bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating the New Soviet Man: The Case of Neurasthenia
Authors: Beliaeva Anastasia
Published: December 2021

The article focuses on two different ways of constructing and understanding neurasthenia: one in the context of Russian medicine in the late-nineteenth to early-twentieth centuries, and the other in Soviet medicine after the communist revolution in 1917. The author examines the assumptions about human nature made in these two contexts and how they were bound to connect to the existing political context and agenda. The author explores how human nature was understood by the Russian and Soviet doctors at that time, and consequentially, their views on the harmful causes that led a healthy person to neurasthenia. Through the lens of the changing shifts in understanding neurasthenia, the author analyses the transformation that occurred in understanding human nature in general in the 1920–30s which led to the idea of the creation of the New Soviet Man, and also demonstrates the difference between the ‘former’ man and the ‘new’ man. The development of neurasthenia as a culturally bound construct reveals how medicine and politics are intertwined.
Gendernativism and Liberal Subjecthood: The Cases of Forced Marriage and the Burqa Ban in Switzerland
Authors: Dahinden Janine , Manser-Egli Stefan
Published: December 2021

Ideas of gender equality and women’s rights have come to play a crucial role in national politics of belonging and Othering, in Europe and beyond. Based on two case studies in Switzerland, we introduce the concept of gendernativism. We consider gendernativism as a particular configuration of boundary making between supposedly unfree migrant (descendant) and Muslim women and free Swiss/Europeans which is anchored in a nativist underpinning of membership. We argue that this dichotomy (re)produces an illiberal state and is a powerful means of an intersectional, gendered, migranticized, and racialized exclusion based on nativist grounds.
Phylogenetic relationships of Brachycera (Insecta: Diptera) inferred from mitochondrial genome sequences
Authors: Song Nan , Xi Yu-Qiang , Yin Xin-Ming
Published: December 2021

Brachyceran flies constitute a large radiation of the order Diptera, but the phylogenetic relationships among them have remained controversial. In this study, we used next-generation sequencing to determine mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) for six brachyceran flies. Two of these species represent Milichiidae (Aldrichiomyza flaviventris and Phyllomyza obliqua); two representing Chloropidae (Pachylophus sp.) and Sphaeroceridae (Leptocera erythrocera) are the first sequenced members of these groups; and two species from Lauxaniidae (Homoneura sp.) and Syrphidae (Paragus quadrifasciatus) were newly sequenced. Together with the published mitogenomes, we included a total of 187 species representing 40 dipteran families to investigate the phylogeny of Brachycera. The results strongly supported Brachycera as a monophyletic group. The infra-orders Stratiomyomorpha, Tabanomorpha and Xylophagomorpha were retrieved as the earliest brachyceran lineages, but the clade (Stratiomyomorpha + (Xylophagomorpha + Tabanomorpha)) was not supported. In most analyses, Platypezoidea were recovered as the sister-group to Cyclorrhapha. Syrphoidea were non-monophyletic with respect to Pipunculus. Milichiidae were non-monophyletic because of Pachylophus. Sphaeroceroidea were, in most cases, placed as the sister-group to Ephydroidea. Within Calyptratae, Hippoboscoidea were sister to an assemblage of lineages composed of a muscoid grade and Oestroidea, the latter being monophyletic in the Bayesian analyses using the PhyloBayes site-heterogeneous mixture model.
An Allelic Variant of the Broad-Spectrum Blast Resistance Gene Ptr in Weedy Rice Is Associated with Resistance to the Most Virulent Blast Race IB-33
Authors: Zhao Haijun , Liu Yan , Jia Melissa H. , Jia Yulin
Published: December 2021

Rice resistance (R) genes have been effectively deployed to prevent blast disease caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, one of the most serious threats for stable rice production worldwide. Weedy rice competing with cultivated rice may carry novel or lost R genes. The quantitative trait locus qBR12.3b was previously mapped between two single nucleotide polymorphism markers at the 10,633,942-bp and 10,820,033-bp genomic positions in a black-hull-awned (BHA) weed strain using a weed-crop-mapping population under greenhouse conditions. In this study, we found a portion of the known resistance gene Ptr encoding a protein with four armadillo repeats and confers a broad spectrum of blast resistance. We then analyzed the sequences of the Ptr gene from weedy rice, PtrBHA, and identified a unique amino acid glutamine at protein position 874. Minor changes of protein conformation of the PtrBHA gene were predicted through structural analysis of PtrBHA, suggesting that the product of PtrBHA is involved in disease resistance. A gene-specific codominant marker HJ17-13 from PtrBHA was then developed to distinguish alleles in weeds and crops. The PtrBHA gene existed in 207 individuals of the same mapping population, where qBR12.3b was mapped using this gene-specific marker. Disease reactions of 207 individuals and their parents to IB-33 were evaluated. The resistant individuals had PtrBHA whereas the susceptible individuals did not, suggesting that HJ17-13 is reliable to predict qBR12.3b. Taken together, this newly developed marker, and weedy rice genotypes carrying qBR12.3b, are useful for blast improvement using marker assisted selection.
Ultra-Short Course of Neo-Adjuvant Denosumab for Nerve-Sparing Surgery for Giant Cell Tumor of Bone in Sacrum
Authors: Liang Haijie , Liu Xingyu , Yang Yi , Guo Wei , Yang Rongli , Tang Xiaodong , Yan Taiqiang , Li Yuan , Tang Shun , Li Dasen , Qu Huayi , Dong Sen , Ji Tao , Du Zhiye , Zang Jie
Published: December 2021

Study Deign.

This was a retrospective study about sacral giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB).

Objective.

This study aimed to investigate whether ultra-short course of neo-adjuvant denosumab treatment for sacral GCTB could (1) induce radiological and histological response? (2) Facilitate nerve-sparing surgery? (3) Achieve satisfactory oncological and functional outcomes?

Summary of Background Data.

Previous reports on long course of neo-adjuvant denosumab treatment for GCTB showed significant tumor response and a relatively high recurrent rate after curettage.

Methods.

Sixty-six patients with sacral GCTB treated with neoadjuvant denosumab and nerve-sparing surgery were categorized into ultra-short course group (≤3 doses and operation within D21 since 1st dose, 41 patients) or conventional group (>3 doses or operation after D21 since 1st dose, 25 patients). The radiological and histological response, operative data, oncological and functional outcomes were compared.

Results.

The ultra-short course group demonstrated fewer doses of neo-adjuvant denosumab (mean: 2.1 vs. 4.8, P 
< 0.001) and shorter time to surgery (12.2 days vs. 72.3 days, P < 0.001). Similar patterns of radiological and histological response were observed in the two groups with less fibrosis and ossification in the ultra-short course group. The operative duration (199.9 min vs. 187.8 min, P = 0.364) and estimated blood loss (1552.4 mL vs. 1474.0 mL, P = 0.740) were comparable. Most (94.8%) of the patients received adjuvant denosumab. After a mean follow-up of 29.4 months, three cases (8.8%) and five cases (20.8%) showed local recurrence in each group (P = 0.255). The estimated recurrence-free survival (56.2 vs. 51.2 months, P = 0.210) and the functional status [Motor-Urination-Defecation scores: 25.9 vs. 25.7, P = 0.762] did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusion.

Ultra-short course of neo-adjuvant denosumab for sacral GCTB could elicit radiological and histological responses as conventional course did. The less degree of fibrosis and ossification might facilitate nerve-sparing surgery and help to achieve satisfactory local control and functional status.

Level of Evidence: 4
Premorbid Primary Headache and Vestibular and Oculomotor Baseline Assessments in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Burns Karlee N. , Langford Theresa Dianne , Tierney Ryan , McDevitt Jane
Published: December 2021

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of premorbid headache status on vestibular and oculomotor baseline tests in collegiate club athletes.

Design:

Retrospective case–control study.

Setting:

Sport Concussion Laboratory.

Patients (or Participants):

Collegiate club athletes with a self-reported premorbid headache history (n = 32, 19.50 ± 1.98 years, and 31% women) and age–sex–sport–matched controls (n = 32, 19.56 ± 1.47 years, and 31% women) without a self-reported headache history were included.

Interventions:

Participants were grouped based on a self-reported headache history at baseline. Controls were randomly matched to self-reported headache participants by age, sex, and sport.

Main Outcome Measures:

Vestibular/ocular motor screen (VOMS) baseline symptoms, symptom provocation, near point of convergence (NPC) distance, and King–Devick (K-D) test time were compared between groups.

Results:

Athletes with a self-reported headache history at baseline are 3.82 times more likely to have abnormal NPC scores (P = 0.032) and 4.76 times more likely to have abnormal K-D test times (P = 0.014) than those without a headache history. There was no difference in VOMS baseline symptoms or symptom provocation between groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Club collegiate athletes with a headache history were more likely to screen as abnormal during a vestibular/ocular motor function assessment than athletes without a history of headaches. Healthcare professionals should screen for pre-existing headache during baseline concussion assessments before test interpretation.

Clinical Relevance:

A premorbid headache history at preseason baseline assessment may influence vestibular and oculomotor function, and care should be taken when interpreting these individuals' tests.
Analysis of Injuries in Competitive Equestrian Events
Authors: Haines Carver , Jensen Hanna K. , Karim Saleema A. , McGhee Linda
Published: December 2021

Objective:

Current equestrian sport-related acute injury research is sparse. The goal of this study is to explore equestrian injury types stratified by population and equestrian discipline.

Design:

Injury reports from the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) were compiled from 2015 through 2019, and the prevalence of different injury types within the main equestrian disciplines was calculated.

Setting:

Retrospective cohort study from USEF accident report data.

Participants:

Athletes competing at USEF sanctioned equestrian events.

Independent Variables:

Equestrian participant's age group, sex, and equestrian event type are the independent variables.

Main Outcome Measures:

Frequency of types of injuries in equestrian events stratified by equestrian discipline, age (junior vs senior), and sex.

Results:

Three thousand four hundred thirty equestrian athletes injured from 441 816 total athlete exposures during 2015 to 2019 were analyzed showing an injury rate between 0.06% and 1.18% for each discipline with an overall injury rate of 780 per 100 000 athlete exposures. Hunter–jumper and 3-day eventing had the highest injury rates. Head injuries and bone injuries were the most common types. No clinically significant differences in injury rates were observed between males and females or junior and senior equestrian athletes.

Conclusions:

Equestrian sports have an overall injury rate of 780 per 100 000 athlete exposures in the certified competition setting. Hunter–jumper and 3-day eventing have an increased injury rate compared with nonjumping disciplines. These data should help equestrian event clinicians to anticipate the types of injuries and help outpatient clinicians make preparticipation medical eligibility and assist in counseling for equestrian sports.
Regional Economic Conditions and Preventable Hospitalization Among Older Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Minegishi Taeko , Young Gary J. , Madison Kristin M. , Pizer Steven D.
Published: December 2021

Objective:

The aim was to explore the relationship between changes in regional economic conditions and quality of care—preventable hospitalization or death among older patients with diabetes at Veterans Health Administration (VHA), safety-net system for veterans.

Subjects:

VHA patients aged 65 years and older with a diabetes diagnosis between July 2012 and June 2014, who had at least 1 primary care visit in the past year.

Measures:

County-level and state-level public data were used to characterize regional health insurance coverage and affluence surrounding the VHA facilities. Each patient was associated with a VHA facility and its corresponding regional market variables, and followed up to 48 months or until they experienced diabetes-related Prevention Quality Indicators or death.

Results:

Discrete-time Cox proportional hazards models estimated that changes in regional market variables characterizing regional health insurance coverage and affluence were significant factors associated with preventable hospitalization or death. All regional market variables were combined into a demand index, where 1 SD decrease in the demand index was associated with a 2.0-point increase in predicted survival for an average patient at an average VHA facility. For comparison, a 1 SD increase in primary care capacity was associated with 4.7-point increase.

Conclusions:

Downturns in regional economic conditions could increase demand for VHA care and raise the risk of diabetes-related preventable hospitalization or death among older VHA patients diagnosed with diabetes. Safety-net hospitals may be unfairly penalized for lower quality of care when experiencing higher demand for care because of an economic downturn.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Hospital Readmissions
Authors: Gore Victoria , Li Zeyu , Drake Carolyn B. , Heath Jacqueline L. , Raiszadeh Farbod , Daniel Jean , Fagan Ian
Published: December 2021

Background:

It is not yet known whether socioeconomic factors (ie, social determinants of health) are associated with readmission following hospitalization for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 6191 adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in a large New York City safety-net hospital system between March 1 and June 1, 2020. Associations between 30-day readmission and selected demographic characteristics, socioeconomic factors, prior health care utilization, and relevant features of the index hospitalization were analyzed using a multivariable generalized estimating equation model.

Results:

The readmission rate was 7.3%, with a median of 7 days between discharge and readmission. The following were risk factors for readmission: age 65 and older [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–1.55], history of homelessness, (aOR: 2.03 95% CI: 1.49–2.77), baseline coronary artery disease (aOR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.34–2.10), congestive heart failure (aOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.20–1.49), cancer (aOR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.26–2.24), chronic kidney disease (aOR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.46–2.07). Patients’ sex, race/ethnicity, insurance, and presence of obesity were not associated with increased odds of readmission. A longer length of stay (aOR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97–1.00) and use of noninvasive supplemental oxygen (aOR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.56–0.83) was associated with lower odds of readmission. Upon readmission, 18.4% of patients required intensive care, and 13.7% expired.

Conclusion:

We have found some factors associated with increased odds of readmission among patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Awareness of these risk factors, including patients’ social determinants of health, may ultimately help to reduce readmission rates.
Trauma-informed Collaborative Care for African American Primary Care Patients in Federally Qualified Health Centers
Authors: Meredith Lisa S. , Wong Eunice , Osilla Karen Chan , Sanders Margaret , Tebeka Mahlet G. , Han Bing , Williamson Stephanie L. , Carton Thomas W.
Published: December 2021

Background:

African Americans have nearly double the rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared with other racial/ethnic groups.

Objective:

To understand whether trauma-informed collaborative care (TICC) is effective for improving PTSD among African Americans in New Orleans who receive their care in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs).

Design and Method:

In this pilot randomized controlled trial, we assigned patients within a single site to either TICC or to enhanced usual care (EUC). We performed intent to treat analysis by nonparametric exact tests for small sample sizes.

Participants:

We enrolled 42 patients from October 12, 2018, through July 2, 2019. Patients were eligible if they considered the clinic their usual source of care, had no obvious physical or cognitive obstacles that would prevent participation, were age 18 or over, self-identified as African American, and had a provisional diagnosis of PTSD.

Measures:

Our primary outcome measures were PTSD measured as both a symptom score and a provisional diagnosis based on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5).

Key Results:

Nine months following baseline, both PTSD symptom scores and provisional PTSD diagnosis rates decreased substantially more for patients in TICC than in EUC. The decreases were by 26 points in EUC and 36 points in TICC for symptoms (P=0.08) and 33% in EUC and 57% in TICC for diagnosis rates (P=0.27). We found no effects for mediator variables.

Conclusions:

TICC shows promise for addressing PTSD in this population. A larger-scale trial is needed to fully assess the effectiveness of this approach in these settings.
Characteristics of the Audience Reached by the National Network of Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinical Prevention Training Centers and Correlation With Sexually Transmitted Infection Rates, 2015 to 2020
Authors: Hauschild Benjamin C. , Burnside Helen C. , Gray Barbara A. , Johnston Christine , Neu Natalie , Park Ina U. , Reno Hilary E. L. , Rompalo Anne , Van Wagoner Nicholas , Wendel Karen A. , Coor Alexandra , Tromble Erin , Rietmeijer Cornelis A. ,   from the National Evaluation Center, National Network of STD Clinical Prevention Training Centers
Published: December 2021

Background

The National Network of Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinical Prevention Training Centers (NNPTC) trains clinical providers to diagnose and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the demographics of clinical providers and to correlate the number of training episodes with STI rates at the county level.

Methods

Registration data were collected between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2020, in a custom Learning Management System from clinical providers taking NNPTC training. Using the 2018 STI surveillance data, counties were divided into quartiles based on reportable STI case rates and the number of county-level training events was compared per quartile. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted in IBM SPSS Statistics 23 (Armonk, NY) and SAS Enterprise Guide 7.1 (Cary, NC).

Results

From 2015 to 2020, the NNPTC trained 21,327 individuals, predominantly in the nursing professions and working in a public health environment. In multivariate analysis, the number of training events was significantly associated with higher STI rates at the county level (P < 0.0001) and the state where a prevention training center is located (P < 0001).

Conclusions

The analysis suggests that NNPTC trainings are reaching the clinical providers working in geographic areas with higher STI rates.
Differing Correlates of Incident Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections Among a Cohort of Black Cisgender Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women Recruited in 6 US Cities (HIV Prevention Trials Network 061)
Authors: Allan-Blitz Lao-Tzu , Menza Timothy W. , Cummings Vanessa , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Wilton Leo , Mayer Kenneth H.
Published: December 2021

Compared with Black cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM), Black transgender women had a higher incidence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (25.9 [11.1–46.3] vs. 9.6 [8.10–11.3] per 100 person-years), higher rates of income and housing insecurity, and condomless receptive anal intercourse. Further investigation of unique risk pathways among transgender women is critical.
Surgical Error Compensation Claims as a Patient Safety Indicator: Causes and Economic Consequences in the Murcia Health System, 2002 to 2018
Authors: Vicente-Guijarro Jorge , Valencia-Martín José Lorenzo , Fernández-Herreruela Carlos , Sousa Paulo , Mira Solves José Joaquín , Aranaz-Andrés Jesús María
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Compensation claims are a useful source of information on patient safety research. The purpose of this study was to determine the main causes of surgical compensation claims and their financial impact on the health system.

Methods

A descriptive observational study with analytical components was carried out on compensation claims brought against the surgical area of the Murcia Health System between 2002 and 2018. We analyzed the frequency, causes, consequences, locations and surgical settings of these claims, the time of judicial procedure, and compensation adjusted to the Consumer Price Index.

Results

There were 1172 compensation claims. “orthopedic surgery and traumatology” (27.4%), “gynecology and obstetrics” (25.7%), and “general surgery” (17.2%) were the main surgical settings involved. The most frequent causes were surgical error (42.4%) and treatment error (30.9%). The main sequelae were musculoskeletal (20.0%), neurological (17.7%), and obstetric (17.7%). The average time from incident to resolution of claims was 6.3 years. A total of 20.1% of these claims were successful, particularly those involving retained surgical foreign bodies (71.4% successful claims; P < 0.001). The total compensation paid was €56,338,247 (an average of €17,207 per claim). Compensation was higher in cases with respiratory sequelae (median, 131,600; P = 0.033), death (75,916; P < 0.001), and neurological (60,000; P = 0.024).

Conclusions

Compensation claims associated with surgical procedures are made on a variety of grounds. They are drawn-out proceedings, and patients are only successful in 20% of cases.
Adverse Fetal Outcomes and Maternal Mortality Following Nonobstetric Abdominopelvic Surgery in Pregnancy
Authors: Cusimano Maria C. , Liu Jessica , Azizi Paymon , Zipursky Jonathan , Sajewycz Katrina , Sussman Jess , Kishibe Teruko , Wong Eric , Ferguson Sarah E. , D’Souza Rohan , Baxter Nancy N.
Published: December 2021

Objective:

To quantify the absolute risks of adverse fetal outcomes and maternal mortality following nonobstetric abdominopelvic surgery in pregnancy.

Summary Background Data:

Surgery is often necessary in pregnancy, but absolute measures of risk required to guide perioperative management are lacking.

Methods:

We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EvidenceBased Medicine Reviews from January 1, 2000, to December 9, 2020, for observational studies and randomized trials of pregnant patients undergoing nonobstetric abdominopelvic surgery. We determined the pooled proportions of fetal loss, preterm birth, and maternal mortality using a generalized linear random/mixed effects model with a logit link.

Results:

We identified 114 observational studies (52 [46%] appendectomy, 34 [30%] adnexal, 8 [7%] cholecystectomy, 20 [17%] mixed types) reporting on 67,111 pregnant patients. Overall pooled proportions of fetal loss, preterm birth, and maternal mortality were 2.8% (95% CI 2.2-3.6), 9.7% (95% CI 8.3-11.4), and 0.04% (95% CI 0.02-0.09; 4/10,000), respectively. Rates of fetal loss and preterm birth were higher for pelvic inflammatory conditions (eg, appendectomy, adnexal torsion) than for abdominal or nonurgent conditions (eg, cholecystectomy, adnexal mass). Surgery in the second and third trimesters was associated with lower rates of fetal loss (0.1%) and higher rates of preterm birth (13.5%) than surgery in the first and second trimesters (fetal loss 2.9%, preterm birth 5.6%).

Conclusions:

Absolute risks of adverse fetal outcomes after nonobstetric abdom- inopelvic surgery vary with gestational age, indication, and acuity. Pooled estimates derived here identify high-risk clinical scenarios, and can inform implementation of mitigation strategies and improve preoperative counselling.
Batch Production of High-Quality Graphene Grids for Cryo-EM: Cryo-EM Structure of Methylococcus capsulatus Soluble Methane Monooxygenase Hydroxylase
Authors: Ahn Eungjin , Kim Byungchul , Park Soyoung , Erwin Amanda L. , Sung Suk Hyun , Hovden Robert , Mosalaganti Shyamal , Cho Uhn-Soo
Published: December 2021

Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has become a widely used tool for determining protein structure. Despite recent technology advances, sample preparation remains a major bottleneck for several reasons, including protein denaturation at the air/water interface, the presence of preferred orientations, nonuniform ice layers, etc. Graphene, a two-dimensional allotrope of carbon consisting of a single atomic layer, has recently gained attention as a near-ideal support film for cryo-EM that can overcome these challenges because of its superior properties, including mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. Here, we introduce a reliable, easily implemented, and reproducible method to produce 36 graphene-coated grids within 1.5 days. To demonstrate their practical application, we determined the cryo-EM structure of Methylococcus capsulatus soluble methane monooxygenase hydroxylase (sMMOH) at resolutions of 2.9 and 2.4 Å using Quantifoil and graphene-coated grids, respectively. We found that the graphene-coated grid has several advantages, including less amount of protein required and avoiding protein denaturation at the air/water interface. By comparing the cryo-EM structure of sMMOH with its crystal structure, we identified subtle yet significant geometrical changes at the non-heme di-iron center, which may better indicate the active site configuration of sMMOH in the resting/oxidized state.
ABA represses TOR and root meristem activity through nuclear exit of the SnRK1 kinase
Authors: Belda-Palazón Borja , Costa Mónica , Beeckman Tom , Rolland Filip , Baena-González Elena
Published: December 2021

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) promotes plant tolerance to major stresses like drought, partly by modulating plant growth. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show that cell proliferation in the Arabidopsis thaliana root meristem is controlled by the interplay between three kinases, SNF1-RELATED KINASE 2 (SnRK2), the main driver of ABA signaling, the SnRK1 energy sensor, and the growth-promoting TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN (TOR) kinase. Under favorable conditions, the SnRK1α1 catalytic subunit is enriched in the nuclei of root cells and this is accompanied by normal cell proliferation and meristem size. Depletion of SnRK2s in a snrk2.2 snrk2.3 double mutant causes constitutive cytoplasmic localization of SnRK1α1 and a reduction in meristem size, suggesting that, under non-stress conditions, SnRK2s enable growth by retaining SnRK1α1 in the nucleus. In response to elevated ABA levels, SnRK1α1 translocates to the cytoplasm and this is accompanied by inhibition of TOR, decreased cell proliferation and meristem size. Blocking nuclear export with leptomycin B abrogates ABA-driven SnRK1α1 relocalization to the cytoplasm and the inhibition of TOR. Fusion of SnRK1α1 to an SV40 nuclear localization signal leads to defective TOR repression in response to ABA, demonstrating that SnRK1α1 nuclear exit is a premise for this repression. Altogether, we demonstrate that SnRK2-dependent changes in SnRK1α1 subcellular localization are crucial for the regulation of TOR activity and root growth in response to ABA. Such swift relocalization of key regulators may represent a more general strategy of sessile organisms like plants to rapidly respond to environmental changes.
Low-frequency somatic copy number alterations in normal human lymphocytes revealed by large-scale single-cell whole-genome profiling
Authors: Liu Lu , Chen He , Sun Cheng , Zhang Jianyun , Wang Juncheng , Du Meijie , Li Jie , Di Lin , Shen Jie , Geng Shuang , Pang Yuhong , Luo Yingying , Wu Chen , Fu Yusi , Zheng Zhe , Wang Jianbin , Huang Yanyi
Published: December 2021

Genomic-scale somatic copy number alterations in healthy humans are difficult to investigate because of low occurrence rates and the structural variations’ stochastic natures. Using a Tn5-transposase-assisted single-cell whole-genome sequencing method, we sequenced over 20,000 single lymphocytes from 16 individuals. Then, with the scale increased to a few thousand single cells per individual, we found that about 7.5% of the cells had large-size copy number alterations. Trisomy 21 was the most prevalent aneuploid event among all autosomal copy number alterations, whereas monosomy X occurred most frequently in over-30-yr-old females. In the monosomy X single cells from individuals with phased genomes and identified X-inactivation ratios in bulk, the inactive X Chromosomes were lost more often than the active ones.
Harm reduction: a public health approach to prison drug use
Authors: Belisle Linsey Ann , Solano-Patricio Elia Del Carmen
Published: December 2021

Purpose

As prison drug use continues to be a concern worldwide, harm reduction practices serve as an alternative approach to traditional abstinence-only or punishment-oriented methods to address substance use behind bars. The purpose of this study is to present a summary of research surrounding prison-based harm reduction programs.

Design/methodology/approach

This narrative review of the international literature summarizes the harms associated with prison drug use followed by an overview of the literature surrounding three prison-based harm reduction practices: opioid agonist therapy, syringe exchange programs and naloxone distribution.

Findings

A collection of international research has found that these three harm reduction programs are safe and feasible to implement in carceral settings. Additionally, these services can effectively reduce some of the harms associated with prison drug use (e.g. risky injection practices, needle sharing, fatal overdoses, etc.). However, these practices are underused in correctional settings in comparison to their use in the community.

Originality/value

Various policy recommendations are made based on the available literature, including addressing ethical concerns surrounding prison populations’ rights to the same standard of health care and services available in the community. By taking a public health approach to prison drug use, harm reduction practices can provide a marginalized, high-risk population of incarcerated individuals with life-saving services rather than punitive, punishment-oriented measures.
Study on the path of Xi Jinping's ecological view for the high quality development of islands
Authors: Zhang Kuncheng , Tian Shi-Zheng , Yang Benshuo , Guo Xin-Chang , Zhang Yi-Fang
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The island areas, in particular, are characterized by a more fragile ecological carrying capacity and higher value of resources and environment, which requires us to take Xi Jinping's green ecological development view as the theoretical basis and adhere to the high-quality development path of gradual development and ecological environment priority. Taking Shengsi and Daishan counties as examples, on the basis of their high-quality development evaluation and identification of the main influencing factors, this study explores the specific path of Xi Jinping's ecological development view in the high-quality development of typical island counties in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies the interpretative structural model to construct an evaluation index system for the high-quality development of the island. In determining the factor weights of the index layer, the AHP hierarchical analysis method was combined with the Delphi method to increase the objectivity of the assignment process as much as possible. This study used the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution to calculate island high quality development index. To measure the main obstacle factors, the index factor contribution rate, the index factor deviation, and the index factor obstacle degree were applied in this research.

Findings

As China intensifies its maritime strategy, the sustainability of coastal and island regions is critical, particularly given their fragile ecosystems and high resource value. Our study reveals a declining trend in the high-quality development index for Shengsi, peaking at 0.4262 in 2010 and dropping to 0.3261 in 2012. To reverse this, it's essential to align with President Xi Jinping's green ecological development framework and commit to a high-quality development pathway.

Originality/value

The connotation and extension of Xi Jinping's view of ecological development should be continuously studied in depth and enriched, with green development as the core idea to guide the correct direction of the high-quality development of the island. In this paper, it is suggested that researchers are supposed to focus on these problems, such as the changes of sea water quality, the reduction of urban greening, the continuous negative growth of population in island areas, the decline of forestry added value and air quality protection, so as to ensure the sustainable high-quality development of example islands.
Stock options: do they influence dividend payments?
Authors: Muniz Janaina , Galdi Fernando , Storch Damasceno Felipe
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether there is any influence of the option plan to purchase shares protected from dividends to determine the distribution of dividends in Brazilian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a Tobit dynamic and regressive regression model because their sample has an index higher than 30% of companies that do not pay dividends. The sample includes companies that pay dividends or not and pay their executives with executive stock option plans and is composed of 1,990 observations from 356 companies from 2010 to 2016.

Findings

The results indicated that the presence of a dividend protection clause has a positive association with the distribution of dividends. The authors sought to clarify that companies with a stock option plan protected by the distribution of dividends face fewer restrictions on the distribution of dividends. The authors found that most companies still use only stock options to benefit middle-ranking positions and fit the plan in their remuneration policy. The monitoring of these plans lasts an average of seven years, and specific acquisition conditions are not established with their beneficiaries, who must remain in the company and observe performance metrics.

Originality/value

This study is relevant because the relationship between dividends and stock options has not yet been analyzed in Brazil, especially concerning a dividend-protected option plan, which is a relatively recent modality, even unknown to some companies.
Petrophysics applied in mineralizations, hydrothermal alterations and lithology mapping: A case study from the Zn–Pb (Cu–Ag) epithermal deposit of Santa Maria, Brazil
Authors: de Araújo Moriá Caroline , Silva Adalene Moreira , Barbosa Paola Ferreira , Boniatti João Henrique , Früchting Allan , Bouças do Lago Samuel , Betancourt Ram Horizonte Seixas
Published: December 2021

The epithermal Zn–Pb (Cu–Ag) deposit of Santa Maria represents a distal magmatic‐hydrothermal system, whose mineralizations are controlled by fault systems located in the sedimentary units of the upper Camaquã Basin, above the tectonic units of the Sul‐Riograndense Shield. The hydrothermal alteration zones contain illite, chlorite and pyrite, besides galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite and bornite. To improve the knowledge of this mineral system, this work investigated the petrophysical footprints of samples representing the predominant lithology, altered rocks and hydrothermal mineralization. The core samples of the predominant lithology, altered rocks and hydrothermal deposit mineralizations were used to determine the following petrophysical properties, density, magnetic susceptibility, primary wave velocity, resistivity, conductivity and chargeability. Moreover, the quantitative evaluation of minerals by scanning electron microscopy coupled with an automated image analysis system allowed us to map lithological and alteration processes. The results indicate density as the most effective physical property to map lithology, hydrothermal alteration and the Zn–Pb (Cu–Au) mineralization. Furthermore, all studied physical properties have moderate effectiveness in the alteration zones of known geological and geophysical anomalies in the Santa Maria deposit. Chargeability could be used, especially when sulphides are disseminated, but additional geological factors complicate its interpretation. The mineralogical and petrophysical diversity of the Santa Maria deposit provided vital data for geological–geophysical interpretations while allowing the creation of a key exploration plan to investigate the Zn–Pb (Cu–Au) mineralization. Finally, petrophysics should be used in prospection to help understand complex geological processes, their overlapping subpopulations and to accelerate mineral research while reducing the use of technical and financial resources and expenditure on ineffective geophysical methodologies.
The ‘Arab spring’ within an intercultural couple. Does the unmentioned ‘racial difference’ matter?
Authors: Ugazio Valeria , Singh Reenee , Guarnieri Stella
Published: December 2021

Can the meaning‐making within an intercultural couple, and between this couple and their therapist, help us to understand the couple's bitter conflict and the difficulties of dealing with it in therapy? This single case study answers this question, presenting a semantic analysis inspired by Ugazio's model of family semantic polarities. The analysis was carried out by applying the family semantic grid II to 140 min from three video‐recorded and transcribed sessions with the couple. The result suggests that the misunderstandings and disappointments that fed the couple's conflict were connected with the lack of semantic cohesion within the couple. They constructed meanings during the therapeutic conversation using two different semantic worlds: the semantics of power and of freedom. The analysis also suggests some possible strategies to overcome the couple's conflict, and raises some questions about how to address racial differences during therapy.

Practitioner points

An intercultural couple's bitter conflict is clarified by a semantic analysis (SA) which highlights the couple's low semantic cohesion.

The SA suggests focusing on the emotions – shame and courage – underlying the partners' dominant semantics – power and freedom – and anchoring the meanings to all the family members.

Therapists should address ‘race’ and racism with intercultural couples, even if such conversations do not emerge spontaneously in their narrated stories.
Welcome to the Motherland. An exploration into how experience is storied through generations of African Caribbean immigrants
Authors: Collins Joanne
Published: December 2021

This study explores the ways in which African Caribbean families communicate with each other and the outside world in the context of post migration. The Big and Small Story in narrative inquiry was used to make sense of the data as it pays attention to the manner and style in which this story is told, and what identities are being claimed post migration. The key findings are set out using three archetypal positions: the trickster, passer/conformer and resister/revolutionary. These were used to capture different ways people responded to power and identities claimed within their daily life. Findings in part of reflect Du Bois’ concept of double consciousness to consider the way black people carry out their negotiations with power. These African Caribbean participants were having to think about what is acceptable to the power base and how can this be negotiated. This paper is intended to be helpful to practitioners interested in indigenous knowledge of self and its clinical implications.
Adult lifetime body mass index trajectories and endometrial cancer risk
Authors: Dalmartello Michela , Vermunt Jeroen , Negri Eva , Levi Fabio , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: December 2021

Objective

To identify body mass index (BMI) trajectories in adult life and to examine their association with endometrial cancer (EC) risk, also exploring whether relations differ by hormonal replacement therapy use.

Design

Pooled analysis of two case–control studies.

Setting

Italy and Switzerland.

Population

A total of 458 EC cases and 782 controls.

Methods

We performed a latent class growth model to identify homogeneous BMI trajectories over six decades of age, with a polynomial function of age. Odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% CI for EC risk were derived through a multiple logistic regression model, correcting for classification error.

Main outcome measures

The relation of BMI trajectories with endometrial cancer.

Results

We identified five BMI trajectories. Compared with women in the ‘Normal weight‐stable’ trajectory, a reduction by about 50% in the risk of EC emerged for those in the ‘Underweight increasing to normal weight’ (95% CI 0.28–0.99). The ‘Normal weight increasing to overweight’ and the ‘Overweight‐stable’ trajectories were associated with, respectively, an excess of 3% (95% CI 0.66–1.60) and of 71% (95% CI 1.12–2.59) in cancer risk. The OR associated to the trajectory ‘Overweight increasing to obese’ was 2.03 (95% CI 1.31–3.13). Stronger effects emerged among hormonal replacement therapy never users (OR 2.19 for the ‘Overweight‐stable’ trajectory and OR 2.49 for the ‘Overweight increasing to obese’ trajectory).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that longer exposure to overweight and obesity across a lifetime is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Weight during adulthood also appears to play an important role.

Tweetable abstract

Longer exposure to overweight and obesity across a lifetime is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
Ultrasonography increases sensitivity of mammography for diagnosis of multifocal, multicentric breast cancer using 356 whole breast histopathology as a gold standard
Authors: Sriussadaporn Sukanya , Sriussadaporn Suvit , Pak‐art Rattaplee , Kritayakirana Kritaya , Prichayudh Supparerk , Samorn Pasurachate
Published: December 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study is to evaluate effectiveness of ultrasonography and mammography for the detection of multifocal, multicentric breast cancers.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was performed in 356 patients who underwent mastectomy. Preoperative diagnosis of malignant foci by ultrasonography and mammography were reviewed and compared with final pathological reports of the whole breast which was considered a gold standard.

Results

Seventy‐six patients (21.3%) had multifocal, multicentric cancers diagnosed from whole breast histopathology. Overall sensitivity for detection of additional tumour was 25.4% for mammography, 44% for ultrasonography. The sensitivity for combined methods was 50.8% (p < .05).

Conclusion

Using mammography and ultrasonography for preoperative diagnosis of breast cancer will miss almost half of cases with multifocal multicentric cancers. To achieve curative outcome when performing breast conserving surgery, preoperative investigation with only mammography and ultrasonography may be inadequate.
A novel bioinspired mechanism to elucidate the movement flexibility of the honeybee abdomen driven by muscles
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Ling , Yan Shao‐Ze , Liang You‐Jian
Published: December 2021

The abdomen of a honeybee is a blueprint for bioinspired mechanical design because of its movement flexibility and compactness. However, the abdominal muscles closely related to the movement flexibility mechanism have not been fully identified, limiting the potential biological advantage of their use in bionic mechanism design. In this study, we reveal the muscle distribution of the complete muscular driving unit in a honeybee abdomen using stereoscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and the muscle distribution was effectively verified using X‐ray tomography. A novel equivalent unit mechanism (EUM) was then proposed and the kinematic analysis indicated that the extension ratio, bending angle, and swing angle of the EUM reached 9.36%, 1.22°, and 4.43°, respectively. The deformation ability of the EUM was consistent with the movement of the abdomen, confirming the movement flexibility. This work may provide a new perspective for distributed bionic mechanism design.
Protective effect of chitosan‐loaded nanoemulsion containing Zataria multiflora Boiss and Bunium persicum Boiss essential oils as coating on lipid and protein oxidation in chill stored turkey breast fillets
Authors: Keykhosravy Kobra , Khanzadi Saeid , Hashemi Mohammad , Azizzadeh Mohammad
Published: December 2021

The present study was conducted to evaluate the lipid and protein oxidation responses of cold stored turkey meat using chitosan‐contained nanoemulsions supplemented with the essential oils of two aromatic plants including Zataria multiflora Boiss and Bunium persicum Boiss. Chemical traits such as total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARs), free fatty acids (FFA), fatty acid composition and TC (total carbonyl) of samples were carried out at 4°C. Moreover, their pH and sensory properties were also determined at the same conditions. The initial value of the TVB‐N (2.24 mg N/100 g) reached 20.81 mg N/100 g. TVB‐N values achieved for all meat samples were lower than the highest acceptable limit (28–29 mg N/100 g). In all the treatments, PV and TBARs values were increased until day 10, and afterward a decrease was observed until day 20 of storage. TBARs values of the samples (mg MDA/kg) ranged from 1.97 ± 0.04 to 4.48 ± 0.39 in CNE + ZEO 1% to 2.72 ± 0.32 to 6.66 ± 0.21 in CON at zero time and day 5, respectively. FFA and TC were enhanced at a slower rate in the treated samples. The most efficient treatment against chemical deterioration was found to be CNE + ZEO 1%. Chitosan and sonicated chitosan treatments had the highest color score and lowest odor score at zero time. The obtained results suggested coating turkey meat fillets with ZEO and BEO as an effective strategy to delay at their chemical deterioration.

Practical Application

The spoilage risk of fresh products is higher than other foods. Turkey meat spoils because of biological reactions such as the oxidation of lipids and protein, the action of endogenous enzymes, and the metabolic activities of microorganisms that end in a short shelf life. The oxidation of lipids not only reduces or retards, but also inhibits by edible coatings. Edible coatings formed from bioactive compounds would effectively provide possibility of active compounds onto surface of minimally processed foods. Therefore, application chitosan‐loaded nanoemulsion coating containing Zataria multiflora Boiss and Bunium persicum Boiss essential oils is recommended in food industry especially for poultry industry to increase the chemistry and sensory quality of turkey breast fillets.