bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of early warning signs in hospital projects' front-end phase
Authors: Larsen Anne Strand Alfredsen , Karlsen Anniken Th , Lund Jo-Åsmund , Andersen Bjørn Sørskot
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The front-end phase plays an important role in achieving project success, and establishment of performance measurement systems considering project challenges or pitfalls is a way of keeping track of this phase. Early warning signs, a type of proactive performance indicators, may serve as means for improving decision-making and project processes aiming for short- and long-term project success. In this paper, the authors present findings from a study on early warning signs (EWS) in hospital projects' front-end. A preliminary systematisation of identified signs as a contribution to front-end improvement is provided.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a mixed methods approach, using a sequential, exploratory research design comprising document studies, interviews and a survey.

Findings

The authors identified 62 challenges for hospital projects' front-end performance and further established four categories of EWS as follows: (1) structure and tools, (2) context and frame factors, (3) management and (4) relational factors and properties. This mirrors the presence of hard and soft issues from previous studies. There is need for clarifying terminology and raising consciousness on EWS. Processual approaches to identify EWS are considered more useful than subsequent established indicators.

Originality/value

The findings from this paper provide insight into EWS in hospital projects' front-end phase. This adds to the general understanding of EWS and contributes to more knowledge on the front-end phase in general.
Supply chain performance measurement through collaborative effectiveness: an Asia–Pacific perspective
Authors: Mahadevan Kumaraguru , Elias Arun , Samaranayake Premaratne
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of this research is to investigate the supply chain performance through collaborative effectiveness, from the organisations of Asia–Pacific region perspective, compared with that of global organisations based on collaborative supply chain practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey research methodology was adopted, involving the collection of survey data from 223 participants across 10 different industries and 6 geographic regions. Data included 103 organisations in the Asia–Pacific region including Australia, India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.

Findings

From a collaborative effectiveness perspective, the supply chain performance of Asia–Pacific organisations is different when compared with that of global organisations. It was also found that global organisations are driven by sales performance, while Asia–Pacific organisations are focussing mainly on the cost in terms of the number of employees, and therefore productivity. The metal industry stands out to be the best performing industry from a collaborative effectiveness perspective in the Asia–Pacific region and globally.

Practical implications

The research findings can be used as a guide by industry practitioners to develop benchmarks for collaborative supply chain practices by industry and region of operations. This research has been limited to a few industries such as manufacturing, logistics, service and retail industries.

Originality/value

This research generates new knowledge on the relationship between the collaborative effectiveness and supply chain performance, from the perspectives of both Asia–Pacific and global organisations, based on a collaborative effectiveness framework. The study proposes an innovative approach of assessing supply chain performance through collaborative effectiveness from the perspectives of geographical boundaries and industry types.
Project-based learning in human–computer interaction: a service‐dominant logic approach
Authors: Karahasanović Amela , Culén Alma Leora
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose a service-dominant logic (S-DL)-informed framework for teaching innovation in the context of human–computer interaction (HCI) education involving large industrial projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines S-DL from the field of marketing with experiential and constructivist learning to enable value co-creation as the primary method of connecting diverse actors within the service ecology. The approach aligns with the current conceptualization of central university activities as a triad of research, education and innovation.

Findings

The teaching framework based on the S-DL enabled ongoing improvements to the course (a project-based, bachelor’s-level HCI course in the computer science department), easier management of stakeholders and learning experiences through students’ participation in real-life projects. The framework also helped to provide an understanding of how value co-creation works and brought a new dimension to HCI education.

Practical implications

The proposed framework and the authors’ experience described herein, along with examples of projects, can be helpful to educators designing and improving project-based HCI courses. It can also be useful for partner companies and organizations to realize the potential benefits of collaboration with universities. Decision-makers in industry and academia can benefit from these findings when discussing approaches to addressing sustainability issues.

Originality/value

While HCI has successfully contributed to innovation, HCI education has made only moderate efforts to include innovation as part of the curriculum. The proposed framework considers multiple service ecosystem actors and covers a broader set of co-created values for the involved partners and society than just learning benefits.
Why are style subscriptions popular with Gen-Y men? An implicit theory perspective
Authors: Sung Jihyun , Chattaraman Veena
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate Gen-Y men's implicit beliefs, perceptions of their appearance and apparel styling, degree of fashion involvement, novelty seeking behavior and attitudes/intention toward the new style subscription box retail model.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used to collect data from adult men who were born between 1977 and 1994 residing in the USA. For data analyses, SPSS and AMOS were utilized for preliminary analysis and hypotheses testing with the structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

The findings of this research demonstrated that Gen-Y men's appearance management behaviors are guided by their innate mindsets or implicit theories, which further influenced their perceptions toward fashion and style subscriptions. Although Gen-Y men's degree of fashion involvement did not have a significant influence on their attitudes, this study found that their novelty seeking behavior positively influenced their attitudes and thus their intention to use style subscription box retail.

Originality/value

To the researchers' knowledge, this study is the first to explore the role of innate mindsets among male consumers in the Gen-Y group in the context of style subscription box retail. Therefore, the findings of the research will add theoretically grounded insights by linking the research area of the style subscription box retail and implicit theory appearance, as well as provide marketing strategies for style subscription box retailers.
Constructing the “self”? Constructing the “place”? A critical exploration of self-initiated expatriation in China
Authors: Jiang Xueting , Calas Marta , English Alexander Scott
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper attempts to capture how self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) produce and reconstruct “self” and “place” through their own processes of expatriation and career development as mobility becomes a norm under present conditions of globalization. In so doing, the paper reexamines assumptions of previous expatriate adjustment scholarship by using phenomenon-driven problematization to critically reflect on underlying theoretical assumptions in the extant literature. Empirically, the paper is an exploratory attempt to understanding and offering fresh insights on the notion of expatriation itself under these present conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Bougon's (1983) Self-Q technique was used to develop interview protocols uncovering cognitive maps of SIEs' “enacted environments” as an abstraction of their experiences, while also mapping their “enacted selves”. Analyzing social action with a cognitive map approach reveals the meanings of specific social territories, i.e. the enactment of SIEs' mobility environments (place) and their subjectivities (self).

Findings

The authors’ findings suggest that SIEs seem to be constituting and reconstituting their subjectivities and their sense of “place” by displacing the notion of “home”. This notion transforms and recedes as SIEs go about their lives abroad, allowing for the emergence of plural subjectivities, never fully formed but formulated and reformulated in social encounters.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the expatriation literature by focusing on processes through which SIEs construct their world through their mobility and overseas experiences. Observing expatriation processes as continuous cycles of creating and recreating “self” and “place” may reflect better how contemporary business practitioners engage in transnational activities. Management scholars should attend to how these processes enact social territories for a better understanding of expatriation as a global phenomenon.
Technology readiness and e-service quality – impact on purchase intention and loyalty
Authors: Goutam Doddahulugappa , Ganguli Shirshendu , Gopalakrishna B.V.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore impact of technology readiness (TR) on e-service quality (ESQ) and effect of ESQ and TR on purchase intention (PI) and behavioral loyalty (BL) in the context of online shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

With the help of the existing literature, the authors propose a conceptual model. Questionnaire was designed to collect data, and analysis has been done using a final sample of 341 respondents.

Findings

The results show how TR has a significant impact on ESQ, PI and BL. Outcomes also highlight that only three dimensions of ESQ have a positive impact on both PI and BL. System availability dimension of ESQ impacts neither PI nor BL. Therefore, TR and ESQ together play a vital role as enablers in influencing BL and PI in online shopping context.

Practical implications

The study results will serve as a guide to business-to-consumer e-commerce players and help them to determine how TR and ESQ dimensions will help them to build BL and PI for online shopping.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies that takes into consideration both TR and ESQ and check how they impact PI and BL. Also, in the Indian context, it is an under-researched area and tries to fulfill this gap.
Serum soluble programmed cell death 1 levels predict spontaneous functional cure in inactive carriers with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Hu Hui‐Han , Jeng Wen‐Juei , Pan Mei‐Hung , Luo Wun‐Sheng , Chang Chia‐Ling , Huang Yen‐Tsung , Su Chien‐Yu , Chiang Chen‐Tse , Jen Chin‐Lan , Chien Yu‐Chuan , Lu Shen‐Nan , Wang Li‐Yu , Huang Li‐Rung , Lee Mei‐Hsuan , Liu Jessica , Nguyen Mindie H. , Chen Chien‐Jen , Yang Hwai‐I
Published: January 2022

Background

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is the most important milestone indicating favourable clinical outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, it is difficult to achieve due to the impaired HBV‐specific immunity, such as programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1)‐associated T cell exhaustion. We assessed soluble PD‐1 (sPD‐1) as a novel seromarker for predicting spontaneous HBsAg loss.

Methods

Serial serum levels of sPD‐1 were evaluated in 1046 untreated hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐seronegative individuals who had achieved undetectable serum HBV DNA. Multiple regression analyses were applied to assess associations among baseline and subsequent sPD‐1 levels, HBsAg decline during follow‐up, and spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance.

Results

A total of 390 individuals achieved spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance during 6464.4 person‐years of follow‐up. Baseline sPD‐1 levels were inversely associated with baseline HBsAg levels (qHBsAg) as well as a greater decline in qHBsAg during follow‐up. Incidence rates of HBsAg seroclearance were 11.5, 61.7, 96.7 and 151.0 per 1000 person‐years for sPD‐1 levels of ≥4000, 536‐3999, 125‐535 and <125 pg/mL, respectively (Ptrend < 0.0001). Compared with baseline sPD‐1 levels ≥4000 pg/mL, the rate ratio (95% CI) of HBsAg seroclearance was 2.1 (1.1‐3.9), 3.0 (1.6‐5.5) and 5.1 (2.8‐9.5), for baseline sPD‐1 levels of 536‐3999, 125‐535 and <125 pg/mL, respectively, after adjustment for sex, age and serum alanine aminotransferase and HBsAg levels.

Conclusion

sPD‐1 level is a novel marker which independently predicts spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance of HBeAg‐negative inactive CHB patients with undetectable HBV DNA. (word count: 234, <250).
Populist attitudes moderates the negative relationship between national identity and support for pro‐refugee policies
Authors: Uysal Mete Sefa
Published: January 2022

Although scholars argue the role of interaction of national identification and populist mindset on attitudes toward refugees, the role of this interaction remained unanswered in social psychological studies. Across two cross‐sectional survey studies conducted in Turkey (n1 = 190, n2 = 306), I hypothesized that national identity would be negatively associated with supporting pro‐refugee policies and populist attitudes would moderate this relationship. Results implied that populist attitudes moderated the relationship between national identity and support for pro‐refugee policies, while higher national identity predicted lower support for pro‐refugee policies in Turkey. The negative effect of national identity on support for pro‐refugee policies was at its highest level when combined with higher populist attitudes. This finding contributes to the populism literature that implicates populism becomes more concrete when combined with other thick‐centered ideologies such as nationalism. Findings’ theoretical and practical implications for social psychology and political science literature as well as the interrelatedness of these implications with the contextual and historical peculiarity of Turkish politics are discussed.
Describing long‐term opioid use utilizing Nordic prescription registers—A Norwegian example
Authors: Hamina Aleksi , Hjellvik Vidar , Handal Marte , Odsbu Ingvild , Clausen Thomas , Skurtveit Svetlana
Published: January 2022

Previous studies have defined long‐term opioid use in varying ways, decreasing comparability, reproducibility and clinical applicability of the research. Based on recommendations from recent systematic reviews, we aimed to develop a methodology to estimate the prevalence of use persisting more than three months utilizing one of the Nordic prescription registers. We used the Norwegian Prescription Register (NorPD) to extract data on all opioid dispensations between 1 January 2004 and 31 October 2019. New users of opioids (washout 365 days) were defined as long‐term users if they fulfilled two criteria: (1) they had ≥2 dispensations of opioids, 91–180 days apart; (2) days 0–90 included ≥90 dispensed administration units (e.g., tablets) of opioids. Overall, there were 2,543,224 new users of opioids during the study period. Of these, 354,666 (13.9%) fulfilled the criteria for long‐term opioid use at least once. Compared with those who did not fulfil the criteria (short‐term users), long‐term users were older, more likely women and used tramadol, oxycodone and buprenorphine more frequently as their first opioid. In conclusion, we found that 1/7 of opioid users continued use longer than 3 months. Future outcome research should identify the clinically most important dose requirements for long‐term opioid use criteria.
Pre‐treatment total metabolic tumour volumes in lymphoma: Does quantity matter?
Authors: El‐Galaly Tarec Christoffer , Villa Diego , Cheah Chan Yoon , Gormsen Lars C.
Published: January 2022

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is used for the staging of lymphomas. Clinical information, such as Ann Arbor stage and number of involved sites, is derived from baseline staging and correlates with tumour volume. With modern imaging software, exact measures of total metabolic tumour volumes (tMTV) can be determined, in a semi‐ or fully‐automated manner. Several technical factors, such as tumour segmentation and PET/CT technology influence tMTV and there is no consensus on a standardized uptake value (SUV) thresholding method, or how to include the volumes in the bone marrow and spleen. In diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma, tMTV has been shown to predict progression‐free survival and/or overall survival, after adjustments for clinical risk scores. However, most studies have used receiver operating curves to determine the optimal cut‐off for tMTV and many studies did not include a training‐validation approach, which led to the risk of overestimation of the independent prognostic value of tMTV. The identified cut‐off values are heterogeneous, even when the same SUV thresholding method is used. Future studies should focus on testing tMTV in homogeneously‐treated cohorts and seek to validate identified cut‐off values externally so that a prognostic value can be documented, over and above currently used clinical surrogates for tumour volume.
Optimization and high‐density array of stereoelectroencephalography‐guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation for the treatment of pediatric tuberous sclerosis complex with epilepsy
Authors: Luo Tian , Wang Xinhua , Wang Ji , Zhao Rui , Li Hao , Zhou Yuanfeng , Wang Yi
Published: January 2022

Background

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous syndrome involved in many organ systems. At the same time, epilepsy is the most common manifestation and more than 50% of TSC patients present with intractable epilepsy. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of optimized and high‐density stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF‐TC) in treating TSC‐related epilepsy.

Methods

Nine TSC children with refractory epilepsy were treated with first‐stage SEEG‐Guided RF‐TC, and four underwent second‐stage‐optimized high‐density array of SEEG‐Guided RF‐TC. Patients’ clinical data and postoperative outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The patients’ median age at surgery was 4 years and 2 month (range from 3 years and 5 month to 16 years and 7 month). The mean age at surgery was 6.7 years old. Eight in 9 (88.9%) patients achieved complete remission after the final operation at half‐year follow‐up. Of seven patients with final postoperative time beyond 1 year, 6 (85.7%) reached completely seizure‐free. No severe or long‐term neurologic impairment existed in all nine patients.

Conclusion

Optimized high‐density array of SEEG‐guided RF‐TC is a safe and highly effective approach and can be an alternative application applied for TSC patients with refractory epilepsy.
Association of ultra‐rare coding variants with genetic generalized epilepsy: A case–control whole exome sequencing study
Authors: Koko Mahmoud , Motelow Joshua E. , Stanley Kate E. , Bobbili Dheeraj R. , Dhindsa Ryan S. , May Patrick ,   Canadian Epilepsy Network,   Epi4K Consortium,   Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project,   EpiPGX Consortium,   EuroEPINOMICS‐CoGIE Consortium
Published: January 2022

Objective

We aimed to identify genes associated with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) by combining large cohorts enriched with individuals with a positive family history. Secondarily, we set out to compare the association of genes independently with familial and sporadic GGE.

Methods

We performed a case–control whole exome sequencing study in unrelated individuals of European descent diagnosed with GGE (previously recruited and sequenced through multiple international collaborations) and ancestry‐matched controls. The association of ultra‐rare variants (URVs; in 18 834 protein‐coding genes) with epilepsy was examined in 1928 individuals with GGE (vs. 8578 controls), then separately in 945 individuals with familial GGE (vs. 8626 controls), and finally in 1005 individuals with sporadic GGE (vs. 8621 controls). We additionally examined the association of URVs with familial and sporadic GGE in two gene sets important for inhibitory signaling (19 genes encoding γ‐aminobutyric acid type A [GABAA] receptors, 113 genes representing the GABAergic pathway).

Results

GABRG2 was associated with GGE (p = 1.8 × 10−5), approaching study‐wide significance in familial GGE (p = 3.0 × 10−6), whereas no gene approached a significant association with sporadic GGE. Deleterious URVs in the most intolerant subgenic regions in genes encoding GABAA receptors were associated with familial GGE (odds ratio [OR] = 3.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9–7.8, false discovery rate [FDR]‐adjusted p = .0024), whereas their association with sporadic GGE had marginally lower odds (OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.3–6.7, FDR‐adjusted p = .022). URVs in GABAergic pathway genes were associated with familial GGE (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3–2.5, FDR‐adjusted p = .0024) but not with sporadic GGE (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = .9–1.9, FDR‐adjusted p = .19).

Significance

URVs in GABRG2 are likely an important risk factor for familial GGE. The association of gene sets of GABAergic signaling with familial GGE is more prominent than with sporadic GGE.
Comparative ligandomics implicates secretogranin III as a disease‐restricted angiogenic factor in laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Ji Liyang , Waduge Prabuddha , Wan Wencui , Tian Hong , Li Jin , Zhang Jinsong , Chen Rui , Li Wei
Published: January 2022

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly. All approved anti‐angiogenic drug therapies for CNV target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) but confer limited efficacy. Identification of other CNV‐related angiogenic factors will facilitate the development of VEGF‐independent alternative therapies. Here, we applied comparative ligandomics to live mice with or without laser‐induced CNV for global mapping of CNV‐selective endothelial ligands. Secretogranin III (Scg3) previously identified by the same approach as a diabetes‐restricted angiogenic factor was mapped with a more than 935‐fold increase in binding to CNV vessels compared to healthy choriocapillaris. A novel in vivo ligand binding assay independently confirmed a marked increase in Scg3 binding to CNV vessels, whereas VEGF showed no increase in CNV‐selective binding. A new technique of functional immunohistochemistry allowed the visualization and confirmed the increase in in vivo Scg3 binding to CNV vasculatures, including CNV microcapillaries with detailed vascular structures, which was blocked by anti‐Scg3 humanized antibody Fab fragment (hFab). The hFab effectively alleviated laser‐induced CNV with an efficacy similar to the anti‐VEGF drug aflibercept. Homozygous deletion of the Scg3 gene in mice significantly reduced the severity of CNV. Furthermore, the therapeutic activity of anti‐Scg3 hFab, but not aflibercept, was abolished in Scg3−/− mice, suggesting the Scg3‐dependent nature of the hFab‐mediated therapy. These findings suggest that Scg3 plays an important role in CNV pathogenesis and is a promising disease‐restricted angiogenic factor for ligand‐guided disease‐targeted anti‐angiogenic therapy of CNV.
Sox9/CXCL5 axis facilitates tumour cell growth and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ren Zhengrong , Chen Yu , Shi Lei , Shao Fang , Sun Yanyan , Ge Jia , Zhang Junfeng , Zang Yuhui
Published: January 2022

High rates of metastasis and postsurgical recurrence contribute to the higher mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), partly due to cancer stem cell (CSC)‐dependent tumorigenesis and metastasis. Sex‐determining region Y‐box 9 (Sox9) has been previously characterized as a candidate CSC marker of HCC. Here, we observed that the increase of Sox9 significantly promoted HCC cell growth and invasion in cell cultures, whereas knockdown of Sox9 showed the opposite effects, suggesting that Sox9 may regulate the proliferation and invasion of hepatoma cells in an autocrine manner. RNA sequencing, together with functional assays and clinical analyses, identified CXCL5 as a key mediator downstream of Sox9 in HCC cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that Sox9 induced CXCL5 expression by directly binding to a promoter region. Using gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approaches, we demonstrated that the intrinsic effective role of Sox9 in hepatoma cell growth and invasion depended on CXCL5, and that blockade of CXCL5/CXCR2 signalling abolished Sox9‐triggered HCC cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, the Sox9/CXCL5 axis activated PI3K‐AKT and ERK1/2 signalling which are implicated in regulating HCC cell proliferation and invasion. Finally, the Sox9/CXCL5 axis contributed to the infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages in both tumour and peritumoral tissues from the orthotopic xenograft model. In summary, our data identify the Sox9/CXCL5 axis as an endogenous factor in controlling HCC cell growth and invasion, thereby raising the possibility of pharmacologic intervention with CXCL5/CXCR2 pathway inhibitors in therapy for HCC patients with higher Sox9 expression.
Technologies of dispossession in the blue economy: Socio‐environmental impacts of seawater desalination in the Antofagasta Region of Chile
Authors: Campero Cecilia , Bennett Nathan J. , Arriagada Nayadeth
Published: January 2022

Globally, ocean‐based economic development (aka the ‘the blue economy’) is increasing and continued growth is projected. The social and environmental impacts of the growth of the blue economy are a matter of some concern for local people who may experience few benefits and substantial negative impacts. One way that these impacts of the blue economy occur is through subtle or overt forms of dispossession that result from the growth of technologies and infrastructures at sea or on the land (e.g., offshore oil rigs, ships, ports, processing facilities, etc.). We focus on desalination, an understudied aspect of the blue economy that is growing exponentially. Proponents herald desalination as a sustainable solution to increase fresh water sources, while solving socio‐environmental issues left behind by the overuse of natural freshwater. However, far from being a social and environmental panacea, new political and economic interests are fused to sustain this technology with impacts for both the environment and local social systems. In this paper, we review the literature and develop a framework to understand mechanisms of dispossession via the blue economy and apply it to desalination projects in the Antofagasta Region of Chile. Drawing from a review of environmental impact assessments and declarations of environmental impacts, the research analyses communities' concerns about the impacts of desalination. Our analysis revealed (1) lack of meaningful inclusion in decision‐making; (2) physical displacement of communities or from areas required for livelihoods; (3) concerns about environmental effects, and related social impacts; and (4) few social or economic benefits to local people. The research concludes that desalination is a sector of the blue economy that is opening a new sphere of dispossession in the oceans.
Screening differential circular RNA expression profiles reveals the regulatory role of circMARS in anti‐tuberculosis drug‐induced liver injury
Authors: Li Biao , Ren Qi , Li Yuhong , Tian Shenqian , Chong Yingzhi , Sun Shufeng , Feng Fumin
Published: January 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment is plagued by liver damage, which often leads to treatment interruptions. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a special class of non‐coding RNAs abundant in body fluids with important biological functions. However, the role of circRNA in anti‐tuberculosis drug‐induced liver injury (ADLI) is unclear. We explored ADLI‐specific circRNAs in TB patients using circRNA microarrays and verified circMARS in a cohort of 300 individuals. In addition to the value assessment of circMARS in patients using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, cell experiments were also performed under the guidance of bioinformatics analyses. In particular, we found that circMARS acts as a miRNA sponge by binding to miRNAs. Compared with the blank group, the expressions of circMARS, KMT2C gene, and EGFR protein in the ADLI group were increased, while miR‐6808‐5p, miR‐6874‐3p, and miR‐3157‐5p were decreased. Furthermore, when si‐circMARS was used in the ADLI groups, circMARS demotion manifested the opposite results. Subsequently, a self‐controlled cohort of 35 participants was used to verify the circMARS–miR‐6808‐5p/‐6874‐3p/‐3157‐5p–KMT2C–EGFR function axis. Therefore, circMARS may participate in the compensatory repair mechanism of ADLI through the function axis, and may be a potential biomarker for ADLI diagnosis in TB patients.
Dermatological adverse effects of anti‐glaucoma eye drops: a review
Authors: Patchinsky A. , Petitpain N. , Gillet P. , Angioi‐Duprez K. , Schmutz J.L. , Bursztejn A.C.
Published: January 2022

Many patients are treated for glaucoma. Like other drugs, anti‐glaucoma eye drops may induce dermatological adverse effects. We aim to review the dermatological adverse effects secondary to the active agents in anti‐glaucoma eye drops through a literature review. In January 2020, we queried PubMed using the following MeSH terms: glaucoma/drug therapy or glaucoma, open angle/drug therapy cross‐referenced with parasympathomimetics/adverse effects or adrenergic agonists/adverse effects or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors/adverse effects or prostaglandins F, synthetic/adverse effects or adrenergic beta antagonists/adverse effects or ophthalmic solutions/adverse effects. The initial search identified 1128 studies, of which 49 were excluded for being in a foreign language, 15 for not involving eye drops, 968 for not focusing on adverse dermatological effects, and 11 for insufficient documentation or redundancy. After adding 38 linked studies, we finally analyzed 123 studies. The ocular and periocular dermatological adverse effects of eye drops are contact dermatitis, hyperpigmentation, prostaglandin analog periorbitopathy, mucous membrane pemphigoid, eyelash depigmentation, skin hypertrichosis, and rare cases of melanoma and skin depigmentation. The reported distant dermatological adverse effects are psoriasis, excessive sweating, lichen planus, alopecia, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, erythroderma, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, nail pigmentation, and bullous pemphigoid. Most of the cutaneous adverse effects of anti‐glaucoma eye drops are ocular and periocular and induced by prostaglandin analogs. Distant adverse effects are rare and sometimes questionable but should be kept in mind, especially mucous membrane pemphigoid, which could lead to blindness. The role of preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride, should also be considered.
Three scleral ossicles in the West African Denticle herring Denticeps clupeoides (Clupeiformes: Denticipitidae)
Authors: Kubicek Kole M. , Britz Ralf , Pinion Amanda K. , Bower Luke M. , Conway Kevin W.
Published: January 2022

The eyes of teleostean fishes typically exhibit two ossifications, the anterior and posterior sclerotics, both associated with the scleral cartilage. The West African Denticle herring Denticeps clupeoides has three scleral ossifications, including the typical two associated with the scleral cartilage (anterior and posterior sclerotic) and a third ossification (Di Dario's ossicle), spatially separated from the scleral cartilage and located within the anteromedial wall of the sclera. The medial rectus muscle inserts on the medial surface of Di Dario's ossicle, suggesting that this third sclerotic may play a role in forward rotation of the eye in this surface feeding fish.
Evaluating immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2 in nursing home residents using saliva IgG
Authors: Katz Morgan J. , Heaney Christopher D. , Pisanic Nora , Smith Leigh , Bigelow Benjamin F. , Sheikh Fatima , Boudreau Alec , Kruczynski Kate , Hsu Yea‐Jen , Salinas Alejandra B. , Cosgrove Sara E. , Rock Clare
Published: January 2022

Background

SARS‐CoV‐2 circulating variants coupled with waning immunity pose a significant threat to the long‐term care (LTC) population. Our objective was to measure salivary IgG antibodies in residents and staff of an LTC facility to (1) evaluate IgG response in saliva post‐natural infection and vaccination and (2) assess its feasibility to describe the seroprevalence over time.

Methods

We performed salivary IgG sampling of all residents and staff who agreed to test in a 150‐bed skilled nursing facility during three seroprevalence surveys between October 2020 and February 2021. The facility had SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreaks in May 2020 and November 2020, when 45 of 138 and 37 of 125 residents were infected, respectively; they offered two Federal vaccine clinics in January 2021. We evaluated quantitative IgG in saliva to the Nucleocapsid (N), Spike (S), and Receptor‐binding domain (RBD) Antigens of SARS‐CoV‐2 over time post‐infection and post‐vaccination.

Results

One hundred twenty‐four residents and 28 staff underwent saliva serologic testing on one or more survey visits. Over three surveys, the SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence at the facility was 49%, 64%, and 81%, respectively. IgG to S, RBD, and N Antigens all increased post infection. Post vaccination, the infection naïve group did not have a detectable N IgG level, and N IgG levels for the previously infected did not increase post vaccination (p < 0.001). Fully vaccinated subjects with prior COVID‐19 infection had significantly higher RBD and S IgG responses compared with those who were infection‐naïve prior to vaccination (p < 0.001 for both).

Conclusions

Positive SARS‐COV‐2 IgG in saliva was concordant with prior infection (Anti N, S, RBD) and vaccination (Anti S, RBD) and remained above positivity threshold for up to 9 months from infection. Salivary sampling is a non‐invasive method of tracking immunity and differentiating between prior infection and vaccination to inform the need for boosters in LTC residents and staff.
The Effect of Inflation on Wage Inequality: A North–South Monetary Model of Endogenous Growth with International Trade
Authors: AFONSO OSCAR , SEQUEIRA TIAGO
Published: January 2022

This study analyzes the effects of inflation on intra‐ and intercounty wage inequality, specialization, and growth, using a North–South endogenous growth model with international trade and money. The relationship between inflation and intracountry wage inequality depends on firms' credit constraints and on the inflation levels. Our results indicate that inflation decreases specialization in skilled production and increases intracountry wage inequality. Moreover, increasing inflation in the South increases the wage inequality gap between countries. Theoretical results are confirmed through calibration and match with existing empirical evidence.
Morphology of joints and patterns of cartilage calcification in the endoskeleton of the batoid Raja cf. polystigma
Authors: Pazzaglia Ugo E. , Reguzzoni Marcella , Manconi Renata , Zecca Piero Antonio , Zarattini Guido , Campagnolo Monica , Raspanti Mario
Published: January 2022

The skeleton of the batoid fish consists of a mixture of calcified and uncalcified cartilage with a typical layout of mineral deposition toward the outer border, leaving an uncalcified central core in most of the skeleton segments. An exception is observed in the radials, where mineral deposition is central. Joints and endoskeleton segments were studied in two adult samples of Raja cf. polystigma. Histomorphology, mineral deposition pattern, and zonal chondrocyte duplication activity were compared among several endoskeleton segments, but with particular attention to the fin rays; in the first, the uncalcified cartilage is central with an outer layer ranging from mineralized tesserae to a continuous calcified coating, whereas in the second, the uncalcified cartilage surrounds one or more central calcified columns. The diarthroses have a joint cavity closed by a fibrous capsule and the sliding surfaces rest on the base of mineralized tesserae, whereas the interradial amphiarthroses show a layer of densely packed chondrocytes between the flat, calcified discs forming the base of neighboring radials. In the endoskeleton segments, three types of tesserae are distinguished, characterizing the phases of skeletal growth and mineralization which present differences in each endoskeleton segment. The chondrocyte density between central core, subtesseral layer, and radial external cartilage did not show significant differences, while there was a significant difference in chondrocyte density between the latter zones and the type c tesserae of the pelvic girdle. The histomorphology and morphometry observed in Raja cf. polystigma suggest a model of cartilage growth associated with structural stiffening without remodeling. A key point of this model is suggested to be the incomplete mineralization of the tesseral layer and the continuous growth of cartilage, both enabling fluid diffusion through the matrix fibril network of scattered, uncalcified cartilage zones inside and between the tesserae.
Complications following novel therapies for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Skribek Marcus , Rounis Konstantinos , Tsakonas Georgios , Ekman Simon
Published: January 2022

The emergence of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors has paved a new era for the management of non‐small cell lung cancer, which has for many years lacked major clinical breakthroughs. Historically, 5‐year overall survival remained below 5% in individuals with metastatic disease. These novel treatments have led to significant prolongation of survival in the locally advanced and metastatic setting, exceeding 25% in selected populations. However, they present new challenges to clinicians due to their inherently different spectrum of toxicity unique to each specific drug's pharmacodynamic profile. Internists commonly come across these side effects in their daily clinical practice. Their optimal recognition and management are of utmost importance, because it is associated with significant improvements in patient survival outcomes and their quality of life. The aim of this review is to summarize the complications following these novel treatments for non–small cell lung cancer.
A survey of patients’ concerns about visiting the dentist and how dentists can help
Authors: Calladine Hannah , Currie Charlotte C , Penlington Chris
Published: January 2022

Background

Regular dental attendance is important in order to receive preventive care, maintain good oral health and identify oral and dental disease at an early stage; however, many people do not visit their dentist regularly. Barriers to regular attendance have been studied in small patient groups but not in the wider general population.

Objective

To outline concerns about visiting the dentist and suggestions about how dentists could help using a general population sample.

Method

A survey was constructed using Qualtrics XM software and circulated. Respondents completed questionnaires about dental anxiety and about their concerns and suggestions around dental appointments including the option for free‐text answers.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐four people completed the survey. Common concerns were the unknown element (62.58%) and worries about ‘bad teeth’ (60.54%). The most popular request for change was for dentists to inform patients of the condition of all their teeth including those in good health (86.30%). A thematic analysis of qualitative responses identified themes of control, shame, discomfort, long‐term impact and cost. Several concerns and suggestions for improvement were expressed.

Conclusion

Although the pain associated with dental treatment was identified as important, concerns about the unknown and feeling vulnerable were seen as a higher priority. People in the general population want dentists to help them to feel informed and in control at dental appointments and to be involved in discussions about how they are feeling and what is important to them.
Asymmetric information and insurance cycles
Authors: Dicks David L. , Garven James R.
Published: January 2022

This paper extends the theoretical literature on underwriting cycles by assuming insurers have heterogeneous exposure to a catastrophe. Distinct from the existing literature on insurance cycles, we model optimal contracting by competitive insurers. Since losses take time to pay out, and insurers are better informed about their catastrophe exposure than external investors, catastrophes compromise the capital‐raising ability of insurers by increasing asymmetric information. Capital is restricted following a catastrophe because investors do not know the catastrophe exposure of each insurer, not because of explicit costs of raising capital. Thus, insurers decide to hold less capital following a catastrophe, giving rise to the insurance cycle.
Relationship between reticular pH parameters and potential on‐farm indicators in the early lactation of dairy cows
Authors: Zschiesche Marleen , Mensching André , Jansen Henrike Maria , Sharifi Ahmad Reza , Albers Dirk , Hummel Jürgen
Published: January 2022

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is an important nutritional disorder affecting animal welfare and economy of milk production. Definitions rely on ruminal pH but due to limitations of its measurement, indicators reflecting low pH are highly desirable. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between reticular pH and 18 on‐farm indicators in milk, blood, faeces, urine and chewing behaviour in early lactating dairy cows. Ten farms were visited for 3 weeks and in total samples of 100 cows (10 per farm) were taken. The statistics and graphical visualization were performed using Pearson correlation and linear regression models on an animal individual level as well as with linear mixed models. Eight indicators (milk fat, fat‐to‐protein ratio, rumination time, feed intake time, rumination frequency, rumination boluses, lying time and faecal pH) were statistically significant associated with the daily animal individual reticular pH average. However, none of the models including the potential explanatory variables explained more than 5% of the pH variations. The study confirms the necessity of pH measurement to detect SARA risk animals in early lactation dairy cows.
Cascading effects of predators on algal size structure
Authors: Rober Allison R. , McCann Kevin S. , Turetsky Merritt R. , Wyatt Kevin H.
Published: January 2022

The presence of edible and inedible prey species in a food web can influence the strength that nutrients (bottom‐up) or herbivores (top‐down) have on primary production. In boreal peatlands, wetter more nutrient‐rich conditions associated with ongoing climate change are expanding consumer access to aquatic habitat and promoting sources of primary production (i.e., algae) that are susceptible to trophic regulation. Here, we used an in situ mesocosm experiment to evaluate the consequences of enhanced nutrient availability and food‐web manipulation (herbivore and predator exclusion) on algal assemblage structure in an Alaskan fen. Owing to the potential for herbivores to selectively consume edible algae (small cells) in favor of more resistant forms, we predicted that the proportion of less‐edible algae (large cells) would determine the strength of top‐down or bottom‐up effects. Consistent with these expectations, we observed an increase in algal‐cell size in the presence of herbivores (2‐tiered food web) that was absent in the presence of a trophic cascade (3‐tiered food web), suggesting that predators indirectly prevented morphological changes in the algal assemblage by limiting herbivory. Increases in algal‐cell size with herbivory were driven by a greater proportion of filamentous green algae and nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria, whose size and morphological characteristics mechanically minimize consumption. While consumer‐driven shifts in algal assemblage structure were significant, they did not prevent top‐down regulation of biofilm development by herbivores. Our findings show that increasing wet periods in northern peatlands will provide new avenues for trophic regulation of algal production, including directly through consumption and indirectly via a trophic cascade.
The Procrustean fitting of trade marks under the requirements of clear and precise subject‐matter in the EU trade mark law—A case of position marks
Authors: Brancusi Lavinia
Published: January 2022

In the European Union Trademark law (EUTM), clear and precise subject‐matter of a trade mark is a prerequisite of proper filing and determines the conditions and scope of protection. Registration rules have evolved together with the meaning of this standard. The paper examines the legal status of position marks, which lacked their own registration specifics within initial EUTM, and thus were usually filed through other categories (figurative, colour, three‐dimensional), and contrasts this practice with the registration scheme of the new law. The analysis looks into the effects of Court of Justice's guidance when retroactively applied to trade marks registered upon earlier law. The exemplary case of a blade of grass inside a bottle is used to map the meaning of ‘unaligned’ description and/or indication vis‐à‐vis the prime relevance of (graphic) representation. The final part explores how identifying the subject‐matter of a position mark has an impact on assessing its distinctiveness, engaging within functionality objections and proving genuine use. The paper advocates for refraining from applying a fixed understanding of the requirement of clear and precise subject‐matter, especially with regard to old registrations, and, a fortiori, to flexible subject‐matter, such as position signs.
The effect of a medical student on community preceptor productivity
Authors: Hatfield Jess , Neal Gabriel , Isbell Teresa , Dickey Danielle
Published: January 2022

Background

Medical students are increasingly being taught in community‐based hospitals and clinics in addition to university‐based health systems, and there is sustained interest in the question of whether medical schools should pay healthcare organizations to allow students to precept to compensate for loss of productivity by preceptors. This study aimed to inform this subject by investigating the effect of medical students on preceptor productivity.

Methods

The authors analysed retrospective data on preceptor productivity and time efficiency from 17 outpatient primary care physicians over 7 months and 38,205 patient visits. Then, the authors surveyed these same physicians to assess how they believe precepting medical students affected their productivity.

Results

The retrospective data analysis found that physicians see slightly more patients per half‐day when accompanied by a student. In surveys, these physicians reported the same number of patients seen per half‐day with or without a medical student, but more time spent in clinic with a medical student. They also reported that allowing students to document in the medical record often helped reduce/offset the lengthened workday.

Conclusions

Medical students either increase or do not change the number of patients seen per half‐day but can increase preceptor time spent in clinic per day. Generally, physicians accept this increased time for the sake of promoting education and the joy of teaching. These findings can inform medical schools and healthcare organizations when negotiating financial arrangements for preceptorships in community based primary care clinics. Specifically, these findings suggest that medical students precepting do not cost the hospital organization in terms of preceptor productivity.