bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of firm size and firm age on classification shifting: an empirical study on listed firms in India
Authors: Bansal Manish
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Prior studies document that managers engaged in shifting of non-operating revenue to operating revenue (revenue shifting) and shifting of operating expenses to non-operating expenses (expense shifting (ES)) within income statement to report inflated operating profits of firms. This study aims to identify the factors affecting revenue shifting and ES.

Design/methodology/approach

The operating revenue model (Malikov et al., 2018) and the core earnings expectation model (McVay, 2006) are used for measuring revenue shifting and ES, respectively. The panel data regression models are used to analyze the data for this study.

Findings

The study results show that large and old firms are engaged in revenue shifting, whereas small and young firms prefer ES over revenue shifting for reporting inflated operating profits. These results imply that firms choose the shifting strategy based on relative advantage and ease in execution. The results are robust after controlling for accruals earnings management, real earnings management and endogeneity bias.

Practical implications

It suggests investors minutely investigate the operating performance metrics of initial public offering firms that are relatively small and young while buying their shares. Besides, findings suggest accounting standard setters make more mandatory disclosure requirements for recording expense and revenue items in the income statement to curb this corporate misfeasance of classification shifting.

Originality/value

This is among the earlier attempts to identify firm-specific factors that incentivize firms to prefer one form of shifting over another. Second, the study jointly examines both forms of shifting by taking a uniform sample of firms over the same period. Most of the prior studies have examined one form at a time.
What are the environmental capabilities, as components of the sustainable intellectual capital, that matter to the CEOs of European companies?
Authors: Albertini Elisabeth
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Environmental capabilities, allowing companies to carry out their productive activities in ways that limit damage to natural environment, are at the heart of the fourth stage of research in intellectual capital. Accordingly, the purpose of this research is to explore firm's current environmental capabilities, disclosed by managers through corporate messages, that participate to the development of sustainable intellectual capital (SIC).

Design/methodology/approach

With this in mind, we first conducted a lexical content analysis followed by a thematic content analysis of 241 letters to shareholders from the CEOs of major European companies published in 2016.

Findings

The lexical content analysis reveals that managers of major European companies have developed green alliances to address the energy transition challenge by modifying their manufacturing processes. The thematic content analysis of the CEOs discourse highlights that managerial competencies, continuous innovation and stakeholder integration are key environmental capabilities that matter to CEOs.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the fourth stage of research on IC highlighting the environmental capabilities and resources that are disclosed by companies in their corporate communication. Our results enhance the understanding on how environmental capabilities and resources enhance the human, organizational, technological and relational sustainable intellectual capital.

Practical implications

This research highlights the importance of green alliances that allow companies to address the challenge of the ecological transition. In this context, the continuous innovation capability seems to be a fruitful way of gaining competitive advantage in this challenge.

Originality/value

This paper provides a detailed description of the environmental capabilities that participate to the development of the human, technological and relational SIC.
Do agency conflicts between managers and shareholders affect corporate risk management and financial performance of Saudi firms?
Authors: Jamel Lamia , Albogami Hanadi Eid , Abdulaal Mazen Abduljalil , Aljohani Nuha Ahmed
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of agency conflicts between managers and shareholders on corporate risk management and financial performance of Saudi firms listed in the Saudi Stock Exchange Tadawul.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the effect of agency conflicts between managers and shareholders on corporate risk management and financial performance, we use a sample of 180 Saudi firms listed in the Saudi Stock Exchange Tadawul during the period from 2009 to 2018. Econometrically, we employ Vector Autoregressive (VAR) and General Linear Model (GLM) techniques as an appropriate methodology.

Findings

Our findings show that the risk level of the last year increase the corporate risk management and the performance of Saudi firm. We remark that the separation amongst control and ownership generates agency conflicts amongst managers and shareholders which can affect their behavior in decision-making and performance of the Saudi firms. Thus, the conflicts of interest arise from the differences among the work horizon, the risk assumed, the performance of enterprises, and the level of remuneration desired by the managers and shareholders in the case of Saudi firms.

Originality/value

The main contributions of our paper prove that the deepen the study of agency costs linked to a shareholding structure through the analysis of monitoring, obligation, and opportunity costs in the Saudi firms.
Does cloud computing improve team performance and employees' creativity?
Authors: Zou Jing , Jian Cheng
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The present investigation goals to empirically test the role of expert cloud on team performance and employee creativity. Here, the expert cloud comprises cloud application, cloud management, cloud infrastructure and cloud resources. The present study aims to identify important and key criteria and examine the relationships among them. In other words, the purpose of this study to find out the impact and relationship between cloud application, cloud management, cloud infrastructure and cloud resources and team performance and employee creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Today, human societies’ rapid growth and the environmental changes that surround us every day are clearly visible. They highly affect our activities. In today’s highly complex organizations, people alone cannot handle all the issues that have arisen. As organizational managers are faced with diverse cultures in the governance of organizations, the need to use work teams with different abilities and specializations to achieve the goals of organizations leads managers to use teamwork and focus on employee creativity. On the other hand, the expert cloud makes it possible for human societies like universities, firms, industries, institutes, businesses and colleges to pool and share their human resources’ skills, knowledge and experiences to meet the competitive era’s demands. Therefore, the current investigation examines the impact of expert cloud on team performance and employee creativity. The research information is collected using an online questionnaire. The data collected is analyzed using AMOS and SMART PLS software.

Findings

All of the formulated hypotheses are supported. The results have shown that cloud application, cloud management, cloud infrastructure and cloud resources positively and significantly affect team performance and employee creativity.

Practical implications

Managers must be conscious of the vital role that the professional cloud plays in team performance and the innovation of workers. This paper would also make executives more conscious of the powerful tools in the field of cloud computing. Firms can use the outcomes of this paper investigation to improve team performance and employee creativity.

Originality/value

It is considered one of the initial efforts to demonstrate the impacts of expert cloud on team performance and employee creativity. This study’s value relies on that practitioners and academics may have supporting evidence on the role played by novel technology such as an expert cloud.
Hong Kong’s response to COVID-19: a glance to the control measures and their enforcement
Authors: Ho Ka Ki Lawrence , Chan Ying-Tung
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine Hong Kong’s responses to COVID-19, arguing that Hong Kong’s relatively low infection rate is due to self-discipline of citizens together with the enforcement measures introduced by the government.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviewed the government policy announcements and the prevailing scholarly analyses on Hong Kong society during COVID-19.

Findings

It starts by examining the partial lockdown and control measures since mid-January, and the roles of different government units in enforcement were examined and assessed. Suppression of viral outbreak in Hong Kong should primarily be attributed to the appropriate lockdown and quarantine actions of the government.

Originality/value

However, outperformance of the frontline professionals and the highly aware, self-disciplined and mutually aided citizens in the community are also the key to the “interim success” by June 2020 in the highly accessible and densely populated city.
Perspectives on knowledge integration in cross-functional teams in information systems development
Authors: Dussart Pascal , van Oortmerssen Lise A. , Albronda Bé
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into cross-functional team (CFT) members’ points of view on knowledge integration.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted using Q methodology. The 22 respondents were members of CFTs in information systems development within 7 agencies of the Flemish Government administration.

Findings

The study resulted in three distinct perspectives. To the CFT player, the benefits and added value of information and knowledge diversity of CFTs outweigh the challenges of knowledge integration. By contrast, the CFT sceptic is doubtful that knowledge integration in CFTs can ever work at all. Finally, the organization critic highlights the lack of support from the organization for efficient and effective knowledge integration in CFTs.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study suggest that CFT configurations have important implications for the development of shared team mental models and for teams’ cognitive performance.

Practical implications

Making CFT members aware of their peers’ mental models, ways of working and priorities could help strengthen knowledge integration. To improve knowledge integration in teams, managers should reduce knowledge boundaries that are the result of organizational structuring and power play between departments.

Originality/value

By focusing on daily experiences with knowledge integration, this study reveals that members of CFTs in information systems development hold contrasting perspectives on, and diverging attitudes towards, knowledge integration.
Multiple clades of SARS‐CoV‐2 were introduced to Thailand during the first quarter of 2020
Authors: Buathong Rome , Chaifoo Walairat , Iamsirithaworn Sopon , Wacharapluesadee Supaporn , Joyjinda Yutthana , Rodpan Apaporn , Ampoot Weenassarin , Putcharoen Opass , Paitoonpong Leilani , Suwanpimolkul Gompol , Jantarabenjakul Watsamon , Petcharat Sininat , Bunprakob Saowalak , Ghai Siriporn , Prasithsirikul Wisit , Mungaomklang Anek , Plipat Tanarak , Hemachudha Thiravat
Published: April 2021

In early January 2020, Thailand became the first country where a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patient was identified outside China. In this study, 23 whole genomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) from patients who were hospitalized from January to March 2020 were analyzed, along with their travel histories. Six lineages were identified including A, A.6, B, B.1, B.1.8, and B.58, among which lineage A.6 was dominant. Seven patients were from China who traveled to Thailand in January and early February. Five of them were infected with the B lineage virus, and the other two cases were infected with different lineages including A and A.6. These findings present clear evidence of the early introduction of diverse SARS‐CoV‐2 clades in Thailand.
Patient experience data as enacted: Sociomaterial perspectives and ‘singular‐multiples’ in health care quality improvement research
Authors: Donetto Sara , Desai Amit , Zoccatelli Giulia , Allen Davina , Brearley Sally , Rafferty Anne Marie , Robert Glenn
Published: April 2021

Over the last three decades, sociomaterial approaches to the study of health care practices have made an important contribution to the sociology of health care. Significant attention has been paid to the role of technology and artefacts in health care and the operation of actor‐networks but less space has been given to questions of ontological multiplicity in health care practices. In this paper, we draw upon our study of patient experience data in five acute hospitals in England to illustrate how treating patient experience data as ‘singular‐multiples’ can enable useful insights into patient experience data work in health care organisations. Our data was generated during 12 months of fieldwork at five participating hospitals and included organisational documents, field notes, informal and formal interviews with frontline and managerial staff and patient representatives at the study sites. We use the examples of the Friends and Family Test (FFT) and the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES) in England to consider the multiple nature of data as it is enacted in practice and the work data does when coordinated as an entity in the singular. We argue that, and discuss how, the sociomaterial insights we discuss here are relevant to health care quality and improvement research and practice.
Serum lipids and suicidal risk among patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Anoop , Pratt Robin , Anoop Aparna , Smith Angela , Espinoza David , Ramachandran Padmavati , Tirupati Srinivasan
Published: April 2021

Objective

A systematic review of literature was conducted to determine the association between serum lipids and suicidality in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Methods

We undertook a systematic search of multiple databases for studies that ascertained an association between serum lipids and suicidality in adult patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (18–65 years) from database inception to 2 September 2020. Qualitative analysis was done using National Institute of Health (NIH) scales. The standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each study and standardized relative to the study. Adjusted p‐value, Z‐test, and heterogeneity were calculated, as well as testing for publication bias.

Results

Of 1262 records identified, 17 studies (n = 3113) were included in our systematic review, while 11 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. The majority of studies (11) rated fair on qualitative analysis. Data from seven studies (n = 1597) revealed a medium effect size for an association between low total cholesterol and suicide attempts (SMD −0.560; 95% CI: 0.949–0.170; p = 0.005). People with history of suicide attempt had a mean cholesterol value 0.56 SD lower than the mean in those without suicide attempts. There were differences in how a suicide attempt was defined and there was high heterogeneity (I2 = 83.3%). No significant association was found between any of the serum lipid parameters and suicide ideation. Funnel‐plot analysis suggested small study effects with publication bias.

Conclusions

Suicide attempts in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders are associated with low mean total cholesterol levels.
Distribution of Temminck's pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) in South Africa, with evaluation of questionable historical and contemporary occurrence records
Authors: Pietersen Darren W. , Fisher Jolene T. , Glennon Kelsey L. , Murray Kimberley A. , Parrini Francesca
Published: April 2021

Temminck's pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) is a threatened mammal found in southern and eastern Africa. It is the most widely distributed African pangolin species yet is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to a projected population decline of 30%–40% within the next three generations. This species' secretive, predominantly nocturnal behaviour and generally low population densities make it difficult to directly assess its distribution, and thus, alternative methods are required. Furthermore, many historical and some contemporary records of this species exist from outside of its accepted range, suggesting that the distribution may be greater than currently accepted, although the validity of these records has never been assessed. We used MaxEnt modelling to evaluate the most likely distribution of S. temminckii in South Africa and compared the past and present distribution of the species, as well as assessed the probable validity of the questionable records. Our results suggest that one of the questionable historical museum records is probably valid, while the other may refer to an erroneous collecting locality. At least some contemporary sightings which were originally deemed questionable are probably valid, while others should be treated as dubious until supporting information to validate their authenticity becomes available.
Does perceived overqualification cultivate angels or demons? Examining its interpersonal outcomes through pride from an evolutionary psychology perspective
Authors: Zhang Xue , Ma Chao , Guo Feng , Li Zhongqiu
Published: April 2021

The current study examines both the positive and negative interpersonal consequences of perceived overqualification (POQ). Building on evolutionary psychology theory and prior research, we clarify the underlying mechanism of pride through which POQ predicts interpersonal behaviors. Specifically, we propose that POQ is positively associated with both authentic pride, leading to increased interpersonal citizenship behaviors, and hubristic pride, leading to increased interpersonal deviant behaviors. Further, we suggest that a willingness to establish positive relationships plays a crucial role in moderating the relationship between pride and interpersonal behaviors. We tested our predictions in two studies using time‐lagged and multisource data. The findings of Study 1, which was based on a sample of 206 university students, supported the basic mediation model for the effects of POQ on interpersonal citizenship and deviant behaviors through authentic and hubristic pride, respectively. The findings of Study 2, which involved the analysis of survey responses from 213 employees, replicated those of Study 1, further revealing that the indirect effect of POQ on interpersonal deviant behaviors via hubristic pride is moderated by employees' willingness to establish positive relationships. The theoretical and practical implications of our findings as well as future research directions are discussed.
Effects of the E1 activating enzyme UBA2 on porcine oocyte maturation, apoptosis, and embryonic development in vitro
Authors: Xu Da , Bi Jing , Guan Yunfeng , Luo Xiaotong , Chen Xuan , Lv Yanqiu , Jin Yi
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the E1 activating enzyme UBA2 on the expression of the SUMO‐1 protein during in vitro maturation (IVM) of pig oocytes and embryonic development. In the 5 μg/ml UBA2 treatment group, the expression of the anti‐apoptotic gene Bcl‐2 and the embryo cleavage rate was significantly increased, while the proapoptotic gene Bax was significantly reduced. When 10 μg/ml UBA2 was added, the in vitro maturation rate, blastocyst rate, and SUMO‐1 protein content of oocytes increased significantly (p < .05), and the expression of proapoptotic gene Caspase3 was significantly decreased (p < .05), while the viability of cumulus cells was extremely significantly reduced (p < .01). In summary, UBA2 can regulate the content of the SUMO‐1 protein in mature pig oocytes in vitro, which in turn affects the maturation rate of oocytes, expression of apoptosis genes, cumulus cell viability, and the development of embryos after fertilization.
Impact of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists on adiponectin concentrations: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Simental‐Mendía Luis E. , Sánchez‐García Adriana , Linden‐Torres Enrique , Simental‐Mendía Mario
Published: April 2021

Aims

Previous studies have reported an elevation in adiponectin concentrations using glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RA) therapy; however, this possible pleiotropic effect is still uncertain. Thus, the objective of this meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials was to assess the impact of GLP‐1 RA on adiponectin levels.

Methods

This systematic review and meta‐analysis included randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of GLP‐1 RA on circulating adiponectin concentrations. Studies from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were included. A random‐effects model and a sensitivity analysis using the leave 1‐out method were conducted.

Results

A meta‐analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials involving 1497 individuals demonstrated a significant increase in adiponectin levels after GLP‐1 RA administration (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 0.59 μg/mL, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10, 1.08, P = .02). Particularly, liraglutide had a significant effect on adiponectin (WMD: 0.55 μg/mL, 95% CI: 0.04, 1.06, P = .04), while exenatide did not affect these concentrations (WMD: 0.60 μg/mL, 95% CI: −0.23, 1.42, P = .16).

Conclusion

GLP‐1 RA treatment is associated with an increase in adiponectin levels.
Harming one to benefit another: The paradox of autonomy and consent in maternity care
Authors: Kingma Elselijn
Published: April 2021

This paper critically analyses ‘the paradox of autonomy and consent in maternity care’. It argues that maternity care has certain features that increase the need for explicit attention to, and respect for, both autonomy and rigorous informed consent processes. And, moreover, that the resulting need is considerably greater than in almost all other areas of medicine. These features are as follows: (1) maternity care involves particularly socially sensitive body parts that are regularly implicated in consent‐centred procedures, as well as in unconsented interventions, in ordinary, non‐medical life; and (2) much of maternity care (especially intervening in childbirth) is medically unique, in that it harms one patient (the mother) not primarily for the promotion of her own health but for the benefit of another (the baby). The apt comparison, within medicine, is therefore with non‐therapeutic research and transplantation medicine—both of which have elevated consent requirements characterized by very rigorous consent processes. At the same time—and this delivers the titular paradox—the importance of autonomy and consent in maternity care is at particular risk of being denied or disregarded. Jointly, these considerations make a very strong case for change: attention to and respect for autonomy and consent should be (1) core values; (2) key points of practical attention in the years ahead; and (3) central quality indicators in maternity care.
A multi‐method examination of the link between obsessive‐compulsive symptomatology and emotion‐related impulsivity
Authors: Hudiburgh Stephanie E. , Reese Hannah E. , Carver Charles S. , Çek Demet , Timpano Kiara R.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition marked by recurrent and distressing thoughts, images, and urges accompanied by repetitive physical or mental rituals. An emerging line of work suggests that emotion may be an important consideration when looking at the role of impulsivity across the spectrum of psychopathology, including OCD. The current study examined the relationship between obsessive‐compulsive symptomatology (OCS) and impulsive cognitive and behavioural reactions to emotion using a multi‐study, multi‐method approach.

Design

Data were collected cross‐sectionally online (Study 1) or via an in‐person laboratory visit (Study 2).

Methods

In Study 1, self‐report measures of impulsivity and OCS were administered to a large, non‐selected community sample (N = 386). Study 2 extended these findings with a young adult sample (N = 107) with clinically elevated OCS using self‐report measures, clinical interview, and two behavioural symptom provocation tasks.

Results

Emotion‐related impulsivity, but not non‐emotion‐related impulsivity, was associated with greater severity of OCS across symptom domains and across all modes of assessment. Impulsive cognitive responses to emotion were associated with greater obsession severity, while impulsive behavioural reactions to emotion were associated with greater compulsions. Emotion‐related impulsivity also acted synergistically with a belief in the importance and control of thoughts, such that this established risk factor for OCD was associated with greater OCS severity only when behavioural reactivity to emotion was also present.

Conclusions

Results highlight the importance of considering emotional context when studying impulsivity in OCD, and point to the potentially differential relationship between OCS and behavioural versus cognitive impulsive reactions to emotion.

Practitioner points

Emotion‐related impulsivity (ERI) reflects a tendency to act impulsively in the context of strong emotions.

ERI was associated with greater OCS across symptom domains and type of symptom assessment (self‐report, interview, or symptom provocation).

ERI also interacted with an established OCS risk factor, a belief in the importance and control of thoughts, to predict symptom severity, suggesting that it may be important to evaluate and address ERI alongside unhelpful beliefs in patients with OCS.

Given the present study’s cross‐sectional nature, we cannot draw conclusions about the directionality of the ERI – OCS relationship, and while our study included individuals with clinically elevated OCS, results should be replicated in a fully clinical sample.
Shame, guilt, and suicidal thoughts: The interaction matters
Authors: Kealy David , Treeby Matt S. , Rice Simon M.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

This study examined associations between generalized shame and guilt, and suicidal ideation.

Methods

Individuals attending outpatient mental health services (N = 100) completed study measures at a single time point. Correlation and regression analyses examined associations between recent suicidal ideation and generalized shame and guilt, both concurrently and interacting, controlling for depressive symptoms and history of previous suicide attempt.

Results

When examined concurrently, guilt – but not shame – remained significantly associated with suicidal ideation, after accounting for effects of depressive symptoms and past suicide attempt. A significant shame × guilt interaction revealed the association between guilt and suicidal ideation intensified with higher shame.

Conclusions

Findings emphasize consideration of generalized shame and guilt – and their interaction – when working with patients exhibiting suicidal thoughts.

Practitioner points

Shame and guilt are self‐conscious emotions that, when generalized and excessive, may confer risk for suicidal ideation

Generalized guilt may be uniquely linked with suicidal ideation, yet this association may also amplified by shame

Both shame and guilt – and their interaction – are important to consider when working with patients exhibiting suicidal thoughts
Ecological correlates of extinction risk in Chinese terrestrial mammals
Authors: Shuai Lingying , Chen Chuanwu , Liu Wei , Xu Wenyan , Wang Yun , Zeng Zhigao , Zhang Zhirong , Zhao Leigang , Wang Yanping
Published: April 2021

Aim

China is among the countries with highest mammal diversity in the world, but a considerable proportion of Chinese terrestrial mammal species is currently at risk of extinction. For effective conservation, it would be fundamental to answer the following questions: (1) Is extinction risk randomly distributed among families in Chinese terrestrial mammals? (2) If not, which families are more threatened than expected by chance? (3) What are the major ecological predictors of extinction vulnerability? (4) Does taxonomic difference exist in ecological correlates of extinction risk? (5) To what extent does anthropogenic disturbance contribute to variations in extinction risk?

Location

China.

Methods

We collected data on biological traits, environmental factors and anthropogenic disturbance for 453 Chinese terrestrial mammals. We used phylogenetically controlled regression models and model selection to identify predictors of extinction risk for the whole species set and for the three large taxonomic groups (Carnivora, Artiodactyla and Lagomorpha) separately.

Results

We found that extinction risk was not randomly distributed among families. Seven families (old world monkeys, gibbons, cats, civets and genets, musk deer, deer and bovids) contained significantly higher proportions of threatened species than expected by chance. Geographic range size was the only factor consistently supported in all the best models for the whole species set and for three large taxonomic groups. Although considered important in the global model for the whole species set, body weight was a poor predictor of extinction risk in taxon‐specific analyses. We also detected considerable differences in ecological correlates of extinction risk among Carnivora, Artiodactyla and Lagomorpha. After controlling for phylogeny, anthropogenic disturbance was not significantly correlated with extinction risk.

Main conclusions

For effective conservation, we should pay special attention to those highly threatened families and the species with limited range size. Our results also highlight the importance of performing taxon‐specific analyses for conservation practice.
Healthcare resource utilization after initiation of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors versus dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors or other glucose‐lowering drugs in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kohsaka Shun , Takeda Masayoshi , Kidani Yoko , Yajima Toshitaka
Published: April 2021

Aim

To examine healthcare resource utilization in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients after initiation of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2is) versus dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4is) or other glucose‐lowering drugs (oGLDs).

Materials and Methods

A cost‐utilization analysis was performed using a nationwide hospital‐based administrative claims database (Medical Data Vision) during 2014‐2018 in Japan, where universal healthcare coverage is maintained under a single‐payer system. Data on T2D patients initiated on either SGLT‐2is or oGLDs during the study period (228 514 patients) were extracted and subjected to a 1:1 propensity score‐matching analysis (7626 patient pairs for DPP‐4is and 28 484 for oGLDs). Direct healthcare resource utilizations and inpatient and outpatient costs were compared.

Results

After matching, baseline characteristics were well balanced, including healthcare costs within 3 and 12 months before the index date (standardized difference <5% for all variables), with a mean age of 61.6‐64.1 years. While diabetes medication costs were higher in patients initiated with SGLT‐2is than in those initiated with DPP‐4is or oGLDs, further breakdown of individual cost components showed that SGLT‐2is were associated with a lower hospitalization frequency and a shorter total hospital stay (by 213.0 or 204.6 days/100 patient‐years compared with DPP‐4is or oGLDs, respectively; P < .001). Accordingly, overall mean cumulative cost per patient at the 2.5‐year postindex date was lower in patients with SGLT‐2is than in those with DPP‐4is or oGLDs by $2545 (1384.6‐3759.7) and $2330 (1793.1‐2882.9), respectively (P < .001).

Conclusions

Our results show the benefits in healthcare resource utilization associated with SGLT‐2i use in Japanese T2D patients.
Increased accuracy of genomic predictions for growth under chronic thermal stress in rainbow trout by prioritizing variants from GWAS using imputed sequence data
Authors: Yoshida Grazyella M. , Yáñez José M.
Published: April 2021

Through imputation of genotypes, genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and genomic prediction (GP) using whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) data are cost‐efficient and feasible in aquaculture breeding schemes. The objective was to dissect the genetic architecture of growth traits under chronic heat stress in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and to assess the accuracy of GP based on imputed WGS and different preselected single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. A total of 192 and 764 fish challenged to a heat stress experiment for 62 days were genotyped using a customized 1 K and 26 K SNP panels, respectively, and then, genotype imputation was performed from a low‐density chip to WGS using 102 parents (36 males and 66 females) as the reference population. Imputed WGS data were used to perform GWAS and test GP accuracy under different preselected SNP scenarios. Heritability was estimated for body weight (BW), body length (BL) and average daily gain (ADG). Estimates using imputed WGS data ranged from 0.33 ± 0.05 to 0.55 ± 0.05 for growth traits under chronic heat stress. GWAS revealed that the top five cumulatively SNPs explained a maximum of 0.94%, 0.86% and 0.51% of genetic variance for BW, BL and ADG, respectively. Some important functional candidate genes associated with growth‐related traits were found among the most important SNPs, including signal transducer and activator of transcription 5B and 3 (STAT5B and STAT3, respectively) and cytokine‐inducible SH2‐containing protein (CISH). WGS data resulted in a slight increase in prediction accuracy compared with pedigree‐based method, whereas preselected SNPs based on the top GWAS hits improved prediction accuracies, with values ranging from 1.2 to 13.3%. Our results support the evidence of the polygenic nature of growth traits when measured under heat stress. The accuracies of GP can be improved using preselected variants from GWAS, and the use of WGS marginally increases prediction accuracy.
Species on the move around the Australian coastline: A continental‐scale review of climate‐driven species redistribution in marine systems
Authors: Gervais Connor R. , Champion Curtis , Pecl Gretta T.
Published: April 2021

Climate‐driven changes in the distribution of species are a pervasive and accelerating impact of climate change, and despite increasing research effort in this rapidly emerging field, much remains unknown or poorly understood. We lack a holistic understanding of patterns and processes at local, regional and global scales, with detailed explorations of range shifts in the southern hemisphere particularly under‐represented. Australian waters encompass the world's third largest marine jurisdiction, extending from tropical to sub‐Antarctic climate zones, and have waters warming at rates twice the global average in the north and two to four times in the south. Here, we report the results of a multi‐taxon continent‐wide review describing observed and predicted species redistribution around the Australian coastline, and highlight critical gaps in knowledge impeding our understanding of, and response to, these considerable changes. Since range shifts were first reported in the region in 2003, 198 species from nine Phyla have been documented shifting their distribution, 87.3% of which are shifting poleward. However, there is little standardization of methods or metrics reported in observed or predicted shifts, and both are hindered by a lack of baseline data. Our results demonstrate the importance of historical data sets and underwater visual surveys, and also highlight that approximately one‐fifth of studies incorporated citizen science. These findings emphasize the important role the public has had, and can continue to play, in understanding the impact of climate change. Most documented shifts are of coastal fish species in sub‐tropical and temperate systems, while tropical systems in general were poorly explored. Moreover, most distributional changes are only described at the poleward boundary, with few studies considering changes at the warmer, equatorward range limit. Through identifying knowledge gaps and research limitations, this review highlights future opportunities for strategic research effort to improve the representation of Australian marine species and systems in climate‐impact research.
Assessment of positive iron balance in end‐stage renal disease: Could hepcidin‐25 be useful?
Authors: Savković Miljan , Simić‐Ogrizović Sanja , Dopsaj Violeta
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The aim of our study was to examine the relationship of hepcidin‐25 with red blood cell and reticulocyte indices and to evaluate the diagnostic properties of hepcidin‐25 in the assessment of positive iron balance in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.

Methods

Eighty anemic ESRD patients (hemoglobin < 110 g/L) were classified as having iron deficiency (ID, N = 20), iron sufficiency (IS, N = 29), and positive iron balance (PB, N = 31) using the conventional biomarkers for iron status evaluation. Hepcidin‐25 was determined by a chemiluminescent direct ELISA.

Results

Hepcidin‐25 was significantly negatively correlated with the proportion of hypochromic erythrocytes (%HYPO) (P = .034) and immature reticulocyte fraction (P = .010) in ID and with the absolute reticulocyte concentration in ID (P = .048) and PB (P = .040). In multivariate models, hepcidin‐25 was independently negatively associated with the mean reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr; β = −0.493, P = .004) and red blood cell size factor (RSf) (β = −0.334, P = .036) only in the PB group. The best hepcidin‐25 value to exclude PB was 66.13 µg/L, showing a sensitivity of 61.3%, a specificity of 75.5%, and an AUC of 0.808.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that hepcidin‐25 levels are independently negatively associated with the iron demand for the most recent erythropoiesis only in PB. Hepcidin‐25 performed acceptable in discriminating anemic ESRD patients with positive iron balance and may prove to be a useful additional tool in the evaluation of iron status.
Influence of baseline inducibility and activation mapping on ablation outcomes in patients with structural heart disease and ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Cano Óscar , Pérez‐Roselló Víctor , Ayala Hebert D , Izquierdo Maite , Osca Joaquín , Sancho‐Tello María José , Martínez‐Dolz Luis
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Stand‐alone substrate ablation has become a standard ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation strategy. We sought to evaluate the influence of baseline VT inducibility and activation mapping on ablation outcomes in patients with structural heart disease (SHD) undergoing VT ablation.

Methods

Single center, observational and retrospective study including consecutive patients with SHD and documented VT undergoing ablation. Baseline VT induction was attempted before ablation in all patients and VT activation mapping performed when possible. Ablation was guided by activation mapping for mappable VTs plus substrate ablation for all patients. Ablation outcomes and complications were evaluated.

Results

One hundred and sixty patients were included and were classified in three groups according to baseline VT inducibility:group 1 (non inducible, n = 18), group 2 (1 VT morphology induced, n = 53), and group 3 (>1 VT morphology induced, n = 89). VT activation mapping was possible in 35%. After a median follow‐up of 38.5 months, baseline inducibility of greater than 1 VT morphology was associated with a significant incidence of VT recurrence (42% for group 3 vs. 15.1% for group 2% and 5.6% for group 1, Log‐rank p < .0001) and activation mapping with a lower rate of VT recurrence (24% vs. 36.3%, Log‐rank p = .035). Baseline inducibility of greater than 1 VT morphology (hazards ratio [HR]: 12.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.60–90.79, p = .016) was an independent predictor of VT recurrence while left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30% (HR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.13–3.25, p = .014) and advanced heart failure (HR: 4.69, 95% CI: 2.75–8.01, p < .0001) were predictors of mortality or heart transplantation. Complications occurred in 11.2% (5.6% hemodynamic decompensation).

Conclusion

Baseline VT inducibility and activation mapping may add significant prognostic information during VT ablation procedures.
Topical therapy of atopic dermatitis with a focus on pimecrolimus
Authors: Luger T. , Paller A.S. , Irvine A.D. , Sidbury R. , Eichenfield L.F. , Werfel T. , Bieber T.
Published: April 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing, inflammatory skin disease characterized by impaired skin barrier function and immune system dysregulation that results in dryness, skin microbiome dysbiosis and intense pruritus. It is highly heterogeneous, and its management is demanding. Patients with AD are at greater risk of comorbidities such as attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder as well as other atopic diseases. Early‐onset AD cases typically improve or resolve in late childhood; however, it is proposed that the prevalence of persistent or adult‐onset AD is higher than previously thought. Basic therapy consists of emollient application and trigger avoidance, and when insufficient, topical corticosteroids (TCS) are the first‐line treatment. However, corticophobia/steroid aversion and TCS side‐effects, particularly on sensitive skin areas, lead to low compliance and insufficient disease control. Several long‐ and short‐term randomized controlled and daily practice studies have demonstrated that topical calcineurin inhibitors, such as pimecrolimus, have similar anti‐inflammatory effects to low‐to‐medium strength TCS, reduce pruritus and improve the quality of life of patients. In addition, pimecrolimus does not cause skin atrophy, is steroid‐sparing and has a good safety profile, with no evidence for an increased risk of malignancies or skin infections. In general, pimecrolimus cream is well‐accepted and well‐tolerated, encouraging patient adherence and leading to its use by many physicians as a preferred therapy for children and sensitive skin areas.
Toll protein family structure, evolution and response of the whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeusvannamei) to exogenous iridescent virus
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Guo Shengtao , He Yugui , Shi Qiong , Yang Mingqiu , You Xinxin
Published: April 2021

Whiteleg shrimp is a widely cultured crustacean, but frequent disease outbreaks have decreased production and caused significant losses. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) comprise a large innate immune family that is involved in the innate immune response. However, understanding of their regulatory mechanism is limited. In this study, PacBio sequencing and Illumina sequencing were applied to the gill and hepatopancreas tissues of whiteleg shrimp and an integrated transcript gene set was established. The upregulation of Toll1, Toll2 and Toll3 transcripts in the hepatopancreas tissue of whiteleg shrimp after iridescent virus infection implies that these proteins are involved in the immune response to the virus; simultaneously, the TRAF6 and relish transcripts in the Toll pathway were also upregulated, implying that the Toll pathway was activated. We predicted the three‐dimensional structure of the five Toll proteins in whiteleg shrimp and humans and constructed a phylogenetic tree of the Toll protein family. In addition, there was a large discrepancy of Toll1 between invertebrates and vertebrates, presumably because of the loss of Toll1 protein sequence during the evolution process from invertebrates to vertebrates. Our research will improve the cognition of Toll protein family in invertebrates in terms of evolution, structure and function and provide theoretical guidance for researchers in this field.
Inhabiting Identities: On the Elusive Quality of Indigenous Identity in Mexico
Authors: López Caballero Paula
Published: April 2021

This article explores the volatility of indigenous identity, not as inconsistency or exception but as its central explanatory principle. This research is based on ethnographic and historical examples from Mexico and Latin America. Despite general recognition that “identities are contextual,” I show that it is still relevant to dismantle the ontological register associated with identifications, whose philosophical underpinnings might be traced back to Aristotle's theory of classification. As an alternative, I develop an analytical model centered on the elusiveness of identities, based in Ernst Cassirer's theory of classification, for whom classifying means momentarily stabilizing incessantly mobile content. I also draw on theories of ethnicity and in an intellectual history framework to propose three dimensions in which the volatility of identifications can be captured: meanings, configurations, and experiences. I conclude by discussing some of the political consequences of adopting this interpretive model.
Signal Detection to Measure Allostatic Load
Authors: Howard Douglas C.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To illustrate a means to calculate allostatic load in hospitalized patients using big data from the electronic medical record (EMR).

Organizing Construct

To describe the development of the Troubled Outcome Risk (TOR) scale using signal detection in big data.

Methods

Using both retrospective and prospective observational studies, I describe a mechanism to determine meaning from retrospective data then use the results to improve nursing surveillance to reduce length of stay (LOS) and nursing sensitive indicators on an inpatient medical surgical unit.

Findings

Results from the retrospective study contained over 290,000 individual data points and established an interpretation standard for the TOR score using an algorithm to detect signals. The prospective observational study used the TOR scale and developed an interpretation standard to assist unit charge nurses in assigning staff to patients based on a fully objective measure of patient allostatic load.

Conclusions

The TOR scale in conjunction with existing nurse staffing methodology reduced inpatient LOS by 0.3 days, reduced allostatic load as measured by the TOR scale, and changed staffing patterns from purely geographic to patient‐need based.

Clinical Relevance

The TOR scale demonstrates that careful evidence‐based criteria can be easily gathered from the EMR and used to positively impact nursing practice and patient outcomes.