bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Construction of Religious Freedom in Legal Systems
Authors: Breskaya Olga , Giordan Giuseppe , Richardson James T
Published: August 2024

This chapter demonstrates the centrality of the legal system in producing, protecting, and communicating the meaning of religious freedom within society. It highlights the interconnectedness of the processes of social and legal implementation of this right and the interplay of social dynamics and mechanisms of legal norm-making. The umbrella legal concept of “juridification,” as theorized by Blichner and Molander, is considered for describing the processes of increasing legal regulation of religion by governments. The chapter argues that socioreligious changes linked to increasing diversity, individualization of lifestyles, and fluidity of organizational forms influence the way legal systems regulate religion. These dynamics raise questions about the readiness of citizens to dialogue, make choices, and negotiate religious and secular identities. The chapter explores the interdependence of sociological and legal definitions of religion as they influence the socioreligious dynamics of religious freedom.
The Judicialization of Religious Freedom
Authors: Breskaya Olga , Giordan Giuseppe , Richardson James T
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses societies where religious freedom is generally protected by governments, including especially their judicial systems, contrasting this with examples of societies where religious freedom is not valued. The concept of judicialization of religious freedom is delineated, along with growing tendencies in some nations and regions toward the “dejudicialization” of religious freedom. International legal systems and organization entities promoting religious freedom are briefly described, as is the development of legal pluralism in contemporary societies. Three nations where religious freedom is extremely limited are examined to illustrate conditions not conducive to religious freedom. The chapter concludes with a brief sociology of law-oriented analysis on how minority religions sometimes manage to prevail in legal actions against them and the efforts such groups launch in defense of their beliefs and practices. The concept of “cause lawyering” is introduced as part of the explanation of such legal confrontations.
Measuring Religious Freedom
Authors: Breskaya Olga , Giordan Giuseppe , Richardson James T
Published: August 2024

This chapter presents empirical studies and compares instruments developed for the purposes of cross-national research on religious freedom. Among the measures presented are indices of governmental and societal regulations of religion as developed by Grim and Finke within the religious economy model. The chapter shows how those indices have been applied by the Pew Research Center to track the patterns of religious restrictions around the globe. It also discusses instruments measuring governmental and societal discrimination developed for empirical studies by Fox within his theoretical framework of political secularism. Finally, it focuses on scales measuring attitudes toward human rights and religion developed by Van der Ven and Ziebertz while analyzing perceptions of human rights culture in various societies. The chapter presents results from these studies and summarizes the methods and hypotheses to assist readers with further research in this field.
Finding God in the Gulag
Authors: Hardy Jeffrey S
Published: August 2024

This is the first book devoted to exploring religious life and antireligious coercion in the Soviet penal system. The Soviet Union incarcerated tens of millions of people from the Bolshevik Revolution to the collapse of the USSR in 1991, many of whom retained a belief in God despite efforts to purge religion from the public sphere. Focusing specifically on imprisoned Christians, this book argues that faith played an integral role in the lives of many inmates, who prayed, read scripture, sang hymns, communed with fellow believers, observed sacred rites, and even proselytized. Many credited their survival to faith as it provided hope and a sense of righteous suffering. Camp authorities and prison guards, meanwhile, were tasked with converting inmates to Marxist ideology, which viewed religion as superstition and a tool of oppression wielded by the traditional ruling classes. In the chaotic environment of the Gulag, however, actual repression against religious observance varied widely. Some Christians were harshly punished, even killed, for their professions of faith, but others at times were able to worship God in peace. The story of religion in the Soviet Gulag, ultimately, is one of contradiction, worship, oppression, and inspiration.
The Spiritual Life of Solovki
Authors: Hardy Jeffrey S
Published: August 2024

This chapter is a case study of religious life on the Solovetsky Islands, where the Soviet secret police established a large concentration camp designed to showcase Soviet correctional policies. Among a variety of political and criminal offenders, hundreds of Orthodox clerics and other believers were held at this large monastic complex. At Solovki in the 1920s, policies concerning religious worship were still being negotiated; some officials worked hard to stamp out Christianity, while others adopted more permissive attitudes, allowing religiosity to persist and even flourish. In fact, the camp became a hotbed of Orthodox opposition to the Soviet state. But the imprisoned religious community was also rife with factionalism, in particular within the Orthodox community but also between Orthodox and Catholic believers, which ultimately prevented the creation of a fully united Christian collective.
Religious Dissidents under Brezhnev
Authors: Hardy Jeffrey S
Published: August 2024

This chapter moves chronologically to the era of Leonid Brezhnev, when the penal system (and other facets of life) stabilized after decades of chaos and experimentation. Continued repression against activists from numerous Christian denominations, combined with relatively short sentence lengths, produced a steady stream of religious prisoners in and out of the Gulag. Repression against faith continued in this period, as did persistent attempts to worship God. Prominent among such worshippers were Baptists, who sent many letters of faith home and many letters of protest to Soviet authorities. These documents provide a fascinating lens through which to view the personal and communal practice of repressed faith in the late Soviet period.
The Splinter and the Dove
Authors: Glasgow Joshua
Published: August 2024

The Significance Impulse is the common drive to be especially important. It is not exactly a drive to seek fame or wealth or influence or other social rewards. Rather, it is the impulse to add extraordinary amounts of value to the world. After articulating that Significant Impulse, this chapter lays out two main theses that are defended in the rest of the book, about why the Impulse is misguided. First, even assuming that there is value in the universe, and assuming that people matter in various commonsense ways, they are not important in the biggest picture. Second, being extraordinarily important is not in a person’s interests anyway.
Identification of novel TTN gene variant in a patient exhibiting severe dilated cardiomyopathy co-occurring with acute fibrinoid organizing pneumonia
Authors: Ma Weijie , Wright Dana L , Parra Ourania , Shah Nidhi D , Black Candice C , Baker Michael L , Khan Wahab A
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is often hereditary, with 20% to 40% of nonischemic cases showing familial linkage, yet genetic testing is underused. This report describes an unreported pathogenic nonsense variant in the Titin (TTN) gene (NM_001267550.2:c.92603G>A) in a 24-year-old man with severe DCM and acute fibrinoid organizing pneumonia, highlighting a unique cardiopulmonary pathology.

Methods

We conducted detailed gross, histopathologic, immunophenotypic, and exome-based DNA sequencing analysis in the workup of this case. We also included the patient’s clinical and radiologic findings in our study.

Results

With rapid clinical deterioration and complex comorbidities, including substance abuse and psychiatric conditions, which precluded transplantation, the patient’s cardiac function progressively worsened. Autopsy findings included extreme cardiomegaly, biventricular hypertrophy, and acute and chronic pericarditis. Significant pulmonary pathology consistent with acute fibrinoid organizing pneumonia was also noted. Molecular testing confirmed a deleterious maternally inherited TTN variant that was absent in the sibling of the proband and the extant medical literature, highlighting its rarity and significance.

Conclusions

This case contributes to the ongoing body of work on the impact of TTN variants on DCM. It suggests a potential link between genetic variants and complex cardiac injury patterns, emphasizing the need for further investigation into the interplay between cardiomyopathy and pulmonary pathology.
Arm Contouring and Beautification Without Incision: Application of Arm Net Suture
Authors: Ghorbani Sara
Published: August 2024

Background

Arm contouring has been a challenging issue for many years. Patients request contouring of their arms without incisions and with a shorter recovery time. Making an incision on the arm does not always lead to a nice scar, and in case of complications, it may be catastrophic. The use of “arm net suture” can replace the incision during the arm contour surgery.

Objectives

The author has developed a simple technique of arm contouring with arm net suture that leads to eliminating the need for making an incision, preventing of sagging in the proximal part of the arm, and a shorter recovery time.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 157 patients who underwent arm contouring surgery. Through a small 5 mm incision in the medial elbow, normal saline solution containing Xylocaine (Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homburg, Germany) and adrenaline was infiltrated. After 20 min, liposuction was started from the most superficial layer with a 3 mm cannula, and then, deeper layers superficial to the fascia were suctioned with a 4 mm cannula. The author usually utilizes traditional suction-assisted lipectomy or power-assisted lipectomy. After completing liposuction, the laxity of the skin along the arm was checked. Most of the laxity of the skin occurred in the proximal third of the arm; while the assistant pulled the skin of the proximal part lateral and downward, the net sutures were inserted. On the third or fourth day (based on the severity of laxity of the skin), the sutures start to be removed from the distal rows, with all sutures removed by the fifth to sixth day. The follow-up times were between 3 and 12 months.

Results

All patients were female, and their age range was from 19 to 62 years (mean, 40.45 years). The volume of liposuction was from a minimum of 1200 cc to a maximum of 2500 cc (mean, 1645 cc), and the reduction of the arm diameter was occurred in the range of 6 to 14 cm. No immediate postoperative problems were observed in the patients. Revision was not needed for any patients.

Conclusions

Arm net suture is a simple and safe method to replace the incision during arm contour surgery.

Level of Evidence: 4
Conjoint analysis of succinylome and phosphorylome reveals imbalanced HDAC phosphorylation-driven succinylayion dynamic contibutes to lung cancer
Authors: Guo Yifan , Wen Haoyu , Chen Zongwei , Jiao Mengxia , Zhang Yuchen , Ge Di , Liu Ronghua , Gu Jie
Published: August 2024

Cancerous genetic mutations result in a complex and comprehensive post-translational modification (PTM) dynamics, in which protein succinylation is well known for its ability to reprogram cell metabolism and is involved in the malignant evolution. Little is known about the regulatory interactions between succinylation and other PTMs in the PTM network. Here, we developed a conjoint analysis and systematic clustering method to explore the intermodification communications between succinylome and phosphorylome from eight lung cancer patients. We found that the intermodification coorperation in both parallel and series. Besides directly participating in metabolism pathways, some phosphosites out of mitochondria were identified as an upstream regulatory modification directing succinylome dynamics in cancer metabolism reprogramming. Phosphorylated activation of histone deacetylase (HDAC) in lung cancer resulted in the removal of acetylation and favored the occurrence of succinylation modification of mitochondrial proteins. These results suggest a tandem regulation between succinylation and phosphorylation in the PTM network and provide HDAC-related targets for intervening mitochondrial succinylation and cancer metabolism reprogramming.
Computational methods and biomarker discovery strategies for spatial proteomics: a review in immuno-oncology
Authors: Mi Haoyang , Sivagnanam Shamilene , Ho Won Jin , Zhang Shuming , Bergman Daniel , Deshpande Atul , Baras Alexander S , Jaffee Elizabeth M , Coussens Lisa M , Fertig Elana J , Popel Aleksander S
Published: August 2024

Advancements in imaging technologies have revolutionized our ability to deeply profile pathological tissue architectures, generating large volumes of imaging data with unparalleled spatial resolution. This type of data collection, namely, spatial proteomics, offers invaluable insights into various human diseases. Simultaneously, computational algorithms have evolved to manage the increasing dimensionality of spatial proteomics inherent in this progress. Numerous imaging-based computational frameworks, such as computational pathology, have been proposed for research and clinical applications. However, the development of these fields demands diverse domain expertise, creating barriers to their integration and further application. This review seeks to bridge this divide by presenting a comprehensive guideline. We consolidate prevailing computational methods and outline a roadmap from image processing to data-driven, statistics-informed biomarker discovery. Additionally, we explore future perspectives as the field moves toward interfacing with other quantitative domains, holding significant promise for precision care in immuno-oncology.
Factor-augmented transformation models for interval-censored failure time data
Authors: Li Hongxi , Li Shuwei , Sun Liuquan , Song Xinyuan
Published: August 2024

Interval-censored failure time data frequently arise in various scientific studies where each subject experiences periodical examinations for the occurrence of the failure event of interest, and the failure time is only known to lie in a specific time interval. In addition, collected data may include multiple observed variables with a certain degree of correlation, leading to severe multicollinearity issues. This work proposes a factor-augmented transformation model to analyze interval-censored failure time data while reducing model dimensionality and avoiding multicollinearity elicited by multiple correlated covariates. We provide a joint modeling framework by comprising a factor analysis model to group multiple observed variables into a few latent factors and a class of semiparametric transformation models with the augmented factors to examine their and other covariate effects on the failure event. Furthermore, we propose a nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation approach and develop a computationally stable and reliable expectation-maximization algorithm for its implementation. We establish the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators and conduct simulation studies to assess the empirical performance of the proposed method. An application to the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study is provided. An R package ICTransCFA is also available for practitioners. Data used in preparation of this article were obtained from the ADNI database.
Children’s bone age development is delayed with increasing altitude: a multicentre study
Authors: Liu Qixing , Wangjiu Cidan , Awang Tudan , Yang Meijie , Qiongda Puqiong , Wang Huogen , Pan Hui , Wang Fengdan
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To investigate the bone age (BA) characteristics of children living in high-altitude regions and determine the impact of altitude on the development of BA.

Methods

From June 2014 to July 2022, 1318 children with left-hand-wrist radiographs were retrospectively enrolled from 3 different geographical altitudes (Beijing 43.5 m above sea level [asl], Lhasa 3650 m asl, and Nagqu 4500 m asl). The predicted age difference (PAD), defined as the difference between BA and chronologic age (CA), was considered the indicator for delayed or advanced growth. The PAD of children from the 3 regions in total and according to different age groups, genders, and ethnicities were compared. The linear regression model was used to assess the effect of altitude on PAD.

Results

A total of 1284 children (CA: 12.00 [6.45-15.72] years; male: 837/1284, 65.2%) were included in the study with 407 from Beijing, 491 from Lhasa, and 386 from Nagqu. The PAD for Beijing, Lhasa, and Nagqu were 0.1 [−0.30 to 0.65], −0.40 [−1.20 to 0.27], and −1.42 [−2.32 to −0.51] years, respectively. A linear regression analysis showed that altitude significantly contributed to PAD (compared to Beijing, Lhasa coefficient = −0.57, P < .001; Nagqu coefficient = −1.55, P < .001).

Conclusions

High altitude might be an independent contributor to the delayed BA development of children.

Advances in knowledge

The impact of altitude on BA development was revealed for the first time, highlighting the necessity of considering the altitude of the area when evaluating BA development for children residing in high-altitude regions.ke
Feasibility and safety study of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for sub-cardiac liver cancers without artificial ascites assistance
Authors: Liu Qiqi , Liang Shuang , Liu Huahui , Luo Liping , Wu Shanshan , Guan Sainan , Liu Ying , Yan Ronghua , Xu Erjiao
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) without artificial ascites (AA) inpatients with sub-cardiac (SC) liver cancers.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with the left lobe and caudate lobe of the liver cancer who underwent US-guided MWA in our institute from January 2020 to December 2022. According to whether the target lesion was located ≤5 mm from the pericardium, patients were divided into the SC group and the non-sub-cardiac (NSC) group. In the SC group, AA was not employed during the ablation procedure. The results of technical success, technical efficiency, local tumour progression (LTP), and major complications were recorded.

Results

A total of 79 patients with 87 lesions were enrolled. There were 38 patients with 38 lesions in the SC group and 41 patients with 49 lesions in the NSC group. The median follow-up of all patients was 15 (range, 3-44) months. There was no significant difference in technical success rates (100% vs 100%), technique efficiency rates (100% vs 95.7%), LTP rates (2.63% vs 0%,), and major complication rates (2.63% vs 7.32%) between the SC group and the NSC group (P > .05). No cardiac-related complications occurred.

Conclusions

US-guided MWA without AA for SC liver cancers was safe and effective.

Advances in knowledge

The clinical prognosis of thermal ablation without AA in the treatment of SC liver cancers is still unclear. The finding of this study provided evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of US-guided MWA without AA for treating this tricky location.
Prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in laparotomy wounds (PROPEL-2): protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Davey Matthew G , Donlon Noel E , Walsh Stewart R , Donohoe Claire L ,   PROPEL-2 Trial Collaborators, Fleming C A , Peirce C , Coffey J C , Condon E , Elwahab S A , Owens P W , Kelly M E , Larkin J O , Conneely J B , Varzgalis M , O'Riordain M , Faul E , Toomey D P , Winter D , Andrews E , Kearney D E , Carroll P A , Kavanagh D , Murphy T , Martin S T , Heneghan H M , Barry M K , Cahill R A , Neary P , Cooke F , Johnston S T , Robb W B , Hill A D K , Kerin M J , Reynolds J V , McNamara D , Walsh S R
Published: August 2024

Background

A proportion of patients undergoing midline laparotomy will develop surgical site infections after surgery. These complications place considerable financial burden on healthcare economies and have negative implications for patient health and quality of life. The prophylactic application of negative pressure wound therapy devices has been mooted as a pragmatic strategy to reduce surgical site infections. Nevertheless, further availability of multicentre randomized clinical trial data evaluating the prophylactic use of negative pressure wound therapy following midline laparotomy is warranted to definitely provide consensus in relation to these closure methods, while also deciphering potential differences among subgroups. The aim of this study is to determine whether prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy reduces postoperative wound complications in patients undergoing midline laparotomy.

Methods

PROPEL-2 is a multicentre prospective randomized clinical trial designed to compare standard surgical dressings (control arm) with negative pressure wound therapy dressings (Prevena™ and PICO™ being the most commonly utilized). Patient recruitment will include adult patients aged 18 years or over, who are indicated to undergo emergency or elective laparotomy. To achieve 90% power at the 5% significance level, 1006 patients will be required in each arm, which when allowing for losses to follow-up, 10% will be added to each arm, leaving the total projected sample size to be 2013 patients, who will be recruited across a 36-month enrolment period.

Conclusion

The PROPEL-2 trial will be the largest independent multicentre randomized clinical trial designed to assess the role of prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy in patients indicated to undergo midline laparotomy. The comparison of standard treatment to two commercially available negative pressure wound therapy devices will help provide consensus on the routine management of laparotomy wounds. Enrolment to PROPEL-2 began in June 2023.

Registration number: NCT05977816 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in skin of colour: a review
Authors: Mosallaei Daniel , Thomas Sierra I , Lobl Marissa , Higgins Shauna , Lee Erica B , Stephany Matthew , Wysong Ashley
Published: August 2024

Skin cancer generally causes disproportionate morbidity and mortality in people of colour. Although skin cancers occur most frequently in White individuals overall, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is an exception. CTCL is a rare skin cancer comprising several subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma; each contains a unique clinical profile that varies with race. Our aim is to review and compile the differences in epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatments and outcomes of the CTCL subtypes in Black, Asian or Pacific Islander (API) and Hispanic patients. The current literature supports that there are nuances in the course of CTCL that differ with race. Across multiple studies, racial differences in incidence patterns have been reported, with the highest rates among Black patients. Cutaneous manifestations of CTCL are highly variable in people of colour, and the predilection for clinical CTCL variants often differs with race, as well as severity of cutaneous involvement (body surface area). Response to and type of treatment also differs among people of colour and may be partially attributable to the varying CTCL subtypes experienced by certain races. Prognostic factors tend to vary with race, although Black patients consistently experience poor outcomes, while API patients may have a more favourable prognosis. Currently, there is no definitive conclusion to account for differences observed in patients with skin of colour with CTCL; however, biological and socioeconomic factors have been proposed as potential drivers. As the proportion of people of colour in our population continues to grow, adequate physician awareness and knowledge of racial nuances in CTCL are necessary to begin addressing these disparities.
Influence of life-history traits on mitochondrial DNA substitution rates exceeds that of metabolic rates in teleost fishes
Authors: Jing Yangyang , Long Rui , Meng Juanzhu , Yang Ya , Li Xinyi , Du Bairu , Naeem Ayesha , Luo Yiping
Published: August 2024

Understanding the molecular relevance of metabolic rate (MR) is crucial for unveiling the mechanisms driving the evolution of animals. In this study, we investigated the association between mitochondrial DNA characteristics and both resting and maximal MRs in conjunction with life-history traits among 139 species of teleost fish. We gathered fish MR data from various sources and procured sequences of 13 mitochondrial protein-encoding genes. We calculated the absolute substitution rate for entire nucleotide sequences and 4-fold degenerate sites of each gene, along with encoding amino acid sequences. Using the phylogenetic comparative method, we then explored the associations between MR and mitochondrial DNA absolute substitution rate. Additionally, we screened MR-associated single nucleotide variants in mitochondrial DNA. The findings indicate no positive correlation between MRs and any substitution rate values of both combined sequences and individual mitochondrial protein-coding genes, refuting the MR hypothesis. Instead, both maximum body size and longevity correlated negatively with molecular substitution rates, suggesting their influences on both mutation and fixation within mitochondrial genes in fish. Results also revealed significant correlations between base variation at ATP6_169 and both resting MR and maximum MR, identifying the unique ATP6_169G in Scombridae fish, which results in an extremely low isoelectric point (pI) value of the ATP6 protein. Considering its functional significance, the ATP6_169G in Scombridae fish might link to their lifestyle characterized by fast locomotion and high metabolic demands alongside a slower molecular evolutionary rate.
Coronary sinus thrombosis in a patient with amyloidosis, the role of multimodality imaging: a case report
Authors: López-Pena Alejandro Manuel , Abellás-Sequeiros Rosa Alba , López-López Andrea , Bayón-Lorenzo Jeremías , González-Juanatey Carlos
Published: August 2024

Background

Amyloidosis can affect the heart, causing arrhythmia, thromboembolic events, and sudden cardiac death. Coronary sinus thrombosis is an uncommon though life-threatening condition which requires early identification and management.

Case summary

A 72-year-old Caucasian man, who recovered from out-of-hospital cardiorespiratory arrest, was diagnosed with coronary sinus thrombosis using cardiac imaging techniques. He had no history of invasive procedures and was diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis based on an extra-cardiac biopsy positive for light chain amyloid, with consistent clinical, echocardiographic, and magnetic resonance criteria.

Discussion

A high frequency of intracardiac thrombosis is seen in amyloidosis. However, coronary sinus thrombosis is an uncommon complication. A multimodality imaging approach appears to be useful for the early diagnosis of coronary sinus thrombosis. The low specificity of the clinical signs, as well as the fast impairment of the patients, could result in fatal complications such as acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, and sudden death. Early screening, particularly in high-risk patients, as well as the use of early anticoagulant therapy, could reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.
Management of acute myocarditis: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and recommendations
Authors: Shyam-Sundar Vijay , Mahmood Adil , Slabaugh Greg , Chahal Anwar , Petersen Steffen E , Aung Nay , Mohiddin Saidi A , Khanji Mohammed Y
Published: August 2024

The management of acute myocarditis (AM) is addressed in multiple clinical guidelines. We systematically reviewed current guidelines developed by national and international medical organizations on the management of AM to aid clinical practice. Publications in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane were identified between 1 January 2013 and 12 April 2024. Additionally, the websites of relevant organizations and the Guidelines International Network, Guideline Central, and NHS knowledge and library hub were reviewed. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, two reviewers assessed the rigour of guideline development, and one reviewer extracted the recommendations. Two of the three guidelines identified showed good rigour of development. Those rigorously developed agreed on the definition of AM, sampling serum troponin as part of the workflow for AM, testing for B-type natriuretic peptides in heart failure, key diagnostic imaging in the form of cardiovascular magnetic resonance, coronary angiography to exclude significant coronary disease, indications for endomyocardial biopsy (EMB), and indications for immunosuppression and advanced treatment options. Discrepancies exist in sampling creatine kinase-myocardial bound as a marker of myocardial injury, indications for EMB, and indications for immunosuppression and treatment of uncomplicated AM. Evidence is lacking for the use of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography for myocardial imaging, exercise restriction, follow-up measures, and genetic testing, and there are few high-quality randomized trials to support treatment recommendations. Recommendations for management of AM in the guidelines have largely been developed from expert opinion rather than trial data.
Propensity scores used as overlap weights provide exact covariate balance
Authors: Zajichek Alexander M , Grunkemeier Gary L
Published: August 2024

Overlap weighting, using weights defined as the probability of receiving the opposite treatment, is a relatively new, alternative propensity score-based weighting technique used to adjust for confounding when estimating causal treatment effects. It has preferable properties compared to inverse probability of treatment weighting, such as exact covariate balance, safeguards against extreme weights and emphasis on medical equipoise, where treatment decisions are most uncertain. In this article, we introduce the overlap weighting methodology, compare it to inverse probability of treatment weighting and provide some strategies for assessing weighting impact, through an applied example of hospital mortality. When the propensity score distributions have large separation, inverse probability of treatment weighting has been shown to produce biased and less efficient estimates of the treatment effect, making overlap weighting a preferred method in such cases.
Law, War and Letter Writing
Authors: Chiam Madelaine , Cormier Monique , Hood Anna
Published: August 2024

When (some) international crises arise, it has become common for lawyers to respond by penning open letters that call out violations of international law and call on governments, international organizations or civil society to take a suite of actions. In this article, we argue that the prevalence of international law open letter writing means that open letters can now be viewed as a genre of international legal practice. Consequently, there is a need for international lawyers to attend more closely to the purposes, conventions and consequences of the practice. Drawing on open letters that were written in the first three months of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 and the first three months of the Israel-Gaza conflict in 2023, we argue that there are three main purposes embedded in these letters: advocacy, solidarity and public education. Throughout this article, we explore these purposes, consider their limits and possibilities and analyse how the letter writers seek to achieve them. We contend that, at present, international law open letters pursue advocacy, solidarity and public education in ways that are often narrow and with possible unintended consequences. We suggest that these limitations could be addressed through employing a broader array of open letter-writing modalities.
An autoethnographic approach to (not) teaching about the coronation
Authors: Banerjee Rrivu
Published: August 2024

This paper presents an autoethnographic account of teaching about the 2023 coronation of the United Kingdom’s new king as part of ESL lessons in a German school. It argues for the need to practice a postcolonial approach to ELT, focusing specifically on the identity of a teacher from a former British colony. To that extent, the paper argues the need for a conscious debate around hegemonial structures when it comes to teaching and learning English from the very beginning, using colonialism as a critical thematic unit.
What services are currently provided to people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in the UK, and what are their components? A protocol for a scoping literature review
Authors: Forsyth Faye , Deaton Christi , Kalra Paul R , Green Mark , Harrison Mary E , Tavares Sara , Dirksen Andreas , Kuhn Isla , Farquharson Barbara , Austin Rosalynn C
Published: August 2024

Aims

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasing in incidence and is increasingly the most common HF diagnosis. Patients with HFpEF are often excluded from specialist HF services, which has negative impacts on their healthcare experiences and health-related outcomes. As emerging evidence-based treatments are being incorporated into clinical guidelines, it is timely to focus on the management of this phenotype. This review aims to explore literature around care provision for HFpEF in the UK, to characterize and assess HFpEF care pathways against current standards, and to generate evidence to create an optimized framework of care.

Methods and results

A scoping review of the evidence from six databases will be performed, alongside a search of grey literature search and consultation with relevant experts. Given the expected heterogeneity, multiple lines of synthesis are anticipated. Data analysis will follow best practice guidelines for the synthesizing methodologies selected. Patient and public representatives will assist with analysis and in identifying priority components for HFpEF clinical services.

Conclusion

This scoping literature review will enable an in-depth examination of the current health service provision for those with HFpEF in the UK. Synthesis of key components of services and illumination of challenges and barriers will inform current and future practice. There is a long history of specialist HF care in the UK, including seminal work on nurse-led care. Therefore, evidence derived from this review will likely be useful to HF services across Europe. The proposed combination of the search across both peer-reviewed literature and grey literature, combined with patient and public involvement, will identify the key components of a framework of care for those with HFpEF.

Registration

This scoping review protocol was published on the public Open Science Framework platform (no registration reference provided) and can be accessed at: https://osf.io/5gufq/.
Patient selection, ventricular tachycardia substrate delineation and data transfer for stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation. A Clinical Consensus Statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS)
Authors: Zeppenfeld Katja , Rademaker Robert , Al-Ahmad Amin , Carbucicchio Corrado , De Chillou Christian , Ebert Micaela , Stevenson William G , Ho Gordon , Kautzner Josef , Sramko Marek , Lambiase Pier , Lloyd Michael , Merino Jose Luis , Pruvot Etienne , Sapp John , Schiappacasse Luis , Zei Paul C
Published: August 2024

Stereotactic arrythmia radioablation (STAR) is a novel, non-invasive and promising treatment option for ventricular arrythmias (VA). It has been applied in highly selected patients mainly as bail-out procedure, when (multiple) catheter-ablations, together with anti-arrhythmic drugs, were unable to control the VAs. Despite the increasing clinical use there is still limited knowledge of the acute and long-term response of normal and diseased myocardium to STAR. Acute toxicity appeared to be reasonably low but potential late adverse effects may be underreported. Among published studies, the provided methodological information is often limited, and patient selection, target volume definition, methods for determination and transfer of target volume, and techniques for treatment planning and execution differ across studies, hampering pooling of data and comparison across studies. In addition, STAR requires close and new collaboration between clinical electrophysiologists and radiation oncologists, which is facilitated by shared knowledge in each collaborator’s area of expertise and a common language. This clinical consensus statement provides uniform definition of cardiac target volumes. It aims to provide advice in patient selection for STAR including etiology specific aspects, and advice in optimal cardiac target volume identification based on available evidence. Safety concerns and the advice for acute and long-term monitoring including the importance of standardized reporting and follow-up are covered by this document. Areas of uncertainty are listed, which require high-quality, reliable pre-clinical and clinical evidence before expansion of STAR beyond clinical scenarios in which proven therapies are ineffective or unavailable.
Microembolizations in the arterial cerebral circulation during atrial fibrillation ablation: cryoballoon technique advantages and neurocognitive safety—results of a prospective observational study
Authors: Erkapic Damir , Roussopoulos Konstantinos , Aleksic Marko , Weipert Kay Felix , Sözener Korkut , Kostev Karel , Allendörfer Jens , Rosenbauer Josef , Sossalla Samuel , Gündüz Dursun , Tanislav Christian
Published: August 2024

Aims

The significance of micro-embolic signals (MESs) during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is unclear. Previous studies had limitations, and cryoballoon (CB) ablation patients were under-represented. Minimizing MESs is recommended due to their uncertain neurocognitive impact.

Methods and results

This prospective observational study included AF patients from a German centre between February 2021 and August 2022. Patients were equally divided into paroxysmal (Group A) and persistent (Group B) AF. Group A received cryoballoon-pulmonary vein isolation only, while Group B also had left atrial roof ablation. MESs were detected using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography during ablation. Neurocognitive status was assessed pre- and post-procedure and at 3 months using the CERAD Plus battery. The study analyzed 100 patients with a median age of 65.5 years. A total of 19 698 MESs were observed, with 80% being gaseous and 20% solid in origin, primarily occurring during pulmonary vein angiography and the balloon freeze and thawing phase. The median MES per patient was 130 (IQR: 92–256) in total, 298 (IQR: 177–413) in bilateral (36%), and 110 (IQR: 71–130) in unilateral (64%) recordings. No significant difference in total MES counts was found between the groups. None of the 11 neuropsychological tests showed cognitive decline post-procedure or at 3 months.

Conclusion

Our observations confirm that neurocognitive abilities are not affected either 24 h or 3 months after AF ablation using the CB technique. However, despite the low MES burden associated with the CB, more work is needed to reduce small embolic events during AF ablation.
Characterization of the metabolism of the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica growing as a biofilm
Authors: Jenjitwanich Akarawit , Marx Hans , Sauer Michael
Published: August 2024

Yarrowia lipolytica is a well-characterized yeast with remarkable metabolic adaptability. It is capable of producing various products from different carbon sources and easily switching between planktonic and biofilm states. A biofilm represents a natural means of cell immobilization that could support continuous cultivation and production processes, such as perfusion cultivation. However, the metabolic activities of Y. lipolytica in biofilms have not yet been studied in detail. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the metabolic activities of Y. lipolytica in biofilm and planktonic states. Conventionally, a stirred tank bioreactor was used to cultivate Y. lipolytica in a planktonic state. On the other hand, a trickle bed bioreactor system was used for biofilm cultivation. The low pH at 3 was maintained to favor polyol production. The accumulation of citric acid was observed over time only in the biofilm state, which significantly differed from the planktonic state. Although the biofilm cultivation process has lower productivity, it has been observed that the production rate remains constant and the total product yield is comparable to the planktonic state when supplied with 42% oxygen-enriched air. This finding indicates that the biofilm state has the potential for continuous bioprocessing applications and is possibly a feasible option.
Salicylic acid treatment inhibits cold-induced sweetening by regulating the transcription factors StAP2/ERF and StNAC2 in potato
Authors: Zhang Jiadi , Lin Qiong , Mao Linli , Min Ting , Guan Wenqiang , Qi Xin , Wang Hongxun
Published: August 2024

Cold-induced sweetening (CIS) results in browning and acrylamide formation in fried potato products. β-Amylase (BAM) and vacuolar invertase (INV) are crucial for starch–sugar conversion in cold-stored potatoes. This research investigates the effects of salicylic acid (SA) treatment on the CIS of potatoes and gene regulation during this process. The findings revealed that the SA treatment significantly alleviated CIS by suppressing StBAM1 and StINV1 expression in potato. Moreover, the expression of two transcription factors (TFs), StAP2/ERF and StNAC2, was inhibited by SA treatment. Transient overexpression of StAP2/ERF (AP2: APETALA2; ERF: ethylene responsive factor) and StNAC2 in tobacco leaves increased the expression of NtBAM1 and NtINV, thus promoting starch–sugar conversion. Furthermore, the β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity demonstrated that StAP2/ERF and StNAC2 increased the promoter activity of StBAM1 and StINV1. This study identifies new TFs in CIS regulation and provides new ideas for alleviating CIS in potato.
Human identification by medical findings in a forensic anthropology context
Authors: Lemos Yara Vieira , Furtado Alexandre Neves , Lima Adriana Zatti , Dionísio Alexander Santos , Araújo Ricardo Moreira , Cunha Eugénia
Published: August 2024

This article presents a series of three complex forensic cases that posed significant challenges for identifying human remains. These include a mass dam disaster, burnt human remains, and extensively decomposed human remains. Positive identification was achieved using a shadow positioning technique with imaging comparisons of medical findings. After establishing the biological profile, medical data were evaluated with digital radiography and computed tomography examinations the human remains. These aimed to replicate the original (intravitam) traits in the same angulation to examine postsurgical characteristics, as well as the anatomical, pathological, and morphological features, which were sufficient to establish a positive scientific identification. Technological advancements tend to reveal additional skeletal details, making medical data comparisons significantly more effective in the context of anthropological identification. These cases demonstrate that the possibility of identification should never be ignored, even in situations with advanced decomposition.

Key points
Evolution of Opsin Genes in Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera)
Authors: Powell Ashlyn , Heckenhauer Jacqueline , Pauls Steffen U , Ríos-Touma Blanca , Kuranishi Ryoichi B , Holzenthal Ralph W , Razuri-Gonzales Ernesto , Bybee Seth , Frandsen Paul B
Published: August 2024

Insects have evolved complex and diverse visual systems in which light-sensing protein molecules called “opsins” couple with a chromophore to form photopigments. Insect photopigments group into three major gene families based on wavelength sensitivity: long wavelength (LW), short wavelength (SW), and ultraviolet wavelength (UV). In this study, we identified 123 opsin sequences from whole-genome assemblies across 25 caddisfly species (Insecta: Trichoptera). We discovered the LW opsins have the most diversity across species and form two separate clades in the opsin gene tree. Conversely, we observed a loss of the SW opsin in half of the trichopteran species in this study, which might be associated with the fact that caddisflies are active during low-light conditions. Lastly, we found a single copy of the UV opsin in all the species in this study, with one exception: Athripsodes cinereus has two copies of the UV opsin and resides within a clade of caddisflies with colorful wing patterns.
eRNA-IDO: A One-stop Platform for Identification, Interactome Discovery, and Functional Annotation of Enhancer RNAs
Authors: Zhang Yuwei , Gong Lihai , Ding Ruofan , Chen Wenyan , Rong Hao , Li Yanguo , Shameem Fawziya , Ali Korakkandan Arshad , Li Lei , Liao Qi
Published: August 2024

Growing evidence supports the transcription of enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) and their important roles in gene regulation. However, their interactions with other biomolecules and their corresponding functionality remain poorly understood. In an attempt to facilitate mechanistic research, this study presents eRNA-IDO, the first integrative computational platform for the identification, interactome discovery, and functional annotation of human eRNAs. eRNA-IDO comprises two modules: eRNA-ID and eRNA-Anno. Functionally, eRNA-ID can identify eRNAs from de novo assembled transcriptomes. eRNA-ID includes eight kinds of enhancer makers, enabling users to customize enhancer regions flexibly and conveniently. In addition, eRNA-Anno provides cell-/tissue-specific functional annotation for both new and known eRNAs by analyzing the eRNA interactome from prebuilt or user-defined networks between eRNAs and protein-coding genes. The prebuilt networks include the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx)-based co-expression networks in normal tissues, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-based co-expression networks in cancer tissues, and omics-based eRNA-centric regulatory networks. eRNA-IDO can facilitate research on the biogenesis and functions of eRNAs. The eRNA-IDO server is freely available at http://bioinfo.szbl.ac.cn/eRNA_IDO/.
Ethics in Patients’ Health Literacy: a scoping review and a critical discussion
Authors: Evripidou Melina , Efthymiou Areti , Velonaki Venetia , Kalokairinou Athina , Papastavrou Evridiki
Published: August 2024

A growing body of literature has acknowledged that a high number of populations with low Health Literacy (HL) is related to poor health outcomes, inequities in healthcare and high economic costs. Those findings have formulated the research questions of this review: (i) what ethical issues arise within the context of patients’ HL and (ii) What is the relationship between HL and quality of life? This review followed the guidelines of Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and it was conducted in five databases: PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus and Science Direct between June 2022 and December 2023. Out of the 3164 titles retrieved, 285 abstracts were eligible to proceed. Following a thorough examination of the full text of 61 papers, 45 sources were identified that met the inclusion criteria. The data analysis process was guided by the research questions, employing a thematic approach. Four themes were identified: the use of language and patient understanding, human rights, the principlism approach (justice, beneficence, non-maleficence and autonomy) and quality of life. The first theme mainly focused on the relation of HL with the notion of consent forms and national action plans. Human rights in relation to HL were discussed as a minor issue. The bioethical framework by Beauchamp and Childress (Principles of Biomedical Ethics, 6th edn. Oxford University Press, New York, NY, 2009), was addressed by several studies, with a particular focus on justice and the loss of autonomy. Quality of life indicated a positive correlation with HL by most of the authors, while few studies revealed a moderate correlation.