bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conscientious objection in medicine: Experience in Chile
Authors: Kottow Miguel
Published: September 2020

Latin American countries have slowly enacted laws decriminalizing abortion in three circumstances: Life‐threatening risk for the pregnant woman, extra‐uterine non‐viability of malformed foetus, and pregnancy due to rape or incest. Chile is one of the last countries to adopt such a law, formulated in an increasingly restrictive format. Conservative politicians and Church‐related healthcare institutions promptly announced individual and institutional conscientious objection based on the right of private facilities to obey their ideology and personal moral integrity. Juridical consultations and Constitutional Court rulings allowed private hospitals to uphold their objection even if contracted to provide some public health services. Under these conditions, only a few hundred women requested and obtained a legal abortion, while an estimated 100,000 continued to depend on unsafe procedures. Bioethical debate was silenced by the unfettered drive for conscientious objection that continues to limit women’s autonomy, and fails to ease the public health scourge of massive unsafe clandestine abortions.
Lutheran conceptions of human dignity in a global context: A conversation with Indian Dalits and European/Americans
Authors: Ronnevik Andrew
Published: September 2020

This paper explores Lutheran conceptions of human dignity expressed by European/Americans (Oswald Bayer and John Witte, Jr.) and Dalits (Raj Bharath Patta and Surekha Nelavala). The former emphasize the human coram Deo, the lost dignity of the individual sinner, and the imputed dignity of the justified. The latter attend especially to humans coram hominibus, the dignity of the “sinned upon” in Indian society, and the full inclusion of Dalits. While neither view replaces the other, I argue that European/Americans must become more responsive to differentiated social realities in which persons are “sinful” and “sinned upon” in unequal ways.
Obesity as a risk factor for COVID‐19 mortality in women and men in the UK biobank: Comparisons with influenza/pneumonia and coronary heart disease
Authors: Peters Sanne A. E. , MacMahon Stephen , Woodward Mark
Published: September 2020

Obesity is associated with severe COVID‐19 outcomes, yet, it is unclear whether the risk of COVID‐19 mortality associated with obesity is similar between the sexes. We used data from the UK Biobank to assess the risk of COVID‐19 mortality associated with various anthropometric measures in women and men. To put these results in context, we also compared these estimates with those for mortality from influenza/pneumonia and coronary heart disease (CHD). The analyses included 502 493 individuals (54% women), of whom 410 (36% women) died from COVID‐19, 549 (36% women) died from influenza/pneumonia and 3355 (19% women) died from CHD. A higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio and waist‐to‐height ratio were each associated with a greater risk of death from COVID‐19, influenza/pneumonia and CHD in both sexes, with the exception of the association between higher BMI and the risk of influenza/pneumonia death in men. A higher BMI was associated with a stronger risk of COVID‐19 mortality in women than men; the women‐to‐men ratio of hazard ratios was 1.20 (95% confidence interval 1.00; 1.43). This study demonstrates the role of obesity in COVID‐19 mortality and shows that the relative effects of a higher BMI on COVID‐19 mortality may be stronger in women than men.
Pulmonary valve annular and right ventricular outflow tract size as predictions values for moderate to severe pulmonary regurgitation after repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Li Mo‐Qi , Ding Wen‐Hong , Jin Mei , Wang Zhi‐Yuan , Gu Yan , Ye Wen‐Qian , Lu Zhen‐Yu , Li Wei
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study sought to investigate the variation of right heart structure pre‐ and post‐operation as risk factors for moderate to severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR) after repaired Tetralogy of Fallot and the best “cutoff” values for the transannular patch (TAP).

Methods

We collected surgical, echocardiographic, and computed tomographic data of Teralogy of Fallot (TOF) patients over two years and calculated z‐score values based on the echocardiographic data. Based on the PR level after follow‐up, the patients were divided into two groups, trivial to mild PR and moderate to severe PR. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, and the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to find the best “cutoff” value for risk factors.

Results

A total of 104 TOF patients were included in our cohort study. From the multivariate analysis, correction strategy (P = .002), difference in zRVOT (OR 1.974, 95% CI 1.354 to 2.878, P < .0001), and zPVA (OR 3.605, 95% CI 1.980 to 6.562, P < .0001) were the significant risk factors for moderate to severe PR. The "cutoff" value for the difference in zPVA that could predict moderate to severe PR in the TAP group was 3, and the optimal "cutoff" value for TAP was −1.4.

Conclusions

The TAP is a risk factor for significant PR after surgery. We recommend the optimal “cutoff” value for TAP is −1.4 calculated using Shan‐Shan Wang’s data set. During the procedure, to limit the RVOT resection and restrict the enlargement of pulmonary annulus within a variation of z‐score as 3 would reduce significant PR.
Technological leadership and sectorial employment growth: A spatial econometric analysis for U.S. counties
Authors: Pede Valerien O. , Florax Raymond J. G. M. , de Groot Henri L. F. , Barboza Gustavo
Published: September 2020

This paper studies the determinants of technological catch‐up considering spatial and sectoral aggregation of industries. We investigate how geographical and technological proximity to the technology leader impact regional employment growth. We model technological progress by means of a hierarchical process of catch‐up to the technology leader. We also incorporate measures for knowledge spillover effects to test the roles of competition, specialisation, and diversity at the industry level. Empirical results using data at the county level for different economic sectors (2‐dig NAICS) for the United States indicate that human capital plays a crucial role in promoting sectoral employment growth. The association between technological/geographical distance to the technology leader and employment growth varies across sectors.
Poor reporting of physical activity and exercise interventions in youth mental health trials: A brief report
Authors: Pascoe Michaela C. , Bailey Alan P. , Craike Melinda , Carter Tim , Patten Rhiannon K. , Stepto Nigel K. , Parker Alexandra G.
Published: September 2020

Aim

To describe the quality and completeness of the description and reporting of physical activity and exercise interventions delivered to young people to promote mental health or treat mental illness.

Methods

We conducted a series of scoping reviews identifying 64 controlled trials of physical activity and exercise interventions delivered to young people. We extracted: intervention characteristics, personnel and delivery format, the intensity, duration, frequency and type of physical activity or exercise.

Results

There was limited reporting of intervention details across studies; 52% did not provide information to confidently assess intervention intensity, 29% did not state who delivered the intervention, and 44% did not specify the intervention delivery format.

Conclusions

We recommend that authors adhere to the CONSORT reporting requirements and its intervention reporting extensions, (a) the Template for Intervention Description and Replication, (b) Consensus for Exercise Reporting Template and (c) as part of this, detail the frequency, intensity, time and type of physical activity recommendations and prescriptions. Without this, future trials are unable to replicate and extend previous work to support or disconfirm existing knowledge, leading to research waste and diminishing translation and implementation potential.
Condillac on being human: Language and reflection reconsidered
Authors: Waldow Anik
Published: September 2020

In the Essay on the Origin of Human Knowledge, Condillac argues that humans develop reason only once they have discovered the function of signs and the use of language in their encounters with others. Commentators like Hans Aarsleff and Charles Taylor believe that a precondition for this discovery is the presence of a special human capacity: the capacity to reflectively relate to what is given in experience. The problem with this claim is that it returns Condillac to a form of innatism from which he was keen to escape, because it assumes that human minds are reflective qua original endowment. I argue that Condillac attributed limited value to explanations based on the static analysis of innate natures and instead opted for a dynamic examination of developmental trajectories enabled through species‐specific embodied experiences. Through this dynamic approach, he was able to do two things at once: explain how it is possible that human cognition is of a unique superior kind, while at the same time defending the view that humans are like any other species in that they form species‐specific mental features through their experiential engagement with the contingent circumstances of life.
Genetic correlations and ecological networks shape coevolving mutualisms
Authors: Assis Ana Paula A. , Thompson John N. , Santana Pamela Cristina , Jordano Pedro , Bascompte Jordi , Guimarães Paulo R.
Published: September 2020

Ecological interactions shape the evolution of multiple species traits in populations. These traits are often linked to each other through genetic correlations, affecting how each trait evolves through selection imposed by interacting partners. Here, we integrate quantitative genetics, coevolutionary theory and network science to explore how trait correlations affect the coevolution of mutualistic species not only in pairs of species but also in species‐rich networks across space. We show that genetic correlations may determine the pace of coevolutionary change, affect species abundances and fuel divergence among populations of the same species. However, this trait divergence promoted by genetic correlations is partially buffered by the nested structure of species‐rich mutualisms. Our study, therefore, highlights how coevolution and its ecological consequences may result from conflicting processes at different levels of organisation, ranging from genes to communities.
Stiffness measurement is a biomarker of skin ageing in vivo
Authors: Runel Gaël , Cario Muriel , Lopez‐Ramirez Noémie , Malbouyres Marilyne , Ruggiero Florence , Bernard Laure , Puisieux Alain , Caramel Julie , Chlasta Julien , Masse Ingrid
Published: September 2020

Human skin is particularly vulnerable to age‐related deterioration and undergoes profound structural and functional changes, reflected in the external skin appearance. Skin ageing is characterized by features such as wrinkling or loss of elasticity. Even if research advances have been done concerning the molecular mechanisms that underlie these changes, very few studies have been conducted concerning the structure stiffness of the skin organ as a whole. In this study, we showed, thanks to human skin reconstructs and the Japanese Medaka fish model, that biomechanics is a new biomarker of skin ageing. We revealed that global stiffness measurement by Atomic Force Microscopy, since modulated through ageing in these models, can be a new biomarker of skin ageing, and reflects the profound reorganization of the dermis extracellular matrix, as shown by Transmission Electron Microscopy. Moreover, our data unveiled that the Japanese Medaka fish could represent a highly relevant integrated model to study skin ageing in vivo.
Developing Reflexivity through Group Processes in Psychotherapy Training: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Systemic Family Therapy Trainees’ Experience
Authors: Givropoulou Dimitra , Tseliou Eleftheria
Published: September 2020

Lo enfoques construccionistas en el ámbito de la terapia familiar sistémica priorizan la reflexividad para promover el desarrollo personal dentro de la capacitación, generalmente apoyándose en procesos grupales. Valiéndonos de un estudio cualitativo que realizamos para abordar la falta de investigaciones relacionadas, presentamos la manera en la que los practicantes de la terapia familiar sistémica experimentan el desarrollo de la reflexividad mediante procesos grupales. Diez practicantes de terapia familiar sistémica participaron en entrevistas semiestructuradas, transcriptas y analizadas con el análisis fenomenológico interpretativo. Los análisis presentados aquí informan tres temas superordinados: el desarrollo de la reflexividad mediante desafíos y recompensas, un espacio reflexivo condicional dentro del grupo de capacitación, el encuentro de la dinámica de identidad mediante procesos grupales reflexivos. Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que los practicantes experimentan el desarrollo de la reflexividad como un proceso complejo de desarrollo personal relacional que destaca el papel fundamental del grupo de capacitación, pero que depende de ciertas precondiciones. Se subraya la importancia de analizar con mayor profundidad la posibilidad de desarrollo de la reflexividad en los procesos grupales durante la capacitación en psicoterapia.
Biological functions, genetic and biochemical characterization, and NMR structure determination of the small zinc finger protein HVO_2753 from Haloferax volcanii
Authors: Zahn Sebastian , Kubatova Nina , Pyper Dennis J. , Cassidy Liam , Saxena Krishna , Tholey Andreas , Schwalbe Harald , Soppa Jörg
Published: September 2020

The genome of the halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii encodes more than 40 one‐domain zinc finger µ‐proteins. Only one of these, HVO_2753, contains four C(P)XCG motifs, suggesting the presence of two zinc binding pockets (ZBPs). Homologs of HVO_2753 are widespread in many euryarchaeota. An in frame deletion mutant of HVO_2753 grew indistinguishably from the wild‐type in several media, but had a severe defect in swarming and in biofilm formation. For further analyses, the protein was produced homologously as well as heterologously in Escherichia coli. HVO_2753 was stable and folded in low salt, in contrast to many other haloarchaeal proteins. Only haloarchaeal HVO_2753 homologs carry a very hydrophilic N terminus, and NMR analysis showed that this region is very flexible and not part of the core structure. Surprisingly, both NMR analysis and a fluorimetric assay revealed that HVO_2753 binds only one zinc ion, despite the presence of two ZBPs. Notably, the analysis of cysteine to alanine mutant proteins by NMR as well by in vivo complementation revealed that all four C(P)XCG motifs are essential for folding and function. The NMR solution structure of the major conformation of HVO_2753 was solved. Unexpectedly, it was revealed that ZBP1 was comprised of C(P)XCG motifs 1 and 3, and ZBP2 was comprised of C(P)XCG motifs 2 and 4. There are several indications that ZBP2 is occupied by zinc, in contrast to ZBP1. To our knowledge, this study represents the first in‐depth analysis of a zinc finger µ‐protein in all three domains of life.
Migration of silver eel, Anguilla anguilla, through three water pumping stations in The Netherlands
Authors: van Keeken Olvin Alior , van Hal Ralf , Winter Hendrik Volken , Wilkes Tony , Griffioen Arie Benjamin
Published: September 2020

European eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.), migrating to sea encounter many man‐made structures that can hamper and delay migration or induce mortality. Three pumping stations in Friesland, the Netherlands, were covered with acoustic receivers. Ninety‐three silver eels tagged with acoustic transmitters were released in the polders upstream of the stations and 89% were detected passing a pumping station. The majority of silver eels passed the stations within a day after arriving at the station. Four silver eels stayed for longer than 2 weeks before passage, and 18 were detected at the receiver downstream the pumping station for more than one day, with detections up to several weeks. These detections probably indicated a dead eel, but could also indicate a live eel remaining at the site. Most of the silver eels passed the pumping stations within a day after release, so fish‐friendly pumps will benefit the migrating population most. In the Netherlands, there are several thousand pumping stations. Installing fish passages near these stations is not feasible due to high costs. Prioritising all these sites in relation to the degree of blockage, mortality rates and its relative importance for migratory fish, can maximise the effectiveness of measures and mitigation taken.
Cell‐type specific knockout of peptidylglycine α‐amidating monooxygenase reveals specific behavioral roles in excitatory forebrain neurons and cardiomyocytes
Authors: Powers Kathryn G. , Ma Xin‐Ming , Eipper Betty A. , Mains Richard E.
Published: September 2020

Neuropeptides and peptide hormones play a crucial role in integrating the many factors that affect physiologic and cognitive processes. The potency of many of these peptides requires an amidated amino acid at the C‐terminus; a single enzyme, peptidylglycine α‐amidating monooxygenase (PAM), catalyzes this modification. Anxiety‐like behavior is known to be altered in mice with a single functional Pam allele (Pam+/−) and in mice unable to express Pam in excitatory forebrain neurons (PamEmx1‐cKO/cKO) or in cardiomyocytes (PamMyh6‐cKO/cKO). Examination of PAM‐positive and glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD)‐positive cells in the amygdala of PamEmx1‐cKO/cKO mice demonstrated the absence of PAM in pyramidal neurons and its continued presence in GAD‐positive interneurons, suggestive of altered excitatory/inhibitory balance. Additional behavioral tests were used to search for functional alterations in these cell‐type specific knockout mice. PamEmx1‐cKO/cKO mice exhibited a less focused search pattern for the Barnes Maze escape hole than control or PamMyh6‐cKO/cKO mice. While wildtype mice favor interacting with novel objects as opposed to familiar objects, both PamEmx1‐cKO/cKO and PamMyh6‐cKO/cKO mice exhibited significantly less interest in the novel object. Since PAM levels in the central nervous system of PamMyh6‐cKO/cKO mice are unaltered, the behavioral effect observed in these mice may reflect their inability to produce atrial granules and the resulting reduction in serum levels of atrial natriuretic peptide. In the sociability test, male mice of all three genotypes spent more time with same‐sex stranger mice; while control females showed no preference for stranger mice, female PamEmx1‐cKO/cKO mice showed preference for same‐sex stranger mice in all trials.
Impacts of soil water stress on the acclimated stomatal limitation of photosynthesis: Insights from stable carbon isotope data
Authors: Lavergne Aliénor , Sandoval David , Hare Vincent J. , Graven Heather , Prentice Iain Colin
Published: September 2020

Atmospheric aridity and drought both influence physiological function in plant leaves, but their relative contributions to changes in the ratio of leaf internal to ambient partial pressure of CO2 (χ) – an index of adjustments in both stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate to environmental conditions – are difficult to disentangle. Many stomatal models predicting χ include the influence of only one of these drivers. In particular, the least‐cost optimality hypothesis considers the effect of atmospheric demand for water on χ but does not predict how soils with reduced water further influence χ, potentially leading to an overestimation of χ under dry conditions. Here, we use a large network of stable carbon isotope measurements in C3 woody plants to examine the acclimated response of χ to soil water stress. We estimate the ratio of cost factors for carboxylation and transpiration (β) expected from the theory to explain the variance in the data, and investigate the responses of β (and thus χ) to soil water content and suction across seed plant groups, leaf phenological types and regions. Overall, β decreases linearly with soil drying, implying that the cost of water transport along the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum increases as water available in the soil decreases. However, despite contrasting hydraulic strategies, the stomatal responses of angiosperms and gymnosperms to soil water tend to converge, consistent with the optimality theory. The prediction of β as a simple, empirical function of soil water significantly improves χ predictions by up to 6.3 ± 2.3% (mean ± SD of adjusted‐R2) over 1980–2018 and results in a reduction of around 2% of mean χ values across the globe. Our results highlight the importance of soil water status on stomatal functions and plant water‐use efficiency, and suggest the implementation of trait‐based hydraulic functions into the model to account for soil water stress.
Safety and Tolerability of 3 CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies in Practice: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Alex Ashley , Vaughn Caila , Rayhill Melissa
Published: September 2020

Objective

We sought to assess the safety and tolerability of 3 calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies in patients with chronic migraine who have failed multiple classes of migraine preventive therapies.

Background

CGRP is an important neuromodulator implicated in the pathogenesis of migraine. They are approved for the treatment of episodic and chronic migraine. In current clinical practice, CGRP monoclonal antibodies are used in patients who have failed multiple preventive agents, but safety, tolerability, and efficacy have not been well described in real‐world populations outside of clinical trials.

Methods

This was a single‐center, observational, retrospective study in adults with chronic migraine treated with a CGRP monoclonal antibody between May 1, 2018 and September 30, 2019. Charts were reviewed at 0, 3, and 6 months after treatment.

Results

From May 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019, 77 patients with chronic migraine were prescribed 90 treatment trials of a CGRP monoclonal antibody. Patients reported adverse outcomes in 2/5 (40.0%) with erenumab 70 mg, 32/46 (69.6%) with erenumab 140 mg, 8/16 (50.0%) with fremanezumab, and 15/23 (65.2%) with galcanezumab. The most frequent adverse effects were constipation and injection site reactions. Adverse effects leading to discontinuation were reported as follows: erenumab 70 mg 1/5 (20.0%), erenumab 140 mg 10/46 (22.7%), fremanezumab 1/16 (6.3%), and galcanezumab 1/23 (4.3%), with 13/90 (14.4%) discontinuation rate overall. The most frequent reasons for discontinuation were lack of improvement in 17/90 (18.9%) and constipation in 4/90 (4.4%). A 50% or greater reduction in the number of severe headache days per month was achieved for 32/66 (48.5%) at 3 months and 17/48 (35.4%) at 6 months.

Conclusions

In patients with chronic migraine, the 3 CGRP monoclonal antibodies were well tolerated, and reduced the number of severe headache days.
Moisturizing mechanism of glycerol and diglycerol on human stratum corneum studied by synchrotron X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Yamada T. , Habuka A. , Hatta I.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Polyols are moisturizers used in cosmetics. Using X‐ray diffraction, we studied the moisturizingmechanism of polyol solutions in the stratum corneum (SC). We examined whether glycerol disrupts the ordered hydrocarbon chain packing structure in isolated SC, as previously proposed in an SC lipid model.

Methods

The SC samples were prepared by treatment with water and aqueous solutions of glycerol, diglycerol and glycerol/diglycerol. To examine the differences in the water‐retention efficiency of polyols, using a solution cell, we performed dynamic X‐ray diffraction to analyse the structural changes that occurred during water removal from the hydrated samples by a stream of dry nitrogen gas. We focused on two structures, the orthorhombic hydrocarbon chain packing structure in the intercellular lipids and the soft keratin in the corneocytes where most of the water is stored.

Results

The spacing formed by the soft keratin in the corneocytes immersed in a solution of water and diglycerol solution decreased rapidly by water removal. In contrast, it decreased gradually in the corneocytes immersed in a solution of glycerol and glycerol/diglycerol, indicating that the glycerol‐containing solutions maintained the hydrated state of the corneocytes for longer. Furthermore, the characteristic change of the spacing in the orthorhombic hydrocarbon chain packing structure over time was observed during the drying process. The hydrated state was maintained longer, in water, followed by glycerol, diglycerol and glycerol/diglycerol, in increasing order. This is the first study to report such characteristic properties that could be indicators of the capacity of the SC to regulate water.

Conclusion

The dynamic X‐ray diffraction experiment on the structure of the soft keratin and the orthorhombic hydrocarbon chain packing structure during the drying of the hydrated SC provides an insight into the moisturizing mechanism of the polyol solutions in the SC. The results show that the glycerol/diglycerol solution functions as an effective SC moisturizer at the molecular level. Further, it was confirmed that the behaviour of glycerol in the isolated SC varies from that proposed in the SC lipid model, wherein glycerol was proposed to prevent the formation of a regular hydrocarbon chain packing structure.
Skin manifestations in patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID‐19 disease: a cross‐sectional study in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Méndez Maestro Irune , Peña Merino Lander , Udondo González del Tánago Begoña , Aramburu González Aida , Orbea Sopeña Ana , Sánchez De Vicente Javier , Ratón Nieto Juan A. , Acebo Mariñas Elvira , Gardeazabal García Jesús
Published: September 2020

Background

COVID‐19 cutaneous manifestations have been recently described and classified in five different clinical patterns, including acral erythema‐edema (pseudo‐chilblain), maculopapular exanthemas, vesicular eruptions, urticarial lesions, and livedo or necrosis.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to examine the skin of hospitalized patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID‐19 disease and describe the real prevalence of skin manifestations.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study, which included hospitalized patients in Cruces University Hospital from April 14–30, 2020, with a laboratory‐confirmed diagnosis of COVID‐19 (with polymerase chain reaction and/or serology tests), was conducted. Entire body surface examination was performed by experienced dermatologists to search for cutaneous manifestations related to COVID‐19 disease.

Results

From a sample of 75 patients, 14 (18.7%) developed cutaneous manifestations possibly related to COVID‐19. We found six patients with acral erythema‐edema (pseudo‐chilblain) (42.8%), four patients with maculopapular exanthemas (28.6%), two patients with urticarial lesions (14.3%), one patient with livedo reticularis‐like lesions (7.15%), and one patient with vesicular eruption (7.15%).

Conclusions

Our study provides a more plausible relationship between the main cutaneous patterns and COVID‐19 in hospitalized patients as all of them had a confirmatory laboratory test. Skin manifestations are frequent but mild with spontaneous resolution. These findings are nonspecific and can be similar to other viral infections and adverse drug reactions in hospitalized patients.
Human neutrophil antigens: Nature, clinical significance and detection
Authors: Browne Tom , Dearman Rebecca J. , Poles Anthony
Published: September 2020

Granulocytes are an essential part of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Human neutrophil antigens (HNAs) are a family of epitopes that are located on glycoproteins that are mostly expressed on human granulocytes. Antibodies that recognize these epitopes have been associated with neutropenia, transfusion complications, haematopoietic stem cell transplant nonengraftment and renal transplant rejection. Currently, there are fourteen recognized HNA alleles across five antigen systems (HNA‐1 through HNA‐5), the molecular basis of which are located on the genes FCGR3B, CD177, SLC44A2, ITGAM and ITGAL, respectively. Elucidation of the associated genes has permitted the development of testing strategies for HNA typing and aided understanding of the associated epitopes. This review will outline the associated clinical conditions that require HNA investigation and how these are performed in specialized laboratories. Investigations provided are both reactive for patients with a variety of existing or suspected neutropenias and proactive in the testing of blood component donors in order to reduce the potential risk to patients who require transfusion.
Cognitive reactivity among high‐risk individuals at the first and recurrent episode of depression symptomology: A structural equation modelling analysis
Authors: Huang Fei Fei , Chen Wei‐ti , Lin Yu An , Hong Yu Ting , Chen Bin
Published: September 2020

Understanding the particular mechanisms by which vulnerability and capability factors influence cognitive reactivity (CR) can contribute to an enhanced capacity to adequately react to depression. However, few studies have explored the CR model. The main aim of the present study was to develop a model that specifies the predictive effects of CR for depression among individuals at high risk for first‐episode and recurrent depression. A national cross‐sectional, online study using convenience sampling was conducted among 587 vulnerable healthy individuals and 224 depressed patients in China. A battery of indices, including measures of CR, social support, resilience, self‐compassion, life events, neuroticism, sleep condition, and negative emotion, were collected. A structural equation model was applied to analyse the data. The final first‐episode and recurrent depressive symptoms of the CR models showed good model fit. According to the models, 45%–52% of the variance in depressive symptom was predicted by CR. Social support, self‐compassion, resilience, and positive life events directly influenced CR, with β values ranging from −0.18 to −0.24 (P < 0.01). Neuroticism, negative emotion, poor sleep conditions, and negative life events also directly and positively influenced CR (P < 0.01). The relationship between these negative or positive contributing factors and depression was also indirectly influenced by CR (P < 0.01). Our findings demonstrate the role of CR in the prevention and treatment of depression. The first‐episode and recurrent depressive symptoms of the CR models considering both vulnerabilities and capabilities of CR in the psychopathology of depression provide a theoretical basis for interventions that reduce CR in high‐risk populations.
Structuring adolescent’s oral health effects on labour market entry in a cohort study
Authors: Ortiz Fernanda Ruffo , Ardenghi Thiago Machado , Maroneze Marilia Cunha , Paiva Saul Martins , Pordeus Isabela Almeida
Published: September 2020

Aim

To evaluate the influence of the oral conditions and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) on the entry of adolescents on labour.

Design

This cohort study was performed in southern Brazil, within a random sample of 12‐year‐old adolescents (n = 1134). Oral health (dental caries, malocclusion, and toothache), OHRQoL (Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11‐14), demographic factors, and family's socioeconomic status (household income and mother's education) were collected at baseline (2012). Education level and employment outcomes, such as labour market entry and earnings from work, were collected at 6‐year follow‐up. Path analysis was used to estimate the overall fit measurement, standardized coefficients (SC), and its direct and indirect effects.

Results

Among 1134 participants, 768 adolescents with mean of age 17.5 years old were reassessed (retention rate of 68%). There was direct effect from poor OHRQoL on labour market entry (SC 0.057; P = .02). Sex and age also had a direct effect on employment outcomes. Socioeconomic status impacts oral health conditions as well as OHRQoL scores (P < .01). Household income, malocclusion, and toothache had indirect effects on labour market entry.

Conclusion

Oral health indirectly affects employment outcomes, through its effects on OHRQoL. Moreover, OHRQoL directly affects labour market entry in adolescents.
The Law: Defending Congress's Interests in Court: How Lawmakers and the President Bargain over Department of Justice Representation
Authors: Devins Neal
Published: September 2020

In understanding the willingness of government lawyers to defend the constitutionality of federal statutes, this article will explain why presidents rarely make use of their powers under the Constitution (allowing the president to refuse to defend laws he finds unconstitutional) and under federal law (placing the control of most government litigation with the attorney general). Attention will he paid both to how Department of Justice lawyers enhance their power by defending federal statutes and to how Congress, if need be, can pressure the department to bow to lawmaker preferences. In consequence, when the president refuses to defend a statute, courts have little reason to disregard article III constraints to resolve constitutional challenges to federal laws.
Executive Order 13233 Further Implementation of the Presidential Records Act
Authors: Kumar Martha Joynt
Published: September 2020

President Bush recently signed Executive Order 13233 allowing/or the release of a select category of presidential records dealing with staff advice to the president, an important group of records for those who study presidential decision making. The order provides such records can he made public only after the incumbent and former presidents agree on their release. The order was given a cold reception from individuals who use materials in presidential libraries and the organizations representing those with interests in records, as it will be an additional hurdle for researchers to surmount. Supporters and critics alike expect the courts to resolve the issues of presidential privilege raised by the order.
Boiling Frogs: Pricing Strategies for a Manufacturer Adding a Direct Channel that Competes with the Traditional Channel
Authors: Cattani Kyle , Gilland Wendell , Heese Hans Sebastian , Swaminathan Jayashankar
Published: September 2020

We analyze a scenario where a manufacturer with a traditional channel partner opens up a direct channel in competition with the traditional channel. We first consider that in order to mitigate channel conflict the manufacturer, who chooses wholesale prices as a Stackelberg leader, commits to setting a direct channel retail price that matches the retailer's price in the traditional channel. We find that the specific equal‐pricing strategy that optimizes profits for the manufacturer is also preferred by the retailer and customers over other equal‐pricing strategies. We next consider the implications of the equal‐pricing constraint through a numerical experiment that indicates that the equal‐pricing strategy is appropriate as long as the Internet channel is significantly less convenient than the traditional channel. If the Internet channel is of comparable convenience to the traditional channel, then the manufacturer has tremendous incentive to abandon the equal‐pricing policy, at great peril to the traditional retailer.
Security Cooperation in the ASEM Process: Assessing the Prospects
Authors: Choi Jinwoo
Published: September 2020

From the inception, the ASEM had security issues high on its agenda. And yet, the pre‐eminence given to the security issues in the declaratory remarks by ASEM members notwithstanding, virtually nothing has been done. Would the ASEM remain useful and relevant in the security realm, or would the talk of security cooperation lapse into a mere decorative accessory meaninglessly attached to the ASEM process? Focusing on what is called ‘comprehensive security’ areas, especially on the issues of environmental protection, control of migration flows, and prevention of international crime including the trafficking of drugs and prostitution, this paper explores the prospects for cooperation between Asia and Europe within the ASEM context.

The argument made in this paper is simple. The relationship between Asia and Europe in the fields of comprehensive security where cooperation between the two is projected most promising in fact embodies a suasion game, in which cooperation between the two requires a high level of institutionalization that features a monitoring and an enforcement mechanism. But institutionalization of the ASEM process is rendered difficult given the divergent cultural traits of Asia and Europe and the converging relative power status of the two. To the extent that institutionalization of the ASEM process remains a daunting task, the prospects for Asia‐Europe security cooperation even in non‐military areas is not very bright.
Reasonable Disagreement About, and Within, Watson and Hartley’s Political Liberalism
Authors: Billingham Paul
Published: September 2020

This article considers how successfully Watson and Hartley achieve the two main aims of their excellent book, Equal Citizenship and Public Reason: first, developing and defending a distinctive version of political liberalism and, second, showing that this is a feminist political liberalism. I challenge both their general defence of their view and the arguments regarding feminism. Both discussions raise questions about the conceptualisation of reasonable disagreement, so I finish with some further comments about ways in which reasonable disagreement about justice creates internal tensions within Watson and Hartley’s theory.
Respect, Religion, and Feminism: Comments on Lori Watson and Christie Hartley, Equal Citizenship and Public Reason: A Feminist Political Liberalism
Authors: Chambers Clare
Published: September 2020

There is significant disagreement among feminists and liberals about the compatibility between the two doctrines. Political liberalism has come under particular criticism from feminists, who argue that its restricted form of equality is insufficient. In contrast, Lori Watson and Christie Hartley argue that political liberalism can and must be feminist. This article raises three areas of disagreement with Watson and Hartley’s incisive account of feminist political liberalism. First, it argues that an appeal to a comprehensive doctrine can be compatible with respecting others, if that appeal is to the value of equality. Second, it takes issue with Watson and Hartley's defence of religious exemptions to equality law. Third, it argues that political liberalism can be compatible with feminism but that it is not itself adequately feminist. It concludes that political liberalism is not enough for feminists.
Equal Citizenship and Convergence
Authors: Vallier Kevin
Published: September 2020

I argue against Lori Watson and Christie Hartley's recent criticisms of convergence approaches to public justification. In particular, I argue that convergence approaches can capture what is distinctive about democratic decision‐making and provide an attractive account of stability for the right reasons.
Substantive Equality and Equal Citizenship1
Authors: Baehr Amy R.
Published: September 2020

In Part 1, I argue that Watson and Hartley’s relational feminist political liberal approach – grounded in the idea of equal citizenship – produces a rather elusive liberal feminist agenda (because of its reliance on intuitions) and that it may lose track of the importance of goods whose value stems from the role they play in an individual woman’s or girl’s life rather than from the role they play in securing equal citizenship. I suggest that a distributive principle approach – like that of Susan Okin – might do better on both scores. In Part 2, I argue that Watson and Hartley may have overpromised what the state can and may do. Discussion includes focus on policy questions concerning, for example, prostitution and the gendered division of labor.
A lncRNA prognostic signature associated with immune infiltration and tumour mutation burden in breast cancer
Authors: Liu Zijian , Mi Mi , Li Xiaoqian , Zheng Xin , Wu Gang , Zhang Liling
Published: September 2020

Current studies have shown that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may serve as prognostic biomarkers in multiple cancers. Therefore, we postulated that expression patterns of multiple lncRNAs combined into a single signature could improve clinicopathological risk stratification and prediction of overall survival rate for breast cancer patients. Two algorithms, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selector Operation (LASSO) and Support Vector Machine‐Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM‐RFE), were used to select candidate lncRNAs. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to construct a seven‐lncRNA signature for breast cancer. Stratified analysis revealed that the signature was significantly associated with multiple clinicopathological risk factors. For clinical use, we developed a nomogram model to predict overall survival and odds of death for breast cancer patients. Single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), CIBERSORT algorithm and ESTIMATE method were employed to assess the relative immune cell infiltrations of each sample. Differentially infiltration of immune cells and diverse tumour mutation burden (TMB) scores might give rise to the efficacy of lncRNA signature for predicting the overall survival of patients. Correlation analysis implied that LINC01215 was associated with multiple immune‐related signalling pathways. A seven‐lncRNA prognostic signature is a reliable tool to predict the prognosis of breast cancer patients.
Serum sCD14, PGLYRP2 and FGA as potential biomarkers for multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis based on data‐independent acquisition and targeted proteomics
Authors: Chen Jing , Han Yu‐Shuai , Yi Wen‐Jing , Huang Huai , Li Zhi‐Bin , Shi Li‐Ying , Wei Li‐Liang , Yu Yi , Jiang Ting‐Ting , Li Ji‐Cheng
Published: September 2020

Multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB), defined as tuberculosis (TB) resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, is a major concern of TB control worldwide. However, the diagnosis of MDR‐TB remains a huge challenge to its prevention and control. To identify new diagnostic methods for MDR‐TB, a mass spectrometry strategy of data‐independent acquisition and parallel reaction monitoring was used to detect and validate differential serum proteins. The bioinformatic analysis showed that the functions of differential serum proteins between the MDR‐TB group and the drug‐sensitive tuberculosis group were significantly correlated to the complement coagulation cascade, surface adhesion and extracellular matrix receptor interaction, suggesting a disorder of coagulation in TB. Here, we identified three potential candidate biomarkers such as sCD14, PGLYRP2 and FGA, and established a diagnostic model using these three candidate biomarkers with a sensitivity of 81.2%, a specificity of 90% and the area under the curve value of 0.934 in receiver operation characteristics curve to diagnose MDR‐TB. Our study has paved the way for a novel method to diagnose MDR‐TB and may contribute to elucidate the mechanisms underlying MDR‐TB.
Deconstructing the Complexities of Advance Care Planning Outcomes: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go? A Scoping Review
Authors: McMahan Ryan D. , Tellez Ismael , Sudore Rebecca L.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Advance care planning (ACP) has shown benefit in some, but not all, studies. It is important to understand the utility of ACP. We conducted a scoping review to identify promising interventions and outcomes.

DESIGN

Scoping review.

MEASUREMENTS

We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for ACP randomized controlled trials from January 1, 2010, to March 3, 2020. We used standardized Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses methods to chart study characteristics, including a standardized ACP Outcome Framework: Process (e.g., readiness), Action (e.g., communication), Quality of Care (e.g., satisfaction), Health Status (e.g., anxiety), and Healthcare Utilization. Differences between arms of P < .05 were deemed positive.

RESULTS

Of 1,464 articles, 69 met eligibility; 94% were rated high quality. There were variable definitions, age criteria (≥18 to ≥80 years), diseases (e.g., dementia and cancer), and settings (e.g., outpatient and inpatient). Interventions included facilitated discussions (42%), video only (20%), interactive, multimedia (17%), written only (12%), and clinician training (9%). For written only, 75% of primary outcomes were positive, as were 69% for multimedia programs; 67% for facilitated discussions, 59% for video only, and 57% for clinician training. Overall, 72% of Process and 86% of Action outcomes were positive. For Quality of Care, 88% of outcomes were positive for patient‐surrogate/clinician congruence, 100% for patients/surrogate/clinician satisfaction with communication, and 75% for surrogate satisfaction with patientsʼ care, but not for goal concordance. For Health Status outcomes, 100% were positive for reducing surrogate/clinician distress, but not for patient quality of life. Healthcare Utilization data were mixed.

CONCLUSION

ACP is complex, and trial characteristics were heterogeneous. Outcomes for all ACP interventions were predominantly positive, as were Process and Action outcomes. Although some Quality of Care and Health Status outcomes were mixed, increased patient/surrogate satisfaction with communication and care and decreased surrogate/clinician distress were positive. Further research is needed to appropriately tailor interventions and outcomes for local contexts, set appropriate expectations of ACP outcomes, and standardize across studies.
Applying Ethical Principles When Discussing Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
Authors: Edwards Alexandra , Kelsey Beth , Pierce‐Bulger Marilyn , Rawlins Susan , Ruhl Catherine , Ryan Sharon , King Diane K.
Published: September 2020

Over the past 2 decades, more women in the United States are engaging in excessive alcohol use, including women of reproductive age. Consuming alcohol in amounts greater than recommended limits is associated with an increased risk for adverse health effects, such as breast cancer, hypertension stroke, spontaneous abortion, and infertility. No safe time, safe amount, or safe type of alcohol to consume during pregnancy has been identified. Contradictory beliefs about alcohol use, fear of stigmatization, and potential legal consequences can provide challenges for health care providers who communicate these risks to clients. Health care providers can help to prevent alcohol‐related health issues, including alcohol‐exposed pregnancies, by providing their clients with factual information about alcohol and health and client‐centered options for reducing their health risks. Clinicians can use alcohol screening and brief intervention as a framework for applying the ethical principles of autonomy, veracity, beneficence, and nonmaleficence when talking with women in ways that are nonstigmatizing and supportive to help reduce their health risks and prevent alcohol‐exposed pregnancies.