bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stewardship regulation and earnings quality: evidence from Japan
Authors: Routledge James
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine if compliance with the Japanese Stewardship Code by institutional investors is related to the earnings quality of their investee companies. It extends the study by Lu et al. who considered this question for large UK companies with high-quality board governance and a rich information environment. This study provides new insights by exploiting the contrasting Japanese setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The association between Code-compliant institutional investor shareholding and discretionary accruals is examined for Japanese companies in the Nikkei 225 Index. The study period is from the introduction of the Code in 2015 to 2017.

Findings

A negative association is found between the level of institutional investor Code-compliant shareholding and discretionary accruals, which is robust to tests that address endogeneity. The findings suggest Code-compliant institutional investor shareholding mitigates opportunistic income-increasing earnings management and promotes conservative accounting. Consistent results are found for benchmark beating and accruals quality as alternative earnings quality measures.

Originality/value

This study offers new insights regarding the efficacy of the Stewardship Code’s policy approach. The findings suggest the stewardship regulatory model is effective when internal governance is weak and external monitoring by institutional investors is a viable substitute or complement.
Acceptability of low-sodium mozzarella coated with zein and essential oils
Authors: Pereira Lívio Antônio Silva , Bemfeito Raquel Martino , Bemfeito Carla Martino , e Silva Priscila de Castro , Rodrigues Jéssica Ferreira , Gonçalves Michelle Carlota , Pinheiro Ana Carla Marques , Piccoli Roberta Hilsdorf
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper was to evaluate the influence of the zein coating containing essential oils on the sensory characteristics of sodium-reduced mozzarellas.

Design/methodology/approach

Mozzarellas were prepared by dipping in brine containing 5, 10, 15 or 20% of NaCl (w/v) that correspond, respectively, to 25, 50, 75 and 100% of NaCl content used in industry. These salted mozzarellas and another one, unsalted, were coated by an edible zein film added with 3% of a mixture of thyme and garlic essential oils (1:1). They were subjected to sensory analysis in relation to salty taste and overall impression. The mozzarella without salt reduction (20% NaCl w/v), coated or uncoated with the edible film, was also subjected to the analysis of water loss and microbiological quality, in order to evaluate the impact of this film on product quality.

Findings

The zein coating added with oils did not compromise the sensory acceptance of the mozzarella prepared with up to 50% of salt reduction. Water loss and microbial growth were lower in zein-coated mozzarella than in uncoated mozzarella. These results showed that this film could be applied as natural additive, contributing to the microbiological and sensory characteristics of the mozzarella.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to reducing the lack of studies in relation to new technologies for food preservation and sodium reduction. In addition, the zein coating containing essential oils can be tested on other food categories.
Modeling of airgap flux density for the study of stator core vibration in low speed synchronous machines
Authors: De Barros Allan , Chabu Ivan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to develop models and simulations focused on the prediction of electromagnetic forces acting on the stator core of a synchronous machine. It contributes to the study of stator core vibrations.

Design/methodology/approach

An analytical model based on the rotating fields’ theory including the damper winding contribution was developed. Such model allows the comprehension of airgap magnetic field distribution and the consequent pressure distribution. Focus was given to the pressure sub-harmonics due to the usual fractional winding configuration of low speed machines. A comparative numerical model was also developed and applied to an example laboratory machine. Partial validation measurements were performed.

Findings

The paper provides the predicted electromagnetic forces and the relative influences of damper winding and teeth tangential forces on each pressure harmonic. It is shown by how much such effects can influence the amplitude of pressure sub-harmonics from a fractional stator winding.

Research limitations/implications

The performed validation measurements were based on the airgap field distribution, but the resulting core vibration at load was not measured. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to perform additional tests for improved validation.

Practical implications

The obtained models and results are of great importance for the design phase of new generators and for the diagnosis process of existing machines with core vibration problems.

Originality/value

As a contribution of this paper, the magnitude of indirect effect of tangential forces and the effect of damper winding are comparatively quantified for each pressure harmonic. The given approach contributes to the relative evaluation of these effects especially on the sub-harmonics from the fractional stator winding.
An overview of tobacco control interventions in the Global South
Authors: Kumar Navin , Janmohamed Kamila , Jiang Jeannette , Ainooson Jessica , Billings Ameera , Chen Grace Q. , Chumo Faith , Cueto Lauren , Zhang Amy
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has been broadly successful but less so in the Global South. This paper aims to effectively design interventions that to mitigate tobacco-related harms in the Global South, further understanding of interventions in this environment will be helpful, in line with FCTC recommendations. The first objective was to locate and review all published literature relating to tobacco control interventions in the Global South. The second objective was to provide information on research trends within Global South tobacco control interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature search was conducted across six databases.

Findings

Despite the FCTC detailing the significance of the research, studies are still lacking in the Global South. There are significant research gaps such as longitudinal studies, harm reduction and randomized controlled trials.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations arose from differences in study designs of reviewed studies, making it more complex to assess all studies under the same rubric.

Practical implications

Results indicate significant potential for tobacco control interventions in the Global South, potentially moving toward FCTC goals, but also highlight several areas of concern.

Originality/value

There is much evidence on the effectiveness of tobacco control in the Global North, especially in some parts of Europe and the USA. However, the evidence base in the Global South is far more limited. This paper provides an overview of Global South tobacco control interventions and suggests areas of concern, in line with the FCTC 15 years on.
A performance evaluation framework for construction and demolition waste management: stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Kim Soo Yong , Nguyen Minh V. , Luu Van Truong
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to develop a performance evaluation framework for construction and demolition waste management (CDWM); second, to investigate feasible and effective strategies to improve the CDWM performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature highlighted a lack of comprehensive research to evaluate CDWM performance of key project stakeholders, like owners, contractors and consultants. After the identification of 22 performance variables through a pilot study, a first questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the views of respondents toward CDWM performance. The 132 responses were analyzed using factor analysis to determine specific CDWM performance factors, which formed a conceptual performance evaluation framework of CDWM. Furthermore, a practical index (PI) was proposed to integrate the feasibility and effectiveness of CDWM strategies. The values of PI were employed to prioritize CDWM strategies from data collected in a second questionnaire survey.

Findings

The validated results from factor analysis revealed that the conceptual performance evaluation framework of CDWM consists of six factors; and the attitude toward CDWM emerged as the foremost critical factor. The prioritization of PI values indicated that raising CDWM awareness among construction stakeholders was the most feasible and effective strategy for CDWM.

Originality/value

This CDWM performance evaluation framework is one of the first to holistically evaluate CDWM from key stakeholder perspectives. In addition, the PI firstly enables quantitative integration of the feasibility and effectiveness of CDWM strategies.
Discovering “Insider IT Sabotage” based on human behaviour
Authors: Michael Antonia , Eloff Jan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Malicious activities conducted by disgruntled employees via an email platform can cause profound damage to an organization such as financial and reputational losses. This threat is known as an “Insider IT Sabotage” threat. This involves employees misusing their access rights to harm the organization. Events leading up to the attack are not technical but rather behavioural. The problem is that owing to the high volume and complexity of emails, the risk of insider IT sabotage cannot be diminished with rule-based approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

Malicious human behaviours that insiders within the insider IT sabotage category would possess are studied and mapped to phrases that would appear in email communications. A large email data set is classified according to behavioural characteristics of these employees. Machine learning algorithms are used to identify occurrences of this insider threat type. The accuracy of these approaches is measured.

Findings

It is shown in this paper that suspicious behaviour of disgruntled employees can be discovered, by means of machine intelligence techniques. The output of the machine learning classifier depends mainly on the depth and quality of the phrases and behaviour analysis, cleansing and number of email attributes examined. This process of labelling content in isolation could be improved if other attributes of the email data are included, such that a confidence score can be computed for each user.

Originality/value

This research presents a novel approach to show that the creation of a prototype that can automate the detection of insider IT sabotage within email systems to mitigate the risk within organizations.
Building brand loyalty and endorsement with brand pages: integration of the lens of affordance and customer-dominant logic
Authors: Fang Yu-Hui , Li Chia-Ying , Bhatti Zeeshan Ahmed
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Numerous companies have launched brand pages (BPs) on social networking sites to enhance customer-brand communication, cultivate the customer-brand relationship and promote brand loyalty. This study aims to investigate how BP affordances support social commerce.

Design/methodology/approach

The study devises a theoretical model linking the proposed BP affordances (visibility, selectivity, persistence and interactivity) to three customer values (relationship quality, brand experience and smart shopping feeling [SSF]) to encourage brand loyalty and BP endorsement on the part of the customer.

Findings

Data collected from 591 respondents support all proposed hypotheses. The model explains high variances in brand loyalty and BP endorsement, indicating that relationship quality plays a more salient role in producing brand loyalty, while SSF plays a more important role in eliciting BP endorsement.

Originality/value

The study is unique in four ways. First, drawing on the lens of affordance, it proposes specific affordances for BPs and offers empirical results for their applicability. Second, by incorporating CDL into the research model, it illuminates the high explanatory power of these proposed BP affordances on the three customer values. Integrating the S-O-R model with the affordance perspective and CDL provides a more complete picture of the BP phenomenon. Third, it extends the reach of existing work by examining BP endorsement in social media as a dependent variable beyond brand loyalty, with SSF included as another source of values to shed more light on the relationships depicted in the model. Fourth, by taking trait competitiveness into account, it sheds further light on relationships between customer values and BP endorsement.
Cash on delivery or online payment: mobile channel, order size and payment methods
Authors: Wu Banggang , Deng Xiaoyu , Cui Xuebin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The existing research does not systematically explore customers' option about different payment methods, nor does it analyze how shopping channels and shopping scale affect customers' option about different payment methods. Furthermore, there is a lack of exploration on what the relationship is, and how they are adjusted by customer purchasing experience. The authors’ research questions are: (1) when using different shopping channels in online retailing, whether customers will choose different types of payment methods? (2) Does the purchase amounts affect customers' choice of different payment methods?

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes 60,484 customers from JD.com, one of the largest B2C platforms in China, as the research object and collects the purchase data of these customers from October 01, 2012 to December 31, 2013, and analyzes them through panel data models.

Findings

Based on their purchase data, the authors find the main results by using panel data model that (1) the use of mobile channel has a positive effect on cash on delivery (COD), implying that when consumers use mobile to purchase, they have a higher possibility to use COD, (2) the order size has a positive effects on COD, that is to say, when the purchase amount increases, the possibility of using COD also increases. (3) Furthermore, when consumers' purchase experience abound, mobile channel's positive effect on COD will be decreased, but it does not affect the positive effect between order size and COD.

Originality/value

From the aspects of shopping channels, product attributes and customer purchase experience, it fills the gaps in the research on the preselection of payment methods and makes research of payment methods a complete research system. Secondly, this study adds COD to the options of payment method selection. Finally, the moderating effect of customer shopping experience from a dynamic perspective elaborates that customers can learn from multiple purchases and overcome the shopping risks brought by shopping channels, thereby reducing the probability of choosing a COD method.
The impact of institutional proximity, cognitive proximity and agglomeration economies on firm-level productivity
Authors: Noonan Lisa , O'Leary Eoin , Doran Justin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper analyses the impact of institutional proximity, cognitive proximity and geographical proximity (in the form of agglomeration economies) on the firm-level productivity of foreign-owned firms in Ireland. The analysis of agglomeration economies, consisting of internal economies of scale, localization economies, related variety and urbanization economies, has a strong pedigree in regional economics literature. Increasingly, however, alternative explanations of firm-level productivity performance have been explored with institutional and cognitive proximity often identified as other important determinants of performance. This paper presents an analysis of the importance of agglomeration economies (based on geographical proximity) versus institutional and cognitive proximity (which may be a-spatial).

Design/methodology/approach

A series of measures capturing regional level agglomeration economies are generated as well as measures of institutional and cognitive proximity. The impact of these effects on foreign-owned firm-level productivity is analysed using data from the Irish Census of Industrial Local Units 2009. The estimation method employed is general method of moments (GMM) which allows for the potential endogeneity of variables within the system of analysis.

Findings

The results reveal that institutional proximity has a positive impact on productivity. A possible reason for this result is that local units of the same nationality are sharing knowledge in relation to successfully conducting business in Ireland. However, cognitive proximity is found to be statistically insignificant. Agglomeration economies are also important with urbanization economies and the availability of skilled labour having a positive effect on productivity.

Originality/value

The key contributions of this paper are as follows; firstly, the paper provides the first test of the institutional and cognitive proximity hypotheses on productivity while also controlling for a series of internal and external agglomeration economies. Secondly, the analysis considers, firm level, regional level and national level indicators as determinants of firm's productivity. In combining micro and macro level indicators, the paper attempts to answer the call of Van Oort et al. (2012) for such analyses. Thirdly, the paper provides the first detailed examination of the role of ‘proximity’ on foreign-owned manufacturing firms in the Irish context.
Anti-money laundering systems: a systematic literature review
Authors: Alsuwailem Alhanouf Abdulrahman Saleh , Saudagar Abdul Khader Jilani
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to understand and document the state of the art in the anti-money laundering (AML) systems literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) is performed using the Saudi Digital Library. The outputs published as conference proceedings, workshop proceedings, journal articles and books were all considered. The final sample size after omitting out-of-scope selections was 27 documents, which mainly span from 2015 to 2020.

Findings

The sample is discussed based on a categorization, which demarcates solutions, machine learning, data sources, evaluation methods, implementation tools, sampling techniques and regions of study.

Originality/value

This SLR could serve as a useful basis for researchers and salient decision-makers, who are seeking to understand the nature and extent of the currently available research into AML systems.
Exploring the link between green manufacturing, operational competitiveness, firm reputation and sustainable performance dimensions: a mediated approach
Authors: Afum Ebenezer , Agyabeng-Mensah Yaw , Sun Zhuo , Frimpong Bright , Kusi Lawrence Yaw , Acquah Innocent Senyo Kwasi
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore the link between green manufacturing practices, operational competitiveness, firm reputation and sustainable performance dimensions as well as advance a mediation approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The study resorted to structured questionnaire to collect data from 158 manufacturing firms from different industries, and partial least square–structural equation modelling is used to test all hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The results indicate that green manufacturing has a positive significant impact on social, economic and environmental performance. However, firm reputation and operational competitiveness were found not to significantly influence economic performance. The mediation analysis also showed that operational competitiveness, firm reputation and environmental performance play no mediation role between green manufacturing and economic performance. Furthermore, social performance is found to mediate the relationship between green manufacturing and economic performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study did not consider any moderator variables. Also, the universal applicability and generalizability are somewhat a problem since data was mainly collected from Ghana, an emerging country.

Practical implications

The results provide managers with reasonable evidence to proactively implement and invest in green manufacturing practices because such practices will not only have a positive impact on their sustainable performance dimensions but further enhance operational competitiveness and provide firms with superior reputation.

Originality/value

The study provides significant findings that contribute to and expand the literature on green manufacturing, and it is among the relatively few studies that has investigated the link between green manufacturing, sustainable performance dimensions, firm reputation and operational competitiveness, especially from a mediation analysis perspective.
Analytical hierarchy process and TOPSIS for selecting best parameters of green manufacturing
Authors: Singh Mahakdeep , Singh Kanwarpreet , Sethi Amanpreet Singh
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Competition and globalization in the today’s scenario have posed many pressures on all manufacturing enterprises either it be small or medium scale organizations but at different levels. The purpose of this paper is to comprehend the usage of comparison for rankings between analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach and find out best parameters, which is a multi-decision-making method for quantifying the implementation of green manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

In this investigation, eight aspects, for instance, top management commitment and support, organizational practices, peer government pressure, peer social pressure, customer’s attributes, green supply chain management, government support and adoption of new/ supportive technologies have been identified to examine priority weights by the use of AHP. A comparative methodology is used between AHP and TOPSIS rankings and further identifying the success possibility of green manufacturing using AHP technique.

Findings

Green supply chain management, customer’s attributes and organizational practices have been ranked at first three places, respectively, while adoption of new/ supportive technologies, top management commitment and support have been ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, according to AHP and TOPSIS techniques, which declares that results of the study are validated by two different techniques. The important factors discussed in this research can assist the different organizations to concentrate on imperative sections and assigning obligatory resources for assuring successful green manufacturing execution in various small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

Originality/value

The variables identified for the research are suitable to SMEs.
Strength of niche processes for species interactions is lower for generalists and exotic species
Authors: Peralta Guadalupe , Perry George L. W. , Vázquez Diego P. , Dehling D. Matthias , Tylianakis Jason M.
Published: June 2020

Niche and neutral processes jointly influence species interactions. Predictions of interactions based on these processes assume that they operate similarly across all species. However, species characteristics could systematically create differences in the strength of niche or neutral processes for each interspecific interaction.

We used national‐level records of plant–frugivore interactions, species traits, biogeographic status (native vs. exotic), phylogenies and species range sizes to test the hypothesis that the strength of niche processes in species interactions changes in predictable ways depending on trophic generalism and biogeographic status of the interacting species.

The strength of niche processes (measured as trait matching) decreased when the generalism of the interacting partners increased. Furthermore, the slope of this negative relationship between trait matching and generalism of the interacting partners was steeper (more negative) for interactions between exotic species than those between native species. These results remained significant after accounting for the potential effects of neutral processes (estimated by species range size).

These observed changes in the strength of niche processes in generating species interactions, after accounting for effects of neutral processes, could improve predictions of ecological networks from species trait data. Specifically, due to their shorter co‐evolutionary history, exotic species tend to interact with native species even when lower trait matching occurs than in interactions among native species. Likewise, interactions between generalist bird species and generalist plant species should be expected to occur despite low trait matching between species, whereas interactions between specialist species involve higher trait matching.
Iterative subtractive binning of freshwater chronoseries metagenomes identifies over 400 novel species and their ecologic preferences
Authors: Rodriguez‐R Luis M. , Tsementzi Despina , Luo Chengwei , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T.
Published: June 2020

Recent advances in sequencing technology and bioinformatic pipelines have allowed unprecedented access to the genomes of yet‐uncultivated microorganisms from diverse environments. However, the catalogue of freshwater genomes remains limited, and most genome recovery attempts in freshwater ecosystems have only targeted specific taxa. Here, we present a genome recovery pipeline incorporating iterative subtractive binning, and apply it to a time series of 100 metagenomic datasets from seven connected lakes and estuaries along the Chattahoochee River (Southeastern USA). Our set of metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs) represents >400 yet‐unnamed genomospecies, substantially increasing the number of high‐quality MAGs from freshwater lakes. We propose names for two novel species: ‘Candidatus Elulimicrobium humile’ (‘Ca. Elulimicrobiota’, ‘Patescibacteria’) and ‘Candidatus Aquidulcis frankliniae’ (‘Chloroflexi’). Collectively, our MAGs represented about half of the total microbial community at any sampling point. To evaluate the prevalence of these genomospecies in the chronoseries, we introduce methodologies to estimate relative abundance and habitat preference that control for uneven genome quality and sample representation. We demonstrate high degrees of habitat‐specialization and endemicity for most genomospecies in the Chattahoochee lakes. Wider ecological ranges characterized smaller genomes with higher coding densities, indicating an overall advantage of smaller, more compact genomes for cosmopolitan distributions.
STRUGGLING FOR FOOD IN A TIME OF CRISIS: A comment on Caplan (see pp 8–10 in this issue)
Authors: Caraher Martin
Published: June 2020

This commentary sets Caplan’s arguments about food banks and food poverty in the broader context of changes to the welfare state, the ‘charitization’ of state welfare and the need to address food poverty within a framework of dignity rather than charity.
COVID‐19 and Ethnic Inequalities in England and Wales*
Authors: Platt Lucinda , Warwick Ross
Published: June 2020

The economic and public health crisis created by the COVID‐19 pandemic has exposed existing inequalities between ethnic groups in England and Wales, as well as creating new ones. We draw on current mortality and case data, alongside pre‐crisis labour force data, to investigate the relative vulnerability of different ethnic groups to adverse health and economic impacts. After accounting for differences in population structure and regional concentration, we show that most minority groups suffered excess mortality compared with the white British majority group. Differences in underlying health conditions such as diabetes may play a role; so too may occupational exposure to the virus, given the very different labour market profiles of ethnic groups. Distinctive patterns of occupational concentration also highlight the vulnerability of some groups to the economic consequences of social distancing measures, with Bangladeshi and Pakistani men particularly likely to be employed in occupations directly affected by the UK's ‘lockdown’. We show that differences in household structures and inequalities in access to savings mean that a number of minority groups are also less able to weather short‐term shocks to their income. Documenting these immediate consequences of the crisis reveals the potential for inequalities to become entrenched in the longer term.
The influence of human resource practices on perceived work ability and the preferred retirement age: A latent growth modelling approach
Authors: Pak Karen , Kooij Dorien T. A. M. , De Lange Annet H. , van den Heuvel Swenneke , Van Veldhoven Marc J. P. M.
Published: June 2020

Organisations are challenged to extend working lives of older workers. However, there is little empirical evidence available on how organisations should do this. This study aims to fill this gap by testing the effect of Human Resource (HR) practices on perceived work ability and the preferred retirement age. Based on the Conversation of Resources theory, we expected that the use of HR practices has a positive effect on perceived work ability and preferred retirement age. We have conducted latent growth curve modelling to test our hypotheses amongst 12,444 employees aged 45 and older at four time points. The results indicate that developmental practices are positively related to work ability, whereas maintenance practices are negatively related to work ability and the preferred retirement age. Accommodative practices are negatively related to the intercepts of both outcomes but not to the slopes, whereas utilisation practices are not related to the outcomes at all.
Serum biomarkers of fibrostenotic Crohn's disease: Where are we now?
Authors: He Jin Shen , Tan Jin Yu , Li Xiao Zhi , Feng Rui , Xiong Shan Shan , Lin Si Nan , Qiu Yun , Mao Ren
Published: June 2020

Intestinal fibrosis and subsequent stricture formation are major clinical challenges in inflammatory bowel disease, resulting in an increased rate of operation and poor prognosis compared with those without. With the changing perception that intestinal fibrosis is irreversible to the point of view that it is reversible in recent years, various candidate serum biomarkers have been studied over the past decades, which may stratify patients based on their risks of developing stenosis and enable the detection of early stages of fibrosis. However, reliable and accurate biomarkers are still unavailable due to conflicting results and the lack of high‐quality evidence. In this review we summarized the serum biomarkers that have been proposed for intestinal fibrosis in recent years, which includes gene polymorphisms or variants, epigenetic markers, extracellular matrix components, growth factors, and antibodies, aiming to provide clues for future research.
IL17F rs763780 single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with asthma after bronchiolitis in infancy
Authors: Holster Annukka , Teräsjärvi Johanna , Barkoff Alex‐Mikael , Lauhkonen Eero , Törmänen Sari , Helminen Merja , Korppi Matti , He Qiushui , Nuolivirta Kirsi
Published: June 2020

Aim

Interleukin‐17F (IL‐17F) is involved with asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of IL17F polymorphisms with childhood asthma after bronchiolitis in infancy.

Methods

We invited 166 children who were hospitalised for bronchiolitis at younger than 6 months of age to follow‐up visits at 5‐7 years and 11‐13 years of ages. Asthma and allergy diagnoses, asthma‐presumptive symptoms and use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) were registered. Blood samples were available for IL17F rs763780 (T/C), rs11465553 (C/T) and rs7741835 (C/T) determinations in 165 cases.

Results

The presence of IL17F rs11465553 and rs7741835 variations showed no significant associations with any asthma or allergy outcome at either 5‐7 years or 11‐13 years of ages. Instead, children with the variant IL17F rs763780 genotype had used more often ICSs between the follow‐up visits from 5‐7 to 11‐13 years (adjusted OR 3.58) than those with the wild genotype. Children with the variant IL17F rs763780 genotype reported more often doctor‐diagnosed atopic dermatitis (adjusted OR 2.71) at 11‐13 years of age than those with the wild genotype.

Conclusion

This prospective long‐term follow‐up study provided preliminary evidence on the association of the IL17F rs763780 polymorphism with asthma at school age after bronchiolitis in infancy.
Bayes‐based dosing of infliximab in inflammatory bowel diseases: Short‐term efficacy
Authors: Santacana Juncosa Eugènia , Rodríguez‐Alonso Lorena , Padullés Zamora Ariadna , Guardiola Jordi , Rodríguez‐Moranta Francisco , Serra Nilsson Katja , Bas Minguet Jordi , Morandeira Rego Francisco , Colom Codina Helena , Padullés Zamora Núria
Published: June 2020

Aims

Therapeutic drug monitoring of infliximab can guide clinical decisions in patients with loss of response and in those who can benefit from a de‐intensification. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of therapeutic drug monitoring combined with Bayesian forecasting methodology on clinical response in a real‐world dataset of patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods

We performed a single‐centre prospective study with one‐group pre‐test/post‐test design in 108 adult inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with model‐based dosing of infliximab maintenance treatment. We recorded clinical activity scores (Harvey‐Bradshaw index and partial Mayo) and inflammatory biomarkers per patient.

Results

The initial infliximab regimen was maintained in 49 (45.4%) patients and was adjusted in 59 (54.6%) patients (34 treatment intensifications, 9 de‐intensifications and 16 treatment discontinuations or therapy replacements). The median time from intervention to index measurement was 126 (103–160) days. The overall proportion of patients in clinical remission increased from 65.7% to 80.4% (P < .0001) and the median infliximab trough concentrations increased from 3.21 (0.99–5.45) to 5.13 mg/L (3.57–6.53) (P < .0001). In the intensified group, the remission rate increased from 35.3% to 61.8% (P = .001) and the percentage of patients in clinical remission or with mild symptoms increased from 76.5% to 94.1%. In the de‐intensification cohort, no patients experienced an increase in the Harvey‐Bradshaw index or partial Mayo scores, and all patients maintained an infliximab trough concentration of >5 mg/L.

Conclusion

In our cohort of inflammatory bowel disease patients, Bayes‐based optimized dosing improved the short‐term efficacy of infliximab treatment.
Safety profile of immune checkpoint inhibitors: An analysis of the Italian spontaneous reporting system database
Authors: Cutroneo Paola Maria , Isgrò Valentina , Ientile Valentina , Santarpia Mariacarmela , Ferlazzo Guido , Fontana Andrea , Carrega Paolo , Matarangolo Elena , Barnaba Simona , Spina Edoardo , Trifirò Gianluca
Published: June 2020

Aims

To provide an overview of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) safety profile using the Italian spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting system.

Methods

We selected all ADR reports attributed to ipilimumab (CTLA‐4 inhibitor), nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab (PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors) from the Italian spontaneous reporting system (2011–2018). Descriptive analyses of reports for ICIs have been conducted. Time to onset of adverse effects was stratified by system organ class. Reporting odds ratio was used as measure of ADR reporting disproportionality. ICI‐related ADR reports were compared with 2 reference groups, i.e. all other suspected drugs or all other antineoplastic agents.

Results

Overall, 2217 (0.7%) reports were related to ICIs (nivolumab: 72.2% of those reports; ipilimumab: 14.3%; pembrolizumab: 10.3%; and atezolizumab: 3.5%). ICI‐related ADR reports mostly involved males (65%) and median age was 67 (interquartile range 59–73) years. Serious reports accounted for 48.8%. Frequencies of endocrine, general, hepatobiliary, metabolism, musculoskeletal, respiratory disorders, infections and neoplasms were significantly higher for ICIs than for all other drugs (P < .001). Except for infections, similar results emerged through comparison with other anticancer drugs. Colitis, hypophysitis and skin disorders were more frequently reported for anti‐CTLA‐4 drugs than PD‐1/PD‐L1 ICIs, and the opposite for musculoskeletal effects, pneumonia, and thyroid dysfunctions. ICIs were disproportionally associated also with less known risks, e.g. ischaemic heart disease, cardiac failure and optic nerve disorders.

Conclusion

The most frequently reported safety issues were probably immune‐related adverse events including general, gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. Potentially emerging safety signals, such as ischaemic heart disease and cardiac failure, requiring further investigation were detected.
A lesson from a saboteur: High‐MW kininogen impact in coronavirus‐induced disease 2019
Authors: Colarusso Chiara , Terlizzi Michela , Pinto Aldo , Sorrentino Rosalinda
Published: June 2020

The newly identified coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 that spread from China is causing the pandemic COVID‐19 with a fatality rate from 5‐15%. It causes fever, cough, myalgia, fatigue up to dyspnoea, responsible for hospitalization and artificial oxygenation. SARS‐CoV‐2 infects human cells using ACE2, the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and the SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease (Mpro). Once bound to ACE2 and the other two proteases in concert they allow the virus replication and spread throughout the body. Our attention has been focused on the role of ACE2 as its binding to by the virus increases bradykinin and its metabolites, which facilitate inflammation in the lung (causing cough and fever), coagulation and the complement system. These three systems are involved in angioedema, cardiovascular dysfunction and sepsis, pathologies which occur in COVID‐19 patients. Thus, we propose that blocking the kallikrein–kinin system with lanadelumab, approved for hereditary angioedema, will prevent facilitation of these 3 systems.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed issue on The Pharmacology of COVID‐19. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.21/issuetoc
Circular RNA LPAR3 sponges microRNA‐198 to facilitate esophageal cancer migration, invasion, and metastasis
Authors: Shi Yijun , Fang Na , Li Yadong , Guo Zizhang , Jiang Wei , He Yaozhou , Ma Zijian , Chen Yijiang
Published: June 2020

In this study, we explored expression and functions of circular RNA LPAR3 (circLPAR3) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The differential expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in 10 ESCC and corresponding paracarcinoma tissues was analyzed through circRNA microarray, then the candidate circRNAs were detected and verified through quantitative RT‐PCR, and a novel circRNA was screened, which was circLPAR3. Circular RNA LPAR3 showed apparently high expression in ESCC tissues and cells, which was closely correlated with the clinical stage and lymph node metastasis of ESCC patients. Circular RNA LPAR3 was mainly located in the cytoplasm of ESCC cells, which was more stable than the baseline gene. Circular RNA LPAR3 upregulated MET gene expression through sponge adsorption of microRNA (miR)‐198, activated the RAS/MAPK and the PI3K/Akt pathways, and promoted ESCC cell migration, invasion, and metastasis in vivo and in vitro. However, it had no effect on ESCC cell proliferation. Circular RNA LPAR3 can regulate the miR‐198‐MET signal axis to promote the migration, invasion, and metastasis of esophageal cancer cells, which can thereby serve as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target of esophageal cancer.
Polyethylene glycol derivative 9bw suppresses growth of neuroblastoma cells by inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation
Authors: Nagasaki‐Maeoka Eri , Ikeda Kazuhiro , Takayama Ken‐ichi , Hirano Takayuki , Ishizuka Yoshiaki , Koshinaga Tsugumichi , Tsukune Naoya , Takayama Tadateru , Inoue Satoshi , Fujiwara Kyoko
Published: June 2020

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood malignancy originating from the sympathetic nervous system, and accounts for approximately 15% of all pediatric cancer‐related deaths. As the 5‐y survival rate of patients with high‐risk NB is <50%, novel therapeutic strategies for NB patients are urgently required. Nonaethylene glycol mono(′4‐iodo‐4‐biphenyl)ester (9bw) is a polyethylene glycol derivative, synthesized by modifying a compound originally extracted from filamentous bacteria. Although 9bw shows remarkable inhibition of tumor cell growth, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we examined the efficacy of 9bw on human NB‐derived cells, and investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the cytotoxic effects of 9bw on these cells. Our results indicated that 9bw induced cell death in NB cells by decreasing the production of ATP. Metabolome analysis and measurement of oxygen consumption indicated that 9bw markedly suppressed oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Further analyses indicated that 9bw inhibited the activity of mitochondrial respiratory complex I. Moreover, we showed that 9bw inhibited growth of NB in vivo. Based on the results of the present study, 9bw is a good candidate as a novel agent for treatment of NB.
Western Canadian producers’ attitudes towards wheat breeding funding
Authors: Galushko Viktoriya , Çule Monika , Gray Richard
Published: June 2020

In 2017, the federal government initiated national consultations for two new crop royalty systems that could be used to support additional crop breeding. In this study, we examine wheat growers’ attitudes towards breeding research and assess their inclination to contribute more to wheat variety development through checkoffs or enhanced royalties. We report a random effect probit estimation for a survey of 877 western Canadian wheat producers that took place from November 2018 to January 2019. We found at least 26% of survey respondents were willing to pay more to support additional wheat breeding. However, this support is contingent on the model for revenue collection and where additional revenue is invested. Producers generally favored increased checkoffs over enhanced royalty collection. Among the royalty options presented, the farm saved seed royalties mechanism had less support than the simpler to implement end‐point royalties mechanism. We also found support is much higher if new royalty mechanisms are used to support university or government programs versus private breeding programs. This result suggests developing widespread producer support for enhanced royalty collection may require broader commitments for funding, ownership, and control of crop breeding programs.
Role of pericyte‐derived SENP1 in neuronal injury after brain ischemia
Authors: Sun Meiling , Chen Xiang , Yin Yi‐Xuan , Gao Yinping , Zhang Li , Chen Boqian , Ji Yin , Fukunaga Kohji , Han Feng , Lu Ying‐Mei
Published: June 2020

Aims

SUMOylation is a posttranslational modification related to multiple human diseases. SUMOylation can be reversed by classes of proteases known as the sentrin/SUMO‐specific proteases (SENPs). In the present study, we investigate the potential role of SENP1 in pericytes in the brain ischemia.

Methods

Pericyte‐specific deletion of senp1 mice (Cspg4‐Cre; senp1f/f) were used for brain function and neuronal damage evaluation following brain ischemia. The cerebral blood vessels of diameter, velocity, and flux were performed in living mice by two‐photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM). Biochemical analysis and immunohistochemistry methods were used to address the role and mechanism of pericyte‐specific SENP1 in the pathological process of brain ischemia. A coculture model of HBVPs and HBMECs mimicked the BBB in vitro and was used to evaluate BBB integrity after glucose deprivation.

Results

Our results showed that senp1‐specific deletion in pericytes did not affect the motor function and cognitive function of mice. However, the pericyte‐specific deletion of senp1 aggravated the infarct size and motor deficit following focal brain ischemia. Consistently, the TPLSM data demonstrated that SENP1 deletion in pericytes accelerated thrombosis formation in brain microvessels. We also found that pericyte‐specific deletion of senp1 exaggerated the neuronal damage significantly following brain ischemia in mice. Moreover, SENP1 knockdown in pericytes could activate the apoptosis signaling and disrupt the barrier integrity in vitro coculture model.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that targeting SENP1 in pericytes may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for neurovascular protection in stroke.
Performance ofSclerodermus brevicornis,a parasitoid of invasive longhorn beetles, when reared on rice moth larvae
Authors: Abdi Mohamed Khadar , Jucker Costanza , De Marchi Beatrice , Hardy Ian C.W. , Lupi Daniela
Published: June 2020

Biological control efficiency can be improved by developing effective mass‐rearing systems to produce large numbers of high‐quality parasitoids. This study explored an alternative host for rearingSclerodermus brevicornis(Kieffer) (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), a potential biocontrol agent for the suppression of exotic and invasive wood‐boring longhorn beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) populations in the European agroforestry ecosystems. We tested larvae of the rice moth,Corcyra cephalonicaStainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), as host for the parasitoid. We quantified the probability and timing of host attack and parasitism as well as reproductive success, offspring production, and the characteristics of adult offspring. AsS. brevicornisis a quasi‐social species (multiple females, communally produced offspring broods), we also explored the effects of varying the number of females to which individual hosts were presented, with the aim of determining the optimal female‐to‐host ratio. As time to host attack can be a limiting factor inS. brevicornisrearing protocols, we tested the use of adult females of another bethylid species,Goniozus legneriGordh, to paralyseC. cephalonicalarvae prior to presentation. We identified the conditions within our experiment that maximized offspring production per host and offspring production per adult female parasitoid. We found thatC. cephalonicais suitable as a factitious host and, as it is considerably more straightforward for laboratory rearing than cerambycid species, it is a good candidate for adoption by futureS. brevicornismass‐rearing and release programmes.