5).

Conclusions

BNT162b2‐vaccine‐induced neutralization responses are immune correlates of protection and confer clinical protection against COVID‐19 hospitalizations.
Implementierung eines Dermatoskopie‐Curriculums in der Facharztausbildung am Universitätsklinikum Augsburg
Authors: Schuh Sandra , Schiele Stefan , Thamm Janis , Kranz Stefanie , Welzel Julia , Blum Andreas
Published: August 2023

Hintergrund und Ziele

Bislang gibt es in Deutschland kein strukturiertes Programm für die Dermatoskopieausbildung während der Facharztausbildung. Es bleibt der Initiative des einzelnen Assistenzarztes überlassen, ob und in welchem Umfang er sich in der Dermatoskopie weiterbildet, obwohl die Dermatoskopie zu den Kernkompetenzen der dermatologischen Ausbildung und der täglichen Praxis gehört. Ziel der Studie war die Etablierung eines strukturierten Dermatoskopie‐Curriculums während der dermatologischen Facharztausbildung am Universitätsklinikum Augsburg.

Patienten und Methodik

Es wurde eine Online‐Plattform mit Dermatoskopie‐Modulen geschaffen, auf die von überall und jederzeit zugegriffen werden kann. Praktische Fertigkeiten wurden unter individueller Anleitung eines Dermatoskopie‐Experten erworben. Die Teilnehmer wurden vor und nach Abschluss der Module auf ihren Wissensstand getestet. Die Testergebnisse zum therapeutischen Management und zur korrekten dermatoskopischen Diagnose wurden analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Die Ergebnisse der 28 Teilnehmer verbesserten sich vom Eingangs‐ zum Abschlusstest bei der Managemententscheidung (74,0% vs. 89,4%) und bei der dermatoskopischen Genauigkeit (65,0% vs. 85,6%). Die Unterschiede zwischen Eingangs‐ und Abschlusstest bei der Gesamtpunktzahl (7,05/10 vs. 8,94/10 Punkte) und bei der richtigen Diagnose waren signifikant (p < 0,001).

Schlussfolgerungen

Das Dermatoskopie‐Curriculum verbessert die Managemententscheidungen und die dermatoskopische Diagnostik der Teilnehmer. Das wird dazu führen, dass mehr Hautkrebsfälle erkannt werden und weniger gutartige Läsionen reseziert werden müssen. Das Curriculum kann anderen dermatologischen Ausbildungszentren und Gesundheitsberufen angeboten werden.
Handlungsempfehlungen zur Risikominimierung beim Einsatz von Januskinase‐Inhibitoren zur Therapie chronisch‐entzündlicher Hauterkrankungen
Authors: Wohlrab Johannes , Kegel Thomas , Große Regina , Eichner Adina
Published: August 2023

Der Ausschuss für Risikobewertung (PRAC) der Europäischen Arzneimittelagentur (EMA) hat gemäß Artikel 20 der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 726/2004 die Sicherheit für Januskinase‐Inhibitoren für die Behandlung von Entzündungserkrankungen neu bewertet und von den bisherigen Hinweisen in den jeweiligen Fachinformationen der betreffenden Präparate abweichende Sicherheitsangaben formuliert. Diese beziehen sich arzneistoff‐ und indikationsübergreifend auf die Beachtung eines möglicherweise erhöhten Risikos für venöse thromboembolische oder schwere kardiovaskuläre Ereignisse, eine erhöhte Infektionsrate sowie eine Erhöhung der Prävalenz von Hautkrebs. Deshalb wird empfohlen, bei Patienten mit unabhängigen Risikofaktoren (Alter ab 65 Jahre, Raucher oder ehemalige Raucher, Patientinnen mit oraler Kontrazeption beziehungsweise Hormonersatztherapie sowie anderen Risikofaktoren) Januskinase‐Inhibitoren nur dann therapeutisch einzusetzen, wenn es keine geeigneten Behandlungsalternativen gibt. Um im klinischen Alltag eine pragmatische und sorgfältige Erfassung von Risikopatienten zu ermöglichen, wurde interdisziplinär eine Checkliste erarbeitet, die aus der Perspektive des Dermatologen als Arbeitsmittel geeignet ist.
Generalized displacement control technique for mode I/II fracture problems using cohesive zone model within a modified element‐free Galerkin framework
Authors: Kumar S. Sai , Muthu N.
Published: August 2023

A modified element‐free Galerkin (EFG) method that combines the Heaviside enrichment and diffraction method is used to study crack propagation problems by employing a cohesive zone model (CZM) with an exponential traction separation law (TSL). The generalized displacement control method (GDCM) is adopted to solve the nonlinearity arising during the damage evolution. The proposed methodology is applied to (1) uncracked three‐point bending (TPB) and (2) adhesively bonded: (a) cracked double cantilever beam (DCB), and (b) end‐notched flexure (ENF) problems. In the passing, a simple 1D study is considered to demonstrate the advantage of level‐set enrichment coupled with CZM. Several parametric studies have been carried out on the EFG method and GDCM (reference and incremental load parameter). The results obtained by the proposed methodology agree well with the experimental/reference results. Specific advantages of GDCM on computational time, number of iterations, and ability to capture snapback vis‐à‐vis the popular Newton–Raphson technique are presented.