bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A principle‐based framework for disclosing a psychosis risk diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Oliver Y. , McConnell Doug , Carter Adrian , Pugh Jonathan
Published: November 2022

In recent decades, researchers have attempted to prospectively identify individuals at high risk of developing psychosis in the hope of delaying or preventing psychosis onset. These psychosis risk individuals are identified as being in an ‘At‐Risk Mental State’ (ARMS) through a standardised psychometric interview. However, disclosure of ARMS status has attracted criticism due to concerns about the risk–benefit ratio of disclosure to patients. Only approximately one quarter of ARMS patients develop psychosis after three years, raising concerns about the unnecessary harm associated with such ‘false‐positive’ results. These harms are especially pertinent when identifying psychosis risk individuals due to potential stigma and discrimination in a young clinical population. A dearth of high‐quality evidence supporting interventions for ARMS patients raises further doubts about the benefit accompanying an ARMS disclosure. Despite ongoing discussion in the bioethical literature, these concerns over the ethical justification of disclosure to ARMS patients are not directly addressed in clinical guidelines. In this paper, we aim to provide a unified disclosure strategy grounded in principle‐based analysis for ARMS clinicians. After considering the ethical values at stake in ARMS disclosure, and their normative significance, we argue that full disclosure of the ARMS label is favoured in the vast majority of clinical situations due to the strong normative significance of enhancing patients' understanding. We then compare our framework with other approaches to ARMS disclosure and outline its limitations.
Exploring the risks and benefits of flexibility in biodiversity offset location in a case study of migratory shorebirds
Authors: Shumway Nicole , Saunders Megan I. , Nicol Sam , Fuller Richard A. , Ben‐Moshe Noam , Iwamura Takuya , Kim Sun W. , Murray Nicholas J. , Watson James E. M. , Maron Martine
Published: November 2022

Biodiversity offsets aim to counterbalance the residual impacts of development on species and ecosystems. Guidance documents explicitly recommend that biodiversity offset actions be located close to the location of impact because of higher potential for similar ecological conditions, but allowing greater spatial flexibility has been proposed. We examined the circumstances under which offsets distant from the impact location could be more likely to achieve no net loss or provide better ecological outcomes than offsets close to the impact area. We applied a graphical model for migratory shorebirds in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway as a case study to explore the problems that arise when incorporating spatial flexibility into offset planning. Spatially flexible offsets may alleviate impacts more effectively than local offsets; however, the risks involved can be substantial. For our case study, there were inadequate data to make robust conclusions about the effectiveness and equivalence of distant habitat‐based offsets for migratory shorebirds. Decisions around offset placement should be driven by the potential to achieve equivalent ecological outcomes; however, when considering more distant offsets, there is a need to evaluate the likely increased risks alongside the potential benefits. Although spatially flexible offsets have the potential to provide more cost‐effective biodiversity outcomes and more cobenefits, our case study showed the difficulty of demonstrating these benefits in practice and the potential risks that need to be considered to ensure effective offset placement.
School committee composition: Exploring the role of parental and female representation in India
Authors: Guha Panchali
Published: November 2022

Motivation

The adoption of school‐based management (SBM) reforms has led to the formation of local‐level school committees in many low‐ and middle‐income countries. These committees are usually created with the stated aim of giving parents or local community members a greater say in school management. Various studies have, however, highlighted difficulties with parental and female participation, casting doubt on the extent to which greater community representation improves school management.

Purpose

The article examines empirically whether greater parental and female representation in Indian school management committees (SMCs) is associated with school improvement as measured by increases in the school‐level provision of basic infrastructure and services.

Methods and approach

Fixed‐effects regression models are estimated using school‐level panel data.

Findings

I find that increased parental representation is not associated with improvements in school infrastructure/service provision. Rather, what contributes strongly to improved outcomes is increased representation of elected local authority members. Overall, schools with female‐majority SMCs also perform better.

Policy implications

While the requirement for Indian SMCs to include representation from local government appears to be an effective feature of their composition, there is a need for capacity‐building efforts to ensure that parent members also contribute effectively to school management. SMCs should also be encouraged to meet the female representation quota, as the analysis suggests a positive association between female representation and school outcomes.
Dumbbell in the atrium: A rare case report of biatrial myxoma that crosses atrial septum diagnosed by multimodal echocardiography
Authors: Song Wenjuan , Wang Yu , Ma Xuejuan , Liu Liping , Gu Ying , Sun Yue , Zhao Yue , Ye Yujia , Zhang Ying
Published: November 2022

We reported a very rare case, a 59‐year‐old female whose heart myxoma was present in both atrium, the mass in biatrial was connected to each other at the oval foramen, resembling “dumbbell‐like.” By means of multimodality echocardiography techniques such as transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and Real‐time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT‐3D TEE), we have clarified the diagnosis. The patient underwent open‐heart surgery to remove the biatrial myxoma which adhered to the oval fossa, with a slightly wider base and smooth lobulated surface. This case demonstrates the importance of multimodality echocardiography in the diagnosis of atypical myxomas.
Sex differences in imaging and clinical characteristics of patients from the WAKE‐UP trial
Authors: Wouters Anke , Scheldeman Lauranne , Liessens Hannelore , Dupont Patrick , Boutitie Florent , Cheng Bastian , Ebinger Martin , Endres Matthias , Fiebach Jochen B. , Gerloff Christian , Muir Keith W. , Nighoghossian Norbert , Pedraza Salvador , Simonsen Claus Z. , Thijs Vincent , Thomalla Götz , Lemmens Robin
Published: November 2022

Background and purpose

Sex‐based differences in acute ischemic stroke are a well‐known phenomenon. We aimed to explore these differences between women and men in the Efficacy and Safety of MRI‐Based Thrombolysis in Wake‐Up Stroke (WAKE‐UP) trial.

Methods

We compared baseline demographic and imaging characteristics (visual fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery [FLAIR] positivity, relative FLAIR signal intensity, collateral status) between women and men in all screened patients. In randomized patients (i.e., those with diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI)–FLAIR mismatch), we evaluated a modifying role of sex on the treatment effect of alteplase in multivariable logistic regression, with treatment adjusted for National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and age. Dependent variables were modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–1 at 90 days and distribution of mRS scores at 90 days.

Results

Of 1362 screened patients, 529 (38.8%) were women. Women were older than men, had higher baseline NIHSS scores and smoked less frequently. FLAIR positivity of the DWI lesion was equally present in women (174/529, 33.1%) and men (273/833, 33.3%; p = 1.00) and other imaging variables also did not differ between the sexes. In a total of 503 randomized patients, of whom 178 were women (35.4%), sex did not modify the treatment effect of alteplase on mRS score 0–1 or on the total distribution of mRS scores.

Conclusion

As in many other stroke trials, more men than women were included in the WAKE‐UP trial, but the presence of a visual DWI–FLAIR mismatch and the relative FLAIR signal intensity did not differ between the sexes. The treatment effect of alteplase was not modified by sex.
The impact of remineralization agents on dental bleaching efficacy and mineral loss in bleached enamel
Authors: Misilli Tuğba , Çarıkçıoğlu Burak , Deniz Yeşim , Aktaş Çağatay
Published: November 2022

This study evaluated the effect of remineralization agents on bleaching efficiency, enamel mineral changes, and post‐bleaching color stability. A total of 112 enamel‐dentin blocks were prepared from bovine teeth. Following initial color measurements, separate treatment regimens were carried out as follows: negative control (no treatment); positive control (bleaching only); bleaching, then NaF; bleaching + NaF (mix); bleaching, then CPP‐ACPF; bleaching + CPP‐ACPF (mix); bleaching, then nHAP+F; bleaching + nHAP+F (mix). Color measurements were repeated after immersion in distilled water for 7 days, and again after staining with coffee solution for 14 days. The CIELAB‐based whiteness index was used to evaluate bleaching efficiency, and the CIEDE2000 color difference formula for color stability. Chemical investigation was performed using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analyses. The experimental groups showed significant increases in whiteness compared to the negative control, and the staining after bleaching did not result in statistically significant differences between the groups. Energy dispersive spectroscopic analysis revealed that bleaching protocols had no impact on elemental levels as well as the ratio of Ca/P. The combined use of bleaching agents with remineralization agents did not affect bleaching effectiveness but also did not provide an additional contribution.
Reflections on the place of criminal law in the European construction
Authors: Monar Jörg
Published: November 2022

Although the place of EU criminal law in the European construction has become incontestable today, it has historically been a far from obvious one. In its origins and development, two different rationales can be distinguished: a functional one aimed at using criminal law instruments to address specific cross‐border crime challenges generated or enhanced by the progress of EU integration in other fields, and a constitutional one implying the use of criminal law also to further enhance the respect and promotion of EU common values. While the first rationale has been dominant from the outset, the second has emerged only gradually. For the sake of effectiveness, legitimacy and mutual trust, both rationales should equally drive the further development of EU criminal law. Yet prospects for a stronger affirmation of the constitutional rationale are weakened by current EU rule of law and democratic leadership challenges.
Gender‐responsive budgeting for public value creation: Insights from higher education
Authors: Oppi Chiara , Galizzi Giovanna
Published: November 2022

This study explores how managers and officials enable public value (PV) creation through accounting practices in higher education institutions (HEIs). Adopting a narrow perspective related to gender accounting, this paper presents a comparative case study of three HEIs based in Italy that have been implementing gender‐responsive budgeting (GRB) in the last few years. Interviews are conducted with managers and officials involved in GRB processes. The results are analyzed on the basis of Moore's strategic triangle and the strategic alignment among its dimensions. Scarce integration within HEI strategies and low involvement of internal and external stakeholders in iterative processes for strategy definition are identified. Furthermore, the GRB is a standalone gender accounting practice and has limited capability of assessing gender equality outcomes. These results are among the main factors limiting the capability of HEIs to deliver PV through GRB.
Conserved GTPase mechanism in bacterial FtsZ and archaeal tubulin filaments
Authors: Andreu José M. , Ruiz Federico M. , Fernández‐Tornero Carlos
Published: November 2022

Self‐assembling protein filaments are at the heart of cell function. Among them, tubulin‐like proteins are essential for cell division, DNA segregation and cytoskeletal functions across the domains of life. FtsZ and tubulin share their core structures, a characteristic nucleotide‐binding pocket and similar protofilament architecture. GTP hydrolysis between consecutive subunits drives their assembly dynamics. Two recent studies provide previously missing, filament atomic structures of bacterial FtsZ and a recently discovered archaeal tubulin in their nucleotide triphosphate‐bound states. Both filament structures reveal strikingly conserved interfacial GTPase active sites, with Mg2+ and K+/Na+ cations and an NxDxxD/E triad of catalytic residues, probably inherited from the common ancestor of FtsZs and tubulins. Moreover, both proteins exhibit nucleotide‐regulated subunit association mediated by interfacial water bridges, as well as polymerization‐induced structural changes, likely enabling related dynamic assembly mechanisms.
A method for estimating fish density through the catches of gillnets
Authors: Lobyrev Feodor , Hoffman Matthew J.
Published: November 2022

We propose a new method for estimating fish density using catches obtained by gillnets of given mesh size. This method builds on work for estimating the number of fish approaching a gillnet by modelling the fish movement that leads to a gillnet encounter. The theoretical framework is developed, and the method is tested on catch data for cod Gadus morhua and Dolly Varden Salvelinus malma to demonstrate how the method can be applied. The method relies on knowledge of geometric properties of the net, and morphological and behavioural properties of the fish, so we explore the sensitivity of the estimates to some of these parameters. Estimates are most sensitive to the morphological parameter of the angle the mouth is open while swimming and largely invariant to estimates of uncertain parameters like maximum number of fish that can be caught by the particular net.
Late diagnosis of HIV: An updated consensus definition
Authors: Croxford Sara , Stengaard Annemarie Rinder , Brännström Johanna , Combs Lauren , Dedes Nikos , Girardi Enrico , Grabar Sophie , Kirk Ole , Kuchukhidze Giorgi , Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Noori Teymur , Pharris Anastasia , Raben Dorthe , Rockstroh Jürgen K. , Simões Daniel , Sullivan Ann K. , Van Beckhoven Dominique , Delpech Valerie C. ,   The EuroTEST HIV Late Diagnosis Definition Working Group
Published: November 2022

Introduction

In recent years, HIV testing frequency has increased, resulting in more people being diagnosed during seroconversion with a temporarily low CD4 count. Using the current consensus definition of late HIV presentation ('presenting for care with a CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or an AIDS‐defining event, regardless of CD4 count') these individuals would be incorrectly assigned as being diagnosed late.

Methods

In spring 2022, a European expert group convened to revise the current late HIV presentation consensus definition. A survey on data availability to apply this revised definition was sent to nominated European focal points responsible for HIV surveillance (n = 53).

Results

Experts agreed that the updated definition should refer to late HIV diagnosis rather than presentation and include the following addition: People with evidence of recent infection should be reclassified as 'not late', with evidence of recent infection considered hierarchically. The individual must have: (i) laboratory evidence of recent infection; (ii) a last negative HIV test within 12 months of diagnosis; or (iii) clinical evidence of acute infection. People with evidence of being previously diagnosed abroad should be excluded. A total of 18 countries responded to the survey; 83% reported capturing CD4 count and/or AIDS at diagnosis through national surveillance, 67% captured last negative test and/or previous HIV diagnosis, 61% captured seroconversion illness at diagnosis and 28% captured incident antibody results.

Conclusions

Accurate data on late diagnosis are important to describe the effects of testing programmes. Reclassification of individuals with recent infection will help to better identify populations most at risk of poor HIV outcomes and areas for intervention.
Key data from AIDS 2022
Authors: Owen Rhiannon , Maan Irfaan , Waters Laura
Published: November 2022

We report on the highlights ofthe 24th International AIDS Conference, held in Montreal in 2022. We address three main themes: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) targets and cascades, HIV and sexually transmitted infection prophylaxis, and HIV treatment, including the use of antiretroviral therapy in pregnancy.
DECIDING WHEN TO DECIDE: COLLECTIVE DELIBERATION AND OBSTRUCTION
Authors: Anesi Vincent , Safronov Mikhail
Published: November 2022

We study the impact of deliberation rules on collective learning and decision making in committees. In contrast to much of the existing literature, this article makes a distinction between the final votes over policy proposals and the cloture votes that bring them about. We show how deliberation rules can cause Pareto‐inefficient outcomes and failures to bring good proposals to a final vote, and how they affect the distribution of power among committee members in the deliberative process. We further show that deliberation rules are dynamically stable, even when they generate Pareto‐inefficient outcomes.
DIRECTED SEARCH WITH PHANTOM VACANCIES
Authors: Albrecht James , Decreuse Bruno , Vroman Susan
Published: November 2022

When vacancies are filled, the job ads often remain, creating phantom vacancies. Older listings more likely represent phantoms. We assume job seekers direct their search based on listing age. Forming a match with an age‐a vacancy creates an age‐a phantom with probability β and generates an externality affecting vacancies aged a and older. Thus, the externality decreases with the match's listing age. Relative to efficient behavior, job seekers overapply to younger listings. We calibrate using U.S. data. The contribution of phantoms to inefficiency is large, but, given their existence, the planner cannot improve much on the directed search allocation.
Initial experience with 161 extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical cystectomy procedures: Comparison with transabdominal laparoscopic radical cystectomy
Authors: Yang Han , Zhang Zongliang , Zhao Kai , Zhang Yulian , Yin Xinbao , Zhu Guanqun , Wang Zhenlin , Li Xueyu , Li Zhaofeng , Wang Qinglei , Sui Yuanming , Xing Nianzeng , Wang Ke
Published: November 2022

Objectives

There is substantial concern about traditional transperitoneal laparoscopic radical cystectomy (TLRC) due to multiple postoperative complications. In contrast, extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical cystectomy (ELRC) appears to cause a lower rate of morbidity. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of ELRC and TLRC for bladder cancer (BCa).

Methods

The clinical data of patients undergoing laparoscopic radical cystectomy for BCa from April 2018 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, as ELRC and TLRC groups. The postoperative follow‐up data of 275 patients were collected and the incidence of postoperative complications and other perioperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Surgery was successfully completed in all patients without conversion to open surgery. There was no significant difference in the duration of cystectomy surgery (67.32 ± 23.53 vs 72.17 ± 25.72 min, p = 0.106), intraoperative blood loss (178.06 ± 110.4 vs. 174.56 ± 127.40 ml, p = 0.413), or the number of lymph node dissection (15.1 ± 5.7 vs. 14.5 ± 5.1, p = 0.380) between the two groups. The length of stay (11.6 ± 3.8 vs 14.7 ± 5.6 d, p < 0.001), time to resume food intake after surgery (2.3 ± 0.9 vs 3.0 ± 1.3 d, p < 0.001), and the incidence of ileus (p < 0.001) in the ELRC group were significantly lower than in the TLRC group.

Conclusions

ELRC is a safe procedure that can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, shorten postoperative hospital stay, reduce the duration of recovery of patients, and, therefore, should be promoted.
Effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation for premature ventricular complexes originating from the right ventricular outflow tract on right ventricular function
Authors: Uhm Jae‐Sun , Ko Kyu‐Yong , Shim Chi Young , Park Je‐Wook , Kim Minkwan , Bae SungA , Jung In Hyun , Kim In‐Soo , Kim Jong Youn , Choi Eui‐Young , Son Won Jeong , Roh Yun Ho , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae‐Hoon , Hong Geu‐Ru , Joung Boyoung , Pak Hui‐Nam , Lee Moon‐Hyoung
Published: November 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, and the effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) on RV function.

Methods

A total of 110 patients (age, 50.8 ± 14.4 years; 30 men) without structural heart disease who had undergone RFCA for RV outflow tract (RVOT) PVCs were retrospectively included. RV function was assessed using fractional area change (FAC) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) before and after RFCA. Clinical data were compared between the RV dysfunction (n = 63) and preserved RV function (n = 47) groups. The relationship between PVC burden and RV function was analyzed. Change in RV function before and after RFCA was compared between patients with successful and failed RFCA.

Results

PVC burden was significantly higher in the RV dysfunction group than in the preserved RV function group (p < .001). FAC and GLS were significantly worse in proportion to PVC burden (p < .001 and p < .001, respectively). The risk factor associated with RV dysfunction was PVC burden [odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 1.092 (1.052–1.134); p < .001]. Improvement in FAC (13.0 ± 8.7% and –2.5 ± 5.6%, respectively; p < .001) and GLS (–6.8 ± 5.7% and 2.1 ± 4.2%, respectively; p < .001) was significant in the patients with successful RFCA, compared to the patients in whom RFCA failed.

Conclusions

Frequent RVOT PVCs are associated with RV dysfunction. RV dysfunction is reversible by successful RFCA.
Paying for ecological services in Ecuador: The political economy of structural inequality
Authors: McBurney Matthew , Tuaza Luis Alberto , Johnson Craig
Published: November 2022

Paying Indigenous communities to conserve land for carbon sequestration is a controversial way of tackling climate change. Critics argue that paying for ecological services (or ‘PES’) in the form of carbon offset programmes reduces land and social relations to an economic transaction that devalues Indigenous livelihoods and communities. At the same time, empirical studies have shown that Indigenous communities have accepted and even embraced the idea of being paid to conserve land for climate change mitigation. This paper explores this apparent contradiction by investigating the implementation of Programa Socio Bosque (PSB), a PES carbon sequestration programme in Ecuador. Drawing upon primary fieldwork in the highland province of Chimborazo, it makes the case that PES programmes need to be understood as form of state power that reconfigures and reinforces the ways in which Indigenous peoples engage with the state. Particularly important in this regard is the role of the state in reinforcing the agrarian conditions under which Indigenous communities use and interpret PES payments while at the same time reconfiguring new forms of land conservation. Empirically, the research reveals important complementarities between the goals of carbon sequestration PES programmes and Indigenous land‐use practices. Methodologically, it highlights the importance of situating the study of PES programmes in a context of land struggles, community–state relations and agrarian change.
Biomass losses and circularity along local farm‐to‐fork: A review of industrial efforts with locally farmed freshwater fish in land‐locked Central Europe
Authors: Mraz Jan , Jia Hui , Roy Koushik
Published: November 2022

Biomass losses and circularity of aquaculture farm‐to‐fork are reviewed in this article, taking the example of an economically developed but land‐locked territory in Central Europe. We found that some waste valorization channels of locally farmed and slaughtered fish biomass are already functioning in the region (mostly for pet food, hunting bait). There is neither control nor information on how much local aquaculture farm‐to‐fork losses are upcycled to the local human food chain. Despite most of them qualify in ‘category‐3’ animal by‐products (useable for aquafeed) or preventable losses. Factors to improve farm‐to‐fork resource use efficiency ‘locally’ include: (a) ‘at farm’ (supplementary feeding, captive culture conditions, fat content, breed, rested harvest techniques, harvesting season); (b) ‘towards fork’ (purging duration, acclimatization before slaughtering, stunning efficacy, bleeding and filleting relative to rigour mortis, additive‐based cleaning, pre‐cooling, boned or deboned, grinding or baadering); (c) ‘at fork’ (coating‐ or GRAS additives‐based preservation, packaging, modern hurdle systems, freezing rate, interferences of freezing apparatus or packaging on freezing, storage temperature). From farm‐to‐fork, it is essential to understand that most fish processing by‐products can be made edible or valuable by other means. Better utilization strategies exist via low‐cost value‐added fish products, innovative dishes or utility products (e.g., feedstuff, fertilizers, industrial products, luxury items). Although upcycling to human food chain is priority, technological hurdles (prone to spoilage, bones in product, taste, safety) are associated with edible products but are solvable. More difficult things to overcome are at the fork (culinary industry, communication with society, future generations). Those are reviewed.
Effect of increased serum progesterone on luteal morphology and function, pregnancy, and gestational loss in Nelore cows
Authors: Couto Samuel R. B. , Guerson Yuri B. , Caparelli Nicolas M. P. M. , Andrade João Paulo N. , Jacob Júlio C. F. , Barbero Rondineli P. , Mello Marco R. B.
Published: November 2022

The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of different strategies for increasing the level of serum progesterone (P4) on luteal morphology and function in bovine females. The effects of increasing P4 on pregnancy rate and gestational loss (GL) in Nelore cows subjected to timed artificial insemination (TAI) were also evaluated. A total of 939 cows were divided into three groups: P4LA (n = 305), 150 mg of long‐acting injectable P4 7 days after TAI; GnRH (n = 306), 10 μg of buserelin acetate 7 days after TAI; and control (n = 328), no hormone treatment after TAI. Doppler ultrasound assessments and P4 measurements were performed on days 7 and 16 after TAI. The pregnancy rate and GL as a function of treatment were compared using the SAS GLIMMIX procedure. Corpus luteum (CL) vascular perfusion, volume, and plasma P4 concentration were analysed using the SAS PROC MIXED procedure. No significant difference was found among the treatments in terms of volume, number of pixels, and CL intensity or in the serum P4 concentration at 7 days after ovulation. The CL blood flow at 16 days after ovulation was lower in the P4LA and GnRH groups than that in the control group (p < .01). Serum concentrations of P4 at 16 days after ovulation were higher in the P4LA and GnRH groups than those in the control group (p = .04). A difference in the pregnancy rate (p = .003) and a trend in GL (p = .07) as a function of treatment were found. Overall, long‐acting injectable P4 supplementation on day 7 after TAI or GnRH administration affected CL vascularization and increased the serum concentrations of P4 16 days after ovulation, promoting better pregnancy rates than the control.
When the Ends do not Justify the Means: Learning Who is Predicted to Have Harmful Indirect Effects
Authors: Rudolph Kara E. , Díaz Iván
Published: November 2022

There is a growing literature on finding rules by which to assign treatment based on an individual’s characteristics such that a desired outcome under the intervention is maximised. A related goal entails identifying a sub-population of individuals predicted to have a harmful indirect effect (the effect of treatment on an outcome through mediators), perhaps even in the presence of a predicted beneficial total treatment effect. In some cases, the implications of a likely harmful indirect effect may outweigh an anticipated beneficial total treatment effect, and would motivate further discussion of whether to treat identified individuals. We build on the mediation and optimal treatment rule literatures to propose a method of identifying a subgroup for which the treatment effect through the mediator is expected to be harmful. Our approach is non-parametric, incorporates post-treatment confounders of the mediator–outcome relationship, and does not make restrictions on the distribution of baseline covariates, mediating variables or outcomes. We apply the proposed approach to identify a subgroup of boys in the Moving To Opportunity housing voucher experiment who are predicted to have a harmful indirect effect of housing voucher receipt on subsequent psychiatric disorder incidence through aspects of their school and neighbourhood environments.
A new urban change detection method based on the local G and local spatial heteroscedasticity statistics
Authors: Chen Yuzhou , Tao Ran
Published: November 2022

Accurate detection of urban changes is critical for guiding city planning that leads to smart and sustainable development. Few existing methods are able to detect urban changes in a timely manner while preserving great details of spatial heterogeneity. In this article, we propose a new method that combines two spatial statistics, namely the local G and local spatial heteroscedasticity. By jointly analyzing the results of both statistics, we design the Urban Development Index (UDI) to assess the types of urban changes that each spatial unit has been experiencing. Based on the sequences of UDI, we can understand the regional patterns of urban changes by linking to urban morphology. We conduct experiments with both a synthetic dataset and a Rwanda population dataset. The results demonstrate that our method can not only identify completed and ongoing phenomena of urban transition, but also unveil the heterogeneous nature of growth and/or shrinkage inside a city.
Tracheal stent aspergillosis occurring after aortic allograft of the trachea
Authors: Durliat Alix , Locatelli‐Sanchez Myriam , Wallet Florent , Allaouchiche Bernard
Published: November 2022

Background

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection with many clinical forms. Invasive aspergillosis is the most widely known severe manifestation, but other forms can need intensive care.

Aim

Our purpose is to report a case of tracheal aspergilloma and provide a review of the literature concerning endobronchial aspergillus.

Method

We report a case of tracheal aspergilloma causing tracheal obstruction in a patient admitted in the ICU for respiratory distress. The aspergilloma occurred in a tracheal stent implanted during tracheal allograft for tracheal cancer. A combination of local and systemic antifungal was used with successful result.
Optimizing antifungal prophylaxis in allogeneic stem cell transplantation: A cohort study of two different approaches
Authors: Selby Philip R. , Warner Morgyn S. , Peake Sandra L. , Bardy Peter , Hiwase Devendra , Singhal Deepak , Beligaswatte Ashanka , Hahn Uwe , Roberts Jason A. , Yeung David , Shakib Sepehr
Published: November 2022

Background

Limited consensus exists on the optimal use of antifungal agents to prevent invasive fungal infection in the early post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHCT) period, particularly when patients cannot tolerate oral medication administration.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective observational cohort study to assess the tolerability, efficacy, and cost of a new antifungal prophylaxis pathway at a major tertiary alloHCT centre. Patients aged ≥16 years who underwent alloHCT between February 2018 and October 2019 (cohort 1) or between April 2020 and November 2021 (cohort 2) were included. In both cohorts, first line prophylactic therapy was oral posaconazole. The second line drugs where oral therapy was unable to be administered were intravenous voriconazole (cohort 1) versus intravenous posaconazole (cohort 2).

Results

There were 142 patients enrolled in the study, 71 in each cohort. The proportion of patients remaining on first‐line prophylaxis or progressing to second‐, third‐, and fourth‐line options was 22.5%, 39.4%, 29.6%, and 8.5% in cohort 1 and 39.4%, 59.2%, 1.4%, and 0% in cohort 2, respectively. The frequency of neuropsychiatric adverse events was significantly higher in cohort 1 compared to cohort 2 (49.3% vs. 19.8%,p = .0004). Occurrence of proven and probable fungal infections was not significantly different between cohorts. Antifungal drug expenditure was $359 935 (AUD) more in cohort 1 ($830 486 AUD) compared to cohort 2 ($477 149 AUD).

Conclusion

The antifungal prophylaxis pathway used in cohort 2 resulted in reduced antifungal‐associated adverse effects, less patients requiring progression to 3rd and 4th line prophylaxis and reduced antifungal drug costs.

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Red blood cell transfusion is associated with an increased risk of splanchnic vein thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Liu Guanghua , Lei Ping , Liao Chushu , Huang Kangle , Li Lingqian , Cao Youde , Chen Jie
Published: November 2022

Background

Haemorrhage and coagulation disorders are common complications in cirrhotic patients, which cause blood products transfusion, and mounting evidence suggested that red blood cells (RBCs) were associated with pathologic thrombosis and RBC transfusion increased the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Aims

The aim of the study was to investigate the association of RBC transfusion with splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) in cirrhotic patients.

Materials & Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with cirrhosis admitted in the Hunan Provincial People's Hospital between January 2010 and September 2020. Demographic data, the development of SVT, blood transfusion product type and RBC transfusion dose were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and propensity matching analysis (PSM) were performed to identify the association between RBC transfusion and development of SVT.

Results

A total of 4479 patients with cirrhosis were enrolled in the study. SVT occurred in 48 (12.4%) cirrhotic patients in RBC transfusion group, and 233 (5.7%) cirrhotic patients in non‐RBC transfusion group. RBC transfusion was significantly associated with an increased risk of SVT (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.345, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.686–3.262, p < 0.001). Notably, this association remained robust after PSM, and the volume of RBC transfusion was associated with SVT in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

This study suggested that RBC transfusion was associated with an increased risk of SVT in cirrhotic patients. High quality clinical study will be needed to further validate the association between RBC transfusion and SVT.
Perfil e atuação de gestores das ações de alimentação e nutrição no estado da Paraíba, Brasil
Authors: Figueroa Pedraza Dixis , Silva dos Santos Eduarda Emanuela , Oliveira Maria Mônica
Published: November 2022

Este estudo objetiva descrever o perfil e atuação de coordenadores municipais das ações de alimentação e nutrição da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com participação de 74 gestores do estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Foram coletadas informações sobre características demográficas, trabalhistas e formativas; conhecimento e utilização de documentos técnicos da área; ações desenvolvidas e satisfação com o trabalho. Do total, 19 coordenadores eram formados em Nutrição, 13 eram homens e 46 tinham vínculo sem ser por concurso público. Nutricionistas foram mais habilitados para trabalhar questões de nutrição em saúde pública durante a graduação. Vários documentos técnicos da área foram referidos como não conhecidos e não utilizados; em alguns deles, nutricionistas apresentaram melhor situação, o que foi similar para o desenvolvimento de algumas ações. Além da importância do nutricionista, os achados destacam problemas de estrutura, profissionais com capacitação deficiente, falta de articulação (intersetorial e entre os níveis municipais e locais), remuneração insuficiente e mecanismos de gestão inapropriados. Conclui-se que os coordenadores carecem de vínculo, formação, conhecimento e desempenho adequado para a gestão da área de nutrição na Atenção Primária à Saúde.
Salud, trabajo y capital: el caso de las mujeres trabajadoras de la agroindustria de flores de Madrid, Colombia, 2019-2020
Authors: Hernández Bello Amparo Higinia , Flórez Flórez María Juliana , Suárez-Morales Zuly
Published: November 2022

En Colombia, la agroindustria floricultora es un sector orientado a la exportación, de alta feminización laboral y con condiciones laborales precarias que afectan la salud. Se realizó un estudio de caso cualitativo que buscó analizar los efectos de las condiciones de empleo y de trabajo sobre la salud de trabajadoras del sector en Madrid (Cundinamarca), principal municipio productor de flores, en el que se privilegiaron las trayectorias y percepciones de las mujeres. A partir de la articulación de aportes del feminismo marxista y la medicina social-salud colectiva, se exploraron las relaciones trabajo-salud y trabajo-capital. Asimismo, se desarrolló un modelo analítico sobre la asociación entre los problemas de salud frecuentes y las condiciones corporales, emocionales y prácticas de trabajo, y entre las condiciones de trabajo en cada etapa productiva y las condiciones de empleo exigidas para producir flores. Se identificaron siete problemas de salud recurrentes, padecidos colectivamente, que se relacionan con la falta de elementos de protección e inadecuada infraestructura, la polivalencia de tareas, la extensión de la jornada laboral y las presiones para acrecentar el ritmo de la producción. Se muestra que la tendencia a la reducción del costo de producir flores a través del ahorro en salarios de personal necesario para cubrir las varias tareas, la extensión de las jornadas de trabajo sin remuneración o compensación y el ahorro en infraestructura y equipo de protección, son mecanismos de producción de excedentes, los cuales permiten a los empresarios acumular ganancias a costa de la salud de quienes trabajan.
In vitro recording of muscle activity induced by high intensity laser optogenetic stimulation using a diamond quantum biosensor
Authors: Troise Luca , Hansen Nikolaj Winther , Olsson Christoffer , Webb James Luke , Tomasevic Leo , Achard Jocelyn , Brinza Ovidiu , Staacke Robert , Kieschnick Michael , Meijer Jan , Thielscher Axel , Siebner Hartwig Roman , Berg-Sørensen Kirstine , Perrier Jean-François , Huck Alexander , Andersen Ulrik Lund
Published: November 2022

The detection of physiological activity at the microscopic level is key for understanding the function of biosystems and relating this to their physical structure. Current sensing methods for in vitro study of living tissue often rely on invasive probes to stimulate and detect activity, bearing the risk of inducing damage in the target system. In recent years, a new type of quantum sensor based on color centers in diamond has begun to offer the possibility to instead passively sense and image living biological systems. Here, we use such a sensor to realize the recording of the biomagnetic field generated by tightly focused, high intensity pulsed laser optogenetic neuromuscular stimulation of extensor digitorum longus muscles, dissected from mice and kept alive in carbogenated solution. Recordings captured a compound action potential response and a slow signal component, which we seek to explain using a detailed model of the biological system. We show proof-of-principle experimental recording of localized neuromuscular activity from the laser stimulation site without photovoltaic or fluorescence artifacts associated with alternative techniques. Our work represents a further step toward passive sensing and imaging at the microscopic level with quantum sensing, enabling further research into mapping of neural activity and intracellular processes.
A model of quantum spacetime
Authors: Favalli T. , Smerzi A.
Published: November 2022

We consider a global quantum system (the “Universe”) satisfying a double constraint, both on total energy and total momentum. Generalizing the Page and Wootters quantum clock formalism, we provide a model of 3 + 1 dimensional, non-relativistic, quantum spacetime emerging from entanglement among different subsystems in a globally “timeless” and “positionless” Universe.
“I Love What I Do; That’s The Bottom Line”: Theory of Women’s Career Attraction and Retention in Sport Psychology
Authors: Curvey Rena M.G. , White Shannon C. , Englis Myles T. , Jensen Katherine C. , Bosco Marissa K. , Thompson Mikaela E. , Hargons Candice N. , Leavens Samantha N. , Murphy Emily A.
Published: November 2022

The increasing representation of women in the field of sport psychology in recent years is the direct result of pioneering female practitioners and scholars. Although the contributions of these women are often relegated to the pages of textbooks, the exploration of women’s professional experiences is essential to understanding what sources lead women to engaging in sport psychology. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to generate a theory that explored the factors that influence women’s attraction and retention to sport psychology. An interpretivist–constructivist paradigm and constructivist grounded theory methodology was used to guide semistructured interviews with 17 cisgender female sport psychology practitioners. The findings of this study were used to develop the theory of women’s career attraction and retention in sport psychology. The theory comprised three categories including (a) sources of attraction, (b) training and professional development, and (c) sources of retention. Study findings and professional implications are discussed throughout.
Heightened apoptotic priming of vascular cells across tissues and life span predisposes them to cancer therapy–induced toxicities
Authors: Spetz Johan K. E. , Florido Mary H. C. , Fraser Cameron S. , Qin Xingping , Choiniere Jonathan , Yu Stacey J. , Singh Rumani , Friesen Max , Rubin Lee L. , Salem Joe-Elie , Moslehi Javid J. , Sarosiek Kristopher A.
Published: November 2022

Although major organ toxicities frequently arise in patients treated with cytotoxic or targeted cancer therapies, the mechanisms that drive them are poorly understood. Here, we report that vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are more highly primed for apoptosis than parenchymal cells across many adult tissues. Consequently, ECs readily undergo apoptosis in response to many commonly used anticancer agents including cytotoxic and targeted drugs and are more sensitive to ionizing radiation and BH3 mimetics than parenchymal cells in vivo. Further, using differentiated isogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell models of ECs and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), we find that these vascular cells exhibit distinct drug toxicity patterns, which are linked to divergent therapy–induced vascular toxicities in patients. Collectively, our results demonstrate that vascular cells are highly sensitive to apoptosis-inducing stress across life span and may represent a “weakest link” vulnerability in multiple tissues for development of toxicities.
A Minimal Replicon Enables Efficacious, Species-Specific Gene Deletion in Chlamydia and Extension of Gene Knockout Studies to the Animal Model of Infection Using Chlamydia muridarum
Authors: Fields Kenneth A. , Bodero Maria D. , Scanlon Kaylyn R. , Jewett Travis J. , Wolf Katerina
Published: November 2022

The genus
Chlamydia
consists of diverse, obligate intracellular bacteria that infect various animals, including humans. Although chlamydial species share many aspects of the typical intracellular lifestyle, such as the biphasic developmental cycle and the preference for invasion of epithelial cells, each chlamydial strain also employs sophisticated species-specific strategies that contribute to an extraordinary diversity in organ and/or tissue tropism and disease manifestation.
Complete Genome Sequence of Xanthomonas arboricola pv.
pruni
Strain Xcp1 Isolated in 1984 from a Bacterial Spot Spring Canker on Prunus persica var.
nucipersica
cv. “Redgold”
Authors: D’Amico-Willman Katherine M. , Joglekar Prasanna , Luna Emily K. , Ritchie David F. , Fagen Jennie , Huerta Alejandra I.
Published: November 2022

Xanthomonas arboricola
pv.
pruni
is an important plant pathogen and the causal agent of bacterial spot of stone fruits (
Prunus
spp). Here, we report a complete genome of
X. arboricola
pv.
pruni
strain Xcp1 generated from hybrid PacBio Sequel and Illumina NextSeq2000 sequencing.
Petrochronologic constraints on Paleozoic tectonics in southern New England
Authors: Hillenbrand* Ian , Williams Michael L. , Jercinovic Michael J. , Heizler Matthew T. , Tjapkes Daniel J.
Published: November 2022

The Appalachian Mountains were formed through multiple phases of Paleozoic orogenesis associated with terrane accretion. The timing, tempo, and significance of each event in New England are obscured by overprinting, the limits of geochronologic tools, and differences between lithotectonic domains. We present new monazite and xenotime geochronology, 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology, and major- and trace-element thermobarometry from major tectonic domains in southern New England and across multiple structural levels. These data show contrasting pressure-temperature-time (P-T-t) paths across tectonic domains and highlight eastward metamorphic overprinting associated with younger tectonic events. Our data and geochemical proxies suggest two major periods of crustal thickening, ca. 455–440 Ma and 400–380 Ma, and a heterogeneous record of thinning/exhumation. Ordovician (Taconic) crustal thickening postdates the interpreted accretion of the Moretown terrane by ~20 m.y. and may have been related to shallow subduction after subduction polarity reversal. Subsequent cooling and exhumation (440–430 Ma) may have been related to the end of the Taconic orogeny and opening of the Connecticut Valley basin. (Neo)Acadian tectono-metamorphism is recognized in accreted terranes of New England and is absent in the Taconic block. Amphibolite- to (high-pressure) granulite-facies metamorphism, slow cooling, and protracted anatexis ca. 400–340 Ma support the existence of a long-lived orogenic plateau in southern New England. Exhumation, which began at 340–330 Ma, may have involved ductile (channel) flow. The boundary between continental Laurentia and accreted terranes has been reactivated at multiple times and is presently manifested as a 12–15 km Moho step. At the latitude of our samples, Alleghanian-age tectonism (ca. 310–285 Ma) was limited to retrograde metamorphism, and relatively minor loading and exhumation in the vicinity of the Pelham dome. Our results highlight the sensitivity of the integrative petrochronologic approach and the transition of the eastern margin of Laurentia from terrane accretion to the formation of a high-elevation plateau.
Supplemental Material: Intense metamorphism-generated radiogenic Sr regulated Cenozoic water Sr isotope evolution on the NE Tibetan Plateau: A perspective on Qilian orogen denudation and Asian eolian transport
Authors: Yang Yibo , al. et
Published: November 2022

Tables S1–S16.