bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipose tissue macrophages as a therapeutic target in obesity‐associated diseases
Authors: Herrada Andrés A. , Olate‐Briones Alexandra , Rojas Armando , Liu Chaohong , Escobedo Noelia , Piesche Matthias
Published: January 2021

Obesity is an increasing problem in developed and developing countries. Individuals with obesity have a higher risk of several diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, increased risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, infertility, degenerative disorders, and also certain types of cancer. Adipose tissue (AT) is considered an extremely active endocrine organ, and the expansion of AT is accompanied by the infiltration of different types of immune cells, which induces a state of low‐grade, chronic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. Even though the exact mechanism of this low‐grade inflammation is not fully understood, there is clear evidence that AT‐infiltrating macrophages (ATMs) play a significant role in the pro‐inflammatory state and dysregulated metabolism. ATMs represent the most abundant class of leukocytes in AT, constituting 5% of the cells in AT in individuals with normal weight. However, this percentage dramatically increases up to 50% in individuals with obesity, suggesting an important role of ATMs in obesity and its associated complications. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of the function of ATMs during steady‐state and obesity and analyze its contribution to different obesity‐associated diseases, highlighting the potential therapeutic target of ATMs in these pathological conditions.
Role of long non‐coding RNAs in adipogenesis: State of the art and implications in obesity and obesity‐associated diseases
Authors: Rey Federica , Urrata Valentina , Gilardini Luisa , Bertoli Simona , Calcaterra Valeria , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo , Cancello Raffaella , Carelli Stephana
Published: January 2021

Obesity is an evolutionary, chronic, and relapsing disease that consists of a pathological accumulation of adipose tissue able to increase morbidity for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea in adults, children, and adolescents. Despite intense research over the last 20 years, obesity remains today a disease with a complex and multifactorial etiology. Recently, long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as interesting new regulators as different lncRNAs have been found to play a role in early and late phases of adipogenesis and to be implicated in obesity‐associated complications onset. In this review, we discuss the most recent advances on the role of lncRNAs in adipocyte biology and in obesity‐associated complications. Indeed, more and more researchers are focusing on investigating the underlying roles that these molecular modulators could play. Even if a significant number of evidence is correlation‐based, with lncRNAs being differentially expressed in a specific disease, recent works are now focused on deeply analyzing how lncRNAs can effectively modulate the disease pathogenesis onset and progression. LncRNAs possibly represent new molecular markers useful in the future for both the early diagnosis and a prompt clinical management of patients with obesity.
Prediction of orthognathic surgery need in children with unilateral cleft lip palate: Dental arch relationships and 5‐year‐olds' index
Authors: Heliövaara Arja , Leikola Junnu
Published: January 2021

Objective

To evaluate whether dental arch relationships at 6 years of age can categorize treatment outcome and predict later need for orthognathic surgery in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).

Setting and sample population

A retrospective longitudinal single‐centre study. The study sample comprised 70 consecutive non‐syndromic children (47 boys) with complete UCLP operated on by pushback techniques during 1981‐1989 and followed until early adulthood in the same cleft centre.

Materials and methods

Dental casts and maxillomandibular relationships were assessed before orthodontic treatment and secondary alveolar bone grafting at mean age 6.1 years (range 5.6‐6.8) using the 5‐year‐olds' index and lateral cephalograms. The need for orthognathic surgery was retrieved from patient files. Student's t test, Pearson's correlation, and Kappa statistics were used in statistical analyses.

Results

Orthognathic surgery frequency was 41% (29/70). Those needing orthognathic surgery comprised all 3 patients with an index score of 5 (very poor), 14 of 17 (82%) scoring 4 (poor), 10 of 26 (38%) scoring 3 (fair), and 2 of 19 (11%) scoring 2 (good). Of the five patients with index score 1 (excellent), none needed osteotomies. The mean index score was 2.9. The score was significantly better in those without orthognathic surgery (2.4 versus 3.6). A significant negative correlation existed between the 5‐year‐olds' index and cephalometric angles ANB and anb.

Conclusion

The use of 5‐year‐olds' index may help to predict treatment outcome and the clinical need for orthognathic surgery especially in patients with the lowest and highest index scores.
Clinical Efficacy of Vertical or Parallel Technique of a Micro‐Locking Plate for Treatment of Dubberley B‐Type Capitellar Fractures
Authors: Lu Yao , Fu Lei , Ma Teng , Xu Yi‐bo , Xu Li‐ping , Song Zhe , Fan Shan , Wang Qian , Sun Liang , Xue Han‐zhong , Li Zhong , Zhang Kun , Liu De‐yin , Ren Cheng
Published: January 2021

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of micro‐locking plate through vertical or parallel technique for treatment of Dubberley B‐type capitellar fractures.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in 24 patients (17 males and seven females, with an average age of 44.9 years, range from 19 to 75 years) with capitellar fractures that were treated with micro‐locking plate using vertical or parallel technique between January 2016 to January 2019. The inclusion criteria include closed capitellar fracture, normal anterior elbow joint movement before injury, and recent capitellar fracture with injury within past 3 weeks. Fractures classified according to Dubberley included four cases of type IB, eight cases of type IIB, and 12 cases of type IIIB. Radiographic evaluation was performed. Surgery time, blood loss, range of motion of the elbow, forearm rotation, and complications were recorded. Elbow joint function was evaluated by Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).

Results

The mean follow‐up period was 19.6 months (range, 12–36 months). The average clinical healing time for fractures was 11.2 ± 3.2 weeks (range, 8–20 weeks). Fracture united in all patients. Two patients showed slight delayed union, but union was achieved eventually. The mean time from injury to surgery was 6.3 ± 3.1 days (range, 2–15 days). The average surgical time was 68.1 ± 11.5 min (range, 50–90 min), and the mean blood loss was 75.2 ± 26.5 mL (range, 40–120 mL). The mean range of flexion was 122.5° ± 10.5°(range, 95°–140°). The mean range of extension was 8.5° ± 5.8°(range, 0°–20°). The mean range of pronation was 79.7° ± 8.0°(range, 65°–90°). The mean range of supination was 80.5° ± 7.1°(range, 60°–90°). The mean MEPS at final follow‐up was 89.8 ± 9.0 (range, 60–100). Based on the MEPS, 18 (75%) patients had excellent, five (20.8%) patients had good, and one (4.2%) patient had fair. None of the 24 patients suffered vascular or nerve injury. One patient showed superficial infection, which was treated with surgical dressing.

Conclusions

The vertical or parallel technique of the micro‐locking plate is an excellent method for treating Dubberley B‐type capitellar fractures.
“Apical sparing” T‐wave inversion in a case of mid‐ventricular takotsubo syndrome
Authors: Giannattasio Alessia , Baritussio Anna , Gallucci Marco , Migliore Federico , Corrado Domenico , Zorzi Alessandro
Published: January 2021

Previous studies showed that myocardial edema correlates with dynamic T‐wave inversion and QTc prolongation in a variety of acute cardiovascular diseases including takotsubo syndrome (TTS). We reported the case of a patient with “atypical” (mid‐ventricular) TTS showing a unique pattern of diffuse T‐wave inversion that spared only the apical precordial leads V3–V4. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) showed myocardial edema involving all mid‐ventricular segments but not the apex. Both ECG and CMR normalized at follow‐up evaluation. This case further reinforces the theory of an association between presence and regional distribution of acute myocardial inflammation and dynamic repolarization changes.
Prognostic nutritional index as the predictor of long‐term mortality among HFrEF patients with ICD
Authors: Çinier Göksel , Hayıroğlu Mert İlker , Pay Levent , Yumurtaş Ahmet Çağdaş , Tezen Ozan , Eren Semih , Kolak Zeynep , Çetin Tuğba , Özcan Serhan , Türkkan Ceyhan , Özbilgin Nazmiye , Tekkeşin Ahmet İlker , Alper Ahmet Taha , Gürkan Kadir
Published: January 2021

Background

The benefit of implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) could be limited in a particular group of patients. Low prognostic nutritional index (PNI) indicates malnutrition and proinflammatory condition. We sought to investigate the value of PNI in predicting long‐term mortality among HFrEF patients with ICD.

Methods

Electronic database was searched for identifying patients with HFrEF who were implanted ICD in our institution between 2009 and 2019. Demographic and clinical characteristics of included patients were recorded. PNI was calculated according to the formula: 10 × serum albumin (g/dL) + 0.005 × total lymphocyte count (per mm3). Patients were divided into the quartiles according to PNI values. Differences between the groups were analyzed by the log‐rank test. A forward Cox proportional regression model was used for multivariable analysis.

Results

One thousand and hundred patients were included to the study. The underlying heart failure etiology was ischemic and nonischemic in 77.3% and 22.7% of patients, respectively. Mortality rate in Q1 (5.1%) was considered as the reference. In the unadjusted model the mortality rate was 9.5% (hazard ratio [HR] 1.76, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] [0.92‐3.38]) in Q2, 10.2% (HR 1.88, 95% CI 0.99‐3.58) in Q3, and 39.6% (HR 8.12, 95% CI 4.65‐14.17) in Q4. The same trend was consistent in the age‐ and sex‐adjusted, comorbidities‐adjusted, and covariates‐adjusted models.

Conclusion

Among patients who were implanted with ICD secondary to HFrEF, lower PNI value predicted all‐cause mortality during long‐term follow‐up. This is the first study demonstrating the value of PNI in this population.
Feasibility of effectiveness trials in pediatric anesthesia
Authors: Morton William J.
Published: January 2021

Background

Effectiveness studies aim to investigate whether an intervention does more good than harm in normal clinical practice.

Discussion

Historically, research in pediatric anesthesia has appropriately concentrated on efficacy studies which even if of excellent design, tell us little about how generalizable or applicable the findings are to routine clinical practice. Simultaneously effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness research has been limited due to systematic and cultural factors. To understand the challenges of effectiveness research in children, it is necessary to examine the overlapping relationship between efficacy, effectiveness, and cost‐effectiveness studies. This can be illuminated with Cochrane´s hierarchy of investigation and the disease, illness, and sickness modelfrom the philosophy of science. Effectiveness (illness perspective) studies form the middle rung of Cochrane´s research hierarchy, between efficacy (disease perspective) and cost‐effectiveness (sickness perspective) research. Effectiveness studies aim to be generalizable and determine whether interventions work in routine clinical practice. Since outcomes that reflect patient priorities offer the most generalizability these are encouraged in effectiveness studies. Due to developing consciousness and communication in young children, identifying and measuring patient‐centered outcomes has challenges. These challenges are not insurmountable and with appropriate communication and research techniques the subjective nature of the experience of illness in the young may be elucidated and should direct research goals where possible. Sickness perspective research, in terms of cost‐effectiveness, remains underdeveloped in pediatric anesthesia.

Pediatric anesthesia has a strong base in efficacy research, but the need to expand research to include effectiveness and eventually cost‐effectiveness studies should not be ignored.
Bare‐bulb Upper‐Room Germicidal Ultraviolet‐C (GUV) Indoor Air Disinfection for COVID‐19†
Authors: Davidson Bruce L.
Published: January 2021

Reliable indoor air disinfection could make clinical and other necessary indoor spaces safer during epidemics with airborne transmission like COVID‐19. Low‐dose upper‐room germicidal ultraviolet‐C (GUV 254 nm) is well suited for this because of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus' sensitivity to GUV inactivation and GUV's relatively easy adaptability to many types of indoor spaces without respect to outside weather conditions. However, most existing upper‐room GUV fixtures are relatively expensive and inefficient at creating an upper‐room disinfection zone due to loss of disinfecting UV‐C photons caused by the casing and louvers designed to protect persons in the occupied space. Presented herein are two moderate‐size restaurant spaces, 900 ft2 (83.6 m2) and 630 ft2 (58.5 m2), respectively, in which low‐cost bare‐bulb GUV fixtures, without exterior casing, were installed with upward‐pulling ceiling fans to provide upper‐room disinfection and lower‐room safety. Proper safety‐tested installations like these are adaptable to hospital emergency department waiting rooms, clinics, nursing home and prison common areas, public libraries, schools and restaurants.
High‐grade uterine sarcoma with osteosarcomatous differentiation arising from a MED12‐mutated leiomyoma, a case report
Authors: Le Minh‐Khang , Omori Makiko , Oishi Naoki , Oi Megumi , Fukasawa Hiroko , Hirata Shuji , Kondo Tetsuo
Published: January 2021

Uterine osteosarcoma has been reported, but it is an extremely rare tumor with highly aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. The pathogenesis of uterine osteosarcoma is not fully understood. Herein, we report on a high‐grade uterine sarcoma with focal osteosarcomatous differentiation that developed from a long‐standing MED12‐mutated leiomyoma. A 47‐year‐old nulligravida woman, with known uterine leiomyoma presented with abdominal pain and distention. Imaging analyses revealed a tumor with a large cystic area in the uterine corpus and multiple metastases in intrapelvic and paraaortic lymph nodes, left ovary and left lung. With a clinical diagnosis of uterine sarcoma the patient underwent abdominal total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy, partial omentectomy and removal of the left obturator lymph node. Despite postoperative chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the tumor progressed rapidly. She died 18 weeks after the surgery. Histopathologic examination identified a high‐grade pleomorphic sarcoma in which focal osteoid production was observed. This high‐grade sarcoma with focal osteosarcomatous differentiation was located within the uterine leiomyoma, and Sanger sequencing showed the identical MED12 L36R mutation in both the osteosarcomatous and leiomyomatous components supporting the shared origin of these two components. We, therefore, concluded that the high‐grade sarcoma with osteosarcomatous differentiation arose from the transformation of the precedent leiomyoma.
Maternal risk factors for congenital limb deficiencies: A population‐based case–control study
Authors: Syvänen Johanna , Nietosvaara Yrjänä , Hurme Saija , Perheentupa Antti , Gissler Mika , Raitio Arimatias , Helenius Ilkka
Published: January 2021

Background

Risk factors for congenital limb deficiencies are poorly understood.

Objective

To investigate risk factors for congenital limb deficiencies.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide population‐based case–control (1:5) study in Finland, using national registers on congenital anomalies, births, and induced abortions, cross‐linked with data on maternal prescription medicine use obtained from the registers on Reimbursed Drug Purchases and Medical Special Reimbursements. Five hundred and four children with limb deficiencies (241 isolated, 181 syndromic, and 82 other associated anomalies) were identified, and 2,520 controls were matched to cases on residence and year of pregnancy. Non‐syndromic cases (n = 323) were subdivided into longitudinal (n = 120), transverse (n = 123), intercalary (n = 24), mixed (n = 18), and unknown (n = 38) deficiencies.

Results

Pregestational diabetes was associated with all limb deficiencies (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 12.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.37, 68.25) and with isolated (OR 11.42, 95% CI 2.00, 64.60) deficiencies. Primiparity was associated with increased risk of congenital limb deficiencies among all cases (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.15, 1.93), isolated cases (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.09, 1.96), and among cases with longitudinal (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.24, 2.90) and transverse deficiencies (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.13, 2.70). Young maternal age (<25 years) was associated with all congenital limb deficiencies (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.02, 1.90) and transverse deficiencies (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.05, 2.96). Advanced maternal age (≥35 years) was associated with syndromic (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.19, 2.78) and transverse deficiencies (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.06, 3.57). Maternal antiepileptic medication was associated with all (OR 5.77, 95% CI 1.75, 19.04) and with isolated cases (OR 3.83, 95% CI 1.02, 14.34).

Conclusions

It is important that pregnant women taking medications, especially antiepileptics, or women with pregestational diabetes are carefully monitored with regard to the occurrence and risk of limb deficiencies in the fetus.
The interplay of hydraulic failure and cell vitality explains tree capacity to recover from drought
Authors: Mantova Marylou , Menezes‐Silva Paulo E. , Badel Eric , Cochard Hervé , Torres‐Ruiz José M.
Published: January 2021

Global climatic models predict an increment in the frequency and intensity of drought events, which have important consequences on forest dieback. However, the mechanisms leading to tree mortality under drought conditions and the physiological thresholds for recovery are not totally understood yet. This study aimed to identify what are the key physiological traits that determine the tree capacity to recover from drought. Individuals of a conifer (Pseudotsuga menziesii M.) and an angiosperm (Prunus lusitanica L.) species were exposed to drought and their ability to recover after rehydration monitored. Results showed that the actual thresholds used for recovery from drought based on percentage loss of conductance (PLC) (i.e., 50% for conifers, 88% for angiosperms) do not provide accurate insights about the tree capacity for surviving extreme drought events. On the contrary, differences in stem relative water content (RWCStem) and the level of electrolytes leakage (EL) were directly related to the capacity of the trees to recover from drought. This was the case for the conifer species, P. menziesii, for which higher RWCStem and lower EL values were related to the recovery capacity. Even if results showed a similar trend for the angiosperm P. lusitanica as for the conifers, differences between the two traits were much more subtle and did not allow an accurate differentiation between trees able to recover and those that were not. RWCStem and EL could work as indicators of tree capacity to recover from drought for conifers but more studies are required to confirm this observation for angiosperms.
Right unilateral versus bilateral formula‐based electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of major depression in elderly patients: a randomised, open label, pilot controlled trial
Authors: Dominiak Monika , Goetz Zuzanna , Antosik‐Wojcinska Anna Z. , Swiecicki Lukasz
Published: January 2021

Background

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the most effective treatment of depression in the elderly population; however, it is still unclear which type of ECT is most beneficial in this population. The aims of this study were: (i) to assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial in elderly depressed patients treated with right unilateral (RUL) or fronto‐temporal bilateral (BT) formula‐based ECT; (ii) to compare formula‐based RUL and BT ECT in terms of efficacy, safety and tolerability in this population.

Methods

The study lasted 3 years and managed to randomise 29 patients over 65 years old to receive either BT (n= 14) or RUL (n= 15) ECT. Brief pulse width (0.5 ms) and age‐based dosing method were applied. The clinical efficacy was assessed using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, somatic state was monitored throughout the ECT course. In neuropsychological examination general cognitive performance, executive functions, verbal fluency, memory, autobiographical memory were evaluated.

Results

The recruitment was poor due to small number of patients able to give informed consent. ECT proved to be a highly effective and safe method of treatment among elders. Formula‐based RUL ECT did not differ from BT in antidepressant efficacy and had cognitive advantages ‐ the indices of general cognitive performance, verbal fluency and memory were significantly better than before the treatment in the RUL group. Decline in retrieval consistency of autobiographical memory was more pronounced in the BT group, although it was observed across both groups.

Conclusions

Formula‐based RUL ECT might not differ from BT in antidepressant efficacy and has an advantage in terms of tolerability.
The redclaw crayfish: A prominent aquaculture species with invasive potential in tropical and subtropical biodiversity hotspots
Authors: Haubrock Phillip J. , Oficialdegui Francisco J. , Zeng Yiwen , Patoka Jiří , Yeo Darren C.J. , Kouba Antonín
Published: January 2021

The redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus; hereafter redclaw), native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea, is among the largest freshwater decapods. It matures early and is considered highly prolific as females may lay over one thousand eggs in a single clutch. Despite generally preferring slow‐moving streams in its native range, it has a wide environmental tolerance, making it capable of establishing populations when introduced to a wide range of other conditions and habitats. These biological and ecological features render it a highly suitable and popular species for aquaculture worldwide, being the second most important crayfish species economically (after the red swamp crayfishProcambarus clarkii). Adding to that, its unique coloration fuels demand and value among aquarium enthusiasts, making it attractive for the aquarium pet trade. Today, redclaw is widely translocated (67 countries/territories) and various established wild populations (22 countries) have been reported on every continent except Antarctica. Information on its potential or observed impacts, however, is sparse and often anecdotal. To address this gap, this comprehensive review compiles all available information on this species, covering its taxonomy and description, biology and ecology, native and non‐native ranges accompanied with documented introduction pathways. Built upon these, we conducted biological and socio‐economic classification and species distribution modelling. We reveal a lack of thorough impact assessments for this species despite sufficient indications of major observable impacts at local scales. We call attention to the importance of managing the use of this prominent introduced species in aquaculture and aquarium pet trade.
Alpha‐lipoic acid improves the maturation and the developmental potential of goat oocytes in vitro
Authors: He Yuanyuan , Wang Yile , Zhang Hengde , Zhang Yong , Quan Fusheng
Published: January 2021

Oxidative stress inevitably occurs during oocyte maturation in vitro. α‐lipoic acid (α‐LA) has a strong antioxidant capacity, but the effect of α‐LA on parthenogenetic activation of oocytes was rarely reported. This study aims to investigate the effect of supplementing α‐LA to in vitro maturation medium on the subsequent developmental ability of goat parthenogenetic embryos during oocytes maturation. In the study, the goat cumulus‐oocyte complex was divided into the experimental (with 25 μmol/L α‐LA) and the control (without α‐LA) groups. Oxidase expression was measured using RT‐qPCR. After 18–22 hr of maturation, the oocytes were then parthenogenetic activated. The total antioxidant capacity of embryos was measured after 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hr of culture. Rates of oocyte maturation and the rates of development for parthenogenetic embryos in the α‐LA group were significantly improved by 7.88% (p < .05) and 5.41% (p < .05) compared with those in the control group, respectively. After 24 hr, the difference in total antioxidant capacity was extremely significant in both groups. An evident decrease in the control group and a minor decrease in the α‐LA group were observed (p < .01). The ratio of inner cell mass cells to the total cell number of blastocysts in the α‐LA group increased compared with that in the control group (p < .05) on day 8. α‐LA significantly promoted the expression of SOD and GPX4 of parthenogenetic blastocysts and maturated oocytes. α‐LA (25 μmol/L) improved the maturation rate and the developmental competence of the parthenogenetic activation of oocytes, which might be mediated by maintaining the total antioxidant ability of oocytes during the culture period.
Improving restoration success through a precision restoration framework
Authors: Copeland Stella M. , Baughman Owen W. , Boyd Chad S. , Davies Kirk W. , Kerby Jay , Kildisheva Olga A. , Svejcar Tony
Published: January 2021

Dryland ecosystems represent a significant portion of global land area, support billions of people, and suffer high rates of land degradation. Successfully restoring native vegetation to degraded drylands is a global priority and major challenge—highlighting the need for more efficient and successful restoration strategies. We introduce the concept of “precision restoration,” which targets critical biotic and abiotic barriers to restoration success and applies specific tools or methods based on barrier distribution in space and time. With an example from the sagebrush steppe biome, a North American cold desert, we present a framework for precision restoration in drylands that involves: (1) identifying site‐specific critical barriers to restoration success, (2) understanding the spatial and temporal variability of each barrier, and (3) applying the best available restoration strategies given the specific barrier and its variability, described in the first two steps. This framework aims to enhance restoration success by focusing restoration practices on ameliorating the influential barriers when and where they occur and away from applying singular landscape‐wide approaches.
Is Panama really your tax haven? Secrecy jurisdictions and the countries they harm
Authors: Janský Petr , Meinzer Markus , Palanský Miroslav
Published: January 2021

Secrecy jurisdictions provide opportunities for nonresidents to escape the laws and regulations of their home countries by allowing them to hide their identities. In this paper we quantify which jurisdictions supply secrecy to which countries and assess how successful countries are in targeting that secrecy with their policies. To that objective, we develop the Bilateral Financial Secrecy Index (BFSI) which maps the financial secrecy faced by 82 countries and supplied to them by 131 jurisdictions, thus providing the study of the world of financial secrecy with unprecedented nuance. We then use the BFSI to evaluate the progress of two recent policy initiatives designed to curb financial secrecy: automatic information exchange (AIE) and the blacklisting of noncooperative jurisdictions. By embedding the role of power in the center of our analytical framework, we reconcile the apparently conflicting findings of the existing literature on the effectiveness of these policies. We show that secrecy jurisdictions engage in selective resistance depending on whom they are dealing with, and that the hypocrisy of Organisation for Economic Co‐Operation and Development member countries lies at the heart of the design and operation of the AIE system and the blacklisting exercise. We argue that focusing policy on the most relevant secrecy jurisdictions, which – despite its pivotal role in recent offshore document leaks – only rarely include Panama, would enable countries to more effectively mitigate the harm caused by financial secrecy.
In the steps of Birgitta of Sweden: the reluctant authority of Paola Antonia Negri (1508–1555)*
Authors: Cappuccilli Eleonora
Published: January 2021

This article reappraises the experience of the visionary Angelic Paola Antonia Negri (1508–1555) in order to reconstruct the missing links of a hidden genealogy of charismatic women. Birgitta of Sweden (1303–1373), celebrated author of eight books of revelations, played a major role in this genealogy, establishing the canon of women’s prophetic history and thus making it possible to talk of a Birgittine prophetic model. This article investigates how Negri, by exercising charismatic authority and developing her authorial voice, revived and ‘reactivated’ Birgitta’s prophetic model in its critique and legitimation of spiritual and temporal powers, its textual agency and its challenge to male hierarchies. Through the analysis of Negri’s Spiritual Letters (published posthumously in 1576), her hagiography, her milieu and the Inquisition’s and the Barnabites’ documents, this article shows how Negri made the Birgittine model available to all Christians, thus intensifying its potential to question the ecclesiastical and male monopoly of truth and spiritual power and the hierarchical nature of the early modern concept of authority.
The Impact of Trust and Risk Perception on the Acceptance of Measures to Reduce COVID‐19 Cases
Authors: Siegrist Michael , Luchsinger Larissa , Bearth Angela
Published: January 2021

The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus that causes COVID‐19 has had a large impact on the lives of many people worldwide. At the peak of confirmed COVID‐19 cases during the first wave in Switzerland (March–April 2020), we conducted a survey in the German‐speaking part of the country (N = 1,585). The results suggest that the implemented measures are accepted. The survey participants are more concerned that other family members could catch the virus compared with themselves, and they are worried about its economic impact. The results suggest that how trust is measured is crucial because general trust and social trust have opposite effects on the participants’ risk perceptions. People with high general trust perceive less risks associated with COVID‐19 compared with people who have low general trust, and people with high social trust perceive more risks compared with people who have low social trust. The results further indicate that perceived risks are important drivers for the acceptance of the government's implemented measures to control COVID‐19 and for more precautionary behavior (i.e., contact with fewer people and more hygienic behavior). Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Exploiting New Forms of Data to Study the Private Rented Sector: Strengths and Limitations of a Database of Rental Listings
Authors: Livingston Mark , Pannullo Francesca , Bowman Adrian W. , Scott E. Marian , Bailey Nick
Published: January 2021

Reviews of official statistics for UK housing have noted that developments have not kept pace with real-world change, particularly the rapid growth of private renting. This paper examines the potential value of big data in this context. We report on the construction of a dataset from the on-line adverts of one national lettings agency, describing the content of the dataset and efforts to validate it against external sources. The paper specifically examines what these data might add to our understanding of changing volumes and rents in the private rented sector. Fluctuations in market share across advertising platforms make assessment of volume problematic, while rental prices appear more robust through comparison with other reference information. Focussing on one urban area, we illustrate how the dataset can shed new light on local changes. Lastly, we discuss the issues involved in making more routine use of this kind of data.
Nowcasting Monthly GDP with Big Data: A Model Averaging Approach
Authors: Proietti Tommaso , Giovannelli Alessandro
Published: January 2021

Gross domestic product (GDP) is the most comprehensive and authoritative measure of economic activity. The macroeconomic literature has focused on nowcasting and forecasting this measure at the monthly frequency, using related high-frequency indicators. We address the issue of estimating monthly GDP using a large-dimensional set of monthly indicators, by pooling the disaggregate estimates arising from simple and feasible bivariate models that consider one indicator at a time in conjunction to GDP. Our base model handles mixed-frequency data and ragged-edge data structure with any pattern of missingness. Our methodology enables to distil the common component of the available economic indicators, so that the monthly GDP estimates arise from the projection of the quarterly figures on the space spanned by the common component. The weights used for the combination reflect the ability to nowcast quarterly GDP and are obtained as a function of the regularized estimator of the high-dimensional covariance matrix of the nowcasting errors. A recursive nowcasting and forecasting experiment with data on euro area GDP illustrates that the optimal weights adapt to the information set available in real time and vary according to the phase of the business cycle.
Potential Impact of Climate Change and Armed Conflict on Inequality in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Ujunwa Angela , Okoyeuzu Chinwe , Nkwor Nelson , Ujunwa Augustine
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the potential impact of climate change and armed conflict on inequality in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). The system‐GMM for a panel of 35 SSA countries is employed using annual data from 1997 to 2018. The empirical results indicate that armed conflict and climate are major drivers of inequality in SSA. The direct impact of the two determinants is more than the indirect impact. Also, the impact of armed conflict is more than the climate change. The coefficients of population growth, output growth, unemployment, natural rent, exchange rate and inflation rate are significant positive predictors of inequality in the SSA. The study advocates for a multidisciplinary inclusive growth strategy that prioritises the climate change reversal, de‐escalation of armed conflict, population control, reduction of the unemployment rate and increasing informal sector productivity, to promote inclusive growth and reduce inequality. However, sequencing the policy targets relative to the magnitude of their impact on inequality is extremely crucial.
Efficacy of denture adhesives in complete denture wearers compared to denture wearers not using denture adhesives. A systematic review
Authors: Elabbasy Neveen , Ahn Tae Jun , Morton Philip , Han Phuu P. , Enciso Reyes , Mulligan Roseann
Published: January 2021

Aim

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of denture adhesives (DAs) in completely edentulous denture wearers compared to not using DAs.

Methods and Results

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched from the database inception up to 6 February 2020 for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) involving patients with complete dentures in both arches where the use of DAs was compared to no use of DAs. A total of 497 abstracts were reviewed, resulting in inclusion of 10 RCTs. Outcomes reported in the included trials were thoroughly reviewed and tabulated. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used. All 10 studies were assessed at unclear (10%) or high risk of bias (90%). Studies showed DAs improved mainly retention/stability, and masticatory/chewing ability/performance, compared to no adhesives.

Conclusion

Most studies showed favorable results for DAs on retention and stability of complete dentures, masticatory performance, patient's comfort and satisfaction. Due to the heterogeneity of the outcomes, unclear/high risk of bias and small sample sizes, the quality of the evidence was very low. More high‐quality research is needed with improved blinding and use of standardized methods to evaluate the efficacy of DAs.
Population Aging and Its Impact on the Country's Economy
Authors: Lukyanets Artem , Okhrimenko Igor , Egorova Maria
Published: January 2021

Objective

The present article raised the pressing issue of population aging in Russia and investigated the challenges this
phenomenon poses to the social security system. As modern studies show, this challenge is typical for both developing and
developed countries. The paper intended to propose ways of reforming the pension system of the Russian Federation to ensure its independence from the state budget.

Methods

The provided suggestions were based on the analysis of the current demographic problems in Russia, review of the dynamics of its population age composition, consideration of the most popular strategies for reforming pension systems in developed countries, and the specific features of the Russian labor market.

Results

Currently, for
Russian Federation, the population over the working age grew by 11.6%, and number of the working‐age people and those under the working‐age decreased by 9.3% and 5.6%, respectively. The inverse dependency ratio ranged from 2.2 to 1.7 in 2019 to the level of 1.78 for 10 years. As a result, it was noted that ignoring the issue of population aging can lead to a decrease in state budget stability and adversely impact the country's economic prosperity.

Conclusion

The novelty of the research lies in selection of
the main problems of reforming country budgets in connection with the increase in the number of elderly people and changes in the dynamics of pension contributions in connection with the growing expectations of the population. Among other things, the article also highlighted the presence of additional difficulties that may accompany the implementation of the proposed measures.
Formation Mechanism of Arcuate Tectonic Structures around Northeast Tibetan Plateau: Insight from 3‐D Numerical Modeling
Authors: Pei Xu , Li Zhong‐Hai , Shi Yaolin
Published: January 2021

The arcuate tectonic structure is a prominent feature of the northeast Tibetan plateau, the dynamics of which is still not well constrained. In this study, 3‐D high‐resolution numerical models are systematically conducted to investigate the arcuate tectonics and dynamics. The models highly emphasize the significance of lateral heterogeneities, indicating that the pre‐existing strong blocks within the deforming plate strongly control the formation of arcuate tectonics. The laterally changing thickness of sediment strata or varying geometry of inherited faults within the deforming plate can also contribute but does not play crucial roles. On the other hand, the non‐uniform shape of the leading edge of the indenting plate only leads to the formation of arcuate tectonics close to the indenter. Finally, the numerical models are systematically compared with the arcuate tectonic structures around the northeast Tibetan plateau and other possible regions.
Mining spatial patterns of food culture in China using restaurant POI data
Authors: Zhang Haiping , Zhou Xingxing , Tang Guoan , Xiong Liyang , Dong Kaixin
Published: January 2021

Traditional studies on food culture mainly focus on types of foods. However, these studies have been limited by the low availability of data. With the rapid advancement of web maps, efficiently obtaining restaurant data is possible. This study examines the food culture of mid‐eastern China using millions of items of restaurant point of interest data and explores different spatial patterns between local and non‐local restaurants. The spatial patterns are first analyzed by the hotspot detector and G‐statistics models in global and local perspectives, and the spatial correlations are then examined between food culture preferences, climate, and social economy. This article presents the following results: (a) The distribution patterns of local (Chinese restaurants and teahouses) and non‐local food (other restaurants and cafes) demonstrate similar numbers but different rates ‐ the social economy also has a remarkable effect on local and non‐local food culture; and (b) Although globalization has a profound effect on Chinese food culture, most local specialty cuisines have been preserved in their respective regions. This study formalizes food culture with GIS methods, opening application opportunities of other GIS techniques to analyze the spatial pattern and correlation of cultural phenomena.
Function of the pseudo phosphotransfer proteins has diverged between rice and Arabidopsis
Authors: Vaughan‐Hirsch John , Tallerday Emily J. , Burr Christian A. , Hodgens Charlie , Boeshore Samantha L. , Beaver Kevin , Melling Allison , Sari Kartika , Kerr Ian D. , Šimura Jan , Ljung Karin , Xu Dawei , Liang Wanqi , Bhosale Rahul , Schaller G. Eric , Bishopp Anthony , Kieber Joseph J.
Published: January 2021

The phytohormone cytokinin plays a significant role in nearly all aspects of plant growth and development. Cytokinin signaling has primarily been studied in the dicot model Arabidopsis, with relatively little work done in monocots, which include rice (Oryza sativa) and other cereals of agronomic importance. The cytokinin signaling pathway is a phosphorelay comprised of the histidine kinase receptors, the authentic histidine phosphotransfer proteins (AHPs) and type‐B response regulators (RRs). Two negative regulators of cytokinin signaling have been identified: the type‐A RRs, which are cytokinin primary response genes, and the pseudo histidine phosphotransfer proteins (PHPs), which lack the His residue required for phosphorelay. Here, we describe the role of the ricePHPgenes. Phylogenic analysis indicates that the PHPs are generally first found in the genomes of gymnosperms and that they arose independently in monocots and dicots. Consistent with this, the three ricePHPsfail to complement an Arabidopsisphpmutant (aphp1/ahp6). Disruption of the three ricePHPsresults in a molecular phenotype consistent with these elements acting as negative regulators of cytokinin signaling, including the induction of a number of type‐A RR and cytokinin oxidase genes. The triplephpmutant affects multiple aspects of rice growth and development, including shoot morphology, panicle architecture, and seed fill. In contrast to Arabidopsis, disruption of the ricePHPsdoes not affect root vascular patterning, suggesting that while many aspects of key signaling networks are conserved between monocots and dicots, the roles of at least some cytokinin signaling elements are distinct.
Evaluation of the neoplastic infiltration of the skin overlying canine subcutaneous soft tissue sarcomas: An explorative study
Authors: Del Magno Sara , Morello Emanuela , Iussich Selina , Gola Cecilia , Dalpozzo Boris , Annoni Maurizio , Martano Marina , Massari Federico , Giacobino Davide , Piras Lisa Adele , Stefanello Damiano , Buracco Paolo
Published: January 2021

Studies regarding the neoplastic infiltration of the skin overlying canine subcutaneous soft tissue sarcoma (sSTS) are lacking. In case of the absence of tumor infiltration, there would be the possibility of leaving this unaffected skin in place, thus simplifying surgery. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the skin overlying sSTSs is infiltrated by neoplastic cells. Dogs with sSTSs treated surgically were prospectively enrolled. After excision, the skin was dissected from the tumor along the natural surgical plane of cleavage and histologically evaluated. Twenty‐nine dogs with an sSTS were included (22 grade I, 6 grade II, and 1 grade III). The sSTS‐overlying skin was not tumor‐infiltrated in 14/29 cases (48.3%). A higher frequency of infiltration was observed in higher grade sSTSs (grades II and III, 100%;P = .006); nevertheless, 8/22 grade I sSTSs (36%) also showed cutaneous infiltration. This infiltration involved the dermis of the skin directly in contact with the tumor (multifocal in 11 and diffuse in four cases). Although the cutaneous tumor infiltration is less frequent in grade I sSTSs and a wide excision may still be the safest treatment for any sSTS for a greater possibility of local control, this study opens the possibility to a less aggressive cutaneous excision, but still with a local curative intent, as only the skin directly in contact with the sSTS has been proven to be tumor‐infiltrated. Additional studies are warranted to confirm that excision of only this skin may guarantee a complete local control, especially in lower‐grade sSTSs.
The selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) verdinexor exhibits biologic activity against canine osteosarcoma cell lines
Authors: Breitbach Justin T. , Louke Darian S. , Tobin Savannah J. , Watts Mauria R. , Davies Alexander E. , Fenger Joelle M.
Published: January 2021

Verdinexor (KPT‐335) is a novel orally bioavailable selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) compound that inhibits the function of the nuclear export protein Exportin 1 (XPO1/CRM1). In the present study, we sought to characterize the expression of XPO1 in primary canine osteosarcoma (OS) tumour samples, OS cell lines and normal osteoblasts and evaluate the in vitro activity of verdinexor alone or in combination with doxorubicin. Canine OS cell lines and a subset of primary OS tumours showed increased XPO1 transcript and protein expression as compared with normal canine osteoblast cells. All canine OS cell lines exhibited dose‐dependent growth inhibition and increased caspase 3,7 activity in response to low nanomolar concentrations of verdinexor (IC50 concentrations ranging from 21 to 74 nM). Notably, growth inhibition of normal canine osteoblast cell lines treated with verdinexor was observed at high micromolar concentrations (IC50 = 21 μM). The combination of verdinexor and doxorubicin resulted in potent inhibition of cell viability and demonstrated synergetic activity in three canine OS cell lines. Concordantly, OS cell lines showed increased γH2A.X foci following treatment with doxorubicin and recovery in verdinexor compared with cells treated with doxorubicin and recovered in normal media for 24 hours. These findings demonstrate that verdinexor has biologic activity against canine OS cell lines at physiologically relevant doses and suggest that XPO1 inhibition in combination with standard doxorubicin treatment offers promising potential for chemotherapeutic intervention in canine OS.
Ability of bank filtration to remove cyanotoxins under different levels of nutrients
Authors: Walkenhorst Luke , Biswas Saptashati , Ray Chittaranjan , D’Alessio Matteo
Published: January 2021

Harmful algal blooms represent a major environmental problem that is rapidly growing all over the world. In the present work, the effectiveness of simulated bank filtration (BF), as an economical water treatment option, to remove cyanotoxins under different levels of nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) was investigated. Vertical flow‐through columns pre‐acclimated with two levels of nutrients (e.g., nitrate and phosphate—10 vs. 50 mg/L) were exposed to two different levels of cyanotoxins (10 vs. 75 µg/L). Results from our study confirmed the ability of simulated BF to remove cyanotoxins. High cyanotoxins removals (>70%) were achieved regardless of the levels of nutrients and cyanotoxins. It can be recommended to guarantee enough travel time (>7 d) to enhance the removal of cyanotoxins. Among the removal mechanisms, biodegradation was the predominant removal mechanism.