bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Butyrylcholinesterase formulated in liposomes
Authors: Schumacher Ilana , Arad Aya , Margalit Rimona
Published: October 2023

Exogenous cholinesterases have the potential to take part in defence against organophosphate toxins, by acting as scavenger systems. Postulating that formulation in liposomes could enhance the toxin‐scavenging potential of these enzymes, we have initiated studies of such formulations and are reporting here our first steps, exploring butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in multilamellar liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine. We started by developing an essential research tool: a multisample, sensitive and rapid enzyme‐activity assay, based on the Ellman reaction, that could be performed directly on liposome‐containing samples. Using an ELISA reader equipped to follow time‐dependant absorbency changes, 10 min sufficed to assay 96 samples simultaneously. Next, several key properties of liposome‐formulated BChE were explored and the major findings were: (i) the encapsulated enzyme was found to retain its activity. (ii) Enzyme activity was found to increase (at constant enzyme concentration) in the presence of the lipid, in a lipid‐concentration‐dependant manner. Through data analysis it was possible to attribute this effect to changes in k cat. (iii) Good, reproducible, encapsulation efficiencies (for macromolecules) in the range of 30% were obtained at liposome concentrations of 100 mM lipid. (iv) Free BChE was completely susceptible to proteolysis under conditions mimicking enzymically‐hostile biological environments, whereas 60% of the liposome‐formulated BChE was protected, found to be inaccessible to the proteolytic enzymes. (v) Short‐term exposures of free and liposome‐encapsulated BChE to the inhibitor paraoxon, generated significant losses in enzyme activity. Residual activities of both BChE formulations dropped considerably over the paraoxon concentration range of 0.02–0.11 μM, down to 3 and 11% for free and liposome‐encapsulated enzyme respectively. These data are a clear indication that the encapsulated BChE was accessible to the inhibitor, indicating that such liposomal formulations have the potential to perform as the desired scavenger systems.
Immobilization of cholesterol oxidase on Formvar using organic solvents
Authors: Kumar Hemant , Kumar Ashok , Kumari Poonam , Jyotirmai S. , Tulsani N. B.
Published: October 2023

The present study describes a new immobilization support for the preparation of enzyme membrane in the presence of organic solvents. The support was composed of Formvar solubilization in organic solvents with enzyme. More than 90% of the enzyme was immobilized on the membrane. The membrane was prepared by mixing 4% Formvar in organic solvents and 1% cholesterol oxidase was immobilized by entrapment technique. Practically no leaching of the entrapped enzyme was observed. The resultant immobilized enzyme membrane was stored at 4 °C for 10 days without losing its activity. The pH and temperature stabilities were greater than those of the native enzyme. The immobilized enzyme membrane has a long life due to its hydrophobic nature, as compared with other membranes.
Towards molecular farming in the future: moving from diagnostic protein and antibody production in microbes to plants
Authors: Fischer Rainer , Drossard Jürgen , Commandeur Ulrich , Schillberg Stefan , Emans Neil
Published: October 2023

Molecular farming of pharmaceuticals in plants has the potential to provide almost unlimited amounts of recombinant proteins for use in disease diagnosis and therapy. Transgenic plants are attracting interest as bioreactors for the inexpensive production of large amounts of safe, functional, recombinant macromolecules, such as blood substitutes, vaccines and antibodies. In some cases, the function of expressed recombinant proteins can be rapidly analysed by expression in microbes or by transient expression in intact or virally infected plants. Protein production can be increased by upscaling production in fermenters, using yeast‐ or plant‐suspension cells or by using transient‐expression systems. Stable transgenic plants can be used to produce leaves or seeds rich in the recombinant protein for long‐term storage or direct processing. This demonstrates the promise for using plants as bioreactors for the molecular farming of recombinant therapeutics, diagnostics, blood substitutes and antibodies. We anticipate that this technology has the potential to greatly benefit human health by making safe recombinant pharmaceuticals widely available.
Design and synthesis of a morphine‐6‐succinyl‐bovine serum albumin hapten for vaccine development
Authors: Akbarzadeh Azim , Mehraby Muhammad , Zarbakhsh Mahnaz , Farzaneh Hasan
Published: October 2023

A morphine‐6‐succinyl‐BSA (M‐6‐S‐BSA) hapten was designed in an effort to obtain a potent, long‐lasting anti‐morphine immune response for the treatment of morphine abuse. The analogue incorporated a succinic anhydride linker moiety in place of hydroxy group at C‐6 of the morphine framework. Then morphine 6‐hemisuccinate was conjugated to BSA in aqueous solution in the presence of water‐soluble carbodi‐imide. M‐6‐S‐BSA was synthesized in three chemical steps starting from morphine sulphate, and the extent of conjugation was determined by base hydrolysis of the conjugate, extraction and measurement of free morphine. An average of 6·5 molecules of morphine were conjugated to each molecule of protein. Six male mice, Swiss White strain, immunized with various doses of the conjugate, were found to be producing antibody 8 weeks later, as determined by a modification of the (NH4)2SO4 method, which measures primary binding of antigen by antibody.
THE SECURITY PRICE EFFECTS OF PUBLIC DEBT DEFAULTS
Authors: Betker Brian L.
Published: October 2023

A debt default requires a restructuring that may take place in or out of court. By examining security returns around a sample of public debt defaults, only some of which end in bankruptcy, I provide new evidence on the costs and benefits of bankruptcy compared with workouts. Evidence from security returns implies that bankruptcy is more costly than a workout, but that the cost differential is reduced for firms with large net operating loss carryforwards. The evidence is also consistent with the argument that equity has greater option value in a workout relative to bankruptcy.
THE CAUSES OF VOLATILITY IN A SMALL, INTERNATIONALLY INTEGRATED STOCK MARKET: IRELAND, JULY 1975–JUNE 1994
Authors: Kearney Colm
Published: October 2023

I examine the causes of conditional volatility in a small, internationally integrated stock market using the Irish stock market as an example. I relate Irish stock market conditional volatility to British stock market conditional volatility and business cycle variables from July 1975 to May 1994. Exchange rate volatility is a more significant determinant of volatility in a small, internationally integrated stock market than is interest rate volatility. It follows that a potential benefit of membership in the European Monetary System may be reduced stock market volatility in the smaller member countries.
THE DYNAMICS OF QUOTED LIQUIDITY AROUND LARGE TRADES ON THE NYSE
Authors: Moulton Jonathan S.
Published: October 2023

Large trades have potentially disruptive effects on the continuation of subsequent trade. If the large trade executes against volume from limit orders or specialist quotations, continued trade may be unavailable until new liquidity enters the market. Evidence presented in this paper indicates that large trades on the NYSE are followed by decreases in quoted liquidity, which last for an average of fifteen minutes. Both the decreases in quoted liquidity and the time to its subsequent return are related to trade‐specific factors. This evidence suggests that not all large trades have the same effect on the continuation of trade.
THE IODINE FACTOR IN HEALTH AND EVOLUTION*
Authors: DOBSON JEROME E.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT. Iodine is essential for modern humans and may have been essential for Neandertals as well. Today about 30 percent of the world's population is at risk of iodine deficiency disorders (idd), 750 million people suffer from goiter, 43 million have idd‐related brain damage and mental retardation, and 5.7 million are afflicted by cretinism, the most severe form of idd. Distinctive Neandertal skeletal traits are identical to those of modern humans who suffer from cretinism. Cro‐Magnon Venus figurines also exhibit distinctive traits associated with cretinism among modern humans. This new evidence, coupled with recent mitochondrial dna findings, suggests that a single genetic alteration, which improved the ability of the thyroid gland to extract and utilize iodine, may account for differences between Neandertals and modern humans. Late Pleistocene human evolution, consequently, may be explained by several alternative interpretations involving iodine pathology and/or biological adaptation. Speciation may have resulted from the geographical isolation of inland populations.
Gender and Suicide in India: A Multiperspective Approach
Authors: Tousignant Michel , Seshadri Shekhar , Raj Anthony
Published: October 2023

The gap between male and female suicide rates in India is relatively small. However, society's views on female and male motives are quite different. In order to investigate the perceptions of male and female suicide, we interviewed a focus group of university professors as well as police inspectors, crime reporters, and hospital nurses in Bangalore. We also obtained four narratives of suicide. Women tended to be blamed for their own or their husband's suicide, although they were also viewed more often as victims of life adversities than men. A historical review illustrates that both men and women have been associated with culturally sanctioned suicides. One known form issati, and we discuss the recent case of sari‐murder of Roop Kanwar in 1987. The social sciences and the media also pay a lot of attention to the typical female suicides, symbolizing their role as martyrs of society, which seems to compensate for attribution of blame.
Gender Differences in Nonfatal Suicidal Behavior in Pakistan: Significance of Sociocultural Factors
Authors: Khan Murad Moosa , Reza Hashim
Published: October 2023

Suicidal behavior is an understudied subject in Pakistan. A variety of social, legal, and religious factors make reporting and data collection on suicide and nonfatal suicidal behavior difficult. To study the problem, a retrospective case‐note analysis was carried out in which the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of 262 female and 185 male suicidal individuals admitted to a university hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, are compared. Three quarters of the suicidal persons were under the age of 30 years. Compared to men, women were younger and more often married. Both women and men tended to use self‐poisoning with benzodiazepines, but more women used organophosphate insecticides. In Pakistani society, legal, social, and economic discrimination predisposes women to psychological distress and subsequent suicidal behavior. The study highlights the need for culture‐specific research on suicidal behavior in Pakistan.
Bringing the Public Health Approach to the Problem of Suicide
Authors: Satcher David
Published: October 2023

Suicide and suicidal behavior are public health problems that should be addressed through a systematic public health approach. The need for such an approach can be found, for example, in Pierre, SD, where the suicide rate is 13 times the national rate; in the African American community, where the suicide rate among Black youths more than doubled between 1980 and 1995; and across the United States, where suicides outnumbered homicides in 1995. The U.S. Public Health Service is applying the public health approach to suicide by preparing the first‐ever Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health, and by holding an October conference in Reno aimed at advancing a national strategy for suicide prevention.
Suicide across the Life Span: Pathways to Prevention
Authors: King Cheryl A.
Published: October 2023

As reflected in a recent series of highly visible suicide awareness and prevention activities, the call for a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy has never been stronger, nor more unified. Using the framework provided by the transactional model of human development, the author illustrates the central implications that a developmental perspective has for suicide prevention, emphasizing the need to consider multiple pathways to prevention, to place renewed emphasis on prevention strategies that have their impact earlier in the life course and earlier in the course of mental disorder, and to collaborate with prevention specialists and advocates in related fields.
In Honor of My Father and My Son
Authors: Bolton Iris Mitchell
Published: October 2023

The author advises survivors on the four tasks of grief and reflects on the suicide of her college‐age son in 1977 and the recent death of her father, a suicidologist, from age‐related causes. She describes current collaborative efforts by organizations dedicated to the prevention and aftermath of suicide.
Young Male Violent Death Trends in the General Population during the Vietnam Era
Authors: Louks John L. , Otis Gerald D. , Smith James R. , Hayne Carole H. , Trent Harlan E.
Published: October 2023

Suicide and homicide rates significantly increased throughout the Vietnam War among young American civilian males who constituted the principal manpower pool for the war. Ironically, men who reached military age after the war were at greatest risk. Years of high combat intensity were not associated with higher suicide or homicide rates than years of low combat intensity. Suicide and homicide rates were correlated at .95, suggesting a common source of pathogenesis. No similar trend was found for motor vehicle death. Broad social forces, not the Vietnam War itself, were responsible for the changes in violent mortality trends that we observed among the birth cohorts of men in our study.
Personality Traits and Cognitive Styles as Risk Factors for Serious Suicide Attempts among Young People
Authors: Beautrais Annette L. , Joyce Peter R. , Mulder Roger T.
Published: October 2023

The contribution of a series of measures of personality and/or cognitive style to serious suicide attempt risk in young people was examined in a case‐control study. Individuals making suicide attempts had elevated odds of hopelessness, neuroticism, introversion, low self‐esteem, impulsiveness, and external locus of control. When allowance was made for intercorrelations between these measures, hopelessness, neuroticism, and external locus of control remained significant risk factors for serious suicide attempt; self‐esteem, extraversion, and impulsiveness were not significantly associated with suicide attempt risk. Nonsignificant findings were explained by the presence of substantial correlations between these measures and measures of hopelessness, neuroticism, and external locus of control.
Adolescent Suicide Prevention: Acceptability of School‐Based Programs among Secondary School Principals
Authors: Miller David N. , Eckert Tanya L. , DuPaul George J. , White George P.
Published: October 2023

High school principals'acceptability ratings of three school‐based programs for the prevention of adolescent suicide were examined. From a random sample of members from the 1994–1995 membership directory of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), a total of 185 (40%) respondents completed the Suicide Prevention Program Rating Profile (SPPRP), a measure designed to evaluate the acceptability of suicide prevention programs, after reading a description of a particular prevention program. Programs evaluated for their acceptability included (1) curriculum‐based programs presented to students, (2) in‐service presentations to school staff, and (3) student self‐report screening measures. The results indicated that the curriculum‐based and staff in‐service programs were significantly more acceptable to principals than was the schoolwide student screening program. No significant differences between the acceptability of curriculum‐based and in‐service programs were found. Limitations of the study and implications for practice and research are discussed.
Incidence of Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in the United States, 1994
Authors: Crosby Alex E. , Cheltenham Mark P. , Sacks Jeffrey J.
Published: October 2023

Completed suicides reflect only a portion of the impact of suicidal behavior; sublethal behaviors cause morbidity and can signal treatable problems such as depression. There is no national quantification of nonlethal suicidal behaviors. The present study used a random‐digit‐dialed telephone survey to estimate the 12‐month incidence of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts among U.S. adults. Of 5,238 respondents, 5.6% (representing about 10.5 million persons) reported suicidal ideation, 2.7% (about 2.7 million) made a specific suicide plan, and 0.7% (about 700,000) made a suicide attempt (estimate = 1.1 million attempts). Hence, suicidal behaviors are not uncommon and occur along a continuum ranging from ideation to completed suicides. Preventing nonlethal precursor behaviors may prevent deaths.
High Rates of Paraquat‐Induced Suicide in Southern Trinidad
Authors: Hutchinson Gerard , Daisley Hubert , Simeon Donald , Simmonds Verrol , Shetty Manohar , Lynn David
Published: October 2023

The suicide rate in Trinidad and Tobago is much greater than that of its English‐speaking Caribbean neighbors. Many of these suicides are paraquat induced. This research reviewed the deaths due to suicide in the area with the greatest agricultural activity in Trinidad for 1996 and identified, for further demographic and etiological investigation, cases in which paraquat was ingested as the agent of suicide. Of 48 cases of suicide for the year, 39 (81.3%) were due to paraquat poisoning. The incidence of paraquat‐induced suicide was 8.0 per 100,000. Among the males, 47.8% were in the age group 25–34 (p < 0.001), and among the females 50.0% were in the 15–24 age group (p < 0.05). Family‐of‐origin disputes were the most frequently cited precipitant, followed by marital problems. Individuals of East Indian origin accounted for 89% of the suicide victims (p < 0.001). When compared with suicide by other methods in the country, these findings confirm that paraquat poisoning is a significant means of suicide in Trinidad and that young East Indian individuals are particularly vulnerable.
The incorporation of peer learning into MosoTeach‐supported flipped language class: Effects on student motivation, participation, feedback and test performance
Authors: Li Ling , Huang Chang‐Qin
Published: October 2023

Background Study

As flipped learning is a flexible pedagogical methodology to tailor students' needs and maximize the learning effects, this study integrated peer learning with MosoTeach‐supported flipped mode in an undergraduate blended EFL course. MosoTeach is a popular online learning platform in China with a variety of learning resources.

Objectives

The study aimed to test the impact of MosoTeach flipped learning (MTFL) mode on undergraduate EFL students' perceived motivation, participation, feedback, and test performance.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental design was carried out in Z university during the spring semester of 2020, with the experimental group (n = 34) adopting the MTFL model and a control group (n = 33) the non‐flipped mode.

Results and Conclusions

The independent t‐test results showed that the experimental MTFL group outperformed the control group in post‐test scores, and a positive correlation was found in the relationship between the experimental MTFL group's post‐test scores and MosoTeach learning experience points (LEPs). Moreover, the course perception questionnaire survey indicated a higher level of students' perceived motivation, participation, and feedback in the experimental MTFL group, which corresponded to the results of the content analysis of students' responses to open‐ended questions and reflective reports. But students in both groups experienced challenges such as isolation, procrastination and technological anxiety.
Efficacy of anlotinib in Chinese patients with metastatic breast cancer: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Liu Shuochuan , Zhi Wenxiang , Zhang Lu
Published: October 2023

Anlotinib, a multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor, can inhibit tumour angiogenesis proliferation, metastasis, promote vascular normalization, increase T cell and NK cell activity and infiltration, remodel tumour microenvironment and synergistic immune enhancement. Our study aimes to evaluate the efficacy of anlotinib in the treatment of advanced metastatic breast cancer (MBC) after multiple lines of therapy. Patients included were treated with anlotinib for advanced MBC in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2023. The objective remission rate, disease‐free progression survival and adverse reactions were analysed. We compared and analysed the efficacy of anlotinib in the treatment of advanced metastatic breast cancer, which showed that ORR was 23.6% and DCR was 69.1%. The DCR of monotherapy was 66.7% and that of combination therapy was 69.6% in MBC patients. The combination therapy, combined with chemotherapy had the best effect (79.3%), combined with immunotherapy came second. In addition, the DCR (88.9%) was higher in MBC patients having received prior antiangiogenic therapy. According to the Kaplan–Meier (K‐M) survival estimate analysis, the mPFS was 4.17 months (95% CI, 1.758–6.582 months) in Her‐2 positive MBC patients, and 7.83 months (95% CI, 2.416–9.104) in Her‐2 negative MBC patients. The mPFS was 5.76 months (95% CI, 3.231–8.298 m) in HR positive MBC patients, 7.83 months (95% CI, 3.182–12.478 m) in TNBC patients. Fatigue (20.0%), hypertension (21.8%) and liver dysfunction (18.2%) were common adverse reactions, followed by bone marrow suppression (16.4%), anorexia (14.5%), hypothyroidism (14.5%) and diarrhoea (14.5%). Altogether, Anlotinib monotherapy or combination therapy provides a viable third (or above)‐line therapeutic strategy in patients with metastatic breast cancer. The adverse reactions of anlotinib are well tolerated and controllable.
Where you live matters: visualizing environmental effects on reading attainment
Authors: Shero Jeffrey A. , Erbeli Florina , Reed Zoe E. , Haughbrook Rasheda , Davis Oliver S. P. , Hart Sara A. , Taylor Jeanette E.
Published: October 2023

Background

The way in which socioeconomic status (SES) moderates the etiology of reading attainment has been explored many times, with past work often finding that genetic influences are suppressed under conditions of socioeconomic deprivation and more fully realized under conditions of socioeconomic advantage: a gene–SES interaction. Additionally, past work has pointed toward the presence of gene–location interactions, with the relative influence of genes and environment varying across geographic regions of the same country/state.

Method

This study investigates the extent to which SES and geographical location interact to moderate the genetic and environmental components of reading attainment. Utilizing data from 2,135 twin pairs in Florida (mean age 13.82 years, range 10.71–17.77), the study operationalized reading attainment as reading comprehension scores from a statewide test and SES as household income. We applied a spatial twin analysis procedure to investigate how twin genetic and environmental estimates vary by geographic location. We then expanded this analysis to explore how the moderating role of SES on said genetic and environmental influences also varied by geographic location.

Results

A gene–SES interaction was found, with heritability of reading being suppressed in lower‐ (23%) versus higher‐SES homes (78%). The magnitude of the moderating parameters were not consistent by location, however, and ranged from −0.10 to 0.10 for the moderating effect on genetic influences, and from −0.30 to 0.05 for the moderating effect on environmental influences. For smaller areas and those with less socioeconomic variability, the magnitude of the genetic moderating parameter was high, giving rise to more fully realized genetic influences on reading there.

Conclusions

SES significantly influences reading variability. However, a child's home location matters in both the overall etiology and how strongly SES moderates said etiologies. These results point toward the presence of multiple significant environmental factors that simultaneously, and inseparably, influence the underlying etiology of reading attainment.
Chronic care for heart failure patients: Who to refer back to the general practitioner?—Experiences of the Dutch integrated heart failure care model
Authors: Vester Marijke , Beeres Saskia , Lucas Carolien , van Pol Petra , Schalij Martin , Bonten Tobias , van Dijkman Paul , Tops Laurens
Published: October 2023

Objective

The number of patients with heart failure (HF) and corresponding burden of the healthcare system will increase significantly. The Dutch integrated model, ‘Transmural care of HF Patients’ was based on the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines and initiated to manage the increasing prevalence of HF patients in primary and secondary care and stimulate integrated care. It is unknown how many HF patients are eligible for back‐referral to general practitioners (GPs), which is important information for the management of chronic HF care. This study aims to evaluate clinical practice of patients for whom chronic HF care can be referred from the cardiologist to the GP based on the aforementioned chronic HF care model.

Design and Methods

A retrospective case record‐based study was conducted, which included all chronic HF patients registered in the cardiology information systems of two different hospitals. Subsequently, 200 patients were randomly selected for evaluation. The following patients were considered eligible for referral to the GP: 1/Stable HF patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), 2/Stable HF patients with a recovered LVEF and 3/Stable HF patients with a preserved LVEF, 4/HF, palliative setting.

Results

Of the 200 patients, 17% was considered eligible for referral to the GP. This group consisted of 5% patients with a reduced LVEF, 10.5% patients with recovered LVEF and 1.5% patients with a preserved LVEF. Main indicators for HF care by cardiologists were active cardiac disease other than HF (39.5%), recent admission for HF (29.5%) or a recent adjustment in HF medication (7.5%).

Conclusion

Applying the chronic HF care model of the ‘Transmural care of HF patients’ and the ESC‐guidelines, results in an important opportunity to further optimise HF integrated care and to deal with the increasing number of HF patients referred to the hospital.
A systematic review of associations between day‐to‐day variability in meal pattern and body weight, components of the metabolic syndrome and cognitive function
Authors: Ali Midad A. , Macdonald Ian A. , Taylor Moira A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Meal pattern is a potential health determinant. Previously, mean values for properties of meal pattern, such as daily meal frequency, have been considered. Means, however, obscure variability between‐day (irregular or chaotic eating). This systematic review aimed to identify and critique published methods used to characterise between‐day variability in meal pattern, and to explore relationships between this and obesity, as well as associated health outcomes.

Methods

Using relevant databases, a systematic search was undertaken for studies with adults and children in which between‐day variability in meal pattern was measured, and related to body weight, metabolic syndrome components and cognitive function.

Results

In 34 papers identified (28 observational and six intervention studies), between‐day variability in meal pattern was characterised by a variety of methods. These ranged from single questions about intake regularity to more complex methods quantifying the degree of variability. Assumptions were made, such as there being three main meals, resulting in dissociation from the “clock time” of eating. In 24 of the papers, between‐day variability in meal pattern was associated with negative weight and health outcomes including higher weight, reduced thermogenic response to meals and poorer academic achievement.

Conclusions

Between‐day variability in meal pattern is a promising research area that might inform low‐cost public health interventions. However, current methods of characterising between‐day variability tend to make assumptions and be inconsistent in the meal pattern properties considered. Well controlled dietary intervention studies are required to confirm causation.
Cohabiting couple's economic organization and marriage patterns across social classes
Authors: McErlean Kimberly
Published: October 2023

Objective

Empirically examine whether different economic theories of marriage formation predict the transition from cohabitation to marriage differently across social classes.

Background

Less‐educated individuals marry their cohabiting partners at lower rates than their college‐educated peers, but the reasons for this are unknown. Few studies have examined the intersection of social class and couple‐level economic resources to understand if the potentially gendered economic determinants of marriage vary according to a couple's social location.

Method

Couple‐month data come from the 2014 Survey of Income and Program Participation, including 1879 cohabiting couples, 478 of whom transition to marriage. Logistic regression is used to test whether the marriage bar, gender specialization, gendered institutions, or gender revolution framework best predicts the likelihood of marrying.

Results

Joint indicators of the marriage bar and the gendered economic organization of couples both predict marriage, but the specific gendered organization varies by the couple's level of education. Among couples where neither partner has a college degree, male‐breadwinning couples are most likely to marry; dual‐earning couples are most likely to marry among more‐educated couples.

Conclusion

Although college‐educated couples seem to have shifted to a more egalitarian model of marriage, as predicted by the gender revolution framework, the marriages of the less‐educated are still characterized by traditional arrangements, in line with the idea that marriage is a gendered institution. By showing that different theories predict marriage depending on the couple's social position, these findings provide groundwork to explore why the less educated are increasingly less likely to marry their cohabiting partners.
Feline morbillivirus infection associated with fatal encephalitis in a Bengal cat
Authors: Dawson Kara L. D. , Wildi Nicole , Cavalli Mauro , Rubbenstroth Dennis , Oevermann Anna , Seuberlich Torsten
Published: October 2023

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is a recently discovered morbillivirus of the family Paramyxoviridae, which include several highly contagious viruses with zoonotic potential. In this case report we describe the detection of FeMV in archived brain tissue of a 2‐month‐old Bengal cat with nonsuppurative encephalitis from the year 2011 in Switzerland by high‐throughput sequencing (HTS). Our metagenomics approach was able to obtain a full‐length sequence covering the entire FeMV genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that our FeMV strain clustered within FeMV genotype 1. We were able to detect FeMV RNA by in situ hybridization (ISH) in brain sections with inflammatory lesions and demonstrated its potential neurotropism and association with encephalitis. Our results provide further insight into this recently discovered morbillivirus and encourage further investigations into the pathogenesis and epidemiology of associated diseases in cats and potentially other species.
Tools and mechanisms of vacuolar escape leading to host egress in Legionella pneumophila infection: Emphasis on bacterial phospholipases
Authors: Neuber Jonathan , Lang Christina , Aurass Philipp , Flieger Antje
Published: October 2023

The phenomenon of host cell escape exhibited by intracellular pathogens is a remarkably versatile occurrence, capable of unfolding through lytic or non‐lytic pathways. Among these pathogens, the bacterium Legionella pneumophila stands out, having adopted a diverse spectrum of strategies to disengage from their host cells. A pivotal juncture that predates most of these host cell escape modalities is the initial escape from the intracellular compartment. This critical step is increasingly supported by evidence suggesting the involvement of several secreted pathogen effectors, including lytic proteins. In this intricate landscape, L. pneumophila emerges as a focal point for research, particularly concerning secreted phospholipases. While nestled within its replicative vacuole, the bacterium deftly employs both its type II (Lsp) and type IVB (Dot/Icm) secretion systems to convey phospholipases into either the phagosomal lumen or the host cell cytoplasm. Its repertoire encompasses numerous phospholipases A (PLA), including three enzymes—PlaA, PlaC, and PlaD—bearing the GDSL motif. Additionally, there are 11 patatin‐like phospholipases A as well as PlaB. Furthermore, the bacterium harbors three extracellular phospholipases C (PLCs) and one phospholipase D. Within this comprehensive review, we undertake an exploration of the pivotal role played by phospholipases in the broader context of phagosomal and host cell egress. Moreover, we embark on a detailed journey to unravel the established and potential functions of the secreted phospholipases of L. pneumophila in orchestrating this indispensable process.
Questioning the 14‐day dogma in candidemia treatment duration
Authors: Salmanton‐García Jon , Reinhold Ilana , Prattes Juergen , Bekaan Nico , Koehler Philipp , Cornely Oliver A.
Published: October 2023

The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global concern. With AMR directly causing 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and projections of up to 10 million annual deaths by 2050, optimising infectious disease treatments is imperative. Prudent antimicrobial use, including treatment duration, can mitigate AMR emergence. This is particularly critical in candidemia, a severe condition with a 45% crude mortality rate, as the 14‐day minimum treatment period has not been challenged in randomised comparison. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in August 2023, revealing seven original articles and two case series discussing treatment durations of less than 14 days for candidemia. No interventional trials or prospective observational studies assessing shorter durations were found. Historical studies showed varying candidemia treatment durations, questioning the current 14‐day minimum recommendation. Recent research observed no significant survival differences between patients receiving shorter or longer treatment, emphasising the need for evidence‐based guidance. Treatment duration reduction post‐blood culture clearance could decrease exposure to antifungal drugs, limiting selection pressure, especially in the context of emerging multiresistant Candida species. Candidemia's complexity, emerging resistance and potential for shorter in‐hospital stays underscore the urgency of refining treatment strategies. Evidence‐driven candidemia treatment durations are imperative to balance efficacy with resistance prevention and ensure the longevity of antifungal therapies. Further research and clinical trials are needed to establish evidence‐based guidelines for candidemia treatment duration.
Comparing product healthiness according to the Health Star Rating and the NOVA classification system and implications for food labelling systems: An analysis of 25 486 products in Australia
Authors: Barrett Eden M. , Gaines Allison , Coyle Daisy H. , Pettigrew Simone , Shahid Maria , Maganja Damian , Jones Alexandra , Rayner Mike , Mozaffarian Dariush , Taylor Fraser , Ghammachi Nadine , Wu Jason H. Y.
Published: October 2023

We investigated the extent of alignment between ‘healthiness’ defined by a food classification system that classifies foods and beverages primarily by their nutrient composition, the Health Star Rating (HSR) and a system that considers only the degree of processing of the product, the NOVA classification system. We used data for 25 486 products contained within the George Institute for Global Health's Australian 2022 FoodSwitch Dataset. Agreement between the two systems in the proportion of products classified as ‘healthier’ (HSR ≥3.5 or NOVA group 1–3) or ‘less healthy’ (HSR <3.5 or NOVA group 4) was assessed using the κ statistic. There was ‘fair’ agreement (κ = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.29–0.31) between both systems in the proportion of all products classified as healthier or less healthy. Approximately one‐third (n = 8729) of all products were defined as ‘discordant’, including 34.3% (n = 5620) of NOVA group 4 products with HSR ≥3.5 (commonly convenience foods, sports/diet foods, meat alternatives, as well as products containing non‐sugar sweeteners) and 34.1% (n = 3109) of NOVA group 1–3 products with HSR <3.5 (commonly single‐ingredient foods such as sugars/syrups, full‐fat dairy and products specially produced to contain no ultra‐processed ingredients). Our analysis strengthens the evidence for the similarities and differences in product healthiness according to a nutrient‐based classification system and a processing‐based classification system. Although the systems' classifications align for the majority of food and beverage products, the discordance found for some product categories indicates potential for confusion if systems are deployed alongside each other within food policies.
The usability of a digital diary from the perspectives of intensive care patients' relatives: A pilot study
Authors: van Mol Margo M. C. , Tummers Nanda , Leerentveld Crista , Tieben Rob , Buise Marc
Published: October 2023

Background

Diaries have been used regularly in international settings as an evidence‐based and easily applicable intervention following a person‐centred approach in the intensive care unit (ICU). In addition, a diary web application known as ‘Post‐ICU’ has been implemented.

Aim

To explore the usability of an innovative digital diary from the perspectives of intensive care patients' relatives.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional online survey study was applied among a convenience sample of relatives in the ICUs of two hospitals in the Netherlands. The investigator‐developed questionnaire included, among other things, items with the appreciation of the layout, user friendliness and functionality of the diary. Relevance and applicability were rated between 1 and 10. Data were analysed with SPSS© software, version 27, and reported as the means (±standard deviation [SD]) and percentages.

Results

Sixty‐three relatives with an average age of 51 years (SD ± 14.3) participated in the study; there was a slight predominance of women (57%). All but one participant found using the digital diary easy and were able to upload photos to the diary. The participants had invited other relatives (75%) and nurses (61%) to write in the diary, which they viewed as easily feasible (89%). The relevance and applicability of the diary were rated with mean scores of 8.1 (SD ± 1.9) and 8.3 (SD ± 1.6), respectively.

Conclusions

The participants found the Post‐ICU diary web application highly valuable and easily feasible. Perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and technophobia were not found to influence the usability of the digital diary.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The implementation of this new digital tool supports a person‐centred ICU policy because of its focus on the personal diary entries of the patient and the collaborative writing process featuring relatives and professionals.
Mini‐review: Tailored per‐oral endoscopic myotomy for type III achalasia
Authors: Srinivasan Vamshek , Shah Eric D.
Published: October 2023

This mini‐review summarizes the most recent literature regarding per‐oral endoscopic myotomy for type III achalasia, emphasizing the poorly understood science of tailoring myotomy length during this procedure. In addition, special attention will be placed on the current subjective and objective biomarkers, such as the Eckardt score, used to evaluate treatment outcomes in this population to better contextualize the existing data on patient outcomes, as proposed by Low et al in the current issue of the Journal. Understanding the current treatment landscape for type III achalasia and identifying the key areas of research deficiencies will guide future investigation and management of this disease.
Organizational stability and resocialization in public administrations: Theory and evidence from Norwegian civil servants (1986–2016)
Authors: Geys Benny , Lægreid Per , Murdoch Zuzana , Trondal Jarle
Published: October 2023

The organizational theory approach to public administration emphasizes that organizational features of public bureaucracies shape civil servants' role perceptions and opinions. This study brings forward a novel refinement of this theoretical framework by arguing that such processes of organizational resocialization require intertemporal consistency of the organizational environment. We empirically test this proposition by combining individual‐level longitudinal data from a panel of Norwegian civil servants (1986–2016; N ≈ 375) with information about organizational changes in ministerial structures since 1945. Using individuals' task portfolio as our main organizational “influencer” of interest, we confirm that the impact of individuals' task portfolio on their role perceptions only strengthens over time for individuals working in ministries with a high level of organizational stability. This finding adds an important scope condition—namely, intertemporal stability—to the traditional organizational theory argument about what shapes civil servants' role perceptions and opinions.
Classes of medications prescribed to malnourished children and their relationship with time to recovery
Authors: Braxton Morgan E. , Woodward Alexia L. , Larson Kim L.
Published: October 2023

Objective

There is conflicting evidence around prescription practices in the management of malnutrition; the study objective was to explore medication classifications prescribed and their relationship between time‐to‐recovery and specific demographic characteristics among children with malnutrition in Guatemala.

Design

Descriptive correlational study of data obtained in a retrospective record review.

Sample

Children aged 0–5 years with malnutrition treated in a Guatemalan Nutrition Rehabilitation Center between 2019 and 2020 (N = 155).

Measures

Variables assessed were medication classification of prescribed medications, age, gender, time‐to‐recovery, malnutrition severity, and COVID cohort.

Results

The most frequently used medication classifications were vitamins (95%), respiratory (75%), antipyretic (68%), antibiotic (61%), and gastrointestinal agents (54%). Antibiotic, respiratory, corticosteroid, antipyretic, and gastrointestinal agents were prescribed significantly more in cases with a time‐to‐recovery of 6 weeks or greater.

Conclusions

Medication classifications prescribed most often were related to common comorbidities of malnutrition and illnesses affecting children in Guatemala, such as respiratory and diarrheal diseases. The medication used in cases with a time‐to‐recovery of ≥6 weeks suggest these cases may have had more comorbidities, which could explain the longer recovery times. Caution is suggested in routine prophylactic antibiotic use in public health settings, given the lack of association with improved recovery times, the potential for antibiotic drug resistance, and the negative effects on renal function among children.
Why Mary left her room
Authors: McSweeney Michaela M.
Published: October 2023

I argue for an account of grasping, or understanding that, on which we grasp via a higher‐order mental act of Husserlian fulfillment. Fulfillment is the act of matching up the objects of our phenomenally presentational experiences with those of our phenomenally representational thought. Grasping‐by‐fulfilling is importantly different from standard epistemic aims, in part because it is phenomenal rather than inferential. (I endorse Bourget's (2017) arguments to that effect.) I show that grasping‐by‐fulfilling cannot be a species of propositional knowledge or belief, and that it is not essentially connected to justification. I motivate a revisionary epistemology on which achieving propositional knowledge and coming to grasp are dual epistemic aims. My account makes sense of a common occurrence—that we are often unmoved to act on our beliefs until we come to phenomenally experience them in some way. It also explains puzzling features of human inquiry.
The relationship between political procedural justice and attitudes toward the political system: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Gulevich Olga , Borovikova Julia , Rodionova Maria
Published: October 2023

A positive relationship between assessments of procedural justice and attitudes toward the political system has been identified in many studies of various countries. To quantify this relationship, a meta‐analysis was conducted on 69 samples from 50,814 respondents, reported in 37 manuscripts between 1981 and 2021. We found positive correlations between assessments of procedural justice and attitudes toward politicians, political institutions, and the political system in people of different ages and in countries with different political regimes. These positive correlations exist in real and hypothetical situations with various levels of authority. However, two factors moderated the association between the assessment of procedural justice and political attitudes. First, procedural justice as a set of norms is more strongly related to attitudes toward the system than procedural justice as a generalized assessment is. Second, the assessment of procedural justice is more strongly associated with attitudes toward political institutions and the system than attitudes toward the procedures and decisions. Moreover, the percentage of heterogeneity in the obtained models is fairly high; categorical moderators explain 43% of the variance of the effects obtained. The results should therefore be interpreted with consideration of this substantial heterogeneity in the correlations' sizes.
Posthurricane damage assessment using satellite imagery and geolocation features
Authors: Cao Quoc Dung , Choe Youngjun
Published: October 2023

Gaining timely and reliable situation awareness after hazard events such as a hurricane is crucial to emergency managers and first responders. One effective way to achieve that goal is through damage assessment. Recently, disaster researchers have been utilizing imagery captured through satellites or drones to quantify the number of flooded/damaged buildings. In this paper, we propose a mixed‐data approach, which leverages publicly available satellite imagery and geolocation features of the affected area to identify damaged buildings after a hurricane. The method demonstrated significant improvement from performing a similar task using only imagery features, based on a case study of Hurricane Harvey affecting Greater Houston area in 2017. This result opens door to a wide range of possibilities to unify the advancement in computer vision algorithms such as convolutional neural networks and traditional methods in damage assessment, for example, using flood depth or bare‐earth topology. In this work, a creative choice of the geolocation features was made to provide extra information to the imagery features, but it is up to the users to decide which other features can be included to model the physical behavior of the events, depending on their domain knowledge and the type of disaster. The data set curated in this work is made openly available (DOI: 10.17603/ds2‐3cca‐f398).