bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroimaging of autobiographical memory in dementia with Lewy bodies: a story of insula
Authors: Tisserand Alice , Blanc Frédéric , Muller Candice , Durand Hélène , Demuynck Catherine , Ravier Alix , Sanna Léa , de Sousa Paulo Loureiro , Botzung Anne , Mondino Mary , Philippi Nathalie
Published: August 2024

Although deficits in learning and retrieving new information are well characterized in dementia with Lewy bodies, autobiographical memory has never been explored in this disease. Yet, autobiographical memory impairments are a pervasive feature of dementia, well characterized in other neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, autobiographical memory corresponds to an extension over time of the self, which we hypothesize is altered in dementia with Lewy bodies and impairment of which could be linked to the insular atrophy occurring from an early stage of the disease. In this study, we sought to characterize autobiographical memory impairments and explore their neural correlates in dementia with Lewy bodies, on the assumption that insular damage could impact the self, including its most elaborate components, such as autobiographical memory. Twenty patients with prodromal to mild dementia with Lewy bodies were selected to participate in this exploratory study along with 20 healthy control subjects. The Autobiographical Interview was used to assess autobiographical memory. Performances were compared between patients and control subjects, and an analysis across life periods and recall conditions was performed. 3D magnetic resonance images were acquired for all participants, and correlational analyses were performed in the patient group using voxel-based morphometry. The behavioural results of the Autobiographical Interview showed that autobiographical memory performances were significantly impaired in dementia with Lewy body patients compared to control subjects in a temporally ungraded manner, for both the free recall and the specific probe conditions (P < 0.0001), though with greater improvement after probing in the patient group. Furthermore, autobiographical memory impairments were correlated with grey matter volume within right insular cortex, temporoparietal junction, precuneus, putamen, left temporal cortex, bilateral parahippocampus and cerebellum, using a threshold of P = 0.005 uncorrected. The behavioural results confirm the existence of temporally ungraded autobiographical memory impairments in dementia with Lewy bodies, from the early stage of the disease. As we expected, neuroimaging analysis revealed a role for the insula and the precuneus in autobiographical memory retrieval, two regions associated with elementary aspects of the self, among other brain regions classically associated with autobiographical memory, such as medial temporal lobe and temporoparietal junction. Our findings provide important insights regarding the involvement of the insula in the self and suggest that insular damage could lead to a global collapse of the self, including its more elaborated components, such as autobiographical memory.
C9orf72 dipeptides activate the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Rivers-Auty Jack , Hoyle Christopher , Pointer Ayesha , Lawrence Catherine , Pickering-Brown Stuart , Brough David , Ryan Sarah
Published: August 2024

Frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are neurodegenerative diseases with considerable clinical, genetic and pathological overlap. The most common cause of both diseases is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72. The expansion is translated to produce five toxic dipeptides, which aggregate in patient brain. Neuroinflammation is a feature of frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; however, its causes are unknown. The nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome is implicated in several other neurodegenerative diseases as a driver of damaging inflammation. The inflammasome is a multi-protein complex which forms in immune cells in response to tissue damage, pathogens or aggregating proteins. Inflammasome activation is observed in models of other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, and inflammasome inhibition rescues cognitive decline in rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we show that a dipeptide arising from the C9orf72 expansion, poly-glycine–arginine, activated the inflammasome in microglia and macrophages, leading to secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β. Poly-glycine–arginine also activated the inflammasome in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, and immunofluorescence imaging demonstrated formation of inflammasome specks in response to poly-glycine–arginine. Several clinically available anti-inflammatory drugs rescued poly-glycine–arginine-induced inflammasome activation. These data suggest that C9orf72 dipeptides contribute to the neuroinflammation observed in patients, and highlight the inflammasome as a potential therapeutic target for frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Treatment Pathways in Patients With Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Understanding the Road to Advanced Therapy
Authors: Siegel Corey A , Sharma Dolly , Griffith Jenny , Doan Quynhchau , Xuan Si , Malter Lisa
Published: August 2024

Background

Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) often cycle through conventional therapies (CT) with different mechanisms of action (MOA) before initiating advanced therapy (AT). We describe treatment patterns among patients with CD/UC.

Methods

Using Merative MarketScan Research databases, adult patients with CD/UC were identified from medical/pharmacy claims (2017–2021). Patients had ≥1 hospitalization or ≥2 outpatient visits (≥30 days apart within 1 year) for CD/UC. Two cohorts were established; cohort 1: Newly diagnosed patients (index date is the date of first diagnosis) and cohort 2: Patients initiating AT (index date is the date of first AT). First-line treatment patterns (cohort 1) and CT pathways before AT initiation (cohort 2) by the number of episodes (ie, adding a new therapy, switching to another therapy, or restarting the same therapy after ≥60 days) and MOA are reported.

Results

Among newly diagnosed patients in cohort 1 (CD: n = 1739; UC: n = 2740), 14.4% (CD) and 5.9% (UC) of patients had any AT use during the follow-up period (mean: 2.3 years; ≥ 77% initiated corticosteroids). Among patients in cohort 2 (CD: n = 2594; UC: n = 2431), the mean number of CT episodes before AT initiation was 4.0 ± 4.3 (CD) and 5.9 ± 5.0 (UC). Among those with ≥1 corticosteroid episode (CD: 82.2%; UC: 91.5%), the mean number of episodes was 4.6 ± 4.3 (CD) and 6.3 ± 5.0 (UC). Overall, 13.3% (CD) and 23.7% (UC) of patients cycled through 3 MOAs before AT initiation.

Conclusions

Despite treatment recommendations, few newly diagnosed CD/UC patients initiated AT as their first treatment. Moreover, patients cycled through multiple CTs before initiating AT.
Intravenous infusions of mesenchymal stromal cells have cumulative beneficial effects in a porcine model of chronic ischaemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tang Xian-Liang , Wysoczynski Marcin , Gumpert Anna M , Solanki Mitesh , Li Yan , Wu Wen-Jian , Zheng Shirong , Ruble Halina , Li Hong , Stowers Heather , Zheng Shengnan , Ou Qinghui , Tanveer Nida , Slezak Jan , Kalra Dinesh K , Bolli Roberto
Published: August 2024

Aims

The development of cell therapy as a widely available clinical option for ischaemic cardiomyopathy is hindered by the invasive nature of current cell delivery methods. Furthermore, the rapid disappearance of cells after transplantation provides a cogent rationale for using repeated cell doses, which, however, has not been done thus far in clinical trials because it is not feasible with invasive approaches. The goal of this translational study was to test the therapeutic utility of the intravenous route for cell delivery.

Methods and results

Pigs with chronic ischaemic cardiomyopathy induced by myocardial infarction received one or three intravenous doses of allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) or placebo 35 days apart. Rigour guidelines, including blinding and randomization, were strictly followed. A comprehensive assessment of left ventricular (LV) function was conducted with three independent methods (echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and haemodynamic studies). The results demonstrate that three doses of MSCs improved both load-dependent and independent indices of LV function and reduced myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis; in contrast, one dose failed to produce most of these benefits.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that intravenous infusion of a cell product improves LV function and structure in a large animal model of chronic ischaemic cardiomyopathy and that repeated infusions are necessary to produce robust effects. This study, conducted in a clinically relevant model, supports a new therapeutic strategy based on repeated intravenous infusions of allogeneic MSCs and provides a foundation for a first-in-human trial testing this strategy in patients with chronic ischaemic cardiomyopathy.
Case report: intravascular ultrasound-guided entry to an anomalous highly angulated circumflex coronary artery originating from the right sinus of Valsalva
Authors: Yao Zhihong , Khalatbari Afshin , Khand Aleem
Published: August 2024

Background

Anomalous coronary arteries originating from the contralateral sinus of Valsalva constitute a rare congenital anomaly. Most of such anomalous coronary arteries exhibit slit-like orifice that are often compounded by external compressive factors. Consequently, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of these vessels poses considerable challenges, both in terms of cannulation but also intervention in often acutely angulated vessels.

Case summary

A 61-year-old man, with a history of previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery and PCI presented with a history consistent with unstable angina. Notably, the left circumflex artery (LCX) in this individual exhibited an anomalous origin. Due to unfavourable anatomy and ambiguous LCX ostium take-off, previous operators had elected PCI of the saphenous vein graft (SVG) anastomosed to the obtuse marginal branch. A computed tomography scan on this occasion confirmed occlusion of the SVG and defined precise origin of anomalous coronary artery. Real-time live intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) positioned in the ascending aorta, in the right sinus of Valsalva, allowed visualization of the origin and wiring of the anomalous circumflex coronary artery and also facilitated successful PCI.

Discussion

As far as we are aware, this is the first description of IVUS assisted wiring of an anomalous coronary artery. Intravascular ultrasound also facilitated decision making in this complex angioplasty of an angulated and heavily diseased circumflex coronary artery.
Reasons for gender inequities in invasive electrophysiology: a survey on family issues and career paths of female and male electrophysiology fellows in Germany
Authors: Mueller-Leisse Johanna , Hillmann Henrike Aenne Katrin , Eiringhaus Joerg , Angelini Eleonora , Karfoul Nizar , Hohmann Stephan , Duncker David
Published: August 2024

Aims

Female physicians are underrepresented in invasive electrophysiology (EP) for multiple reasons. Despite an increasing focus on the topic, it is unclear what aspects are predominant.

Methods and results

We conducted a survey on career paths of current or former EP fellows in Germany to elucidate how gender and family affected their careers. 231 fellows (24.2% female) were invited. 110 participants completed the survey (30.9% female, mean age 41.0 ± 5.0 years, and 79.1% with children). Female and male participants with children reported similar career goals and achievements before parenthood, but afterwards women changed their career paths more often. Major reasons were personal priorities followed by lack of flexibility at work and at home. Women covered the majority of childcare. At the time of the survey, 80.0% of women and 96.4% of men with a former career goal of invasive EP were active in invasive EP. Independent of age, women were in lower-level positions, had accomplished fewer professional achievements, were less satisfied with their work and had fewer children. 56.5% of women did not feel supported by their employers regarding family issues. 82.6% reported there was no satisfactory day care. 69.6% were unable to continue to follow their career during pregnancy, mostly due to restrictions by employers (75.0%). Dedicated policies for pregnant workers or support programmes were scarce.

Conclusion

Beside the distribution of childcare at home, lack of flexibility and support by employers as well as working and fluoroscopy restrictions during pregnancy hamper women in EP and should be addressed.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on electronic referrals to rapid access clinics for suspected breast, lung and prostate cancers in Ireland
Authors: Bambury Niamh , Zhang Mengyang , McCarthy Triona , Dawkins Ian , Burke Louise , Tierney Paula , Walsh Paul M , Redmond Patrick , Mullooly Maeve , Murray Deirdre , Bennett Kathleen
Published: August 2024

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impacted cancer services worldwide. We examined the effect of the first three pandemic waves on the number of electronic (e)-referrals to rapid access clinics (RACs) for breast, lung and prostate cancer in Ireland.

Methods

This study used a retrospective, repeated cross-sectional design. The predicted weekly number of e-referrals by suspected cancer types from March 2020 to May 2021 was calculated using the Holt-Winters seasonal smoothing method, based on the observed numbers from a representative pre-pandemic period (01 January 2019 to 01 March 2020) and compared this with the observed number across the first three pandemic waves (02 March 2020 to 09 May 2021). Percentage differences were calculated between observed and predicted numbers of e-referrals for the three RACs and patterns were examined in each wave.

Results

Observed e-referrals were lower than predicted for all three RACs in the first wave of the pandemic (15.7% lower for breast, 39.5% lower for lung and 28.1% lower for prostate) with varying levels of recovery in the second and third waves for the three e-referral types.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted patterns of e-referrals to RACs in the first three pandemic waves in Ireland. Early identification of changes in engagement with health services, such as a decrease in primary care presentations with a resultant decrease in e-referrals to RACs can allow for a rapid response from cancer control programmes. Continued surveillance of the impact of service disruption on cancer services allows policy makers and strategic leaders in cancer control programmes to respond rapidly to mitigate the impact on cancer outcomes.
Point-of-care ultrasound to assess left ventricular ejection fraction in heart failure in unselected patients in primary care: a systematic review
Authors: Allimant Perrine , Guillo Lucas , Fierling Thomas , Rabiaza Andry , Cibois-Honnorat Isabelle
Published: August 2024

Background

Heart failure (HF) is the most frequent cardiovascular pathology in primary care. Echocardiography is the gold standard for diagnosis, follow-up, and prognosis of HF. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is of growing interest in daily practice.

Aim

This study aimed to systematically review the literature to evaluate left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) assessment of unselected patients in primary care by non-expert physicians with cardiac POCUS (cPOCUS).

Methods

We searched in Medline, Embase, and Pubmed up to January 2024 for interventional and non-interventional studies assessing LVEF with cPOCUS in unselected patients with suspected or diagnosed HF in hospital or outpatient settings, performed by non-expert physicians.

Results

Forty-two studies were included, involving 6598 patients, of whom 60.2% were outpatients. LVEF was assessed by 351 non-expert physicians after an initial ultrasound training course. The LVEF was mainly assessed by visual estimation (90.2%). The most frequent views were parasternal long/short axis, and apical 4-chamber. The median time of cPOCUS was 8 minutes. A strong agreement was found (κ = 0.72 [0.63; 0.83]) compared to experts when using different types of ultrasound devices (hand-held and standard), and agreement was excellent (κ = 0.84 [0.71; 0.89]) with the same device. Training course combined a median of 4.5 hours for theory and 25 cPOCUS for practice.

Conclusion

The use of cPOCUS by non-expert physicians after a short training course appears to be an accurate complementary tool for LVEF assessment in daily practice. Its diffusion in primary care could optimize patient management, without replacing specialist assessment.
Effects of Swiss Needle Cast on the Profitability and Optimal Management of Douglas-fir Plantations in Western Oregon
Authors: Susaeta Andres , Okolo Chukwuemeka , Shaw David
Published: August 2024

This study conducts an economic analysis to evaluate the impact of Swiss needle cast (SNC) caused by Nothophaeocryptopus gaeumannii on Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) plantations at the stand level in western Oregon. We examine timber and nontimber benefits across varying degrees of SNC severity considering timber benefits and carbon sequestration benefits. By comparing these values with unaffected Douglas-fir stands, our aim is to quantify the economic losses associated with SNC in terms of the land expectation values. The total land expectation value for a stand affected by SNC ranges from $556 to $2,179/ac, representing an average decrease of 50% ($1,066/ac) in economic revenues compared with a Douglas-fir stand without SNC infestation. Engaging in cost-effective annual management activities, with maximum costs of $43–$56/ac, could offset the profitability decline. On average, the total losses in profits for the current plantations affected by SNC are estimated to be around $206.5–430 million.

Study Implications: In this study, we examine the economic impacts of Swiss needle cast (SNC) on the profitability of western Douglas-fir in Oregon. Our results reveal that profits for landowners can be, on average, reduced by $1,066/ac when their stand is infested by SNC, representing a 50% loss in profitability. Landowners could potentially mitigate these losses by engaging in annual management activities aimed at preventing Douglas-fir infestation, incurring a cost ranging between $43–56/ac, which could offset the reduction in profitability.
Differential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health service access among Medicaid-enrolled individuals
Authors: McConnell K John , Edelstein Sara , Wolk Courtney Benjamin , Lindner Stephan , Zhu Jane M
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) caused significant disruptions in the delivery of care, with in-person visits decreasing and telehealth use increasing. We investigated the impact of these changes on mental health services for Medicaid-enrolled adults and youth in Washington State. Among enrollees with existing mental health conditions, the first year of the PHE was associated with a surge in specialty outpatient mental health visits (13% higher for adults and 7% higher for youth), returning to pre-PHE levels in the second year. Conversely, youth with new mental health needs experienced a decline in specialty outpatient visit rates by ∼15% and 37% in the first and second years of the PHE, respectively. These findings indicate that while mental health service use was maintained or improved for established patients, these patterns did not extend to Medicaid-enrolled youth with new mental health needs, potentially due to barriers such as difficulty in finding providers and establishing new patient-provider relationships remotely. To bridge this gap, there is a need for a multi-faceted approach that includes improving service accessibility, enhancing provider availability, and optimizing initial care encounters, whether in-person or virtual, to better support new patients.
Three Decades of Transitional Justice Practice in Africa: Reflections on Lessons Learnt Towards an African Transformative Justice
Authors: Moyo-Kupeta Annah
Published: August 2024

The transitional justice field has shown great versatility in its response to the consequences of conflicts, dealing with human rights violations, addressing legacies of the past and tackling emerging issues and vulnerabilities. This editorial reflects on Africa’s three decades of implementing transitional justice with a focus on key lessons learnt and their contribution to the betterment of transitional justice offering on the continent. The editorial discusses an African transformative justice as codified in the African Union Transitional Justice Policy as responsive, resonant and contextually relevant to the lived realities on the continent. The editorial argues that the African Union Transitional Justice Policy is the embodiment of lessons learnt from transitional justice practice on the continent and demonstrates the adaptability and expansion of the frontiers of transitional justice to address emerging issues as well as both historical legacies and most recent violations.
The role of dendritic cells in the instruction of helper T cells in the allergic march
Authors: Kubo Masato , Harada Yasuyo , Sasaki Takanori
Published: August 2024

Allergy is a complex array of diseases influenced by innate and adaptive immunity, genetic polymorphisms, and environmental triggers. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by barrier defects and immune dysregulation, sometimes leading to asthma and food allergies because of the atopic march. During atopic skin inflammation, Langerhans cells and dendritic cells (DCs) in the skin capture and deliver allergen information to local lymph nodes. DCs are essential immune sensors coordinating immune reactions by capturing and presenting antigens to T cells. In the context of allergic responses, DCs play a crucial role in instructing two types of helper T cells—type 2 helper T (Th2) cells and follicular helper T (TFH) cells—in allergic responses and IgE antibody responses. In skin sensitization, the differentiation and function of Th2 cells and TFH cells are influenced by skin-derived factors, including epithelial cytokines, chemokines, and signalling pathways to modify the function of migratory DCs and conventional DCs. In this review, we aim to understand the specific mechanisms involving DCs in allergic responses to provide insights into the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and potential therapeutic strategies.
Caffeic acid modulates intestinal microbiota, alleviates inflammatory response, and enhances barrier function in a piglet model challenged with lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Wen Xiaobin , Wan Fan , Wu You , Liu Yueping , Zhong Ruqing , Chen Liang , Zhang Hongfu
Published: August 2024

Young animals are highly susceptible to intestinal damage due to incomplete intestinal development, making them vulnerable to external stimuli. Weaning stress in piglets, for instance, disrupts the balance of intestinal microbiota and metabolism, triggering intestinal inflammation and resulting in gut damage. Caffeic acid (CA), a plant polyphenol, can potentially improve intestinal health. Here, we evaluated the effects of dietary CA on the intestinal barrier and microbiota using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal damage model. Eighteen piglets were divided into three groups: control group (CON), LPS group (LPS), and CA + LPS group (CAL). On the 21st and 28th day, six piglets in each group were administered either LPS (80 μg/kg body weight; Escherichia coli O55:B5) or saline. The results showed that dietary CA improved the intestinal morphology and barrier function, and alleviated the inflammatory response. Moreover, dietary CA also improved the diversity and composition of the intestinal microbiota by increasing Lactobacillus and Terrisporobacter while reducing Romboutsia. Furthermore, the LPS challenge resulted in a decreased abundance of 14 different bile acids and acetate, which were restored to normal levels by dietary CA. Lastly, correlation analysis further revealed the potential relationship between intestinal microbiota, metabolites, and barrier function. These findings suggest that dietary CA could enhance intestinal barrier function and positively influence intestinal microbiota and its metabolites to mitigate intestinal damage in piglets. Consuming foods rich in CA may effectively reduce the incidence of intestinal diseases and promote intestinal health in piglets.
Glucose inhibits the inflammatory response in goose fatty liver by increasing the ubiquitination level of PKA
Authors: Lv Mengqing , Mu Ji’an , Xing Ya , Zhou Xiaoyi , Ge Jing , Gong Daoqing , Geng Tuoyu , Zhao Minmeng
Published: August 2024

Protein kinase A (PKA) plays an important role in cellular life activities. Recently, PKA was found to bind to the inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB (IκB), a key protein in the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) pathway, to form a complex involved in the regulation of inflammatory response. However, the role of PKA in the anti-inflammatory of goose fatty liver is still unclear. A total of 14 healthy 70-d-old male Lander geese were randomly divided into a control group and an overfeeding group. Inflammation level was analyzed by histopathological method in the liver. The mRNA and protein abundance of PKA and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), as well as the ubiquitination level of PKA, were detected. Moreover, goose primary hepatocytes were cotreated with glucose, harringtonine, and carbobenzoxy-l-leucyl-l-leucyl-l-leucinal (MG132). Finally, the co-immunoprecipitated samples of PKA from the control and overfeeding group were used for protein mass spectrometry. The results showed that no difference in PKA mRNA expression was observed (P > 0.05), while the PKA protein level in the overfed group was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) when compared with the control group. The ubiquitination level of PKA was higher than that of the control group in fatty liver. The mRNA expression of PKA was elevated but protein abundance was reduced in goose primary hepatocytes with 200 mmol/L glucose treatment (P < 0.05). The PKA protein abundance was dramatically reduced in hepatocytes treated with harringtonine (P < 0.01) when compared with the glucose-supplemented group. Nevertheless, MG132 tended to alleviate the inhibitory effect of harringtonine on PKA protein abundance (P = 0.081). There was no significant difference in TNFα protein level among glucose-treated groups and control (P > 0.05). Protein mass spectrometry analysis showed that 29 and 76 interacting proteins of PKA were screened in goose normal and fatty liver, respectively. Validation showed that PKA interacted with the E3 ubiquitination ligases ring finger protein 135 (RNF135) and potassium channel modulatory factor 1 (KCMF1). In summary, glucose may inhibit the inflammatory response in goose fatty liver by increasing the ubiquitination level of PKA. Additionally, RNF135 and KCMF1 may be involved in the regulation of PKA ubiquitination level as E3 ubiquitination ligases.
Generating and testing the efficacy of reagents for CRISPR/Cas9 homology directed repair-based manipulations in Tribolium
Authors: Markley Hannah C , Helms Kennedy J , Maar Megan , Zentner Gabriel E , Wade Michael J , Zelhof Andrew C
Published: August 2024

CRISPR/Cas9 manipulations are possible in many insects and ever expanding. Nonetheless, success in one species and techniques developed for it are not necessarily applicable to other species. As such, the development and expansion of CRISPR-based (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) genome-editing tools and methodologies are dependent upon direct experimentation. One useful technique is Cas9-dependent homologous recombination, which is a critical tool for studying gene function but also for developing pest related applications like gene drive. Here, we report our attempts to induce Cas9 homology directed repair (HDR) and subsequent gene drive in Tribolium castaneum (Herbst; Insecta: Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Utilizing constructs containing 1 or 2 target gRNAs in combination with Cas9 under 2 different promoters and corresponding homology arms, we found a high incidence of CRISPR/Cas9 induced mutations but no evidence of homologous recombination. Even though the generated constructs provide new resources for CRISPR/Cas9 modification of the Tribolium genome, our results suggest that additional modifications and increased sample sizes will be necessary to increase the potential and detection for HDR of the Tribolium genome.
The structure of terrestrial mammal communities along an elevation gradient in the tropics.
Authors: McShea William J , Cosby Olivia , Boyce Andy J , Herrmann Valentine , Ragai Rosalina , Imbun Paul Y
Published: August 2024

The correlates of mammal species richness and community associations along elevation gradients have resulted in conflicting results within tropical systems. We surveyed the terrestrial mammal and gallinaceous bird community (>200 g body size) along transects at 4 mountain sites in Malaysian Borneo using camera traps to assess structuring of the mammal community along the elevation gradient. Between 2015 and 2021, we surveyed Bukit Lanjak (elevation 1,300 m) in Sarawak (Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary; LEWS) and Mts. Kinabalu, Tambuyukon, and Magdalena (up to 2,400 m) in Sabah, with a total sample effort of 20,600 camera nights. We detected 48 species of mammals and 9 species of large terrestrial birds. There was mostly a common species pool across the sites, with only 9 species detected solely in LEWS and 5 species only in Sabah. Over our limited elevation range, no species were detected across the entire elevation range and no common species were confined to the highest elevation sites in Sabah or LEWS (>1,000 m). A species richness curve for each location indicated a slight peak at ~1,000 m for LEWS, but the mid-elevation peak was not evident at Sabah. The individual response curves of relative abundance to the elevation gradient for 15 species with sufficient detections were similar across sites (1 exception—Malaysian Porcupine) with 6 species showing no correlation with elevation, while 4 species increased and 4 species decreased in detections with elevation. A multivariate analysis of species detections found herbivores at lower elevations and mesocarnivores at higher elevations, while species of the same foraging guilds differed in body size at the same elevation. As opposed to studies focused on smaller vertebrate species (i.e., rodents, songbirds), larger mammal and terrestrial bird communities in these mountains did not form unique communities along the elevation gradient but did structure according to the functional traits of foraging guilds and body size.
Activity patterns of the nectar-feeding bat Leptonycteris yerbabuenae on the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Rivera-Villanueva A Nayelli , Frick Winifred F , Cheng Tina L , Zamora-Gutierrez Veronica
Published: August 2024

Temporal activity patterns of animals can indicate how individuals respond to changing conditions. Gregarious roosting bats provide an opportunity to compare activity patterns among individuals living in the same location to investigate how reproductive status or sex may influence activity budgets. We examined how the activity patterns of the nectarivorous bat Leptonycteris yerbabuenae vary depending on reproductive conditions, sex, and environmental conditions. We analyzed 5 years of individual mark-resighting data using daily detections of L. yerbabuenae marked with passive integrated transponder tags (PIT-tags) at 3 subterranean roosts on the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. We derived 4 metrics using PIT-tag detections at roost entrances to calculate periods inside the roost and time spent outside the roost (time of emergence, returns to the roost, hours inside the roost, and hours of activity). We found differences among pregnant, lactating, and nonreproductive females for roost returns, hours inside the roost, and hours of activity outside the roost. Lactating females spent the longest time outside the roost, suggesting that the energetic demands of lactation require longer foraging bouts. Contrary to our expectations, lactating females had the fewest returns to the roost during the night, suggesting that lactating females did not shorten foraging bouts to return to nurse pups. Activity patterns differed between females and males and among seasons associated with different food availability. Females had fewer returns during the night and spent more time outside the roost than males. The time of emergence for males was earlier than for females except during the nectar season when most females are reproductively active. Differences in activity patterns among reproductive status, sex, and environmental conditions show how individuals modify behaviors to meet their energetic demands. We demonstrate how mark-resighting data from PIT-tag systems at roost entrances can be used to compare activity patterns of gregarious roosting bats.
The impact of financial incentives on physical activity for employees in the context of workplace health promotion: a systematic review
Authors: Vitzthum Miriam Alice , Krüger Karsten , Weyh Christopher
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The global increase in physical inactivity is progressively evolving into a significant health challenge. Alongside the promotion of more active leisure pursuits, elevating physical activity in the workplace has come into focus. Financial incentives are not only a popular but also a promising tool in this regard. According to behavioral economics, they are able to initiate physical activity and thus create the basis for behavioral change.

Methods

The present systematic review was prepared according to the current PRISMA guidelines and with reference to the Cochrane Handbook. A systematic literature search of 6 electronic databases and 3 study registers was conducted to identify relevant literature. Both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as well as non-RCTs were included. The Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool and the ROBINS-I Tool were used to assess the risk of bias of individual studies, whereas the GRADE approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence for all studies related to physical activity outcomes. A narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results

Six studies were included in the review. Among the total of 2646 participants, the average age ranged from 35.5 to 43.3 years, and women accounted for between 48.6% and 88%. Risk of bias was rated as “high” in 3 studies, “moderate” in 2, and “low” in 1. The quality of evidence was assessed as “moderate.” Four of the 6 studies reported positive effects on physical activity during the incentive period.

Conclusions

Workplace health promotion incorporating financial incentives has the potential to positively impact the physical activity levels of employees.
A cross-sectional study of the quality of work life of hospital pharmacists in southern Vietnam
Authors: Van Vo Bay , Sunantiwat Montaya , Pumtong Somying , Vo Trung Quang , Anuratpanich Luerat
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aims to explore the quality of work life among hospital pharmacists in southern Vietnam, focussing on understanding the specific challenges they face and how occupational stress impacts their overall quality of work life. Given pharmacists’ crucial role in healthcare delivery and the diverse stressors they encounter, particularly amid the global pandemic, investigating their well-being and job performance is paramount.

Methods

Utilizing the second-generation Work-Related Quality of Life Scale (WRQoLS-2), a cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2019 across 31 hospitals in southern Vietnam. The WRQoLS-2, consisting of 32 items related to seven psychosocial factors, was administered to participating pharmacists. Bootstrapping techniques in R were employed to estimate the 95% confidence interval (CI) of mean values and test significant differences.

Findings

Analysis of 490 valid questionnaires revealed an overall Work-Related Quality of Life (WRQoL) score of 3.508 (95% CI: 3.458–3.553) out of 5. Significant variations in mean WRQoL were observed among pharmacists categorized by gender, employment status, hospital affiliation, participation in continuing pharmacy education, extra work hours, income satisfaction, and number of dependents.

Conclusion

While hospital pharmacists in southern Vietnam exhibit a reasonable balance between their personal and professional lives, they grapple with notable work-related stress. To address this, employers should adopt supportive strategies aimed at relieving pressure on employees, thereby enhancing their well-being and job performance, especially during challenging times such as the ongoing global pandemic.
A health equity ECHO for clinicians of individuals with SCD
Authors: Shook Lisa M , Crosby Lori E , Farrell Christina Bennett , Nelson Stephen C
Published: August 2024

SCD is the most common genetic disorder in the United States, affecting nearly 100 000 Americans, with the majority of affected individuals identifying as Black. Studies have shown that both children and adults with SCD face stigmatization resulting in low-quality care stemming from institutional racism and implicit bias by clinicians. Clinician biases often result from a lack of awareness of their own racial identity, failure to develop an anti-racist or social justice lens, and absence of skills to mitigate racist practices and policies. The Sickle Treatment and Outcomes Research in the Midwest (STORM) multi-state regional learning network developed a health equity training curriculum that was delivered as a continuing education learning series using the Project ECHO® virtual telementoring framework supplemented with an online learning management system. The curriculum addressed foundations of race, racism, and whiteness along with social justice strategies for the individual and institutional level and was piloted with 2 clinician cohorts to assess its feasibility, acceptability, and the potential impact on clinician self-efficacy. Feasibility and acceptability data, including qualitative feedback, suggest that this is a promising method for multidisciplinary clinicians and trainees for raising self-awareness about racism and bias, providing a safe community for self-reflection, and building skills to address inequities within healthcare settings.
Potential risks of Oropouche virus importation into Europe
Authors: Capobianchi Maria R , Castilletti Concetta , Gobbi Federico Giovanni
Published: August 2024

Imported cases of Oropouche fever were recently detected in Italy. Upcoming mass events, i.e. the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and the 2025 Jubilee in Rome, represent increasing likelihood of further OROV importation and potential spread in new areas, underscoring the importance of strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity and ecology studies.
The Right to Freedom of Expression
Authors: Tobin John , Parkes Aisling
Published: August 2024

This section is about Article 13 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child dealing with The Right to Freedom of Expression.
The Right to Protection of Privacy, Family, Home, Correspondence, Honour, and Reputation
Authors: Tobin John , Field Sarah M
Published: August 2024

This section is about Article 16 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child dealing with The Right to Protection of Privacy, Family, Home, Correspondence, Honour, and Reputation.
Refugee Children
Authors: Pobjoy Jason M
Published: August 2024

This section is about Article 22 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child dealing with Refugee Children.
Protection against the Abduction, Traffic, and Sale of Children
Authors: Gallagher Anne
Published: August 2024

This section is about Article 35 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child dealing with Protection against the Abduction, Traffic, and Sale of Children.
The Right to Reintegration and Recovery
Authors: Tobin and John , Marshall Chelsea
Published: August 2024

This section is about Article 39 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child dealing with The Right to Reintegration and Recovery.
The Continental Shelf Beyond 200 Nautical Miles
Authors: Mossop Joanna
Published: August 2024

Under the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC), coastal States have sovereign rights over the resources of their continental shelf out to 200 nautical miles (nm) from the coast. Where the physical shelf extends beyond 200 nm, States may exercise rights over those resources to the outer limits of the continental shelf. More than eighty States may be entitled to claim sovereign rights over their continental shelf where it extends beyond 200 nm, and the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) is currently examining many of these claims. This book examines the nature of the rights and obligations of coastal States in this area, focusing on the options for regulating activities on the extended continental shelf. Because the extended continental shelf lies below the high seas, the area poses unique legal challenges for coastal States, which are different from those faced in respect of the shelf within 200 nm. In addition, the LOSC imposes some specific obligations that coastal States must comply with in respect of the extended continental shelf. The book discusses the development of the concept of the extended continental shelf. It explores a range of issues facing the coastal State in regulating matters such as environmental protection, fishing, bioprospecting, exploitation of non-living resources, and marine scientific research on the extended continental shelf. The book proposes a framework for navigating the intersection between the high seas and the extended continental shelf and minimizing the potential for conflict between flag and coastal States.
The Intersection Between Coastal State Rights and High Seas Freedoms
Authors: Mossop Joanna
Published: August 2024

This chapter explores the dynamics between the rights of the coastal State to the continental shelf beyond 200 nm and the rights and freedoms of other States in the high seas that lie above the shelf. In Part VI of the Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC), article 78 requires coastal States not to ‘infringe or unjustifiably interfere’ with high seas freedoms. The article 78 language is examined with reference to the negotiating history of article 78 and its predecessor, article 5(1) of the Convention on the Continental Shelf. The chapter then outlines a proposed framework for decision making to determine whether a coastal State’s regulations or actions violate the terms of article 78. This discussion explores the extent to which coastal States can unilaterally interfere with the exercise of high seas freedoms.
Cooperative Approaches to Regulating Activities on the Continental Shelf Beyond 200 Nautical Miles
Authors: Mossop Joanna
Published: August 2024

This chapter suggests that, rather than dealing with activities on the continental shelf beyond 200 nm through unilateral action, coastal States should adopt bilateral and multilateral approaches to addressing their concerns. International organizations, regional fisheries management authorities (RFMOs), and regional environmental regimes may offer solutions that minimize the risk of potential disputes. The chapter examines two examples of State practice in this regard. First, Portugal has worked with the regional environmental and fishing regimes in the North-east Atlantic to gain protection for some areas on its extended continental shelf. Secondly, Mauritius and the Seychelles provide a model for cooperative development of the resources of the continental shelf beyond 200 nm.
Looking Ahead
Authors: Mossop Joanna
Published: August 2024

The final chapter draws some conclusions and lessons from the previous chapters, and makes recommendations for future approaches by coastal States and flag States. As States work through the process of producing their submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), they will need to turn their attention to the activities occurring on their extended continental shelves. This chapter discusses some issues that arise in exercising sovereign rights where the boundaries between neighbouring continental shelves are not delimited. It also recognizes that there is a knowledge gap about the resources of the continental shelves which applies to all States, but has a particular impact on developing States. Finally, the relationship between coastal State rights to the extended continental shelf and the negotiations for a new implementing agreement for biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction is explored. States will need to accommodate the existence of coastal State rights when establishing a regime that applies to activities on the high seas.
Implications for Public International Law
Authors: Carazo María Pía , Klein Daniel
Published: August 2024

This chapter seeks to situate the Paris Agreement within the broader realm of public international law. It focuses on the possible implications and influence of the Agreement on other international treaty regimes and policy areas, and vice versa. The Paris Agreement sets the collective struggle against climate change on a new course and has the potential to be a game changer, also in relation to other areas of international law and policy. One question that arises is whether conflicts between the climate and other treaty regimes will intensify and whether they will impair an effective and successful implementation either of the Paris Agreement or of the other treaty regimes. If so, the chapter considers what might be the best avenues for preventing this and instead improving harmonization and synergies between international legal regimes.
Article 2, para. 3 UN Charter
Authors: Caron David D , Tomuschat Christian
Published: August 2024

This section is about Article 2, para. 3 of the UN Charter
Article 96 UN Charter
Authors: d'Argent Pierre
Published: August 2024

This section is about Article 96 UN Charter
Relationship of the ICJ with Other International Courts and Tribunals
Authors: Gaja Giorgio
Published: August 2024

This section is about the relationship of the ICJ with other international courts and tribunals
Article 41
Authors: Oellers-Frahm Karin , Zimmermann Andreas
Published: August 2024

This section is about Article 41 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice
Introduction
Authors: Blake Janet
Published: August 2024

This introductory chapter traces the history of the Convention on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (‘2003 ICHC’ or the ‘2003 Convention’). The 2003 ICHC is modelled on the 1972 Convention on the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. It contains generally similar elements to the 1972 heritage treaty but also contains some significant adaptations as well as additions required by the specific character of ‘intangible cultural heritage’ (‘ICH’) as a subject of safeguarding. The chapter considers the history of the 2003 ICHC, which now spans more than a decade. It discusses the challenges of implementing the convention’s provisions as well as the impacts it has left upon international law.