bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing concordance and conflict in spatial replication of landscape genetics inferences
Authors: Wishingrad Van , Thomson Robert C.
Published: June 2021

The field of landscape genetics relates habitat features and genetic information to infer dispersal and genetic connectivity between populations or individuals distributed across a landscape. Such studies usually focus on a small portion of a species range, and the degree to which these geographically restricted results can be extrapolated to different areas of a species range remains poorly understood. Studies that have focused on spatial replication in landscape genetics processes either evaluate a small number of sites, are informed by a small set of genetic markers, analyze only a small subset of environmental variables, or implement models that do not fully explore parameter space. Here, we used a broadly distributed ectothermic lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis, Western Fence lizard) as a model species to evaluate the full role of topography, climate, vegetation, and roads on dispersal and genetic differentiation. We conducted landscape genetics analyses in five areas within the Sierra Nevada mountain range, using thousands of ddRAD genetic markers distributed across the genome, implemented in the landscape genetics program ResistanceGA. Across study areas, we found a great deal of consistency in the variables impacting genetic connectivity, but also noted site-specific differences in the factors in each study area. High-elevation colder areas were consistently found to be barriers to gene flow, as were areas of high ruggedness and slope. High temperature seasonality and high precipitation during the winter wet season also presented a substantial barrier to gene flow in a majority of study areas. The effect of other landscape variables on genetic differentiation was more idiosyncratic and depended on specific attributes at each site. Vegetation type was found to substantially affect gene flow only in the southernmost Sequoia site, likely due to a higher proportion of desert habitat here, thereby fragmenting habitats that have lower costs to dispersal. The effect of roads also varied between sites and may be related to differences in road usage and amount of traffic in each area. Across study areas, canyons were always substantially implicated as facilitators to dispersal and key features linking populations and maintaining genetic connectivity across landscapes. We emphasize that spatial data layers are complex and multidimensional, and a careful consideration of associations between variables is vital to form sound conclusions about the critical factors affecting dispersal and genetic connectivity across space.
Multivalent interactions with RNA drive RNA binding protein recruitment and dynamics in biomolecular condensates in Xenopus oocytes
Authors: Cabral Sarah E. , Mowry Kimberly L.
Published: June 2021

RNA localization and biomolecular condensate formation are key biological strategies for organizing the cytoplasm and generating cellular and developmental polarity. While enrichment of RNAs and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) is a hallmark of both processes, the functional and structural roles of RNA-RNA and RNA-protein interactions within condensates remain unclear. Recent work from our laboratory has shown that RNAs required for germ layer patterning in Xenopus oocytes localize in novel biomolecular condensates, termed Localization bodies (L-bodies). L-bodies are composed of a non-dynamic RNA phase enmeshed in a more dynamic protein-containing phase. However, the interactions that drive the biophysical characteristics of L-bodies are not known. Here, we test the role of RNA-protein interactions using an L-body RNA-binding protein, PTBP3, which contains four RNA-binding domains (RBDs). We find that binding of RNA to PTB is required for both RNA and PTBP3 to be enriched in L-bodies in vivo. Importantly, while RNA binding to a single RBD is sufficient to drive PTBP3 localization to L-bodies, interactions between multiple RRMs and RNA tunes the dynamics of PTBP3 within L-bodies. In vitro, recombinant PTBP3 phase separates into non-dynamic structures in an RNA-dependent manner, supporting a role for RNA-protein interactions as a driver of both recruitment of components to L-bodies and the dynamics of the components after enrichment. Our results point to a model where RNA serves as a concentration-dependent, non-dynamic substructure and multivalent interactions with RNA are a key driver of protein dynamics.
Efficacy of Proxalutamide in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Design Clinical Trial
Authors: Cadegiani Flávio Adsuara , do Nascimento Fonseca Daniel , McCoy John , Zimerman Ricardo Ariel , Mirza Fatima Nadeem , do Nascimento Correia Michael , Barros Renan Nascimento , Onety Dirce Costa , Israel Karla Cristina Petruccelli , de Almeida Brenda Gomes , Guerreiro Emilyn Oliveira , Medeiros José Erique Miranda , Nicolau Raquel Neves , Nicolau Luiza Fernanda Mendonça , Cunha Rafael Xavier , Barroco Maria Fernanda Rodrigues , da Silva Patrícia Souza , de Souza Ferreira Gabriel , da Costa Alcântara Flavio Renan Paula , Ribeiro Ângelo Macedo , de Almeida Felipe Oliveira , de Souza Silva Adailson Antonio , do Rosario Suzyane Serfaty , de Souza Paulain Raysa Wanzeller , Reis Alessandra , Li Marissa , Thompson Claudia Elizabeth , Nau Gerard J. , Wambier Carlos Gustavo , Goren Andy
Published: June 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectivity is mediated by the androgen-promoted protease, transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Previously, we have shown that treatment with proxalutamide, a non-steroidal androgen receptor antagonist, accelerates viral clearance and clinical remission in outpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared to placebo. The effects in hospitalized COVID-19 patients were unknown.

Methods

Men and women hospitalized but not requiring mechanical ventilation were randomized (1:1 ratio) to receive 300 mg of proxalutamide per day or placebo for 14 days. The study was conducted at eight sites in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. The primary outcome measure was the clinical status (8-point ordinal scale) at 14-days post-randomization. The primary efficacy endpoint was the 14-day recovery ratio (alive hospital discharge [scores 1, 2]).

Findings

A total of 645 patients were randomized (317 received proxalutamide, 328 placebo) and underwent intention-to-treat analysis. The 14-day median ordinal scale score in the proxalutamide group was 1 (interquartile range [IQR]=1–2) versus 7 (IQR=2–8) for placebo, P<0.001. The 14-day recovery rate was 81.4% for proxalutamide and 35.7% for placebo (recovery ratio, 2.28; 95% CI 1.95–2.66 [P<0.001]). The 28-day all-cause mortality rate was 11.0% for proxalutamide versus 49.4% for placebo (hazard ratio, 0.16; 95% CI 0.11–0.24). The median post-randomization time to recovery was 5 days (IQR=3– 8) for proxalutamide versus 10 days (IQR=6–15) for placebo.

Interpretation

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients not requiring mechanical ventilation receiving proxalutamide had a 128% higher recovery rate than those treated with placebo. All-cause mortality was reduced by 77.7% over 28 days. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04728802).
Widespread formation of double-stranded RNAs in testis
Authors: Werner Andreas , Clark James E. , Samaranayake Calum , Casement John , Zinad Hany S. , Sadeq Shaymaa , Al-Hashimi Surar , Smith Martin , Kotaja Noora , Mattick John S.
Published: June 2021

The testis transcriptome is highly complex and includes RNAs that potentially hybridize to form double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). We isolated dsRNA using the monoclonal J2 antibody and deep-sequenced the enriched samples from testes of juvenileDicer1knockout mice, age-matched controls, and adult animals. Comparison of our data set with recently published data from mouse liver revealed that the dsRNA transcriptome in testis is markedly different from liver: In testis, dsRNA-forming transcripts derive from mRNAs including promoters and immediate downstream regions, whereas in somatic cells they originate more often from introns and intergenic transcription. The genes that generate dsRNA are significantly expressed in isolated male germ cells with particular enrichment in pachytene spermatocytes. dsRNA formation is lower on the sex (X and Y) chromosomes. The dsRNA transcriptome is significantly less complex in juvenile mice as compared to adult controls and, possibly as a consequence, the knockout ofDicer1has only a minor effect on the total number of transcript peaks associated with dsRNA. The comparison between dsRNA-associated genes in testis and liver with a reported set of genes that produce endogenous siRNAs reveals a significant overlap in testis but not in liver. Testis dsRNAs also significantly associate with natural antisense genes—again, this feature is not observed in liver. These findings point to a testis-specific mechanism involving natural antisense transcripts and the formation of dsRNAs that feed into the RNA interference pathway, possibly to mitigate the mutagenic impacts of recombination and transposon mobilization.
Iterative learning control for a distributed cloud robot with payload delivery
Authors: Li Jiehao , Wang Shoukun , Wang Junzheng , Li Jing , Zhao Jiangbo , Ma Liling
Published: June 2021

Purpose

When it comes to the high accuracy autonomous motion of the mobile robot, it is challenging to effectively control the robot to follow the desired trajectory and transport the payload simultaneously, especially for the cloud robot system. In this paper, a flexible trajectory tracking control scheme is developed via iterative learning control to manage a distributed cloud robot (BIT-6NAZA) under the payload delivery scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the relationship of six-wheeled independent steering in the BIT-6NAZA robot, an iterative learning controller is implemented for reliable trajectory tracking with the payload transportation. Meanwhile, the stability analysis of the system ensures the effective convergence of the algorithm.

Findings

Finally, to evaluate the developed method, some demonstrations, including the different motion models and tracking control, are presented both in simulation and experiment. It can achieve flexible tracking performance of the designed composite algorithm.

Originality/value

This paper provides a feasible method for the trajectory tracking control in the cloud robot system and simultaneously promotes the robot application in practical engineering.
Industry 4.0 and business models: a bibliometric literature review
Authors: Agostini Lara , Nosella Anna
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Following an increasing interest in the area that merges digital/I4.0 technologies and business models (BMs), which led to a proliferation of articles in this domain, the purpose of this article is to systematize this body of literature by means of a structured literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

After a careful selection of articles, we carried out the analysis with the support of bibliometric techniques, using the bibliographic coupling approach complemented with factor analysis and the content analysis of articles.

Findings

The results of the literature review analysis allow us to organize the literature around four main research streams, namely digital technologies and business model innovation, digital strategy and BMs, digital platforms and BMs, and IoT, servitization and BMs. On such a basis, we outline gaps and provide promising avenues for further research in this research area.

Research limitations/implications

This study has implications for academics in terms of conceptualization of relevant constructs, integration of two streams of research and specific technologies whose relationship with the BM still deserves attention.

Practical implications

This study has implications also for managers, who may take advantage of the description of some BM archetypes driven by digital/I4.0 technologies and also appreciate the relevance of taking a strategic approach, with a particular focus on the BM, toward the use of digital technologies.

Originality/value

This study merges two relevant streams of research in an attempt to see how they have developed synergically and what potentials their merge could offer for future research.
Predictors of applicant attraction among Gen-X and millennials: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Dutta Debolina , Mishra Sushanta Kumar
Published: June 2021

Purpose

A better understanding of applicant attraction enables organizations to manage their talent needs, thus enhancing HR effectiveness. Even though generational difference exists in modern organizations, scholarly work investigating the salient predictors of applicant attraction between the Gen-X and millennial cohorts is missing. The authors attempt to inform the literature by addressing this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The study captures applicant attraction using a survey-based study of 1949 working employees in India, representing Gen-X and millennial generations.

Findings

The study provides critical factors that differentially impact millennial and Gen-X members' attraction toward an organization. It also reveals that satisfaction in the current job affects millennials and the Gen-X cohorts differently.

Research limitations/implications

Recruitment research has neglected the predictors of applicant attraction among generational cohorts. Further, studies on generational differences have originated in western contexts and have ignored the emerging economies. Based on the responses of working professionals, our study increases the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

The multi-generational workplace has the largest proportion of both Gen-X and millennial employees. A deeper understanding of their preferences can help HR practitioners leverage the drivers of applicant attraction. The study provides inputs to design recruitment strategies to target generational groups within and outside the organization.

Originality/value

The present study examines the phenomenon in an emerging market marked by a high economic growth rate and an eastern cultural context. The study presents a more realistic representation of applicant needs by sourcing inputs from working employees across generation groups.
Impact of perceived organizational support on employee performance in IT firms – a comparison among Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sabir Irfan , Ali Imran , Majid Muhammad Bilal , Sabir Naila , Mehmood Hamid , Rehman Asad Ur , Nawaz Farooq
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of perceived organizational support on employees’ performance in information technology (IT) firms in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Organizational support is critical as it ensures support given by the organization to workers and to complete one’s job proficiently and effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from IT firm employees through a self-administered questionnaire survey where a total of 400 questionnaires were distributed, i.e. 200 in each country’s IT firms. A total of 383 completed questionnaires were received (190 from Pakistan and the remaining 183 from Saudi Arabia) representing a response rate of 95%. The hypothesis was tested using confirmatory factor analyzes and direct relations were confirmed using AMOS v24.

Findings

The results indicate that perceived organizational support and affective commitment have a significant positive impact on employee performance. Findings of the study show that perceived organizational support and affective commitment directly and significantly correlated (r= 0.439**;p< 0.05) (r= 0.489**;p< 0.05) with employee performance. On other hand, results of structural equation modeling indicate that perceived organizational support and affective commitment have a significant and positive impact (ß= 0.284;p< 0.01) and (ß= 0.370;p< 0.01) on employees’ performance. Moreover, affective commitment partially mediates the relationship between perceived organizational support and employee performance.

Research limitations/implications

The outcomes are not generalized, as the researcher analyzed working employees in the IT firms in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The relationship between perceived organizational support and employees’ performance may be checked in a longitudinal study. If all items are considered because of the ambiguity of human feeling and acknowledgment, it is hard to precisely assess employees’ performance and their needs. This research proposes a straightforward and handy model that supports managers to feature the most powerful factors in building up their employees’ performance.

Originality/value

This study proposes managers to give chances to proficient advancement, improved occupation and satisfying the necessities identified through deference, mindfulness and endorsement. Furthermore, they ought to make more good working conditions, for example, preparing chances to support workers in their wants for self-improvement and accomplishment. The research additionally recommends recording the unmistakable standard operation procedure to clarify the understanding of the employees. In addition, managers ought to invest sensible energy with their front-line employees through socialization and training. These efforts could limit fatigue work, enhance organizational duty and performance.
Major customer network structure and supplier trade credit
Authors: Jhang Shih-Sian (Sherwin) , Su Hung-Chung , Kao Ta-Wei (Daniel)
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study investigates how a firm's structural embeddedness, the structural position in a supply network that consists of major customers, influences the acquisition of supplier trade credit. Specifically, this study examines how network interconnectedness, network integration and network independence of a firm affect its ability to acquire supplier trade credit.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes financial data from Compustat to build a longitudinal dataset of manufacturing firms from 1998 to 2013. Customer segment disclosure data are used to construct firm-level network variables. A fixed effect regression approach is used for estimation.

Findings

The study results show that network interconnectedness is negatively associated with supplier trade credit, while network integration is positively associated with supplier trade credit. Network independence does not influence the extent of supplier trade credit. The post hoc analysis shows that the effects of the hypothesized factors vary under different product categories and credit ratings.

Originality/value

This study broadens the supply chain finance literature by showing how a firm's embedded network structural position can influence its ability to obtain supplier trade credit.
Internal crisis communication and the social construction of emotion: university leaders' sensegiving discourse during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Yeomans Liz , Bowman Sarah
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The paper explores university leaders' employee-focused sensegiving discourse during the COVID-19 health crisis. The aim is to reveal how leadership sensegiving narratives construct emotion in the rhetor-audience relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A social constructionist, sensemaking approach centres on the meaning-making discourse of university leaders. Using rhetorical discourse analysis (RDA), the study analysed 67 emails sent to staff during a three-month period at the start of the global pandemic. RDA helps to reveal how university leaders help employees make sense of changing realities.

Findings

Three core narratives: organisational competence and resilience; empathy, reassurance and recognition; and community and location reveal a multi-layered understanding of leadership sensegiving discourse in which emotion intersects with material and temporal sensemaking dimensions. In supporting a process of organisational identification and belonging, these core narratives help to mitigate audience dissonance driven by the antenarrative of uncertainty.

Research limitations/implications

An interpretivist approach was used to analyse qualitative data from two UK universities. While focused on internal communication, the employee perspective was not examined. Nevertheless, this paper extends the human dimension of internal crisis communication, building on constructionist approaches that are concerned with emotion and sensegiving.

Originality/value

This paper expands the domain of internal crisis communication. It integrates the social construction of emotion and sensemaking with the underexplored material and temporal dimensions in internal crisis communication and applies RDA.
Impacts of brand familiarity and brand responses on perceived brand credibility, similarity, and blog recommendation intention: a study of corporate blogs
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Min Jihye Ellie , Le Linh Ha
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Adopting the theory of parasocial interaction (PSI) and schema theory, this study proposes that a brand’s personalized response and brand familiarity on a corporate blog will lead to higher perceived brand similarity, credibility and blog recommendation intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 (brand familiarity: high, low) × 3 (brand responses: none, automated and personal) experimental design was developed to test the hypothesized relationships. A total of 474 qualified data were collected using an online survey. ANOVA was utilized to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Study results revealed that personalized messages lead to stronger perceived brand similarity, credibility and blog recommendation intention than those exposed to automated and no response. Brand familiarity also significantly influenced perceived brand similarity, brand credibility and blog recommendation intention. Further, the study analysis revealed an interesting interaction effect between brand awareness and brand response on recommendation intention.

Originality/value

The study provides meaningful implications and suggestions for the effective corporate blogging strategy to influence consumers’ attitudes and image toward brands and establish strong brand equity and relationships with customers.
Effects of humor climate within online brand community
Authors: Yang Shuang , Cai Jian , Tu Hongwei
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study examines the effects of the online brand community's (OBC) humor climate on the value cocreation (VCC) behavior of consumers using the affective events theory. It also evaluates the serial mediating roles of positive emotions and brand engagement and the moderating effect of membership duration.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 601 Chinese consumers of OBCs using an online questionnaire survey and applied structural equation modeling to analyze the data.

Findings

The authors found a positive relationship between OBC humor climate and VCC behavior, which was mediated by positive emotions and brand engagement. Additionally, there was a serial mediation effect of these two variables. The influence of the OBC humor climate on positive emotions was stronger for short-term members than long-term ones.

Practical implications

This research contributes toward OBC management and VCC marketing strategy for constructing brand equity.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to focus on the significance of the OBC humor climate, thus enriching the OBC literature and providing a new perspective on how to facilitate VCC behavior. It also broadens the application of the affective events theory in marketing.
Local solidification thermal parameters affecting the eutectic extent in Sn-Cu and Sn-Bi solder alloys
Authors: Kakitani Rafael , Pinto da Silva Cassio Augusto , Silva Bismarck , Garcia Amauri , Cheung Noé , Spinelli José Eduardo
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Overall, selection maps about the extent of the eutectic growth projects the solidification velocities leading to given microstructures. This is because of limitations of most of the set of results when obtained for single thermal gradients within the experimental spectrum. In these cases, associations only with the solidification velocity could give the false impression that reaching a given velocity would be enough to reproduce a result. However, that velocity must necessarily be accompanied by a specific thermal gradient during transient solidification. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to not only project velocity but also include the gradients acting for each velocity.

Design/methodology/approach

Compilation of solidification velocity, v, thermal gradient, G, and cooling rate, Ṫ, data for Sn-Cu and Sn-Bi solder alloys of interest is presented. These data are placed in the form of coupled growth zones according to the correlated microstructures in the literature. In addition, results generated in this work for Sn-(0.5, 0.7, 2.0, 2.8)% Cu and Sn-(34, 52, 58)% Bi alloys solidified under non-stationary conditions are added.

Findings

When analyzing the cooling rate (Ṫ = G.v) and velocity separately, in or around the eutectic composition, a consensus cannot be reached on the resulting microstructure. The (v vs. G) + cooling rate diagrams allow comprehensive analyzes of the combined v and G effects on the subsequent microstructure of the Sn-Cu and Sn-Bi alloys.

Originality/value

The present paper is devoted to the establishment of (v vs. G) + cooling rate diagrams. These plots may allow comprehensive analyses of the combined v and G effects on the subsequent microstructure of the Sn-Cu and Sn-Bi alloys. This microstructure-processing mapping approach is promising to predict phase competition and resulting microstructures in soldering of Sn-Cu and Sn-Bi alloys. These two classes of alloys are of interest to the soldering industry, whereas manipulation of their microstructures is considered of utmost importance for the metallurgical quality of the product.
Pretreatment methods for analyzing steviol glycosides in diverse food samples
Authors: Park Jung‐Min , Lee Jung‐Hoon , Koh Jong‐Ho , Kim Jin‐Man
Published: June 2021

Steviol glycosides are well‐known food sweeteners; their consumption has steadily increased over time. A pretreatment method was developed and validated to better separate rebaudioside A and stevioside from various protein‐rich and fatty foods for quantification. This method was applied to soy sauce in liquid type and fish cake and coffee in solid type. Parameters such as linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy, and precision were calculated. Calibration curves were linear in the working range of 5–100 mg/l, with coefficients of determination ≥0.99. The LOD and LOQ were in the ranges of 0.16–0.39 and 0.52–1.28 mg/kg, respectively. The percentage recoveries of the fortified samples were in the 88.01%–103.09% range, and the relative standard deviation was <10%. Method validation predicted a desirable accuracy, linearity, and precision. Therefore, the developed method can be practically applied for the quantitation of steviol glycosides in various foods, including soy sauce in liquid type and fish cake and coffee in solid type.
Anthocyanins from purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulia Sims) rind—An innovative source for nonbleachable pigment production
Authors: Liu Jiaman , Teng Bo , Zhang Xiaofeng , Dai Minghui , Lin Yue , Liu Yang , McRae Jacqui M.
Published: June 2021

Passion fruit rind is a waste product from the beverage industry that is rich in anthocyanins that can be potentially applied as a natural colorant. However, the inherent instability of anthocyanins causes rapid discoloration. In this study, the cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (C‐3‐G) in passion fruit rind was extracted using 50% ethanol and converted into nonbleachable pigments by reaction with Oolong tea extracts and acetaldehyde. Reactions over 70 days formed high concentrations of stable nonbleachable pigments (3.07–6.68 absorbance unit [A.U.], in total) such as pyranoanthocyanins, as well as oligomeric and polymeric pigments with ethyl‐linked bridges. In C‐3‐G and acetaldehyde reaction, positive relations were found among acetaldehyde concentration, color density, and nonbleachable pigment concentrations. As for reactions with C‐3‐G and Oolong tea extract combined with acetaldehyde, greater color density and greater concentrations of nonbleachable pigments (10.80–12.34, 4.25–4.40 A.U., respectively) were formed compared with acetaldehyde alone. In addition, the antioxidant capabilities of the extracts were enhanced after reaction with Oolong tea extracts. The results of this study show a useful method to enhance the stability of anthocyanins from passion fruit rind and also provide greater economic value to this waste product.

Practical Application

Ripened passion fruits contain a high concentration of anthocyanins in their rind. These anthocyanins can be optimally extracted by ultrasonic assisted solvent extraction to provide stable pigments by inducing acetaldehyde (a volatile compound often found in foods and beverages) into the anthocyanins. These stable pigments have a greater reddish hue in solution than the anthocyanin extracted from the rind and are more stable over a greater pH range. In addition, these stable pigments can be potentially used as colorant throughout the food and cosmetic industry to provide high economical values.
Remission of chronic spontaneous urticaria following omalizumab with gradually extended dosing intervals: Real‐life data
Authors: Salman Andac , Aktas Meryem , Apti Sengun Ozlem
Published: June 2021

Omalizumab is a well‐established treatment option in chronic spontaneous urticaria unresponsive to antihistamines at standard or higher doses. However, characteristics of the remission and relapse following the withdrawal of omalizumab remain largely unknown. We aimed to define the characteristics of remission in CSU following omalizumab with gradually lengthened dosing intervals in this retrospective study of 102 patients who were treated with at least 3 doses of omalizumab between 2013 and 2020. Of 102 patients, 70 (68.6%) showed a CR to omalizumab at standard doses. Omalizumab could be discontinued in 47 of 70 patients using gradually lengthened dosing intervals. Following a mean follow‐up duration of 12.2 months, 25 (58.1%) patients were still in remission while 18 (41.9%) had relapse (Follow‐up data were not available in 4 patients). The relapses were unresponsive to antihistamines in 14 patients (77.7%), however, re‐treatment with omalizumab led to complete control of symptoms. The patients younger than 40 were more likely to relapse. Despite the need for comparison with fixed‐dosing intervals in larger, prospective studies, the results of this study imply that omalizumab with gradually extended dosing intervals might provide a long duration of remission in CSU.
Effect of point‐of‐care gastrointestinal ultrasound on decision‐making and management in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Friedman Antony B. , Asthana Anil , Knowles Simon R. , Robbins Aphra , Gibson Peter R.
Published: June 2021

Background

Gastrointestinal ultrasound is increasingly used for point of care assessment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Aims

To explore the utility of gastrointestinal ultrasound as a point‐of‐care assessment tool from the perspectives of the clinician and patient.

Methods

A prospective, observational cohort study was designed utilising routine outpatient consultations. Adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease were allocated to receive gastrointestinal ultrasound or not at the discretion of their treating clinician. Patients completed self‐reported session experience questionnaires at study entry, immediately after their consultation, and 4 and 16 weeks later. Clinicians reported disease activity status, therapeutic decisions and clinical management.

Results

Of 259 participants, mean age 40 (SD: 13) years, 54% male, 73 (28%) underwent ultrasound. Time since diagnosis was 9.2 (8.5) years (ultrasound) and 11.3 (9.2) years (no ultrasound). Immediately after ultrasound, patients who self‐reported active disease reported better understanding of all aspects of their disease and disease symptoms were more confident in their ability to make informed decisions about managing their disease and had improved knowledge domain scores compared with the non‐ultrasound group (all P < 0.05). Ultrasound had no influence over the patients' ability to manage their own healthcare but tended to be associated with transient improvement in medication adherence. After the ultrasound, the clinician's assessment of patient's disease activity changed in 22% (16/73) and management was altered in 56% (41/73) with anti‐inflammatory therapy escalated in 33. About 47% (23/49) patients with Crohn's disease had their medication changed in the ultrasound group, compared to only 22% (25/112) in the nonultrasound group (P = 0.002). For patients with ulcerative colitis, medications were altered in 68% (15/22) compared to 26% (24/70) in the nonultrasound group (P = 0.005) When stratified for disease activity, medication change was more likely in those having ultrasound (P = 0.024).

Conclusions

Point‐of‐care gastrointestinal ultrasound has the potential to enhance the clinical management of inflammatory bowel disease by contributing to clinician decision‐making and education of patients regarding their disease.
PD‐L1 expression and immune stromal features in HPV‐independent cervical adenocarcinoma
Authors: Song Fuqin , Jia Meng , Yu Shili , Cao Lanqing , Sun Ping‐Li , Gao Hongwen
Published: June 2021

Aims

Human papilloma virus (HPV)‐independent cervical adenocarcinoma (CA) is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, while the therapeutic options are limited. Therefore, effective treatment options are required. The programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) inhibitor pembrolizumab has been approved for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical squamous cell carcinoma expressing PD‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1). However, no data regarding PD‐L1 expression in HPV‐independent CA are available. Thus, we evaluated the association between PD‐L1 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics and survival of patients with HPV‐independent CA.

Methods

We evaluated PD‐L1, mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression and the immune stromal features of 44 patients with HPV‐independent CA. PD‐L1 expression was defined as a combined positive score (CPS) ≥1 and a tumour proportion score (TPS) ≥1%.

Results

PD‐L1 expression was observed in 14 cases (31.8%) with CPS ≥1 and 12 cases (27.3%) with TPS ≥1%. PD‐L1 expression, based on either the CPS or the TPS, was associated with a high tumour‐infiltrating lymphocyte percentage (CPS = P < 0.001; TPS = P < 0.001). Patients with a PD‐L1 CPS ≥1 showed worse progression‐free survival and overall survival than PD‐L1‐negative patients (P = 0.004 and P = 0.023, respectively). Forty‐two cases demonstrated intact MMR expression and two cases demonstrated loss of MSH2/MSH6.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated that PD‐L1 was expressed in HPV‐independent CA, especially in clear cell carcinoma, and that PD‐L1 expression is a negative prognostic marker. Our data support the role of PD‐L1 in HPV‐independent CA and its potential as an immunotherapeutic target.
Sodium glucose‐linked transport protein 2 inhibitors: An overview of genitourinary and perioperative implications
Authors: Chandrashekar Mohit , Philip Stuart , Nesbitt Alexander , Joshi Andre , Perera Marlon
Published: June 2021

Sodium glucose‐linked transport protein 2 inhibitors are relatively novel drugs, used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Their use since Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme approval in Australia has increased drastically, possibly due to the low risk of hypoglycemic events and their advertised cardiovascular mortality benefits. However, as with any novel drug, adverse effects regarding their use require medical practitioner awareness for optimal patient outcomes. This paper aims to cover the major urological implications, including those pertinent perioperatively, that concern this class of drugs. There is a clear risk of developing genital mycotic infections with the use of sodium glucose‐linked transport protein 2 inhibitors, including serious infections such as Fournier’s gangrene. Evidence for developing urinary tract infections has been mixed. Sodium glucose‐linked transport protein 2 inhibitor‐induced lower urinary tract symptoms may have impacts on quality of life via pollakiuria and nocturia, of which there are increased reports. Perioperative use increases the risk of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis. It is recommended that sodium glucose‐linked transport protein 2 inhibitors be ceased perioperatively.
Surgery for renal cell carcinoma extending to the right atrium in Japanese institutions: Focusing on cardiopulmonary bypass with or without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest
Authors: Ishiyama Yudai , Kondo Tsunenori , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Takagi Toshio , Iizuka Junpei , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the outcomes of Japanese patients with renal cell carcinoma undergoing surgery for tumor thrombus invading the right atrium.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 23 patients who underwent extracorporeal circulation‐assisted surgery at two institutions. Perioperative outcomes and survival rates were evaluated and compared between two groups of patients, which were set according to the use or not of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Data on systemic treatments were assessed.

Results

The median age was 64 years; the majority of patients were fit according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Five (21.7%) patients had at least one distant metastasis, and 17 (73.9%) received systemic therapy. A total of 16 (69.6%) patients underwent deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Patients who underwent deep hypothermic circulatory arrest had a non‐significant reduction in blood loss compared with those who did not undergo this procedure (1866.0 vs 3513.0 mL, P = 0.102). The complication rate, both of any grade (43.8% vs 71.4%, P = 0.215) and grade ≥3 (6.3% vs 28.6%, P = 0.162), tended to be lower in patients who underwent deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. The mean 90‐day mortality rate was 8.7%, with no difference among groups (6.3% vs 14.3%, respectively; P = 0.545). The overall median cancer‐specific and overall survival were both 64.4 months, and did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

Renal cell carcinoma patients undergoing extracorporeal circulation‐assisted surgery and systemic therapy for right atrial tumor thrombus have acceptable long‐term survival rates. Outcomes are comparable regardless of the use of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.
Optimal two‐level trade credit with credit‐dependent demand in a newsvendor model
Authors: Wang Pingfan , Bi Gongbing , Yan Xiaoming
Published: June 2021

A two‐level trade‐credit mode, in which both supplier and retailer provide trade credit to their buyers, is prevalent in several types of markets. This paper investigates the optimal trade credits provided by the supplier and retailer, and the optimal order quantity, assuming credit‐dependent demand in a newsvendor model. The strategic interaction between the supplier and retailer is modeled as a Stackelberg game with the supplier as the leader. We provide conditions under which the optimal decisions on trade credits and order quantity can be uniquely determined, which enable us to examine the relationship between the optimal trade credits and describe conditions providing them. We also compare the credit contract and price contract in profit, consumer surplus, social welfare, double marginalization, and supply chain coordination, and our analysis shows that the trade‐credit contract amounts to an alternative for the price contract. Finally, we use several numerical examples to illustrate the theoretical results and provide managerial insights.
Blood pressure variability and cognitive dysfunction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of longitudinal cohort studies
Authors: Chiu Tzu‐Jung , Yeh Jiunn‐Tyng , Huang Chi‐Jung , Chiang Chern‐En , Sung Shih‐Hsien , Chen Chen‐Huan , Cheng Hao‐Min
Published: June 2021

The variability of blood pressure (BPV) has been suggested as a clinical indicator for cognitive dysfunction, yet the results from clinical studies are variable. This study investigated the relationship between BPV and the risk of cognitive decline or dementia. Bibliographic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, were searched systematically for longitudinal cohort studies with BPV measurements and neuropsychological examinations or dementia diagnosis. A traditional meta‐analysis with subgroup analysis, and a further dose‐response meta‐analysis were conducted. Twenty cohort studies with 7 924 168 persons were included in this review. The results showed that a higher systolic BPV (SBPV), when measured with the coefficient of variation (SBP‐CV) or standard deviation (SBP‐SD), was associated with a higher risk of all‐cause dementia diagnosis but not incidence of cognitive decline on neuropsychological examinations. In subgroup analysis, the effect was more prominent when using BPV of shorter timeframes, during shorter follow‐ups, or among the elderly aged more than 65 years. No dose‐response relationship could be found. Our study suggested possible positive associations between SBPV and the risk of dementia. Further studies are required to validate these findings.
Is heart rate variability biofeedback useful in children and adolescents? A systematic review
Authors: Dormal Valérie , Vermeulen Nicolas , Mejias Sandrine
Published: June 2021

Background

Heart rate variability (HRV) is considered as an index of both physical and emotional health, and biofeedback aiming to increase the level of HRV has demonstrated extensive beneficial effects. Although HRV biofeedback is commonly and reliably applied in adults, the use of this technique, alone or in addition to other treatments, in children and adolescents has not been widely explored to date.

Methods

This systematic review following PRISMA guidelines covers all human studies using HRV biofeedback in children and adolescents. A literature search was conducted in PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus, and a standardized methodological quality assessment was performed.

Results

Results showed the efficiency of HRV biofeedback sessions with children and adolescents to reduce physical and mental health‐related symptoms and enhance well‐being.

Conclusions

These findings underline the therapeutic value of using HRV biofeedback as a complement to more conventional behavioural and cognitive interventions to help children to manage stress and/or pain. Capitalizing on the identified strengths and shortcomings of available results, we propose research avenues as well as evidence‐based clinical guidelines for using HRV biofeedback in clinical paediatric settings.
The burden of neurological comorbidities in six autoimmune bullous diseases: a population‐based study
Authors: Kridin K. , Hübner F. , Recke A. , Linder R. , Schmidt E.
Published: June 2021

Background

Apart from bullous pemphigoid (BP), the association of other autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) with neurological conditions is poorly understood.

Objective

To estimate the association between a wide array of AIBDs and neurological conditions.

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional study recruited patients with BP, mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), pemphigoid gestationis (PG), pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF). These patients were compared with their age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects with regard to the lifetime prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), stroke, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis (MS). Logistic regression was used to calculate OR for specified neurological disorders.

Results

The current study included 1743, 251, 106, 126, 860 and 103 patients diagnosed with BP, MMP, EBA, PG, PV and PF, respectively. These patients were compared with 10 141, 1386, 606, 933, 5142 and 588 matched controls, respectively. Out of the investigated neurological conditions, PD associated with BP (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 2.19–3.35); AD with BP (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.73–2.57), MMP (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.03–5.47), EBA (OR, 6.00; 95% CI, 1.90–18.97) and PV (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.40–3.60); stroke with BP (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.55–2.19) and EBA (OR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.11–7.01); and epilepsy with BP (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.72–2.77) and PV (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.19–2.73). MS did not significantly cluster with any of the six AIBDs.

Conclusion

In addition to BP, EBA and PV were found to cluster with neurological comorbidities. Patients with these AIBDs with compatible symptoms may be carefully assessed for comorbid neurological disorders.
Liver fibrosis and fatty liver as independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Tamaki Nobuharu , Kurosaki Masayuki , Takahashi Yuka , Itakura Yoshie , Inada Kento , Kirino Sakura , Yamashita Koji , Sekiguchi Shuhei , Hayakawa Yuka , Osawa Leona , Higuchi Mayu , Takaura Kenta , Maeyashiki Chiaki , Kaneko Shun , Yasui Yutaka , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Itakura Jun , Izumi Namiki
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim

The association between liver fibrosis, fatty liver, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is unknown. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the association of liver fibrosis and fatty liver with CVD risk independent of already known CVD risk comorbidities.

Methods

This is a prospective study registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network clinical trial registry (UMIN000036175). Liver fibrosis was assessed by serum fibrosis markers including FIB‐4, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS), and Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2 binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP), whereas fatty liver was diagnosed by ultrasonography. CVD risk was evaluated using the Framingham risk score (FRS), and a high CVD risk was defined as an FRS ≥ 20%.

Results

A total of 3512 subjects were enrolled, and high CVD risk (FRS ≥ 20%) was observed in 17.5%. Advanced fibrosis (FIB‐4 ≥ 2.67, NFS ≥ 0.675, and WFA+‐M2BP ≥ 1.0) and the presence of fatty liver were significantly associated with high CVD risk independent of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. When subjects were stratified by liver fibrosis and fatty liver, subjects with advanced fibrosis and fatty liver have the highest odds for high CVD risk (odds ratio [OR]: 5.90–35.6), followed by subjects with advanced fibrosis and without fatty liver (OR: 2.53–9.62) using subjects without advanced fibrosis and fatty liver as a reference.

Conclusions

Liver fibrosis and fatty liver were associated with CVD risk independent of already known CVD risk comorbidities. The assessment of liver fibrosis and fatty liver may be useful to identify high CVD risk subjects.