bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data money makers: An ethnographic analysis of a global cryptocurrency community
Authors: Caliskan Koray
Published: December 2021

Proposed by an unknown young man using the pseudonym Electra01, Electra appeared in the cryptocurrency markets in 2018. Thanks to its innovative supply mechanism, the money's market capitalization briefly reached 136 billion USD, surpassing Bitcoin in value. Focusing on the empirical case of Electra, a project that was chosen as the “best cryptocurrency community” by the users of world's largest exchange, Binance, this paper ethnographically analyzes the sociological universe of a cryptocurrency community. The research consists of two years of fieldwork, interviews with the core team and the project's anonymous founder, a survey among its community members, and computational analyses of the interaction data of the project's Twitter community of 376,600 handles, as well as their Bitcointalk forum. The paper approaches the socio‐technical universe of a cryptocurrency community by examining the devices, networks, and representations that the community actors produce, use, and maintain in data‐money making and proposes a way to make visible and examine centers of power in a global community operating a seemingly “decentralized” blockchain.
The political economy of maximum residue limits: A long‐term health perspective
Authors: Karemera David , Xiong Bo , Smalls Gerald , Whitesides Louis
Published: December 2021

Maximum residue limit (MRL) is the primary policy instrument to regulate the application of pesticides in agri‐food sectors. Partially due to the lack of scientific consensus on risk assessments, the prescriptions of MRLs vary substantially across markets and products. We provide the first empirical analysis of the political economy of MRLs at the market‐product‐chemical level, while accounting for long‐term toxicological effects of the regulated substances. Applying a Poisson model to the Health Scores derived from both the literal MRLs and their long‐run health impacts, we find that countries spending more on public health set more restrictive MRLs. We also find that countries possessing comparative advantages in fruits and vegetables adopt more lenient MRLs. Finally, products subject to lower tariffs are generally taxed with tougher MRLs.
Smarter people analytics with organizational text data: Demonstrations using classic and advanced NLP models
Authors: Guo Feng , Gallagher Christopher M. , Sun Tianjun , Tavoosi Saba , Min Hanyi
Published: December 2021

Recent developments in text mining and natural language processing (NLP) have paved a new way for analysing text data. These techniques are particularly useful for human resource management (HRM) due to the large amount of text information in the field. This paper adds to the literature by introducing and demonstrating steps of using NLP. Two demonstrations are presented: Demonstration One illustrates how simple and straightforward Bag‐of‐Word models applied on textual comments can be used to predict numerical ratings of companies; Demonstration Two shows how personality (self‐reported scores on the Big Five) can be predicted from situational interview questions through more complex Doc2Vec algorithms. Together, these demonstrations show that both simple and complex techniques are effective tools in predicting organizational outcomes. Accessible syntax and guides for beginners are also provided.
Can a combination of vaccination and face mask wearing contain the COVID‐19 pandemic?
Authors: Brüssow Harald , Zuber Sophie
Published: December 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic is going into its third year with Europe again being the focus of major epidemic activity. The present review tries to answer the question whether one can come to grip with the pandemic by a combination of vaccinations and non‐pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Several COVID‐19 vaccines are of remarkable efficacy and achieve high protection rates against symptomatic disease, especially severe disease, but mathematical models suggest that the current vaccination coverage in many countries is insufficient to achieve pandemic control. NPIs are needed as complementary measures because recent research has also revealed the limits of vaccination alone. Here, we review the evidence for efficacy of face mask wearing in various settings. Overall pooled analysis showed significant reduction in COVID‐19 incidence with mask wearing, although heterogeneity between studies was substantial. Controlled trials of mask wearing are difficult to conduct, separating mask wearing effects in population studies from the impact of other NPIs is challenging and the efficacy of masks depend on mask material and mask fit. The combination of vaccination and mask wearing is potentially synergistic since vaccination protects so far well from disease development (the omicron variant is currently an unknown) but immunity from infection wanes over few months after vaccination. In comparison, masks interfere with the virus transmission process at a level of a physical barrier independent of coronavirus variant. Vaccination and masks are much less costly to apply than other NPI measures which are associated with high economic and social costs, but paradoxically both measures are the target of a vocal opposition by a sizable minority of the society. In parallel with biomedical research, we need more social science research into this opposition to guide political decisions on how to end the pandemic.
Change in cholesterol level during pregnancy and risk of postpartum depressive symptoms: the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS)
Authors: Mutsuda Norikazu , Hamazaki Kei , Matsumura Kenta , Tsuchida Akiko , Kasamatsu Haruka , Inadera Hidekuni ,   Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
Published: December 2021

Objective

Women with postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS) are at higher risk of postpartum depression (PPD) and require further assessment. Emerging evidence indicates a relationship between the total cholesterol (TC) level of blood and PPD but the results are inconsistent. In this study, we investigated the possible association of change in serum TC levels during pregnancy with the risk of PDS in a Japanese population.

Methods

We analyzed complete data on questionnaire responses and serum lipid profiles of pregnant women from 12 datasets obtained from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (n = 61,585 to n = 72,406; 103,063 pregnancies in total). TC was measured at 3 time points—during early pregnancy, during mid‐late pregnancy, and after delivery—and we calculated changes in TC in 3 ways: by subtracting early pregnancy from mid‐late pregnancy, subtracting mid‐late pregnancy from delivery, and subtracting early pregnancy from delivery. These 6 factors were used as predictors to estimate the risk of PDS at 1 and 6 months after delivery.

Results

In multivariable logistic regression analysis, point serum cholesterol level did not predict PDS at any time point except for during mid‐late pregnancy in the second quintile, indicating an increased risk at 6 months. As for change in TC levels, subtracting mid‐late pregnancy from delivery and early pregnancy from delivery showed significant risk reduction for PDS at 1 month. A significant risk reduction was also found for subtracting early pregnancy from mid‐late pregnancy and early pregnancy from delivery at 6 months.

Conclusions

Increased cholesterol level during pregnancy is associated with reduced risk of PDS.
Archaeological magnetic survey to find salt production sites, using located Euler deconvolution: An application in Onchon County, Nampho, DPRK
Authors: Pang Hyon‐Ryong , Jon Jun‐Myong
Published: December 2021

We present the results of archaeological magnetic surveys in Onchon County, Nampho, DPRK. At Wonup Workers’ district in Onchon County, there are tens of heaps containing ash piles, which are seen as sites associated with salt production. The goal of the magnetic surveys was to investigate the relationships between the brine pan sites and the heaps containing ash piles within the study area. The archaeological and magnetic investigations in the study area has revealed that such areas, corresponding to the high magnetic intensity occurrence on the thick ash piles near the brine pits and ditches, could be chosen as the detailed survey areas to find salt production sites. Interpretation of the results demonstrated the reliability of located Euler deconvolution in the presence of complex magnetization effects due to various archaeological remains such as brine pan sites, kilns and potteries. The data processing and interpretation techniques presented in this article could assist in further opportunities to undertake nondestructive investigations of brine pan sites in Wonup area.
Moral foundations for creating shared value in Asia
Authors: Khurshid Hamid , Snell Robin Stanley
Published: December 2021

This paper analyzes moral foundations and organizational learning approaches in three small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and one multinational corporation (MNC), which have embraced business models or major projects that enact the strategy of creating shared value (CSV). In the four focal firms, all of which are based in Asia, we found that their adoption of CSV has been driven by moral principles and has entailed substantial organizational learning processes. Our case analyses illustrate a dynamic and mutually sustaining relationship within the four focal firms between organizational learning processes and shared value creation, supported by moral foundations. The four focal firms embraced CSV as a moral philosophy to improve their respective societal conditions, and we found no signs of greenwashing, branding, and organizational façades in their adoption of CSV practices.
Plasma microparticles of intubated COVID‐19 patients cause endothelial cell death, neutrophil adhesion and netosis, in a phosphatidylserine‐dependent manner
Authors: Garnier Yohann , Claude Livia , Hermand Patricia , Sachou Evely , Claes Aurélie , Desplan Kassandra , Chahim Bassel , Roger Pierre‐Marie , Martino Frédéric , Colin Yves , Le Van Kim Caroline , Baccini Véronique , Romana Marc
Published: December 2021

COVID‐19 has compelled scientists to better describe its pathophysiology to find new therapeutic approaches. While risk factors, such as older age, obesity, and diabetes mellitus, suggest a central role of endothelial cells (ECs), autopsies have revealed clots in the pulmonary microvasculature that are rich in neutrophils and DNA traps produced by these cells, called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs.) Submicron extracellular vesicles, called microparticles (MPs), are described in several diseases as being involved in pro‐inflammatory pathways. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed three patient groups: one for which intubation was not necessary, an intubated group, and one group after extubation. In the most severe group, the intubated group, platelet‐derived MPs and endothelial cell (EC)‐derived MPs exhibited increased concentration and size, when compared to uninfected controls. MPs of intubated COVID‐19 patients triggered EC death and overexpression of two adhesion molecules: P‐selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1). Strikingly, neutrophil adhesion and NET production were increased following incubation with these ECs. Importantly, we also found that preincubation of these COVID‐19 MPs with the phosphatidylserine capping endogenous protein, annexin A5, abolished cytotoxicity, P‐selectin and VCAM‐1 induction, all like increases in neutrophil adhesion and NET release. Taken together, our results reveal that MPs play a key role in COVID‐19 pathophysiology and point to a potential therapeutic: annexin A5.
Cost uncertainty in an oligopoly with endogenous entry
Authors: de Pinto Marco , Goerke Laszlo
Published: December 2021

How does cost uncertainty affect the welfare consequences of an oligopoly? To answer this question, we investigate a Cournot oligopoly in which firms produce a homogeneous commodity and market entry is feasible. Marginal costs are unknown ex ante, that is, prior to entering the market. They become public knowledge before output choices are made. We show that uncertainty induces additional entry in market equilibrium and also raises the socially optimal number of firms. Since the first change dominates, the excessive entry distortion is aggravated. This prediction is robust to various extensions of the analytical setup. Furthermore, the welfare loss due to oligopoly tends to increase with uncertainty.
Increased expression of the ATP‐gated P2X7 receptor reduces responsiveness to anti‐convulsants during status epilepticus in mice
Authors: Beamer Edward , Morgan James , Alves Mariana , Menéndez Méndez Aida , Morris Gareth , Zimmer Béla , Conte Giorgia , de Diego‐Garcia Laura , Alarcón‐Vila Cristina , Yiu Ng Nico Ka , Madden Stephen , Calzaferri Francesco , de los Ríos Cristóbal , García Antonio G. , Hamacher Michael , Dinkel Klaus , Pelegrín Pablo , Henshall David C. , Nicke Annette , Engel Tobias
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose

Refractory status epilepticus is a clinical emergency associated with high mortality and morbidity. Increasing evidence suggests neuroinflammation contributes to the development of drug‐refractoriness during status epilepticus. Here, we have determined the contribution of the ATP‐gated P2X7 receptor, previously linked to inflammation and increased hyperexcitability, to drug‐refractory status epilepticus and its therapeutic potential.

Experimental Approach

Status epilepticus was induced via a unilateral microinjection of kainic acid into the amygdala in adult mice. Severity of status epilepticus was compared in animals with overexpressing or knock‐out of the P2X7 receptor, after inflammatory priming by pre‐injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and in mice treated with P2X7 receptor‐targeting and anti‐inflammatory drugs.

Key Results

Mice overexpressing P2X7 receptors were unresponsive to several anticonvulsants (lorazepam, midazolam, phenytoin and carbamazepine) during status epilepticus. P2X7 receptor expression increased in microglia during status epilepticus, at times when responses to anticonvulsants were reduced. Overexpression of P2X7 receptors induced a pro‐inflammatory phenotype in microglia during status epilepticus and the anti‐inflammatory drug minocycline restored normal responses to anticonvulsants in mice overexpressing P2X7 receptors. Pretreatment of wild‐type mice with LPS increased P2X7 receptor levels in the brain and reduced responsiveness to anticonvulsants during status epilepticus, which was overcome by either genetic deletion of P2X7 receptors or treatment with the P2X7 receptor antagonists, AFC‐5128 or ITH15004.

Conclusion and Implications

Our results demonstrate that P2X7 receptor‐induced pro‐inflammatory effects contribute to resistance to pharmacotherapy during status epilepticus. Therapies targeting P2X7 receptors could be novel adjunctive treatments for drug‐refractory status epilepticus.
Prognostic biomarker study in patients with clinical stage I esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: JCOG0502‐A1
Authors: Oshima Kotoe , Kato Ken , Ito Yoshinori , Daiko Hiroyuki , Nozaki Isao , Nakagawa Satoru , Shibuya Yuichi , Kojima Takashi , Toh Yasushi , Okada Morihito , Hironaka Shuichi , Akiyama Yuji , Komatsu Yoshito , Maejima Kazuhiro , Nakagawa Hidewaki , Onuki Ritsuko , Nagai Momoko , Kato Mamoru , Kanato Keisuke , Kuchiba Aya , Nakamura Kenichi , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: December 2021

We undertook genomic analyses of Japanese patients with stage I esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) to investigate the frequency of genomic alterations and the association with survival outcomes. Biomarker analysis was carried out for patients with clinical stage T1bN0M0 ESCC enrolled in JCOG0502 (UMIN000000551). Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed using DNA extracted from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue of ESCC and normal tissue or blood sample. Single nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions/deletions (indels), and copy number alterations (CNAs) were identified. We then evaluated the associations between each gene alteration with a frequency of 10% or more and progression‐free survival (PFS) using a Cox regression model. We controlled for family‐wise errors at 0.05 using the Bonferroni method. Among the 379 patients who were enrolled in JCOG0502, 127 patients were successfully analyzed using WES. The median patient age was 63 years (interquartile range, 57‐67 years), and 78.0% of the patients ultimately underwent surgery. The 3‐year PFS probability was 76.3%. We detected 20 genes with SNVs, indels, or amplifications with a frequency of 10% or more. Genomic alterations in FGF19 showed the strongest association with PFS with a borderline level of statistical significance of P = .00252 (Bonferroni‐adjusted significance level is .0025). Genomic alterations in FGF4, MYEOV, CTTN, and ORAOV1 showed a marginal association with PFS (P < .05). These genomic alterations were all CNAs at chromosome 11q13.3. We have identified new genomic alterations associated with the poor efficacy of ESCC (T1bN0M0). These findings open avenues for the development of new potential treatments for patients with ESCC.
Building a model of cultural universality with specificity for global early childhood development
Authors: McCoy Dana Charles
Published: December 2021

Numerous longstanding developmental theories have emphasized the important role that culture and context play in shaping young children’s skill development. Nevertheless, the field lacks explicit models describing the extent to which early childhood development may be similar (universal) versus different (specific) across cultures. In this article, I review evidence from multiple fields regarding both similarities and differences in the form, timing, and relevance of early health, learning, and psychosocial skills across cultures. I then synthesize this evidence, highlighting themes intended to build an integrated model of developmental universality with specificity that can be used to inform science and policy. I conclude with recommendations for the field, including suggestions for a more inclusive approach to studying early childhood development that breaks down established barriers among fields, stakeholders, and geographies.
Microbiota associations with inflammatory pathways in asthma
Authors: Wang Juan , Chai Jianmin , Zhang Linlin , Zhang Lijiao , Yan Wei , Sun Lina , Chen Yahong , Sun Yongchang , Zhao Jiangchao , Chang Chun
Published: December 2021

Background

The airway microbiota plays an important role in asthma pathophysiology. However, the relationship between the airway microbiota and asthma phenotypes is still poorly understood.

Objective

We aimed to characterize the airway microbiota in asthma patients and determine its correlation with airway inflammatory phenotypes and other phenotypic characteristics.

Methods

The microbial composition of induced sputum specimens collected from asthma patients was determined using 16S rDNA gene sequencing.

Results

Patients with asthma had a higher abundance of bacterial taxa associated with Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria and Proteobacteria and a reduced abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria compared to healthy controls. This study classified the asthma‐associated lung microbiota into three community types based on DMM models, which were defined as three pulmotypes (P1, P2 and P3). The lungs of patients with pulmotype 3 (P3) were dominated by Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides, while patients with pulmotype 1 (P1) had a greater abundance of Pasteurellaceae, Streptococcus and Rothia. P1 patients were older (p = .045) and had lower blood TGF levels (p = .028). P3 patients had fewer eosinophils (p = .016) and more neutrophils (p = .039) in induced sputa than P1 patients.

Conclusions

Differences in asthma‐associated airway microbiota pulmotypes are associated with and might influence asthma, particularly inflammatory phenotypes.
Transverse myelitis and coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine: A temporal association
Authors: da Silva Gustavo Figueiredo , da Silva Caroline Figueiredo , Oliveira Raddib Eduardo Noleto da Nobrega , Silva Felipe William Dias , Baptista João Pedro Ribeiro , Loz Sabrina Hafemann , Moro Carla Heloisa Cabral , Longo Alexandre Luiz , Ribas Gustavo da Cunha
Published: December 2021

Background

Transverse myelitis (TM) is most often triggered by an autoimmune reaction due to infections and perhaps vaccines. During the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, some case reports have shown a temporal association between TM and COVID‐19 vaccine. We aimed to report a case of TM with a temporal association with ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 (AZD1222, Oxford/AstraZeneca) vaccine in a Brazilian public hospital.

Case Presentation

A 27‐year‐old woman experienced fever, low back pain and urinary retention 3 weeks after the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccine. Two days later, she experienced decreased strength of the lower limbs associated with paresthesia of the distal extremities. At the hospital, there was progression of weakness associated with anesthesia in T4‐L1. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were suggestive of demyelination and acute inflammation. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed monomorphonuclear pleocytosis, increased protein and decreased glucose. Gram stain, oligoclonal bands, anti‐aquaporin‐4 antibody, and screening for infectious agents and connective tissue disease were all negative. During treatment, the patient received 5‐day pulse therapy with methylprednisolone, acyclovir and 7‐day plasmapheresis. Despite all treatments, she persisted with lower limb plegia, areflexia and anesthesia at the level of T4. She was discharged with a monthly cyclophosphamide plan and outpatient follow up.

Conclusions

In the absence of other causes, the diagnosis of TM was made with evidence of a possible temporal association with ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccine. It is important to emphasize that it is a temporal association only and the benefits of vaccination continue to outweigh the risk of TM.
Comparison of the influence of light between circularly polarized and linearly polarized smartphones on dry eye symptoms and asthenopia
Authors: Mou Yujie , Shen Xiao , Yuan Kelan , Wang Xin , Fan Fangli , Wu Yaying , Wang Chunyang , Jin Xiuming
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to investigate the efficacy of circularly polarized light smartphones in affecting dry eye symptoms and asthenopia through a comparison with linearly polarized smartphones. One hundred twenty participants were randomly divided into four groups. Dry eye and asthenopia symptoms were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Computer Vision Syndrome Scale 17 (CVSS17), Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS), and visual analogue scale (VAS). Objective ocular examinations were assessed by confusion flicker frequency (CFF), tear meniscus height (TMH), noninvasive break‐up time (NIBUT), conjunctiva redness, fluorescein tear break‐up time (FTBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, and the Schirmer I test. Tests were performed before and after a reading task. Subjective evaluations including the OSDI, CVSS17, and CISS were all significantly increased after reading on a linearly polarized smartphone, whereas no change was observed in the circular polarization groups in both light and dark environments. A significantly enlarged VAS was shown in all of the four groups, but a significant increase in ΔVAS only appeared in the linear polarization groups. There were significant decreases in TMH, NIBUT, conjunctiva redness, FTBUT, and CFF after reading on a linearly polarized smartphone but the circularly polarized smartphone had lesser effects on these parameters. Our study indicated that reading on linearly polarized smartphones may cause dry eye disorder, asthenopia, and ocular discomforts, whereas circularly polarized smartphones appears to minimize these adverse effects on eye dryness and visual fatigue in light and dark environments.
JAK‐inhibitors in dermatology – small molecules, big impact? Overview of the mechanism of action, previous study results and potential adverse effects
Authors: Klein Benjamin , Treudler Regina , Simon Jan C.
Published: December 2021

Numerous chronic inflammatory skin diseases are associated with the release of proinflammatory cytokines, which act via the intracellular JAK‐STAT pathway. JAK inhibitors represent a promising, targeted therapeutic approach for cutaneous diseases. Impressive effects have been achieved with these agents in recent years. With the approval of the JAK‐inhibitors Baricitinib, Upadacitinib and Abrocitinib, new systemic therapeutic agents are now available for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Other diseases in which the effectiveness of these small molecules could be shown are psoriasis, chilblain lupus, dermatomyositis, vitiligo and alopecia areata. As dermatologists, we are facing a whole series of new drug approvals. In this minireview we explain the active principles of JAK inhibitors and review study results in selected inflammatory skin diseases. Finally, possible side effects and initial as well as follow‐up laboratory examinations for these drugs are discussed.
Outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal neoplasms: Prospective, multicenter, cohort trial
Authors: Kobayashi Nozomu , Takeuchi Yoji , Ohata Ken , Igarashi Masahiro , Yamada Masayoshi , Kodashima Shinya , Hotta Kinichi , Harada Keita , Ikematsu Hiroaki , Uraoka Toshio , Sakamoto Naoto , Doyama Hisashi , Abe Takashi , Katagiri Atsushi , Hori Shinichiro , Michida Tomoki , Yamaguchi Takehito , Fukuzawa Masakatsu , Kiriyama Shinsuke , Fukase Kazutoshi , Murakami Yoshitaka , Ishikawa Hideki , Saito Yutaka
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the gold standard for the treatment of noninvasive large colorectal lesions, despite challenges associated with nonlifting lesions and a high rate of local recurrence. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) offers the possibility of overcoming these EMR limitations. However, a higher risk of complications and longer procedure time prevented its dissemination. As ESD now provides more stable results because of standardized techniques compared with those used earlier, this study aimed to quantify the rates of en bloc and curative resections, as well as ESD complications, in the present situation.

Methods

A multicenter, large‐scale, prospective cohort trial of ESD was conducted at 20 institutions in Japan. Consecutive patients scheduled for ESD were enrolled from February 2013 to January 2015.

Results

ESD was performed for 1883 patients (1965 lesions). The mean procedure time was 80.6 min; en bloc and curative resections were achieved in 1759 (97.0%) and 1640 (90.4%) lesions, respectively, in epithelial lesions ≥20 mm. Intra‐ and postprocedural perforations occurred in 51 (2.6%) and 12 (0.6%) lesions, respectively, and emergency surgery for adverse events was performed in nine patients (0.5%).

Conclusions

This trial conducted after the standardization of the ESD technique throughout Japan revealed a higher curability, shorter procedure time, and lower risk of complications than those reported previously. Considering that the target lesions of ESD are more advanced than those of EMR, ESD can be a first‐line treatment for large colorectal lesions with acceptable risk and procedure time. (Clinical Trial Registration: UMIN000010136).
Management of non‐functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation: Retrospective study in two tertiary centers
Authors: Marx Mariola , Godat Sébastien , Caillol Fabrice , Poizat Flora , Ratone Jean‐Philippe , Pesenti Christian , Schoepfer Alain , Hoibian Solène , Dahel Yanis , Giovannini Marc
Published: December 2021

Background

Recently, there has been growing interest in investigating endoscopic ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS‐RFA) for the management of small non‐functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (nf pNETs).

Patients and Methods

A bicentric retrospective study was performed that included patients with histologically confirmed nf pNETs who were consecutively treated by EUS‐RFA between December 2015 and March 2021 at two tertiary referral centers.

Results

In 27 patients (mean age 65.0 years, 52% male), EUS‐RFA was successfully performed. All patients had sporadic G1 lesions (mean size 14.0 ± 4.6 mm, 7% uncinated process, 22% head, 11% body, 19% body/tail junction, and 41% tail). Overall, 9/27 lesions (33%) were cystic. The mean hospital stay was 3.2 days. Complete treatment response was confirmed in 25/27 patients (93%) on cross‐sectional imaging (mean follow‐up 15.7 ± 12.2 months, range 2–41 months). Two patients had two EUS‐RFA sessions until complete necrosis was observed. Periprocedural acute pancreatitis occurred in 4/27 (14.8%), three of them were treated by endoscopic cystogastrostomy (11.1%). One patient underwent secondary surgery. The histopathology of the resected specimen revealed 3 mm of residual tumor tissue.

Conclusion

EUS‐RFA seems to be a promising treatment strategy for the management of small nf pNETs with excellent efficacy. Further evidence focusing on long‐term survival, safety profile and recurrence is needed.
Multicenter prospective cohort study of adverse events associated with biliary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: Incidence of adverse events and preventive measures for post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis
Authors: Fujita Koichi , Yazumi Shujiro , Matsumoto Hisakazu , Asada Masanori , Nebiki Hiroko , Matsumoto Kazuya , Maruo Toru , Takenaka Mamoru , Tomoda Takeshi , Onoyama Takumi , Kurita Akira , Ueki Toshiharu , Katayama Toshiro , Kawamura Takashi , Kawamoto Hirofumi ,   for the Bilio‐pancreatic Study Group of West Japan
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The reported incidence of adverse events (AEs) in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) varies between 2.5% and 14%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and severity of AEs in biliary ERCP and to specify the risk factors and preventive measures for post‐ERCP pancreatitis (PEP).

Methods

Patients with biliary disease with intact papilla were prospectively enrolled at 36 hospitals between April 2017 and March 2018. The primary outcomes were the incidence and severity of AEs.

Results

A total of 16,032 ERCP procedures were performed at the 36 hospitals during the study period and 3739 patients were enrolled. The overall incidence of AEs was 10.1% and ERCP‐related mortality was 0.08%. PEP developed in 258 cases (6.9%), bleeding in 33 (0.9%), instrumental AEs in 17 (0.5%), infections in 37 (1.0%), cardiovascular AEs in eight (0.2%), pulmonary AEs in eight (0.2%), drug reaction AE in one (0.03%), pain in 15 (0.4%), and other AEs in 15 (0.4%). Multivariable analysis showed significant risk factors for PEP were: female of younger age, pancreatic guidewire‐assisted biliary cannulation, temporary guidewire insertion into the pancreatic duct, total procedure time >60 min, and post‐ERCP administration of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Effective preventive measures were prophylactic pancreatic stenting (PPS) and epinephrine spraying onto the papilla.

Conclusions

In patients with intact papilla who underwent biliary ERCP, the incidence of AEs was 10.1% and the mortality was 0.08%. PPS and epinephrine spraying may prevent PEP.

Registration

This study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000024820).
Evidence for goal‐ and mixed evidence for false belief‐based action prediction in 2‐ to 4‐year‐old children: A large‐scale longitudinal anticipatory looking replication study
Authors: Kaltefleiter Larissa J. , Schuwerk Tobias , Wiesmann Charlotte Grosse , Kristen‐Antonow Susanne , Jarvers Irina , Sodian Beate
Published: December 2021

Unsuccessful replication attempts of paradigms assessing children's implicit tracking of false beliefs have instigated the debate on whether or not children have an implicit understanding of false beliefs before the age of four. A novel multi‐trial anticipatory looking false belief paradigm yielded evidence of implicit false belief reasoning in 3‐ to 4‐year‐old children using a combined score of two false belief conditions (Grosse Wiesmann, C., Friederici, A. D., Singer, T., & Steinbeis, N. [2017]. Developmental Science, 20(5), e12445). The present study is a large‐scale replication attempt of this paradigm. The task was administered three times to the same sample of N = 185 children at 2, 3, and 4 years of age. Using the original stimuli, we did not replicate the original finding of above‐chance belief‐congruent looking in a combined score of two false belief conditions in either of the three age groups. Interestingly, the overall pattern of results was comparable to the original study. Post‐hoc analyses revealed, however, that children performed above chance in one false belief condition (FB1) and below chance in the other false belief condition (FB2), thus yielding mixed evidence of children's false belief‐based action predictions. Similar to the original study, participants’ performance did not change with age and was not related to children's general language skills. This study demonstrates the importance of large‐scaled replications and adds to the growing number of research questioning the validity and reliability of anticipatory looking false belief paradigms as a robust measure of children's implicit tracking of beliefs.
The ideological trends in Ali Ahmad Bakathir's Sallamat Al‐Qass
Authors: Rashed Redhwan Q. G.
Published: December 2021

This study examines Ali Ahmad Bakathir's unique vision in terms of the theme of love, as a subject whose treatment varies according to the ideology and philosophy of the writers. On the basis of Islamic ideals, Sallamat Al‐Qass introduces a strange relationship between an ascetic worshiper, Abdurrahman, and the woman singer, Sallama; the two fall in love and hope for reunion if not in this world, then in the hereafter. This contrasts the stories of platonic love such as Romeo and Juliet which ends tragically and shows the possibility of reconciliation between the contradictory worlds of religion and art as well. In contrast to many love stories, love in Bakathir's novel not only changes the lover's view of the world positively and reconciles it with religion, but it also refines his poetry talent and makes him more active, more humane, and God‐fearing. The reconciliation reaches the point of accepting singing as an incentive to worship. The conclusion refutes the allegations of religious hardliners who take a contrary attitude and claim that love and singing are forbidden. Bakathir himself may have had the same experience encountered by his character Abdurrahman, as his novel seems to reflect the experience of such emotions from an Islamic perspective.
Danish university governance reforms: Internationalisation and de‐internationalisation
Authors: Wright Susan
Published: December 2021

This article analyses the process of reforming the governance of Danish universities, from an anthropological perspective. Observers saw that the assemblage of steering concepts, tools and mechanisms in the 2003 Danish university law could be articulated in two contrary ways: one would make the university into apower forcewith ideas that exceeded the government's imagining of the future; the other turned the university into a tightly steered service provider, quick to respond to changes in political priorities. Initially, the government took the first approach in promoting the internationalisation of research and education. Its strategy provided a framework of opportunities that university leaders and academics used voluntarily to fulfil their own visions for their institution or discipline. In 2018, the government's priority suddenly shifted to de‐internationalisation of Danish higher education. To achieve this, it rearticulated the same steering concepts, tools and mechanisms to impose cuts to English‐medium courses throughcommando‐style steering, and academics and students were disenfranchised. The internationalisation strategy first mobilised the capacities of the university as apower force. When the government decided to de‐internationalise, it turned the same steering assemblage into a chain of command that made the university respond quickly to a changed political priority.
Mild stress accumulation limits GABAergic synaptic plasticity in the lateral habenula
Authors: Lalive Arnaud L. , Nuno‐Perez Alvaro , Tchenio Anna , Mameli Manuel
Published: December 2021

Animals can cope with isolated stressful situations without enduring long‐term consequences. However, when exposure to stressors becomes recurrent, behavioural symptoms of anxiety and depression can emerge. Yet, the neuronal mechanisms governing responsivity to isolated stressor remain elusive. Here, we investigate synaptic adaptations following mild stress in the lateral habenula (LHb), a structure engaged in aversion encoding and dysfunctional in depression. We describe that neuronal depolarization in the LHb drives long‐term depression of inhibitory, but not excitatory, synaptic transmission (GABA LTD). This plasticity requires nitric oxide and presynaptic GABAB receptors, leading to a decrease in probability of GABA release. Mild stressors such as brief social isolation, or exposure to novel environment in the company of littermates, do not alter GABA LTD. In contrast, GABA LTD is absent after mice experience a novel environment in social isolation. Altogether, our results suggest that LHb GABAergic plasticity is sensitive to stress accumulation, which could represent a threshold mechanism for long‐term alterations of LHb function.
Mutations associated with epileptic encephalopathy modify EAAT2 anion channel function
Authors: Kovermann Peter , Kolobkova Yulia , Franzen Arne , Fahlke Christoph
Published: December 2021

Objective

Mutations in the gene solute carrier family member 1A2 (SLC1A2) encoding the excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) are associated with severe forms of epileptic encephalopathy. EAAT2 is expressed in glial cells and presynaptic nerve terminals and represents the main l‐glutamate uptake carrier in the mammalian brain. It does not only function as a secondary active glutamate transporter, but also as an anion channel. How naturally occurring mutations affect these two transport functions of EAAT2 and how such alterations cause epilepsy is insufficiently understood.

Methods

Here we studied the functional consequences of three disease‐associated mutations, which predict amino acid exchanges p.Gly82Arg (G82R), p.Leu85Pro (L85P), and p.Pro289Arg (P289R), by heterologous expression in mammalian cells, biochemistry, confocal imaging, and whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings of EAAT2 l‐glutamate transport and anion current.

Results

G82R and L85P exchange amino acid residues that contribute to the formation of the EAAT anion pore. They enlarge the pore diameter sufficiently to permit the passage of l‐glutamate and thus function as l‐glutamate efflux pathways. The mutation P289R decreases l‐glutamate uptake, but increases anion currents despite a lower membrane expression.

Significance

l‐glutamate permeability of the EAAT anion pore is an unexpected functional consequence of naturally occurring single amino acid substitutions. l‐glutamate efflux through mutant EAAT2 anion channels will cause glutamate excitotoxicity and neuronal hyperexcitability in affected patients. Antagonists that selectively suppress the EAAT anion channel function could serve as therapeutic agents in the future.
Where should China practice forestry in a warming world?
Authors: Zhang Lei , Sun Pengsen , Huettmann Falk , Liu Shirong
Published: December 2021

As a nature‐based and cost‐effective solution, forestation plays a crucial role in combating global warming, biodiversity collapse, environmental degradation, and global well‐being. Although China is acknowledged as a global leader of forestation and has achieved considerable overall success in environmental improvements through mega‐forestation programs, many negative effects have also emerged at local scales due to the planting of maladapted tree species. To better help achieve carbon neutrality and the new vision of an ecological civilization, China has committed to further increase forestation. However, where forestation lands and such efforts should really be located is not so well understood yet and agreed upon, especially in the face of rapid climate change. Based on an ensemble‐learning machine, we predicted the spatial habitats (ecological niche) of the forest, grassland, shrubland, and desert under present and future climate conditions based on the natural climax vegetation distribution across China. We show that the potential forestation lands are mainly located in eastern China, which is east of the Hu Line (also known as the Heihe‐Tengchong Line). Under future climate change, forests will shift substantially in the latitudinal, longitudinal, and elevational distribution. Potential forestation lands will increase by 33.1 million hectares through the 2070s, mainly due to the conversions of shrub and grassland to forests along the Hu Line. Our prediction map also indicates that grassland rehabilitation is the universal optimal vegetation restoration strategy in areas west of the Hu Line. This analysis is consistent with much of the observed evidence of forestation failures and recent climate‐change‐induced forest range shifts. Our results provide an overview and further show the importance of adaptive science‐based forestation planning and forest management.
Warming effects on grassland productivity depend on plant diversity
Authors: Shao Junjiong , Zhou Xuhui , van Groenigen Kees Jan , Zhou Guiyao , Zhou Huimin , Zhou Lingyan , Lu Meng , Xia Jianyang , Jiang Lin , Hungate Bruce A. , Luo Yiqi , He Fangliang , Thakur Madhav P.
Published: December 2021

Aim

Climate warming and biodiversity loss both alter plant productivity, yet we lack an understanding of how biodiversity regulates the responses of ecosystems to warming. In this study, we examine how plant diversity regulates the responses of grassland productivity to experimental warming using meta‐analytic techniques.

Location

Global.

Major taxa studied

Grassland ecosystems.

Methods

Our meta‐analysis is based on warming responses of 40 different plant communities obtained from 20 independent studies on grasslands across five continents.

Results

Our results show that plant diversity and its responses to warming were the most important factors regulating the warming effects on plant productivity, among all the factors considered (plant diversity, climate and experimental settings). Specifically, warming increased plant productivity when plant diversity (indicated by effective number of species) in grasslands was lower than 10, whereas warming decreased plant productivity when plant diversity was greater than 10. Moreover, the structural equation modelling showed that the magnitude of warming enhanced plant productivity by increasing the performance of dominant plant species in grasslands of diversity lower than 10. The negative effects of warming on productivity in grasslands with plant diversity greater than 10 were partly explained by diversity‐induced decline in plant dominance.

Main conclusions

Our findings suggest that the positive or negative effect of warming on grassland productivity depends on how biodiverse a grassland is. This may mainly be due to differences in how warming may affect plant dominance and subsequent shifts in interspecific interactions in grasslands of different plant diversity levels.
Acute ischemic events after COVID‐19 infection in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Ozkaya Etem , Taskent Ismail , Somay Rifat , Ocal Gonca , Heybeli Cihan
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis have unique risk factors that render them prone to ischemia. To what extent coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID‐19) increases this risk is unknown.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included incident patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis from one city in Turkey. A comparison was made between those who developed COVID‐19 and those who did not for clinical variables. Independent predictors of acute ischemic complications in the total cohort were assessed using the logistic regression analysis.

Findings

By the start of the pandemic in Turkey, 33 of 154 (21.4%) patients developed COVID‐19. During the 15 months of median follow‐up after the start of the pandemic, 16 (10.4%) patients developed acute ischemic complications. These included acute myocardial infarction (n = 10), acute ischemic stroke (n = 4), acute peripheral artery thrombosis (n = 1), and pulmonary thromboembolism (n = 1). Overall, acute ischemic events occurred more commonly in those who experienced COVID‐19 (24.2% vs. 6.6%, p = 0.007). Ischemia‐free survival was significantly shorter in the COVID‐19 group (p = 0.001). In the eight patients with COVID‐19, ischemic complications emerged at a median 185 (range 21–306) days after the diagnosis of COVID‐19. While age, dialysis vintage, and experience of COVID‐19 were found as factors significantly associated with the development of acute ischemic events in univariate analysis, the association between COVID‐19 and acute ischemia remained significant in the multivariate regression model (odds ratio 3.99, 95% CI [1.3, 12.13], p = 0.016). During the pandemic, 23 (14.9%) patients died. Overall survival was significantly shorter among those who developed acute ischemic event (p < 0.001). The hazard ratio of acute ischemic event for death was 6.76 (95% CI [2.92, 15.66], p < 0.001).

Discussion

A considerable number of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis developed acute ischemic complications weeks to months after the resolution of COVID‐19. Hemodialysis patients appear to require specific interventions in order to prevent subsequent acute ischemic events after the resolution of COVID‐19.
Failure to return pillbox is a predictor of being lost to follow‐up among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in rural Tanzania
Authors: Ndege Robert C. , Okuma James , Kalinjuma Aneth V. , Mkumbo Julius , Senkoro Elizabeth , Fue Gideon , Samson Leila , Mapesi Herry , Shabani Siraji , Glass Tracy R. , Battegay Manuel , Paris Daniel H. , Vanobberghen Fiona , Weisser Maja ,   the KIULARCO Study Group
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Pill count is used to assess drug adherence in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Carrying a pillbox is associated with fear of concealment and stigma and might indicate poor adherence and predict someone who will be lost to follow‐up (LTFU). We therefore assessed the association between pillbox return and being LTFU in rural Tanzania.

Methods

This is a nested study of the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort (KIULARCO). We included PLHIV aged ≥ 18 years enrolled in KIULARCO between January 2013 and March 2019 with follow‐up through January 2020, who were on antiretroviral treatment (ART) for ≥ 6 months. Baseline was defined as the latest ART initiation or KIULARCO enrolment. We determined the association between time‐dependent failed pillbox return updated at every visit and LTFU using Kaplan–Meier estimation and Cox models.

Results

Among 2552 PLHIV included in the study, 1735 (68.0%) were female, 959 (40.3%) had a WHO stage III/IV and 1487 (66.4%) had a CD4 cell count < 350 cells/µL. The median age was 38.4 years [interquartile range (IQR): 31.7–46.2]. During a median follow‐up of 33.1 months (IQR: 17.5–52.4), 909 (35.6%) participants were LTFU, 43 (1.7%) died and 194 (7.6%) had transferred to another clinic. The probability of being LTFU was higher among PLHIV with failed pillbox return than among those who returned their pillbox [30.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 26.8–33.2% vs. 19.4%, 95% CI: 17.4–21.6%, respectively, at 24 months (hazard ratio = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.46–1.90; p < 0.001)].

Conclusions

Failed pillbox return was associated with a higher risk of being LTFU and could be used as a simple tool to identify PLHIV for appropriate interventions to reduce their chance of being LTFU.