bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stepwise evolution of a butterfly supergene via duplication and inversion
Authors: Kim Kang-Wook , De-Kayne Rishi , Gordon Ian J. , Omufwoko Kennedy Saitoti , Martins Dino J. , ffrench-Constant Richard , Martin Simon H.
Published: December 2021

Supergenes maintain adaptive clusters of alleles in the face of genetic mixing. Although usually attributed to inversions, supergenes can be complex, and reconstructing the precise processes that led to recombination suppression and their timing is challenging. We investigated the origin of the BC supergene, which controls variation in warning colouration in the African Monarch butterfly,Danaus chrysippus. By generating chromosome-scale assemblies for all three alleles, we identified multiple structural differences. Most strikingly, we find that a region of >1 million bp underwent several segmental duplications at least 7.5 million years ago. The resulting duplicated fragments appear to have triggered four inversions in surrounding parts of the chromosome, resulting in stepwise growth of the region of suppressed recombination. Phylogenies for the inversions are incongruent with the species tree, and suggest that structural polymorphisms have persisted for at least 4.1 million years. In addition to the role of duplications in triggering inversions, our results suggest a previously undescribed mechanism of recombination suppression through independent losses of divergent duplicated tracts. Overall, our findings add support for a stepwise model of supergene evolution involving a variety of structural changes.
Rab40c Regulates Focal Adhesions and Protein Phosphatase 6 Activity by Controlling ANKRD28 Ubiquitylation and Degradation
Authors: Han Ke-Jun , Prekeris Rytis
Published: December 2021

Rab40c is a SOCS box–containing protein which binds Cullin5 to form a ubiquitin E3 ligase complex (Rab40c/CRL5) to regulate protein ubiquitylation. However, the exact functions of Rab40c remain to be determined, and what proteins are the targets of Rab40c-Cullin5 mediated ubiquitylation in mammalian cells are unknown. Here we showed that in migrating MDA-MB-231 cells Rab40c regulates focal adhesion’s number, size, and distribution. Mechanistically, we found that Rab40c binds the protein phosphatase 6 (PP6) complex and ubiquitylates one of its subunits, ankyrin repeat domain 28 (ANKRD28), thus, leading to its lysosomal degradation. Furthermore, we identified that phosphorylation of FAK and MOB1 is decreased in Rab40c knock-out cells, which may contribute to focal adhesion site regulation by Rab40c. Thus, we propose a model where Rab40c/CRL5 regulates ANKRD28 ubiquitylation and degradation, leading to a decrease in PP6 activity, which ultimately affects FAK and Hippo pathway signaling to alter focal adhesion dynamics.
Transactive response DNA-binding Protein (TDP-43) regulates early HIV-1 entry and infection
Authors: Cabrera-Rodríguez Romina , Pérez-Yanes Silvia , González-Montelongo Rafaela , Lorenzo-Salazar José M. , Estévez-Herrera Judith , García-Luis Jonay , Íñigo-Campos Antonio , Rubio-Rodríguez Luis A. , Muñoz-Barrera Adrián , Trujillo-González Rodrigo , Dorta-Guerra Roberto , Casado Concha , Pernas María , Blanco Julià , Flores Carlos , Valenzuela-Fernández Agustín
Published: December 2021

The transactive response DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) is an important regulator of mRNA, being reported to stabilize the anti-HIV factor, histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6). However, little is known about the role of TDP-43 in HIV infection. In this work, we seek for the TDP-43 function on regulating CD4+ T cell permissibility to HIV infection. We observed that over-expression of wt-TDP-43 in CD4+ T cells stabilized HDAC6, increasing mRNA and the protein levels of this antiviral enzyme. Under this experimental condition, HIV-1 infection was impaired, independently of the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) complex tropism. The results obtained by using an HIV-1 Env-mediated cell-to-cell fusion model, under the same experimental conditions, suggest that the increase in TDP-43 levels negatively affects the viral Env fusion capacity. Moreover, the specific siRNA silencing of endogenous TDP-43 in target cells lead to a significant decrease in the levels of HDAC6 which consistently induces an increase in the fusogenic and infection activities of the HIV-1 Env. These observations were confirmed by using primary viral Envs from HIV+ individuals with different clinical phenotypes. An increase in the level of expression of wt-TDP-43 strongly reduced the Envs infection activity of viremic non-progressors (VNP) and rapid progressors (RP) HIV+ individuals down to the levels of the inefficient HIV-1 Envs from long-term non-progressor elite controllers (LTNP-EC) individuals. On the contrary, low levels of endogenous TDP-43, obtained after specific siRNA-TDP-43 knocking-down, significantly favors the infection activity of primary HIV-1 Envs of VNP and RP individuals, leading to an increase in the infection ability of the primary HIV-1/LTNP-EC Envs. Based on this evidence, we interpret that TDP-43 conditions cell permissibility to HIV infection by affecting viral Env fusion and infection capacities, at least by altering the cellular levels of the antiviral enzyme HDAC6.
miR-199-3p Suppresses Cellular Migration and Viability and Promotes Progesterone Production in Goose Ovarian Follicles Before Selection by Targeting ITGB8 and Regulating Other ECM-related Genes
Authors: Li Qin , Zhang Keshan , Zhao Xianzhi , Li Jing , Xie Youhui , Zhong Hang , Wang Qigui
Published: December 2021

The extracellular matrix (ECM) constitutes the follicular basal lamina and is also present between follicular cells. Remodeling of the ECM is believed to be a key event in follicular development, especially follicular selection, and plays important roles in cell migration, survival, and steroidogenesis. miR-199-3p is differentially expressed in the goose follicular granulosa layer during follicular selection and is reported to play a primary role in inhibiting cell migration and invasion. Nevertheless, the effect of miR-199-3p on ovarian follicles and its role in follicular cellular migration are not understood. In this study, we demonstrated by qRT-PCR that miR-199-3p was differentially expressed in the granulosa layer from goose ovarian follicles before and after follicular selection. Additionally, we found that miR-199-3p overexpression could significantly suppress cell viability and migration, as well as elevate both the concentration of progesterone and the expression of key progesterone production genes in cultured granulosa cells (GCs) from goose pre-hierarchical follicles. Furthermore, using dual-fluorescence reporter experiments on 293T cells, we confirmed that miR-199-3p downregulated the expression of the ECM gene ITGB8 by directly targeting its mRNA three prime untranslated region (3′ UTR). Finally, we found that miR-199-3p overexpression in the GCs of goose pre-hierarchical follicles inhibited the expression of two ECM-related genes (MMP9 and MMP15) yet promoted the expression of another two ECM-related genes (COL4A1 and LAMA1). Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-199-3p participates in granulosa cell migration, viability, and steroidogenesis in goose ovarian follicles before selection by targeting ITGB8 and modulating other ECM-related genes. These data highlight the key roles of miR-199-3p in follicular cell migration, viability, and steroidogenesis by regulating ECM-related genes and thus contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying follicle selection in birds.
Ca2+ Mediates HIF-dependent Upregulation of Aquaporin 1 in Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Yun Xin , Maman Stephan , Jiang Haiyang , Semenza Gregg L. , Shimoda Larissa A.
Published: December 2021

Prolonged exposure to hypoxia causes structural remodeling and sustained contraction of the pulmonary vasculature, resulting in the development of pulmonary hypertension. Both pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation and migration contribute to the vascular remodeling. We previously showed that the protein expression of aquaporin 1 (AQP1), a membrane water channel protein, is elevated in PASMCs during following in vivo or in vitro exposure to hypoxia. Studies in other cell types suggest that AQP1 is a direct transcriptional target of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1. Moreover, we and others have shown that an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) is a hallmark of hypoxic exposure in PASMCs. Thus, we wanted to determine whether HIF regulates AQP1 in PASMCs and, if so, whether the process occurred via transcriptional regulation or was Ca2+-dependent. PASMCs were exposed to hypoxia, incubated with DMOG, which inhibits HIFα protein degradation or infected with constitutively active forms of HIF-1α or HIF-2α. Hypoxia, DMOG and HIF1/2α produced a time-dependent increase in AQP1 protein, but not mRNA. Interestingly, incubation with increasing HIF1/2a levels and DMOG increased [Ca2+]i in PASMCs, and this elevation was prevented by the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel inhibitor, verapamil (VER) and nonselective cation channel inhibitor SKF96365 (SKF). VER and SKF also blocked upregulation of AQP1 protein by DMOG or HIF1/2α, but had no effect on expression of GLUT1, a canonical HIF transcriptional target. Silencing of AQP1 abrogated increases in PASMC migration and proliferation induced by HIF1/2α, suggesting induction of AQP1 protein by HIF1/2α has a functional outcome in these cells. Thus, our results show that contrary to reports in other cell types, in PASMCs, AQP1 does not appear to be a direct target for HIF transcriptional regulation. Instead, AQP1 protein may be upregulated by a mechanism involving HIF-dependent increases in [Ca2+]i.
A method to build extended sequence context models of point mutations and indels
Authors: Bethune Jörn , Kleppe April , Besenbacher Søren
Published: December 2021

The mutation rate of a specific position in the human genome depends on the sequence context surrounding it. Modeling the mutation rate by estimating a rate for each possible k-mer, however, only works for small values of k since the data becomes too sparse for larger values of k. Here we propose a new method that solves this problem by grouping similar k-mers using IUPAC patterns. We refer to the method as k-mer pattern partition and have implemented it in a software package called kmerPaPa. We use a large set of human de novo mutations to show that this new method leads to improved prediction of mutation rates and makes it possible to create models using wider sequence contexts than previous studies. Revealing that for some mutation types, the mutation rate of a position is significantly affected by nucleotides that are up to four base pairs away. As the first method of its kind, it does not only predict rates for point mutations but also indels. We have additionally created a software package called Genovo that, given a k-mer pattern partition model, predicts the expected number of synonymous, missense, and other functional mutation types for each gene. Using this software, we show that the created mutation rate models increase the statistical power to detect genes containing disease-causing variants and to identify genes under strong constraint, e.g. haploinsufficient genes.
Ubiquitylation by Rab40b/Cul5 regulates Rap2 localization and activity during cell migration
Authors: Duncan Emily D. , Han Ke-Jun , Trout Margaret A. , Prekeris Rytis
Published: December 2021

Cell migration is a complex process that involves coordinated changes in membrane transport, actin cytoskeleton dynamics, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Ras-like small monomeric GTPases, such as Rap2, play a key role in regulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics and cell adhesions. However, how Rap2 function, localization, and activation are regulated during cell migration is not fully understood. We previously identified the small GTPase Rab40b as a regulator of breast cancer cell migration. Rab40b contains a Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) box, which facilitates binding to Cullin5, a known E3 Ubiquitin Ligase component responsible for protein ubiquitylation. In this study, we show that the Rab40b/Cullin5 complex ubiquitylates Rap2. Importantly, we demonstrate that ubiquitylation regulates Rap2 activation, as well as recycling of Rap2 from the endolysosomal compartment to the lamellipodia of migrating breast cancer cells. Based on these data, we propose that Rab40b/Cullin5 ubiquitylates and regulates Rap2-dependent actin dynamics at the leading-edge, a process that is required for breast cancer cell migration and invasion.

The Rab40b/Cul5 complex is an emerging pro-migratory molecular machine. Duncan et al. identify the small GTPase Rap2 as a substrate of the Rab40b/Cul5 complex. They provide evidence that Rab40b/Cul5 ubiquitylates Rap2 to regulate its localization and activity during breast cancer cell migration, ultimately proposing a model by which Rap2 is targeted to the leading-edge plasma membrane to regulate actin dynamics during cell migration.
Covid-19 social distancing: when less is more
Authors: Neuwirth C. , Gruber C.
Published: December 2021

Covid-19 is the first digitally documented pandemic in history, presenting a unique opportunity to learn how to best deal with similar crises in the future. In this study we have carried out a model-based evaluation of the effectiveness of social distancing, using Austria and Slovenia as examples. Whereas the majority of comparable studies have postulated a negative relationship between the stringency of social distancing (reduction in social contacts) and the scale of the epidemic, our model has suggested a sinusoidal relationship, with tipping points at which the system changes its predominant regime from ‘less social distancing – more cumulative deaths and infections’ to ‘less social distancing – fewer cumulative deaths and infections’. This relationship was found to persist in scenarios with distinct seasonal variation in transmission and limited national intensive care capabilities. In such situations, relaxing social distancing during low transmission seasons (spring and summer) was found to relieve pressure from high transmission seasons (fall and winter) thus reducing the total number of infections and fatalities. Strategies that take into account this relationship could be particularly beneficial in situations where long-term containment is not feasible.
Sensory nerves enhance triple-negative breast cancer migration and metastasis via the axon guidance molecule PlexinB3
Authors: Le Thanh T , Payne Samantha L , Buckwald Maia N , Hayes Lily A , Burge Christopher B , Oudin Madeleine J
Published: December 2021

In breast cancer, nerve presence has been correlated with more invasive disease and worse prognosis, yet the mechanisms by which different types of peripheral nerves drive tumor progression remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified sensory nerves as more abundant in human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumors. Coinjection of sensory neurons isolated from the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of adult female mice with human TNBC cells in immunocompromised mice increased the number of lung metastases. Directin vitroco-culture of human TNBC cells with the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of adult female mice revealed that TNBC cells adhere to sensory neuron fibers leading to an increase in migration speed. Species-specific RNA sequencing revealed that co-culture of TNBC cells with sensory nerves upregulates the expression of genes associated with cell migration and adhesion in cancer cells. We demonstrate that the axon guidance molecule Plexin B3 mediates cancer cell adhesion to and migration on sensory nerves. Together, our results identify a novel mechanism by which nerves contribute to breast cancer migration and metastasis by inducing a shift in TNBC cell gene expression and support the rationale for disrupting neuron-cancer cell interactions to target metastasis.

Significance

The presence of nerves in breast tumors has been associated with poor outcome. Understanding the mechanisms by which nerves contribute to tumor progression could help identify novel strategies to target metastatic disease.
Deep hydration of an Li7–3x
La3Zr2
M
III

x
O12 solid-state electrolyte material: a case study on Al- and Ga-stabilized LLZO
Authors: Redhammer Günther J. , Tippelt Gerold , Rettenwander Daniel
Published: December 2021

Single crystals of an Li-stuffed, Al- and Ga-stabilized garnet-type solid-state electrolyte material, Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO), have been analysed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction to determine the pristine structural state immediately after synthesis via ceramic sintering techniques. Hydrothermal treatment at 150 °C for 28 d induces a phase transition in the Al-stabilized compound from the commonly observed cubic Ia\overline{3}d structure to the acentric I\overline{4}3d subtype. LiI ions at the interstitial octahedrally (4 + 2-fold) coordinated 48e site are most easily extracted and AlIII ions order onto the tetrahedral 12a site. Deep hydration induces a distinct depletion of LiI at this site, while the second tetrahedral site, 12b, suffers only minor LiI loss. Charge balance is maintained by the incorporation of HI, which is bonded to an O atom. Hydration of Ga-stabilized LLZO induces similar effects, with complete depletion of LiI at the 48e site. The LiI/HI exchange not only leads to a distinct increase in the unit-cell size, but also alters some bonding topology, which is discussed here.
Relationship between perceived performance management system (PMS) effectiveness, work engagement and turnover intention: mediation by psychological contract fulfillment
Authors: Sharma Neha Paliwal , Sharma Tanuja , Nanda Agarwal Madhushree
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Performance management systems (PMSs) are critical for organizational success, but research is undecided on their constructive influence and the means through which they impact work engagement and turnover intention. This study aims to fill this gap by surmising psychological contract fulfillment as a mediator in the relationship between PMS effectiveness (PMSE) and employee outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a survey research design. Data were collected from 327 working professionals in India. The Statistical Package for Social Science Version 10.0 (SPSS 10.0) and the Analysis of Moments Structure (AMOS) 4.0 were used for data analyses.

Findings

The two-factor construct perceived PMSE was found to explain a larger variance in work engagement and turnover intention than the separate measures for its constituents PMS accuracy (PMSA) and PMS fairness (PMSF). Psychological contract fulfillment and work engagement were found to mediate the relationship between PMSE and turnover intention.

Research limitations/implications

The study broadens the field of research on PMS in important ways. It demonstrates that the two-factor construct PMSE has a larger influence on employee outcomes in comparison to its constituent individual measures PMSA and PMSF. This is also the first study to suggest that in contrast to PMSF, PMSA explains a higher variance in employee outcomes.

Practical implications

This study validates the strong relationship between PMSE and key employee outcomes. Besides PMSF, managers can use the findings of this study to focus on the “right things” or accuracy in the PMS context to enhance work engagement and reduce turnover.

Social implications

The study findings will have value everywhere owing to the diffusion and convergence in the human resource management practices of multinational firms irrespective of their contexts (Ananthram and Nankervis, 2013).

Originality/value

Earlier PMS studies have mostly been limited to either its fairness or accuracy and attended unduly to its appraisal element. This study adopts a systems vision of PMS and overcomes earlier drawbacks by investigating the role of both PMSA and PMSF in shaping employee outcomes. This is the first study to empirically confirm that in contrast to PMSF, the PMSA constituent of PMSE explains a higher variance in employee outcomes. The study provides greatly essential pragmatic support to the conjecture that PMSs advance work engagement (Mone and London, 2014; Gruman and Saks, 2011) and lower turnover intention (Kwak and Choi, 2015).
Disclosure of innovation on sustainability report
Authors: Bronzetti Giovanni , Rija Maurizio , Sicoli Graziella , Ippolito Dominga
Published: December 2021

Purpose

There are several studies on various aspects of the disclosure of companies but there is little research on elements related to the disclosure of innovation in particular. The work aims to fill this important gap by examining to what extent the companies listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, which prepare the sustainability report (non-financial declaration – NFS), disseminate information relating to innovative activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used to achieve the research goal has used multiple linear regression models (OLS), to study the factors that influence disclosure. The data were collected through the content analysis. The sample is made up of 171 companies listed on the Italian stock exchange which prepared a sustainability report for the period of four years 2016–2019 (Sustainability Reports and Integrated Documentation) and which contain information on innovative activity.

Findings

The research confirms a positive relationship between information on innovation and the economic variables of corporate investment. In addition, an important relationship emerges linked to the disclosure of innovative information and the business sector, innovation investments and R&D activity.

Research limitations/implications

The work suffers from some limitations: the short period of observation subject to analysis, the lack of sustainability report 2020, the extension of the variables taken into consideration for the implementation of the regression models; it is desirable to consider a wider pool of variables in the future in order to implement further specific tests.

Practical implications

On a practical level, the research suggests the adoption of a framework on the dissemination of innovative activity that allows easy reading of information (regardless of the sector and company size), built starting from the most representative keywords of the activities innovative, to be included in a specific section of the Sustainability Report. This work contributes to filling a cognitive gap connected to the disclosure of the innovative activity. There is much research on disclosure related to business activities, but no specific research regarding the communication of innovation.

Originality/value

The study conducted contributes to fill a gap in the literature related to the disclosure of the innovative activity. The latter is a strategic element for effective and clear communication with stakeholders.
Bankruptcy at family and non-family firms: do they fail differently?
Authors: Mitter Christine , Walcher Michaela , Mayr Stefan , Duller Christine
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Family firms strive for transgenerational survivability. Thus, bankruptcy is a daunting event. Whether family firms fail for other causes than non-family firms has been scarcely researched and is investigated in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a sample of 459 Austrian bankruptcy cases to examine the effects of the distinct characteristics of family firms on failure causes.

Findings

Our results indicate that family firm characteristics impact their failure, as bankruptcy causes differ from non-family firms. While family firms fail less often than non-family firms due to unqualified management and poor business-economic competencies, external bankruptcy causes, in particular bad debt and economic slowdown, are more widespread.

Practical implications

As our findings suggest that the close social bonds of family firms may become a burden in crisis situations and make them especially prone to external bankruptcy causes, owner-managers should pay more attention to the dependencies, deficiencies and risks that come with their binding social ties. Moreover, they should rely on external advice and appropriate management tools to better recognize and fend off the resulting risks.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that quantitatively examines differences in bankruptcy causes between family and non-family firms.
Improving the robustness of steel frame structures under localised fire conditions
Authors: Suwondo Riza , Cunningham Lee , Gillie Martin , Suangga Made , Hidayat Irpan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The robustness of building structures in a fire has recently drawn wide attention. This study presents the progressive collapse analysis of steel frame building structures under localised fire. The main objective of this study is to propose methods to enhance the structural collapse resistance of such structures in fire.

Design/methodology/approach

A modelling method was developed and validated against both experimental and analytical studies. Then, a series of robustness analyses were performed to investigate the interaction among the members and the pattern of load distribution within the structures. These analyses show that lateral resistance and load redistribution have a vital role in the robustness of the building. Thus, two approaches have been adopted to enhance the robustness of the focused steel frame during a fire.

Findings

It is found that increased size of floor beams and vertical bracing systems are effective measures in preventing whole structure collapse. The larger beam section is able to prevent catenary action so that the load in the failed columns can safely transfer to the adjacent columns without buckling. On the other hand, the bracing system improves the lateral resistance that can accommodate the lateral force when catenary action occurs in the beam.

Originality/value

Previous studies have focused on the collapse mechanism of steel frame structures. However, the parameters affecting the structural robustness in a fire have not yet been explored. To address this gap, this study adopted numerical modelling to undertake parametric studies to identify effective methods to improve the robustness of such structures under fire conditions.
Network topology and patch connectivity affect dynamics in experimental and model metapopulations
Authors: Arancibia Paulina A. , Morin Peter J.
Published: December 2021

Biological populations are rarely isolated in space and instead interact with others via dispersal in metapopulations. Theory predicts that network connectivity patterns can have critical effects on network robustness, as certain topologies, such as scale‐free networks, are more tolerant to disturbances than other patterns. However, at present, experimental evidence of how these topologies affect population dynamics in a metapopulation framework is lacking.

We used experimental metapopulations of the aquatic protist Paramecium tetraurelia to determine how network topology influences occupation patterns.

We created metapopulations engineered to be comparable in linkage density, but differing in their degree distribution. We compared random networks to scale‐free networks by evaluating local population occupancy and abundance throughout 18–30 protist generations. In parallel, we used simulations to explore differences in patch occupation patterns among topologies.

Our experimental results highlighted the importance of the balance between dispersal and extinction in the interaction with spatial network topology. Under low dispersal conditions, random metapopulations of P. tetraurelia reached higher abundance and higher occupancy (proportion of occupied patches) compared to scale‐free systems in both experimental and simulated systems. Under high dispersal conditions, we did not detect differences between types of metapopulations. Increasing patch degree (i.e. number of connections per patch) reduced the probability of extinction of local populations in both types of networks.

We suggest the interaction between colonization/extinction rates and network topology alters the likelihood of rescue effects which results in differential patterns of occupancy and abundance in metapopulations.
Are floral traits good predictors of effective pollinators? A test of pollination syndromes
Authors: de los Santos‐Gómez Samantha Maite , Figueroa‐Castro Dulce María , Castañeda‐Posadas Carlos
Published: December 2021

Pollination syndromes have been widely used to predict the groups of pollinators of plants. Their predictability has been demonstrated for plant species pollinated by bees, birds, and bats. However, the importance of other aspects on the predictability of pollination syndromes still remain unknown. For instance, plant life cycle has not been considered in evaluations of the pollination syndrome predictability. The goal of this study was to evaluate the predictability of pollination syndromes in nine species with contrasting life cycles. Pollination syndromes were inferred based on floral traits of each plant species, whereas pollinator effectiveness of each group of floral visitors was established through pollen load analysis. Predictability of pollination syndromes was tested through the association between floral traits and the abundance of the most‐effective pollinators. Bees, flies, birds, beetles, and butterflies were the primary and secondary pollinators inferred from floral traits of each species. Although six out of the nine plant species studied were visited by effective pollinators; only four species were effectively pollinated by the groups of primary or secondary pollinators predicted from floral traits. However,Dahlia coccineaandTigridia pavoniawere the only species in which the predicted pollinator group was both effective and showed an association with floral traits. Pollination syndromes were not predictive of pollinators for any of the annual and perennial plant species. Although pollination syndromes are useful to understand some aspects of the reproductive biology of plant species, several other factors might have a role on their predictability.
Alcohol use at the intersection of sexual orientation and gender identity in a representative sample of youth in Colorado
Authors: Gerke Donald R. , Call Jarrod , Atteberry‐Ash Brittanie , Katz‐Kattari Shanna , Kattari Leonardo , Hostetter C. Riley
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning (LGBQ) youth are at greater risk of problematic alcohol use than their heterosexual peers, yet there is a dearth of research examining variability in alcohol use among youth that simultaneously accounts for sexual orientation and gender identity. This paper examines the relationship between alcohol use and intersecting identities of sexual orientation and gender while accounting for this population's disproportionate experiences of depression and dating and sexual violence.

Methods

The study used a representative sample (n = 27,621) of high school students. Logistic regressions were used to determine if earlier age at first drink, 30‐day alcohol use, and binge drinking were significantly related to intersectional sexual orientation and gender identity. Secondary models added depression, dating violence, and sexual violence to analyses to determine if they explained any of the variance in alcohol use variables in LGBQ and transgender youth.

Results

Transgender youth who identified as heterosexual or questioning their sexual orientation were at greatest risk for early initiation of alcohol use and binge drinking. These relationships between intersectional identity and alcohol use became nonsignificant when depression, dating violence, and sexual violence were added to the models.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

This is the first study to examine relationships between intersecting identities of sexual orientation and gender identity and alcohol use among youth. Risky alcohol use among transgender youth may be attributed to experiences of depression, dating violence, and sexual violence impacting these populations. Interventions should focus on reducing transgender youth exposure to violence.
Merkel cell carcinoma in situ: A systematic review of prognosis and management
Authors: Truong Kelvin , Goldinger Simone M , Chou Shaun , Howle Julie R , Veness Michael J , Fernandez‐Peñas Pablo , Varey Alexander H R
Published: December 2021

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare primary cutaneous neuroendocrine tumour. While dermally invasive MCC is known to have a five‐year survival of only 30‐40%, the prognosis and management of MCC in situ (MCCis) is not widely reported.

Objective

We present a systematic review to elucidate the prognosis and management of MCCis.

Methods

We performed a systematic review, searching three databases to 01 June 2021. Case reports, cohort studies, clinical trials and literature reviews were considered for inclusion.

Results

We identified 26 cases of MCCis published in the literature with a median age of 74 years and involving 19 males and 7 females. Most cases were on the face and neck (n = 17), followed by upper limb (n = 8) and lower limb (n = 1). Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in three patients, and all were negative. One subject underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. No MCCis‐associated deaths were reported.

Conclusion

This review suggests that MCCis has an excellent prognosis with minimal, if any, risk of mortality and a very low risk of dermal invasion and recurrence when treated with wide local excision alone. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is unlikely to be useful for MCCis.
A Mystery in the Archives: The Historiography of Denial, Henrietta Schmerler's Rape and Murder, and Anthropology's Project of Prevention
Authors: Steffen Megan
Published: December 2021

In July 1931, a young student of anthropology at Columbia University named Henrietta Schmerler was raped and murdered while researching the White Mountain Apache in Arizona. Although anthropologists have for decades repeated a received narrative that uses idealized fieldwork tropes to blame Schmerler for her own rape and murder, a careful historiographical analysis reveals most scholarly work on Schmerler's case relies on archival sources that have been deliberately censored or else on unfounded assertions about Apache culture. By investigating Schmerler's death and treating historical archives as crime scenes, this article demonstrates how archival restrictions have prevented an honest, evidence‐based reckoning with the legacies of American anthropology's founding figures, untangles the origins of anthropology's belief that rape in the field can be prevented, and argues that the denial Franz Boas, Ruth Benedict, Margaret Mead, and Gladys Reichard display upon hearing that an Indigenous person might have raped and murdered Schmerler still haunts anthropology today. [history of anthropology, sexual violence, archival research, denial, Boasian anthropology]
Training the trainers: Finding new educational opportunities in the virtual world
Authors: Baessler Franziska , Sartorius Norman , Javed Afzal , Tasman Allan , Coskun Bulent , Frydecka Dorota , Kazakova Olga , Sampogna Gaia , Zhabenko Olena , Koelkebeck Katja , Hepdurgun Cenan , Zafar Ali , Fiorillo Andrea
Published: December 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has disrupted scientific gatherings and conferences, opening up opportunities for virtual learning platforms. Realizing the potential of online academic exchanges, the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) also developed virtual avenues and information systems for capacity building of mental health professionals across the world. Among its first such initiatives, the WPA organized a virtual Train the Trainers workshop, where 123 psychiatrists, psychiatric trainees, and educators from 45 countries participated. The innovative and interactive workshop allowed participants to get to know each other, exchange educational and professional experiences, and ask questions or receive advice from experts. Keynote speakers, including WPA President Prof. Afzal Javed and Prof. Norman Sartorius, stressed upon the importance of finding innovative solutions in psychiatry training and the need to improve teaching and training in the field of psychiatry, especially in the provision of leadership and communication skills. Online training methods can provide easy access to academics and students while reducing the organizational and logistical costs. They have the potential to improve educational equality and allow the voice of the underprivileged scientists to be heard across the globe. The devastating impact on access to mental health services during COVID‐19 underscores the urgent need for online training, particularly in countries where the ratio of psychiatrists to patients is inadequate and doctors concentrate more on treatment than on research and education. Virtual educational interventions could prove incredibly useful in the future just as they are being successfully utilized in local and regional contexts during the pandemic.
Student experiences of the COVID‐19 pandemic: Perspectives from first‐generation/lower‐income students and others
Authors: Kiebler Jessica M. , Stewart Abigail J.
Published: December 2021

Twenty‐eight University of Michigan students (12 first‐generation/low‐income and 16 from more educated, affluent families) were invited online to provide open‐ended responses and photographs representative of their experiences during COVID‐19, in a modified Photovoice approach. Given the literature, we expected that cultural mismatch, class stereotypes, and relative deprivation would be relevant features of the accounts of self‐identified first‐generation/lower‐income students’ experience, in contrast to their peers. Using thematic analysis, three themes differentiated the written accounts of the experiences of the two groups of students: changed environmental demands, comparison to similar or different other students, and change or continuity in the availability of institutional support. Both groups of students shared concerns about issues with mental health, and concern for family. While first‐generation/lower‐income students reported that they experienced less access to space and quiet for their schoolwork, their counterparts reported that their conditions for studying were better. Additionally, when comparing themselves to others, first‐generation students mentioned their best guesses about the experiences of more affluent students, while nonfirst‐generation students tended to compare themselves to those like themselves. Finally, while nonfirst‐generation students wrote of continued institutional support and dedication to schoolwork, first‐generation students reported having fewer resources for academic success.
Sexual orientation and gender influence perceptions of disciplinary fit: Implications for sexual and gender diversity in STEM
Authors: Palmer Lindsay , Matsick Jes L. , Stevens Samantha M. , Kuehrmann Emily
Published: December 2021

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) represent a highly valued academic discipline and career path in the 21st century; yet some individuals are excluded or discouraged from pursuing STEM because of their social group membership. Despite decades of research on social identity and fit within STEM (e.g., by gender and race), the psychological literature on issues within STEM based on sexual orientation is scant. We draw on notions of false dichotomies (i.e., social versus technical, personal versus professional, and subjectivity and interpretivism versus objectivity and positivism) to theorize how gender and sexual orientation influence perceived congruity with STEM as well as the Humanities. In the current study, we randomly assigned heterosexual participants (N = 318, Mage = 40, 52% women, 74% White) to rate one of five target groups (lesbian women, gay men, heterosexual women, heterosexual men, scientists) in terms of their perceived overlap with STEM and Humanities. We also assessed differences between target groups in terms of being rated as communal, agentic, and scientific. Results indicated that participants perceived lesbian women and gay men as less close to STEM than heterosexual men because they perceived lesbian and gay people as less agentic. In contrast, participants perceived lesbian women and gay men as closer to the Humanities than heterosexual men because they perceived lesbian and gay people as more communal. Drawing from these findings, we emphasize the profound implications of academic exclusion for lesbian and gay individuals.
“Medicine Is Not Business, Health Is Not a Commodity, Physicians Are Not Salesmen!” Clinical Labor and Ukraine’s Health Reform
Authors: Nading Maryna
Published: December 2021

In 2017, the Ukrainian Parliament approved a bill that marked the start of long‐awaited health care reform. Yet it met opposition from the Trade Union of Health Care Workers, which organized a mass protest against the proposed reform. I argue that the union’s resistance can be understood as an accrual of insecurity experienced by providers of clinical labor in Ukraine’s changing health sector in the last several decades. Although no comprehensive overhaul of the health care system had taken place until 2017, there have been changes on the level of everyday practice; these changes have left health care providers disillusioned about the commitment and expertise of politicians to effect positive change in the health sector, forced them to combine several lines of work to generate enough income, and have left them and their patients vulnerable to the market. Supporters of the union found that the language of the reform lacked a commitment to social protections, and instead it focused on poor health indicators, eliminating inefficiencies, cost‐saving mechanisms, and physicians’ failures in providing quality care. Trade union demands have attempted to refocus the narrative by drawing attention to the difficult conditions faced by clinical labor in Ukraine and the need to recommit to health care as a human right.
'I don't sleep through the night': Qualitative study of sleep in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Carreon Samantha A. , Cao Viena T. , Anderson Barbara J. , Thompson Deborah I. , Marrero David G. , Hilliard Marisa E.
Published: December 2021

Aims

Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience greater sleep disturbances than people without diabetes. However, the nature, causes and effects of sleep disruption in individuals with T1D and their family are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to explore and characterise the perspectives of parents, partners and individuals with diabetes about T1D‐related sleep issues.

Methods

Participants included 44 youth and adults with T1D (ages 9–69), 24 parents of youth with T1D, and 14 partners of adults with T1D, recruited from diabetes clinics at two academic medical centres in the Southwestern and Midwestern United States. Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using hybrid thematic analysis.

Results

We identified two central themes: Emotional Distress and Sleep Disruption. Each theme had multiple subthemes, and the two central themes were related to one another via a shared subtheme, Worry Impacting Sleep.

Conclusions

Complex T1D‐related emotional and behavioural factors both contributed to and resulted from sleep difficulties. Diabetes care providers should routinely assess for sleep concerns in people with T1D and their parents and partners. It may be important to consider both diabetes‐related causes of sleep disruptions and potential impacts on self management and emotional functioning.
Predictive power of diastolic parameters on medical cardioversion success in acute atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yasan Mustafa , Savas Goktug , Karabiyik Ugur , Cetin Murat , Cetinkaya Zeki , Bucak Halil Murat , Kalay Nihat , Ozdogru İbrahim , Oguzhan Abdurrahman
Published: December 2021

Background: Diastolic function assessment has been reported to provide valuable data in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of diastolic parameters on predicting the effectiveness of medical cardioversion in restoring sinus rhythm among patients with acute AF.

Methods: 40 non‐valvular, new onset AF patients were included. All participants received an intravenous infusion of amiodarone. In patients whom sinus rhythm could not be restored with amiodarone, an electrical cardioversion was performed. Two groups, patients who achieved sinus rhythm with amiodarone (Group‐1) and who failed to achieve sinus rhythm with amiodarone (Group‐2) were compared with respect to initial echocardiographic measurements.

Results: Group‐1 patients were younger comparing with Group‐2 (mean age; 54.4 ± 13.9 years vs 63.3 ± 10.3 years, p = 0.028). Comparing with Group‐1, Group‐2 patients had; a higher left atrium volume index (17.1 ± 4.8 cm3/ m2 vs 22.6 ± 6.6 cm3/ m2, p = 0.03); a shorter pulmonary vein S (49.6 ± 3.8 cm/sec vs 41.1 ± 3.0 cm/sec, p < 0.001); and a shorter pulmonary vein D peak velocity (55.9 ± 2.4 cm/sec vs 52.3 ± 1.8 cm/sec, p < 0.001). Moreover, both IVRT and DT were significantly shorter in Group‐2, comparing with Group‐1 (45.1 ± 2.1 msec vs 51.1 ± 2.5 msec, p < 0.001 and 51.3 ± 2.4 msec vs 56.5± 3.2 msec, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion: The present study revealed that admission pulmonary vein S and D wave peak velocities, IVRT, DT, and Pro‐BNP levels could be predictors of failure of medical cardioversion among AF patients.
The value of atrial electromechanical delay in predicting atrial fibrillation development after coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Taner Temmuz , Pala Arda Aybars , Camci Sencer , Turk Tamer , Ari Hasan
Published: December 2021

Objective

Predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF) in the preoperative period will provide a serious advantage in preventing the morbidity and mortality associated with this arrhythmia and in planning the treatment. In this study, we investigated the value of atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) in predicting the development of PoAF.

Methods

A total of 93 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operation were included in this prospective study. Patients' demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, echocardiographic data, and AEMD durations that could be measured by the co‐use of electrocardiography and echocardiography were recorded. The patients at sinus rhythm during the postoperative period were identified as “Group 1”, and those who developed PoAF were identified as “Group 2”.

Results

PoAF incidence was 26.88% (n = 25). Left ventricle (LV) lateral AEMD, LV medial AEMD, right ventricle lateral AEMD, and left atrium (LA) lateral AEMD durations of Group 2 were significantly higher than Group 1 (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.004, p < 0.001; respectively). In Univariate Logistic Regression Analysis, the age, hypertension, LA maximum volume, LA lateral AEMD and pulmonary artery pressure were significantly associated with PoAF development (p = 0.01, p = 0.004, p = 0.004, p = 0.001, p = 0.01; respectively). However, only LA lateral AEMD was found as an independent predictive factor for the development of PoAF in the Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis (OR:1.03, 95% CI:1.001–1.06, p = 0.04). AUC was .741 for LA lateral AEMD in ROC Curve Analysis (95% CI: .633–.849, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The development of PoAF can be predicted by AEMD durations measured in the preoperative period in patients undergoing isolated CABG.