bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying predictors of international fisheries conflict
Authors: Spijkers Jessica , Singh Gerald G. , Wabnitz Colette C. C. , Österblom Henrik , Cumming Graeme S. , Morrison Tiffany H.
Published: May 2021

Marine capture fishery resources are declining, and demand for them is rising. These trends are suspected to incite conflict, but their effects have not been quantitatively examined. We applied a multi‐model ensemble approach to a global database of international fishery conflicts between 1974 and 2016 to test the supply‐induced scarcity hypothesis (diminishing supplies of fishery resources increase fisheries conflict), the demand‐induced scarcity hypothesis (rising demand for fishery resources increases fisheries conflict), and three alternative political and economic hypotheses. While no single indicator was able to fully explain international conflict over fishery resources, we found a positive relationship between increased conflict over fishery resources and higher levels of per capita GDP for the period 1975–1996. For the period 1997–2016, we found evidence supporting the demand‐induced scarcity hypothesis, and the notion that an increase in supply of fishery resources is linked to an increase in conflict occurrence. By identifying significant predictors of international fisheries conflict, our analysis provides useful information for policy approaches for conflict anticipation and management.
Loss of BubR1 acetylation provokes replication stress and leads to complex chromosomal rearrangements
Authors: Park Jiho , Yeu Song Y. , Paik Sangjin , Kim Hyungmin , Choi Si‐Young , Lee Junyeop , Jang Jinho , Lee Semin , Koh Youngil , Lee Hyunsook
Published: May 2021

Accurate chromosomal segregation during mitosis is regulated by the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). SAC failure results in aneuploidy, a hallmark of cancer. However, many studies have suggested that aneuploidy alone is not oncogenic. We have reported that BubR1 acetylation deficiency in mice (K243R/+) caused spontaneous tumorigenesis via weakened SAC signaling and unstable chromosome‐spindle attachment, resulting in massive chromosomal mis‐segregation. In addition to aneuploidy, cells derived from K243R/+ mice exhibited moderate genetic instability and chromosomal translocation. Here, we investigated how the loss of BubR1 acetylation led to genetic instability and chromosomal rearrangement. To rescue all chromosomal abnormalities generated by the loss of BubR1 acetylation during development, K243R/+ mice were crossed with p53‐deficient mice. Genome‐wide sequencing and spectral karyotyping of tumors derived from these double‐mutant mice revealed that BubR1 acetylation deficiency was associated with complex chromosomal rearrangements, including Robertsonian‐like whole‐arm translocations. By analyzing the telomeres and centromeres in metaphase chromosome spreads, we found that BubR1 acetylation deficiency increased the collapse of stalled replication forks, commonly referred to as replication stress, and led to DNA damage and chromosomal rearrangements. BubR1 mutations that are critical in interacting with PCAF acetyltransferase and acetylating K250, L249F and A251P, were found from human cancers. Furthermore, a subset of human cancer cells exhibiting whole‐arm translocation also displayed defects in BubR1 acetylation, supporting that defects in BubR1 acetylation in mitosis contributes to tumorigenesis. Collectively, loss of BubR1 acetylation provokes replication stress, particularly at the telomeres, leading to genetic instability and chromosomal rearrangement.
Teachers’ incentive for grammar instruction in Iran's reformed EFL context
Authors: Shakhsi Dastgahian Elahe
Published: May 2021

An educational reform in Iran required teachers to employ communicative pedagogies while teaching English at secondary schools in order to develop students’ communicative ability. This study seeks to understand three Iranian English language teachers’ incentives for supporting their strongly established grammar instruction practices as they trialed aspects of task‐supported language teaching. Interviews and observations were used to gather data from these teachers in a junior secondary school. The results revealed that despite the teachers’ practical attempts to implement reform changes, their strong beliefs in the importance of accuracy, enhanced by their students’ low English proficiency and parental expectation, continued to guide lessons with an initial explicit grammar teaching. The results support the post‐method pedagogical idealism, emphasising that communicative goals should embrace class context particularities.
Physical and chemical properties of soy protein isolates treated with sodium sulphite under low temperature extrusion
Authors: Su Xiaofang , Li Fang , Gong Yanfei , Dai Meiyao , Pan Weichun , Zhang Bo
Published: May 2021

Soy protein isolates (SPIs) treated with sodium sulphite (Na2SO3) under low temperature (50 °C) extrusion were investigated to create a system where the disulphide bonds were destroyed. The physicochemical properties of the extrudates were characterised after the addition of 0.0%, 1.5% and 3.0% (w/w) Na2SO3. Under these conditions, free sulfhydryl content significantly increased (from 98.46 to 449.64 μmol g−1), specific mechanical energy during extrusion significantly increased (from 426.91 to 593.39 kJ kg−1), degradation temperature reduced (from 315.7 to 302.0 °C), protein solubility of the water extraction increased incrementally (from 5.41% to 20.17%) and water absorption capacity decreased (from 3.51% to 2.69%). Moreover, the addition of Na2SO3 caused a blue shift in the tryptophan fluorescence spectra of soluble SPI. These results suggest that Na2SO3 breaks disulphide bonds in SPI, which accelerates protein molecule denaturation to promote peptide disentanglement; consequently, SPI become more hydrophobic and less thermally stable.
Antimicrobial effectiveness of wound matrices containing native extracellular matrix with polyhexamethylene biguanide
Authors: Davis Stephen C. , Gil Joel , Solis Michael , Higa Alexander , Mills Allyson , Simms Colin , Pena Pilar Valencia , Li Jie , Raut Vivek
Published: May 2021

A variety of wound matrix materials that are designed to help heal both acute and chronic wounds are currently available. Because wounds often encounter opportunistic microbes that can delay healing, the effectiveness of these materials is often suboptimal, resulting in delayed or compromised wound healing. The importance of reducing and controlling wound microbes is well recognised and there are several antimicrobial options available to address this unmet clinical need. This study compares the antimicrobial and wound healing capabilities, both in vivo and in vitro against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) USA 300, for the following compounds: Collagen Wound Matrix‐Anti Microbial (CWM‐AM); Collagen Wound Matrix‐Anti Microbial XT (CWM‐AM XT); Antimicrobial Hydrofiber Wound Dressing (AHWD); Dermal Scaffold with Silver (DRSAg); Collagen Extracellular Matrix (CEM); Collagen Wound Matrix (CWM); Matrix Wound Dressing with Silver (MWDAg); Cadexomer Iodine Gel (CIG); Triple Antibiotic Ointment (TAO); and Antimicrobial Wound Gel (AWG). For the in vitro zone of inhibition assay, AWG and CIG had the largest diffused areas, followed by CWM‐AM and CWM‐AM XT. Furthermore, CWM‐AM, CWM‐AM XT, AWG, and CIG exhibited a persistent antimicrobial activity for up to 10 days after incubation. However, in the cytotoxicity studies performed using human fibroblasts, CWM‐AM and CWM‐AM XT had no detrimental effects in cell proliferation and viability, while AWG and CIG were cytotoxic and prohibitive for cell proliferation. Treatments were then assessed for microbiology and wound healing efficacy using an in vivo porcine deep reticular dermal wound model. CWM‐AM XT displayed the greatest in vivo antimicrobial activity against MRSA USA300 and expedited the reepithelialisation at a faster rate than other treatment groups. This study shows that a novel collagen matrix containing an antimicrobial agent can reduce the bacterial load and support healing.
Should Cities Control Immigration Policy?
Authors: Miller David
Published: May 2021

Avner de Shalit wants cities to have their own immigration policies. On a radical reading, this would transfer control over immigrant admissions from states to cities. But can cities choose the immigrants they prefer on economic or cultural grounds, or does this discriminate unfairly against those judged to be less desirable? I argue that de Shalit fails to apply the luck egalitarian principle consistently when discussing immigrant admissions. I also claim that there is a tension between seeing cities as the bearers of distinct cultural ethoses, and therefore as bulwarks against the homogenising effects of globalization, and disbarring them from carrying out culturally selective immigration policies. De Shalit’s own preferred model of the immigrant‐friendly city – Amsterdam – appears to lack any distinct ethos, other than an ethos of welcome and cultural blending. Moreover, democratic states also have a legitimate interest in controlling immigration. They must be concerned about the consequences for social justice of admitting migrants and the political effects that follow when the migrants become citizens themselves. They must also consider the environmental impacts of population growth. Cities should play a major role in integrating immigrants, but not in admitting them.
Foxo1‐induced miR‐92b down‐regulation promotes blood‐brain barrier damage after ischaemic stroke by targeting NOX4
Authors: Shen Jian , Li Ganglei , Zhu Yu , Xu Qingsheng , Zhou Hengjun , Xu Kangli , Huang Kaiyuan , Zhan Renya , Pan Jianwei
Published: May 2021

The blood‐brain barrier (BBB) damage is a momentous pathological process of ischaemic stroke. NADPH oxidases 4 (NOX4) boosts BBB damage after ischaemic stroke and its expression can be influenced by microRNAs. This study aimed to probe into whether miR‐92b influenced the BBB damage after ischaemic stroke by regulating NOX4 expression. Here, miR‐92b expression was lessened in the ischaemic brains of rats and oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD)‐induced brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). In middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) rats, miR‐92b overexpression relieved the ameliorated neurological function and protected the BBB integrity. In vitro model, miR‐92b overexpression raised the viability and lessened the permeability of OGD‐induced BMECs. miR‐92b targeted NOX4 and regulated the viability and permeability of OGD‐induced BMECs by negatively modulating NOX4 expression. The transcription factor Foxo1 bound to the miR‐92b promoter and restrained its expression. Foxo1 expression was induced by OGD‐induction and its knockdown abolished the effects of OGD on miR‐92b and NOX4 expressions, cell viability and permeability of BMECs. In general, our findings expounded that Foxo1‐induced lessening miR‐92b boosted BBB damage after ischaemic stroke by raising NOX4 expression.
Neutrophil extracellular DNA traps promote pancreatic cancer cells migration and invasion by activating EGFR/ERK pathway
Authors: Jin Wei , Yin Huijing , Li Hao , Yu Xian‐Jun , Xu Hua‐Xiang , Liu Liang
Published: May 2021

Neutrophil extracellular DNA traps (NETs) are newly discovered forms of activated neutrophils. Increasing researches have shown that NETs play important roles in cancer progression. Our previous study has proved that tumour‐infiltrating NETs could predict postsurgical survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the roles of NETs on the progression of pancreatic cancer are unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of NETs on pancreatic cancer cells. Results showed that both PDAC patients’ and normal individuals’ neutrophils‐derived NETs could promote migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells with epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. Further, study confirmed that EGFR/ERK pathway played an important role in this progression. The addition of neutralizing antibodies for IL‐1β could effectively block the activation of EGFR/ERK companied with reduction of EMT, migration and invasion. Taken together, NETs facilitated EMT, migration and invasion via IL‐1β/EGFR/ERK pathway in pancreatic cancer cells. Our study suggests that NETs may provide promising therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.
Functional characterization of TNF‐α in pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus) in immune response and apoptosis against Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Kong Linghe , Qian Kun , Wu Siwei , Li Bingxi , Guo Zheng , Yin Xiaoxue , Huang Yu , Ye Jianmin , Tu Xiao , Fu Shengli
Published: May 2021

Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in immune system homeostasis, antimicrobial defence, regulation of apoptosis, cell proliferation and differentiation. Although the pro‐inflammatory property of TNF‐α has been made new progress, detailed research on host defence against bacterial infection and inducing apoptosis remains to be revealed in early vertebrates. Here, we reported the TNF‐α homologue (ToTNF‐α) from pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus). The open reading frame (ORF) of ToTNF‐α was 753 bp, encoding a protein of 250 aa contained the TNF family signature and conserved cysteine residues. The mRNA expression of ToTNF‐α had a wide range of tested tissues, with the highest expression in the skin. After Aeromonas hydrophila infection, the mRNA expression of ToTNF‐α was significantly up‐regulated both in vivo and in vitro experiments. After stimulation by recombinant protein of ToTNF‐α ((r)ToTNF‐α), the relative expressions of endogenous TNF‐α, caspase 8, caspase 3, p53, and Bax inhibitor‐1 in head kidney leucocytes were all notably up‐regulated. These results showed that ToTNF‐α might induce apoptosis depend on pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic proteins at mRNA level. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis indicated that the (r)ToTNF‐α can induce apoptosis of head kidney leucocytes. Taken together, these characteristics suggest that ToTNF‐α can participate in immune response against A. hydrophila and induce apoptosis at mRNA and cellular level, which will help to understand the mechanism of apoptosis and immune response in teleost fish.
Reduction of telogen rate and increase of hair density in androgenetic alopecia by a cosmetic product: Results of a randomized, prospective, vehicle‐controlled double‐blind study in men
Authors: Welzel Julia , Wolff Helmut H. , Gehring Wolfgang
Published: May 2021

Background

Considerable parts of the global population are affected by androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

Aims

The efficacy of a foam containing nicotinic acid hexyl ester, polyphenols, zinc, glycine, and caffeine in comparison with a vehicle control foam was assessed in a double‐blind vehicle‐controlled study in men with AGA over 6 months.

Patients/Methods

Sixty‐two men with AGA were assigned either to the active ingredients (verum) or the vehicle group. They applied the products twice daily on affected scalp areas over 6 months. Automated phototrichograms were obtained at baseline, after 3 and 6 months. In addition, a clinical rating by a dermatologist and by the subjects themselves was documented using standardized questionnaires.

Results

The reduction of the telogen rate from T0 to T6 was significantly stronger in the verum group compared to the vehicle group. The reduction was significant from T0 to T3 and T6 in the verum group, but in the vehicle group only from T0 to T3, not to T6. Significantly increased hair density was noticed in both groups at all time points, but the change from T0 to T6 did not differ significantly between the groups. Cosmetic acceptance of the foam and its application regimen was generally good in both groups. Slight reddening and burning after application of verum in six cases was probably due to the presence of hexyl nicotinate.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated a reduction of the telogen rate by a cosmetic foam in men affected by AGA, indicating a benefit for cosmetic intervention against male pattern hair loss.
Physical activity may contribute to brain health in multiple sclerosis: An MR volumetric and spectroscopy study
Authors: Negaresh Raoof , Gharakhanlou Reza , Sahraian Mohammad Ali , Abolhasani Maryam , Motl Robert W. , Zimmer Philipp
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose

Physical activity may represent a disease‐modifying therapy in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). To date, there is limited research regarding mechanisms based on brain imaging for understanding the beneficial effects of physical activity in pwMS. This study examined the relationship between physical activity levels and thalamic and hippocampal volumes and brain metabolism in pwMS.

Methods

The sample of 52 pwMS (37.3 ± 9.6 years of age; 35 females, 17 males) underwent a combination of volumetric magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Current and lifetime physical activity were assessed using actigraphy and the adapted version of the Historical Activity Questionnaire, respectively.

Results

Positive associations were observed between both actigraphy and self‐reported levels of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and thalamic and hippocampal volumes. Regarding brain metabolism, actigraphy and self‐reported levels of MVPA were positively associated with higher hippocampal and thalamic levels of N‐acetylaspartate/creatine ratio (NAA/Cr: marker of neural integrity and cell energy state).

Conclusions

This study provides novel evidence for a positive association between physical activity and thalamic and hippocampal volume and metabolism in pwMS. These findings support the hypothesis that physical activity, particularly MVPA, may serve as a disease‐modifying treatment by improving brain health in pwMS.
Seed predation and dispersal by small mammals in a landscape of fear: effects of personality, predation risk and land‐use change
Authors: Boone Sara R. , Brehm Allison M. , Mortelliti Alessio
Published: May 2021

Scatter‐hoarding small mammals act as both seed predators and seed dispersers in forest ecosystems. Their choices regarding consuming or caching seeds must balance the risk of predation with the energy rewards gained from immediate or delayed consumption of seeds. Several factors influence their interaction with seeds, including the individual's personality. Little is known about how personality affects foraging decisions in response to predation risk. This missing information is critical because if foraging decisions differ among individuals in response to perceived risk, then varying combinations of personality types in a population (and varying risks of predation across forest types) may have diverse effects on forest regeneration. Further, land‐use change may influence the interplay of personality, risk perception and foraging decisions by altering the distribution of personality types in the landscape and the risk perceived by individuals. To contribute to filling these knowledge gaps, we designed a large‐scale field experiment to evaluate how personality, perceived predation risk and land‐use change affect the interaction of deer mice Peromyscus maniculatus and seeds. Using infrared cameras, we recorded the choices of individuals of known personality at paired experimental sites with high versus low perceived predation risk (n = 2389 observations from 74 individuals). We found that personality influenced multiple foraging decisions, and perceived risk affected how individuals with different personalities responded to those decisions. Specifically, exploration/activity influenced seed choice, boldness affected the number of seeds selected and docility influenced both foraging site selection and whether mice immediately consumed or removed seeds. Since personality only affected foraging microsite selection in unmanaged forests, our results show that land‐use change decreased the importance of personality in affecting risk perception. We demonstrate the importance of considering personality on foraging decisions under varying levels of risk, and more generally, underscore the importance of considering individual variation in affecting ecological processes.
Treatment of osteomyelitis of the lingula: Case report
Authors: Tran Truc , Coleman Olivia , Sproat Chris
Published: May 2021

Osteomyelitis of the jaw is an uncommon condition in healthy individuals and is usually associated with immunocompromised patients. We report a rare case of a healthy patient of no significant medical background who developed osteomyelitis of the lingula following routine dental extractions. The management of the case has been described.
Medium‐Term Clinical Results of High‐Flexion Knee Prostheses in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Xu Xiao‐hui , He Wen‐jian , Guo Feng , Wang Li‐bin , Cui Feng‐guo , Wang Hua‐yi , Zhu Qing‐sheng
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study was performed to evaluate the function and satisfaction outcome of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with high‐flexion prostheses.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐two patients (35 knees) using high‐flexion prostheses (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) were followed up for a period of 7–11 years from February 2007 to December 2009. Clinical and radiographic follow‐up was performed using Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Short‐Form 36 scores (SF‐36), American Knee Society score (KSS), and Knee Society Total Knee Arthroplasty Roentgenographic Evaluation and Scoring System. Patient satisfaction assessments took place at the final follow‐up sessions using the Marsh Satisfaction Questionnaire.

Results

The average ROM improved from preoperative 68.43° ± 33.78° to 95.54° ± 7.03° at the final follow‐up. The HSS score and KSS score for pain improved from (46.49 ± 12.73) points to (85.46 ± 3.90) points and from 20.57 ± 5.91 points to 47.43 ± 3.51 points at the follow‐up evaluation, respectively. Physical Component Summary(PCS) and Physical Component Summary (MCS) scores were 45.38 and 52.56, respectively by the end of follow‐up. Deep venous thrombosis developed in one patient and one patient required surgical revision due to infection. There were no instances of prosthetic loosening. The satisfaction rate of patients was 95.5%.

Conclusion

Although this particular model of TKA did not yield high‐flexion angles (ie, 140°) required for kneeling, squatting, or rising from the floor, significant clinical and radiographic gains were evident in these patients with RA.
Ecological limits: Science, justice, policy, and the good life
Authors: Green Fergus
Published: May 2021

Recent years have witnessed a revival of scientific, political and philosophical discourse concerning the notion of ecological limits. This article provides a conceptual overview of descriptive ecological limit claims—i.e. claims that there are real, biophysical limits—and reviews work in political and social philosophy in which such claims form the basis of proposals for normative limits. The latter are classified in terms of three broad types of normative theorising: distributive justice, institutional/legal reform, and the good life. Within these three categories, the article reviews normative proposals for limits on both aggregate‐level and individual‐level ecological exploitation. It also considers the relevance of political and ideological facts to the normative analysis of ecological limits, raising methodological questions about how normative theorists should respond to a world facing escalating ecological challenges.
Birth outcomes affecting infants of mothers with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Rubenstein Eric , Ehrenthal Deborah B. , Mallinson David C. , Bishop Lauren , Kuo Hsiang‐Hui , Durkin Maureen S.
Published: May 2021

Background

Women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face increased risk of adverse maternal pregnancy outcomes, yet less is known about infant outcomes.

Objectives

To examine birth outcomes of infants born to mothers with IDD and assess associations with demographics and IDD‐type.

Methods

We used data from the Big Data for Little Kids project, which links Wisconsin birth records to Medicaid claims for live births covered by Medicaid from 2007 to 2016. We identified IDD using maternal prepregnancy Medicaid claims and ran Poisson regression (with a log link function) with robust variance clustered by mother to compare prevalence of outcomes between singleton births with and without mothers with IDD. We adjusted the associations for demographic factors and estimated prevalence ratios (PR) as the effect measure. We assessed outcomes by IDD‐type (intellectual disability, genetic conditions, cerebral palsy, and autism spectrum disorder) to explore differences by categories of IDD.

Results

Of 267,395 infants, 1696 (0.6%) had mothers with IDD. A greater percentage of infants with mothers with IDD were born preterm (12.8% vs 7.8%; PR 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42, 1.89), small for gestational age (8.5% vs 5.4%; PR 1.42, 95% CI 1.25, 1.61), and died within 12 months of birth (3.2% vs 0.7%; PR 4.93, 95% CI 3.73, 6.43) compared to infants of mothers without IDD. Prevalence ratios were robust to adjustment for demographics factors. Estimates did not meaningfully differ when comparing different IDD‐types.

Conclusions

A greater porportion of infants born to mothers with IDD who were covered by Medicaid had poor outcomes compared to other infants. Prevalence of poor infant outcomes was greater for mothers with IDD even after accounting for demographic differences. It is imperative to understand why infants of mothers with IDD are at greater risk so interventions and management can be developed.
Risk–Risk Tradeoffs for Mass Shootings and International Terrorism
Authors: Dalafave Rachel , Viscusi W. Kip
Published: May 2021

This article elicits information about risk perceptions and risk–risk tradeoffs for mass shootings and international terrorist attacks. These prominent public risks are similar in many respects in that both involve traumatic injuries. One might expect that the risk–risk tradeoff rate would be 1.0 unless other attributes of these risks are pertinent. Estimates based on an original survey structured to test rates of tradeoff between deaths from these risks indicate that respondents consistently place a premium on reducing mass shooting risks, as compared to risks of international terrorism. The average premium is relatively stable even after accounting for the effect of differences in personal risk beliefs on policy preferences. The estimated rates of risk–risk tradeoff reflect a greater weight on mass shooting risks even for those who believe that international terrorism risks pose a greater personal threat.
Attentional bias towards interpersonal aggression in depression – an eye movement study
Authors: Rantanen Matti , Hautala Jarkko , Loberg Otto , Nuorva Jaakko , Hietanen Jari K. , Nummenmaa Lauri , Astikainen Piia
Published: May 2021

Depressed individuals exhibit an attentional bias towards mood‐congruent stimuli, yet evidence for biased processing of threat‐related information in human interaction remains scarce. Here, we tested whether an attentional bias towards interpersonally aggressive pictures over interpersonally neutral pictures could be observed to a greater extent in depressed participants than in control participants. Eye movements were recorded while the participants freely viewed visually matched interpersonally aggressive and neutral pictures, which were presented in pairs. Across the groups, participants spent more time looking at neutral pictures than at aggressive pictures, probably reflecting avoidance behavior. When the participants could anticipate the stimulus valence, depressed participants – but not controls – showed an early attentional bias towards interpersonally aggressive pictures, as indexed by their longer first fixation durations on aggressive pictures than on neutral pictures. Our results thus preliminarily suggest both an early attentional bias towards interpersonal aggression, which is present, in depressed participants, also when aggression contents are anticipated, and a later attentional avoidance of aggression. The early depression‐related bias in information processing may have maladaptive effects on the way depressed individuals perceive and function in social interaction and can, therefore, maintain depressed mood.
Pandemic and Partisan Polarisation: Voter Evaluation of UK Government Handling During Covid‐19
Authors: Vlandas Tim , Klymak Margaryta
Published: May 2021

What is the effect of pandemics on partisan perceptions of government competence? Taking the case of Covid‐19 in the UK, we explore how voters’ assessments of the government’s handling of the economy and health were affected by four events: the first UK Covid‐19 death; the national lockdown; Boris Johnson’s hospitalisation; and Cummings’ scandal. Using a large representative weekly survey in the last year totalling over around 30’000 respondents, our results show that Labour voters had the worst assessments of government handling. The first death deteriorated perceptions of government handling of health among both Labour and Conservative voters, while Boris Johnson’s hospitalisation improved perceptions among most voters. Lockdown improved the perception of health handling but at the cost of more negative perceptions of its handling of the economy. The Cummings scandal had a negative effect on perceptions of government handling of economy but surprisingly improved perceptions of its handling of health.
Causes, outcomes, and owner satisfaction of dogs undergoing enucleation with orbital implant placement
Authors: Palmer Samantha V. , Velloso Ramos Renata , Woodoff‐Leith Elias D. , Rodriguez Galarza Roxanne M.
Published: May 2021

Objective

To describe clinical and histopathologic pre‐operative diagnoses as well as associated post‐operative complications following orbital silicone implantation in dogs undergoing enucleation and evaluate owner satisfaction.

Animals studied

One hundred and eighty‐six dogs who underwent enucleation with orbital implant.

Procedures

Medical records from dogs that underwent enucleation with orbital implant performed at Virginia‐Maryland Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 2007 and 2019 were reviewed. Owners were surveyed via telephone regarding client satisfaction.

Results

Enucleation followed by orbital implant placement occurred in 215 eyes of 186 dogs. The most common pre‐operative diagnoses were glaucoma (68.8%), uveitis (17.7%), cataracts (15.8%), intraocular neoplasia (13.0%), and lens luxation (10.7%). The most common histopathologic diagnoses were retinal degeneration (46.5%), uveitis (39.5%), cataract (29.8%), retinal detachment (27.4%), and secondary glaucoma (26.5%). Fourteen eyes (6.5%) from ten dogs had post‐operative complications reported including orbit cellulitis (n = 11), implant migration (n = 1), and implant extrusion (n = 1). Five of these dogs (50%) had concurrent diabetes mellitus. Median complication time from surgery was 41 days (range: 11–541 days). Ninety‐five owner survey responses were completed with a median time of 6.3 years following surgery. Most owners, 85.3% (n = 81), were satisfied with the post‐operative outcome.

Conclusion

Enucleation with implantation of an orbital implant is a viable and safe method for irreversibly blind eyes. Diabetes mellitus may be a risk factor for the development of post‐operative complications. Intraocular neoplasia was not associated with development of post‐operative complications. Results of this study indicated high owner satisfaction rates for improving cosmetic appearance after enucleation in dogs.
A discrete‐event simulation model for analysing and improving operations in a blood donation centre
Authors: Doneda Martina , Yalçındağ Semih , Marques Inês , Lanzarone Ettore
Published: May 2021

Background and objectives

Healthcare systems require effective and efficient blood donation supply chains to provide an adequate amount of whole blood and blood components to hospitals and transfusion centres. However, some crucial steps of the chain, for example blood collection, are not adequately studied in the literature. This work analyses the operations in a blood collection centre with the twofold aim of analysing different configurations and evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of schedules defined at higher planning levels.

Materials and methods

The analyses are performed through a discrete event simulation (DES) model that describes a customizable collection centre. Moreover, a feedback loop from the DES to the higher planning level allows to adjust scheduling decisions if they determine criticalities or infeasibilities at the operational level.

Results

Numerical tests have been conducted considering a real Italian provider. An experimental plan has been designed to compare different configurations for the blood collection centre and evaluate the best ones in terms of cost and service quality for the three main actors involved (donors, workers and managers). The best configurations have been also used to test the feedback loop.

Conclusions

Results confirm the appropriateness of the proposed DES model, which can be considered a useful decision support tool for dimensioning and managing a blood collection centre, either as a standalone tool or in conjunction with a scheduler.
The ecological niche of reported rabies cases in Canada is similar to Alaska
Authors: Huettmann Falk , Hueffer Karsten
Published: May 2021

The ecology of rabies in the circumpolar North is still not well understood. We use machine learning, a geographic information system and data explicit in time and space obtained for reported rabies cases and predictors in Canada to develop an ecological niche model for the distribution of reported rabies cases in the American north (Alaska and Canada). The ecological niche model based on reported rabies cases in Canada predicted reported rabies cases in Alaska, suggesting a rather robust inference and even similar drivers on a continental scale. As found in Alaska, proximity to human infrastructure—specifically along the coast—was a strong predictor in the detection of rabies cases in Canada. Also, this finding highlights the need for a more systematic landscape sampling for rabies infection model predictions to better understand and tackle the ecology of this important zoonotic disease on a landscape scale at some distance from human infrastructure in wilderness areas.
Leading Culture Change in Public Recreation
Authors: Hemme Florian , Morais Dominic G. , Bowers Matthew T. , Todd Janice S.
Published: May 2021

This study examined the planning, design, and implementation of a culture change program in a major North American public sport organization. Using interview data from 67 participants, the authors offer a rare, in-depth account of organizational culture change and discuss in particular how the change agent in charge of the initiative was able to manage employee concerns and resistance. At the heart of this successful transformation was a careful and intentional willingness of the change agent to consistently revisit, reinforce and recommunicate culture change along with all its facets and to connect all steps of the process to the ritualistic expression of the organization’s identity. This research offers a counter-perspective to technocratic imaginations of organizational culture change as neatly programmed, stepwise activity. Instead, the authors highlight the importance of attending to the continuous, local, and heterogeneous reframing activities underpinning organizational change efforts.
The Laboratory Diagnosis of Syphilis
Authors: Satyaputra Ferris , Hendry Stephanie , Braddick Maxwell , Sivabalan Pirathaban , Norton Robert
Published: May 2021

Syphilis is a multisystem infection caused by the spirochete
Treponema pallidum
. Currently, cases of possible syphilis are commonly investigated using the treponemal serological tests
T. pallidum
IgG chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and the
T. pallidum
particle agglutination (TPPA).
Mixed dementia and hyperactive delirium: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Dunphy Louise , Akin-Komolafe Tosin , Etheridge Zac
Published: May 2021

It is well recognised that acute confusion or delirium complicates up to 10% of acute medical admissions. Disorientation in time and place with an impaired short-term memory and conscious level are the hallmarks of an acute confusion. In delirium, disorders of perception may produce restlessness and agitation. A similar state during the final days of life is termed ‘terminal delirium’. Less than 10% of affected individuals will have a primary neurological disorder, for example, dementia, a neurodegenerative disease with varying aetiologies. Currently there are at least 50 million people globally suffering from dementia rendering it a global healthcare problem. Mixed dementia (MD) can be defined as a cognitive decline sufficient to impair independent functioning in daily life resulting from the coexistence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cerebrovascular pathology. MD occurs in patients with a neurodegenerative disorder, such as AD, Lewy body or Pick’s disease and additionally cerebrovascular disease. The mechanistic synergisms between the coexisting pathologies affecting dementia risk, progression and the ultimate clinical manifestations remain elusive. Although AD can be diagnosed with a considerable degree of accuracy, the distinction between isolated AD, vascular dementia and MD, when both pathologies coexist in the same patient remains one of the most difficult diagnostic challenges because their clinical presentation can overlap. Neuropathological studies indicate that mixed vascular Alzheimer’s dementia (MD) has a prevalence of 22% in the elderly. The authors present the case of a 78-year-old man with a diagnosis of MD presenting to the emergency department with delirium, a common but serious acute neuropsychiatric syndrome with the core features of inattention and global cognitive dysfunction. This case demonstrates the challenges in establishing a diagnosis in patients presenting with MD and shows that a cognitive assessment at presentation in a delirious state offers very little diagnostic information. It is therefore suggested to conduct a routine cognitive function examination on patients with dementia to anticipate new neurological signs and/or symptoms thus allowing earlier diagnosis and treatment. However, a baseline cognitive assessment when the patient was well, duration and nature of deterioration as well as collateral history will help differentiate delirium from an underlying dementia.
Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole-induced refractory hypoglycaemia successfully treated with octreotide
Authors: Mah Jordan Kit , Negreanu Daniel , Radi Suhaib , Christopoulos Stavroula
Published: May 2021

Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP–SMX) is a commonly prescribed antimicrobial agent for a wide variety of infections. It is generally well tolerated in a majority of patients; however, serious adverse effects have been described with its usage. Hypoglycaemia is an exceedingly rare but potentially life-threatening side effect of this antimicrobial agent due to its sulfonylurea-like effect. We describe a case of symptomatic, refractory hypoglycaemia secondary to TMP–SMX in a patient being treated forStenotrophomonas maltophiliabacteraemia, which required treatment with 10 hours of intravenous dextrose (including several 50% dextrose boluses), as well as intramuscular glucagon and octreotide. We reviewed previous case reports described in the literature of TMP–SMX-induced hypoglycaemia, in which renal insufficiency was noted to be a common predisposing risk factor in an overwhelming majority of cases. In refractory cases of TMP–SMX-induced hypoglycaemia, intravenous octeotride may be considered for treatment.
Rare case of a duodenal de novo dedifferentiated gastrointestinal stromal tumour
Authors: Shah Pritik A , Babu Raghavendra , Uthaiah Sowmya B , Patil Shekar
Published: May 2021

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. Dedifferentiation in these tumours occurs rarely, and when it does occurs most commonly after prolonged treatment with imatinib. We report the case of a 64-year-old man who presented with a mass of 8×7×3 cm dimensions involving the duodenum and head of the pancreas. On histopathology, areas of anaplastic tumour cells were negative for DOG-1, c-kit, CD-34, desmin and panCK along with a molecular level study showing wild-type KIT and PDGFRA (platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha) gene. Based on focal GIST-like areas and CD117 positivity and absence of prior therapy, the diagnosis of a de novo dedifferentiated GIST was made. These tumours need to be reported as they pose a diagnostic challenge and their predicted response rated to targeted molecular therapies are unclear as compared with their c-kit positive counterparts.
Medial malleolar osteotomy for intralesional curettage and bone grafting of primary aneurysmal bone cyst of the talus
Authors: Tripathy Sujit , Varghese Paulson , Panigrahi Sibasish , Karaniveed Puthiyapura Lubaib
Published: May 2021

Access to the cystic lesion of the talar body without damage to the articular surface is difficult. This case report is about a 23-year-old man who had a symptomatic huge cystic lesion in the left-sided talus bone. Radiograph and CT scan showed an expansile lytic lesion within the talar body. The MRI revealed a well-defined lesion with fluid-fluid levels. The needle biopsy aspirate was haemorrhagic, and hence a diagnosis of the aneurysmal bone cyst was made. As the lesion was beneath the talar dome with an intact neck and head, a medial approach with medial malleolar osteotomy was performed. The lesion was curetted out, and the cavity was filled up with a morselised bone graft. The limb was splinted for 6 weeks, and complete weight bearing was started after 3 months. At 1-year follow-up, the lesion was found to be healed up, and the patient was pain-free with no recurrence.
Immune profiling of COVID-19: preliminary findings and implications for the pandemic
Authors: Maecker Holden T
Published: May 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection can have widely diverse clinical outcomes, from asymptomatic infection to death, with many possible clinical symptoms and syndromes. It is thus essential to understand how the virus interacts with the host immune system to bring about these varied outcomes and to inform vaccine development. We now know that both antibody and T cell responses are induced in the majority of infected individuals, and that cross-reactive responses from other coronaviruses also exist in the uninfected population. Innate immune responses are a key focus of research and may influence the course of disease and the character of subsequent adaptive responses. Finally, baseline immune profiles and changes during early acute infection may be key to predicting the course of disease. Understanding all these aspects can help to create better immune monitoring tools for COVID-19, including tools for predicting disease severity or specific sequelae, perhaps even prior to infection.
Moral status of the fetus and the permissibility of abortion: a contractarian response to Thomson’s violinist thought experiment
Authors: Minehan Matthew John
Published: May 2021

Judith Jarvis Thomson famously argued that abortion is permissible even if we accept that a fetus qualifies as a person and possesses a right to life. The current paper presents two arguments that undermine Thomson’s position. First, the paper sketches a contractarian argument that explores Thomson’s violinist thought experiment from behind a veil of ignorance, which suggests that if we had an equal likelihood of being an unwanted fetus and a pregnant woman, it would be rational for us to oppose abortion. Second, the paper discusses the hypothetical self-aborting fetus, a thought experiment that reverses the dependence relationship between a woman and a fetus. It is argued that in this scenario, where fetuses have agency of their own, Thomson’s position would counterintuitively prohibit a woman from temporarily curtailing the freedom of her fetus even to save her own life.
Loss of immune homeostasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Heukels Peter , Corneth Odilia B J , van Uden Denise , van Hulst Jennifer A C , van den Toorn Leon M , van den Bosch Annemien E , Wijsenbeek Marlies S , Boomars Karin A , Kool Mirjam , Hendriks Rudi W
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Autoreactivity against pulmonary vascular structures is thought to be involved in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We hypothesised that aberrant B-cell activation contributes to IPAH aetiology.

Methods

Mice with enhanced B-cell activation due to B-cell-specific overexpression of the B-cell receptor (BCR) signalling molecule Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) were subjected to lung injury and examined for several pulmonary hypertension (PH) indices. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with IPAH (n=13), connective tissue disease-associated PAH (CTD-PAH, n=9), congenital heart disease PAH (n=7), interstitial lung disease associated PH (n=17) and healthy controls (n=19) were characterised by 14-colour flow cytometry.

Results

Following pulmonary injury, BTK-overexpressing mice showed prolonged activation of B cells and CXCR5+ follicular T-helper (Tfh) cells, as well as features of PH development. Patients with CTD-PAH and CHD-PAH displayed reduced proportions of circulating non-switched-memory B cells (p=0.03, p=0.02, respectively). Interestingly, we observed increased BTK protein expression in naive (p=0.007) and memory B-cell subsets of patients with IPAH and CTD-PAH. BTK was particularly high in patients with IPAH with circulating autoantibodies (p=0.045). IPAH patients had low frequencies of circulating CXCR5+ Tfh cells (p=0.005). Hereby, the increased BTK protein expression in B cells was associated with high proportions of Tfh17 (p=0.018) and Tfh17.1 (p=0.007) cells within the circulating Tfh population.

Conclusions

Our study shows that pulmonary injury in combination with enhanced B-cell activation is sufficient to induce PH symptoms in mice. In parallel, immune homeostasis in patients with IPAH is compromised, as evidenced by increased BCR signalling and cTfh17 polarisation, indicating that adaptive immune activation contributes to IPAH disease induction or progression.
Predictors of poor outcomes in children with tracheoesophageal fistula/oesophageal atresia: an Australian experience
Authors: Hew Nicole Lee Chui , Grover Zubin , Paida Sanjay , Gera Sanchita , Effendy Rachel Zie Ting , Kikiros Colin , Gera Parshotam
Published: May 2021

Objective

The aim of this study is to characterize long-term morbidities of oesophageal atresia (OA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF).

Methods

Infants born with OA/TOF from 2000 to 2016 in Western Australia were included for analysis. Infants were categorized into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the presence of one or more perioperative risk factors [low birth weight, vertebraldefects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, TOF, renalanomalies, limb abnormalities (VACTERL), anastomotic leak, long gap OA, and failure to establish oral feeds within the first month] identified by a previous Canadian study. Frequency of morbidities in infants with perioperative risk factors was compared.

Results

Of 102 patients, 88 (86%) had OA with distal TOF (type C). The most common morbidities in our cohort were anastomotic oesophageal strictures (AS) (n=53, 52%), tracheomalacia (n=48, 47%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) (n=42, 41%) and recurrent respiratory tract infections (n=40, 39%). Presence of GORD (30/59 vs 12/43, p=0.04) and median frequency of AS dilatations (8 vs 3, n=59, p=0.03) were greater in the high-risk group. This study further confirmed that inability to be fed orally within the first month was associated with high morbidities.

Conclusions

Gastrointestinal and respiratory morbidities remain high in OA/TOF regardless of perioperative risk factors. Inability to be fed orally within the first month is a predictor of poor outcomes with high frequency of gastrointestinal and respiratory comorbidities.