bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thiamine deficiency unrelated to alcohol consumption in high‐income countries: a literature review
Authors: Gomes Filomena , Bergeron Gilles , Bourassa Megan W. , Fischer Philip R.
Published: February 2021

Thiamine deficiency has been typically associated with alcoholism or as a prevalent problem in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) whose populations rely on staple foods with a low content of thiamine. We conducted a literature review of published and unpublished data to identify relevant adult cases with confirmed thiamine deficiency of nonalcoholic cause in developed countries. We selected 17 reports with 81 adult cases of confirmed thiamine deficiency affecting adult patients with a wide range of ages and underlying conditions (e.g., cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, heart failure, and obesity). Thiamine deficiency may have been caused by disease‐related malnutrition, bariatric surgery, chronic use of diuretics, repeated vomiting, lack of thiamine in parenteral nutrition formulas, food insecurity, and reliance on monotonous or restrictive diets. Treatment with intravenous thiamine resulted in partial or complete recovery from the symptoms (cardiac, neurologic, and metabolic disorders) for most patients. The number and variety of symptomatic thiamine‐deficient adults identified in this review demonstrates that thiamine deficiency is not exclusive to LMICs and, in high‐income settings, is not exclusive to alcoholic patients. In developed countries, this serious but treatable condition can be expected in patients suffering from various medical conditions or following certain dietary patterns.
The institutional role in oil revenue‐economic growth nexus in Nigeria
Authors: Raifu Isiaka Akande
Published: February 2021

The mixed empirical findings from the previous studies that examined the impact of oil revenue on economic growth in oil‐rich countries have raised a lot of questions as to why oil revenue has not produced the expected growth effect in some of those countries. One of the factors responsible for such a phenomenon is the poor institutional quality that characterises some of these countries. Given this, this study investigates the role of institutional quality in oil revenue‐economic growth nexus in Nigeria over the period of 1984–2018. Using ARDL as an estimation method, our results show that, irrespective of the choice of oil revenue and economic growth variables, oil revenue is still indispensable to economic growth in the short run and the long run. However, interacting each of the institutional quality variables with real oil revenue and oil rents yields mixed empirical findings. Although some of the interacting variables produce positive effects on economic growth in both runs, the positive effect of some become insignificant and even turn negative in the robustness analysis. With the interaction of overall institutional quality index with oil revenue, oil revenue worsens economic growth in both runs. Given these results, it is suggested that government should improve institutional apparatuses in the country.
Integrated care for older adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Belgium: Lessons learned the hard way
Authors: Deschacht Martha , Malfait Simon , Eeckloo Kristof
Published: February 2021

The corona pandemic challenges countries worldwide in many different ways. Due to its magnitude and impact on global health, this health crisis exposes several shortcomings in their health systems and emphasizes their shortcomings and deficiencies. These deficiencies have quickly affected the most frail citizens, such as older people. The first wave of the COVID19 pandemic in Belgium has quickly shown that nursing homes were not prepared for these kinds of crises. The nature, speed and extent gave rise to an accelerated and more extensive collaboration between various nursing homes and Ghent University Hospital. Before this crisis, the level of integrated care between nursing homes and hospitals was mostly limited. But setting up a strong collaboration model and integrated care between nursing homes and hospitals enables the nursing homes to manage this specific and complex care in their own environment.

Implications for practice

This case study shows that integrated care is possible and that both the hospital and the nursing homes benefit from such a system. Investments in people, resources, training and guidance concerning transitional care and knowledge exchange between hospitals and nursing homes, are necessary to guarantee a more efficient and robust approach to (pandemic) crises in nursing homes.
Rapid and safe removal of foreign bodies in the upper esophagus in children using an optimized Miller size 3 video laryngoscope blade
Authors: Kaufmann Jost , Grozeva Boyana , Laschat Michael , Brackhahn Michael , Rudolph Diana , Neuhaus Nikolas , Hubertus Jochen , Wappler Frank , Eich Christoph
Published: February 2021

Background

Foreign bodies lodged in the upper esophagus in children may result in life‐threatening complications, especially with button batteries. Rapid removal is essential to prevent complications. Experts report that extraction with a suitable laryngoscope and a forceps is feasible under general anesthesia, but no further data had been available so far.

Aims

To study foreign body visualization and removal from the upper esophagus in children using a new optimized Miller size 3 blade video laryngoscope.

Methods

This prospective observational study was performed in three pediatric hospitals. The clinical observations were reported anonymously on an electronic spreadsheet after obtaining the informed consent from the parents or guardians. During the observational period from January 2019 to October 2020, all children with a foreign body lodged into the upper esophagus were eligible for participation and 22 cases were included. Main outcome measures were rates of successful removal and complications as well as duration of the procedure. Secondary outcome was subjective assessment regarding the quality of the visualization and the feasibility of the procedure.

Results

Success rate was 100% with no complications. Mean intervention and anesthesia times were 5 ± 4 minutes and 26 ± 25 minutes. Quality of visualization of the foreign body was judged as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ in all cases and the feasibility of the procedure as ‘without’ or ‘with little’ effort in 95% of all cases.

Conclusion

The new Miller size 3 video laryngoscope enables rapid, easy, and reliable extraction of foreign bodies when they are located in the upper part of the esophagus. As early removal of esophageal foreign bodies, especially with button batteries, prevents life‐threatening complications, we suggest this technique as the first choice of treatment.
INDITTO2 transposon conveys auxin‐mediated DRO1 transcription for rice drought avoidance
Authors: Zhao Yiting , Wu Lixia , Fu Qijing , Wang Dong , Li Jing , Yao Baolin , Yu Si , Jiang Li , Qian Jie , Zhou Xuan , Han Li , Zhao Shuanglu , Ma Canrong , Zhang Yanfang , Luo Chongyu , Dong Qian , Li Saijie , Zhang Lina , Jiang Xi , Li Youchun , Luo Hao , Li Kuixiu , Yang Jing , Luo Qiong , Li Lichi , Peng Sheng , Huang Huichuan , Zuo Zhili , Liu Changning , Wang Lei , Li Chengyun , He Xiahong , Friml Jiří , Du Yunlong
Published: February 2021

Transposable elements exist widely throughout plant genomes and play important roles in plant evolution. Auxin is an important regulator that is traditionally associated with root development and drought stress adaptation. The DEEPER ROOTING 1 (DRO1) gene is a key component of rice drought avoidance. Here, we identified a transposon that acts as an autonomous auxin‐responsive promoter and its presence at specific genome positions conveys physiological adaptations related to drought avoidance. Rice varieties with a high and auxin‐mediated transcription of DRO1 in the root tip show deeper and longer root phenotypes and are thus better adapted to drought. The INDITTO2 transposon contains an auxin response element and displays auxin‐responsive promoter activity; it is thus able to convey auxin regulation of transcription to genes in its proximity. In the rice Acuce, which displays DRO1‐mediated drought adaptation, the INDITTO2 transposon was found to be inserted at the promoter region of the DRO1 locus. Transgenesis‐based insertion of the INDITTO2 transposon into the DRO1 promoter of the non‐adapted rice variety Nipponbare was sufficient to promote its drought avoidance. Our data identify an example of how transposons can act as promoters and convey hormonal regulation to nearby loci, improving plant fitness in response to different abiotic stresses.
Understanding Substance use Policies and Associated Ethical Concerns: A survey of Pediatric Transplant Centers
Authors: Monnin Kara , Lofton Amie M. , Naclerio Catherine , Buchanan Cindy L. , Campbell Kristen , Tenenbaum Rachel B. , Steinberg Christofferson Elizabeth
Published: February 2021

Psychosocial risk factors, such as substance use, have been linked to poor post‐transplant outcomes for solid organ transplant patients, including poor medication adherence, increased risk for rejection, and even graft failure. Despite universal consensus that substance use is an increasing problem among youth, many pediatric transplant centers do not have policies in place to address substance use and no universal guidelines exist regarding assessment during the pre‐transplant evaluation in this population. An online survey was administered via REDCap™ and directed toward medical leaders (ie, medical and surgical directors) of national heart, kidney, and liver transplant centers. Questions examined the following: perspectives on the need for a universal transplant center policy on pediatric substance use, abuse, and dependence; timing and frequency of evaluation for substance use; specific substances which would elicit respondents' concerns; and ethical concerns surrounding substance use. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data were collected from 52 respondents from 38 transplant centers, with the majority (n = 40; 77%) reporting no substance use policy in place for pediatric transplant patients. However, many endorsed concerns if a pediatric patient was found to be using specific substances. Our findings further highlight the need for a universal substance use policy across pediatric solid organ transplant centers. The results from the distributed survey will help to provide guidelines and best practices when establishing a universal policy for substance use.
Extract from Ascaris suum and N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine induces an immunosuppressant effect in model of autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Silva Roeckson Carlos Peixoto , da Silva Raul Penaforte Correia , Souto Fabrício Oliveira , de Lorena Virginia Maria Barros , Aires André de Lima , Costa Vlaudia Maria Assis , Albuquerque Mônica Camelo Pessôa de Azevedo , de Souza Valdênia Maria Oliveira
Published: February 2021

Background

Extract of adult Ascaris suum (ASC) worms attenuated the liver damage in experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) with induction of Th2 immune response, but fibrosis occurred. N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) has protective effects against liver fibrosis.

Objectives

Evaluate the association ASC + NAC on the T‐ and B‐cell activation, inflammation and fibrogenic markers in the liver in EAH.

Methods

Experimental autoimmune hepatitis was induced intravenously with concanavalin A in BALB/c mice. EAH + ASC+NAC group received NAC and ASC; EAH + ASC group received ASC; EAH group received PBS. Doubly labelled CD4+ T (CD28, CTLA‐4, CD40L or IL‐10) and CD45R+ B lymphocytes (IL‐10) and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells were evaluated, along with gene expression of Col1a1, α‐SMA, Fizz1, Arg1 and PPAR‐γ and histomorphometry.

Results

Experimental autoimmune hepatitis group showed high frequency of CD28+ and CD40L+ T lymphocytes, but not the EAH + ASC group. In relation to EAH group, the Fizz1 expression was lower in both groups treated, but Arg1 expression was lower in only EAH + ASC+NAC group. In the EAH + ASC+NAC group, there were higher frequencies of CD4+IL‐10+ and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells, but not CD45R+IL‐10+, along with mitigated inflammation and collagen production.

Conclusions

Ascaris suum favoured immunosuppression in EAH limiting the T cells activation. However, association ASC and NAC was necessary for attenuating the inflammatory process and collagen production.
Population structure, pathogenicity, and fungicide sensitivity of Colletotrichum siamense from different hosts in Hainan, China
Authors: Cao Xueren , Zhu Zijiao , Che Haiyan , West Jonathan S. , Lin Yating , Luo Daquan , Xu Xiangming
Published: February 2021

Areca palm, rubber tree, and coffee are always planted adjacent to each other or intercropped with each other, and Colletotrichum siamense was found to be the dominant species of Colletotrichum from these crops in Hainan, China. To study the population structure, pathogenicity, and fungicide sensitivity of C. siamense from these three crops in Hainan, isolates were first identified by their morphological characteristics and multilocus phylogeny. Then both permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) and pairwise FST analysis showed that the original host and geographical origin (counties) had significant effects on genetic variation in the C. siamense population, explaining 5.6% and 16.3% of genetic variation, respectively. There were significant genetic differentiations between coffee and rubber tree populations but the genetic differentiation was small (FST = 0.04), while significant differentiations were observed among all populations from different counties except those between Haikou and Chengmai. Pathogenicity analysis using artificial inoculation showed that isolates had significantly higher disease incidence and diseased lesion diameter on wounded leaves than on nonwounded leaves. However, the original host of an isolate and geographical origin did not significantly affect the pathogenicity of the C. siamense populations from these three hosts. In vitro tests showed that there were no significant differences in the sensitivity of C. siamense populations to carbendazim, prochloraz, difenoconazole, and propiconazole from different original hosts and geographical origins. The present study suggests that host specialization of C. siamense has not occurred yet in coffee, rubber tree, and areca palm.
All day‐long pacifier use and intelligence quotient in childhood: A birth cohort study
Authors: Giugliani Elsa R. J. , Gomes Erissandra , Santos Iná S. , Matijasevich Alicia , Camargo‐Figuera Fabio A. , Barros Aluísio J. D.
Published: February 2021

Background

Literature on pacifier use remains controversial, but mostly suggests an inverse association with childhood intelligence.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the association between pacifier use and intelligence quotient (IQ) in six‐year‐old children from a birth cohort.

Methods

Data from 3532 children from the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort were analysed. Children were recruited and assessed at birth and followed up at 3 months, and 1, 2, 4, and 6 years. Data on pacifier use duration and intensity were obtained via interviews with mothers in all six follow‐up visits. IQ was estimated at 6 years using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and standardised for the analyses. Crude and adjusted coefficients were calculated (linear regression) for all the data collected in follow‐up assessments for pacifier use.

Results

IQ was inversely associated with all pacifier use indicators. Children who used a pacifier all day long (ADL) at any follow‐up showed an IQ 0.18 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11, 0.24) standard deviations below those who never used it ADL, after adjusting for confounders. The strength of association increased with number of assessments reporting ADL pacifier use, from a reduction in IQ of 0.13 (95% CI 0.06, 0.21) to 0.34 (95% CI 0.15, 0.52) standard deviations for ADL use in one and in all four follow‐up visits, respectively.

Conclusions

We found a strong association between intense pacifier use up to 4 years of age and lower IQ at 6 years. A dose‐response gradient was observed, with greater IQ deficits in children who used a ADL pacifier for longer durations. The mechanisms underlying this association need to be clarified. One hypothesis is that children using a pacifier, especially those who use it more intensely, are less stimulated.
Overexpression of RNA‐binding bacterial chaperones in rice leads to stay‐green phenotype, improved yield and tolerance to salt and drought stresses
Authors: Guddimalli Rajasheker , Somanaboina Anil Kumar , Palle Surender Reddy , Edupuganti Sujatha , Kummari Divya , Palakolanu Sudhakar Reddy , Naravula Jalaja , Gandra Jawahar , Qureshi Insaf A. , Marka Nagaraju , Polavarapu Rathnagiri , Kavi Kishor Polavarapu Bilhan
Published: February 2021

Genes encoding bacterial cold shock proteins A (CspA, 213 bp) and B (CspB, 216 bp) were isolated from Escherichia coli strain K12, which showed 100% homology with gene sequences isolated from other bacterial species. In silico domain, analysis showed eukaryotic conserved cold shock domain (CSD) and ribonuclease‐binding domain (RBD) indicating that they bind to RNA and are involved in temperature stress tolerance. Overexpression of these two genes in E. coli resulted in higher growth in presence of 200 mM NaCl and 300 mM mannitol. Western blot confirmed the translational products of the two genes. Seedlings of indica rice were transformed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens containing pCAMBIA1301 CspA and CspB genes. Transgene integration was confirmed by β‐glucuronidase (GUS) histochemical assay, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, and gene copy number by Southern blotting. Chlorophyll, proline, Na+, and K+ contents were higher in transgenics exposed to 150 mM NaCl and drought (imposed by withholding water) stresses during floral initiation stage. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activities increased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) content was low in transgenics. Transgenics displayed increased root, shoot, and panicle lengths, root dry mass, and a distinct stay‐green (SGR) phenotype. Higher transcript levels of CspA, CspB, SGR, chlorophyllase, isopentenyl adenine transferase 1 (IPT1), 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED), SOD, and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) genes were observed in transgenics compared to wild type plants (WT) under multiple stresses. Present work indicates that bacterial chaperone proteins are capable of imparting SGR phenotype, salt and drought stress tolerance alongside grain improvement.
Gender difference about death anxiety among older adults: Structural Equation Model
Authors: Adelirad Fatemeh , Sabahiazar Khadijeh , Asghari‐Jafarabadi Mohammad , Namjoo Shamsedin , Chattu Vijay Kumar , Allahverdipour Hamid
Published: February 2021

Background

Older adults may be more prone to death anxiety than their younger counterparts. This study explores factors affecting death anxiety based on gender differences.

Methods

In this correlational study, 450 older adults referred to the health centres in the city of Bukan, Iran were recruited by using a randomised sampling method. Next, data were collected about the demographic questionnaire, anxiety about ageing, death anxiety, mental well‐being, perceived social support, and quality of life questionnaire. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between variables, and the predictors of death anxiety were evaluated using quintile regression. Relationship between death anxiety and other variables was evaluated by the Structural Equation Model (SEM). The study was approved by the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Ethics Committee (Ethics Code: IR.TBZMED.REC.1397.304).

Results

The results showed that death anxiety in men had a significant relationship with the level of literacy (P = 0.047), body self‐imaging (P = 0.031), and perceived social activity (P = 0.033). Among women, death anxiety had a significant relationship with physical activity (P = 0.007) and perceived social activity (P = 0.002). Additionally, quintile regression analysis was calculated: among men, anxiety about ageing was related to death anxiety (β = 0.182, P = 0.05), while in women, only perceived social support was associated to death anxiety (β = −0.376, P = 0.05). Finally, according to SEM, a significantly different level of predictability of mental well‐being was found for death anxiety among older men and women.

Conclusion

Understanding the gender differences about death anxiety by the healthcare system might be useful in controlling and reducing a variety of concerns among elders who experience high levels of anxiety of death.
The human mirror neuron system—A common neural basis for social cognition?
Authors: Schmidt Stephanie N. L. , Hass Joachim , Kirsch Peter , Mier Daniela
Published: February 2021

According to the theory of embodied simulation, mirror neurons (MN) in our brain's motor system are the neuronal basis of all social‐cognitive processes. The assumption of such a mirroring process in humans could be supported by results showing that within one person the same region is involved in different social cognition tasks. We conducted an fMRI‐study with 75 healthy participants who completed three tasks: imitation, empathy, and theory of mind. We analyzed the data using group conjunction analyses and individual shared voxel counts. Across tasks, across and within participants, we find common activation in inferior frontal gyrus, inferior parietal cortex, fusiform gyrus, posterior superior temporal sulcus, and amygdala. Our results provide evidence for a shared neural basis for different social‐cognitive processes, indicating that interpersonal understanding might occur by embodied simulation.
Vine Regression with Bayes Nets: A Critical Comparison with Traditional Approaches Based on a Case Study on the Effects of Breastfeeding on IQ
Authors: Cooke Roger M. , Joe Harry , Chang Bo
Published: February 2021

Regular vines (R‐vines) copulas build high dimensional joint densities from arbitrary one‐dimensional margins and (conditional) bivariate copula densities. Vine densities enable the computation of all conditional distributions, though the calculations can be numerically intensive. Saturated continuous nonparametric Bayes nets (CNPBN) are regular vines. Computing regression functions from the vine copula density is termed vine regression. The epicycles of regression–including/excluding covariates, interactions, higher order terms, multicollinearity, model fit, transformations, heteroscedasticity, bias–are dispelled. One simply computes the regressions from the vine copula density. Only the question of finding an adequate vine copula remains. Vine regression is applied to a data set from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth relating breastfeeding to IQ. The expected effects of breastfeeding on IQ depend on IQ, on the baseline level of breastfeeding, on the duration of additional breastfeeding and on the values of other covariates. A child given two weeks breastfeeding can expect to increase his/her IQ by 1.5–2 IQ points by adding 10 weeks of breastfeeding, depending on values of other covariates. A child given two years breastfeeding can expect to gain from 0.48–0.65 IQ points from 10 additional weeks. Adding 10 weeks breastfeeding to each of the 3,179 children in this data set has a net present value $50,700,000 according to the Bayes net, compared to $29,000,000 according to the linear regression.
Are WTO Decisionmakers Regulating Technological Risks or Are Technological Risks Steering WTO Biotechnology Legal Decisions?
Authors: Guida Alessandra
Published: February 2021

This article explores how technological risks and uncertainty carried by the international trade of biotechnology are regulated under the World Trade Organization (WTO) and have been governed by the WTO's judicial bodies. The article shows that the judicial evaluation of biotechnology risks is mostly justified in scientific terms and is still anchored to a quantitative approach. This, in turn, prevents WTO decisionmakers from performing a broader analysis of the societal purposes and impacts of technological innovations and, accordingly, their potential contributions to or disadvantages for the public interest. Given that, the present article investigates whether reliability can be claimed for WTO biotechnology decisions. In approaching this task, it elucidates the complex interplay between law, risks and science, and offers suggestions to enhance the reliability of biotechnology legal decisions and address the uncertainty surrounding the international trade of biotechnology.
Assessing the Social Welfare Effects of Government Transfer Programs: Some International Comparisons
Authors: Kakwani Nanak , Wang Xiaobing , Xu Jing , Yue Ximing
Published: February 2021

This paper offers a new way of assessing government transfer programs using a social welfare function framework. It demonstrates how one can use social welfare functions to measure such programs' efficiency without requiring the specification of a poverty line or particular poverty measures. The paper introduces three alternative principles of targeting, which provide a basis for measuring program efficiency. By applying the methodology developed in this paper, we compare the targeting efficiencies of 44 countries, which include both middle and high‐income countries.
Stillbirth – transitions and rituals when birth brings death: Data from a danish national cohort seen through an anthropological lens
Authors: Jørgensen Mathilde Lindh , Prinds Christina , Mørk Sofie , Hvidtjørn Dorte
Published: February 2021

Background

Many parents bereaved of a stillborn baby spend time with the child. In this time frame, different acts with the child in focus may occur. Some parents invite others to see the child too. Parents who suffer the loss of a newborn are vulnerable, and understanding acts and practices surrounding the dead newborn is important knowledge for caretakers.

Aims

This article aims to enlighten the amount of time Danish parents spend with their stillborn in hospital settings that encourage this practice. Furthermore, it aims to transcend the mere quantitative numbers through a theoretical approach that frames the analysis and discussion of possible layers of meaning imbedded in time spent with a dead newborn.

Study design

Data from a Danish cohort of bereaved parents were collected using web‐based questionnaires. These numbers were successively interpreted through an anthropological lens within the perspective of transition and ritualisation. Knowledge from existing empirical literature was also fused.

Results from the cohort

Danish parents spend hours or days with their stillborn child. They feel supported in this by healthcare professionals. Mainly close relatives join the parents while admitted to the hospital to see the stillborn child, followed by other family members and friends.

Conclusion

Danish parents engage to a very high degree in contact with their dead baby. The analysis points out that ‘Time’ and ‘Others’ are needed to create a socially comprehensible status for parents and child when birth brings death. In liminal space during the transition, healthcare professionals act as ritual experts, supporting parents and their relatives to ascribe social status to the dead body of the child through ritualised acts. Instead of only thinking of this period as ‘memory‐making’, we suggest regarding it as a time of ontological clarification as well.
Multivariate boundary regression models
Authors: Selk Leonie , Tillier Charles , Marigliano Orlando
Published: February 2021

In this work, we consider a multivariate regression model with one‐sided errors. We assume for the regression function to lie in a general Hölder class and estimate it via a nonparametric local polynomial approach that consists of minimization of the local integral of a polynomial approximation lying above the data points. While the consideration of multivariate covariates offers an undeniable opportunity from an application‐oriented standpoint, it requires a new method of proof to replace the established ones for the univariate case. The main purpose of this paper is to show the uniform consistency and to provide the rates of convergence of the considered nonparametric estimator for both multivariate random covariates and multivariate deterministic design points. To demonstrate the performance of the estimators, the small sample behavior is investigated in a simulation study in dimension two and three.
Gender, welfare state regimes and social policy beyond advanced capitalism: Pathways to decommodification in middle‐income countries
Authors: Nakray Keerty
Published: February 2021

In Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism, Gøsta Esping‐Andersen, using decommodification as a basis, classified advanced capitalist countries into liberal, conservative‐corporatist, and social‐democratic welfare regimes. Subsequently, Ann Shola Orloff deemed his approach gender blind, and dimensions such as access to paid work and the capacity to form and maintain an autonomous household were added to the existing variables of state–market relations, stratification and social citizenship rights. Based on Orloff's theoretical propositions, this paper develops the decommodification measures to classify middle‐income countries (MICs). The paper classifies MICs into five clusters based on hierarchical cluster analysis using variables such as GDP per capita, female labour force participation, availability, duration and wage replacement levels and providers of maternity leave benefits and availability of childcare services, legislation on sexual harassment, marital rape and domestic violence, protection orders, the availability of legal aid for civil and criminal matters and the proportion of seats held by women in parliaments.
Aging‐related shift of eccrine sweat glands toward the skin surface due to tangling and rotation of the secretory ducts revealed by digital 3D skin reconstruction
Authors: Ezure Tomonobu , Amano Satoshi , Matsuzaki Kyoichi
Published: February 2021

Background

Sweat gland function deteriorates with aging, leading to loss of heat tolerance. However, it is unclear whether and how the structure of sweat glands changes during aging, because the 3D structure is complex and inaccessible.

Methods

To clarify age‐dependent changes in sweat glands, we developed a method for 3D structure analysis of sweat glands by means of X‐ray micro‐CT observation of human skin specimens followed by 3D digital reconstruction on computer (digital 3D skin).

Results

Comparison of eccrine sweat glands of abdominal skin from young and old subjects showed that the density and volume of sweat glands do not change with aging. In contrast, the depth of the secretory coil from the skin surface is decreased in the aged group. Surprisingly, the secretory ducts appear tortuous or meandering though their length is unchanged. The secretory coils are located at the dermal‐adipose layer boundary in both groups, but the thickness of the dermal layer decreases with aging, and the depth of the coils is correlated with the dermal thickness.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that sweat glands twist and rotate with aging to maintain the position of the coil at the dermal‐adipose boundary, causing an overall shift toward the skin surface.
Care to Wager Again? An Appraisal of Paul Ehrlich's Counterbet Offer to Julian Simon, Part 2: Critical Analysis
Authors: Desrochers Pierre , Geloso Vincent , Szurmak Joanna
Published: February 2021

Objective

This paper provides the first comprehensive assessment of the outcome of Paul Ehrlich's and Stephen Schneider's counteroffer (1995) to economist Julian Simon following Ehrlich's loss in the famous Ehrlich‐Simon wager on economic growth and the price of natural resources (1980‐1990). Our main conclusion in a previous article is that, for indicators that can be measured satisfactorily or can be inferred from proxies, the outcome favors Ehrlich‐Schneider in the first decade following their offer. This second article extends the timeline towards the present time period to examine the long‐term trends of each indicator and proxy, and assesses the reasons invoked by Simon to refuse the bet.

Methods

Literature review, data gathering, and critical assessment of the indicators and proxies suggested or implied by Ehrlich and Schneider. Critical assessment of Simon's reasons for rejecting the bet. Data gathering for his alternative indicators.

Results

For indicators that can be measured directly, the balance of the outcomes favors the Ehrlich‐Schneider claims for the initial ten‐year period. Extending the timeline and accounting for the measurement limitations or dubious relevance of many of their indicators, however, shifts the balance of the evidence towards Simon's perspective.

Conclusion

The fact that Ehrlich and Schneider's own choice of indicators yielded mixed results in the long run, coupled with the fact that Simon's preferred indicators of direct human welfare yielded largely favorable outcomes is, in our opinion, sufficient to claim that Simon's optimistic perspective was largely validated.
On the estimation of destructive cure rate model: A new study with exponentially weighted Poisson competing risks
Authors: Pal Suvra , Roy Souvik
Published: February 2021

A new estimation method is proposed founded upon a nonlinear conjugate gradient‐type algorithm having an efficient line search technique for cure rate models with competing risks, which are subject to elimination. An extensive simulation study is carried out to compare the performance of the proposed algorithm with some existing algorithms, including other conjugate gradient‐type algorithms and the expectation maximization algorithm. For this purpose, it is assumed that the initial competing risks follow an exponentially weighted Poisson distribution. In particular, it is shown that that the proposed algorithm produces estimates that are more accurate and efficient (i.e., the bias and root mean square errors are smaller), specifically with respect to the parameters related to the cure rate. Although for the purpose of simulation study an exponentially weighted Poisson competing risks distribution is assumed, the proposed algorithm incorporates a generic framework that can accommodate any competing risks distribution. Finally, a real data application is provided.
Molecular analysis of HLA Class I and Class II genes in five different South Indian linguistic groups
Authors: Seshasubramanian Vani , SathishKannan Aruna Devi , Naganathan Chandramouleeswaran , Narayan Saranya , Periathiruvadi Srinivasan
Published: February 2021

South Indians are a heterogeneous population who speak different languages and differ in their life style and physical appearance. Major population movements, social structure and caste endogamy have influenced the genetic structure of Indian populations. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system of populations is highly informative because of the high level of polymorphisms. Knowledge of allele and haplotype frequencies of the HLA system is important in the search for unrelated bone marrow donors. We investigated the distribution of HLA A, B, C, DRB1 and DQB1 loci in five linguistic groups from South India. HLA–A*01:01:01~B*57:01:01:01~C*06:02:01~DRB1*07:01:01~DQB1*03:03:02 was the common haplotype with highest frequency in all the five populations studied. A few relevant haplotypes were identified as most common haplotypes in each linguistic group. Comparison of HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 allele distribution in these five linguistic groups with the other Asian population showed that the South Indian populations were closely related to Sri Lankan populations. A large South Indian donor registry might serve as good source of donors for patients from Sri Lanka and vice versa.
Acute and chronic pancreatitis in pregnancy
Authors: O’Heney Josie L , Barnett Rebecca E , MacSwan Ruth M , Rasheed Ashraf
Published: February 2021

Key content

Acute pancreatitis can be a life‐threatening condition at any stage of life. It is seen in up to 3 in 10 000 pregnancies, with high rates of preterm delivery and maternal mortality rates of up to 3%.

Diagnosis in pregnancy can be more challenging, and its aetiology is distributed differently to that of the nonpregnant population.

When managing pregnant patients, consideration of implications for the fetus poses an additional challenge.

Pregnant patients with chronic pancreatitis need careful assessment, paying attention to nutritional and exocrine needs, pain management and the development of diabetes mellitus.

Learning objectives

Know the symptoms, signs and causes of acute pancreatitis in pregnant women, as well as methods of investigation and classification.

Understand how to manage acute pancreatitis.

Appreciate the challenges faced by women with chronic pancreatitis and how to manage them, including pregnancy outcome.
Inactivation of cytosolic FUMARASE2 enhances growth and photosynthesis under simultaneous copper and iron deprivation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Garcia‐Molina Antoni , Lehmann Martin , Schneider Katja , Klingl Andreas , Leister Dario
Published: February 2021

Copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) are essential for plant growth and are often in short supply under natural conditions. Molecular responses to simultaneous lack of both metals (‐Cu‐Fe) differ from those seen in the absence of either alone. Metabolome profiling of plant leaves previously revealed that fumarate levels fall under ‐Cu‐Fe conditions. We employed lines lacking cytosolic FUMARASE2 (FUM2) activity to study the impact of constitutive suppression of cytosolic fumarate synthesis on plant growth under Cu and/or Fe deficiency. In fum2 mutants, photosynthesis and growth were less impaired under ‐Cu‐Fe conditions than in wild‐type (WT) seedlings. In particular, levels of photosynthetic proteins, chloroplast ultrastructure, amino acid profiles and redox state were less perturbed by simultaneous Cu‐Fe deficiency in lines that cannot produce fumarate in the cytosol. Although cytosolic fumarate has been reported to promote acclimation of photosynthesis to low temperatures when metal supplies are adequate, the photosynthetic efficiency of fum2 lines grown under Cu‐Fe deficiency in the cold was higher than in WT. Uptake and contents of Cu and Fe are similar in WT and fum2 plants under control and ‐Cu‐Fe conditions, and lack of FUM2 does not alter the ability to sense metal deficiency, as indicated by marker gene expression. Collectively, we propose that reduced levels of cytosolic fumarate synthesis ultimately increase the availability of Fe for incorporation into metalloproteins.
What is clinically significant bleeding?
Authors: Chai Khai Li , Wood Erica M.
Published: February 2021

Link to: Article TRF16126
Immune thrombocytopenia induced by beta‐lactam antibiotics: Cross‐reactions of responsible antibodies with other beta‐lactam drugs
Authors: Slaught Matthew , Rasmussen Mark , Bougie Daniel , Aster Richard
Published: February 2021

Background

Beta‐lactam antibiotics are a relatively common cause of immune thrombocytopenia. Because the many beta‐lactam drugs now in clinical use have structural similarities, when a patient experiences this complication the question of whether an alternative member of this drug family can safely be used often arises but there are little data available to guide this decision.

Study Design and Methods

Drug‐dependent, platelet‐reactive antibodies from 32 patients who experienced thrombocytopenia while being treated with a beta‐lactam drug of the penam (piperacillin, etc.) or cephem (ceftriaxone etc.) groups were studied for serologic cross‐reactivity with other drugs from these families using flow cytometry. Cross‐reactions observed were analyzed for correlations with structural features of the drugs tested.

Results

Among 14 antibodies specific for penam drugs, five “strong” cross‐reactions with other penam drugs were found. Among 18 antibodies specific for cephem drugs, 8 “strong cross‐reactions were identified. Antibodies induced by penam drugs did not cross‐react strongly with cephem drugs and vice versa. A strong correlation between cross‐reactions and similar or identical R1 side groups of the beta‐lactams studied was observed.

Discussion

The findings suggest that patients who experience immune thrombocytopenia while being treated with a beta‐lactam of the penam group can safely be treated with a cephem drug and vice versa. If a patient is to be switched to another beta lactam within the same group, the likelihood of serologic cross‐reactivity can be minimized by choosing an agent with a distinctly different R1 side group.
Human platelets labeled at two discrete biotin densities are functional in vitro and are detected in vivo in the murine circulation: A promising approach to monitor platelet survival in vivo in clinical research
Authors: Ravanat Catherine , Pongérard Anaïs , Freund Monique , Heim Véronique , Rudwill Floriane , Ziessel Catherine , Eckly Anita , Proamer Fabienne , Isola Hervé , Gachet Christian
Published: February 2021

Background

The production of platelet concentrates (PCs) is evolving, and their survival capacity needs in vivo evaluation. This requires that the transfused platelets (PLTs) be distinguished from those of the recipient. Labeling at various biotin (Bio) densities allows one to concurrently trace multiple PLT populations, as reported for red blood cells.

Study Design and Methods

A method is described to label human PLTs at two densities of Bio for future clinical trials. Injectable‐grade PLTs were prepared in a sterile environment, using injectable‐grade buffers and good manufacturing practices (GMP)‐grade Sulfo‐NHS‐Biotin. Sulfo‐NHS‐Biotin concentrations were chosen to maintain PLT integrity and avoid potential alloimmunization while enabling the detection of circulating BioPLTs. The impact of biotinylation on human PLT recirculation was evaluated in vivo in a severe immunodeficient mouse model using ex vivo flow cytometry.

Results

BioPLTs labeled with 1.2 or 10 μg/ml Sulfo‐NHS‐Biotin displayed normal ultrastructure and retained aggregation and secretion capacity and normal expression of the main surface glycoproteins. The procedure avoided detrimental PLT activation or apoptosis signals. Transfused human BioPLT populations could be distinguished from one another and from unlabeled circulating mouse PLTs, and their survival was comparable to that of unlabeled human PLTs in the mouse model.

Conclusions

Provided low Sulfo‐NHS‐Biotin concentrations (<10 μg/ml) are used, injectable‐grade BioPLTs comply with safety regulations, conserve PLT integrity, and permit accurate in vivo detection. This alternative to radioisotopes, which allows one to follow different PLT populations in the same recipient, should be valuable when assessing new PC preparations and monitoring PLT survival in clinical research.
ABO blood group and COVID‐19: a review on behalf of the ISBT COVID‐19 Working Group
Authors: Goel Ruchika , Bloch Evan M. , Pirenne France , Al‐Riyami Arwa Z. , Crowe Elizabeth , Dau Laetitia , Land Kevin , Townsend Mary , Jecko Thachil , Rahimi‐Levene Naomi , Patidar Gopal , Josephson Cassandra D. , Arora Satyam , Vermeulen Marion , Vrielink Hans , Montemayor Celina , Oreh Adaeze , Hindawi Salwa , van den Berg Karin , Serrano Katherine , So‐Osman Cynthia , Wood Erica , Devine Dana V. , Spitalnik Steven L. ,   the ISBT COVID‐19 Working Group
Published: February 2021

Growing evidence suggests that ABO blood group may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, with group O individuals less likely to test positive and group A conferring a higher susceptibility to infection and propensity to severe disease. The level of evidence supporting an association between ABO type and SARS‐CoV‐2/COVID‐19 ranges from small observational studies, to genome‐wide‐association‐analyses and country‐level meta‐regression analyses. ABO blood group antigens are oligosaccharides expressed on red cells and other tissues (notably endothelium). There are several hypotheses to explain the differences in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by ABO type. For example, anti‐A and/or anti‐B antibodies (e.g. present in group O individuals) could bind to corresponding antigens on the viral envelope and contribute to viral neutralization, thereby preventing target cell infection. The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus and SARS‐CoV spike (S) proteins may be bound by anti‐A isoagglutinins (e.g. present in group O and group B individuals), which may block interactions between virus and angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme‐2‐receptor, thereby preventing entry into lung epithelial cells. ABO type‐associated variations in angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐1 activity and levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) and factor VIII could also influence adverse outcomes, notably in group A individuals who express high VWF levels. In conclusion, group O may be associated with a lower risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and group A may be associated with a higher risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection along with severe disease. However, prospective and mechanistic studies are needed to verify several of the proposed associations. Based on the strength of available studies, there are insufficient data for guiding policy in this regard.
The effect of the interosseous ligament and selected antebrachiocarpal ligaments on rotation of the radius during extension of the carpus
Authors: Atamna Raya , Bitton Erez , Shemtov Yael , Segev Gilad , Shipov Anna , Milgram Joshua
Published: February 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the interosseous ligament and selected antebrachiocarpal ligaments on the internal rotation of the radius relative to the ulna, during carpal extension.

Study Design

Cadaveric study.

Sample population

Twenty‐four cadaveric canine forelimbs.

Methods

Twenty‐four forelimbs were disarticulated at the elbow joint and the antebrachia were prepared for testing. The forelimbs were divided to 6 groups, defined by the order in which ligaments were transected. All specimens were tested intact and after transecting each of the ligaments with the order defined by the group. Rotation of the radius relative to the ulna, caused by extension of the carpus, was measured using a sensor connected to the radius.

Results:The mean(±sd) maximum internal rotation of the radius (5.94° ± (1.23°)) with all the ligaments intact was significantly greater (p < 0.012) than the mean(±sd) maximum internal rotation of the radius (3.13° (± 1.13°)) after transecting the interosseus ligament. Transecting the interosseous ligament subsequent to one of the other ligaments caused a decrease in internal radial rotation (p = 0.629), while, transecting the short radial collateral ligament caused an increase in radial rotation (p = 0.629). Transecting the palmar radiocarpal and ulnocarpal ligaments had no effect on radial rotation.

Conclusion

The interosseous ligament was stretched with internal rotation of the radius due to carpal extension. Carpal flexion resulted in external rotation of the radius. This effect was lost when the interosseus ligament was transected.

Clinical Significance

Rotation of the radius is associated with carpal extension, and is likely an intrinsic part of forelimb biomechanics.
Research leadership of returned overseas TESOL scholars in Cambodia
Authors: Moore Stephen H.
Published: February 2021

Among the key concerns in developmental world Englishes is that of educational collaboration and cooperation. This article reports a recent study that investigated the research roles and activities of Cambodian applied linguistics (English Language Teachers (ELT) or Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)) scholars who completed a thesis in English outside their own country at an English‐medium higher education institution. In particular, it explores what happens to these scholars when they return to their home institutions in Cambodia with a Master's or PhD degree. Given their overseas training is widely perceived to be superior to that offered by local master's and doctoral programs, it is important to know to what extent these scholars are sharing their knowledge and skills, making an impact through taking on significant leadership roles, and occupying positions of influence within university settings. The research site is a leading public university in Cambodia.