bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental imagery in adolescent PTSD patients after child abuse: a comparison with matched healthy controls
Authors: Steil Regina , Fischer Anne , Gutermann Jana , Rosner Rita
Published: January 2022

Background

Intrusive mental imagery (MI) plays a crucial role in the maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Evidence on the characteristics of MI in adolescents suffering from PTSD is sparse. The aim of this study was to thoroughly assess MI in an adolescent sample suffering from PTSD after the experience of childhood sexual abuse and/or childhood physical abuse (CA).

Methods

Thirty-two adolescents with a primary diagnosis of PTSD after CA and 32 adolescents without any mental disorder and without a history of CA, matched for age and gender, completed questionnaires assessing the characteristics of negative and positive MI, as well as images of injury and death that lead to positive emotions (ID-images).

Results

The PTSD group reported significantly more frequent, more vivid, more distressing and more strongly autobiographically linked negative MI compared to the control group. Although positive MI was highly present in both groups (PTSD: 65.6%; controls: 71.9%), no significant differences emerged between the two groups regarding the distinct characteristics of positive MI. The frequency of the ID-images did not significantly differ between the two groups (PTSD: 21.9%; controls: 9.4%), although the ID-images were more vivid in the PTSD group.

Discussion

Negative MI appears to be crucial in adolescent PTSD, whilst positive MI are unexpectedly common in both the PTSD and the control group. The role of positive MI as well as that of ID-images remain unclear. Specific interventions for changing negative MI that are tailored to the developmental challenges in adolescents with PTSD should be developed.

Trial registration

Some of the PTSD patients in this study were also part of a randomized controlled trial on Developmentally adapted Cognitive Processing Therapy (D-CPT). This trial was registered at the German Clinical Trial Registry (GCTR), DRKS00004787, 18 March 2013.
Interaction between physical activity and outdoor time on allostatic load in Chinese college students
Authors: Zhang Dan , Li Tingting , Xie Yang , Tao Shuman , Yang Yajuan , Zou Liwei , Qu Yang , Zhai Shuang , Tao Fangbiao , Wu Xiaoyan
Published: January 2022

Background

Physical activity (PA) deficiency, outdoor time reduction during college have been associated with higher cumulative physiological burden as measured by allostatic load (AL). Therefore, the present research sought to analyze the independent and interaction effects of PA and outdoor time on AL in college students.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two universities from April to May 2019. Self-assessment questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Version (IPAQ-SF) were used in the investigation, AL level was assessed according to the results of biochemical examination, blood pressure and human body morphological measurements. Binary Logistic Analysis was used to analyze the relationships between PA, outdoor time and AL.

Results

The prevalence of low PA, low outdoor time and high AL were 16.3%, 71.1% and 47.6%, respectively. Low PA (OR=1.83, 95%CI: 1.20~2.78) and low outdoor time (OR=1.90, 95%CI: 1.35~2.67) are independently associated with high AL (P<0.05, for each). Interaction analysis indicated that low PA and low outdoor time were interactively associated with high AL (OR=2.93, 95%CI: 1.73~4.94, P<0.05).

Conclusions

There were the significant independent and interaction effects between PA and outdoor time on AL. In the future, college students’ physical education can be arranged reasonably to reduce the health risks.
Work motivation and occupational self-efficacy belief to continue working among ageing home care nurses: a mixed methods study
Authors: Wallin Stina , Fjellman-Wiklund Anncristine , Fagerström Lisbeth
Published: January 2022

Background

It is important to support ageing home care nurses (HCNs) to remain in work for longer, since the need for home care services is increasing. Personal resources such as self-efficacy belief contribute to work ability, as does work motivation. Few studies have targeted the ageing workers’ self-efficacy belief to manage their final working years. This study explores ageing HCNs’ work motivation, and occupational self-efficacy, i.e. belief in one’s capabilities, to continue working until expected retirement age.

Methods

The design of the study is exploratory using a mixed method with a qualitative to quantitative approach. A total of 234 HCNs answered four open-ended questions from a cross-sectional survey, regarding their work motivation and self-efficacy beliefs. First, data was analysed using manifest qualitative content analysis. Next, a quantitative analysis was performed based on the results of the qualitative study, and the categories that emerged were quantitatively ranked.

Results

The open-ended questions yielded 2339 utterances. The findings showed that several categories concurrently affected both work motivation and self-efficacy belief. When they were well-functioning, they positively affected both work motivation and self-efficacy belief, and when they were insufficient, they negatively affected either or both motivation and/or belief. Meaningfulness, job satisfaction, social support, and work environmental and organizational characteristics affected work motivation most. Perceived health highly affected the self-efficacy belief to continue working until expected retirement age, as well as meaningfulness of work, support from colleagues and home care managers, and work characteristics.

Conclusions

Through highlighting the meaningfulness of work, and supporting the perceived health, the work community and leadership, both work motivation and self-efficacy belief to continue working might be facilitated among ageing HCNs. However, the still present draining workload must be handled.
Organ-specific accumulation of selenium and mercury in Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus)
Authors: Marumoto Masumi , Sakamoto Mineshi , Nakamura Masaaki , Marumoto Kohji , Tsuruta Shozo
Published: January 2022

Delphinids are top ocean predators and accumulate high concentrations of mercury (Hg) through the food chain, particularly in organs such as liver and kidney, although the proportion of methylmercury (MeHg) is relatively low due to the demethylation process. Total mercury (T-Hg) levels in marine mammals have been shown to correlate with selenium (Se) concentrations, and ingested MeHg that is demethylated may be present in tissues as mercury selenide (HgSe). In this study, we determined T-Hg, MeHg and Se concentrations of three Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), and we used the individual with the highest Hg concentration for electron probe microanalysis to assess the co-localization of Hg and Se in the tissues. By electron probe microanalysis, we found that Hg and Se were co-localized in large granules in hepatic Kupffer cells and in small granules in hepatocytes. The analysis suggested that MeHg was demethylated in hepatocytes and then phagocytosed by Kupffer cells. In the kidney, Hg and Se were co-localized in the glomerular capillary wall and in interstitial blood vessel walls. Hg and Se were also co-localized in the cytoplasm of large neurons and in glial cells in the cerebrum. Divalent Hg and HgSe cannot cross the blood–brain barrier, suggesting that MeHg is demethylated in the dolphin brain and that binding to Se suppresses Hg toxicity.
SF3B1 inhibition disrupts malignancy and prolongs survival in glioblastoma patients through BCL2L1 splicing and mTOR/ß-catenin pathways imbalances
Authors: Fuentes-Fayos Antonio C. , Pérez-Gómez Jesús M. , G-García Miguel E. , Jiménez-Vacas Juan M. , Blanco-Acevedo Cristóbal , Sánchez-Sánchez Rafael , Solivera Juan , Breunig Joshua J. , Gahete Manuel D. , Castaño Justo P. , Luque Raúl M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Glioblastoma is one of the most devastating cancer worldwide based on its locally aggressive behavior and because it cannot be cured by current therapies. Defects in alternative splicing process are frequent in cancer. Recently, we demonstrated that dysregulation of the spliceosome is directly associated with glioma development, progression, and aggressiveness.

Methods

Different human cohorts and a dataset from different glioma mouse models were analyzed to determine the mutation frequency as well as the gene and protein expression levels between tumor and control samples of the splicing-factor-3B-subunit-1 (SF3B1), an essential and druggable spliceosome component. SF3B1 expression was also explored at the single-cell level across all cell subpopulations and transcriptomic programs. The association of SF3B1 expression with relevant clinical data (e.g., overall survival) in different human cohorts was also analyzed. Different functional (proliferation/migration/tumorspheres and colonies formation/VEGF secretion/apoptosis) and mechanistic (gene expression/signaling pathways) assays were performed in three different glioblastomas cell models (human primary cultures and cell lines) in response to SF3B1 blockade (using pladienolide B treatment). Moreover, tumor progression and formation were monitored in response to SF3B1 blockade in two preclinical xenograft glioblastoma mouse models.

Results

Our data provide novel evidence demonstrating that the splicing-factor-3B-subunit-1 (SF3B1, an essential and druggable spliceosome component) is low-frequency mutated in human gliomas (~ 1 %) but widely overexpressed in glioblastoma compared with control samples from the different human cohorts and mouse models included in the present study, wherein SF3B1 levels are associated with key molecular and clinical features (e.g., overall survival, poor prognosis and/or drug resistance). Remarkably, in vitro and in vivo blockade of SF3B1 activity with pladienolide B drastically altered multiple glioblastoma pathophysiological processes (i.e., reduction in proliferation, migration, tumorspheres formation, VEGF secretion, tumor initiation and increased apoptosis) likely by suppressing AKT/mTOR/ß-catenin pathways, and an imbalance of BCL2L1 splicing.

Conclusions

Together, we highlight SF3B1 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and an efficient pharmacological target in glioblastoma, offering a clinically relevant opportunity worth to be explored in humans.
Associations between the morphological parameters of proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) and changes in tibiofemoral joint structures in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Chang Jun , Chen Tianyu , Yan Yizhu , Zhu Zhaohua , Han Weiyu , Zhao Yi , Antony Benny , Wluka Anita , Winzenberg Tania , Cicuttini Flavia , Ding Changhai
Published: January 2022

Background

To describe the longitudinal associations between the morphological parameters of proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) and joint structural changes in tibiofemoral compartments in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

The participants were selected from the Vitamin D Effects on Osteoarthritis (VIDEO) study. PTFJ morphological parameters were measured on coronal and sagittal MRI. The contacting area (S) of PTFJ and its projection areas onto the horizontal (load-bearing area, Sτ), sagittal (lateral stress-bolstering area, Sφ), and coronal plane (posterior stress-bolstering area, Sυ) were assessed. Knee structural abnormalities, including cartilage defects, bone marrow lesions (BMLs), and cartilage volume, were evaluated at baseline and after 2 years. Log binominal regression models and linear regression models were used to assess the associations between PTFJ morphological parameters and osteoarthritic structural changes.

Results

In the longitudinal analyses, the S (RR: 1.45) and Sτ (RR: 1.55) of PTFJ were significantly and positively associated with an increase in medial tibial (MT) cartilage defects. The Sτ (β: − 0.07), Sυ (β: − 0.07), and S (β: − 0.06) of PTFJ were significantly and negatively associated with changes in MT cartilage volume. The Sτ (RR: 1.55) of PTFJ was positively associated with an increase in MT BMLs, and Sφ (RR: 0.35) was negatively associated with an increase in medial femoral BMLs.

Conclusions

This longitudinal study suggests that higher load-bearing area of PTFJ could be a risk factor for structural changes in medial tibiofemoral (MTF) compartment in knee OA.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01176344

Anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12610000495022

Date of registration: 7 May 2010
Training types associated with knowledge and experience in public health workers
Authors: Narita Zui , Yamanouchi Yoshio , Mishima Kazuo , Kamio Yoko , Ayabe Naoko , Kakei Ryoko , Kim Yoshiharu
Published: January 2022

Background

Training non-specialist workers in mental healthcare improves knowledge, attitude, confidence, and recognition of mental illnesses. However, still little information is available on which type of mental health training is important in the improvement of these capacities.

Methods

We studied web-based survey data of 495 public health workers to examine training types associated with knowledge and experience in supporting individuals with mental illness. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between a lack of knowledge and experience (outcome) and mental health training (exposure). We fitted three regression models. Model 1 evaluated unadjusted associations. Model 2 adjusted for age and sex. Model 3 adjusted for age, sex, years of experience, mental health full-time worker status, and community population. Bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrap confidence intervals (CIs) were used.

Results

For all training types, the association between a lack of knowledge and experience and mental health training attenuated as the model developed. In Model 3, a lack of knowledge and experience was significantly associated with training in specific illness (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32–0.93) and screening and assessment (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.39–0.99). Non-significant results were produced for training in counseling, psychosocial support, collaborative work, and law and regulation in Model 3.

Conclusions

We believe that the present study provides meaningful information that training in specific illness and screening and assessment may lead to knowledge and experience of public health workers. Further studies should employ a longitudinal design and validated measurements.
Boosting the impact of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) through simultaneous screening and treatment of household members of children receiving SMC in Burkina Faso: a protocol for a randomized open label trial
Authors: Sondo Paul , Tahita Marc Christian , Ilboudo Hamidou , Rouamba Toussaint , Derra Karim , Tougri Gauthier , Ouédraogo Florence , Konseibo Béatrice Marie Adélaïde , Roamba Eli , Otienoburu Sabina Dahlström , Kaboré Bérenger , Kennon Kalynn , Ouédraogo Kadija , Zongo Wend-Timbe-Noma Arlette Raïssa , Bocoum Fadima Yaya , Stepniewska Kasia , Dhorda Mehul , Guérin Philippe J. , Tinto Halidou
Published: January 2022

Background

Plasmodium falciparum malaria remains a major public health concern in sub-Sahara Africa. Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with amodiaquine + sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is one of the most important preventive interventions. Despite its implementation, the burden of malaria is still very high in children under five years old in Burkina Faso, suggesting that the expected impact of this promising strategy might not be attained. Development of innovative strategies to improve the efficacy of these existing malaria control measures is essential. In such context, we postulate that screening and treatment of malaria in household members of children receiving SMC could greatly improve the impact of SMC intervention and reduce malaria transmission in endemic settings.

Methods

This randomized superiority trial will be carried out in the Nanoro health district, Burkina Faso. The unit of randomisation will be the household and all eligible children from a household will be allocated to the same study group. Households with 3–59 months old children will be assigned to either (i) control group (SMC alone) or (ii) intervention (SMC+ screening of household members with standard Histidin Rich Protein Rapid Diagnostic Test (HRP2-RDT) and treatment if positive). The sample size will be 526 isolated households per arm, i.e., around 1052 children under SMC coverage and an expected 1315 household members. Included children will be followed-up for 24 months to fully cover two consecutive malaria transmission seasons and two SMC cycles. Children will be actively followed-up during the malaria transmission seasons while in the dry seasons the follow-up will be passive.

Conclusion

The study will respond to a major public health concern by providing evidence of the efficacy of an innovative strategy to boost the impact of SMC intervention.
Identification of novel mutations among Iranian NPC1 patients: a bioinformatics approach to predict pathogenic mutations
Authors: Abtahi Rezvan , Karimzadeh Parvaneh , Aryani Omid , Akbarzadeh Diba , Salehpour Shadab , Rezayi Alireza , Tonekaboni Seyed Hassan , Emameh Reza Zolfaghari , Houshmand Massoud
Published: January 2022

Background

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare lysosomal neurovisceral storage disease caused by mutations in the NPC 1 (95%) or NPC2 (5%) genes. The products of NPC1 and NPC2 genes play considerable roles in glycolipid and cholesterol trafficking, which could consequently lead to NPC disease with variable phenotypes displaying a broad spectrum of symptoms.

Materials

In the present study 35 Iranian NPC unrelated patients were enrolled. These patients were first analysed by the Filipin Staining test of cholesterol deposits in cells for NPC diagnostics. Genomic DNA was extracted from the samples of peripheral blood leukocytes in EDTA following the manufacturer's protocol. All exon–intron boundaries and coding exons of the NPC1gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using appropriate sets of primers. Thereafter, the products of PCR were sequenced and analysed using the NCBI database (https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi). The variants were reviewed by some databases including the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) (http://www.hgmd.cf.ac.uk/ac/index.php) and ClinVar (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/clinvar (. Moreover, all the variants were manually classified in terms of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guideline.

Results

The sequence analysis revealed 20 different variations, 10 of which are new, including one nonsense mutation (c.406C > T); three small deletions, (c.3126delC, c.2920_2923delCCTG, and c.2037delG); and six likely pathogenic missense mutations, (c.542C > A, c.1970G > A, c.1993C > G, c.2821 T > C, c.2872C > G, and c.3632 T > A). Finally, the pathogenicity of these new variants was determined using the ACMG guidelines.

Conclusion

The present study aimed to facilitate the prenatal diagnosis of NPC patients in the future. In this regard, we identified 10 novel mutations, and verified that the majority of them occurred in six NPC1 exons (5, 8, 9, 13, 19, and 21), that should be considered with a high priority for Iranian patients' cost-effective evaluation.
Spinal aspergillosis: a rare complication of COVID-19 infection
Authors: Makhdoomi Rumana , Malik Nayil , Charan Jagdish , Malik Azhar , Singh Sarbjit
Published: January 2022

Background

Several complications have been reported in COVID-19 infection. Most of the complications include secondary infection.

Case presentation

We report an 85-year-old male who presented with cauda equina syndrome 7-months after contracting COVID-19 infection. We excised an extradural mass which on examination proved to be Spinal Aspergillosis.

Conclusions

Spinal Aspergillosis should be kept in mind in patients who present with local spinal pain with or without neurological deficit after COVID-19 infection.
Effect of non-suicidal self-injury on suicidal ideation: real-time monitoring study
Authors: Herzog Sarah , Choo Tse-Hwei , Galfalvy Hanga , Mann J. John , Stanley Barbara H.
Published: January 2022

Clinical and empirical reports suggest that individuals use non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) not only to ameliorate dysphoria, but to curb suicidal ideation or avoid suicidal behaviour. To date, however, no study has quantitatively assessed whether NSSI leads to short-term reductions in suicidal ideation. Using real-time monitoring over 7 days in a sample with borderline personality disorder, we found evidence that NSSI is followed by reductions in suicidal ideation in the subsequent hours. This suggests that NSSI may serve as an effective, albeit maladaptive, coping strategy for suicidal states. These findings have important implications for the management of suicide risk and self-harm.
Qb technology – evaluating its use in adhd diagnosis within a child and adolescent mental health service
Authors: Manning D. , Olety S.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopment disorder characteristically compromising of three persistent symptoms; Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Within the Tameside and Glossop CCG continuous performance tests from the company QbTech are used to aid diagnosis.

Objectives

The aim of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of using both the QbCheck (triage tool) and QbTest (diagnostic tool) concordantly in the diagnostic pathway of ADHD in young people.

Methods

20 Patients who had undergone both performance tests were identified and then five components evaluated in the QbCheck were then compared to the QbTest results.

Results

In the five areas identified by both the QbTest and QbCheck up to 80% had the same outcomes in the two tests. However, in one area (hyperactivity) only 60% of QbChecks outcomes were replicated by the QbTest. The symptom of inattention most commonly correlated between the two tests. The average wait between tests was 9.8 months. 100% of those who scored on QB Check, received diagnosis of ADHD, suggesting high referrer specificity.

Conclusions

QbCheck diagnostic outcomes are comparable to patients who have undergone both the QbCheck and QbTest, only having one of these continuous performance tests making up the ADHD diagnostic pathway could be cost and time saving in the pathway to diagnosis. As QbCheck can be completed within the child’s school this reduces the number of clinic appointments that need to be attended by patients and their families.
Urinary 3-Methoxytyramine Is a Biomarker for MYC Activity in Patients With Neuroblastoma
Authors: Verly Iedan R. N. , Matser Yvette A. H. , Leen René , Meinsma Rutger , Fiocco Marta , Koster Jan , Volckmann Richard , Savci-Heijink Dilara , Cangemi Giuliana , Barco Sebastiano , Valentijn Linda J. , Tytgat Godelieve A. M. , van Kuilenburg André B. P.
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE

Elevated urinary 3-methoxytyramine (3MT) level at diagnosis was recently put forward as independent risk factor for poor prognosis in neuroblastoma. Here, we investigated the biologic basis underlying the putative association between elevated 3MT levels and poor prognosis.

METHODS

Urinary 3MT levels and prognosis were investigated in both retrospective Italian (N = 90) and prospective Dutch (N = 95) cohorts. From the Dutch Cancer Oncology Group cohort (N = 122), patients with available urinary 3MT and gene expression data (n = 90) were used to generate a 3MT gene signature. The 3MT gene signature score was then used to predict survival outcome in the Children's Oncology Group (N = 247) and German Pediatric Oncology Group (N = 498) cohorts and compared with other known gene signatures. Immunohistochemistry of MYCN and dopamine β-hydroxylase proteins was performed on primary tumors.

RESULTS

Elevated urinary 3MT levels were associated with poor prognosis in a retrospective cohort and a prospective cohort. Moreover, elevated urinary 3MT levels were associated with eight differentially expressed genes, providing a 3MT gene signature that successfully predicted poor clinical outcome. Even among low-risk patients, high 3MT signature score was associated with poor 5-year overall survival (72% v 99% among low-risk patients with a low 3MT signature score), and the 3MT signature score was correlated with MYC activity in the tumor (R = 82%, P < .0001). Finally, a strong MYCN and weak dopamine β-hydroxylase staining of tumors derived from patients with elevated urinary 3MT levels was observed, linking MYC activity in the tumor to both catecholamine biosynthesis and elevated urinary 3MT levels.

CONCLUSION

Elevated urinary 3MT is a promising biomarker for poor prognosis and reflects increased MYC activity in the tumor. Therefore, urinary 3MT levels should be measured at diagnosis and may assist in assessing risk.
Single Base-Modification Reports and Locates Z-DNA Conformation on a Z-B-Chimera Formed by Topological Constraint
Authors: Liu Mengqin , Cui Yixiao , Zhang Yaping , An Ran , Li Lin , Park Soyoung , Sugiyama Hiroshi , Liang Xingguo
Published: January 2022

Two complementary mini single-stranded DNA circles can hybridize with each other and form Z-B-chimera with a stable left-handed duplex part under low ionic strength conditions. However, we do not know clearly whether this left-handed part has Z-DNA conformation or a new left-handed one. In this study, 2′-OMe-thG, a fluorescent nucleobase, was introduced to detect the formation of Z-DNA conformation at a fixed point of sequence simply by measuring fluorescence change under various conditions. Results showed that the base pair at the modified site formed and the corresponding duplex structure took the Z-conformation in the Z-B-chimera. Z-DNA can form at low ionic strength such as 1.0 mM MgCl2, 75 mM NaCl or 140 mM KCl, which is lower than that of physiological ionic conditions. We also found that formation of Z-DNA becomes more difficult at lower pH (pH <6). This straightforward approach can be used to investigate Z-DNA formation by observing the fluorescence. Formation of Z-B-chimera can be used as a versatile tool to understand Z-DNA characteristics as well as its biological significance.
Highly Efficient Wideband Solar Energy Conversion Employing Singlet-Triplet Transitions
Authors: Kinoshita Takumi
Published: January 2022

Panchromatic sunlight energy harvesting is one of the key technologies to improve the performance of photovoltaics; however, while the near-infrared (NIR) light energy is easily converted into heat, energy conversion has proven difficult. In this study, we synthesize a new type of photosensitizer that exhibits singlet–triplet transitions (spin inversion transition, S–T transition) in the NIR region. Using these sensitizers, we achieved highly efficient wideband photoenergy conversion, exceeding 1000 nm, with dye-sensitized solar cells. With only one type of small molecule, this was able to capture half of the photons in sunlight and convert them into electrical energy. This account describes the highly efficient panchromatic energy conversion, and solution-processed multijunction cells using perovskite solar cells.
Isopod assemblages in the Bizerte lagoon (SW Mediterranean Sea): composition, structure and environmental relationships
Authors: KHAMMASSI MARWA , JOURDE JEROME , LABIDI SARRA , ACHOURI MOHAMED SGHAIER
Published: January 2022

The spatial and temporal distribution, abundance, and structure of isopod assemblages in Bizerte Lagoon (SW Mediterranean Sea) were studied at 22 stations selected from seagrass and macroalgae sampled during four seasons in 2017. A total of 6808 individuals and 17 species of isopods belonging to 5 suborders, 7 families and 12 genera were identified. Six new species were recorded on Tunisian coasts. In addition, and compared to previous studies, nine isopod species were collected for the first time in this lagoon. Analysis of the trophic structure revealed that most stations are strongly dominated by herbivore-deposit feeders (78.3%), followed by deposit-suspension feeders (13.6%) and carnivores (8.01%). Three isopod assemblages were identified (G1, G2 and G3). The distribution of isopod assemblages is influenced by the nature and structure of the substrates. The seasonal variations in the isopod community patterns at 22 stations showed maximum abundance and diversity during spring, whereas the lowest ones were recorded during winter.
Estimations of free fatty acid (FFA) as a reliable proxy for larval performance in Mediterranean octocoral species
Authors: VILADRICH NÚRIA , BRAMANTI LORENZO , TSOUNIS GEORGIOS , COPPARI MARTINA , DOMINGUEZ-CARRIÓ CARLOS , PRUSKI AUDREY , ROSSI SERGIO
Published: January 2022

The survival, behavior and competence period of lecithotrophic larvae depends not only on the energy allocation transferred by maternal colonies but also on the amount of energy consumed to sustain embryonic, larval, and post-larval development. The objective of the present work is to understand the effect of energy consumption on the performance of lecithotrophic larvae. To this aim, we analyzed free fatty acid (FFA) content and composition of the larvae of three Mediterranean octocorals (Corallium rubrum, Eunicella singularis and Paramuricea clavata) as a proxy for energy consumption. Results showed that C. rubrum larvae consume more FFA than P. clavata, whereas the energy consumed by E. singularis larvae is high but highly variable. These results are in accordance with the larval behavior of these three species since C. rubrum larvae are characterized by their high swimming activity frequency, P. clavata larvae are almost inactive, and the swimming activity frequency of E. singularis larvae is high, although variable. The differences in FFA composition of the larvae suggest contrasting energetic strategies that could explain the differences in survival and recruitment rates. In fact, high dispersal and recruitment capacities for E. singularis larvae can be inferred from the FFA composition, whereas the high spatial and temporal variability of recruitment observed in C. rubrum may be related to the non-selective transfer of fatty acid (FA) from maternal colonies. Finally, the high recovery rates after mass mortality events observed in P. clavata could be favored by the presence of a specific FA (22:6(n-3)) related to adaptation mechanisms under environmental stresses during the first developmental stages.
The ancient Levantine Botryllus schlosseri (Tunicata): population genetics landscape under frequent natural disturbances
Authors: TAMIR SHARON , REEM EITAN , PAZ GUY , TIKOCHINSKI YARON , RINKEVICH BARUCH
Published: January 2022

The colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri is a cosmopolitan species, commonly found in sheltered temperate marine environments, primarily marinas/harbors. B. schlosseri larvae settle immediately upon release on hard substrates in vicinity (<50cm) to maternal colonies, suggesting genetically structured populations on fine spatial scales. By employing seven microsatellite loci, this study characterizes long-term (2004-2008) genetic structures of a B. schlosseri population residing underneath stones at Michmoret harbor, the Israeli Mediterranean coast, revealing a persistence of genetic structure through time. Further, the Michmoret harbor was exposed to episodes of natural disturbances (October 2006 and November 2007), during which the entire populations were eradicated from shallow waters. These disturbances provide a unique opportunity to study the population genetic dynamics of newly established populations of a marine invasive species, within its geographic origin. The results revealed a four year-long structured single population in Michmoret harbor, homogeneous at the time but not at the micro-geographic scales. The B. schlosseri population from Michmoret harbor, unlike other populations of B. schlosseri worldwide, showed no genetic changes such as changes in the distribution of allele frequencies that were reported in other B. schlosseri populations after natural catastrophic events.
Updated checklist of Marine Bivalve Molluscs of Montenegro (southeast Adriatic Sea)
Authors: GVOZDENOVIĆ SLAĐANA , PERAŠ INES , MANDIĆ MILICA
Published: January 2022

This paper presents an updated inventory of the marine bivalves of Montenegro. The checklist based on published literature and recent research includes 165 taxa. Eleven taxa are recorded for the first time in Montenegrin coastal waters. Six species are non indigenous, while one is crytogenic. Two species (Lithophaga lithophaga and Pinna nobilis) are listed in Annex IV of Habitat directive and are therefore protected fauna species in Montenegro additionally. Three species are strictly protected according to the Bern Convention (Appendix II), while four species are endangered or threatened according to the Barcelona Convention (Annex II). Pinna nobilis is considered Critically Endangered due to mass mortality. Finally, as Thyasira orahovaziana is a questionable taxon as its validity is uncertain (taxon inquirendum) it is excluded from the checklist, as well as taxa Spaniorinus reconditus which is extinct, and Mytilus edulis which occurrence in Montenegrin coastal waters is uncertain.
The “MEDiterranean International Acoustic Survey”: An introduction
Authors: GIANNOULAKI MARIANNA , ZWOLINSKI JUAN , CEMAL GUCU ALI , De FELICE ANDREA , SOMARAKIS STYLIANOS
Published: January 2022

Special Issue for 2021 dedicated to papers produced within the MEDIAS project. Guest editors: Marianna Giannoulaki, Juan Zwolinski, Ali Cemal Gucu, Andrea De Felice, and Stylianos Somarakis.
Working Paper 7: The political economy of asset recovery processes
Authors: Pavletic Ivan
Published: January 2022

Since the mid-1990s, the fight against corruption has become an integral part of the international development agenda. Along with the growing concern about corruption, the problem of assets stolen by public officials came to the fore of the agenda. This is evidenced by a steady increase in international agreements, such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions adopted in 1997, and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) signed in 2003. The UNCAC, in particular, includes specific mechanisms that facilitate repatriation of stolen public assets.

Since political will is the concentrated expression of powerful political and economic interests in a country, more attention must be paid to these interests when it comes to asset recovery measures. This is the aim of the working paper.

By using the political economy framework, the paper identifies the political and institutional obstacles to effective policy implementation. The focus will be on the factors involved in the process of international recovery of stolen assets, although this process can and should not be analysed separately from the broader challenge of the fight against corruption. Both these issues are interrelated and can have a significant impact on each other.
Working Paper 29: Recovering assets in support of the SDGs
Authors: Pfister Mike
Published: January 2022

This Working Paper aims to contribute to the international policy dialogue on the link between asset recovery and countries’ pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.

It contends that supporting countries in recovering stolen assets and promoting sustainable development are mutually reinforcing. It also aims to correct the false reputation of asset recovery as a very technical legalistic field of development cooperation, and to generate broader understanding of the far-reaching role that asset recovery can play to foster development.

The paper argues that helping countries recover stolen assets, anchored in target 16.4 of the SDGs, can mobilise important resources to finance development or poverty reduction efforts. 

In addition, it explores how asset recovery plays a critical role in strengthening some of the key foundations of sustainable development, such as the rule of law and strong, transparent and accountable institutions. 

Combining “hard assets” in terms of actual assets recovered and the “soft assets” that are needed to do so effectively, ranging from the capacity of law enforcement institutions to the political will to fight criminal networks, provides a powerful foundation for sustainable development.
Civil Law: in 2 volumes. Volume 1
Authors: Karpychev Mihail , Huzhin Al'fir , Il'in Igor' , Malyutina Oksana , Pchelkin Aleksndr , Sokova Zinaida , Pershina Irina , Shuhareva Anna
Published: January 2022

The first volume of the textbook, prepared in accordance with the curriculum on the discipline "Civil Law" for educational institutions of higher education, discusses the issues of the General part (basic provisions, legal relations, persons, objects of civil rights, transactions, decisions of meetings, representation, terms and limitation period) and a number of sub-branches and institutions of civil law of Russia (property law, personal non-property rights; general provisions of the law of obligations).
Complies with the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students, cadets, teachers, postgraduates, adjuncts and anyone interested in issues of modern civil law.
International Financial Reporting Standards: tangible and intangible assets. Application practice
Authors: Morozova Tat'yana , Malickaya Viktoriya
Published: January 2022

The textbook contains a structured presentation of the Conceptual Framework for the presentation of financial statements, IFRS (IAS) 16 "Fixed Assets", IFRS (IAS) 2 "Inventories", IFRS (IAS) 40 "Investment Property", IFRS (IAS) 38 "Intangible Assets", IFRS (IFRS) 5 "Non-current Assets held for Sale and Discontinued operations".
Fragments of information disclosure in financial statements in accordance with IFRS of more than 50 Russian and foreign companies are given. The choice of financial statements of companies is solely a subjective judgment of the textbook authors, is aimed at explaining certain provisions of IFRS and is not an advertisement or popularization of individual business entities. In the text of the textbook, examples are divided into examples - practice of application; examples - professional judgment; examples-explanations; examples - disclosure of information.
At the end of each paragraph, self-examination questions and tests are presented, which help to structure theoretical knowledge and pay attention to the most significant information blocks of IFRS.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students in bachelor's and master's degree courses 38.03.01 "Economics" and 38.04.08 "Finance and Credit".
Implementation of the state economic policy in the era of the formation of a neo-industrial society
Authors: Agamagomedova Elena , Androsova Irina , Babich Tat'yana , Bragina Anastasiya , Vertakova Yuliya , Nepochatyh Ol'ga , Klevcova Mariya , Plotnikov Vladimir , Polozhenceva Yuliya , Charochkina Ekaterina
Published: January 2022

The monograph examines the implementation of state economic policy in the era of the formation of a neo-industrial society. The authors have developed new conceptual approaches, methodologies and scientifically based recommendations for the formation of new fundamental principles for the implementation of the state's economic policy in the era of technological and social transformation to ensure promising technological leadership and the creation of an "adaptive territory" in the conditions of the new industrial revolution and the digital economy, which corresponds to modern and promising trends of socio-economic development.
It is intended for researchers, teachers of economic and managerial disciplines, specialists of enterprises, organizations and institutions, as well as graduate students and undergraduate and graduate students.
Point defects in oxides and emission properties
Authors: Kapustin Vladimir , Sigov Aleksandr , Li Illarion , Mel'nikov Vladimir
Published: January 2022

The monograph discusses the influence of point defects in oxides, which are the main emission component of cathodes of electrovacuum microwave devices, on their emission properties. The theory of electron emission of oxides, analytical methods for studying cathodes, methods for studying their emission properties are described. The issues of the theory and physicochemistry of nickel-oxide, metal-porous, metal-alloy and yttrium oxide cathodes, including cathodes for cold-start magnetrons, are considered in detail.
It is intended for scientific and engineering workers specializing in the field of electronic materials science and electronic devices. It can also serve as a textbook useful for teachers, graduate students, undergraduates, undergraduates of the corresponding physical-technical and natural-scientific specialties.
Fundamental Principles for Financial Disc
Authors: Mislavskaya N.
Published: January 2022

The article is devoted to the theoretical principles that determine the levels of information disclosure in accounting (financial) statements. The author analyzes the issues of applicability of the relevant approaches of the Anglo-American School of Accounting, which form the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards. Comprehension of the principles of adequacy, fairness and completeness of the presentation of information in modern conditions of management, organization and maintenance of accounting, preparation and presentation of reporting data, the author comes to the conclusion that there is a likelihood of changing the existing principles, taking into account national specifics. In such a situation, the Russian state should become the priority user of reporting data.
Methodical Issues of Economic Analysis in Financial Control and Forensic Accounting
Authors: Paschenko T. , Shakirova N.
Published: January 2022

The purpose of the article is to propose an algorithm for choosing a base when using comparison as an expert technique. The article discusses the types of comparison, types of basic indicators, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the cases in which the use of a certain comparison base will be most appropriate. The practical significance of the work lies in the fact that it can be used in the development of private methods of forensic economic examinations to increase the objectivity and validity of the comprehensiveness of the expert research.
Horse riding – related injuries from the point of view of a neurosurgeon
Authors: Siedlecki Zygmunt , Szafrańska Małgorzata , Główczewska-Siedlecka Emilia , Śniegocki Maciej
Published: January 2022

Horse riding (equestrianism) is a very old form of physical activity, and today it has become a very popular sport and recreation. Similarly to other sports, equestrianism carries potential risk of injuries, most often caused by a fall from a horse back. Horse riding can cause spine and brain injuries, which are treated by neurosurgeons. Both brain and spine injuries can potentially be life - threatening or cause severe disability. In our neurosurgical center, horse - related injuries accounted for 7.69% of all sports - related injuries. We treated 4 girls in total: 3 with spinal injuries, 1 with brain injuries. Girls with spine injuries were treated conservatively, and girls with brain injuries - surgically. All patients had good prognosis. We have reviewed the literature about horse - related trauma. Literature showed that they occurred more often in young age patients and mainly in girls, which was consistent with our observations. Numerous authors emphasized the protecting role helmets. The authors emphasized the key role of education and proper care of coach. Although the literature described some fatal horse - related injuries, in our material all patients were healed and returned to a perfect clinical state.
Exploring the experiences of the cardiac rehabilitation journey among South Asian patients
Authors: Lotto Robyn R , Newson Lisa , Patel Tasneem , McGinn Emily , Jones Ian D
Published: January 2022

Background/Aims

Individuals from South Asian backgrounds are at greater risk of developing coronary heart disease. Cardiac rehabilitation reduces the risk of future cardiac events, yet uptake is low among South Asian populations. This study explored South Asian patients' understanding and experiences of cardiac rehabilitation.

Methods

This qualitative, semi-structured study identified a purposeful sample of 36 eligible patients, of whom six participated in an interview that explored their experiences and perceptions of cardiac rehabilitation. Data were analysed using inductive analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified: starting the conversation; expectation vs reality; and meeting patient needs. Patients perceived cardiac rehabilitation as additional support rather than a fundamental part of care. Moreover, they considered the content of cardiac rehabilitation programmes to lack cultural sensitivity, which influenced both attendance and perceived relevance.

Conclusions:

Nurses must promote cardiac rehabilitation during the acute phase of recovery, while considering South Asian patients' beliefs, perceptions and cultural acceptance of cardiac rehabilitation. Invitations to attend and cardiac rehabilitation delivery must be personalised, accounting for cultural influences on lifestyle.
Glucose sensor modeling based on Fano resonance excitation in titania nanotube photonic crystal coated by titanium nitride as a plasmonic material
Authors: Elsayed Asmaa M. , Ahmed Ashour M. , Aly Arafa H.
Published: January 2022

The brilliant optical properties of plasmonic metal nitrides improve many applications. Modeling of light-confining Fano resonance based on a titanium nitride (TiN)-coated titanium oxide one-dimensional photonic crystal is investigated as a glucose sensor. There is a cavity layer filled with a glucose solution between the TiN thin layer and photonic crystals. The reflection spectrum is calculated numerically by using Bruggeman’s effective medium approximation and transfer matrix method. The effect of plasmonic layer thickness, cavity layer thickness, and the thicknesses of the titanium oxide nanotube layers are optimized to achieve a high performance sensor. The result shows that the Fano resonances shift to higher wavelengths with increasing glucose concentration. The best sensitivity of the optimized biosensor is about 3798.32 nm/RIU. Also, the sensor performance parameters such as the limit of detection, figure of merit, and quality factor are discussed. The proposed sensor can be of potential interest due to its easy fabrication and higher performance than many previous reported sensors in the sensing field.
Polarization-dependent and angle-insensitive absorber with hyperbolic material
Authors: Sui Chao , Liu Yue , Wang Xiang-Guang , Zhou Sheng , Fu Shu-Fang , Wang Xuan , Zhang Qiang , Liang Hong , Wang Xuan-Zhang
Published: January 2022

A polarization-dependent and angle-insensitive absorber based on surface phonon polaritons (SPhPs) is proposed based on a sandwiched layer structure that consists of a patterned

α
-

M
o

O

3

layer, a dielectric layer, and a gold layer. The absorption remains larger than 95% for TE incidence wave with incident angles from 0° to 30° in the wavelength range from 13.7 to 18.3 µm, which is a broadband absorber. At the same time, the absorption remains larger than 95% for TM incidence wave with incident angles from 0° to 60° in the wavelength range from 11.52 to 11.66 µm, which is a narrowband absorber. It is interesting that the absorber can also be used to fabricate the ideal filter of transverse electric (TE) wave in the wavelength range from 11.52 to 11.66 µm and an ideal filter of transverse magnetic (TM) wave from 15.03 to 18.37 µm. Moreover, one can combine an ideal filter of polarization and a perfect absorber into one single device. The proposed absorber shows promising performance, which has potential applications in sensing, imaging, and detection.