bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomoxetine (Strattera)-Induced Pathologic Laughing in a Patient With Pontine Hemorrhage: A Case Report
Authors: Park Jong Mi , Kim Yong Wook , Choi Soojin
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Pathologic laughing, characterized by episodes of abrupt and inappropriate laughter occurring irrespective of a person's emotional feelings, has been reported in patients with neurologic deficits. Some pharmacotherapies, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are effective in alleviating pathologic laughing. However, contrary to previous reports, we report a case of pathologic laughing that developed after a patient with pontine hemorrhage was administered atomoxetine (Strattera).

Case Presentation

A 55-year-old man was diagnosed with acute intracerebral hemorrhage in the right pons and midbrain. The patient showed mild cognitive impairment, and he was administered 10 mg of atomoxetine once daily as a cognitive enhancer. On the day of atomoxetine administration, he suddenly developed episodes of inappropriate laughter that was uncontrollable. The Pathological Laughter and Crying Scale showed a score of 4 of 54 on the day he started taking atomoxetine, and his score was 18 on the second day. He was administered atomoxetine for 3 consecutive days, but it was stopped on the fourth day. His laughing diminished, and his score improved to 5. His smiling expression and a score of 1 on the scale lasted for 1 week. On day 8 of drug discontinuation, his score was zero and all symptoms disappeared.

Conclusions

Previously, no single medication has been reported to cause pathologic laughing. Atomoxetine is a stimulant that increases norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex. This report suggests that, unlike what is known thus far, norepinephrine and dopamine might play a crucial role in the development of pathologic laughing.
No Association Between SLC6A4 Gene Polymorphisms With Treatment Remission to Venlafaxine in Han Chinese Depressive Patients
Authors: Wu Na , Liu Liangjie , Ren Decheng , Yuan Fan , Bi Yan , Guo Zhenming , Hou Binyin , Ji Lei , Han Ke , Feng Mofan , Su Kai , Yu Tao , Li Xingwang , Yang Fengping , Sun Xueli , Dong Zaiquan , Yu Shunying , Yi Zhenghui , Xu Yifeng , He Lin , Wu Shaochang , Zhao Longyou , Changqun Cai , Shi Yi , He Guang
Published: January 2021

Objective

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder and considered to be one of the most common mental diseases worldwide. The antidepressant venlafaxine, as a serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, is applied to MDD relief. Solute carrier family 6 member 4 (SLC6A4) has been reported to promote the reuptake of serotonin and to be closely correlated to depression. The present study examined whether rs6354 and rs1487971 in SLC6A4 are associated with remission after venlafaxine treatment in MDD patients.

Methods

This study consisted of 195 Han Chinese patients with MDD, who accepted a 6-week treatment with venlafaxine. Two SLC6A4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected from database of SNP and genotyped by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometer in MassARRAY Analyzer 4 platforms. The 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale was used to access the severity of major depression. Allele and genotype frequencies between patients in remission and nonremission were calculated with online software SHEsis.

Results

No significant differences in allele or genotype frequencies were observed in rs6354 and rs1487971. There were no significant associations between 2 SNPs and venlafaxine treatment outcome.

Conclusions

It suggested that rs6354 or rs1487971 within SLC6A4 appears not to be involved in the venlafaxine treatment outcome in Han Chinese patients with MDD.
Natural toxic impact and thyroid signalling interplay orchestrates riverine adaptive divergence of salmonid fish
Authors: Esin Evgeny V. , Markevich Grigorii N. , Melnik Nikolay O. , Kapitanova Daria V. , Shkil Fedor N.
Published: January 2021

Adaptive radiation in fishes has been actively investigated over the last decades. Along with numerous well‐studied cases of lacustrine radiation, some examples of riverine sympatric divergence have been recently discovered. In contrast to the lakes, the riverine conditions do not provide evident stability in the ecological gradients. Consequently, external factors triggering the radiation, as well as developmental mechanisms underpinning it, remain unclear.

Herein, we present the comprehensive study of external and internal drivers of the riverine adaptive divergence of the salmonid fishSalvelinus malma. In the Kamchatka River, north‐east Asia, this species splits in the reproductively isolated morphs that drastically differ in ecology and morphology: the benthivorous Dolly Varden (DV) and the piscivorous stone charr (SC).

To understand why and how these morphs originated, we performed a series of field and experimental work, including common‐garden rearing, comparative ontogenetic, physiological and endocrinological analyses, hormonal ‘engineering’ of phenotypes and acute toxicological tests.

We revealed that the type of spawning ground acts as the decisive factor driving the radiation ofS. malma. In contrast to DV spawning in the leaf krummholz zone, SC reproduces in the zone of coniferous forest, which litter has a toxic impact on developing fishes. SC enhances resistance to the toxicants via metabolism acceleration provided by the elevated thyroid hormone expenditure. These physiological changes lead to the multiple heterochronies resulting in a specific morphology and ecology of SC.

Salvelinus malmarepresents a notable example of how the thyroid axis contributes to the generation of diverse phenotypic outcomes underlying the riverine sympatric divergence. Our findings, along with the paleoecology data concerning spruce forest distribution during the Pleistocene, provide an opportunity to reconstruct a scenario ofS. malmadivergence. Taken together, obtained results with the data of the role of thyroid hormones in the ontogeny and diversification of fishes contribute a resource to consider the thyroid axis as a prime director orchestrating the phenotypic plasticity promoting evolutionary diversification under the changing environmental conditions.
Taxation of capital gains upon accrual: is it really more efficient than realisation?
Authors: Arachi Giampaolo , D'Antoni Massimo
Published: January 2021

Taxation of capital gains upon realisation is known to discourage the liquidation of an appreciated asset (lock‐in effect), thus resulting in a distortion in portfolio choices. However, compared with taxation upon accrual, realisation‐based taxation may imply a lower distortion in intertemporal allocation of consumption. In particular, we show that this is always the case when preferences are intertemporally weakly separable and homothetic. Using a simple model of intertemporal choice, we assess and compare the distortions induced by the two tax regimes of accrual‐based and realisation‐based taxation of capital gains. Our numerical simulations show that, for reasonable values of the parameters, realisation‐based taxation can in fact imply a lower overall distortion of investment choices, and hence no clear ranking of the two systems is possible in general. Additionally, we find that the differences in efficiency, in either direction, are likely to be very small.
The diagnostic tools for viable but nonculturable pathogens in the food industry: Current status and future prospects
Authors: Gao Rui , Liao Xinyu , Zhao Xihong , Liu Donghong , Ding Tian
Published: January 2021

Viable but nonculturable (VBNC) microorganisms have been recognized as pathogenic contaminants in foods and environments. The failure of VBNC cells to form the visible colonies hinders the ability to use conventional media for their detection. Efficient and rapid detection of pathogens in the VBNC state is a prerequisite to ensure the food safety and public health. Despite their nonculturability, VBNC cells have distinct characteristics, such as morphology, metabolism, chemical composition, and gene and protein expression, that have been used as the basis for the development of abundant diagnostic tools. This review covers the current status and advances in various approaches for examining microorganisms in the VBNC state, including but not limited to the methodological aspects, advantages, and drawbacks of each technique. Existing methods, such as direct viable count, SYTO/PI dual staining, and propidium monoazide quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), as well as some techniques with potential to be applied in the future, such as digital PCR, enhanced‐surface Raman spectroscopy, and impedance‐based techniques, are summarized in depth. Finally, future prospects for the one‐step detection of VBNC bacteria are proposed and discussed. We believe that this review can provide more optional methods for researchers and promote the development of rapid, accurate detecting methods, and for inspectors, the diagnostic tools can provide data to undertake risk analysis of VBNC cells.
How can the EU Farm to Fork strategy deliver on its organic promises? Some critical reflections
Authors: Moschitz Heidrun , Muller Adrian , Kretzschmar Ursula , Haller Lisa , de Porras Miguel , Pfeifer Catherine , Oehen Bernadette , Willer Helga , Stolz Hanna
Published: January 2021

The European Commission's Farm to Fork (F2F) Strategy sets ambitious targets to transform the whole food system towards greater sustainability, but we are critical about its strong focus on technical innovations while neglecting the social and structural aspects in transforming food systems. Also, the target of 25 per cent of EU's agricultural land under organic production by 2030 can only be reached if policy measures go beyond production to include processing and retail, and develop the demand side; otherwise, we could witness collapsing markets with strongly decreasing farm prices. An Organic Action Plan needs to include flexibility for implementation, accounting for the respective national situations; and specific objectives for each farming sector should be formulated. The strategy's call for a ‘shift to healthy, sustainable diets’ needs a comprehensive approach, involving all relevant stakeholders, such as processors, retailers and consumers to identify the most suitable leverage points and support changes in consumption patterns and habits. The Member States need to equip their AKIS accordingly and educate advisors, researchers, knowledge brokers and others for the required change in attitudes and practice. With a view to the necessary comprehensive transformation, the AKIS should be extended to a Food and Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System.
Patient prognostic scores and association with survival improvement offered by postoperative radiotherapy for resected IIIA/N2 non‐small cell lung cancer: A population‐based study
Authors: Xu Lei , Xie Hou‐nai , Chen Xian‐kai , Bi Nan , Qin Jian‐jun , Li Yin
Published: January 2021

Background

Currently, there is no consensus on the role of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (PORT) for resected stage IIIA/N2 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our study sought to determine which patients may be able to benefit from PORT, based on a patient prognostic score.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify patients diagnosed with IIIA/N2 NSCLC between 1988 and 2016 in the SEER database. Eligible patients were divided into the following two groups: PORT group and non‐PORT group. We classified patient prognostic scores as an ordinal factor and stratified patients based on prognostic scores. A Cox proportional hazards model with propensity score weighting was performed to evaluate cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) between the two groups.

Results

We identified 7060 eligible patients with IIIA/N2 NSCLC, 2833 (40.1%) in the PORT group and 4227 (59.9%) in the non‐PORT group. Overall, the 10‐year CSM rate in the weighted cohorts was 70.4% in the PORT group, 72.0% in the non‐PORT group, and patients who received PORT had a lower CSM rate (p = 0.001). Compared with the non‐PORT group, significant survival improvements in the PORT group were observed in patients with higher age, grade, T stage and lymph node ratio (LNR), and without chemotherapy. The improved survival of patients receiving PORT was significantly correlated with patient prognostic scores (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In our population‐based study, the prognostic score was associated with the survival improvement offered by PORT in IIIA/N2 NSCLC, suggesting that prognostic scores and clinicopathological characteristics may be helpful in proper candidate selection for PORT.
A diagnostic evaluation of single screen testing for malaria in the returning traveler: A large retrospective cohort study
Authors: Reynard Charles , Geary Katie , Chiodini Peter , Brereton Michelle , Burthem John , McDermott John , van den Berg Patricia , Body Richard
Published: January 2021

Background

Screening for malaria in the returning traveler has often required repeat testing; however, audit data suggest that patients have not been reattending. We sought to ascertain if this was safe by examining the diagnostic efficacy of a single screen consisting of a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and a thin film.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with suspected malaria who attended in the past 5 years from two large teaching hospitals. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of a single screen, reporting measures of sensitivity and specificity. To establish a reference standard, we cross‐linked data with the national malaria registry held at Public Health England and regional centers.

Results

The cohort consisted of 1365 patients, of whom 33 opted out of the research and one did not have a complete initial screen. Of those 1331 screens there were 74 cases of Plasmodium falciparum (prevalence of 5.6%) and 104 of any malaria species (prevalence of 7.8%). Sensitivity for the detection of P. falciparum was 100.00% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 95.1 to 100), with a specificity of 99.4% (95% CI = 98.9 to 99.8). For the detection of any species of malaria the sensitivity was slightly lower due to the presence of one false negative; sensitivity was 99.0% (95% CI = 94.8 to 100) and specificity was 99.5% (95% CI = 98.9 to 99.8).

Conclusions

A single thin film and RDT is likely to be sufficient as a first screen for falciparum malaria in the returning traveler with important caveats. For those sent home from emergency departments, appropriate safety netting must be provided. Further prospective study is required to investigate this approach.
Accounting for intangibles and intellectual capital: a literature review from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Garanina Tatiana , Hussinki Henri , Dumay Johannes
Published: January 2021

This article presents the results of a systematic literature review on intangibles and intellectual capital (IC) focusing on articles published in the top 20 accounting journals between 2000 and 2020. We find that North American accounting scholarship during this period has predominantly focused on identifiable intangibles and how these appear in the balance sheet. Much less attention has been given to management issues and IC, even though these issues are more common in European and Australian accounting literature. By evaluating recent developments and trends, this contribution aims at identifying promising avenues for future research endeavours.
Protocol for probiotic therapy vs placebo for preterm prelabour rupture of membranes to prolong pregnancy duration (Pro‐PPROM) trial
Authors: Sandeford Jonathan , Nippita Tanya , Bhuta Tushar , Patterson Jillian , Morris Jonathan , Seeho Sean
Published: January 2021

Background

Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a common preterm birth antecedent. Preterm infants experience increased adverse newborn outcome risks. Infection is a risk factor for early birth in PPROM. Current management is antibiotic therapy, antenatal corticosteroids and to plan delivery at 37 weeks gestation. The microbiota and probiotics are potentially protective and may improve outcomes.

Aims

The primary aim is to evaluate whether oral probiotic therapy (Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716) administered during PPROM between 24 and 34 weeks gestation prolongs pregnancy duration. The secondary aim is to evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Materials and Methods

This is a pragmatic, multicentre, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomised controlled trial in Australia. The population will be women with a singleton pregnancy and PPROM less than 34 weeks gestation. The intervention will be an oral probiotic therapy compared with a placebo control. The primary outcome will be the proportion of women still pregnant at seven days following PPROM. One‐to‐one randomisation will occur within 24 h of PPROM. The trial is powered (80%, alpha = 0.05) to detect an absolute percentage increase in the primary outcome of 30%, (from expected rate of 20% up to 50%).

Discussion

This trial will provide evidence for the effectiveness of the probiotic in prolonging pregnancy duration. Findings will inform the feasibility of a larger trial to examine the effect of oral probiotics on clinically important maternal and neonatal outcomes in PPROM.
Effects of androgen on extracellular vesicles from endothelial cells in rat penile corpus cavernosum
Authors: Yan Ling‐Tao , Yang Zhi‐Hui , Lin Haocheng , Jiang Jun , Jiang Rui
Published: January 2021

Background

The explicit mechanism of erectile dysfunction caused by low androgen status is unknown. It was reported that eNOS was expressed in extracellular vesicles (EVs). Androgen may regulate erectile function by affect the release of EVs from endothelial cells.

Objectives

To investigate whether androgen affects the production of EVs and nitric oxide (NO) in endothelial cells of rat penile corpus cavernosum.

Materials and Methods

Endothelial cells of rat penile corpus cavernosum were isolated and purified from 6‐week‐old healthy male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Endothelial cells were treated with different concentrations of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in a cell culture medium as follows: no‐androgen group (NA group, DHT 0 nmol/L), very‐low androgen group (VLA group, DHT 0.1 nmol/L), low androgen group (LA group, DHT 1 nmol/L), and physiological concentrations androgen group (PA group, DHT 10 nmol/L). After 24 h, EVs of supernatant in each group were isolated and identified. The content of EVs and NO in the supernatant and the expression of CD9, CD63, TSG101, and eNOS in EVs were detected.

Results

Positive expression of CD9, CD63, TSG101, and eNOS was found in isolated EVs. The concentration of EVs was lower in the NA group compared with other groups (p < 0.01). The expression of eNOS and the concentration of NO was lower in the NA group than that in other groups (p < 0.05); it was lower in the VLA group than that in the LA group (p < 0.05) and lower in LA group than that in PA group (p < 0.05). When the concentration of DHT in endothelial cell culture medium ranged from 0 to 10 nmol/L, the concentration of DHT was positively correlated with the content of EVs and NO.

Conclusion

Decrease in eNOS‐expressing EVs is one mechanism of NO reduction in endothelial cells of rat corpus cavernosum caused by low androgen levels.
Obstetrics, genetics, and litigation
Authors: Milunsky Aubrey
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Claims of medical negligence are universal. Unexpected adverse pregnancy outcome may trigger litigation. Such outcomes, especially with neurodevelopmental sequelae, may be compounded by a genetic disorder, congenital abnormality, or syndrome.

Material and methods

This is a report of 297 cases in which a pregnancy complication, error, or incident occurred that was followed by progeny with a genetic disorder, congenital abnormality, or syndrome that spawned litigation. The author assessed, opined, and in many cases, testified about causation.

Results

Pregnancies complicated by hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy were not infrequently compounded by offspring with a genetic disorder, congenital abnormality, or syndrome. Multiple cases were brought because of missed ultrasound or laboratory diagnoses, or failures in carrier detection. Teratogenic medication prescribed before or during pregnancy invited legal purview. Failure to refer (or confer) for genetic evaluation or counseling in the face of significant risk, occurred repeatedly. Ethical breaches and hubris promptly led to litigation.

Conclusions

Many lessons and recommendations emerge in this report. These include the realization that the vast majority of errors in this series involved at least two caregivers, serial ultrasound studies are important, decreased fetal movements may signal a genetic disorder, congenital abnormality, or syndrome, family history and ethnicity are vital, cognitive biases profoundly affect decision‐making. Finally, the simplest of errors have the potential for causing life‐long grief.
The importance of engagement with Indigenous peoples in health research
Authors: King Malcolm
Published: January 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Chen et al. on pages 614–622 of this issue.
Uncertainty in research about key invasion characteristics limits the evaluation of exotic perennial grasses in natural systems in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Rayment Julia T , French Kris
Published: January 2021

Exotic perennial grasses (EPGs) pose a significant risk to native communities globally. With over 2,200 species in Australia, understanding which characteristics enable high threat invasions, and comparing between functionally similar EPGs, can help prioritise species management. We developed a framework of risk and used the literature to rank 21 EPGs considered a threat to plant communities in New South Wales, while also evaluating the reliability of information currently available. Characteristics were scored within five broad categories that distinguish invasiveness: Arrival, Establishment, Persistence, Impact and Distribution. These included aspects of reproductive biology, competitive ability and environmental tolerance. The risk assessment was effective in assessing key characteristics of invasion. EPGs with an economic benefit (trade‐off species) were more likely to have reliable research and frequently ranked as high‐risk invaders in natural habitats due to the overlap of characteristics important in invasion with those considered important in agriculture. Lack of formal scientific research hindered assessment for some species, and some traits had been poorly assessed in the literature. High uncertainty was associated with key characteristics for Establishment, Persistence and Impact. Uncertainty in key characteristics revealed a need for improved integration of less formal research validated by more formal scientific research. This may lead to more informed decisions in the management of EPGs in native habitats and assist in early control of EPGs not yet assessed.
Fertilizer application increases nitrate nitrogen concentration in Urochloa brizantha cv. MG5 as annual summer grass in temperate zone
Authors: Kaneko Makoto , Nakamura Yoshi‐nori , Yamada Akihisa , Kato Naoki , Hattori Ikuo
Published: January 2021

In southwestern Japan, palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster) is used as annual summer grass with fertilizer application. In this system, the risk of a poisonous nitrate nitrogen concentration in grass is high. Nevertheless, no report describes a study of nitrate nitrogen in palisadegrass as annual summer grass. Therefore, we clarified the effects of chemical fertilizer to nitrate nitrogen concentration in palisadegrass cultivated as annual summer grass for two years. Treatments were factorial combinations of three basal fertilizer applications (0, 100 or 200 kg N, P2O5, K2O/ha) and two additional fertilizer applications (0 or 100 kg N, P2O5, K2O/ha) in a randomized complete block design with five replicates. Results well demonstrated that nitrate nitrogen concentrations in palisadegrass increase with fertilizer application, especially with fertilizer added after decreased growth of palisadegrass caused by lower temperatures. Harvest of palisadegrass after additional fertilizer application requires awareness of its nitrate nitrogen content.
Too fatigued to consume (ir)responsibly? The importance of work‐related fatigue and personal values for responsible consumption
Authors: Tanner Grit , Schümann Marlies , Baur Carolin , Bamberg Eva
Published: January 2021

Research concerning the intention–behaviour gap in responsible consumption has assigned a crucial role to individuals’ situational states and personal values in purchase situations. Concurrently, work psychology research has demonstrated that on‐the‐job experiences carry over to one's private life. Combining insights from responsible consumption research and action regulation theory from work psychology, we investigated whether a fatigued state after work mediates the relationship between perceived daily workload and responsible consumption behaviour in the evening. Moreover, we hypothesized that personal values interact with work‐related fatigue in predicting responsible consumption behaviour. The data were collected through online surveys on four consecutive working days. The final sample consisted of 74 persons and 115 observations. To test our hypotheses, we used path analyses and controlled for the data structure. The results confirmed the predicted moderated mediation of environmentally responsible consumption; among the consumers who expressed high personal values in terms of the environment, a fatigued state was related to more responsible consumption. However, regarding socially responsible consumption focusing on fair production conditions, the results revealed a significant nonmoderated mediation. Our findings support the assumption that work experiences during the day affect responsible consumption behaviour in the evening, and thus, work should be given more consideration in consumer research. Further research is needed to specify the contextual factors leading to the positive relationship between fatigue and socially responsible consumption in terms of production conditions.
Physicochemical properties and bioactivity of polysaccharides from Sargassum pallidum by fractional ethanol precipitation
Authors: Zhang Ke , Yuan Dan , Li Chao , Fu Xiong
Published: January 2021

Three polysaccharides (SPP‐30, SPP‐60 and SPP‐90) were fractionated from Sargassum pallidum by 30%, 60% and 90% (v/v) ethanol, successively. Their physicochemical properties, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of SPP‐30, SPP‐60 and SPP‐90 were comparatively investigated. The results showed that three polysaccharide fractions contained different neutral sugar, protein, uronic acid and sulphate contents. SPP‐30 had the highest molecular weight (3.77–206.73 kDa), followed by SPP‐60 (5.55–189.44 kDa) and SPP‐90 (4.92 kDa). SPP‐30, SPP‐60 and SPP‐90 were composed of fucose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose and mannose but with different molar ratios. Scanning electron microscopy analysis suggested that they had different surface morphology and sizes of fragmentation. In vitro antioxidant assays suggested that SPP‐30 and SPP‐90 exhibited stronger scavenging activities against DPPH, ABTS and hydroxyl radicals than SPP‐60. Moreover, SPP‐30 and SPP‐60 exhibited antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, while SPP‐90 exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
A century later, still fighting back: antigen‐specific immunotherapies for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Rodriguez‐Fernandez Silvia , Almenara‐Fuentes Lidia , Perna‐Barrull David , Barneda Bruna , Vives‐Pi Marta
Published: January 2021

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic metabolic disease caused by the autoimmune destruction of insulin‐producing β‐cells. Ever since the 1920s, the fate of patients suffering from T1D was dramatically improved owing to the isolation and production of insulin, and the scientific field has largely progressed as a result of the evidence gathered about its underpinnings and mechanisms. The last years have seen this knowledge transformed into actual antigen‐specific immunotherapies with potential to restore selectively the breach of tolerance to β‐cell autoantigens and halt the autoimmune aggression. However, so far, the results of both prevention and reversion trials in T1D have been rather discouraging, so there is still an urgent need to optimize those immunotherapies and their associated factors, for example, posology and administration patterns, route and timing. In this review, we look back on what has been achieved in the last century and identify the main autoantigens driving the autoimmune attack in T1D. Then, we take a deep dive into the numerous antigen‐specific immunotherapies trialed and the ones still at a preclinical phase, ranging from peptides, proteins and agent combinations to gene transfer, nanoparticles, cell‐based strategies and novel approaches exploiting naturally occurring tolerogenic processes. Finally, we provide insight into the several features to be considered in a T1D clinical trial, the ideal time point for intervention and the biomarkers needed for monitoring the successful regulatory effect of the antigen‐specific immunotherapy. Although further research and optimization remain imperative, the development of a therapeutic armamentarium against T1D autoimmunity is certainly advancing with a confident step.
To Democratize or to Protect? How the Response to Anti‐System Parties Reshapes the EU's Transnational Party System
Authors: Norman Ludvig
Published: January 2021

This article studies how efforts to democratize the European Union's (EU) decision‐making procedures are reshaped by the growing influence of anti‐system parties in Europe. This new political landscape exacerbates a fundamental democratic dilemma for the EU: to either open up, and further democratize its institutions or to work to protect those institutions from the influence of anti‐systemic actors. The article analyses how political elites engage with this dilemma by studying a process unfolding from 2010 to 2019 through which reforms to the EU's transnational party system were introduced. Building on extensive interview and debate data the analysis demonstrates that, while a democratizing logic informed early stages of the process, a protective logic gradually became dominant. The article goes on to discuss the possible implications of this shift for the continued democratization of the EU and identifies this dimension in EU politics as a pertinent field for further study.
Parafunctional masseter muscle activity during waking is related to periodontitis progression: A pilot prospective cohort study
Authors: Ekuni Daisuke , Kato Seiya , Kawakami Shigehisa , Maruyama Takayuki , Kataoka Kota , Uchida‐Fukuhara Yoko , Fukuhara Daiki , Toyama Naoki , Yokoi Aya , Islam Md Monirul , Khair Subrina Binta , Kodama Naoki , Morita Manabu
Published: January 2021

Aim

The purpose of this pilot prospective cohort study was to investigate the effects of parafunctional masseter muscle activity on periodontitis progression among patients receiving supporting periodontal therapy (SPT).

Materials and methods

We collected data of patients treated at Okayama University Hospital from August 2014 to September 2018. The progression group was defined as patients with ≥2 teeth demonstrating a longitudinal loss of proximal attachment of ≥3 mm during the 3‐year study period and/or at least one tooth extraction due to periodontitis progression. Surface electromyography of masseter muscles at baseline was continuously recorded while patients were awake and asleep.

Results

We analysed 48 patients (36 females) aged 66.8 ± 9.1 years (mean ± SD). The rate of parafunctional masseter muscle activity during waking hours and sleeping hours at baseline was 60.4% and 52.1%, respectively. Cox's proportional hazards regression model showed that the incidence of periodontitis progression was significantly associated with number of teeth present (p = 0.001) and parafunctional masseter muscle activity during waking hours (p = 0.041).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that parafunctional masseter muscle activity during waking hours is a risk factor for periodontitis progression among patients receiving SPT.
Screening for diabetic retinopathy with different levels of financial incentive in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lian Jin Xiao , McGhee Sarah Morag , So Ching , Kwong Alfred Siu Kei , Sum Rita , Tsui Wendy Wing Sze , Chao David Vai Kiong , Chan Jonathan Cheuk Hung
Published: January 2021

Aims/Introduction

To examine the impact of different levels of financial incentive in terms of fee subsidization on diabetic retinopathy screening in the private primary care setting in Hong Kong.

Materials and Methods

All general practitioners working in the private sector and registered in two electronic public databases were invited to participate. Consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus were then recruited by the participating practitioners. The recruited participants were randomly allocated to one of three screening groups with different fee levels (HK$0, HK$150 [US$19], HK$300 [US$39]) in a randomized controlled trial. Screening uptake and severity of diabetic retinopathy detected were compared.

Results

Out of 1,688 eligible practitioners, 105 participated and invited 402 patients, with 239 initially agreeing to participate (59.5%). After randomization, 78, 75 and 76 participants in the HK$0, HK$150 and HK$300 fee groups, respectively, reconfirmed their participation and were offered screening at the relevant fee. The uptake of screening was 79.5% (62/78), 81.3% (61/75) and 63.2% (48/76), in the HK$0, HK$150 and HK$300 groups, respectively (P < 0.018). Being in the HK$150 fee group was associated with higher uptake of screening than being in the HK$300 fee group (odds ratio 2.31, P = 0.039). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of any diabetic retinopathy (33.9%, 27.9% and 37.5%, P = 0.378) or sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy (4.8%, 8.2% and 16.7%; P = 0.092) among the groups.

Conclusion

A screening fee of HK$150, representing approximately a half subsidy, appears to be as effective in maximizing uptake as a full subsidy (HK$0) and without deterring those at high risk of diabetic retinopathy from screening.
From Sparks and Embers: Concluding Reflections on Anthropology, Generation, and Central America
Authors: Burrell Jennifer L. , Moodie Ellen , Torres M. Gabriela
Published: January 2021

This conclusion to the In‐Focus Issue on generation and politics in Central America places the concept of generation in dialogue with an intellectual genealogy emanating from JLACA’s twenty‐five years of publication, recent debates about decolonization within anthropology, and personal reflections from the coauthors.
Key unsolved issues in kidney replacement therapy
Authors: Ortiz Alberto , Sanchez‐Niño Maria Dolores
Published: January 2021

Click here to view the Review by V. Saar‐Kovrov et al
From racial to linguistic social divisions: Coloniality in contemporary Maputo
Authors: Reite Torun
Published: January 2021

Inspired by Bourdieu's work, this study draws on multidisciplinary datasets to unravel the role of language and symbolic power for retaining social hierarchies and crafting ‘distinctive’ selves in postcolonial times. Showcasing Mozambique's capital city of Maputo, the study relies on censuses from the period 1980 to 2017, historical data, interviews and metadiscursive reflection to problematize how education can serve as an instrument to effectively inscribe a certain social order in people's minds and bodies that can lead to an unconscious acceptance of social differences and hierarchies, to ‘a sense of one's place’. Probing into complex temporal and spatial co‐presences, the paper highlights the role that education has played in promoting ideas central to the divisive dynamics of Portuguese and how social distinctions that were obviously more overtly racial in colonial times have become more covert and have found more fine‐grained linguistic expression and perpetuate conditions of coloniality in contemporaneity.
The more the merrier? Chinese government R&D subsidies, dependence, and firm innovation performance
Authors: Yi Jingtao , Murphree Michael , Meng Shuang , Li Sali
Published: January 2021

With the understanding that innovation and high technology industries are essential for sustained economic development, government R&D subsidies have become ubiquitous. However, existing studies on the impact of R&D subsidies have found mixed or conflicting results. Insights from resource dependence theory (RDT) and the Attention‐Based View (ABV) help account for these discrepancies. This study of Chinese high technology firms using the Innovation‐Oriented Firms Database from the Ministry of Science and Technology, finds an inverted U‐shaped relationship between R&D subsidies and innovation performance. The article shows that high government resource dependency, expressed through high percentage of R&D spending coming from government subsidies, diverts attention resources in recipient firms and results in declining innovation performance. The article then tests the impacts of different managerial responses on the dependency‐innovation relationship and find that technology alliances and employee feedback systems mitigate these negative effects. These findings have implications for government innovation policies and firm‐level responses to those policies: government subsidy policies have limits to their effectiveness and firms have strategic options for capitalizing on government resources without sacrificing innovativeness.
Size‐based differences in isotopic niche width (δ13C and δ15N) of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nesting on Príncipe Island, Gulf of Guinea
Authors: Ferreira Rogério L. , Ceia Filipe R. , Borges Teresa C. , Ramos Jaime A. , Bolten Alan B.
Published: January 2021

Within the same population, nesting green turtles (Chelonia mydas) might exploit different niches by exhibiting polymorphic foraging strategies and/or inhabiting geographically distinct foraging areas. This is crucial information for the conservation of this species. Here, we used stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) to test for differences in a population of green turtles nesting on Príncipe Island (1°37′N; 7°24҆′E), Central Africa. A total of 60 nesting females were sampled on the two main nesting beaches of the island in December 2012. Minimum curved carapace length (CCL) was recorded, and δ13C and δ15N values were measured in the epidermis of each individual. Overall, CCL varied from 87.0 to 108.0 cm (mean ± SD =100.0 ± 5.1), δ13C values from −19.4 to −8.6‰ (−17.3 ± 1.8) and δ15N values from 7.9 to 17.3‰ (13.6 ± 1.5). Despite the large variation in both isotopic ratios, their distributions were unimodal, showing an absence of polymorphic foraging strategies and isotopically distinct foraging areas. However, smaller females (< median, 100.8 cm) occupied a much larger isotopic niche (i.e., four times greater) than larger females. These results suggest that nesting green turtles may forage opportunistically on the resources available in each of their foraging home ranges, with smaller females venturing to more isotopic‐diversified areas and/or exhibiting broader foraging strategies than larger females. In addition, and in accordance with other studies, findings suggest that the foraging grounds used by the Príncipe green turtle nesting females are distributed mainly throughout the Gulf of Guinea.
Articulations of antimicrobial resistance in trade union financed journals for nurses in Scandinavia – A Foucauldian perspective
Authors: Glasdam Stinne , Loodin Henrik , Wrigstad Jonas
Published: January 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial infections is a growing threat to humanity and a challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. Healthcare professionals have an important role in preventing AMR and the spreading of infections. This article focuses on trade union financed journals for nurses in Scandinavia studying how the journals articulate AMR to its readership. A systematic literature search over an eleven‐year period was conducted, using web‐based national trade union financed journals, searching for ‘bacteria’ and ‘resistance’. A thematic analysis, inspired by Foucault's concepts of power and governmentality, was made of 131 texts to understand, which kind of practices, strategies and policies the journals frame regarding AMR. The time period studied resulted in the recognition of four separate themes: the horror scenario, the ‘dangerous’ other, healthcare professionals as a source of resistance development and AMR as a field of research and producer of research qualifications. The study concludes that the journals tend: to present AMR in apocalyptic terms with more research and pharmaceutical industries needed for avoidance; to point out problems in other countries, populations, and sometimes nurses’ working conditions, but primarily with other professionals’ behaviour; and lastly, to present the nurse as a good fairy and disciplinator of doctors.
Distalization of maxillary molars using temporary skeletal anchorage devices: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bayome Mohamed , Park Jae Hyun , Bay Curt , Kook Yoon‐Ah
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the treatment effects (amount of distalization, distal tipping and vertical movement) of buccally versus palatally placed temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TSADs) on maxillary first molars during distalization.

Materials and methods

Medline and Scopus databases were searched up to September 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non‐randomized prospective cohort studies on maxillary molar distalization using TSADs in patients with Class II malocclusion. After study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment, meta‐analyses were performed for the amount of distalization, distal tipping and intrusion of first molars.

Results

Nine studies (2 RCTs and 7 prospective studies) were included. The risk of bias of the RCTs was low to unclear. The non‐randomized studies were of moderate quality. In five studies, the TSADs were placed in the infrazygomatic process while in two studies, they were placed in the buccal inter‐radicular spaces, and in two studies, they were placed in the midpalatal region. The first molar distalization was 2.75 mm when buccal inter‐radicular TSADs were used, but 4.07 and 4.17 mm with palatal and infrazgomatic TSADs. The palatal appliances were associated with 11.17° of distal tipping of the first molar while infrazygomatic and buccal inter‐radicular TSADs resulted in 3.99° and 1.70° of tipping, respectively.

Conclusions

Inter‐radicular TSADs resulted in less distal tipping but also in less distalization. Palatal TSAD‐supported appliances showed the greatest amount of distal tipping. Further RCTs or prospective studies on the effect of various designs of TSAD‐supported distalization are warranted.
Transcriptomic analysis and ednrb expression in cochlear intermediate cells reveal developmental differences between inner ear and skin melanocytes
Authors: Renauld Justine M. , Davis William , Cai Tiantian , Cabrera Claudia , Basch Martin L.
Published: January 2021

In the inner ear, the neural crest gives rise to the glia of the VIII ganglion and two types of melanocytic cells: The pigmented cells of the vestibular system and intermediate cells of the stria vascularis. We analyzed the transcriptome of neonatal intermediate cells in an effort to better understand the development of the stria vascularis. We found that the expression of endothelin receptor B, which is essential for melanocyte development, persists in intermediate cells long after birth. In contrast, skin melanocytes rapidly downregulate the expression of EdnrB. Our findings suggest that endothelins might have co‐opted new functions in the inner ear during evolution of the auditory organ.
Penile and scrotal infundibular cysts in an adolescent treated with sorafenib
Authors: Mateos‐Mayo Ana , Colmenero Isabel , Ramírez‐Lluch Mar , Martos‐Cabrera Luisa , Hernández‐Martín Ángela , Torrelo Antonio
Published: January 2021

Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor increasingly used for the treatment of several solid tumors. Different types of keratotic lesions, such as squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, or infundibular cyst, have been reported in association with this therapy. We present a 15‐year‐old male diagnosed with desmoid fibromatosis who developed multiple penile and scrotal infundibular cysts while receiving treatment with sorafenib.
Invasive fungal pharyngitis in a pediatric bone marrow transplant patient
Authors: Redmann Andrew J. , Myer Charles M. , Khandelwal Pooja , Danzinger‐Isakov Lara
Published: January 2021

Invasive fungal disease of the head and neck is a potentially fatal infection most commonly seen in immunocompromised patients. Even in the setting of combined surgical and medical treatment, prognosis is generally poor. We report the first pediatric case of invasive fungal pharyngitis and summarize a review of the literature. A 10‐year‐old female patientwith aplastic anemia status post‐bone marrow transplant and accompanying immunosuppression initially presented with a diagnosis of a peritonsillar abscess. Incision and drainage did not show purulence, but culture grew out Rhizopus species. Immediately after diagnosis, the patient was treated successfully with aggressive staged surgical debridement and antifungal medications and had an excellent functional outcome 2 years after initial presentation. Invasive fungal disease is most common in the sinonasal region, but alternative sites of disease must be considered in immunocompromised patients who present with atypical symptoms.
Characterization of Fusarium population associated with wilt of jojoba in Israel
Authors: Maymon Marcel , Sharma Gunjan , Hazanovsky Marina , Erlich Orly , Pessach Shir , Freeman Stanley , Tsror (Lahkim) Leah
Published: January 2021

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum, is a major disease of jojoba, causing serious economic losses. This study was aimed at characterizing the Fusarium populations associated with jojoba in Israel. Fifty Fusarium isolates used in this study included 23 isolates from the 1990s (“past”) and 27 recently isolated (“recent”). All the isolates were characterized by arbitrarily primed (ap)‐PCR and 16 representatives were additionally delineated using multilocus (tef1, rpb1, rpb2) phylogeny and evaluated for their pathogenic potential. Consequently, 88% of the isolates were identified and characterized to the F. oxysporum species complex. The remaining 12% grouped within the F. fujikuroi, F. solani, and F. redolens species complexes. Variations in the infection rate (16.7%–100%), disease symptoms (0.08–1.25, on a scale of 0–3), and fungal colonization index (0.67–2.17, on a scale of 0–4) were observed within the tested isolates, with no significant differences between the past and recent isolates. The representative isolates were assigned to 11 groups based on ap‐PCR. Pathogenicity tests showed that isolates from Groups II, IV, and V were the most aggressive, whereas isolates from Groups III, VIII, and IX were the least aggressive. Among the tested isolates, F. oxysporum sensu lato was the most aggressive, followed by F. proliferatum, while F. nygamai was the least aggressive. This study demonstrates the complexity and genetic diversity of Fusarium wilt on jojoba in Israel, indicating possible multiple introductions of infected germplasm into the country.