bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual and reproductive health of incarcerated women in French Guiana: a qualitative approach
Authors: Deboscker Flore , Nacher Mathieu , Adenis Antoine , Huber Florence , Lucarelli Aude , Asensio Laura , Daniel Marie , Schiemsky Vanessa , Bonifay Timothee
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Incarcerated women are a vulnerable population in terms of sexual and reproductive health. In French Guiana, most incarcerated women come from unsafe environments and are incarcerated because of drug trafficking. Medical follow-up processes used in prison (medical assessment on arrival, and then two half-days per week upon request but without an obstetrician-gynecologist) does not allow for a thorough assessment of the impact of incarceration on women prisoners’ health to take place. In the absence of data, the purpose of this study was to describe incarcerated women’s experiences in relation to sexual and reproductive health.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted among French-speaking adult women who had been incarcerated for at least four months in a French Guianan prison. Menstruation, contraception, pregnancy, abortion, sexually transmitted infections and sexuality were described by means of interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Findings

A total of 14 women were interviewed. They suffered from menstrual cycle disorders, poor hygiene and menstrual insecurity. They appeared to have emotionally disinvested sexuality. However, intra-prison sexual activity existed for some (masturbation, conjugal prison visits, homosexual intercourse between fellow prisoners). Homosexual relations were a source of discrimination. Being pregnant while incarcerated was viewed negatively. A lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health and high-risk behaviors such as piercing and tattooing practices were widespread.

Originality/value

Incarceration is a vulnerable time for women’s sexual and reproductive health. Sexual activity exposes women to risks and discrimination that should be taken into account in a multidisciplinary approach adapted to the prison environment.
Work–life balance: a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Rashmi Kumari , Kataria Aakanksha
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a clear view of current dynamics and research diversification of extant literature in the field of work-life balance (WLB). This paper provides a systematic and critical analysis of WLB literature using bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Scopus database has been used for carrying out this review that is based on 945 research papers published from 1998 to 2020. The prominence of the research is assessed by studying the publication trend, sample statistics, theoretical foundation, the highly cited research articles and journals, most commonly used keywords, research themes of top four recognized clusters, sub-themes within each cluster and thematic overview of WLB corpus formed on the premise of bibliographic coupling. Additionally, content analysis of recently published papers revealed emerging research patterns and potential gaps.

Findings

Major findings indicate that the research area consists of four established and emerging research themes based on clusters formed as (1) flexible work arrangements, (2) gender differences in WLB, (3) work–life interface and its related concepts, and (4) WLB policies and practices. Emerging themes identified through content analysis of recent articles include gender discrepancy, the impact of different forms of contextual (situational) factors and organizational culture.

Originality/value

This research paper is the first of its kind on the subject of WLB as it provides multifariousness of study fields within the WLB corpus by using varied bibliographic mapping approaches. It also suggests viable avenues for future research.
Research visualization of Indian LIS research using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Chakravarty Rupak
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to visualize the trend topics in the research area of library and information science (LIS) in India during 1989–2021.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was extracted from the Web of Science core collection database (WoSCC) database from 1989 to 2021. For creating the network visualization maps from the data, freely available softwares, VOSviewer (VV) and Biblioshiny (a Web-interface for bibliometrix), were used.

Findings

Results support the prediction that in the future, Indian LIS research will focus on areas such as deep learning, machine learning, artificial intelligence and block chain technology. Among the most prolific authors Satija, M.P (Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar) and Prathap, G (APJ Abdul Kalam Technology University) secured top positions in LIS research. Scientometric ranked the top journal or the core journal after applying Bradford law.

Originality/value

The visualization of trend topics in LIS research from 1989 to 2021, 32 years of time span, is the first of its kind.
A hierarchical definitional framework for a heterogeneous context: housing typologies in Tirana, Albania
Authors: Manahasa Edmond , Özsoy Ahsen , Manahasa Odeta
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The proposed definitional framework can be used to define housing typologies of cities in developing countries. It aims to define housing typologies in the capital city of Albania, Tirana, using the proposed hierarchical framework within the dynamics of four political periods: Ottoman, establishment, socialist and postsocialist.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a new definitional approach for the housing typologies through a hierarchical framework that defines the typologies based on their political period and legality statuses departing from the case of Tirana, which is featured by a heterogeneous context. Such context is characterized by uncontrollable urban development, making typology definition problematic. Furthermore, beyond the form, spatial and functional features, it presents their exterior distinctiveness as an innovative element. The methodology used in the study includes archival research, image documentation, spatial, functional and exterior distinctiveness analysis of housing typologies and exploration of housing form features in different political periods.

Findings

The study identifies urban formal housing typologies in Tirana detached houses, apartments, mass housing, social housing, gated communities, informal detached houses and housing with in/formal additions.

Originality/value

This definitional approach can be used to define housing typologies for cities featured by heterogeneous urban context.
Spatiotemporal interactions of a novel mesocarnivore community in an urban environment before and during SARS‐CoV‐2 lockdown
Authors: Louvrier Julie L. P. , Planillo Aimara , Stillfried Milena , Hagen Robert , Börner Konstantin , Kimmig Sophia , Ortmann Sylvia , Schumann Anke , Brandt Miriam , Kramer‐Schadt Stephanie
Published: November 2021

Studying species interactions and niche segregation under human pressure provides important insights into species adaptation, community functioning and ecosystem stability. Due to their high plasticity in behaviour and diet, urban mesocarnivores are ideal species for studying community assembly in novel communities.

We analysed the spatial and temporal species interactions of an urban mesocarnivore community composed of the red fox Vulpes vulpes and the marten Martes sp. as native species, the raccoon Procyon lotor as invasive species, and the cat Felis catus as a domestic species in combination with human disturbance modulated by the SARS‐CoV‐2 lockdown effect that happened while the study was conducted.

We analysed camera trap data and applied a joint species distribution model to understand not only the environmental variables influencing the detection of mesocarnivores and their use intensity of environmental features but also the species’ co‐occurrences while accounting for environmental variables. We then assessed whether they displayed temporal niche partitioning based on activity analyses, and finally analysed at a smaller temporal scale the time of delay after the detection of another focal species.

We found that species were more often detected and displayed a higher use intensity in gardens during the SARS‐CoV‐2 lockdown period, while showing a shorter temporal delay during the same period, meaning a high human‐induced spatiotemporal overlap. All three wild species spatially co‐occurred within the urban area, with a positive response of raccoons to cats in detection and use intensity, whereas foxes showed a negative trend towards cats. When assessing the temporal partitioning, we found that all wild species showed overlapping nocturnal activities. All species displayed temporal segregation based on temporal delay. According to the temporal delay analyses, cats were the species avoided the most by all wild species. To conclude, we found that although the wild species were positively associated in space, the avoidance occurred at a smaller temporal scale, and human pressure in addition led to high spatiotemporal overlap.

Our study sheds light to the complex patterns underlying the interactions in a mesocarnivore community both spatially and temporally, and the exacerbated effect of human pressure on community dynamics.
Variants of psychopathic personality in Korean and UK incarcerated offenders: Using latent profile analysis and discriminant analysis
Authors: Reale Kylie S. , Lee Joohyung , Sea Jonghan
Published: November 2021

Since the popularization of the Psychopathy Checklist‐Revised (PCL‐R), research on the construct of psychopathy has drastically increased. However, there has been little research examining the extent to which psychopathy varies across different cultures. This study is the first to use latent profile analysis to examine cultural variations in psychopathic traits between large samples of male inmates in Korean (n = 1102) and UK (n = 1316) prisons. Supplementary discriminate analysis was also used to validate the classification profiles and determine which items of the PCL‐R were most important in defining the differences or similarities between each of the classes in the two large samples. Based on the analysis, two variants of primary psychopathy could be distinguished in the Korean sample but not in the UK sample. Conversely, only secondary psychopathy was identified in the UK sample. This result was also confirmed by supplementary analysis, which verified classification accuracy and also provided structure matrixes listing the correlations between each PCL‐R item and the two discriminant functions. Our results point to the possibility of cultural differences in the structure of psychopathy and provide practical implications for clinical assessment and diagnosis.
Spatiotemporal expression patterns of thymosin and its immune regulation after bacterial stimulation in American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
Authors: Yang Zhen , Xie Jiqin , Yang Yu , Sun Xiaohong , Jing Jie , Shen Yongmei , Yue Bisong , Zhang Xiuyue
Published: November 2021

Thymosin is a physiologically active polypeptide hormone which has many functions involved in promoting wound healing, promoting hair growth, and accelerating tissue and organ regeneration. American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) has three subtypes thymosin (THY1, THY2, THY3) which are different splices from the same thymosin gene. Real‐time PCR was used to detect and analyze the expression differences of THY1 and THY2 in different stages, sexes, tissues and after stimulation by bacteria. Thymosins were expressed in adult, eclosion, and ootheca, and their expression levels were significantly up‐regulated during the eclosion period, showing the thymosin might be involved in the eclosion process. The expression levels of thymosins in females were higher than males, and the differences in eclosion stages were more significant (P < 0.01), indicating that they were closely related to development and female reproduction. The expressions of THY1 and THY2 in hemolymph were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that in other tissues. The up‐regulated expression of thymosin in two immune‐related tissues (Hemolymph and adipose) after Escherichia coli stimulation further confirmed its involvement in the immune response. Our research would provide a basis for screening of novel pesticides target genes.
Similar outgroups: Threatening or likable?
Authors: Lee I‐Ching , Gries Peter , Su Jenny
Published: November 2021

Do we like or dislike members of outgroups who seem similar to our ingroup? The psychological literature has offered two opposing answers. Research on distinctiveness threat suggests that we are more likely to perceive members of similar outgroups as threatening: outgroup members sharing high similarity with the ingroup may blur group boundaries, endangering clear ingroup identity and positive self‐regard. The literature on similarity attraction, however, suggests that outgroup members resembling the ingroup should be likable. Taking advantage of common Han ethnicity and Chinese culture, two studies (N1 = 247, N2 = 318) in Taiwan manipulated the degree of similarity between ingroup (Taiwanese) and outgroup (people from the People’s Republic of China), exploring its effects on intergroup attitudes. Study 2 further investigated other potential moderators (Taiwanese identification and source of similarity information). Although Taiwan presents a difficult case for similarity attraction, it was supported across both studies: similar others were more likable. In particular, the similarity attraction evidence was stronger among those with a more pro‐independence political party preference, especially for those low on Taiwanese identification. Implications for distinctiveness threat, similarity attraction, and intergroup relations are further discussed.
Atrioventricular accessory pathway unmasked by heart valve replacement
Authors: Long Yanli , Li Yi , Lu Zhibing
Published: November 2021

A 50‐year‐old male patient with a history of severe valvular regurgitation underwent mitral and aortic valve replacement surgery 3 months ago. Preoperative 12‐lead electrocardiogram presented atrial flutter (AFL) and atrial fibrillation. AFL complicated with ventricular pre‐excitation was observed on current admission. The potential mechanisms underlying these changes were considered multifaceted, and valve replacement procedure may be a rare incentive factor.
Do negative investor attitudes drive corporate social responsibility? Evidence from China
Authors: Tong Lijing , Wen Wen , Xie Lu , Wu Bin
Published: November 2021

This study explores the association between negative investor attitudes and corporate social responsibility. We conjecture that negative investor attitudes may drive firms to engage more actively in corporate social responsibility to improve shareholder perceptions. Consistent with this expectation, we find that firms facing negative investor attitudes exhibit better CSR performance, and this association is more pronounced in firms that receive more attention from investors and attach more importance to investor relationships. Overall, this study highlights the influence of investor attitudes on corporate social responsibility and contributes to the literature on the determinants of corporate social responsibility.
Reinduction therapy with everolimus in combination with dexamethasone, high‐dose cytarabin and cisplatinum in patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma: an experimental phase I/II multicentre trial of the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG HD‐R3i)
Authors: Gillessen Sarah , Hüttmann Andreas , Vucinic Vladan , Müller Horst , Plütschow Annette , Viardot Andreas , Topp Max S. , Kobe Carsten , Böll Boris , Eichenauer Dennis A. , Sasse Stephanie , Haverkamp Heinz , Schmitz Christine , Borchmann Sven , Bröckelmann Paul J. , Heger Jan‐Michel , Fuchs Michael , Engert Andreas , Borchmann Peter , von Tresckow Bastian
Published: November 2021

Reinduction chemotherapy followed by high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (HDCT + ASCT) is second‐line standard of care for transplant‐eligible patients with relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (r/r cHL) but has a high failure rate. Because response to reinduction is predictive of the outcome after HDCT + ASCT, we aimed to improve the standard dexamethasone, high‐dose cytarabine and cisplatinum (DHAP) reinduction regimen by addition of the oral mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus (everDHAP). Transplant‐eligible patients aged 18–60 years with histologically confirmed r/r cHL were included in this experimental phase I/II trial. Everolimus (10 mg/day, determined in phase‐I‐part) was administered on day 0–13 of each DHAP cycle. From July 2014 to March 2018, 50 patients were recruited to the phase II everDHAP group; two were not evaluable, three discontinued due to toxicity. Randomization to a placebo group stopped in October 2015 due to poor recruitment after nine patients. The primary end‐point of computed tomography (CT)‐based complete remission (CR) after two cycles of everDHAP was expected to be ≥40%. With a CT‐based CR rate of 27% (n = 12/45) after two cycles of everDHAP the trial did not meet the primary end‐point. Adding everolimus to DHAP is thus feasible; however, the everDHAP regimen failed to show an improved efficacy.
An update on the US adult thalassaemia population: a report from the CDC thalassaemia treatment centres
Authors: Chapin John , Cohen Alan R. , Neufeld Ellis J. , Vichinsky Elliott , Giardina Patricia J. , Boudreaux Jeanne , Le Binh C. , Kenney Kristy , Trimble Sean , Thompson Alexis A.
Published: November 2021

Thalassaemia is caused by genetic globin defects leading to anaemia, transfusion‐dependence and comorbidities. Reduced survival and systemic organ disease affect transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia major and thalassaemia intermedia. Recent improvements in clinical management have reduced thalassaemia mortality. The therapeutic landscape of thalassaemia may soon include gene therapies as functional cures. An analysis of the adult US thalassaemia population has not been performed since the Thalassemia Clinical Research Network cohort study from 2000 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supported US thalassaemia treatment centres (TTCs) to compile longitudinal information on individuals with thalassaemia. This dataset provided an opportunity to evaluate iron balance, chelation, comorbidities and demographics of adults with thalassaemia receiving care at TTCs. Two adult cohorts were compared: those over 40 years old (n = 75) and younger adults ages 18–39 (n = 201). The older adult cohort was characterized by higher numbers of iron‐related comorbidities and transfusion‐related complications. By contrast, younger adults had excess hepatic and cardiac iron and were receiving combination chelation therapy. The ethnic composition of the younger cohort was predominantly of Asian origin, reflecting the demographics of immigration. These findings demonstrate that comprehensive care and periodic surveys are needed to ensure optimal health and access to emerging therapies.
A novel HSF1 activator ameliorates non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis by stimulating mitochondrial adaptive oxidation
Authors: Rao Yong , Li Chan , Hu Yu‐Tao , Xu Yao‐Hao , Song Bing‐Bing , Guo Shi‐Yao , Jiang Zhi , Zhao Dan‐Dan , Chen Shuo‐Bin , Tan Jia‐Heng , Huang Shi‐Liang , Li Qing‐Jiang , Wang Xiao‐Jun , Zhang Ying‐Jun , Ye Ji‐Ming , Huang Zhi‐Shu
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the more severe form of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and no pharmacological treatment as yet been approved. Identification of novel therapeutic targets and their agents is critical to overcome the current inadequacy of drug treatment for NASH.

Experimental Approach

The correlation between heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) levels and the development of NASH and the target genes of HSF1 in hepatocyte were investigated by chromatin‐immunoprecipitation sequencing. The effects and mechanisms of SYSU‐3d in alleviating NASH were examined in relevant cell models and mouse models (the Ob/Ob mice, high‐fat and high‐cholesterol diet and the methionine‐choline deficient diet‐fed mice). The actions of SYSU‐3d in vivo were evaluated.

Key Results

HSF1 is progressively reduced with mitochondrial dysfunction in NASH pathogenesis and activation of this transcription factor by its newly identified activator SYSU‐3d effectively inhibited all manifestations of NASH in mice. When activated, the phosphorylated HSF1 (Ser326) translocated to nucleus and bound to the promoter of PPARγ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) to induce mitochondrial biogenesis. Thus, increasing mitochondrial adaptive oxidation and inhibiting oxidative stress. The deletion of HSF1 and PGC‐1α or recovery of HSF1 in HSF1‐deficiency cells showed the HSF1/PGC‐1α pathway was mainly responsible for the anti‐NASH effects of SYSU‐3d independent of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK).

Conclusion and Implications

Activation of HSF1 is a practical therapeutic approach for NASH treatment via the HSF1/PGC‐1α/mitochondrial pathway and SYSU‐3d can be considered as a potential candidate for the treatment of NASH.
Basin modelling of a complex rift system: The Northern Vøring Volcanic Margin case example
Authors: Gac Sébastien , Abdelmalak Mansour M. , Faleide Jan Inge , Schmid Daniel W. , Zastrozhnov Dmitry
Published: November 2021

Extensional processes can lead to complex crustal configuration depending on the mechanisms of lithospheric thinning and the impact of magmatic additions during rifting and breakup. In this context, we studied the Vøring volcanic passive margin offshore Norway. The evolution of the inner Vøring Margin is well explained by standard models of lithosphere extension. However, these models fail to reproduce key observations at the outer (volcanic) province such as regional uplift at the time of breakup and excess magmatism. Therefore, additional processes are required to explain these observations. Excess magmatism and uplift have been related to mantle processes such as the arrival of the hot Icelandic mantle ‘plume’ or small‐scale convection processes. Melt retention in the asthenosphere has also been proposed to explain uplift. At last, mantle phase transitions during extension may contribute to uplift. We present tectonic and thermal models of basin evolution along a seismic profile crossing the Northern Vøring Margin. The thermal and isostatic history of basins is constrained through time‐forward basin modelling based on an automated inverse basin reconstruction approach. Two scenarios are evaluated: The first one includes pronounced mantle stretching during the last late Cretaceous‐Paleocene rifting event, and the second one includes late Paleocene‐early Eocene mantle thinning, at the breakup time around 56–54 Ma. Models incorporating late Paleocene‐early Eocene mantle thinning and taking into account magmatic processes (melt retention and magmatic underplate) and mantle phase transitions satisfactorily reproduce the specific observations of the outer (volcanic) margin. This result supports the contribution of the hot Iceland plume on the evolution of the Vøring Margin. Our results also indicate that thin‐crust models can produce a partially serpentinized mantle beneath the highly extended parts of the Vøring Basin. However, this model fails to reproduce observations. This suggests that serpentinization can occur locally but could not explain the entire lower crustal body nature.
Psychosocial characteristics of patients evaluated for kidney transplant and associations with functional and frailty metrics at a veterans affairs hospital
Authors: Manay Priyadarshini , Ten Eyck Patrick , Siniff Erin , Binns Grace , Sanders M. Lee , Swee Melissa , Hornickel Jodell L. , Kalil Roberto , Katz Daniel A.
Published: November 2021

Background

The effect of psychosocial problems on listing outcomes and potential interactions with functional metrics is not well‐characterized among Veteran transplant candidates.

Methods

The results from psychosocial evaluations, frailty metrics, and biochemical markers were collected on 375 consecutive Veteran kidney transplant candidates. Psychosocial diagnoses were compared between patients listed or denied for transplant. Functional abilities were compared among patients with or without psychosocial diagnoses and then evaluated based on reason for denial.

Results

Eighty‐four percent of patients had a psychosocial diagnosis. Common issues included substance or alcohol abuse (62%), psychiatric diagnoses (50%), and poor adherence (25%). Patients with psychiatric diagnoses, cognitive impairments, and poor adherence were more likely to be denied for transplant (P < .05). Patients with depression, PTSD, and anxiety did not have worse functional ability, but experienced more exhaustion than patients without these problems. Patients denied for medical but not purely psychosocial reasons had worse troponin and functional metrics compared with listed patients.

Conclusion

Over 80% of patients with a psychosocial diagnosis were listed; however, poor adherence was a particularly important reason for denial for purely psychosocial reasons. Patients with psychosocial diagnoses generally were not more functionally limited than their counterparts without psychosocial diagnoses or those listed for transplant.
HIV prevalence among non‐injecting people who use drugs and related factors in Iran: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gholami Jaleh , Rostam‐Abadi Yasna , Rahimi Yekta , Fotouhi Akbar , Amin‐Esmaeili Masoumeh , Rahimi‐Movaghar Afarin
Published: November 2021

Issues

This systematic review aimed to provide an updated estimate on the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among non‐injecting people who use drugs (PWUD) and the various subgroups and the odds of HIV infection in the injecting compared to non‐injecting PWUD.

Approach

A comprehensive search of international, regional and national databases was performed from January 2005 to May 2020. We conducted backward citation tracking of the included studies and contacted experts for unpublished studies. Studies providing HIV prevalence among non‐injecting PWUD were included. Data were also drawn from a previous systematic review, covering 10 years from 1998 to 2007, and was added to the new database. The HIV prevalence was pooled for non‐injecting PWUD and other subgroups using the random‐effects model.

Key Findings

Seventeen studies with a total sample of 9912 non‐injecting PWUD were found. The prevalence of HIV infection was 1.9% (95% confidence interval 0.9, 3.1) for 2007 and afterward (nine studies). It was not significantly different from the estimate for the years before 2007 (0.5%; 95% confidence interval 0.0, 2.0; eight studies). No significant difference was found among gender subgroups. The overall estimate of odds of HIV infection among injecting PWUD was 5.7 (95% confidence interval 3.2, 10.0) times higher than non‐injecting PWUD.

Implications and Conclusions

The HIV prevalence among the non‐injecting PWUD was higher than the general population in Iran. Targeting non‐injection PWUD by preventive measures such as harm reduction, drug and psychoeducation, and surveillance seem to be crucial in reducing HIV prevalence in this group.
Young children form generalized attitudes based on a single encounter with an outgroup member
Authors: Yu Chengfei , Qian Miao , Amemiya Jamie , Fu Genyue , Lee Kang , Heyman Gail D.
Published: November 2021

The goal of the present research was to assess whether children's first interaction with a single outgroup member can significantly impact their general attitudes toward the outgroup as a whole. In two preregistered studies, 5‐ to 6‐year‐old Chinese children (total N = 147) encountered a Black adult from another country for the very first time, and they played a game together. General attitudes toward the outgroup were assessed using both implicit and explicit measures. In both studies, the interaction resulted in less negative explicit attitudes toward Black people, but more negative implicit attitudes. The results demonstrate for the first time that one encounter with a single outgroup member can impact children's general attitudes toward that group, and that it can have differential effects on implicit and explicit attitudes.
Trust and Law in Credit Markets
Authors: Asano Koji
Published: November 2021

This study examines the coevolution of trust and legal institutions in a model of competitive credit markets plagued by asymmetric information. When entrepreneurs’ relative payoff to productive activities versus cheating is private information, dishonest ones, who intend to cheat, can enter credit markets and be cross‐subsidized by honest ones, who engage in productive activities. To exploit this benefit, dishonest entrepreneurs demand weak legal enforcement through the political process. This rent‐seeking behaviour interacts with the formation of trust, generating an underdevelopment trap with weak enforcement and distrust. Technological advancement may encourage entrepreneurs’ rent‐seeking and aggravate distrust.
Evaluating methods for estimating shark natural mortality rate and management reference points using life‐history parameters
Authors: Zhou Shijie , Deng Roy A. , Dunn Matthew R. , Hoyle Simon D. , Lei Yeming , Williams Ashley J.
Published: November 2021

Sharks (class Chondrichthyes, subclass Elasmobranchii) typically have a long lifespan, slow growth rate and low fecundity, leading to low productivity and hence relatively high vulnerability to fishing. Information for managing fisheries catches of elasmobranchs is often lacking, because elasmobranchs are usually non‐target species, often with low abundance. It is more feasible to develop management reference points for elasmobranchs based on their life‐history information than through traditional stock assessments. The natural mortality rate (M) is the leading life‐history parameter (LHP) required by many methods for developing reference points and is itself often derived indirectly from other LHPs. In this paper, we evaluate nineMestimators, using 15 shark stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean as examples. We then compare four methods for developing fishing mortality reference pointsFmsy, including empirical modelling, the Euler‐Lotka equation, anM‐productivity‐based method and the spawning potential rate converted method. Our analyses show that popularMestimators developed mainly from teleost data resulted in large deviations from the average and were not suitable for elasmobranchs. All four methods for estimatingFmsyperformed similarly. However, the empirical method is very simple and cost‐effective and tended to produce smaller deviations from the average than the other three methods. Nonetheless, it is recommended that multiple methods should be used to minimize possible bias and reflect uncertainty, if the required LHPs are available.
ATG2 and VPS13 proteins: molecular highways transporting lipids to drive membrane expansion and organelle communication
Authors: McEwan David G. , Ryan Kevin M.
Published: November 2021

Communication between organelles is an essential process that helps maintain cellular homeostasis and organelle contact sites have recently emerged as crucial mediators of this communication. The emergence of a class of molecular bridges that span the inter‐organelle gaps has now been shown to direct the flow of lipid traffic from one lipid bilayer to another. One of the key components of these molecular bridges is the presence of an N‐terminal Chorein/VPS13 domain. This is an evolutionarily conserved domain present in multiple proteins within the endocytic and autophagy trafficking pathways. Herein, we discuss the current state‐of‐the‐art of this class of proteins, focusing on the role of these lipid transporters in the autophagy and endocytic pathways. We discuss the recent biochemical and structural advances that have highlighted the essential role Chorein‐N domain containing ATG2 proteins play in driving the formation of the autophagosome and how lipids are transported from the endoplasmic reticulum to the growing phagophore. We also consider the VPS13 proteins, their role in organelle contacts and the endocytic pathway and highlight how disease‐causing mutations disrupt these contact sites. Finally, we open the door to discuss other Chorein_N domain containing proteins, for instance, UHRF1BP1/1L, their role in disease and look towards prokaryote examples of Chorein_N‐like domains. Taken together, recent advances have highlighted an exciting opportunity to delve deeper into inter‐organelle communication and understand how lipids are transported between membrane bilayers and how this process is disrupted in multiple diseases.
Profiling insular vertebrates prone to biological invasions: What makes them vulnerable?
Authors: Marino Clara , Leclerc Camille , Bellard Céline
Published: November 2021

Invasive alien species (IAS) are a major threat to insular vertebrates, although the ecological characteristics that make insular communities vulnerable to IAS are poorly understood. After describing the ecological strategies of 6015 insular amphibians, birds, lizards, and mammals, we assessed the functional and ecological features of vertebrates exposed to IAS. We found that at least 50% of insular amphibian functional richness was hosted by IAS‐threatened amphibians and up to 29% for birds. Moreover, all IAS‐threatened groups except birds harbored a higher functional richness than species groups threatened by other threats. Disentangling the ecological strategies threatened by IAS, compared to those associated with other threats, we showed that birds, lizards, and mammals were more likely to be terrestrial foragers and amphibians to have larval development. By contrast, large‐bodied species and habitat specialists were universally threatened. By considering the functional aspect of threatened insular diversity, our work improves our understanding of global IAS impacts. This new dimension proves essential for undertaking relevant and effective conservation actions.
Digital sovereignty–European Union's action plan needs a common understanding to succeed
Authors: Kaloudis Martin
Published: November 2021

In the states of the European Union (EU), the question currently raised is to what extent dependence on technologies from the USA and China will have a lasting impact on state sovereignty. The concept of digital sovereignty represents the EU's efforts to compensate for the deficits of the past decades caused by an inadequate positioning of Europe as a location for software and hardware development. Autocratic states use the path of digital autarky, the USA a path of liberalisation and high degrees of openness. In the EU, on the other hand, regulation, data protection and liberal values developed over centuries play a major role in the less pronounced IT development. The path of European states to more digital sovereignty has been addressed politically as an “action plan”, but there is still no common understanding or definition of what digital sovereignty exactly means, where the EU and thus also an individual European state stands. There is a lack of a target and a measurable index as well as evaluated measures derived from it. The present article articulates the basis, namely the common understanding and the definition of digital sovereignty. It places the concepts of digitalisation and state sovereignty in a historical framework and locates them in the current literature, then analyses digital sovereignty as a composite term and places it in the context of current research. Finally, a definition is proposed that can serve as the basis for further research to identify an index of digital sovereignty. This definition can also become the basis for EU legislation to implement the “action plan”.
Diverse myeloid cells are recruited to the developing and inflamed mammary gland
Authors: Wilson Gillian J. , Fukuoka Ayumi , Vidler Francesca , Graham Gerard J.
Published: November 2021

The immune system plays fundamental roles in the mammary gland, shaping developmental processes and controlling inflammation during infection and cancer.Here, we reveal unanticipated heterogeneity in the myeloid cell compartment duringdevelopment of virgin, pregnant, lactating and involuting mouse mammary glands,and in milk. We investigate the functional consequences of individual and compoundchemokine receptor deficiency on cell recruitment. Diverse myeloid cell recruitmentwas also shown in models of sterile inflammation and bacterial infection.Strikingly, we have shown that inflammation and infection can alter the abundanceof terminal end buds, a key developmental structure, within the pubertal mammarygland. This previously unknown effect of inflammatory burden during puberty couldhave important implications for understanding pubertal development.
Psychosocial interventions for older people with intellectual disabilities and the role of support staff: A systematic review
Authors: Thalen Marloes , Volkers Karin M. , van Oorsouw Wietske M. W. J. , Embregts Petri J. C. M.
Published: November 2021

Background

The life expectancy of people with intellectual disabilities has increased. The implications of ageing have resulted in changes in their support needs and challenges to support staff. Access to evidence based strategies for support staff providing care to elderly with intellectual disabilities remains scarce. A systematic review was conducted to provide an overview of available psychosocial interventions.

Methods

Four databases were searched and assessed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A narrative, integrative method of analysis was conducted to synthesise quantitative and qualitative data.

Results

The 36 studies included in the review reported on interventions aimed at either identifying and meeting the needs or perceptions of older individuals or at improving their behaviour and skills. Furthermore, the role of support staff in the implementation of interventions was either active, assisting or undefined.

Conclusions

This overview of studies could contribute to the existing body of knowledge and help to optimise psychosocial support for a growing population.
Persistent left superior vena cava transvenous lead extraction: A European experience
Authors: Akhtar Zaki , Sohal Manav , Starck Christoph T. , Mazzone Patrizio , Melillo Francesco , Gonzalez Elkin , Al‐Razzo Omar , Richter Sergio , Breitenstein Alexander , Steffel Jan , Rinaldi Christopher A. , Mehta Vishal , Zuberi Zia , Zaidi Amir , Gallagher Mark M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is rising in parallel to cardiac implantable electronic device implantations. Persistent left side superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a relatively common anatomical variant in the healthy population; TLE in patients with a PLSVC is rare.

Method

Data were collated from 6 European TLE institutes of 10 patients who had undergone lead extraction with a PLSVC. Patient demographics, procedural challenges and outcomes were reported.

Results

Ten patients aged 73.4 ± 7.8 years (60% male) underwent TLE of 20 leads (3 left ventricle, 10 right ventricle, 7 right atrium) with dwell time of 82.95 ± 39.1 months. Of the 10 cases, 4 had an infection indication and 5 were biventricular system extractions; 25% of the extracted leads were defibrillator leads. The majority of the procedures were completed in the cardiac catheterization suite (80%) under general anaesthesia (60%) by cardiologists (80%) using a rotational powered sheath (65%). The Tandem approach was used successfully in 3 cases. Complete procedural success was obtained in 100% of cases in the absence of complications within 127.4 ± 74.7 min. There was no 30‐day mortality.

Conclusion

TLE in PLSVC is feasible albeit rare. Standard extraction techniques in experienced hands are associated with favorable outcomes; the Tandem procedure may be an additional technique to improve the safety and efficacy of TLE in PLSVC.
The Sigma‐2 Receptor/TMEM97 Agonist PB28 Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Invasion by Regulating the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR Signalling Pathway in Renal Cancer
Authors: Zhan Bo , Zhang Zhe , Piao Chiyuan , Dong Xiao , Du Yang , Kong Chuize , Jiang Yuanjun
Published: November 2021

Sigma‐2 receptor/TMEM97 is overexpressed in many tumours, and sigma‐2 receptor ligands are under investigation for cancer therapy. We intended to evaluate the effect of PB28 on renal cancer in proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Invasive renal cancer cell lines treated with PB28 (or sigma‐2 receptor antagonist 1) were subjected to cell proliferation, migration and invasion assays. The therapeutic effect of PB28 was performed on nude mice. Western blot for proteins in the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signalling pathway was conducted. A CCK‐8 assay was used to examine the effect of the combination of PB28 and cisplatin on renal cancer cells. Significant inhibitory effects were observed on proliferation, migration and invasion of 786‐O and ACHN cells after culturing with PB28. But, the outcomes of sigma‐2 receptor antagonist 1 presented the opposite tendency. PB28 significantly inhibited the proliferative and invasive ability of OS‐RC‐2 cells in vivo. Treatment resulted in decreased phosphorylation of constituents of the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR pathway. The combination of PB28 and cisplatin showed enhanced efficacy in the inhibition of renal cancer cell proliferation. Taken together, PB28 inhibited the tumorigenic behaviours of renal cancer cells by regulating the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signalling pathway and was expected to be a sensitizer of cisplatin.
Evaluation and detection of early nail damage caused by nail enamel
Authors: Fan Guobiao , Jiang Changing , Wu Peilan , Zou Ying , Tan Yimei
Published: November 2021

Background

Many nail cosmetics have components that are considered irritants or allergens. Due to the current clinical assessment limitations, it is often too late to identify nail enamel hazards until they cause disease. Thus, it is essential to investigate effective methods of detecting minor changes and early lesions in nails before they worsen.

Objectives

To provide a reliable method to investigate and evaluate nail enamel hazards on nails earlier using ultrasonic equipment.

Methods

Eighty‐three volunteers with smooth, lustrous nails were enrolled after being clinically examined. The thumbnails and middle nails were evaluated before and after using nail enamel for 2 weeks. Nail health was then assessed using three methods: clinical evaluation, nail surface image analysis, and an ultrasonic device.

Results

Using clinical diagnostic and imaging methods for analyzing the nail surface showed no visible differences before and after using nail enamel for 2 weeks. However, there was a significant difference in the nails' depth and density (p < 0.001). The depth had increased 10% for thumbnails (about 20 μm), and the density had decreased by 3.0%. As for middle nails, the depth had increased by 9.4% (about 19 μm), and the density had decreased by 3.0%.

Conclusion

The present study provided evidence that nail enamel can significantly irritate hyperplasia and decrease the density of the nails, but detecting that slow process of pathological changes cannot currently be assessed by conventional clinical evaluation and image analysis. Thus, our study provided a practical novel approach for evaluating these visually imperceptible nail changes.
Gamma‐Glutamyl Transferase (γ‐GT) – an old dog with new tricks?
Authors: Brennan Paul N. , Dillon John F. , Tapper Elliot B.
Published: November 2021

Gamma‐Glutamyl Transferase (γGT) is a key transferase involved in the transpeptidation of functional gamma‐glutamyl groups to various receptor moieties. It performs important roles in antioxidant defence mechanisms, particularly glutathione recycling, xenobiotic metabolism, but analogously may also have a pro‐oxidant role.

γGT is very sensitive for the diagnosis of liver injury, although it has poor specificity for particular aetiologies. It has been used to reflect temporal changes as a form of monitoring depending on aetiology.

Given its cellular role in antioxidant function, it has been investigated as a surrogate biomarker of oxidative stress. It has also been found to be a predictor of mortality across a spectra of non‐hepatic disease pathologies, from metabolic and cardiovascular risk to chronic kidney disease and neoplasia. Similarly, it also remains of interest to the insurance industry given an apparent ability to predict mortality, in addition to a historical interest from law enforcement as a marker of chronic alcohol ingestion.

Here, we review some of the unique characteristics of this important enzyme, previously considered as a mere specific marker of liver dysfunction, but now with clear extra‐hepatic implications and novel applications and utility.
Autoimmune myositis—Mechanism and therapy development
Authors: Uruha Akinori
Published: November 2021

Over the recent decades, notable progress has been made in the understanding of the pathomechanism of autoimmune myositis. Dermatomyositis is considered a type I interferonopathy, distinctive from antisynthetase syndrome despite some common clinical features. Immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy is related to complement‐mediated autoimmunity. In inclusion body myositis, myofiber invasion by highly differentiated cytotoxic T cells leads to myofiber damage. Based on the accumulated knowledge, targeted, more mechanism‐focused therapies are being developed.
New Perspectives on Issue Analysis—One‐Sided Preferences as a Strategic Source in Multi‐Issue Negotiations
Authors: Siebert Ernestine C. , Herbst Uta
Published: November 2021

Researchers have shown that structuring issues and organizing an agenda before a negotiation lead to improved negotiation performance. By using issue analysis, negotiators become aware of their own and their opponents’ preferences on negotiation issues and are able to use this knowledge to optimize their degree of success. Following research on asymmetrical preferences in negotiations, we introduce a new approach for issue analysis that considers the identification of one‐sided preferences, specifically a 0‐preference for issues from one party. We conducted an experimental study to test if this type of preference for an issue (chance issue) yields strategic potential for a negotiator. We also examined whether the identification of these chance issues could be particularly relevant for a low‐power party in negotiations with a power imbalance, to overcome the lower scope of action due to the weaker negotiating position. The results indicate initial verification that no preference at all for one issue could lead to higher individual performance and noneconomic outcomes. Joint performance was positively affected by 0‐preference, even in unbalanced power situations.
Unexpected postmortem diagnoses in cases of clinically diagnosed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Riku Yuichi , Yoshida Mari , Tamura Takuya , Kamijo Mikiko , Yasui Keizo , Kameyama Takashi , Katsuno Masahisa , Sobue Gen , Iwasaki Yasushi
Published: November 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease that is clinically and pathologically characterized by impairment of the upper and lower motor neurons. The clinical diagnosis of ALS is not always straightforward because of the lack of specific biomarkers and clinical heterogeneity. This review presents the clinical and pathological findings of four autopsied cases that had been diagnosed with ALS before death. These cases had demonstrated definite and progressive motor neuron signs and symptoms, whereas postmortem assessment revealed miscellaneous disorders, including fungal infection, paraneoplastic syndrome, and amyloidosis. Importantly, nonmotor neuron signs and symptoms, including seizures, extra‐pyramidal signs, ocular movement disorders, sensory disturbance, and dysautonomia, had also been documented during the disease course of the cases in the present study. The ALS‐unlike symptoms were indicative of the “true” diagnosis in each case when those symptoms were isolated from motor neuron signs/symptoms.