bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk reporting and earnings smoothing: signaling or managerial opportunism?
Authors: Monjed Hend , Ibrahim Salma , Jørgensen Bjørn N. 
Published: September 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the association between two reporting mechanisms used by managers to communicate risk information to the capital market: risk disclosure and earnings smoothing.Design/methodology/approachThis study juxtaposes two competing hypotheses, the “opportunistic” and the “signaling”, and empirically investigates whether one dominates the other for a sample of large UK firms for the period 2005–2015. This study also uses the global financial crisis as an arguably exogenous shock on overall risk in the economy to investigate its effect on managers' joint use of textual risk disclosures and earnings smoothing.FindingsThis study finds that risk disclosure and earnings smoothing are negatively associated. This finding supports that managers with incentives to mask the firm’s true underlying risk through smoothing earnings provide lower levels of risk-related disclosures. This study documents that the trade-off between risk disclosure and earnings smoothing is more pronounced during the global financial crisis period than before and after the crisis period. Further, this study demonstrates a more negative association for firms with higher volatility of cash flows. This negative association is robust to various model specifications, additional corporate governance related controls and an alternative measure of earnings smoothing.Originality/valueThe findings provide new empirical evidence about the association between risk disclosure and earnings smoothing and support the opportunistic hypothesis, especially when firms are faced with increased risk.
Sporadic, non‐functional, gastrin‐producing duodenal neuroendocrine tumors: A retrospective study of an infrequent disease
Authors: de Jorge Huerta Lucía , Solares Fernández Isabel , Sánchez‐Moreno Beatriz , Males Maldonado David , de Ibarrola Andrés Carolina , Díaz‐Simón Raquel 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesNon‐functioning gastrin‐producing neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) of the duodenum are rare gastrointestinal tumors without a clinical syndrome due to gastrin production. Their incidence has significantly increased as an incidental finding during endoscopic studies. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and prognostic factors of this emergent and infrequent neoplasm.MethodsWe performed a retrospective observational study based on the duodenal NENs samples with positive staining for gastrin at the Department of Pathology, University Hospital 12‐de‐Octubre (Madrid, Spain) between 2000 and 2017. Patients with clinically functional tumors ([Zollinger–Ellison syndrome] or gastrin >1000 pg/mL), with previously diagnosed multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome or synchronous neoplasia were excluded. Clinicopathological and therapeutic variables, follow‐up, recurrence, and mortality data were collected.ResultsIn all, 21 patients were included. Most of the tumors were diagnosed incidentally as a single small polypoid lesion limited to mucosa/submucosa and with a low histological grade. Four (19.0%) patients presented with metastatic involvement at diagnosis (lymphatic and/or hepatic). These four patients also had a high or intermediate mitotic grade and infiltration further than submucosa. Local resection was applied in most cases as curative treatment. There were two cases of tumor recurrence and two tumor‐related deaths with a 5‐year disease‐free survival of 81.0%.ConclusionsThe majority of these tumors were diagnosed at a localized stage and had a good prognosis with treatment. Nevertheless, given the potential metastatic risk, a close follow‐up is necessary, especially in those with aggressive pathological factors such as deep infiltration or high histological grade.
A network theoretic method for the basic reproductive number for infectious diseases
Authors: Sisk Anna , Fefferman Nina 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

When an outbreak of an infectious disease occurs, whether it is COVID‐19 in humans, pine wilt in trees or canine distemper in dogs, quick and decisive actions need to be taken to contain it. One tool that can help both the scientific and applied management communities understand the infection risk during an outbreak is the basic reproductive number, .

In this paper, we use a network method to calculate and analyse the basic reproductive number, specifically flow network theory. We convert traditional compartmental models to flow networks and then apply the fundamental Max‐Flow Min‐Cut Theorem to calculate the basic reproductive number.

We show that this method is equivalent to the traditional next generation matrix method for the calculation of , and thus a valid alternative. Then we provide step‐by‐step instructions and illustrate how to apply this method to epidemic models.

The current methods available for calculating are complicated, requiring mathematical training. This can act as a barrier to understanding and cause delays in a real‐time response. Our new approach drastically reduces the mathematical complexity of the calculation and is far more accessible to the broader scientific community. It also allows for novel insights and can be applied to models/situations where traditional methods fail.
Letter: should we have to include baclofen in the GORD therapy armamentarium?
Authors: Ribolsi Mentore , Savarino Edoardo 
Published: September 2022

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Pauwels et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17068 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17214
Letter: a hidden cause of chronic abdominal pain—opioid‐induced adrenal insufficiency. Authors' reply
Authors: Coffin Benoit , Duboc Henri 
Published: September 2022

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Choe et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17064 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17172
Editorial: natural history of irritable bowel syndrome in inflammatory bowel disease—authors' reply
Authors: Fairbrass Keeley M. , Hamlin P. John , Gracie David J. , Ford Alexander C. 
Published: September 2022

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Fairbrass et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17193 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17211
Editorial: wireless pH‐monitoring ‐ is it time to put away the pH‐impredance catheters: Authors' response
Authors: Yadlapati Rena , Gawron Andrew J. , Pandolfino John E. 
Published: September 2022

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Yadlapati et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17180 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17204
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease with hepatitis C virus infection—a population‐based study
Authors: Attia Dina , Abdel Alem Shereen , El‐Akel Wafaa , Abdel‐Razek Wael , Eslam Mohamed , Fouad Yasser , Waked Imam 
Published: September 2022

SummaryBackgroundMetabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was proposed in 2020 to identify fatty liver disease associated with metabolic risks. Metabolic abnormalities with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and MAFLD frequently co‐exist. However, data on the co‐existence are still lacking.AimTo explore the prevalence and characteristics of metabolic profiles among a large cohort of patients with HCV infection between 2007 and 2020 based on new diagnostic criteriaMethodsWe recruited 288,222 patients with chronic HCV infection with demographic data, laboratory parameters, and ultrasound from a web‐based registry of the National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis in Egypt from 2007 to 2020.ResultsAmong the participants, 41.9% (95% CI: 41.69–42.05) met diagnostic criteria for MAFLD, with a significant increase in the period 2014–2020 compared to 2007–2013 (43.3% vs. 19%, respectively). Participants with MAFLD had a high prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The prevalences increased significantly over time (obesity: 66.7% vs. 76.9%, p < 0.01; diabetes mellitus: 14.6% vs. 31.5%, p < 0.01; hypertension: 0.9% vs. 7.6%, p < 0.01; prediabetes: 28.8% vs. 25.9%, p < 0.01) for the periods 2007–2013 and 2014–2020, respectively. The percentage of advanced fibrosis by fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) was significantly higher in participants with MAFLD during 2014–2020 than during 2007–2013 (FIB‐4; 18.4% vs. 8% and NFS; 17.1% vs. 7%).ConclusionMAFLD is highly prevalent in patients with HCV infection and has risen over time. This rising prevalence parallels the alarming rise in obesity, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Early detection of metabolic dysfunction in patients with HCV infection is recommended to prevent MAFLD progression.
Proper use of appendiceal stump closure methods for surgical site infection in laparoscopic appendectomy
Authors: Fukuhara Sotaro , Yano Takuya , Yoshimitsu Masanori , Oshita Ko , Katsura Yuki , Ishida Michihiro , Satoh Daisuke , Choda Yasuhiro , Nakano Kanyu , Shirakawa Yasuhiro , Matsukawa Hiroyoshi , Idani Hitoshi , Shiozaki Shigehiro , Okajima Masazumi 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionAlthough some studies have reported on the relationship between appendiceal stump closure methods and postoperative complications, there is no fixed method for this procedure. This study aimed to compare treatment outcomes of the existing procedures.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the records of 200 patients who underwent urgent laparoscopic surgeries and investigated whether the difference in the appendiceal stump closure method was a risk factor for surgical site infection. The patients were divided into the Endoloop and endostapler groups, and 45 propensity score‐matched patients were included. The treatment outcomes of the two groups were compared.ResultsThe patients with high body temperature showed significantly developed surgical site infection in multivariate analysis (P = .036). There was no significant difference in the appendix stump methods (Endoloop vs endostapler). Regarding postoperative complications, superficial and deep incisional surgical site infection, organ/space surgical site infection, ileus, and complications of Clavien–Dindo grade IIIa or higher; there was no significant difference between the endoloop and endostapler groups after propensity score matching (P = .725, 1.000, .645 and .557, respectively).ConclusionBy properly using the Endoloop and endostapler according to the severity of inflammation, the Endoloop can be safely performed in many cases. Inexpensive Endoloop as an option for stump closure methods should positively impact medical costs.
CXC chemokine ligand‐10 promotes the accumulation of monocyte‐like myeloid‐derived suppressor cells by activating p38 MAPK signaling under tumor conditions
Authors: Sun Yingying , Mo Yan , Jiang Shu , Shang Chao , Feng Yunpeng , Zeng Xianlu 
Published: September 2022

AbstractCXC chemokine ligand‐10 (CXCL10) is a small (10 kDa) secretory protein in the CXC subfamily of cytokines. CXCL10 has been reported to play an important role in antitumor immunity as a chemotactic factor. Tumor development is always accompanied by the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and the role of CXCL10 in tumor immunosuppression remains unclear. Here, we reported that CXCL10 expression was significantly upregulated in mice with melanoma, and tumor cells secreted large amounts of CXCL10. Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are an important part of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Our results showed that CXCL10 promoted the proliferation of monocyte‐like (mo)‐MDSCs by activating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway through CXCR3, which led to the abnormal accumulation of mo‐MDSCs under tumor conditions. This finding provides a new understanding of the mechanism by which a tumor‐induced immunosuppressive microenvironment forms and suggests that CXCL10 could be a potential intervention target for slowing tumor progression.
Epigenomic dynamics of early Xenopus Embryos
Authors: Zhou Jeff Jiajing , Cho Ken W. Y. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractHow the embryonic genome regulates accessibility to transcription factors is one of the major questions in understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of gene expression during embryogenesis. Epigenomic analyses of embryonic chromatin provide molecular insights into cell‐specific gene activities and genomic architectures. In recent years, significant advances have been made to elucidate the dynamic changes behind the activation of the zygotic genome in various model organisms. Here we provide an overview of the recent epigenomic studies pertaining to early Xenopus development.
Reduction in grey matter atrophy in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis following treatment with cladribine tablets
Authors: Cortese Rosa , Battaglini Marco , Sormani Maria Pia , Luchetti Ludovico , Gentile Giordano , Inderyas Maira , Alexandri Nektaria , De Stefano Nicola 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeMeasures of atrophy in the whole brain can be used to reliably assess treatment effect in clinical trials of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Trials assessing the effect of treatment on grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) atrophy are very informative, but hindered by technical limitations. This study aimed to measure GM and WM volume changes, using a robust longitudinal method, in patients with relapsing MS randomized to cladribine tablets 3.5 mg/kg or placebo in the CLARITY study.MethodsWe analysed T1‐weighted magnetic resonance sequences using SIENA‐XL, from 0 to 6 months (cladribine, n = 267; placebo, n = 265) and 6 to 24 months (cladribine, n = 184; placebo, n = 186). Mean percentage GM and WM volume changes (PGMVC and PWMVC) were compared using a mixed‐effect model.ResultsMore GM and WM volume loss was found in patients taking cladribine versus those taking placebo in the first 6 months of treatment (PGMVC: cladribine: −0.53 vs. placebo: −0.25 [p = 0.045]; PWMVC: cladribine: −0.49 vs. placebo: −0.34 [p = 0.137]), probably due to pseudoatrophy. However, over the period 6 to 24 months, GM volume loss was significantly lower in patients on cladribine than in those on placebo (PGMVC: cladribine: −0.90 vs. placebo: −1.27 [p = 0.026]). In this period, volume changes in WM were similar in the two treatment arms (p = 0.52).ConclusionsAfter a short period of pseudoatrophy, treatment with cladribine 3.5 mg/kg significantly reduced GM atrophy in comparison with placebo. This supports the relevance of GM damage in MS and may have important implications for physical and cognitive disability progression.
Surveillance of rhinovirus diversity among a university community identifies multiple types from all three species including an unassigned rhinovirus A genotype
Authors: Faleye Temitope O. C. , Elyaderani Amir , Skidmore Peter , Adhikari Sangeet , Smith Abriana , Kaiser Nicole , Sandrolini Helen , Finnerty Sarah , Halden Rolf U. , Varsani Arvind , Scotch Matthew 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWe determine the presence and diversity of rhinoviruses in nasopharyngeal swab samples from 248 individuals who presented with influenza‐like illness (ILI) at a university clinic in the Southwest United States between October 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. We identify at least 13 rhinovirus genotypes (A11, A22, A23, A25, A67, A101, B6, B79, C1, C17, C36, and C56, as well a new genotype [AZ88**]) and 16 variants that contributed to the burden of ILI in the community. We also describe the complete capsid protein gene of a member (AZ88**) of an unassigned rhinovirus A genotype.
Rapid microwave sintering of centimetric zirconia: Scalability and electromagnetic‐thermal‐fluid‐dynamic simulation
Authors: Manière Charles , Harnois Christelle , Riquet Guillaume , Grippi Thomas , Behar‐Lafenetre Stéphanie , Marinel Sylvain 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMicrowave sintering is a method presenting the following advantages for flash sintering: contactless/volumetric heating, and the possibility to control the heating cycle of the microwave power. In this study, the transition from a typical 100 K/min to an ultra‐rapid heating rate of 500 K/min is studied. The heating homogeneity of the typical hybrid configuration using silicon carbide susceptors is tested up to the stability limit of the system. We show that zirconia specimens as thick as 10 mm can be heated and sintered up to 500 K/min heating rate at which thermal cracks appear. However, the centimetric size of the specimens seems to favor coarsening implying an important remaining porosity in the end. A comprehensive simulation including microwave heating and convection has allowed the determination of the heating regime transition during the flash process and the quantification of each specimen's cooling fluxes.
The elusive relation between pension discount rates and deficits
Authors: Armitage Seth , Gallagher Ronan , Xu Jiaman 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe relation between defined‐benefit (DB) pension discount rates and funding status is more complex than it might first appear. Existing evidence suffers from estimation biases that make precise inference unreliable. We document the biases and quantify their impact on inference in relation to corporate window‐dressing of DB funding status. Our empirical evidence from the United Kingdom suggests that pension sponsors use discretion in the choice of pension discount rate not only to reduce reported deficits but also to reduce reported surpluses.
Feasibility of implementing a telephone‐based frailty assessment
Authors: Sison Stephanie Denise M. , Newmeyer Natalie , Arias Karla Tejada , Schoenburg Racheli , Fonseca Valencia Carolina , Cheslock Megan , Raman Vaishnavi , Driver Jane A. , Kim Dae Hyun 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundDespite the growing literature on the importance of identifying and managing frailty, its assessment has been limited in clinical settings. With the goal of integrating frailty assessment into routine clinical practice, this quality improvement project aimed to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of administering a telephone‐based frailty assessment.MethodsBetween 9/2020 and 6/2021, we identified 169 established patients with serious illnesses in an academic primary care‐geriatric clinic. Patients were contacted via telephone, and their current medical, functional, nutritional, cognitive, and mood statuses were assessed using validated screening tools. A deficit‐accumulation frailty score was then calculated using an electronic medical record‐based frailty index calculator and standardized documentation with recommendations was generated for providers. The primary outcome was feasibility, measured as the proportion of patients successfully assessed. Secondary outcomes included completion rates of each domain, administration time, providers' perception, and clinical utility of the assessment.ResultsA total of 139 (82.2%) patients, mean age of 82 years, 63.3% frail were successfully assessed. Of the 139 assessments, medical and functional domains were completed for all, while nutrition, mood, and cognition were completed by 88.5% (n = 123), 68.3% (n = 95), and 59.7% (n = 83) of the time, respectively. Conducting the full assessment took an average (standard deviation) time of 26.1 (7.3) minutes. Without the cognitive and mood domain, assessment took an average of 15.7 (7.5) minutes. Patients' providers found the information from the assessment helpful in evaluating and managing their patients. Care plans of 51.8% and 65.0% of patients who had mobility and mind issues, respectively, addressed these domains within 30 days after the assessment.ConclusionImplementation of the telephone‐based frailty assessment is feasible, acceptable, and has the potential to influence the care plans of older adults. This work demonstrated how frailty assessment can be integrated with the outpatient setting.
ARK2 stabilizes the plus‐end of microtubules and promotes microtubule bundling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lan Miao , Liu Xianan , Kang Erfang , Fu Ying , Zhu Lei 
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACTMicrotubule dynamics and organization are important for plant cell morphogenesis and development. The microtubule‐based motor protein kinesins are mainly responsible for the transport of some organelles and vesicles, although several have also been shown to regulate microtubule organization. The ARMADILLO REPEAT KINESIN (ARK) family is a plant‐specific motor protein subfamily that consists of three members (ARK1, ARK2, and ARK3) in Arabidopsis thaliana. ARK2 has been shown to participate in root epidermal cell morphogenesis. However, whether and how ARK2 associates with microtubules needs further elucidation. Here, we demonstrated that ARK2 co‐localizes with microtubules and facilitates microtubule bundling in vitro and in vivo. Pharmacological assays and microtubule dynamics analyses indicated that ARK2 stabilizes cortical microtubules. Live‐cell imaging revealed that ARK2 moves along cortical microtubules in a processive mode and localizes both at the plus‐end and the sidewall of microtubules. ARK2 therefore tracks and stabilizes the growing plus‐ends of microtubules, which facilitates the formation of parallel microtubule bundles.
DSFit: a feasibility pilot study of a group exercise programme for adolescents with Down syndrome
Authors: Hojlo M. A. , Milliken A. L. , Baumer N. T. , Davidson E. J. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundWhile past research has underscored the benefits of physical activity for people with Down syndrome (DS), exercise programming that is customised to and/or accessible for children and adolescents with DS is limited. The objectives of this pilot were to (1) develop and refine an engaging exercise programme for adolescents with DS, called DSFit; (2) assess feasibility over the course of two pilot iterations; and (3) examine participant and parent feedback regarding exercise priorities and the DSFit exercise programme.MethodParticipants were 12 unique adolescents (ages 11–17 years) with DS. Both pilot iterations of the programme consisted of weekly group exercise sessions and home exercises to complete between sessions. Physical fitness and mood/behaviour were assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Parent and child goal‐setting and feedback surveys were collected before and immediately after the intervention, and a 2‐month follow‐up assessed physical activity and exercise attitudes. Quality improvement methodology and participant/parent feedback were used to modify the second iteration to better meet the needs of our study population. Changes included an expanded age range, modified physical assessments, decreased burden of questionnaires, and video‐recorded group sessions for at‐home practice.ResultsPhysical fitness evaluation of core/trunk strength and stability, lower‐ and upper‐body strength, balance, flexibility, and walking was feasible, and the majority of participants in both pilot iterations improved in at least one category of physical assessment between baseline and end of intervention. Assessment of symptoms of anxiety, depression and behavioural concerns was also feasible and results showed slight improvements in some participants. Both parent and participant feedback indicated that participants enjoyed the programme and appreciated the opportunity to start developing sustainable exercise habits.ConclusionsA group exercise programme with supported at‐home components is feasible for adolescents with DS. Future iterations will continue to examine programme efficacy with improved fitness testing and larger sample sizes. Strategies to increase at‐home compliance, such as virtual sessions and parent/guardian‐guided physical fitness assessments, will also be incorporated.