bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prior punishments and cumulative disadvantage: How supervision status impacts prison sentences*
Authors: Hickert Audrey , Bushway Shawn D. , Harding David J. , Morenoff Jeffrey D.
Published: October 2021

This article explores one way prior punishments may contribute to cumulative disadvantage: through more severe sentencing of those under criminal justice supervision. We examine the impact of being on supervision in Michigan on receiving a sentence of imprisonment—comparing the magnitude of the impact reflected in the formal sentencing guideline recommendation with deviations made by court actors. We find that the formal penalty for supervision status is modest, whereas court actors place substantially more weight on current parole status than do the guidelines when deciding to sentence a defendant to prison. They do not seem to give current probation status extra weight in a consistent way. As such, parole is more likely to contribute to cumulative disadvantage stemming from prior punishments. This disproportionately impacts Black defendants because of their higher rates of parole—not through disproportionate sentencing conditional on parole status. Findings suggest that attempts to address factors contributing to cumulative disadvantage will need to consider not only formal rules but also how informal discretion contributes to prison sentences.
Public fear of protesters and support for protest policing: An experimental test of two theoretical models*
Authors: Metcalfe Christi , Pickett Justin T.
Published: October 2021

As protests erupted across the United States in recent years over racialized issues (e.g., Black Lives Matter and Confederate monuments), so too did questions about when and how police should respond. Understanding public attitudes toward protest policing is important for police legitimacy and policy. One theory is that citizens are willing to trade civil liberties, such as the right to assemble, for security, and thus disruptive or dangerous protest tactics should increase support for police control by elevating public fear. Another theory is that citizens view protests through the lens of group position, and thus, they should be more supportive of repression when protest goals conflict with preexisting racial beliefs and threaten racial interests. To test these theories, we embedded an experiment in a nationwide survey fielded in 2020 after George Floyd's killing sparked the broadest protests in U.S. history. We randomized protest tactics (e.g., weapon carrying) and goals, as well as other contextual characteristics (e.g., protest size). We found that the public generally opposed repressive protest policing. Certain protest tactics, however, increased support for repression by elevating fear. Protest goals (e.g., pro‐Black Lives Matter and pro‐immigrants) also impacted support for repression, but the effect depended on respondents’ racial beliefs.
Both human and soya bean ferritins highly improve the accumulation of bioavailable iron and contribute to extend the chronological life in budding yeast
Authors: Pujol‐Carrion Nuria , Gonzalez‐Alfonso Alma , Puig Sergi , de la Torre‐Ruiz Maria Angeles
Published: October 2021

Ferritin proteins have an enormous capacity to store iron in cells. In search for the best conditions to accumulate and store bioavailable iron, we made use of a double mutant null for the monothiol glutaredoxins GRX3 and GRX4. The strain grx3grx4 accumulates high iron concentrations in the cytoplasm, making the metal easily available for ferritin chelation. Here, we perform a comparative study between human (L and H) and soya bean ferritins (H1 and H2) function in the eukaryotic system Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We demonstrate that the four human and soya bean ferritin chains are successfully expressed in our model system. Upon coexpression of either both human or soya bean ferritin chains, respiratory conditions along with iron supplementation led us to obtain the maximum yields of iron stored in yeast described to date. Human and soya bean ferritin chains are functional and present equivalent properties as promoters of cell survival in iron overload conditions. The best system revealed that the four human and soya bean ferritins possess a novel function as anti‐ageing proteins in conditions of iron excess. In this respect, both ferritin chains with oxidoreductase capacity (human‐H and soya bean‐H2) bear the highest capacity to extend life suggesting the possibility of an evolutionary conservation.
An appraisal of graph embeddings for comparing trophic network architectures
Authors: Botella Christophe , Dray Stéphane , Matias Catherine , Miele Vincent , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: October 2021

Comparing the architecture of interaction networks in space or time is essential for understanding the assembly, trajectory, functioning and persistence of species communities. Graph embedding methods, which position networks into a vector space where nearby networks have similar architectures, could be ideal tools for this purposes.

Here, we evaluated the ability of seven graph embedding methods to disentangle architectural similarities of interactions networks for supervised and unsupervised posterior analytic tasks. The evaluation was carried out over a large number of simulated trophic networks representing variations around six ecological properties and size.

We did not find an overall best method and instead showed that the performance of the methods depended on the targeted ecological properties and thus on the research questions. We also highlighted the importance of normalising the embedding for network sizes for meaningful posterior unsupervised analyses.

We concluded by orientating potential users to the most suited methods given the question, the targeted network ecological property, and outlined links between those ecological properties and three ecological processes: robustness to extinction, community persistence and ecosystem functioning. We hope this study will stimulate the appropriation of graph embedding methods by ecologists.
Financial Market Manipulation, Whistleblowing, and the Common Good: Evidence from theLIBORScandal
Authors: Batten Jonathan A. , LonČarski Igor , Szilagyi Peter G.
Published: October 2021

The LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) scandal, which led to the prosecution of both financial institutions and individuals for manipulating the primary interest rate benchmark in global financial markets, shows that the current top‐down approaches to regulatory rule enforcement cannot prevent or adequately detect financial market abuse. We argue that a bottom‐up approach, which relies on individuals acting in the interest of the common good, may be more effective in organizational environments that are duty‐ as well as incentive‐based. This approach encourages individuals to accept a degree of moral responsibility for their actions, and to some extent for the actions of others. We argue that properly motivated and instructed individuals can think and act better than they might otherwise do, despite behavioural biases. Nonetheless, there are circumstances under which the prevention of market manipulation may not ultimately serve the common good.
Democratization, Elections, and Public Goods: The Evidence from Deforestation
Authors: Sanford Luke
Published: October 2021

This article shows that over the last three decades, competitive elections were associated with increased deforestation. Protection of forested areas provides long‐term public goods, while their destruction provides short‐term private goods for particular voters. Politicians facing a competitive election offer voters access to forested areas mainly for small‐scale farming or commercial use of timber in exchange for electoral support. I test this theory of political deforestation using satellite generated global forest cover data and the results of over 1,000 national‐level elections between 1982 and 2016. I find that countries that undergo a democratic transition lose an additional 0.8 percentage points of their forest cover each year, that years with close elections have over 1 percentage point per year higher forest cover loss compared to nonelection years, and that as the margin of victory in an election decreases by 10 points, the amount of deforestation increases by 0.7 percentage points per year. These increases are on the order of 5–10 times the average rate of forest loss globally. This suggests democratization is associated with underprovision of environmental public goods and contested elections are partially responsible for this underprovision.
Novel disease‐causing variants and phenotypic features of X‐linked megalocornea
Authors: Dudakova Lubica , Tuft Stephen , Cheong Sek‐Shir , Skalicka Pavlina , Jedlickova Jana , Fichtl Marek , Hlozanek Martin , Filous Ales , Vaneckova Manuela , Vincent Andrea L. , Hardcastle Alison J. , Davidson Alice E. , Liskova Petra
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The aim of the study was to describe the phenotype and molecular genetic causes of X‐linked megalocornea (MGC1). We recruited four British, one New Zealand, one Vietnamese and four Czech families.

Methods

All probands and three female carriers underwent ocular examination and Sanger sequencing of the CHRDL1 gene. Two of the probands also had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain.

Results

We identified nine pathogenic or likely pathogenic and one variant of uncertain significance in CHRDL1, of which eight are novel. Three probands had ocular findings that have not previously been associated with MGC1, namely pigmentary glaucoma, unilateral posterior corneal vesicles, unilateral keratoconus and unilateral Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis. The corneal diameters of the three heterozygous carriers were normal, but two had abnormally thin corneas, and one of these was also diagnosed with unilateral keratoconus. Brain MRI identified arachnoid cysts in both probands, one also had a neuroepithelial cyst, while the second had a midsagittal neurodevelopmental abnormality (cavum septum pellucidum et vergae).

Conclusion

The study expands the spectrum of pathogenic variants and the ocular and brain abnormalities that have been identified in individuals with MGC1. Reduced corneal thickness may represent a mild phenotypic feature in some heterozygous female carriers of CHRDL1 pathogenic variants.
Breed structures in Australian dairy herds
Authors: Coombe JE , Morton JM , Beggs DS , Dodds MJ , Pyman MF
Published: October 2021

Breed structures of Australian dairy herds over time were described for a large subset of milk‐recording herds. The focus for this study was to describe the use of crossbreeding by dairy farmers, specifically proportions of herds using crossbreeding, whether they were using two‐breed or three‐breed crossbreeding systems, and how herd‐breed structures changed over time. The most common breed structure in Australian milk‐recording herds between 2000 and 2013 was two‐breed crossbreeding (39% of herd‐years). The next most common breed structure was purebred (35%). Over the period studied, the proportion of herds that were purebred decreased, while the proportion of herds that were crossbreeding increased (particularly three‐breed crossbreeding herds). Herd‐breed structures and changes over time varied with region and with the herd's calving system. There were also considerable changes in breed structure within herds, including herds changing breed structure before reverting back to their original breed structure. These results indicate that breed structures in milk‐recording dairy herds in Australia are dynamic, and that farmers have commonly employed crossbreeding strategies.
The impact of informant gender on children’s endorsement of scientific and non‐scientific information
Authors: Rackoff Gavin N. , Lagoni Daniel W. , Shoshany Mia F. , Moursi Nasreen A. , Hennefield Laura
Published: October 2021

By roughly 6 years of age, children acquire the stereotype that men are more competent than women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), potentially leading to greater trust in scientific information provided by men. This study tested whether 3‐ to 8‐year‐old children differentially endorsed conflicting information about science and toys presented by male and female informants depicted as a ‘man’ and ‘woman’ (Exp1) or ‘scientists’ (Exp2). Children were expected to endorse toy testimony from gender‐matched informants; thus, the key question concerned endorsement of science testimony. In Exp1 (N = 149), boys and girls showed a same‐gender informant preference for toy testimony; however, girls endorsed the male informant's testimony more for science than for toys – but only when tested by a male experimenter. In Exp2 (N = 264), boys and girls showed a same‐gender preference, irrespective of content. Findings suggest that STEM‐related gender stereotypes might lead girls to trust scientific information presented by men over women in certain contexts.
Editorial: New insights into self‐harm among children and young people – renewed links with inequality, new opportunities for recognition and new treatment option
Authors: Ani Cornelius
Published: October 2021

Supporting children and young people (CYP) who self‐harm (SH) is an important work of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). This theme is reflected in three papers in this issue. Starting with risk factors, Marraccini and colleagues found that compared with adolescents, preadolescent children with suicidal behavior were more likely to be male, from a Black ethnic background, or to have a neurodevelopmental disorder such as autism spectrum condition (ASC) or ADHD. These authors’ finding of increased school‐related stressors emphasizes the importance of educational adjustments in reducing the risk of SH among CYP with ASC and ADHD. Ward and Curran’s study suggests that screening for ADHD symptoms among CYP who present with SH may improve early identification of those affected by ADHD—especially among females. Finally, Ramsey and colleagues found that coupling dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) with a specific intervention targeting self‐criticism reduced episodes of SH more than standard DBT alone. Given the link between SH and suicide, improving understanding of the risk factors, early identification, and new treatment options for SH remain important.
C/EBPβ induces B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and cooperates with BLNK mutations
Authors: Kurata Morito , Onishi Iichiro , Takahara Tomoko , Yamazaki Yukari , Ishibashi Sachiko , Goitsuka Ryo , Kitamura Daisuke , Takita Junko , Hayashi Yasuhide , Largaesapda David A , Kitagawa Masanobu , Nakamura Takuro
Published: October 2021

BLNK (BASH/SLP‐65) encodes an adaptor protein that plays an important role in B‐cell receptor (BCR) signaling. Loss‐of‐function mutations in this gene are observed in human pre‐B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and a subset of Blnk knock‐out (KO) mice develop pre‐B‐ALL. To understand the molecular mechanism of the Blnk mutation‐associated pre‐B‐ALL development, retroviral tagging was applied to KO mice using the Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV). The Blnk mutation that significantly accelerated the onset of MoMLV‐induced leukemia and increased the incidence of pre‐B‐ALL Cebpb was identified as a frequent site of retroviral integration, suggesting that its upregulation cooperates with Blnk mutations. Transgenic expression of the liver‐enriched activator protein (LAP) isoform of Cebpb reduced the number of mature B‐lymphocytes in the bone marrow and inhibited differentiation at the pre‐BI stage. Furthermore, LAP expression significantly accelerated leukemogenesis in Blnk KO mice and alone acted as a B‐cell oncogene. Furthermore, an inverse relationship between BLNK and C/EBPβ expression was also noted in human pre‐B‐ALL cases, and the high level of CEBPB expression was associated with short survival periods in patients with BLNK‐downregulated pre‐B‐ALL. These results indicate the association between the C/EBPβ transcriptional network and BCR signaling in pre‐B‐ALL development and leukemogenesis. This study gives insight into ALL progression and suggests that the BCR/C/EBPβ pathway can be a therapeutic target.
Synthesis, QSAR modeling, and molecular docking of novel fused 7‐deazaxanthine derivatives as adenosine A2A receptor antagonists
Authors: Muzychka Liubov V. , Verves Evgenii V. , Yaremchuk Iryna O. , Zinchenko Anna M. , Shishkina Svitlana V. , Semenyuta Ivan V. , Hodyna Diana M. , Metelytsia Larysa O. , Kovalishyn Vasyl , Smolii Oleg B.
Published: October 2021

Predictive QSAR models for the search of new adenosine A2A receptor antagonists were developed by using OCHEM platform. The predictive ability of the regression models has coefficient of determination q2 = 0.65−0.71 with cross‐validation and independent test set. The inhibition activities of novel fused 7‐deazaxanthine compounds were predicted by the developed QSAR models. A preparative method for the synthesis of pyrimido[5′,4′:4,5]pyrrolo[1,2‐a][1,4]diazepine derivatives was developed, and 11 new adenosine A2A receptor antagonists were obtained. Preliminary investigations into the toxicology of fused 7‐deazaxanthine compounds toward commonly used model organism to assess toxicity invertebrate cladoceran D. magna were also described.
Indices of ACTH‐stimulated adrenal venous sampling as predictors of postsurgical outcomes in primary aldosteronism
Authors: Lee Seung Hun , Kim Jong Woo , Yoon Hyun‐Ki , Kim Sang Wan , Kim Su Jin , Lee Kyu Eun , Lee Yu‐Mi , Sung Tae‐Yon , Hong Suck Joon , Shin Chan Soo , Koh Jung‐Min , Kim Jung Hee
Published: October 2021

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the impact of indices of adrenal venous sampling (AVS) on postsurgical outcomes in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA).

Design and Patients

This retrospective study determined biochemical and clinical outcomes based on ACTH‐stimulated AVS parameters (lateralisation index [LI], contralateral ratio [CLR], and ipsilateral ratio [ILR]) in 251 patients with PA at 3 months after surgery.

Results

Modified complete biochemical success was achieved in 8 of 12 (66.7%) patients with LI = 3–4, 39 of 47 (83.0%) with LI = 4–10, and 155 of 169 (91.7%) with LI ≥ 10 (p = .004 for trend). Modified complete biochemical success was achieved in 29 of 38 (76.3%) patients with CLR ≥ 1 and ILR ≤ 2, 73 of 86 (84.9%) with CLR = 0.25–1 and ILR > 2, and 100 of 104 (96.2%) with CLR < 0.25 and ILR > 2 (p = .001 for trend). After adjusting for confounders, modified complete biochemical success was associated with an LI ≥ 10 (odds ratio [OR] = 6.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33–29.93) using LI = 3–4 as a reference and combined CLR < 0.25 and ILR > 2 (OR = 11.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.49–53.01) using combined CLR ≥ 1 and ILR ≤ 2 as a reference. Using combined CLR ≥ 1 and ILR ≤ 2 as a reference, complete clinical success was associated with combined CLR < 0.25 and ILR > 2 (OR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.03–9.28) and combined CLR = 0.25–1 and ILR > 2 (OR = 4.92; 95% CI = 1.64–14.76).

Conclusion

LI ≥ 10 may be appropriate for achieving biochemical success. With ILR > 2, CLR < 0.25, and CLR < 1 may be appropriate for achieving biochemical and clinical success, respectively.
Guillain–Barré syndrome after coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine: A temporal association
Authors: da Silva Gustavo Figueiredo , da Silva Caroline Figueiredo , Oliveira Raddib Eduardo Noleto da Nobrega , Romancini Fabiana , Mendes Rafael Marques , Locks Amanda , Longo Maria Francisca Moro , Moro Carla Heloisa Cabral , Longo Alexandre Luiz , Braatz Vera Lucia
Published: October 2021

Background

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute monophasic immune‐mediated polyradiculoneuropathy, preceded by gastrointestinal or respiratory infections in up to two‐thirds of patients. On rare occasions, people develop GBS after vaccination, but no causal association has been proven. In the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, some cases have been reported associating COVID‐19 vaccine with GBS.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 62‐year‐old woman with GBS after the first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine against SARS‐CoV‐2. The symptoms started 3 weeks after the vaccine, and were characterized by ascending and progressive paresthesia in the upper and lower limbs, followed by loss of strength of the upper limbs and dysphagia for solids. The hypothesis of GBS was confirmed by clinical presentation compatible with albuminocytologic dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid and based on the Brighton criteria level 2. The treatment was a 5‐day course of intravenous immunoglobulin with an improvement of symptoms.

Conclusions

In the absence of other causes, the diagnosis of GBS was made, with evidence of a clear temporal association with COVID‐19 vaccine. However, a cautious position is important when assigning a particular side‐effect directly to a vaccine. It is important to emphasize that it is a temporal association only and the benefits of COVID‐19 vaccination continue to outweigh the possible consequences.
Surgical approach combining implantoplasty and reconstructive therapy with locally delivered antibiotic in the treatment of peri‐implantitis: A prospective clinical case series
Authors: González Regueiro Iria , Martínez Rodriguez Natalia , Barona Dorado Cristina , Sanz‐Sánchez Ignacio , Montero Eduardo , Ata‐Ali Javier , Duarte Fernando , Martínez‐González José María
Published: October 2021

Background

Nonsurgical treatment, resective surgery, reconstructive surgery, or combined approaches have been proposed for the treatment of peri‐implantitis, with variable results.

Purpose

To evaluate the 1‐year clinical and radiographic outcomes following combined resective and reconstructive surgical treatment with topical piperacillin/tazobactam antibiotic in the management of peri‐implantitis.

Material and Methods

Forty‐three patients diagnosed with peri‐implantitis were included. Surgical treatment consisted of implantoplasty of the supra‐crestal component of the defect, the application of a topical antibiotic solution over the implant surface, and subsequent reconstruction of the intra‐osseous component of the peri‐implant defect. The primary outcome was disease resolution, defined as the absence of bleeding on probing (BoP) and/or suppuration on probing (SoP), a peri‐implant pocket probing depth (PPD) ≤5 mm, and no bone loss >0.5 mm 1 year after surgery. Secondary outcomes included changes in BoP, PPD, SoP, and peri‐implant marginal bone levels. One implant per patient was included in the analysis.

Results

The treatment success rate of the 43 dental implants included in the study was 86% at 1 year after surgery. Mean PPD and BoP decreased from 6.41 ± 2.11 mm and 100% at baseline to 3.19 ± 0.99 mm (p < 0.001) and 14% (p < 0.001) at 1 year, respectively. SoP was significantly reduced from 48.8% at baseline to 0% 1 year after surgery (p < 0.001). Radiographically, a mean defect fill of 2.64 ± 1.59 mm was recorded (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The combination of a resective and reconstructive surgical approach together with locally delivered antibiotic achieved a high disease resolution rate after 1 year of follow‐up and constitutes a viable option for the management of peri‐implantitis.
Efficacy of keratinized mucosal augmentation with a collagen matrix concomitant to the surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis: A dual‐center randomized clinical trial
Authors: Solonko Myroslav , Regidor Erik , Ortiz‐Vigón Alberto , Montero Eduardo , Vilchez Blanca , Sanz Mariano
Published: October 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a xenogeneic collagen matrix to augment the width of keratinized mucosa (KM), concomitantly to the surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis, when compared to the use of an autologous soft tissue graft.

Material and methods

In this 12‐month parallel‐arm randomized controlled clinical trial, patients with peri‐implantitis were randomly assigned, one month after non‐surgical therapy, to surgical resective treatment of peri‐implantitis consisting on an apically positioned flap (APF) in combination with a KM augmentation procedure, either with an autologous free gingival graft (FGG) or a collagen matrix (CM). Primary outcomes were the increase in the width of KM and probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction at 12 months. As secondary outcomes, peri‐implant radiographic and patient‐reported outcomes were assessed.

Results

The intention‐to‐treat population consisted of 49 subjects, assigned to either the APF + FGG (n = 23) or APF + CM (n = 26) group. PPDs were reduced by 1.6 mm (SD 1.0) and 1.7 mm (SD 1.2), respectively, being these differences non statistically significant (p = .782). However, the increase in KM was significantly higher in the APF + FGG compared with APF + CM (2.5 mm [SD 1.6] vs. 1.6 mm [SD 1.2], respectively (p = .033).

Conclusion

The tested surgical modalities resulted in similar improvements of the clinical parameters. Both free gingival graft and collagen matrix significantly increased the peri‐implant keratinized mucosa, but this KM gain was significantly higher with the free gingival graft. Use of CM, however, was better appreciated by the patients, in terms of pain perception and analgesic consumption, although the surgical time was similar.
Neglected Factors Bearing on Reaction Time in Language Production
Authors: Scheer Tobias , Mathy Fabien
Published: October 2021

The input to phonological reasoning are alternations, that is, variations in the pronunciation of related words, such as in electri[k] ‐ electri[s]‐ity. But phonologists cannot agree what counts as a relevant alternation: the issue is highly contentious despite a research record of over 50 years. We believe that the experimental setup presented may contribute to this debate based on a kind of evidence that was not brought to bear to date. Our experiment was thus designed to distinguish between alternations where phonological computation plays no role, and those where it has contributed to language production. The design manipulates two factors that to date have not been considered in experimental studies of language production: linguistic complexity and alternation specificity. The former is understood as extra processing demands issued by two types of linguistic activity, morphosyntactic and phonological. Our results show that reaction time latencies are longer when participants are burdened with both morphosyntactic and phonological tasks than when they carry out just a morphosyntactic task, and they are still shorter in absence of both types of demands. These results allowed us to address alternation specificity, that is, the fact that different alternations (within a language or across languages) may be driven by different production routines (an idea that is consensual among linguists but underdeveloped in the psycholinguistic literature). Our study shows that four different alternations in French produce alternation‐specific signatures in reaction time latencies. These findings may thus redound to the advantage of psycholinguistic studies by identifying two new factors, as well as produce results that speak to the linguistic quarrels.
Bone marrow macrophage‐derived exosomal miR‐143‐5p contributes to insulin resistance in hepatocytes by repressing MKP5
Authors: Li Linfang , Zuo Huiyan , Huang Xiuqing , Shen Tao , Tang Weiqing , Zhang Xiaoyi , An Tong , Dou Lin , Li Jian
Published: October 2021

Objective

In this study, we aim to explore the role of bone marrow macrophage‐derived exosomes in hepatic insulin resistance, investigate the substance in exosomes that regulates hepatic insulin signalling pathways, reveal the specific molecular mechanisms involved in hepatic insulin resistance and further explore the role of exosomes in type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

High‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice were used as obesity‐induced hepatic insulin resistance model, exosomes were isolated from BMMs which were extracted from HFD‐fed mice by ultracentrifugation. Exosomes were analysed the spectral changes of microRNA expression using a microRNA array. The activation of the insulin signalling pathway and the level of glycogenesis were examined in hepatocytes after transfected with miR‐143‐5p mimics. Luciferase assay and western blot were used to assess the target of miR‐143‐5p.

Results

BMMs from HFD‐fed mice were polarized towards M1, and miR‐143‐5p was significantly upregulated in exosomes of BMMs from HFD‐fed mice. Overexpression of miR‐143‐5p in Hep1‐6 cells led to decreased phosphorylation of AKT and GSK and glycogen synthesis. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay and western blot demonstrated that mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase‐5 (Mkp5, also known as Dusp10) was the target gene of miR‐143‐5p. Moreover, the overexpression of MKP5 could rescue the insulin resistance induced by transfection miR‐143‐5p mimics in Hep1‐6.

Conclusion

Bone marrow macrophage‐derived exosomal miR‐143‐5p induces insulin resistance in hepatocytes through repressing MKP5.
Retrospective and current trend of wild‐cat trade in Peru
Authors: Mena José Luis , Vento Rosa , Martínez Jorge Luis , Gallegos Ana
Published: October 2021

Several species of wild cats are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, persecution or retaliatory killing by humans as a result of real or perceived livestock depredation, and illegal trade. The trade of individuals or their parts has been a recurring threat over the years, especially prior to the establishment of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in 1975. We assessed the extent of trade of wild cats in Peru (eight species) using export records available from 1946 to 1973, before the establishment of CITES and after the implementation of CITES using confiscation data available for 2001–2020. The ocelot and the jaguar were the most exploited species for their skins in the pre‐CITES period, with 228,376 and 17,301 individuals, respectively; as well as post‐CITES, although at significantly lower levels, with 67 individuals and 107 body parts, and 27 individuals and 99 body parts, respectively. Post‐CITES trade, however, shows an increasing trend for the jaguar and all wild cat species. Currently in Peru, the illegal wildlife trade is considered opportunistic, but its impact on wild populations has not been properly documented. We recommend improving knowledge regarding population status of wild cats to inform conservation status, and to increase efforts to reduce illegal trade at both national and regional level.
Increase in nuclear cell‐free DNA is associated with major adverse events in adult and pediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Zangwill Steven D. , Deshpande Shriprasad R. , Simpson Pippa M. , Liang Huan Ling , Zhang Liyun , Dasgupta Mahua , Richmond Marc E. , Kindel Steven J. , Bichell David P. , Mahle William T. , Wigger Mark A. , Schroder Jacob N. , Knecht Kenneth R. , Pahl Elfriede , Gaglianello Nunzio A. , North Paula E. , Tomita‐Mitchell Aoy , Mitchell Michael E.
Published: October 2021

Background

Cell‐free DNA is an emerging biomarker. While donor fraction may detect graft events in heart transplant recipients, the prognostic value of total nuclear cell‐free DNA (ncfDNA) itself is largely unexplored.

Objective

Explore the relationship between ncfDNA and clinical events in heart transplant recipients.

Methods

We conducted a multi‐center prospective study to investigate the value of cell‐free DNA in non‐invasive monitoring following heart transplantation. Over 4000 blood samples were collected from 388 heart transplant patients. Total ncfDNA and donor fraction were quantified. Generalized linear models with maximum likelihood estimation for repeated measures with subjects as clusters were used to explore the relationship of ncfDNA and major adverse events. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to help choose cutpoints.

Results

A ncfDNA threshold (50 ng/ml) was identified that was associated with increased risk of major adverse events. NcfDNA was elevated in patients who suffered cardiac arrest, required mechanical circulatory support or died post heart transplantation as well as in patients undergoing treatment for infection.

Conclusions

Elevated ncfDNA correlates with risk for major adverse events in adult and pediatric heart transplant recipients and may indicate a need for enhanced surveillance after transplant.
Predictors of length of treatment, discharge reason, and re‐admission to Aboriginal alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation services in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: James Doug B. , Lee K. S. Kylie , Dronavalli Mithilesh , Courtney Ryan J. , Conigrave Katherine M. , Conigrave James H. , Shakeshaft Anthony
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Aboriginal clients accessing Aboriginal community‐controlled residential alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services in New South Wales, Australia believe they have better outcomes due to culturally appropriate care. However, there is a paucity of published treatment outcome data. This study aims to identify predictors of treatment outcomes based on client characteristics at intake.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, retrospective, observational study of 2326 admissions to six services between January 2011 and December 2016. The outcomes were: (i) leaving treatment early; (ii) self‐discharge or house discharge (by staff); and (iii) re‐admission within two years. The predictors examined were Aboriginal status, age, justice system referral and primary substance of concern. Competing risk and Poisson regression analyses were used to identify trends in the data.

Results

The mean age of clients was 33 years, and the majority (56%) stayed at least 6 weeks. Aboriginal clients whose primary substance of concern was stimulants were almost eight times more likely to re‐admitted within 2 years than other clients (risk ratio 7.91; P < 0.001). Aboriginal clients who were also referred from justice were more likely to self‐discharge (risk ratio 1.87; P < 0.001). Furthermore, Aboriginal clients who were aged older than 30 were less likely to have a re‐admission (risk ratio 0.32; P ≤ 0.001).

Discussion and Conclusions

This study showed client characteristics that are predictive of harmful outcomes include age under 30, justice client, primary substance of use and their interactions. Future research could build on these results to aid ongoing development of residential rehabilitation programs for Aboriginal peoples.
Accessible water jet system modified from the infusion set with ideal visibility during emergency bedside endoscopy
Authors: Wu Zhi‐Han , Luo Rong , Deng Kai
Published: October 2021

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Gravity Estimations with Interval Data: Revisiting the Impact of Free Trade Agreements
Authors: Egger Peter H. , Larch Mario , Yotov Yoto V.
Published: October 2021

We challenge the common practice of estimating gravity equations with interval or averaged data in order to capture dynamic‐adjustment effects to trade‐policy changes. Instead, we point to a series of advantages of using consecutive‐year data recognizing dynamic‐adjustment effects. Our analysis reveals that, relative to interval or averaged data, the use of consecutive‐year data avoids downward‐biased effect estimates due to the distribution of trade‐policy events during an event window as well as due to anticipation (pre‐interval) and delayed (post‐interval) effects, and it improves the efficiency of effect estimates due to the use of more data.
Use of midostaurin in mixed phenotype acute leukemia with FLT3 mutation: A case series
Authors: Tremblay Zoë , Wong Anna , Otis Anne‐Sophie , Pépin Marie‐Anne , Bambace Nadia , Soulières Denis , Bouchard Philippe , Adam Jean‐Philippe
Published: October 2021

Mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is a rare type of acute leukemia where blasts present phenotypes from more than one lineage. A poor prognostic has been associated with this disease, and limited data are currently available to guide the choice of therapy. Regarding FLT3‐positive MPAL, only one case treated with midostaurin has been published to date. Here, we report the successful use of midostaurin to treat three FLT3‐positive MPAL T/myeloid and B/myeloid patients. Midostaurin was successfully added to intensive induction (two patients) and consolidation chemotherapy (three patients) without significant adverse events requiring a dose adjustment or discontinuation. The therapy received resulted in complete remission for two patients and complete remission with an incomplete hematologic recovery for the third. All patients proceeded to HSCT and stayed in remission after an extended follow‐up respectively at 28, 31, and 11 months later. These results suggest that the addition of midostaurin during induction and consolidation therapy may represent a treatment option for FLT3‐positive MPAL.
Repeated episodes of transient reduction of oxygen exposure simulating aircraft cabin conditions enhance resilience to stress in mice
Authors: Ginerete Roxana Paula , Mascio Giada , Liberatore Francesca , Bucci Domenico , Antenucci Nico , Di Pietro Paola , Cannella Milena , Imbriglio Tiziana , Notartomaso Serena , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Bruno Valeria , Battaglia Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

Pilots and crew of domestic flights are exposed to transient periods of mild reductions of partial pressure of inspired oxygen each day, and this might have functional consequence on their performance in the long range. Here, we exposed mice to mild reductions of oxygen exposure (ROE) four times per day for 21 days by lowering oxygen partial pressure to levels corresponding to an altitude of about 2300 m, which is the quote of pressurization of the air cabin. Four groups of mice were studied: unstressed or stressed mice exposed to ROE or normoxic conditions. Mice were exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) for 28 days, and ROE was delivered in the last 21 days of CUS. In normoxic mice, CUS caused anhedonia in the sucrose preference test, anxiety‐like behaviour in the open field test, learning impairment in the Morris water maze, reduced hippocampal neurogenesis, increased serum corticosterone levels and increased expression of depression‐related genes (Pclo, Mthfr and Grm5) in the hippocampus. All these changes were reversed by ROE, which had little or no effect in unstressed mice. These findings suggest that ROE simulating air cabin conditions of domestic flights may enhance resilience to stress improving mood, anxiety and learning ability.
Pilot project for a recovery‐oriented, DBT‐informed skill‐building education course for families of adults with borderline personality, bipolar or major depressive disorders
Authors: Mannion Edie , Lukens Jonathan , Solomon Phyllis , Lowery MaryCatherine , Snitzer Lisa
Published: October 2021

There are a variety of educational interventions for families who have a relative with a mental health disorder. However, for those with one or more emotion dysregulation disorders, there are limited options. This article reports on the results of a pilot project using a quasi‐experimental design with a sample of 270 (intervention = 217, control = 53) to assess an intervention,Getting Off the Emotional Roller Coaster Skill‐Building Family Education Course (GOER Family Course), for families coping with and managing emotion regulation disorders in a loved one which are often misdiagnosed or co‐occurring. This intervention was effective in reducing caregiver burden [F(1, 120) = 12.25,p = 0.001], while improving attitudes, knowledge, and skills [F(1, 170) = 6.16,p = 0.014]. It fills an important gap in available resources for families faced with challenges and responsibilities that these disorders can present, especially when inaccurately diagnosed or receiving ineffective treatment. While there is a need for further research and adaptation to virtual learning, the preliminary results show positive effects.
Day‐to‐day changes and longer‐term adjustments to divorce ideation: Marital commitment uncertainty processes over time
Authors: Allen Sarah , Hawkins Alan J. , Harris Steven M. , Roberts Kelly , Hubbard Aimee , Doman Mattison
Published: October 2021

Objective

The aim of this study is to use in‐depth, qualitative interviews and longitudinal analysis to explore fluctuations in divorce ideation over time with 30 participants who had thoughts about divorce in the previous 6 months.

Background

Scholarship on marital ambivalence and divorce ideation suggests the importance of better understanding the dialectical tensions involved in navigating the many areas of life affected by marital commitment uncertainty. To model complex relational processes of change over time, researchers need to move beyond contextualized snapshots of relationship outcomes to a more continuous mapping of relationship processes, including changes in emotions, beliefs, and behaviors regarding the future of their marital relationship.

Methods

We completed in‐depth interviews with participants who had recently been thinking about divorce at two times approximately 8 to 10 months apart. Our team used qualitative thematic analysis to elucidate emergent themes and processes.

Results

We found complex and dynamic patterns of leaning‐in, leaning‐out, and holding‐on emotions, attitudes, and behaviors that suggest theoretical models that may better capture the dynamic process of how commitment uncertainty influences the ways in which married partners think about the future of their marriage.

Conclusion

This research can help improve how we theoretically model commitment uncertainty processes embedded in divorce ideation within the complex processes of day‐to‐day and longer term relational changes over time.

Implications

Family practitioners and the couples they serve can benefit from expanded conceptualizations of marital commitment outcomes that also include the processes of marital commitment as a way to normalize the ebbs and flows of relationships.
Mammalian circadian networks mediated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Lu Qingqing , Kim Jin Young
Published: October 2021

The brain has a complex structure composed of hundreds of regions, forming networks to cooperate body functions. Therefore, understanding how various brain regions communicate with each other and with peripheral organs is important to understand human physiology. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the brain is the circadian pacemaker. The SCN receives photic information from the environment and conveys this to other parts of the brain and body to synchronize all circadian clocks. The circadian clock is an endogenous oscillator that generates daily rhythms in metabolism and physiology in almost all cells via a conserved transcriptional–translational negative feedback loop. So, the information flow from the environment to the SCN to other tissues synchronizes locally distributed circadian clocks to maintain homeostasis. Thus, understanding the circadian networks and how they adjust to environmental changes will better understand human physiology. This review will focus on circadian networks mediated by the SCN to understand how the environment, brain, and peripheral tissues form networks for cooperation.
Elevated temperature may reduce functional but not taxonomic diversity of fungal assemblages on decomposing leaf litter in streams
Authors: Fenoy Encarnación , Pradhan Arunava , Pascoal Cláudia , Rubio‐Ríos Juan , Batista Daniela , Moyano‐López Francisco J. , Cássio Fernanda , Casas J. Jesús
Published: October 2021

Mounting evidence points to a linkage between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (B‐EF). Global drivers, such as warming and nutrient enrichment, can alter species richness and composition of aquatic fungal assemblages associated with leaf‐litter decomposition, a key ecosystem process in headwater streams. However, effects of biodiversity changes on ecosystem functions might be countered by the presumed high functional redundancy of fungal species. Here, we examined how environmental variables and leaf‐litter traits (based on leaf chemistry) affect taxonomic and functional α‐ and β‐diversity of fungal decomposers. We analysed taxonomic diversity (DNA‐fingerprinting profiles) and functional diversity (community‐level physiological profiles) of fungal communities in four leaf‐litter species from four subregions differing in stream‐water characteristics and riparian vegetation. We hypothesized that increasing stream‐water temperature and nutrients would alter taxonomic diversity more than functional diversity due to the functional redundancy among aquatic fungi. Contrary to our expectations, fungal taxonomic diversity varied little with stream‐water characteristics across subregions, and instead taxon replacement occurred. Overall taxonomic β‐diversity was fourfold higher than functional diversity, suggesting a high degree of functional redundancy among aquatic fungi. Elevated temperature appeared to boost assemblage uniqueness by increasing β‐diversity while the increase in nutrient concentrations appeared to homogenize fungal assemblages. Functional richness showed a negative relationship with temperature. Nonetheless, a positive relationship between leaf‐litter decomposition and functional richness suggests higher carbon use efficiency of fungal communities in cold waters.
Synthesis of Al2O3‐SiC powder from electroceramics waste and its application in low‐carbon MgO‐C refractories
Authors: Ma Beiyue , Ren Xinming , Gao Zhi , Tian Jialong , Jiang Zhouhua , Zan Wenyu , Yu Jingkun , Qian Fan , Cao Yingnan , Fu Gaofeng
Published: October 2021

Composite additives are an efficient means to improve the high‐temperature stability and slag resistance of low‐carbon MgO‐C refractories. In this work, Al2O3‐SiC powder was firstly synthesized from electroceramics waste by carbon embedded method at 1500°C, 1550°C, and 1600°C for 4 h, and then the as‐synthesized Al2O3‐SiC powder was used as an additive to low‐carbon MgO‐C refractories. The effects of its addition amounts of 0, 2.5 wt.%, 5.0 wt.%, and 7.5 wt.% on the properties of the refractories were investigated in detail. It was found that increasing the heat treatment temperature is beneficial to the phase conversion of mullite and quartz to alumina and silicon carbide in the electroceramics waste. Furthermore, the addition of Al2O3‐SiC powder effectively improves the performance of low‐carbon MgO‐C samples, and the formation of spinel dense layer and high‐viscosity isolation layer is the internal reason for the improvement of the oxidation resistance and slag resistance of low‐carbon MgO‐C samples. This work provides ideas for the reuse of electroceramics waste and presents an alternative strategy for the performance optimization of low‐carbon MgO‐C refractories.
Preparation, microstructures, and mechanical properties of directionally solidified Al2O3/Lu3Al5O12 eutectic ceramics
Authors: Sun Haofei , Zhou Cui , Du Tiefeng , Wu Zhen , Xian Quangang , Sun Luchao , Liu Jing , Wang Jingyang
Published: October 2021

Al2O3/Lu3Al5O12 (LuAG) directionally solidified eutectic (DSE) ceramics with two solidification rates were prepared utilizing optical floating zone (OFZ) technique. The microstructures (eutectic morphology, preferred growth direction and interface orientation) of Al2O3/LuAG were characterized, and the mechanical properties (Vickers hardness and fracture toughness) were compared with those of Al2O3/REAG (RE = Y, Er, and Yb). Results show that Al2O3/LuAG with solidification rate of 30 mm/h has established preferred growth direction in both Al2O3 and LuAG phases with cellular eutectic structures. While Al2O3/LuAG with solidification rate of 10 mm/h only shows preferred growth direction in Al2O3 phase and presents degenerate irregular eutectic microstructures. Besides, Al2O3/LuAG exhibits higher hardness compared with Al2O3/REAG (RE = Y, Er, and Yb). In addition, a special attention is focused on the relations among rare earth ionic radius, eutectic microstructures, and mechanical properties of these DSE ceramics. It is demonstrated that a smaller rare earth ionic radius could lead to larger eutectic interspacing as well as higher Vickers hardness of DSE Al2O3/REAG, revealing the possibility and feasibility of microstructure control and mechanical properties optimization for DSE Al2O3/REAG ceramics by tailoring the rare earth elements.