bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutions and inward foreign direct investment in the primary sectors
Authors: Rygh Asmund , Torgersen Kristine , Benito Gabriel R.G.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Well-functioning institutions are repeatedly claimed to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) by reducing the costs and uncertainty of economic activity. Nonetheless, it has been argued that institutions may matter less for FDI in the primary sector. This study aims to theoretically and empirically investigate the role of institutions for attracting FDI in agricultural and in extractive activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses worldwide country and sector-level data on inward FDI for the period 1996–2007. The key independent variables, property rights protection, corruption and democracy, are measured using World Bank Governance Indicators and Polity IV as data sources. Fixed effect panel regression, Tobit regression and generalized method of moments are used for data analysis.

Findings

The authors corroborate the importance of institutions for aggregate FDI. Disaggregating by primary subsector, the authors find that agricultural FDI, like aggregate FDI, is attracted by institutional features such as rule of law and property rights protection and democracy, whereas extractive FDI is not. The authors also find some evidence that corruption deters FDI in both primary subsectors.

Originality/value

The authors take a first step toward linking the largely empirical institutions-FDI literature more closely with the economics-based theoretical discussions of FDI risk grounded on a property rights approach, to discuss issues such as effective control rights over investments, which may vary between sectors. The authors also explore a novel idea that extractive activities may be less sensitive to institutions because the time horizon is limited by the depletion of the resource, resulting in an inherently relatively short-term commitment to a host-country location.
Well-being as a staged social responsibility process: exploratory testing of a new theory
Authors: Newey Lance Richard , Torres de Oliveira Rui , Mishra Archana
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to extend the conceptualization of well-being as a staged social responsibility process by undertaking further conceptual development of these ideas as well as exploratory, small-scale international testing.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised 117 leaders from Alaska, India and Norway. Cluster analysis was used to determine systematic differences in the way leaders think about societal well-being (well-being action logics), and regression analysis was used to test positive and significant relationships between well-being action logics and stages of consciousness.

Findings

Cluster analysis confirmed the three theoretically derived well-being action logics of top managers: compensatory, integral and hybrid. The authors found preliminary empirical support for a systematic relationship between well-being action logics and stages of consciousness as per constructive-developmental theory.

Practical implications

Better adoption of societal well-being as a normative ethic hinges on building the capacity of top managers to process more complex understandings of the range of components of societal well-being and how these components interact, conflict and synergize.

Social implications

Being asked to embrace more complex views about societal well-being can be overwhelming, leading top managers to retreat into defensiveness. The result is resistance to change, preferring instead to stay with familiar yet outmoded conceptions. Societal well-being can thus suffer.

Originality/value

This paper opens the black box to find systematic differences in the way managers think about societal well-being. Further, the research has uncovered that these differences follow a staged developmental process of greater complexity.
Image splicing detection using discriminative robust local binary pattern and support vector machine
Authors: Akram Arslan , Ramzan Saba , Rasool Akhtar , Jaffar Arfan , Furqan Usama , Javed Wahab
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a novel splicing detection method using a discriminative robust local binary pattern (DRLBP) with a support vector machine (SVM). Reliable detection of image splicing is of growing interest due to the extensive utilization of digital images as a communication medium and the availability of powerful image processing tools. Image splicing is a commonly used forgery technique in which a region of an image is copied and pasted to a different image to hide the original contents of the image.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural changes caused due to splicing are robustly described by DRLBP. The changes caused by image forgery are localized, so as a first step, localized description is divided into overlapping blocks by providing an image as input. DRLBP descriptor is calculated for each block, and the feature vector is created by concatenation. Finally, features are passed to the SVM classifier to predict whether the image is genuine or forged.

Findings

The performance and robustness of the method are evaluated on public domain benchmark data sets and achieved 98.95% prediction accuracy. The results are compared with state-of-the-art image splicing finding approaches, and it shows that the performance of the proposed method is improved using the given technique.

Originality/value

The proposed method is using DRLBP, an efficient texture descriptor, which combines both corner and inside design detail in a single representation. It produces discriminative and compact features in such a way that there is no need for the feature selection process to drop the redundant and insignificant features.
Extended application of the rapid post‐mortem test kit for bovine spongiform encephalopathy to chronic wasting disease
Authors: Matsuura Yuichi , Miyazawa Kohtaro , Horiuchi Motohiro , Suzuki Akio , Yokoyama Mayumi , Imamura Morikazu , Ikeda Keigo , Iwamaru Yoshifumi
Published: February 2022

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion disease affecting cervid species primarily in the United States of America and Canada; however, it is now emerging in Scandinavian countries. Although CWD cases have not been reported in Japan, in case of a CWD outbreak occuring, it is critical to prepare for testing a large number of specimens. The present study showed that a rapid post‐mortem test kit, which is used for bovine spongiform encephalopathy surveillance in Japan, is valid for the detection of CWD prion.
Syntaxonomy and gradient analysis of common yew (Taxus baccataL.) communities in eastern Hyrcanian forests, northern Iran
Authors: Esmailzadeh Omid , Soofi Meysam
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study is to outline syntaxonomical diversity of yew (Taxus baccataL.) in the eastern of Hyrcanian forests, Jahan Nama Protected Area (JNPA), and to identify their main environmental gradients. Vegetation units were classified using modified TWINSPAN (two‐way indicator species analysis) and were translated into syntaxonomic system. Syntaxa were determined by re‐arrangement of each relevé based on diagnostic species. Syntaxa were finally evaluated by diagnostic species and environmental parameters according to phi‐values and analysis of variance, respectively. Detrended correspondence analysis was used to visualize the dissimilarity of syntaxa and their relationships with the environmental factors. The classification of JNPA yew forests resulted in six vegetation units. These patterns were translated into four associations (Asso.), two sub‐associations (Subasso.) and two variants (Var.). (Asso.1)Fago orientalis‐Taxetum baccataeis found in northern aspects with lower slopes and higher soil depth; (Asso.2)Aceri velutini‐Taxetum baccataeis occurring in the moderate but rocky slopes. Asso.1 and Asso.2 are the same in altitude and involvingCarpinus betulusas a co‐dominant. (Asso.3)Carpino betuli‐Carpino orientalis‐Taxetum baccataedeveloped in the intermediate slopes. (Asso.4)Carpino orientalis‐Taxetum baccataeappeared in the highest slope of northeast and northwest aspects with shallow soil depth. The main factors determining the species composition of the JNPA syntaxa are slope, eastness, elevation, and clay content. Finally, we concluded that yew could be associated by different plant species with different ecological desirability in the eastern of Hyrcanian forests. This study also provided the specific pattern of forest community type betweenC. betulusandC. orientalisin the JNPA using species combination concept.
The Social Capital Effects of Refugee Resettlement on Host Communities*
Authors: Albrecht Sabina , Smerdon David
Published: February 2022

We examine the effects of refugee resettlement on the trust and attitudes of individuals in host populations. We exploit an exogenous resettlement shock in rural Australia and combine data from a lab‐in‐the‐field experiment with repeated cross‐sectional survey data to test the predictions of three prominent theories about inter‐group contact: contact theory, conflict theory and constrict theory. Surprisingly, our aggregate results reject all of the theories. A split‐sample analysis reveals strong gender effects: females who have experienced contact with resettled refugees are more trusting of refugees generally and also hold significantly more favourable attitudes towards refugee resettlement than males.
Transcriptome characterization and expression analysis related to sex‐determining genes in Chilo sacchariphagus (Lepidoptera Crambidae), a key pest of sugarcane
Authors: Liu Jianbai , Wu Han , Yi Jiequn , Li Jihu , Cheng Yinjie , Zhang Yifei , Sun Donglei , An Yuxing
Published: February 2022

Chilo sacchariphagus is one of the most harmful pests of sugarcane, sorghum, corn, and other crops, in China and other countries and regions. In order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the sexually dimorphic development of C. sacchariphagus, transcriptome data of female and male adults were obtained. A total of 127,812,174 and 126,593,664 clean reads of males and females were arranged into 45,693 and 37,034 unigenes for males and females, respectively, 26,949 of which were annotated. Candidate genes involved in sexual development were identified and analysed. Statistical analysis revealed that 18,642 genes were differentially expressed in females and males, 9,307 of which were up‐regulated in males and 9,335 of which were up‐regulated in females. As indicated by GO classification, DEGs were mainly involved in cell part, cellular process and binding. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that 6,037 DEGs were assigned to 295 metabolic pathways. Based on annotation and transcriptome data, we identified twenty‐two sex determining genes, of which Csactra2, Csacemc, Csacfru, Csacix, Csacovo, CsacdsxM, and Csacsxl showed a higher expression in males than that in females, while CsacgroX4, Csacfem, CsacgroX9, Csacmsl1, Csacmsl2, Csacmsl3, Csacotu, Csacvir, Csacrunt, and CsacdsxF were more highly expressed in female. In addition, Csactra2 and CsacgroX9 were enriched in Spliceosome, Notch signaling, and Wnt signaling pathways, respectively. And the pathways are crucial in regulating insect growth, differentiation and development. This transcriptome study provides rich and significant information regarding the genes involved in sex differentiation and determination, which would improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms related to sex determination and be helpful for providing the basis for a wide spectrum of strategies to benefit pest control and prevention, and agriculture and public health.
Localization, purification, and characterization of a novel β‐glucosidase from Hanseniaspora uvarum Yun268
Authors: Fan Tongtong , Jing Siyu , Zhang Hongyan , Yang Xiaobing , Jin Guojie , Tao Yongsheng
Published: February 2022

β‐Glucosidase is a key enzyme that hydrolyzes nonvolatile glycosylated precursors of aroma compounds and enhances the organoleptic quality of wines. In this study, a novel β‐glucosidase from Hanseniaspora uvarum Yun268 was localized, purified, and characterized. Results indicated that β‐glucosidase activity was mainly distributed within the cells. After purification via ammonium sulfate precipitation combined with chromatography, β‐glucosidase specific activity increased 8.36 times, and the activity recovery was 56.90%. The enzyme had a molecular mass of 74.22 kDa. It has a Michaelis constant (Km) of 0.65 mmol/L, and a maximum velocity (Vmax) of 5.1 nmol/min under optimum conditions; and Km of 0.94 mmol/L, and Vmax of 2.8 nmol/min under typical winemaking conditions. It exhibited the highest activity at 50°C and pH 5.0 and was stable at a temperature range of 20–80°C and pH range of 3.0–8.0. The enzyme has good tolerance to Fe3+, especially maintaining 93.68% of its activity with 10 mmol/L of Fe3+. Ethanol (<20%) and glucose (<150 g/L) inhibited its activity only slightly. Therefore, β‐glucosidase from H. uvarum Yun268 has excellent biochemical properties and a good application potential in winemaking.

Practical Application

Winemaking is a biotechnological process in which exogenous β‐glucosidase is used to overcome the deficiency of endogenous β‐glucosidase activity in grapes. By localizing, purifying, and characterizing of β‐glucosidase from Hanseniaspora uvarum Yun268, it is expected to reveal its physical and chemical characteristics to evaluate its oenological properties in winemaking. The results may provide the basis for promoting the release of varietal aroma and improving wine sensory quality in the wine industry.
Meta‐analysis of the impact of financial constraints on firm performance
Authors: Ahamed Fatematuz Tamanna , Houqe Muhammad Nurul , van Zijl Tony
Published: February 2022

A large number of studies have investigated the relationship between financial constraints and firm performance. However, due to heterogeneity in study design factors, such as choice of measures for constraints and performance, control variables, estimation methods and study sample, the empirical results have been mixed. To mitigate this issue, this paper reports a meta‐analysis of the association between financial constraints and firm performance. To assess the overall direction of the relationship and the sources of heterogeneity, we apply meta‐analytic methods to 26 studies (providing 189 effect sizes) on the association between financial constraints and financial performance in listed companies. Our result shows that, overall, there is a positive relationship between financial constraints and firm performance. In addition, meta‐regression results suggest that return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) as measures of financial performance, and external finance and size as measures of financial constraints, have a significant negative impact on the relationship between financial constraints and firm performance relative to the mean impact on effect size. Similarly, all of North America and Asia as regional differences, control of size and corporate governance as control variables, and journal quality as strength of results, also have a significant negative impact. On the other hand, market value as a measure of financial performance, and the Whited & Wu index as a measure of financial constraints, have significant positive impact relative to the mean impact. Similarly, cross‐country and Europe as regional differences, and publication status as strength of results, all have significant positive impact. Given that firm performance is of fundamental importance to investors, this study therefore helps researchers and policymakers to understand the variation in the empirical results on the impact of financial constraints.
Cow's milk still leads in the United States: The case of cow's, almond, and soy milk
Authors: Raszap Skorbiansky Sharon , Saavoss Monica , Stewart Hayden
Published: February 2022

While cow's milk and plant‐based milk are often hypothesized to be substitutes, much remains unknown about the impacts that plant‐based milks have on the retail price for cow's milk, if any. We explore the individual retail price relationship between two plant‐based milks, almond and soy, with cow's milk. If the markets are cointegrated, and shocks in the plant‐based markets affect the cow's milk market, it can add volatility to cow's milk prices, which could have implications for costs and benefits of the USDA Dairy Margin Coverage Program and price calculations by the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMO). However, while we find evidence that plant‐based milk prices react to shocks in cow's milk prices, we do not find evidence that cow's milk prices respond to changes in plant‐based milk prices.
Metastatic giant cell tumour of bone: a narrative review of management options and approaches
Authors: Xu Ruiwen , Choong Peter F. M.
Published: February 2022

Giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) is a locally aggressive bone neoplasm with a rare tendency to metastasise, most commonly to the lungs. The management of metastatic GCTB (metGCTB) is controversial due to its unpredictable behaviour. Asymptomatic patients should be monitored radiologically and undergo treatment only when disease progression occurs. Surgery is recommended for resectable metGCTB. Denosumab, a monoclonal antibody which inhibits receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand, is recommended for unresectable metGCTB with evidence from phase II trials demonstrating its safety and efficacy. Relapse after denosumab withdrawal may occur and prolonged treatment may be associated with serious adverse events, thus further research is warranted to inform a maintenance regimen with reduced dosing and frequency. Combined denosumab and bisphosphonate therapy has the potential to achieve sustained disease control or remission in unresectable metGCTB without requiring long‐term treatment and should be evaluated in prospective trials. Various novel agents have demonstrated in vitro and anecdotal efficacy and warrant further evaluation.
Estimation of discrimination threshold for emulsified chicken oil in chicken broth
Authors: Watanabe Genya , Ishida Shota , Motoyama Michiyo , Duconseille Anne , Takita Keigo , Nakajima Ikuyo , Tajima Atsushi , Sasaki Keisuke
Published: February 2022

Although fat content affects the texture and flavor of meat and meat products, the fat discrimination thresholds are unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the discrimination threshold of fat in meat products using broth from chicken thigh meat as a meat taste model. In Experiment 1, triangle tests were conducted between 1%, 0.2%, 0.04%, and 0.008% (w/v) chicken oil‐supplemented broth and broth without chicken oil. The results indicated the discrimination threshold to be between 0.04% and 0.008% (w/v). In Experiment 2, similar triangle tests were conducted using oil supplementation at 0.1%, 0.0333%, 0.0111%, and 0.0037% to refine the discrimination threshold. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the discrimination threshold of emulsified chicken oil in chicken broth was 0.0387% (w/v). We demonstrated that chicken oil made a sensory difference in chicken broth at a low concentration and indicates that the chicken oil strongly affects the sensory characteristics of chicken broth.
Temporal networks in collaborative learning: A case study
Authors: Saqr Mohammed , Peeters Ward
Published: February 2022

Social Network Analysis (SNA) has enabled researchers to understand and optimize the key dimensions of collaborative learning. A majority of SNA research has so far used static networks, ie, aggregated networks that compile interactions without considering when certain activities or relationships occurred. Compressing a temporal process by discarding time, however, may result in reductionist oversimplifications. In this study, we demonstrate the potentials of temporal networks in the analysis of online peer collaboration. In particular, we study: (1) social interactions by analysing learners' collaborative behaviour, part of a case study in which they worked on academic writing tasks, and (2) cognitive interactions through the analysis of students' self‐regulated learning tactics. The study included 123 students and 2550 interactions. By using temporal networks, we show how to analyse the longitudinal evolution of a collaborative network visually and quantitatively. Correlation coefficients with grades, when calculated with time‐respecting temporal measures of centrality, were more correlated with learning outcomes than traditional centrality measures. Using temporal networks to analyse the co‐temporal and longitudinal development, reach, and diffusion patterns of students' learning tactics has provided novel insights into the complex dynamics of learning, not commonly offered through static networks.
Cellular and molecular atlas of the placenta from a COVID‐19 pregnant woman infected at midgestation highlights the defective impacts on foetal health
Authors: Chen Jingsi , Du Lili , Wang Feiyang , Shao Xuan , Wang Xiaoyi , Yu Wenzhe , Bi Shilei , Chen Dexiong , Pan Xingfei , Zeng Shanshan , Huang Lijun , Liang Yingyu , Li Yulian , Chen Rufang , Xue Fengwu , Li Xiuying , Wang Shouping , Zhuang Manli , Liu Mingxing , Lin Lin , Yan Hao , He Fang , Yu Lin , Jiang Qingping , Xiong Zhongtang , Zhang Lizi , Cao Bin , Wang Yan‐Ling , Chen Dunjin
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The impacts of the current COVID‐19 pandemic on maternal and foetal health are enormous and of serious concern. However, the influence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection at early‐to‐mid gestation on maternal and foetal health remains unclear.

Materials and methods

Here, we report the follow‐up study of a pregnant woman of her whole infective course of SARS‐CoV‐2, from asymptomatic infection at gestational week 20 to mild and then severe illness state, and finally cured at Week 24. Following caesarean section due to incomplete uterine rupture at Week 28, histological examinations on the placenta and foetal tissues as well as single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) for the placenta were performed.

Results

Compared with the gestational age‐matched control placentas, the placenta from this COVID‐19 case exhibited more syncytial knots and lowered expression of syncytiotrophoblast‐related genes. The scRNA‐seq analysis demonstrated impaired trophoblast differentiation, activation of antiviral and inflammatory CD8 T cells, as well as the tight association of increased inflammatory responses in the placenta with complement over‐activation in macrophages. In addition, levels of several inflammatory factors increased in the placenta and foetal blood.

Conclusion

These findings illustrate a systematic cellular and molecular signature of placental insufficiency and immune activation at the maternal–foetal interface that may be attributed to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection at the midgestation stage, which highly suggests the extensive care for maternal and foetal outcomes in pregnant women suffering from COVID‐19.
Risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in never‐smokers: A systematic review
Authors: Pando‐Sandoval Ana , Ruano‐Ravina Alberto , Candal‐Pedreira Cristina , Rodríguez‐García Carlota , Represas‐Represas Cristina , Golpe Rafael , Fernández‐Villar Alberto , Pérez‐Ríos Mónica
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Relatively little is known about the risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in never‐smokers, and these factors have not yet been fully characterised. This study therefore sought to analyse COPD risk factors in never‐smokers by conducting a systematic review of the literature on the topic.

Materials and methods

We performed a search in PubMed (Medline) and Embase from 2000 onwards, to locate studies on COPD in never‐smokers. For literature search and evidence synthesis purposes, we used the PRISMA guidelines and drew up a specific quality scale to quantify the evidence of each study included.

Results

The bibliographic search retrieved a total of 557 papers, 20 of which fulfilled the designated inclusion criteria (two case–control studies, four cohort studies and 14 cross‐sectional studies). These studies were undertaken in Europe, the United States, Latin America, Asia and Africa. The risk factors for never‐smokers were varied and ranged from exposure to biomass, occupational exposure and passive smoking to having a history of asthma, tuberculosis or respiratory infections during childhood. The effect of residential radon was unclear. The highest risk was obtained for previous respiratory diseases of any type, with a magnitude much higher than that observed for other risk factors.

Conclusions

There are few studies on COPD risk factors in never‐smokers. More purpose‐designed studies in this subpopulation are thus called for, including well‐designed studies to specifically assess if indoor radon has any role on COPD onset.
Rapid changes in public perception toward a conservation initiative
Authors: Niemiec Rebecca , Berl Richard E. W. , Gonzalez Mireille , Teel Tara , Salerno Jonathan , Breck Stewart , Camara Cassiopeia , Collins Matthew , Schultz Courtney , Hoag Dana , Crooks Kevin
Published: February 2022

Rapid, widespread changes in public perceptions and behaviors have the potential to influence conservation outcomes. However, few studies have documented whether and how such shifts occur throughout the span of a conservation initiative. We examined the 2020 ballot initiative to reintroduce wolves into Colorado, which passed with less support than prior surveys had estimated. We conducted a postelection survey of Colorado residents using the same methods as our preelection survey to compare responses between surveys and to official election results. Reported voting in favor of wolf reintroduction in the postelection survey decreased in comparison to voting intentions shared in the preelection survey, but not enough to reflect the actual vote. While bias from survey methods and/or sampling contributed to differences, we also found evidence that public perception changed. Specifically, beliefs about the potential for negative impacts of wolves increased, while beliefs about the potential for positive impacts of wolves decreased. Our findings highlight the need to conduct longitudinal monitoring of public perception given perceptions may be highly fluid as different entities attempt to sway voters. In addition, to better understand evolving perceptions, survey methods and sampling need to be improved.
Research priorities in liver transplant anesthesiology: Results of a survey of liver transplant anesthesiologists
Authors: Smith Natalie , Chadha Ryan , Zerillo Jeron , Lin Hung‐Mo , Ouyang Yuxia , DeMaria Samuel
Published: February 2022

Optimal perioperative care contributes to improved patient outcomes, as demonstrated in the field of liver transplant (LT). The evolution in perioperative care over the past two decades has been driven by research in areas such as preoperative testing, coagulation management, and intraoperative monitoring. However, much of this research is driven by local institutional pressures and practices with a dearth of studies emanating from research consortia or other groups of experts within the field. To better characterize the top research questions in the field, we queried a group of 128 LT anesthesiologists representing 87 international liver transplant centers with a response from 71 practitioners (59.2%). Three experts then codified the responses into the top 20 questions, which were sent to the survey recipients as a second survey to rank order. Seventy‐five respondents (61.5%) provided responses, which were merged into a weighted ranked priority list and analyzed by respondent location and center size. The highest ranked question was, “What intraoperative anesthetic management/interventions affect graft outcome?” Most of the top research questions focused on preoperative risk factor management or optimization and intraoperative management techniques. In general, this priorities list may serve as a guide for transplant anesthesiology researchers to focus future research endeavors on shared interests that improve patient care.
Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy under red dichromatic imaging for esophageal varices
Authors: Hikichi Takuto , Nakamura Jun , Kato Tsunetaka , Hashimoto Minami , Kobashi Ryoichiro
Published: February 2022

This Editorial refers to the article by Y. Furuichi et al., p 87‐95 of the issue DEN 34:1.
First‐line steroid treatment for spontaneous intracranial hypotension
Authors: Tonello Simone , Grossi Ugo , Trincia Elena , Zanus Giacomo
Published: February 2022

Background

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a syndrome characterized by low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure and postural headaches, and affects 1 per 20,000 individuals every year.

Case report

We report an otherwise healthy 38‐year‐old man admitted to the hospital with orthostatic headache that developed 48 h after a short‐haul flight during which he sustained a neck injury due to turbulence. Neurological examination, blood analysis and computed tomography scan performed at the emergency service were normal. Brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement and contrast medium egress from the subarachnoid space into the epidural space at the level of C2. The patient was treated with bed rest, hydration and 1 mg/kg/day oral prednisone for 5 days, with a gradual withdrawal in the following 7 days. Complete symptomatic relief was observed after 16 days, with resolution of the pathological findings on brain and spinal MRI after 1 month, except for localized pachymeningeal enhancement. Clinical relief was maintained over time until last follow‐up visit 9 months later.

Conclusion

Successful conservative treatment barely exceeds one quarter of cases of SIH. The clinical benefits of steroids may result from several mechanisms of action, for example, improving brain oedema and inflammation, determining fluid retention, and facilitating reabsorption of the CSF from extradural space. Notwithstanding that epidural blood patch remains the most successful treatment for SIH, future studies should explore the effectiveness of steroids as first‐line therapy in addition to the most commonly suggested measures of bed rest and hydration.
The persistence of neoliberal logics in faculty evaluations amidst Covid‐19: Recalibrating toward equity
Authors: Mickey Ethel L. , Misra Joya , Clark Dessie
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we theorize the intersectional gendered impacts of COVID‐19 on faculty labor, with a particular focus on how institutions of higher education in the United States evaluate faculty labor amidst the COVID‐19 transition and beyond. The pandemic has disrupted faculty research, teaching, and service in differential ways, having larger impacts on women faculty, faculty of color, and caregiving faculty in ways that further reflect the intersections of these groups. Universities have had to reconsider how evaluation occurs, given the impact of these disruptions on faculty careers. Through a case study of university pandemic responses in the United States, we summarize key components of how colleges and universities shifted evaluations of faculty labor in response to COVID‐19, including suspending teaching evaluations, implementing tenure delays, and allowing for impact statements in faculty reviews. While most institutional responses recenter neoliberal principles of the ideal academic worker that is both gendered and racialized, a few universities have taken more innovative approaches to better attend to equity concerns. We conclude by suggesting arecalibrationof the faculty evaluation system – one that maintains systematic faculty reviews and allows for academic freedom, but requires universities to take a more contextualized approach to evaluation in ways that center equity and inclusion for women faculty and faculty of color for the long term.
“Alternative facts” and St. Thomas Becket in the waning days of the Trump Presidency
Authors: Cuenca Esther Liberman
Published: February 2022

This article examines the executive proclamation, issued by Donald Trump in late December 2020, celebrating the 850th anniversary of St. Thomas Becket's martyrdom. This executive proclamation is best seen as an example of the “alternative facts” that came to popularize the politics of the Trump era. Trump's Becket proclamation is an important text that represents the conservative push towards an understanding of history rooted in ideology but also in ahistorical and fictional representations of a medieval past. The Becket proclamation itself is medieval history filtered through the lens of conservative and grievance politics, which invoke the nebulous concept of personal or religious “liberty.”
Different scaling and root planing strategies in Turkish patients with aggressive periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mamaklıoğlu Dilek , Karched Maribasappa , Kuru Leyla , Kuru Bahar , Asikainen Sirkka , Doğan Başak
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare clinical, cytokine and microbiological responses after quadrant‐based scaling and root planing (Q‐SRP), full‐mouth SRP (FM‐SRP) and full‐mouth disinfection (FMD) in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP), which is currently termed as generalized stage‐III and grade‐C periodontitis.

Methods

Forty‐two patients with GAgP were randomly assigned into groups as Q‐SRP, FM‐SRP or FMD with chlorhexidine. Clinical parameters were recorded, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and subgingival plaque samples were collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months after treatment. GCF levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐17 were analysed using ELISA. Quantities of six bacterial species were determined using qPCR.

Results

Clinical parameters improved significantly in all groups at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.05). Percentage of sites with probing depth >6 mm was lower in the FMD than Q‐SRP group at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.05). FMD showed significantly higher percentage of pocket closure compared with Q‐SRP and FM‐SRP at both 3 and 6 months after treatment (p < 0.05). The IL‐1β levels decreased only in the FMD group (p < 0.05), whereas no changes were found in IL‐17 levels in any group. The levels of five out of six bacterial species decreased at 3 and/or 6 months only in the FMD group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The FMD treatment appears to offer superior outcome than Q‐SRP and could be the first choice for patients with GAgP.
Burden of skin cancer in Colombia
Authors: Meijs Martijn , Herrera Astrid , Acosta Alvaro , de Vries Esther
Published: February 2022

Background

Levels of incidence and mortality of skin cancer in Colombia and Latin America are largely unknown.

Objectives

Present the available information from official and gray literature and governmental databases to grasp the magnitude and characteristics of skin cancer in Colombia (middle‐income Latin American country).

Methods

Narrative review based on a literature search (2005–2020), gray literature and cancer registry and governmental warehouse data, calculation of proportions and age‐standardized incidence (ASIR) and mortality rates (ASMR), expressed per 100,000 person‐years.

Results

ASIR of cutaneous melanoma in Colombia is around 3, corresponding ASMR between 0.7 and 0.8. Distinctive features are the high proportion and rates for acral melanomas, and the advanced stage at diagnosis in the general population but not in private clinics. For non‐melanoma skin cancer, ASIR is at least around 35–40, ASMR 0.8.

Conclusions

Among the wealthy Colombians, melanoma features are similar to those of high incidence countries (but of lower magnitude), whereas the majority of the population present distinct features with a much higher proportion of acral melanomas, very late stages at diagnosis, and poor prognosis. More advanced melanomas seem to have a relation with lower socioeconomic status. Non‐melanoma skin cancer is common, with very high mortality rates at levels even above those of predominantly fair‐skinned populations, implying high fatality rates for non‐melanoma skin cancers. This could indicate a late diagnosis or difficulties in access to treatment, illustrating the need for primary and secondary prevention to reduce the burden of disease and improve the prognosis of this common cancer.
Valorisation of blood protein from livestock to produce haem iron‐fortified hydrolysates with antioxidant activity
Authors: Berraquero‐García Carmen , Almécija M. Carmen , Guadix Emilia M. , Pérez‐Gálvez Raúl
Published: February 2022

Blood is the main by‐product from slaughterhouses bearing high levels of suspended solids (18% w/w) and BOD5 (250 000–375 000 mg O2/L), which makes difficult its handling and disposal. This study proposes the valorisation of blood protein to produce enzymatic hydrolysates rich in haemic iron and antioxidant peptides. Haemic iron presents higher bioavailability compared to its inorganic form, but its incorporation into foodstuffs is restrained by its high tendency to oxidation. Six commercial proteases of animal, plant and bacterial origin were employed to produce the enzymatic hydrolysates. Subtilisin and trypsin treatments were able to recover 70% of haem iron as soluble peptides, in contrast with plant enzymes where the proteolysis was reduced. Moreover, some enzymatic treatments led to hydrolysates with high levels of some in vitro antioxidant activities such as radical scavenging (Protamex, IC50 3.52 mg/mL) or metal chelating activity (trypsin, IC50 0.27 mg/mL). We conclude the enzymatic valorisation of blood protein increases haemic iron bioavailability and produces antioxidant peptides. Both properties are of interest for their use as iron fortification supplements.
GrpE is involved in mitochondrial function and is an effective target for RNAi‐mediated pest and arbovirus control
Authors: Huo Yan , Song Zhiyu , Wang Haiting , Zhang Ziyu , Xiao Na , Fang Rongxiang , Zhang Yuman , Zhang Lili
Published: February 2022

Laodelphax striatellus is a sap‐feeding pest and the main insect vector of rice stripe virus (RSV). There is an urgent need to identify molecular targets to control this insect pest and plant arboviruses. In this study, we identified a L. striatellus gene (named LsGrpE) encoding a GroP‐E‐like protein. We found that the LsGrpE protein localized to mitochondria. Using gene‐specific dsRNA to interfere with the expression of LsGrpE led to a significant increase in insect mortality, and most of the surviving insects could not develop into adults. Further analyses revealed that LsGrpE deficiency caused mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibited the insulin pathway, resulting in diabetes‐like symptoms such as elevated blood sugar, inactive behaviour, developmental delay, and death. In addition, LsGrpE deficiency significantly reduced the RSV titre in surviving L. striatellus, and indirectly prevented viral vertical transmission by reducing the number of adults. We generated transgenic rice plants expressing LsGrpE‐specific dsRNA, and the dsRNA was acquired by L. striatellus during feeding, resulting in increased insect mortality and the prevention of arboviral transmission. This study clarifies the function of LsGrpE and demonstrates that LsGrpE can be used as a molecular target of plant‐generated dsRNA to resist this sap‐feeding pest, a17nd therefore, its transmitted arboviruses.
Activation pathways that drive CD4+ T cells to break tolerance in autoimmune diseases*
Authors: Krovi Sai Harsha , Kuchroo Vijay K.
Published: February 2022

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by dysfunctional immune systems that misrecognize self as non‐self and cause tissue destruction. Several cell types have been implicated in triggering and sustaining disease. Due to a strong association of major histocompatibility complex II (MHC‐II) proteins with various autoimmune diseases, CD4+ T lymphocytes have been thoroughly investigated for their roles in dictating disease course. CD4+ T cell activation is a coordinated process that requires three distinct signals: Signal 1, which is mediated by antigen recognition on MHC‐II molecules; Signal 2, which boosts signal 1 in a costimulatory manner; and Signal 3, which helps to differentiate the activated cells into functionally relevant subsets. These signals are disrupted during autoimmunity and prompt CD4+ T cells to break tolerance. Herein, we review our current understanding of how each of the three signals plays a role in three different autoimmune diseases and highlight the genetic polymorphisms that predispose individuals to autoimmunity. We also discuss the drawbacks of existing therapies and how they can be addressed to achieve lasting tolerance in patients.
Effectiveness of late‐life depression interventions on functional limitations: A systematic review
Authors: Wassink‐Vossen Sanne , Oude Voshaar Richard C. , Naarding Paul , Collard Rose M.
Published: February 2022

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders in older adults and leads to considerable decreases in health, well‐being, and impaired functioning. Intervention studies have focused on the effects on symptomatic recovery, and most do not include functional recovery as an outcome. Reduction of functional limitations as a treatment goal in old‐age psychiatry aligns with the values of older persons. The objective of this review was therefore to evaluate the effectiveness of late‐life depression interventions on functional limitations. This systematic review identified 15 randomized controlled trials in which the effectiveness of different interventions on functional limitations was evaluated in patients with late‐life depression. The interventions were categorized into four categories: psychological interventions, drug treatment, physical exercise, and collaborative care. Multicomponent and collaborative‐care interventions appear to be the most promising for improvement of functional limitations, particularly in primary care and community‐dwelling populations of older persons with symptoms of depression. There is, however, a lack of evidence regarding studies in specialized mental health care.
Unlucky Number 13? Manipulating Evidence Subject to Snooping
Authors: Hassler Uwe , Pohle Marc‐Oliver
Published: February 2022

Questionable research practices have generated considerable recent interest throughout and beyond the scientific community. We subsume such practices involving secret data snooping that influences subsequent statistical inference under the term MESSing (manipulating evidence subject to snooping) and discuss, illustrate and quantify the possibly dramatic effects of several forms of MESSing using an empirical and a simple theoretical example. The empirical example uses numbers from the most popular German lottery, which seem to suggest that 13 is an unlucky number.
Supplemental or dietary intake of omega‐3 fatty acids for the treatment of periodontitis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Heo Hyojin , Bae Ji‐Hyun , Amano Atsuo , Park Teajun , Choi Youn‐Hee
Published: February 2022

Aim

To evaluate the intervention effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on changes in periodontal parameters.

Materials and Methods

This meta‐analysis included studies published in English language between 2010 and 2020, which were extracted from the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed databases. The effects of omega‐3 fatty acid intervention were investigated using the amount of omega‐3 intake, periodontal pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). The random‐effects model was generated for data analysis. To obtain robustness of the model, sensitivity analysis was implemented. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the intervention period for each parameter.

Results

All 13 studies included in the meta‐analysis were interventional, randomized controlled trials. Two studies implemented omega‐3 fatty acid‐rich diets, while 11 studies used supplements. Risk of bias was low, and publication bias was not shown. Meta‐analysis showed a statistically significant PPD reduction (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.81, absolute mean difference [MD] = −0.44 mm), CAL gain (SMD = −0.77, MD = −0.51 mm), and BOP reduction (SMD = −0.65, MD = −9.45%) for the omega‐3 fatty acid intervention overall.

Conclusion

This study suggests that supplemental or dietary intake of omega‐3 fatty acids for the treatment of periodontitis may have a positive impact on the disease.
Causal effects of psychostimulants on neural connectivity: a mechanistic, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Wang Yun , Kessel Ellen , Lee Seonjoo , Hong Susie , Raffanello Elizabeth , Hulvershorn Leslie A. , Margolis Amy , Peterson Bradley S. , Posner Jonathan
Published: February 2022

Background

Psychostimulants are frequently used to treat attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but side effects are common leading to many patients discontinuing treatment. Identifying neural mechanisms by which psychostimulants attenuate symptoms may guide the development of more refined and tolerable therapeutics.

Methods

We conducted a 12‐week, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial (RCT) of a long‐acting amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine (LDEX), in patients with ADHD, ages 6–25 years old. Of the 58 participants who participated in the RCT, 49 completed pre‐ and post‐RCT magnetic resonance imaging scanning with adequate data quality. Healthy controls (HCs; n = 46) were included for comparison. Treatment effects on striatal and thalamic functional connectivity (FC) were identified using static (time‐averaged) and dynamic (time‐varying) measures and then correlated with symptom improvement. Analyses were repeated in independent samples from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study (n = 103) and the ADHD‐200 Consortium (n = 213).

Results

In 49 participants (25 LDEX; 24 Placebo), LDEX increased static and decreased dynamic FC (DFC). However, only DFC was associated with the therapeutic effects of LDEX. Additionally, at baseline, DFC was elevated in unmedicated‐ADHD participants relative to HCs. Independent samples yielded similar findings – ADHD was associated with increased DFC, and psychostimulants with reduced DFC. Static FC findings were inconsistent across samples.

Conclusions

Changes in dynamic, but not static, FC were associated with the therapeutic effects of psychostimulants. While prior research has focused on static FC, DFC may offer a more reliable target for new ADHD interventions aimed at stabilizing network dynamics, though this needs confirmation with subsequent investigations.
Creation of fragrant sorghum by CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Zhang Dan , Tang Sanyuan , Xie Peng , Yang Dekai , Wu Yaorong , Cheng Shujing , Du Kai , Xin Peiyong , Chu Jinfang , Yu Feifei , Xie Qi
Published: February 2022

Sorghum, the fifth largest cereal crop, has high value as a staple food and raw material for liquor and vinegar brewing. Due to its high biomass and quality, it is also used as the second most planted silage resource. No fragrant sorghums are currently on the market. Through CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockout of SbBADH2, we obtained sorghum lines with extraordinary aromatic smell in both seeds and leaves. Animal feeding experiments showed that fragrant sorghum leaves were attractable. We believe this advantage will produce great value in the sorghum market for both grain and whole biomass forage.
Microstructural examination of carbonated 3D‐printed concrete
Authors: Sanchez Asel Maria Aguilar , Wangler Timothy , Stefanoni Matteo , Angst Ueli
Published: February 2022

The recent interest in 3D printing with concrete has generated great interest on how inhomogeneities arise and affect performance parameters, in particular strength and durability. With respect to durability, of particular interest is how 3D‐printed layer interfaces can impact transport of species of interest, such as moisture, chlorides or carbon dioxide in carbonation processes. This is of particular interest considering that the primary use case of 3D‐printed concrete has been as a lost formwork for a cast structural concrete, and thus it is of interest to determine the carbonation resistance. This study consists of a preliminary look at the microstructure after accelerated carbonation of a 3D‐printed concrete used as a lost formwork. Preferential carbonation is observed in the layer interfaces compared to the bulk of the printed filaments, possibly related to porosity from air voids or a locally high capillary porosity corresponding to the lubrication layer.