bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhododendrol‐induced leukoderma update I: Clinical findings and treatment
Authors: Matsunaga Kayoko , Suzuki Kayoko , Ito Akiko , Tanemura Atsushi , Abe Yuko , Suzuki Tamio , Yoshikawa Momoko , Sumikawa Yasuyuki , Yagami Akiko , Masui Yukiko , Inoue Shintaro , Ito Shosuke , Katayama Ichiro
Published: March 2021

Individuals who used skin‐whitening cosmetics (quasi‐drugs) containing 2% rhododendrol‐containing agents, developed leukoderma at a higher frequency than those who have used other skin‐whitening cosmetics. The Rhododenol Research Team (RD‐Team) was formed and commissioned by Kanebo Cosmetics Inc. to conduct research in treatments of rhododendrol‐induced leukoderma (RDL), to evaluate effective treatment options from a medical standpoint, and provide information to a wide range of people. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of various treatments for RDL from a medical perspective, based on the information published in the literature as original or review articles. We searched the PubMed (international) and the Igaku Chuo Zasshi (ICHUSHI) (Japanese) databases using the keywords “Rhododenol” and “rhododendrol”, for articles published between July 2013 and November 2020. We discuss the main clinical findings and treatments (topical, oral, phototherapy, and surgical) of this condition based on the literature review. We found that ultraviolet light therapy is the most effective treatment for RDL. We have also summarized reports of the efficacy of oral vitamin D3 in RDL. A topical prostaglandin derivative has been reported in a new study to be effective. We have provided guidance for patients using self‐tanning and skin‐whitening agents to improve their quality of life. Finally, we have highlighted the importance of providing patients with information on contact dermatitis and instructing them to discontinue product use immediately if they develop any symptoms of contact dermatitis while using skin‐whitening agents.
Neuroprotective effect of roflumilast under cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury in juvenile rats through NLRP‐mediated inflammatory response inhibition
Authors: Keskin Halil , Keskin Filiz , Tavaci Taha , Halici Hamza , Yuksel Tugba Nurcan , Ozkaraca Mustafa , Bilen Arzu , Halici Zekai
Published: March 2021

This study aims to investigate the protective effect of roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase (PDE)‐4 enzyme inhibitor, and demonstrate its possible role in the development prevention of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI) after stroke induced by carotid artery ligation in juvenile rats. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: healthy group without any treatment, healthy group administered with 1 mg/kg roflumilast, CI group not administered with roflumilast, CI group administered with 0.5 mg/kg roflumilast, and CI group administered with 1 mg/kg roflumilast. In the CI groups, reperfusion was achieved 2h after ischemia induction; in the roflumilast groups, this drug was intraperitoneally administered immediately after reperfusion and at the 12th hour. At the end of 24h, the rats were sacrificed and their brain tissues removed for examination. The mRNA expressions obtained with real‐time PCR of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and NLRP3 significantly increased in the CI/RI‐induced groups compared with the control group, and this increase was significantly lower in the groups administered with roflumilast compared with the CI/RI‐induced groups. Moreover, ELISA revealed that both IL‐1 β and IL‐6 brain levels were significantly higher in the CI/RI‐induced groups than in the controls. This increase was significantly lower in the groups administered with roflumilast compared with the CI/RI‐induced groups. Histopathological studies revealed that the values closest to those of the healthy group were obtained from the roflumilast groups. Nissl staining revealed that the Nissl bodies manifested normal density in the healthy and roflumilast‐administered healthy groups, but were rare in the CI/RI‐induced groups. Roflumilast treatment increased these decreased Nissl bodies with increasing doses. Observations indicated that the Nissl body density was close to the value in the healthy group in the CI/RI‐induced group administered with 1 mg/kg roflumilast. Overall, roflumilast reduced cellular damage caused by CI/RI in juvenile rats, and this effect may be mediated by NLRP3.
The Pork Barrel Politics of the Towns Fund
Authors: Hanretty Chris
Published: March 2021

The article reviews the selection of towns in England under the Town Deals scheme, a funding scheme set up in the summer of 2019. Under the scheme, 101 towns in England were selected from a long‐list of 541 towns to bid for funding to improve local infrastructure. The findings show that Conservative‐held areas (and in particular marginal Conservative‐held areas) were much more likely to be selected for the scheme, and that this association remains—even when controlling for the ranks that civil servants awarded towns on the basis of qualitative and quantitative criteria. The findings call into question ministers’ commitment, under to the Nolan principle, to take decisions ‘impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias’.
“The whole thing is really managing crisis”: Practice theory insights into interpreters' work experiences of success and failure
Authors: Giustini Deborah
Published: March 2021

This article explores the relationship of crisis to the professional practice of interpreting. Applying a practice theory approach, it illustrates interpreters' sense‐making efforts and strategic adjustments to crisis as an intrinsic part of their work. Leveraging upon the concepts of consciousness‐mediated, accompanied adjustment and teleoaffectivity as ends, goals and emotions of life conditions, the article argues that we can identify core meanings around “crisis” in the interpreting practice. These meanings are linked to the calibrations that interpreters carry out to achieve professional aims of success and avoid failure. Drawing upon an ethnographic study of interpreting in the United Kingdom, the article finds that interpreters act to provide effective communication services through the orderly display of professional conduct, in turn steering away from the negative publicness that failing in front of users brings upon them. The study reveals that crisis is embedded into interpreters' professional engagements, with their activities equally organised toward the avoidance of negative ends and emotions and the achievement of successful goals, as a precondition for smooth work and positive reputation. Thus, crisis in this practice is linked to specific understandings and enactments of teleoaffectivity, as interpreters adjust to crisis by acting in purposeful ways (‐teleo) steered by accompanying emotional states (‐affect). This article contributes to social practice literature by attending to these nuances of crisis, seeing them as bound up with the purposeful, motivational, and affective adjustments associated with practising interpreting.
Adoption of high‐performance work systems in small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Sun Yiyang , Mamman Aminu
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates the factors influencing the adoption of high‐performance work systems (HPWS) in Chinese small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The paper is based on a sample of 207 SMEs, which covers many of the ownership types and business sectors. The results of the correlation and regression analyses indicate that organizational factors have stronger explanatory power in predicting the adoption of HPWS than institutional factors. Specifically, top management support, perceived impact of HPWS, and organizational size are the three main predictors. The findings suggest that using management innovation theories to understand the underlying reasons associated with the adoption of HPWS is promising. The paper argues for the use of management innovation theories to explore the efficacy of institutional factors more fully.
A meta‐review of 10 years of green human resource management: is Green HRM headed towards a roadblock or a revitalisation?
Authors: Paulet Renee , Holland Peter , Morgan Damian
Published: March 2021

Over the past decade Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) has emerged as a growing field of conceptual and empirical work both within, and separate from, the broader topic of Sustainable HRM. As such, we believe it is an opportune time to provide an overview of the Green HRM literature up to 2020, together with a critical consideration of Green HRM into the future. Representing the first meta‐review in the Green HRM field, we surmise key aspects of Green HRM research emerging over the previous decade. We conclude by presenting an exploration of how Green HRM may evolve in the future, and pose the following question: With a myriad of implications from COVID‐19 on business survival and society in general, how will this affect the development of Green HRM? Is it headed towards a roadblock, or revitalisation?
Effect of prophylactic leukapheresis on early mortality and overall survival in acute leukemia patients with hyperleukocytosis
Authors: Göçer Mesut , Kurtoğlu Erdal
Published: March 2021

Hyperleukocytosis has been associated with early mortality owing to the presence of complications including leukostasis, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Leukapheresis is a fast and effective cytoreductive procedure that removes leukocytes from the peripheral circulation. This single‐center, retrospective, and observational study included 32 patients diagnosed with acute leukemia who underwent leukapheresis due to hyperleukocytosis between 2014 and 2020. This study primarily aimed to investigate the effect of prophylactic leukapheresis on early mortality and overall survival (OS). In the symptomatic group, seven and two patients died in the first and second weeks, respectively. In the prophylactic leukapheresis group, two and one patients died in the first and second weeks (p = 0.792), respectively. OS was significantly longer in the prophylactic leukapheresis group (p = 0.004). The leukapheresis procedure appears to be effective on early mortality and OS. Initiation of prophylactic leukapheresis before the appearance of leukostasis symptoms is effective on OS and possibly early mortality.
Common and distinct neural connectivity in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and alcohol use disorder studied using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Farré‐Colomés Àlvar , Gerhardt Sarah , Luderer Mathias , Sobanski Esther , Kiefer Falk , Vollstädt‐Klein Sabine
Published: March 2021

Background

A link between attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been widely demonstrated. In this study, we used neuroimaging to investigate the connectivity traits that may contribute to the comorbidity of these disorders.

Methods

The study included an AUD group (N = 18), an ADHD group (N = 17), a group with AUD + ADHD comorbidity (N = 12) and a control group (N = 18). We used resting‐state functional connectivity in a seed‐based approach in the default mode networks, the dorsal attention network, and the salience network.

Results

Within the default mode networks, all affected groups shared greater connectivity toward the temporal gyrus when compared to the control group. Regarding the dorsal attention network, the Brodmann area 6 presented greater connectivity for each affected group in comparison with the control group, displaying the strongest aberrations in the AUD + ADHD group. In the salience network, the prefrontal cortex showed decreased connectivity in each affected group compared to the control group.

Conclusions

Despite the small and unequal sample sizes, our findings show evidence of common neurobiological alterations in AUD and ADHD, supporting the hypothesis that ADHD could be a risk factor for the development of AUD. The results highlight the importance of an early ADHD diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of a subsequent AUD.
The mango seed weevil Sternochetus mangiferae (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is characterized by low genetic diversity and lack of genetic structure
Authors: Zhang Li‐Jie , Xiao Bing‐Han , Wang Yuan , Zheng Chun‐Sheng , Li Jian‐Guang , Segraves Kari A. , Xue Huai‐Jun
Published: March 2021

The mango seed weevil Sternochetus mangiferae (Fabricius) is distributed across the major mango‐producing areas of the world and causes significant economic losses of mango fruit. Despite its importance as a crop pest, we have only limited information on the population genetics of the mango seed weevil.

Here, we examined the genetic diversity of this important pest using specimens intercepted by Beijing Customs District P. R. in China from 41 countries and regions. We used segments of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and the nuclear gene elongation factor 1‐alpha to examine population genetic structure in this species.

Our results showed that genetic diversity is low in S. mangiferae, with a mean genetic distance of 0.095–0.14%. Other population genetic parameters also indicated a low level of genetic diversity among samples from a large geographic range. Analysis of molecular variance revealed little population genetic structure, and mismatch distribution analyses provided evidence of a population expansion, although other demographic metrics of population expansion were nonsignificant.

We suggest that the observed low level of genetic diversity and population genetic structure in S. mangiferae supports the hypothesis that the population genetics of this species has been impacted by anthropogenic transportation of mangoes and weevils.
Does China's Anti‐corruption Campaign Curb Position‐related Consumption? Evidence of Classification Shifting*
Authors: Yang Shanshan
Published: March 2021

This study investigates whether and how China’s anti‐corruption campaign, which was promulgated in 2012, reduces position‐related consumption. It examines data from Chinese A‐share listed companies for the period 2010–2015 using a difference‐in‐differences research design and finds that state‐owned enterprises are more likely to reclassify consumptive cash expenditure to less sensitive accounts by moving the expenditure as items for investing cash outflow after the campaign. This result is more pronounced when the chief executive officer has greater power or when corporate governance is weak. The study contributes to academia and practice by showing that an anti‐corruption ban may have unintended consequences.
Saudade: A Story of Japanese Brazilian Diaspora
Authors: Ikeuchi Suma
Published: March 2021

Homeward but never at home—this is arguably the hallmark of diasporic subjectivity. Yet for people like the Japanese Brazilians in Japan, who have ostensibly returned to their ancestral homeland, their homeward journey now yields impossible identity puzzles. Through one woman named Wanda and her imaginative world, this story meditates on the various pieces of such puzzles: ethnocultural hybridity, generational conflict, the pain of labor, the power of religion, and the bittersweet yearning for home. While technically fictional, the events, places, and protagonists are based on the author’s yearlong ethnographic research in Toyota, Japan, between 2013 and 2014.
Suicide prevention and mood disorders: Self‐exclusion agreements for firearms as a suicide prevention strategy
Authors: McInnis Melvin G. , Thompson Stephen B. , Merajver Sofia D. , Schneider Carl E.
Published: March 2021

Suicide involves a complex set of behaviors and emotions that lead up to actions that may be based on planning and forethought or the result of impulse. While there are a host of antecedent circumstances the presence of a mood disorder, primarily depression, is the most common factor in suicide. While management of depression is recognized as important prevention strategy in depression, the means by which suicide occurs must be a critical element of prevention. Policies that lower access to the means for suicide will decrease the fatality. Guns are associated with half of suicides and the case fatality rate of gun associated suicide is over 90% compared to 7% for all other means. This emphasizes the importance of offering strategies that limit access to guns to those at higher risk for suicide. A declaration of formal self‐exclusion for access to firearms (guns and ammunition) offers the individual at greater risk for suicide to place themselves on an official list that would prevent them from purchasing lethal weapons. A person with depression, when well, might wish to enroll voluntarily to prevent themselves, when ill, from procuring a weapon to harm themselves or others. This recognizes the autonomy of the person and protects both the individual, the family, and society.
The prestigious tin–lead horse fittings in the Warring States Period: Evidence from funerary artefacts of a Warring States Tomb at Shouxian, Anhui
Authors: Chen D. , Han Y. , Wang Z. , Chen K. , Cai B. , Liu S.
Published: March 2021

Tomb M25 of the Xijuan cemetery at Shouxian was identified as a Cai elite tomb dated to the fifth century bce. From this tomb, 182 metal items were unearthed, and two‐thirds of them were found made with Sn‐Pb alloy via portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) and scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) analyses. Lead isotope analysis (LIA) revealed that leaded bronze and Sn‐Pb alloy did not share the same source of lead. The isotopic feature of tin–lead objects is varied from most reported Early–Middle Warring States bronzes from the Nanyang‐Huaihe area, but coincides with artefacts from the Chu state core area in the Jianghan basin as well as some Zeng state artefacts from the Suizhou area. A general review of the Early–Middle Warring States Chu tombs shows that two types of gold‐foiled tin–lead horse fittings from tomb M25 were also present in almost all high elites tombs, but were barely found in those of the lower elites. It is argued that these horse fittings were prestigious artefacts and made with tin–lead raw materials from south China. They might be distributed as finished artefacts or raw materials via a gift‐giving system controlled by the Chu court.
The effect of 5‐HT1A receptor agonists on the entopeduncular nucleus is modified in 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats
Authors: Vegas‐Suárez Sergio , Aristieta Asier , Requejo Catalina , Bengoetxea Harkaitz , Lafuente José Vicente , Miguelez Cristina , Ugedo Luisa
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose

l‐DOPA prolonged treatment leads to disabling motor complications as dyskinesia that could be decreased by drugs acting on 5‐HT1A receptors. Since the internal segment of the globus pallidus, homologous to the entopeduncular nucleus in rodents, seems to be involved in the etiopathology of l‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia, we investigated whether the entopeduncular nucleus is modulated by the 5‐HT1A receptor partial and full agonists, buspirone, and 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐n‐propylamino)‐tetralin (8‐OH‐DPAT) in control and 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐lesioned rats with or without long‐term l‐DOPA treatment.

Experimental Approach

Extracellular single‐unit electrocorticogram and local field potential recordings under anaesthesia, immunostaining assays and optogenetic manipulation coupled to electrophysiological recordings were performed.

Key Results

Systemic buspirone reduced the entopeduncular nucleus firing rate in the sham animals and burst activity in the 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats (with or without l‐DOPA treatment), while local administration reduced entopeduncular nucleus activity in all the groups, regardless of DA integrity. Systemic 8‐OH‐DPAT also induced inhibitory effects only in the sham animals. Effects triggered by buspirone and 8‐OH‐DPAT were reversed by the 5‐HT1A receptor antagonist, WAY‐100635. Neither buspirone nor 8‐OH‐DPAT modified the low‐frequency oscillatory activity in the entopeduncular nucleus or its synchronization with the motor cortex. Buspirone did not alter the response induced by subthalamic nucleus opto‐stimulation in the entopeduncular nucleus.

Conclusion and Implications

Systemic 5‐HT1A receptor activation elicits different effects on the electrophysiological properties of the entopeduncular nucleus depending on the integrity of the nigrostriatal pathway and it does not alter the relationship between subthalamic nucleus and entopeduncular nucleus neuron activity.
Estimating the trade and welfare effects of Brexit: A panel data structural gravity model
Authors: Oberhofer Harald , Pfaffermayr Michael
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a new panel data structural gravity approach for estimating the trade and welfare effects of Brexit. Assuming different counterfactual post‐Brexit scenarios, our main findings suggest that the UK's exports of goods to the EU are likely to decline within a range between 7.2% and 45.7% six years after Brexit has taken place. For the UK, the negative trade effects are only partially offset by an increase in domestic trade and trade with third countries, inducing a decline in the UK's real income of between 0.3% and 5.7%. The estimated welfare effects for the EU are not different from zero, but some members like Ireland are expected to also experience welfare losses.
Therapeutic and prognostic implications of NOTCH and MAPK signaling in bladder cancer
Authors: Schulz Gerald B. , Elezkurtaj Sefer , Börding Teresa , Schmidt Eva Marina , Elmasry Manal , Stief Christian G. , Kirchner Thomas , Karl Alexander , Horst David
Published: March 2021

Signaling pathways that drive bladder cancer (BC) progression may be promising and specific targets for systemic therapy. Here, we investigated the clinical significance and targetability of NOTCH and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling for this aggressive malignancy. We assessed NOTCH1 and MAPK activity in 222 stage III and IV BC specimens of patients that had undergone radical cystectomy, and tested for clinical associations including cancer‐specific and overall survival. We examined therapeutic effects of NOTCH and MAPK repression in a murine xenograft model of human bladder cancer cells and evaluated tumor growth and tumor cell plasticity. In BC, NOTCH1 and MAPK signaling marked two distinct tumor cell subpopulations. The combination of high NOTCH1 and high MAPK activity indicated poor cancer‐specific and overall survival in univariate and multivariate analyses. Inhibition of NOTCH and MAPK in BC xenografts in vivo depleted targeted tumor cell subpopulations and revealed strong plasticity in signaling pathway activity. Combinatorial inhibition of NOTCH and MAPK signaling most strongly suppressed tumor growth. Our findings indicate that tumor cell subpopulations with high NOTCH and MAPK activity both contribute to tumor progression. Furthermore, we propose a new concept for BC therapy, which advocates specific and simultaneous targeting of these different tumor cell subpopulations through combined NOTCH and MAPK inhibition.
Monitoring epidermal growth factor receptor C797S mutation in Japanese non–small cell lung cancer patients with serial cell‐free DNA evaluation using digital droplet PCR
Authors: Ariyasu Ryo , Uchibori Ken , Sasaki Takaaki , Tsukahara Mika , Kiyotani Kazuma , Yoshida Ryohei , Ono Yusuke , Kitazono Satoru , Ninomiya Hironori , Ishikawa Yuichi , Mizukami Yusuke , Yanagitani Noriko , Fujita Naoya , Nishio Makoto , Katayama Ryohei
Published: March 2021

Osimertinib is a third‐generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI) that is effective in treating both naïve and T790M‐mutated EGFR‐TKI‐resistant non–small cell lung cancer patients. The EGFR C797S mutation is the major osimertinib resistance mechanism. The present study monitored the EGFR C797S mutation during osimertinib treatment in Japanese patients using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). In our first cohort, C797S detection was validated with tumor specimens and/or plasma samples from 26 patients using ddPCR with custom‐designed probes detecting and discriminating T790M and C797S in cis and trans positions. In our second cohort, 18 patients with EGFR‐T790M who were going to start osimertinib were analyzed using ddPCR by collecting the plasma samples every month from the beginning of the course of osimertinib. In the first cohort, C797S was detected in 15.4% of patients. C797S and T790M in cis and trans positions were distinguished using ddPCR. In the second cohort, serial cfDNA evaluation revealed that the rate of EGFR mutation changes with disease state. Increases of EGFR mutation were detected, including C797S several months before the diagnosis of disease progression. As with the first cohort, C797S and T790M in cis and trans position were distinguished by ddPCR at disease progression. Coincidentally, in the first cohort, next generation sequencing detected NRAS Q61K mutation and the resistance with NRAS Q61K mutation was overcome by trametinib. In the second cohort, serial cfDNA analysis was useful for evaluating bone oligo‐progression and local radiation therapy.
Inherited retinal diseases: Therapeutics, clinical trials and end points—A review
Authors: Georgiou Michalis , Fujinami Kaoru , Michaelides Michel
Published: March 2021

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders characterised by photoreceptor degeneration or dysfunction. These disorders typically present with severe vision loss that can be progressive, with disease onset ranging from congenital to late adulthood. The advances in genetics, retinal imaging and molecular biology, have conspired to create the ideal environment for establishing treatments for IRDs, with the first approved gene therapy and the commencement of multiple clinical trials. The scope of this review is to familiarise clinicians and scientists with the current management and the prospects for novel therapies for: (1) macular dystrophies, (2) cone and cone‐rod dystrophies, (3) cone dysfunction syndromes, (4) Leber congenital amaurosis, (5) rod‐cone dystrophies, (6) rod dysfunction syndromes and (7) chorioretinal dystrophies. We also briefly summarise the investigated end points for the ongoing trials.
Radiomics study on pulmonary infarction mimicking community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Gao Li , Li Yuze , Zhai Zhenguo , Liang Tian , Zhang Qiang , Xie Sheng , Chen Huijun
Published: March 2021

Introduction and Objectives

Pulmonary infarction (PI) shares similar symptoms and imaging presentations with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP), which might delay diagnosis and lead to devastating consequences. Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) is the first‐line examination for the patients with the respiratory symptoms. This study aimed to investigate a radiomics method to differentiate PI from CAP using noncontrast‐enhanced CT.

Methods

Noncontrast‐enhanced CT images of 54 patients with PI and 64 patients with CAP were retrospectively selected. All patients were confirmed using computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). A radiomics model was built with 18 texture features that showed significant differences between PI and CAP patients. For comparison, a clinical model using clinical biomarkers and an integrated model combining the radiomics and clinical biomarkers were also generated. An experienced radiologist performed diagnoses using the noncontrast‐enhanced CT images. The parameters of the models were generated using a training dataset of 61 patients, whereas the performance of the models was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Harrell's concordance index (C‐index) applied to a separate validation dataset of 57 patients.

Results

The integrated model achieved the best performance (C‐index 0.760, sensitivity 0.703, specificity 0.867, positive predictive value [PPV] 0.826, and negative predictive value [NPV] 0.765). The radiomics model was better than both the clinical model and the radiologist's interpretations (C‐index 0.721, 0.707, 0.665, respectively; sensitivity 0.667, 0.630, 0.593; specificity 0.800, 0.785, 0.733; PPV 0.750, 0.739, 0.667; and NPV 0.727, 0.706, 0.667).

Conclusions

Radiomics features generated from noncontrast‐enhanced CT images allow PI to be differentiated from CAP with considerable accuracy. The radiomics‐based method could provide useful information in clinical practice.
Molecular analyses of confiscated shark fins reveal shortcomings of CITES implementations in Germany
Authors: Villate‐Moreno Melany , Pollerspöck Jürgen , Kremer‐Obrock Friederike , Straube Nicolas
Published: March 2021

A three‐ton shipment of dry shark fins was examined by German customs in 2017 leading to the confiscation of 405 kg of potential CITES species. We analyzed a subsample of this material (115 specimens) using DNA sequence‐based identification and compared results to morphological screening of CITES species. We found a mixture of CITES regulated (4 of 11 species) and unregulated shark species. Our results demonstrate the difficulties of identifying CITES species morphologically in large fin shipments of mixed species composition. Correct identification of CITES species based on morphology alone may be hindered by missing characters or those altered by drying. We therefore suggest random molecular screening as a uniform approach for German customs authorities to check species composition and identify CITES regulated species in transit shipments.
Endoscopic management of chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Nabi Zaheer , Lakhtakia Sundeep
Published: March 2021

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an inflammatory process characterized by irreversible morphological changes in the pancreas. Pain is the predominant symptom observed during the course of CP. The etiopathogenesis of pain in CP is multifactorial and includes ductal hypertension due to obstruction of the pancreatic duct (PD), neuropathic causes, and extrapancreatic complications of CP like pseudocyst and distal biliary obstruction. A sizeable proportion of patients with CP are amenable to endoscopic treatment. The mainstay of endotherapy includes decompression of PD with one or more plastic stents in those with stricture, and fragmentation of PD calculi using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Nearly two‐thirds of the patients achieve pain relief in the long term with endotherapy. Upfront assessment for the suitability of endotherapy is paramount to achieve the best outcomes. The predictors of poor response to endotherapy include multifocal disease, like those with multifocal strictures or multiple calculi throughout the pancreas, or a combination of both PD strictures and stones. With the emerging use of covered metal stents, the outcomes are likely to improve in cases with refractory PD strictures as well as CP‐related distal biliary obstruction. The optimum stent design and indwell time of metal stents in cases with refractory PD strictures need further evaluation. Endoscopic ultrasonography has emerged as a complementary endoscopic modality in the management of CP as well as associated complications like pseudocysts, refractory pain, and vascular complications.
I know better! Emerging metacognition allows adolescents to ignore false advice
Authors: Moses‐Payne Madeleine E. , Habicht Johanna , Bowler Aislinn , Steinbeis Nikolaus , Hauser Tobias U.
Published: March 2021

Adolescents aspire for independence. Successful independence means knowing when to rely on one's own knowledge and when to listen to others. A critical prerequisite thus is a well‐developed metacognitive ability to accurately assess the quality of one's own knowledge. Little is known about whether the strive to become an independent decision maker in adolescence is underpinned by the necessary metacognitive skills. Here, we demonstrate that metacognition matures from childhood to adolescence (N = 107) and that this process coincides with greater independent decision‐making. We show that adolescents, in contrast to children, take on others’ advice less often, but only when the advice is misleading. Finally, we demonstrate that adolescents’ reduced reliance on others’ advice is explained by their increased metacognitive skills, suggesting that a developing ability to introspect may support independent decision‐making in adolescence.
Are dominant platforms good for consumers?
Authors: Ko Chiu Yu , Shen Bo
Published: March 2021

We develop a two‐sided market model where both platforms and sellers charge buyers for access. When network effects are moderate, a dominant platform that attracts more sellers and buyers is more likely to arise. Compared to when platforms split the market equally, a dominant platform always leads to higher consumer surplus and total welfare. Moreover, both of these measures improve as network effects increase. Our results suggest that competition authorities should be cautious regarding complaints related to dominant platforms in two‐sided markets, as they may be good for consumers.
Chinese validation of the Rasch‐Built Overall Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disability Scale
Authors: Sun Can , Fournier Christina N. , Ye Shan , Zhang Nan , Ma Yan , Fan Dongsheng
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose

The Rasch‐Built Overall Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disability Scale (ROADS) was developed using Rasch methodology. This scale has been demonstrated as a reliable outcome measure of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) trials. To date, there are no similar interval‐weighted scales to assess disability in ALS patients. The current study aimed to validate a Chinese version of the ROADS via Rasch methodology.

Methods

The Chinese version of the ROADS was obtained through a standardized forward–backward translation and cultural adaptation. ALS patients were recruited from the Department of Neurology of Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing, China to complete the ROADS and the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS‐R). Overall, 254 participants with ALS finished the Chinese scale. Rasch analysis was performed on the ROADS for validation and the ALSFRS‐R for comparison.

Results

The Chinese version of the ROADS was modified according to the statistical results. A final 28‐question scale was constructed that fulfilled all the requirements of the Rasch model with proper validity and reliability. Furthermore, the ROADS showed improved item targeting compared to the ALSFRS‐R. Conversely, the ALSFRS‐R did not fit the Rasch model expectations due to misfit values and disordered thresholds for all 12 items.

Conclusions

The Chinese adaptation of the ROADS is a linearly weighted scale that specifically captures overall disability in ALS patients. This scale indicates a wider range of item difficulties and better responsiveness than the ALSFRS‐R. The ROADS could be used as a valuable tool for use in ALS trials and in the clinic in Chinese settings.
Parental School‐Involvement and Substance Use? A Novel Family‐Based Prevention Strategy for Latino Youth
Authors: Cox Ronald B. , Washburn Isaac J. , Croff Julie M. , Ringwalt Christopher L.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To examine the association of parental school involvement with reductions in adolescent substance initiation among Latino immigrant youth.

Background

Parental school involvement is an important determinant of children's academic achievement. Likewise, academic achievement is associated with multiple adolescent health risk behaviors. Little research has examined whether parental school involvement is associated with adolescent drug use, and no research has examined this link among Latino immigrant youth.

Method

Using a census of Latino students (N = 661; mean age = 13.1 years) in 12 urban middle schools, we used a multilevel model with zero‐inflated outcomes to test whether (a) parental school involvement is inversely associated with alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; (b) school‐level parental involvement affects individual‐level drug use; and (c) child gender moderates these associations.

Results

Parental school involvement was negatively associated with lifetime prevalence of all substances and with increases in the age of first alcohol use. School‐level parental involvement was negatively associated with lifetime prevalence of substance use and age of first use for girls and marginally significant with boys.

Conclusion

Parental school involvement is a promising target for prevention efforts to reduce early‐onset substance use.

Implications

Parental school involvement may address multiple negative outcomes in youth even for youth whose parents are relatively uninvolved, and may increase program dosage.
Silicon Isotope Analyses of Soil and Plant Reference Materials: An Inter‐Comparison of Seven Laboratories
Authors: Delvigne Camille , Guihou Abel , Schuessler Jan A. , Savage Paul , Poitrasson Franck , Fischer Sebastian , Hatton Jade E. , Hendry Katharine R. , Bayon Germain , Ponzevera Emmanuel , Georg Bastian , Akerman Alisson , Pokrovsky Oleg S. , Meunier Jean‐Dominique , Deschamps Pierre , Basile‐Doelsch Isabelle
Published: March 2021

The use of silicon (Si) isotopes has led to major advances in our understanding of Si cycling in modern and past environments. This inter‐laboratory comparison exercise provides the community with the first set of soil and plant reference materials with an analytically challenging matrix containing organic material that is known to induce isotopic bias, for use as secondary reference materials in Si isotope measurement. Seven laboratories analysed four soil reference materials (GBW‐07401, GBW‐07404, GBW‐07407, TILL‐1) and one plant reference material (ERM‐CD281). Participating laboratories employed a range of chemical preparation methods and analytical setups but all analyses were performed by MC‐ICP‐MS. Irrespective of the chemical preparation method or analytical conditions, the results show excellent agreement among laboratories within 2s for at least three replicates. Data were combined together to calculate δ29Si and δ30Si mean values (relative to NBS 28) and their expanded uncertainties (U, coverage factor k = 2). The δ30Si values are as follow: GBW‐07401: −0.27 ± 0.06‰, GBW‐07404: −0.76 ± 0.12‰, GBW‐07407: −1.82 ± 0.17‰, TILL‐1: −0.16 ± 0.06‰ and ERM‐CD281: −0.28 ± 0.11‰. Also, a compilation of published data provides an up‐to‐date mean δ30Si for BHVO‐2 of −0.28 ± 0.08‰.
Musculoskeletal symptoms and relationship with laboratory findings in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Batur Elif Balevi , Korez Muslu Kazim , Gezer Ilknur Albayrak , Levendoglu Funda , Ural Onur
Published: March 2021

Aim

To investigate the frequency of fatigue and musculoskeletal symptoms and their correlation with laboratory data in patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

This study included 80 patients hospitalised and treated for COVID‐19 in the infectious diseases clinic between March 2020 and May 2020. Data analysis was performed retrospectively from the hospital medical charts. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, and laboratory findings were noted. Clinical symptoms and correlations with laboratory results were assessed. Besides, an analysis of patients with and without chronic disease was performed for clinical symptoms and laboratory findings.

Results

The frequencies of myalgia and fatigue were 46.1% and 50%, respectively. In the laboratory data, there was a significant increase in creatinine kinase (CK) level and lymphocyte count in the patients with myalgia symptoms (P < .05). There were no other significant results in the laboratory data. Of the patients with chronic disease, it has been shown that hemoglobin levels were significantly decreased (P < .05), while D‐dimer was markedly increased (P < .05).

Conclusion

The laboratory findings of COVID‐19‐related myalgia suggested that patients might have a risk of progressive muscle injury. Therefore, these patients should also be followed up in terms of the myopathic process.
The development and psychometric evaluation of the Mental Health Nurse‐Sensitive Patient Outcome‐Scale (MH‐NURSE‐POS) for inpatient psychiatric hospital settings
Authors: Desmet Karel , Duprez Veerle , Deproost Eddy , Beeckman Dimitri , Goossens Peter J.J. , Vandewalle Joeri , Van Hecke Ann , Verhaeghe Sofie
Published: March 2021

Mental health nurses are struggling to describe their nursing identity as professional discipline in a changing mental health care. Measuring nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes and demonstrating nursing’s effect(s) experienced by patients contribute to (re)discover the specific nursing identity. However, a valid and reliable scale is currently lacking. The aim of this study was the development and psychometric evaluation of the Mental Health Nurse‐Sensitive Patient Outcome Scale (MH‐NURSE‐POS) for inpatient psychiatric hospital settings. This three‐staged study resulted in a scale capturing how inpatients experience the contribution of nurses in their treatment in psychiatric hospitals. First, a draft questionnaire was developed based on a literature review, an independent expert’s advice, and an experts panel. Second, the content validity was tested in a two‐round Delphi‐procedure and focus groups with patients. A pilot test, based on cognitive interviews, confirmed the feasibility of the questionnaire. Third, the psychometric properties of the mental health nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes were determined in a sample of 353 patients. The cross‐sectional study included a convenience sample of five psychiatric hospitals (Belgium). The factor structure (Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure of sampling adequacy 0.924; Bartlett’s test of sphericity χ2 = 4162.537; df = 231; P < 0.001), convergent validity by the Individualized Care Scale (Pearson correlation 0.660; P < 0.001), and reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha 0.854) were evaluated. The factor analysis resulted in a four‐factor solution representing growth, expression, control, and motivation. The Mental Health Nurse‐Sensitive Patient Outcome Scale is a valid and reliable tool to measure the effectiveness of mental health nurses from the patient perspective.
Small SNP panels for breed proportion estimation in Indian crossbred dairy cattle
Authors: Strucken Eva M. , Swaminathan Marimuthu , Gibson John P.
Published: March 2021

Reliably identifying breed proportions in crossbred cattle in smallholder farms is a crucial step to improve mating decisions and optimizing management in these systems. High‐density genotype information is able to estimate higher‐order breed proportions accurately, but, are too expensive for mass application in smallholder systems. We used high‐density genotype information (777 k SNPs) of 623 crossbred cattle from India that had Holstein‐Friesian (HFX) and/or Jersey and indigenous breeds in their ancestry to select a smaller number of SNPs for breed proportion estimation. The accuracy of estimates obtained from panels with 100–500 SNP was compared to estimates based on all SNPs. Panels were selected for highest absolute allele frequency difference between exotic dairy versus indigenous Bos indicus, or between HFX versus Jersey breeds. A step‐wise pruning approach was developed showing that and increased physical distances between markers of 8.5 Mb improved breed proportion estimation compared to a standard 1 Mb distance. A panel of 500 SNPs optimized to estimate HFX versus Jersey versus indicine ancestry was able to estimate indicine breed proportions with r2 = .991, HFX proportions with r2 = .979 and Jersey proportions with r2 = .949. The number of markers was a deciding factor in estimation accuracy, together with the distribution of markers across the genome.
Recent divergence and lack of shared phylogeographic history characterize the diversification of neotropical savanna birds
Authors: van Els Paul , Zarza Eugenia , Rocha Moreira Lucas , Gómez‐Bahamón Valentina , Santana Antonita , Aleixo Alexandre , Ribas Camila C. , do Rêgo Périces Sena , Santos Marcos Pérsio Dantas , Zyskowski Kristof , Prum Richard O. , Berv Jacob
Published: March 2021

Aim

Neotropical savanna birds occur north and south of, but mostly not in the Amazon Basin, except for a few isolated savanna patches. Here, we investigate the phylogeography of 23 taxa of Neotropical savanna birds co‐distributed across multiple isolated savanna patches to assess to what extent these species have a shared history of spatial diversification. We explore the role of the forested Amazon Basin as a vicariant barrier separating northern and southern populations, particularly focusing on the role of the coastal savannas of Amapá as a potential corridor of gene flow between northern and southern populations.

Location

Neotropical savannas.

Taxon

Aves.

Method

We employ 775 mtDNA samples of 24 co‐distributed savanna bird taxa from all major savanna patches in South America to infer phylogeographic patterns. For this purpose, we use 24 genomic samples (UCEs) of a subset of 12 taxa in addition to the mtDNA samples to estimate timing of divergence across the Amazon Basin. We use phylogeographic concordance factors (PCF) to assess the level of phylogeographic congruence across co‐distributed taxa. Finally, we assess to which level physical distance drives genetic structuring by estimating isolation‐by‐distance (IBD) effects.

Results

We find that although the study taxa generally do not share similar diversification patterns geographically, many have at least two distinct genetic groups, one north and one south of the Amazon Basin, that have only recently diverged. The timing of divergence between both areas is generally centered in the late Pleistocene, but somewhat variable, indicating there is no single vicariant event responsible for driving diversification.

Main conclusions

Variability in divergence times indicates that landscape processes have not led to shared phylogeographic responses, which indicates a relatively minor role for vicariance. Shallow divergences suggest that Neotropical grassland habitats may have recently been more connected or that gene flow has played an important role. We did not find evidence of a single dominant corridor of dispersal between savannas north and south of the forested Amazon Basin.
No evidence for a core deficit in developmental dyscalculia or mathematical learning disabilities
Authors: Mammarella Irene C. , Toffalini Enrico , Caviola Sara , Colling Lincoln , Szűcs Denes
Published: March 2021

Background

Two hypotheses were tested regarding the characteristics of children with mathematical learning disabilities (MLD): (a) that children with MLD would have a ‘core deficit’ in basic number processing skills; and (b) that children with MLD would be at the end of a developmental continuum and have impairments in many cognitive skills.

Methods

From a large sample (N = 1,303) of typically developing children, we selected a group definable as having MLD. The children were given measures of basic number processing and domain‐general constructs. Differences between the observed sample and a simulated population were estimated using Cohen’s d and Bayes factors. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted, and the area under the curve was computed to ascertain the diagnostic power of measures.

Results

Results suggest that the differences between the MLD and control group can be defined along with general characteristics of the population rather than assuming single or multiple ‘core deficits’. None of the measures of interest exceeded the diagnostic power that could be derived via simulation from the dimensional characteristics of the general population.

Conclusions

There is no evidence for core deficit(s) in MLD. We suggest that future research should focus on representative samples of typical populations and on carefully tested clinical samples confirming to the criteria of international diagnostic manuals. Clinical diagnoses require that MLD is persistent and resistant to intervention, so studies would deliver results less exposed to measurement fluctuations. Uniform diagnostic criteria would also allow for the easy cross‐study comparison of samples overcoming a serious limitation of the current literature.
Insulin on the brain: The role of central insulin signalling in energy and glucose homeostasis
Authors: Beddows Cait A. , Dodd Garron T.
Published: March 2021

Insulin signals to the brain where it coordinates multiple physiological processes underlying energy and glucose homeostasis. This review explores where and how insulin interacts within the brain parenchyma, how brain insulin signalling functions to coordinate energy and glucose homeostasis and how this contributes to the pathogenesis of metabolic disease.