bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the transcription factor Ets-1 in cisplatin resistance
Authors: Wilson Leigh A. , Yamamoto Hirotaka , Singh Gurmit
Published: June 2022

Cisplatin is a DNA damaging agent widely used as a chemotherapeutic agent. A major limitation of the use of this agent is the development of drug resistance within tumors. Several in vitro models exist which enable the investigation of resistance mechanisms, including 2008/C13* ovarian carcinoma cells. C13* cells are variants of 2008 cells, displaying cisplatin resistance following 13 consecutive cisplatin treatments. This model system has led to the identification of several mechanisms that play parts in the multifactorial nature of cisplatin resistance. In this study, we have examined the contribution of a transcription factor, Ets-1, to the cisplatin resistance of C13* cells. Ets-1 is up-regulated in C13* cells as compared with the cisplatin-sensitive 2008 cells and overexpression of this protein in 2008 cells led to a 7-fold increase in resistance. Further studies on a colorectal carcinoma cell line overexpressing Ets-1 indicated that this phenomenon is not cell specific—increased cisplatin resistance correlated to Ets-1 expression. The mechanism of cisplatin resistance elicited by Ets-1 is potentially via transcriptional activation of genes whose products have well-described functions in reducing cisplatin toxicity. Examples, identified via microarray analysis, include metallothioneins and DNA repair enzymes. This is the first report to our knowledge associating expression of Ets-1, a transcription factor whose expression often signals poor prognosis in various cancer types, to cisplatin resistance.
Sanguinarine causes cell cycle blockade and apoptosis of human prostate carcinoma cells via modulation of cyclin kinase inhibitor-cyclin-cyclin-dependent kinase machinery
Authors: Adhami Vaqar Mustafa , Aziz Moammir Hasan , Reagan-Shaw Shannon R. , Nihal Minakshi , Mukhtar Hasan , Ahmad Nihal
Published: June 2022

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males in the United States. This warrants the development of novel mechanism-based strategies for the prevention and/or treatment of prostate cancer. Several studies have shown that plant-derived alkaloids possess remarkable anticancer effects. Sanguinarine, an alkaloid derived from the bloodroot plant Sanguinaria canadensis, has been shown to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Previously, we have shown that sanguinarine possesses strong antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties against human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells and immortalized human HaCaT keratinocytes. Here, employing androgen-responsive human prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells and androgen-unresponsive human prostate carcinoma DU145 cells, we studied the antiproliferative properties of sanguinarine against prostate cancer. Sanguinarine (0.1–2 μmol/L) treatment of LNCaP and DU145 cells for 24 hours resulted in dose-dependent (1) inhibition of cell growth [as evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay], (2) arrest of cells in G0-G1 phase of the cell cycle (as assessed by DNA cell cycle analysis), and (3) induction of apoptosis (as evaluated by DNA ladder formation and flow cytometry). To define the mechanism of antiproliferative effects of sanguinarine against prostate cancer, we studied the effect of sanguinarine on critical molecular events known to regulate the cell cycle and the apoptotic machinery. Immunoblot analysis showed that sanguinarine treatment of both LNCaP and DU145 cells resulted in significant (1) induction of cyclin kinase inhibitors p21/WAF1 and p27/KIP1; (2) down-regulation of cyclin E, D1, and D2; and (3) down-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 2, 4, and 6. A highlight of this study was the fact that sanguinarine induced growth inhibitory and antiproliferative effects in human prostate carcinoma cells irrespective of their androgen status. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing the involvement of cyclin kinase inhibitor-cyclin-cyclin-dependent kinase machinery during cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of prostate cancer cells by sanguinarine. These results suggest that sanguinarine may be developed as an agent for the management of prostate cancer.
Reasons for Not Attending Cervical Cancer Screening and Associated Factors in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Gizaw Muluken , Teka Brhanu , Ruddies Friederike , Kassahun Konjit , Worku Dawit , Worku Alemayehu , Wienke Andreas , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Jemal Ahmedin , Kaufmann Andreas M. , Abebe Tamrat , Addissie Adamu , Kantelhardt Eva Johanna
Published: June 2022

Social, economic, and cultural factors have been associated with the level of participation in cervical cancer screening programs. This study identified factors associated with nonparticipation in cervical cancer screening, as well as reasons for not attending, in the context of a population-based, cluster-randomized trial in Ethiopia. A total of 2,356 women aged 30 to 49 years in 22 clusters were invited to receive one of two screening approaches, namely human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling or visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). Participants and nonparticipants were analyzed according to their sociodemographic and economic characteristics. Reasons were determined for the refusal of women to participate in either screening method. More women in the VIA arm compared to the HPV arm declined participation in the screening [adjusted OR (AOR) 3.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.6–4.8]. Women who declined attending screening were more often living in rural areas (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1–3.5) and were engaged in informal occupations (AOR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.4). The majority of nonattendants perceived themselves to be at no risk of cervical cancer (83.1%). The main reasons given for not attending screening for both screening approaches were lack of time to attend screening, self-assertion of being healthy, and fear of screening. We found that perceived time constraints and the perception of being at no risk of getting the disease were the most important barriers to screening. Living in rural settings and informal occupation were also associated with lower participation. Offering a swift and convenient screening service could increase the participation of women in cervical cancer screening at the community level.
Abstract A34: Cancer prevention in practice at FDA
Authors: Elespuru Rosalie K.
Published: June 2022

Most major categories of products reviewed at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) undergo assessment for cancer hazard, which generally is accomplished by using qualitative findings from genotoxicity tests. In some instances, two-year rodent bioassays are used for quantitative risk assessment. In the attempt to minimize the use of animals, more recently alternative approaches have included the assessment of data from chemical characterizations, QSAR, and toxicology risk assessments. Although the focus is primarily on hazard identification, or classification of agents as genotoxic or nongenotoxic, the scope of consideration is broader, including identification of potential nongenotoxic carcinogens and consideration of negative factors for carcinogenesis, such as the absence of hormonal action, rodent neoplasia, and certain histopathologic risk factors. For many (but not all) product categories, review generally includes a risk/benefit assessment. A diversity of laws, regulations, standards, and products affects the approach to cancer risk assessment in different FDA centers. Other than tobacco, little is known about the actual human risk of many products or combinations of foods, drugs, medical devices, and other exposures, over days, years, or a lifetime, relative to cancer risk. Thus, it is difficult to find yardsticks against which to consider new products. In thinking about risks to human health and the potential for tumor development, it is useful to consider the factors generally understood to be important from animal and human studies in carcinogenesis, especially from human experience with tobacco: dose, frequency, and duration of exposure; multiple exposures to agents acting via different mechanisms; inflammatory or proliferative responses; susceptible systems (based on genetics, age, or development); and time available for tumor development. High-dose single-agent testing in animals has been validly criticized as a poor model for human cancer risk, particularly given the expense, time, and large numbers of animals required. Replacement models suitable for FDA premarket product safety review are needed, particularly representing the real world of multiple exposures and individual human susceptibilities.

Citation Format: Rosalie K. Elespuru. Cancer prevention in practice at FDA [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Environmental Carcinogenesis: Potential Pathway to Cancer Prevention; 2019 Jun 22-24; Charlotte, NC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2020;13(7 Suppl): Abstract nr A34.
Abstract A40: Induction of oxidative/nitrosative stress, proinflammatory cytokines and dysregulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling by benzo(a)pyrene in colons of BALB/c mice
Authors: Farombi Ebenezer O. , Ajayi Babajide O. , Adedara Isaac A. , Owumi Solomon E.
Published: June 2022

Epidemiologic surveys and experimental data have revealed that environmental and dietary factors contribute to the etiology of colon cancer, which ranks third in cancer-related mortalities in the United States and fourth worldwide. In particular, human diet containing environmental carcinogens such as benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, has been the focus of investigators recently in relation to generated interest in looking at how it exerts its colorectal cancer. The present study investigated the effects of B(a)P on biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation and Wnt-signaling in colon of BALB/c mice following exposure to varying doses of 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg B(a)P for 7 days by oral gavage. Exposure to B(a)P induced marked oxidative stress accompanied by decrease in the colonic antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione level with concomitant increase in myeloperoxidase activity, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation levels. Colon histopathology results showed B(a)P-related lesions characterized by atrophy, mucosal ulceration, and gland erosion in the mice. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that B(a)P treatment increased the protein expression of nuclear factor kappa B, proinflammatory cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 β, as well as cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the mice colon. Altered canonical Wnt signaling was confirmed by strong diaminobenzidine staining for p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, b-catenin expression, and absence of adenomatous polyposis coli following B(a)P administration. Overall, our results show that exposure of mice to B(a)P induces colonic toxicity by mechanism involving oxidative and nitrosative stress, inflammation, and dsyregulation of Wnt/b-catenin signaling, and emphasizes the role of environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like B(a)P in the pathology of colonic toxicity and tumorigenesis.

Citation Format: Ebenezer O. Farombi, Babajide O. Ajayi, Isaac A. Adedara, Solomon E. Owumi. Induction of oxidative/nitrosative stress, proinflammatory cytokines and dysregulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling by benzo(a)pyrene in colons of BALB/c mice [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Environmental Carcinogenesis: Potential Pathway to Cancer Prevention; 2019 Jun 22-24; Charlotte, NC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2020;13(7 Suppl): Abstract nr A40.
Abstract IA25: A brief orientation to implementation science at the National Cancer Institute
Authors: Neta Gila
Published: June 2022

Implementation science seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice by building a knowledge base about how health information and evidence-based interventions, tools, programs, and policies are disseminated and implemented. It is focused on understanding and accelerating the adoption and integration of evidence and evidence-based interventions into practice settings to improve health. Participants will learn what the field of implementation science is (and is not), the key components to design and conduct an implementation study, and how the field is relevant to cancer control research.

Citation Format: Gila Neta. A brief orientation to implementation science at the National Cancer Institute [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Environmental Carcinogenesis: Potential Pathway to Cancer Prevention; 2019 Jun 22-24; Charlotte, NC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2020;13(7 Suppl): Abstract nr IA25.
Stress Granules Determine the Development of Obesity-Associated Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Fonteneau Guillaume , Redding Alexandra , Hoag-Lee Hannah , Sim Edward S. , Heinrich Stefan , Gaida Matthias M. , Grabocka Elda
Published: June 2022

Obesity is a global epidemic and a major predisposing factor for cancer. Increasing evidence shows that obesity-associated stress is a key driver of cancer risk and progression. Previous work has identified the phase-separation organelles,﻿ stress granules (SG), as mutant KRAS–dependent mediators of stress adaptation. However, the dependence of tumorigenesis on these organelles is unknown. Here, we establish a causal link between SGs and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Importantly, we uncover that dependence on SGs is drastically heightened in obesity-associated PDAC. Furthermore, we identify a previously unknown regulator and component of SGs, namely, the serine/arginine protein kinase 2 (SRPK2), as a specific determinant of SG formation in obesity-associated PDAC. We show that SRPK2-mediated SG formation in obesity-associated PDAC is driven by hyperactivation of the IGF1/PI3K/mTOR/S6K1 pathway and that S6K1 inhibition selectively attenuates SGs and impairs obesity-associated PDAC development.

Significance:

We show that stress adaptation via the phase-separation organelles SGs mediates PDAC development. Moreover, preexisting stress conditions such as obesity are a driving force behind tumor SG dependence, and enhanced SG levels are key determinants and a chemopreventive target for obesity-associated PDAC.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1825
Abnormal Cyclic Nucleotide Signaling at the Outer Mitochondrial Membrane In Sympathetic Neurons During the Early Stages of Hypertension
Authors: Li Dan , Liu Kun , Davis Harvey , Robertson Calum , Neely Oliver C. , Tarafdar Adib , Li Ni , Lefkimmiatis Konstantinos , Zaccolo Manuela , Paterson David J.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Disruption of cyclic nucleotide signaling in sympathetic postganglionic neurons contributes to impaired intracellular calcium handling (Ca
2+
) and the development of dysautonomia during the early stages of hypertension, although how this occurs is poorly understood. Emerging evidence supports the uncoupling of signalosomes in distinct cellular compartments involving cyclic nucleotide–sensitive PDEs (phosphodiesterases), which may underpin the autonomic phenotype in stellate neurons.

Methods:

Using a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing together with Forster resonance energy transfer–based sensors to monitor cyclic adenosine 3’,5’-monophosphate, PKA (protein kinase A)-dependent phosphorylation and cGMP (cyclic guanosine 3’,5’-monophosphate), we tested the hypothesis that dysregulation occurs in a sub-family of PDEs in the cytosol and outer mitochondrial membrane of neurons from the stellate ganglion.

Results:

PDE2A, 6D, 7A, 9A genes were highly expressed in young Wistar neurons and also conserved in neurons from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). In stellate neurons from prehypertensive SHRs, we found the levels of cyclic adenosine 3’,5’-monophosphate and cGMP at the outer mitochondrial membrane were decreased compared with normal neurons. The reduced cyclic adenosine 3’,5’-monophosphate response was due to the hydrolytic activity of overexpressed PDE2A2 located at the mitochondria. Normal cyclic adenosine 3’,5’-monophosphate levels were re-established by inhibition of PDE2A. There was also a greater PKA-dependent phosphorylation in the cytosol and at the outer mitochondrial membrane in spontaneously hypertensive rat neurons, where this response was regulated by protein phosphatases. The cGMP response was only restored by inhibition of PDE6.

Conclusions:

When taken together, these results suggest that site-specific inhibition of PDE2A and PDE6D at the outer mitochondrial membrane may provide a therapeutic target to ameliorate cardiac sympathetic impairment during the onset of hypertension.
Role of Antihypertensive Treatment and Blood Pressure Control in the Occurrence of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: a Population-Based Study of Linked Electronic Health Records
Authors: Al Khalaf Sukainah , Khashan Ali S. , Chappell Lucy C. , O’Reilly Éilis J. , McCarthy Fergus P.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Chronic hypertension (CH) adversely impacts pregnancy. It remains unclear whether antihypertensive treatment alters these risks. We examined the role of antihypertensive treatment in the association between CH and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods:

Electronic health records from the UK Caliber and Clinical Practice Research Datalink were used to define a cohort of women delivering between 1997 and 2016. Primary outcomes were preeclampsia, preterm birth (PTB), and fetal growth restriction (FGR). We used multivariable logistic regression to compare outcomes in women with CH to women without CH and propensity score matching to compare antihypertensive agents.

Results:

The study cohort consisted of 1 304 679 women and 1 894 184 births. 14 595 (0.77%) had CH, and 6786 (0.36%) were prescribed antihypertensive medications in pregnancy. Overall, women with CH (versus no CH), had higher odds of preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.74 [95% CI, 5.44–6.07]); PTB (aOR, 2.53 [2.39–2.67]); and FGR (aOR, 2.51 [2.31–2.72]). Women with CH prescribed treatment (versus untreated women) had higher odds of preeclampsia (aOR, 1.17 [1.05–1.30]), PTB (1.25 [1.12–1.39]), and FGR (1.80 [1.51–2.14]). Women prescribed methyldopa (versus β-blockers) had higher odds of preeclampsia (aOR, 1.43 [1.19–1.73]); PTB (1.59 [1.30–1.93]), but lower odds of FGR (aOR, 0.66 [0.48–0.90]). Odds of adverse outcomes were similar in relation to calcium channel blockers (versus β-blockers) except for PTB (aOR, 1.94 [1.15–3.27]). Among women prescribed treatment, lower average blood pressure (<135/85 mm Hg) was associated with better pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions:

Treatment with antihypertensive agents and control of hypertension ameliorates some effects but higher risks of adverse outcomes persist. β-Blockers versus methyldopa may be associated with better pregnancy outcomes except for FGR. Powered trials are needed to inform optimal treatment of CH during pregnancy.
Performance of a Multianalyte ‘Rule-Out’ Assay in Pregnant Individuals With Suspected Preeclampsia
Authors: Costantine Maged M. , Sibai Baha , Bombard Allan T. , Sarno Mark , West Holly , Haas David M. , Tita Alan T. , Paidas Michael J. , Clark Erin A.S. , Boggess Kim , Grotegut Chad , Grobman William , Su Emily J , Burd Irina , Saade George , Chavez Martin R. , Paglia Michael J. , Merriam Audrey , Torres Carlos , Habli Mounira , Macones Georges , Wen Tony , Bofill James , Palatnik Anna , Edwards Rodney K. , Haeri Sina , Oberoi Pankaj , Mazloom Amin , Cooper Matthew , Lockton Steven , Hankins Gary D.
Published: June 2022

Background:

The ability to diagnose preeclampsia clinically is suboptimal. Our objective was to validate a novel multianalyte assay and characterize its performance, when intended for use as an aid to rule-out preeclampsia.

Methods:

Prospective, multicenter cohort study of pregnant individuals presenting between 28
0/7
and 36
6/7
weeks’ with preeclampsia-associated signs and symptoms. Individuals not diagnosed with preeclampsia after baseline evaluation were enrolled in the study cohort, with those who later developed preeclampsia, classified as cases and compared with a negative control group who did not develop preeclampsia. Individuals with assay values at time of enrollment ≥0.0325, determined using a previously developed algorithm, considered at risk. The primary analysis was the time to develop preeclampsia assessed using a multivariate Cox regression model.

Results:

One thousand thirty-six pregnant individuals were enrolled in the study cohort with an incidence of preeclampsia of 30.3% (27.6%–33.2%). The time to develop preeclampsia was shorter for those with an at-risk compared with negative assay result (log-rank
P
<0.0001; adjusted hazard ratio of 4.81 [3.69–6.27,
P
<0.0001]). The performance metrics for the assay to rule-out preeclampsia within 7 days of enrollment showed a sensitivity 76.4% (67.5%–83.5%), negative predictive value 95.0% (92.8%–96.6%), and negative likelihood ratio 0.46 (0.32–0.65). Assay performance improved if delivery occurred <37 weeks and for individuals enrolled between 28 and 35 weeks.

Conclusions:

We confirmed that a novel multianalyte assay was associated with the time to develop preeclampsia and has a moderate sensitivity and negative likelihood ratio but high negative predictive value when assessed as an aid to rule out preeclampsia within 7 days of enrollment.

Registration:

The study was registered on
Clinicaltrials.gov
(Identifier NCT02780414).
Transfer of two Arabidella and two Cuphonotus species to the genus Lemphoria (Brassicaceae) and a description of the new species L. queenslandica
Authors: LYSAK MARTIN A. , EDGINTON MARK , ZUO SHENG , GUO XINYI , MANDÁKOVÁ TEREZIE , AL-SHEHBAZ IHSAN A.
Published: June 2022

The taxonomic limits of Arabidella, Cuphonotus, and Lemphoria (Brassicaceae, Microlepidieae) are revised based on a critical evaluation of morphology in light of recent cytogenomic and molecular phylogenetic findings. As a result, Lemphoria is re-established to include two species previously placed in Cuphonotus and two in Arabidella. Lemphoria queenslandica is described as a new species, and the new combinations L. andraeana, L. eremigena, L. humistrata, and L. procumbens are  proposed. Keys to distinguish Arabidella and Lemphoria species and an expanded generic description of Lemphoria are provided.
Shear Turbulence in the High-Wind Southern Ocean Using Direct Measurements
Authors: Ferris Laur , Gong Donglai , Clayson Carol Anne , Merrifield Sophia , Shroyer Emily L. , Smith Madison , Laurent Louis St.
Published: June 2022

The ocean surface boundary layer is a gateway of energy transfer into the ocean. Wind-driven shear and meteorologically forced convection inject turbulent kinetic energy into the surface boundary layer, mixing the upper ocean and transforming its density structure. In the absence of direct observations or the capability to resolve subgrid-scale 3D turbulence in operational ocean models, the oceanography community relies on surface boundary layer similarity scalings (BLS) of shear and convective turbulence to represent this mixing. Despite their importance, near-surface mixing processes (and ubiquitous BLS representations of these processes) have been undersampled in high-energy forcing regimes such as the Southern Ocean. With the maturing of autonomous sampling platforms, there is now an opportunity to collect high-resolution spatial and temporal measurements in the full range of forcing conditions. Here, we characterize near-surface turbulence under strong wind forcing using the first long-duration glider microstructure survey of the Southern Ocean. We leverage these data to show that the measured turbulence is significantly higher than standard shear-convective BLS in the shallower parts of the surface boundary layer and lower than standard shear-convective BLS in the deeper parts of the surface boundary layer; the latter of which is not easily explained by present wave-effect literature. Consistent with the CBLAST (Coupled Boundary Layers and Air Sea Transfer) low winds experiment, this bias has the largest magnitude and spread in the shallowest 10% of the actively mixing layer under low-wind and breaking wave conditions, when relatively low levels of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in surface regime are easily biased by wave events.

Significance Statement

Wind blows across the ocean, turbulently mixing the water close to the surface and altering its properties. Without the ability to measure turbulence in remote locations, oceanographers use approximations called boundary layer scalings (BLS) to estimate the amount of turbulence caused by the wind. We compared turbulence measured by an underwater robot to turbulence estimated from wind speed to determine how well BLS performs in stormy places. We found that in both calm and stormy conditions, estimates are 10 times too small closest to the surface and 10 times too large deeper within the turbulently mixed surface ocean.
Scope and Limits of Community Inclusion: Participatory Budgeting in the Santo Domingo Neighborhood of Mexico City
Authors: Martínez José Eduardo Martínez , Valverde- Viesca Karla
Published: June 2022

Citizen participation mechanisms have become very important in recent decades. This change is due to multiple factors, but the inclusion of citizens in decision-making seeks, among other things, to regain legitimacy and trust from society. In this research, we focus our attention on the case of participatory budgeting in Mexico. In particular, we present some reflections that are derived from the study of the Pedregal de Domingo neighborhood in Mexico City. We propose that it is important to promote incentives for citizen participation.
Overestimation of the Level of Democracy Among Citizens in Nondemocracies
Authors: Yeung Eddy S. F.
Published: June 2022

Overestimation of the level of democracy is prevalent among citizens in nondemocracies. Despite such prevalence, no research to date has systematically documented this phenomenon and examined its determinants. Yet given the renewed interest in the role of legitimacy in authoritarian survival, studying whether and why this phenomenon arises is important to our understanding of authoritarian resilience. I argue that, even in the absence of democratic institutions in nondemocracies, autocrats exercise media control in order to boost their democratic legitimacy. This façade of democracy, in turn, benefits their survival. Combining media freedom data with individual survey response data that include over 30,000 observations from 22 nondemocracies, I find that overestimation of the level of democracy is greater in countries with stronger media control. But highly educated citizens overestimate less. These findings shed light on media control as a strategy for authoritarian survival, and have important implications for modernization theory.
Introduction: The international of everything
Authors: Rosenberg Justin , Tallis Benjamin
Published: June 2022

This text introduces the Special Issue on Multiplicity. It sets out the broad research programme of Multiplicity, considers some criticisms that have been made of this programme and then summarises the contributions to the Special Issue.
Of Stag Hunts and secret societies: Cooperation, male coalitions and the origins of multiplicity
Authors: Lees Nicholas
Published: June 2022

In many circumstances where multiple, autonomous actors exist, cooperation is only a viable strategy if other actors also pursue a strategy of cooperation. Such situations can be characterised in terms of the Stag Hunt, based on a parable told by Rousseau. Although traditionally interpreted as a device for understanding how mutually beneficial cooperation can emerge, Harrison Wagner points out that would-be exploiters must overcome similar problems to succeed at subjugating others. Successful cooperation may have the ironic consequence of enabling deeper conflict within and between a multiplicity of societies. Despite its canonical status, the importance of the Stag Hunt for understanding the interaction between multiple societies may have been underestimated.

Nonetheless, rational choice theory alone cannot explain how cooperation-for-predation became established, while historical sociology’s conventional ‘materialist metanarrative’ of the origin of war and the state may have unduly neglected the role of gender relations. The phenomenon of men’s secret societies, found in many stateless societies, indicates that fraternal solidarity within coalitions of men competing to control women’s labour and bodies may provide a path to the nucleation of warlike states. If this is correct, it becomes clear that in many societies, men and women experience multiplicity in qualitatively different ways.
Public Finance Management in India in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mukherjee Sacchidananda , Badola Shivani
Published: June 2022

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public finance management (PFM) in the FY 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 have become extremely challenging. The economic contraction has created pressures on PFM in India in terms of lower revenue mobilisation and higher expenditure needs. Both the union and state governments are facing dual problem of arresting economic contraction and managing public finance with limited resources. The present article analyses public finance management of the union as well as 16 major Indian states during the time of COVID-19 pandemic. For comparison, we have also analysed pre-COVID public finance monthly data of state governments. The shock to PFM came from both the revenue as well as expenditure side. Apart from aggregate analysis of state finances of 16 major states, we present state-wise analysis to highlight measures adopted by states to deal with the unprecedented fiscal crisis.

JEL Codes: H20, H61, H62, H63
Effect of 0.5% CNT reinforcement of a glass fiber composite on strength and cyclic damage induced by transverse and out-of-plane compressive loads
Authors: Salas Alexis , Oñate Ángelo , Escudero Benjamín , Medina Carlos , Tuninetti Víctor , Meléndrez Manuel
Published: June 2022

The impact of the addition of 0.5 wt% multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on the quasi-static transverse compressive resistance and damage evolution of unidirectional glass fiber reinforced composite (FRC) fabricated by resin transfer molding is investigated. The degradation of macroscopic mechanical properties such as elastic modulus and compressive strength vs. plastic strains are correlated with crack density and microcrack propagation behavior including analysis of failure phenomena such as interface debonding, matrix cracking and interface cracking. The experimental campaign includes compression tests with monotonic and cyclic loads on cubic specimens in the out-of-plane (0°) and transverse (90°) directions for masterbatch MWCNT-based and CNT-free glass FRC. In the monotonic case, the elastic modulus and maximum compressive strength increased for the glass FRC with 0.5 wt% CNTs, particularly in the transverse (0°) direction by 11% and 13%, respectively. Under cyclic loading, the elastic modulus degradation stagnates at a lower plastic deformation for composite with 0.5 wt% CNTs. In addition, CNTs reduces by 20% the cumulative plastic deformation in the 0° direction and almost 30% in the 90° direction. At the microscopic scale, image analysis showed that the CNTs improved the properties of the interface by delaying decohesion failure and reducing by around 30% and 40% the computed crack density in the 0° and 90° loading direction, respectively. In addition, image analysis in the out-of-plane direction (0°) shows that fiber-matrix decohesion is predominant before crack propagation at the interlaminar level and prior to final failure. By contrast, at 90° loadings, no decohesion is observed and crack propagation is almost purely interlaminar. Finally, the addition of 0.5% MWCNTs to the glass FRC increases the mechanical resistance of the composite material in the transverse direction demonstrated by the delaying of cracks during the failure analysis of different cycles as well as the decrease of the elastic modulus degradation and increase of compressive strength.
Sociodemographic Disparities in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment During Elementary School
Authors: Morgan Paul L. , Woods Adrienne D. , Wang Yangyang
Published: June 2022

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) overdiagnosis and overtreatment unnecessarily exposes children to potential harm and contributes to provider and community skepticism toward those with moderate or severe symptoms and significant impairments, resulting in less supportive care. Yet, which sociodemographic groups of children are overdiagnosed and overtreated for ADHD is poorly understood. We conducted descriptive and logistic regression analyses of a population-based subsample of 1,070 U.S. elementary schoolchildren who had displayed above-average levels of independently assessed behavioral, academic, or executive functioning the year prior to their initial ADHD diagnoses and who did not have prior diagnostic histories. Among these children, (a) 27% of White children versus 19% of non-White children were later diagnosed with ADHD and (b) 20% of White children versus 14% of non-White children were later using medication. In adjusted analyses, White children are more likely to later be diagnosed (odds ratio [OR] range = 1.70–2.62) and using medication (OR range = 1.70–2.37) among those whose prior behavioral, academic, and executive functioning suggested that they were unlikely to have ADHD.
Finding Joy in Being Counter-cultural: Lessons for Catholic Medical Professionals
Authors: Breen James O.
Published: June 2022

Catholic medical professionals face increasing challenges to adhering to the faith in the exercise of their professional functions. Growing opposition to traditional Church teaching—particularly with regard to issues of human sexuality and end-of-life care—threaten faithful Catholic clinicians with a form of “white martyrdom,” characterized by loss of professional standing. Threats to rights of conscience come from various segments of contemporary society, including professional medical societies and publications that increasingly resemble strident activists rather than dispassionate and measured consensus-builders. Reflection on the relationship between counter-culturalism and joy can be a source of strength for those Catholic physicians facing opposition based on their adherence to the faith in their practice. A review of the historical developments of Christian medicine highlights its counter-cultural stance in contrast to the ancient Greco-Roman traditions that preceded it. Counter-cultural figures such as Ss. Cosmas and Damian, St Basil, and St Philip Neri serve as examples of courageous Christian counter-cultural witnesses in their times. Additionally, St Philip Neri’s cheerful ministry in Rome also exemplifies Christian joy as a means of evangelizing in the midst of a culture in decline (as was the Eternal City in the 16th century). The lives of saints who suffered for the Faith remind us that being counter-cultural has consequences. While being called to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), Catholic medical professionals are to show compassion in words and actions as the singular signs of a faithful Christian.
Traffic operation analysis for underground and ground roads using microscopic traffic simulation
Authors: Yang Choong Heon , Park Sang Hyun , Kim Jin Guk , Lee Jin Kak
Published: June 2022

This study analyzed traffic congestion scenarios in underground roads diverging and merging sections and underground sections that run parallel to ground roads using a microscopic traffic simulation model. The appropriate ratio of the ramp inflow or outflow of traffic volume to the entry traffic volume at the starting section of the underground road network was analyzed. Furthermore, the effect of traffic operation such as adequate throughput, average traffic speed, occupancy, and volume versus capacity (V/C) ratios before the occurrence of traffic congestion in all three road networks was properly produced. To maintain a minimum level of service of all underground sections at the D–E level, the underground inflow traffic volume should be equal to approximately 70% of the 4000 pcph inflow traffic volume from an open road to the underground. The results of this study are a useful reference for establishing traffic control application standards to minimize underground traffic congestion. They also provide useful insights for underground road design.
Well-Being in Frontline Correctional Officers: A Mixed-Method Systematic Review
Authors: Miller Olivia , Bruenig Dagmar , Shakespeare-Finch Jane
Published: June 2022

Correctional officers (COs) work in high-stress environments, frequently experience critical incidents and have shown high levels of burnout. The current review synthesizes and evaluates literature on determinants of CO well-being. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute approach for mixed-method systematic reviews. Eligible studies measured subjective or psychological well-being in frontline COs. Studies of disorder absence or nonfrontline COs or associated professions were excluded. Searches of psychology and criminal justice databases including PsycINFO (EBSCOhost) and Criminal Justice (ProQuest) were completed in June 2021, and data were synthesized using a convergent segregated approach. A total of 29 studies were included and explored individual, interpersonal, and organizational determinants of well-being. Key themes identified by thematic synthesis of qualitative research included job satisfaction, personal growth, and coping. COs can experience well-being, however, further research into determinants of CO well-being is required.
Non-domination and constituent power: Socialist republicanism versus radical democracy
Authors: Popp-Madsen Benjamin Ask
Published: June 2022

Two of the dominant frameworks for criticizing capitalism and liberal democracy in contemporary political theory is Socialist republicanism, on the one hand, and radical democracy, on other hand. Whereas radical democratic thinkers have for decades criticized liberal democracy for being elitist, hierarchical and outright anti-popular, socialist republicans have for the last 10 years developed critiques of capitalism centred on the neo-republican idea of freedom as non-domination and proposed various arguments for workplace democracy and cooperative forms of ownership. Despite the common ambition of uncovering hierarchical relations of economic, political and social power, and creating new egalitarian and participatory modes of political organization, no systematic comparison of socialist republicanism and radical democracy exists. This paper fills this gap by comparing the different understandings of (a) institutions and (b) political action and (c) their diverging historical and political relations to socialism.
Educational Difference Between Partners and Wife’s Happiness
Authors: Li Zhongwu , Feng Xueliang
Published: June 2022

This paper uses the China Family Panel Studies to investigate the relationship between educational difference between partners and wife’s happiness. Employing some econometric models, this paper finds that the status of wife having more education than husband has a negative impact on wife’s happiness. To alleviate the endogeneity of educational difference, this paper uses an instrument variable approach to identify the causal relationship between them, and obtains conclusions consistent with the baseline regression. Heterogeneous analysis shows that for women who are less educated and subject to external traditional cultural norms, the negative happiness effect of wife having more education than husband is particularly significant. While greatly influenced by traditional cultural norms, these women are not only unwilling but also afraid to deviate from the role orientation of women in the existing social norms. Therefore, once women transcend the traditional norms to have more education than their husbands, their happiness will be reduced.
The Effects of Parents’ and Their Children’s Characteristics on Parental Involvement in Sport
Authors: Kovács Krisztina , Földi Rita F. , Gyömbér Noémi
Published: June 2022

The present study explored factors potentially influencing parental involvement. A total of 1260 parents ( Mage = 43.54, SD = 5.10) completed an online form including demographic questions, questions on their children’s sport participation, and three self-report measures (Parental Involvement in Sport Questionnaire (PISQ), Competitive State Anxiety Inventory 2 (CSAI-2), and Perceived Autonomy Support Scale for Exercise Setting (PASSES)). Possible predictors of the four assessed types of parental involvement were tested with hierarchical linear regression models. The significant predictors were the parent’s gender, her/his sporting experience (or the lack thereof), and the child’s current stage of sport participation. Furthermore, significant associations were found between directive parental behavior and state anxiety and between parental praise/understanding and autonomy support, which were independent of the parent’s gender and sporting experience, and of the child’s age and sport injuries. The obtained results expand the existing knowledge of the complexity of parents’ importance in children’s sport career.
Diagnostic and surgical management of HeartMate 3 outflow graft obstruction due to two different mechanisms
Authors: Tramontin Corrado , Affronti Alessandro , Cirio Emiliano Maria
Published: June 2022

Outflow graft obstruction is a potentially catastrophic complication of left ventricular assist devices that may occur secondary to different mechanisms. Two cases of Heartmate 3 outflow graft obstruction associated with two different pathophysiological mechanisms are presented. The first one was a 70-year-old man who developed outflow graft obstruction secondary to kinking. The second case was a 72-year-old man who presented with signs and symptoms of heart failure due to outflow graft extrinsic obstruction. Both cases were diagnosed with 3D-CT scan and successfully surgically treated.
Knotless suture and hydrocolloid method improves chest drain wound complication
Authors: Imamura Yoshito , Watanabe Hiroki , Hiramatsu Yoshinori , Okasaka Toshiki
Published: June 2022

Objective

Ligation is a widely used wound closure method after chest drain removal in thoracic surgery. Knotless suture, which does not require ligation or suture removal, has been developed and is currently used in our institution. This study compared the efficacy of the drain wound closure method between knotless suture and our previous mattress suture.

Methods

We examined the clinical performance of knotless suture for chest drain wound closure in 117 patients who underwent surgery following this method in our department from October 2020 to April 2021. We compared outcomes with those of mattress suture using 2-0 nylon in 115 patients who underwent thoracic surgery at our institution between October 2018 and April 2019. Hydrocolloid dressing is applied to the drain wound after chest drain removal in a knotless suture. We conducted an analysis of both groups based on the condition of wound closure and drain wound complication.

Results

Appropriate wound closure was obtained and no patient required a prolonged hospital stay because of incomplete wound closure in both methods. The rate of chest drain wound infection for knotless suture (0.0%, 0/117 patient) was significantly lower than that of mattress suture (5.2%, 6/115 patients) at the outpatient follow-up ( p = 0.01). The rate of delayed drain wound healing was also significantly lower than that of mattress suture (0.9% vs. 7.0%; p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The results of knotless closure were better than those of conventional mattress suture regarding wound complications. Moreover, knotless suturing requires no suture removal, indicating its usefulness.
Assessing the impact of auditory media on Braille reading and writing skills: The case of elementary school students who are blind in Sudan
Authors: Bilal Salih Hisham E , Kakizawa Toshibumi
Published: June 2022

This study explores the impact of using auditory media in school curricula on the braille-related skills of students who are blind at a Sudanese school. Three sets of braille-related skills (6-dot braille writing, Arabic alphabet writing, and Arabic text reading) were used to evaluate and compare the students’ ability to read braille versus listening to text via audio media. The purpose of testing full cells of braille writing was to determine writing speed while that of testing braille writing of the Arabic alphabet was to examine students’ accuracy and proficiency in writing. Arabic text reading was tested to determine braille-reading speed. The three braille-related skills were evaluated for a total of 34 students in two groups (Group 1: grades 3 and 4; Group 2: grades 5–8), but the listening speed test was only administered to the second group. T-tests were used to compare the results for the braille-related tests with those for the listening speed test to determine whether braille-related skills were affected by the use of auditory media when accessing school curricula in the early grades of elementary school. The statistical results indicated there were significant differences between the two groups in 6-dot writing and Arabic text reading, whereas there was no significant difference in Arabic alphabet writing. As mastery of braille is an integrated process that requires instruction towards the parallel development of all braille-related skills, the ratio of instructional time devoted to listening compared to that devoted to braille may require adjustment.
Evaluating the usability of 3D thematic maps: A survey with visually impaired students
Authors: Zacharogiorga-Sourdi Alkistis , Kokla Margarita , Tomai Eleni
Published: June 2022

The pilot survey presented herein explores the possibilities given by three-dimensional (3D)-printed maps to students with visual impairment (VI) for learning the spatial distribution of geographic phenomena. The main research questions are: (a) whether students with VI can perceive two phenomena depicted on the same 3D-printed map and (b) whether they perform better when interacting with individual tactile maps for each spatial phenomenon than when interacting with a single 3D-printed map displaying the two spatial phenomena simultaneously. Our analysis indicates that 3D-printed maps can be a valuable alternative for the education of students with VI even when they represent two spatial phenomena simultaneously.