bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic recommendations for financial technology service development: a comprehensive risk-benefit IPA-Kano analysis
Authors: Suzianti Amalia , Haqqi Fannisa Rahma , Fathia Safira Nurul
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to purpose a strategy for Financial Technology (Fintech) service development to increase user adoption of Fintech services.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model based on a risk-benefit approach was adopted based on the theory of reasoned action, the theory of planned behaviour and technology acceptance models. The partial least squares structural equation modelling method was used to test the proposed model and estimate the relationship between constructs. The results are used to develop strategies, which are then categorised based on the integration of an importance-performance analysis and the Kano model.

Findings

The results show that trust, economic benefit and convenience significantly influence users to adopt Fintech services, whereas privacy awareness, financial risk and legal risk factors affect user trust. A strategy for consumer protection against security threats and financial losses warrants the highest priority for improvement.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can help Fintech product managers classify their service improvements and help regulators make the appropriate policy decisions related to customer security and the adoption of Fintech.

Social implications

There are some limitations of this research that should be noted. First, the research target respondents were millennials who have been statistically proven to have the highest affinity in using Fintech services. Second, the Fintech services used in this research were only mobile payments, peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding. Future research could expand the number of research respondents to improve research validity, including other Fintech services or focus on one Fintech service at a time for targeted results and consider moderation variables, such as customer experience with Fintech services based on age and gender.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the development of new frameworks for evaluating Fintech adoption intention based on a risk-benefit approach. It also presents strategy recommendations to be implemented by Indonesian Fintech companies.
A conceptual framework for transformative gamification services
Authors: Tanouri Afshin , Kennedy Ann-Marie , Veer Ekant
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Although the concept of transformative gamification is mentioned in previous research, no research has provided a theoretically based explanation of how gamification can lead to transformative change. This paper aims to provide the explanation for the first time by combining storytelling elements with cognitive behavioural therapy logic and incorporating these into a framework to show the process of transformative behaviour change through gamification. The proposed framework not only furthers the theoretical understanding of transformative gamification services but also provides practical insight into design and implication of such services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on critical analysis and synthesis of literature from different fields of research such as transformative service research (TSR), gamification, game studies, social marketing, storytelling and journalism. Ergo, several propositions based on the extensive literature review are proposed and aggregated in a conceptual framework.

Findings

This paper argues that apart from game mechanics that are often considered as an inseparable aspect of gamification services, immersive storytelling and a mechanism to encourage reflection are the pivotal components of transformative gamification services. In addition, this paper suggests that although reflection and immersive storytelling are often considered as opposite sides of the spectrum, they can have a synergistic effect once they work in tandem in gamification services.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel framework and an operational definition for transformative gamification services. It contributes to TSR, gamification and health promotion research through differentiating this concept from similar concepts, such as mHealth, propelling gamification to a more meaningful and user-centric version and providing service researchers with a practical guide to make use of gamification as a tool to serve TSR.
The link between employee career orientation, career management practices, citizenship behavior and gender: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Joshi Meha , Maheshwari Girish Chandra , Yadav Rajan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to add to the current understanding of mediation and moderation processes through which employee career orientation (CO) is linked with organizational citizenship behavior (OCB).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 214 employees working in Delhi and NCR of India. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for testing moderated mediation and establishing linkages between CO, CMP and OCB. Drawing on the social exchange theory, our model posits that the effect of CO on the outcome variable OCB is mediated by career management practices (CMPs) and the CMP-mediated relationship between the two is moderated by the gender of employees.

Findings

Overall, data from 214 employees from service organizations in India support the model. This suggests that the enactment of OCB as a consequence of CO and OCB is largely dependent on the gender of employees. The relationship was observed in such a way that for women employees, CMP will have a stronger influence on the CO-OCB relationship. According to bootstrap results, upon the addition of CMP as a mediator, the main effect of CO on OCB among male employees was significant but dropped from the Beta value of 0.281 to 0.196. However, adding CMP as a mediator among women employees caused the CO-OCB relationship to become insignificant (Beta = 0.124; LLCI = 0.415; ULCI = −0.127;p = 0.420), highlighting that CMP would have a more substantial influence on the CO-OCB relationship.

Originality/value

This study explains the mediational role of CMP in the relationship between CO and OCB (explaining how the employees with new CO can trigger the role of CMP, and consequently, CMP can help them enact OCB) and how the gender of employees moderate the mediated impact of CMP in the relationship between CO and OCB (explaining how the mediated relationship varies across genders). The novelty of the study lies in exploring such a relationship that has not been studied so far.
Dynamics of management between special-purpose governments and privatization of public libraries
Authors: Suzuki Issei , Koizumi Masanori
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This research focused on the management dynamics between library districts' discretion and privatization of library management. Previous research has reported conflicting effects of this dynamic. However, few studies have investigated privatization of library management by library districts. Additionally, previous research has accepted the premise that when public libraries change from general-purpose government to library districts, they will not implement privatization prior to forming districts. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether conflicting effects arise in the dynamics between library districts' discretion and privatization in library management.

Design/methodology/approach

To address research gaps, an in-depth case analysis was conducted of the Jackson County Library District in Oregon, where library management has been privatized both before and after library district formation. The analysis divided the study period into three phases, which differed by legal basis and operating body. To clarify the characteristics of library management in each phase, changes in finances, staff hiring and library services were analyzed.

Findings

In Phase 1, privatization was implemented in response to the financial difficulties of the public library run by the county government. In Phase 2, the library district was formed with the aim of stabilizing revenue and securing management autonomy. During Phase 3, the library district and operating body were both operated by a private company. Although the financial resources of the library district were stable, it was unable to implement autonomous library management. This demonstrates that privatization cannot facilitate autonomous management, an advantage of library districts.

Originality/value

By investigating the conflicting effects of the dynamics between library district discretion and privatization, this research contributes to greater understanding in the fields of public management and library science.
Exploring organizational problem-solving modes: a dynamic capabilities approach
Authors: Mohaghegh Matin , Größler Andreas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Adopting the dynamic capability perspective, this study aims at exploring which problem-solving capabilities result in fundamental solutions with a potentially low likelihood for problems to recur. This can also shed light on why, despite many attempts, process improvement programs often fail to produce such long-term solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is carried out to inductively describe and classify problem-solving in companies and to indicate why problem-solving efforts are typically bounded to short-term solutions. The empirical findings are triangulated with findings from the extant literature.

Findings

First, the authors propose three problem-solving modes with different characteristics and potential impacts on operational performance: intuitive problem-solving, semi-structured problem-solving and systematic problem-solving. Second, by emphasizing dynamic capabilities' micro-foundations and with the focus on learning mechanisms, the authors show that, among these modes, only systematic problem-solving can serve as a dynamic capability with fundamental solutions. Third, based on insights from the case study, the authors address behavioral and organizational impediments that curb dynamic capabilities and limit systematic problem-solving adoption.

Originality/value

This study is an empirically informed attempt to understand systematic problem-solving as a dynamic capability. The authors uncover the micro-foundations and the learning mechanisms through which systematic problem-solving becomes a dynamic capability. By highlighting problem-solving orientation as a hardly investigated dimension of improvement programs, the authors show that a mixture of a static problem-solving approach and a set of impediments at both individual and organizational levels is the major reason of failures of improvement programs over time.
The role of digital transformation in enabling continuous accounting and the effects on intellectual capital: the case of Oracle
Authors: Izzo Maria Federica , Fasan Marco , Tiscini Riccardo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role played by digital transformation (DT) in enabling continuous accounting (CA) and its impacts on intellectual capital (IC). In so doing, the paper provides momentum for the emerging trends of the DT movement in the field of accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis relies on the exploratory case study of Oracle, a multinational computer technology corporation that is constantly involved in DT processes. Data sources include semi-structured interviews and internal documentation.

Findings

The paper shows how CA is facilitated by DT, a process that allows collaborative relationships, learning and transparency. These activities contribute to IC empowerment through three main mechanisms: empowerment through dialogue, empowerment through learning and increased reliability of data.

Practical implications

The findings have practical implications by showing how DT applied to accounting provides a highly transparent way to collect, manage and analyze financial data, freeing time for high-value activities, optimizing decision-making processes and increasing IC.

Originality/value

DT and digital technologies have created new opportunities for companies – worldwide – to elaborate and communicate accounting information. The originality of this research derives from connecting DT to the relatively innovative topic of CA.
From prevention to peer support: a systematic review exploring the involvement of lived-experience in eating disorder interventions
Authors: Lewis Hannah Kate , Foye Una
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The current policy landscape advocates for the involvement of people with lived experience in the co-production and co-delivery of mental health services. However, evidence on how to do this safely and effectively for people with eating disorders (EDs) is lacking. The purpose of this study was to explore and synthesis the implementation of ED interventions which involved lived-experience and to evaluate the associated benefits and risks to participants.

Design/methodology/approach

This study will conduct a systematic review of ED interventions which involve people with lived experience of an ED. A total of seven databases and four subject-specific journals were searched using Boolean search terms.

Findings

The search yielded ten eligible studies. Involvement procedures were extracted which highlighted variation with some roles being continuous and active and others being isolated and passive. Qualitative results were extracted and thematically analysed which demonstrated many benefits from involving people with lived experience, such as normalisation of experiences, inspiration to recover and the sharing of insight, as well as some risks such as disingenuity and exposure to triggering content.

Practical implications

The implications of this review highlight the need for policy and guidance to minimise variation across procedures and implementation of co-production to ensure positive outcomes and benefits for participants, given the current landscape. More research in the benefits and risks for those involved in the delivery of the interventions is needed to ensure that co-production and peer support is delivered as safely and effectively as possible.

Originality/value

This was the first systematic review since 2016 (Fogarty et al., 2016) to assess peer-mentorship programmes in ED treatments, whilst expanding the remit to include wider definitions of peer-support and peer-mentorships such as co-production and co-design in research.
The spatial and environmental characteristics of Vietnamese vernacular houses in Vietnam's French colonial public buildings
Authors: Nguyen Vu Tuan Anh , Park Jin-Ho , Jeon Yangsook
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper focuses on the evolution of and changes in French colonial architectural designs over time in terms of the use of vernacular architectural features of Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

It first examines the underlying principles of spatial compositions behind traditional vernacular architecture, thus revealing vernacular architectural values that have survived from the past. Styles of vernacular houses differ by region; thus, their unique spatial characteristics are analyzed by selecting the typical houses in each region. The study also illuminates ecological features and technical norms tailored to the local climate and Vietnamese traditional architecture. It examines how local and regional characters of vernacular houses affect the developments and changes in the French colonial public buildings in Vietnam, forming an identity that represents an eclectic Indochina style with the adaptation of local discourses on climate.

Findings

The Vietnamese have developed unique architectural styles that are inextricably linked to their identities, cultures, climates and livelihoods – for example, vernacular houses. Although at the beginning of the colonial period, the French imported their styles, decorations and details, which were foreign to the Vietnamese, later, they perhaps realized that such direct import was no longer suitable for the natural and socio-cultural situation of the colony. Toward the end of the colonial period, it is noticeable that French colonial architects gradually started using local design principles.

Research limitations/implications

Although many existing buildings can be further added for the discussion, we limit a few cases, due to the length of the paper.

Social implications

This paper proves that toward the end of the colonial period, colonial architecture in Vietnam became increasingly localized, adapting to the local environment and climate. The buildings during the period were gradually associated with Vietnamese culture and sentiment.

Originality/value

Although few papers deal with the vernacular architecture in Vietnam with regard to local climate and regional characteristics, there are no paper that related the vernacular Vietnamese houses to influence the French colonial designs in Vietnam. Therefore the paper has value and significance.
Peloton’s ride to growth
Authors: Winchester Christopher Curtis , Pleggenkuhle-Miles Erin , Bass Andrea Erin
Published: August 2021

Theoretical basis

The theoretical basis for this case is a focus on vertical integration, first-mover advantage and competitive dynamics. Vertical integration is based on Williamson’s (1979) theory of transaction-cost economics as it relates to vertical integration; the discussion on first-mover advantage is built off of Suarez and Lanzolla’s (2005) dynamics of first-mover advantage; and the analyzes on competitive dynamics derives from the MacMillan et al. (1985) early empirical tests of interfirm rivalry dynamics.

Research methodology

The authors conducted extensive research using the following sources: IBISWorld, MergentOnline and academic journals, trade magazines and websites. Additionally, the authors successfully piloted the case on more than 350 undergraduate students enrolled in a business and corporate strategy course.

Case overview/synopsis

Peloton used vertical integration to control the creation of its own software, bikes, exercise classes and retail outlets. In doing so, Peloton was one of the first companies in the industry to have near full control of the production process (Gross and Caisman, 2019). Due to this integration, Peloton was one of the fitness equipment industry leaders. However, Peloton’s high level of vertical integration coupled with rapid growth led to lackluster profitability. Given the rise in popularity of in-home exercise equipment, Peloton had room to continue its growth, but the question remained whether it was strategically positioned to do so.

Complexity academic level

This case is best taught in undergraduate and graduate strategy courses. For undergraduate courses, it could be incorporated into lessons on competitive dynamics, internal analysis and first-mover advantage and strategic positioning. For graduate courses, it could be incorporated into lessons on vertical integration and delving more in-depth into the long-term sustainability of having a first-mover advantage.
Gender diversity and corporate sustainability performance: empirical evidence from India
Authors: Pareek Ritu , Sahu Tarak Nath , Gupta Arindam
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to attempt to evaluate and establish the relationship between gender diversity (GD) on the board and corporate sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 212 non-financial companies listed on the National Stock Exchange has been considered for a period of 2013–2014 to 2018–2019. For the purpose of the analysis, this study has conducted the static panel data model analysis and also some diagnostics tests to arrive at robust results.

Findings

This study, from its analysis, interprets that GD or the proportion of women directors in the company plays a significant role in the decisions related to the sustainability performance of the company. Alongside GD, the profitability of the company, measured in terms of Tobin’s Q, and firm size are also seen to have a positive impact on the sustainability performance of the company.

Practical implications

This study from its findings contributes to the existing works of literature by highlighting the impact of GD on the sustainability performance of the firm. This study thus recommends the recruitment of an ample number of females in the top-notch positions of the board to create a gender-diverse management team to reap the benefits of leadership styles of both genders.

Originality/value

Very few studies have been conducted on the dynamics of women’s directorship, especially in an emerging economy like India. This study thus tries to fill this important gap in the literature by examining the relationship between board GD and sustainability performance of Indian firms.
Perceptions towards green image of trendy coffee cafés and intention to re-patronage: the mediating role of customer citizenship behavior
Authors: Le Andrea , Tan Kim-Lim , Yong Siew-Siew , Soonsap Pichsinee , Lipa Caple Jun , Ting Hiram
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Drawing upon the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) model, the purpose of this study is to examine how perceptions of young customers towards the green image of trendy coffee cafés affect their environmental and product attitudes, and subsequently their citizenship behaviour as well as intention to re-patronage. The mediating effect of customer citizenship behaviour (CCB) is also assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

The instrument was developed by adapting measurement from the past studies. Using the purposive sampling technique, data were collected online from 207 young customers in Malaysia who frequented the cafés. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to perform path modelling and mediation analyses.

Findings

The findings show that green image stimulates both customers’ environmental attitude and product attitude. Although product attitude is found to have a dominant effect on CCB, the impact of environmental attitude on CCB and re-patronage intention is worth noting. Moreover, advocacy and tolerance significantly mediate the relationship between product attitude and re-patronage intention.

Originality/value

This study advances the consumer behaviour literature by determining the influence of green image on two forms of attitudes as well as the mediating role of the multi-dimensional CCB between attitudes and intention to re-patronage trendy coffee cafés among young customers. While the findings confirm the importance of product attitude and the relevance of advocacy and tolerance in relation to re-patronage, the study also highlights the growing awareness of green image among young customers and its implications on knowledge and practice.
Establishment of the Western Japan Psoriasis Registry and first cross‐sectional analysis of registered patients
Authors: Tsuruta Noriko , Imafuku Shinichi ,   Western Japan Inflammatory Disease Research Group
Published: August 2021

The efficacy and safety of new psoriatic treatments are confirmed in clinical trials, but such clinical trial data are limited by the number and heterogeneity of patients. Furthermore, the prevalence and characteristics of psoriasis differ among racial groups. Therefore, it is important to obtain real‐world evidence in specific regions. To identify the optimal systemic treatment for psoriatic patients in Western Japan, we established the Western Japan Psoriasis Registry (WJPR). This registry is led by a neutral physicians’ league associated with university hospitals, general hospitals, and clinics that specialize in treatment of psoriasis. Systemically treated psoriatic patients who provided written informed consent were enrolled, and data were collected on their background information, several patient‐reported outcomes, dermatologists’ objective evaluations, and treatment regimens. Patient enrollment began in 2019, and 1394 patients had been recruited by the end of 2020. The prevalence of psoriatic arthritis was 27.2% and that of pustular psoriasis was 7.5%. The mean body mass index was 24.1 kg/m2, and 12% of patients had severe obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2). Major comorbidities were hypertension (35.0%), diabetes (14.1%), and hyperlipidemia (12.2%). Serological data showed that hepatitis B virus surface antigen, anti‐hepatitis B virus core antibody, anti‐hepatitis C virus antibody, and human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 antibody were detected in 1.1%, 18.0%, 3.1%, and 3.7% of patients, respectively. The most frequently used small‐molecule‐systemic intervention was apremilast (18.0%), followed by methotrexate (7.7%), etretinate (4.2%), and cyclosporin (3.7%). The most frequently used biologics were interleukin (IL)‐17 inhibitors (31.8%), followed by IL‐23 inhibitors (including IL‐12/23 inhibitors) (26.7%), and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (11.1%). The WJPR is the first Japanese prospective observational cohort of psoriatic patients. Annual WJPR updates may provide the incidences of comorbidities such as cardiovascular events or onset of arthritis in systemically treated patients, identify rare complications, and identify the optimal treatment regimens for various psoriatic patients.
Ecological impacts of fungal wood decay types: A review of current knowledge and future research directions
Authors: Fukasawa Yu
Published: August 2021

I summarize current knowledge about the ecosystem functions of wood decomposition in forests with a particular focus on the effects of fungal wood decay types (traditionally categorized into white‐, brown‐, and soft‐rot) on the community composition of saproxylic organisms, forest tree regeneration, and carbon sequestration. Deadwoods of different decay types show markedly different physicochemical and biological properties. High carbohydrate availability in white‐rotted wood promotes the activities of nitrogen‐fixing bacteria; thus white‐rotted wood is a good dietary source for many wood‐eating invertebrates. In contrast, brown‐rotted wood is unattractive to saproxylic communities due to the high recalcitrance of accumulated lignin, low nutrient content, and low pH. Nevertheless, some species have adapted to these conditions and form distinctive communities on brown‐rotted wood. Tree seedlings that are associated with brown‐rotted wood are symbiotic with arbuscular and ericoid mycorrhizal fungal species, but not ectomycorrhizal species. Thus, the diversity of fungal communities associated with a variety of wood decay types produces habitat diversity for saproxylic communities and promotes biodiversity in forest ecosystems. Wood decay type also affects carbon sequestration in forests as brown‐rotted wood might be more instrumental in soil organic matter accumulation than white‐rotted wood. An important aspect of wood decay type is that the wood decay activities of fungi can have indirect long‐lasting cascading impacts on forest biodiversity by altering the physicochemical properties of deadwood. Including the effects of wood decay type in ecological models is thus important for predicting the long‐term dynamics of biodiversity, vegetation, and carbon cycling in forest ecosystems.
Administrative burden and the Cashless Debit Card: Stripping time, autonomy, and dignity from social security recipients
Authors: Bielefeld Shelley
Published: August 2021

Although Western nations have long placed conditions on access to social security payments, many of the more recent conditions utilising technological tools have intensified surveillance and control of the poor and imposed weighty administrative burdens on social security recipients as they attempt to navigate these systems. The Cashless Debit Card (CDC) imposes additional administrative burdens – learning costs, compliance costs, and psychological costs – on people in receipt of social security as part of an overall welfare conditionality project that structures in disincentives to claim government income support. Cardholders experience heavy administrative burdens in securing essentials and managing their social security income via the CDC, seeking a reduction of their restricted payment portion, and seeking a well‐being exemption or a financial responsibility exit to regain their budgetary autonomy. Evidence suggests that numerous people in need of social security who have been forced on to the CDC could do with a reduction in burdensome processes – which would be facilitated by designing systems that are autonomy enhancing, respectful of the human dignity of claimants, and fairly easy to navigate.
Safeguarding Access to Justice in the Age of the Online Court
Authors: Denvir Catrina , Selvarajah Amanda Darshini
Published: August 2021

In 2016 Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service embarked on a significant modernisation programme with a view to developing online courts. In pursuit of this ambition the Courts and Tribunals (Online Procedure) Bill seeks to introduce new procedural rules to govern the online jurisdiction, giving the Lord Chancellor and an Online Procedure Rule Committee the power to mandate which proceedings will be conducted online and what assistance will be provided to users. In this study we analyse survey data and case decisions to highlight the importance of channel plurality and digital support in light of the shift to online courts. Our findings identify the groups most at risk of digital exclusion, and the expectations the judiciary sets in relation to internet access, capability, and the design of online systems. We conclude by detailing what our findings mean for safeguarding access to justice in the digital age.
The world of ribonucleases from pseudomonads: a short trip through the main features and singularities
Authors: Apura Patrícia , Gonçalves Luis G. , Viegas Sandra C. , Arraiano Cecília M.
Published: August 2021

The development of synthetic biology has brought an unprecedented increase in the number molecular tools applicable into a microbial chassis. The exploration of such tools into different bacteria revealed not only the challenges of context dependency of biological functions but also the complexity and diversity of regulatory layers in bacterial cells. Most of the standardized genetic tools and principles/functions have been mostly based on model microorganisms, namely Escherichia coli. In contrast, the non‐model pseudomonads lack a deeper understanding of their regulatory layers and have limited molecular tools. They are resistant pathogens and promising alternative bacterial chassis, making them attractive targets for further studies. Ribonucleases (RNases) are key players in the post‐transcriptional control of gene expression by degrading or processing the RNA molecules in the cell. These enzymes act according to the cellular requirements and can also be seen as the recyclers of ribonucleotides, allowing a continuous input of these cellular resources. This makes these post‐transcriptional regulators perfect candidates to regulate microbial physiology. This review summarizes the current knowledge and unique properties of ribonucleases in the world of pseudomonads, taking into account genomic context analysis, biological function and strategies to use ribonucleases to improve biotechnological processes.
Age patterns of intra‐pair DNA methylation discordance in twins: Sex difference in epigenomic instability and implication on survival
Authors: Tan Qihua , Li Shuxia , Sørensen Mette , Nygaard Marianne , Mengel‐From Jonas , Christensen Kaare
Published: August 2021

Aging is a biological process linked to specific patterns and changes in the epigenome. We hypothesize that age‐related variation in the DNA methylome could reflect cumulative environmental modulation to the epigenome which could impact epigenomic instability and survival differentially by sex. To test the hypothesis, we performed sex‐stratified epigenome‐wide association studies on age‐related intra‐pair DNA methylation discordance in 492 twins aged 56–80 years. We identified 3084 CpGs showing increased methylation variability with age (FDR < 0.05, 7 CpGs withp < 1e‐07) in male twins but no significant site found in female twins. The results were replicated in an independent cohort of 292 twins aged 30–74 years with 37% of the discovery CpGs successfully replicated in male twins. Functional annotation showed that genes linked to the identified CpGs were significantly enriched in signaling pathways, neurological functions, extracellular matrix assembly, and cancer. We further explored the implication of discovery CpGs on individual survival in an old cohort of 224 twins (220 deceased). In total, 264 CpGs displayed significant association with risk of death in male twins. In female twins, 175 of the male discovery CpGs also showed non‐random correlation with mortality. Intra‐pair comparison showed that majority of the discovery CpGs have higher methylation in the longer‐lived twins suggesting that loss of DNA methylation during aging contributes to increased risk of death which is more pronounced in male twins. In conclusion, age‐related epigenomic instability in the DNA methylome is more evident in males than in females and could impact individual survival and contribute to sex difference in human lifespan.
Pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasm: a single‐institution study
Authors: Kotecha Krishna , Pandya Advait , Gill Anthony J. , Mittal Anubhav , Samra Jaswinder
Published: August 2021

Backgrounds

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) are a distinct but rare form of low‐grade pancreatic neoplasia, accounting for 0.3%–2.7% of all pancreatic tumours. They are most common in young females. Local recurrence and distant metastasis are reported but extremely rare, and are usually resectable with curative intent. We report the clinicopathological features and long‐term outcomes of SPNs following surgical resection from a single institution.

Methods

A total of 1296 patients undergoing pancreatic resection during the 30 years period from 1991 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed, and those with a confirmed pathological diagnosis of pancreatic SPN on review were included.

Results

Twenty‐two patients (1.7% of all patients undergoing resection), were identified. Twenty patients (91%) were female. Unlike previous studies, most patients (91%) were symptomatic at diagnosis. On diagnostic CT, cystic components were visible in 16 patients (73%), calcifications were found in two patients (9%), haemorrhage in one patient (5%) and a defined capsule was seen in four patients (18%). Surgical resection was undertaken on all cases, with distal pancreatectomy the most commonly performed (n = 11, 50%). One patient (4.7%) had nodal involvement, nine patients had an incomplete tumour capsule (41%) and seven patients (32%) had tumour extension into the pancreatic parenchyma. Despite this, no patients had disease recurrence at 10 years. One patient died within 5 years of heart failure unrelated to the SPN process; no patients died within 10 years of the disease.

Conclusion

We confirm a high proportion of female patients. Interestingly, a high proportion of our cohort was investigated for symptomatic disease. Despite a high proportion of tumours with an incomplete capsule, and extension into the pancreatic parenchyma, our findings indicated that SPN patients have excellent survival after margin‐negative surgical resection.
Tapentadol and oxycodone reduce cingulate glutamate in healthy volunteers
Authors: Hansen Tine Maria , Frøkjær Jens Brøndum , Mark Esben Bolvig , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr
Published: August 2021

Tapentadol and oxycodone are commonly used analgesics. Preclinical studies have shown that oxycodone modulates brain metabolites related to opioid pathways, whereas tapentadol also affects noradrenergic activity. However, knowledge about the function of the medications in the human brain is limited. The aim was to investigate effects of tapentadol and oxycodone on brain glutamate, the most important neurotransmitter in pain processing. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy was obtained in 21 healthy subjects from the anterior cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex, and insula at baseline and after 14 days of treatment with either 50 mg tapentadol, 10 mg oxycodone (equipotent dose, both extended release) or placebo twice daily in a randomized double‐blind cross‐over study. Compared to baseline, decreased glutamate/creatine levels were identified in anterior cingulate cortex after tapentadol (1.26 ± 0.14vs. 1.35 ± 0.18,P = .04) and oxycodone (1.26 ± 0.10vs. 1.35 ± 0.12,P = .05) treatments, both with 7% reduction. This indicates that both analgesics modulate the glutamatergic system at the supraspinal level in humans.
Lack of pharmacokinetic interaction between the HIV‐1 maturation inhibitor GSK3640254 and combination oral contraceptives in healthy women
Authors: Pene Dumitrescu Teodora , Greene Thomas J. , Joshi Samit R. , Xu Jianfeng , Johnson Mark , Halliday Fiona , Butcher Laurie , Zimmerman Eric , Webster Lindsey , Pham Theresa T. , Lataillade Max , Min Sherene
Published: August 2021

Aims

GSK3640254 is a next‐generation maturation inhibitor likely to be coadministered with combined oral contraceptives in HIV‐positive women.

Methods

This phase I, open‐label, 1‐way study assessed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of GSK3640254 200 mg and ethinyl oestradiol 0.03 mg/levonorgestrel 0.15 mg once daily in healthy female participants who received ethinyl oestradiol/levonorgestrel for 10 days with a moderate‐fat meal after which GSK3640254 was added from Days 11 to 21. Primary endpoints were area under the plasma concentration–time curve to the end of the dosing interval (AUC0‐t), maximum observed concentration (Cmax) and plasma concentration at the end of the dosing interval (Cτ) for ethinyl oestradiol and levonorgestrel. Serum follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and progesterone concentrations were determined. Adverse events were monitored.

Results

Among 23 enrolled participants, 17 completed the study. Geometric least squares mean ratios (with vs. without GSK3640254) of AUC0‐t, Cmax and Cτ were 0.974, 0.970 and 1.050 for ethinyl oestradiol and 1.069, 1.032 and 1.083 for levonorgestrel, respectively. Three participants had elevated progesterone levels, which occurred before GSK3640254 administration in 2 participants. No participants had elevated follicle‐stimulating hormone or luteinizing hormone values. Fourteen participants (61%) reported adverse events. Four participants reported asymptomatic elevated transaminase levels meeting liver‐stopping criteria; of these, 3 events occurred before GSK3640254 administration and led to study withdrawal.

Conclusion

Ethinyl oestradiol/levonorgestrel plus GSK3640254 coadministration did not affect steady‐state pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of ethinyl oestradiol and levonorgestrel in healthy female participants. No major tolerability findings were reported. Elevated liver transaminase levels were probably due to ethinyl oestradiol/levonorgestrel.
Medical prescription forms of opioid cough suppressants falsified by the patients before and after they switched from over‐the‐counter to prescription‐only in France
Authors: Jouanjus Emilie , Gibaja Valérie , Fabre Florence , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse ,   OSIAP Working Group on opioid cough suppressants
Published: August 2021

Aims

The French Ministry of Health scheduled opioid cough suppressants as prescription‐only drugs on 12 July 2017. The present study assessed the impact of this regulation on the diversion modalities of the concerned drugs and the related drug pholcodine by analysing the national OSIAP (Ordonnances Suspectes Indicateur d'Abus Possible) database.

Methods

Medical prescriptions with at least 1 mention of codeine, dextromethorphan, ethylmorphine, noscapine or pholcodine for cough suppression recorded in 2013–2019 were extracted from OSIAP. Annual mentioning rates were estimated by dividing numbers of mentions over those of prescriptions recorded the year considered. A descriptive analysis compared the characteristics of prescriptions before and after 12 July 2017.

Results

Overall, 832 mentions of the requested drugs were retrieved on 827 prescription forms. Codeine was the most frequent (n = 809, 8.7%) with 6 additional mentions of codeine/ethylmorphine combination, followed by dextromethorphan (n = 11, 0.1%) and pholcodine (n = 6, 0.1%). There was no mention of noscapine. Annual mentioning rates varied between 0 and 0.3% for all drugs except codeine. Codeine mentioning rates ranged between 0.3% (n = 2) and 0.7% (n = 9) before 12 July 2017 and increased to 10.1% (n = 61) thereafter in 2017, 16.1% (n = 314) in 2018, and 19.8% (n = 414) in 2019. The profile of subjects evolved accordingly with an increased male/female ratio (10.0 vs. 1.5 before) and decreased age (23 vs. 40 y before, P < .001).

Discussion

The sharp increase of recourse to falsified prescription forms indicates that codeine diversion continues despite restricted access, whereas the other drugs studied do not seem to have been impacted.
Efficacy and safety of roxadustat for anaemia in dialysis‐dependent and non‐dialysis‐dependent chronic kidney disease patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zheng Li , Tian Jinhui , Liu Deping , Zhao Yan , Fang Xiaoyong , Zhang Yatong , Liu Yuming
Published: August 2021

Aims

Renal anaemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Roxadustat is the first‐in‐class oral hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor for the treatment of anaemia. In this systematic review, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of roxadustat in the treatment of anaemia in CKD patients.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched from their inception to February 2021 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy and safety of roxadustat to those of an erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA) or a placebo in treating anaemia in CKD patients.

Results

Nine RCTs involving 2743 patients were found. The meta‐analysis showed that roxadustat increased haemoglobin (Hb) level by 0.91 g/dL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47–1.34, P < .05), transferrin level by 0.50 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.34–0.65, P < .05), and total iron‐binding capacity by 50.64 μg/dL (95% CI: 36.21–65.07, P < .05) in CKD patients. Decreases in hepcidin (mean difference [MD] = −23.16, 95% CI: −37.12 to −9.19, P < .05) and ferritin (MD = ‐38.35, 95% CI: −67.41 to −9.29, P < .05) levels were also observed. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events (AEs) (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.95–1.32, P = .17) between the roxadustat and control groups; however, the incidence of serious AEs in the roxadustat group was significantly higher than that in the ESA group (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.06–1.68, P < .05).

Conclusion

Roxadustat can significantly improve renal anaemia in CKD patients by increasing Hb level and iron metabolism. However, attention must be paid to the risk of SAEs during treatment.
To remember, or not to remember? Potential impact of memory modification on narrative identity, personal agency, mental health, and well‐being
Authors: Zawadzki Przemysław , Adamczyk Agnieszka K.
Published: August 2021

Memory modification technologies (MMTs)—interventions within the memory affecting its functions and contents in specific ways—raise great therapeutic hopes but also great fears. Ethicists have expressed concerns that developing and using MMTs may endanger the very fabric of who we are—our personal identity. This threat has been mainly considered in relation to two interrelated concerns: truthfulness and narrative self‐constitution. In this article, we propose that although this perspective brings up important matters concerning the potential aftermaths of MMT utilization, it fails to tell the whole story. We suggest that capturing more tangible potential consequences of MMT use, namely, its psychological ramifications is crucial both in ethical considerations and in making decisions regarding the permissibility of such interventions. To this end, we first examine what current MMTs are capable of and what are the prospects of emerging MMTs. Subsequently, we outline the relationship between memory and personal identity; specifically, we indicate that concepts of self‐defining memories and narrative identity are crucial to considering how MMTs may influence one's psychological functioning. On this basis, we analyze potential consequences of narrative disruption that may be the result of the use of MMTs; more precisely, we consider its potential effects on mental health, well‐being, and personal agency, and outline the ethical dilemmas that decision‐makers face in this context. We conclude by considering the broader cultural context that may have influence on policymaking regarding permissibility of memory modification interventions.
Mogamulizumab efficacy is underscored by its associated rash that mimics cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: a retrospective single-centre case series
Authors: Trum N.A. , Zain J. , Martinez X.U. , Parekh V. , Afkhami M. , Abdulla F. , Carson K.R. , Rosen S.T. , Bennett C.L. , Querfeld C.
Published: August 2021

Background

Mogamulizumab is a humanized antibody against chemokine receptor type 4. It was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for relapsed or refractory mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS). The most commonly reported adverse event in the phase III licensing trial was drug eruption (28%), now termed mogamulizumab-associated rash (MAR). Clinical recommendations about MAR and its treatment differ between the current package insert and postapproval insights reported from two single-centre studies that focused on its characterization, but less so on outcomes and clinicopathological differentiation from cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

Objectives

To describe our experience in the diagnosis of MAR and treatment of patients with CTCL with mogamulizumab.

Methods

This is a single-centre retrospective case series study.

Results

We found a higher incidence of MAR in patients with CTCL (17 of 24, 68%) than previously reported. MAR development is associated with complete (11 of 17) or partial (four of 17) responses, with an overall response rate of 88%, compared with 29% (two of seven) in patients without MAR. Diagnosis of MAR may be obscured by its ability to mimic key CTCL features both clinically and histologically, but an absence of T-cell-receptor clonality and relatively decreased CD4 : CD8 ratio compared with baseline lesions strongly favour MAR over recurrent disease.

Conclusions

MAR has the potential to create a significant management problem for patients on mogamulizumab. Misidentification of MAR as recurrent CTCL may detrimentally result in the premature discontinuation of mogamulizumab in patients whose disease is historically hard to treat. Thorough clinicopathological investigation of new lesions during treatment with mogamulizumab is required to inform ideal treatment decisions and achieve better outcomes.