bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting the adoption of mobile payment services during the COVID-19 pandemic: an application of extended UTAUT2 model
Authors: Nandru Prabhakar , Chendragiri Madhavaiah , S.A. Senthilkumar
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the antecedents of behavioral intention and actual usage of mobile payment (m-payment) services during the COVID-19 pandemic among Indian consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed research model of this study is based on the extended framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) by using two additional variables, namely, perceived security (PS) and perceived trust (PT). In total, 436 sample respondents are chosen from Indian consumers with experience using m-payment services through the online survey method. The data analysis and proposed hypothetical relationships were tested using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling techniques.

Findings

The results confirm that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, PS, PT, habit and price value are antecedents of consumer intention toward adopting m-payment services. Furthermore, behavioral intention significantly influences the actual usage of m-payment services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

Though the impact of COVID-19 has been observed during the research period in getting responses from m-payment service users, the constructs used in the study are confined to the UTAUT2 model, and dimensions related to COVID-19 are not directly included in the measurement scale. The study’s findings propose valuable insights for service providers and policymakers.

Practical implications

This study’s results offer valuable insights to the service providers and policymakers to achieve the Government of India digital India objective of “Faceless, Paperless and Cashless” transactions.

Originality/value

This study’s results contribute to extending the empirical research literature on m-payment as antecedents of behavioral intention toward the adoption of m-payment services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, this study assumes important interrelationships among UTAUT2 constructs with the additional incorporation of PS and PT.
Informality as a choice to do legitimate business: evidence from Peruvian women in times of COVID-19
Authors: Silupu Brenda , Reyes Sergio
Published: December 2023

Purpose

In developing countries, women microentrepreneurs are characterized as being informal, creating a challenge for the sustainability of their businesses. The purpose of this study is to analyze different businesses that adopt this form of operation arguing that formality is unnecessary because they are legitimate businesses (institutional reason). In addition, the role of gender in business management was incorporated, and the consistency of the results was validated in the context of COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used data from the National Household Survey of Peru for the development of a compared analysis between the period 2018–2019 (pre-COVID-19), made up of a sample of 14,077 observations, and the period 2020–2021 (COVID-19), with 7,922 observations. The unit of analysis was the informal microenterprise with more than three years of operation, and the data was analyzed using a logistic model.

Findings

The probability of adopting informality for institutional reasons is more significant in the case of women in contrast to the men when it is a business belonging to the commerce sector and operating in a dwelling with basic services, while this probability decreases if the firm does not have a fixed location. These results are consistent in pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods.

Originality/value

The purpose of this research was to contribute to closing gaps in the generation of evidence that helps to understand the behavior of informal microentrepreneurs in developing countries, allowing a better approach to this problem for the design and implementation of suitable public policies. All this will contribute to the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Challenges in implementing building information modelling for facility management in government buildings in Thailand
Authors: Boontae Nahathai , Ussavadilokrit Mongkol
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Effective facility management (FM) can reduce environmental effects on buildings throughout their life cycle. This study aims to investigate the challenges in implementing building information modelling (BIM) for FM in government buildings in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight government-building facility experts were interviewed using an in-depth interview method to identify FM challenges. The collected qualitative data were analysed via thematic analysis to ensure data saturation. The final questionnaire was designed with 45 FM problems, classified into management, technical and human resource problems, to collect quantitative data from 54 government FM officers. The data were used to prioritise the severity and frequency of the FM problems using the severity index (SI) and relative importance index (RII).

Findings

Management problems have the highest impact, with an average SI of 0.285, followed by human resource (average SI = 0.266) and technical (average SI = 0.264) problems.

Originality/value

This study identifies the government-building FM problems in Thailand that are critical to the development of a BIM execution plan (BEP) guideline. The findings can facilitate strategy development for government-building operations and management in line with the public procurement and supply administration of Thailand. These findings can serve as a guideline to inform the development of a BIM Roadmap for integration into the national digital roadmap and the Thailand 4.0 policy to mitigate construction-related environmental and climate issues.
Neutrophilic epitheliotropism, proposed as an auto‐inflammatory condition of neutrophilic urticarial dermatosis including Schnitzler syndrome, is also observed in Japanese cases
Authors: Nakaizumi Hitomi , Kambe Naotomo , Irie Hiroyuki , Kaku Yo , Fujimoto Masakazu , Yoshifuji Hajime , Kazuma Yasuhiro , Katagiri Kazumoto , Kanekura Takuro , Kabashima Kenji
Published: December 2023

Schnitzler syndrome (SchS) is a rare autoinflammatory disease characterized by bone pain, recurrent fever, leukocytosis, and elevated C‐reactive protein, along with an urticaria‐like rash and monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig)M or IgG gammopathy. Notably, the condition is distinguished by a relatively persistent recurrent urticarial‐like rash. Histopathological features observed in the skin comprise diffuse neutrophil infiltration into the dermis, absence of dermal edema, and vascular wall degeneration, all of which classify SchS as a neutrophilic urticarial dermatosis (NUD). Accumulated histological data from skin biopsies of patients with NUD have revealed a sensitive histopathological marker for NUD, acknowledged as neutrophilic epitheliotropism, which has been proposed as reflecting an autoinflammatory condition. In this report, we present three SchS patients: two men (ages 55 and 68) and a woman (age 75), all displaying neutrophilic epitheliotropism in their skin biopsy specimens. Additionally, a review of eight previously reported SchS cases in Japan identified neutrophilic epithliotropism in five cases. These findings suggest that the inclination of neutrophils toward the epithelial tissue could aid in confirming diagnoses of NUD in most cases that need to be differentiated from conventional urticaria. Consequently, we emphasize that acknowledging neutrophilic epithelial predilection as a hallmark of NUD is critical for expediting early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for SchS.
Tertiary lymphoid structures combined with biomarkers of inflammation are associated with the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in resectable non‐small cell lung cancer: A retrospective study
Authors: Xu Fuhao , Zhu He , Xiong Dali , Wang Kang , Dong Yinjun , Li Li , Yuan Shuanghu
Published: December 2023

Background

Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy can effectively downstage tumors and reduce the risk of postoperative recurrence and distant metastasis in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we investigated the correlation between inflammatory biomarkers and tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) expression. We also compared the predictive values of these inflammatory parameters, TLSs, and a combination of inflammatory parameters and TLSs for neoadjuvant efficacy in patients with NSCLC.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical information of 106 patients with NSCLC who underwent neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and radical surgery at Shandong Cancer Hospital between June 2020 and June 2022.

Results

TLS was evaluated using hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemically‐stained tissue sections. Logistic analysis was performed to determine the correlation between inflammatory parameters, TLSs, and the factors affecting major pathological response (MPR). Receiver operating characteristic curves and the C‐index were used to evaluate the predictive value of the nomogram models for MPR. The systemic immune‐inflammatory index (SII) was an independent predictor of high TLS abundance and maturity. Platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) ≤201.8, TLS abundance, and TLS maturity were independent predictors of MPR. The PLR‐TLS combined model performed better in assessing the MPR in patients with NSCLC than models using single indicators.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the SII is an independent predictor of both TLS abundance and maturity. Both TLSs and PLR can predict MPR rates in patients with NSCLC receiving neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy. However, assessing the MPR in patients with NSCLC using a combination of PLR and TLSs is more accurate than using either indicator alone.
Nodular vasculitis (erythema induratum) associated with systemic minocycline
Authors: Farrugia Stephanie , Cachia Monique , Betts Alexandra , Clark Eileen
Published: December 2023

A 29‐year‐old Caucasian woman presented with a 3‐month history of bilateral lower limb swelling with painful erythematous nodules on shins without ulceration. She had been taking minocycline for acne vulgaris for 3 years. Biochemical investigations showed deranged liver function test with positive ANA and mixed antinuclear factor (ANF) pattern. A skin biopsy was in keeping with a diagnosis of nodular vasculitis. Her skin lesions and liver function test improved within 3 months of stopping the minocycline treatment. This case report raises the awareness that minocycline could be a potential cause of nodular vasculitis, patients on minocycline should be closely monitored and minocycline should ideally not be prescribed for more than 12 weeks, given the possible adverse effects.
Insertive vaginal sex is associated with altered penile immunology and enrichment of Gardnerella vaginalis in uncircumcised Ugandan men
Authors: Day Erin , Galiwango Ronald M. , Park Daniel , Huibner Sanja , Aziz Maliha , Anok Aggrey , Nnamutete James , Isabirye Yahaya , Wasswa John Bosco , Male Deo , Kigozi Godfrey , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Prodger Jessica L. , Liu Cindy M. , Kaul Rupert
Published: December 2023

Problem

HIV susceptibility is linked to the penile immune milieu (particularly IL‐8 levels) and microbiome. The effects of insertive vaginal sex itself on penile immunology and microbiota are not well described.

Method of study

We compared the immune milieu and microbiology of the coronal sulcus (CS) and distal urethra in 47 uncircumcised Ugandan men reporting ever (n = 42) or never (n = 5) having had vaginal intercourse. Soluble immune factors were assayed by multiplex ELISA, and penile bacteria abundance by 16S rRNA qPCR and sequencing. Co‐primary endpoints were penile levels of IL‐8 and soluble E‐cadherin.

Results

Independent of classical STIs, men reporting prior vaginal sex demonstrated elevated IL‐8 levels in both the coronal sulcus (1.78 vs. 0.81 log10 pg/mL, p = .021) and urethra (2.93 vs. 2.30 log10 pg/mL; p = .003), with a strong inverse relationship between urethral IL‐8 levels and the time from last vaginal sex (r = –0.436; p = .004). Vaginal sex was also associated with elevated penile IL‐1α/β and soluble E‐cadherin (sEcad), a marker of epithelial disruption. Gardnerella vaginalis (Gv) was only present in the penile microbiome of men reporting prior vaginal sex, and urethral Gv absolute abundance was strongly associated with urethral inflammation (r = 0.556; p < .001); corynebacteria were enriched in the CS of men reporting no prior vaginal sex and were associated with reduced CS inflammation.

Conclusions

Sexual intercourse was associated with sustained changes in penile immunology, potentially mediated through microbial alterations, in particular the urethral abundance of G. vaginalis. Future studies should further characterize the effects of sexual debut on penile bacteria and immunology.
The level of agreement between the numerical rating scale and visual analogue scale for assessing pain intensity in adults with chronic pain
Authors: Goudman L. , Pilitsis J. G. , Billet B. , De Vos R. , Hanssens K. , Billot M. , Roulaud M. , Rigoard P. , Moens M.
Published: December 2023

The numerical rating scale and visual analogue scale are used to quantify pain intensity. However, it has not yet been explored whether these scores are interchangeable in adults with chronic pain. Data from the prospective multicentre cross‐sectional INTERVAL study were used to evaluate the one‐dimensionality and agreement between numerical rating scale scores and visual analogue scale scores in adults with chronic pain. Pain intensity scores using the numerical rating scale and visual analogue scale were provided by 366 patients with chronic pain for current, average, minimal and maximal pain. To evaluate whether pain intensity scales are completed in accordance with each other, the proportion of patients who satisfied the following condition was calculated: minimal pain intensity ≤ maximal pain intensity. A factor analysis confirmed the one‐dimensionality of the pain measures. A significant difference was found between numerical rating scale and visual analogue scale scores for average, current, minimum and maximum pain. Intra‐class correlation coefficient estimates ranged from 0.739 to 0.858 and all measures failed to show sufficient and acceptable agreement at the 95% level. The strength of agreement between pain severity categories was classified as ‘moderate’ for average and minimal pain and ‘substantial’ for current and maximal pain. The proportion of patients who scored minimal pain ≤ maximal pain was 97.5% for the numerical rating scale and 89.5% for the visual analogue scale. This study failed to show an acceptable agreement between the numerical rating scale and visual analogue scale when pain intensity was rated by adults with chronic pain, despite showing both scales measure the same information.
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid in northern latitudes, a 25‐year experience in Finland
Authors: Niinimäki Paula , Siuko Mika , Tynninen Olli , Kivelä Tero T. , Uusitalo Marita
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the incidence, clinical features, diagnostic challenges, management and prognosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid (ecSCC) in southern Finland, northern Europe, latitude 62° N.

Methods

Patients were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry and the Helsinki University Hospital databases during a 25‐year period (1998–2022). Age, sex, location, clinical and histopathological diagnosis, treatment and outcome were retrieved.

Results

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid (ecSCC) was diagnosed in 58 patients. The mean age‐standardized incidence was 1.03 per 100 000. Median age at the time of histopathological diagnosis was 79 (range 55–93) years; sex ratio was 0.52. Clinical diagnosis in the referral was ecSCC in only three patients. The most frequent misdiagnosis (38%) was basal cell carcinoma (BCC). One or more of the known risk factors (smoking, history of extensive sun exposure, systemic immunosuppression and previous in situ cSCC/cSCC) were documented in 71% of the patients. More than one third (38%) of the patients developed in situ SCC elsewhere on the skin; one third (31%) of the patients had invasive cSCC elsewhere. During the median follow‐up time of 24 months, three patients experienced local recurrence, four patients developed metastatic disease (median 19 months) and two patients died of metastatic ecSCC.

Conclusion

The estimated incidence of ecSCC in Finland (predominantly white Caucasian) was higher than in a previous study from Europe. Clinical diagnosis of ecSCC is difficult and often misdiagnosed as BCC. Immunosuppression as a risk factor should noticed. Recurrences of ecSCC, which may be lethal, were infrequent.
Building solidarity during COVID‐19 and HIV/AIDS
Authors: Montess Michael
Published: December 2023

While the WHO, public health experts, and political leaders have referenced solidarity as an important part of our responses to COVID‐19, I consider how we build solidarity during pandemics in order to improve the effectiveness of our responses. I use Prainsack and Buyx's definition of solidarity, which highlights three different tiers: (1) interpersonal solidarity, (2) group solidarity, and (3) institutional solidarity. Each tier of solidarity importantly depends on the actions and norms established at the lower tiers. Although empathy and solidarity are distinct moral concepts, I argue that the affective component of solidarity is important for motivating solidaristic action, and empathetic accounts of solidarity help us understand how we actually build solidarity from tier to tier. During pandemics, public health responses draw on different tiers of solidarity depending on the nature, scope, and timeline of the pandemic. Therefore, I analyze both COVID‐19 and HIV/AIDS using this framework to learn lessons about how solidarity can more effectively contribute to our ongoing public health responses during pandemics. Whereas we used institutional solidarity during COVID‐19 in a top‐down approach to building solidarity that often overlooked interpersonal and group solidarity, we used those lower tiers during HIV/AIDS in a bottom‐up approach because governments and public health institutions were initially unresponsive to the crisis. Thus, we need to ensure that we have a strong foundation of respect, trust, and so forth, on which to build solidarity from tier to tier and promote whichever tiers of solidarity are lacking during a given pandemic to improve our responses.
Expression pattern of osteopontin isoforms in malignant melanoma cell lines
Authors: Koroknai Viktoria , Szász István , Jámbor Krisztina , Balázs Margit
Published: December 2023

Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted integrin‐binding protein that plays a role in inflammation, cellular viability, cell adhesion and migration, cancer development, and diabetes through different mechanisms. The splice variants of OPN can play essential roles in cancer development, progression, and metastasis formation; however, limited data are available about the role of OPN isoforms in human malignant melanoma. Our goal was to define the gene expression patterns of five OPN variants (OPN4, OPN5, OPNa, OPNb, and OPNc), integrin, and CD44 receptor genes in primary and metastatic melanoma‐originated cell lines (n = 19), and to explore the association of the expression patterns with clinicopathological parameters. We evaluated the invasive property of the cell lines and investigated the potential association between the invasion and gene expression of OPN isoforms. We found a significant rise in the expression of OPNc in the invasive cell lines compared to the noninvasive cells and detected significantly higher expression of the OPN splice variants in melanoma cell lines originating from more advanced stages tumors than cell lines originating from early‐stage melanomas. The correlation analysis revealed that all five OPN variants positively correlated with ITGB3 and ITGA9, whereas OPN5 positively correlated with ITGB1, ITGAV, ITGA6, and CD44. OPN can activate extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling through binding to α9β1 integrin, promoting melanoma tumor cell migration. It is possible that such associations between OPN splice variants and integrin receptors may play a role in melanoma progression. In conclusion, our findings suggest that high expression of OPNc correlates with the invasive behavior of melanoma cells.
Changes in neuroinflammatory markers and microglial density in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the C58/J mouse model of autism
Authors: Duarte‐Campos Juan F. , Vázquez‐Moreno C. Noé , Martínez‐Marcial Mónica , Chavarría Anahí , Ramírez‐Carreto Ricardo Jair , Velasco Velázquez Marco A. , De La Fuente‐Granada Marisol , González‐Arenas Aliesha
Published: December 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diverse group of neurodevelopmental conditions with complex origins. Individuals with ASD present various neurobiological abnormalities, including an altered immune response in the central nervous system and other tissues. Animal models like the C58/J inbred mouse strain are used to study biological characteristics of ASD. This strain is considered an idiopathic autism model because of its demonstrated reduced social preference and repetitive behaviours. Notably, C58/J mice exhibit alterations in dendritic arbour complexity, density and dendritic spines maturation in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC), but inflammatory‐related changes have not been explored in these mice. In this study, we investigated proinflammatory markers in the hippocampus and PFC of adult male C58/J mice. We discovered elevated levels of interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1) in the hippocampus, suggesting increased inflammation, alongside a reduction in the anti‐inflammatory enzyme arginase 1 (ARG1). Conversely, the PFC displayed reduced levels of TNF‐α and MCP‐1. Microglial analysis revealed higher levels of transmembrane protein 119 (TMEM119) and increased microglial density in a region‐specific manner of the autistic‐like mice, particularly in the PFC and hippocampus. Additionally, an augmented expression of the fractalkine receptor CX3CR1 was observed in the hippocampus and PFC of C58/J mice. Microglial morphological analysis shows no evident changes in the hippocampus of mice with autistic‐like behaviours versus wild‐type strain. These region‐specific changes can contribute to modulate processes like inflammation or synaptic pruning in the C58/J mouse model of idiopathic autism.
Iron overload causes macrophages to produce a pro‐inflammatory phenotype in the synovium of hemophiliac arthritis via the acetyl‐p53 pathway
Authors: Pang Nanyu , Ding Mingyang , Yang Hu , Zhong Qigang , Zheng Liujie , Luo Dasheng , Yao Yunfeng
Published: December 2023

Aim

Haemophiliac arthritis (HA) is caused by spontaneous intra‐articular hemorrhage and repeated intra‐articular hematomas, leading to iron overload, which, in turn, induces M1 macrophage polarisation and inflammatory cytokine secretion, resulting in synovitis. Here, we explored the mechanism by which iron overload in HA induces the polarisation of M1 macrophages, providing a new approach for the treatment of HA synovitis.

Methods

The synovium from the knee joints of normal amputees and patients with HA was collected. Pathological changes in the synovial tissues were analysed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Iron tissue deposition was evaluated using the iron assay kit and Prussia Blue staining, while macrophage phenotype was determined using immunofluorescence. The levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and p53 acetylation were determine using western blotting. An in vitro iron overload model was established by inducing THP‐1 macrophages with ferric ammonium citrate, and the involvement of acetylated p53 in M1 macrophage polarisation was investigated.

Results

Compared to control samples, the iron content in the synovium of patients with HA was significantly increased. The protein levels of M1 macrophage markers, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and acetylated p53, were also significantly elevated in the synovial tissues of patients with HA. Similar results were observed in the in vitro iron overload model. Furthermore, the inhibition of p53 acetylation in vitro reversed these iron overload‐induced effects.

Conclusion

In patients with HA, iron overload induced synovial p53 acetylation, leading to macrophage polarisation toward the M1 phenotype and increased inflammatory cytokine secretion, resulting in synovitis.

Highlights

Synovial iron overload is associated with changes in P53 acetylation in hemophiliac arthritis (HA).

Acetylated p53, a known regulator of macrophage polarization, is highly expressed in HA synovium, suggesting a potential role in M1 polarization.

HA synovial macrophages predominantly polarize into the pro‐inflammatory M1 phenotype, secreting elevated levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines.
OPTIMAL STOPPING IN A DYNAMIC SALIENCE MODEL
Authors: Dertwinkel‐Kalt Markus , Frey Jonas
Published: December 2023

We study dynamic choice under risk through the lens of salience theory. We derive predictions on salient thinkers' gambling decisions and strategy choices. We test our model experimentally and find support for all of our predictions. We also detect a strong correlation between static and dynamic choices, suggesting that salience theory can coherently explain risky choice in both static and dynamic contexts. Our results help to understand when people sell assets, stop gambling, enter the job market, or retire.
Reusing blended leach residue by flash sintering method
Authors: Çetinkaya Zeynep , Gökhan Arici , Dursun Sami , Şavkliyildiz İlyas
Published: December 2023

In this study, the effects of different sintering methodology on grain formation, density, and hardness of blended leach residue (B‐LR) pellets is investigated. For the first time, the flash sintering (FS) method, an environmentally friendly process, is used to make multiphase ceramic composites using B‐LR under 100 V/mm at 675C. The outcomes of this study revealed that the FS process is faster and more energy‐efficient than the conventional sintering (CS) methods performed at 800°C for 4 h. The formation of abnormal grain growth is prevented by FS in B‐LR material composition after it is exposed to a max power absorption 61.4 mW/mm3 and whole FS is completed less than 100 s. Besides, FS method does not lead to any melting on grain boundaries due to excessive joule heating, compared with the CS sample. It is noted that FS also provides better density and hardness values for this material system along with compositional integrity in this multiphase system. The significant outcome of this study is reducing lead volatility and emission by decrement on the sintering temperature. Ultimately, this study has planned the practicality of reusage and recycle of this material with green, safe, and eco‐friendly methods.
Real‐world experience of baricitinib in atopic dermatitis: including add‐on therapy for patients using dupilumab
Authors: Lim Ji‐Hoon , Kwon Soon‐Hyo , Lew Bark‐Lynn
Published: December 2023

Background

Little real‐world experience regarding the use of baricitinib, an oral selective JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) has been reported.

Methods

This study aimed to assess the overall outcomes in Korean patients with AD treated with baricitinib. All patients with moderate to severe AD treated with baricitinib between June 2021 and June 2022 were included, and their cases were retrospectively analyzed using medical records. Patients with moderate to severe AD, aged ≥18 years who had failed previous therapies, including those who demonstrated unsatisfactory improvement with dupilumab, were prescribed baricitinib. Patients whose follow‐up period was <8 weeks were excluded. The dermatologist evaluated the AD status, including eczema area and severity index (EASI), itch Numeric Rating Scale, and improvement of remaining lesions despite dupilumab therapy.

Results

We analyzed 34 AD patients who received baricitinib. Twelve patients treated with dupilumab were additionally prescribed baricitinib due to unsatisfactory treatment effects and demonstrated improvement in the remaining lesions despite dupilumab treatment. Their itching improved after 1.4 weeks. Among them, eight patients (66.7%) had head and neck dermatitis, and seven of them demonstrated improvement after the coadministration of baricitinib. Among the other 22 patients who were prescribed baricitinib only, 10 patients (45.5%) achieved EASI 75 at 8 weeks, with five (22.7%) revealing EASI 90.

Conclusions

Overall, baricitinib was well tolerated and resulted in clinical improvement in AD patients in a real‐world clinical setting. Additionally, baricitinib may be beneficial in treating lesions refractory to dupilumab therapy.
Morphological characteristics of facial scars: A retrospective analysis according to scar location, onset, age, and cause
Authors: Kim Gyeong Hoon , Lee Woo Jin , Jung Joon Min , Won Chong Hyun , Chang Sung Eun , Lee Mi Woo , Moon Ik Jun
Published: December 2023

The morphology of facial scars shows a wide variation in terms of texture and colour. To date, there are no reliable predictors of aberrant scarring. We conducted a retrospective analysis to identify factors associated with specific scar features and types. Photographs and medical records of 428 patients with facial scars were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with keloids were excluded. The mean age of the patients was 45.43 ± 23.13 years with a male‐to‐female ratio of 1:1.36. Atrophic scars were the most common (42.8%), followed by flat scars (38.7%) and hypertrophic scars (18.5%). Scars on the forehead were more likely to be atrophic, whereas scars on the chin/jaw and around the mouth were more likely to be hypertrophic. Hypopigmentation was significantly more common in scars located on the forehead. Redness (erythema) was significantly more common in scars located on the chin/jaw. Old scars were less likely to be erythematous, and hypertrophic. Atrophic scars were more common in younger patients. Scars caused by dermatologic conditions, such as acne, were more likely to be atrophic, whereas surgical scars had the lowest risk of being atrophic or hypertrophic. In conclusion, the location, onset, and cause of facial scars were associated with specific features of scars.
New insights into the positive temperature coefficient of resistance model of BaTiO3‐based ceramics
Authors: Fang Tsang‐Tse
Published: December 2023

The speculation concerning the presence of interfacial states in the BaTiO3‐based positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) model originating from the formation of the grain boundary barrier in semiconductor is argued to be unsuitable. This communication provides new insights into the formation of the grain boundary barrier without the grain boundary phase of the BaTiO3‐based PTCR model. New insights into the temperature and voltage dependences of the resistance or resistivity with and without grain boundary phase of the BaTiO3‐based PTCR model are proposed. Concerning the absence of the grain boundary phase, two new plausible models are proposed: the net dipolar polarization field due to the applied voltage and effective permittivity owing to the net dipole charges accumulated near the grain boundary. As for the presence of the grain boundary phase, a new thinking concerning the field emission tunneling with the conduction band conduction mechanism for the occurrence of low resistance at low applied voltage is posited.
New statin use, mortality, and first cardiovascular events in older US Veterans by frailty status
Authors: Orkaby Ariela R. , Lu Bing , Ho Yuk‐Lam , Treu Timothy , Galloway Ashley , Wilson Peter W. F. , Cho Kelly , Gaziano J. Michael , Alexander Karen P. , Gagnon David R. , Djousse Luc , Forman Daniel E. , Driver Jane A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Statins are part of long‐term medical regimens for many older adults. Whether frailty modifies the protective relationship between statins, mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) is unknown.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of US Veterans ≥65, without CVD or prior statin use seen in 2002–2012, followed through 2017. A 31‐item frailty index was used. The co‐primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality or MACE (MI, stroke/TIA, revascularization, or cardiovascular death). Cox proportional hazards models were developed to evaluate the association of statin use with outcomes; propensity score overlap weighting accounted for confounding by indication.

Results

We identified 710,313 Veterans (mean age (SD) 75.3(6.5), 98% male, 89% white); 86,327 (12.1%) were frail. Over mean follow‐up of 8 (5) years, there were 48.6 and 72.6 deaths per 1000 person‐years (PY) among non‐frail statin‐users vs nonusers (weighted Incidence Rate Difference (wIRD)/1000 person years (PY), −24.0[95% CI, −24.5 to −23.6]), and 90.4 and 130.4 deaths per 1000PY among frail statin‐users vs nonusers (wIRD/1000PY, −40.0[95% CI, −41.8 to −38.2]). There were 51.7 and 60.8 MACE per 1000PY among non‐frail statin‐users vs nonusers (wIRD/1000PY, −9.1[95% CI, −9.7 to −8.5]), and 88.2 and 102.0 MACE per 1000PY among frail statin‐users vs nonusers (wIRD/1000PY, −13.8[95% CI, −16.2 to −11.4]). There were no significant interactions by frailty for statin users vs non‐users by either mortality or MACE outcomes, p‐interaction 0.770 and 0.319, respectively. Statin use was associated with lower risk of all‐cause mortality (HR, 0.61 (0.60–0.61)) and MACE (HR 0.86 (0.85–0.87)).

Conclusions

New statin use is associated with a lower risk of mortality and MACE, independent of frailty. These findings should be confirmed in a randomized clinical trial.
Associations between liver function and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease pathology in non‐demented adults: The CABLE study
Authors: Gao Pei‐Yang , Ou Ya‐Nan , Huang Yi‐Ming , Wang Zhi‐Bo , Fu Yan , Ma Ya‐Hui , Li Qiong‐Yao , Ma Li‐Yun , Cui Rui‐Ping , Mi Yin‐Chu , Tan Lan , Yu Jin‐Tai
Published: December 2023

Liver function has been suggested as a possible factor in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) development. However, the association between liver function and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of AD biomarkers remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the data from 1687 adults without dementia from the Chinese Alzheimer's Biomarker and LifestylE study to investigate differences in liver function between pathological and clinical AD groups, as defined by the 2018 National Institute on Aging‐Alzheimer's Association Research Framework. We also examined the linear relationship between liver function, CSF AD biomarkers, and cognition using linear regression models. Furthermore, mediation analyses were applied to explore the potential mediation effects of AD pathological biomarkers on cognition. Our findings indicated that, with AD pathological and clinical progression, the concentrations of total protein (TP), globulin (GLO), and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine transaminase (ALT) increased, while albumin/globulin (A/G), adenosine deaminase, alpha‐L‐fucosidase, albumin, prealbumin, ALT, and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) concentrations decreased. Furthermore, we also identified significant relationships between TP (β = −0.115, pFDR < 0.001), GLO (β = −0.184, pFDR < 0.001), and A/G (β = 0.182, pFDR < 0.001) and CSF β‐amyloid1–42 (Aβ1–42) (and its related CSF AD biomarkers). Moreover, after 10 000 bootstrapped iterations, we identified a potential mechanism by which TP and GLDH may affect cognition by mediating CSF AD biomarkers, with mediation effect sizes ranging from 3.91% to 16.44%. Overall, our results suggested that abnormal liver function might be involved in the clinical and pathological progression of AD. Amyloid and tau pathologies also might partially mediate the relationship between liver function and cognition. Future research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and causality to develop an approach to AD prevention and treatment approach.
Ostrich (Struthio camelus) syrinx morphology and vocal repertoire across postnatal ontogeny and sex: Implications for understanding vocal evolution in birds
Authors: Chiappone Michael , Rodriguez‐Saltos Carlos , Legendre Lucas J. , Li Zhiheng , Clarke Julia
Published: December 2023

Vocal production in birds has been the target of considerable research that mostly has focused on phylogenetically well‐nested songbirds. Anatomical descriptions and recordings of many non‐songbirds have often only focused on a single ontogenetic stage or sex. While basic morphology of the vocal organ (syrinx) of ostrich (Palaeognathae, Struthio camelus) has been known since the 1800s, descriptions of its vocal repertoire and syrinx anatomy since then have been incomplete or inconsistent. New toolkits now enable detailed qualitative description of internal anatomy and meristic data and allow it to be compared to vocal production. Here we describe the anatomy of the syrinx in Struthio camelus for three post‐hatching ontogenetic stages and both an adult male and female utilizing dissection and contrast enhanced X‐ray computed tomography (diceCT). We find changes in ring geometry and spacing through ontogeny as well as lateral labia thickness. We document a small unpaired, midline, cartilaginous structure, a “pessuliform process” at the tracheobronchial juncture present throughout ontogeny and in both males and females. Investigation of the vocal repertoire of ostriches across ontogeny using a new dataset of 77 recordings led to identification of four vocalizations not previously reported in the literature, including the simultaneous production of a hiss and tonal. We find syrinx morphology largely consistent across ontogeny and in male and female adults. Both are capable of producing long duration tonal calls, but these may be more frequent in male birds. Closed‐mouth boom calls remain unique to males. A detailed understanding of diversity in parts of early diverging clades is pivotal in attempting to estimate features of the ancestral syrinx in birds and how avian vocalization evolved.
Flexural strength, surface roughness, and biofilm formation of ceramic‐reinforced PEEK: An in vitro comparative study
Authors: Almogbel Lolowh , Sadid‐Zadeh Ramtin , Örgev Ahmet , Çakmak Gülce , Li Rui
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This in vitro study aimed to compare flexural strength, surface roughness, and biofilm formation of ceramic‐reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with conventionally heat‐compressed and milled polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base materials.

Materials and Methods

Thirty strips (6.4 mm × 10 mm × 3 mm) and 30 discs (10 mm × 1 mm) were fabricated from a heat‐compressed PMMA, milled PMMA, and ceramic‐reinforced PEEK, 10 each. One surface of each sample was polished to mimic the laboratory procedure for denture base materials. Strips were then subjected to a three‐point bend test using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 5.0 mm/min. An optical profilometer was used to assess the Ra value (mm) of the discs on polished and unpolished sides. Biofilm formation behavior was analyzed by measuring the colony‐forming unit (CFU)/mL of Candida albicans on the unpolished surface of the discs. One‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey multiple comparison tests were used to compare the flexural strength, Ra value, and biofilm formation of the studied materials (a = 0.05).

Results

Ceramic‐reinforced PEEK showed significantly higher flexural strength (178.2 ± 3.2 MPa) than milled PMMA (89.6 ± 0.8 MPa; p < 0.001) and heat‐compressed PMMA (67.3 ± 5.3 MPa; p < 0.001). Ceramic‐reinforced PEEK exhibited a significantly higher Ra value than the other groups on unpolished sides; however, the polishing process significantly reduced the Ra values of all studied groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in C. albicans adhesion among the groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The flexural strength of tested materials was within acceptable limits for clinical use as a denture base material. Ceramic‐reinforced PEEK had the highest surface roughness; however, its similarity in biofilm formation to other groups indicates its clinical acceptability as denture base material.
Everyday discrimination, emotion, and daily interactions during adolescence
Authors: Rahal Danny , Huynh Virginia W. , Irwin Michael R. , McCreath Heather , Fuligni Andrew J.
Published: December 2023

The present study examined whether everyday discrimination relates to the frequency of adolescents' positive and negative daily social interactions and whether these associations are driven by anger and positive emotion. Adolescents (N = 334) participated in a three‐wave longitudinal study, in which they completed surveys regarding everyday discrimination, anger, and positive emotion, as well as 15 daily reports of conflict and getting along with friends and family. Higher everyday discrimination was related to more daily conflicts and fewer experiences of getting along with other people. Longitudinal models also provided preliminary evidence that everyday discrimination was associated with daily conflicts 4 years later indirectly through anger. Overall, results suggest everyday discrimination relates to adolescents' daily experiences, potentially through differences in emotion.
Recent topics of spinocerebellar ataxia type 31
Authors: Ishikawa Kinya
Published: December 2023

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 31 (SCA31) is an autosomal‐dominant neurodegenerative condition caused by a 2.5–3.8 kb‐long complex repeat containing (TGGAA/TTCCA)n in an intron shared by two genes called brain expressed, associated with Nedd4 (BEAN1) and thymidine kinase 2 (TK2) located in the human chromosome 16q22.1. Since BEAN1 and TK2 are transcribed in mutually opposite directions in human brains, two independently transcribed RNAs containing either (UGGAA)n or (UUCCA)n are likely to associate with the pathogenesis of SCA31. Recently, a minor TK2 mRNA isoform called TK2‐EXT was confirmed to be transcribed in human cerebellum, suggesting that (UUCCA)n is indeed expressed. The level of TK2 mRNA and TK2 protein expression levels was both preserved in SCA31 human cerebellum, suggesting that the expression of (UUCCA)n does not affect the expression of TK2, and hence, the function of TK2 seemed to be preserved. On the other hand, the other penta‐nucleotide RNA repeat (UGGAA)n, expressed through BEAN1 transcription, is likely to conform toxicity through forming abnormal RNA structures called RNA foci in the nucleus of expressing cells. In addition, three proteins TDP‐43, FUS, and hnRNPA2/B1 that commonly have a capacity to bind with (UGGAA)n reduced the number of RNA foci, and ameliorated the phenotype brought by (UGGAA)n in Drosophila. A small compound naphthyridine carbamate dimer that binds to (UGGAA)n dampened the (UGGAA)n toxicity in Drosophila, further supporting the idea that (UGGAA)n expressed by BEAN1 is pathogenic. Therefore, a plausible approach to treat SCA31 may be considered by administering agents with a capacity binding to (UGGAA)n.
Capnodynamic end‐expiratory lung volume assessment in anesthetized healthy children
Authors: Lundquist Johanna , Shams Niki , Wallin Mats , Hallbäck Magnus , Lönnqvist Per‐Arne , Karlsson Jacob
Published: December 2023

Background

Capnodynamic lung function monitoring generates variables that may be useful for pediatric perioperative ventilation.

Aims

Establish normal values for end‐expiratory lung volume CO2 in healthy children undergoing anesthesia and to compare these values to previously published values obtained with alternative end‐expiratory lung volume methods. The secondary aim was to investigate the ability of end‐expiratory lung volume CO2 to react to positive end‐expiratory pressure‐induced changes in end‐expiratory lung volume. In addition, normal values for associated volumetric capnography lung function variables were examined.

Methods

Fifteen pediatric patients with healthy lungs (median age 8 months, range 1–36 months) undergoing general anesthesia were examined before start of surgery. Tested variables were recorded at baseline positive end‐expiratory pressure 3 cmH2O, 1 and 3 min after positive end‐expiratory pressure 10 cmH2O and 3 min after returning to baseline positive end‐expiratory pressure 3 cmH2O.

Results

Baseline end‐expiratory lung volume CO2 was 32 mL kg−1 (95% CI 29–34 mL kg−1) which increased to 39 mL kg−1 (95% CI 35–43 mL kg−1, p < .0001) and 37 mL kg−1 (95% CI 34–41 mL kg−1, p = .0003) 1 and 3 min after positive end‐expiratory pressure 10 cmH2O, respectively. End‐expiratory lung volume CO2 returned to baseline, 33 mL kg−1 (95% CI 29–37 mL kg−1, p = .72) 3 min after re‐establishing positive end‐expiratory pressure 3 cmH2O. Airway dead space increased from 1.1 mL kg−1 (95% CI 0.9–1.4 mL kg−1) to 1.4 (95% CI 1.1–1.8 mL kg−1, p = .003) and 1.5 (95% CI 1.1–1.8 mL kg−1, p < .0001) 1 and 3 min after positive end‐expiratory pressure 10 cmH2O, respectively, and 1.2 mL kg−1 (95% CI 0.9–1.4 mL kg−1, p = .08) after 3 min of positive end‐expiratory pressure 3 cmH2O. Additional volumetric capnography and lung function variables showed no major changes in response to positive end‐expiratory pressure variations.

Conclusions

Capnodynamic noninvasive and continuous end‐expiratory lung volume CO2 values assessed during anesthesia in children were in close agreement with previously reported end‐expiratory lung volume values generated by alternative methods. Furthermore, positive end‐expiratory pressure changes resulted in physiologically expected end‐expiratory lung volume CO2 responses in a timely manner, suggesting that it can be used to trend end‐expiratory lung volume changes during anesthesia.
Help yourself before helping others: When corporate social responsibility does not make a company more attractive to job seekers
Authors: Ong Madeline , Kim Yong H. , Koopman Joel
Published: December 2023

This paper explores the conditions under which job seekers may not respond positively to a potential employer's corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. We propose that the relationship between an organization's externally‐directed CSR activities and job seekers’ perceptions of the organization's attractiveness is moderated by whether the organization is also engaging in internally‐directed high‐investment human resource systems (HIHRS). Results from a combination of three studies—an archival study of Fortune 500 companies (Study 1), a survey study (Study 2), and an experiment (Study 3)—provide support for our hypotheses. When an organization has lower levels of internally‐directed HIHRS, the positive influence of externally‐directed CSR on attraction to an organization diminishes (Study 3) or disappears (Studies 1 and 2). Importantly, we identify perceptions of organizational authenticity as one key mechanism driving these effects (Studies 2 and 3).