bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investor sentiments and pricing errors
Authors: Verma Rahul , Verma Priti
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper computes the pricing errors of S&P 500 index by employing the valuation model developed by Doran et al. (2009) and investigates its response to individual and institutional investor sentiments. This study contributes to the literature by looking at both rational and quasi-rational sentiments and how noise trading and investments based on fundamentals affect pricing errors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper computes the pricing errors of S&P 500 index by employing the valuation model developed by Doran et al. (2009) and investigates its response to individual and institutional investor sentiments.

Findings

Results show that pricing errors are persistent and stock prices systematically deviate from their intrinsic values. The authors also find that both individuals and institutional investors form their expectations based on risk factors as well as noise; however, institutional investors seems to be more driven by rational factors. The findings also suggest that institutional investors have a significant power to cause pricing errors due to unpredictable changes in their sentiments while small investors lack such ability to move stock prices away from their intrinsic values. Additionally, this paper finds that quasi-rational (rational) investor sentiments have positive (negative) impact on pricing errors suggesting that trading based on noise is an important determinant of pricing errors while investors' expectations stemming from fundamentals play an important role in improving market efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

The impact of rational outlook due to changes in fundamentals seems to be greater than that of noise on the pricing errors, consistent with both risk-based and behavioral models of the asset pricing literature.

Originality/value

Our study contributes to the existing literature in the following ways: first, the authors employ most recent data to compute mispricing for the market index and investigate if it is persistent and systematic. Second, the authors decompose sentiment variables into rational and quasi-rational components and trace their dynamics to better understand the role of risk factors and noise in the formation of sentiments. Third, the authors investigate the relative impact of individual and institutional investor sentiments on mispricing. Lastly, the authors examine the response of pricing errors to both rational and quasi-rational sentiments of individual and institutional investors.
Thermal behaviour of heat treated polyester knitted fabrics
Authors: Perera Henadeera Arachchige Ayomi Enoka , Lanarolle Wilathgamuwage Don Gamini
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Thermoplastic polymer fabrics are normally heat set to make them dimensionally stable. These fabrics in garment panel form may again be exposed to heat during the processes such as bonding, sublimation printing and cause to change their dimensions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the response of polyester yarns in knitted fabrics to heat setting and post-heat treatments.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the thermal shrinkage behaviour of heat set polyester knitted fabrics when subjected to post-heat treatment processes are analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and analysis of fabric shrinkage. DSC is a thermo-analytical technique that measures the difference in the amount of heat needed to increase the temperature of the sample and the reference. A heat flux versus temperature curve is one of the results of a DSC experiment. The polymer structure and morphology of polyester heat-treated and post-heat–treated fabrics were determined by examining the DSC thermograms.

Findings

Heat setting and post-heat setting causes the effective temperature of polyester to change. Effective temperature occurred around 160°C for fabrics heat set at low temperatures and increases as the heat setting temperature increases. Post-heat treatments cause to elevate the effective temperature. Shrinkage of fabrics below the effective temperature is not statistically significant while the shrinkage at higher temperatures is significant. Effective temperature is the main determinant of thermal shrinkage behaviour of polyester.

Originality/value

The study reveals the significance of the effective temperature of polyester on heat treatments and post-heat treatments. The study revealed that heat-setting temperature is a primary determinant of the thermal stability of polyester fabric that are subjected to heat treatments.
Authentic or cosmetic: stakeholders’ attribution of firms’ corporate social responsibility claims
Authors: Mombeuil Claudel , Zhang Bin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To date, many firms tend to use corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication and marketing as a means to offset their irresponsible behaviors and unscrupulous business practices. Often time, they can easily get away with this in the context where the institutional settings are weak, and corporate social irresponsibility (CSIR) and corruption are widespread. The purpose of this study is to explore stakeholders’ attribution concerning CSR claims of four beverage manufacturing companies operating in America’s poorest country (Haiti) where CSIR and corruption remain widespread. This study also explores whether there are differences in demographic characteristics (e.g. gender, corporate affiliation and education) regarding stakeholders’ attribution of CSR claims of these companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the exploratory nature of this study, an inductive research approach (qualitative plus quantitative) and supported by an interpretive approach were used.

Findings

The overall results of this study show that internal (employees) and external stakeholders alike consider the CSR claims of these companies as “cosmetic,” with no significant difference in their affiliation. The results also show no significant differences in the age groups but significant differences in gender and level of education regarding stakeholders’ attribution of firms’ CSR claims.

Originality/value

By addressing firms’ CSR claims from the perspectives of internal and external stakeholders through means of a mixed methods approach, this study adds an important contribution to the relevant literature.
Examining the relationship between soft total quality management (TQM) aspects and employees' job satisfaction in “ISO 9001” Sudanese oil companies
Authors: Ahmed Abuaraki Osman , Idris Abdalla Abdelrahim
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Soft total quality management (TQM) aspects are the facets of TQM that mainly concern with the management of human resource in a way to achieve the results of employees' job satisfaction. Based on this approach, the objective of this research is to examine the relationship between the most popular five soft TQM aspects and employees' job satisfaction in “ISO 9001” certified Sudanese oil companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through questionnaires from employees across a total of five Sudanese oil companies owned by the government, and adopting an ISO-9001 quality program. The total population of the study consists of 1,505 permanent employees, while the sample size was 253 employees, determined by adopting a stratified random sampling technique. The multiple regression model was adopted for data analysis.

Findings

The results showed that the construct of soft TQM aspects including “top management commitment”, “employee empowerment”, “teamwork”, “training and education” and “employee involvement” explain 74% in the variance of employees' job satisfaction. Results showed positive association between soft TQM aspects and employees' job satisfaction at the 5% significance level. It was also found that each individual variable of the five soft TQM aspects has a significant positive association with employees' job satisfaction. Meanwhile, the results indicated that the most important soft TQM aspect in explaining the variability of employees' job satisfaction was the “employee empowerment” with the highest correlation coefficient (β) of (0.189).

Practical implications

The study recommends that in order to achieve their primary goal of employees' satisfaction, HR practitioners within organizations adopting total quality programs should align their practice in such a way to enhance soft aspects of TQM. Policy makers and top management in order to gain long-term infrastructural benefits obtained from employees' job satisfaction should show a visible support to TQM programs and allocate necessary resources to train their staff in the quality management system that enhance their empowerment and involvement. The study also recommends that since soft aspects of TQM raise their job satisfaction, employees should support and conform to quality management systems within their organizations.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on soft TQM aspects’ practical implementation. The findings make a significant contribution by using ISO-certified governmental Sudanese oil companies and tested the hypothesized model entails the impact of soft TQM implementation and employees' job satisfaction.
The no‐surcharge rule and surcharging behaviours in credit card markets
Authors: Tan Hongru , Deng Zhongqi
Published: July 2020

We investigate the welfare implications of banning the no‐surcharge rule (NSR) in credit card markets. In particular, we introduce a governance mechanism alteration and merchants' heterogeneity into the model of Wright (2003). In doing so, we find two market forces exist in the transition of lifting the NSR. The first force is the classical double marginalisation because of merchants being able to deliberately impose a surcharge. The second force arises from a market structure change that merchants, who did not accept credit cards payments, do accept afterwards. Our model shows that the welfare implication hinges on the relative magnitudes of both market forces. More importantly, this article provides an explanation for the surcharging behaviours of merchants in Australia after the removal of the NSR in 2003, which have not been explained in the literature.
Understanding reading motivation across different text types: qualitative insights from children
Authors: McGeown Sarah , Bonsall Jane , Andries Valentina , Howarth Danielle , Wilkinson Katherine
Published: July 2020

Background

Primary school children engage in a wide range of reading activities, yet we lack insights into why children choose to read different text types. Furthermore, recent studies of reading motivation have been dominated by quantitative research; however, qualitative research is necessary to ensure that children's voices are represented when we study their motivations to read.

Methods

Thirty‐three children (aged 9–11) from a single school in Scotland participated in individual interviews that focused on understanding their breadth of reading activities and why they chose to read different text types. Interviews were transcribed in full, and a data‐driven inductive thematic analysis approach was used to ensure that the full complexity of the data was realised.

Results

Children's reading motivation varied considerably across the different text types. For example, children read books to feel happy, relaxed, excited or to become immersed in the story. They also read books to develop their reading skills, because they felt reading was important, or because it was a habit or familiar. On the other hand, children read newspapers to stay informed, comics as they were fun and easy to read, interactive games as they could direct the narrative and audio books when they were tired. Overall, children reported a wide and diverse range of reading motivations, these being closely linked to the different text types they read.

Conclusions

This study provides new insights into why children choose to read different text types and provides a strong foundation for further qualitative research aimed at gaining a detailed and comprehensive account of children's motivation for reading.
Fee‐for‐service payment is not the (main) problem
Authors: Dowd Bryan E. , Laugesen Miriam J.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To understand the effect of physician payment incentives on the allocation of health care resources.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Review and analysis of the literature on physician payment incentives.

Study Design

Analysis of current physician payment incentives and several ways to modify those incentives to encourage increased efficiency.

Principal Findings

Fee‐for‐service payments can be incorporated into systems that encourage efficient pricing – prices that are close to the provider's marginal cost – by giving consumers information on provider‐specific prices and a strong incentive to choose lower cost providers. However, efficient pricing of services ultimately will need to be supplemented by incentives for efficient production of health and functional status.

Conclusions

The problem with current FFS payment is not paying a fee for each service, per se, but the way in which the fees are determined.
The cumulative impact of health insurance on health status
Authors: Barker Abigail R. , Li Linda
Published: July 2020

Objective

To add to the evidence base on causal linkages between health insurance coverage and health status, controlling for sociodemographic factors, by analyzing longitudinal data.

Data Source

Secondary data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), 2009‐17, which is a longitudinal, multigenerational study covering a wide array of socioeconomic topics that began in 1968 but has only recently begun collecting useful information on individual health insurance.

Study Design

2017 data on self‐reported health status, work limitations, and death were analyzed as outcomes based upon the degree of exposure to health insurance in 2011‐17. All variables were collected biannually for four years beginning in 2011. Having health insurance at each point in time was, in turn, modeled as a function of several sociodemographic factors.

Data Extraction Methods

Data were downloaded using the crosswalk tool available at the PSID website. Because individual health insurance questions were only asked of heads and spouses in households beginning in 2011, we analyzed only these records.

Principal Findings

Among respondents who were not in fair or poor health in 2009, each additional 2 years of subsequent reported insurance coverage reduced the chance of reporting fair or poor health in 2017 by 10 percent; however, this effect was not present for black respondents.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the effect of health insurance on health status may compound over time, although unevenly by race. Since people who report fair or poor health status represent the bulk of utilization and spending, our findings provide evidence in support of viewing coverage expansions as investments that will pay dividends in the form of lower utilization over time. More work is needed to produce detailed estimates of cost savings, which may in turn influence policy, as well as to understand and address the source of racial disparity.
Development of two continuous hemocyte cell sublines in the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis and the identification of molecular markers for hemocytes
Authors: Hu Jian , Du Yan , Meng Meng , Dong Yipei , Peng Jiewen
Published: July 2020

Granulocytes and plasmatocytes play important roles in clearing foreign objects in insects, but it is difficult to distinguish between them in immune reactions. Based on the hemocyte cell line SYSU‐OfHe‐C established at our lab, two cell sublines, SYSU‐OfHe‐C Granulocyte (Gr cells) and SYSU‐OfHe‐C Plasmatocyte (Pl cells), which possess the morphological characteristics of granulocytes and plasmatocytes, respectively, were established. Gr and Pl cells showed different behaviors in immune reactions, such as spreading, phagocytosis and encapsulation. Pl cells were easier to spread, but Gr cells tended to undergo aggregation, indicating that they may take different strategies to clear foreign objects. These results also suggested that granulocytes and plasmatocytes may express some different proteins. By comparing the gene expression in cells from the two sublines, 1662 differentially expressed genes were identified, and 13 out of 30 transmembrane proteins highly expressed in Pl cells (six) or Gr cells (seven) were further screened and confirmed by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Finally, three transmembrane genes specifically expressed in Pl cells and two transmembrane genes specifically expressed in Gr cells were screened out based on their expressions in immune reactions by quantitative PCR analysis. These genes may potentially be used as molecular markers to distinguish between granulocytes and plasmatocytes in Ostrinia furnacalis, and further to clarify the functions of immune hemocytes in cellular immune reaction such as encapsulation and so on.
Multicenter prospective study to validate a new transient elastography device for staging liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Duan Wei Jia , Wang Xiao Zhong , Ma An Lin , Shang Jia , Nan Yue Min , Gao Zhi Liang , Tang Hong , Fu Qing Chun , Xie Qing , Mao Qing , Niu Jun Qi , Han Tao , Li Jun , Han Ying , Cao Jian Biao , Kong Yuan Yuan , Shi Xiao Yan , Lv Fu Dong , Wang Tai Ling , Ma Hong , You Hong , Ou Xiao Juan , Jia Ji Dong
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To validate the operational and diagnostic performances of a new device for transient elastography (TE), FibroTouch, for liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods

In this prospective multicenter study, adult patients with CHB and valid liver pathological results were recruited to validate the operational and diagnostic performance of a TE device by FibroTouch for staging liver fibrosis.

Results

In total, 517 patients with histologically proven CHB were enrolled. All had achieved at least 10 successful liver stiffness measurements (LSM), resulting in a success rate of 99.1% and reliable evaluations of 95.2%. Altogether 412 patients were included to analyze the diagnostic performance of FibroTouch. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the LSM was 0.846 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.808‐0.880) for fibrosis stage ≥ F1, 0.850 (95% CI 0.811‐0.883) for ≥ F2, 0.908 (95% CI 0.876‐0.934) for ≥ F3 and 0.874 (95% CI 0.836‐0.903) for F4. The diagnostic accuracy of LSM was superior to that of gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase‐to‐platelet ratio (GPR), aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), or fibrosis index based on 4 factors (FIB‐4) index in staging fibrosis F2‐F4 (P = 0.007 to < 0.0001). Optimal LSM cut‐off values for diagnosing fibrosis stage ≥ F1, ≥ F2, ≥ F3, and F4 were 5.5 kPa, 7.85 kPa, 10.0 kPa, and 12.7 kPa, respectively.

Conclusion

FibroTouch has a high success rate and good reliability in staging liver fibrosis in patients with CHB.
Parallel comparison and combining effect of radiomic and emerging genomic data for prognostic stratification of non‐small cell lung carcinoma patients
Authors: Kim Ki Hwan , Kim Jinho , Park Hyunjin , Kim Hankyul , Lee Seung‐hak , Sohn Insuk , Lee Ho Yun , Park Woong‐Yang
Published: July 2020

Background

A single institution retrospective analysis of 124 non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients was performed to identify whether disease‐free survival (DFS) achieves incremental values when radiomic and genomic data are combined with clinical information.

Methods

Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression method, radiomic and genetic features were reduced in number for selection of the most useful prognostic feature. We created four models using only baseline clinical data, clinical data with selected genetic features, clinical data with selected radiomic features, and clinical data with selected genetic and radiomic features together. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to determine predictors of DFS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) calculation was made to compare the discriminative performance for DFS prediction by four constructed models at the five‐year time point.

Results

On precontrast scan, improved discrimination performance was obtained in a merging of selected radiomics and genetics (AUC = 0.8638), compared with clinical data only (AUC = 0.7990), selected genetic features (AUC = 0.8497), and selected radiomic features (AUC = 0.8355). On post‐contrast scan, discrimination performance was improved (AUC = 0.8672) compared with the clinical variables (AUC = 0.7913), and selected genetic features (AUC = 0.8376) and selected radiomic features (AUC = 0.8399) were considered.

Conclusions

The combination of selected radiomic and genomic features improved stratification of NSCLC patients upon survival. Thus, integrating clinicopathologic model with radiomic and genomic features may lead to improved prognostic accuracy compared to conventional clinicopathological data alone.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) calculation was made to compare the discriminative performance for disease‐free survival (DFS). The discriminative performance for DFS was better when combining radiomic and genetic features compared to clinical data only, selected genetic features, and selected radiomic features.

What this study adds

The combination of selected radiomic and genomic features improved stratification of NSCLC patients upon survival. Thus, integrating a clinicopathological model with radiomic and genomic features may lead to improved prognostic accuracy compared to conventional clinicopathological data alone.
Subtypes of Alcohol Dependence and 36‐Year Mortality
Authors: Hesselbrock Michie N. , Hesselbrock Victor M. , Chan Grace , Del Boca Frances , Chartier Karen
Published: July 2020

Background

Chronic, heavy alcohol use is associated with multiple health problems, including premature death. Further, the clinical presentation of alcohol dependence may differentially affect and predict the long‐term health consequences of affected individuals. Subtypes of alcohol dependence based upon treatment intake information can help identify homogenous groups of patients for treatment purposes, but have not been used to predict long‐term outcomes. The current study examined mortality in a 36‐year posttreatment interval among 4 subtypes of alcohol‐dependent patients based upon their initial intake data.

Methods

Extensive baseline data were collected from n = 316 male and female patients receiving inpatient treatment for alcohol dependence between 1980 and 1982. Four alcohol dependent subtypes (Del Boca & Hesselbrock, Alcohol Health Res World, 20:56, 1996) derived from the baseline data were used to examine the 1‐year posttreatment drinking status and the risk of death 36 years postdischarge. Public records were used to determine patient deaths in the 36 years since discharge.

Results

At the 36‐year follow‐up interval since discharge, 68.4% of the sample had died. The 4 subtypes were found to be associated with different rates of resumption of regular drinking in the first year posttreatment and a differential risk of mortality. An increased risk for returning to regular drinking (once a week or more) and early death were associated with subtypes defined, in part, by conduct problems and externalizing disorders. Regardless of subtype membership, women had the highest risk of death following treatment.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the clinical usefulness of subtypes of alcohol dependence for examining different alcohol use outcomes, including predicting mortality. The increased risks for returning to regular drinking once a week or more and early death posttreatment among subtypes associated with conduct problems and externalizing disorders suggest the need for continued monitoring and possible additional intervention postdischarge.
Patients from residential aged care with hip fractures—Does discharge destination from acute care affect outcomes?
Authors: Anderson Lara , Moran Chris , Liew Susan , Kimmel Lara A.
Published: July 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the demographics of patients from residential aged care facilities (RACFs) who underwent fixation of hip fracture and to compare 12‐month functional and mortality outcomes for those returning to their RACF with those admitted to a subacute facility (SAF) following their acute hospital stay.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients from a RACF with high‐level care needs admitted to Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, for fixation of hip fracture in 2014‐2015. Data including demographic and hospital event details, length of stay (LOS), discharge destination and 12‐month functional outcomes measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale‐Extended (GOS‐E), were collected. Factors related to discharge destination and outcomes were analysed.

Results

Ninety patients from a RACF were included in this study, with 68 patients (76%) returning to their RACF and 22 (24%) admitted to a SAF after acute hospital stay. Those discharged to a SAF had an average LOS at this facility of 20.79 days (SD 8.02). The SAF group also had a longer acute LOS (7 days IQR 5‐10, compared to 6 days IQR 4‐7.5) but there was no difference between groups at 12 months in terms of mortality or function, with 50% of all patients deceased at this time point (n = 40) and the remaining 40 patients (50%) reporting a poor functional outcome.

Conclusions

Mobility status during acute and subacute stay, and 12‐month functional and mortality outcomes were similar in both groups irrespective of discharge destination, with the influence of cognition and concomitant medical issues currently unknown. Further research is required to evaluate the efficacy of current hip fracture models of care, the factors that influence clinician discharge planning decision‐making and to interrogate new models of care that support rehabilitation and complex medical management in RACFs.
Phase I trial on robot assisted retinal vein cannulation with ocriplasmin infusion for central retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Willekens Koen , Gijbels Andy , Smits Jonas , Schoevaerdts Laurent , Blanckaert Johan , Feyen Jean H. M. , Reynaerts Dominiek , Stalmans Peter
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of robot‐assisted retinal vein cannulation with Ocriplasmin infusion for central retinal vein occlusion.

Methods

Prospective phase I trial including four patients suffering from central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Diagnosis was confirmed by preoperative fluo‐angiography and followed by a standard three‐port pars plana vitrectomy. Afterwards, a custom‐built microneedle was inserted into a branch retinal vein with robotic assistance and infusion of Ocriplasmin started. Primary outcomes were the occurrence of intra‐operative complications and success of cannulation. Secondary outcomes were change in visual acuity, central macular thickness (CMT) and venous filling times (VFT) during fluo‐angiography two weeks after the intervention.

Results

Cannulation with infusion of ocriplasmin was successful in all four eyes with a mean total infusion time of 355 ± 204 seconds (range 120–600 seconds). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) remained counting fingers (CF) in case 3 and 4, increased in case 1 from CF to 0.9LogMAR and decreased in case 2 from 0.4 to 1.3 LogMAR. CMT and VFT both showed a trend towards significant decrease comparing preoperative measurements with two weeks postintervention (1061 ± 541 μm versus 477 ± 376 μm, p = 0.068) and 24 ll 4 seconds versus 15 ± 1 seconds, p = 0.068, respectively). In one eye a needle tip broke and could be removed with an endoforceps. There were no other intervention‐related complications.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted retinal vein cannulation is feasible and safe. Local intravenous infusion with Ocriplasmin led to an improved retinal circulation.
Increase in treatment of retinopathy of prematurity in the Netherlands from 2010 to 2017
Authors: Trzcionkowska Kasia , Vehmeijer Wouter B.H.J. , Kerkhoff Frank T. , Bauer Noel J.C. , Bennebroek Carlien A.M. , Dijk Peter H. , Dijkman Koen P. , van den Dungen Frank A.M. , Eggink Cathrien A. , Feenstra Robert P.G. , Groenendaal Floris , van Heijst Arno F. , van der Hoeven Mark A.H.B.M. , Kornelisse Rene F. , Kraal‐Biezen Elke , Lopriore Enrico , Onland Wes , Renardel de Lavalette Victor W. , van Rijn Laurentius J. , Schuerman Frank A.B.A. , Simonsz Huibert J. , Voskuil‐Kerkhof Elsbeth S.M. , Witlox Ruben S.G.M. , Termote Jacqueline U.M. , Schalij‐Delfos Nicoline E.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Compare patients treated for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in two consecutive periods.

Methods

Retrospective inventory of anonymized neonatal and ophthalmological data of all patients treated for ROP from 2010 to 2017 in the Netherlands, subdivided in period (P)1: 1‐1‐2010 to 31‐3‐2013 and P2: 1‐4‐2013 to 31‐12‐2016. Treatment characteristics, adherence to early treatment for ROP (ETROP) criteria, outcome of treatment and changes in neonatal parameters and policy of care were compared.

Results

Overall 196 infants were included, 57 infants (113 eyes) in P1 and 139 (275 eyes) in P2, indicating a 2.1‐fold increase in ROP treatment. No differences were found in mean gestational age (GA) (25.9 ± 1.7 versus 26.0 ± 1.7 weeks, p = 0.711), mean birth weight (791 ± 311 versus 764 ± 204 grams, p = 0.967) and other neonatal risk factors for ROP. In P2, the number of premature infants born <25 weeks increased by factor 1.23 and higher oxygen saturation levels were aimed at in most centres. At treatment decision, 59.6% (P1) versus 83.5% (P2) (p = 0.263) infants were classified as Type 1 ROP (ETROP classification). Infants were treated with laser photocoagulation (98 versus 96%) and intravitreal bevacizumab (2 versus 4%). Retreatment was necessary in 10 versus 21 (p = 0.160). Retinal detachment developed in 6 versus 13 infants (p = 0.791) of which 2 versus 6 bilateral (p = 0.599).

Conclusion

In period 2, the number of infants treated according to the ETROP criteria (Type 1) increased, the number of ROP treatments, retinal detachments and retreatments doubled and the absolute number of retinal detachments increased. Neonatal data did not provide a decisive explanation, although changes in neonatal policy were reported.
Randomised clinical trial: tegoprazan, a novel potassium‐competitive acid blocker, or lansoprazole in the treatment of gastric ulcer
Authors: Cho Yu Kyung , Choi Myung‐Gyu , Choi Suck Chei , Lee Kee Myung , Kim Tae Oh , Park Soo‐Heon , Moon Jeong Seop , Lim Yun Jeong , Kang Dae Hwan , Cheon Gab Jin , Baik Gwang Ho , Kim Kyoung Oh , Cho Kwang Bum , Jang Jin Seok , Park Jong‐Jae , Son Byoung Kwan , Jung Hye‐Kyung , Kim Byung‐Wook , Kim Sung Kuk , Lee Soo Teik , Cha Jae Myung , Kim Ah Rong , Kim Eun Ji , Park Hyun Wook , Song Geun Seog
Published: July 2020

Background

Tegoprazan is a novel potassium‐competitive acid blocker for the treatment of acid‐related disorders.

Aims

To assess whether tegoprazan is non‐inferior to lansoprazole in terms of efficacy and safety in patients with gastric ulcers.

Methods

In this phase 3, double‐blind, active control, multicentre study, 306 gastric ulcer patients were randomised to one of three treatment groups: tegoprazan 50 mg, tegoprazan 100 mg and lansoprazole 30 mg once daily for 4 or 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the cumulative proportion of patients with healed ulcers confirmed by endoscopy up to 8 weeks from treatment initiation. Symptoms and safety were assessed.

Results

In the full analysis set, the cumulative healing rates at week 8 were 94.8% (91/96) for the tegoprazan 50 mg, 95.0% (94/99) for the tegoprazan 100 mg and 95.7% (89/93) for the lansoprazole 30 mg groups. At week 4, the respective healing rates were 90.6% (87/96), 91.9% (91/99), and 89.2% (83/93). In per protocol analysis, 4‐week healing rates were 95.4% (84/88), 94.6% (88/93) and 92.9% (79/85) for tegoprazan 50 mg, tegoprazan 100 mg and lansoprazole 30 mg, respectively. Both doses of tegoprazan were non‐inferior to lansoprazole in ulcer healing at 4 and 8 weeks. The incidence of drug‐related treatment‐emergent adverse events did not differ among groups. The increase in serum gastrin concentration was not higher in tegoprazan‐treated patients than in lansoprazole‐treated patients.

Conclusions

Tegoprazan 50 or 100 mg were not inferior to lansoprazole 30 mg once daily in the treatment of gastric ulcers.
Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, prostaglandins, and COVID‐19
Authors: Robb Calum T. , Goepp Marie , Rossi Adriano G. , Yao Chengcan
Published: July 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the cause of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), a highly pathogenic and sometimes fatal respiratory disease responsible for the current 2020 global pandemic. Presently, there remains no effective vaccine or efficient treatment strategies against COVID‐19. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines very widely used to alleviate fever, pain, and inflammation (common symptoms of COVID‐19 patients) through effectively blocking production of prostaglandins (PGs) via inhibition of cyclooxyganase enzymes. PGs can exert either proinflammatory or anti‐inflammatory effects depending on the inflammatory scenario. In this review, we survey the potential roles that NSAIDs and PGs may play during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and the development and progression of COVID‐19.

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
What is it about carer‐led oral hygiene interventions for people with intellectual disabilities that work and why? A realist review
Authors: Waldron Catherine , MacGiolla Phadraig Caoimhin , Nunn June
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To undertake a realist review of carer‐led oral hygiene interventions for people with intellectual disabilities. This was run parallel with a Cochrane Review.

Methods

Realist review methods were followed. This was characterized by an iterative process of developing and refining theories of how interventions might work, expressed as context‐mechanism‐outcome configurations. The steps included identifying candidate theories with local and international expert consultation before applying an iterative search strategy. Selection criteria were applied for screening of the abstracts and 10% of the included full texts were screened by the three review members, independently, to ensure adherence to the criteria. Data were extracted in NVivo and synthesized qualitatively to confirm, refute or refine theories about what works, why, in what circumstances and for whom.

Results

Of the 697 potential sources, 112 studies progressed to full‐text screening, and 58 of those were included in the review. These 58 studies found evidence to support six theories about carer‐led oral hygiene interventions for people with intellectual disabilities, from a starting point of ten candidate theories.

This realist review found evidence to support the contention that, in order for carer‐led oral hygiene interventions for people with ID to succeed, there is a need for adequate resources and a system‐level approach; involving carers in design and implementation; tailoring of training to suit carers’ needs and work environments; clearly stating how interventions are expected to work; specifying goals with achievable steps for carers to follow; providing carers with support and feedback on their efforts; acknowledging the physical and emotional toll caring for people with intellectual disabilities has on the well‐being of carers; and repeating training.

Conclusions

The theories from this realist review will direct future interventions by suggesting the mechanisms and contexts that are important to achieve the intended outcome of improved oral health for people with intellectual disabilities. These are, of course, propositions intended for testing, rather than proven. The parallel use of Cochrane and realist methods provides a unique richness to our hypothesis of what works, for whom, when and how.
Ganglioneuromas across age groups: Systematic review of individual patient data
Authors: Fliedner Stephanie M. J. , Winkelmann Philipp E. R. , Wesley Robert , Vonthein Reinhard , Lehnert Hendrik
Published: July 2020

Background

Ganglioneuromas are very rare tumours of the sympathetic nervous system. Clinical and pathological knowledge is currently based on largely incomparable registries and case series that focus on paediatric or adrenal cases. To comprehensively characterize the full clinical spectrum across ages and locations, a meta‐analysis was performed where amenable and complemented by systematic literature review of individual patient data (IPD).

Design

Articles containing “ganglioneuroma” in English on humans, published from 1/1/1995‐6/27/2018, were identified from PubMed. Aggregate data from 10 eligible patient series on 19 variables were considerably inhomogeneous, restricting meta‐analysis to age and gender distribution. To determine basic disease characteristics across ages and locations, IPD were retrieved from case reports and small case series (PROSPERO CRD42018010247).

Results

Individual patient data representing 364 cases revealed that 65.7% (60.6%‐70.4%) were diagnosed in adults, more frequently in females (62%, 56.9%‐66.9%). 24.5% (20.3%‐39.1%) were discovered incidentally. Most often, ganglioneuromas developed in abdomen/pelvis (66.2, 32.1% adrenal). With age, the proportion of ganglioneuroma localizations with high post‐surgical complication rate (35.6% head/neck and 16.3% thorax) decreased. Contrarily, the diagnosis of adrenal ganglioneuromas (<1% post‐surgical complications) increased with age. Hormone production, hypertension or coincidence with another non‐neuroblastic neural‐crest‐derived tumour component was more common for adrenal location. Recurrence and metastatic spread have not been reported for ganglioneuromas without secondary tumour component.

Conclusions

This work summarizes characteristics of the currently largest number of international GN patients across all ages. The data confirm a benign nature of GN, independent of age. Age‐related differences in predominant tumour location, associated post‐surgical complications and hormone production suggest case‐centred management strategies.
Epiregulin promotes hair growth via EGFR‐medicated epidermal and ErbB4‐mediated dermal stimulation
Authors: Choi Nahyun , Kim Won‐Serk , Oh Sang Ho , Sung Jong‐Hyuk
Published: July 2020

Objectives

EREG (epiregulin), a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, plays a role in inflammation, wound healing, normal physiology and malignancies. However, little is known about its function on hair growth.

Materials and Methods

Cell growth assay, QPCR and immunostaining were carried out. Telogen‐to‐anagen transition and organ culture were conducted. ROS level was monitored by staining DCFDA.

Results

We investigated the hair inductive effect of EREG and the mechanism of stimulation on DPCs and ORS cells during hair cycling. Whereas EREG promoted hair growth, EREG knockdown inhibited hair growth as evidenced by telogen‐to‐anagen transition and organ culture models. EREG was expressed in epidermal cells including ORS cells in vivo. EREG activated phospho‐ErbB4 in DPCs during hair cycling and stimulated DPCs via ErbB4 activation in vitro. In terms of the underlying mechanism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) played a key role in DPC stimulation. EREG also activated phospho‐EGF receptor (EGFR) in epidermal cells including matrix and ORS cells in vivo and stimulated ORS cells via EGFR activation in vitro.

Conclusions

EREG, which is released from ORS cells, activated EGFR and ErbB4 on epidermal cells and DPCs during hair cycling, respectively. As a result, EREG stimulated epidermal cells a positive feedback and DPCs via regulating ROS generation for hair growth. Therefore, EREG therapy may be a novel solution for hair loss treatment.
Land use decisions after the Conservation Reserve Program: Re‐enrollment, reversion, and persistence in the southern Great Plains
Authors: Barnes Jessica C. , Sketch Mary , Gramza Ashley R. , Sorice Michael G. , Iovanna Rich , Dayer Ashley A.
Published: July 2020

The temperate grasslands of North America remain one of the most modified and threatened ecosystems on the planet. In the United States, the conservation of grassland‐dependent wildlife continues to be challenged by the widespread conversion of privately owned grasslands to cropland. Recent analyses indicate that land exiting the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the country's largest private lands conservation program, is a primary source of grassland conversion. In this mixed‐methods study, we employed focus groups and mail surveys to understand the decisions made by landowners in the southern Great Plains as their CRP contracts near expiration and up to 7 years following expiration. We explored both the post‐contract intentions of landowners with fields currently enrolled in CRP and the self‐reported, post‐contract decisions of landowners whose CRP contracts expired between 2011 and 2017. Interest in re‐enrolling in CRP upon contract expiration was high among landowners with current fields; however, over half of landowners with former CRP fields reported being unable to re‐enroll when they tried. We found higher rates of grassland persistence than have been previously reported, but also detected temporal patterns that suggest that cropland reversion is increasingly likely as the time since contract expiration increases. This study highlights the need for increased attention to the barriers that preclude transition into other conservation programs following CRP and more detailed understanding of what drives landowner decision‐making about re‐enrollment and post‐CRP land use. These insights will be critical for increasing the effectiveness of programs for enduring grassland conservation on private lands.
Current state of kidney transplantation in patients with HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B infection
Authors: Sawinski Deirdre , Wong Tiffany , Goral Simin
Published: July 2020

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV), and hepatitis B (HBV) are common chronic viral infections in the end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) patient population that were once considered relative contraindications to kidney transplantation. In this review, we will summarize the current state of kidney transplantation in patients with HIV, HCV, and HBV, which is rapidly evolving. HIV+ patients enjoy excellent outcomes in the modern transplant era and may have new transplant opportunities with the use of HIV+ donors. Direct‐acting antivirals for HCV have substantially changed the landscape of care for patients with HCV infection. HBV+ patients now have excellent patient and allograft survival with HBV therapy. Currently, kidney transplantation is a safe and appropriate treatment for the majority of ESKD patients with HIV, HCV, and HBV.
Metformin Preconditioning and Postconditioning to Reduce Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in an Isolated Ex Vivo Rat and Porcine Kidney Normothermic Machine Perfusion Model
Authors: Huijink Tobias M. , Venema Leonie H. , Posma Rene A. , de Vries Nynke J. , Westerkamp Andrie C. , Ottens Petra J. , Touw Daan J. , Nijsten Maarten W. , Leuvenink Henri G.D.
Published: July 2020

Metformin may act renoprotective prior to kidney transplantation by reducing ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI). This study examined whether metformin preconditioning and postconditioning during ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) of rat and porcine kidneys affect IRI. In the rat study, saline or 300 mg/kg metformin was administered orally twice on the day before nephrectomy. After 15 minutes of warm ischemia, kidneys were preserved with static cold storage for 24 hours. Thereafter, 90 minutes of NMP was performed with the addition of saline or metformin (30 or 300 mg/L). In the porcine study, after 30 minutes of warm ischemia, kidneys were preserved for 3 hours with oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion. Subsequently, increasing doses of metformin were added during 4 hours of NMP. Metformin preconditioning of rat kidneys led to decreased injury perfusate biomarkers and reduced proteinuria. Postconditioning of rat kidneys resulted, dose‐dependently, in less tubular cell necrosis and vacuolation. Heat shock protein 70 expression was increased in metformin‐treated porcine kidneys. In all studies, creatinine clearance was not affected. In conclusion, both metformin preconditioning and postconditioning can be done safely and improved rat and porcine kidney quality. Because the effects are minor, it is unknown which strategy might result in improved organ quality after transplantation.
Prevalence and sociodemographic factors of risky drinking in Australian older adults
Authors: Jiang Heng , Griffiths Susan , Callinan Sarah , Livingston Michael , Vally Hassan
Published: July 2020

Introduction and Aims

This study describes the prevalence of risky drinking in older adults (aged 60+ years) in Australia and explores the socioeconomic and lifestyle factors associated with this. The negative consequences of drinking behaviours in older adults were also explored.

Design and Methods

Cross‐sectional design, with data obtained from the Australian 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, yielding a sample size of 7976 participants. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the correlates of risky drinking.

Results

Approximately 17% of older Australians reported risky drinking and their most popular drinking location was in the home (93%). Respondents who were male [odds ratio 3.78, 95% confidence interval (3.22, 4.43)], of younger age group (60–69 years) [2.96, (2.25, 3.89)], in a higher socioeconomic status [1.76, (1.41, 2.21)], had no dependents [1.51, (1.10, 2.07)], were unemployed [1.64, (1.10, 2.44)] and were either current or ex‐smokers [2.32, (1.90, 2.83) or 3.55, (2.95, 4.29)], were more likely to report risky drinking. Approximately 54% of risky drinkers experienced a negative outcome as a result of their drinking in the last year.

Discussion and Conclusions

Risky drinking in older adults is a key public health issue, with a concerning rate of risky drinking and associated negative outcomes seen in the current study. Interventions aimed at older drinkers thus need to focus beyond socio‐economically disadvantaged groups, while self‐moderation on risky drinking, controlling accessibility to take‐away alcohol and increasing the awareness of harms of risky drinking may help to reduce risky drinking among older people.