bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunoglobulin A vasculitis post‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination and review of reported cases
Authors: Hashizume Hideo , Ajima Sayaka , Ishikawa Yuto
Published: March 2022

Immunoglobulin (Ig)A vasculitis/nephropathy is a systemic immune complex‐mediated vasculitis. Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccination is widely recommended in individuals without specific allergy to the vaccine components, it is arguable whether vaccination is advisable for patients with IgA vasculitis or for predisposed individuals. We and others have presented cases of IgA vasculitis occurring after SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination. In total, these 19 cases, including ours, involved predominantly female patients, and half of them were suffering from de novo vasculitis onset. The most frequent manifestation was gross hematuria (89.5%) while skin lesions were relatively infrequent, occurring in only five cases (26.3%), of which three (15.8%) were confirmed to be IgA vasculitis. Taken together, these cases suggest that SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination might be a trigger for development/deterioration of IgA vasculitis/nephropathy.
Gene expression in lung epithelial cells following interaction with Pneumocystis carinii and its specific life forms yields insights into host gene responses to infection
Authors: Kottom Theodore J. , Carmona Eva M. , Limper Andrew H.
Published: March 2022

Pneumocystis spp. interacts with epithelial cells in the alveolar spaces of the lung. It is thought that the binding of Pneumocystis to host cell epithelium is needed for life cycle completion and proliferation. The effect of this interaction on lung epithelial cells has previously shown that the trophic form of this organism greatly inhibits p34cdc2 activity, a serine/threonine kinase required for transition from the G2 to M phase in the cell cycle. To gain further insight into the host response during Pneumocystis pneumonia infection, we used microarray technology to profile epithelial cell (A549) gene expression patterns following Pneumocystis carinii interaction. Furthermore, we isolated separate populations of cyst and trophic forms of P. carinii, which were then applied to the lung epithelial cells. Differential expression of genes involved in various cellular functions dependent on the specific P. carinii life form in contact with the A549 cell was identified. The reliability of our data was further confirmed by Northern blot analysis on a number of selected upregulated or downregulated transcripts. The transcriptional response to P. carinii was dominated by cytokines, apoptotic, and antiapoptosis‐related genes. These results reveal several previously unknown effects of P. carinii on the lung epithelial cell and provide insight into the complex interactions of host and pathogen.
An ArsRC fusion protein enhances arsenate sensing and detoxification
Authors: Chen Jian , Galván Adriana E. , Nadar Venkadesh Sarkarai , Yoshinaga Masafumi , Rosen Barry P.
Published: March 2022

Arsenical resistance (ars) operons encode genes for arsenic resistance and biotransformation. The majority are composed of individual genes, but fusion of ars genes is not uncommon, although it is not clear if the fused gene products are functional. Here we report identification of a four‐gene ars operon from Paracoccus sp. SY that has two arsR‐arsC gene fusions. ArsRC1 and ArsRC2 are related proteins that consist of an N‐terminal ArsR arsenite (As(III))‐responsive repressor with a C‐terminal ArsC arsenate reductase. The other two genes in the operon are gapdh and arsJ. GAPDH, glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, forms 1‐arseno‐3‐phosphoglycerate (1As3PGA) from 3‐phosphoglyceraldehyde and arsenate (As(V)), ArsJ is an efflux permease for 1As3PGA that dissociates into extracellular As(V) and 3‐phosphoglycerate. The net effect is As(V) extrusion and resistance. ArsRs are usually selective for As(III) and do not respond to As(V). However, the substrates and products of this operon are pentavalent, which would not be inducers of the operon. We propose that ArsRC fusions overcome this limitation by channelling the ArsC product into the ArsR binding site without diffusion through the cytosol, a de facto mechanism for As(V) induction. This novel mechanism for arsenate sensing can confer an evolutionary advantage for detoxification of inorganic arsenate.
Some like it cold: the cellular organization and physiological limits of cold‐tolerant nitrite‐oxidizing Nitrotoga
Authors: Keuter Sabine , Koch Hanna , Sass Katharina , Wegen Simone , Lee Natuschka , Lücker Sebastian , Spieck Eva
Published: March 2022

Chemolithoautotrophic production of nitrate is accomplished by the polyphyletic functional group of nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria (NOB). A widely distributed and important NOB clade in nitrogen removal processes at low temperatures is Nitrotoga, which however remains understudied due to the scarcity of cultivated representatives. Here, we present physiological, ultrastructural and genomic features of Nitrotoga strains from various habitats, including the first marine species enriched from an aquaculture system. Immunocytochemical analyses localized the nitrite‐oxidizing enzyme machinery in the wide irregularly shaped periplasm, apparently without contact to the cytoplasmic membrane, confirming previous genomic data suggesting a soluble nature. Interestingly, in two strains we also observed multicellular complexes with a shared periplasmic space, which seem to form through incomplete cell division and might enhance fitness or survival. Physiological tests revealed differing tolerance limits towards dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations and confirmed the generally psychrotolerant nature of the genus. Moreover, comparative analysis of 15 Nitrotoga genomes showed, e.g. a unique gene repertoire of the marine strain that could be advantageous in its natural habitat and confirmed the lack of genes for assimilatory nitrite reduction in a strain found to require ammonium for growth. Overall, these novel insights largely broaden our knowledge of Nitrotoga and elucidate the metabolic variability, physiological limits and thus potential ecological roles of this group of nitrite oxidizers.
A Farewell to Northern Ireland? Constitutional Options for Irish Unity
Authors: Coakley John
Published: March 2022

A combination of unintended consequences of Brexit and demographic change in Northern Ireland has brought the issue of Irish unity forcefully onto the political agenda. The meaning and implications of ‘unity’, however, remain unclear. The comparative politics literature offers several models of territorial statehood that are of theoretical interest, but only two potentially enjoy substantial political recognition in Ireland. The first is a unitary state with power concentrated in the capital, the model anticipated by Irish nationalists before the partition of Ireland in 1921, and widely supported since then. The second is a unitary state with special provisions for Northern Ireland's autonomy similar to those it now enjoys within the UK, as envisaged by other nationalists and implicitly endorsed by the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. Making a decision on Irish unity requires detailed analysis of what this concept implies and recognition of the complex issues to which it gives rise.
Casual C peptide index: Predicting the subsequent need for insulin therapy in outpatients with type 2 diabetes under primary care
Authors: Uehara Ryota , Yamada Eijiro , Nakajima Yasuyo , Osaki Aya , Okada Shuichi , Yamada Masanobu
Published: March 2022

Background

Evaluation of residual beta cell function is indispensable in patients with type 2 diabetes as it informs not only diagnoses but also appropriate treatment modalities. However, there is a lack of convenient biomarkers for residual beta cell function. Therefore, we evaluated endogenous insulin level as a biomarker in outpatients who were being treated with insulin therapy and in patients who were introduced to insulin therapy after 4 years.

Methods

Data of 174 outpatients with type 2 diabetes (50% male) whose glycemia was moderately controlled (glycated A1c 7.3% [5.2%–14.8%]) were reviewed. Twenty patients whose estimated glomerular filtration rate was lower than 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 were excluded from the evaluation of endogenous insulin level with both casual C‐peptide index (C‐CPI) and urinary C‐peptide/creatinine ratio (determined at any time, generally 1–2 h after breakfast). Patients were stratified based on the provision of insulin therapy.

Results

C‐CPI and UCPCR were significantly lower in the insulin‐treated patients than in the insulin‐untreated patients (0.9 vs. 2.2, p < 0.0001; 24.7 vs. 75.5, p = 0.0003, respectively). Moreover, C‐CPI were significantly lower in the insulin‐requiring patients for 4 years than in the insulin‐unrequiring patients (1.0 vs. 1.7, p = 0.0184). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that both indicators of insulin secretion influenced the requirement for insulin therapy, but C‐CPI could serve as the most convenient and useful biomarker for not only current insulin therapy requirements (p = 0.0002) but also the subsequent requirement for insulin therapy (p = 0.0008).

Conclusions

C‐CPI could be determined easily, and it was found to be a more practical marker for outpatients; therefore, our findings would have critical implications for primary care.
Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on patients with diabetic kidney disease: A preliminary study on the basis of podocyturia
Authors: Durcan Emre , Ozkan Serbay , Saygi Halil Ibrahim , Dincer Mevlut Tamer , Korkmaz Ozge Polat , Sahin Serdar , Karaca Cebrail , Sulu Cem , Bakir Alev , Ozkaya Hande Mefkure , Trabulus Sinan , Guzel Elif , Seyahi Nurhan , Gonen Mustafa Sait
Published: March 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on the glomerulus through the evaluation of podocyturia in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

Methods

The study population was composed of 40 male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; 22 of them received SGLT2i (SGLT2i group), and the others who did not were the control. The DKD‐related parameters of patients were monitored before SGLT2i initiation, and then in the third and sixth month of the follow‐up period. Patients' demographic, clinical, laboratory, and follow‐up data were obtained from medical charts. Microalbuminuria was measured in 24‐h urine. The number of podocytes in the urine was determined by immunocytochemical staining of two different markers, namely podocalyxin (podx) and synaptopodin (synpo). Concentrations of urine stromal cell‐derived factor 1a and vascular endothelial growth factor cytokines were quantified with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results

At the end of the follow‐up period, decreases in glycosylated hemoglobin, glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, uric acid level, and microalbuminuria, and improvement in body mass index level and weight loss were significant for the SGLT2i group. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in terms of these parameters in the control group. The excretion of synaptopodin‐positive (synpo+) and podocalyxin‐positive (podx+) cells was significantly reduced at the end of the follow‐up period for the SGLT2i group, while there was no significant change for the control.

Conclusions

At the end of the follow‐up period, male patients receiving SGLT2i had better DKD‐related parameters and podocyturia levels compared to baseline and the control group. Our data support the notion that SGLT2i might have structural benefits for glomerular health.
Effects of calcium silicate‐based cements on odonto/osteogenic differentiation potential in mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Sismanoglu Soner , Ercal Pinar
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological effects and odonto/osteogenic differentiation potential of Biodentine, NeoMTA Plus and TheraCal LC in tooth germ‐derived stem cells (TGSCs). TGSCs were exposed to the material extracts. Biocompatibility was tested with MTS cell proliferation assay. Odonto/osteogenic differentiation was assessed with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mRNA gene expressions (RUNX2, DSPP and DMP‐1). Scanning electronic microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray (SEM/EDX) analysis and pH analysis were also performed for the materials. Data were evaluated using the one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's tests. TGSCs remained viable after 7 days of incubation with all tested materials. Biodentine and NeoMTA Plus showed high ALP activity and increased expression of RUNX2, DSPP and DMP‐1 compared to that of TheraCal LC. All materials can induce odonto/osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in various levels. Biocompatibility and odonto/osteogenic differentiation potential of Biodentine and NeoMTA Plus are similar and superior to that of TheraCal LC.
Age and residential differences in functional fitness of Chinese older women
Authors: Li Zongtao , Lai Qin , Benedict Ronald J. , Yang Tao , Zhang Xuelin
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To investigate age‐associated changes in functional fitness (FF) among Chinese older women and to identify any urban‐rural disparity.

Methods

Nine hundred and sixty‐five participants aged 60–84 yrs were assessed for their functional fitness. They were stratified into five groups by age and two groups by residential areas. Two‐way ANOVA was used to observe the group differences in functional fitness, and linear regression analysis was conducted to identify each of the functional fitness measures as a function of age and residential area.

Results

All functional fitness tests showed a significant decline across age groups. Age‐related decline in muscle strength occurred relatively earlier (age 65–69) compared to the decline in aerobic endurance (age 75–79). Linear regression analysis indicated that age has notable effects on each of the functional fitness measures and predicts balance control better than other factors. Urban participants outperformed their rural counterparts in all FF tests except for upper body flexibility and BMI. Notably, the greatest disparity occurred between 70 and 79 years of age.

Conclusions

Enhanced physical fitness monitoring and targeted interventions that focus on strength training and increasing moderate‐ to high‐intensity leisure‐time physical activity are necessary to improve the functional fitness of Chinese older women, especially those in rural areas.
Thalidomide for prevention of camrelizumab‐induced reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation
Authors: Song Geng , Zhang Fei‐Fei , Cheng Huai‐Dong
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The study evaluated the efficacy of thalidomide in prevention of camrelizumab‐induced reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation (RCCEP).

Methods

In this study, patients treated with camrelizumab plus thalidomide or camrelizumab alone were included. The occurrences, onset time, severity of RCCEP and the adverse effect of thalidomide were analysed.

Results

A total of 19 patients were enrolled. The incidence of RCCEP in thalidomide group (2/9, 22.2%) was significantly lower than that in camrelizumab group (8/10, 80%). The median onset time of RCCEP was 5 weeks and 4 weeks respectively. The adverse events of thalidomide were mild, and no treatment‐associated interruption was observed.

Conclusions

Thalidomide showed a promising in prevention of the RCCEP in patients receiving camrelizumab therapy with an acceptable safety profile.
Police, permits and politics: Navigating life on Australia's state borders during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: McCann Lily , Thompson Sandra C. , Rolf Floraidh , Podubinski Tegan
Published: March 2022

Objective

To explore the ways in which the Coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) pandemic has affected Australians who live and travel in cross‐border regions in the course of their daily lives.

Design

Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with participants by telephone. The analysis utilised qualitative exploratory methods and provided rich data through immersive and reflexive analysis.

Setting

Interviews of people across Australia.

Participants

Of 90 people interviewed in relation to their experiences of the COVID‐19 pandemic, 13 described challenges related to border crossing that impacted their usual work and personal life.

Main outcome Measure

Description of challenges faced by Australians living close to state borders due to internal border closures in the early period of COVID‐19 (2020).

Results

Policy changes surrounding border closures negatively impacted people’s wellbeing in Australia with three key interconnected themes identified for Australians living in cross‐border regions. First, border closures presented participants of these communities with physical barriers which reduced access to healthcare and employment. Second, participants reported how restrictions on travel to neighboring states and territories impacted their mental wellbeing. Finally, many Australians in cross‐border regions faced financial struggles exacerbated by border closures.

Conclusion

Normally, interstate borders are largely invisible with formalities relevant to few circumstances. Since the emergence of the COVID‐19 pandemic, Australians who used to regularly cross these borders in the course of their daily activities were no longer able or willing to do so due to the uncertain circumstances surrounding border policy. This study elaborates on the impact of these closures on people’s physical, financial, and emotional state.
Hemodynamic characterization of the Realheart® total artificial heart with a hybrid cardiovascular simulator
Authors: Fresiello Libera , Najar Azad , Brynedal Ignell Nils , Zieliński Krzysztof , Rocchi Maria , Meyns Bart , Perkins Ina Laura
Published: March 2022

Background

Heart failure is a growing health problem worldwide. Due to the lack of donor hearts there is a need for alternative therapies, such as total artificial hearts (TAHs). The aim of this study is to evaluate the hemodynamic performance of the Realheart® TAH, a new 4‐chamber cardiac prosthesis device.

Methods

The Realheart® TAH was connected to a hybrid cardiovascular simulator with inflow connections at the left/right atrium, and outflow connections at the ascending aorta/pulmonary artery. The Realheart® TAH was tested at different pumping rates and stroke volumes. Different systemic resistances (20.0‐16.7‐13.3‐10.0 Wood units), pulmonary resistances (6.7‐3.3‐1.7 Wood units), and pulmonary/systemic arterial compliances (1.4–0.6 ml/mm Hg) were simulated. Tests were also conducted in static conditions, by imposing predefined values of preload‐afterload across the artificial ventricle.

Results

The Realheart® TAH allows the operator to finely tune the delivered flow by regulating the pumping rate and stroke volume of the artificial ventricles. For a systemic resistance of 16.7 Wood units, the TAH flow ranges from 2.7 ± 0.1 to 6.9 ± 0.1 L/min. For a pulmonary resistance of 3.3 Wood units, the TAH flow ranges from 3.1 ± 0.0 to 8.2 ± 0.3 L/min. The Realheart® TAH delivered a pulse pressure ranging between ~25 mm Hg and ~50 mm Hg for the tested conditions.

Conclusions

The Realheart® TAH offers great flexibility to adjust the output flow and delivers good pressure pulsatility in the vessels. Low sensitivity of device flow to the pressure drop across it was identified and a new version is under development to counteract this.
Stringent screening strategy significantly reduces reactivation rates of tuberculosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease on anti‐TNF therapy in tuberculosis endemic region
Authors: Kumar Peeyush , Vuyyuru Sudheer K. , Kante Bhaskar , Sahu Pabitra , Goyal Sandeep , Madhu Deepak , Jain Saransh , Ranjan Mukesh Kumar , Mundhra Sandeep , Golla Rithvik , Singh Mukesh , Virmani Shubi , Gupta Anvita , Yadav Nidhi , Kalaivani Mani , Sharma Raju , Das Prasenjit , Makharia Govind , Kedia Saurabh , Ahuja Vineet
Published: March 2022

Background

Anti‐tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) leads to an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation despite latent tuberculosis (LTB) screening, especially in TB endemic regions.

Aim

We evaluated the effect of stringent screening strategy and LTB prophylaxis on TB reactivation.

Methods

We performed an ambispective comparison between patients who received anti‐TNF therapy after January 2019 (late cohort) and between Jan 2005 and Jan 2019 (early cohort). Late cohort patients were subjected to stringent screening criteria which included all: history of past TB/recent contact with active TB, chest X‐ray, CT (computed tomography) chest, IGRA (interferon‐gamma release assay), TST (tuberculin skin test), and if any positive were given chemoprophylaxis. A cohort comparison was done to evaluate for risk reduction of TB following the stringent screening strategy.

Results

One hundred seventy‐one patients (63: ulcerative colitis/108: Crohn’s disease, mean age diagnosis: 28.5 ± 13.4 years, 60% males, median follow‐up duration after anti‐TNF: 33 months [interquartile range: 23–57 months]) were included. Among the 112 in the early cohort, 29 (26%) underwent complete TB screening, 22 (19.6%) had LTB, 10 (9%) received chemoprophylaxis, and 19 (17%) developed TB. In comparison, in the late cohort, 100% of patients underwent complete TB screening, 26 (44%) had LTB, 23 (39%) received chemoprophylaxis, and only 1(1.7%) developed TB (p < 0.01). On survival analysis, patients in early cohort had a higher probability of TB reactivation compared with the late cohort (HR: 14.52 (95% CI: 1.90–110.61 [p = 0.01]) after adjusting for gender, age at anti‐TNF initiation, concomitant immunosuppression, anti‐TNF doses, and therapy escalation.

Conclusion

The high risk of TB reactivation with anti‐TNF therapy in TB endemic regions can be significantly mitigated with stringent LTB screening and chemoprophylaxis.
Review article: therapeutic targets for the pharmacologic management of coeliac disease—the future beyond a gluten‐free diet
Authors: Klonarakis Michael , Andrews Christopher N. , Raman Maitreyi , Panaccione Remo , Ma Christopher
Published: March 2022

Background

Coeliac disease (CeD) is an immune‐mediated small bowel enteropathy resulting from dietary gluten exposure. Presently, the only effective treatment is adoption of a gluten‐free diet (GFD), although strict adherence is challenging to maintain, and inadvertent gluten exposures are inevitable for most patients. Hence, there is substantial interest in drug development in CeD and multiple novel therapies are under investigation.

Aims

To review existing and upcoming clinical trial programmes for pharmacologic agents for CeD.

Methods

A narrative review was performed, informed by a search of MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane CENTRAL Library and clinicaltrials.gov.

Results

We summarise the pathophysiology of CeD and the specific steps that are potentially amenable to pharmacologic treatment. We evaluate the evidence supporting existing and future drug targets, including trials of peptidases, gluten sequestrants, tight junction regulators, anti‐transglutaminase 2 therapies, immune tolerizing agents, advanced biologics and small molecules, and microbiome‐targeted strategies. We highlight unique considerations for conducting CeD trials, including identifying appropriate study populations, assessing results in the context of a gluten challenge, and interpreting CeD‐specific clinical and histologic outcomes. Understanding these factors is crucial for accurately appraising the evidence. Finally, we outline what the future of CeD therapy may hold with the introduction of pharmacotherapies.

Conclusions

There is a need for pharmacologic options for CeD, either used adjunctively with a GFD for accidental or intentional gluten exposures or for refractory disease. Multiple promising agents are in development, and these trials are likely to lead to approvals for the first generation of pharmacologic agents for CeD within the next 5 years.
The Beautiful Game: Fair Value, Accountability and Accounting for Player Registrations
Authors: Maroun Warren , van Zijl Wayne , Chesaina Rottok , Garnett Robert
Published: March 2022

Currently, professional football clubs only recognise purchased player contracts (player registrations) in their financial statements. The costs associated with home‐grown players are expensed. Furthermore, acquired player registrations must be held under the historical cost model because revaluations are only permitted when an active market for identical intangible assets is available. This is rare and results in a club's most important asset class either being excluded from the balance sheet or carried at outdated amounts. Comparability among clubs is also compromised. Clubs with a player development strategy are disadvantaged in comparison to those that actively purchase established players because they report weaker balance sheets. Additionally, because the development and changes in the value of registrations are not accounted for over time, current revenues are mismatched with expenses related to investments in assets distorting performance assessments. In response, the current paper develops a normative framework for accounting for player registrations designed to provide a more detailed and transparent account of how clubs manage these important assets. The model complements financial statements by incorporating elements of historical cost and fair value whilst maintaining compliance with IFRS. The model's practical application is illustrated using three well‐known football clubs namely, Arsenal, Everton and Manchester United.
Amentoflavone attenuates Listeria monocytogenes pathogenicity through an LLO‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Tingting Wang , Tianqi Fang , Xinyu Wang , Can Zhang , Xue Shen , Xuming Deng , Jianfeng Wang
Published: March 2022

Background and Purpose

L. monocytogenes remain a leading cause of foodborne infection. Listeriolysin O (LLO), an indispensable virulence determinant involved in diverse pathogenic mechanisms of L. monocytogenes infection, represents a promising therapeutic target. In this study, we sought to identify an effective inhibitor of LLO pore formation and its mechanism of action in the treatment of L. monocytogenes infection.

Experimental Approach

Haemolysis assays were carried out to screen an effective LLO inhibitor. The interaction between candidate and LLO was investigated using surface plasmon resonance and molecular docking. The effect of candidate on LLO‐mediated cytotoxicity, barrier disruption and immune response were investigated. Finally, the in vivo effect of candidate on mice challenged with L. monocytogenes was examined.

Key results

Amentoflavone, a natural flavone present in traditional Chinese herbs, effectively inhibited LLO pore formation by engaging the residues Lys93, Asp416, Tyr469 and Lys505 in LLO. Amentoflavone dose‐dependently reduced L. monocytogenes‐induced cell injury in an LLO‐dependent manner. In the Caco‐2 monolayer model, amentoflavone maintained the integrity of the epithelial barrier exposed to LLO. Amentoflavone inhibited the inflammatory response evoked by L. monocytogenes in an LLO‐dependent manner, and inhibition was attributed to ability to block perforation‐associated K+ efflux and Ca2+ influx. In the mouse infection model, amentoflavone treatment significantly reduced bacterial burden and pathological lesions in target organs, with a significant increase in survival rate.

Conclusions and Implications

Amentoflavone reduced the pathogenicity of L. monocytogenes by specifically inhibiting LLO pore formation, and this may represent a potential treatment for L. monocytogenes infection.
The terrestrial and semi‐aquatic invertebrates of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams
Authors: Steward Alisha L. , Datry Thibault , Langhans Simone D.
Published: March 2022

Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES), which cease flow and/or dry at some point, are the most abundant waterways on earth, and are found on every continent. They can support a diverse, and often abundant, terrestrial and semi‐aquatic invertebrate (TSAI) fauna, which has been poorly explored due to its position at the fringe between aquatic and terrestrial disciplines. TSAIs can inhabit a variety of habitat types, including the shoreline, the surface of exposed gravel bars, unsaturated gravels, dry riverbeds, riparian zones, and floodplains. Much less is known about the species composition and ecological roles of TSAIs of IRES than their aquatic counterparts, with TSAIs being largely overlooked in conceptual models, legislation, policy, and ecological monitoring. Herein we review the TSAI literature that has increased substantially over the last decade and present conceptual models describing how TSAIs respond to hydrological changes in IRES. Then, we test these models with data collected during wet and dry phases in IRES from Australia and France. These generic models can be utilised by water managers and policy makers, ensuring that both wet and dry phases are considered in the management and protection of IRES. IRES should be viewed as a habitat continuum through time, with taxa from a pool of aquatic, semi‐aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates inhabiting at any hydrological stage. We call for collaboration among terrestrial and aquatic ecologists to explore these invertebrates and ecosystems further.
Abundance predominates over niche factors as determinant of the frequency of interactions between frugivorous birds and plants
Authors: Pizo Marco A. , Fontanella Antonio B. , Carlo Tomás A. , González‐Castro Aarón
Published: March 2022

Neutral and niche factors influence the structure of frugivory and seed dispersal networks. While the former refers to the abundance of interacting species, niche factors refer to traits that mediate interactions between species (e.g., morphology). The challenge is to unravel in which circumstances one kind of factor predominates over the other, or how much variation is explained by each factor. We investigated the relative contributions of abundance and trait matching (considering fruit's size, pulp mass to seed mass ratio, and lipid content, and bird's degree of frugivory, body mass, and gape width) as drivers of the frequency of interactions between frugivorous birds and fleshy fruits in an area of Cerrado second‐growth vegetation in Brazil. We expected that the abundance of species would be the most important factor due to the predominance of common small‐bodied generalist bird species and small‐seeded fleshy‐fruited plants. Species abundance was indeed an important factor explaining interactions, although in limited fashion. This is because niche factors also helped to explain bird–plant interaction frequencies in the community, particularly the mass ratio of fruits and, to a lesser extent, their lipid content through its interaction with abundance and its negative correlation with mass ratio. In addition to the importance of both bird and plant abundances, these results underscore the role played by plant functional traits in maintaining community function and ecosystem services even in habitats dominated by common generalist birds and small‐seeded plants.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Parental care in trajectories of forced migration: Ruptures and changing conditions for family life
Authors: Shapiro Ditte
Published: March 2022

Forced migration has a major impact on family life. Yet, how the trajectory of flight and process of rebuilding everyday family life can challenge parental care is understudied and undertheorized. This article provides insight into the multiple transitions and ruptures that dramatically change the everyday conditions for parental care in the migratory process. By empirically exploring the migratory process in a family perspective, including the perspective of children and parents, and by analytically unfolding an understanding of parental care as part of shifting local structures of social practice, the article sheds light on the content of parental care so rarely studied. The analysis draws on an ethnographically inspired practice research study conducted in 2014–2017 in cooperation with five Syrian families, while they were awaiting asylum and during their first year with a temporary residence permit in Denmark. The empirical foundation consists of participant observation in the everyday life of the families and recurrent interviews with eight parents and 15 children. The article concludes with a discussion of the contribution to the conceptualization of parental care and implications for qualifying social work with refugee families.
Safety and accuracy of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy in diagnosing desquamative interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Zhao Jun‐ge , Zhou Guo‐wu , Zhao Ling , Liu Min , Ren Yan‐hong , Dai Hua‐ping
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is a new technique to obtain specimens for diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in recent years. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and the diagnostic accuracy of TBLC in patients of desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP).

Methods

In this study twelve patients confirmed with DIP were selected from January 2019 to December 2020 at the department of pulmonary and critical care medicine in China‐Japan Friendship Hospital. All cases underwent TBLC in a hybrid cone beam CT (CBCT) operation room with a single general anesthesia. The definitive diagnosis was made by a multidisciplinary team that involved clinicians, radiologists and pathologists. This study analyzed the biopsy sample surface areas, main complications and the consistency between TBLC pathology and multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) diagnosis for DIP.

Results

An average of 3.1 ± 1.1 specimens were obtained per patient. The mean surface area of the specimen was 23.7 ± 6.1 mm2. None of the cases had pneumothorax or massive hemorrhage. Ten cases (83.3%) had no or mild bleeding and two cases (16.7%) had moderate bleeding. All cases had the typical pathologic characteristics of DIP, which was highly consistent with the diagnosis of MDD.

Conclusion

TBLC can obtain sufficient samples for the pathological diagnosis of DIP, which has high security and accuracy in experienced specialist centers.
Eating and drinking ability and nutritional status in adults with cerebral palsy
Authors: McAllister Anita , Sjöstrand Eva , Rodby‐Bousquet Elisabet
Published: March 2022

Aim

To describe eating and drinking ability in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) relative to sex, age, subtype, and severity of gross motor and hand function and nutritional status.

Method

This was a cross‐sectional study based on data of 2035 adults with CP, median age 26 years (range 18–78 years). The Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) were used in addition to subtype, body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), skin fold thickness, and gastrostomy. Linear regression models were used to estimate associations between body weight and the other variables.

Results

More than half of the adults (52.5%) eat and drink safely and 32.4% have dysphagia with limitations to eating and drinking safety. Weight, height, and BMI decreased with increasing EDACS levels. In EDACS level V, 86% had a gastrostomy, 23.4% in EDACS levels III to V were underweight, whereas 42.3% in EDACS levels I to II had a BMI over 25, indicating overweight or obesity. Increasing EDACS levels and need of support during meals were associated with lower body weight.

Interpretation

Adults with CP should be routinely screened and treated for dysphagia to avoid nutritional complications. Being dependent on others during mealtimes is a risk factor for low body weight.
New evidence on wine in French international trade (1848–1913): Import discrimination as export quality promotion
Authors: Becuwe Stéphane , Blancheton Bertrand , Maveyraud Samuel
Published: March 2022

Using an original dataset and theoretical framework, this paper offers a reinterpretation of the French wine international trade after external shocks during wine globalisation based on trade policy. To maintain its external position, particularly after the arrival of phylloxera in the 1860s, French authorities promoted the development of Algerian vineyards by complex discrimination in tariffs. We highlight a negative relationship between discrimination in tariff policy and market share for wine trade partners to the detriment of Spain, Italy, and Portugal and in favour of Algeria. By combining a counterfactual analysis and two theoretical models, we consider Algeria as a new competitor in an imperfect competition. Moreover, using data of wine quality at a disaggregated level, we reveal that the control of imports by France allowed the diversification of the range of exports and maximisation of profits.
HIV‐associated plasmablastic lymphoma: A single‐centre 12‐year experience in Kwa‐Zulu Natal, South Africa
Authors: Rapiti Nadine , Peer Nasheeta , Abdelatif Nada , Rapiti Pamela , Moosa Yunus
Published: March 2022

Objective

To describe the clinical profile and outcome of patients with HIV‐associated plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) treated with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, oncovin, prednisone (CHOP) chemotherapy in a tertiary hospital in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa.

Methods

This 12‐year retrospective clinical chart review, from 2006 to 2018, of patients with PBL treated with CHOP chemotherapy describes their clinical presentation, complete response (CR), progression‐free survival (PFS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). Response to salvage chemotherapy was also assessed, as was the overall survival (OS).

Results

Of 26 patients included in the study, PBL was the presenting manifestation of underlying HIV infection in 58% (n = 15). The median age was 35 years (range 13–49), and 62% (n = 16) were males. The median CD4 count was 285 cells/µL (range 45–863). All patients had extranodal disease, with 4% having bone marrow involvement (n = 1) and > 60% presenting with advanced stage and high‐risk PBL. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement was present in 15% (n = 4). A CR was attained in 46% (n = 12). The median DFS was 23.5 months (range 5–91 months), with an overall 2‐year survival of 42% (n = 11).

Conclusions

Patients with PBL had a low CR with CHOP chemotherapy and poor OS. Use of alternative chemotherapy regimens needs to be investigated to optimally manage this aggressive lymphoma. The surprisingly low incidence of marrow involvement is the focus of ongoing local research.
An examination of student nurse practitioners' diagnostic reasoning skills
Authors: Rogers Melanie , Steinke Mary
Published: March 2022

Aim

To examine the diagnostic reasoning skills of two nurse practitioner student cohorts.

Introduction

Nurse practitioners continue to play a pivotal role in health care provision. Diagnostic reasoning is a core skill of advanced practice. A comparative diagnostic reasoning study between two student cohorts was undertaken between 2018 and 2019.

Methods

A validated diagnostic reasoning scale was completed by nurse practitioner students in the United Kingdom and the United States of America at the beginning and end of their clinical placements. The study utilized descriptive quantitative statistics from the data submitted by 22 survey respondents from an online survey.

Results

Analysis of the diagnostic reasoning skills suggested there was a difference in the structural memory scores when compared with the beginning of their clinical placements and the final semester of their clinical placements.

Conclusion

Diagnostic reasoning skills are a core skill of advanced practice. As students progress through their training, these skills improve. Despite the statistical difference in diagnostic reasoning scores, caution should be made in determining any larger implications due to the small number of participants in this study. Further study is needed in this area.
Enterprise Risk Management: Theory and Practice
Authors: Nocco Brian W. , Stulz René M.
Published: March 2022

The Chief Risk Officer of Nationwide Insurance teams up with a distinguished academic to discuss the benefits and challenges associated with the design and implementation of an enterprise risk management program. The authors begin by arguing that a carefully designed ERM program—one in which all material corporate risks are viewed and managed within a single framework—can be a source of long‐run competitive advantage and value through its effects at both a “macro” or company‐wide level and a “micro” or business‐unit level.

At the macro level, ERM enables senior management to identify, measure, and limit to acceptable levels the net exposures faced by the company. By managing such exposures mainly with the idea of cushioning downside outcomes and protecting the firm's credit rating, ERM helps maintain the firm's access to capital and other resources necessary to implement its strategy and business plan.

At the micro level, ERM adds value by ensuring that all material risks are “owned,” and risk‐return tradeoffs carefully evaluated, by operating managers and employees throughout the firm. To this end, business unit managers at Nationwide are required to provide information about the major risks associated with all new capital projects—information that can then be used by senior management to evaluate the marginal impact of the projects on the firm's total risk. And to encourage operating managers to focus on the risk‐return tradeoffs in their own businesses, Nationwide's periodic performance evaluations of its business units attempt to reflect their contributions to total risk by assigning risk‐adjusted levels of “imputed” capital on which project managers are expected to earn adequate returns.

The second, and by far the larger, part of the article provides an extensive guide to the process and major challenges that arise when implementing ERM, along with an account of Nationwide's approach to dealing with them. Among other issues, the authors discuss how a company should assess its risk “appetite,” measure how much risk it is bearing, and decide which risks to retain and which to transfer to others. Consistent with the principle of comparative advantage it uses to guide such decisions, Nationwide attempts to limit “non‐core” exposures, such as interest rate and equity risk, thereby enlarging the firm's capacity to bear the “information‐intensive, insurance‐specific” risks at the core of its business and competencies.
Risk‐Taking and Risk Management by Banks
Authors: Stulz René M.
Published: March 2022

A well‐governed bank takes the amount of risk that is expected to maximize its shareholder wealth, subject to the constraints imposed by laws and regulators. The role of risk management in such banks is not to minimize or reduce the banks’ total risk. It is rather to identify and measure the risks the banks are taking, aggregate these risks into a measure of the banks’ total risk, enable the banks to avoid or eliminate “bad” risks, and ensure that the banks’ level of risk is consistent with their risk appetites.

Organizing the risk management function to play such a role is challenging not only because of the difficulty of measuring risk with precision, but also because the use of more detailed rules, although potentially effective in preventing destructive risk‐taking, limits the flexibility of an institution to take advantage of opportunities that increase firm value. The limitations of risk measurement, together with the decentralization of risk‐taking in most large financial institutions, mean that setting appropriate incentives for risk‐takers and promoting the development of an appropriate risk culture are essential to the success of risk management in performing its function.
Barriers and facilitators of physical activity in adolescents with intellectual disabilities: An analysis informed by the COM‐B model
Authors: McDermott Gary , Brick Noel E. , Shannon Stephen , Fitzpatrick Ben , Taggart Laurence
Published: March 2022

Background

Adolescents with intellectual disabilities are insufficiently physically active. Where interventions have been developed and delivered, these have had limited effectiveness, and often lack a theoretical underpinning.

Aim

Through application of the COM‐B model, our aim is to explore the factors influencing adolescent physical activity within schools.

Methods

A qualitative methodology, using focus groups with students who have mild/moderate intellectual disabilities, their parents'/carers' and teachers'. The COM‐B model provided the lens through which the data were collected and analysed.

Results

We identified of a range of individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors influencing physical activity, across all six COM‐B constructs, within the context of the ‘school‐system’.

Conclusion

This is the first study to use the COM‐B model to explore school‐based physical activity behaviour, for adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Identification of such physical activity behavioural determinants can support the development of effective and sustainable interventions.
JAK‐STAT core cancer pathway: An integrative cancer interactome analysis
Authors: Erdogan Fettah , Radu Tudor Bogdan , Orlova Anna , Qadree Abdul Khawazak , de Araujo Elvin Dominic , Israelian Johan , Valent Peter , Mustjoki Satu M. , Herling Marco , Moriggl Richard , Gunning Patrick Thomas
Published: March 2022

Through a comprehensive review and in silico analysis of reported data on STAT‐linked diseases, we analysed the communication pathways and interactome of the seven STATs in major cancer categories and proposed rational targeting approaches for therapeutic intervention to disrupt critical pathways and addictions to hyperactive JAK/STAT in neoplastic states. Although all STATs follow a similar molecular activation pathway, STAT1, STAT2, STAT4 and STAT6 exert specific biological profiles associated with a more restricted pattern of activation by cytokines. STAT3 and STAT5A as well as STAT5B have pleiotropic roles in the body and can act as critical oncogenes that promote many processes involved in cancer development. STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 also possess tumour suppressive action in certain mutational and cancer type context. Here, we demonstrated member‐specific STAT activity in major cancer types. Through systems biology approaches, we found surprising roles for EGFR family members, sex steroid hormone receptor ESR1 interplay with oncogenic STAT function and proposed new drug targeting approaches of oncogenic STAT pathway addiction.
Social isolation, loneliness, and all‐cause mortality: A cohort study of 35,254 Chinese older adults
Authors: Yu Bin , Steptoe Andrew , Chen Yongjie
Published: March 2022

Background

Few studies of social isolation, loneliness and associations with all‐cause mortality in older adults have been conducted in non‐Western countries. The aim of this study was to conduct such an analysis in a nationally representative sample of Chinese older adults.

Methods

This study used eight waves of data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey from 1998 to 2018 and focused on participants aged ≥60 years. A total of 21,570 people died (61.2%) over a median follow‐up of 4.8 years. Social isolation, loneliness, demographic, health and lifestyle factors were measured at baseline. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to examine the associations of isolation and loneliness with all‐cause mortality.

Results

This study included 35,254 participants with mean age of 86.63 ± 11.39 years. Social isolation was significantly associated with an increased mortality (adjusted HR 1.22; 95% CI 1.18–1.25; p < 0.01). The association of loneliness with mortality was nonsignificant after adjustment for health indicators and low psychological well‐being (HR 1.01; 95% CI 0.98–1.04; p = 0.69). However, when stratified by age, there was a significant association of loneliness with mortality among participants aged <80 years (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.05–1.26; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Social isolation was associated with an increased all‐cause mortality among the older Chinese adults. However, loneliness was associated with an increased mortality only among younger participants. Public health interventions aimed at increasing social connectedness may potentially reduce excess mortality among older adults.