bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Africa as headwaiter at the dining table of global value chains: Do institutions matter for her participation?
Authors: Alhassan Abdulkareem , Zoaka Joshua Dzankar , Ringim Salim Hamza
Published: August 2021

Global value chains (GVC) have propelled substantial expansion in international trade across the globe over the last two decades. Yet, the institution–GVC nexus in Africa suffers complete neglect in literature. Therefore, we evaluate the impact of different components of political and economic institutions on backward (BWDGVC), forward (FWDGVC), total GVC participation, and GVC position (upstreamness) in Africa. Using system‐GMM with United Nations Conference on Trade and Development GVC database (UNCTAD‐Eora MRIO) for 47 African countries over the period 2000–2018, the key findings show that the effects of the political and economic institutions on GVC participation are diverse. Specifically, property rights, government spending, monetary freedom, and tax burden negatively affect BWDGVC participation while government integrity, investment freedom, and financial freedom stimulate the BWDGVC. Also, all the components of institutional quality that propel BWDGVC, hinder FWDGVC participation and upstreamness, except investment freedom which promotes both BWDGVC and FWDGVC. Nonetheless, property rights, government integrity, monetary freedom, financial freedom, and tax burden engender total GVC participation, whereas government effectiveness, and investment freedom hinder the total GVC participation. Furthermore, good political institutions promote BWGVC and total GVC but reduce upstreamness. Thus, institutions are fundamental drivers of GVC participation in Africa.
From Mao to McDonaldization? Assessing the rationalisation of health care in China
Authors: Millar Ross
Published: August 2021

China's 2009 health care reform agenda has been referred to as one of the most ambitious health policy programmes in modern history. Significant investment has combined with new structures, incentives, and regulations that have aimed to improve access, as well as gain greater control over a health care market much criticised for putting profit before patients. A range of health services research has been undertaken to analyse these efforts. Sociological perspectives have also been documented yet up to now a review and synthesis combining these various contributions has not been undertaken. By drawing on the lens of McDonaldization, the paper presents a narrative review that analyses the extent to which China's 2009 reform agenda has increased efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control over service provision. The review identifies elements of McDonaldization within China's 2009 reform agenda, however, notable gaps remain. In response to the limits of McDonaldization as a lens for understanding China's health care reform, the paper calls for alternative perspectives that are better able to understand the sociocultural dynamics shaping service provision, as well as an interdisciplinary research agenda that is able to generate new insights and understanding regarding health care in China.
Sensory characterization of two California‐grown avocado varieties (Persea americana Mill.) over the harvest season by descriptive analysis and consumer tests
Authors: Hausch Bethany J. , Arpaia Mary Lu , Campisi‐Pinto Salvatore , Obenland David M.
Published: August 2021

In this work, descriptive analysis (DA) and consumer panels were conducted on “Hass” and “3‐29‐5” (GEM®) avocados, grown in southern California. Both panels encompassed at least five time points across the 2019 harvest season. The DA panel identified and evaluated overall richness, creamy, smooth, watery, oily, sweet, bitter, umami, salty, astringent, buttery, nutty, and green. The texture attributes received the highest scores in both “Hass” and “3‐29‐5.” Both varieties increased in richness, creaminess, and oiliness at harvests 5 and 6. The consumer panel found that “3‐29‐5” showed more changes in its eating experience over the season than “Hass,” which agreed with dry weight data collected in a simultaneous analytical study. Correspondence analysis indicated that “Hass” samples had a consistent sensory profile over the harvest season, whereas “3‐29‐5” changed substantially, becoming more closely associated with a positive eating experience late in the harvest season. This is the first work to characterize avocado flavor over the harvest season using both trained and consumer sensory panels.

Practical Application

Many aspects of avocado were found to have some impact on flavor, but textural properties were by far the most important in determining how well the fruit was liked. This information will be useful in future taste evaluations of avocado and the ongoing development of new avocado varieties.
Development of 1H‐NMR methods for quantitative determination of alkylamides in Zanthoxylum bungeanum and quality evaluation based on its fingerprint
Authors: Kasimu Nuernisa , Yu Danmeng , Sun Leiwen , Zheng Ruofei , Wang Dongmei
Published: August 2021

Alkylamides, as the representative hemp flavor and active ingredients, can reflect the quality of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. However, conjugated triene structure exists in alkylamides, which is easy to be oxidized and decomposed in air, making it difficult to quantify. In this study, a method for the quantitative determination of alkylamides by 1H‐NMR technology was developed with 85% ethanol as the best extraction solvent, CDCl3 as the best deuterium dissolution reagent, pyrazine as the internal standard, and triple peaks of hydrogen protons on the amide bond at δ 6.33 ppm as the quantitative signal peak. Meanwhile, methodological verification was carried out to prove the reliability and effectiveness of the method. On this basis, the contents of alkylamides in nine germplasms of Zanthoxylum with monthly dynamics were obtained. The results showed that the alkylamides of Hancheng stingless Z. bungeanum (HC) exhibited the highest content in August (51.92 ± 0.96 mg/g), while the lowest was FG in June (1.23 ± 0.21 mg/g). The results of 1H‐NMR corresponded to those of HPLC, and the effectiveness of this method was verified. Accumulation dynamic results show that the best harvest period of Z. bungeanum is July and August. Moreover, the quality of nine varieties of Zanthoxylum bungeanum from a common garden was evaluated by the established 1H‐NMR fingerprint and chemometric analyses. The results showed that Hancheng stingless Z. bungeanum was the best germplasm. This study provides a new strategy for the quantitative determination of alkylamides in Z. bungeanum and improves the quality evaluation system of Z. bungeanum.

Practical Application

The results provide a new research idea for the analysis of important chemical components of Z. bungeanum. Meanwhile, the study provides a scientific basis for the quality evaluation and high‐quality germplasm resources of Z. bungeanum.
Influence of post‐harvest physiology on sensory perception, physical properties, and chemical compositions of Moris pineapples (Ananas comosus L.)
Authors: R. Siti Rashima , M. E. Azhar , M. Maizura
Published: August 2021

This study was conducted to evaluate consumer profiling of pineapple at five maturity stages using check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) method and to determine the influence of post‐harvest physiological changes on the physical and chemical properties of the pineapple. Nineteen CATA terms describing sensory attributes of pineapples at five maturity stages were generated. Seventy‐five consumers were involved in describing the changes in the organoleptic properties of pineapple using CATA questions. The relationship between physicochemical properties and sensory description of pineapples was analyzed using correspondence analysis (CA). The total variance of 97.7% and 92.2% obtained in the CA plot of the physical and chemical properties with the consumer profiling data suggests that consumers have effectively described the pineapple harvested at five maturity stages. Changes in physical and chemical compositions in pineapple upon maturation result in the development of pineapple's desirable organoleptic characteristics, characterized as fresh, attractive, and bright yellowish, with a soft, fibrous, and juicy texture, a sweet odor and pineapple aroma as well as sweet taste. Index 3 pineapple has been described as pale, hard, and crunchy in texture at the early stage of maturity and has a sour taste. The characteristic was transformed to bright yellow, soft, fibrous, and juicy texture after maturation, (25% ripeness onwards), as well as the production of sweet taste and aroma of pineapple. Instrument analysis of yellowness (b value) and carotenoid has strongly influenced the sensory attributes of brightness, freshness, and attractiveness of the pineapple. Changes in total soluble solids (TSS) and a ratio of TSS to total acids (TA) contributes to the development of aromatic compound which increases the appealing quality of the pineapple. Pineapple sensory characteristics, physical properties, and chemical compositions were significantly affected by post‐harvest physiology.

Practical Application

Sensory and instrumental methods were used to construct the properties of pineapple at different stages of post‐harvest physiology. This article demonstrates that the Check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) analysis provides adequate sensory profiling information based on customer perceptions in relation to instrumental details, and it can be extended to other pineapple varieties and citrus fruits.
MicroRNA‐132 is involved in morphine dependence via modifying the structural plasticity of the dentate gyrus neurons in rats
Authors: Jia Meng , Wang Xuewei , Zhang Haolin , Wang Xinjuan , Ma Hui , Yang Mingda , Li Yijing , Cui Cailian
Published: August 2021

Repeated morphine exposure has been shown to induce neuronal plasticity in reward‐related areas of the brain. miR‐132, a CREB‐induced and activation‐dependent microRNA, has been suggested to be involved in the neuronal plasticity by increasing neuronal dendritic branches and spinogenesis. However, it is still unclear whether miR‐132 is related to morphine dependence. Here, we investigate whether miR‐132 is involved in morphine dependence and whether it is related to the structural plasticity of the dentate gyrus (DG) neurons. Sprague–Dawley rats are treated with increasing doses of morphine injection for six consecutive days to develop morphine dependence. Our results show that dendritic branching and spinogenesis of the DG neurons of morphine dependent rats are increased. Morphine treatment (24 h) promotes the differentiation of N2a cells stably expressing μ‐opioid receptor by up‐regulating miR‐132 expression. Moreover, inhibiting miR‐132 3p (but not 5p) of the DG neurons can reverse the structural plasticity and disrupt the formation of morphine dependence in rats. These findings indicate that miR‐132 in the DG neurons is involved in morphine dependence via modifying the neuronal plasticity.
Somebody's watching me! Impacts of the spot check list program in U.S. crop insurance
Authors: Park Sungkwol , Zheng Xiaoyong , Rejesus Roderick M. , Goodwin Barry K.
Published: August 2021

The “Spot Check List” (SCL) is an important tool developed to help detect and deter fraud, waste, and abuse in the U.S. crop insurance program. This article examines whether the SCL program affects the extent of crop insurance losses and provides insights into the effectiveness of this program. Using proprietary, county‐level SCL data and panel data econometric procedures (which control for both observable and unobservable confounding factors), we find evidence that counties with more producers included in the SCL tend to have better actuarial performance (i.e., lower indemnity payment amounts) after these producers are informed about their listing on the SCL. In addition, the county‐level SCL effects tend to last for a couple more years beyond the initial year these SCL producers were informed of their listing. These results indicate that the SCL procedure has a notable impact on crop insurance losses and is a valuable tool for maintaining integrity of the program.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the effects of family history on the risk of Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Peters Yonne , van Grinsven Evi , Siersema Peter D.
Published: August 2021

Background

Current guidelines recommend different screening approaches for individuals with a family history of Barrett's oesophagus (BO) or oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC), varying from no screening to screening all individuals with a positive family history.

Aims

To determine evidence‐based risk estimates for individuals with a family history of BO or OAC

Methods

We systematically searched Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library until October 2020 to identify all studies that reported on the association between family history and the risk of BO and OAC. Pooled summary estimates of adjusted relative risks and prevalence of familial BO/OAC with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model.

Results

Fourteen studies comprising 16 189 BO/OAC patients were analysed. Familial clustering was seen in 8.84% (95% CI: 5.54‐13.82) and 4.37% (95% CI: 2.15‐8.69) of patients with BO and OAC, respectively (nine studies). Screening first‐degree relatives of BO patients had a diagnostic yield between 12% and 44% for BO (four studies). However, the yield for high‐grade dysplasia and OAC was low (<2%). Individuals with a positive family history had a higher risk of having BO (aRR 3.26; 95% CI 1.43‐7.40; I2 = 46%; three studies) and OAC (aRR 2.19; 95% CI 1.14‐4.21; I2 = 48%; five studies) compared to individuals without a family history.

Conclusions

A verified family history of BO or OAC is a strong risk factor for both BO and OAC. A positive family history could be a clinically meaningful way to identify high‐risk individuals who may benefit from early detection strategies.
Oesophageal hypervigilance and visceral anxiety relate to reflux symptom severity and psychological distress but not to acid reflux parameters
Authors: Wong Ming‐Wun , Liu Tso‐Tsai , Yi Chih‐Hsun , Lei Wei‐Yi , Hung Jui‐Sheng , Cock Charles , Omari Taher , Gyawali Chandra Prakash , Liang Shu‐Wei , Lin Lin , Chen Chien‐Lin
Published: August 2021

Background

The pathogenesis of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is complex and multifactorial. The oesophageal hypervigilance and anxiety scale (EHAS) is a novel cognitive‐affective evaluation of visceral sensitivity.

Aims

To investigate the interrelationship between EHAS and reflux symptom severity, psychological stress, acid reflux burden, phenotypes, and oesophageal mucosal integrity in patients with GERD.

Methods

Patients with chronic reflux symptoms and negative endoscopy underwent 24‐hour impedance‐pH monitoring for phenotyping, acid reflux burden, and mucosal integrity with mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) calculation. Validated scores for patient‐reported outcomes, including EHAS, GERD questionnaire (GERDQ), State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory score, and Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire score, were recorded.

Results

We enrolled 105 patients, aged 21‐64 years (mean, 48.8), of whom 58.1% were female; 27 had non‐erosive reflux disease, 43 had reflux hypersensitivity and 35 had functional heartburn. There were no significant differences in sex, EHAS, GERDQ, questionnaires of depression or anxiety among GERD phenotypes. EHAS was significantly correlated with GERDQ, questionnaires of depression and anxiety (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant correlations between GERDQ and questionnaires of depression or anxiety. Regarding patient‐reported outcomes, GERDQ positively correlated with acid exposure time and negatively correlated with MNBI (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

EHAS associates with reflux symptom severity and psychological stress but not with acid reflux burden or mucosal integrity. Thus, EHAS assessment shows promise in assessment of subjective patient outcome and satisfaction with treatment, a hitherto unmet clinical need.
A study of the effectiveness of the bilateral and contralateral occult inguinal hernia repair by total extraperitoneal repair with intraperitoneal examination
Authors: Ota Masato , Nitta Toshikatsu , Kataoka Jun , Fujii Kensuke , Ishibashi Takashi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Of the various methods used, the laparoscopic surgical repair of inguinal hernias is widely performed. We aimed to estimate the incidence of bilateral and contralateral occult inguinal hernias in our surgical population and to compare the results of total extraperitoneal repair (TEP) for bilateral and unilateral inguinal hernias, occult and non‐occult hernias.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data of patients who underwent TEP for the repair of adult inguinal hernias from January 2012 to November 2018 in our hospital.

Results

Of the data of 259 patients included, 134 (51.7%) and 125 (48.3%) had unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernias, respectively, while 70 patients (27%) were found to have a contralateral occult inguinal hernia, intraoperatively. The mean operative time was 129 ± 48 minutes (range, 43–300 minutes) and 167 ± 55 minutes (range, 85–390 minutes) for the unilateral and bilateral groups, respectively, indicating a significantly longer duration of surgery for the bilateral group (P < .05). Recurrence occurred in 1.5% (5/134) and 0.4% (1/250) of the operated hernias in the unilateral and the bilateral groups, respectively, indicating a significantly lower rate of recurrence in the latter group (P < .05). The two groups showed no statistically significant differences with respect to the remaining perioperative data. The incidence of postoperative complications in occult hernias was not significantly different from that in non‐occult hernias.

Conclusions

Our TEP method, involving a laparoscopic exploration from the intraperitoneal side, can be safely and effectively utilized for the repair of both bilateral and contralateral occult inguinal hernias.
Long‐term effects of sinus membrane perforation on dental implants placed with transcrestal sinus floor elevation: A case–control study
Authors: Park Won‐Bae , Herr Yeek , Chung Jong‐Hyuk , Shin Seung‐Il , Han Ji‐Young , Lim Hyun‐Chang
Published: August 2021

Background

There is a little comparative data on implants placed transcrestally with/without sinus membrane (SM) perforation.

Purpose

To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of implants with maxillary sinus perforation and those without SM perforation.

Materials and methods

Among 560 transcrestally placed implants in 324 patients, the patients who underwent cone‐beam computed tomographic radiography (CBCT) were included. The following groups were established: implants with SM perforation (group P) and implants without SM perforation based on postoperative panoramic radiographs and patient records (group NP). Group NP was further divided into subgroups based on CBCT taken at the last patient visit: group NP1 consisting of implants with no protrusion or <1 mm of protrusion and group NP2 consisting of implants with ≥1 mm of protrusion. Mixed linear regression was performed for the factors affecting SM thickening and marginal bone loss. Mixed survival analysis was also performed.

Results

A total of 379 implants in 221 patients were eligible. The mean follow‐up period was 112.03 ± 54.2 months. Twenty‐six implants failed (2 and 24 implants in groups P and NP, respectively), mainly due to peri‐implant bone loss. No statistically significant difference was noted between the groups in SM thickness (2.4 ± 2.8 mm, 2.1 ± 3.4 mm, and 2.5 ± 3.5 mm in groups P, NP1, and NP2, respectively, p > 0.05). Marginal bone loss in group NP1 was significantly greater than that in the other groups. In the mixed model, SM perforation was not a determinant of sinus membrane thickening and implant survival in the mixed models and the survival analysis, respectively.

Conclusions

SM perforation in transcrestal sinus augmentation did not affect implant survival and SM thickening.
Amphiregulin promotes hair regeneration of skin‐derived precursors via the PI3K and MAPK pathways
Authors: Lu Qiumei , Gao Ying , Fan Zhimeng , Xiao Xing , Chen Yu , Si Yuan , Kong Deqiang , Wang Shuai , Liao Meijian , Chen Xiaodong , Wang Xusheng , Chu Weiwei
Published: August 2021

Objectives

There are significant clinical challenges associated with alopecia treatment, including poor efficiency of related drugs and insufficient hair follicles (HFs) for transplantation. Skin‐derived precursors (SKPs) exhibit great potential as stem cell‐based therapies for hair regeneration; however, the proliferation and hair‐inducing capacity of SKPs gradually decrease during culturing.

Materials and Methods

We describe a 3D co‐culture system accompanied by kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes and gene ontology enrichment analyses to determine the key factors and pathways that enhance SKP stemness and verified using alkaline phosphatase assays, Ki‐67 staining, HF reconstitution, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The upregulated genes were confirmed utilizing corresponding recombinant protein or small‐interfering RNA silencing in vitro, as well as the evaluation of telogen‐to‐anagen transition and HF reconstitution in vivo.

Results

The 3D co‐culture system revealed that epidermal stem cells and adipose‐derived stem cells enhanced SKP proliferation and HF regeneration capacity by amphiregulin (AREG), with the promoted stemness allowing SKPs to gain an earlier telogen‐to‐anagen transition and high‐efficiency HF reconstitution. By contrast, inhibitors of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways downstream of AREG signalling resulted in diametrically opposite activities.

Conclusions

By exploiting a 3D co‐culture model, we determined that AREG promoted SKP stemness by enhancing both proliferation and hair‐inducing capacity through the PI3K and MAPK pathways. These findings suggest AREG therapy as a potentially promising approach for treating alopecia.
Development of functional network architecture explains changes in children's altruistically motivated helping
Authors: Hoffmann Ferdinand , Grosse Wiesmann Charlotte , Singer Tania , Steinbeis Nikolaus
Published: August 2021

Childhood is marked by profound changes in prosocial behaviour. The underlying motivational mechanisms remain poorly understood. We investigated the development of altruistically motivated helping in middle childhood and the neurocognitive and ‐affective mechanisms driving this development. One‐hundred and twenty seven 6–12 year‐old children performed a novel gustatory costly helping task designed to measure altruistic motivations of helping behaviour. Neurocognitive and ‐affective mechanisms including emotion regulation, emotional clarity and attentional reorienting were assessed experimentally through an extensive task‐battery while functional brain activity and connectivity were measured during an empathy for taste paradigm and during rest. Altruistically motivated helping increased with age. Out of all mechanisms probed for, only emotional clarity increased with age and accounted for altruistically motivated helping. This was associated with greater functional integration of the empathy‐related network with fronto‐parietal brain regions at rest. We isolate a highly specific neuroaffective mechanism as the crucial driver of altruistically motivated helping during child development.
Beyond the income effect of international trade on ethnic wars in Africa
Authors: Candau Fabien , Gbandi Tchapo , Guepie Geoffroy
Published: August 2021

We use detailed information on the location of agricultural and mining production to approximate international trade for different ethnic groups in order to study its impact on ethnic conflicts in Africa between 1993 and 2010. The goal is to go beyond the income effects of trade to study the residual effects of globalization on conflicts. We find that once we control for income but also for a wide variety of different factors in conflicts (using political variables and fixed effects), the international trade by ethnic groups has a pacific impact on conflicts. While this peaceful impact of trade is mainly found in the trade in agricultural products, it does not have a significant impact on the international trade in mining products. Finally, we propose an original two‐step analysis showing that exports significantly reduce conflicts by affecting time‐varying national characteristics. We interpret this result as an indication that globalization in Africa has participated in the formation of new national identities with peaceful effects between ethnic groups.
White Racial Literacy and Racial Dexterity
Authors: Harrelson Kevin J.
Published: August 2021

This essay presents racial literacy and racial dexterity as educational desiderata, especially for white students. Racial literacy is defined as the ability to recognize and interpret racial nuances in real social engagements. Racial dexterity is defined as the ability to engage successfully with diverse racial contexts. After defining racial literacy and racial dexterity, Kevin Harrelson analyzes these skills by contrasting them with racial naivety and racial anxiety. He argues that transitioning from naivety to literacy, and from anxiety to dexterity, requires treating cross‐racial interactions as key learning events.
The Color of Mind Discourse as an Educational Debt
Authors: Smith Spencer J.
Published: August 2021

A majority of American public school students are nonwhite; their teachers remain overwhelmingly white. In this essay, Spencer Smith uses Charles Taylor's concept of “footing” to explore how Color of Mind ideologies and ideologies of whiteness constrain the relationships white teachers build with their students amid the realities of educational inequity. Smith proposes that Gloria Ladson‐Billings, with her ideas of educational debt and culturally relevant teaching, provides approaches we can use to avoid the problems these malignant constraints create. Smith concludes by analyzing first experience programs that are part of teacher preparation in order to enumerate the principles that such programs must articulate and adhere to if they are to foster culturally relevant teaching.
The structure and importance of nest mounds in a tropical ant Diacamma indicum
Authors: Bhattacharyya Kushankur , Kolay Swetashree , Annagiri Sumana
Published: August 2021

1. Nest mounds are an integral part of many subterranean insect species, and they aid in thermoregulation, gaseous exchange, and flood prevention. Ants living in subterranean nests are prone to nest flooding particularly during monsoons and this will impact the colonies' fitness.

2. Diacamma indicum is a tropical Ponerine ant species that lives in simple, single‐chambered nests with a single entrance. In this study, we characterised the mound architecture and performed field experiments to check functional significance of mounds.

3. On examining mound architecture (n = 19 nests), we found that mounds not only elevated the nest entrance by 3.39 cm on average, but they also made the entrance at the top of the mound significantly smaller than the nest entrance at the base of the mound. Both these features are likely to reduce rainwater from falling directly into the nest's entrance tunnel.

4. Upon performing partial (n = 18 nests) and complete destruction (n = 20 nests) in two different seasons, colonies were observed to actively rebuilt mounds to pre‐destruction levels within 3 days in all cases.

5. Furthermore, examining the amount of water that entered the nest upon flooding in the presence and absence of mounds (n = 18 colonies) revealed that mounds prevented a minimum of 29.2% of water from seeping into the nest from the surrounding area, as mounds could act as a levee. This study highlights the active architectural adaptations to flooding by an organism that dwells in subterranean nests in a tropical habitat.
Brain magnetic resonance imaging lesion load at diagnosis, severity at onset and outcomes in Susac syndrome: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Scheifer Carole , Henry Feugeas Marie‐Cécile , Roriz Mélanie , Cohen Aubart Fleur , Doan Serge , Jouvent Eric , Klein Isabelle , Machado Carla , Rouzaud Diane , Papo Thomas , Sacré Karim ,   the French Susac Study Group
Published: August 2021

Background

Susac syndrome (SuS) is a rare occlusive microvessel disease of the brain, retina and inner ear. We aimed to determine whether brain lesion load at the acute phase predicts poor outcomes in SuS.

Methods

A prospective national cohort study was conducted from December 2012 to December 2019 in 20 centres in France. Patients included at the principal investigator's center with available brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at diagnosis were analyzed. MRI was reviewed by an experienced neuroradiologist blinded to clinical status. The size, topography and number of hyperintense lesions on diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI‐HL) were analyzed at diagnosis and during follow‐up. Outcomes involved descriptive characteristics of patients at onset and last follow‐up.

Results

Twenty‐three patients (38.1 [18.8–56.5] years, 16 females) were prospectively studied. The triad (i.e., brain, eye and ear involvement) was complete at onset in 17 patients. Brain MRI was performed 1.1 (0.1–3.4) months after the first symptom. All patients had DWI‐HL at the acute phase. Patients were separated into two groups according to the number of DWI‐HL on first MRI: a first group of patients (n=15) displaying low brain lesion load (<50 DWI‐HL per patient) and a second group of patients (n=8) displaying high brain lesion load (≥100 DWI‐HL). The median follow‐up was 57.9 (9.7–98) months. Clinical features, treatment, relapse rate, time to disappearance of DWI‐HL, disabilities and professional outcome did not differ according to brain lesion load.

Conclusion

Brain lesion load assessed by DWI at the acute phase is not associated with risks of disability in SuS.
Thrombosis of the median artery and its branches in a gelding: Clinical appearance, diagnosis and surgical management
Authors: Rijkenhuizen A. B. M. , Nohl G. , Jaek‐Lutz F. , Sill V.
Published: August 2021

This case report describes the clinical appearance, diagnosis and surgical management of thrombosis of the median artery and its branches in a gelding. The 4‐year‐old Danish Warmblood presented with acute severe progressive right front leg lameness, not responding to painkillers. Initial clinical examination including radiographs revealed no significant findings, and a scintigraphic examination showed decreased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the right front toe in comparison to the left limb. The following day, the temperature of the right front leg was significantly decreased, especially in the area distal to the carpus. No pulsation of the digital arteries could be detected. Ultrasonography showed partial thrombosis of the medial digital artery (A. digitalis palmaris medialis). Occlusion of this artery is a sporadic event with impressive clinical signs and might not be directly diagnosed due to it being a rare occurrence. Ultrasound is an excellent technique for diagnosing the presence of thrombosis and can also help delineate the extent. Our case did not respond to the initial treatment with phenylbutazone and acetylsalicylic acid. The ischaemia became even worse, requiring surgical intervention. A similar approach as for the aorta‐iliac thrombosis in the hindlimb was undertaken in the front limb, which has not been described previously. The gelding recovered initially. Unfortunately, restenosis occurred and due to a poor prognosis for a second surgery, the gelding was euthanised.
Differentiating competency from content: Parental racial socialization profiles and their associated factors
Authors: Jones Shawn C.T. , Anderson Riana Elyse , Stevenson Howard C.
Published: August 2021

For Black parents, the racial socialization (RS) process represents a critical parenting practice. Although the field has historically focused on the content of parents’ RS, it is also important to consider caregivers’ perception of their competence to effectively teach their children to navigate their racialized world. The present study investigated patterns of RS by exploring 332 Black caregivers’ report of both content and competency. Using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), we identified three profiles of RS: Multifaceted & More Competent (MMC), Unengaged & Moderately Competent (UModC), and Negative, Stressed, & Less Competent (NSLC). Additionally, we explored the role of several previously established correlates of parental RS, including sociodemographic factors (i.e., age, gender, and socioeconomic status), caregiving status (e.g., mother, father, and aunt), and parents’ race‐related experiences (i.e., history of RS, racial identity, and experiences with racial discrimination). Generally, the NSLC profile consisted of caregivers who were younger than those in the other two profiles, while those in the UModC profile tended to have younger children, relatively. Interestingly, caregivers in the UmodC profile reported receiving significantly less RS in childhood and experienced less racial discrimination than those in the other two profiles. Numerous differences were found across profiles for dimensions of racial identity. The emergence of these varied profiles, as well as the identification of factors that differentiated them, extends our understanding of RS and highlights the importance of considering parents’ notions of feeling confident, skillful, and less stressed as they navigate such a vital developmental process for their children.
“Should WE Stand Together?”: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the effectiveness of family‐based interventions for adults with chronic physical diseases
Authors: Sousa Helena , Ribeiro Oscar , Afreixo Vera , Costa Elísio , Paúl Constança , Ribeiro Fernando , Figueiredo Daniela
Published: August 2021

Family support has been identified as an important factor for the psychological adjustment of patients with chronic physical conditions. This study aimed to systematically review and conduct a meta‐analysis of studies comparing the effectiveness of family‐based versus patient‐oriented interventions for chronic physical conditions. The search was performed between April 12 and April 29, 2021, on Web of Science (all databases included), Scopus, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL. Thirteen RCTs were included. The results favored family‐based interventions for various patient outcomes related to pain, distress, self‐efficacy, social and emotional function, coping, the welfare of the domestic environment, capacity to mobilize social support, and sexual relationships with medium to large effect sizes (Cohen's d range: 0.45–0.90). This type of intervention also decreased family members’ anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and distress, improving search and presence of meaning in life, social support, the support provided to the patient, and sexual relationships with medium to very large effect sizes (Cohen's d range: 0.58–2.76). The meta‐analytical findings suggested that the patients’ (k = 12, d = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.13–0.55, I2 = 74%, p < 0.01) and family members’ (k = 4, d = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.08–1.27, I2 = 88%, p < 0.01) psychosocial outcomes significantly improved with family‐based interventions compared with patient‐oriented interventions. The meta‐analysis of patients’ self‐efficacy showed a medium‐size effect (d = 0.64; k = 3; I2 = 19%). The results suggest a trend toward the beneficial effects of family‐based interventions, but more research is needed with higher quality RCTs to confirm this hypothesis.
Long‐term impacts of forest disturbances: Comparing cumulative effects of clearcut logging versus landslide on stream conditions and abundance of a headwater stonefly Scopura montana
Authors: Ohira Mitsuru , Watanabe Yu’usuke , Gomi Takashi , Sakai Masaru
Published: August 2021

When forest disturbance impacts adjacent headwater streams, the recovery of habitat conditions and populations can take over several decades. Thus, considering long‐term, historical legacies of forest disturbances is key for understanding and managing forest–stream linkages. We focused on small‐scale forest disturbances such as small‐block harvesting and landslides. We compared the long‐term (past 100 years) cumulative effects between the anthropogenic and natural forest disturbances on stream conditions and the abundance of a headwater specialist, Scopura montana (Plecoptera: Scopuridae).

Sampling was conducted in 10 m reaches of 39 first‐order streams with a catchment area up to 5.9 ha during late summer in central Japan. We quantified past clearcut logging areas using plantation records of each harvest block and past landslide areas from contour maps within each catchment.

Piecewise structural equation models using the cumulative area of each forest disturbance as an independent variable, revealed different indirect effects of clearcut logging (average area: 1.74 ha) and landslides (0.21 ha) on S. montana abundance through modified stream conditions. Canopy openness and wetted channel width were higher with a larger logged area, and S. montana abundance was lower with higher water temperature (daily maximum). When the magnitude of clearcut logging was similar to the landslide area (<0.77 ha), the negative relationship between water temperature and S. montana abundance was also significant in the model. Streambed roughness and wetted channel width were greater with larger landslide area but there were no significant links between stream conditions and S. montana abundance.

Our results suggest that clearcut logging can cause long‐term impacts by exposing the stream surface to solar radiation owing to delayed canopy closure. The preference of S. montana is for cold water conditions in summer. Controlling forest harvesting along streams could benefit forest–stream management, as could including consideration of disturbance‐driven cycles for sustaining headwater populations.
The effect of global change on soil phosphatase activity
Authors: Margalef Olga , Sardans Jordi , Maspons Joan , Molowny‐Horas Roberto , Fernández‐Martínez Marcos , Janssens Ivan A. , Richter Andreas , Ciais Philippe , Obersteiner Michael , Peñuelas Josep
Published: August 2021

Soil phosphatase enzymes are produced by plant roots and microorganisms and play a key role in the cycling of phosphorus (P), an often‐limiting element in terrestrial ecosystems. The production of these enzymes in soil is the most important biological strategy for acquiring phosphate ions from organic molecules. Previous works showed how soil potential phosphatase activity is mainly driven by climatic conditions and soil nitrogen (N) and carbon. Nonetheless, future trends of the activity of these enzymes under global change remain little known. We investigated the influence of some of the main drivers of change on soil phosphatase activity using a meta‐analysis of results from 97 published studies. Our database included a compilation of N and P fertilization experiments, manipulation experiments with increased atmospheric CO2 concentration, warming, and drought, and studies comparing invaded and non‐invaded ecosystems. Our results indicate that N fertilization leads to higher phosphatase activity, whereas P fertilization has the opposite effect. The rise of atmospheric CO2 levels or the arrival of invasive species also exhibits positive response ratios on the activity of soil phosphatases. However, the occurrence of recurrent drought episodes decreases the activity of soil phosphatases. Our analysis did not reveal statistically significant effects of warming on soil phosphatase activity. In general, soil enzymatic changes in the reviewed experiments depended on the initial nutrient and water status of the ecosystems. The observed patterns evidence that future soil phosphatase activity will not only depend on present‐day soil conditions but also on potential compensations or amplifications among the different drivers of global change. The responses of soil phosphatases to the global change drivers reported in this study and the consideration of cost–benefit approaches based on the connection of the P and N cycle will be useful for a better estimation of phosphatase production in carbon (C)–N–P models.
Nitrification is a minor source of nitrous oxide (N2O) in an agricultural landscape and declines with increasing management intensity
Authors: Liang Di , Robertson G. Philip
Published: August 2021

The long‐term contribution of nitrification to nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from terrestrial ecosystems is poorly known and thus poorly constrained in biogeochemical models. Here, using Bayesian inference to couple 25 years of in situ N2O flux measurements with site‐specific Michaelis–Menten kinetics of nitrification‐derived N2O, we test the relative importance of nitrification‐derived N2O across six cropped and unmanaged ecosystems along a management intensity gradient in the U.S. Midwest. We found that the maximum potential contribution from nitrification to in situ N2O fluxes was 13%–17% in a conventionally fertilized annual cropping system, 27%–42% in a low‐input cover‐cropped annual cropping system, and 52%–63% in perennial systems including a late successional deciduous forest. Actual values are likely to be <10% of these values because of low N2O yields in cultured nitrifiers (typically 0.04%–8% of NH3 oxidized) and competing sinks for available in situ. Most nitrification‐derived N2O was produced by ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria rather than archaea, who appeared responsible for no more than 30% of nitrification‐derived N2O production in all but one ecosystem. Although the proportion of nitrification‐derived N2O production was lowest in annual cropping systems, these ecosystems nevertheless produced more nitrification‐derived N2O (higher Vmax) than perennial and successional ecosystems. We conclude that nitrification is minor relative to other sources of N2O in all ecosystems examined.
The economic effects of passenger transport infrastructure investments in lagging regions. Would the increase in commuting be beneficial for regional development?
Authors: Szabó Norbert , Farkas Richárd , Varga Attila
Published: August 2021

The economic development of lagging regions faces many challenges. Since these regions typically lack the foundations of successful development policies, studies often report mixed findings on the effectiveness of different traditional policy instruments (such as infrastructure development, subsidies, innovation). In this study, the authors investigate a less frequently examined aspect of the effects of transport infrastructure development: labor mobility. To account for the economic effects of both migration and commuting the authors extend the GMR‐Hungary impact model by a regression‐based commuting equation. By comparing different alternative simulations, the authors examine the economic effects of changes in commuting due to different reductions in traveling time between a developed and a lagging region in Hungary. Results suggest that promoting commuting can be a source of local development if commuting replaces migration however regional convergence has a negative effect on national growth.
Investment location dynamics and influencing factors of pollution‐intensive industries in China: A study of chemical firms
Authors: Wu Yinhao , Miao Changhong , Wei Yehua Dennis , Miao Jianming
Published: August 2021

With rising environmental regulations and trade disputes, Chinese industries are facing tremendous pressures to restructure and relocate, and pollution‐intensive industries (PIIs) are undergoing particularly significant location adjustment. Scholars have proposed various location theories and econometric models to explain the investment location dynamics of PIIs. However, there are still some deficiencies in the analysis of effective factors, such as macroeconomic changes, uneven development, and enterprise heterogeneity. This paper aims to explore the influencing factors of PIIs location choice from multiple dimensions by integrating multiple location factors and incorporating the variables of temporal, spatial, firm heterogeneity and their interaction items into an econometric model. Based on the capacity investment database for Chinese listed chemical companies, we find that: (a) the investment of chemical firms in the central and western regions has significant regional proximity, while the investment in the eastern region shows a significant north‐south difference. (b) The macroeconomic situation measured by the industry climate index has the greatest effect, magnifies the influence of environmental regulation (ER) and expands the differences of investment location preferences between non‐stated‐owned enterprises (non‐SOEs) and state‐owned enterprises (SOEs), due to SOEs’ have undertaken more social responsibilities. (c) The agglomeration economy significantly increases the probability of investment in all regions, especially in the eastern region; non‐SOEs are more inclined to invest in the central and western regions than SOEs. We conclude that PIIs use a location strategy to adapt to the changing environment and that the effect of ER is mediated through ownership structure and local context.
Single centre experience on Acquired Haemophilia A patients: Diagnosis, clinical management and analysis of factors predictive of response and outcome
Authors: Porrazzo Marika , Baldacci Erminia , Ferretti Antonietta , De Luca Maria Lucia , Barone Francesco , Serrao Alessandra , Aprile Simona Michela , Capria Saveria , Minotti Clara , Martelli Maurizio , Mazzucconi Maria Gabriella , Chistolini Antonio , Santoro Cristina
Published: August 2021

Background

Acquired Haemophilia A (AHA) patients show a high response rate to immunosuppressive therapy (IST) but few information about predictors of response and outcome are reported.

Aims

We describe a large single‐centre AHA cohort, investigating prognostic variables for the ‘best response’ (BR), time to BR (TTBR) and overall survival (OS).

Methods

A total of 61 patients were included, collecting data from clinical charts.

Results

A progressive increase in diagnoses, from 1978 to 2019, was observed. Fifty/56 patients (89%) underwent haemostatic therapy (rFVIIa 46%, aPCC 34%) with no significant differences in the response (rFVIIa 92.3% vs aPCC 100%) and no thromboembolic events. Sixty/61 patients underwent first‐line IST with an initial response rate of 58.4%. The 12‐months OS was 85%, the bleeding associated mortality rate 3% (2/61). The response rates at last observation were: CR 64%, PR 8%. We evaluated the influence of age, gender, associated conditions, IST, haemoglobin levels, FVIII:C, inhibitor titre on BR, TTBR and OS: post‐partum AHA achieved the BR after a longer time than AHA related to other aetiologies or idiopathic (p = .05); in univariate analysis female sex (p = .03) and the achievement of BR (p = .001) had a positive impact on the OS while AHA secondary to neoplasms showed a shorter survival (p = .04); only the BR achievement remained significant in multivariate analysis (p = .02).

Conclusions

Our data on response and survival confirmed those from the main registries. Post‐partum AHA and BR achievement were significantly associated to a longer TTBR and a longer OS, respectively. Other predictors of outcome deserve to be explored in prospective studies.
Investigation of a sintering phenomenon through master sintering curve based on python software
Authors: Orlandini Mayara Eid , de Araújo Huyra Estevão
Published: August 2021

A software for the Master Sintering Curve (MSC) approach has been developed using Python language. An interface with simple steps allows the user to insert data from shrinkage results followed for conversion to densification view and built curves based on MSC theory. The simple software language allows easy adaptation to external users and their specific issues, aiming to improve the sintering phenomena investigation. Finally, three ceramic materials have been analyzed, demonstrating the software operation.