bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Segmenter ou égaliser: le poids de deux modèles dans la pratique normative de l'OIT
Authors: HAHS Jenny , MÜCKENBERGER Ulrich
Published: December 2022

Dans son action normative, l'OIT a d'abord promu un modèle occidental, organisé autour de la relation de travail typique. Quand la voix du Sud et celle des femmes ont commencé à se faire entendre au sein de l'Organisation, un autre discours, axé sur l'égalité, a émergé, se superposant au précédent. Les auteurs font appel aux théories de l'institutionnalisme historique et de la structuration pour décrire cette évolution et le conflit normatif qui en a résulté, tout en observant la composition des effectifs de l'OIT et des délégations assistant aux sessions de la Conférence internationale du Travail. Plusieurs conclusions juridiques et recommandations d'action en découlent.
The Ukrainian refugee crisis: Unpacking the politics of pet exceptionalism
Authors: Sandvik Kristin Bergtora
Published: December 2022

The rescue of pets soon became part of the humanitarian narrative of the attack on Ukraine. The open‐door policy on companion animals from Ukraine—a high‐risk country for rabies—in terms of regulatory modifications and the provision of services could be described as one of ‘pet exceptionalism’. While the influx of pets and the response to it has significance for the international refugee regime, there has been scant scholarly engagement with the movement of pets across borders during emergencies. To bridge academic knowledge gaps and suggest policy lessons, the article discusses how the management of the Ukraine pet influx fits with existing regulatory regimes and policy priorities governing companion animals, and the tensions involved. Drawing on a 6‐month desk study (March–August 2022)—the article considers the events, interactions and policy choices which shape how companion animals are received. Using the UK and Norway as examples, it suggests that the aim of the resources and procedures directed at caring for pets and helping owners is pragmatic—to safeguard biosecurity and enforce regulations while also protecting animal health and psychosocial well‐being. The term ‘pet civic consciousness’ is used to consider the notion of pets as family members, and how trust in government and understandings of biosecurity and regulatory requirements are filtered through cultural and linguistic lenses. The article identifies biosecurity, juridification, resource allocation and ethical issues of fairness across refugee populations and the intrinsic value of companion animals as central topics for future discussion.
Mother‐infant emotional availability through the COVID‐19 pandemic: Examining continuity, stability, and bidirectional associations
Authors: Shakiba Nila , Doron Gal , Gordon‐Hacker Avigail , Egotubov Alisa , Wagner Nicholas J. , Gueron‐Sela Noa
Published: December 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic may impact the development of infants' social communication patterns with their caregivers. The current study examined continuity, stability, and bidirectional associations in maternal and infant dyadic Emotional Availability (EA) before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants were 110 Israeli mother‐infant dyads (51% girls) that were assessed prior to (Mage = 3.5 months) and during (Mage = 12.4 months) the pandemic. At both time points, mother‐infant interactions were observed during play (nonstressful context) and tasks designed to elicit infant frustration (stressful context). Maternal and child EA were coded offline. Maternal EA demonstrated no significant mean‐level changes from before to during the COVID‐19 pandemic, whereas infant responsiveness and involvement increased over time. Stability and bidirectional associations in EA differed by context and were evident only in the stressful context. Mothers' perceived levels of social support further moderated these associations. Specifically, infants' pre‐pandemic responsiveness and involvement predicted maternal EA during the pandemic only when mothers reported low levels of social support. Our findings suggest that maternal and child EA were not adversely impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, patterns of EA demonstrated moderate‐to‐no stability over time, suggesting considerable individual differences in trajectories of EA.
Improving Probabilistic Record Linkage Using Statistical Prediction Models
Authors: Moretti Angelo , Shlomo Natalie
Published: December 2022

Record linkage brings together information from records in two or more data sources that are believed to belong to the same statistical unit based on a common set of matching variables. Matching variables, however, can appear with errors and variations and the challenge is to link statistical units that are subject to error. We provide an overview of record linkage techniques and specifically investigate the classic Fellegi and Sunter probabilistic record linkage framework to assess whether the decision rule for classifying pairs into sets of matches and non‐matches can be improved by incorporating a statistical prediction model. We also study whether the enhanced linkage rule can provide better results in terms of preserving associations between variables in the linked data file that are not used in the matching procedure. A simulation study and an application based on real data are used to evaluate the methods.
The role of perceived autonomy‐supportive communication for motivating prejudice reduction and avoiding defiant backlash within the police force workplace
Authors: Weinstein Netta , Legate Nicole , Graham Les , Zheng Yuyan , Plater Marisa , Al‐Khouja Maya , Moller Arlen C.
Published: December 2022

Workplace prejudice‐reduction efforts tend to be short lived at best, and can even arouse defiance, or a desire to oppose requests or rules, in employees. The motivational approach of self‐determination theory (SDT) describes how communicating about prejudice reduction can be scaffolded in ways that inspire genuine motivation and avoid eliciting defensive responses. From an SDT perspective, such autonomy‐supportive communications take the perspective of the employee, provide choice about how to best approach attitude change, provide a rationale or compelling reason for the importance of change, offer structure through explaining the consequences of bias, and avoid the use of shame to compel change. In two multi‐wave studies with British police officers and staff, we hypothesized that employees would report lower prejudice (operationalized as having less antagonistic attitudes toward police forces investing in diversity) when they perceived forces to communicate about prejudice in autonomy‐supportive ways (Studies 1 and 2). We also tested whether this association would be explained by lower defiance when perceiving the force to communicate in autonomy‐supportive ways (Study 2). Results supported the main effect of perceived autonomy‐supportive communication relating to lower prejudice in multi‐wave (Study 1, n = 1226) and longitudinal data (Study 2, n = 232). We consider implications for communicating about prejudice‐reduction efforts in the workplace.
Downsizing decisions: The joint influence of equity incentives and behavioral biases
Authors: Lopez Thomas J. , Pollard Troy , Reitenga Austin , Stinson Shane
Published: December 2022

Although new investment can be viewed as a decision to pursue projects from a wide number of growth opportunities with easily discernible (and presumably preferable) risk profiles, downsizing (e.g., through layoffs, plant closings, asset divestitures, etc.) is a dichotomous choice to either abandon or continue an existing project where the relative risk between these options is not clear. Our evidence suggests that vega in the pre‐downsizing period is associated with risky investment that necessitates future downsizing. We further find that contemporaneous vega is associated with a greater likelihood of downsizing. On the other hand, our evidence suggests that delta is a significant impediment to downsizing. We examine the influence of behavioral factors in the decision‐making process and find downsizing decisions are discouraged by managerial overconfidence but encouraged by managers’ aversion to ambiguity. Finally, we investigate whether equity incentives and behavioral factors lead to better downsizing decisions. We find that downsizing firms with high ambiguity perform better after downsizing relative to their matched pair with lower ambiguity.
Contrasting biogeographical patterns of threatened vertebrates on islands emerge from disparities between expert‐derived maps and Global Biodiversity Information Facility data
Authors: Nori Javier , Prieto‐Torres David A. , Villalobos Fabricio , Loyola Rafael , Rojas‐Soto Octavio , Parra Juan L. , Lira‐Noriega Andrés , Ortega‐Andrade H. Mauricio , Monjeau Adrián , Fuente Sebastián Hernández‐De La , Martínez‐Meyer Enrique , Osorio‐Olvera Luis
Published: December 2022

Aim

The most popular sources of information on species distributions are the expert‐derived maps and georeferenced occurrences, mainly those compiled by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). These sources have been constantly used with biogeographical and conservation goals. However, their degree of accuracy in representing geographical biodiversity patterns remains poorly understood. Here, we compared both sources of information on species distributions to estimate global patterns of richness and species composition of threatened vertebrates on marine islands.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Terrestrial vertebrates.

Methods

We gathered distributional data of all threatened terrestrial vertebrate species inhabiting 22,471 marine islands worldwide from GBIF and expert derived maps. Then, to assess strengths and biases from each source, using geographical information systems, we calculated and compared: (a) species richness per island, (b) general patterns of richness and (c) the number of shared species from both sources per island.

Results

There were dramatic differences between the information derived from both data sources. The species richness estimated with expert‐derived maps resulted in 10 more species per island, on average, than the estimations obtained from GBIF data. The mean proportion of shared species per island (between both data sources) was very low (3.1% of the species), and the general patterns of richness were markedly different. The most significant differences occurred in tropical areas and Europe.

Conclusion

Differences between the two sources emerged from intrinsic biases: expert‐derived maps tend to overestimate species' counts, whereas GBIF occurrences tend to do the opposite, except for some well‐sampled regions where both data types converge. Our findings suggest that previous global assessments performed with these information sources on species distributions, especially those focusing on protected areas, should be carefully considered.
Patientology revisited: Toward tailored care pathways
Authors: Schneider‐Kamp Anna , Nielsen Helle Lykke , Sodemann Morten
Published: December 2022

Background

Concepts such as patient‐centred care, patient empowerment and patient participation have challenged our understanding of what it means to be a patient and what role patients play in care pathways. Consequently, patientology as the medical sociological and anthropological study of patients is currently being reconceptualized through perspectives of health as individualized and privatized capital.

Aims

This article explores the potential of such a patientological perspective to enhance our understanding of and tailor care pathways. Particularly, we aim to investigate how such a perspective can contribute to tailoring care pathways to the capacities of individual patients and their relatives.

Materials & Methods

We elaborate on an emerging health capital‐theoretic model for patientology and study its potential for optimizing care pathways through two distinct cases of care contexts: communicative challenges in the context of integrative primary care for vulnerable chronically ill multi‐morbid patients and the potential of parent involvement in the acute hospitalization of children suspected to be affected by multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.

Results

Our results shed light on the importance of cultural and social capital of patients and their relatives in the design of effective tailored care pathways. We find that a lack of cultural and social capital presents a significant barrier to effective communication between patients and the healthcare professionals involved in their care pathways. We also find that understanding the cultural and social capital of relatives provides an entry point to their effective involvement in the care pathways of their children.

Discussion & Conclusion

The implications of these findings extend beyond the concrete care contexts studied. This article contributes to our understanding of care pathways through a perspective of health inequalities being based on differences in health capital and demonstrates how the health capital‐theoretic patientology model facilitates the systematic development of guidelines for healthcare professionals to assess patients' resources and tailor their care pathways accordingly.
The comparison of aerosol exposures to endoscopy personnel performing diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients with and without head box: A randomized control trial
Authors: Chaikajornwat Jukkaphop , Pittayanon Rapat , Ananchuensook Prooksa , Kongwibulwut Manasnun , Rerknimitr Rungsun
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) has been identified as an aerosol‐generating procedure (AGP) during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The risk of AGP and benefits of utilizing protective measures have never been fully studied.

Methods

A randomized control, open‐label study in patients scheduled for diagnostic EGD between September and December 2021 was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned to either head box group or without head box group (control group). Particles were measured with six‐size particle counters at the nurse anesthetist and endoscopist position. Primary composite outcomes were the mean difference of aerosol particle levels during and before EGD at the nurse anesthetist face position and at the endoscopist face position. Secondary outcomes were factors increasing aerosol particle levels and safety of the head box.

Results

From 196 enrolled patients, 190 were analyzed. Baseline characteristics were not different between the two groups. The mean distance between endoscopist face and patient mouth was 67.2 ± 4.9 cm. The mean differences of 0.3‐, 0.5‐, and 1.0‐μm particles during the procedure and at baseline before the procedure at nurse anesthetist position and the mean differences of 0.3‐μm particles at the endoscopist position was found to have decreased in the head box group and increased in the control group (P < 0.001, 0.001, 0.014, and P < 0.001, respectively). Cough, burping, and body movement increased aerosol particles. No additional adverse events were observed in the head box group.

Conclusions

EGD with the head box is safe and can reduce significant aerosolization to endoscopy personnel including nurse anesthetists and endoscopists.
Data‐driven models employed to waste plastic in China: Generation, classification, and environmental assessment
Authors: Lin Kunsen , Zhao Youcai , Zhang Meilan , Shi Wenjie , Kuo Jia‐Hong
Published: December 2022

It is crucial to precisely predict the generation of plastic waste and realize its fine classification in terms of policy demand and environmental benefits. Only a few studies have used the date‐driven model to forecast the amount of plastic waste. The benefits of classifying the plastic waste using deep learning have also been only scarcely reported in the literature. Therefore, this study used the Prophet model to estimate the amount of plastic waste from 2005 to 2025. Four types of Visual Geometry Group Networks based on Transfer Learning (TLVGGNet) were performed for classifying the plastic waste. Potentials of saved energy, the reduction of green‐house gases emission (GHG), and air pollutants were also discussed under different scenarios (current recycling system and TLVGGNet system). The results showed that the amount of waste plastic was anticipated to be 26.44 Mt in 2020 and 33.18 Mt in 2025 in China. The method of transfer learning could shorten the training time and improve the performance of the TLVGGNet‐11 model in the test dataset (41.6–68.1%). Moreover, TLVGGNet‐16 was considered to be the most optimum model for plastic waste classification in terms of training time (83.94 s), accuracy (75.5%), precision (76.9%), recall (75.5%), and F1 score (75.1%). The TLVGGNet‐16 system contributes about 12.15–15.97% in terms of electricity‐savings. Compared with the current recycling system, the amount of CO2 emissions saved and reduction in CH4 emissions could be more than 8–10% and 0.4–0.5%, respectively, in the TLVGGNet‐16 system. The saved VOCS and NOX emissions were within the ranges of 34.84–127.22 billion kg and 93.64–414.14 billion kg between 2017 and 2025 using the method of deep learning.
Three research priorities for just and sustainable urban systems: Now is the time to refocus
Authors: Bozeman Joe F. , Chopra Shauhrat S. , James Philip , Muhammad Sajjad , Cai Hua , Tong Kangkang , Carrasquillo Maya , Rickenbacker Harold , Nock Destenie , Ashton Weslynne , Heidrich Oliver , Derrible Sybil , Bilec Melissa
Published: December 2022

Now is the time to refocus efforts in urban research and design. A changing climate and extreme weather events are presenting unique challenges to urban systems around the world. These challenges illuminate the social barriers that accompany disruptive events such as resource inequities and injustices. In this perspective, we provide three research priorities for just and sustainable urban systems that help to address these matters. The three research priorities are: (1) social equity and justice, (2) circularity, and (3) digital twins. Conceptual context and future research directions are provided for each. For social equity and justice, the future directions are mandatory equity analysis and inclusionary practices, understanding and reconciling historical injustices, and intentional integration with diverse community stakeholders. For circularity applications, they are better metrics for integration, more robust evaluation frameworks, and dynamic modeling at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Future directions for digital twins include developing principles to reduce complexity, integrating model and system components, and reducing barriers to data access. These research priorities are core to meeting several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (i.e., 1—No Poverty, 8—Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10—Reduced Inequalities, and 11—Sustainable Cities and Communities). Useful social and technical matters are discussed throughout, where we highlight the importance of prioritizing localized research efforts, provide guidance for community‐engaged research and co‐development practices, and explain how these priorities interact to align with the evolving field of industrial ecology.
Seasonal variations in gonadosomatic index and seminal quality of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi)
Authors: Sampaio Wlaisa Vasconcelos , Leão Danuza Leite , Sousa Patrícia da Cunha , Domingues Sheyla Farhayldes Souza
Published: December 2022

Background

We hypothesized that seasonal variations in testicular biometry in Saimiri collinsi are influenced by body mass and that testicular enlargement is related to improved seminal quality. Therefore, the gonadosomatic index (GSI) can be a tool to determine reproductive seasons and the predictors of seminal quality.

Methods

Body mass, testicular biometry, and semen samples were obtained from eight adult males monthly and evaluated.

Results

In the non‐fattening/non‐reproductive season, the body mass and GSI decreased and increased, respectively, in the fattening. A positive correlation was only observed between the GSI and seminal volume. During fattening, high seminal volume and normal morphology were observed, but sperm concentrations were low.

Conclusion

The GSI cannot be used as a predictor of seminal quality, but selective pressure to improve seminal quality may increase the chances of fertilization at fattening. The GSI provides new information on seasonality and can be used to identify reproductive seasons in squirrel monkeys.
Exploring the mechanism of MP gel against skin photoaging based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation
Authors: Xu Jinfan , Wu Guodong , Yu Xianglin , Dong Zhiheng , Yan Jibiao , Wu Lan , Bao Lidao , Liu Quanli
Published: December 2022

Objective

Long‐term and high exposure to UV radiation can lead to the development of skin photoaging diseases. Therefore, there is an ongoing need for more natural and safe drugs to prevent or treat skin photoaging diseases.

Methods

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database were used to collect the active compounds and corresponding targets of Cnidii Fructus, Arnebiae Radix, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Poria, and Borneolum. The GeneCards database and the NCBI Gene database were used to collect the targets of skin photoaging diseases. The STRING database was used to construct a protein–protein interaction network formed by the intersecting targets of drugs and diseases. The Metascape database was applied for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of the targets. Molecular docking between active compounds and targets was verified by Autodock. After that, the skin photoaging model of mice was established and treated with MP gel. The skin characterization on the back of mice was observed, and the ameliorative effect of MP gel on skin photoaging was evaluated by histological and epidermal thickness assays. The MDA content and SOD activity were measured. Caspase‐3 expression in mouse skin tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay, and Western blot.

Results

The results of network pharmacology experiments showed that the natural drugs have multi‐component, multi‐target therapeutic disease characteristics. The results of animal studies showed that MP gel improved the health of photoaged skin, promoted skin structural integrity, had antioxidant properties and significantly inhibited caspase‐3 expression.

Conclusion

The experimental validation of the results of the preliminary network pharmacology analysis was carried out in animal experiments, which confirmed part of the mechanism of action of MP gel in the prevention and treatment of skin photoaging.
Classroom Management and Facilitation Approaches That Promote School Connectedness
Authors: Wilkins Natalie J. , Verlenden Jorge M. V. , Szucs Leigh E. , Johns Michelle M.
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

When children and youth feel connected to their school, family, and others in their community, they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and experience negative health. Disruptions to school operations during the COVID‐19 pandemic have led many teachers and school administrators to prioritize finding ways to strengthen and re‐establish a sense of connectedness among students and between students and adults in school.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of peer‐reviewed literature that reported on US‐based research and were published in English from January 2010 through December 2019 to identify classroom management approaches that have been empirically tied to school connectedness‐related outcomes in K‐12 school settings.

FINDINGS

Six categories of classroom management approaches were associated with improved school connectedness among students: (1) teacher caring and support, (2) peer connection and support, (3) student autonomy and empowerment, (4) management of classroom social dynamics, (5) teacher expectations, and (6) behavior management.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY

Prioritizing classroom management approaches that emphasize positive reinforcement of behavior, restorative discipline and communication, development of strong, trusting relationships, and explicitly emphasize fairness has potential to promote equitable disciplinary practices in schools.

CONCLUSIONS

Classroom management approaches most linked to school connectedness are those that foster student autonomy and empowerment, mitigate social hierarchies and power differentials among students, prioritize positive reinforcement of behavior and restorative disciplinary practices, and emphasize equity and fairness.
Language questions: Translation, modanizumu, and modernist studies in Japan
Authors: Shin Kunio
Published: December 2022

The recent rise of global modernist studies, while in itself exciting, may prove a rather mixed blessing if it fails to be accompanied with an awareness that translation is the ‘necessary precondition’ of global modernism, a process itself conditioned by the ‘uneven politics of language’. From this perspective, this article suggests that delving deeper into the ways modernist studies in Japan originated through the interaction between modernism and translation might give us some useful hints as to how we might confront the factual inequality of languages in the global space in the present. The article in particular focuses on two figures of Japanese modanizumu in interwar Japan, Itō Sei (1905–69) and Sagawa Chika (1911–36), to examine how they negotiated with the anxiety of cultural homelessness through the creative use they made of their own translations of Anglophone modernists such as Joyce and Woolf. Their examples help us envision a practice of translation that resists the dominance of English monolingualism while also breaking through what Walter Benjamin once called ‘decayed barriers’ of one's own national language.
Hospital Paperworlds: Medical (Mis)Reporting and Maternal Health in Northern Pakistan
Authors: Varley Emma
Published: December 2022

Global health metrics come into being in complex circumstances. Through ethnography that focuses closely on the forces driving uneven obstetric case reporting in a government hospital in northern Pakistan, this article challenges the integrity of the health care system documentation on which the state and non‐state interventions and evaluations rely. Incomplete and skipped case records not only resulted from the time constraints posed by work on a busy maternity ward. They also helped vulnerable frontline providers disguise and avoid accountability for the aftermaths of the medical mismanagement and maltreatment made more likely by infrastructural scarcity and disarray. Yet the provider‐side protections these tactics afforded came at patients’ expense because they rendered error, wrongdoing, and iatrogenesis as invisible and unactionable. The sum of these reporting practices was “hospital paperworlds”: defensively authored and aspirational datasets that conveyed desired rather than achieved outcomes, decontextualized risks and harms, and were too‐rarely triangulated for their correlational significances or deficiencies. [hospital ethnography, obstetrics, case reporting, metrics, Pakistan]
Mechanical insufflation‐exsufflation for invasively ventilated critically ill patients—A focus group study
Authors: Stilma Willemke , Verweij Lotte , Spek Bea , Scholte op Reimer Wilhelmina Johanna Maria , Schultz Marcus Josephus , Paulus Frederique , Rose Louise
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Mechanical Insufflation‐Exsufflation (MI‐E) is used as an airway clearance intervention in primary care (home ventilation), long‐term care (prolonged rehabilitation after intensive care, neuromuscular diseases, and spinal cord injury), and increasingly in acute care in intensive care units (ICU).

Aim

We sought to develop in‐depth understanding of factors influencing decision‐making processes of health care professionals regarding initiation, escalation, de‐escalation, and discontinuation of MI‐E for invasively ventilated patients including perceived barriers and facilitators to use.

Methods

We conducted focus groups (3 in the Netherlands; 1 with participants from four European countries) with clinicians representing the ICU interprofessional team and with variable experience of MI‐E. The semi‐structured interview guide was informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Two researchers independently coded data for directed content analysis using codes developed from the TDF.

Results

A purposive sample of 35 health care professionals participated. Experience varied from infrequent to several years of frequent MI‐E use in different patient populations. We identified four main themes: (1) knowledge; (2) beliefs; (3) clinical decision‐making; and (4) future adoption.

Conclusion

Interprofessional knowledge and expertise of MI‐E in invasively ventilated patients is limited due to minimal available evidence and adoption. Participants believed MI‐E a potentially useful intervention for airway clearance and inclusion in weaning protocols when more evidence is available.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This focus group study provides an overview of current practice, knowledge and expertise, and barriers and facilitators to using MI‐E in mechanically ventilated patients. From these data, it is evident there is a need to develop further clinical expertise and evidence of efficacy to further understand the role of MI‐E as an airway clearance technique for ventilated patients.
Interpretive description in applied mixed methods research: Exploring issues of fit, purpose, process, context, and design
Authors: Dolan Sara , Nowell Lorelli , Moules Nancy J.
Published: December 2022

As mixed methods research approaches become increasingly more common, it is imperative they are conducted in a thoughtful and rigorous manner to yield useful results. While researchers have begun to explore the use of various qualitative research methodologies in mixed methods research, there is a gap in literature discussing the philosophical congruence of using interpretive description in mixed method studies, and how to ensure rigor while integrating interpretive description results. Our purpose in writing this article is to discuss the issues of fit, purpose, process, context, and design when using interpretive description in mixed methods research approaches by drawing on examples from the literature. Further, we explore the contributions that interpretive description can make in a mixed methods inquiry. This article offers a first step in using a purposeful approach to mixed methods interpretive description studies to increase transparency and rigor in this relatively new methodology.
Theriophonum blumei (Araceae), a new species from Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Arulanandam Lourdusamy John Peter , Soosairaj Sebastian , Raja Prakasam , Balaguru Balakrishnan
Published: December 2022

Theriophonum blumei sp. nov., a new species is described and illustrated from Tamil Nadu, India based on morphological and leaf epidermal features. Although morphologically T. blumei appears to be similar to T. sivaganganum (Ramam. & Sebastine) Bogner having long acuminate spathe, it is different from T. sivaganganum in various aspects such as ellipsoid seed with ridged surface, spinulose and bifid stigma, filiform neuters and berries with purplish strands. T. blumei has echinate pollen sculpture and T. sivaganganum has verrucate sculpture. Added to that, molecular based (rbcL, matK, trnL‐F) phylogenetic analysis also indicate that T. blumei is genetically distinct from T. sivaganganum.
Nicotine addiction and overweight affect intrinsic neural activity and neurotransmitter activity: A fMRI study of interaction effects
Authors: Gao Xinyu , Zhang Mengzhe , Yang Zhengui , Niu Xiaoyu , Zhou Bingqian , Chen Jingli , Wang Weijian , Wei Yarui , Han Shaoqiang , Cheng Jingliang , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2022

Background

Nicotine addiction and overweight often co‐exist, but the neurobiological mechanism of their co‐morbidity remains to be clarified. In this study, we explore how nicotine addiction and overweight affect intrinsic neural activity and neurotransmitter activity.

Methods

This study included 54 overweight people and 54 age‐, sex‐, and handedness‐matched normal‐weight individuals, who were further divided into four groups based on nicotine addiction. We used a two‐way factorial design to compare intrinsic neural activity (calculated by the fALFF method) in four groups based on resting‐state functional magnetic resonance images (rs‐fMRI). Furthermore, the correlation between fALFF values and PET‐ and SPECT‐derived maps to examine specific neurotransmitter system changes underlying nicotine addiction and overweight.

Results

Nicotine addiction and overweight affect intrinsic neural activity by themselves. In combination, they showed antagonistic effects in the interactive brain regions (left insula and right precuneus). Cross‐modal correlations displayed that intrinsic neural activity changes in the interactive brain regions were related to the noradrenaline system (NAT).

Conclusion

Due to the existence of interaction, nicotine partially restored the changes of spontaneous activity in the interactive brain regions of overweight people. Therefore, when studying one factor alone, the other should be used as a control variable. Besides, this work links the noradrenaline system with intrinsic neural activity in overweight nicotine addicts. By examining the interactions between nicotine addiction and overweight from neuroimaging and molecular perspectives, this study provides some ideas for the treatment of both co‐morbidities.
Cultural and other beliefs as barriers to pediatric solid organ transplantation
Authors: Wray Jo , Kim Ji Soo , Marks Stephen D.
Published: December 2022

Organ shortage for transplantation is a global problem for both adult and pediatric recipients and this is particularly apparent in certain areas of the world and within specific communities. Cultural and religious beliefs can influence both a decision by a potential donor and/or their family to donate as well as a potential recipient's or their family's decision to accept the need for transplantation, agree to be listed and accept an organ. Globally, there are cultural and religious diversities that can present significant challenges for the transplant professional, particularly those whose practice is based in multicultural communities. In the pediatric population, in particular, barriers to organ transplantation related to culture and religion have not been well‐described, with resulting implications for how they should or could be effectively addressed. Therefore, this review was undertaken to elucidate cultural and religious barriers to pediatric organ transplantation and, where feasible, to identify facilitators and strategies for overcoming these barriers.
The peritrophic matrix delays Nosema ceranae infection in the honey bee Apis mellifera midgut
Authors: de Oliveira André Henrique , Souza Amanda Martins da Cruz , de Resende Matheus Tudor Cândido Santos , Carneiro Lenise Silva , de Oliveira Jacineumo Falcão , Serra Raissa Santana , Serrão José Eduardo
Published: December 2022

The midgut of bees plays a significant role in digestion and absorption and is a gateway for pathogens. As a protection for the organism, the midgut lumen is lined by a peritrophic matrix rich in chitin fibrils, associated with proteins that form multiple resistant layers with gelatinous consistency, with several functions, including the mechanical barrier against infection by pathogens. The obligate intracellular microsporid Nosema ceranae is an important pathogen that decreases honey production, increases pesticide susceptibility, and may cause mortality in the honey bee Apis mellifera. This study evaluated whether the peritrophic matrix has a protective function against infection by N. ceranae in A. mellifera adult workers. The peritrophic matrix integrity was changed by feeding the bees with calcofluor white (CFW), followed by an artificial infection with N. ceranae spores. Results shown that 0.5% CFW affect the integrity of the peritrophic matrix with areas of interruption of this envelope. This disorganization of the peritrophic matrix reduces the life cycle period of N. ceranae from eight to four days, after inoculation, and increases the concentration of new spores released in the midgut lumen. This is the first report on the importance of the peritrophic matrix as a protective barrier against N. ceranae infection in A. mellifera.
Performance of PRAME immunohistochemistry compared with that of c‐Kit, c‐Myc, or cyclin D1 for the diagnosis of acral melanocytic tumors
Authors: Jung Joon Min , Lee Mi Young , Won Chong Hyun , Chang Sung Eun , Lee Mi Woo , Lee Woo Jin
Published: December 2022

The diagnostic role of preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemistry has not been thoroughly evaluated for acral melanocytic tumors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of this modality for the diagnosis of acral melanocytic tumors compared with other potential markers. Melanocytic tumors were classified as either acral nevi, challenging melanocytic tumors (superficial atypical melanocytic proliferation of uncertain significance (SAMPUS)‐favor benign (SAMPUS‐FB), SAMPUS‐favor malignant (SAMPUS‐FM)) or acral melanomas. A total of 106 acral melanocytic tumors including acral nevi (n = 32), SAMPUS‐FB (n = 17), SAMPUS‐FM (n = 20), and acral melanomas (n = 37) were included. Diagnostic power, assessed using an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for distinguishing acral melanomas and acral nevi, was highest for PRAME (AUC = 0.997), followed by c‐Myc (AUC = 0.755), cyclin D1 (AUC = 0.652), and c‐Kit (AUC = 0.573). At a PRAME expression level ≥30% as a positive test for acral melanoma, the sensitivity and specificity of this marker for discriminating acral melanoma from acral nevus were 100% and 96.9%, respectively. PRAME immunohistochemistry also discriminated SAMPUS‐FM from SAMPUS‐FB with a sensitivity and specificity of 90.0% and 76.5%, respectively. In conclusion, PRAME immunohistochemistry can be used effectively to distinguish between various spectra of acral melanocytic neoplasms.
How value addition by utilization of tilapia processing by‐products can improve human nutrition and livelihood
Authors: Peñarubia Omar , Toppe Jogeir , Ahern Molly , Ward Ansen , Griffin Michael
Published: December 2022

Aquatic foods, particularly fish, are recognized as a unique source of essential fatty acids, micronutrients and protein many diets lack, especially in poor and vulnerable communities. Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) fillets typically represent 30%–33% of the fish, leaving around 70% of the fish unused for human consumption. These nutrient‐rich by‐products can be converted into food and other products with medical, pharmaceutical and packaging applications. Heads and backbones of processed tilapias, and undersized tilapia can be used in the development or fortification of food products such as fish cakes, sausages and bread. Tilapia skin can be processed into leather for clothing and leather artefacts. Gelatin from fish skin can be developed into edible films and coating while collagen from fish scales and bones has good application in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields. The viscera can be converted into biodiesel or silage and hydrolysates, which are good sources of peptides and enzymes. To ensure 100% utilization, any remaining parts of the fish not used for food, can be transformed into products for animal consumption or for fertilizer. Thus, the conversion of by‐products from tilapia processing into value‐added products can contribute to improve human nutrition and better livelihood opportunities. However, adopting new technologies in value addition will require additional operational costs for acquiring new equipment and skills, a proven market demand for the products and an enabling policy environment.
Island refuges for surviving nuclear winter and other abrupt sunlight‐reducing catastrophes
Authors: Boyd Matt , Wilson Nick
Published: December 2022

Some island nations in the Southern Hemisphere might survive a severe sun‐reducing catastrophe such as nuclear winter and be well placed to help reboot‐collapsed human civilization. Such islands must be resilient to the cascading effects abrupt sunlight reduction scenarios (ASRS) would impose beyond the impacts on agricultural systems. We aimed to identify island nations whose societies are most likely to survive nuclear winter or other ASRS. We also aimed to conduct a case study of one island nation to consider how it might enhance its resilience and therefore its chance of aiding a global reboot of complex technological society. We performed a threshold analysis on food self‐sufficiency under severe nuclear winter conditions to identify islands. We then profiled each island across global macroindices representing resilience factors reported in the literature. We undertook a case study of the island nation of New Zealand. The island nations of Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu appear most resilient to ASRS. However, our case‐study island nation of New Zealand is threatened in scenarios of no/low trade, has precarious aspects of its energy supply, and shortcomings in manufacturing of essential components. Therefore, inadequate preparations and critical failures in these systems could see rapid societal breakdown. Despite some islands’ favorable baseline conditions and apparent food security even in a severe ASRS, cascading impacts through other socioecological systems threaten complex functioning. We identified specific resilience measures, many with cobenefits, which may protect island nodes of sustained complexity in ASRS.
Special care in dental curriculum: A transversal axis for integrating oral health with systemic health
Authors: Bezinelli Letícia Mello , Eduardo Fernanda de Paula , Palacio Danielle da Costa , Heller Débora , Ramos Danielle Viana Ribeiro , Cavalcante Denise de Fátima Barros , Vasques Mayra Torres , Cesar Paulo Francisco , Monte Julio Cesar Martins , Campos Alexandre Holthausen , Corrêa Luciana
Published: December 2022

Aims

Distance between dentistry and medicine is a traditional and historical obstacle that affects multiple levels of the health system, especially the health policies to improve health service quality. Changes in dental education, especially involving the adoption of integrative health models in professional development, are considered essential for reducing this gap. We aimed to show a dental curriculum focused on special care as a tool for medicine‐dentistry integration.

Methods

In this study, we present a new proposal for an undergraduate dental curriculum in which topics related to special care are addressed transversally and are the core for interdisciplinary integration of oral health with systemic health. We also describe how themes related to dental home care and hospital dentistry were included in this course as basic professional competencies.

Results and Conclusion

This initiative is aligned with the global trend to adopt educational systems that contribute to the reduction of health care inequalities and improve health service quality.
Southeast Asian cities as co‐producers of ecological knowledge in transnational city networks
Authors: Kamiński Tomasz
Published: December 2022

In a polycentric world, cities increasingly bear responsibility for implementing climate policies. To do so, they establish transnational city networks (TCNs), which produce ambitious imaginaries of the future of cities, such as ‘smart cities’ or ‘resilient cities’, based on ecological knowledge. This paper analyses Southeast Asian (SEA) cities’ participation in TCNs. First, this paper presents city networks operating in SEA. Then, drawing on a case study of Quezon City, this paper shows how SEA cities often position themselves in the network as knowledge consumers rather than (co)producers and prefer to learn from cities in the Global North. This research also shows how TCNs—with limited success—seek to counter this neo‐colonial knowledge flow model. The paper contributes to the literature on TCNs, arguing that the ongoing North–South imbalance needs to be addressed if networks are to promote viable models of future SEA cities. Identifying the patterns of knowledge flows inside TCNs, this study argues that networks should assist cities in imagining possible city futures beyond the experiences of the select world and global cities. TCNs should pay more attention to supporting their SEA members in looking ‘outwards’ to comparable cities worldwide rather than merely ‘upwards’ to global and mega‐cities.
The Social Construction of Moral Perceptions and Public Policies Concerning Organ Trafficking in Israel1,2
Authors: Orr Zvika
Published: December 2022

This article examines the sociocultural construction of the local moralities, practices, and public policies regarding the purchase, sale, and brokering of organs. Based on ethnographic study of the case of Israel, where the prevailing moral perceptions and public policies have been relatively tolerant toward the purchase and sale of organs, the article proposes a model of four main sources of justification underlying these perceptions and policies: (1) Deeply held religious views on ethics, social relations, and the body. (2) Philosophical approaches to moral dilemmas, particularly deontological versus utilitarian approaches. (3) The human rights discourse in its transnational, as well as localized, versions, and (4) socioeconomic worldviews such as liberalism, neoliberalism, and conceptions of individual autonomy. Each of these four discourses is weighted differently, depending on the context, and interacts with the other discourses. This process shapes the way in which international ethical norms are implemented, rejected, or adapted and translated into local meanings and institutions. The article offers a multi‐faceted explication of why translation occurs, especially in the framework of international human rights norms related to health and medicine, which have not been adequately addressed in prior research. The findings contribute to explaining how “ethical variability” is formed in practice.
Mitochondrial carbonic anhydrase VA and VB: properties and roles in health and disease
Authors: Aspatwar Ashok , Supuran Claudiu T. , Waheed Abdul , Sly William S. , Parkkila Seppo
Published: December 2022

Carbonic anhydrase V (CA V), a mitochondrial enzyme, was first isolated from guinea‐pig liver and subsequently identified in mice and humans. Later, studies revealed that the mouse genome contains two mitochondrial CA sequences, named Car5A and Car5B. The CA VA enzyme is most highly expressed in the liver, whereas CA VB shows a broad tissue distribution. Car5A knockout mice demonstrated a predominant role for CA VA in ammonia detoxification, whereas the roles of CA VB in ureagenesis and gluconeogenesis were evident only in the absence of CA VA. Previous studies have suggested that CA VA is mainly involved in the provision of HCO3− for biosynthetic processes. In children, mutations in the CA5A gene led to reduced CA activity, and the enzyme was sensitive to increased temperature. The metabolic profiles of these children showed a reduced supply of HCO3− to the enzymes that take part in intermediary metabolism: carbamoylphosphate synthetase, pyruvate carboxylase, propionyl‐CoA carboxylase and 3‐methylcrotonyl‐CoA carboxylase. Although the role of CA VB is still poorly understood, a recent study reported that it plays an essential role in human Sertoli cells, which sustain spermatogenesis. Metabolic disease associated with CA VA appears to be more common than other inborn errors of metabolism and responds well to treatment with N‐carbamyl‐l‐glutamate. Therefore, early identification of hyperammonaemia will allow specific treatment with N‐carbamyl‐l‐glutamate and prevent neurological sequelae. Carbonic anhydrase VA deficiency should therefore be considered a treatable condition in the differential diagnosis of hyperammonaemia in neonates and young children.

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