bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of BIM-related factors affecting construction project performance
Authors: Van Tam Nguyen , Quoc Toan Nguyen , Phong Vu Van , Durdyev Serdar
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of primary building information modelling (BIM)-related factors, extracted from the literature on the subject, on construction project performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data collected from 134 BIM users, this study used structural equation modelling to assess the impact of these factors in five main BIM-related factor clusters.

Findings

The results of the analysis confirmed the reliability and validity of the research design and outcomes. The findings indicated that the BIM-related external factors cluster is the most influential cluster affecting construction project performance. BIM-related project factors and BIM-related technological factors also had a significant impact on project performance. These were followed by the BIM-related management factors cluster, while the BIM-related human factors cluster had a low impact on project performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study will contribute to fostering BIM adoption and implementation in the construction industry in developing countries.

Originality/value

This study has filled a crucial knowledge gap by providing information on manageable primary BIM-related factors affecting construction project performance.
Does business strategy and management control system fit determine performance?
Authors: Jukka Tapio
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between business strategy, management control system (MCS) type and performance. Does the alignment of organisation business strategy and MCS fresult in better performance?

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on the business strategy and MCS type literature to identify business strategies and MCS types. A scoring method was used to identify business strategy types and cluster analysis to identify MCS types from a sample of 80 firms and 621 firm-years of data. Analysis of variance was used analyse the differences.

Findings

Four types of MCS were identified and were labelled clan, adhocracy, market and hierarchy. The sample was split into defender, analyser, prospector and reactor strategies. The results showed defender strategies performed better with hierarchy or market type MCSs while prospector strategies performed better with clan or adhocracy MCS types. Analysers performed acceptably with all MCS types.

Practical implications

The results of this study suggest that organisations should align their business strategy with a certain MCS type to achieve good performance. Also, alignment of top management and business strategy is supported as the top management properties differ between the MCS types.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the management control and strategy literature by demonstrating how the alignment between organisation business strategy and organisation-level MCS type determines organisational performance. The results suggest that differing business strategies yield better performance when aligned with the appropriate management controls represented by an MCS type.
Suboptimal food retail model in Czechia: social super discount stores
Authors: Sadílek Tomáš
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to identify retail models redistributing suboptimal food and their presence in Czechia. The author aims to give an overview of the status in comparison with other European Union countries and the form of such models in the Czech retail market concerning social super discount stores (SSDSs).

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on data obtained from an empirical study conducted by the study of secondary materials, author store-check observations and interviews with owners of SSDSs. The theoretical part consists of a literature review on social enterprises, food wasting and the definition of certain food distribution formats such as social supermarkets, food banks and SSDSs. The criteria for the selection of the research sample for observation were chosen based on the research conducted in Austria by researchers from the Vienna University of Economics and Business.

Findings

The research sample consists of 40 retail stores belonging to five retailers. The particular variables of the study are the number of stores, store size, range of categories and products, discount rates, location and the number of employees in the selected stores in Czechia.

Originality/value

This paper is a case study to identify and explore social retailing in Central Europe. This paper contributes to the emerging set of literature on social entrepreneurship, particularly in the field of retail for suboptimal food products.
The dark side of blockholder control: evidence from financial statement fraud cases
Authors: Smaili Nadia , Arroyo Paulina , Issa Faridath Antoinette
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether large blockholders are associated with financial statement fraud at their companies. Although a substantial body of prior studies has focused on chief executive officers’ motivations to manipulate financial statements, the correlation between majority shareholders and financial statement fraud has received little attention. This paper aims to fill this gap by investigating whether the sample firms have controlling shareholders or executives (i.e. blockholders vs management) and whether financial statement fraud schemes, motivations and consequences differ between blockholder- and management-controlled firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a clinical approach, the authors Study 12 Canadian financial statement fraud cases uncovered by the Ontario Securities Commission between 1997 and 2020.

Findings

First, the authors find blockholder control in six cases. These findings infer that these large shareholders received private benefits at the expense of minority shareholders. The comparative analyzes suggest that fraudulent firms controlled by blockholders go bankrupt more often than those controlled by managers. The authors also find that improper disclosure is the most common fraud scheme in blockholder-controlled firms.

Originality/value

The authors conduct a deep analysis of financial statement fraud cases to examine the of blockholder control on the likelihood of financial statement fraud. This paper adds new insights to the research on financial crime by investigating whether large shareholders affect the probability of fraud and the extent to which they might do so.
The antecedents and outcomes of corporate volunteering: an employee- and organizational-level meta-analysis
Authors: Howard Matt C. , Serviss Emory
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The authors argue that many core findings are not as established as often assumed in the study of corporate volunteering programs, and they assess this possibility by reporting a meta-analysis of both organizational and employee participation that includes relations with antecedents and outcomes at both organizational and employee levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors perform a meta-analysis of 57 sources, including 30 peer-reviewed articles, 16 theses/dissertations, 8 unpublished manuscripts, 2 conference presentations and 1 book chapter.

Findings

Of the antecedents, organizational size only had a small relation with organizational participation, but the effect of corporate social responsibility orientation was very large on organizational participation. Demographic characteristics as well as personality traits had a small relation with employee participation, whereas the effect of volunteering attitudes was large on employee participation. Of the outcomes, organizational participation did not significantly relate to customer perceptions. Employee participation had nonsignificant or small relations with well-being, commitment, job satisfaction and positive behaviors; however, organizational participation also significantly related to all employee-level outcomes, and the effect was significantly stronger than employee participation for two of four outcomes.

Practical implications

Organizations can better understand the true influence of corporate volunteering programs, aiding their bottom line and employee well-being.

Originality/value

Several commonly assumed antecedents and outcomes do not relate to corporate volunteering participation, and future research should be redirected to more influential effects. The authors’ discussion highlights theories that may be particularly beneficial for the study of corporate volunteering, including social identity theory and role expansion theory.
Evolutionary and ecological factors structure a plant–bumblebee network in a biodiversity hotspot, the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains
Authors: Liang Huan , Zhao Yan‐Hui , Rafferty Nicole E. , Ren Zong‐Xin , Zhong Li , Li Hai‐Dong , Li De‐Zhu , Wang Hong
Published: July 2021

Species interactions, such as those between plants and pollinators, are known to be shaped by both evolutionary history and ecological factors. However, little is known about how multiple factors (e.g. phylogeny, phenology, abundance and functional traits) interactively affect interaction patterns.

Using a plant–bumblebee network comprising 2,428 interactions between 29 plant species and 12 bumblebee species in the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains, we tested for phylogenetic signal and whether phylogenetic pattern was explained by abundance, phenology and 13 plant and bumblebee functional traits. We also tested whether trait matching in two pairs of plant–bumblebee traits explained interaction frequencies at both species and individual levels.

The network showed significant phylogenetic signal; closely related bumblebees tended to visit similar sets of plants, but not vice versa. Among all the measured factors, nectar volume and sugar concentration, rather than other phylogenetically constrained factors, were most important for explaining phylogenetic pattern (64% and 54% respectively). Although long–tongued bumblebee species tended to interact with long–tubed flowers, trait matching did not predict short–tongued bee interaction frequencies. Despite this, trait matching was apparent at the level of individual bees, reflecting intraspecific variation in tongue length and body size. Different selection pressures may exist within this bumblebee community, resulting in specialized, co–evolved traits in long–tongued species and adaptive generalization in short–tongued species to gain access to a variety of flowers.

Together, these findings contribute to our understanding of phylogenetic trait–based structure in species interaction networks. In particular, this study provides new evidence for the importance of nectar rewards in structuring interaction patterns in pollination mutualisms. The results also demonstrate that trait matching may occur at the individual level, despite not being detectable at the species level, and underline the necessity of taking intraspecific trait variation into account in studies of community structure.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Role of species richness and human impacts in resisting invasive species in tropical forests
Authors: Mungi Ninad Avinash , Qureshi Qamar , Jhala Yadvendradev V.
Published: July 2021

The biotic resistance hypothesis suggests that biodiversity‐rich areas should be resistant to biological invasions. Globally, conservationists use this hypothesis to protect diverse ecosystems. However, supporting data are often contradictory, possibly due to several confounding factors. Complexity in inferences increases in the tropics, which are sparsely studied.

We hypothesize that human impacts, forest type and climate would modulate the relationship between native and invasive plant richness. To understand these interacting and varying effects of native richness and human disturbance on plant invasions, we sampled 354 grids of 25 km2 with equal representation of protected areas (PAs) and multi‐use areas (MAs) to record abundance of native and non‐native plants from 34 PAs across five forest types in tropical India. We used linear mixed effect models to investigate the occurrence and abundance of invasive plants with respect to varying native richness, human impacts, forest types and climate.

Human use of forests increased the richness and abundance of invasive plants across all forest types. After accounting for human use, native species richness of tropical wet forests had a negative relationship with invasive plants richness and abundance, while the relationship reversed with increasing aridity and temperature. Human infrastructure facilitated invasions within PAs.

Synthesis. The biotic resistance hypothesis explained a lower number of invasions within protected tropical wet forests but not within dry forests. Human‐free protected areas had lower richness and abundance of invasive plants across all systems, especially in wet tropical forests. Our results support the contextual importance of the biotic resistance hypothesis, while stressing the importance of protected areas, insulated from human impacts, to preserve the integrity of vulnerable natural systems.
Tracking towards care: Relational affordances of self‐tracking in gym culture
Authors: Kristensen Dorthe Brogård , Kuruoglu Alev Pinar , Banke Signe
Published: July 2021

In the past few years, self‐tracking technologies have been celebrated for the possibilities they offer to ‘optimize’ fitness and wellbeing, yet also criticized for being rigid and isolating. In this article, we identify complex tracking arrangements that consist of a variety of data and multiple modalities of tracking emplaced within arrangements of actors and objects (digital/analog tracking devices and data output). We inquire into how these arrangements afford care. Based on our ethnographic research of gym culture in Denmark, we find that individuals make the technologies ‘work’ for them in ways that shield them from bodily or emotional distress. Fitness practitioners combine digital tracking technologies with analog methods and enrol other human actors in recording, interpreting, questioning and tinkering with their data; in other words, they perform data work in ways that mend or prevent ruptures and brokenness and thus afford ‘care’. We highlight the role of the personal trainer, who often complements or salvages the outputs of digital technologies. We argue that tracking has the capacity to afford care and wellness when it is emplaced within socialities and when actors are able to exercise their capacities and knowledge in ways that mitigate the data outputs.
Narrative frames as choice over structure of American Indian sexual and reproductive health consequences of historical trauma
Authors: Cox Genevieve R. , Anastario Mike , FireMoon Paula , Ricker Adriann , Rink Elizabeth
Published: July 2021

Emerging evidence suggests that the historical trauma associated with settler colonialism affects the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of American Indian (AI) communities today. This article examines how one AI community narratively frames the influence of historical trauma within the context of community‐based participatory research (CBPR) and the implications of this framing for health behaviours, internalized oppression, SRH outcomes, and future CBPR interventions. We found that AIs framed the SRH consequences of historical trauma with renderings that favoured personal choice over structural explanations. Our findings suggest future interventions could: (1) include educational components on historical trauma and the continued role settler colonialism plays in structural violence against AI bodies and communities; and (2) recognize the role that the individualized logic of westernized/white culture may play in the erasure of traditional collectivist AI culture, internalized oppression, and SRH.
X‐GmbH v Finanzamt Stuttgart – Körperschaften: Abuse of Tax Law and Exchange of Tax Information in EU law
Authors: Kuźniacki Błażej
Published: July 2021

The Court of Justice of the European Union has taken an evolutionary approach to the understanding of an EU standard for the prevention of abuse of tax law under EU primary law (the free movement of capital) in a landmark case regarding the rules on German controlled foreign companies (CFC rules). This case note contrasts the narrow understanding of wholly artificial arrangements under Cadbury Schweppes Overseas Ltd v Commissioners of Inland Revenue with a seemingly broader one in X‐GmbH v Finanzamt Stuttgart – Körperschaften. The note then examines the link between the genuine exchange of tax information with third countries as a way of ensuring effective fiscal supervision, and the prevention of tax avoidance. Finally, the significance of X‐GmbH is highlighted to all the Member States in respect of the transposition of Articles 6, 7 and 8 of the Anti‐Tax Avoidance Directive, and for third countries, and the compatibility of the UK's diverted profits tax with EU law.
Planned complex suicide involving combined drug intoxication and femoral catheterization
Authors: Pélissier‐Alicot Anne‐Laure , Deveaux Marc , Sastre Caroline , Baillif‐Couniou Valerie , Christia Marie‐Amandine , Champeaux‐Fesquet Chantal , Leonetti Georges
Published: July 2021

Complex planned suicide is characterized by the simultaneous use of two or more methods to ensure that death occurs even if one method fails. The authors present an original combination of two self‐killing methods. A 42‐year‐old cardiologist, with a major depressive syndrome and several suicide attempts, as well as cocaine addiction, was found dead at his home with a femoral catheter inserted in the right femoral artery. The autopsy concluded that death was due to major hemorrhagic process in a context of suicide. Toxicological analyses, performed in peripheral blood by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and by liquid chromatography‐diode array detection, revealed the presence of ethanol (0.13 g/L), cocaine, and metabolites (cocaine: 432 µg/L, benzoylecgonine: 3286 µg/L, ecgonine methyl ester: 1195 µg/L, cocaethylene: 41 µg/L), a potentially lethal concentration of citalopram (1.03 mg/L), toxic concentrations of hydroxyzine (0.11 mg/L), bromazepam (2.06 mg/L), and lidocaine (7.30 mg/L). At the end of these analyses, the death was reclassified as planned complex suicide combining drug intoxication and catheterization of the femoral artery. The authors discuss the main aspects of this case and stress the importance of meticulous analysis of all available evidence: witness reports, victim's medical history and occupation, findings of at‐the‐scene examination, autopsy, and toxicological analyses, in order to exclude homicide and to understand the sequence of events that led to death.
Evaluating the New Common Agricultural Policy: Improving the Rules
Authors: Cagliero Roberto , Legnini Marzia , Licciardo Francesco
Published: July 2021

Thirty years after their conception and adoption, European rural development policies are about to enter a new programming period, splitting away from the cohesion funds and showing, for the first time since the implementation of agricultural policies, real integration with the so‐called first Pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The proposal for the new CAP from 2023–2027 includes some improvements through a new delivery model and organisational approach, which may reinforce future evaluations. As to overseeing the implementation of the CAP, the Commission proposed to move from a compliance‐based to a performance‐based approach. Nevertheless, we can highlight some elements that may weaken evaluation processes, with the risk of repeating past failures, as is the case in the current CAP programming period from 2014–2020. This article analyses the new framework proposed for the evaluation of the future CAP and is intended to promote a discussion on how to make evaluations more usable, useful and reliable for their users and evaluation practitioners. The analysis concerns only the rules for evaluation and does not discuss other specific monitoring, performance framework and control requirements, which are interrelated with evaluation.
Functional and patient‐reported changes in swallowing and voice after combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy for limited‐stage small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Frowen Jacqui , Gough Karla , Hughes Rhys , Drosdowsky Allison , Duffy Mary , Kiss Nicole , Phipps‐Nelson Jo , Siva Shankar , Solomon Benjamin , Ball David
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to describe the nature and impact of dysphagia and dysphonia in patients with limited‐stage small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) before and after chemoradiation.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted on patients receiving chemoradiotherapy for limited‐stage SCLC. Patients received either 40, 45 or 50 Gy, commencing the second cycle of chemotherapy. Outcomes included: videofluoroscopy (VFSS) to investigate aspiration, swallowing function and oesophageal motility; oral intake limitations; patient‐reported dysphagia; and patient‐reported dysphonia. Data were collected before treatment and one, three and six months post‐treatment.

Results

Twelve patients were enrolled. Oropharyngeal swallowing was safe and functional at all times. Three patients exhibited oesophageal motility disorders before treatment, and a further three post‐treatment. Oral intake was most compromised one month post‐treatment with five patients either tube dependent or eating very limited diets. At all other times patients were eating normal or near‐normal diets. Despite normal oropharyngeal swallowing on VFSS, three patients reported moderate or severe dysphagia one month post‐treatment. Three additional patients reported moderate or severe difficulties three and six months post‐treatment. Patients who reported dysphagia one month post‐treatment all received a mean and maximum oesophageal dose of ≥15.7 Gy and ≥42 Gy, respectively. Dose–response relationships were not apparent three and six months post‐treatment. Voice problems varied, with worst scores reported one month post‐treatment.

Conclusions

This study identified discordance between observed swallowing function and patient‐reported problems, which has clinical implications for patient management, and highlights future research needs. Ongoing efforts to reduce mucosal toxicity in patients with lung cancer are essential.
The relationship between common variants in the DPEP1 gene and the susceptibility and clinical severity of osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Mei Yufeng , Feng Min , Wang Chunsheng , Yang Pei , Tian Run
Published: July 2021

Aim

Previous studies have provided evidence linking the DPEP1 gene to the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) in Europeans. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between DPEP1 gene and the susceptibility and clinical severity of OA in a Chinese Han population.

Methods

This study comprised two independent samples. For the discovery stage, 1022 patients with knee OA and 1864 controls were recruited. Fourteen tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering the DPEP1 gene were selected and genotyped. Associated SNPs in the discovery data set were subsequently genotyped in the replication data set consisting of 826 hip OA cases and 1662 controls. Both genotypic and allelic genetic associations were tested. The relationship of significant SNPs to the expression of DPEP1 and its neighboring genes was examined using the GTEx database.

Results

A nonsynonymous SNP, rs1126464, was determined to be associated with the disease status of OA in both the discovery and replication stages (odds ratio [OR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.68‐0.82, P = 7.16 × 10−11). This SNP was further characterized as being significantly related to a higher Kellgren‐Lawrence grade in OA patients (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.55‐0.74, P = 2.53 × 10−9). According to the GTEx data, SNP rs1126464 was significantly related to the gene expression of 15 genes in multiple types of human tissues.

Conclusion

We reported a common DNA variant in the DPEP1 gene that contributes to the risk of OA, providing additional evidence that the DPEP1 gene plays a significant role in the pathological mechanisms of OA.
Feasibility and reliability of evaluate PD‐L1 expression determination using small biopsy specimens in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Minjiang , Xu Yan , Zhao Jing , Li Ji , Liu Xiangning , Zhong Wei , Wang Mengzhao
Published: July 2021

Background

Programmed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) is a useful biomarker in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who would probably benefit from immunotherapy. In most patients with advanced stage NSCLC, only small biopsy specimens were available for the evaluation of PD‐L1 expression. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and reliability of PD‐L1 testing on small biopsy samples.

Methods

Small specimens of advanced NSCLC patients obtained via endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA), endobronchial biopsy (EBB), or computed tomography (CT)‐guided core‐needle biopsy were collected. Tumor cell count and tissue sufficiency for PD‐L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) were evaluated and compared. The clinical course of patients who received immunotherapy in the study population was also examined.

Results

Tissue acquisitions for PD‐L1 testing in three groups were all above 90%, with no statistically significant differences. The PD‐L1 expressions levels were concordant in most patients with more than one sample (8/11). In the EBB group, PD‐L1‐positive patients had higher objective response rate (ORR) (53.2% vs. 26.9%, p = 0.048) and longer progression‐free survival (PFS) (312 vs. 179 days, p = 0.035) than PD‐L1 negative patients. In the core needle biopsy group, patients with positive PD‐L1 expression also trended to have higher ORR and longer PFS. However, in the EBUS‐TBNA group, both ORR and PFS were similar between patients with positive or negative PD‐L1 expression.

Conclusions

This study showed that EBUS‐TBNA, EBB, and core needle biopsy provides adequate samples for PD‐L1 testing. The predictive value of PD‐L1 expression on different small samples still warrants further studies.
Distribution of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in southern Australia and insight into the Culicoides victoriae morpho‐variants
Authors: Mee Peter T , Walker Peter J , Weeks Andrew R , Hoffmann Ary A , Duchemin Jean‐Bernard
Published: July 2021

Certain Culicoides species (biting midges) are important vectors globally of a range of viruses, protozoa and filarial parasites, imposing a significant economic and health burden. In a changing climate, understanding which Culicoides species occur in a region is important for biosecurity risk management. We examined the occurrence of predominant Culicoides species in south‐east Australia and provide insight into five Culicoides victoriae morpho‐variants. Culicoides were surveyed using Centre for Disease Control light traps and Yellow Sticky traps, with identification performed morphologically and molecularly. Two polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assays based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I were developed to differentiate morphologically similar C. victoriae, with a subset sequenced for nuclear carbomoylphosphate synthase. The structure of the five C. victoriae morpho‐variants was investigated through phylogenetic trees, haplotype networks and the Barcode Index Number system (BINs) in the Barcode of Life Data (BOLD) database. Twenty‐five different Culicoides species were identified in the sampled region with Culicoides austropalpalis, C. victoriae, C. marksi and C. molestus Gp sp No 2 being the most common. Two PCR‐RFLP assays were developed using either one or three enzymes, with a 90% or 99% success rate, respectively, of being able to differentiate the five C. victoriae morpho‐variants. Mitochondrial and nuclear sequence divergence supported by wing patterning allowed the recognition of multiple potentially new species of C. victoriae and identified species in uncharacterised regions.
Phylogenetic homogenization of Amazonian tree assemblages in forest islands after 26 years of isolation
Authors: Santo‐Silva Edgar E. , Benchimol Maíra , Peres Carlos A.
Published: July 2021

Question

Losses in species richness and functional diversity of tree assemblages have often been observed in Neotropical fragmented landscapes, but the way in which tree phylogenetic diversity responds to forest insularization over decadal timescales remains unclear. Here, we examine how tree phylogenetic diversity and structure have responded to profound landscape alteration and subsequent non‐random species losses within forest islands created within a vast hydroelectric reservoir.

Location

Balbina Hydroelectric Dam Reservoir, Central Brazilian Amazonia.

Methods

We used a large tree data set including 435 subplots of 0.05 ha each in 34 forest islands of variable sizes and three continuous forest sites in the Balbina Hydroelectric Dam, which contained 11,000 stems representing 365 species and 188 genera. In each subplot we quantified tree phylogenetic diversity and structure and investigated their relationship with landscape structure metrics and the proportion of species within specific functional groups.

Results

We uncovered a reduction in phylogenetic diversity in small (<10 ha) isolated islands, particularly in more fire‐prone areas near forest edges and surrounded by low amounts of forest cover. Additionally, assemblage‐wide phylogenetic decay was a result of non‐random species losses, given that tree assemblages dominated by small‐seeded, soft‐wooded pioneer species exhibited lower values of phylogenetic diversity and structure. We also uncovered a phylogenetic signal in traits associated with disturbance‐adapted species within this major man‐made forest archipelago.

Conclusion

We uncovered pronounced phylogenetic diversity decay that was mostly driven by the proliferation of disturbance‐adapted species, such as small‐seeded pioneer species exhibiting fast life histories. Our results undermine more optimistic views based on studies in fragmented landscapes dominated by terrestrial matrix habitats, and indicate that true land‐bridge forest islands experience more detrimental effects on different components of tree diversity. Our study contributes to elucidate a growing underestimation of the pervasive threats posed by mega‐dams to tropical forest biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
A Phase 1 study of the long‐acting anti‐IL‐5 monoclonal antibody GSK3511294 in patients with asthma
Authors: Singh Dave , Fuhr Rainard , Bird Nicholas P. , Mole Sarah , Hardes Kelly , Man Yau Lun , Cahn Anthony , Yancey Steven W. , Pouliquen Isabelle J.
Published: July 2021

Aims

GSK3511294 is a humanized anti‐interleukin (IL)‐5 monoclonal antibody (mAb) engineered for extended half‐life and improved IL‐5 affinity versus other anti‐IL‐5 mAbs. This study examined its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and effect on blood eosinophil counts.

Methods

This was a double‐blind, parallel‐group, single‐ascending‐dose, multicenter, Phase 1 study (205 722;NCT03287310) in patients with asthma and a blood eosinophil count ≥200 cells μL−1. Patients were randomized 3:1 within dose cohorts to receive a single subcutaneous dose of GSK3511294 (2, 10, 30, 100 or 300 mg) or placebo and followed for up to 40 weeks to assess safety (primary endpoint), ratio to baseline in blood eosinophil count, plasma PK parameters and frequency/titers of binding antidrug antibodies (all secondary).

Results

Forty‐eight patients received the study drug and completed the study. Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 92% of placebo‐treated and 81% of GSK3511294‐treated patients. There were no AEs leading to study withdrawal or serious AEs; hypersensitivity (one event in one patient) and injection‐site reaction (three events in two patients) occurred infrequently. Marked reductions (>48%) in blood eosinophil count were seen from 24 hours post‐dose with all GSK3511294 doses but not placebo; suppression was maintained for longer with increasing dose (82% and 83% adjusted reductions vs placebo with 100 and 300 mg, respectively, at week 26). PK were linear and dose proportional over the dose range; terminal half‐life was 38‐53 days.

Conclusions

GSK3511294 was well tolerated, with linear and dose proportional PK, extended half‐life and blood eosinophil count reduction, supporting less frequent dosing versus other anti‐IL‐5 mAbs.
Truth is its own reward: Completeness of information, the feeling of truth knowing, and victims’ closure
Authors: Quinney Blake , Wenzel Michael , Woodyatt Lydia
Published: July 2021

Victims of crime often want the truth about what happened. Yet, how exactly is truth valuable? Commonly, truth is thought to be instrumentally valuable by providing useful knowledge. Truth would be beneficial for victims because specific information may afford re‐appraisals or greater understanding. The present research shows that truth may have inherent value independent from information content by providing truth knowing, a subjective sense of having the complete account, which facilitates closure. In Study 1 (n = 200) and Study 2 (n = 195), participants imagined themselves as victims of crime and were presented with one of two reports identical in content but designed to appear either complete or incomplete. As predicted, the complete report increased truth knowing and not understanding. Truth knowing was associated with greater closure, reduced affect, and greater forgiveness. In Study 3 (n = 157), real crime victims responded to one of two question sets making salient either the completeness or incompleteness of the information available about the crime. Salience of the completeness of information increased truth knowing, increased closure, reduced anger, and was associated with greater forgiveness. Findings suggest that truth knowing may facilitate the recovery of victims independently from instrumental value derived from content.
Recognition of seizure semiology and semiquantitative FDG‐PET analysis of anti‐LGI1 encephalitis
Authors: Li Tao‐Ran , Zhang Yu‐Di , Wang Qun , Shao Xiao‐Qiu , Lv Rui‐Juan
Published: July 2021

Aims

Anti‐leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated 1 (LGI1) autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is characterized by complex manifestations of seizures. Here, we report a new seizure semiology, attempt to classify the disease by semiology type, and explore the metabolic pattern of each group.

Methods

Anti‐LGI1 AE patients were retrospectively screened between May 2014 and September 2019 in our tertiary epilepsy center. All enrolled patients had seizures during long‐range video electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings, and all patients (except one) underwent [18F] fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Voxel‐based metabolic analysis and z‐distribution analysis were carried out to determine the metabolic pattern.

Results

Thirty‐three patients were enrolled. According to the patients’ seizure semiology, we divided the patients into four groups: focal impaired awareness seizures (FIAS, n = 17), faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS)‐only (n = 6), FBDS‐plus (n = 8), and focal aware motor seizures (FAMS) (n = 2). No significant differences were found in the clinical manifestations or accessory tests except for the onset age (FIAS < FBDS‐plus) and seizure semiology. This was the first study to extensively describe the clinical manifestations and EEG of FAMS in anti‐LGI1 AE patients. In addition, we found that the patients with different semiologies all showed a wide range of abnormal metabolism, which is not limited to the temporal regions and basal ganglia, and extends far beyond our previous interpretation of FDG‐PET data.

Conclusion

Our results showed that FAMS can serve as a rare indicative seizure semiology of anti‐LGI1 AE and that individuals with this disease exhibited widespread functional network alterations.
Bikini textile contact dermatitis: A Sherlockian approach revealing 2,4‐dichlorophenol as a potential textile contact allergen
Authors: Pesqué David , March‐Rodriguez Álvaro , Dahlin Jakob , Isaksson Marléne , Pujol Ramon M. , Giménez‐Arnau Elena , Giménez‐Arnau Ana M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Different textile constituents may act as allergens and/or irritants and provoke textile contact dermatitis (TCD).

Objectives

To report a case of TCD caused by ethylene glycol monododecyl ether and 2,4‐dichlorophenol, present in a bikini.

Methods

A woman presented with an eczematous, pruritic rash in the area of the bikini straps and back. Patch testing was performed with the European baseline, textile, sunscreen, and photo‐patch series, the bikini “as is”, and ethanol and acetone extracts of the bikini. Thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) of the extracts and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis were used to elucidate the culprit agents.

Results

Positive reactions were found to the bikini “as is” and to the ethanol and acetone extracts. Patch testing with TLC strips showed a strong reaction to spots‐fractions 3 and 4. GC–MS was performed to identify substances in each fraction and those suspected to be skin sensitisers were patch tested. On day (D) 4 positive reactions to ethylene glycol monododecyl ether (irritant reaction) and 2,4‐dichlorophenol (++) were observed.

Conclusion

A myriad of chemical compounds can be found in clothing. Ethylene glycol monododecyl ether and 2,4‐dichlorophenol were identified as the potential culprits of this bikini TCD.
Post‐operative outcomes in anonymous living liver donors: What motivates individuals to donate to strangers
Authors: Flaig Carly , Humar Abhinav , Kirshner Emily , Hughes Christopher , Ganesh Swaytha , Tevar Amit , Steel Jennifer L.
Published: July 2021

Background

Anonymous living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a strategy to address the shortage of available transplantable
livers; however, few studies have been conducted on this population. The objective of this study was to describe the motivations and medical, psychosocial, and financial outcomes of anonymous living liver donors.

Methods

Between 2010–2019, 116 anonymous living liver donors were evaluated, 59 (51.7%) of whom proceeded to surgery. A
subset of 21 anonymous donors were matched to biologically/emotionally related donors according to age, gender, race, and
duration since surgery. A medical chart review and post‐surgical interviews were performed to assess medical and financial outcomes.

Results

The primary motivation for donors was an unselfish desire to help others (43, 72.9%). A total of 13 (22%) anonymous donors experienced complications. Of these, 7 (11.9%) were grade I Clavien‐Dindo classification, 5 (8.5%) grade II, 1 was grade III (1.7%); and no patients had grade IV–V Clavien‐Dindo complications. Increased anxiety was reported by 3 (5.1%) donors, and one donor reported clinical levels of depression (1.7%). Within the matched controls, anonymous donors were not significantly different to biologically/emotionally related donors with regard to surgical complications, psychosocial, or financial outcomes.

Conclusions

Allowing a greater number of anonymous donors may facilitate the reduction of the waitlist for liver transplant candidates.
Clinical and histopathological spectrum of delayed adverse cutaneous reactions following COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Larson Valerie , Seidenberg Roy , Caplan Avrom , Brinster Nooshin K. , Meehan Shane A. , Kim Randie H.
Published: July 2021

Background

As more people become vaccinated against the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, reports of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions are beginning to emerge.

Methods

In this IRB‐approved retrospective case series, biopsy specimens of potential cutaneous adverse reactions from the Pfizer‐BioNTech or Moderna mRNA vaccine were identified and reviewed. Clinical information was obtained through the requisition form, referring clinician, or medical chart review.

Results

Twelve cases were included. Histopathological features from two injection‐site reactions showed a mixed‐cell infiltrate with eosinophils and a spongiotic dermatitis with eosinophils. Three biopsy specimens came from generalized eruptions that showed interface changes consistent with an exanthematous drug reaction. Three biopsy specimens revealed a predominantly spongiotic pattern, consistent with eczematous dermatitis. Small‐vessel vascular injury was seen in two specimens, which were diagnosed as urticarial vasculitis and leukocytoclastic vasculitis, respectively. There were two cases of new‐onset bullous pemphigoid supported by histopathological examination and direct immunofluorescence studies. Eosinophils were seen in 10 cases.

Conclusions

Dermatopathologists should be aware of potential cutaneous adverse reactions to mRNA‐based COVID‐19 vaccines. Histopathological patterns include mixed‐cell infiltrates, epidermal spongiosis, and interface changes. Eosinophils are a common finding but are not always present. Direct immunofluorescence studies may be helpful for immune‐mediated cutaneous presentations such as vasculitis or bullous pemphigoid.
Cytological diagnosis of sclerosing adenosis of breast: Diagnostic challenges and literature review
Authors: Sharma Tanya , Chaurasia Jai Kumar , Kumar Vinay , Mukhopadhyay Sramana , Joshi Deepti
Published: July 2021

This report describes the cytological diagnosis of sclerosing adenosis along with a brief literature review, with emphasis on overcoming diagnostic challenges and pitfalls.
Informality and the Infrastructures of Inclusion: An Introduction
Authors: Meagher Kate
Published: July 2021

The worrying welfare and political risks of expanding informal economies have put concerns about economic inclusion at the heart of contemporary development thinking — concerns further intensified in the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Amid a collective ‘will to include’, this Debate adopts an infrastructural lens to decipher the distributive and governance implications of the complex institutional, financial and digital linkages through which informal workers and consumers are being included in the circuits of contemporary market economies. Looking beyond imaginaries of seamless linkages, the articles in this Debate examine the specific processes through which these inclusive connections engage with informal actors, focusing on how they work and for whom. Articles focus on various types of inclusive infrastructures that connect deprived communities to jobs, resources and social citizenship, ranging from social protection systems to employment linkages and services for hard‐to‐reach populations. With a view to cutting through the ideological blurring of inclusive discourses, this Introduction will examine the strategies of legibility and regulatory restructuring effected through inclusive infrastructures. It reveals the hidden politics of inclusive linkages, reflects on the techniques of governance operating through socio‐technical connections, and examines processes of resistance and failed connections reworking inclusive infrastructures from below.
Newborns’ early attuning to hand‐to‐mouth coordinated actions
Authors: Addabbo Margaret , Roberti Elisa , Colombo Lorenzo , Picciolini Odoardo , Turati Chiara
Published: July 2021

Already inside the womb, fetuses frequently bring their hands to the mouth, anticipating hand‐to‐mouth contact by opening the mouth. Here, we explored whether 2‐day‐old newborns discriminate between hand actions directed towards different targets of the face—that is, a thumb that reaches the mouth and a thumb that reaches the chin. Newborns looked longer towards the thumb‐to‐mouth compared to the thumb‐to‐chin action only in the presence, and not absence, of anticipatory mouth opening movements, preceding the thumb arrival. Overall, our results show that newborns are sensitive to hand‐to‐face coordinated actions, being capable to discriminate between body‐related actions directed towards different targets of the face, but only when a salient visual cue that anticipates the target of the action is present. The role of newborns’ sensorimotor experience with hand‐to‐mouth gestures in driving this capacity is discussed.
Once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide treatment for persons with type 2 diabetes: Real‐world data from a diabetes out‐patient clinic
Authors: Hansen Katrine B. , Svendstrup Mathilde , Lund Asger , Knop Filip K. , Vilsbøll Tina , Vestergaard Henrik
Published: July 2021

Aims

The once‐weekly administered glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) semaglutide, has, in clinical trials, demonstrated significant reductions in glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and body weight in persons with type 2 diabetes. We evaluated the real‐world clinical effects of semaglutide once weekly in a hospital‐based diabetes out‐patient clinic.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study included persons with type 2 diabetes (n = 119) on a broad range of antidiabetic medicine: GLP‐1RA naïve persons (n = 37) and GLP‐1RA‐experienced persons (n = 82). Person characteristics at inclusion: age [median (quartiles)]: 65 (57, 72) years; body weight 99 (86, 118) kg; body mass index (BMI) 33 (29, 38) kg/m²; HbA1c 61 (54, 69) mmol/mol/(7.7 (7.1, 8.5) %). Data were collected at baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months of semaglutide treatment. Data were analysed using a general linear mixed model for repeated measurements.

Results

After 12 months, the reductions in HbA1c were (mean [95% confidence interval]: GLP‐1RA naïve: −12.8 [−17.0, −8.5] mmol/mol/ −1.2 [−1.6, −0.8]% (p < 0.01) and GLP‐1RA experienced: −6.4 [−9.0, −3.8] mmol/mol/ −0.6 [−0.8, −0.4]% (p < 0.01), respectively. Body weight reductions in GLP‐1RA naïve: −5 [−6.9, −3.1] kg (p < 0.01) and GLP‐1RA experienced: −3.2 [−4.4, −2.0] kg (p < 0.01), respectively. Seventy‐five percent received 1 mg QW semaglutide.

Conclusion

We observed effects of semaglutide once weekly on HbA1c and body weight comparable with the effects observed in clinical studies with fewer persons in our cohort receiving maximum dose of semaglutide.
Trends in home dialysis use differ among age categories in past two decades: A Dutch registry study
Authors: Bonenkamp Anna A. , Hoekstra Tiny , Hemmelder Marc H. , van Eck van der Sluijs Anita , Abrahams Alferso C. , van Ittersum Frans J. , van Jaarsveld Brigit C.
Published: July 2021

Background

Although the number of patients with end‐stage kidney disease is growing, the number of patients who perform dialysis at home has decreased during the past two decades. The aim of this study was to explore time trends in the use of home dialysis in the Netherlands.

Methods

Dialysis episodes of patients who started dialysis treatment were studied using Dutch registry data (RENINE). The uptake of home dialysis between 1997 through 2016 was evaluated in time periods of 5 years. Home dialysis was defined as start with peritoneal dialysis or home haemodialysis, or transfer to either within 2 years of dialysis initiation. All analyses were stratified for age categories. Mixed model logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for clustering at patient level.

Results

A total of 33 340 dialysis episodes in 31 569 patients were evaluated. Mean age at dialysis initiation increased from 62.5 ± 14.0 to 65.5 ± 14.5 years in in‐centre haemodialysis patients, whereas it increased from 51.9 ± 15.1 to 62.5 ± 14.6 years in home dialysis patients. In patients <65 years, the uptake of home dialysis was significantly lower during each 5‐year period compared with the previous period, whereas kidney transplantation occurred more often. In patients ≥65 years, the incidence of home dialysis remained constant, whereas mortality decreased.

Conclusions

In patients <65 years, the overall use of home dialysis declined consistently over the past 20 years. The age of home dialysis patients increased more rapidly than that of in‐centre dialysis patients. These developments have a significant impact on the organization of home dialysis.