bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabolical perspectives on healthy morality in times of COVID-19
Authors: Clausen Lars
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The paper combines the systems theoretical perspective on the evolution of societal differentiation and the emergence of codes in communication. By combining the approach by Niklas Luhmann with a historical theology on the development of Christian morality split between God and Devil, it recreates a sociological point of observation on contemporary moral forms by a temporary occupation of the retired Christian Devil.

Design/methodology/approach

The article combines a Luhmannian systems theoretical perspective on the evolution of societal differentiation with a concept of emerging codes in communication. The latter is based on on the development of a Christian view of morality being split between God and Devil. It establishes a sociological point of observation on contemporary moral forms through the temporary invocation of the retired figure of the Christian Devil.

Findings

The proposed perspective develops a healthy perspective on the exuberant distribution of a health(y) morality across the globe during the pandemic crisis of 2020–21. The temporary invocation of the retired Christian Devil as point of departure in this sociological analysis allows for a disturbing view on the unlimited growth of the morality of health and its inherent dangers of dedifferentiating the highly specialised forms of societal differentiation and organisation.

Originality/value

By applying the diabolical perspective, the analytical framework creates a unique opportunity to observe the moral encodings of semantic forms in detail, while keeping the freedom of scientific enquiry to choose amongst available distinctions in the creation of sound empirical knowledge. This article adopts a neutral stance, for the good of sociological analysis. The applications of the term “evil” to observations of communication are indifferent to anything but itself and its qualities as scientific enquiry.
The role of multi-stakeholders in market orientation and sustainable performance
Authors: Stocker Fabricio , Zanini Marco Tulio , Reis Irigaray Hélio Arthur
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between market orientation (MO) and stakeholder orientation (SO) in sustainable corporate performance, with a focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) results.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is operationalized by way of a structural equation model (SEM) involving 208 energy companies and covering a worldwide context. Primary data relating to MO and SO were collected by survey questionnaire, while secondary data on sustainable performance were collected from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) sustainability report.

Findings

The results reveal that SO not only enhances strategic positioning and activities linked to market intelligence, but also serves as a determining factor of superior performance. The findings provide new insights into how MO is connected with sustainable corporate performance.

Practical implications

The impact of this study leads to improvements in planning marketing and in market intelligence process, which are essential activities of managers and marketing planners. There are also implications for other organizational processes. The authors point out the relevance including multi-stakeholders, whose impact is perceived in the organization's results, and improving relations with them.

Originality/value

The authors' first contribution is empirically examining organizational competence with regard to the MO and marketing intelligence that have the greatest impact on sustainable performance. Second, the authors operationalized the SO construct, which until then had been treated in isolation in the literature.
Apremilast improves quality of life and ultrasonography parameters in patients with nail psoriasis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Muñoz‐Santos Carlos , Sola‐Ortigosa Joaquín , Vidal David , Guilabert Antonio
Published: August 2021

Specific studies on apremilast for nail psoriasis are lacking. Our objective was to evaluate the nail‐specific patient‐reported outcomes, clinical efficacy, ultrasound (US) parameters, and safety of apremilast for nail psoriasis. We conducted a prospective cohort study including adult patients with plaque and nail psoriasis with a fingernail Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) score of 12 or more. Patients were treated with apremilast 30 mg b.i.d. for 52 weeks. Forty‐five patients were included. At week 52, the Nail Assessment in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (NAPPA) Patient Benefit Index global weighted score was 2 or more in 52% of patients and NAPPA Quality of Life and fingernail NAPSI improved by 57% and 53%, respectively. US parameters improved from week 16 onwards. Target nail NAPSI improvements were higher for nail matrix scores (60%) than for nail bed scores (38%, p < 0.001). Baseline target nail bed NAPSI was associated with not achieving a target nail 50% reduction in NAPSI score at week 52 in the bivariate analysis (p = 0.024). Safety was consistent with the known apremilast profile. Results from apremilast therapy for 52 weeks in patients with psoriasis and predominant nail disease show significant improvements in nail‐specific quality of life, clinical signs, and structural restoration on US, suggesting that apremilast may be considered in the treatment of nail psoriasis.
Neither acquiescence nor defiance: Tuscan wineries' “flexible reactivity” to the Italian government's quality regulation system
Authors: Yoo Taeyoung , Schilke Oliver , Bachmann Reinhard
Published: August 2021

This article introduces the concept of “flexible reactivity” to describe and analyze a form of economic actors' response to multiple judgment devices. Using the example of government regulation in the Tuscan wine industry, we show that wineries can in part comply with the government's quality classifications system while, at the same time, also offering products outside the official classification system. Through this research, we provide novel insights into the role of judgment devices and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of organizational responses to institutional pressures. Extending prior institutional‐complexity research, our study illustrates that organizations' reactions to judgment devices are not limited to only the two options of either acquiescence or defiance. The third option—flexibile reactivity—encompasses an explicit combination of acquiescence and defiance at the actor level. Our findings shed new light on how organizations can cope with contradictory external demands such that contrasting logics compete for organizational resources and breed heterogeneous and continuously shifting product offerings.
Quality chemical analysis of crush–tear–curl (CTC) black tea from different geographical regions based on UHPLC‐Orbitrap‐MS
Authors: Li Tiehan , Xu Shanshan , Wang Yujie , Wei Yuming , Shi Leyi , Xiao Zhipeng , Liu Zhengquan , Deng Wei‐Wei , Ning Jingming
Published: August 2021

Crush–tear–curl (CTC) black tea is a popular beverage, owing to its unique taste characteristics and health benefits. However, differences in the taste quality and chemical profiles of CTC black tea from different geographical regions remain unclear. In this study, 28 CTC black tea samples were collected from six geographical regions and analyzed using electronic tongue and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography‐Orbitrap‐mass spectroscopy. The e‐tongue analysis indicated that each region's CTC black tea has its own relatively prominent taste characteristics: Sri Lanka (more umami and astringent), North India (more umami), China (more sweetness and astringent), South India (moderate umami and sweetness), and Kenya (moderate umami and astringent). Based on multivariate statistical analysis, 78 metabolites were tentatively identified and used as potential markers for CTC black tea of different origins, mainly including amino acids, flavone/flavonol glycosides, and pigments. Different metabolites, which contributed to the taste characteristics of CTC black tea, were clarified by partial least squares regression correlation analysis. Our findings may serve as useful references for future studies on origin traceability and quality characteristic determination of CTC black teas.

Practical Application

This study provides useful references for future studies on the origin traceability and taste characteristic determination of CTC black teas from different geographical regions.
BEE‐STEWARD: A research and decision‐support software for effective land management to promote bumblebee populations
Authors: Twiston‐Davies Grace , Becher Matthias A. , Osborne Juliet L.
Published: August 2021

The demand for agent‐based models to explore the effects of environmental change on pollinator population dynamics is growing. However, models need a simple yet flexible interface to enable adoption by a wide range of stakeholders.

We introduce BEE‐STEWARD: a research and decision‐support software tool, enabling researchers, policymakers, land management advisors and practitioners to predict and compare the effects of bee‐friendly management interventions on bumblebee populations over several years.

BEE‐STEWARD integrates the BEESCOUT and Bumble‐BEEHAVE agent‐based models of bumblebee behaviour, colony growth and landscape exploration into a user‐friendly interface, with reconstructed code, and expanded functionality. Bespoke automatic reports can be created to illustrate how different land management interventions can affect the densities of bumblebees and their colonies over time.

BEE‐STEWARD could be an important virtual test bed for scientists exploring the impacts of different stressors on bumblebees and used by those with little or no modelling experience, enabling a shared methodology between research, policy and practice.
Dangerous liaisons: Bacteria, antimicrobial therapies, and allergic diseases
Authors: Tramper‐Stranders Gerdien , Ambrożej Dominika , Arcolaci Alessandra , Atanaskovic‐Markovic Marina , Boccabella Cristina , Bonini Matteo , Karavelia Aspasia , Mingomataj Ervin , O' Mahony Liam , Sokolowska Milena , Untersmayr Eva , Feleszko Wojciech ,   the EAACI Task Force on Conscious and Rational use of Antibiotics in Allergic Diseases
Published: August 2021

Microbiota composition and associated metabolic activities are essential for the education and development of a healthy immune system. Microbial dysbiosis, caused by risk factors such as diet, birth mode, or early infant antimicrobial therapy, is associated with the inception of allergic diseases. In turn, allergic diseases increase the risk for irrational use of antimicrobial therapy. Microbial therapies, such as probiotics, have been studied in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases, but evidence remains limited due to studies with high heterogeneity, strain‐dependent effectiveness, and variable outcome measures.

In this review, we sketch the relation of microbiota with allergic diseases, the overuse and rationale for the use of antimicrobial agents in allergic diseases, and current knowledge concerning the use of bacterial products in allergic diseases. We urgently recommend 1) limiting antibiotic therapy in pregnancy and early childhood as a method contributing to the reduction of the allergy epidemic in children and 2) restricting antibiotic therapy in exacerbations and chronic treatment of allergic diseases, mainly concerning asthma and atopic dermatitis. Future research should be aimed at antibiotic stewardship implementation strategies and biomarker‐guided therapy, discerning those patients that might benefit from antibiotic therapy.
Influence of hydrogel spacer placement with prostate brachytherapy on rectal and urinary toxicity
Authors: Teyateeti Achiraya , Grossman Craig , Kollmeier Marisa A. , Fiasconaro Megan , Hopkins Margaret , McBride Sean , Gorovets Daniel , Shasha Daniel , Cohen Gilad , Zhang Zhigang , Lesser David J. , Damato Antonio , Zelefsky Michael J.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To determine the influence of rectal hydrogel spacer placement (HSP) on late rectal toxicity outcomes in prostate cancer patients treated with low‐dose‐rate (LDR) brachytherapy, with or without supplemental external beam radiotherapy (EBRT).

Patients and Methods

A total of 224 patients underwent LDR brachytherapy with HSP, as monotherapy or combined with EBRT, between January 2016 and December 2019. Dosimetric variables reflecting the extent of rectal sparing and late rectal toxicity outcomes were evaluated. This spacer cohort was retrospectively compared to a similar patient group (n = 139) in whom HSP was not used.

Results

Hydrogel spacer placement was associated with significantly reduced rectal doses for all dosimetric variables; the median percentage rectal dose to 1 cc of rectum and rectal dose to 2 cc of rectum of the spacer cohort were all significantly lower compared to the non‐spacer cohort. The incidence rates of overall (any grade) and grade ≥2 rectal toxicity were lower in patients with HSP compared to patients who did not undergo HSP: 12% and 1.8% vs 31% and 5.8%, respectively. The 3‐year cumulative incidence of overall rectal toxicity was significantly lower with HSP than without (15% vs 33%; P < 0.001), corresponding to an overall rectal toxicity reduction on univariable analysis (hazard ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.28–0.73; P = 0.001). In this patient cohort treated with prostate brachytherapy, none of the urethral dosimetric variables or the presence or absence of HSP was associated with late urinary toxicity.

Conclusion

Hydrogel rectal spacer placement is a safe procedure, associated with significantly reduced rectal dose. HSP translates to a decrease in overall late rectal toxicity in patients receiving dose‐escalated brachytherapy‐based procedures.
Diazepam attenuates the effects of cocaine on locomotion, 50‐kHz ultrasonic vocalizations and phasic dopamine in the nucleus accumbens of rats
Authors: Sanchez William N. , Pochapski Jose A. , Jessen Leticia F. , Ellenberger Marek , Schwarting Rainer K. , Robinson Donita L. , Andreatini Roberto , Da Cunha Claudio
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose

Currently, there is no effective drug to treat cocaine‐use disorder, which affects millions of people worldwide. Benzodiazepines are potential therapeutic candidates, as microdialysis and voltammetry studies have shown that they can decrease dopamine concentrations in the nucleus accumbens of rodents and block the increase in dopamine levels and appetitive 50‐kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) induced by amphetamine in rats.

Experimental Approach

Here, we tested whether administration of 2.5‐mg·kg−1 diazepam (i.p.) in adult male rats could block the effects of 20‐mg·kg−1 cocaine (i.p.) on electrically evoked phasic dopamine signals in the nucleus accumbens measured by fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry, as well as 50‐kHz USV and locomotor activity.

Key Results

Cocaine injection increased evoked dopamine signals up to threefold within 5 min, and the increase was significantly higher than baseline for at least 75 min. The injection of diazepam, 5 min after cocaine, attenuated the cocaine effect by nearly 50%, and this attenuation was maintained for at least 40 min. Behaviourally, cocaine increased the number of appetitive 50‐kHz calls by about 12‐fold. Diazepam significantly blocked this effect for the entire duration of the session. Also, cocaine‐treated rats were more active than controls and diazepam significantly attenuated cocaine‐induced locomotion, by up to 50%.

Conclusion and Implications

These results suggest that the neurochemical and psychostimulant effects of cocaine can be mitigated by diazepam.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Building Bridges in Neuropharmacology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.8/issuetoc
Alemtuzumab‐induzierte Alopecia areata – Fallbericht und systematische Literaturübersicht zu Alemtuzumab‐assoziierten kutanen Nebenwirkungen
Authors: Dikeoulia Elsa , Neufeld Matthias , Pawlitzki Marc , Böhm Markus
Published: August 2021

Gegenwärtig wird Alemtuzumab zur Behandlung der aktiven schubförmig‐remittierenden multiplen Sklerose (RRMS) eingesetzt. Trotz der guten Wirksamkeit dieser Therapie treten zahlreiche Nebenwirkungen an der Haut auf. Hierzu zählen Vitiligo, Alopecia areata, maligne Hauttumoren oder Infektionserkrankungen. Fächerübergreifend ist es von essenzieller Bedeutung, diese zu kennen und zu therapieren. Der vorliegende Minireview gibt eine Übersicht über die bisher in der Literatur beschriebenen dermatologischen Nebenwirkungen und mögliche Erklärungsansätze für deren Pathomechanismen. Zur Einleitung dieses Reviews wird der Fall einer Patientin mit RRMS vorgestellt, die unter Alemtuzumab erstmals eine schwere Alopecia areata entwickelte.
Adjuvante Anti‐PD‐1‐Antikörpertherapie bei Stadium‐III/IV‐Melanom: Anwendungsdaten aus der klinischen Routine und gesundheitsökonomische Aspekte
Authors: Koelblinger Peter , Hoellwerth Magdalena , Dernoscheg Marie‐Therese , Koch Lukas , Richtig Erika , Wanner Marina , Nguyen Van‐Anh , Ostermann Herwig , Bauer Johann W. , Laimer Martin
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Anti‐PD‐1‐Antikörper haben sich als therapeutischer Standard in der adjuvanten Behandlung des vollständig resezierten Melanoms etabliert. Anwendungsdaten aus der klinischen Praxis hinsichtlich ihrer Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit sowie Kosteneffektivität liegen jedoch nur eingeschränkt vor.

Patienten und Methodik

Melanompatienten, die adjuvant Nivolumab oder Pembrolizumab außerhalb von klinischen Studien erhalten haben, wurden retrospektiv identifiziert. Nach Analyse der klinischen Daten wurde ein Semi‐Markov‐Modell zur Bewertung der Kosteneffektivität entwickelt.

Ergebnisse

Innerhalb einer medianen Nachbeobachtungsdauer von 11,5 Monaten wurde bei 39 von 100 therapierten Patienten ein Krankheitsrezidiv beobachtet. Das erste Rezidiv trat bei 17 Patienten lokoregional, bei 19 Patienten in Form von Fernmetastasen und bei drei Patienten als kombinierte lokoregionale und Fernmetastasierung auf. Die geschätzte Überlebensrate nach zwölf Monaten lag bei 64,8 % für das Rezidiv‐freie und bei 77,4 % für das Fernmetastasen‐freie Überleben. Therapieassoziierte Grad‐3‐ oder ‐4‐Nebenwirkungen traten bei 16 Patienten auf. Bei 22 Patienten führten Nebenwirkungen zum Therapieabbruch. Das Basis‐Markov‐Modell ergab eine inkrementelle Kosten‐Effektivitäts‐Ratio (ICER) von 13 330 € je qualitätsadjustiertem Lebensjahr (QALY) für die adjuvante Anti‐PD‐1‐Antikörpertherapie verglichen mit einer simulierten Beobachtungskohorte.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die erhaltenen Wirksamkeits‐ und Verträglichkeitsdaten sind mit jenen aus den Zulassungsstudien vergleichbar. Die Ergebnisse der gesundheitsökonomischen Analyse legen nahe, dass die adjuvante Anti‐PD‐1‐Antikörpertherapie des Melanoms gemäß österreichischen Standards als kosteneffektiv einzustufen ist.
Current concepts of ectopic nodal inclusions with special emphasis on nodal nevi
Authors: Müller Cornelia Sigrid Lissi , Müller Stephan G. , Vogt Thomas , Pföhler Claudia
Published: August 2021

Nodal inclusions of ectopic tissue within lymph nodes are seen comparatively often in dermatopathology and general pathology. Glandular and nonglandular epithelium, as well as melanocytic nevi can be observed within lymph nodes and represent mostly incidental findings without any relevance. The main challenge in reporting these morphologic features is to differentiate such benign inclusions from metastatic settlements of distinct organ tumors. As sentinel node biopsy and lymph node dissection have become standard procedure in clinical oncology and have an immense clinical impact, the correct evaluation of these nodal inclusions is indispensable to avoid undertreatment or overtreatment of patients. In addition, the genesis of these inclusions has not yet been satisfactorily clarified. Two concepts have been laid out: the theory of benign metastases and the migration arrest theory. However, neither theory has so far been able to answer the following questions: Why do we find more nodal nevi in patients with melanoma who had a sentinel node biopsy than in patients without melanoma, and why do we not find nodal nevi in deep visceral lymph nodes? We present a comprehensive review of the current knowledge on nodal inclusions, proposing a concept for the pathogenesis of nodal nevi, to answer these questions.
DUAL II China: Superior HbA1c reductions and weight loss with insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) versus insulin degludec in a randomized trial of Chinese people with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on basal insulin
Authors: Pei Yu , Agner Bue R. , Luo Bin , Dong Xiaolin , Li Dongmei , Liu Jun , Liu Lei , Liu Ming , Lu Yibing , Nishida Tomoyuki , Xu Xiangjin , Mu Yiming
Published: August 2021

Aim

To assess the efficacy and safety of insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) versus insulin degludec (degludec) in Chinese people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) treated with basal insulin.

Materials and Methods

In DUAL II China, a randomized, double‐blinded, multicentre, treat‐to‐target trial, Chinese adults with T2D and HbA1c of 7.5% or more on basal insulin and metformin, with or without other oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), were randomized 2:1 to 26 weeks of treatment with either IDegLira (max. dose 50 U degludec/1.8 mg liraglutide) or degludec (max. 50 U/day), respectively, combined with metformin. At 26 weeks, superiority of IDegLira over degludec was assessed for change in HbA1c (primary endpoint), and body weight and number of severe or blood glucose (BG)‐confirmed hypoglycaemic episodes (confirmatory secondary endpoints).

Results

Overall, 453 participants were randomized to IDegLira (n = 302) or degludec (n = 151). Superiority was confirmed for IDegLira over degludec in HbA1c change (−1.9% vs. −1.0%, respectively, estimated treatment difference [ETD] [95% confidence interval]: −0.92% [−1.09; −0.75], P < .0001), body weight change (−0.7 vs. +0.4 kg, respectively, ETD [95% CI]: −1.08 kg [−1.63; −0.52], P = .0002) and severe or BG‐confirmed hypoglycaemia (estimated rate ratio [95% CI]: 0.53 [0.30; 0.94], P = .0297). The odds of achieving HbA1c less than 7.0% without hypoglycaemia and/or weight gain were greater with IDegLira than degludec (P < .0001 for all). Daily insulin dose at 26 weeks was lower for IDegLira (34.3 U) than degludec (37.4 U) (P = .0014). No unexpected safety signals were observed.

Conclusions

IDegLira may be an efficacious and well‐tolerated treatment intensification option for Chinese people with T2D uncontrolled on basal insulin and OADs.
The Conference on the Future of Europe: Process and prospects
Authors: Fabbrini Federico
Published: August 2021

The article examines the Conference on the Future of Europe, discussing the process set in motion by the Joint Declaration adopted by the EU institutions in March 2021, and reflecting on its prospects. Drawing from precedents such as the Conference of Messina and the Convention on the Future of Europe, the article shows that the Conference on the Future of Europe is an out‐of‐the‐box initiative originally combining bottom‐up participatory features and top‐down elite decision‐making mechanisms. Nevertheless, the Joint Declaration launching the Conference leaves its constitutional mission unsettled, and its institutional organisation uncertain. As such, the article suggests that the prospects for the Conference will depend on political leadership and legal inventiveness, and discusses what may be the options ahead.
Family profiles based on family life satisfaction in dual‐earner households with adolescent children in Chile
Authors: Orellana Ligia , Schnettler Berta , Adasme‐Berríos Cristian , Lobos Germán , Miranda‐Zapata Edgardo , Lapo María
Published: August 2021

Research has stressed the importance of the family domain for the individual's well‐being, but the heterogeneity/homogeneity of satisfaction with family life between and within families have not previously assessed. This study identifies family profiles based on the level of family life satisfaction in mother–father–adolescent triads and determines whether profiles differ in terms of the three family members’ perceived family support, importance assigned to the family, both parents’ work–life balance and mental health, and the household's economic situation. The sample was composed of 303 families of different‐sex dual‐earner parents with one child aged between 10 and 17 years, from Temuco, Chile. A Latent Profile Analysis was used to identify three profiles: Families with low family satisfaction (17.80%), Families with medium family satisfaction (68.14%), and Families with high family satisfaction (14.06%). Profiles also differed in the three family members’ perceived family support and importance assigned to the family, both parents’ work–life balance and mental health, and in the household's income. Mothers, fathers, and adolescents in these profiles also differed from one another in these variables. The main variable related to the family members’ satisfaction with family life was the parents’ mental health problems. Family life satisfaction in dual‐earner couples with adolescent children is heterogenous, and these profiles draw attention to indicators of parent–child well‐being. Families with lower levels of family satisfaction require particular attention in research and interventions, as these families may report a lower household income, and the parents may experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress, and diverging levels of work–life balance.
Factors affecting the abundance of age‐0 sport fish in four mainstem Missouri River reservoirs
Authors: Radigan William J. , Fincel Mark J.
Published: August 2021

The age‐0 abundance of eight sport fish species in the four mainstem Missouri River reservoirs in South Dakota was evaluated to estimate the influence of environmental and biological factors on age‐0 species abundance. Datasets (at least ten consecutive years) from each reservoir were analysed to evaluate the effects of both monthly (i.e. gauge height, temperature and precipitation) and annual (i.e. cooling degree days and heating degree days, minimum, average, and maximum temperature, and average precipitation) environmental and biological factors. Biological factors including age‐0 prey fish abundance (i.e. gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum [Leseuer] abundance), age‐0 sport fish abundance and adult sport fish abundance were examined. Factors were included that are known to have impacts on abundance of age‐0 sport fish in other systems. The abundance of all sport fish species was stable or increasing in all reservoirs, except for walleye Sander vitreus (Mitchell) and white bass Morone chrysops (Rafinesque) in Lewis and Clark Lake. Age‐0 white crappie was the most supported model for explaining age‐0 walleye abundance in Lewis and Clark Lake, and adult white crappie abundance was the most supported model parameter for explaining age‐0 white bass abundance in the reservoir. Findings of the current study highlight the need for species‐specific management of both environmental (i.e. flow manipulation) and biological factors (i.e. harvest limits for sport fish) to increase the abundance of age‐0 sport fish. Due to the dynamic nature of aquatic systems, resulting requirements for management agencies are system‐specific evaluations and management approaches.
Effect of maternal apical periodontitis on the final step of insulin signalling and inflammatory pathway in the adult male offspring of rats
Authors: Tsosura Thaís Verônica Saori , Mattera Maria Sara de Lima Coutinho , Chiba Fernando Yamamoto , Carnevali Ana Carolina Nascimento , Belardi Bianca Elvira , dos Santos Rodrigo Martins , Cintra Luciano Tavares Angelo , Lopes Flávia Lombardi , Scaramele Natália Francisco , Matsushita Doris Hissako
Published: August 2021

Aim

To evaluate the final step of insulin signalling, inflammatory pathway (related to the inhibition of insulin signalling), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) protein content and DNA methylation in the Slc2a4 gene promoter region in the skeletal muscle of adult male offspring of rats with apical periodontitis (AP) in a single tooth or in four teeth.

Methodology

Female Wistar rats were distributed into three groups: a control group, a group with one tooth with AP and a group with four teeth with AP. Thirty days after induction of AP, female rats from all groups were mated with healthy male rats. When male offspring reached 75 days of age, the following analyses were performed in the gastrocnemius muscle (GM): insulin‐stimulated Akt serine and threonine phosphorylation status; NF‐κB p50 and p65 subunits phosphorylation status; GLUT4, TNF‐α and PGC‐1α protein content by Western blotting; GLUT4 and TNF‐α gene expression by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR); and DNA methylation in the Slc2a4 gene promoter region by restriction digestion and real‐time PCR. Analysis of variance was performed, followed by Tukey's post hoc test. p values <.05 were considered to be statistically significant.

Results

Maternal AP in four teeth decreased insulin‐stimulated Akt serine and threonine phosphorylation status, reduced GLUT4 gene expression and its protein content, and increased NF‐κB p50 and p65 subunits phosphorylation status in the GM of adult offspring. There were no alterations in the parameters analysed in the GM of adult offspring of rats with AP in a single tooth. In addition, maternal AP did not affect TNF‐α gene expression and its protein content, PGC‐1α protein content and DNA methylation in the Slc2a4 gene promoter region in the GM of adult offspring.

Conclusions

Maternal AP in four teeth was associated with impairment in the final step of insulin signalling in the GM of adult male offspring in rats. An increase in NF‐κB activity may be involved in this decrease in insulin signalling. This study demonstrates the impact of maternal AP on the health of offspring, demonstrating the importance of maintaining adequate maternal oral health to prevent diseases in adult offspring in rats.
Psychological/mental stress‐induced effects on urinary function: Possible brain molecules related to psychological/mental stress‐induced effects on urinary function
Authors: Shimizu Takahiro , Shimizu Shogo , Higashi Youichirou , Saito Motoaki
Published: August 2021

Exposure to psychological/mental stress can affect urinary function, and lead to and exacerbate lower urinary tract dysfunctions. There is increasing evidence showing stress‐induced changes not only at phenomenological levels in micturition, but also at multiple levels, lower urinary tract tissues, and peripheral and central nervous systems. The brain plays crucial roles in the regulation of the body's responses to stress; however, it is still unclear how the brain integrates stress‐related information to induce changes at these multiple levels, thereby affecting urinary function and lower urinary tract dysfunctions. In this review, we introduce recent urological studies investigating the effects of stress exposure on urinary function and lower urinary tract dysfunctions, and our recent studies exploring “pro‐micturition” and “anti‐micturition” brain molecules related to stress responses. Based on evidence from these studies, we discuss the future directions of central neurourological research investigating how stress exposure‐induced changes at peripheral and central levels affect urinary function and lower urinary tract dysfunctions. Brain molecules that we explored might be entry points into dissecting the stress‐mediated process for modulating micturition.
Ta2O5 nanocrystals strengthened linear, nonlinear, and Faraday properties of heavy metal oxide diamagnetic material
Authors: Chen Qiuling , Li Zhuangzhuang , Miao Baoji , Zhang Xinhai , Zhang Shouhua
Published: August 2021

In this study, for the first time the diamagnetic 5d0 Ta5+ ions and Ta2O5 nanocrystals were utilized to enhance the thermal stability, optical linear and nonlinear, and Faraday rotation of diamagnetic glasses. Temperature‐dependent crystal morphology, phases, and structures of Ta2O5 were studied and 50 nm spherical δ‐Ta2O5 nanocrystal was obtained and shown decreased band gap of 3.68 eV. Transparent Ta2O5 nanocrystal doped diamagnetic glasses were obtained, and the embedded Ta2O5 nanocrystals have size ranging from 50 to 80 nm. EDX, XRD, FT‐IR, and Raman analysis indicated that Ta2O5 partially dissolved into glass as TaO6 octahedral units, while partially residual as undissolved Ta2O5 nanocrystals. Ta5+ ions strengthened the network connectivity of 1%–5% Ta2O5‐doped glasses, but Ta5+ acted as network modifier in 10% doped sample and changed the frame coordination units of glass. Therefore, 1% and 5% Ta2O5‐doped glasses showed high Tg and large thermal stability (107° and 120°). All Ta2O5‐doped glasses exhibited broad and intense optical emission at 420 nm, excellent nonlinear refractive index (5.22 × 10−14 cm2/W) and giant Verdet constant (56.19 rad/T·m) due to the increase in density, polarizability, and diamagnetic susceptibility by Ta2O5 doping.
Comparing and combining evidence of treatment effects in randomized and nonrandomized studies on the use of misoprostol to prevent postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Morfaw Frederick , Miregwa Bernard , Bi Ayaba , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Anderson Laura N. , Thabane Lehana
Published: August 2021

Objective

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a preventable condition and the main cause of maternal death worldwide. Evidence on the effectiveness of misoprostol in the prevention of PPH has been generated from both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies (NRS). This study aimed to compare the results of RCTs and NRS, and to compare Classical and Bayesian approaches of combining the results of RCTs and NRS on the use of misoprostol versus placebo in the prevention of PPH.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for appropriate studies. We pooled estimates of effects from RCTs and NRS seperately, using random‐effects models, then merged them using classical and Bayesian random effects meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 34 studies (20 RCTs and 14 NRS) involving 74 204 participants were identified. The summary odds ratio (OR) from RCTs for the use of misoprostol in the prevention of PPH was 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59 to 0.80). The summary OR from NRS was 0.46 (95% CI: 0.36 to 0.63). Classical and Bayesian approaches of combining the two study designs both showed benefit of misoprostol in preventing PPH, with similar effects.

Conclusions

Both RCTs and NRS show comparable significant benefit for the use of misoprostol in the prevention of PPH.
Middle ear neuroendocrine tumours: Insight into their pathogenesis, diagnosis and management
Authors: Ratnayake Gowri M. , Luong Tu Vinh , Toumpanakis Christos , Caplin Martyn , Grossman Ashley B.
Published: August 2021

Recent advances in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) have led to the identification of NETs in unusual locations. NETs originating in the middle ear have been reported in a number of case reports with differing terminologies, where they were variously referred to as middle ear adenomas or middle ear carcinoids. In this report, we describe two cases of middle ear NETs with locally advanced disease and with distant metastases, respectively. The embryological origin, pathogenesis and histopathological characteristics, including immunohistochemical markers, are discussed aiming to clarify the terminology of these tumours. Functional imaging modalities (eg, 68Ga‐DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging) play a pivotal role in the diagnosis, staging and determining the optimal systemic therapy in managing NETs of the middle ear. In addition, surgical, local and systemic therapeutic modalities are discussed, including the management option of long‐acting somatostatin analogue therapy and targeted radionuclide therapy for somatostatin receptor‐positive well‐differentiated middle ear NETs.
Feature‐fusion improves MRI single‐shot deep learning detection of small brain metastases
Authors: Amemiya Shiori , Takao Hidemasa , Kato Shimpei , Yamashita Hiroshi , Sakamoto Naoya , Abe Osamu
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose

To examine whether feature‐fusion (FF) method improves single‐shot detector's (SSD's) detection of small brain metastases on contrast‐enhanced (CE) T1‐weighted MRI.

Methods

The study included 234 MRI scans from 234 patients (64.3 years±12.0; 126 men). The ground‐truth annotation was performed semiautomatically. SSDs with and without an FF module were developed and trained using 178 scans. The detection performance was evaluated at the SSDs’ 50% confidence threshold using sensitivity, positive‐predictive value (PPV), and the false‐positive (FP) per scan with the remaining 56 scans.

Results

FF‐SSD achieved an overall sensitivity of 86.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: [83.0%, 85.6%]; 196/228) and 46.8% PPV (95% CI: [42.0%, 46.3%]; 196/434), with 4.3 FP (95% CI: [4.3, 4.9]). Lesions smaller than 3 mm had 45.8% sensitivity (95% CI: [36.1%, 45.5%]; 22/48) with 2.0 FP (95% CI: [1.9, 2.1]). Lesions measuring 3–6 mm had 92.3% sensitivity (95% CI: [86.5%, 92.0%]; 48/52) with 1.8 FP (95% CI: [1.7, 2.2]). Lesions larger than 6 mm had 98.4% sensitivity (95% CI: [97.8%, 99.4%]; 126/128) 0.5 FP (95% CI: [0.5, 0.8]) per scan. FF‐SSD had a significantly higher sensitivity for lesions < 3 mm (p = 0.008, t = 3.53) than the baseline SSD, while the overall PPV was similar (p = 0.06, t = –2.16). A similar trend was observed even when the detector's confidence threshold was varied as low as 0.2, for which the FF‐SSD's sensitivity was 91.2% and the FP was 9.5.

Conclusions

The FF‐SSD algorithm identified brain metastases on CE T1‐weighted MRI with high accuracy.
Pilot study of universal screening of children and child‐parent cascade testing for familial hypercholesterolaemia in Australia
Authors: Martin Andrew C , Hooper Amanda J , Norman Richard , Nguyen Lan T , Burnett John R , Bell Damon A , Brett Tom , Garton‐Smith Jacquie , Pang Jing , Nowak Kristen J , Watts Gerald F
Published: August 2021

Aim

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common and treatable cause of premature coronary artery disease. However, the majority of individuals with FH remain undiagnosed. This study investigated the feasibility, acceptability and cost‐effectiveness of screening children aged 1–2 years for FH at the time of an immunisation.

Methods

Children 1–2 years of age were offered screening for FH with a point‐of‐care total cholesterol (TC) test by capillary‐collected blood sample at the time of an immunisation. An additional blood sample was taken to allow genetic testing if the TC level was above the 95th percentile (>5.3 mmol/L). Parents of children diagnosed with FH were offered testing. Following detection of the affected parent, cascade testing of their first‐degree blood relatives was performed.

Results

We screened 448 children with 32 (7.1%) having a TC ≥ 5.3 mmol/L. The FH diagnosis was confirmed in three children (1:150 screened). Reverse cascade testing of other family members identified a further five individuals with FH; hence, eight new cases of FH were diagnosed from screening 448 children (1:56 screened). Ninety‐six percent of parents would screen future children for FH. The approach was cost‐effective, at $3979 per quality‐adjusted life year gained.

Conclusion

In Western Australia, universal screening of children aged 1–2 years for FH, undertaken at the time of an immunisation, was a feasible and effective approach to detect children, parents and other blood relatives with FH. The approach was acceptable to parents and is potentially a highly cost‐effective detection strategy for families at risk of FH.
Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy in a family of mixed breed dogs associated with a novelRETREG1variant
Authors: Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo , Mellersh Cathryn , Wessmann Annette , Ortega Maria , Penderis Jacques , Sharpe Samuel , Freeman Eleanor , Stevenson Lynn , Burmeister Louise
Published: August 2021

Background

Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (HSANs) are a group of genetic disorders affecting the peripheral nervous system. Two different associated variants have been identified in dogs: 1 in Border Collies and 1 in Spaniels and Pointers.

Objectives

Clinically and genetically characterize HSAN in a family of mixed breed dogs.

Animals

Five 7‐month‐old mixed breed dogs from 2 related litters were presented for evaluation of a 2‐month history of acral mutilation and progressive pelvic limb gait abnormalities.

Methods

Complete physical, neurological, electrodiagnostic, and histopathological evaluations were performed. Whole genome sequencing of 2 affected dogs (1 from each litter) was used to identify variants that were homozygous or heterozygous in both cases, but wild type in 217 control genomes of 100 breeds. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess protein expression.

Results

Complete physical, neurological, electrodiagnostic, and histopathological evaluations confirmed a disorder affecting sensory and autonomic nerves. Whole genome sequencing identified a missense variant in theRETREG1(reticulophagy regulator 1) gene (c.656C > T, p.P219L). All affected dogs were homozygous for the variant, which was not detected in 1193 dogs from different breeds. Immunohistochemistry showed no expression of RETREG1 in the cerebellum of affected dogs. One of the affected dogs lived for 5 years and showed gradual progression of the clinical signs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We confirmed the diagnosis of HSAN in a family of mixed breed dogs and identified a novel and possibly pathogenicRETREG1variant. Affected dogs experienced gradual deterioration over several years.
Importance‐related fillers improve the classification accuracy of the response time concealed information test in a crime scenario
Authors: Wojciechowski Jerzy , Lukács Gáspár
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The Response Time Concealed Information Test (RT‐CIT) can reveal when a person recognizes a relevant item among other irrelevant items, based on comparatively slower responses. Therefore, if a person is concealing knowledge about the relevance of this item (e.g., recognizing it as a murder weapon), this deception can be revealed. A recent study introduced additional ‘familiarity‐related fillers’, and these items substantially enhanced diagnostic efficiency in detecting autobiographical data. However, the generalizability of the efficiency of fillers to other scenarios remains an open question. We empirically investigated whether new importance‐related fillers enhanced diagnostic efficiency in an imaginary crime scenario.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty‐nine volunteers participated in an independent samples experiment. Participants were asked to imagine either committing a crime (‘guilty’ group) or to imagine visiting a museum (‘innocent’ group). Then, all participants underwent RT‐CIT testing using either a standard single probe or an enhanced single probe (with importance‐related fillers) protocol.

Results

The enhanced RT‐CIT (with importance‐related fillers) showed high diagnostic efficiency (AUC = .810), and significantly outperformed the standard version (AUC = .562). Neither dropout rates nor exclusion criteria influenced this enhancement.

Conclusions

Importance‐related fillers improve diagnostic efficiency when detecting episodic information using the RT‐CIT and seem to be useful in detecting knowledge in a wide range of scenarios.
Topography drives microgeographic adaptations of closely related species in two tropical tree species complexes
Authors: Schmitt Sylvain , Tysklind Niklas , Hérault Bruno , Heuertz Myriam
Published: August 2021

Closely related tree species that grow in sympatry are abundant in rainforests. However, little is known of the ecoevolutionary processes that govern their niches and local coexistence. We assessed genetic species delimitation in closely related sympatric species belonging to two Neotropical tree species complexes and investigated their genomic adaptation to a fine‐scale topographic gradient with associated edaphic and hydrologic features. Combining LiDAR‐derived topography, tree inventories, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from gene capture experiments, we explored genome‐wide population genetic structure, covariation of environmental variables, and genotype‐environment association to assess microgeographic adaptations to topography within the species complexes Symphonia (Clusiaceae), and Eschweilera (Lecythidaceae) with three species per complex and 385 and 257 individuals genotyped, respectively. Within species complexes, closely related tree species had different realized optima for topographic niches defined through the topographic wetness index or the relative elevation, and species displayed genetic signatures of adaptations to these niches. Symphonia species were genetically differentiated along water and nutrient distribution particularly in genes responding to water deprivation, whereas Eschweilera species were genetically differentiated according to soil chemistry. Our results suggest that varied topography represents a powerful driver of processes modulating tropical forest biodiversity with differential adaptations that stabilize local coexistence of closely related tree species.
Industrialization and skill acquisition in an evolutionary model of coordination failures
Authors: de Souza Joao Paulo A. , Gómez‐Ramírez Leopoldo
Published: August 2021

This paper presents an evolutionary model of coordination problems in economic development that examines technology adoption jointly with skill acquisition. The model allows for multiple channels of interdependence across firms and for employment creation to be determined by technological and institutional factors. We show that industrial policies are key to ensuring the effectiveness of educational policies, and that robust employment creation is key to ensuring the effectiveness of both industrial and educational policies. These results speak to recent concerns about insufficient employment creation in high‐productivity activities and suggest the need to include employment promotion as an objective of development policy.
Identification of genetic determinants of tomato brown rugose fruit virus that enable infection of plants harbouring the Tm‐22 resistance gene
Authors: Yan Zhi‐Yong , Ma Hua‐Yu , Wang Lu , Tettey Carlos , Zhao Mei‐Sheng , Geng Chao , Tian Yan‐Ping , Li Xiang‐Dong
Published: August 2021

Tomato cultivars containing the Tm‐22 resistance gene have been widely known to resist tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and tomato mosaic virus. Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), a new emerging tobamovirus, can infect tomato plants carrying the Tm‐22 gene. However, the virulence determinant of ToBRFV that overcomes the resistance conferred by the Tm‐22 gene remains unclear. In this study, we substituted the movement protein (MP) encoding sequences between ToBRFV and TMV infectious clones and conducted infectivity assays. The results showed that MP was the virulence determinant for ToBRFV to infect Tm‐22 transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants and Tm‐22‐carrying tomato plants. A TMV MP chimera with amino acid residues 60–186 of ToBRFV MP failed to induce hypersensitive cell death in the leaves of Tm‐22 transgenic N. benthamiana plants. Chimeric TMV containing residues 60–186 of ToBRFV MP could, but chimeric ToBRFV containing 61–187 residues of TMV MP failed to infect Tm‐22 transgenic N. benthamiana plants, indicating that 60–186 residues of MP were important for ToBRFV to overcome Tm‐22 gene‐mediated resistance. Further analysis showed that six amino acid residues, H67, N125, K129, A134, I147, and I168 of ToBRFV MP, were critical in overcoming Tm‐22‐mediated resistance in transgenic N. benthamiana plants and tomato plants. These results increase our understanding of the mechanism by which ToBRFV overcomes Tm‐22‐mediated resistance.