bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adapting Altman's model to predict the performance of the Palestinian industrial sector
Authors: Awwad Bahaa , Razia Bahaa
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to adopt the Altman model in order to predict the performance of industrial companies listed on the Palestinian Stock Exchange during the period of time between 2013 and 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consisted of 12 industrial companies listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange, and their financial disclosure period extended for 5 years. Multiple linear regression model was used in the analysis to determine the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable where the independent variables were (X1, X2, X3). This study is based on one basic assumption, which is that the Altman's model cannot predict the performance of the Palestinian industrial sector.

Findings

The results of the analysis proved the negation of the zero main hypothesis. This means that Altman's model can predict the performance of the Palestinian industrial sector at the level of statistical significance (a = 0.05), as well as the existence of a statistically significant relationship between each of the independent variables (X2, X4, X5) and the dependent variable (Log (Z-score)). Hence, the relationship of X1 and X3 with the dependent variable was not statistically significant.

Social implications

This paper highlights different challenges that face the adaption of Atman's model and performance prediction in the Palestinian industrial sector. The findings of the analysis have the potential to help future researchers in examining and dealing with new challenges.

Originality/value

This paper presents a vital review of adopting Altman's model in the Palestinian industrial sector. A number of recommendations have been made, the most important of which is that most of the companies are located in the red zone. The Altman's model must be adapted in order to fit the Palestinian environment according to the results of statistical analysis and according to a proposed model, which is Log (Z) = −0.653 + 0.72X2 + 0.18X4 + 0.585X5.
“I found what I needed, which was a supportive community”: an ethnographic study of shared information practices in an online cosplay community
Authors: Vardell Emily , Wang Ting , Thomas Paul A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study explored the information practices of cosplayers, as well as the social norms, social types and information infrastructure of an online cosplay Facebook group, the Rey Cosplay Community (RCC).

Design/methodology/approach

To better understand individual behavior, the authors made use of ethnographic methods and semi-structured interviews. Observation of the RCC was combined with information gleaned from select participant interviews.

Findings

The results suggest that the RCC can be conceived of as an information community where fans obtain and share information about cosplay costume making. Sufficient and well-organized information and positive community culture greatly help community members make their costumes.

Originality/value

This works serves as a bridge between fan studies and information science research in its exploration of online communities, shared information practices and creating non-toxic virtual environments. It also lends support to the idea that positivity, respect for community rules and a tight-knit connection between members play essential roles in building a non-toxic fan and information community.
A qualitative system dynamics approach to modeling the causes and effects of design deficiencies in construction projects
Authors: Shoar Shahab , Payan Shamsi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Poor quality of design documents and Design Deficiencies (DDs) are critical factors that can potentially cause time and cost overrun and lead to project failure. Despite the importance of this issue, few studies have been conducted to explore the underlying relations among the causes and effects of DDs, and it is not clear how they exert influence on each other. However, it is imperative to have a clear understanding of their interrelationships so as to devise intervention strategies. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to explore these causes and effects.

Design/methodology/approach

To this aim, a qualitative system dynamics model was provided to visualize how various factors interact with one another. The model was developed and validated by drawing on the expertise of industry-related experts. The key causes and effects of the DDs were identified through the investigation of the model.

Findings

It was concluded that design management of project and the composition of design teams are critical. The obtained results also showed that more attention should be paid to the enhancement of knowledge circulation and communication within design firms and increasing the awareness of managers and owners from the technical consequences of their managerial decisions.

Research limitations/implications

It is worth mentioning that the design process could be deeply affected by the quality, frequency and strength of relationships among the project’s parties. Early involvement of contractors, for example, can significantly contribute to enhancing design quality. This study investigates factors’ interactions in projects delivered using the traditional design-bid-build method. As relationships between the project’s parties could be different in various project delivery methods, further research is indeed needed to assess factors’ interactions in projects delivered using other methods.

Originality/value

It is believed that the proposed model by providing a better insight into the connections of causes and effects could aid project managers of different parties with planning the strategies to reduce DDs and mitigate their effects.
Key attributes of Muslim-friendly hotels’ service quality: voices from booking.com
Authors: Arasli Huseyin , Saydam Mehmet Bahri , Gunay Tugrul , Jafari Kaveh
Published: August 2021

Purpose

On a global scale, the Muslim-friendly hospitality business has intensified hotel competition. Given the paucity of research on the important service quality characteristics of Muslim-friendly hotels, this study aims to identify the major themes encountered by tourists at Muslim-friendly hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used content analyzes (qualitative) to examine 1,250 reviews using Leximancer software. Data were gathered from the online travel website booking.com. The top 10 Islamic hotels according to Crescent ranking were taken into a data set.

Findings

Qualitative (narratives) analysis showcased nine key themes, namely, “hotel,” “staff,” “food,” “room,” “location,” “pool,” “facilities,” “cleanliness” and “Wi-Fi.” Furthermore, the findings of this study contribute to filling research voids in the literature by distinguishing themes linked with halal hotel “satisfaction” from those associated with “dissatisfaction.”

Originality/value

The findings of this research offer valuable visions into halal-hotel travelers’ overall experiences based on user-generated content and facilitate the identification of the dominant themes linked with a different value for money ratings.
Understanding the relationship among factors influencing rural tourism: a hierarchical approach
Authors: Kumar Suneel , Valeri Marco , Shekhar
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyze the interrelationship between factors conducive to rural tourism development. This touristic segment has enormous potential but still lacks consistent means and measures to ensure rural tourism's holistic development in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study identified 14 factors, of which nine are from the literature review and five are from interaction with the experts, which influence rural tourism development. The research design comprises three segments, i.e. identifying factors from the literature and expert opinion, conducting interviews with the academic experts and managers, and analyzing the responses recorded. Interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique is used to determine the interlinkage between the factors and develop a hierarchical relationship.

Findings

The results indicate that infrastructure development, growing environmental conscience, support of local government and community, availability of funds with the government and participation of the private sector are the primary factors channelizing rural tourism development. Also, attitudes of locals to adapt, tourist travel motives, marketing of the destination, destination characteristics and recommendation by others are the major dependent factors identified. The findings broaden the knowledge on suitable channels for rural tourism development and provide vital information for the formulation of flexible strategies for developing rural tourism in India.

Originality/value

This paper's originality lies in providing information to clarify the relationships between factors conducive to rural tourism development, an area where limited research has been done.
Additive manufacturing technology in dental education
Authors: Maricic Sven , Kovacevic Pavicic Daniela , Ptacnik Barbara , Druzeta Romina Prziklas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to develop a specialized and economically feasible educational model using a combination of conventional approach and additive technology with a precision that proves to be sufficient for educational use. With the use of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing models in educational stages, the possibility of infectious diseases transmission can be significantly reduced.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed process involves the planning and development of specialized anatomical three-dimensional (3D) models and associated structures using omnipresent additive technologies. A short survey was conducted among dental students about their knowledge of applying additive technologies in dental medicine and their desire to implement such technologies into existing curricula.

Findings

The results revealed how an educational 3D model can be developed by optimizing the mesh parameters to reduce the total number of elements while maintaining the quality of the geometric structure. The survey results demonstrated that the willingness to adapt to new technologies is increasing (p < 0.001) among students with a higher level of education. A series of recent studies have indicated that the lack of knowledge and the current skill gap remain the most significant barriers to the wider adoption of additive manufacturing.

Practical implications

An economically feasible, realistic anatomical educational model in the field of dental medicine was established. Additive technology is a key pillar of new specialized-knowledge digital skills for the enhancement of dental training.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is the introduction of a 3D technology for promoting an economically feasible model, without compromising the quality of dental education.
The Land Rover “Guest experience” marketing concept
Authors: Lloyd John
Published: August 2021

Purpose

An experience marketing case: Land Rover Ltd. transformed the test drive into a personal learning and loyalty experience for their customers and potential customer “Guests” at a global network of Land Rover Experience Centres.

Design/methodology/approach

The Land Rover Experience platform, in the marketing role it has today, started to take shape in the late 1990s when the author and his associates began to craft it into a viable business strategy. As a case study, it offers executives a how-to guide to “marketing experiences.”

Findings

Land Rover enthusiasts and owners consider themselves Land Rover people but many need off-road training to familiarize themselves with all the car’s features used in rough terrain driving.

Practical implications

Two decades after pioneering the program, when the author retired in 2019, there were over 65 experience operations in place with more than one million Guests a year actively participating in Jaguar and Land Rover experience programs around the world.

Originality/value

The question for corporate executives should not be “How do we build Guest experiences into our marketing plan?” In many businesses the question needs to be “How do we build our marketing plan around rich and memorable Guest experiences?”

Contribution to Impact
Early flood detection and rescue using bioinformatic devices, internet of things (IOT) and Android application
Authors: Khan Rijwan , Shabaz Mohammad , Hussain Sarfaraj , Ahmad Faraz , Mishra Pranav
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The impact of natural disasters on human life, the environment and the flora and fauna can be contained to large extent by intelligent human intervention. This study introduces the human capabilities which can be extended considerably with technology. Internet of things have always provided opportunities for predicting and managing manmade/natural disasters. The extreme reason for causing soil erosions, landslides, cloud bursts, floods, etc., are due to excessive rainfall. However, the flood is one of the most happening natural disasters, following Bihar to be the most affected region due to floods. Lots of lives and properties were lost and damaged.

Design/methodology/approach

This implemented researchers to introduce an advanced solution for such calamities. Expectations were developed that it would signalize authority as early as possible so that advanced measures are taken before the effect. The lack of sensing or alarming technology in India pushed researchers to develop a model using the Android app that basically detected the upcoming flood and other calamities.

Findings

Most importantly the entire model was programmed with IoT and its techniques so that the response is quicker and more accurate.

Originality/value

This research study is original.
Differences in health outcomes for high‐needhigh‐costpatients across high‐incomecountries
Authors: Papanicolas Irene , Riley Kristen , Abiona Olukorede , Arvin Mina , Atsma Femke , Bernal‐Delgado Enrique , Bowden Nicholas , Blankart Carl Rudolf , Deeny Sarah , Estupiñán‐Romero Francisco , Gauld Robin , Haywood Philip , Janlov Nils , Knight Hannah , Lorenzoni Luca , Marino Alberto , Or Zeynep , Penneau Anne , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Shatrov Kosta , Stafford Mai , van de Galien Onno , van Gool Kees , Wodchis Walter , Jha Ashish K. , Figueroa Jose F.
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study explores variations in outcomes of care for two types of patient personas—an older frail person recovering from a hip fracture and a multimorbid older patient with congestive heart failure (CHF) and diabetes.

Data Sources

We used individual‐level patient data from 11 health systems.

Study Design

We compared inpatient mortality, mortality, and readmission rates at 30, 90, and 365 days. For the hip fracture persona, we also calculated time to surgery. Outcomes were standardized by age and sex.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Data was compiled by the International Collaborative on Costs, Outcomes and Needs in Care across 11 countries for the years 2016–2017 (or nearest): Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.

Principal Findings

The hip sample across ranged from 1859 patients in Aragon, Spain, to 42,849 in France. Mean age ranged from 81.2 in Switzerland to 84.7 in Australia, and the majority of hip patients across countries were female. The congestive heart failure (CHF) sample ranged from 742 patients in England to 21,803 in the United States. Mean age ranged from 77.2 in the United States to 80.3 in Sweden, and the majority of CHF patients were males. Average in‐hospital mortality across countries was 4.1%. for the hip persona and 6.3% for the CHF persona. At the year mark, the mean mortality across all countries was 25.3% for the hip persona and 32.7% for CHF persona. Across both patient types, England reported the highest mortality at 1 year followed by the United States. Readmission rates for all periods were higher for the CHF persona than the hip persona. At 30 days, the average readmission rate for the hip persona was 13.8% and 27.6% for the CHF persona.

Conclusion

Across 11 countries, there are meaningful differences in health system outcomes for two types of patients.
Access to credit and farmland abandonment nexus: The case of rural Ghana
Authors: Ankrah Twumasi Martinson , Jiang Yuansheng , Ntiamoah Evans B. , Akaba Selorm , Darfor Kwabena N. , Boateng Linda K.
Published: August 2021

Credit has been identified as an essential tool to improve poor households' livelihood. Therefore, for rural farm households to improve their welfare and invest in productive agriculture activity, access to credit must be promoted. This paper examines how credit accessibility influences rural farm households' farmland abandonment reduction in Ghana. Using survey data collected from four regions in Ghana, the endogenous switching regression (ESR) model, and the problem confronting index (PCI) model were employed in the estimation. The findings revealed that households with access to credit are more likely to not abandon their farmland than a random farmer from the sample. Also, different household groups showed a heterogeneous impact of credit on farmland abandonment. Our findings provide policy implications to reduce farmland abandonment. For example, the negative credit accessibility impact on farmland abandonment implies that government and policymakers should target policies (e.g., improving the rural financial market) that will motivate farmers to reduce farmland abandonment.
Efficacy of high versus conventional dose of ergocalciferol supplementation on serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and interleukin‐6 levels among hemodialysis patients with vitamin D deficiency: A multicenter, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Nata Naowanit , Siricheepchaiyan Wittaya , Supasyndh Ouppatham , Satirapoj Bancha
Published: August 2021

Long‐term dialysis involves a chronic inflammatory state and produces a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. A clinical trial was conducted in hemodialysis with serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level <30 ng/ml. The conventional‐group (N = 35) and the high‐dose group (N = 35) were treated with ergocalciferol according to the K/DOQI guidelines and double dosage of ergocalciferol from the recommendation for 8 weeks, respectively. The main outcomes were measured by serum 25[OH]D and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). At the end of 8 weeks, a statistically significant greater increase was observed of mean serum 25[OH]D levels and a decrease of mean parathyroid hormone levels in the high‐dose group compared with the conventional‐dose group. The high dose group had the higher achievement of vitamin D sufficiency than the conventional‐dose group (97.4% vs. 76.4%, p = 0.012). No significant difference was found in mean changes of serum IL‐6 level in both groups, except subgroup patients with vitamin D deficiency or serum 25[OH]D <20 ng/ml, high dose treatment suppressed serum IL‐6 level (−2.67 pg/ml [IQR −6.56 to −0.17], p = 0.039). No differences were observed between the two groups in adverse events. Oral high‐dose ergocalciferol supplementation has achieved higher vitamin D sufficiency than standard dose in end stage renal disease patients on dialysis.
Linking of NMDA receptors and mGluR5 in the nucleus accumbens core to repeated cocaine‐induced 50‐kHz ultrasonic vocalization in rats
Authors: Sohn Sumin , Kim Sunghyun , Yang Ju Hwan , Choe Eun Sang
Published: August 2021

Rats express a positive emotional state by emitting 50‐kHz ultrasonic vocalization (USV) calls in response to drug exposure. This study demonstrated the linking of glutamate receptors in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) to vocal expression of 50‐kHz USV calls after repeated cocaine administration in freely moving rats. Repeated systemic injections of cocaine (20 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for seven consecutive days increased the number of 50‐kHz USV calls. Intra‐NAc core infusion of the broad‐glutamate receptor antagonist, γDGG (50 nmol/side), decreased the repeated cocaine‐induced increase in the number of 50‐kHz USV calls. Intra‐NAc core infusion of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, MK801 (2 nmol/side), but not α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid or kainic acid receptor antagonist, CNQX disodium salt (2 nmol/side), decreased the number of 50‐kHz USV calls that had been elevated by repeated exposure to cocaine. Intra‐NAc core infusion of the group I metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5), MPEP (0.5 nmol/side), MTEP (15 nmol/side) and inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor blocker, xestospongin C (0.004 nmol/side) decreased the cocaine‐induced increase in the number of USV calls. These data suggest that the NMDA receptor‐ and mGluR5‐dependent increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in the NAc core is linked to a positive emotional state after repeated exposure to cocaine in rats.
No modularity at ventral level in the horse skull
Authors: Parés‐Casanova Pere M.
Published: August 2021

Morphological integration and modularity are concepts that refer to the covariation level between the components of a structure. Morphological modules are independent subsets of highly correlated traits. The horse skull has been studied as a whole functional structure for decades, but the integrative approach towards quantitative examination of modules is scarce. We report here the first evaluation of cranial modularity in the horse at basal level. For this, we studied the modularity hypothesis for splanchnocranium and basicranium modules in the horse, two phenotipic regions under local influence by soft‐tissue–hard‐tissue interfaces. Using geometric morphometrics to capture the shape and location, we examined both modules in a sample of 23 dry skulls belonging to Pyrenean Horse Breed using 57 two‐dimensional cranial landmarks. Modules were compared through partial least squares analyses and Escoufier (RV) coefficient. We tested whether the integration (measured by Escoufier RV coefficient) of splanchnocranium and basicranium strength modules and their covariation pattern (as analysed by partial least squares analysis) subordinate and express similar integration results. A clear modularity was observed. The lack of disproportions in the skulls of domestic horse breeds (compared to dog and cat breeds, for instance) might be an expression of the lack of single modules to evolve. On the other side, integration might have a positive impact on survival as long as the selection pressure is along the trajectory of integrated variation.
Be mindful in love: Exploring the interpersonal effects of spouse mindfulness on employee work and family outcomes
Authors: Zheng Xiaoming , Ni Dan , Zhu Jinlong , Song Lynda Jiwen , Liu Xiao‐Yu , Johnson Russell E.
Published: August 2021

Mindfulness has received increasing attention from scholars and practitioners, and considerable research has demonstrated the intrapersonal effects of mindfulness at work or at home. Research to date, however, has overlooked potential interpersonal effects of mindfulness across the work and family domains. Drawing on the spillover‐crossover model and the mindfulness literature, we investigate the effects of spouse mindfulness at home on employee work and family outcomes. We test our model using dyadic experience‐sampling data collected from 125 focal employees and their spouses over 10 consecutive workdays. The results indicated that, at the within‐person level, spouse mindfulness at home was positively associated with employee authentic emotional sharing at home, which, in turn, was positively associated with employee positive effect at home but negatively associated with employee negative affect at home. The results also indicated that spouse mindfulness at home had a positive indirect effect on family satisfaction at home and work engagement during the next morning through enhancing employee authentic emotional sharing at home. We discuss the implications of these findings and directions for the mindfulness research.
Editorial: when to start carvedilol in cirrhosis—time to reconsider?
Authors: Gillespie Sarah‐Louise , Hayes Peter C.
Published: August 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wijarnpreecha et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16490 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16526
Editorial: acute gastrointestinal bleeding – proposed new study outcomes
Authors: Lamb Carly , Stanley Adrian J.
Published: August 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Jensen et al and Jensen & Barkun papers. To view these articles, https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16483 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16545
Letter: Hepatitis B and MAFLD ‐ a consilience of risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Kenneth I. , Zheng Ming‐Hua
Published: August 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Estes et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15673
Editorial: does anti‐TNF ‘treatment persistence’ always equate to ‘effective treatment’? Only objective disease assessments can answer the question. Authors' reply
Authors: Blesl Andreas , Högenauer Christoph , Borenich Andrea , Berghold Andrea , Wenzl Heimo , Petritsch Wolfgang
Published: August 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Blesl et al and Srinivasan & van Langenberg papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16478 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16506
Letter: mind the gap—search and publication date of systematic reviews and meta‐analysis. Authors' reply
Authors: Salvo‐Halloran Elizabeth M. , Ferko Nicole C. , Cash Sarah B. , Gonzalez Ailish , Kahrilas Peter J.
Published: August 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Salvo et al and Patel et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16407 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16537
Editorial: central obesity is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma in Asian patients with chronic hepatitis B on anti‐viral therapy—authors' reply
Authors: Fan Rong , Hou Jinlin
Published: August 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Fan et al and Yip & Wong papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16469 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16498
Four‐implant‐supported overdenture treatment in the maxilla. Part I: A randomized controlled split mouth trial assessing the effect of microthreads and abutment connection type on 4 years peri‐implant health
Authors: Doornewaard Ron , Sakani Samir , Matthys Carine , Glibert Maarten , Bronkhorst Ewald , Vandeweghe Stefan , Vervaeke Stijn , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: August 2021

Background

According to literature, peri‐implant bone loss is minimized on implants with microthreaded neck design and internal type of abutment connection. However, most clinical studies may be biased due to confounding factors.

Purpose

This nonblinded RCT assessed the effect of implant neck (microthreaded vs non‐microthreaded) as well as the type of abutment connection (internal conical vs external flat‐to‐flat) on peri‐implant bone stability and peri‐implant health after at least 36 months.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐five patients were treated with a maxillary implant‐supported bar‐retained overdenture on four different implant types: internal connection with microthreads (I‐MT), internal connection without microthreads (I‐NMT), external connection with microthreads (E‐MT), and external connection without microthreads (E‐NMT). To control confounding factors, all other design features were similar. A linear mixed‐model analysis or mixed‐model logistic regression analysis was used to determine the effect of implant type on bone level, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and plaque.

Results

Four out of 98 implants (4.1%) placed in 25 patients failed during provisionalization and were replaced. Mean overall bone loss after 6 months was 0.39 mm (SD 0.62, range 0.00–3.48) with limited additional bone loss of 0.04 mm (SD 0.54, range −1.80–1.63) after at least 3 years. Microthreads or connection type had no effect on the bone level, probing pocket depth, bleeding on probing, nor plaque.

Conclusions

With 96% of implant survival, the maxillary overdenture supported with a bar on four implants yield a predictable outcome and the implant–abutment connection type (internal vs external) and implant neck design (microthreaded vs non‐microthreaded) have no influence on peri‐implant bone remodeling after initial bone remodeling nor up to 4 years of function. Peri‐implant bone levels are within international success standards and peri‐implant health is indicative of absence of peri‐implantitis.
Immediate loading of fixed partial prostheses reconstructed using either tapered or straight implants in the posterior area: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kim Yoo‐Yeon , Song Young Woo , Kim Myong Ji , Cha Jae‐Kook , Park Ji‐Man , Kim Jee‐Hwan , Jung Ui‐Won
Published: August 2021

Background

In immediately loaded implants within 72 h after the implant placement in the unilaterally and partially edentulous ridge, primary stability is considered critical, which can be influenced by the design of the implant fixture.

Purpose

To determine the outcomes at 1 year after the immediate loading of multiunit fixed partial prostheses over either tapered implants (TIs) or straight implants (SIs) in the posterior region.

Materials and methods

Forty‐eight patients (24 patients, 52 implants in TI group; 24 patients, 50 implants in SI group) were included for the study. Except for the one SI group patient whose two implants showed the insertion torque less than 30 Ncm, provisional prostheses designed and fabricated from intraoral scan data obtained immediately after implant surgery were delivered to rest of the 47 subjects at 3–7 days. After a year, the survival rate was estimated by intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses, and marginal bone loss (MBL) and implant stability were also analyzed statistically (p < 0.05).

Results

Survival rate at implant level in TI group was 96.2%, and that of SI group in the ITT analysis was 86.0%. Intergroup difference, however, was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Insertion torque was significantly higher in TI group than SI group (47.12 ± 6.37 Ncm vs. 41.60 ± 9.77 Ncm; p < 0.05). MBLs of both groups were less than 0.1 mm at 1‐year follow‐up and was similar between two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Immediate loading of fixed partial prostheses after TI and SI placement showed reliable outcomes in the partially edentulous posterior ridge. In terms of the initial mechanical stability, the performance was superior for TIs than for SIs.
Data driven evaluation of healthy volunteer characteristics at screening for phase I clinical trials to inform on study design and optimize screening processes
Authors: Deiteren Annemie , Coenen Erwin , Lenders Sabine , Verwilst Peter , Mannaert Erik , Rasschaert Freya
Published: August 2021

Protocols for clinical trials describe inclusion and exclusion criteria based on general and compound‐specific considerations to ensure subject safety and data quality. In phase I clinical trials, healthy volunteers (HVs) are screened against these criteria that often specify predefined eligibility ranges for vital signs, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests. HVs are excluded if baseline parameters deviate from these ranges even though this may not indicate underlying pathology, which could delay trial execution. Data from 3365 HVs participating in 9670 screening visits for 94 phase I HV trials, conducted between December 2008 and May 2019 at the Janssen Clinical Pharmacology Unit, were retrospectively analyzed. Commonly predefined protocol ranges were overlaid with HV data to estimate predicted screen failure rates (SFRs). Of the overall population, 91% was White and 64% were men with mean age of 42.8 ± 12.5 years. High predicted SFRs are related to cardiovascular/metabolic (body mass index, heart rate [HR], blood pressure [BP], and corrected QT Fridericia’s formula [QTcF]), renal (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]), liver (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and total bilirubin), and coagulation (prothrombin time [PT]) parameters. Predicted SFRs increased with age for high systolic and diastolic BP, QTcF interval, and eGFR. In contrast, lower SFRs in the older age groups were seen for low diastolic BP, liver function test, ALT, PT, and total bilirubin. This analysis can be used to inform on study design, protocol inclusion and exclusion criteria, and to optimize the screening process. Data‐driven critical appraisal of proposed inclusion and exclusion criteria using a risk‐based approach may significantly reduce screen failure rates without compromising subjects’ safety.
Assessment of clinical data on urocortins and their therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kovács Dóra K. , Farkas Nelli , Soós Alexandra , Hegyi Péter , Kelava Leonardo , Eitmann Szimonetta , Schekk Anna , Molnár Zsolt , Erőss Bálint , Balaskó Márta
Published: August 2021

Heart failure (HF) and cardiovascular diseases present public health challenges. Although great progress was achieved in their treatment, there is continuous need for new therapies. Urocortins of the corticotropin neuropeptide family were reported to exert beneficial effects in animal models of HF and cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to assess the available clinical evidence on the potential role of urocortins in HF and other cardiovascular diseases. We explored MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and Scopus databases. Twenty‐seven studies were included in the qualitative and 15 studies (2005 patients) in the quantitative syntheses. Available data allowed us to meta‐analyze the blood pressure (BP) lowering and heart rate (HR) increasing effects of urocortin 2 in HF with reduced ejection fraction. We applied meta‐regression to explore the association between left ventricular ejection fraction and serum urocortin 1 and urocortin 2 levels. Short‐term urocortin 2 infusion decreased mean arterial pressure in chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction (mean difference = −9.161 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI] −12.661 to −5.660 mmHg, p < 0.001). Such infusions increased HR mildly (mean difference = 5.629 beats/min, 95% CI 1.612 to 9.646 beats/min, p = 0.006). Although some studies reported increased urocortin 1 and urocortin 2 levels in HF with growing severity, our meta‐regressions failed to confirm associations between blood urocortin levels and left ventricular ejection fraction. Clinical evidence confirms short‐term BP lowering effects of urocortin 2, whereas individual studies report additional beneficial effects. Further clinical investigations are necessary to confirm the latter and the long‐term value of these peptides in cardiovascular diseases. Review protocol: CRD42020163203.
Misrecognition, social stigma, and COVID‐19
Authors: Huda Kazi A. S. M. Nurul
Published: August 2021

As social and interdependent beings, we have responsibilities to each other. One of them is to recognize each other appropriately. When we fail to meet this responsibility, we often stigmatize. In this paper, I argue that the COVID‐19‐related stigmatization is a variation of the lack of recognition understood as an orientation to our evaluative features. Various stereotypical behaviors regarding COVID‐19 become stigmatized practices because of labeling, stereotyping, separation, status loss and discrimination, and power. When people stigmatize COVID‐19 victims, they orient themselves to their evaluative quality of being vulnerable to the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus by internalizing the victims as dangerous, understanding them as separable, and being motivated to act with them differently. All this causes the COVID‐19 victims to lose status and suffer discrimination for which they do not experience participatory parity in different facets of their lives, rendering the COVID‐19‐related stigmatization an appalling example of misrecognition.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic bioequivalence between regular human insulin (rDNA origin) in 0.9% sodium chloride ready‐to‐use infusion 1 U/mL and 100 U/mL concentrate diluted to 1 U/mL in healthy males
Authors: Hompesch Marcus , Hawryluk Aleksandra , Hernandez Moises , Uchil Beena , Wilmington Alyssa , Peterson Lucas
Published: August 2021

Aim

To show pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) bioequivalence between Myxredlin, a novel, ready‐to‐use regular human insulin 1 U/mL formulation (BAX‐HI), and Novolin R 100 U/mL concentrate diluted to 1 U/mL (NOVO‐HI).

Materials and Methods

This phase 1, double‐blind, randomized, two‐way crossover study compared the PK and PD properties of BAX‐HI and NOVO‐HI. A total of 58 healthy males received 0.36 U/kg of each study drug, administered intravenously over a 6‐hour period, concurrent with an 8‐hour euglycaemic clamp at two treatment periods separated by a washout period of 7‐10 days. The primary PK endpoint was the area under the insulin concentration‐time curve at steady state (SS) measured from 300 to 360 minutes (AUCINS‐SS 300‐360 min). The primary PD endpoint was the area under the glucose infusion rate‐time curve at SS measured from 300 to 360 minutes (AUCGIR‐SS 300‐360 min).

Results

All subjects completed the first treatment period and 54 subjects completed both treatment periods. Bioequivalence between BAX‐HI and NOVO‐HI was shown for the primary endpoints as the 90% confidence interval (CI) of the geometric least‐squares (LS) mean ratio for AUCINS‐SS 300‐360 min, and the 90% CI and 95% CI of the geometric LS mean ratio for AUCGIR‐SS 300‐360 min were entirely contained within the prespecified limits of 80%‐125%. Safety profiles were comparable for both study drugs and there were no serious adverse events.

Conclusions

The study showed bioequivalence between BAX‐HI and NOVO‐HI in terms of PK and PD characteristics in healthy males.
Universality in biodiversity patterns: variation in species–temperature and species–productivity relationships reveals a prominent role of productivity in diversity gradients
Authors: Bohdalková Eliška , Toszogyova Anna , Šímová Irena , Storch David
Published: August 2021

Temperature and productivity appear as universal positive large‐scale correlates of species richness. However, the strength and the shape of species–temperature (STR) and species–productivity (SPR) relationships vary widely, and the causes of this variation are poorly known. We analysed 1) published species richness data for multiple taxa sampled in various regions and 2) different clades within vertebrate classes globally, to test for the effects of spatial scale and characteristics of examined taxa and regions on the strength and direction of STRs and SPRs. There are striking differences in the variation of the relationships among types of data, between ectotherms and endotherms and also between STRs and SPRs. Some sources of this variation are of statistical nature (e.g. the relationships are stronger if the range of temperature or productivity variation is wider), but non‐statistical sources are more important and illuminate the processes responsible for the origin of biodiversity patterns. The SPRs are generally stronger and less variable than STRs, and SPR variation is weakly related to the explored factors – the SPRs are stronger in warmer regions in ectotherms, while clade size is the only factor consistently affecting the strength of the SPR in endotherms. In contrast, STRs are weaker and more variable, and this variation is linked to region characteristics – most importantly, STRs are stronger in the regions where temperature positively correlates with productivity, indicating that productivity plays a role even in the STRs. The effect of temperature on species richness is thus complex and context‐dependent, while productivity is a more universal driver of species richness patterns, largely independent of particular characteristics of given region or taxon. Productivity thus appears as the main proximate driver of species richness patterns, probably due to its effect on the limits of the number of viable populations which can coexist in a given environment.
Fusarium spp. diversity associated with symptomatic Acacia koa in Hawaiʽi
Authors: Dobbs John T. , Kim Mee‐Sook , Dudley Nicklos S. , Jones Tyler C. , Yeh Aileen , Dumroese R. Kasten , Cannon Philip G. , Hauff Robert D. , Klopfenstein Ned B. , Wright Sean , Stewart Jane E.
Published: August 2021

Fusarium spp. comprise diverse plant pathogens, which affect both agriculturally and ecologically important plant species, and harmless saprobes. Fusarium spp. inhabit widely ranging, geographic regions across the globe and can be found in soil or plant tissue in every climate type, ranging from tropical to polar regions. In their native habitats, Fusarium spp. are typically innocuous and ubiquitous soil saprophytes; however, Fusarium spp. can become devastating pathogens, especially after introduction into novel environments, where hosts are not adapted to Fusarium infection. Hawaiʽi is among the most isolated regions on Earth. Due to this isolation, many of Hawaiʽi's native plant species are not well adapted to cope with introductions of novel flora, fauna and pathogens. Pathogens, including Fusarium spp., have had a major impact on Acacia koa (koa), an iconic tree species in Hawaiʽi's forests. Multiple Fusarium spp. have been identified in association with koa, some of which have been screened for pathogenicity to koa. This study identified new associations of Fusarium spp. with koa root samples including F. verticillioides, F. redolens, F. anthophilum, F. babinda, F. commune, F. fujikuroi and F. lactis and suggests that a complex of Fusarium spp. may contribute to disease severity. Potential spread of putative pathogens across the Hawaiian Islands is suggested on the basis of haplotype network analysis.
First record of a mermithid nematode (Nematoda:Mermithidae) parasitizing winged females of gall‐forming aphids (Hemiptera:Aphididae:Eriosomatinae)
Authors: Tong Xin , Kanzaki Natsumi , Akimoto Shin‐ichi
Published: August 2021

Juvenile mermithid nematodes were found to parasitize winged females (sexuparae) ofEriosoma auratumandTetraneura radicicola. The morphological characteristics of mermithid nematodes are briefly described. The 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA obtained from one nematode were sequenced and used to construct a Bayesian phylogenetic tree, on which the host ranges of mermithid nematodes were represented. Our study indicated that mermithid parasitism of sexuparae led to fewer and smaller sexual female embryos. This is the first record of a mermithid in relation to eriosomatine aphids and the fourth record with respect to Aphididae.
Efficacy, tolerability, and retention of fenfluramine for the treatment of seizures in patients with Dravet syndrome: Compassionate use program in Germany
Authors: Strzelczyk Adam , Pringsheim Milka , Mayer Thomas , Polster Tilman , Klotz Kerstin A. , Muhle Hiltrud , Alber Michael , Trollmann Regina , Spors Hartwig , Kluger Gerhard , Kurlemann Gerhard , Schubert‐Bast Susanne
Published: August 2021

Objective

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare but severe drug‐resistant epilepsy. Before the approval of fenfluramine (FFA) for the treatment of seizures in DS, patients in Germany could receive treatment under a compassionate use program (CUP).

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective, observational study to describe the efficacy, tolerability, and retention of FFA within the CUP. Patients received add‐on therapy with oral FFA gradually titrated to a target dose between .13 and .7 mg/kg/day.

Results

Overall, 78 patients with DS (median age = 8.0 years, range = 2.1–46.0; 53% female, median concomitant antiseizure medications [ASMs] = 3) were treated with FFA for a median duration of 255.5 days (range = 31–572). Responder rates (a ≥50% reduction;n = 78) and seizure‐freedom rates at 3 months were 68% and 14% for total seizures, respectively, and 67% and 23% for generalized tonic–clonic seizures. Responder rates were consistent at 6 and 12 months (n = 66 andn = 43, respectively). Median seizure days per month significantly decreased from 10.0 (range = .5–30) to 3.0 (range = 0–30) in the 3‐month period before and after FFA treatment (p < .001). Significantly fewer patients reported at least one episode of status epilepticus (28% vs. 14% patients before and after FFA initiation,p = .005). During FFA treatment, 35 (45%) patients were able to discontinue a concomitant ASM. At the last follow‐up date, 66 (85%) patients remained on treatment with FFA. The most common adverse events were somnolence (36%), decreased appetite (22%), and ataxia (8%). Forty‐eight (62%) patients were reported as having a meaningful global clinical improvement.

Significance

In a large cohort of patients, FFA demonstrated efficacy across a range of outcomes including clinically significant reductions in convulsive seizures, and was well tolerated, providing valuable information for real‐world practice.
STAT3 maintains skin barrier integrity by modulating SPINK5 and KLK5 expression in keratinocytes
Authors: Kim Jaehyung , Kim Min‐Gyu , Jeong Sang Hoon , Kim Hee Joo , Son Sang Wook
Published: August 2021

Skin barrier dysfunction induces skin inflammation. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is known to be involved in Th17‐mediated immune responses and barrier integrity in the cornea and intestine; however, its role in the skin barrier remains largely unknown. In this study, we elucidated the potential role of STAT3 in the skin barrier and its effect on kallikrein‐related peptidase 5 (KLK5) and serine protease inhibitor Kazal‐type 5 (SPINK5) expression using a mouse model with keratinocyte‐specific ablation of STAT3. Keratinocyte‐specific loss of STAT3 induced a cutaneous inflammatory phenotype with pruritus and intense scratching behaviour in mice. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the genes associated with impaired skin barrier function, including KLK5, were upregulated. The effect of STAT3 on KLK5 expression in keratinocytes was not only substantiated by the increase in KLK5 expression following treatment with STAT3 siRNA but also by its decreased expression following STAT3 overexpression. Overexpression and IL‐17A–mediated stimulation of STAT3 increased the expression of SPINK5, which was blocked by STAT3 siRNA. These results suggest that the expression of SPINK5 and KLK5 in keratinocytes could be dependent on STAT3 and that STAT3 might play an essential role in the maintenance of skin barrier homeostasis.
The “diseased” activist's body as the site of trauma: Anti‐racist struggles and the postrace academy
Authors: Ibrahim Yasmin
Published: August 2021

This paper is an autoethnographic account of the “racialized activist body” in the White academy and in tandem the bio‐politics and bio‐ethics of its right to be an affective body or to possess its senses against the trauma of anti‐racist struggles in higher education institutions. The paper argues that in the postrace university, the “activist body” birthed through trauma becomes a conduit for the pain of others enacting it as a site for the deposition and transmutation of trauma in the quest for racial and social justice. It employs Bracha Ettinger’s notion of “matrixial borderspace” to examine the interplay of social relations between of the activist body and other traumatized subjects in the provision of care as an activist. Two narratives unfold in the paper fusing the articulations of the main text with the paratext to unleash the tumultuous psyche of the activist and her journey of voicing resistance in her anti‐racist struggles. In the process, the activist body emerges as a “diseased site,” overloaded with the trauma of others, yet numbed in its inability to reconnect with its own corporeality and professional identity in its interface with White governmentality. The paper asserts that anti‐racist struggles reassemble the activist body, tightly welding it with exhaustion which manifests in the pervasiveness of racial battle fatigue in the ivory tower.