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This paper investigates the research agendas of academics in Asia and Europe with reference to cultural influences rooted in the two continents. Unlike studies on the influence of culture on research that focus on only one or a few countries, this study explores the relationship between cultural dimensions and research agendas at the continental level, across Europe and Asia. The study uses general linear modelling with interaction terms to identify how cultural dimensions influence research agendas and how their influence differs between Europe and Asia. Hofstede's cultural dimensions model and the Multidimensional Research Agendas Inventory-Revised scale are adopted in this study, as measures of cultural dimensions and research agenda-setting, respectively. The results show that culture influences several aspects of research agenda-setting in both Asia and Europe, but these dynamics are not always identical across continents. These findings are relevant both for academics studying the cultural dynamics of science, and also for policymakers who need to consider these cultural dimensions while striving to promote specific research agendas.

Introduction: Maltracking of the patella is a key contributor to early failure of patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA). Native femoral trochlear morphology dictates implant rotation and patella tracking of in-lay PFA implants. This is the first study amongst Asians designed to assess the normal rotational alignment of the trochlear groove and evaluate its implication on PFA implant choice and position. Methods: Trochlear inclination angle (TIA) was measured from 211 magnetic resonance images of Asian knees retrieved from a single centre in Hong Kong. TIA assesses rotation of the femoral trochlear groove relative to the axis perpendicular to Whiteside's line (anteroposterior axis of the femur). Results: The mean trochlear inclination in normal Asian knees was 11.5° ± 2.5° (mean ± standard deviation) internal rotation. High-grade dysplastic knees, according to Dejour classification, were significantly more internally rotated with a mean of 12.8° ± 3.6° (p = 0.025). Conclusion: Trochlear inclination in Asians is comparable to Caucasians. In-lay PFA implants do not alter native pathological bony trochlear anatomy, and may result in patella maltracking in patients with high grade trochlear dysplasia or excessive trochlear inclination. These patients may benefit from on-lay implants, which allows restoration of normal trochlear inclination, as well as lateralisation and deepening of the trochlear groove. Patella tracking is however, dynamic and multi-factorial. Further clinical studies are therefore warranted to reconcile our anatomical findings with clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The compound S-equol (4′,7-dihydroxy-isoflavandiol), a gut bacterial metabolite of isoflavone daidzein, benefits health, but only 20–60% of humans can produce equol after ingesting isoflavones, and it exists only in foods of animal origin in trace amounts. A recent study found a source of stinky tofu contained S-equol. As stinky tofu is a popular traditional fermented soy food in Taiwan, we analyzed S-equol contents of commercial samples, surveyed the intake frequency, and investigated the bioavailability of S-equol by monitoring urinary kinetics following ingestion. Our results showed 91% of the 138 stinky tofu dishes contained S-equol. The mean content per serving (average 198g) was 2.3±2.5mg, the highest being 16.3mg. Stinky tofu eaters on average ingested this food 3.3 times per month. S-equol from ingested stinky tofu appeared in urine within 1h, reaching maximum excretion at 3.4h, and 67% of the ingested S-equol was recovered in urine, indicating a rapid and high absorption. Our studies suggest stinky tofu can be a promising dietary source of S-equol for its high content and bioavailability. Further study on the S-equol producing bacteria in stinky tofu is merited for the development of other S-equol rich soy products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]