bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of audit quality on earnings management and cost of equity capital: evidence from a developing market
Authors: Le Ben , Moore Paula Hearn
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of audit quality on earnings management and cost of equity capital (COE) considering the impact of two owner types: government ownership and foreign ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a panel data set of 236 Vietnamese firms covering the period 2007 to 2017. Because the two main dependent variables of the COE capital and the absolute value of discretionary accruals receive fractional values between zero and one, the paper uses the generalised linear model (GLM) with a logit link and the binomial family in regression analyses. The paper uses numerous audit quality measures, including hiring Big 4 auditors or the industry-leading Big 4 auditor, changing from non-Big 4 auditors to Big 4 auditors or the industry-leading Big 4 auditor, and the length of Big 4 auditor tenure. Big 4 companies include KPMG, Deloitte, EY and PwC, whereas the non-big 4 are the other audit companies.

Findings

The study finds a negative relationship between audit quality and both the COE capital and income-increasing discretionary accruals. The effects of audit quality on discretionary accruals and the COE capital depend on the ownership levels of two important shareholders: the government and foreign investors. Foreign ownership is negatively associated with discretionary accruals; however, the effect is more pronounced in the sub-sample of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the firms where the government owns 50% or more equity, than in the sub-sample of Non-SOEs.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge, no prior similar study exists that used the GLM with a logit link and the binomial family regression. Global investors may be interested in understanding how unique institutional settings and capital markets of each country impact the financial reporting quality and cost of capital. Further, policymakers of developing markets may have incentives to improve the quality of financial reporting and reduce the cost of capital which should result in attracting more foreign investments.
The determinants of bank selection criteria of SMEs: a fuzzy analytic hierarchy approach
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Gupta Sanjay
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been reported as a credit-constrained sector in the earlier literature. Amidst the available external financing options, SMEs are dependent upon banks for their financial needs, hence they offer an important profitable segment for banks. Commercial banks need to develop effective targeting strategies for this segment and ranking the priorities of SMEs in selecting commercial banks will be of great help to them. The purpose of this paper is to implement a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) multi-criteria decision model for commercial bank’s selection by SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The research process was carried out in two phases. In Phase I, a self-structured scale was developed to measure bank selection criteria of SMEs after an extensive review of the literature of relevant studies on the topic. A sample of 600 SMEs was selected through non-proportionate quota sampling and only 313 valid responses were received. Phase II was conducted to prioritize the extracted factors through FAHP, a multi-criteria decision-making technique. For this purpose, another questionnaire was designed in the form of pair-wise evaluation and the response was taken on the same from those 313 SMEs again.

Findings

The results showed that SMEs bank selection criteria can be categorized under six heads, namely, bank attributes, accommodation of credit needs (AC), bank personnel, financial factors (FF), service quality (SQ) and business knowledge. The research study produced a reliable and valid instrument for studying the bank selection criteria of SMEs. The results further revealed that AC is the most important factor considered by SMEs followed by FF and SQ. Going further, global weights were also calculated through the FAHP which revealed that the most important consideration (variable) viewed upon by SMEs is willingness to accommodate credit needs followed by flexible collateral requirements and absence of hidden charges.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the present study offer significant insights as to the factors SMEs consider while making a bank selection decision. It is of utmost importance for banks to identify true determinant factors used by SMEs while making bank choice decisions as they offer ample profit and revenue opportunities to banks. The results of the study provide a practical approach to banks that would help them in framing strategies for SMEs customers.

Originality/value

This is the first study of its kind which has not only focused on the hierarchy of factors measuring bank selection criteria of SMEs rather on the hierarchy of single variables also through the calculation of global weights. As banks cannot focus on all the dimensions of the criteria, they can focus on the spirit of that particular criteria.
Building perspective awareness as a workplace practice
Authors: Andersson Pia , Dellve Lotta , Gillberg Gunnar , Lindgren Hans
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The present study aims to describe the implementation of a facilitated dialogue model intended to improve communication across professional logics and knowledge boundaries in two units of a large health-care organization in Sweden.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a mixed-methods study with interviews, field observations and follow- up questionnaires that were conducted during the implementation process.

Findings

The conclusion drawn in this study is that it is possible to change and improve the dialogue between health-care professionals with the help of a tailored, facilitated dialogue model. The authors found that different professional logics can indeed meet and share perspectives if the right conditions are provided. Moreover, an improved dialogue between different professional groups may contribute to work satisfaction, engagement, social cohesion and communication between professionals.

Practical implications

This study shows that the right organizational conditions, such as support from managers, must exist if the model’s inherent possibilities are to be used. Inhouse facilitation may be a sustainable model for facilitated workplace dialogue when its implementation is supported by the overall organization.

Originality/value

The contribution is an empirically based analysis of a new form of model for mediating perspectives within an organization with distinct professional roles. This study shows how, under the right conditions, the model can contribute to a perspective awareness and thus a more mature work organization.
Knowledge retention in oil and gas industry – the case of contract workforce
Authors: Sumbal M. Saleem Ullah Khan , Irfan Irfan , Durst Susanne , Sahibzada Umar Farooq , Waseem Muhammad Adnan , Tsui Eric
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate how organization retain the knowledge of Contract Workforce (CWF) and to understand the associated challenges in this regard.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting an inductive approach, 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior managers, project heads and consultants working in leading oil and gas companies across eight countries (USA, Australia, UAE, KSA, Pakistan, UK, Thailand and Russia). Thematic analysis was carried out to analyze the data collected.

Findings

CWF appears to be a significant source of knowledge attrition and even knowledge loss in the oil and gas sector. There are various risks associated with hiring of CWF, such as hallowing of organizational memory, repeated training of contractors, no knowledge base, workforce shortage among others which can impede the knowledge retention capability of O&G companies in the context of contract workforce. Various knowledge retention strategies for CWF have been revealed, however, there is interplay of various factors such as proportion of CWF deployed, proper resource utilization, cross-functional multi-level teams' involvement and strength of transactional ties. Maintaining strong relationships (Transactional ties) is crucial to maintain a virtual organizational memory (partial knowledge retention) and to follow a adopting a rehired when required policy.

Originality/value

The knowledge retention issue in the context of CWF has not be addressed in past researches. This article attempts to fill this gap.
Bank asset allocation and finance structure under uncertainty in Vietnam
Authors: Dang Van Dan , Nguyen Hoang Chung
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The paper investigates the link between uncertainty and banks' balance sheet reactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs bank-level data in Vietnam during 2007–2019 to measure micro uncertainty in banking through the dispersion of bank-level shocks. Empirical regressions are performed by the two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator and then verified using the least squares dummy variable corrected (LSDVC) technique.

Findings

Banks tend to reduce risky loans, hoard more liquidity and decrease financial leverage in response to higher uncertainty. The relationship between uncertainty and banks' balance sheet reactions is more pronounced for banks that suffer more credit risk and overall risk, thus supporting the precautionary motive of banks. Additionally, uncertainty also leads to a decline in the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) under Basel III, implying that banks may fail to find a more stable source of funding and be more subject to maturity mismatch during periods of higher uncertainty.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to explore comprehensively the relationship between uncertainty and banks' balance sheet aspects as simultaneously estimated by bank loans, bank liquidity and bank leverage. While many other uncertainty measures display aggregate uncertainty sources, an important contribution in this study is to anatomize uncertainty originating exclusively from banking at a disaggregate level. Besides, shedding light on how uncertainty drives bank funding liquidity as captured by the NSFR under Basel III is entirely novel in the literature.
Audit committee characteristics and the moderating effect of Malaysian code of corporate governance on IPO liquidity
Authors: Al-Masawa Amal Mohammed , Mohd-Rashid Rasidah , Al-Jaifi Hamdan Amer , Al-Duais Shaker Dahan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the link between audit committee characteristics and the liquidity of initial public offerings (IPOs) in Malaysia, which is an emerging economy in Southeast Asia. Another purpose of this study is to examine the moderating effect of the revised Malaysian code of corporate governance (MCCG) on the link between audit committee characteristics and IPO liquidity.

Design/methodology/approach

The final sample consists of 304 Malaysian IPOs listed in 2002–2017. This study uses ordinary least squares regression method to analyse the data. To confirm this study’s findings, a hierarchical or four-stage regression analysis is used to compare the t-values of the main and moderate regression models.

Findings

The findings show that audit committee characteristics (size and director independence) have a positive and significant relationship with IPO liquidity. Also, the revised MCCG positively moderates the relationship between audit committee characteristics and IPO liquidity.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s findings indicate that companies with higher audit committee independence have a more effective monitoring mechanism that mitigates information asymmetry, thus reducing adverse selection issues during share trading.

Practical implications

Policymakers could use the results of this study in developing policies for IPO liquidity improvements. Additionally, the findings are useful for traders and investors in their investment decision-making. For companies, the findings highlight the crucial role of the audit committee as part of the control system that monitors corporate governance.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this work is a pioneering study in the context of a developing country, specifically Malaysia that investigates the impact of audit committee characteristics on IPO liquidity. Previously, the link between corporate governance and IPO liquidity had not been investigated in Malaysia. This study also contributes to the IPO literature by providing empirical evidence regarding the moderating effect of the revised MCCG on the relationship between audit committee characteristics and IPO liquidity.
Action research: alternative paths for the transformation of management academic research to practice
Authors: Li Xingwang , Zhang Jingwei , Li Zhigang , Gao Feng , Yu Cheng
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to let researchers sort out the past, look to the future and boost further management research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes the exploration of the application of AR in the field of management research as the starting point. Through the combing and induction of AR literature to accurately grasp the essential characteristics of AR, this paper analyzes the application prospects and possible difficulties of AR in the field of management research in China, puts forward specific suggestions and explores the specific path of the transformation of management academic research to practice from the perspective of research methods.

Findings

In research methods, empirical research and case studies have become the mainstream research methods, but there is a passive research limitation of “study what happens.” Action research is different from the standpoint of empirical research that is independent of the research object. It no longer simply treats managers as the “object of information acquisition,” but as the subject of participating in the research. Management should be oriented towards the transformation of practice, and action research (AR) that can organically integrate researchers and practitioners is just a “bridge” to break the gap between academia and business circles to establish a cooperative relationship.

Originality/value

This paper takes the exploration of the application of AR in the field of management research as the starting point. Through the combing and induction of AR literature to accurately grasp the essential characteristics of AR, this paper analyzes the application prospects and possible difficulties of AR in the field of management research in China, puts forward specific suggestions and explores the specific path of the transformation of management academic research to practice from the perspective of research methods.
Unpacking overtourism as a discursive formation through interdiscursivity
Authors: O’ Regan Michael , Salazar Noel B. , Choe Jaeyeon , Buhalis Dimitrios
Published: December 2021

Purpose

As tourism destinations grapple with declines in tourist arrivals due to COVID-19 measures, scholarly debate on overtourism remains active, with discussions on solutions that could be enacted to contain the excessive regrowth of tourism and the return of “overtourism”. As social science holds an important role and responsibility to inform the debate on overtourism, this paper aims to understand overtourism by examining it as a discursive formation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores recurring thematic threads in scholarly overtourism texts, given the phrases coherence as a nodal-point is partially held in place by a collective body of texts authored by a network of scholars who have invested in it. The paper uses interdiscursivity as an interpretative framework to identify overlapping thematic trajectories found in existing discourses.

Findings

Overtourism, as a discursive formation, determines what can and should be said about the self-evident “truths” of excessive tourist arrivals, the changes tourists bring to destinations and the range of discursive solutions available to manage or end overtourism. As the interpellation of these thematic threads into scholarly texts is based on a sense of crisis and urgency, the authors find that the themes contain rhetoric, arguments and metaphors that problematise tourists and construct them as objects in need of control and correction.

Originality/value

While the persistence of the discursive formation will be determined by the degree to which scholarly and other actors recognise themselves in it, this paper may enable overtourism scholars to become aware of the limits of their discursive domain and help them to expand the discourse or weave a new one.
The effect of moisture, nutrients and disturbance on storage organ size and persistence in temperate herbs
Authors: Bartušková Alena , Lubbe Frederick Curtis , Qian Jianqiang , Herben Tomáš , Klimešová Jitka
Published: December 2021

Perennial herbaceous plants in seasonal temperate climates must form belowground storage organs to contain carbohydrates for seasonal regrowth and to mitigate disturbance and damage. The factors that dictate the size and turnover of these organs are still little understood. According to the Integrator–Splitter Hypothesis, storage organ persistence decreases with greater moisture and nutrient availability. The Resprouter‐Seeder Hypothesis predicts that investments into storage organs are the largest when severe disturbances occur at an intermediate frequency. Additionally, according to the Carbon Surplus Hypothesis, storage organ size should increase with lower nutrient availability.

We measured storage organ traits (lateral spread and persistence) and size parameters for more than 200 species of clonal perennial herbs and assessed their relationship with different environmental gradients linked to productivity (moisture and nutrients) and disturbance regime (disturbance frequency and severity). Additionally, we included plant height to account for potential scaling relationships between these traits and plant size.

Disturbance frequency had negative effects on storage organ size and turnover, other environmental parameters (moisture and disturbance severity) had positive effects. Storage organ volume correlated strongly with organ diameter and plant size (height).

The divergence between lateral spread and persistence along the moisture gradient supported the Integrator–Splitter Hypothesis and reduction of volume and storage organ persistence under greater disturbance frequency supported the Resprouter‐Seeder Hypothesis. Storage organ size was not affected by nutrient availability; thus our results contradict the Carbon Surplus Hypothesis. Although this is important evidence for plant allocation and storage strategy, future studies will need to include measurements of storage organ carbohydrate content to understand the difference in allocation between investment into structural growth as opposed to stored carbohydrates for later use.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
A multi‐parameter approach for recognition of anthropogenic noise in aeromagnetic data collected over populated areas: Erzgebirge, Germany
Authors: Morris William , Ugalde Hernan , Kirsch Moritz , Gloaguen Richard , Ibs‐von Seht Malte , Siemon Bernhard , Meyer Uwe
Published: December 2021

Aeromagnetic data are routinely acquired by mineral exploration programmes. The objective is to obtain a raster image of the spatial variations of magnetic field intensity; these variations are associated with mineralogical variations in the subsurface. When the survey is conducted in a populated area, much of the signal, however, may be associated with anthropogenic sources such as buildings and roads. Identification and minimization of the anthropogenic‐related signal then are essential to derive a useful product for geological mapping. In this work, we examine a scalar magnetic dataset from Geyer, Saxony, and we apply five approaches for locating regions of anomalous anthropogenic signal: signal amplitude, absolute fourth difference, signal standard deviation, enhanced horizontal gradient and curvedness. All are shown to produce similar responses, and the summation of the five results compares favourably with the standard Keating kimberlite (circular anomaly) approach for detecting anthropogenic signals. Complications arise when geological features produce signals of similar amplitude to anthropogenic sources. Differentiating the probable origin of any specific pattern can be assessed by using a 2D shape index and increased flight height. Verification of an anthropogenic anomaly is achieved by comparison of anomalous solution grids with Geographic Information System‐based reference data.
The parenting occupations and purposes conceptual framework: A scoping review of ‘doing’ parenting
Authors: Lim Yu Zhuang Germaine , Honey Anne , McGrath Margaret
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Parenting is a valued, common and challenging adult role. Many parents, including some living with disability or difficult social circumstances, experience barriers to fulfilling their parenting roles. Yet, occupational therapy involvement in parenting is rarely documented. Current understandings about ‘doing’ parenting lack cohesion and are dispersed in occupational therapy literature.

This study aims to map and synthesise occupational therapy literature on ‘doing’ parenting to describe the state of the existing knowledge base, and develop a conceptual framework of parenting occupations as portrayed in occupational therapy literature.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted. Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched on 28 October 2019 and updated on 18 February 2021. Journal articles and book chapters were screened for eligibility. Included texts' publication characteristics, methodological characteristics, and areas of focus were summarised. Interpretive content analysis was conducted.

Results

From 5945 unique records, 105 texts were included. These discussed general parenting, parents with disabilities, and parenting in challenging social situations. Most texts focussed on mothers caring for young children in Western cultural contexts. The analysis culminated in the development of a conceptual framework: the Parenting Occupations and Purposes (POP) Framework. This comprises 10 interrelated areas of parenting occupations, which are performed for the purposes of addressing the child's basic, developmental and social needs. Parenting occupations were also found to be influenced by additional, underlying occupations that build parenting capacity ‐Continuous Parental Development (CPD)occupations.

Conclusion

These findings provide an overview of current occupational therapy conceptualisations of parenting. Unlike most of the existing literature on parenting, the POP Framework is parent‐centric rather than child‐centric. More research on parenting occupations is needed, especially with more diverse representation (fathers, ages of children, parental disability and sociocultural background). Further research is required to examine the POP Framework's usefulness in guiding research and practice, particularly among parents with diverse characteristics.
Business Angel Investment as an Informal Learning Process: Does Experience Matter?
Authors: Botelho Tiago , Harrison Richard , Mason Colin
Published: December 2021

This paper addresses the question of how the informal learning processes of angel investors shape the way in which they assess new investment opportunities. Previous research has suggested that angels learn from their previous investment activity. However, the measurement of investment experience as a function of years of investing and number of investments made does not take into account how, and to what extent, learning occurs and how it impacts investors’ decision‐making. To address this deficiency, we suggest a dynamic model of informal learning which incorporates the informal learning typology developed by Schugurensky and extended by Bennett, as a conceptual framework to understand how learning experiences impact angel investment decisions. Based on interviews and verbal protocol analysis with 30 investors, we demonstrate how learning impacts learning processes and outcomes as angels assess an investment opportunity. The findings highlight the importance of supporting angel learning with support for angel groups and angel training programmes.
Nonthermal and thermal treatments impact the structure and microstructure of milk fat globule membrane
Authors: Ali Fatma
Published: December 2021

There is an increasing interest in the potential use of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) as an ingredient in food and nonfood applications. This study investigated the effectiveness of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma reactor on MFGM as a nonthermal alternative through analysing the fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation, protein profiles, MFGM recovery, particle size and morphology. The saturated fatty acid concentration in the pasteurised sample was lower than that in plasma‐treated MFGM samples. Cold plasma treatment reduced the Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus growth inhibition width of inoculated plasma‐treated MFGM samples by 37%, 35% and 34%, respectively. The weakness of casein and whey protein bands of plasma‐treated MFGM indicated the protein–MFGM interaction. Plasma might affect the small MFGs, which resulted upon the isolation stage more than the large MFGs, and induced the possibility of its interaction with milk proteins or even its accumulation on the large MFG surface. MFG size increased by increasing the plasma treatment time, which indicates the aggregation of fat globules into large globules.
Patterns of sperm use by twice‐mated female Queensland fruit flies
Authors: Shadmany Jason , Lee Siu F. , Nguyen Thu N. M. , Taylor Phillip W.
Published: December 2021

Multiple mating by females, polyandry, is common in insects, including in tephritid fruit flies. Female insects that remate commonly store sperm of multiple males. How the sperm of different males contribute to paternity is an important element of sexual selection. Sexual behavior and reproduction of the Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), Bactrocera tryoni, has been extensively investigated both in relation to understanding this economically important species’ reproductive biology and in relation to implications for Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), whereby sterile flies are released to constrain reproduction of pest populations. Despite numerous studies of pre‐ and postcopulatory sexual selection in Qfly, there have been no direct studies of paternity patterns in polyandrous female Qflies. We used two morphologically distinguishable lines to investigate patterns of sperm use in Qfly. The two lines showed comparable mating performance evidenced by similar mating and remating frequency, copula duration, and proportion of second mate paternity (P2) between reciprocal crosses. The mechanism of sperm usage, with P2 close to 0.5 immediately after the second mating followed by gradual decrease of P2 as females aged, is most consistent with stratification or repositioning of sperm. Patterns observed in the present study are compared with the available information from other tephritid fruit flies, and are discussed in relation to this species’ reproductive biology, known patterns of sperm storage, and SIT.
Sex, drugs, and coercive control: Gendered narratives of methamphetamine use, relationships, and violence
Authors: Copes Heith , Brookman Fiona , Ragland Jared , Beaton Blake
Published: December 2021

While many of the motives people provide for using drugs transcend gender, there are also notable gendered differences. These differences in motive talk aid in stigma management, shape gender performances, and can encourage or constrain behavior. Using data from a photoethnography with 52 people who use methamphetamine in rural Alabama, we find that men and women articulate their motives for drug use in distinctly gendered ways. Most notably, men emphasized the benefits of sex on meth while most of the women did not. Men's stories of meth as a sex drug shaped how they interacted with women often leading them to use violence and coercion to control when, where, and with whom women used meth. Women were less likely to say that increased sexual feelings was their primary motive for using meth. They drew on gendered themes of femininity (e.g., motherhood, home keeper) when explaining their drug use. They also sought ways to resist coercive control that were intertwined with their gendered narratives of drug use. The findings point to the importance of gendered narratives in shaping interactions, and significantly, how narratives can contribute to harm and reinforce gender inequality in drug markets.
Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy showed superior clinical benefit to chemotherapy alone in advanced NSCLC patients after progression on osimertinib
Authors: Long Yaping , Xiong Qi , Song Qi , Li Yao , Li Xiaoyan , Qin Boyu , Huang Ziwei , Hu Yi , Yang Bo
Published: December 2021

Background

Osimertinib is the standard first‐line treatment for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. Resistance to osimertinib remains a clinical challenge. However, the optimal therapy for these patients is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy plus chemotherapy (IO+C) compared with chemotherapy (C) in NSCLC patients after progression on osimertinib.

Methods

Advanced NSCLC patients after progression on osimertinib were retrospectively reviewed. Progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and safety were evaluated between the patients treated with IO+C and C.

Results

A total of 40 patients were included in the study. There were 20 patients each in the IO+C group or C group. The ORR was significantly higher in patients in the IO+C group (45% vs. 25%, p < 0.01). The median PFS was 6.4 months for patients in the IO+C group compared to 2.8 months for patients in C group (HR: 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20–0.82, p < 0.01). The median OS was significantly longer in the IO+C group than the C group (OS: 12.8 vs. 10.5 months, HR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.19–0.80, p < 0.01). In subgroup analysis, patients of both sexes, age ≤ 65, bone or adrenal metastasis, exon19 del mutation, and third‐line treatment obtained more OS benefits from immunotherapy. The safety profile of both groups was comparable.

Conclusions

Our study provides the clinical evidence of favoring immunotherapy plus chemotherapy in NSCLC patients after progression on osimertinib.
A three‐dimensional reconstructive study of pelvic cavity in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Authors: Ozkadif Sema , Haligur Ayşe , Eken Emrullah
Published: December 2021

Three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructive techniques are being used in many morphometric studies and clinical applications. The red fox is a wild animal localized in a wide geography. This study has been performed to determine morphometric properties of the pelvic cavity and reveal differences between sexes via 3D reconstruction obtained by multi‐detector computed tomography images (MDCT) of the red fox. A total of 12 adult red foxes of both sexes were used in this study. Two‐dimensional (2D) MDCT images of the pelvic cavity obtained and stored in DICOM format were used to reconstruct the 3D model. Mimics 13.1 program was used to perform the 3D reconstruction. A total of 24 dimensions were measured from the reconstructive model of the pelvic cavity. Twenty two dimensions were found to be significantly different (p < 0.05) between sexes. In conclusion, according to the pelvimetric data, it was determined that the red fox has sexual dimorphism and these data may be useful in wild animals morphological and gynaecological research. The authors hope to help in the diagnosis and treatment of the pelvic cavity‐related orthopaedic and gynaecological disorders in the wild animals.
Virtual lesion clinic – Evaluation of a teledermatology triage system for referrals for suspected melanoma
Authors: Teague Rebecca , Wang Mark , Wen Daniel , Sunderland Michael , Rolfe Gill , Oakley Amanda M M , Rademaker Marius , Martin Richard
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The Virtual Lesion Clinic (VLC) of Waitematā District Health Board (WDHB) improves melanoma assessment and treatment using teledermatology. The VLC is reserved for pigmented lesions referred as suspected melanoma from primary care but indeterminate at the initial triage.

Objectives

To assess the efficacy of the VLC diagnosis of melanoma.

Methods

A retrospective audit of suspected melanoma referrals (1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016) was conducted. Lesions were referred to the VLC if diagnostic uncertainty remained at the initial triage. VLC patients attended MoleMap imaging centres, a dermatologist reviewed history and images remotely and suggested a diagnosis and management plan. Post VLC provisional diagnosis of melanoma, all lesions subsequently excised were reviewed. A positive predictive value (PPV) was calculated using concordance between VLC diagnosis of melanoma and histopathological diagnosis of melanoma. Number needed to excise (NNE) for melanoma was derived, as well as an invasive to in‐situ melanoma ratio (IM:MIS) and false negative rate (FNR).

Results

The VLC received 1874 referrals for 3546 lesions during the 5‐year study period. Six hundred and seventy‐nine lesions were recommended excision/biopsy or specialist face‐to‐face assessment, and 504 lesions were subsequently excised. The PPV was 62%, NNE 1.62 and IM:MIS 0.76 for lesions suspected to be melanoma at VLC assessment. The VLC had a melanoma‐specific FNR of 7%.

Conclusions

The VLC is effective in early diagnosis of melanoma with a high positive predictive value, low number needed to excise and low false negative rate amongst lesions referred as suspected melanoma.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor associated cutaneous adverse drug reactions: A systematic review of case reports and case series
Authors: Masuka Josiah T , Mchunu Nobuhle , Mkhize Zamambo , Thandar Yasmeen , Mosam Anisa
Published: December 2021

Anecdotal evidence suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) cause cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs). However, there is limited information on the factors associated with these occurrences. In this study, we aimed to describe the demographic, clinical and pharmacological characteristics associated with CADRs encountered by patients administered SSRIs and/or SNRIs for psychiatric diagnoses and to compare the differences in these factors between severe and non‐severe CADRs. A protocol was developed a priori (PROSPERO: CRD42020204830) in line with the PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO and SCOPUS from inception to October 2020 to identify case reports and/or case series of SSRI and SNRI associated CADRs. Additional cases were obtained from the retrieved articles’ bibliography. A total of 141 articles were included in the study, documenting 173 CADRs. Females accounted for 128 (74.0%) of the analysed CADRs. The median age of the cases was 42 IQR (27; 53) with no statistically significant differences in age between males and females (P = 0.542). A total of 157 (90.8%) of the reported CADRs were associated with SSRIs, particularly fluoxetine 68 (39.5%), sertraline 30 (17.4%) and paroxetine 25 (14.5%). Non‐severe CADRs and severe CADRs accounted for 23 (13.4%) and 149 (86.6%) reports respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed for gender (P = 0.616), age at onset (P = 0.493) and time to onset (P = 0.105) between non‐severe CADRs and SCARs. In conclusion, CADRs following SSRIs and SNRIs disproportionately affect females in the reproductive age group compared to males and are mostly associated with SSRIs.
The intersection of race and socioeconomic status is associated with inflammation patterns during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Keenan‐Devlin Lauren S. , Smart Britney P. , Grobman William , Adam Emma K. , Freedman Alexa , Buss Claudia , Entringer Sonja , Miller Gregory E. , Borders Ann E. B.
Published: December 2021

Background

Preterm birth rates are higher among individuals of lower socioeconomic status and non‐White race, which is possibly related to life‐course stressors. It is important to understand the underlying mechanisms of these health disparities, and inflammation is a possible pathway to explain the disparities in birth outcomes.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to determine whether patterns of inflammation differed by maternal race and socioeconomic status.

Study design

Seven hundred and forty‐four participants in a multi‐site, prospective study of pregnancy and birth outcomes provided biological and psychological data between 12′0‐20′6 weeks gestation. Participants with recent infection, fever, antibiotics or steroid treatment were excluded. Cytokines including INFɣ, IL‐10, IL‐13, IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNFα, and the acute phase protein CRP were measured in serum and values and were log‐transformed for normality when appropriate, and a non‐orthogonal rotation (Oblimid) was performed to allow the extracted factor to inter‐correlate. IFNγ, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐6, TNF‐a, and IL‐13 loaded onto Inflammatory Factor 1 (IF‐1), while CRP and IL‐6 loaded onto Inflammatory Factor 2 (IF‐2). Race and education were collected via self‐report during an in‐person study visit. Multivariable models were used to determine the association of race and SES with IF‐1 and IF‐2 during the second trimester, and a mediation model was used to examine if inflammation is on the causal pathway. Models were adjusted for study site, prenatal age, pre‐pregnancy BMI, smoking during pregnancy, and gestational age at the time of blood collection.

Results

Six hundred and five participants were included in our final analysis, with 61.2% of low or moderate SES, and 35.5% identifying as a person of color (POC). Identifying as a POC, being of low and moderate SES, and being both low‐SES and POC or moderate‐SES and POC were associated with higher odds of preterm birth and lower birth weight percentile infants. Low SES POC participants had significantly higher IF‐1 and IF‐2 scores when compared to high‐SES White participants. Additionally, higher IF‐1 and IF‐2 were associated with shorter gestation. In the mediation analysis, we observed a significant direct effect of race/SES on preterm birth; however, the results did not support an indirect pathway where IF‐1 or IF‐2 acted as mediators.

Conclusion

Maternal race and SES are significantly associated with inflammatory biomarkers during pregnancy, and when race and SES are considered in combination, they are stronger predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes than when evaluated separately.
Individuals with higher economic insecurity manifest greater self‐serving bias
Authors: Li Chunkai , Tang Hongjuan , Zhang Weidong , Wang Xiaoyan , Zheng Li , Guo Xiuyan
Published: December 2021

Economic insecurity refers to a state of uncertainty about one's financial situation. It could exert negative influence on one's psychological well‐being, such as threatening self‐esteem. Previous studies have documented that people are likely to protect themselves from psychological threat by evaluating themselves in flattering ways, such as manifesting the self‐serving bias. That is, people tend to endorse positive and isolate negative interpersonal events from themselves in attribution. In the present research, two studies were conducted to explore the difference of the self‐serving bias between people with high and low economic insecurity. In study 1, economic insecurity was operationalized indirectly by the number of job offer that college senior students have got in the graduate season. In study 2, one's sense of economic insecurity was measured directly through using the self‐report scale. Results showed that participants with high economic insecurity manifested greater self‐serving bias than that of participants with low economic insecurity (study 1 and 2). It suggests that the self‐serving bias might be a self‐protection strategy to cope with the psychological threats associated with economic insecurity.
Feasibility of using a tailored mesh in laparoscopic Sugarbaker parastomal hernia repair
Authors: Suwa Katsuhito , Ushigome Takuro , Enomoto Hiroya , Tsukazaki Yuhei , Takeuchi Nana , Okamoto Tomoyoshi , Eto Ken
Published: December 2021

Background

In parastomal hernia (PH) repair, laparoscopic Sugarbaker technique (LS) is considered the best practice; however, meshes specific for LS repairs ceased to be available.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate feasibility of using a physician‐modified mesh (tailored mesh: TM) in LS.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients who underwent LS for PH between June 2012 and September 2021 were examined to compare surgical outcomes between LS with TM (n = 11) and with a ready‐made specific mesh (SM, n = 22). All meshes were coated plastic meshes. Statistical analysis was performed with the Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test. P < .05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

We compared the outcomes of TM with SM in LS for similar hernia types during median follow‐up periods of 23 (range, 2–29) and 74 (range, 36–110) months (P < .0001), respectively. The median operation times were 146 (range, 45–423) for TM and 193 (range, 65–386) minutes for SM (P = .2301). Perioperative complications were observed in one TM patient (9%) and two SM patients (9%) (P = 1.0000). The lengths of postoperative stay were similar. Recurrence was observed in two cases in the SM group (9%) within 1 year after the operation.

Conclusion

In LS, TM seems to be a feasible mesh comparable to SM within short‐ and mid‐term follow‐up.
Quantitative assessment of the exposure–efficacy relationship of glucocerebrosidase using Markovian elements in Gaucher patients treated with enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: Gras‐Colomer Elena , Mangas‐Sanjuán Víctor , Martínez‐Gómez María‐Amparo , Climente‐Martí Mónica , Merino‐Sanjuan Matilde
Published: December 2021

Aims

The aims of this study are (i) to develop a population pharmacokinetic model of enzyme activity in Gaucher‐type 1 (GD1) patients after intravenous administration of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), and (ii) to establish an exposure–efficacy relationship for bone marrow infiltration to propose dose adjustments according to patient covariate values.

Methods

A prospective follow‐up, semi‐experimental multi‐centre study was conducted in four hospitals to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of ERT in GD1 patients. Twenty‐five individuals with 266 glucocerebrosidase (GCase) observations in plasma and leukocytes and 14 individuals with 68 Spanish magnetic resonance imaging (S‐MRI) observations were enrolled.

Results

A two concatenated compartment model with zero‐order endogenous production and first‐order distribution (CL1 = 3.85 × 10−1 L/d) and elimination (CL2 = 1.25 L/d) allowed GCase observations in plasma and leukocytes to be described, respectively. An exponential time dependency (kT = 6.14 × 10−1 d−1) effect on CL1 was incorporated. The final exposure–efficacy model was a longitudinal logistic regression model with a first‐order Markov element. An Emax function (EC50 = 15.73 U/L and Emax = 2.33) linked steady‐state concentrations of GCase in leukocytes to the probability of transition across the different S‐MRI stages.

Conclusion

A population pharmacokinetic model successfully characterized the leukocyte activity–time profiles of GCase following intravenous administration of ERT in GD1 patients together with an exposure–efficacy relationship in bone marrow using Markovian elements. The information obtained from this study could be of high clinical relevance in individualization of ERT in GD1 patients, as this could lead to anticipative decision‐making regarding clinical response in bone and optimal dosing strategy.
Effective low–dose sirolimus regimen for kaposiform haemangioendothelioma with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon in young infants
Authors: Harbers Veroniek E. M. , van der Salm Nathalie , Pegge Sjoert A. H. , van der Vleuten Carine J. M. , Verhoeven Bas H. , Vrancken Sabine L. A. G. , Schultze Kool Leo J. , Fuijkschot Joris , te Loo D. Maroeska M. W. M.
Published: December 2021

Aims

Management of kaposiform haemangioendotheliomas (KHE) with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon is challenging in young infants who are subjected to developmental pharmacokinetic changes. Sirolimus, sometimes combined with corticosteroids, can be used as an effective treatment of KHE. Simultaneously, toxicities such as interstitial pneumonitis related to the use of sirolimus may be fatal. As infants have a very low CYP3‐enzyme expression at birth, which rises during ageing, we hypothesize that a reduced metabolization of sirolimus might lead to high sirolimus serum levels and low dose may be sufficient without the side effects.

Methods

A case series of 5 infants with kaposiform haemangioendothelioma with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon was analysed retrospectively. All infants were treated with sirolimus 0.2 mg/m2 every 24 or 48 hours according to their age. Prednisone was added to the therapy for additional effect in 4 patients.

Results

In all patients, low dose of sirolimus led to therapeutic sirolimus levels (4–6 ng/mL). All infants (aged 4 days–7 months) had a complete haematological response, without serious adverse events. In all patients, the Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon resolved, the coagulation profile normalized and tumour size reduction was seen.

Conclusion

Low‐dose sirolimus treatment is safe for infants with kaposiform haemangioendothelioma and Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon. It is essential to realize that during the first months of life, metabolism is still developing and enzymes necessary to metabolise drugs like sirolimus still have to mature. To avoid toxic levels, the sirolimus dosage should be based on age and the associated pharmacological developments.
Inducible T‐cell co‐stimulator (ICOS) and ICOS ligand are novel players in the multiple‐myeloma microenvironment
Authors: Boggio Elena , Gigliotti Casimiro Luca , Moia Riccardo , Scotta Annamaria , Crespi Ilaria , Boggione Paola , De Paoli Lorenzo , Deambrogi Clara , Garzaro Massimiliano , Vidali Matteo , Chiocchetti Annalisa , Stoppa Ian , Rolla Roberta , Dianzani Chiara , Monge Chiara , Clemente Nausicaa , Gaidano Gianluca , Dianzani Umberto
Published: December 2021

The inducible T‐cell co‐stimulator (ICOS) is a T‐cell receptor that, once bound to ICOS ligand (ICOSL) expressed on several cell types including the B‐cell lineage, plays a decisive role in adaptive immunity by regulating the interplay between B and T cells. In addition to its immunomodulatory functions, we have shown that ICOS/ICOSL signalling can inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, unveiling a novel mechanism of lymphocyte–bone cells interactions. ICOS and ICOSL can also be found as soluble forms, namely sICOS and sICOSL. Here we show that: (i) levels of sICOS and sICOSL are increased in multiple myeloma (MM) compared to monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and smouldering MM; (ii) levels of sICOS and sICOSL variably correlate with several markers of tumour burden; and (iii) sICOS levels tend to be higher in Durie–Salmon stage II/III versus stage I MM and correlate with overall survival as an independent variable. Moreover, surface ICOS and ICOSL are expressed in both myeloma cells and normal plasma cells, where they probably regulate different functional stages. Finally, ICOSL triggering inhibits the migration of myeloma cell lines in vitro and the growth of ICOSL+ MOPC‐21 myeloma cells in vivo. These results suggest that ICOS and ICOSL represent novel markers and therapeutic targets for MM.