bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occasions for laughter and dementia risk: Findings from a six‐year cohort study
Authors: Wang Yu , Shirai Kokoro , Ohira Tetsuya , Hirosaki Mayumi , Kondo Naoki , Takeuchi Kenji , Yamaguchi Chikae , Tamada Yudai , Kondo Katsunori , Cadar Dorina , Iso Hiroyasu
Published: March 2022

Aim

Currently, there is little evidence on the relationship between laughter and the risk of dementia, and since laughter is mainly a social behavior, we aimed to examine the association between various occasions for laughter and the risk of dementia in Japanese older adults.

Methods

We draw upon 6‐year follow‐up data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study, including 12 165 independent older adults aged 65 years or over. Occasions for laughter were assessed using a questionnaire, while dementia was diagnosed using the standardized dementia scale of the long‐term care insurance system in Japan. Cox proportional hazards models were estimated, yielding hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The multivariable hazard ratio of dementia incidence for all participants in the groups for high versus low variety of occasions for laughter was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.72–0.98, P for trend <0.001). A greater variety of occasions for laughter was associated with a lower risk of dementia 0.78 (95% CI: 0.63–0.96, P for trend <0.001) among women, but was less pronounced for men, with significant associations only for the medium group. Laughing during conversations with friends, communicating with children or grandchildren, and listening to the radio were primarily associated with decreased risk.

Conclusion

A greater variety of laughter occasions in individual and social settings was associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 392–398.
Perceptions of recovery and rehabilitation in people with brain injury in Spain. A qualitative study
Authors: Pérez‐de la Cruz Sagrario
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a condition that severely impairs the personal, family, social and professional lives of the individuals who experience it. The aim of this study was to gain insight into ABI patients' perceptions of their condition and rehabilitation process so that physiotherapists can approach their treatment in a more comprehensive, satisfactory manner.

Methods

A qualitative study was carried out with individual interviews, and focus group sessions (semi‐structured interviews) were held with 33 individuals from various associations.

Results

Four themes emerged in this study: physiotherapy treatment, changes in lifestyle, patients' feelings about their condition and aspirations for the future. The participants reported that their condition had led to multiple changes in their personal and family lives that were not always positive.

Conclusions

These findings may be useful for identifying ways to increase acceptance of their condition and design a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for these patients and their families. The psychosocial needs of ABI patients could be optimized by providing good physical care through effective communication within the rehabilitation environment where communication between professionals and patients prevails, to meet their real needs and expectations.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study was conducted based on interviews with adult ABI patients regarding their experiences concerning their rehabilitation process and daily life.
Dose‐adjusted EPOCH‐R is a safe and well tolerated outpatient treatment regimen in double‐hit lymphoma
Authors: Nelles Ricky , Morris Kirk , Scott Ashleigh , Kennedy Glenn
Published: March 2022

Background

Double‐hit lymphoma (DHL) is an aggressive subtype of high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma with inferior prognosis using standard dose chemotherapy. Controversy remains whether more intensive chemotherapy regimens such as dose‐adjusted etoposide, prednisolone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and rituximab (DA‐EPOCH‐R) provide better outcomes in this cohort.

Aims

To review consecutive cases of DHL treated with DA‐EPOCH‐R at our institution in comparison to available literature.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 13 consecutive patients with DHL treated with DA‐EPOCH‐R at our institution. Primary endpoints included complete response (CR), event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

CR rate with DA‐EPOCH‐R in DHL was 69% in our cohort. Median EFS and OS duration was 61 months (95% CI: 41–86 months) and 64 months (95% CI: 42–86 months) respectively. One patient discontinued DA‐EPOCH‐R due to recurrent febrile neutropenia and there were no treatment or infection‐related deaths during the study.

Conclusions

This study suggests that DA‐EPOCH‐R is a well tolerated outpatient regimen for DHL and should be considered for initial treatment in medically fit patients. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Siglec‐5 is an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule for human T cells
Authors: Vuchkovska Aleksandra , Glanville David G. , Scurti Gina M. , Nishimura Michael I. , White Paula , Ulijasz Andrew T. , Iwashima Makio
Published: March 2022

Sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐type lectins (Siglecs) are a family of immunoglobulin‐type lectins that mediate protein‐carbohydrate interactions via sialic acids attached to glycoproteins or glycolipids. Most of the CD33‐related Siglecs (CD33rSiglecs), a major subfamily of rapidly evolving Siglecs, contain a cytoplasmic signaling domain consisting of the immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibitory motif (ITIM) and immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based switch motif (ITSM) and mediate suppressive signals for lymphoid and myeloid cells. While most CD33rSiglecs are expressed by innate immune cells, such as monocytes and neutrophils, to date, the expression of Siglecs in human T cells has not been well appreciated. In this study, we found that Siglec‐5, a member of the CD33rSiglecs, is expressed by most activated T cells upon antigen receptor stimulation. Functionally, Siglec‐5 suppresses T cell activation. In support of these findings, we found that Siglec‐5 overexpression abrogates antigen receptor induced activation of NFAT and AP‐1. Furthermore, we show that GBS β‐protein, a known bacterial ligand of Siglec‐5, reduces the production of cytokines and cytolytic molecules by activated primary T cells in a Siglec‐5 dependent manner. Our data also show that some cancer cell lines express a putative Siglec‐5 ligand(s), and that the presence of soluble Siglec‐5 enhances tumor‐cell specific T cell activation, suggesting that some tumor cells inhibit T cell activation via Siglec‐5. Together, our data demonstrate that Siglec‐5 is a previously unrecognized inhibitory T cell immune checkpoint molecule and suggest that blockade of Siglec‐5 could serve as a new strategy to enhance anti‐tumor T cell functions.
Severe acute respiratory illness surveillance for influenza in Kenya: Patient characteristics and lessons learnt
Authors: Gachari Maryanne N. , Ndegwa Linus , Emukule Gideon O. , Kirui Lily , Kalani Rosalia , Juma Bonventure , Mayieka Lilian , Kinuthia Peter , Widdowson Marc‐Alain , Chaves Sandra S.
Published: March 2022

Background

We describe the epidemiology and clinical features of Kenyan patients hospitalized with laboratory‐confirmed influenza compared with those testing negative and discuss the potential contribution of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) surveillance in monitoring a broader range of respiratory pathogens.

Methods

We described demographic and clinical characteristics of SARI cases among children (<18 years) and adults, separately. We compared disease severity (clinical features and treatment) of hospitalized influenza positive versus negative cases and explored independent predictors of death among SARI cases using a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

From January 2014 to December 2018, 11,166 persons were hospitalized with SARI and overall positivity for influenza was ~10%. There were 10,742 (96%) children (<18 years)—median age of 1 year, interquartile range (IQR = 6 months, 2 years). Only 424 (4%) of the SARI cases were adults (≥18 years), with median age of 38 years (IQR 28 years, 52 years). There was no difference in disease severity comparing influenza positive and negative cases among children. Children hospitalized with SARI who had an underlying illness had greater odds of in‐hospital death compared with those without (adjusted odds ratio 2.11 95% CI 1.09–4.07). No further analysis was done among adults due to the small sample size.

Conclusion

Kenya's sentinel surveillance for SARI mainly captures data on younger children. Hospital‐based platforms designed to monitor influenza viruses and associated disease burden may be adapted and expanded to other respiratory viruses to inform public health interventions. Efforts should be made to capture adults as part of routine respiratory surveillance.
Dilemmas when implementing conditional cash transfers: Lessons for Ghana and the rest of us
Authors: Danquah Jones Kwame Adom , Øverbye Einar
Published: March 2022

Using the Ghanaian LEAP benefit programme as a case study, we investigate how administrators, service personnel and beneficiaries perceive and respond to implementation dilemmas. The investigation focuses on the LEAP benefit for caregivers of children, which is conditional on children’s school attendance, health check‐ups and vaccinations. An ethical dilemma concerns whether non‐compliance should be sanctioned, since this may push caregivers and their children deeper into poverty. Other dilemmas concern how administrative resources should be allocated for the targeting, monitoring, sanctioning and exiting of beneficiaries; how spending should be allocated between providing cash benefits and securing health and education services of sufficient quality; whether available money should be spread widely but thinly to provide incentives for many caregivers to send children to schools and attend health check‐ups, or be targeted more narrowly to enhance relief for the very poorest; and whether funding would be less forthcoming if the minimum benefit was not a conditional cash transfer (CCT). We discuss whether similar dilemmas are likely to be present in other low‐ and middle‐income countries operating similar CCTs, and whether some of these also apply to “active” minimum benefits implemented in high‐income countries
Process evaluation of the Disability Allowance programme in the Maldives
Authors: Hameed Shaffa , Walsham Matthew , Banks Lena Morgon , Kuper Hannah
Published: March 2022

Limited evidence on the design and implementation of social protection programmes for people with disabilities in low‐ and middle‐income countries constrains understanding of how their impacts could be improved. The Disability Allowance programme in the Maldives is a non means‐tested, monthly cash transfer targeting people with disabilities. Using qualitative methods, process evaluation was used to examine the intervention design, implementation, and likelihood of achieving its intended objectives. There were important strengths of the programme, including the broad definition of disability. We find that delivery could be strengthened through providing greater clarity on eligibility criteria and strengthening human resources to widen the programme’s reach. Intervention fidelity was challenged by inconsistent practice among implementers and lack of established protocols. Most importantly, the absence of linkages with the Medical Welfare scheme that provides assistive devices potentially limits the likelihood of the programme achieving intended objectives.
Adapting to extremes: Reconstructing evolution in response to changing climate over time and space in the diverse Australian plant genus Acacia
Authors: Hua Xia , Cardillo Marcel , Bromham Lindell
Published: March 2022

Aim

Macroevolutionary analysis is increasingly being used to study biodiversity responses to climate change, for example by using phylogenetic node ages to infer periods of diversification, or phylogenetic reconstruction of traits to infer adaptation to particular stresses. Here we apply a recently developed macroevolutionary method to investigate the responses of a diverse plant genus, Acacia, to increasing aridity and salinity in Australia from the Miocene to the present. We ask whether increase in tolerance of aridity and salinity coincided with periods of aridification, and if it allowed the radiation of Acacia into a wide range of niches.

Taxon

Acacia.

Location

Australia.

Methods

We applied the Niche Evolution Model (NEMo), which combines environmental (or ecological) niche modelling (ENM) with phylogenetic comparative methods (PCMs) in a single statistical framework, to a large database of Acacia presence‐only records and presence–absence survey sites in order to infer current environmental tolerances of Australia Acacia species and reconstruct the evolution of environmental tolerance to increasing aridity and salinity.

Results

We find that patterns in evolution of Acacia, over time and across different habitat types, are consistent with the aridification history of Australia and suggests substantial ability to adapt to high aridity and salinity.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that many Acacia lineages have been able to exploit new environments created during the aridification of Australia through evolution of environmental tolerance, resulting in their current dominance of many habitats across the continent. This study demonstrates that phylogenetic studies of the evolution of responses to changing environment can move beyond the application of simple trait‐based models, allowing the underlying processes of speciation, adaptation and dispersal to be explicitly modelled in a macroecological and macroevolutionary context.
Factors affecting glycemic control in diabetes mellitus complicated by autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Harai Nozomi , Nishimura Akihiro , Matsumura Kimio , Suzuki Yuya , Kikuno Shota , Kobayashi Tetsuro , Nagasawa Kaoru , Mori Yasumichi
Published: March 2022

Aims/Introduction

To investigate factors influencing glycemic control in diabetes mellitus complicated by autoimmune pancreatitis.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study investigated 33 patients with diabetes mellitus complicated by autoimmune pancreatitis who had received steroid therapy at Toranomon Hospital between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020. The course of glycemic control at 12 months after starting steroids was classified into three groups: Improved, Unchanged, or Worsened. Factors affecting these groups were investigated. Furthermore, we created two scores: (1) time of diabetes mellitus onset and baseline body mass index; (2) time of diabetes mellitus onset and baseline C‐peptide index. Diabetes mellitus occurring at the same time as autoimmune pancreatitis, body mass index ≥22 kg/m2, and C‐peptide index ≥1.1 were each worth 1 point. Scores were summed and totals of 0–2 were compared between groups.

Results

Ten patients were in the Improved group, 10 were in the Unchanged group, and 13 were in the Worsened group. The baseline body mass index and baseline C‐peptide index were lower in the Worsened group than in the Improved group (P < 0.05 each). In addition, the scores were lower in the Worsened group than in the other groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with a lower baseline body mass index and a decreased baseline C‐peptide index may experience worse glycemic control on steroid therapy.
Assessing the efficacy of selective JAK inhibitors for alopecia areata with a patient‐centered approach
Authors: Ramírez‐Marín H.A. , Tosti A.
Published: March 2022

Linked article: R. Winnette et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36: 602–609. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17909.
Genetic and social contributions to sex differences in lifespan in Drosophila serrata
Authors: Narayan Vikram P. , Wilson Alastair J. , Chenoweth Stephen F.
Published: March 2022

Sex differences in lifespan remain an intriguing puzzle in evolutionary biology. While explanations range from sex differences in selection to sex differences in the expression of recessive lifespan‐altering mutations (via X‐linkage), little consensus has been reached. One unresolved issue is the extent to which genetic influences on lifespan dimorphism are modulated by the environment. For example, studies have shown that sex differences in lifespan can either increase or decrease depending upon the social environment. Here, we took an experimental approach, manipulating multiple axes of the social environment across inbred long‐ and short‐lived genotypes and their reciprocal F1s in the fly Drosophila serrata. Our results reveal strong genetic effects and subtle yet significant genotype‐by‐environment interactions for male and female lifespan, specifically due to both population density and mating status. Further, our data do not support the idea that unconditional expression of deleterious X‐linked recessive alleles in heterogametic males accounts for lower male lifespan.
Medical management of Cushing's disease: When and how?
Authors: Castinetti Frederic
Published: March 2022

Transsphenoidal surgery is the first‐line treatment of Cushing's disease. However, medical treatment can be given in a high proportion of patients with this rare condition. This is especially the case in severe hypercortisolism for which medical treatment will be given for a short period of time to prepare the patient for surgery, or on a long‐term basis after failed transsphenoidal surgery, or when waiting for the maximal beneficial effect of radiation techniques. These different situations all require that hypercortisolism be perfectly controlled. Severe hypercortisolism is frequently treated by a block and replace approach during which a substitutive treatment is given after the induction of adrenal insufficiency. Mild hypercortisolism, the most frequent situation, is usually treated with a titration approach with a progressive dose increase. This approach requires certainty of eucortisolism because patients may be treated for a prolonged period. This review details the main situations during which medical treatment should be considered, as well as the way in which to monitor them to avoid the long‐term consequences of mild hypo‐ or hypercortisolism.
Pituitary MRI in Cushing's disease ‐ an update
Authors: Bonneville Jean‐François , Potorac Iulia , Petrossians Patrick , Tshibanda Luaba , Beckers Albert
Published: March 2022

Pituitary MRI is essential in the diagnosis of ACTH‐dependent Cushing's syndrome, but its results are inconsistent. The demonstration of a sellar image compatible with the diagnosis of corticotropinoma varies from 40% to 90%, depending on the centre where the imaging is performed. In fact, the expertise of the neuroradiologist, use of a Tesla 3.0 MRI and choice of sequences are fundamental. The T2 and 3D gradient echo sequences after gadolinium injection are the most informative and today allow the detection of macro‐ and microadenomas in almost all cases. The diagnosis of numerous picoadenomas (<3–4 mm) is more challenging. The 2D and 3D spin echo or delayed T1 SE or FLAIR sequences after gadolinium can be used as a complement or to confirm a suspicious image. Characterization of corticotropinomas remains problematic. However, the correct assessment of so‐called incidentalomas by recognizing artifacts, anatomical variants and frequent Rathke's cleft cysts eliminates around 90% of the incidentalomas that mimic pituitary adenomas, as repetitively reported in the literature. For the time being, there is reason to believe that hybrid imaging combining PET and MRI such as 11C‐methionine PET coregistered with volumetric MRI will solve the diagnosis of corticotropinomas in the near future.
Public interest in skin lightening across the United States, January 2015–December 2020
Authors: Rosen Theodore , Givens Jayci
Published: March 2022

Skin lightening is a popular practice across the world, especially in India, the Philippines and other Asian countries, and some Caribbean nations. It is a dangerous trend, as some of the products used to achieve a lighter skin tone have been shown to often contain unsafe chemicals. In this article, we examine trends in consumer interest in skin lightening using a Google Trends query of 4 search terms: “skin lightening,” “skin brightening,” “skin whitening,” and “skin bleaching,” across the United States from 2015 to 2020, and demonstrated that it is most popular in states with diverse populations, including a high percentage of black and Asian Americans.
Advances in the Omicron variant development
Authors: Vitiello Antonio , Ferrara Francesco , Auti Amogh M. , Di Domenico Marina , Boccellino Mariarosaria
Published: March 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV)‐2 has spread worldwide, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a pandemic, on 11 March 2020. Variants of concern have appeared at regular intervals—Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and now Omicron. Omicron variant, first identified in Botswana in November 2021, is rapidly becoming the dominant circulating variant. In this review, we provide an overview regarding the molecular profile of the Omicron variant, epidemiology, transmissibility, the impact on vaccines, as well as vaccine escape, and finally, we report the pharmacological agents able to block the endocellular entry of SARS‐CoV‐2 or to inhibit its viral replication. The Omicron has more than 50 mutations, of which the spike protein has 26–35 amino acids different from the original SARS‐CoV‐2 virus or the Delta, some of which are associated with humoral immune escape potential and greater transmissibility. Omicron has a significant growth advantage over Delta, leading to rapid spread with higher incidence levels. The disease so far has been mild compared to the Delta. The two vaccination doses offer little or no protection against Omicron infection while the booster doses provide significant protection against mild illness and likely offer even greater levels of protection against serious illness. Recently, new oral antiviral agents such as molnupiravir and paxlovid have been approved and represent important therapeutic alternatives to antiviral remdesivir. In addition, monoclonal antibodies such as casirivimab/imdevimab bind different epitopes of the spike protein receptor; is this class of drugs effective against the Omicron variant? However, more research is needed to define whether Omicron is indeed more infectious and whether the vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and antivirals currently available are effective.
Understanding topical fluoride hesitancy and refusal behaviors through the extended parallel process model and health belief model
Authors: Leung Esther , Kerr Darragh , Askelson Natoshia , Chi Donald L.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Topical fluoride helps prevent dental caries. However, many caregivers are hesitant about topical fluoride for their children and may refuse it during clinic visits. In this qualitative study, we assessed the relevance of the extended parallel process model (EPPM) and health belief model (HBM) in caregivers' decision‐making about topical fluoride.

Methods

We interviewed 56 fluoride‐hesitant or fluoride‐refusing caregivers using a semi‐structured interview script that included questions based on select constructs from the EPPM (perceived severity, susceptibility, response efficacy) and HBM (perceived benefits and consequences). Two team members conducted a thematic analysis of the interview data.

Results

Most caregivers acknowledged the severity of cavities but did not believe their child was susceptible. Caregivers also understood the general benefits of fluoride in preventing tooth decay, but reported low response efficacy of fluoride for their children especially compared to the other ways of reducing caries risk like reducing sugar intake and toothbrushing. Many caregivers had concerns about topical fluoride, especially regarding safety, with the potential consequences of fluoride outweighing its benefits.

Conclusion

Our findings were generally consistent with the EPPM and HBM, which appear to be relevant in understanding fluoride hesitancy behaviors. Additional research is needed on ways to improve provider communications about topical fluoride with caregivers.
Defining a role of NADPH oxidase in myogenic tone development
Authors: Mironova Galina Yu. , Mazumdar Neil , Hashad Ahmed M. , El‐Lakany Mohammed A. , Welsh Donald G.
Published: March 2022

Objective

The myogenic response sets the foundation for blood flow control. Recent findings suggest a role for G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCR) and signaling pathways tied to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this regard, this study ascertained the impact of NADPH oxidase (Nox) on myogenic tone in rat cerebral resistance arteries.

Methods

The study employed real‐time qPCR (RT‐qPCR), pressure myography, and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Gq blockade abolished myogenic tone in rat cerebral arteries, linking GPCR to mechanosensation. Subsequent work revealed that general (TEMPOL) and mitochondrial specific (MitoTEMPO) ROS scavengers had little impact on myogenic tone, whereas apocynin, a broad spectrum Nox inhibitor, initiated transient dilation. RT‐qPCR revealed Nox1 and Nox2 mRNA expression in smooth muscle cells. Pressure myography defined Nox1 rather than Nox2 is facilitating myogenic tone. We rationalized that Nox1‐generated ROS was initiating this response by impairing the ability of the CaV3.2 channel to elicit negative feedback via BKCa. This hypothesis was confirmed in functional experiments. The proximity ligation assay further revealed that Nox1 and CaV3.2 colocalize within 40 nm of one another.

Conclusions

Our data highlight that vascular pressurization augments Nox1 activity and ensuing ROS production facilitates myogenic tone by limiting Ca2+ influx via CaV3.2.
Profile of urinary exosomal microRNAs and their contribution to diabetic kidney disease through a predictive classification model
Authors: González‐Palomo Ana K. , Pérez‐Vázquez Francisco J. , Méndez‐Rodríguez Karen B. , Ilizaliturri‐Hernández Cesar A. , Cardona‐Alvarado Monica I. , Flores‐Nicasio Mariana V. , Kornhauser Carlos , Malacara Juan M. , Figueroa‐Vega Nicte
Published: March 2022

Aim

Evaluate the expression of exomiRs‐126, ‐146, and ‐155 in urinary exosomes of patients with T2DM and diabetic kidney disease to establish a predictive classification model with exomiRs and clinical variables in order to determine their contribution to DKD.

Methods

The study group included 92 subjects: 64 patients diagnosed with T2DM subclassified into two groups with albuminuria (T2DM with albuminuria, n = 30) and without albuminuria (TD2M, n = 34) as well as 28 healthy, non‐diabetic participants. Exosomes were isolated from urine and identified by TEM and flow cytometry. Profile expression of exomiRs‐126, ‐146 and ‐155 was evaluated by RT‐qPCR. Data were analysed by permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), similarity percentage (SIMPER), principal coordinate analysis (PCO), and canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP).

Results

T2DM patients with and without albuminuria showed higher levels of miR‐155 and miR‐146 compared with controls. In addition, T2DM patients with albuminuria presented a significant increase in miR‐126 contrasted to controls and patients without albuminuria. PCO analysis explained 34.6% of the total variability of the data (PERMANOVA; p < .0001). Subsequently, SIMPER analysis showed that miR‐146, miR‐155, and miR‐126 together, with some clinical parameters, contributed to 50% of the between‐group significance. Finally, the CAP analysis developed showed a correct classification of 89.01% with the analysed parameters.

Conclusion

A platform using a combination of clinical variables and exomiRs could be used to classify individuals with T2D as risk for developing DKD.
UV‐induced DNA Damage in Skin is Reduced by CaSR Inhibition
Authors: Yang Chen , Rybchyn Mark Stephen , De Silva Warusavithana Gunawardena Manori , Matthews Jim , Holland Andrew J. A. , Conigrave Arthur David , Mason Rebecca Sara
Published: March 2022

The epidermis maintains a cellular calcium gradient that supports keratinocyte differentiation from its basal layers (low) to outer layers (high) leading to the development of the stratum corneum, which resists penetration of UV radiation. The calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) expressed in keratinocytes responds to the calcium gradient with signals that promote differentiation. In this study, we investigated whether the CaSR is involved more directly in protection from UV damage in studies of human keratinocytes in primary culture and in mouse skin studied in vivo. siRNA‐directed reductions in CaSR protein levels in human keratinocytes significantly reduced UV‐induced direct cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) by ~80% and oxidative DNA damage (8‐OHdG) by ~65% compared with control transfected cells. Similarly, in untransfected cells, the CaSR negative modulator, NPS‐2143 (500 nm), reduced UV‐induced CPD and 8‐OHdG by ~70%. NPS‐2143 also enhanced DNA repair and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) by ~35% in UV‐exposed keratinocytes, consistent with reduced DNA damage after UV exposure. Topical application of NPS‐2143 also protected hairless Skh:hr1 mice from UV‐induced CPD, oxidative DNA damage and inflammation, similar to the reductions observed in response to the well‐known photoprotection agent 1,25(OH)2D3 (calcitriol). Thus, negative modulators of the CaSR offer a new approach to reducing UV‐induced skin damage.
Horizontal orientation facilitates pollen transfer and rain damage avoidance in actinomorphic flowers of Platycodon grandiflorus
Authors: Nakata T. , Rin I. , Yaida Y. A. , Ushimaru A.
Published: March 2022

In zoophilous plants, floral orientation evolved under both biotic and abiotic pressure to enhance pollination success. However, the adaptive significance of horizontal orientation in radially symmetrical (actinomorphic) flowers remains largely unknown, although that of bilaterally symmetrical flowers has been well studied.

We experimentally altered floral angle in a population of insect‐pollinated Platycodon grandiflorus flowers to examine the effects of floral orientation on pollinator behaviour, pollination success and pollen rain damage avoidance. To further investigate the potential pollen damage by rain, we obtained past precipitation records for the study area during the flowering season, and experimentally tested P. grandiflorus pollen damage by water.

Horizontally oriented flowers received more pollinator visits and had pollen grains on the stigma in male and/or female phases than downward‐ and/or upward‐oriented flowers and avoided pollen damage by rainfall better than upward‐oriented flowers. A pollen germination experiment showed that approximately 30% of pollen grains burst in distilled water, indicating that pollen damage by rainfall may be significant in P. grandiflorus.

Our field experiments revealed that upward‐oriented flowers cannot avoid pollen damage by rainfall during the flowering period, and that both upward‐ and downward‐oriented flowers experience pollinator limitation in female success. Therefore, horizontal flower orientation appears to be adaptive in this insect‐pollinated actinomorphic species that blooms during the rainy season.
“Not Racist, But…”: Beliefs About Immigration Restrictions, Collective Narcissism, and Justification of Ethnic Extremism
Authors: Cichocka Aleksandra , Bocian Konrad , Winiewski Mikolaj , Azevedo Flavio
Published: March 2022

Surveys conducted across multiple countries show that most people view seeking lower immigration to help maintain the majority group's population share as a sign of racial self‐interest—as opposed to racism. We investigated whether the belief that it is not racist to want immigration restrictions for cultural reasons is associated with ingroup identification (a positive attachment to and solidarity with one's group) or collective narcissism (a conviction that the ingroup is exceptional and deserves special treatment). We argue that if this belief reflects concern for the ingroup, it should be linked to ingroup identification. However, if it is a defensive justification of the ingroup's privileged position, it should be linked to collective narcissism. Across four studies, national (Study 1: United Kingdom, N = 467; Study 2: Poland, N = 1,285) and ethnic (Study 3a: United States, N = 2,000; Study 3b: United States, N = 2,938) narcissism emerged as predictors of the belief that ethnoculturally motivated immigration restrictions are racial self‐interest (vs. racism). This belief was also associated with justifying collective violence against migrants (Study 2) and supporting the alt‐right (Studies 3a–3b). We found less consistent evidence for an association between ingroup identification and immigration‐restriction beliefs. We discuss implications for intergroup relations and political extremism.
Gender differences in emotional reminiscing in a Scandinavian sample
Authors: Svane Riikka Pauliina , Zaman Widaad , Merrill Natalie , Krøjgaard Peter , Fivush Robyn
Published: March 2022

Emotional reminiscing is a context where children learn culture‐specific ways of understanding past emotional experiences through parentally scaffolded conversations, and learn how to connect these disparate experiences into their developing autobiographical memory. The goal of the present investigation was to explore possible gender differences in emotional reminiscing in an egalitarian cultural context (Denmark). Mothers and fathers from families (N = 88) reminisced about a happy and a sad past event with their 4.5‐year‐old children. Parents' and children's contributions were coded for emotion words, emotion attributions, and explanations. The emotional content did not differ as a function of parent or child gender. However, Danish children talked more about emotions overall with their mothers compared to their fathers. The results are discussed in light of the socio‐cultural practices.
“It's okay if you flap your hands”: Non‐autistic children do not object to individual unconventional behaviors associated with autism
Authors: Sargent Zoe , Jaswal Vikram K.
Published: March 2022

Young children favor what they perceive as normative behavior and people who act in normative ways. This preference for normativity could negatively affect non‐autistic children's attitudes towards autistic peers – individuals who (by definition) act in unconventional ways. In Study 1, we investigated how non‐autistic 4‐ to 7‐year‐old U.S. children (N = 112) evaluated several unconventional behaviors characteristic of autism and the characters who engaged in them. Surprisingly, children generally did not object to individual autistic‐like behaviors or the characters who engaged in them, although they evaluated them less favorably than normative behaviors and characters. In Study 2, we investigated why gaze aversion was the most negatively evaluated autistic‐like behavior in Study 1. Six and seven‐year‐old U.S. children (N = 33) indicated that characters who averted their gaze as a teacher was talking were less attentive and less respectful than characters who looked at her as she was talking. Young children do not appear to object to individual autistic‐like behaviors or peers who engage in them unless – as in the case of gaze aversion – they could signal a willful violation of classroom norms.
Fabrication, Properties, and Performance of Polymer Nanocomposite Ion Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications: A Review
Authors: Sayed Daud Syarifah Noor Syakiylla , Mohd Norddin Muhamad Noorul Anam , Jaafar Juhana , Sudirman Rubita
Published: March 2022

The membrane in a fuel cell plays an essential role in permeating the ionic charges of positive and negative ions without passing the fuels and electrons through it. The membrane's common materials are perfluorinated polymer, non-fluorinated or hydrocarbon polymer, and natural polymer. The physicochemical properties of the membrane have the most significant influence on the performance of fuel cells in terms of mechanical stability, ionic conductivity, power output, and cell operation longevity. The incorporation of nanoparticles into polymeric-based materials improved the membrane's properties by suppressing fuel crossover, improving water retention, and increasing ionic mobility across the membrane. The effect of incorporating nanoparticles is determined by their type, size, shape, surface acidity, and relationship to the polymer matrix. The blending, sol-gel, and infiltration methods are used to develop the nanocomposite membrane. Compared to a commercial membrane in a fuel cell application, most of these membranes demonstrated superior cell performance. Based on published literature, this review briefly described the design and influence of specific advanced nanomaterials incorporated in polymer matrix toward membrane performance.
Application of Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis in Wastewater Treatment Containing Ethylene Glycol from South Pars Gas Complex Wastewater
Authors: Khajoueenezhad Nezhad J. , Bordbar B. , Abbasi M. , Izadpanah A. A. , Khosravi A.
Published: March 2022

Today, industrial wastewater discharge has become one of the serious problems of governments. Industrial wastewater contains harmful and dangerous compounds that can endanger human health and the environment. In addition, in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, ethylene glycol is used for various purposes, and its removal from wastewater has become a challenge. Industries located on the shores of the Persian Gulf are one of the sources of production of this type of wastewater. In this study, the performance of Nanofiltration (NF) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) membrane processes for treatment of wastewater containing ethylene glycol (EG) from South Pars Gas Complex (SPGC) are investigated and compared. Various process parameters such as pressure, flowrate, and EG removal percentage as well as performance and characteristics of the membrane such as flux and fouling are discussed. It has been observed RO has better performance and less fouling than NF. However, the NF membrane has higher flux due to less compression. RO process achieved 80-99% and NF achieved 60-80% EG rejection during various pressure and flowrates.
O Oportunismo do Discurso Neoliberal na Escolha das Políticas Públicas Federais Brasileiras Durante a Crise da Covid-19
Authors: Da Cunha Savino Filó Maurício , Garcia Vinícius
Published: March 2022

Este trabalho possui como objetivo pesquisar impactos do neoliberalismo sobre o processo de escolha das políticas públicas federais brasileiras durante a crise financeira e de saúde pública durante a pandemia ocasionada pela COVID-19. O problema de pesquisa se resume ao seguinte questionamento: como o discurso neoliberal tem impactado na escolha das políticas públicas por parte do governo federal durante esta crise? Para responder à pergunta, a pesquisa desenvolve-se em duas seções. Na primeira, explicou-se a relação entre o neoliberalismo e as políticas públicas existentes. Na segunda seção, verificou-se a natureza e dimensão das políticas públicas adotadas pela União. O método utilizado na abordagem foi o descritivo-sistemático. O método de interpretação jurídica foi o tópico sistemático. Em linhas gerais, conclui-se que as políticas neoliberais adotadas não ampliam o acesso aos serviços de saúde para a população mais carente.
Entraves Para a Feminização Igualitária da Advocacia Brasileira
Authors: Miranda da Silva Priscila Cristina , Bertoncini Carla
Published: March 2022

Apesar de 49,98% da advocacia brasileira ser composta por mulheres, a  maior participação das mulheres na advocacia não lhes proporcionou igualdade no exercício profissional, devendo ser investigada a implicação desses números, razão pela qual a pesquisa investiga as possíveis causas da desigualdade na advocacia brasileira em razão do gênero que impedem o exercício profissional em igualdade de condições, com enfoque no binário homem-mulher e no marcador de raça/cor. Para tanto, a pesquisa une aportes teóricos com dados empíricos obtidos por outros pesquisadores fazendo uso do método de pesquisa dedutivo e dos métodos procedimentais histórico e documental. Constata-se que a profissão permanece marcada pelo falocentrismo que acarreta em segregação horizontal (parede de cristal) e vertical (teto de vidro) das mulheres advogadas, sendo a divisão sexual do trabalho doméstico e de cuidado de pessoas a maior barreira enfrentada para o ingresso, permanência e ascensão na carreira.
Supremas Ministras: a Inclusão de Mulheres na Composição do STF à Luz da Legitimidade das Cortes Constitucionais
Authors: Lima Jairo , Pradella Bueno Marcella , Stamile Natalina
Published: March 2022

A pauta da igualdade de gênero tem feito parte das discussões que relacionam direito e gênero. Dentre as principais demandas, encontram-se aquelas reivindicações por presença e representatividade das mulheres na esfera pública, principalmente nas instituições responsáveis por decisões políticas. Nesse aspecto, as instituições do Poder Judiciário também são avaliadas com o recorte de gênero tanto nas decisões que produzem como no arranjo institucional de sua composição. Quando se verifica especificamente a presença das mulheres na magistratura brasileira, tem-se um retrato de sua inferioridade numérica, a qual é acentuada nos órgãos de cúpula, como é o caso do Supremo Tribunal Federal. Nesse ponto, encontramos uma lacuna teórica a respeito da temática relativa ao diagnóstico e desafios da inclusão de mulheres em Cortes constitucionais. Além disso, a reivindicação pela inclusão também não está amparada por razões que se conectam com a discussão a respeito da especificidade não representativa das Cortes constitucionais. Por isso, propomos investigar quais são as razões que justificam a inclusão de mais mulheres em Cortes constitucionais,  especialmente no STF, a partir do debate em torno da legitimidade democrática dessas instituições A partir de uma pesquisa essencialmente bibliográfica e do método hipotético-dedutiva, concluímos que existem razões adequadas para a defesa dessa pauta que não estão inseridas dentro da dicotomia representação política (input) e resultado das decisões (output) e que são respaldadas pela ideia de legitimidade social em conjunção com a política da presença de Anne Philips e a teoria da participação de Nancy Fraser.
Fracture Behavior and Reliability of Low-Silver Lead-Free Solder Joints
Authors: Sharma Ved Prakash , Datla Naresh Varma
Published: March 2022

Low-silver solders are increasingly being used because silver improves the tensile strength. In this study, the variation in fracture behavior with silver content in lead-free solder joints was studied using double cantilever beam specimens. Fracture tests were done with solder joints made with Sn-0.7Cu, SACX0307, and SAC305 solder materials. The critical energy release rate for crack-initiation (Gci) of the joint was correlated with the plastic zone just ahead of the precrack tip, intermetallic compound layer thickness, energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis, and scanning electron microscopy based fractography study. The Gci for Sn-0.7Cu solder joint was observed to be significantly higher than the other two solder joints. The fractography study revealed that the failure was ductile for Sn-0.7Cu and a mix of ductile and brittle for the other two solder joints. The extent of the plastic zone ahead of the crack tip, obtained from finite element modeling, was found to be significantly larger and the intermetallic compound layer was relatively thinner for Sn-0.7Cu solder joint compared to the other two solder joints. The ductile failure, significantly larger plastic zone size and thinner intermetallic compound layer resulted in significantly higher Gci for Sn-0.7Cu solder joint.
The Prevalence of Emotional Exhaustion in Professional and Semiprofessional Coaches
Authors: Lundkvist Erik , Gustafsson Henrik , Madigan Daniel , Hjälm Sören , Kalén Anton
Published: March 2022

The present study examined levels of emotional exhaustion, a key symptom of burnout, in Swedish professional and semiprofessional sport coaches in comparison to the normative values specified in the Maslach Burnout Inventory manual, and to the clinical cutoffs developed by Kleijweg, Verbraak, and Van Dijk. The sample contained 318 Swedish coaches (Mage = 42.7 years, 12% female) working at least 50% full time away from both team (60%) and individual (40%) sports. Our study shows that, in general, coaches in this sample experience lower average levels of exhaustion than normative samples both regarding the Maslach Burnout Inventory and clinical cutoffs. Two groups of coaches did, however, stand out. Coaches living in single households as well as coaches working part time had higher risk of severe levels of emotional exhaustion. These results place coach exhaustion levels in relation to other occupations and highlight that in this sample, the coaching profession does not stand out as more emotionally exhausting than other occupations.
Levels of Gnostic Functions in Top Karate Athletes—A Pilot Study
Authors: Tapajcikova Tatiana , Líška Dávid , Batalik Ladislav , Tucker Clea P. , Kobesova Alena
Published: March 2022

High-quality sensory perception and body scheme (somatognosis) are important aspects for sport performance. This study compares stereognosis, body scheme, and kinesthesia in a group of 36 competitive karate athletes against a control group of 32 general population participants. The stereognosis Petrie test, two body scheme tests, and three kinesthesia tests served as outcome measurement tools. No significant difference was found in the stereognosis Petrie test, for the dominant (p = .389) or the nondominant (p = .791) hand, nor in the kinesthesia test (dominant, p = .661 and nondominant, p = .051). Karate athletes performed significantly better in the body scheme tests, that is, fist width estimation (p = .024) and shoulder width estimation (p = .019), as well as in karate-specific kinesthesia tests, that is, single punch (p = .010) and triple punch (p = .001). This study confirms competitive karate athletes have significantly better somatognosis, and better accuracy when performing quick dynamic movements compared with the general population.
Replenishing HDL with synthetic HDL has multiple protective effects against sepsis in mice
Authors: Guo Ling , Morin Emily E. , Yu Minzhi , Mei Ling , Fawaz Maria V. , Wang Qian , Yuan Yaxia , Zhan Chang-Guo , Standiford Theodore J. , Schwendeman Anna , Li Xiang-An
Published: March 2022

Sepsis is a major health issue with mortality exceeding 30% and few treatment options. We found that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) abundance was reduced by 45% in septic patients compared to that in nonseptic patients. Furthermore, HDL-C abundance in nonsurviving septic patients was substantially lower than in those patients who survived. We therefore hypothesized that replenishing HDL might be a therapeutic approach for treating sepsis and found that supplementing HDL with synthetic HDL (sHDL) provided protection against sepsis in mice. In mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), infusing the sHDL ETC-642 increased plasma HDL-C amounts and improved the 7-day survival rate. Septic mice treated with sHDL showed improved kidney function and reduced inflammation, as indicated by marked decreases in the plasma concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and the cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10, respectively. We found that sHDL inhibited the ability of the endotoxins LPS and LPA to activate inflammatory pathways in RAW264.7 cells and HEK-Blue cells expressing the receptors TLR4 or TLR2 and NF-κB reporters. In addition, sHDL inhibited the activation of HUVECs by LPS, LTA, and TNF-α. Together, these data indicate that sHDL treatment protects mice from sepsis in multiple ways and that it might be an effective therapy for patients with sepsis.