bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does immiserizing growth exist? Evidence from world’s top trading nations
Authors: Jawaid Syed Tehseen , Qureshi Mariya Ahmad , Ali Samra
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to motivate the reality that experiential investigation of immiserizing growth has not been performed at large. The key objective of the study is to analyse the empirical existence of immiserizing growth in the real world.

Design/methodology/approach

Theory of revealed preferences has been implemented for welfare movement by using Laspeyres and Paasche quantity index and for empirical estimations, logistic regression has been applied. The study established panel data of the world’s largest trading nations, including the USA, China, France, Germany, UK, Italy, Japan, the Netherland and Canada. Annual time series data for an extensive time period covering from 1981 till 2017 have been used.

Findings

Findings of the Laspeyres and Paasche index reveal that out of nine countries immiserizing growth prevails in five nations and those are Italy, Canada, the Netherland, UK and Japan. The results of panel logistic regression verify the significance of terms of trade on immiserizing growth in all included countries. Separate logistic regression has also been performed on all the five countries from which Italy, Canada, the Netherland exhibit significant results.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneer attempt towards the concept of immiserizing growth. Considering the fact that immiserizing growth is viewed by the majority of the scholars as a theoretical notion, this study attempts to investigate analytically the existence of immiserizing growth with real data set. The impact of terms of trade deterioration on the welfare of the world’s largest trading nations has been focused on the research which is in compliance with the concept of Bhagwati (1958).
Stock market performance and COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from a developing economy
Authors: Insaidoo Michael , Arthur Lilian , Amoako Samuel , Andoh Francis Kwaw
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the extent to which the Ghana stock market performance has been impacted by the novel COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (EGARCH) model, by using daily time series data from 2 January 2015 to 13 October 2020. Both pre-estimation (Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Phillips-Perron) and post-estimation tests (Jarque-Bera) were conducted to validate the results.

Findings

While the study shows a statistically insignificant negative relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ghana stock returns, the results confirm that the COVID-19 pandemic has occasioned an increase in the Ghana stock returns volatility by 8.23%. Furthermore, the study confirmed the presence of volatility clustering and asymmetric effect, with the latter implying that worthy news tends to affect volatility more than unwelcome news of equal size.

Practical implications

To dampen uncertainties that trigger stock market volatility, the government should surgically target worse affected COVID-19 pandemic businesses and households to check the drop in profits and demand. Rigidities associated with stock market operations must be addressed to make it attractive to investors even in the midst of a pandemic.

Originality/value

This paper is a pioneer attempt at assessing the extent to which a developing economy stock market has been impacted by the novel COVID-19 pandemic using the EGARCH model.
Innovation capabilities of women enterprise in informal settings
Authors: Adeosun Oluyemi Theophilus , Shittu Ayodele Ibrahim , Aju Stellamaris Ifunanya
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how women entrepreneurs in informal settings, especially in the fishing sub-sector in rural communities, relate to different dimensions of innovation. Specifically, this paper examines how women entrepreneurs engage in process, managerial and technological innovations. This paper also examines how they fund their business, develop their products across the value chain innovatively and how it influences their business output and welfare.

Design/methodology/approach

A face-to-face structured interview was administered among 100 women entrepreneurs in the fishing agriculture sub-sector in the Anam community, Anambra East LGA, in Anambra State. The study uses the multiple logistic regression model, descriptive analysis technique and it is quantitative in approach. The research is situated within the Local Innovation Systems and adopts diffusion innovation theory.

Findings

The study established the following: level of education and learning capabilities are significant predictors of process innovation capabilities among women-owned enterprise in informal settings; level of education, years of fishing experience and learning capabilities are significant predictors of technological innovation capabilities among women-owned enterprise in informal settings; and level of education is the only significant predictor of management innovation capabilities among women-owned enterprise in informal settings.

Originality/value

This paper focuses attention on the issue of innovation by women who operate in the informal sector of the fishing sub-sector in the agricultural value chain with attention for their productivity and welfare.
Organic food women entrepreneurs-TISM approach for challenges
Authors: Dahiya Shweta , Panghal Anupama , Sindhu Shilpa , Siwach Parveen
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Organic food is getting attention these days from consumers and producers, in pursuit of safe and chemical-free food. In India, there is an upsurge in entrepreneurs in the organic food sector, with women entrepreneurs signalling higher numbers. Women entrepreneurs have the potential to contribute significantly to the field of organic food; the only requirement is to address the challenges faced by them. This paper aims to attempt at exploring and modelling the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the organic food sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Significant challenges were identified through literature review, primary data collection and expert opinions. The identified challenges were then modelled through total interpretive structural modelling and fuzzy-matriced impact cruises multiplication applique techniques to give a meaningful contextual relationship.

Findings

This study identified “poor government support” and “less awareness” amongst the stakeholders, as the most strategic challenges with the highest driving power to influence other challenges. In contrast, “low funding options” and “fewer buyers” emerged as the most dependent challenges for organic food women entrepreneurs in India.

Originality/value

The model proposed in the study gives a roadmap for different stakeholders in the food industry to scale up organic food women entrepreneurs in India.
Deneddylation by SENP8 restricts hepatitis B virus propagation
Authors: Chen David Virya , Suzuki Tatsuya , Itoh Yumi , Maeda Yusuke , Hirano Junki , Haga Saori , Zhang He , Ito Daiki , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Okamoto Toru
Published: January 2021

Proteins newly synthesized from messenger RNA undergo Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation, glycosylation, methylation, and ubiquitination. These PTMs have important roles in protein stability, localization, and conformation and have been reported to be involved in hepatitis B virus (HBV) propagation. Although ubiquitination plays an essential role in HBV life cycles, the involvement of ubiquitin‐like proteins (UBLs) in HBV life cycles has been understudied. Through comprehensive gain‐ and loss‐of‐function screening of UBLs, we observed that neddylation, a PTM in which neural precursor cell, expressed developmentally downregulated 8 (NEDD8) is conjugated to substrate proteins, was required for efficient HBV propagation. We also found that overexpression of sentrin‐specific protease 8 (SENP8), which cleaves conjugated NEDD8, suppressed HBV propagation. Further, the catalytic activity of SENP8 was required for the suppression of HBV propagation. These results indicated that the reduction of neddylation negatively regulated HBV propagation. In addition, we demonstrated that suppression of HBV propagation via SENP8 overexpression was independent of hepatitis B protein X (HBx) and HBV promoter activity. Therefore, our data suggested that neddylation plays an important role in the late stages of HBV life cycles.
Contrasting responses of different functional groups stabilize community responses to a dominant shrub under global change
Authors: Bai Yuxuan , Michalet Richard , She Weiwei , Qiao Yangui , Liu Liang , Miao Chun , Qin Shugao , Zhang Yuqing
Published: January 2021

Changes in precipitation regimes and nitrogen deposition levels due to global change are altering terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. Most attempts at understanding how biotic interactions affect plant species and community responses to global change have focused on biotic interactions measured at the community level. However, these approaches ignore that communities include functionally dissimilar species that might respond differently to changes in the effects of dominant neighbours along environmental gradients. We test the hypothesis that plant species with differences in functional traits may exhibit contrasting interactions with a dominant shrub species within a single community, thereby stabilizing community‐level responses to the effects of global change.

We manipulated water and nitrogen applications in a semi‐arid dune community in northern China, quantified the biomass of herbaceous species occurring below the dominant shrub, Artemisia ordosica, and in adjacent open patches (without the shrub), and measured herbaceous species height and leaf dry matter content. The effects of A. ordosica were quantified at the species, group and community levels using the relative interaction index (RII). Redundancy analysis was performed on species traits and the RII values to assess the relationships between functional differences in species and plant–plant interactions. Species were then grouped using a cluster analysis and the RII values were recalculated at the group level.

The redundancy analysis showed that species height and leaf dry matter content were significantly correlated to the changes in species' responses to the effect of A. ordosica along treatments. The four groups of species identified by the cluster analysis showed contrasting variations in competitive or facilitative responses depending on species traits and environmental treatments. However, the interactions measured at the group level balanced the community‐level responses, as we found no significant changes in the effects of A. ordosica along treatments for community biomass, richness and functional diversity indices.

Synthesis. Our findings indicate that species with different functional strategies within a community exhibit contrasting responses to a dominant shrub along environmental gradients. These contrasting changes in plant–plant interactions of functionally different species may balance the responses of community‐level metrics. This suggests that functional differences between species groups and the balance of plant–plant interactions stabilize community responses to global change.
Experimental evidence of microbial inheritance in plants and transmission routes from seed to phyllosphere and root
Authors: Abdelfattah Ahmed , Wisniewski Michael , Schena Leonardo , Tack Ayco J. M.
Published: January 2021

While the environment is considered the primary origin of the plant microbiome, the potential role of seeds as a source of transmitting microorganisms has not received much attention. Here we tested the hypothesis that the plant microbiome is partially inherited through vertical transmission. An experimental culturing device was constructed to grow oak seedlings in a microbe‐free environment while keeping belowground and aboveground tissues separated. The microbial communities associated with the acorn's embryo and pericarp and the developing seeding's phyllosphere and root systems were analysed using amplicon sequencing of fungal ITS and bacterial 16S rDNA. Results showed that the seed microbiome is diverse and non‐randomly distributed within an acorn. The microbial composition of the phyllosphere was diverse and strongly resembled the composition found in the embryo, whereas the roots and pericarp each had a less diverse and distinct microbial community. Our findings demonstrate a high level of microbial diversity and spatial partitioning of the fungal and bacterial community within both seed and seedling, indicating inheritance, niche differentiation and divergent transmission routes for the establishment of root and phyllosphere communities.
The Australian Economy in 2020–21: The COVID‐19 Pandemic and Prospects for Economic Recovery
Authors: Lim Guay , Nguyen Viet , Robinson Tim , Tsiaplias Sarantis , Wang Jiao
Published: January 2021

This article summarises developments in the Australian economy in 2020. It describes the economic growth and labour market ramifications associated with COVID‐19, and the fiscal and monetary policies implemented to help counter its effects. COVID‐19 has resulted in considerable slack in an economy that was weak pre‐pandemic. While current policies are appropriately focused on stimulating demand and supporting employment, existing challenges such as weak growth in productivity, gross domestic product and real wages are also likely to remain relevant post‐pandemic.
Romantic partners and young adult offending: Considering the role of partner's socioeconomic characteristics
Authors: Widdowson Alex O. , Hay Carter , Siennick Sonja E.
Published: January 2021

In this study, we examined whether and to what extent the effects on offending of marriage and different types of cohabitating partnerships depend on the romantic partner's socioeconomic status (SES). Such research addresses a key gap in knowledge regarding potential heterogeneity of effects on behavior of romantic partnerships. Drawing on the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, we examined the within‐individual effects of three romantic partner's socioeconomic characteristics–education, employment, and income–on offending from ages 18 to 34. Results revealed that marriage was related to reductions in arrest only for those whose spouse was employed (full or part time) and had income. In contrast to marriage, partner SES was not related to arrest among those who cohabited with a partner they never married. Additionally, partner SES was often associated with reductions in arrest among those who cohabited with a partner they later married, but the reductions were statistically indistinguishable across levels of partner SES. Lastly, these effects were experienced similarly for low‐ and high‐SES individuals alike, and no gender differences were detected in these effects. Our findings suggest that important life events such as marriage and cohabitation can be behavior‐altering transitions, but the effects of these events are variable.
An apple in one hand, a gun in the other: Public support for arming our nation's schools
Authors: Jonson Cheryl Lero , Burton Alexander L. , Cullen Francis T. , Pickett Justin T. , Burton Velmer S.
Published: January 2021

Research summary

In the wake of repeated school shootings, today's youth have acquired the label of the “mass shooting generation.” Another fitting label would be the “armed school generation.” Most states now permit school security officers to carry firearms, and at least 466 school districts in 19 states allow teachers or staff members to be armed. In this context, understanding public opinion about guns in schools is essential. Using a 2018 national survey of 1,100 American adults, we examined public support for arming our nation's schools. Although consensus exists for school resource officers carrying weapons, respondents are divided about arming teachers and nonteaching staff. Those who believe in gun defensive effectiveness, lean right politically, are racially resentful, older, and have children are more likely to endorse arming nonlaw enforcement school personnel. National Rifle Association membership and altruistic fear are associated with support for arming teachers, while a belief in the moral wrongness of harming others predicts opposition to teachers having a gun in one hand and an apple in the other.

Policy implications

The controversy around arming teachers will likely be ongoing. With decisions made locally, public opinion will continue to play an influential role in this debate. Our study provides important new evidence about the extent and correlates of public opinion on guns in schools. The next step is to examine how public attitudes change in response to information about the policy issues associated with arming schools. Future polls should examine the impact being armed has on the teaching profession and localized variations in support for arming the school.
Metabolism of glutamic acid to alanine, proline, and γ‐aminobutyric acid during takuan‐zuke processing of radish root
Authors: Kobayashi Wataru , Kobayashi Taito , Takahashi Asaka , Kumakura Kei , Matsuoka Hiroki
Published: January 2021

Takuan‐zuke is a traditional Japanese fermented pickle, prepared by dehydration of radish root (daikon) by salt‐pressing or sun‐drying followed by aging with salt. We previously reported that alanine, proline, and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulate during daikon dehydration, whereas the level of glutamic acid, their precursor, decreases. We have also reported that dehydration and salt‐aging markedly influence the dynamics of free amino acids. In this study, we quantitatively analyzed free amino acid levels, enzyme activity, and gene expression to characterize takuan‐zuke amino acid metabolism. Enzyme activities related to alanine, proline, GABA, and glutamic acid metabolism were sustained during dehydration. Moreover, genes encoding alanine, proline, and GABA synthases (ALT1, P5CS1, and GAD4) were significantly upregulated during dehydration. These effects may represent cellular stress responses to the dehydration process. The biological response of daikon contributes to the healthy functional aspects that characterize takuan‐zuke. These findings could guide the selection of suitable vegetable varieties to produce pickled vegetables with health‐promoting properties.

Practical Application

The fermented pickle takuan‐zuke, prepared by dehydration of radish root (daikon), accumulates amino acids, such as alanine, proline, and GABA, during preparation that provide taste and health benefits. In this study, the aforementioned amino acids were found to accumulate because of the stress response of daikon during the dehydration process and not because of the action of microorganisms during fermentation. Takuan‐zuke processing is a method for improving the nutrition of daikon.
Neutrophil extracellular traps and inflammatory response: Implications for the immunopathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Zambrano‐Zaragoza José Francisco , Gutiérrez‐Franco Jorge , Durán‐Avelar Ma. de Jesús , Vibanco‐Pérez Norberto , Ortiz‐Martínez Liliana , Ayón‐Pérez Miriam Fabiola , Vázquez‐Reyes Alejandro , Agraz‐Cibrián Juan Manuel
Published: January 2021

Aim

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) pathogenesis has focused on the adaptive immune response; however, innate immune responses may also play a role in the inflammatory response of AS. Dysregulated neutrophil activation can induce tissue damage and contribute to the pathogenesis of immune‐related diseases. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of immune complexes formed with the p30 of Salmonella typhimurium and anti‐p30 antibodies present in the sera of AS patients and controls in inducing the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines.

Methods

We collected polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) from healthy donors. The PMNs isolated were stimulated with p30 alone or in immunocomplexes formed with antibodies presents in sera of AS patients or control subjects. Then, the NETs were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐8 and IL‐10, were determined using the Cytometric Bead Array kit.

Results

Significant difference was observed in the release of NETs between the neutrophils stimulated with p30 + AS (70.52 ± 16.24) those unstimulated neutrophils (9.94 ± 12.12; P = .0095), stimulated with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (39.78 ± 14.50; P = .0190), stimulated with control serum (CS) (10.85 ± 5.33; P = .0082) and serum of AS patient (10.28 ± 6.15; P = .0087). The stimulation of neutrophils with p30 alone induced a relatively low production of IL‐6 (64.5 pg/mL), IL‐8 (2658.3 pg/mL), IL‐1β (31.11 pg/mL), and TNF‐α (3.8 pg/mL), compared to p30 + AS and p30 + CS groups.

Conclusion

Our results show that neutrophils release NETs and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in response to p30 in immunocomplexes. These findings could improve our understanding of the role of innate immunity in the initiation and/or maintenance of inflammatory responses, and in the progression of AS.
Genetic diversity, population structure and rapid early detection of the parasitoid Anastatus orientalis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) inside eggs of spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)
Authors: Manzoor Atif , Zhang Yan‐Long , Xin Bei , Wei Ke , Wang Xiao‐Yi
Published: January 2021

Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is a native pest of more than 70 plant species in China. To date, only two parasitoids are well recognised for biological control of this pest, among which, the egg parasitoid Anastatus orientalis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is known to account for approximately 69% of parasitism observed in the field. Variable emergence timings have been observed in different geographic populations in this parasitoid. To understand the genetic structure among A. orientalis populations we sequenced partial mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences and the D2 region of the nuclear 28S gene across five regions of China (Beijing, Gansu, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Shandong). We identified 16 COI haplotypes among these populations and the lowest level of haplotype diversity was found in the Ningxia population Hd = 0.583 ± 0.133). Results from the analysis of molecular variance indicated that most of the genetic variation is present within the populations. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a weak geographic structure among the populations. To evaluate parasitism rapidly, we developed a 558‐bp species‐specific molecular marker which could efficiently detect parasitoids of any developmental stage inside their host eggs. Sensitivity analysis of markers revealed that our assay could detect as low a DNA template concentration as 0.025 pg/μl. This method provided more rapid and accurate detection of parasitoids compared with regular natural rearing methods.
MiR‐103‐3p targets the m6A methyltransferase METTL14 to inhibit osteoblastic bone formation
Authors: Sun Zhongyang , Wang Han , Wang Yuxiang , Yuan Guodong , Yu Xin , Jiang Hui , Wu Qi , Yang Binkui , Hu Zebing , Shi Fei , Cao Xinsheng , Zhang Shu , Guo Ting , Zhao Jianning
Published: January 2021

Impaired osteoblast function is involved in osteoporosis, and microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation may cause abnormal osteoblast osteogenic activity. However, the influence of miRNA on osteoblast activity and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, miR‐103‐3p was found to be negatively correlated with bone formation in bone specimens from elderly women with fractures and ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Additionally, miR‐103‐3p directly targeted Mettl14 to inhibit osteoblast activity, and METTL14‐dependent N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) methylation inhibited miR‐103‐3p processing by the microprocessor protein DGCR8 and promoted osteoblast activity. Moreover, miR‐103‐3p inhibited bone formation in vivo, and therapeutic inhibition of miR‐103‐3p counteracted the decreased bone formation in OVX mice. Further, METTL14 was negatively correlated with miR‐103‐3p but positively correlated with bone formation in bone specimens from elderly women with fractures and OVX mice. Collectively, our results highlight the critical roles of the miR‐103‐3p/METTL14/m6A signaling axis in osteoblast activity, identifying this axis as a potential target for ameliorating osteoporosis.
The Effects of Anger on Alcohol Demand and Subjective Alcohol Craving
Authors: Ellis Jennifer D. , Grekin Emily R.
Published: January 2021

Background

Anger and anger‐related traits have been related to alcohol use in both cross‐sectional and prospective studies. However, only a small number of studies have experimentally manipulated anger to examine whether the manipulation of anger influences alcohol craving or the relative reinforcing value of alcohol.

Methods

Participants (N = 231) recruited through Amazon’s MTurk were randomly assigned to a provocation condition or a neutral condition prior to completing both the Alcohol Purchase Task and a self‐report measure of alcohol craving. Linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the effects of the anger induction, trait hostility, frequency of alcohol use in the past month, and relevant demographic characteristics (gender, age, income) on alcohol craving and indices of alcohol demand.

Results

Participants assigned to the provocation condition had greater PMax (B = 0.17, p = 0.012) and breakpoint (B = 0.18, p = 0.006) values, less elastic demand (B = −0.15, p = 0.020), and lower drinking intensity (B = −0.14, p = 0.025) than participants assigned to the neutral condition. Trait hostility was positively related to OMax (B = 0.22, p = 0.001), intensity of demand (B = 0.27, p < 0.001), and subjective alcohol craving posttask (B = 0.32, p < 0.001), but did not moderate the relationship between condition and outcomes.

Conclusions

Although most persistence indices of alcohol demand were sensitive to the anger induction, we did not observe higher scores on amplitude indices or subjective craving in the provocation condition relative to the neutral condition. Further investigation into the role which anger plays in alcohol use is warranted.
Common neurofunctional dysregulations characterize obsessive–compulsive, substance use, and gaming disorders—An activation likelihood meta‐analysis of functional imaging studies
Authors: Klugah‐Brown Benjamin , Zhou Xinqi , Pradhan Basant K. , Zweerings Jana , Mathiak Klaus , Biswal Bharat , Becker Benjamin
Published: January 2021

Compulsivity and loss of behavioral control represent core symptoms in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use disorder (SUD), and internet gaming disorder (IGD). Despite elaborated animal models suggesting that compulsivity is mediated by cortico‐striatal circuits and a growing number of neuroimaging case–control studies, common neurofunctional alterations in these disorders have not been systematically examined. The present activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta‐analysis capitalized on previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies to determine shared neurofunctional alterations among the three disorders. Task‐based fMRI studies of individuals with SUD, OCD, or IGD were obtained. ALE was performed within each disorder. Next, contrast and conjunction meta‐analyses were performed to determine differential and common alterations. Task‐paradigm classes were group according to Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) domains to determine contributions of underlying behavioral domains. One hundred forty‐four articles were included representing data from n = 6897 individuals (SUD = 2418, controls = 2332; IGD = 361, controls = 360; OCD = 715, controls = 711) from case–control studies. Conjunction meta‐analyses revealed shared alterations in the anterior insular cortex between OCD and SUDs. SUD exhibited additionally pronounced dorsal‐striatal alterations compared with both, OCD and IGD. IGD shared frontal, particularly cingulate alterations with all SUDs, while IGD demonstrated pronounced temporal alterations compared with both, SUD and OCD. No robust overlap between IGD and OCD was observed. Across the disorders, neurofunctional alterations were mainly contributed by cognitive systems and positive valence RDoC domains. The present findings indicate that neurofunctional dysregulations in prefrontal regions engaged in regulatory‐control represent shared neurofunctional alterations across substance and behavioral addictions, while shared neurofunctional dysregulations in the anterior insula may mediate compulsivity in substance addiction and OCD.
Does dental fluorosis affect electric pulp test response and/or optimum probe placement site?
Authors: Idon Paul I. , Nwamba Patricia N. , Udoye Christopher I. , Jafarzadeh Hamid
Published: January 2021

The placement site of electric pulp tester (EPT) probe on the tooth affects the threshold values obtained. The aim of this study was to determine and compare threshold levels and appropriate placement sites for EPT probe on fluorotic and normal teeth. Equal numbers of fluorotic and non‐fluorotic maxillary central incisors of 40 subjects were assessed. The mean of three threshold readings from an EPT was taken from the labial surface at the incisal edge, incisal third, middle third and cervical third. Kruskal–Wallis and Friedman ANOVA followed by post hoc tests were used to compare threshold scores. Significantly higher thresholds were recorded for fluorotic teeth at the incisal edge and incisal third. The lowest thresholds were obtained for the incisal edge in both fluorotic and non‐fluorotic teeth when compared to the cervical third. There was no statistically significant difference among corresponding test sites between the genders and age groups.
Novel approaches to needle tracking and visualisation
Authors: McLeod G. A.
Published: January 2021

The accuracy and reliability of ultrasound are still insufficient to guarantee complete and safe nerve block for all patients. Injection of local anaesthetic close to, but not touching, the nerve is key to outcomes, but the exact relationship between the needle tip and nerve epineurium is difficult to evaluate, even with ultrasound. Ultrasound has insufficient resolution, tissues are difficult to discern due to acoustic impedance and needles are more difficult to see with increased angulation. The limitations of ultrasound have shifted the focus of innovation towards bio‐markers that help detect needle tip position by utilising the physical properties of tissues, (e.g. pressure, electrical, optics, acoustic and elastic). Although most are at the laboratory stage and results are as yet only available from phantom or cadaver studies, clinical trials are imminent. For example, fine optical fibres placed within the lumen of block needles can measure needle tip pressure. Electrical impedance differentiates between intraneural and perineural needle tip placement. A new tip tracker needle has a piezo element embedded at its distal end that tracks the needle tip in‐plane and out‐of‐plane as a blue/red or green circle depending on its relative location within the beam. Micro‐ultrasound at the tip of the needle is in development. Early images using 40MHz in anaesthetised pigs reveal muscle striation, distinct epineurium and 30–40 fascicles > 75 micron in diameter. The next few years will see a technological revolution in tip‐tracking technology that has the potential to improve patient safety and, in doing so, change practice.
Hyperbaric prilocaine vs. hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia in women undergoing elective caesarean section: a comparative randomised double‐blind study
Authors: Chapron K. , Sleth J.‐C. , Capdevila X. , Bringuier S. , Dadure C.
Published: January 2021

Hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anaesthesia remains the gold standard for elective caesarean section, but the resultant clinical effects can be unpredictable. Hyperbaric prilocaine induces shorter motor block but has not previously been studied in the obstetric spinal anaesthesia setting. We aimed to compare duration of motor block after spinal anaesthesia with prilocaine or bupivacaine during elective caesarean section. In this prospective randomised, double‐blind study, women with uncomplicated pregnancy undergoing elective caesarean section were eligible for inclusion. Exclusion criteria included: patients aged < 18 years; height < 155 cm or > 175 cm; a desire to breastfeed; or a contra‐indication to spinal anaesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups: the prilocaine group underwent spinal anaesthesia with 60 mg intrathecal prilocaine; and the bupivacaine group received 12.5 mg intrathecal heavy bupivacaine. Both 2.5 µg sufentanil and 100 µg morphine were added to the local anaesthetic agent in both groups. The primary outcome was duration of motor block, which was assessed every 15 min after arriving in the post‐anaesthetic care unit. Maternal haemodynamics, APGAR scores, pain scores, patient satisfaction and side‐effects were recorded. Fifty patients were included, with 25 randomly allocated to each group. Median (IQR [range]) motor block duration was significantly shorter in the prilocaine group, 158 (125–188 [95–249]) vs. 220 (189–250 [89–302]) min, p < 0.001. Median length of stay in the post‐anaesthetic care unit was significantly shorter in the prilocaine group, 135 (120–180 [120–230]) vs. 180 (150–195 [120–240]) min, p = 0.009. There was no difference between groups for: maternal intra‐operative hypotension; APGAR score; umbilical cord blood pH; maternal postoperative pain; and patients’ or obstetricians’ satisfaction. We conclude that hyperbaric prilocaine induces a shorter and more reliable motor block than hyperbaric bupivacaine for women with uncomplicated pregnancy undergoing elective caesarean section.
Health‐related quality of life in necrotising soft tissue infection survivors: perspective from an Australian tertiary referral centre
Authors: Lu Patrick , Angliss Margaret , Paul Eldho , Bruscino‐Raiola Frank
Published: January 2021

Background

Necrotising soft tissue infection (NSTI) is a life‐threatening disease with widespread tissue destruction. Immediate and aggressive surgical debridement remains the main focus of treatment. This results in disfiguring scars, functional limitation and psychological sequelae for survivors. As mortality rate declines with improvements in care, a greater focus should be placed upon the psychological and functional outcomes of survivors. This study aims to assess the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients following NSTI using the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) and Derriford Appearance Scale‐24 (DAS‐24).

Methods

All NSTI patients admitted at our tertiary referral centre between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019 were invited to complete the DAS‐24 and SF‐36 surveys. A retrospective chart review was also performed.

Results

A total of 30 participants responded to the surveys. On comparison against the general Australian population, the NSTI cohort demonstrated significantly reduced physical and mental HRQoL as measured by the SF‐36 (P < 0.001). Increased age was significantly associated with a reduced physical HRQoL (P = 0.002), while dysfunction with appearance as measured by the DAS‐24 form correlated with both reduced physical and mental HRQoL (P = 0.020). A total of 79.3% of patients expressed concern regarding their appearance with a significantly higher level of distress at their appearance compared to a non‐clinical population (P = 0.120).

Conclusion

Despite the rarity of NSTI, this study demonstrates that this disease has a large and persistent burden for survivors, who report significantly reduced HRQoL and distress with appearance. Further research into comprehensive physical and psychosocial services for NSTI survivors is required.
Differential expression profiles of circular RNAs in the rat hippocampus after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest
Authors: Li Yi‐Ai , Liu Zhi‐Gang , Zhang You‐Peng , Hou Hai‐Tao , He Guo‐Wei , Xue Lan‐Gang , Yang Qin , Liu Xiao‐Cheng
Published: January 2021

Neurological dysfunction commonly occurs after cardiac surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). The mechanisms underlying DHCA‐associated brain injury remain poorly understood. This study determined the changes in expression profiles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the hippocampus in rats that underwent DHCA, with an attempt to explore the potential role of circRNAs in the brain injury associated with DHCA. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to cardiopulmonary bypass with DHCA. Brain injury was evaluated by neurological severity scores and histological as well as transmission electron microscope examinations. The expression profiles of circRNAs in the hippocampal tissues were screened by microarray. Quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR) was used to validate the reliability of the microarray results. Bioinformatic algorithms were applied to construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to explore the potential biological roles of the circRNAs. Out of 14 145 circRNAs screened, 56 were differentially expressed in the hippocampus between the DHCA and sham‐operated rats, including 30 upregulated and 26 downregulated circRNAs. The expression changes of six selected circRNAs (upregulated: rno_circRNA_011190, rno_circRNA_012988, rno_circRNA_000544; downregulated: rno_circRNA_010393, rno_circRNA_012043, rno_circRNA_015149) were further confirmed by RT‐qPCR. Bioinformatics analysis showed the enrichment of these confirmed circRNAs and their potential target mRNAs in several KEGG pathways including histidine metabolism, adipocytokine signaling, and cAMP signaling. By revealing the change expression profiles of circRNAs in the brain after DHCA, this study indicates possible involvements of these dysregulated circRNAs in brain injury and suggests a potential of targeting circRNAs for prevention and treatment of neurological dysfunction associated with DHCA.
Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma involving the eye and ocular adnexa in East Asia
Authors: Han Sun Hyup , Kim Yoon‐Duck , Jang Jaeho , Park Ji Woong , Young Stephanie M , Woo Kyung In
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To investigate the clinical features and outcomes of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) involving the eye and ocular adnexa in an East Asian population and emphasize the importance of prompt biopsy and treatment in unusually progressive ocular adnexal DLBCL for better visual outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective case series of 38 patients diagnosed with DLBCL involving the eye and ocular adnexa between 1995 and 2018 at a single tertiary institution.

Results

There were 38 patients (22 men, 16 women), 22 (57.9%) of which had ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL) and 16 (42.1%), vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL). The OAL group showed higher rates of unilateral involvement (p = 0.01) and localized disease presentation (p = 0.01). Thirteen (59.1%) of 22 OAL patients were primary diseases and 9 (40.9%) were secondary. Between primary and secondary OAL groups, there was no statistical difference in clinical characteristics such as age, gender and laterality (p = 0.47, p = 0.19 and p = 0.66, respectively). All secondary OAL cases were either disseminated or relapsed by definition and only two cases (15%) of primary OAL showed disseminated presentation (p < 0.01). Six (37.3%) of 22 OAL patients showed a rapid decrease in visual acuity within 15 days and the visual recovery was irreversible in 3 of them.

Conclusion

OA‐DLBCL has a grave prognosis and its visual outcomes largely depend on the timing of diagnosis and treatment. When a high‐grade lymphoma is suspected, prompt biopsy and treatment should be performed to ensure optimal visual, clinical and survival outcomes.
Cost‐effectiveness of dexamethasone and triamcinolone for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema in Finland: A Markov‐model
Authors: Pesonen Mari , Kankaanpää Eila , Vottonen Pasi
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Diabetic macular oedema (DMO), a complication of diabetes, causes vision loss and blindness. Corticosteroids are usually used as a second‐line treatment. The aim of this study was to analyse the cost‐effectiveness of dexamethasone implants compared to cheaper and more frequently applied triamcinolone injections.

Methods

Markov‐modelling, which incorporated both eyes, was used for economic evaluation. The model consisted of five health states based on visual acuity, illustrating the progression of DMO. A cycle length of five months was chosen for dexamethasone and four months for triamcinolone. Time horizons of two and five years were applied. Transition probabilities and health state utilities were sourced from previous studies. The perspective used in this analysis was the hospital perspective. The health care costs were acquired from Kuopio University Hospital in Finland.

Results

In this cost‐effectiveness analysis, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio ICER with 3% discount rate was €56 591/QALY for a two‐year follow‐up and −€1 110 942/QALY for a five‐year follow‐up. In order to consider dexamethasone as cost‐effective over a 2‐year time horizon, the WTP needs to be around €55 000/QALY. Over the five‐year follow‐up, triamcinolone is clearly a dominant treatment. Sensitivity analyses support the cost‐effectiveness of dexamethasone over a 2‐year time horizon.

Conclusions

Since the sensitivity analyses support the results, dexamethasone would be a cost‐effective treatment during the first two years with WTP threshold around €55 000/QALY, and triamcinolone would be a convenient treatment after that. This recommendation is in line with the guidelines of EURETINA.
A prospective study on effectiveness of elevated intraocular pressure as a criterion for glaucoma referrals by optometric practitioners in Sweden
Authors: Landgren Karin , Peters Dorothea
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the outcome of referrals for suspected glaucoma based on elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) made by optometric practitioners in Sweden.

Methods

This prospective study included 95 individuals referred to the Skåne University Hospital Malmö, Sweden, during 2019, by optometric practitioners, based on elevated IOP. Positive outcome was defined as a diagnosis of glaucoma, or a diagnosis of suspected glaucoma. Referral accuracy was analysed. Positive predictive values (PPV) of different hypothetical IOP and age thresholds were calculated.

Results

In 34% (95% CI: 24–43%) of the referrals, no eye disease was found. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was the only referral criterion in 77% (73/95). The PPV was 35% (95% CI: 25–45%) for all referrals, 27% (95% CI: 16–38%) for IOP‐only referrals and 59% (95% CI: 36–82%) for referrals including additional findings. In IOP‐only referrals, no definite diagnosis of glaucoma was made in any patients <45 years of age. Applying a theoretical age limit of ≥45 years with a hypothetical IOP limit of ≥25 mmHg in patients 45–69 years and of ≥22 mmHg in patients ≥70 years increased the PPV to 42% (95% CI: 27–57%). IOP‐only referrals would have been reduced by 27% without missing any glaucoma cases.

Conclusion

The overall predictive value of the referrals was poor. Glaucoma resources would have been used more effectively by increasing the required age for IOP‐only referrals to ≥45 years in combination with different IOP thresholds for certain age groups.
Letter: elevated aspartate aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio predicts poor survival in hepatocellular carcinoma after resection
Authors: Li Zhi‐Cheng , Li Zhen , Li Chuan , Fang Jin‐Cheng , Li Xue‐Zhuang , Zhao Yin‐Nong , Liang Chao‐Yong
Published: January 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kao et al and Wong & Kao papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16097 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16138
Transfusion practice in Australia: an internet‐based survey
Authors: Poh D , Claus M , Smart L , Sharp CR
Published: January 2021

Objective

To describe small animal transfusion practices in Australia, including access to blood products and frequency of pre‐transfusion compatibility testing and medication administration.

Methods

An online survey was disseminated to target Australian veterinarians treating dogs and cats. Information collected included demographics, sources of blood products, blood storage, recipient compatibility testing and administration of medications pre‐transfusion. Associations between the use of compatibility tests and premedications were assessed using the χ2test. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

A total of 199 Australian veterinarians were included; however, there was some attrition of respondents over the course of the survey. The majority of respondents were in general practice (n = 133/199). Access to fresh whole blood was commonly reported for dogs (n = 179/199) and cats (n = 131/198), whereas blood components were less commonly available (canine red blood cells [RBC], n = 52/199 and plasma, n = 157/199; feline RBC, n = 9/198 and plasma, n = 21/198). Most blood was sourced from the pets of owners affiliated with the veterinary clinic (n = 179/196). The respondents who did not blood type or crossmatch dogs were significantly more likely to use premedication than those who did these tests (both comparisons: P < 0.001). Likewise, the respondents who did not blood‐type cats were significantly more likely to use premedication (P = 0.003); however, there was no association between crossmatching and using premedication in cats (P = 0.183).

Conclusion

This is the first survey to describe transfusion practices across a variety of practice types throughout Australia. Future work is needed to determine how representative these results are of current transfusion practices across Australia, and if so, what can be done to optimise them.
Priming effects of arithmetic signs in 10‐ to 15‐year‐old children
Authors: Poletti Céline , Perez Jean‐François , Houillon Jean‐Charles , Prado Jérôme , Thevenot Catherine
Published: January 2021

In this research, 10‐ to 12‐ and 13‐ to 15‐year‐old children were presented with very simple addition and multiplication problems involving operands from 1 to 4. Critically, the arithmetic sign was presented before the operands in half of the trials, whereas it was presented at the same time as the operands in the other half. Our results indicate that presenting the ‘x’ sign before the operands of a multiplication problem does not speed up the solving process, irrespective of the age of children. In contrast, presenting the ‘+’ sign before the operands of an addition problem facilitates the solving process, but only in 13 to 15‐year‐old children. Such priming effects of the arithmetic sign have been previously interpreted as the result of a pre‐activation of an automated counting procedure, which can be applied as soon as the operands are presented. Therefore, our results echo previous conclusions of the literature that simple additions but not multiplications can be solved by fast counting procedures. More importantly, we show here that these procedures are possibly convoked automatically by children after the age of 13 years. At a more theoretical level, our results do not support the theory that simple additions are solved through retrieval of the answers from long‐term memory by experts. Rather, the development of expertise for mental addition would consist in an acceleration of procedures until automatization.