bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Sensitivity in Specific Points of the Areola and Nipple of Patients Submitted to Reduction Mammoplasty With Periareolar Dermis Release: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: de Sá Jairo Zacchê , Lopes Priscila , Santa-Cruz Fernando , de Oliveira Rodrigues Amanda Estelita , Santos Daniela Moura , de Andrade Aguiar José Lamartine
Published: March 2021

Background

To date, studies on periareolar dermis release have recorded the areola sensitivity as a mean. Despite being clinically reported by patients, specific points of the areola may present sensitivities not detected when researchers only consider mean values.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the pressure sensitivity at specific points of the nipple-areola complex and compare these values with the mean value measured in the areolas of patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty with periareolar dermis release.

Methods

This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial of 39 consecutive patients (78 breasts) who underwent surgery for treatment of breast hypertrophy; the same surgical technique was used for all patients. In each patient, 1 breast was assigned to a control group and the other to an experimental group. The periareolar dermis release was performed in the experimental group (39 breasts). Pressure sensitivity was tested with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments on the papilla and at 4 specific points of the areola. The evaluations were conducted preoperatively and at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 1 year postoperatively.

Results

The group comparisons show a statistically significant difference in sensitivity at the medial point of the areola and in the papilla at 3 weeks postoperation. This difference disappeared in the 1-year evaluation. This recovery profile also occurs when areola sensitivity corresponds to a mean value. The sensitivity significantly decreased at the lower point of the areola up to 1 year postoperation in the control and experimental groups.

Conclusions

The periareolar dermis release did not compromise the pressure sensitivity at the points evaluated in the nipple-areola complex. The mean areola sensitivity differed from the sensitivity at the lower point of the areola.

Level of Evidence: 4
A Minimally Nonanthropocentric Economics: What Is It, Is It Necessary, and Can It Avert the Biodiversity Crisis?
Authors: Vucetich John A , Damania Richard , Cushman Sam A , Macdonald Ewan A , Burnham Dawn , Offer-Westort Thomas , Bruskotter Jeremy T , Feltz Adam , Eeden Lily Van , Macdonald David W
Published: March 2021

An important line of scholarship concludes that stemming the biodiversity crisis requires widespread nonanthropocentric modes of action and decision-making. In this regard, knowing what would even constitute a nonanthropocentric economic decision-making framework is hobbled by failing to recognize a conflation in the taxonomy of capital as supposed by traditional (anthropocentric) economics. We explain how natural capital (a basic category in anthropocentric economies) conflates natural capital without intrinsic value and natural capital with intrinsic value. Recognizing this conflation allowed us to identify instances of quantitative analyses that have elements of nonanthropocentrism but that seem not to have been previously recognized as such. We also explore inescapable consequences of recognizing this conflation, including the need to better understand how economic decision-making should take account for interspecies distributive justice and human well-being. That second need augments independent calls by economists and policy experts to take better account of human well-being.
Prognostic value and reversibility of liver stiffness in patients undergoing tricuspid annuloplasty
Authors: Chen Yan , Chan Yap-Hang , Wu Mei-Zhen , Yu Yu-Juan , Ren Qing-Wen , Lam Yui-Ming , Seto Wai-Kay , Yuen Man-Fung , Chan Albert Chi-Yan , Lau Chu-Pak , Tse Hung-Fat , Yiu Kai-Hang
Published: March 2021

Background

Liver stiffness (LS) assessed by transient elastography is associated with adverse events in patients with heart failure. However, the predictive value of LS for adverse outcome is uncertain in patients undergoing tricuspid annuloplasty (TA). This study sought to evaluate the prognostic value and reversibility of LS in patients undergoing TA during left-sided valve surgery.

Methods and results

A total of 158 patients who underwent TA were prospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into three groups according to tertile of LS. Adverse outcome was defined as heart failure that required hospital admission or all-cause mortality following TA. The median LS was 13.9 (inter-quartile range 8.1–22.3) kPa and independently correlated positively with tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity, inferior vena cava diameter and negatively with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. During a median follow-up of 31 months, 49 adverse events occurred. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that LS was an independent predictor of adverse events. Significant improvement in LS at 1-year post-TA (13.1–7.8 kPa, P < 0.01) was noted only in patients who had no adverse events, not in those who experienced heart failure (17.1–14.2 kPa, P = 0.87) and seems to be linked to an absence of TR recurrence.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that LS is predictive of adverse outcome and is reversible in patients undergoing TA without TR recurrence at 1 year. These findings suggest that assessing LS, an integrative correlate of right heart condition, may aid the pre-operative risk assessment of candidate for heart surgery including TA.
Near, Far, Wherever You Are: Distance and Proximity in International Criminal Law
Authors: Clements Richard
Published: March 2021

As the International Criminal Court (ICC) nears its 20th year in operation, many international criminal law practitioners and scholars are asking: where is the ICC today in relation to its original promise to end impunity for the world’s worst crimes? Baked into that question are themes of the court’s distance and proximity, temporal and spatial, professional and existential. Where is the ICC located along the historic ‘arc of justice’ and how might we push it further along that path? How does the prosecutor’s refrain that the ICC is a ‘court of law’ that must keep away from political entanglements affect its interaction with domestic actors? What do practitioners and scholars mean when they encourage the ICC to ‘get closer’ to atrocity situations, whether through better communication, cooperation or in situ proceedings? These questions prompt reflection on the ICC’s distance from, and proximity to, the atrocity space through an analysis of three recent monographs on the ICC and Africa. Reviewing these contributions in law, political science and anthropology, this review essay gauges the multiple planes of distance and proximity on which international criminal law advocates operate. These planes turn out to play an important part in ordering global justice, particularly the spaces and subjects of atrocities as sites of anti-impunity work.
Endovascular occlusion balloon-related thrombosis during transvenous lead extraction
Authors: Pothineni Naga Venkata K , Tschabrunn Cory M , Carrillo Roger , Schaller Robert D
Published: March 2021

Aims

The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of balloon-related thrombosis (BRT) in patients undergoing transvenous lead extraction (TLE). Use of an endovascular occlusion balloon has improved outcomes of superior vena cava injuries during TLE. Its thrombogenicity in clinical practice is unknown.

Methods and results

We prospectively evaluated consecutive patients undergoing prophylactic balloon placement during TLE utilizing two procedural workflows: one with the balloon within the inferior vena cava during the entire case (standard cohort) and one limiting the balloon’s dwell time (abbreviated cohort). Intracardiac echocardiography was used to evaluate for significant BRT (thrombus > 1 cm) after TLE. Forty-two patients (21 in each group) were included. Age, left ventricular ejection fraction, procedural indication, number of leads, and lead dwell time were similar between the groups. Balloon dwell time was significantly longer in the standard group (128 ± 74 vs. 25 ± 18 min, P < 0.001) as was BRT (14/21 vs. 1/21, P < 0.001). Mean thrombus length and width in the standard group was 3.99 ± 1.40 and 0.45 ± 0.16 cm, respectively and 5.2 × 0.4 cm in one patient in the abbreviated group. Between patients with and without BRT in the standard group, balloon dwell times were similar (113 ± 64 vs. 156 ± 88 min, P = 0.21). One patient in the standard group had a pulmonary embolism on post-operative Day 3 and was initiated on oral anticoagulation.

Conclusion

Prophylactic balloon placement for the entirety of the case is associated with a high incidence of BRT; a finding that is decreased when an abbreviated workflow is utilized.
Persistence and adherence to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation across five Western European countries
Authors: Komen Joris J , Pottegård Anton , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje K , Forslund Tomas , Hjemdahl Paul , Wettermark Björn , Hellfritzsch Maja , Hallas Jesper , Olesen Morten , Bennie Marion , Mueller Tanja , Voss Annemarie , Schink Tania , Haug Ulrike , Kollhorst Bianca , Karlstad Øystein , Kjerpeseth Lars J , Klungel Olaf H
Published: March 2021

Aims

To assess persistence and adherence to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in five Western European healthcare settings.

Methods and results

We conducted a multi-country observational cohort study, including 559 445 AF patients initiating NOAC therapy from Stockholm (Sweden), Denmark, Scotland, Norway, and Germany between 2011 and 2018. Patients were followed from their first prescription until they switched to a vitamin K antagonist, emigrated, died, or the end of follow-up. We measured persistence and adherence over time and defined adequate adherence as medication possession rate ≥90% among persistent patients only.

Results

Overall, persistence declined to 82% after 1 year and to 63% after 5 years. When including restarters of NOAC treatment, 85% of the patients were treated with NOACs after 5 years. The proportion of patients with adequate adherence remained above 80% throughout follow-up. Persistence and adherence were similar between countries and was higher in patients starting treatment in later years. Both first year persistence and adherence were lower with dabigatran (persistence: 77%, adherence: 65%) compared with apixaban (86% and 75%) and rivaroxaban (83% and 75%) and were statistically lower after adjusting for patient characteristics. Adherence and persistence with dabigatran remained lower throughout follow-up.

Conclusion

Persistence and adherence were high among NOAC users in five Western European healthcare settings and increased in later years. Dabigatran use was associated with slightly lower persistence and adherence compared with apixaban and rivaroxaban.
Polar motion resonance in the prograde diurnal band
Authors: Nurul Huda I , Bizouard C , Allain D , Lambert S
Published: March 2021

Until now, the polar motion resonance (PMR) complex frequency has been determined in the seasonal and retrograde diurnal band of the polar motion. In this study, this resonance is studied in the prograde diurnal band, where polar motion is mainly composed of periodic terms caused by the diurnal oceanic tide. The resonance parameters (period and quality factor) are encompassed in the frequency transfer function between generating tidal potential and polar motion, and can be estimated accordingly. To this aim, we gather three published sets of prograde diurnal terms determined from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), to which we append our own estimates based upon a processing of the VLBI delays over the period 1990–2020. Then, by fitting the PMR parameters so that the prograde diurnal terms match the corresponding components of the tide generating potential, we obtained a resonance period of about 401 d and an equivalent quality factor of −22, differing from those reigning in the seasonal band (PPMR ≈ 431 d; QPMR ≈ 56–255) and in the retrograde diurnal band (PPMR ≈ 380 d; QPMR ≈ −10). Our estimates confirm strikingly the theoretical prediction derived from the tidal ocean angular momentum derived from the FES 2014 ocean tide model.
Fragile X premutation rCGG repeats impair synaptic growth and synaptic transmission atDrosophilalarval neuromuscular junction
Authors: Bhat Sajad A , Yousuf Aadil , Mushtaq Zeeshan , Kumar Vimlesh , Qurashi Abrar
Published: March 2021

Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disease that develops in some premutation (PM) carriers of the FMR1 gene with alleles bearing 55–200 CGG repeats. The discovery of a broad spectrum of clinical and cell-developmental abnormalities among PM carriers with or without FXTAS and in model systems suggests that neurodegeneration seen in FXTAS could be the inevitable end-result of pathophysiological processes set during early development. Hence, it is imperative to trace early PM-induced pathological abnormalities. Previous studies have shown that transgenic Drosophila carrying PM-length CGG repeats are sufficient to cause neurodegeneration. Here, we used the same transgenic model to understand the effect of CGG repeats on the structure and function of the developing nervous system. We show that presynaptic expression of CGG repeats restricts synaptic growth, reduces the number of synaptic boutons, leads to aberrant presynaptic varicosities, and impairs synaptic transmission at the larval neuromuscular junctions. The postsynaptic analysis shows that both glutamate receptors and subsynaptic reticulum proteins were normal. However, a high percentage of boutons show a reduced density of Bruchpilot protein, a key component of presynaptic active zones required for vesicle release. The electrophysiological analysis shows a significant reduction in quantal content, a measure of total synaptic vesicles released per excitation potential. Together, these findings suggest that synapse perturbation caused by riboCGG (rCGG) repeats mediates presynaptically during larval neuromuscular junction development. We also suggest that the stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase protein Basket and CIDE-N protein Drep-2 positively mediate Bruchpilot active zone defects caused by rCGG repeats.
Gain initial endorsement from the core: market entry, initial partners, and embeddedness in the venture capital market
Authors: Wang Pengfei
Published: March 2021

This study draws attention to the embedding process of market entrants, by examining the initial and subsequent partnerships of de alio entrants versus de novo entrants. Although de alio entrants have access to superior resources from their parents, they may encounter more resistance from the market as they project impure identity, introduce different logics, and pose greater competitive threats. Analyzing a sample of new entrants in the venture capital market, we find that while de alio entrants are less likely to establish initial partnerships with mainstream incumbents (i.e. receiving an overall initial resistance from the market), they are more likely than de novo entrants to establish ties with high-status incumbents (i.e. gaining more initial endorsement from the core). Results also show that initial network positions allow de alio entrants to sustain gaining prestigious endorsement in the later period, and at the same time to offset the overall resistance from mainstream incumbents. Our findings contribute to the literature on market entry and corporate demography.
Genome-wide analysis of urogenital and respiratory multidrug-resistant Haemophilus parainfluenzae
Authors: Sierra Yanik , González-Díaz Aida , Carrera-Salinas Anna , Berbel Dàmaris , Vázquez-Sánchez Daniel Antonio , Tubau Fe , Cubero Meritxell , Garmendia Junkal , Càmara Jordi , Ayats Josefina , Ardanuy Carmen , Marti Sara
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To characterize the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and the prevalence of the polysaccharide capsule among urogenital and respiratory Haemophilus parainfluenzae isolates.

Methods

Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by microdilution. Fifty-five MDR strains were subjected to WGS and were phylogenetically compared with all the available H. parainfluenzae genomes from the NCBI database. The identification of the capsular bexA gene was performed by PCR in 266 non-MDR strains.

Results

In 31 of the 42 ampicillin-resistant strains, blaTEM-1 located within Tn3 was identified. β-Lactamase-negative cefuroxime-resistant strains (n = 12) presented PBP3 substitutions. The catS gene (n = 14), the tet(M)-MEGA element (n = 18) and FolA substitutions (I95L and F154V/S) (n = 41) were associated with resistance to chloramphenicol, tetracycline plus macrolides, and co-trimoxazole, respectively. Thirty-seven isolates had a Tn10 harbouring tet(B)/(C)/(D)/(R) genes with (n = 15) or without (n = 22) catA2. Putative transposons (Tn7076–Tn7079), including aminoglycoside and co-trimoxazole resistance genes, were identified in 10 strains (18.2%). These transposons were integrated into three new integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), which also included the resistance-associated transposons Tn3 and Tn10. The capsular operon was found only in the urogenital isolates (18/154, 11.7%), but no phylogenetic clustering was observed. The capsular operons identified were similar to those of Haemophilus influenzae serotype c and Haemophilus sputorum type 2.

Conclusions

The identification of ICEs with up to three resistance-associated transposons suggests that these transferable elements play an important role in the acquisition of multidrug resistance in H. parainfluenzae. Moreover, the presence of polysaccharide capsules in some of these urogenital isolates is a cause for concern.
Serum INHB levels and ACE gene I/D polymorphism with increased risk for unexplained infertility
Authors: Turan T , Pekel A , Duvan Z C İ , Gönenç A
Published: March 2021

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) has a significant role in the angiogenesis of ovarian endothelium and the resumption of meiosis and folicular growth. However, there is no any study concerning ACE polymorphism and unexplained infertility (UI). The main aim of this study is that both identify ACE polymorphism and measure the serum ACE, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin-B (INHB) levels in UI patients and controls in Turkish population. Forty-seven UI patients and 41 controls were involved in this study. To determine the ACE polymorphisms, DNA isolation and PCR were performed. Then, serum ACE, AMH and INHB levels were measured spectrophotometrically. Patients with UI had significantly higher serum INHB levels compared with controls (P < 0.05). Serum ACE levels were decreased, compared to controls; however, the decrease was not significant. Serum AMH levels did not significantly differ from controls. When the relationship was analysed between ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and infertility risk, and ID genotype was chosen as reference, it was found to be 2.33 times more risk of UI than the women have DD genotype [DD versus ID: odds ratio = 2.33, 95% confidence interval (0.88–6.19); P = 0.086]. This finding indicates that DD genotype may be high risk for UI. Further studies are warranted to confirm this finding, especially with a larger population.
Fatty acid oxidation and autophagy promote endoxifen resistance and counter the effect of AKT inhibition in ER-positive breast cancer cells
Authors: Duan Lei , Calhoun Sarah , Shim Daeun , Perez Ricardo E , Blatter Lothar A , Maki Carl G
Published: March 2021

Tamoxifen (TAM) is the first-line endocrine therapy for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer (BC). However, acquired resistance occurs in ∼50% cases. Meanwhile, although the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a viable target for treatment of endocrine therapy-refractory patients, complex signaling feedback loops exist, which can counter the effectiveness of inhibitors of this pathway. Here, we analyzed signaling pathways and metabolism in ER+ MCF7 BC cell line and their TAM-resistant derivatives that are co-resistant to endoxifen using immunoblotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the Agilent Seahorse XF Analyzer. We found that activation of AKT and the energy-sensing kinase AMPK was increased in TAM and endoxifen-resistant cells. Furthermore, ERRα/PGC-1β and their target genes MCAD and CPT-1 were increased and regulated by AMPK, which coincided with increased fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and autophagy in TAM-resistant cells. Inhibition of AKT feedback-activates AMPK and ERRα/PGC-1β-MCAD/CPT-1 with a consequent increase in FAO and autophagy that counters the therapeutic effect of endoxifen and AKT inhibitors. Therefore, our results indicate increased activation of AKT and AMPK with metabolic reprogramming and increased autophagy in TAM-resistant cells. Simultaneous inhibition of AKT and FAO/autophagy is necessary to fully sensitize resistant cells to endoxifen.
Evaluating Polygenic Risk Scores for Breast Cancer in Women of African Ancestry
Authors: Du Zhaohui , Gao Guimin , Adedokun Babatunde , Ahearn Thomas , Lunetta Kathryn L , Zirpoli Gary , Troester Melissa A , Ruiz-Narváez Edward A , Haddad Stephen A , PalChoudhury Parichoy , Figueroa Jonine , John Esther M , Bernstein Leslie , Zheng Wei , Hu Jennifer J , Ziegler Regina G , Nyante Sarah , Bandera Elisa V , Ingles Sue A , Mancuso Nicholas , Press Michael F , Deming Sandra L , Rodriguez-Gil Jorge L , Yao Song , Ogundiran Temidayo O , Ojengbe Oladosu , Bolla Manjeet K , Dennis Joe , Dunning Alison M , Easton Douglas F , Michailidou Kyriaki , Pharoah Paul D P , Sandler Dale P , Taylor Jack A , Wang Qin , Weinberg Clarice R , Kitahara Cari M , Blot William , Nathanson Katherine L , Hennis Anselm , Nemesure Barbara , Ambs Stefan , Sucheston-Campbell Lara E , Bensen Jeannette T , Chanock Stephen J , Olshan Andrew F , Ambrosone Christine B , Olopade Olufunmilayo I , Yarney Joel , Awuah Baffour , Wiafe-Addai Beatrice , Conti David V ,   the GBHS Study Team, Palmer Julie R , Garcia-Closas Montserrat , Huo Dezheng , Haiman Christopher A
Published: March 2021

Background

Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) have been demonstrated to identify women of European, Asian, and Latino ancestry at elevated risk of developing breast cancer (BC). We evaluated the performance of existing PRSs trained in European ancestry populations among women of African ancestry.

Methods

We assembled genotype data for women of African ancestry, including 9241 case subjects and 10 193 control subjects. We evaluated associations of 179- and 313-variant PRSs with overall and subtype-specific BC risk. PRS discriminatory accuracy was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. We also evaluated a recalibrated PRS, replacing the index variant with variants in each region that better captured risk in women of African ancestry and estimated lifetime absolute risk of BC in African Americans by PRS category.

Results

For overall BC, the odds ratio per SD of the 313-variant PRS (PRS313) was 1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23 to 1.31), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.571 (95% CI = 0.562 to 0.579). Compared with women with average risk (40th-60th PRS percentile), women in the top decile of PRS313 had a 1.54-fold increased risk (95% CI = 1.38-fold to 1.72-fold). By age 85 years, the absolute risk of overall BC was 19.6% for African American women in the top 1% of PRS313 and 6.7% for those in the lowest 1%. The recalibrated PRS did not improve BC risk prediction.

Conclusion

The PRSs stratify BC risk in women of African ancestry, with attenuated performance compared with that reported in European, Asian, and Latina populations. Future work is needed to improve BC risk stratification for women of African ancestry.
Pharmaceutical care services provided by pharmacists during COVID-19 pandemic: perspectives from around the World
Authors: Sridhar Sathvik B , Rabbani Syed Arman
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Pharmacists have proven to be an indispensable member of the frontline healthcare team during this COVID-19 pandemic and have performed key roles and responsibilities to mitigate its adverse impact. They are facing several unusual challenges in these changing and evolving circumstances and are adopting novel strategies to overcome them. This review aims to identify and describe the different pharmaceutical care services delivered by pharmacists during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A review of different studies was conducted to appraise the existing literature regarding various pharmaceutical care services carried out by the pharmacist during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review was done using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). A comprehensive literature search was done using different databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase and ProQuest to identify the relevant studies.

Key findings

The review highlights the various pharmaceutical care services provided and implemented by pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmaceutical care services like patient education and counselling, providing information, addressing medication shortages, teleconsultation, medication review, optimizing medication regimen, adverse drug reaction monitoring and addressing the medication-related problems are being delivered by the pharmacists in this ongoing pandemic.

Conclusions

All the studies described the roles and responsibilities of the pharmacists during COVID-19. This pandemic adversity has opened up new avenues for the pharmacists which have broadened their scope as the member of multidisciplinary healthcare team. Pharmacists have to overcome the unforeseen barriers and challenges and continue providing need-based pharmaceutical care services.
Consequences of crisis and the great re-think: COVID-19’s impact on energy investment, sustainability and the future of international investment agreements
Authors: Duggal Kabir , Rangachari Rekha , Gupta Kanika
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting disruptions are having a significant impact on the global economy and international investments. Various State measures to address the pandemic are leading to widespread economic disruptions across several industries, including the energy sector. The current crisis has impacted energy demand, disrupted the global supply chain and created financial uncertainty. The pandemic has exacerbated issues relating to health, the environment, labour and human rights in the energy sector. This article seeks to understand the pandemic’s impact in shaping future human rights policy in international investment law. This article analyses current drafting trends in international investment agreements (IIAs) in 2019–2020, particularly in the context of recent developments in sustainable development and human rights. Although there are some noteworthy developments in recent IIAs, the pandemic has highlighted the need for further treaty reforms. It provides an opportunity for policymakers and corporations alike to address human rights issues and to incorporate the principles of sustainable investment into IIAs. The energy sector in particular plays a significant role in promoting sustainable development and post-COVID policy reforms will be essential for future energy security and global stability. In conclusion, this article considers the future of potential reforms in the post-COVID recovery agenda while keeping in mind energy and climate goals.
Do Health Programs Contribute to Keeping the Peace? A Scientific Analysis
Authors: Waller Stephen G
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The role of health problems and programs to address problems in keeping the peace has not been scientifically analyzed. We sought to mitigate this gap in knowledge.

Methods

We examined hundreds of conflicts in a robust international database (NAVCO 2.0) for the presence of health programs by conflict parties and were unable to demonstrate a significant statistical correlation between the presence of a health program and peace. Using this analysis and a comprehensive international database of health conditions (the Global Burden of Disease), we obtained Institutional Review Board approval and undertook a matched case-control analysis. We identified 14 countries with new-onset conflict as our cases and 52 similar countries without conflict during the same year as our controls. We calculated the association between conflict status and the prevalence of 254 different health conditions among the case and control nations.

Results

None of the 254 health conditions had changes in prevalence that correlated with the conflict status of that nation. None of those common health conditions is therefore a predictive “leading indicator” of conflict in this study.

Conclusions

Without such an association or causal link, the role of health programs in peacekeeping and “stability operations” remains ambiguous. Negative findings do not mean that there is no connection between health programs and peace, and further study should be done. Our results have implications for the value of global health engagement missions.
Compact planetary nebulae MaC 2-1 and Sp 4-1: photoionization models and dust characteristics
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Rahul , Das Ramkrishna , Mondal Soumen
Published: March 2021

We study the characteristics of the planetary nebulae (PNe) MaC 2-1 and Sp 4-1. We use our optical spectra taken with the 2 m Himalayan Chandra Telescope, Spitzer mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectra, HST images, and IR photometric data. These PNe have not previously been individually studied in detail. Both are in the low- to moderate-excitation class. MaC 2-1 shows the presence of silicon carbide (SiC) and magnesium sulphide (MgS) dust. Sp 4-1 hosts polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules. We obtain the plasma properties of the PNe from the optical and mid-IR emission-line fluxes. We compute photoionization models of the PNe for the self-consistent estimation of physical parameters associated with the central star and the nebula, including nebular abundances. From the modelling of the IR data, we obtain the characteristics of dust and molecules formed in the nebulae. From our study, we estimate that the progenitors of MaC 2-1 and Sp 4-1 had masses of 1.2 and 1.55 M⊙, respectively, and both of them seem to have been born in a metal-poor environment. Both are distant PNe, with estimated distances of 16 and 18 kpc for MaC 2-1 and Sp 4-1, respectively.
Quantification of nickel and cobalt mobility and accumulation via the phloem in the hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Deng Teng-Hao-Bo , Chen Jie-Qian , Geng Ke-Rui , van der Ent Antony , Tang Ye-Tao , Wen Dian , Wang Xu , Li Lei , Du Rui-Ying , Morel Jean-Louis , Qiu Rong-Liang
Published: March 2021

Hyperaccumulators have exceptional phloem translocation capability for heavy metals. This study aims at quantifying the mobility and accumulation of Ni and Co via the phloem in the model hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens. “Phloem loading capability (PLC),” which is calculated by the “Metal content in phloem sap/Metal content in leaves,” was introduced to evaluate the metal phloem mobility, while “Phloem mobility value (PMV)” was used for the normalization of PLC, which sets the PLC of Sr as PMV 0 and that of Rb as 100. The results showed that the PMVs of Ni and Co were 63 and 47, respectively. And the phloem mobility of Rb, Ni, Co, and Sr could be graded as highly mobile, mobile, intermediate, and immobile accordingly. The phloem stream can supply up to 19.1% and 16.0% of the total Ni and Co accumulated in the young leaves, respectively, while for Rb and Sr, the phloem contributes to 29% and 1.4% of the total Rb or Sr, indicating phloem contribution of certain metal is directly linked with its mobility. The results of this study raise the importance of phloem translocation on metal accumulation in shoots and provide insights on the metal cycling process in hyperaccumulators.
What defines a synthetic riboswitch? – Conformational dynamics of ciprofloxacin aptamers with similar binding affinities but varying regulatory potentials
Authors: Kaiser Christoph , Schneider Jeannine , Groher Florian , Suess Beatrix , Wachtveitl Josef
Published: March 2021

Among the many in vitro-selected aptamers derived from SELEX protocols, only a small fraction has the potential to be applied for synthetic riboswitch engineering. Here, we present a comparative study of the binding properties of three different aptamers that bind to ciprofloxacin with similar KD values, yet only two of them can be applied as riboswitches. We used the inherent ligand fluorescence that is quenched upon binding as the reporter signal in fluorescence titration and in time-resolved stopped-flow experiments. Thus, we were able to demonstrate differences in the binding kinetics of regulating and non-regulating aptamers. All aptamers studied underwent a two-step binding mechanism that suggests an initial association step followed by a reorganization of the aptamer to accommodate the ligand. We show that increasing regulatory potential is correlated with a decreasing back-reaction rate of the second binding step, thus resulting in a virtually irreversible last binding step of regulating aptamers. We suggest that a highly favoured structural adaption of the RNA to the ligand during the final binding step is essential for turning an aptamer into a riboswitch. In addition, our results provide an explanation for the fact that so few aptamers with regulating capacity have been found to date. Based on our data, we propose an adjustment of the selection protocol for efficient riboswitch detection.
Myod1 and GR coordinate myofiber-specific transcriptional enhancers
Authors: Rovito Daniela , Rerra Anna-Isavella , Ueberschlag-Pitiot Vanessa , Joshi Shilpy , Karasu Nezih , Dacleu-Siewe Vanessa , Rayana Khalil Ben , Ghaibour Kamar , Parisotto Maxime , Ferry Arnaud , Jelinsky Scott A , Laverny Gilles , Klaholz Bruno P , Sexton Tom , Billas Isabelle M L , Duteil Delphine , Metzger Daniel
Published: March 2021

Skeletal muscle is a dynamic tissue the size of which can be remodeled through the concerted actions of various cues. Here, we investigated the skeletal muscle transcriptional program and identified key tissue-specific regulatory genetic elements. Our results show that Myod1 is bound to numerous skeletal muscle enhancers in collaboration with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to control gene expression. Remarkably, transcriptional activation controlled by these factors occurs through direct contacts with the promoter region of target genes, via the CpG-bound transcription factor Nrf1, and the formation of Ctcf-anchored chromatin loops, in a myofiber-specific manner. Moreover, we demonstrate that GR negatively controls muscle mass and strength in mice by down-regulating anabolic pathways. Taken together, our data establish Myod1, GR and Nrf1 as key players of muscle-specific enhancer-promoter communication that orchestrate myofiber size regulation.
NMR solution structures of Runella slithyformis RNA 2′-phosphotransferase Tpt1 provide insights into NAD+ binding and specificity
Authors: Alphonse Sébastien , Banerjee Ankan , Dantuluri Swathi , Shuman Stewart , Ghose Ranajeet
Published: March 2021

Tpt1, an essential component of the fungal and plant tRNA splicing machinery, catalyzes transfer of an internal RNA 2′-PO4 to NAD+ yielding RNA 2′-OH and ADP-ribose-1′,2′-cyclic phosphate products. Here, we report NMR structures of the Tpt1 ortholog from the bacterium Runella slithyformis (RslTpt1), as apoenzyme and bound to NAD+. RslTpt1 consists of N- and C-terminal lobes with substantial inter-lobe dynamics in the free and NAD+-bound states. ITC measurements of RslTpt1 binding to NAD+ (KD ∼31 μM), ADP-ribose (∼96 μM) and ADP (∼123 μM) indicate that substrate affinity is determined primarily by the ADP moiety; no binding of NMN or nicotinamide is observed by ITC. NAD+-induced chemical shift perturbations (CSPs) localize exclusively to the RslTpt1 C-lobe. NADP+, which contains an adenylate 2′-PO4 (mimicking the substrate RNA 2′-PO4), binds with lower affinity (KD ∼1 mM) and elicits only N-lobe CSPs. The RslTpt1·NAD+ binary complex reveals C-lobe contacts to adenosine ribose hydroxyls (His99, Thr101), the adenine nucleobase (Asn105, Asp112, Gly113, Met117) and the nicotinamide riboside (Ser125, Gln126, Asn163, Val165), several of which are essential for RslTpt1 activity in vivo. Proximity of the NAD+ β-phosphate to ribose-C1″ suggests that it may stabilize an oxocarbenium transition-state during the first step of the Tpt1-catalyzed reaction.
Children’s Parliaments
Authors: Tisdall E. Kay M.
Published: March 2021

A children’s parliament can be defined as a formal structure for children and young people’s participation that meets on a regular or semi-regular basis. This is a working definition, as there is no single definition of children’s parliaments universally agreed upon. Very similar structures can be called different things, such as child councils, child forums, youth councils, and youth parliaments. For this entry, resources are included that refer to these and other terms but excludes structures only at school level. This entry concentrates on resources for children and young people under the age of eighteen, following the definition of the child in Article 1 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). However, there are far more resources on youth parliaments than on children’s parliaments, and youth parliaments frequently include young people below and above the age of eighteen. Thus, certain resources are included if the youth parliaments in question extend below the age of eighteen. Research evidence is illuminating but limited. Children’s parliaments can be found throughout the world, across all regions, sometimes championed by nongovernmental organizations (e.g., Ethiopia and India), while others supported by government (e.g., Finland, Ireland, Scotland, and the United States). They tend to involve older children and young people (i.e., over the age of twelve), although there are exceptions. For advocates, they are opportunities for children and young people to engage in democratic practices, influence decision-making, and develop personal skills and leadership qualities; for critics, they are tokenistic and unrepresentative structures that limit rather than further children and young people’s participation to influence decision-making collectively. The growth of children’s parliament was galvanized by the UNCRC and its participation rights. In particular, Article 12 of the UNCRC outlines children’s right “to express their views freely in all matters affecting the child,” and that these views be given “due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.” Children’s parliaments are one response to ensuring children’s views are expressed and given due weight in collective decision-making.
miR156/157 Targets SPLs to Regulate Flowering Transition, Plant Architecture and Flower Organ Size in Petunia
Authors: Zhou Qin , Shi Jiewei , Li Zhineng , Zhang Sisi , Zhang Shuting , Zhang Jiaqi , Bao Manzhu , Liu Guofeng
Published: March 2021

miR156/157 plays multiple pivotal roles during plant growth and development. In this study, we identified 11 miR156- and 5 miR157-encoding loci from the genome of Petunia axillaris and Petunia inflata, designated as PaMIR0156/157s and PiMIR0156/157s, respectively. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis indicated that PhmiR156/157 was expressed predominantly in cotyledons, germinating seeds, flower buds, young fruits and seedlings. PhmiR156/157 levels declined in shoot apical buds and leaves of petunia before flowering as the plant ages; moreover, the temporal expression patterns of most miR156/157-targeted PhSPLs were complementary to that of PhmiR156/157. Ectopic expression of PhMIR0157a in Arabidopsis and petunia resulted in delayed flowering, dwarf plant stature, increased branches and reduced organ size. However, PhMIR0156f-overexpressing Arabidopsis and petunia plants showed only delayed flowering. In addition, downregulation of PhmiR156/157 level by overexpressing STTM156/157 led to taller plants with less branches, longer internodes and precocious flowering. qRT-PCR analysis indicated that PhmiR156/157 modulates these traits mainly by downregulating their PhSPL targets and subsequently decreasing the expression of flowering regulatory genes. Our results demonstrate that the PhmiR156/157-PhSPL module has conserved but also divergent functions in growth and development, which will help us decipher the genetic basis for the improvement of flower transition, plant architecture and organ development in petunia.
Experimental Constraints on Dacite Magma Storage beneath Volcán Quizapu, Chile
Authors: First Emily C , Hammer Julia E , Ruprecht Philipp , Rutherford Malcolm
Published: March 2021

Volcán Quizapu, Chile, is an under-monitored volcano that was the site of two historical eruptions: an effusive eruption in 1846–1847 and a Plinian eruption in 1932, both of which discharged ∼5 km3 (dense rock equivalent) of lava and/or tephra. The majority of material erupted in both cases is trachydacite, nearly identical for each event. We present H2O-saturated, phase equilibrium experiments on this end-member dacite magma, using a pumice sample from the 1932 eruption as the main starting material. At an oxygen fugacity (fO2) of ∼NNO + 0·2 (where NNO is the nickel–nickel oxide buffer), the phase assemblage of An25–30 plagioclase + amphibole + orthopyroxene, without biotite, is stable at 865 ± 10 °C and 110 ± 20 MPa H2O pressure (PH2O), corresponding to ∼4 km depth. At these conditions, experiments also reproduce the quenched glass composition of the starting pumice. At slightly higher PH2O and below 860 °C, biotite joins the equilibrium assemblage. Because biotite is not part of the observed Quizapu phase assemblage, its presence places an upper limit on PH2O. At the determined storage PH2O of ∼110 MPa, H2O undersaturation of the magma with XH2Ofluid = 0·87 would align Ptotal to mineral-based geobarometry estimates of ∼130 MPa. However, XH2Ofluid < 1 is not required to reproduce the Quizapu dacite phase assemblage and compositions. A second suite of experiments at lower fO2 shows that the stability fields of the hydrous silicates (amphibole and biotite) are significantly restricted at NNO – 2 relative to NNO + 0·2. Additional observations of Quizapu lava and pumice samples support the existing hypothesis that rapid pre-eruptive heating drove the effusive 1846–1847 eruption, with important refinements. We demonstrate that microlites in the end-member dacite lavas are consistent with in situ crystallization (during ascent), rather than transfer from an andesite. In one end-member dacite lava, newly identified reverse zoning in orthopyroxene and incipient destabilization of amphibole are consistent with small degrees of heating. Our work articulates a clear direction for future Quizapu studies, which are warranted given the active nature of the Cerro Azul–Descabezado Grande volcanic axis.
The neural underpinnings of intergroup social cognition: an fMRI meta-analysis
Authors: Merritt Carrington C , MacCormack Jennifer K , Stein Andrea G , Lindquist Kristen A , Muscatell Keely A
Published: March 2021

Roughly 20 years of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have investigated the neural correlates underlying engagement in social cognition (e.g. empathy and emotion perception) about targets spanning various social categories (e.g. race and gender). Yet, findings from individual studies remain mixed. In the present quantitative functional neuroimaging meta-analysis, we summarized across 50 fMRI studies of social cognition to identify consistent differences in neural activation as a function of whether the target of social cognition was an in-group or out-group member. We investigated if such differences varied according to a specific social category (i.e. race) and specific social cognitive processes (i.e. empathy and emotion perception). We found that social cognition about in-group members was more reliably related to activity in brain regions associated with mentalizing (e.g. dorsomedial prefrontal cortex), whereas social cognition about out-group members was more reliably related to activity in regions associated with exogenous attention and salience (e.g. anterior insula). These findings replicated for studies specifically focused on the social category of race, and we further found intergroup differences in neural activation during empathy and emotion perception tasks. These results help shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying social cognition across group lines.
Neglecting Reproductive Labor: A Critical Review of Gender Equality Indices
Authors: Schmid Caitlin B
Published: March 2021

Gender equality indices are increasingly influential tools used for governance and knowledge production. This article evaluates the adequacy of the seventeen existing multi-dimensional gender equality indices and shows that all but one neglect unpaid reproductive labor to varying degrees. The empirical analysis offers three lessons for these indices’ improvement. First, that it is possible to measure the gendered division of unpaid reproductive labor using gender equality indices. Second, that data availability need not compromise the coherence of the indices’ frameworks. Finally, that indices can reduce the overbearing emphasis on quantitative indicators in governance by complementing their findings with qualitative analyses.