bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imperial Governance and the Growth of Legislative Power in America
Authors: Gailmard Sean
Published: May 2021

The power of assemblies in the British new world grew far beyond the bounds intended at their creation. Although the British crown instructed royal governors to use legal powers to restrain assemblies, they were unsuccessful. I develop a formal model to account for this. In this model colonial assemblies can challenge the agenda setting powers of colonial governors. “Strong” governors withstand these challenges easily; “weak” ones prefer to capitulate. The crown wishes to retain only strong governors; however, it observes only policy outcomes but not the resolution of challenges to the governor's agenda power. In equilibrium, the crown cannot distinguish between a strong governor holding agenda power against a tough assembly, and a weak governor conceding agenda power to a moderate one. Weak governors therefore avoid conflict with the assembly, yet conceal their weakness from the crown. But the assembly observes the governor's concessions, and challenges weak governors even more in the future. This creates a dynamic path of growing assembly power. The model provides a strategic logic of endogenous institutional change, and one of the most important institutional developments in American history: the growth of legislative power.
John Hunter: Personal and professional inspiration from the sovereign of surgery
Authors: Moore Anthony R. (Tony)
Published: May 2021

History of surgery: A personal and professional account of the influence of John Hunter pioneer surgeon, comparative anatomist and scholar on a contemporary surgeon's life. A reflective paper on the grand contribution a mighty mind made to the art and science of surgery. The author has a dual scholastic background which opened additional sources of biographic interest.
Flying on wood and fabric: The tree species used for the construction of the Ansaldo A.1 “Balilla” biplane (1918)
Authors: Bernabei Mauro , Capra Neva , Giovannini Lucia , Tomasi Maria Luisa
Published: May 2021

The Ansaldo A.1 “Balilla” biplane is of great historical interest, because it illustrates the level of development reached by the Italian aircraft industry during the last stages of World War I. To date, the airplane is kept in its original state, and it has never been restored. The aircraft is essentially made of wood and fabric. Wood in particular has been used in a very skilful way, making the airplane lightweight, yet elastic and resistant. In this work, the entire wooden structure of the aircraft was analysed, and the tree species were microscopically identified. Species belonging to six different genera have been identified. We found spruce in the frame, elm in the wing ribs, walnut in the propeller, alder in various plywood layers, rosewood in the outer layer of the decorative plywood, and pine in the tail rudder. The main structure of the aircraft was made of spruce, most likely a Sitka spruce, which was widely used for aircraft construction. The Ansaldo A.1 “Balilla” biplane is an excellent example of the wise use of wood before the revolution upon the boost in synthetic materials and represents an important historical and cultural heritage.
Business model innovation: A study of empowering leadership
Authors: Amoroso Donald L. , Lim Ricardo A. , Santamaria Jose Gerardo O.
Published: May 2021

We investigate how empowering leadership correlates with team creativity, manager creativity and exploratory orientation, and how they relate to business model innovation. Structural equation model results from a survey of 1149 respondents supported most of our hypotheses. Exploratory orientation is significantly related to business model innovation, and empowering leadership is related to business model innovation through creativity and exploratory orientation. Surprisingly, neither empowering leadership nor team creativity was related with business model innovation. Empowering leadership and team creativity might be necessary but insufficient factors in explaining business model innovation. We discuss leadership implications for encouraging an organizational climate of creativity, exploration and innovation.
VLX1570 induces apoptosis through the generation of ROS and induction of ER stress on leukemia cell lines
Authors: Kurozumi Nami , Tsujioka Takayuki , Ouchida Mamoru , Sakakibara Kanae , Nakahara Takako , Suemori Shin‐ichiro , Takeuchi Masaki , Kitanaka Akira , Shibakura Misako , Tohyama Kaoru
Published: May 2021

A novel proteasome deubiquitinase inhibitor, VLX1570, has been highlighted as a promising therapeutic agent mainly for lymphoid neoplasms and solid tumors. We examined in vitro effects of VLX1570 on eight myeloid and three lymphoid leukemia cell lines. From cell culture studies, 10 out of 11 cell lines except K562 were found to be susceptible to VLX1570 treatment and it inhibited cell growth mainly by apoptosis. Next, to identify the signaling pathways associated with apoptosis, we performed gene expression profiling using HL‐60 with or without 50 nmol/L of VLX1570 for 3 hours and demonstrated that VLX1570 induced the genetic pathway involved in “heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) activation”, “HSF1 dependent transactivation”, and “Regulation of HSF1 mediated heat shock response”. VLX1570 increased the amount of high molecular weight polyubiquitinated proteins and the expression of HSP70 as the result of the suppression of ubiquitin proteasome system, the expression of heme oxygenase‐1, and the amount of phosphorylation in JNK and p38 associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced apoptosis and the amount of phosphorylation in eIF2α, inducing the expression of ATF4 and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress dependent apoptosis protein, CHOP, and the amount of phosphorylation slightly in IRE1α, leading to increased expression of XBP‐1s in leukemia cell lines. In the present study, we demonstrate that VLX1570 induces apoptosis and exerts a potential anti‐leukemic effect through the generation of ROS and induction of ER stress in leukemia cell lines.
Association between periodontal disease and oral cancer screening among US adults: NHANES 2011‐2014
Authors: Naavaal Shillpa , Garcia Dina T. , Deng Xiaoyan , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To examine oral cancer screening rates and associated factors among adults with periodontal disease (PD). We hypothesized that adults with severe PD will be less likely to report receipt of any type of oral cancer screening than adults with no PD.

Materials and Methods

We used 2011‐2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data on adults ≥30 years. PD status was classified as no PD, mild/moderate PD and severe PD. Survey‐adjusted logistic regression analysis was used to examine the model adjusted risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the outcome of not receiving intraoral, extraoral or both types of oral cancer screenings among adults with PD. Control variables included age, sex, race/ethnicity, health insurance, education, income level, smoking status, alcohol use and last dental visit.

Results

The analytic sample included 6962 adults weighted to the national population of adults who had a periodontal examination during 2011‐2014. Overall, 31.5%, 26.8% and 20.9% of adults reported receipt of intraoral, extraoral and both types of oral cancer screening, respectively. Almost 40% of adults had some form of PD (7.6% severe and 32.4% mild/moderate PD). A higher proportion of 45‐64‐year‐olds, males, non‐Hispanic Blacks, those with less than high school education, with income level less than 200% federal poverty level, or those with no insurance had severe PD than no PD. In adjusted analyses, adults with severe PD were significantly more likely to report no receipt of intraoral (RR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.12‐1.40), extraoral (RR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.07‐1.27) or both types of oral cancer screenings (RR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.10‐1.27) than those with no PD.

Conclusions

Significantly low proportion of adult's age ≥30 years with severe PD reported receiving any type of oral cancer screening. The association between PD and risk of oral cancers points to the need to improve oral cancer screening rates among adults with PD.
Pancreas transplantation for cystic fibrosis: A frequently missed opportunity
Authors: Fridell Jonathan A. , Bozic Molly A. , Ulrich Benjamin J. , Lutz Andrew J. , Powelson John A.
Published: May 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder. Despite optimized therapy, the majority of affected individuals ultimately die of respiratory failure. As patients with CF are living longer, extra‐pulmonary manifestations may develop including pancreatic failure, which manifests as exocrine insufficiency, and CF‐related diabetes (CFRD). Both of these can be managed through pancreas transplantation. Pancreas transplantation is usually performed in combination with another organ, most often with a kidney transplant for end‐stage diabetic nephropathy. In the CF patient population, the two settings where inclusion of a pancreas transplant should be considered would be in combination with a lung transplant for CF pulmonary disease, or in combination with a liver for CF‐related liver disease with cirrhosis. This report will discuss this topic in detail, including a review of the literature regarding combinations of lung/pancreas and liver/pancreas transplant.
Validation of ROS1 by immunohistochemistry against fluorescent in situ hybridisation on cytology and small biopsy samples in a large teaching hospital
Authors: Narine Nadira , Wallace Andrew , Dore Jonathan , O’Leary‐Jackson Simon , Al Najjar Haider , Bailey Simon , Khan Kashif , Teng Benjamin , Qasim Muhammad , Shelton David , Holbrook Miles , Abbasi Salma , Carter Matthew , Irion Luciane , Al‐Habba Samer , Lindsay Colin , Blackhall Fiona , Rana Durgesh
Published: May 2021

Objective

Rearranged ROS1, present in 1%‐2% of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, usually young, never or light smokers, is assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine eligibility for tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the protein product of ROS1 rearrangement, a cost‐effective alternative, is validated on cytology and small biopsy samples.

Methods

From 1 March to 31 December 2019, cytology cell blocks and small biopsy samples from a selected cohort of NSCLC patients were concurrently tested for ROS1 gene rearrangement by Vysis 6q22 Break Apart FISH probe and IHC using Cell Signalling D4D6 antibody. Mismatch cases were tested by an RNA fusion next generation sequencing (NGS) panel.

Results

In a prospective population of 95 cases, 91 were negative and two were positive by both FISH and IHC. Both dual positive cases were female never smokers and benefited from TKI treatment. Another two cases were positive by FISH but negative by IHC and repeat by NGS showed one to be negative but one failed. Turnaround time for IHC was 0 to 8 days from request to authorisation, whilst that of FISH was 9 to 42 days at a cost of £51 and £159 respectively.

Conclusion

IHC to assess for the protein product of ROS1 gene rearrangement on cytology cell blocks and small biopsy samples in a routine setting is a promising screening method to assess eligibility for TKI treatment with positive and indeterminate cases confirmed by FISH or NGS as it has good negative predictive value, faster turnaround time and is cost effective, with proven technical and clinical validation.
Help yourself by helping others: self‐interest in appeals for Russian famine relief, 1921–23
Authors: Werther Steffen
Published: May 2021

The hypothesis of psychological egoism is a commonplace in disciplines like economics, psychology, and biology. As an explanatory model it includes prosocial behaviour such as providing aid for distant strangers. But the inclusion of self‐interest in humanitarian appeals can prove difficult because the moral economy of charitable work is regulated by different standards than the liberal market economy. This paper analyses the use of self‐interest in appeals for humanitarian aid during the Russian famine of 1921–23 through the lens of modern philanthropic studies, while simultaneously assessing theories of philanthropic behaviour from a historical perspective. It points out the need for the systematic inclusion of historical experience in philanthropic research and concludes that the specific conditions surrounding the international campaign favoured the widespread use of appeals to donors' self‐interest. An ideal–typical categorisation of such appeals into four groups—national, economic, group‐specific, and psychological—is proposed as an analytical tool for similar studies.
Epidemiology of cerebral palsy in low‐ and middle‐income countries: preliminary findings from an international multi‐centre cerebral palsy register
Authors: Jahan Israt , Muhit Mohammad , Hardianto Denny , Laryea Francis , Chhetri Amir Banjara , Smithers‐Sheedy Hayley , McIntyre Sarah , Badawi Nadia , Khandaker Gulam
Published: May 2021

Aim

To describe the epidemiology of cerebral palsy (CP) in children from low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) using data from the Global Low‐ and Middle‐Income Country CP register (GLM‐CPR).

Method

The GLM‐CPR is a multi‐country initiative that combines and compares data from children with CP (<18y) in LMICs. Children with CP are registered after detailed neurodevelopmental assessment by a multidisciplinary medical team using a harmonized protocol. Data are collected on agreed core variables. Descriptive analyses are completed to report findings from participating countries.

Results

Between January 2015 and May 2019, 2664 children were recruited from Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, and Ghana (mean age [SD] at assessment: 7y 8mo [4y 8mo], 95% confidence interval 7y 6mo−7y 11mo; male [n=1615] 60.6%, female [n=1049] 39.4%). Overall, 86.6% children acquired CP prenatally and perinatally (e.g. preterm birth, birth asphyxia, neonatal encephalopathy). Median age at CP diagnosis was 3 years. Moreover, 79.2% children had spastic CP and 73.3% were classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III to V. Notably, 47.3% of children never received rehabilitation services (median age at receiving rehabilitation services was 3y; 12.7% received assistive devices) and 75.6% of school‐age children had no access to education.

Interpretation

Population‐based data show that the proportion of severe cases of CP is very high in LMICs. Children with CP in LMICs lack access to rehabilitation and educational services and a large proportion of children have potentially preventable risk factors, for example, birth asphyxia and neonatal infections. Delayed diagnosis, severe motor impairments, and lack of rehabilitation in most children call for urgent action to identify preventive opportunities and promote early diagnosis and intervention for children with CP in LMICs.

What this paper adds

The proportion of severe cases of cerebral palsy (CP) is very high in rural low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Children with CP in LMICs lack access to rehabilitation and educational services.

A large proportion of children with CP in LMICs have potentially preventable risk factors.
Efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycaemic control on sitagliptin
Authors: Kaku Kohei , Kadowaki Takashi , Seino Yutaka , Okamoto Taro , Shirakawa Masayoshi , Sato Asako , O'Neill Edward A. , Engel Samuel S. , Kaufman Keith D.
Published: May 2021

Aims

To assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of ipragliflozin 50 mg once daily added to sitagliptin 50 mg once daily monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and Methods

The results of two clinical trials are reported. In both trials, patients had glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of 7.0% to 10.0% on sitagliptin 50 mg once daily 2 weeks prior to addition of ipragliflozin or placebo. In one trial (Trial 843), patients were randomized 1:1 to addition of blinded ipragliflozin 50 mg once daily (n = 73) or placebo (n = 70) for 24 weeks; the primary endpoint was efficacy (change in HbA1c at Week 24). In the other trial (Trial 849), open‐label ipragliflozin 50 mg once daily was added for 52 weeks (n = 77); the primary objective was to assess safety/tolerability.

Results

In Trial 843, baseline characteristics were similar between groups (mean age 60.5 years, HbA1c 8.0%); after 24 weeks, adding ipragliflozin provided significantly greater reduction in HbA1c compared to placebo: least squares mean difference −0.77% (95% confidence interval −0.98, −0.57; P <0.001). In Trial 843, the incidences of adverse events (AEs) overall and prespecified AEs of clinical interest (symptomatic hypoglycaemia, urinary tract infection, genital infection, hypovolaemia, and polyuria/pollakiuria) were similar between groups. In Trial 849, specific AEs with incidence ≥5% were nasopharyngitis, pollakiuria, back pain, thirst, constipation, influenza and arthralgia; drug‐related AEs reported in ≥2 patients were pollakiuria, thirst and constipation.

Conclusions

Ipragliflozin 50 mg once daily added on to sitagliptin 50 mg once daily monotherapy provided significant improvement in glycaemic control and was generally well tolerated in Japanese patients with T2D. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02577003, NCT02564211.
Circ_0027599 elevates RUNX1 expression via sponging miR‐21‐5p on gastric cancer progression
Authors: Han Jinzhu , Yang Zixin , Zhao Shan , Zheng Likang , Tian Yanhua , Lv Yingqian
Published: May 2021

Background

Increasing evidence has shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) serve as vital regulators in tumour progression. In this study, we focused on the functions of circ_0027599 in gastric cancer (GC) progression.

Methods

The levels of circ_0027599, runt‐related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) mRNA and microRNA‐21‐5p (miR‐21‐5p) were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assay. The protein levels of RUNX1, E‐Cadherin, vimentin and N‐Cadherin were measured by Western blot assay. Cell viability, colony formation, metastasis and cell cycle process were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The interaction between circ_0027599 and miR‐21‐5p and the interaction between miR‐21‐5p and RUNX1 were verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. The role of circ_0027599 in tumour growth in vivo was investigated by murine xenograft model assay.

Results

Circ_0027599 and RUNX1 were downregulated in GC tissues and cells. Circ_0027599 level was associated with the overall survival of GC patients. Circ_0027599 or RUNX1 overexpression inhibited GC cell viability, colony formation, migration, invasion and cell cycle process in vitro. For mechanism analysis, circ_0027599 positively regulated RUNX1 expression via functioning as the sponge for miR‐21‐5p. RUNX1 inhibition reversed circ_0027599 overexpression mediated malignant behaviours of GC cells. Moreover, circ_0027599 overexpression repressed tumour growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Circ_0027599 overexpression repressed GC progression via modulation of miR‐21‐5p/RUNX1 axis, which might illumine a novel therapeutic target for GC.
Multiplying effects of COVID‐19 lockdown on metabolic risk and fatty liver
Authors: Shanmugam Harshitha , Di Ciaula Agostino , Di Palo Domenica Maria , Molina‐Molina Emilio , Garruti Gabriella , Faienza Maria Felicia , vanErpecum Karel , Portincasa Piero
Published: May 2021

Background

Social containment measures imposed in Europe during the lockdown to face COVID‐19 pandemic can generate long‐term potential threats for metabolic health.

Methods

A cohort of 494 non‐COVID‐19 subjects living in 21 EU countries were interviewed by an anonymous questionnaire exploring anthropometric and lifestyle changes during 1‐month lockdown. A subgroup of 41 overweight/obese Italian subjects with previously diagnosed nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) joined the study following a 12‐month follow‐up period promoting weight loss by healthy lifestyle.

Results

During the lockdown, body weight increased in 55% of subjects (average 2.4 ± 0.9 kg). Weight change increased with age, but not baseline body mass index. Subjects living in Italy had greater weight gain than those living in other European Countries. Weight gain during the lockdown was highest in subjects reporting no physical activity, and low adherence to Mediterranean diet. In the NAFLD group, weight gain occurred in 70% of cases. Subjects reporting weight loss during lockdown had decreased fatty liver score at 3 months before the lockdown, as compared with 1 year before.

Conclusions

Strict measures of social containment—even short‐term—pave the way to the increased risk of metabolic abnormalities in the medium‐long term. In this context, adherence to Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity play a protective role both in terms of weight gain and fatty liver development/progression, with implication for primary and secondary prevention. When adopting measures imposing social containment, intensive educational campaigns must increase public awareness about beneficial effects of healthy lifestyles.
Slab fractures of the third carpal bone involving both radial and intermediate facets and outcomes after surgical repair in racing Quarter Horses
Authors: Nelson Brad B. , Lawless Shauna P. , McIlwraith C. Wayne
Published: May 2021

Background

Characteristics and outcomes after surgical repair of third carpal bone (C3) slab fractures involving both radial and intermediate facets in racing Quarter Horses are unknown.

Objectives

To describe the pre‐ and intraoperative characteristics of C3 slab fractures of both radial and intermediate facets in Quarter Horses and to report on the long‐term outcomes after internal fixation.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Case records were collected from racehorses with C3 slab fractures between 2008 and 2020. Inclusion criteria required arthroscopic‐guided repair of C3 slab fractures involving both radial and intermediate facets in Quarter Horses. Routine C3 slab fractures (single facet), fractures in other breeds or those repaired with other techniques were excluded. Outcomes were obtained by standardised questionnaire. Data were presented as mean ± SD or as proportions with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Of 22 Quarter Horses with C3 slab fractures involving both radial and intermediate facets, 91% (CI 79%‐100%; n = 20) were collapsing and 91% (CI 79%‐100%; n = 20) had avulsion of the medial palmar intercarpal ligament. Articular cartilage erosion and osteochondral fracture of the radial carpal bone was observed in 91% (CI 79%‐100%; n = 20) and 41% (CI 20%‐62%; n = 9) cases respectively. At 5.5 ± 3.9 years after surgery, 86% (CI 72%‐100%; n = 19) were alive and used for breeding or retirement. Of 18 horses with follow‐up >1 year, 39% (CI 16%‐61%; n = 7) resumed some athletic activity.

Main limitations

Cases were referred specifically for surgical repair and horses with fractures considered too severe for surgical intervention or euthanasia at owner request were not included. Questionnaire responses are susceptible to recall bias.

Conclusions

Horses with C3 slab fractures of both radial and intermediate facets that are repaired have a favourable prognosis for retirement, breeding and potentially low‐level athletic activity.
Decision‐making processes of public sector accounting reforms in India—Institutional perspectives
Authors: Krishnan Sarada Rajeswari
Published: May 2021

While International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) convergence has been the face of the global accounting standardisation movement for the past few decades, accounting reforms in the public sector had started to gain momentum from the late 1990s. This paper examines the reasons for the adoption of public sector accrual accounting reforms in India. It explores the various sources of pressure influencing these reforms and the ways in which these pressures are balanced and addressed by key decisionmakers in the national and transnational contexts of an emerging economy like India. This study finds that demands for greater accountability from the public in the national context (demand pressures) as well as requests for greater transparency from international financial institutions in the transnational context (supply pressures) are two major sources of pressure that are balanced by the state in its quest for greater legitimacy. This is demonstrated through a triggering event such as political scandals evoking responses from the government to reinforce its weakened legitimacy by adopting public sector accounting reforms. Extant literature on public sector accounting reforms, mostly focuses on the phases where the standards are being actually implemented by the country. Studies exploring decision‐making processes that lead to actual implementation of accrual accounting reforms are limited. This study contributes to existing literature by examining the decision‐making process that ensues before the actual use of international standards in public sector accounting reforms and demonstrates the significant role that institutional influences play in defining such decision‐making processes. The role of these institutional influences also draw attention to the probable disparities between rationales and actual reasons for government accounting reforms undertaken by developing countries.
Views of management effectiveness in tropical reef fisheries
Authors: McClanahan Timothy R. , Darling Emily S. , Mangubhai Sangeeta , Gurney Georgina G. , Lestari W. Peni , Fox Margaret , Jupiter Stacy D. , Yulistianti Dhila A. , Muthiga Nyawira A. , D’agata Stephanie
Published: May 2021

The effectiveness and outcomes of management are expected to improve when people are informed, engaged and influential in governance and management procedures. The social‐ecological and demographic contexts should, however, influence an individual's perceptions and willingness to engage and access appreciable benefits from management. To evaluate how engagement, procedures and perceived outcomes varied with geographic and social‐ecological context, we asked 1582 heads‐of‐households in 38 fishing villages in four tropical countries to evaluate the benefits of their local fisheries management. Responses to 10 collective action, social performance and management procedure questions fell along three response axes, namely (a) the potential benefits of management, (b) resource status and the reliability of yields and (c) the respondents' ability to influence management decisions. Respondents were most positive about the organization of the existing management systems but more sceptical about their ability to influence decision‐making and subsequent yields and resource status. More frequent negative opinions increased with urbanization (distance to cities and population density), which could arise from challenges of group cohesion, local control and subsequent management efficacy. Consequently, we argue that some common rural, decentralized, or collective fisheries management systems are inappropriate for engaging participation in urban contexts. Across all locations, there is a need to increase participation with management decisions and actions, and to transparently evaluate and respond to resource and yield outcomes. Crafting recommendations appropriate for urban contexts will be increasingly relevant as urbanization and commercialized fisheries expand in tropical countries.
Talking about post‐injury sexual functioning: The views of people with spinal cord injuries—A qualitative interview study
Authors: Nevin Sheila , Melby Vidar
Published: May 2021

Aim

This study aimed to explore perceptions of people with spinal cord injuries regarding the information they received during their rehabilitation programme on post‐injury sexual functioning.

Background

Spinal cord injury is a traumatic, life‐altering event that is associated with loss of motor and sensory function and sexual impairment. Existing evidence suggests that sexual issues are poorly handled during the rehabilitation phase of the patient's journey.

Design

A descriptive qualitative design was utilized in this study.

Methods

Twenty‐nine people with spinal cord injury participated in qualitative in‐depth interviews between November 2017 and April 2018, and data were analysed using the Burnard (1991, https://doi.org/10.1016/0260-6917(91)90009-y) thematic analysis framework.

Results

Some participants indicated they were sexually inactive prior to their spinal cord injury. They testified that they had not received information on post‐injury sexual functioning. Many participants who received post‐injury information on sexual functioning reported dissatisfaction with the content and timing of this information.

Conclusion

Personal conversations between spinal cord injured patients and dedicated members of the interdisciplinary health team can enhance the quality of rehabilitation care and patients' satisfaction with rehabilitation care. Nurses are central clinicians in the rehabilitation programme of spinal cord injured patients and should engage in individually designed conversations about post‐injury sexual functioning.
Precarity for the global talent: The impact of visa policies on high‐skilled immigrants’ work in the United States
Authors: González Marcela F.
Published: May 2021

The current historical context of growing diversification of legal statuses for high‐skilled immigrants since the 1990s has made immigration to the United States a multi‐step process: first immigrants have temporary legal statuses, or no legal status, and only in a subsequent stage acquire legal permanent residency. I analyse the constraints this multi‐step legal trajectory puts on highly skilled immigrants’ work in the United States. Specifically, what consequences it has for high‐skilled immigrants’ incorporation into the labour market the restrictions attached to temporary legal statuses and the visa backlogs and waiting lists immigrants experience in the transition from temporary to permanent residency. Based on 30 semi‐structured interviews with high‐skilled immigrants, I explain why legal status constraints their work due to three main reasons: immigrants’ attachment to one employer; difficulties finding a job that sponsors work temporary or permanent visas; and retaining the same job under different legal statuses.
Single‐cell advances in stromal‐leukocyte interactions in cancer
Authors: Wu Sunny Z. , Swarbrick Alexander
Published: May 2021

Mesenchymal stromal cells in solid tumors have emerged as important mediators of immune function and response to immunotherapies. As such, comprehensive insights into their biology may reveal new predictors of drug response and new drug targets. While our understanding of mesenchymal biology in cancer is nascent, it is rapidly evolving, driven by advances in single‐cell technologies. These studies reveal distinct subclasses of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) with unique properties for immune regulation and control of leukocyte activity. While these studies have revealed several similarities across distinct types of cancer, they still face key challenges in nomenclature. Single‐cell analysis of tumors has also revealed an abundance of perivascular cells with unique biology and associations with immune infiltration. They are often misclassified, likely confounding previous bulk studies, revealing a distinct lineage of cells that remain to be fully characterized. These studies have also shed light on the discrete cell types or transient cell states that shape mesenchymal heterogeneity in tumors, offering insights into new therapeutic strategies to modulate stromal cell differentiation. In this review, we will address how recent advances in single‐cell technologies have shaped our understanding of stromal heterogeneity and their coordination of immune responses in cancer.
Panamanian velvet worms in the genus Epiperipatus, with notes on their taxonomy and distribution and the description of a new species (Onychophora, Peripatidae)
Authors: Costa Cristiano Sampaio , Giribet Gonzalo
Published: May 2021

Among the least studied clade of velvet worms (Onychophora) is a clade of Neotropical Peripatidae (=Neopatida). Neopatida has been traditionally divided into an Andicoles group and a Caraïbes group, which now correspond to Oroperipatus and the remaining genera, respectively. Panama is located in a unique position bridging the faunas of both clades and of two large continents, both of which host an important diversity of velvet worms, yet taxonomic study of the Panamanian onychophorans has been largely neglected. In this study we critically evaluate the onychophoran diversity of Panama, redescribe a species from the former Canal Zone and describe a new species from the Pacific side, close to Costa Rica, as Epiperipatus bernali sp. nov., with a unique combination of characters visible under the SEM. We further discuss the existence of multiple lineages of Onychophora in Panama, both from the Andicoles and Caraïbes groups, and within the latter, with connections to different lineages, both from South and Central America.
Trehalose can alleviate decreases in grain number per spike caused by low‐temperature stress at the booting stage by promoting floret fertility in wheat
Authors: Liang Zimeng , Luo Jian , Wei Bin , Liao Yuncheng , Liu Yang
Published: May 2021

Alleviating the negative effects of low temperature at the booting stage on wheat grain number and yield is important for maintaining high and stable wheat yields. In this study, we selected wheat varieties with different levels of cold resistance, simulated low temperature at the booting stage and exogenously applied trehalose to study its effect on wheat floret development under low‐temperature stress and explore the physiological mechanism of that process. The results showed that higher levels of endogenous trehalose benefited wheat resistance to low‐temperature stress. Exogenous trehalose inhibited floret degeneration and increased floret fertility in the apical spikelets, thus significantly alleviating the decrease in grain number per spike caused by low temperature. The results of the metabolomics analysis as well as the physiological indexes showed that trehalose significantly promoted the assimilation of nitrogen in florets under low‐temperature stress, thus reducing the accumulation of ammonium ions in the plant cells. In addition, exogenous trehalose significantly increased the endogenous spermidine level in florets, increased their glutathione and ascorbic acid contents, promoted the glutathione‐ascorbic acid cycle, and thereby reduced the contents of reactive oxygen species in florets. This may be an important physiological mechanism by which trehalose alleviates the effect of low‐temperature stress on floret development in wheat.
‘Love makes me feel good inside and my heart is fixed’: What adults with intellectual disabilities have to say about love and relationships
Authors: McCarthy Michelle , Bates Claire , Elson Nicola , Hunt Siobhan , Milne‐Skillman Karen , Forrester–Jones Rachel
Published: May 2021

Background

Adults with intellectual disabilities have historically been hindered, rather than supported, in their desire to form loving relationships. This paper sought to explore with them what kinds of support they wanted in the 21st Century.

Method

Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 40 adults with intellectual disabilities in the United Kingdom.

Results

Participants placed a high value on having a partner and being supported to maintain and develop a loving relationship. The factors which constrained them in achieving this included a lack of social opportunities, barriers created by social care services and limits on them exercising autonomy. Facilitating factors included access to specialist dating agencies, strong family and staff support and opportunities to learn about relationships.

Conclusions

The importance of a loving relationship as a source of pleasure and meaning in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities who are often disadvantaged in many other spheres of life is emphasised.
The evolution of latitudinal ranges in reef‐associated fishes: Heritability, limits and inverse Rapoport's rule
Authors: Pie Marcio R. , Divieso Raquel , Caron Fernanda S. , Siqueira Alexandre C. , Barneche Diego R. , Luiz Osmar J.
Published: May 2021

Aim

Variation in the size and position of geographical ranges is a key variable that underlies most biogeographical patterns. However, relatively little is known in terms of general principles driving their evolution, particularly in the marine realm. In this study we explore several fundamental properties regarding the evolution of reef fish latitudinal ranges, namely the degree of similarity in range size between ancestor and descendant lineages (i.e. phylogenetic signal); the evolution of range limits; and the latitudinal distribution of range sizes, particularly with respect to Rapoport's rule.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Reef‐associated fishes.

Methods

We integrate data on the latitudinal distribution and evolutionary history of 5,071 reef fish species with phylogenetic comparative methods to assess the level of phylogenetic signal in latitudinal range size, low‐ and high‐latitude limits and range midpoints, and to estimate rates of evolution of those traits. Finally, we test whether latitudinal ranges become smaller near the equator, as predicted by Rapoport's rule, using phylogenetic generalized least squares.

Results

There were varying levels of phylogenetic signal in latitudinal range size, low‐ and high‐latitude limits and range midpoints. Despite these differences, latitudinal midpoints were consistently shown to have the highest phylogenetic signal among all measured geographical features. Interestingly, the position of high‐latitude limits in general evolved at substantially faster rates than their low‐latitude counterparts. Finally, we confirm for the first time the existence of an inverse Rapoport's rule in reef‐associated fishes using phylogenetic comparative methods. Indeed, mean latitudinal range size of tropical species is nearly twice the size of their temperate counterparts (2,067 ± 1,431 km vs. 1,168 ± 725 km respectively).

Main conclusions

We uncovered several congruent patterns in phylogenetic signal and rates of evolution of latitudinal ranges, despite vastly disparate biogeographical distributions and ecological differences between the studied fish lineages. Such broad congruence across different taxa and oceans, as well as with previous data from terrestrial environments, suggests that the observed patterns might represent general principles governing geographical range evolution.
Implementation of coupled pattern recognition and regression artificial neural networks for mass estimation of headless‐shell‐on shrimp with random postures
Authors: Poonnoy Poonpat , Asavasanti Suvaluk
Published: May 2021

In an actual sorting process, shrimps are fed to a machine‐vision‐based sorter at random postures. This study proposed an Enhanced Artificial Neural Network (E‐ANN) coupled with a Pattern Recognition ANN (P‐ANN) model to overcome the posture‐specificity of the regression ANN model commonly used for mass estimation of the headless‐shell‐on (HSO) shrimps. Images of 103 shrimps with seven different postures were used. The similarity of any shrimp image to the reference shrimp postures (i.e., extended‐legs, collapsed‐legs, curl body, and dorsal body) was determined by the P‐ANN model and used as additional input, besides the area and perimeter. The coupled‐ANN model could accurately estimate the mass of shrimps with random postures (R2 = 0.70 to 0.88 and MRE = −2.62 to 2.97%) within ~10 ms per shrimp, which is practical to use in an automatic shrimp sorting system based on machine vision technique. Further enhancement of the model performance could be achieved by adding color and texture features to distinguish different shrimp parts (e.g., body, legs, and tail).

Practical Applications

This research shows the potential of using a pattern recognition artificial neural network (P‐ANN) to cut the limitation of the conventional regression ANN model based on area and perimeter for shrimp mass estimation, which is specific to shrimp posture (or shape). Since the coupled P‐ANN and enhanced artificial neural network (E‐ANN) used a relatively short processing time (~10 ms per shrimp) and yielded less than 1 g error in the mass estimation of the headless‐shell‐on (HSO) shrimps with random postures, it is possible to incorporate this coupled ANN model in an automatic shrimp sorting system based on machine vision technique.
Frequency and clinical characteristics of special types of achalasia in Japan: A large‐scale, multicenter database study
Authors: Tanaka Shinwa , Abe Hirofumi , Sato Hiroki , Shiwaku Hironari , Minami Hitomi , Sato Chiaki , Ogawa Ryo , Shimamura Yuto , Yokomichi Hiroshi , Inoue Haruhiro
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim

Achalasia is a rare disease, with an incidence of one in 100 000. Genetic factors and autoimmune involvement have been reported in its etiology, and their involvement is strongly suspected, especially in patients with familial achalasia and those with comorbid hereditary or autoimmune diseases. However, these special types of achalasia are rare, and their frequency and clinical characteristics remain unclear.

Methods

This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included Japanese patients with a diagnosis of achalasia, treated between 2010 and 2019 across six tertiary centers in Japan. The frequency and clinical characteristics of special types of achalasia, namely, familial achalasia, achalasia with a comorbid hereditary disease, and achalasia with a comorbid autoimmune disease, were retrospectively investigated using a large‐scale multicenter database.

Results

During the study period, 1115 patients were treated for achalasia at six tertiary centers. Familial achalasia, achalasia with a comorbid hereditary disease, and achalasia with a comorbid autoimmune disease occurred in 7 (0.63%), 11 (0.99%), and 27 (2.4%) patients, respectively. Familial achalasia had a slightly younger age of onset (37.6 ± 12.1 years old) and a higher incidence in male patients (six patients; 85.7%). Down's syndrome was the most common hereditary comorbidity, and thyroid disease was the most common autoimmune comorbidity.

Conclusions

We clarified the frequency and clinical characteristics of special types of achalasia. Although special types of achalasia are rare, these comorbidities should be considered when treating patients with achalasia.
Impact of promoting healthy infant feeding practices on energy intake and anthropometric measures of children up to 6 years of age: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sangalli Caroline N. , Leffa Paula S. , Valmórbida Júlia L. , Lumey L. H. , Vitolo Márcia R.
Published: May 2021

Background

The first 2 years of life are the window of opportunity to promote healthy feeding practices. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the impact of a health workers training in infant dietary guidelines on energy intake and anthropometric measurement into childhood.

Methods

Cluster randomised field trial (NCT00635453) was conducted in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Healthcare centres were randomised into intervention (n = 9) and control (n = 11) groups. In intervention sites, health workers were trained to promote healthy feeding practices based on the Brazilian guideline for children's nutrition. Pregnant women who were in the last trimester of pregnancy were registered as potential mothers who would receive dietary counselling from the health workers. Energy and macronutrient intake and anthropometric measurements were obtained from children at ages 6 months, 12 months, 3 years and 6 years from low‐income families.

Results

At age 3 years, intervention group had lower consumption of energy [−92.5 kcal; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −153.5 to −31.5], carbohydrates (−11.9 g; 95% CI = −19.9 to −2.3), and total fat (−3.9 g; 95% CI = −6.2 to −1.2), compared to the control group. At 6 years of age, children in the intervention group had lower waist circumference (−1.3 cm; 95% CI = −2.7 to −0.0), triceps (−1.3 mm; 95% CI = −2.5 to −0.0) and subscapular skinfolds (−1.3 mm; 16 95% CI = −2.6 to −0.0) thickness measurements compared to those in the control group.

Conclusions

The health workers training to promote infant healthy feeding practices resulted in lower energy, carbohydrates and fat intake at 3 years and lower waist circumference, triceps and subscapular skinfolds measurements at 6 years.
What role do dietitians have in providing nutrition care for eating disorder treatment? An integrative review
Authors: Heafala Alana , Ball Lauren , Rayner Jessica , Mitchell Lana J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Dietitians are recognised as experts in nutrition care and essential members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams. However, the role of dietitians in caring for people with eating disorders is not well understood. The present review aimed to identify, critically appraise and synthesise the current evidence exploring the views and experiences of dietitians, other health professionals, patients and carers regarding the role of dietitians in the treatment of eating disorders.

Methods

CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and PsycINFO were searched in April 2020 and again in February 2021. Studies were included if they were original research; explored views and experiences of the role of dietitians in the treatment of eating disorders, including perceptions of patients, carers and other health professionals regarding nutrition care for eating disorders; and the full‐text article was available in English. Title and abstract screening, full‐text screening, quality assessment and data extraction were completed in duplicate. Quality assessment was conducted using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool. Thematic synthesis was used for data analysis.

Results

Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed‐methods study designs were included. Four themes emerged inductively from the data: (i) dietitians as collaborators, educators and counsellors; (ii) dietitians individualising care and desiring a holistic approach; (iii) opportunities for dietitians to gain confidence; and (iv) experiencing nutrition care as a patient or carer.

Conclusions

This review suggests that dietitians have a varied role in eating disorder treatment but desire further training. Understanding the training needs of dietitians can identify practice gaps and opportunities to enhance clinician confidence.
Global agri‐food chains in times of COVID‐19: The state, agribusiness, and agroecology in Argentina
Authors: Gras Carla , Hernández Valeria
Published: May 2021

The issues posed by the unfolding impacts of COVID‐19 are very uneven in the case of Argentina, a major global commodity exporter. As domestic food prices have continued to rise, worsening the living conditions of millions, and state policies seek to guarantee the population's access to food, the hegemonic agribusiness sector is fostering new alliances to strengthen its integration into global agri‐food markets. A full understanding of agribusiness' strategies needs to address the changes brought about by the pandemic on peasant‐like farmers and rural workers, the alternatives they have developed (mainly agroecology) in their struggle against the dominant food regime in recent years, and explore the extent to which local expressions of this antagonism are being reshaped. In doing so, we also pay attention to the role of the state.