bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
13. Analogies and Metaphors
Authors: Brummer Klaus , Oppermann Kai
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the study of analogies and metaphors as cognitive heuristics in foreign policy decision-making. It examines how analogical reasoning can help decision-makers reduce the complexity of foreign policy problems. The use of analogies and metaphors involves two subsequent cognitive processes wherein decision-makers activate analogies or metaphors from long-term memory while also mapping their knowledge on the activated analogies or metaphors onto the foreign policy decision. The chapter provides an overview of analogies and metaphors in Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA). It also considers possible future research on analogies and metaphors in foreign policy and foreign policy decision-making.
14. The Groupthink Model
Authors: Brummer Klaus , Oppermann Kai
Published: August 2024

This chapter outlines the key concepts of the Groupthink Model, which places decision-making in small groups at the centre of analysis. As an empirical phenomenon, groupthink occurs when the striving for harmony and agreement within a decision-making group makes critical thinking take precedence over the substantive task the group has to work on. The analytical focus of the Groupthink Model primarily depends on foreign policy decision-making in small groups. The chapter presents empirical applications of the Groupthink Model, which are mostly confined to Western countries and the United States. It mentions how the weaknesses of the Groupthink Model open up several avenues for future research.
22. Energy and foreign policy
Authors: Hadfield Amelia
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines a sector that has long been vital to the progress of human society, but has only recently come to prominence as a significant foreign policy factor. Energy represents a source of control for those capable of accessing and selling it, a security issue for both suppliers and buyers, and a foreign policy area that challenges virtually all international actors. While energy security has the capacity to maintain stability and generate interdependence between exporting and importing states, the January 2006 ‘gas spat’ between Russia and Ukraine demonstrates energy’s ability to generate deep insecurities between sovereign and commercial actors, and in the process reshape the geopolitical terrain of Europe and key actors on its peripheries. As will be explored, much of the current tensions afflicting Europe and Russia are driven by an inability to manage energy security as a potent area of foreign policy.
14. Migration
Authors: Triandafyllidou Anna , Gropas Ruby
Published: August 2024

Migration poses a complex set of challenges and opportunities to the European countries. This chapter starts by discussing definitions of who is a migrant and how and when migrants can become citizens. It puts recent migration trends into historical perspective, looking at the impact that a series of crisis events have had on immigration into Europe (including the 2008 economic crisis, the Arab Spring, and refugee emergency of the 2010s, and the Covid-19 pandemic). European countries are presented, organized into four groups in relation to the length and nature of their migration experience, as countries of destination, origin, or transit. The chapter highlights the interplay between migration policies and the politics of migration in approaches towards migrant integration.
5. Marxism And International Relations
Authors: Lawler Peter
Published: August 2024

The chapter tackles the interplay between Marxism and international relations (IR). It then discusses how Marxism grew relevant in line with the emergence of the Third World as an international political force. Unlike realism, Marxism is a progressive political philosophy, but it radically parts company with liberalism on how significant change might come about and the extent of the change needed. The chapter mentions that Marxist and Marxist-influenced scholarship became more visible during the aftermath of the Cold War era. The chapter also looks into the key concepts of capitalism, imperialism, dependency theory, world systems theory (WST), neo-Gramscianism, and critical theory.
12. Conclusion
Authors: Lawler Peter
Published: August 2024

This concluding chapter reviews the considerable development of the discipline of international relations (IR). It covers the relationship between key episodes in modern international and global politics and the emergence of theoretical debates and new schools of IR thinking. The increasing growth of the IR theoretical menu is indisputable, but whether this constitutes an advance or improvement in people's understanding of international politics is a matter of interpretation and debate. The chapter considers current broad theoretical trends within IR, which includes key concepts of coloniality and state-centrism. It also gives a final analysis on the trilogy of discipline, interdiscipline, and anti-discipline of IR.
The role of coronary artery reimplantation for anomalous right coronary artery originating from the opposite sinus of Valsalva: preliminary outcomes and insights from a Latin American country
Authors: Maldonado-Cañón Kevin , Motta Andrés Felipe , Prada Silvia Alejandra , Maldonado-Escalante Javier
Published: August 2024

Despite promising results, reimplantation appears to have fallen into oblivion among the multiple possible approaches for repairing anomalous coronary arteries. We describe the outcomes of 12 patients with an anomalous right coronary artery originating from the opposite sinus of Valsalva with an interarterial course who were surgically treated with this technique between 2018 and 2023 in 2 institutions in Bogota, Colombia. We provide preliminary evidence of the value reimplantation as a more than suitable technique, particularly in resource-constrained settings. It offers high rates of control of symptoms and functional class recovery while assessing all potential high-risk features, with a low risk of complications, even in middle-aged patients. We also advocate using noninvasive anatomical descriptions and patient symptoms over inducible ischaemia tests in decision making.
A Countrywide Survey of hrp2/3 Deletions and kelch13 Mutations Co-occurrence in Ethiopia
Authors: Kamaliddin Claire , Burke-Gaffney Jack , Ashraf Shoaib , Castañeda-Mogollón Daniel , Adamu Aderaw , Mekonen Tefa Bacha , Wijesinghe Ayesha , Pussegoda Enaara , Feleke Sindew Mekasha , Pillai Dylan R
Published: August 2024

Malaria elimination relies on detection of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich proteins 2/3 (HRP2/3) through rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and treatment with artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs). Data from the Horn of Africa suggest increasing hrp2/3 gene deletions and ACT partial resistance kelch13 (k13) mutations. To assess this, 233 samples collected during a national survey from 7 regions of Ethiopia were studied for hrp2/3 deletions with droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and k13 mutations with DNA sequencing. Approximately 22% of the study population harbored complete hrp2/3 deletions by ddPCR. Thirty-two of 44 of k13 single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified were R622I associated with ACT partial resistance. Both hrp2/3 deletions and k13 mutations associated with ACT partial resistance appear to be co-occurring, especially in Northwest Ethiopia. Ongoing national surveillance relying on accurate laboratory methods are required to elaborate the genetic diversity of P. falciparum.
BCS’ Impact and Influence: The UK Election and Tech
Authors: Penketh Claire
Published: August 2024

Claire Penketh MBCS, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager, provides an overview of BCS' policy agenda and explores the work that's being done to ensure the new UK government hears about our priorities.
Tech Innovation and Insurance Industry Transformation
Authors: Powell Grant
Published: August 2024

Insurtech specialist Anastasiia Khait talks to Grant Powell MBCS to explain how digital innovation looks set to transform the global insurance industry.
BCS Royal Charter - the Central Role of Professionalism
Authors: Runciman Brian
Published: August 2024

On 31 July 1984, the BCS was granted a royal charter. On 21 September, it was witnessed by the Queen. Brian Runciman MBCS looks at the central role of professionalism.
Unlocking Data Value
Authors: Major Danny
Published: August 2024

In the final article in his intelligent automation series, Danny Major FBCS tackles the subtopic of business process management.
The challenges and opportunities of continuous data quality improvement for healthcare administration data
Authors: Zhang Yili , Callaghan-Koru Jennifer A , Koru Güneş
Published: August 2024

Background

Various data quality issues have prevented healthcare administration data from being fully utilized when dealing with problems ranging from COVID-19 contact tracing to controlling healthcare costs.

Objectives

(i) Describe the currently adopted approaches and practices for understanding and improving the quality of healthcare administration data. (ii) Explore the challenges and opportunities to achieve continuous quality improvement for such data.

Materials and Methods

We used a qualitative approach to obtain rich contextual data through semi-structured interviews conducted at a state health agency regarding Medicaid claims and reimbursement data. We interviewed all data stewards knowledgeable about the data quality issues experienced at the agency. The qualitative data were analyzed using the Framework method.

Results

Sixteen themes emerged from our analysis, collected under 4 categories: (i) Defect characteristics: Data defects showed variability, frequently remained obscure, and led to negative outcomes. Detecting and resolving them was often difficult, and the work required often exceeded the organizational boundaries. (ii) Current process and people issues: The agency adopted primarily ad-hoc, manual approaches to resolving data quality problems leading to work frustration. (iii) Challenges: Communication and lack of knowledge about legacy software systems and the data maintained in them constituted challenges, followed by different standards used by various organizations and vendors, and data verification difficulties. (iv) Opportunities: Training, tool support, and standardization of data definitions emerged as immediate opportunities to improve data quality.

Conclusions

Our results can be useful to similar agencies on their journey toward becoming learning health organizations leveraging data assets effectively and efficiently.
Effect of a behavioral nudge on adoption of an electronic health record-agnostic pulmonary embolism risk prediction tool: a pilot cluster nonrandomized controlled trial
Authors: Richardson Safiya , Dauber-Decker Katherine L , Solomon Jeffrey , Seelamneni Pradeep , Khan Sundas , Barnaby Douglas P , Chelico John , Qiu Michael , Liu Yan , Sanghani Shreya , Izard Stephanie M , Chiuzan Codruta , Mann Devin , Pekmezaris Renee , McGinn Thomas , Diefenbach Michael A
Published: August 2024

Objective

Our objective was to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a behavioral nudge on adoption of a clinical decision support (CDS) tool.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a pilot cluster nonrandomized controlled trial in 2 Emergency Departments (EDs) at a large academic healthcare system in the New York metropolitan area. We tested 2 versions of a CDS tool for pulmonary embolism (PE) risk assessment developed on a web-based electronic health record-agnostic platform. One version included behavioral nudges incorporated into the user interface.

Results

A total of 1527 patient encounters were included in the trial. The CDS tool adoption rate was 31.67%. Adoption was significantly higher for the tool that included behavioral nudges (39.11% vs 20.66%; P < .001).

Discussion

We demonstrated feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a PE risk prediction CDS tool developed using insights from behavioral science. The tool is well-positioned to be tested in a large randomized clinical trial.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05203185)
Land investment regulation and allocative efficiency: evidence from the Chinese manufacturing sector
Authors: Zhao Aidong , Ploegmakers Huub , Rouwendal Jan , Ma Xianlei
Published: August 2024

This article analyzes the role of production factor land in the production process. Using a novel dataset of 20,205 newly established firms in the Chinese manufacturing sector from 2007 to 2014, our production function estimates suggest the existence of a sizable gap (averaging 50 USD/m2) between the marginal productivity of land and its user cost. Basic economic theory suggests a possible relationship with China’s minimum investment intensity (MII) regulation. An analysis using changes in MII limits over time and the resulting discontinuities at county borders confirms that larger gaps are significantly associated with increases in MII limits. Thus, the results of this study suggest that MII regulation leads to allocative inefficiency of land.
The MADS-domain transcription factor DAL10 is a direct target of putative DAL1-mediated age pathway in conifers
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Peiyi , Song Yitong , Zhao Huanhuan , Zuo Quan , Chen Xi , Han Fangxu , Liu Hongmei , Nie Yumeng , Liu Meiqin , Guo Meina , Niu Shihui
Published: August 2024

The optimal timing of the transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth is critical for plant reproductive success, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms have been well studied in angiosperm model species, but relatively little in gymnosperms. DAL1, a MADS domain transcription factor (TF) that shows a conserved age-related expression profile in conifers, may be an age timer. However, how DAL1 mediates the onset of reproductive growth remains poorly understood. Here, we showed that PtDAL1 directly regulates PtDAL10 transcription by binding to its promoter region in vitro. Both in vitro and in Nicotiana benthamiana PtDAL1 forms ternary complexes with PtDAL10 and PtMADS11, two potential candidate regulators of the vegetative to reproductive transition in Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis). In new shoots PtDAL10 was progressively induced with age and was also expressed in male and female cones. Overexpression of PtDAL10 rescued the flowering of ft-10 and soc1-1-2 mutants in Arabidopsis. We provide insights into the molecular components associated with PtDAL1, which integrates the vegetative to reproductive phase transition into age-mediated progressive development of the whole plant in conifers.
An Investigation of Mucosal Leishmaniasis in the Military Health System
Authors: Pierre James , Davies Julian , Shaikh Saira , Hickey Patrick
Published: August 2024

Leishmaniasis is a protozoal infection with an increased risk of transmission to those serving in the U.S. Military due to theaters of operation in endemic regions. There has, in recent decades, been robust experience with old-world leishmaniasis in the Military Health System (MHS); however, new-world leishmaniasis, which may result in mucosal leishmaniasis, has been less studied. A total of 88 patients from 2012 to 2022 with diagnosis codes for “mucocutaneous leishmaniasis” or “leishmaniasis, unspecified” were identified in the Military Data Repository and reviewed. Within this cohort, upon medical records review, there were 2 cases of leishmaniasis that met inclusion criteria. Case 1 was a 28-year-old active duty male with recent travel to Belize who presented with a mucosal lip lesion that was biopsied and had inconclusive species confirmation but was thought to be either L. braziliensis or L. mexicana. The second case involved a 30-year-old active duty male with a history of travel to French Guiana who had a cutaneous lesion on his left hand that was identified as L. guyanensis, a causative species for mucosal leishmaniasis. Neither had evidence of any further mucosal involvement on otolaryngologic evaluation, and both subsequently received systemic therapy with a good clinical response. Although only 2 cases were identified over an 11-year period, this disease remains an important medical consideration when conducting military operations within Central and South America, as both cases had recent military-specific travel to areas endemic for leishmaniasis.
The impact of stellar metallicity on rotation and activity evolution in the Kepler field using gyro-kinematic ages
Authors: See Victor , Lu Yuxi (Lucy) , Amard Louis , Roquette Julia
Published: August 2024

In recent years, there has been a push to understand how chemical composition affects the magnetic activity levels of main sequence low-mass stars. Results indicate that more metal-rich stars are more magnetically active for a given stellar mass and rotation period. This metallicity dependence has implications for how the rotation periods and activity levels of low-mass stars evolve over their lifetimes. Numerical modelling suggests that at late ages more metal-rich stars should be rotating more slowly and be more magnetically active. In this work, we study the rotation and activity evolution of low-mass stars using a sample of Kepler field stars. We use the gyro-kinematic age dating technique to estimate ages for our sample and use the photometric activity index as our proxy for magnetic activity. We find clear evidence that, at late ages, more metal-rich stars have spun down to slower rotation in agreement with the theoretical modelling. However, further investigation is required to definitively determine whether the magnetic activity evolution occurs in a metallicity dependent way.
Relative alignments between magnetic fields, velocity gradients, and dust emission gradients in NGC 1333
Authors: Chen Michael Chun-Yuan , Fissel Laura M , Sadavoy Sarah I , Rosolowsky Erik , Doi Yasuo , Arzoumanian Doris , Bastien Pierre , Coudé Simon , Di Francesco James , Friesen Rachel , Furuya Ray S , Hwang Jihye , Inutsuka Shu-ichiro , Johnstone Doug , Karoly Janik , Kwon Jungmi , Kwon Woojin , Le Gouellec Valentin J M , Liu Hong-Li , Mairs Steve , Onaka Takashi , Pattle Kate , Rawlings Mark G , Tahani Mehrnoosh , Tamura Motohide , Wang Jia-Wei ,   the BISTRO Team
Published: August 2024

Magnetic fields play an important role in shaping and regulating star formation in molecular clouds. Here, we present one of the first studies examining the relative orientations between magnetic (B) fields and the dust emission, gas column density, and velocity centroid gradients on the 0.02 pc (core) scales, using the BISTRO and VLA+GBT observations of the NGC 1333 star-forming clump. We quantified these relative orientations using the Project Rayleigh Statistic (PRS) and found preferential global parallel alignment between the B field and dust emission gradients, consistent with large-scale studies with Planck. No preferential global alignments, however, are found between the B field and velocity gradients. Local PRS calculated for subregions defined by either dust emission or velocity coherence further revealed that the B field does not preferentially align with dust emission gradients in most emission-defined subregions, except in the warmest ones. The velocity-coherent structures, on the other hand, also showed no preferred B field alignments with velocity gradients, except for one potentially bubble-compressed region. Interestingly, the velocity gradient magnitude in NGC 1333 ubiquitously features prominent ripple-like structures that are indicative of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves. Finally, we found B field alignments with the emission gradients to correlate with dust temperature and anticorrelate with column density, velocity dispersion, and velocity gradient magnitude. The latter two anticorrelations suggest that alignments between gas structures and B fields can be perturbed by physical processes that elevate velocity dispersion and velocity gradients, such as infall, accretions, and MHD waves.
Resolution analysis of magnetically arrested disc simulations
Authors: Salas L D S , Musoke G , Chatterjee K , Markoff S B , Porth O , Liska M T P , Ripperda B
Published: August 2024

Polarization measurements by the Event Horizon Telescope from M87* and Sgr A* suggest that there is a dynamically strong, ordered magnetic field, typical of what is expected of a magnetically arrested accretion disc (MAD). In such discs, the strong poloidal magnetic field can suppress the accretion flow and cause episodic flux eruptions. Recent work shows that general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) MAD simulations feature dynamics of turbulence and mixing instabilities that are becoming resolved at higher resolutions. We perform a convergence study of MAD states exceeding the status quo by an order of magnitude in resolution. We use existing 3D simulations performed with the H-AMR code, up to a resolution of 5376 × 2304 × 2304 in a logarithmic spherical-polar grid. We find consistent time-averaged disc properties across all resolutions. However, higher resolutions reveal signs of inward angular momentum transport attributed to turbulent convection, particularly evident when mixing instabilities occur at the surfaces of flux tubes during flux eruptions. Additionally, we see wave-like features in the jet sheath, which become more prominent at higher resolutions, that may induce mixing between the jet and disc. At higher resolutions, we observe the sheath to be thinner, resulting in increased temperature, reduced magnetization, and greater variability. Those differences could affect the dissipation of energy, which would eventually result in distinct observable radiative emission from high-resolution simulations. With higher resolutions, we can delve into crucial questions about horizon-scale physics and its impact on the dynamics and emission properties of larger-scale jets.
Orbital motion of NGC 6166 (3C 338) and its impact on the jet morphology at kiloparsec scales
Authors: Antas A S R , Caproni A , Machado R E G , Laganá T F , Souza G S
Published: August 2024

In the central region of the galaxy cluster, Abell 2199 (A 2199) resides the cD galaxy NGC 6166, which spatially coincides with the 3C 338 radio source. Lobes, jets, and a more detached southern structure (similar to a jet labelled as ridge) are seen at kiloparsec-scale images of 3C 338. This unusual radio morphology has led to the proposition of different hypotheses about its physical origin in the literature. In this work, we study the feasibility of a dynamical scenario where NGC 6166 moves around the X-ray inferred centre of A 2199 from the point of view of three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations. The physical characteristics of the intracluster medium in which the jet propagates are constrained to those derived from X-ray observations in the vicinity of NGC 6166. Possible orbits for the jet inlet region are derived from the estimated radial velocity of NGC 6166, while the jet parameters are constrained by parsec-scale interferometric radio observations and the estimated jet power of 3C 338 obtained from radio and X-ray data. Our results show that the hypothesis of NGC 6166 has been moving around the centre of A 2199 during the last tens of million of years is compatible with the general radio morphology of 3C 338. Furthermore, the proposed dynamic scenario for the motion of NGC 6166 may be linked to gravitational perturbations induced by the passage of a sub-cluster of galaxies hundreds of millions of years ago.
Löfgren syndrome, characteristics of Japanese cases: A case and a review of the literature
Authors: Taguchi Hirokazu , Sumitomo Shuji , Oka Hideki , Hara Shigeo , Ohmura Koichiro
Published: August 2024

Löfgren syndrome (LS) is a sarcoidosis subtype characterised by an acute disease course, bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (BHL), erythema nodosum (EN), and ankle arthritis. LS in Caucasians appears to be self-limiting; however, our patients require glucocorticoid (GC) treatment. Here, we present a case of LS and review the literature to identify the characteristics of Japanese patients with LS. A 66-year-old woman was referred to Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital; she initially presented with an acute onset of low-grade fever and ankle arthritis, followed by EN. Skin biopsy revealed a noncaseating granuloma, and a chest computed tomography scan displayed BHL; she was diagnosed with LS. Her arthralgia ameliorated spontaneously, but the erythema persisted, necessitating GC treatment. A literature review revealed that the Japanese LS patients showed more fever, were more frequently treated with GCs, and more patients seemed to relapse, which may be explained by the absence of human leucocyte antigen–DR isotype 3, a good prognostic allele in Caucasians. Japanese LS may cause severe symptoms after development because of the differences in human leucocyte antigens from foreign countries. For early diagnosis, it is important to evaluate EN and BHL in patients with polyarthritis involving ankle arthralgia.
A case of Buerger’s disease with vasculopathy and skin fibrosis requiring differential diagnosis from systemic sclerosis
Authors: Funada Masashi , Nakayamada Shingo , Fukuyo Shunsuke , Kubo Satoshi , Nawata Aya , Fujita Yuya , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: August 2024

Buerger’s disease is characterised by peripheral ischaemia due to occlusion of small- and medium-sized arteries in the extremities. This report describes a case of Buerger’s disease in a 51-year-old male who presented with findings resembling systemic sclerosis (SSc). The patient exhibited Raynaud’s phenomenon in year 2015, which developed to skin hardening, nail avulsion, and ulceration of the right fingers in year 2018. Diagnostic testing showed positive microvasculopathy on nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) and positive fibrosis on skin biopsy. Although the patient fulfilled the 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria for SSc, several findings in this case were atypical for SSc, including left-right asymmetry in finger involvement, nail loss, and negative autoantibody tests. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed poor perfusion of the right ulnar artery, and a heavy smoking history was established in the patient case. Therefore, based on Shionoya’s criteria, he was diagnosed with a case of Buerger’s disease confined to the upper extremity. Smoking cessation and vasodilator therapy resulted in the prompt resolution of ischaemic symptoms, skin hardening, and ulcerations. Furthermore, NVC abnormalities improved, and ulnar artery occlusion showed reperfusion on repeat testing. The present case suggests that hypoxaemia-driven microvasculopathy may contribute to vascular occlusion and skin fibrosis observed in this atypical presentation.
Paediatric SAPHO syndrome with pleural effusion: Case report of a unique finding in a rare disease
Authors: Kruger Christopher , Wang Christine , Grim Andrew
Published: August 2024

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a rare autoinflammatory disease characterised by bone inflammation and skin manifestations including acne, palmoplantar pustulosis, psoriasis, or hidradenitis suppurativa. SAPHO syndrome is considered on the same spectrum as chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis/chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis, the former often being the nomenclature in adults and the latter in children. The diagnosis is made on patterns of clinical manifestations and is a diagnosis of exclusion. While skin and bone manifestations are commonly described with SAPHO syndrome, pleural involvement is rare, and few cases have been described in the literature, especially in paediatric patients. Herein we present a 14-year-old female with a past medical history of hidradenitis supprtiva, eczema, psoriasis, and a prior episode of culture-negative osteomyelitis who presented to the emergency room with chief complaints of right-sided pain with inspiration and back pain. Exam revealed palmoplantar pustulosis, hidradenitis supprativa, psoriasis, and tenderness of vertebrae. Imaging showed a right-sided pleural effusion and multiple sites of osteitis. Laboratory evaluation revealed elevated inflammatory markers, an exudative pleural effusion with neutrophilic predominance, and no evidence of malignancy, infection, or immunodeficiency. The patient was diagnosed with SAPHO syndrome and treated with naproxen, methotrexate, and golimumab with significant improvement including resolution of the pleural effusion. Paediatric SAPHO syndrome is a rare disease that classically causes osteitis and skin manifestations. This case highlights that pleural effusion can be a rare manifestation of paediatric SAPHO syndrome. Patients with suspected SAPHO syndrome with respiratory symptoms should be evaluated for pleural effusion.
TRF2–RAP1 represses RAD51-dependent homology-directed telomere repair by promoting BLM-mediated D-loop unwinding and inhibiting BLM–DNA2-dependent 5′-end resection
Authors: Liang Fengshan , Rai Rekha , Sodeinde Tori , Chang Sandy
Published: August 2024

Inappropriate homology-directed repair (HDR) of telomeres results in catastrophic telomere loss and aberrant chromosome fusions, leading to genome instability. We have previously shown that the TRF2–RAP1 heterodimer protects telomeres from engaging in aberrant telomere HDR. Cells lacking the basic domain of TRF2 and functional RAP1 display HDR-mediated telomere clustering, resulting in the formation of ultrabright telomeres (UTs) and massive chromosome fusions. Using purified proteins, we uncover three distinct molecular pathways that the TRF2–RAP1 heterodimer utilizes to protect telomeres from engaging in aberrant HDR. We show mechanistically that TRF2–RAP1 inhibits RAD51-initiated telomeric D-loop formation. Both the TRF2 basic domain and RAP1-binding to TRF2 are required to block RAD51-mediated homology search. TRF2 recruits the BLM helicase to telomeres through its TRFH domain to promote BLM-mediated unwinding of telomere D-loops. In addition, TRF2–RAP1 inhibits BLM–DNA2-mediated 5′ telomere end resection, preventing the generation of 3′ single-stranded telomere overhangs necessary for RAD51-dependent HDR. Importantly, cells expressing BLM mutants unable to interact with TRF2 accumulate telomere D-loops and UTs. Our findings uncover distinct molecular mechanisms coordinated by TRF2–RAP1 to protect telomeres from engaging in aberrant HDR.
Bladder cancer with bone marrow metastases and thrombotic microangiopathy: a case report
Authors: Yousf Khder , Daoud Nagham , Habib Ali , Salloum Rabab , Hussein Firas
Published: August 2024

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers of the urinary tract and the 10th most common cancer worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with a higher incidence in men than in women. Bladder cancer rarely presents with a clinical picture of bone marrow infiltration which may result in thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). TMA is a syndrome triggered by a wide variety of conditions, some of which are associated with cancer. It is a rare condition in patients with solid tumors, the incidence of which is increasing as awareness of this complication improves. Tumor-induced TMA may exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Here we review the case of a 57-year-old male suffering from transitional bladder cancer with bone marrow infiltration that led to TMA Syndrome. We were able to diagnose the cause and treat the patient in a manner that achieved complete remission of symptoms.
Transcription factor NAC78 cooperates with NAC78 interacting protein 6 to confer drought tolerance in rice
Authors: Yu Xiangzhen , Xie Yunjie , Wang Lanning , Li Lele , Jiang Shengfei , Zhu Yongsheng , Xie Hongguang , Cui Lili , Wei Yidong , Xiao Yanjia , Cai Qiuhua , Zheng Yanmei , Chen Liping , Xie Huaan , Zhang Jianfu
Published: August 2024

NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) family transcription factors are involved in several cellular processes, including responses to drought, salinity, cold, and submergence. However, whether or how certain NAC proteins regulate drought tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa) remain unclear. In this study, we show that overexpression of OsNAC78 enhanced rice resistance to drought treatment, whereas Osnac78 mutant plants were susceptible to drought stress. We further characterized the OsNAC78 interacting protein, named NAC78 interacting protein 6 (OsNACIP6), and found that it conferred rice drought tolerance. Our results demonstrate that OsNACIP6 enhanced the transcription of OsNAC78 and promoted the expression of its downstream target OsGSTU37, encoding a glutathione reductase. The ABRE4 cis-element in the promoter region of OsNACIP675–1–127 conferred significant upregulation of OsNACIP6 expression and initiated the OsNACIP6/OsNAC78–OsGSTU37 module that facilitates rice growth under drought conditions. Together, our results uncover a transcriptional module composed of OsNACIP6, OsNAC78, and OsGSTU37 and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the drought stress response in rice.
Phishing vulnerability compounded by older age, apolipoprotein E e4 genotype, and lower cognition
Authors: Pehlivanoglu Didem , Shoenfelt Alayna , Hakim Ziad , Heemskerk Amber , Zhen Jialong , Mosqueda Mario , Wilson Robert C , Huentelman Matthew , Grilli Matthew D , Turner Gary , Spreng R Nathan , Ebner Natalie C
Published: August 2024

With technological advancements, financial exploitation tactics have expanded into the online realm. Older adults may be particularly susceptible to online scams due to age- and Alzheimer's disease-related changes in cognition. In this study, 182 adults ranging from 18 to 90 years underwent cognitive assessment, genotyping for apolipoprotein E e4 (APOE4), and completed the lab-based Short Phishing Email Suspicion Test (S-PEST) as well as the real-life PHishing Internet Task (PHIT). Across both paradigms, older age predicted heightened susceptibility to phishing, with this enhanced susceptibility pronounced among older APOE4 allele carriers with lower working memory. Additionally, performance in both phishing tasks was correlated in that reduced ability to discriminate between phishing and safe emails in S-PEST predicted greater phishing susceptibility in PHIT. The current study identifies older age, APOE4, and lower cognition as risk factors for phishing vulnerability and introduces S-PEST as an easy-to-administer, ecologically valid tool for assessing phishing susceptibility.
The dynamics of the midgut microbiome in Aedes aegypti during digestion reveal putative symbionts
Authors: Salgado João Felipe M , Premkrishnan Balakrishnan N V , Oliveira Elaine L , Vettath Vineeth Kodengil , Goh Feng Guang , Hou Xinjun , Drautz-Moses Daniela I , Cai Yu , Schuster Stephan C , Junqueira Ana Carolina M
Published: August 2024

Blood-feeding is crucial for the reproductive cycle of the mosquito Aedes aegypti, as well as for the transmission of arboviruses to hosts. It is postulated that blood meals may influence the mosquito microbiome but shifts in microbial diversity and function during digestion remain elusive. We used whole-genome shotgun metagenomics to monitor the midgut microbiome in 60 individual females of A. aegypti throughout digestion, after 12, 24, and 48 h following blood or sugar meals. Additionally, ten individual larvae were sequenced, showing microbiomes dominated by Microbacterium sp. The high metagenomic coverage allowed for microbial assignments at the species taxonomic level, also providing functional profiling. Females in the post-digestive period and larvae displayed low microbiome diversities. A striking proliferation of Enterobacterales was observed during digestion in blood-fed mosquitoes. The compositional shift was concomitant with enrichment in genes associated with carbohydrate and protein metabolism, as well as virulence factors for antimicrobial resistance and scavenging. The bacterium Elizabethkingia anophelis (Flavobacteriales), a known human pathogen, was the dominant species at the end of blood digestion. Phylogenomics suggests that its association with hematophagous mosquitoes occurred several times. We consider evidence of mutually beneficial host-microbe interactions raised from this association, potentially pivotal for the mosquito's resistance to arbovirus infection. After digestion, the observed shifts in blood-fed females’ midguts shifted to a sugar-fed-like microbial profile. This study provides insights into how the microbiome of A. aegypti is modulated to fulfil digestive roles following blood meals, emphasizing proliferation of potential symbionts in response to the dynamic midgut environment.
Systematic Effects on Lensing Reconstruction from a Patchwork of CMB Polarization Maps
Authors: Nagata Ryo , Namikawa Toshiya
Published: August 2024

We investigate the tolerance for systematic errors in lensing analysis applied to a patchwork map of Cosmic Microwave Background polarization. We focus on the properties of the individual polarization maps that comprise the patchwork and discuss the associated calibration residuals that are coherent on those subpatches. We numerically simulate the polarization field modulated as a whole patchwork and apply a suite of lensing analyses to reveal the response of the reconstructed gravitational lensing potential and delensing efficiency. At systematic error levels expected in the near future, we find that it is possible to reconstruct the lensing potential accurately on scales larger than the subpatch size and that there is no severe degradation of the lensing B-mode removal efficiency in the subsequent delensing analysis.
The development of pGALSplus: evaluating feasibility and acceptability of an assessment to facilitate the identification and triage of children with musculoskeletal presentations
Authors: Mercer Vicky , Smith Nicola , Guglieri Michela , Jones Simon A , Parr Jeremy R , Foster Helen E , Jandial Sharmila
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) need to identify potentially serious musculoskeletal (MSK) presentations in children and refer them to specialists appropriately. Our aim was to develop ‘pGALSplus’ (paediatric gait, arms, legs and spine plus) to support clinical assessment, aid decision-making and assess feasibility and acceptability in exemplar MSK pathologies.

Methods

We used a three-phase mixed methods approach: phase 1, preliminary stakeholder engagement and scoping review to propose pGALSplus; phase 2, iterative development of pGALSplus involving an expert working group; and phase 3, testing the feasibility of pGALSplus in exemplar MSK conditions [JIA, mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), muscular dystrophy (MD), developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and healthy controls (HCs)]. The final pGALSplus was derived from analysis of phase 3 data and feedback from HCPs, families and expert consensus input from an international e-survey (n = 22) and virtual event (n = 13).

Results

Feasibility was tested in 45 children (JIA, n = 10; MPS, n = 6; MD, n = 9; DCD, n = 10; HCs, n = 10). Overall the assessment was achievable in the target age range (2–10 years) and quick to complete [median 12 min (range 8–20)], with high acceptability from families. Expert feedback deemed pGALSplus to be very useful and of particular use to non-specialists in MSK paediatrics. The final pGALSplus comprises 26 clinical observations/skills with a colour-coding approach to aid decision-making and identification of more serious MSK presentations and additional resources to support its use in clinical practice.

Conclusions

pGALSplus is a novel evidence- and consensus-based assessment building on pGALS, with high acceptability and feasibility. As community-based MSK assessment in children becomes more established, we propose that pGALSplus will facilitate and inform decision-making to promote access to specialist care.
Effect of an algae feed additive on reducing enteric methane emissions from cattle
Authors: Colin Reba L , Sperber Jessica L , Buse Kassidy K , Kononoff Paul J , Watson Andrea K , Erickson Galen E
Published: August 2024

Alga 1.0, a product containing bromoform, was fed to cattle to evaluate its effects on methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and diet digestibility. Twelve nonlactating, nonpregnant Jersey cows (490 ± 19 kg body weight) were used in four replicated 3 × 3 Latin squares with three periods, each consisting of 21 d. Cows were blocked by feed intake (averaged intakes over 4 wk prior to trial) and assigned randomly to one of three treatments. Treatments included Alga 1.0 fed at 0, 69, and 103 g/d in a 0.454 kg/d dry matter (DM) top-dress daily in a modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) carrier. Diet consisted of 60% dry-rolled corn, 20% corn silage, 15% modified distillers grains, and 5% supplement (DM basis). Headbox-style indirect calorimeters were utilized to evaluate gas production from individual cows with two nonconsecutive 23-h collections in each period. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with cow within square as experimental unit and as a random effect, and treatment and period as fixed effects. Linear and quadratic contrasts were used to compare treatments. Feeding Alga 1.0 linearly reduced dry matter intake (DMI, P < 0.01) by 10.1% for 69 g/d inclusion and 13.3% for 103 g/d inclusion compared to the control. Nutrient intakes decreased linearly (P < 0.01) due to lower DMI, but nutrient digestibility was not impacted (P ≥ 0.28). Inclusion of Alga 1.0 did not impact gross energy or digestible energy concentration of the diets expressed as Mcal/kg DM (P ≥ 0.22) but did linearly reduce energy intake (Mcal/d; P < 0.01). Feeding Alga 1.0 linearly reduced enteric CH4 emissions measured as g/kg DMI (P < 0.01) by 39 and 64% for 69 g/d and 103 g/d inclusion, respectively. Linear reductions (P < 0.01) of 64% to 65% were also observed in enteric CH4 emissions when expressed per kilogram of DM or organic matter digested. Respired CO2 as g/d linearly decreased (P = 0.03) for cattle fed Alga 1.0 but did not differ when expressed as g/kg of DMI (P ≥ 0.23). Oxygen consumption did not differ between treatments for g/d and g/kg DMI (P ≥ 0.19). In conclusion, feeding Alga 1.0 reduced DMI up to 13.3%, did not impact digestibility, and significantly reduced CH4 emissions up to 63%.
The Unidroit Principles and the Shari’ah Standards: any room for cooperation?
Authors: Berrahlia Badreddine
Published: August 2024

This article presents potential cooperation between the Unidroit Principles of International Commercial Contracts (Unidroit Principles) and the Shari’ah Standards (SSs) issued by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions. It starts from the new trend that considers the contribution of soft law to resolving disputes in international commercial contracts: the 2015 Hague Principles, the 2019 Guide, and the 2023 African Principles. The article evaluates the SS-making process by using the input-process-output model and proposes a legal basis and scenarios for cooperation between the Unidroit Principles and the SSs in international commercial dispute resolutions. It then explores some divergences that limit the scope of this cooperation. The article recommends the publication of SSs concerned with invalidity and the three defects of consent: mistake, fraud, and threat. It also emphasizes the need to set up model clauses for Islamic finance cross-border contracts, including cooperation with the Unidroit Principles and publishing online case law.
Comparison Between Resident and Attending Surgeons as Assistants on Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery
Authors: Barile Francesca , Ruffilli Alberto , Cerasoli Tosca , Manzetti Marco , Viroli Giovanni , Traversari Matteo , Mazzotti Antonio , Faldini Cesare
Published: August 2024

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to determine if the level of training of the first assistant (resident or attending surgeon) has an influence on the radiographic outcome of AIS surgery and on the accuracy rate of the pedicle screws placement.

Summary of Background Data:

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery is a challenging procedure that requires a dedicated team of skilled professionals. Therefore, understanding the learning curve is of outstanding importance to guarantee the best outcomes and the highest safety to the patients.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgery for AIS with a minimum follow-up of 2 years was conducted. All patients were operated by an experienced spine surgeon, assisted by and attending surgeon (group A) or a senior resident (group B). Radiographic outcomes were assessed. Through postoperative CT scan, accuracy of pedicle screw placement was measured (using Gertzbein-Robbins classification). Groups were then statistically compared.

Results:

A total of 120 patients were included (mean age 15.3±3.39 y, major curve Cobb 60.7±11.9 degrees). No difference was found between groups in terms of preoperative characteristics and postoperative radiographic (correction rate, thoracic kyphosis, screw density) outcomes or complications. Operative time and estimated blood loss were significantly higher in Group B (P=0.045 and P=0.024, respectively). Of the 2746 pedicle screws inserted (1319 group A and 1427 group B), 2452 had a perfect intrapedicular trajectory (absolute accuracy of 89.29%) and 2697 had a breach <2 mm (relative accuracy of 97.56%). No difference was found among groups in terms of absolute or relative accuracy (P=0.06 and P=0.23, respectively).

Conclusions:

AIS cases assisted by senior residents have longer operative time and higher blood loss, but this does not negatively affect the overall radiographic outcome and does not place the patient at increased risk of complications.

Level of Evidence:

III.
Exploring the impact of early exposure and mentorship on the neurosurgery career aspirations of medical students in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Kuol Piel Panther , Mabwi Whitney Nicanor , Muili Abdulbasit Opeyemi , Agamy Ahmed Amaar , Jobran Afnan W.M. , Mustapha Mubarak Jolayemi , Phiri Emmanuel Chileshe , Edward Majani , Kiprop Alvin , Hillary Kemboi , Echengi Emmanuel Muchai , Waweru Jeremy , Adhiambo Annette
Published: August 2024

Early exposure to neurosurgery has been shown to have a positive influence on students’ perceptions and attitudes towards the field of neurosurgery. This review delves into the problems faced by the neurosurgery workforce in LMICs, highlighting the necessity for local and international collaborative strategies and plans to enhance the medical education curriculum, training, and retention of neurosurgeons in their home countries. Mentorship also emerges as a crucial factor in neurosurgical career progress, narrowing the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practical skills, and providing guidelines in career pathways. Despite numerous benefits of early exposure and mentorship, limitations such as limited resources, inadequate elective opportunities, and negative cultural influences, hinder students’ interest in neurosurgery. However, initiatives such as global outreach programs and collaborations between HICs and LMICs aim to address these challenges and improve access to mentorship and training opportunities and programs. This review recommends the integration of mentorship into career development strategies, establishing well-structured mentorship programs, and strengthening neurosurgery exposure in medical education. By implementing these recommendations, the next generation of neurosurgeons can be better equipped to address the complex challenges in LMICs, ultimately, enhancing easy access to neurosurgical care and strengthening healthcare systems.