bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge hiding, conscientiousness, loneliness and affective commitment: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Garg Neha , Anand Payal
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the detrimental effects of perceived knowledge hiding (KH) on loneliness and affective commitment within academic settings. It further investigates the influence of conscientiousness as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the cross-sectional survey methodology, the proposed moderated mediation model has empirically tested the effect of perceived KH on a sample of 300 students pursuing management education at a premier institute in India.

Findings

The findings reveal that perceived KH affects the affective commitment of students toward the institution via loneliness. Moreover, conscientiousness moderates the mediating role of loneliness in a way that the relationship becomes strong with low levels of conscientiousness.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature of KH by empirically investigating its detrimental consequences. It further investigates the impact of personality moderator on the proposed relationships. The discussed framework is an early attempt to understand the phenomenon of KH among students, primarily from the perspective of a knowledge seeker.

Practical implications

Awareness about the ill effects of the knowledge-hiding (KH) behavior of students and understanding the role of personality in this will help administrators in designing effective interventions for curbing the same.

Social implications

Effective control of KH behavior will restrain its ill effects among management students (future workforce), thereby conserving societal resources spent on health and education.

Originality/value

Empirical studies testing the direct and indirect consequences of KH are limited; hence, this study attempts to fill the gap.
Influence of adoption AAOIFI accounting standards on earning management: evidence from Islamic banks
Authors: El-Halaby Sherif , Albarrak Hesham , Grassa Rihab
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The economic consequence for adopting accounting standards is one of the growing and valuable topics in accounting research. The purpose of this paper is to address the question whether the adoption of Islamic standards that are issued by Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFIs) has a positive effect on the level of earnings management (EM) in the Islamic banks (IBs) setting. The authors measure, in general, the impact of AAOIFI for adopter and non-adopter banks. This paper furthermore investigates whether IBs adopting AAOIFI as compulsory or as voluntary adopters, in general, are being less engaged in earnings manipulation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using empirical data from 143 IBs across 26 different countries from 2014 to 2018, the paper uses a linear regression model and probit regression analysis that group the banks investigated in this paper into adopters and non-adopters. Additional probit regressions were performed to test to what extent the status of AAOIFI adoption (compulsory or voluntary adopters) has an impact of EM.

Findings

The adoption of AAOIFI generally is associated with a reduction in the EM level. Furthermore, adopter IBs for AAOIFI is least involved in EM as compared to non-adopter IBs. In addition, the findings of this paper indicate that IBs across countries that mandate AAOIFI standards are less engaged in earnings manipulation as compared to other IBs in countries that adopt AAOIFI as voluntary standards.

Research limitations/implications

The results reported in this paper provide insights to central banks and regulators regarding the prominence of mandates of AAOIFI standards for IBs to enhance the trust level of stakeholders by reducing the unethical behavior (EM). In addition, this paper supports the applicability of AAOIFI standards for IBs rather than the conventional standards such as IFRS or local GAAP.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the findings are unique at two levels. First, the paper provides evidence on the economic consequences of using AAOIFI in the context of IBs which was not explored by previous research. Second, the paper extends the investigation of the impact of AAOIFI adoption for adopters verses non-adopters, as well as for mandatory verses voluntary adoption of AAOIFI.
Rethinking professional collaboration and agency in a post-pandemic era
Authors: Campbell Paul
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper explores the role of professional collaboration and agency during the global COVID-19 pandemic and possible lessons for the future from the perspective of a teacher, leader and postgraduate researcher.

Design/methodology/approach

This essay explores the complex role of collaboration and agency in responding to the challenges arising during the global COVID-19 pandemic utilizing research as well as the author's lived experience.

Findings

The author finds that through a renewed emphasis on effective professional collaboration and agency, not only are there opportunities to embed lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is also scope to work towards education systems that reflect the complex global socio-political contexts communities may find themselves in and the evolving needs that result from them.

Originality/value

This paper offers insights into the work of teachers and school leaders, the increasing complexity of their roles over time, and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering what this might mean for the future.
Linear and non-linear analyses of double-diffusive-Chandrasekhar convection coupled with cross-diffusion in micropolar fluid over saturated porous medium
Authors: Anncy Maria , Varghese Joseph Thadathil , Pranesh Subbarama
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The problem aims to find the effects of coupled cross-diffusion in micropolar fluid oversaturated porous medium, subjected to Double-Diffusive Chandrasekhar convection.

Design/methodology/approach

Normal mode and perturbation technique have been employed to determine the critical Rayleigh number. Non-linear analysis is carried out by deriving the Lorenz equations using truncated Fourier series representation. Heat and Mass transport are quantified by Nusselt and Sherwood numbers, respectively.

Findings

Analysis related to the effects of various parameters is plotted, and the results for the same are interpreted. It is observed from the results that the Dufour parameter and Soret parameter have an opposite influence on the system of cross-diffusion.

Originality/value

The effect of the magnetic field on the onset of double-diffusive convection in a porous medium coupled with cross-diffusion in a micropolar fluid is studied for the first time.
An analysis of timing decision in venture capital staged financing: evidence from India
Authors: Panda Satya Narayan , Gopalaswamy Arun Kumar
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Staged financing is a prominent feature of the venture capital investment process. With staged financing, venture capitalists (VCs) may choose to either make an investment or delay it at each round. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of market uncertainty, project-specific uncertainty and agency problems on these decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from Indian firms that received venture capital funding between 2000 and 2017. The duration between funding rounds is analysed using survival analysis. An accelerated failure time model is used to estimate the influence of market uncertainty, project-specific uncertainty and agency problems on the length of time between funding rounds.

Findings

VCs delay investment when there are high levels of uncertainty in the market; if market uncertainty increases by 1%, delay in funding increases by more than 6% (almost a month) on average. There is no statistically significant relationship found between the funding duration and project-specific uncertainty. Agency problems motivate VCs to invest sooner. An increase in agency problems results in a reduction of 55% (almost five months) in the length of time before the next funding round.

Practical implications

This study has useful business policy implications. It provides VCs with real option value drivers such as market uncertainty, agency problems, which influence the timing of decisions in staged investment processes. It will help to make the choice between investing and delaying at each round of financing more robust. Further, it is useful for VCs to differentiate between market uncertainty and agency problems against the backdrop of their different implications for staging decisions.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined staging decisions from a real options perspective in the context of a developed economy and very few from a developing economy perspective. This study increases understanding of staging decisions in the Indian context.
Effects of Dubai quality award on organisational performance in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Hawarna Shatha , Gani Aahad Osman , Islam Rafikul
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Dubai Quality Award (DQA) is one of the quality awards that has been implemented in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the purpose of improving organisational performance. The objective of this study is to determine whether receiving the DQA has positive impacts on Human Resource Development Practices (HRDP) and organisational performance (OP) of the award-winning companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data relating to DQA scores were collected from the Department of Economic Development archive of UAE and primary data relating to HRDP and OP were collected from the individual DQA recipients. Data elicited were subjected to statistical analyses by using the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach. This was to identify the nature of relationships existing between DQA criteria and organisational performance outcomes through the mediating effect of HRDP.

Findings

The results indicated that winning of DQA significantly enhances organisational performance and that HRDP is a statistically significant mediator between DQA and OP. Based on the findings of this study, a model has been developed by linking the DQA criteria, HRDP and organisational performance.

Originality/value

Despite few of its limitations, this study is first of a kind in UAE that investigated the relationships among DQA criteria, HRDP and OP. The findings are expected to help the UAE companies to adjust their management policies and practices for enhancing their organisational performance. The findings can also be applicable to companies in other countries, especially Gulf countries that have similar awards such as DQA.
Large home range scavengers support higher rates of carcass removal
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Cánovas Cayetano , Moleón Marcos , Mateo‐Tomás Patricia , Olea Pedro P. , Sebastián‐González Esther , Sánchez‐Zapata José Antonio
Published: June 2020

Vertebrate scavenger communities vary in species composition across the globe. They include a wide array of species with diverse ecological strategies and life histories that support essential ecosystem functions, such as carrion removal. While previous studies have mostly focussed on how community aspects such as species richness and composition affect carrion consumption rates, it remains unclear whether this important function of scavengers is better explained by the dominance of key functional traits or niche complementarity as a result of a diverse functional representation.

Here, we test three competitive hypotheses to assess if carrion consumption in vertebrate scavenger communities depends on: (a) the presence of key dominant traits (functional identity hypothesis), (b) functional diversity that promotes niche complementarity (functional diversity hypothesis) or (c) the accumulation of individuals and species, irrespective of their trait representation (functional equivalence). To explore these hypotheses, we used five study areas in Spain and South Africa, which represent a gradient of scavenger biodiversity, that is, ranging from communities dominated by facultative scavengers, such as generalists and meso‐predators, to those including vultures and large carnivores.

Within study areas, traits that characterize obligate scavengers or large carnivores (e.g. mean home range, proportion of social foragers) were positively linked to rapid carrion consumption, while the biomass of functional groups including facultative scavengers were either weakly or negatively associated with carrion consumption.

When combining all study areas, higher rates of carrion consumption were related to scavenger communities dominated by species with large home ranges (e.g. Gyps vultures), which was found to be a key trait. In contrast, metrics describing functional diversity (functional dispersion) and functional equivalence (species richness and abundance) had lower predictive power in explaining carrion consumption patterns.

Our data support the functional identity hypothesis as a better framework for explaining carrion consumption rates than functional diversity or equivalence. Our findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms sustaining ecosystem functioning in vertebrate communities and reinforce the role of obligate scavengers and large carnivores as keystone species in terrestrial ecosystems.
Does the reduction of regional trade policy uncertainty increase Chinese enterprises' outward foreign direct investment? Evidence from the China−ASEAN Free Trade Area
Authors: Sun Lin , Zhou Kexuan , Yu Linhui
Published: June 2020

Regional trade policy uncertainty is an important factor affecting enterprises' outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). This paper uses the China−ASEAN Free Trade Area as the research object. The research uses the “China Industrial Firm Database” from 2001 to 2013 and the “List of Chinese Overseas Investment Enterprises (Institutions)” to match micro‐enterprise data. Using the difference‐in‐difference (DID) approach to construct quasi‐natural experiments, we study the impact of the reduction in regional trade policy uncertainty on Chinese enterprises' OFID. The results show that the free trade agreement strategy implemented by China has reduced the regional trade policy uncertainty, which has had a significant positive impact on Chinese enterprises' OFDI. The establishment of the China−ASEAN Free Trade Area has significantly increased Chinese enterprises' OFID in ASEAN countries. The study further finds that enterprises of different ownership types, in different regions and of different factor intensities display heterogeneous effects in this process. The empirical results of the paper provide new ideas for promoting OFDI from the standpoint of reducing regional trade policy uncertainty, and also provide a new perspective for explaining the increase in foreign investment in China in recent years.
MiR‐1207‐5p/CX3CR1 axis regulates the progression of osteoarthritis via the modulation of the activity of NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Chen , Xu Liang , Cai Yu‐Li , Zheng Zhi‐Yong , Dai E‐Nuo , Sun Shui
Published: June 2020

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic diseases characterized by formation of osteophytes and degradation of articular cartilage. Previous evidence has identified the regulatory effects of microRNAs (miRNAs) in OA. The goal of this study is to clearly explore the biological function of miR‐1207‐5p in OA.

Methods

MiR‐1207‐5p and C‐X3‐C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) expression in OA cartilages were revealed by accessing to Gene Expression Omnibus database. In vitro OA model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Western blot and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were conducted to detect the expression level of genes. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and flow cytometric experiments were performed to investigate the proliferation and apoptosis capacities of CHON‐001 cells. Bioinformatics analysis was applied to predict the binding site of miR‐1207‐5p and CX3CR1, the connections of which were ascertained using luciferase reporter assay.

Results

MiR‐1207‐5p expression was decreased while CX3CR1 was increased in OA cartilages. Up‐regulation of miR‐1207‐5p alleviated the LPS‐induced damage in the view of cell proliferation, apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. A target of miR‐1207‐5p CX3CR1, its down‐regulation intensified the impacts of miR‐1207‐5p mimic, promoted proliferation and mitigated apoptosis. LPS exposure increased the protein expression of the phosphorylated IκBα and P65, and this phenomena was reversed due to miR‐1207‐5p up‐regulation and CX3CR1 knockdown. The treatment of Betulinic acid (BA; an activator of nuclear factor‐κB pathway) reversed the miR‐1207‐5p mimic‐induced inhibitory effect on apoptosis in LPS‐treated CHON‐001.

Conclusion

Our results highlight that miR‐1207‐5p can prevent CHON‐001 from LPS‐stimulated injury, providing a novel biomarker for OA progression and further advancing treatment of OA.
MiR‐1193 represses the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of interleukin‐1β‐treated fibroblast‐like synoviocytes via targeting JAK3
Authors: Liu Bo , Ren Bingqiang
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To explore the roles of miR‐1193/Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) axis and the potential mechanism in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The dysregulated genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) were screened using the datasets of GSE12021 and GSE72564, while the upstream miRNA of JAK3 was forecasted by TargetScan. Then the MH7A cells were treated with interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) to induce local inflammation. Double luciferase report assay was used to estimate the association between JAK3 and miR‐1193. Flow cytometry and 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were taken to analyze the apoptosis and proliferation of MH7A cells with IL‐1β‐induced inflammation, respectively. The relative expression of genes and proteins were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses. Finally, rescue experiments were employed to explore the effects of miR‐1193/JAK3 axis on IL‐1β‐induced inflammation.

Results

JAK3 was notably up‐regulated in RA, and was targeted and negatively regulated by miR‐1193 which was lowly expressed in RA tissues and IL‐1β‐treated cells. MiR‐1193 mimic significantly inhibited while miR‐1193 inhibitor promoted the proliferation of MH7A cells with IL‐1β‐induced inflammation. Furthermore, overexpression of JAK3 presented auxo‐action while depletion of JAK3 exhibited inhibitory effect on the proliferation of MH7A cells with IL‐1β‐induced inflammation, which could be weakened by miR‐1193 mimic and miR‐1193 inhibitor, respectively. Analogously, JAK3 recovered the cell proliferation that inhibited by miR‐1193 mimic and inhibited cell apoptosis enhanced by miR‐1193 mimic.

Conclusion

Up‐regulation of miR‐1193 suppressed the proliferation and expedited the apoptosis of MH7A cells with IL‐1β‐induced inflammation through targeting JAK3, which might provide novel understanding on the mechanism underlying RA.
Intra‐articular infiltration analgesia for arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yung E. M. , Got T. C. , Patel N. , Brull R. , Abdallah F. W.
Published: June 2020

Phrenic‐sparing analgesic techniques for shoulder surgery are desirable. Intra‐articular infiltration analgesia is one promising phrenic‐sparing modality, but its role remains unclear because of conflicting evidence of analgesic efficacy and theoretical concerns regarding chondrotoxicity. This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the benefits and risks of intra‐articular infiltration in arthroscopic shoulder surgery compared with systemic analgesia or interscalene brachial plexus block. We sought randomised controlled trials comparing intra‐articular infiltration with interscalene brachial plexus block or systemic analgesia (control). Cumulative 24‐h postoperative oral morphine equivalent consumption was designated as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included visual analogue scale pain scores during the first 24 h postoperatively; time‐to‐first analgesic request; patient satisfaction; opioid‐related side‐effects; block‐related adverse events; and any indicators of chondrotoxicity. Fifteen trials (863 patients) were included. Compared with control, intra‐articular infiltration reduced 24‐h postoperative analgesic consumption by a weighted mean difference (95%CI) of −30.9 ([−38.9 to −22.9]; p < 0.001). Intra‐articular infiltration also reduced the weighted mean difference (95%CI) pain scores up to 12 h postoperatively, with the greatest reduction at 4 h (−2.2 cm [(−4.4 to −0.04]); p < 0.05). Compared with interscalene brachial plexus block, there was no difference in opioid consumption, but patients receiving interscalene brachial plexus block had better pain scores at 2, 4 and 24 h postoperatively. There was no difference in opioid‐ or block‐related adverse events, and none of the trials reported chondrotoxic effects. Compared with systemic analgesia, intra‐articular infiltration provides superior pain control, reduces opioid consumption and enhances patient satisfaction, but it may be inferior to interscalene brachial plexus block patients having arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Selective lysine‐specific demethylase 1 inhibitor, NCL1, could cause testicular toxicity via the regulation of apoptosis
Authors: Nozaki Satoshi , Naiki Taku , Naiki‐Ito Aya , Iwatsuki Shoichiro , Takeda Tomoki , Etani Toshiki , Nagai Takashi , Iida Keitaro , Kato Hiroyuki , Suzuki Takayoshi , Takahashi Satoru , Umemoto Yukihiro , Yasui Takahiro
Published: June 2020

Background

Recent studies have shown that epigenetic alterations, such as those involving lysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), lead to oncogenic activation and highlight such alterations as therapeutic targets. However, studies evaluating the effect of LSD1 inhibitors on male fertility are lacking.

Objectives

We analyzed the potential toxicity of a new selective LSD1 inhibitor, N‐[(1S)‐3‐[3‐(trans‐2‐aminocyclopropyl)phenoxy]‐1‐(benzylcarbamoyl)propyl] benzamide (NCL1), in testes.

Materials and methods

Human testicular samples were immunohistochemically analyzed. Six‐week‐old male C57BL/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with dimethyl sulfoxide vehicle (n = 15), or 1.0 (n = 15) or 3.0 (n = 15) mg/kg NCL1 biweekly. After five weeks, toxicity and gene expression were analyzed in testicular samples by ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) using RNA sequence data and quantitative reverse transcriptase (qRT)–PCR; hormonal damage was analyzed in blood samples. NCL1 treated GC‐1, TM3, and TM4 cell lines were analyzed by cell viability, chromatin immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, and Western blot assays.

Results

LSD1 was mainly expressed in human Sertoli and germ cells, with LSD1 levels significantly decreased in a progressive meiosis‐dependent manner; germ cells showed similar expression patterns in normal spermatogenesis and early/late maturation arrest. Histological examination revealed significantly increased levels of abnormal seminiferous tubules in 3.0 mg/kg NCL1–treated mice compared to control, with increased cellular detachment, sloughing, vacuolization, eosinophilic changes, and TUNEL‐positive cells. IPA and qRT–PCR revealed NCL1 treatment down‐regulated LSD1 activity. NCL1 also reduced total serum testosterone levels. Western blots of mouse testicular samples revealed NCL1 induced a marked elevation in cleaved caspases 3, 7, and 8, and connexin 43 proteins. NCL1 treatment significantly reduced GC‐1, but not TM3 and TM4, cell viability in a dose‐dependent manner. In flow cytometry analysis, NCL1 induced apoptosis in GC‐1 cells.

Conclusions

High‐dose NCL1 treatment targeting LSD1 caused dysfunctional spermatogenesis and induced caspase‐dependent apoptosis. This suggests the LSD1 inhibitor may cause testicular toxicity via the regulation of apoptosis.
The Why, What, How and What if—The method to present your research and clinical cases
Authors: Fickl Stefan , Francisco Helena , Gurzawska‐Comis Katarzyna , Milinkovic Iva , Mühlemann Sven , Sanz Sánchez Ignacio , Torsello Ferruccio , Van de Valde Tommie
Published: June 2020

Background

During the fourth Summer Camp (SC) held by the European Association of Osseointegration (EAO), 20 junior representatives from various European and non‐European universities and associations were selected to partake in oral presentation and communication skill development.

Aims

The aim of the EAO Summer Camp (EAO SC) was to identify new methods of enhancing participants’ abilities to engage, influence and lead in a professional environment, on both a clinical and scientific level.

Materials and methods

Four different groups were assigned to discuss one of two topics: (1) an Implant Register and (2) Digital Dentistry. The method that was used during the EAO SC, for training presentation skills, was the 4MAT learning model. The 4MAT learning model is a framework for creating an engaged, dynamic and more involved style of training by accurately visualizing the learning process that each learner goes through.

Results and conclusions

All four groups, including each participant, presented outcomes in the format of 4MAT learning model answering four key questions, the Why, the What, the How and the What if. After the event, each group prepared a written summary of the thought processes. The outcome of the summer camp, for the chosen participants, was gaining skills to engage and influence in a professional environment, both clinically and scientifically. It was also expected from participants to share gained knowledge in their own respective environments after the EAO Summer Camp had ended. In conclusion, most of participants gained a valuable insight into presentation skills and also demonstrated their enthusiasm by presenting their experience at universities, institutes and clinics.
Postoperative complications in dermatological patients undergoing microscopically controlled surgery in inpatient setting (next‐day surgery): A single‐center epidemiological study
Authors: Artamonova Inga , Schmitt Laurenz , Yazdi Amir S. , Megahed Mosaad , von Felbert Verena , Balakirski Galina
Published: June 2020

Background

Surgical site infections (SSI), bleeding, and necrosis are possible complications of dermatological surgery, and their rates are well described for Mohs surgery (same‐day surgery). However, there are only limited data on their occurrence in microscopically controlled surgery of the form in which it is practiced in German hospitals (next‐day surgery).

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patient records of patients hospitalized for microscopically controlled surgery during the year 2017 (12 months) in the Department of Dermatology and Allergology at the University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen (Aachen, Germany). The investigation addressed postoperative outcomes.

Results

319 patients underwent 528 dermatosurgical procedures in the defined period. Bleeding and necrosis occurred in 3.8 % (20/528) and 1.7 % (9/528) of the procedures, respectively. SSI occurred in 5.1 % (27/528) of the cases. The occurrence of bleeding was a statistically significant risk factor for SSI (p  =  0.01). Furthermore, bleeding, SSI, and wound closure with a full‐thickness graft were statistically significant risk factors for the development of necrosis (p < 0.05). Diabetes or immunosuppression were not found to be statistically significant risk factors for the development of SSI or necrosis after dermatologic surgery (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Complication rates in microscopically controlled surgery (next‐day surgery) are generally low and similar to those reported for Mohs surgery (same‐day surgery). Therefore, it appears that some evidence‐based perioperative recommendations that have been developed for Mohs surgery could be applied to German inpatient dermatosurgery. However, prospective studies with larger patient numbers are required to offer concrete recommendations specifically for microscopically controlled surgery (next‐day surgery).
A comprehensive echocardiographic study of the right ventricular systolic function in pregnant women with inherited thrombophilia
Authors: Trasca Livia Florentina , Poenaru Elena , Patrascu Natalia , Cirstoiu Monica , Vinereanu Dragos
Published: June 2020

Impact of the gestational changes on cardiac contractility is not clearly defined. Our aim was to evaluate subtle changes of the right ventricular systolic function during pregnancy, assessed by new echocardiographic techniques, in a population tested for inherited thrombophilia. 87 pregnant women, with a mean age of 32 ± 4 years, genetically tested for inherited thrombophilia (22 with high‐risk inherited thrombophilia and 65 control group) were included. All participants had four echocardiographic assessments, three during pregnancy (one in each trimester) and the forth at 6 months after giving birth. The right ventricular (RV) systolic function was assessed by fractional area change, ejection fraction (EF) by 3D echocardiography, tricuspid annular velocity by tissue Doppler, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and strain by speckle tracking. Pulmonary artery pressure was estimated using the pressure gradient between right atrium and RV. Parameters of RV systolic function, at visits 2‐4, had lower values compared with the first visit and were significantly lower in the high‐risk thrombophilia group. Tricuspid regurgitation and pressure gradient between the right atrium and the RV had a significant increase during pregnancy for all subjects. At visit 1, there were no differences between groups, but at the next three visits there were higher values of the gradient in the high‐risk thrombophilia group. High‐risk inherited thrombophilia impacts the RV contractility, with higher pulmonary artery pressure. Further studies are needed to assess long‐term impact on RV of high‐risk inherited thrombophilia.
Genital verruciform xanthoma: lessons from a contemporary multi‐institutional series
Authors: Wang Grace , Mochel Mark C , Randall M Barry , Gandhi Jatin S , Udager Aaron M , Chan May P , Patel Rajiv M , Amin Mahul B , Osunkoya Adeboye O , Smith Steven C
Published: June 2020

Aims

Verruciform xanthoma (VX) is an uncommon lesion, seen in the oral mucosa and rarely occurring at cutaneous genital sites. Reports of exceptional VX presentations dominate the literature; herein, we assess the clinical and histological features of a cohort of routine, consecutive cases.

Methods and results

Clinicopathological features of genital VXs from four academic centres were reviewed. A cohort of 25 lesions from 24 patients (22 male, two female; median age = 62 years), occurred on the scrotum (84%), penis (8%) and perineum/vulva (8%). VX was never suspected clinically; considerations ranged from fibroepithelial polyps to squamous cell carcinoma. Classic diagnostic criteria were present at least focally in each lesion, including verrucous architecture, prominent wedge‐shaped parakeratosis extending between exophytic epidermal projections and neutrophils in the stratum corneum. Xanthomatous cells were present in all cases, but scattered to rare in 24%.

Conclusions

Consecutive genital VXs reliably exhibited classic histopathological features, although the essential finding of xanthomatous cells may be scarce. Our comparison to meta‐analyses of published cases found relatively fewer penile and vulvar examples. Additionally, the median age was older than in published series, which have emphasised syndromic associations.
The outcome of domiciliary medication reviews and their impact: a systematic review
Authors: McCormick Patricia , Chennells Rebecca , Coleman Bridget , Bates Ian
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Medication reviews in the domiciliary setting are becoming more prevalent internationally. Understanding the benefits of these reviews is essential to ensuring quality healthcare services. To date there has not been a systematic evaluation of the outcomes of these services and their impact on patients. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken with a view to understanding the impact of medication reviews in this setting. Controlled and uncontrolled studies were included. Outcomes were categorised according to the ECHO model. A narrative synthesis was developed.

Key findings

Nineteen out of 31 papers included demonstrated an improvement in outcome. Clinical outcomes were the most commonly measured and humanistic outcomes the least commonly measured. Domiciliary medication reviews (DMRs) services are presented as providing benefit. However, it is difficult to quantify the impact of services from the published outcomes.

Future work should focus on demonstrating the meaningful changes to patients that DMRs have enabled.
“Look, all our hard work is paying off”: A qualitative evaluation of a system‐wide, workforce development model to promote positive behavioural support
Authors: McKenzie Karen , Martin Rachel , Metcalfe Dale , Murray George , McNall Anne , Noone Steve
Published: June 2020

Background

Positive behavioural support (PBS) has been identified as a means of improving the quality of life and support of people with an intellectual disability. This qualitative study explored the views of service providers about a regional PBS programme, that was underpinned by a workforce development approach.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with senior staff (n = 42), from organizations which provided services to people with an intellectual disability, about their views about, and perceived impact of, the PBS programme, Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Two themes were identified: “It's what PBS is about, isn't it?” emphasized the importance of the programme being systemic‐ and evidence‐based; “Macro to micro” highlighted the different points in the systems of care at which the programme was seen to impact.

Conclusions

We discuss the results in the context of the study limitations.
Safety and effectiveness of tofogliflozin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated in real‐world clinical practice: Results of a 36‐month post‐marketing surveillance study (J‐STEP/LT)
Authors: Utsunomiya Kazunori , Koshida Ryusuke , Kakiuchi Seigo , Senda Masayuki , Fujii Shoko , Kurihara Yuji , Gunji Ryoji , Kaku Kohei
Published: June 2020

Aims/Introduction

Tofogliflozin is a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that lowers plasma glucose levels by enhancing urinary glucose excretion. After its approval in Japan in 2014 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, we carried out a 3‐year prospective observational post‐marketing surveillance study in Japanese patients (Japanese Study of Tofogliflozin with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients/Long Term [J‐STEP/LT]).

Materials and Methods

This surveillance was carried out between September 2014 and February 2019, and recorded safety in terms of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and ADRs of special interest, and effectiveness in terms of changes in glycated hemoglobin and bodyweight from baseline to last observation carried forward.

Results

Of 6,897 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus registered, 6,711 and 6,451 were analyzed for safety and effectiveness, respectively. ADRs were reported in 846 patients (12.61%), with serious ADRs in 101 patients (1.5%). ADRs of special interest included hypoglycemia (62 patients [0.9%]), polyuria/pollakiuria (90 [1.3%]), volume depletion‐related disorders (135 [2.0%]), urinary tract infections (91 [1.4%]), genital infections (117 [1.7%]) and skin diseases (53 [0.8%]). One case of diabetic ketoacidosis was reported. The mean ± standard deviation changes from baseline to last observation carried forward in glycated hemoglobin and bodyweight were −0.68 ± 1.34% (n = 6,158, P < 0.0001) and −3.13 ± 4.67 kg (n = 5,213, P < 0.0001), respectively.

Conclusions

J‐STEP/LT, a 3‐year, prospective, observational, post‐marketing study in Japan, found no unprecedented ADRs, and consistent reductions from baseline in glycated hemoglobin and bodyweight over the observation period. The present results provide further evidence regarding the safety and tolerability of tofogliflozin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Genetic diversity and structure of circumtropical almaco jack, Seriola rivoliana: tool for conservation and management
Authors: Mendoza‐Portillo Verónica , Galván‐Tirado Carolina , Portnoy David S. , Valenzuela‐Quiñonez Fausto , Domínguez‐Domínguez Omar , Durand Jean‐Dominique , Pérez‐Urbiola Juan Carlos , García‐De León Francisco J.
Published: June 2020

The almaco jack, Seriola rivoliana, is a circumtropical pelagic fish of importance both in commercial fisheries and in aquaculture. To understand levels of genetic diversity within and among populations in the wild, population genetic structure and the relative magnitude of migration were assessed using mtDNA sequence data and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from individuals sampled from locations in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. A total of 25 variable sites of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and 3678 neutral SNPs were recovered. Three genetic groups were identified, with both marker types distributed in different oceanic regions: Pacific‐1 in central Pacific, Pacific‐2 in eastern Pacific and Atlantic in western Atlantic. Nonetheless, the analysis of SNP identified a fourth population in the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico (Pacific‐3), whereas that of mtDNA did not. This mito‐nuclear discordance is likely explained by a recently diverged Pacific‐3 population. In addition, two mtDNA haplogroups were found within the western Atlantic, likely indicating that the species came into the Atlantic from the Indian Ocean with historical gene flow from the eastern Pacific. Relative gene flow among ocean basins was low with rm < 0.2, whereas in the eastern Pacific it was asymmetric and higher from south to north (rm > 0.79). The results reflect the importance of assessing genetic structure and gene flow of natural populations for the purposes of sustainable management.
Tsunki Only See the Fish as Their Hens in Certain Rivers: Situating the Politics of Shuar Ontology in the Ecuadorian Intercultural State
Authors: Tym Christian
Published: June 2020

The ontological turn in anthropology has triggered harsh criticism on political and epistemic grounds in recent years, channeling the disciplinary orthodoxy encapsulated in the Barbados Declaration and Writing Culture. Drawing from ethnographic material on ontologically based preferences between ancestral health‐seeking practices and state health care on Shuar territory in southeastern Ecuador, I point out that the appreciation and articulation of ontological alterity is central to certain contemporary indigenous political struggles for state interculturality, before discussing the value of interviewing and research across multiple sites within any given indigenous territory so as to develop a degree of scope that complements participant observation by contextualizing representations of ancestral ontologies. [Shuar, Amazonia, intercultural state, interculturality, ontological anthropology, perspectivism, politics of representation]
Generalized Stability of Monetary Unions Under Regime Switching in Monetary and Fiscal Policies
Authors: BONAM DENNIS , HOBIJN BART
Published: June 2020

Earlier studies on the stability of monetary unions show that an inflation‐targeting central bank imposes strict budgetary requirements on fiscal policy to obtain a unique stable equilibrium. Failure of only one fiscal authority to meet these requirements already results in nonexistence of equilibrium. Nevertheless, it might prove useful to temporarily depart from such requirements in order to absorb country‐specific shocks. We show that such departures are feasible if fiscal authorities commit to switch to more sustainable fiscal regimes in the future. Debt devaluation and fiscal bailouts may also broaden the range of policy stances under which monetary unions are stable.
A new method for skin aging evaluation of Chinese women
Authors: Ye Rui , Chang Wenting , Hu Jingjing , Qiao Liyuan , Wang Qianqian
Published: June 2020

Background

With the development of cosmetic industry in China, an aging evaluation method of Chinese women is in great need.

Aims

The aim of this study is to establish a skin aging assessment method using convenient portable machine Antera 3D.

Methods

The quantitative approach was developed by capturing 11 areas of the face, and overall, 48 parameters were extracted for aging evaluation. Later, 297 subjects were recruited to take facial image and life style questionnaire. Evaluation of age was accomplished by establishing prediction method with detected skin traits.

Results

The age prediction model was built by using the evaluated facial traits, and a R square of 0.6 is achieved by comparing to the chronological age. The crow's feet, cheek skin pigmentation, forehead skin tone, and wrinkles around the month are critical factors in evaluating Chinese women skin aging. In addition, we also explored life styles associated with important skin aging traits.

Conclusion

The method developed in this research provides reliable alternative in aging study of Chinese women.
Filling in the gaps
Authors: Khatami Ameneh
Published: June 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic, and our response to it, has created many voids in our lives, with no‐one spared of its effects. As a result, we have all looked for, and found ways to fill in the gaps. In the midst of the epidemic, with healthcare providers in New York City pushed to the extremes of what can be asked of them, they have found ways to bridge the gulf between how they were trained to practice medicine, and what they are being asked to do now.
High‐resolution manometry in the upright position could improve the manometric evaluation of morbidly obese patients with esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction
Authors: Su Hui , Ge Hui , Liu Hong , Jiang Guojun , Shi Siwen , Xu Guangzhong , Zhang Nengwei , Wu Jing
Published: June 2020

Background

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) detected by manometry in the supine position is prevalent in patients with morbid obesity, but not all EGJOOs are clinically significant. We investigated whether including upright swallows during high‐resolution manometry (HRM) could help identify non‐clinically significant EGJOO in patients with morbid obesity.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of consecutive morbidly obese patients diagnosed with EGJOO by HRM from July 2012 through July 2018. The HRM protocol included 10 supine and five upright 5‐mL water swallows. Endoscopy, esophagram, and computed tomography were performed to identify whether the patients should be diagnosed as having clinically significant EGJOO.

Key Results

A total of 230 patients with morbid obesity underwent HRM in the supine position during the study period. Fifty (21.7%) patients were diagnosed with EGJOO, among which 32 completed HRM both in the supine and upright positions. Only 8/32 patients were diagnosed with EGJOO in an upright position. Fewer artifacts were displayed in esophageal pressure topography in the upright position. None of the 32 patients could be diagnosed as clinically significant EGJOO based on all the examinations. Median esophageal gastric junction pressure, integrated relaxation pressure, and distal contractile integral were higher, and median distal latency was longer in the supine position compared with the upright position (all P < .05).

Conclusions and Inferences

Esophagus manometry in the upright position could reduce EGJOO overdiagnosis in patients with morbid obesity. Prolongation of the HRM study with some swallows in the upright position could be recommended in obese patients.
From multifunctionality to sustainable cultivated land development? A three‐dimensional trade‐off model tested in Panxi region of southwestern China
Authors: Chen Tiantian , Peng Li , Wang Qiang
Published: June 2020

With the development of social economy and the diversification of human needs there is conflict between different functions of cultivated land. In this study, a practical evaluating methodology, which is a three‐dimensional trade‐off model on multifunctionality of cultivated land was constructed, and it was applied to Panxi region of southwestern China. The following results were obtained. (a) From 2000 to 2010, the area of cultivated land decreased by 171.67 km2, which was mainly affected by urban development and ecological construction. (b) Conflict between various functions was obvious. With the passage of time, although the overall conflict declined, local conflicts increased significantly. (c) There were five kinds of conflict types, which was high‐conflict urbanization area, high‐conflict ecological area, middle‐conflict ecological area, low‐conflict traditional agricultural area, and low‐conflict ecological area. Economy, land use structure, and terrain were the main forces driving conflicts pertaining to the multifunctionality on cultivated land. (d) The three‐dimensional trade‐off model, which weighed the relationship between different functions of cultivated land, is an improved multiobjective decision‐making model for cultivated land use. It can also be applied to a range of explicit land‐use and natural resource allocation problems, and can further evolve as a result of anticipated interactions with stakeholders.

Summary for Managers

With the development of the social economy and the diversification of human needs, the conflict of cultivated land use becomes more and more obvious.

From the perspective of multiobjective land management, a practical evaluating methodology and a three‐dimensional trade‐off model on multifunctionality of cultivated land was constructed, to solve cultivated land use conflict.

The three‐dimensional trade‐off model improved multiobjective decision‐making model of cultivated land use, and can be generated.
Laparoscopic gonadectomy in dogs with ovotesticular disorder of sexual development
Authors: Vallarino Nicolas , Wydooghe Eline , van Goethem Bart
Published: June 2020

Disorders of sexual development (DSD) in dogs involve most commonly an XX sex reversal syndrome, treated conventionally by gonadohysterectomy. The objective of the present case series is to describe the surgical treatment and long‐term follow‐up of dogs undergoing laparoscopic gonadectomy without hysterectomy for treatment of ovotesticular DSD. Six female dogs clinically diagnosed with DSD were retrospectively included in the study when laparoscopic gonadectomy was performed and histology confirmed the presence of abnormal gonads. The dogs were evaluated by ultrasound after 6 months, and owners were contacted by phone for the long‐term reevaluation. Laparoscopic gonadectomy was performed using 2‐ or 3‐portal midline techniques with 3‐ and/or 5‐mm instruments. Additional procedures were performed in 5 dogs, including os clitoris removal in 4 dogs and vulvoplasty in 1 dog. Histological analysis of the gonads reported 11 ovotestes and 1 testis. No major or minor complications occurred perioperatively. Ultrasonographic reevaluation was performed in 5/6 dogs and the remaining abdominal genital system was considered normal. Median long‐term follow‐up was 617 days (range, 265–1597) with none of the dogs having any symptom related to DSD. Therefore, laparoscopic gonadectomy is a valid alternative for dogs with ovotesticular DSD and is less invasive than conventional open techniques. Removal of the gonads avoids future development of hormone‐related diseases of the remaining genital tract.
Orientation relationship in finite dimensional space
Authors: Jha Jayant , Biswas Atanu
Published: June 2020

In the present article, we discuss the regression of a point on the surface of a unit sphere in d dimensions given a point on the surface of a unit sphere in p dimensions, where p may not be equal to d. Point projection is added to the rotation and linear transformation for regression link function. The identifiability of the model is proved. Then, parameter estimation in this set up is discussed. Simulation studies and data analyses are done to illustrate the model.