bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective loss of CD107a TIGIT+ memory HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cells in PLWH over a decade of ART
Authors: Blanch-Lombarte Oscar , Ouchi Dan , Jiménez-Moyano Esther , Carabelli Julieta , Marin Miguel Angel , Peña Ruth , Pelletier Adam , Talla Aarthi , Sharma Ashish , Dalmau Judith , Santos José Ramón , Sékaly Rafik-Pierre , Clotet Bonaventura , Prado Julia G.
Published: July 2022

The co-expression of inhibitory receptors (IRs) is a hallmark of CD8+ T-cell exhaustion (Tex) in people living with HIV-1 (PLWH). Understanding alterations of IRs expression in PLWH on long-term antiretroviral treatment (ART) remains elusive but is critical to overcoming CD8+ Tex and designing novel HIV-1 cure immunotherapies. To address this, we combine high-dimensional supervised and unsupervised analysis of IRs concomitant with functional markers across the CD8+ T-cell landscape on 24 PLWH over a decade on ART. We define irreversible alterations of IRs co-expression patterns in CD8+ T cells not mitigated by ART and identify negative associations between the frequency of TIGIT+ and TIGIT+TIM-3+ and CD4+ T-cell levels. Moreover, changes in total, SEB-activated, and HIV-1-specific CD8+ T-cells delineate a complex reshaping of memory and effector-like cellular clusters on ART. Indeed, we identify a selective reduction of HIV-1 specific-CD8+ T-cell memory-like clusters sharing TIGIT expression and low CD107a that can be recovered by mAb TIGIT blockade independently of IFNγ and IL-2. Collectively, these data characterize with unprecedented detail the patterns of IRs expression and functions across the CD8+ T-cell landscape and indicate the potential of TIGIT as a target for Tex precision immunotherapies in PLWH at all ART stages.
Sequence, Structure, and Epitope Analysis of the Polymorphic Membrane Protein Family in Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Cervantes Patrick W. , Segelke Brent , Lau Edmond Y. , de la Maza Luis , Coleman Matthew , D’haeseleer Patrik
Published: July 2022

The polymorphic membrane proteins are a family of autotransporters that play an important role in infection, adhesion and immunity in Chlamydia trachomatis. Here we show that the characteristic GGA(I,L,V) and FxxN tetrapeptide repeats fit into a larger repeat sequence, and that these repeats correspond to the coils of a large beta-helical domain in high quality structure predictions. While the tetranucleotide motifs themselves are predicted to play a structural role in folding and close stacking of the beta-helical backbone of the passenger domain, we found many of the interesting features of Pmps are localized to the side loops jutting out from the beta helix - including protease cleavage, host cell adhesion, and B-cell epitopes; while T-cell epitopes are predominantly found in the beta-helix itself.
Genome-scale analysis of cellular restriction factors that inhibit transgene expression from adeno-associated virus vectors
Authors: Ngo Ashley M , Puschnik Andreas S
Published: July 2022

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are one of the leading platforms for gene delivery for the treatment of human genetic diseases, but the antiviral cellular mechanisms that interfere with optimal transgene expression are incompletely understood. Here, we performed two genome-scale CRISPR screens to identify cellular factors that restrict transgene expression from recombinant AAV vectors. Our screens revealed several components linked to DNA damage response, chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation. Inactivation of the Fanconi Anemia gene FANCA, the Human Silencing Hub (HUSH) associated methyltransferase SETDB1 and the gyrase, Hsp90, histidine kinase and MutL (GHKL)-type ATPase MORC3 led to increased transgene expression. Moreover, SETDB1 and MORC3 knockout improved transgene levels of several AAV serotypes as well as other viral vectors, such as lentivirus and adenovirus. Finally, we demonstrated that inhibition of FANCA, SETDB1 or MORC3 also enhanced transgene expression in human primary cells, suggesting that these could be physiologically relevant pathways that restrict AAV transgene levels in therapeutic settings.

IMPORTANCE

Recombinant AAV (rAAV) vectors have been successfully developed for the treatment of genetic diseases. The therapeutic strategy often involves the replacement of a defective gene by expression of a functional copy from the rAAV vector genome. However, cells possess antiviral mechanisms that recognize and silence foreign DNA elements thereby limiting transgene expression and its therapeutic effect. Here, we utilize a functional genomics approach to uncover a comprehensive set of cellular restriction factors that inhibit rAAV-based transgene expression. Genetic inactivation of selected restriction factors increased rAAV transgene expression. Hence, modulation of identified restriction factors has the potential to enhance AAV gene replacement therapies.
Structural basis of organic cation transporter-3 inhibition
Authors: Khanppnavar Basavraj , Maier Julian , Herborg Freja , Gradisch Ralph , Lazzarin Erika , Luethi Dino , Yang Jae-Won , Qi Chao , Holy Marion , Jäntsch Kathrin , Kudlacek Oliver , Schicker Klaus , Werge Thomas , Gether Ulrik , Stockner Thomas , Korkhov Volodymyr M. , Sitte Harald H.
Published: July 2022

Organic cation transporters (OCTs) facilitate the translocation of catecholamines and xenobiotics across the plasma membrane in various tissues throughout the human body. OCT3 plays a key role in low-affinity, high-capacity uptake of monoamines in most tissues including heart, brain and liver. Its deregulation plays a role in diseases. Despite its importance, the structural basis of OCT3 function and its inhibition has remained enigmatic. Here we describe the cryo-EM structure of human OCT3 at 3.2 Å resolution. Structures of OCT3 bound to two inhibitors, corticosterone and decynium-22, define the ligand binding pocket and reveal common features of major facilitator transporter inhibitors. In addition, we relate the functional characteristics of an extensive collection of previously uncharacterized human genetic variants to structural features, thereby providing a basis for understanding the impact of OCT3 polymorphisms.
Regulatory framework on the UAM operational concepts of the ASSURED-UAM project
Authors: Mazur Anna Maria , ten Thije Jens , Vreeken Joost , Hesselink Henk , Dziugieł Bartosz , Wyka Sylwester , Liberacki Adam , Idzikowska Teresa , Stanczyk Anna Dorota , Utracka Agata , Ginter Piotr , Czupryn Sandra , Giannuzzi Michele , Melo Sandra , Witkowska-Konieczny Adriana , Di Vito Vittorio , Menichino Aniello
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the overall framework in which the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) deployment is expected to be implemented. Another aim of the study is to give a better overview on the current regulations and standards including the impact of the regulations on the industry, operations and cities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper performs a literature review on the regulatory framework, which provides a clear view of the current regulations and standards. The review includes the insight into the details of possible international rules for the future, considering operations in the specific and certified categories. The impact and trends of current and future regulations are also presented.

Findings

The analysis described in this paper shows a strong upward trend in UAM technical and operational developments as well as further potential for a successful incorporation in city mobility concepts. This paper indicates the importance of the representatives of guideline development organizations, industry, agencies and other important players involved in the standard development process.

Practical implications

This section describes synthesis on the required level of safety for UAM operations as well as description on the impact of the regulations from different perspectives, including industry and certification of urban aircraft, operations and air traffic management, cities and the governance of the urban airspace and well as technology.

Originality/value

Barriers such as legislation do not allow the common UAM to be deployed. This paper studies the overall framework in which the UAM deployment is expected to be implemented.
Effects of teaser rates on new credit card customers’ spending and borrowing: an empirical analysis
Authors: Kasaian Keyvan , Murthi B.P.S. , Steffes Erin
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study examines the effect of credit card teaser rates on consumer indebtedness and the revenue generated by new customers.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique dataset from a national bank in the United States of America is utilized to employ a relatively new method called the covariate balancing propensity score matching, which measures the causal effects of teaser rates.

Findings

The results indicate that offering teaser rates improves the revenue generated by customers by indirectly increasing indebtedness. Such offers increase customers' willingness to borrow at regular interest rates that are significantly higher than the teaser rate – the “spillover effects.” Interestingly, customers who pay off their promotional balances before the termination of the promotional period borrow even more at regular rates than customers who do not pay off their balances timely.

Practical implications

The results can assist managers of credit card companies in measuring the value of teaser rates more accurately. Furthermore, the results have implications for public policy aimed at reducing credit card debt by enhancing the understanding of credit card customers' borrowing behavior.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that documents the direct and indirect impacts of teaser rates on credit card customers' borrowing behavior and the resulting bank revenue.
Bottom-line pursuits invade your family: the spillover effect of supervisor bottom-line mentality on employee work-to-family conflict
Authors: Xie Jun , Huang Qihai , Huiying Zhang , Zhang Yun , Chen Kangyu
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between supervisor bottom-line mentality (BLM) and employee work-to-family conflict (WFC) through employee psychological detachment, and the moderating role of employee trait optimism.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was empirically tested using a sample of 225 two-wave data gathered from five Chinese companies.

Findings

The results revealed that employee psychological detachment mediated the impact of supervisor BLM on employee WFC. Moreover, employee trait optimism buffered the negative relationship between supervisor BLM and employee psychological detachment and the indirect effect of supervisor BLM on employee WFC through employee psychological detachment.

Practical implications

Supervisors should pay more attention to the spillover effect of supervisor BLM on employees’ family life and take some training measures to help employees effectively psychological detach from supervisor BLM.

Originality/value

The findings, therefore, provide a more comprehensive understanding of the adverse effects of supervisor BLM beyond the work domain and the buffering role of employee trait optimism on work–family intervention.
Roadmap to enhance the insertion of social sustainability in logistics systems
Authors: Martins Vitor William Batista , Anholon Rosley , Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves , Leal Filho Walter
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This article aimed to propose and validate a roadmap to enhance the insertion of social sustainability practices in logistics activities considering the scenario of companies operating in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The initial construction of the aforementioned roadmap was based on a detailed literature review and the fine-tuning as well as validation of it was carried out through a Delphi process developed with professionals specialized in the area of logistics and sustainability.

Findings

As main results, it is highlighted that the validated roadmap includes actions ranging from meeting and adapting legal issues related to sustainability, through the initial diagnosis of the company, motivation and awareness of the importance of social sustainability, followed by encouraging the inclusion of social sustainability practices in logistic activities, and finally, the identification of opportunities for improvement and establishment of execution plans within the organization. The phases and actions of the validated roadmap converge towards restructuring and redefinition of the organizational culture oriented towards meeting sustainable guidelines, and also contemplate the dynamics of seeking continuous improvement throughout all levels and sectors belonging to a given organization.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in the fact that the roadmap focuses on the inclusion of social sustainability practices in logistic activities, since, according to the literature, social aspects are still relegated to the background when compared to environmental and economic aspects.
Optimising process and product performance in complex systems: a study in the automotive industry
Authors: Pacheco Diego Augusto de Jesus , Librelato Tatiane Pereira
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study responds to calls from industry and the literature to cope with the enormous challenges faced by companies operating in competitive business sectors. The main objective of this paper is to investigate how managers can optimise product quality and process efficiency of complex systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a design of experiments (DoE) method was used to improve the development of complex products and manufacturing processes in the industry of automotive audio components. To identify the optimal combination that minimises quality problems occurring with subwoofer speakers in the marketing, this study proposed a full Factorial experiment 24 with three replications in a single block summarised in an analysis of the interaction among the factors.

Findings

The research findings revealed the factors and levels regarding both the product development and manufacturing processes that significantly impact the quality and reliability performance of the subwoofer speaker analysed. The findings from the article allowed the company to prioritise internal improvements to enhance product quality and process efficiency. Other automotive firms will benefit from the research findings obtained.

Practical implications

From a managerial perspective, this research presented the DoE methodology as a real opportunity to deal with the inherent complexity of the manufacturing process in the automotive audio components sector. This research assist managers with insights into how they can improve the quality performance in production systems and in the market.

Originality/value

This study is an original contribution to the advance of theory and empirical implementation of DoE in competitive industrial sectors.
Public sector accountability: do leadership practices, integrity and internal control systems matter?
Authors: Brenya Bonsu Atta , Appiah Kingsley Opoku , Gyimah Prince , Owusu-Afriyie Richard
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The study explores the current  public sector accountability practices in sub-Saharan African region. Specifically, this study assesses whether accountability is related to integrity, internal control system and leadership in the public sector of a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation model (SEM) is used to predict the drivers of public accountability in a developing country. A survey design with quantitative analysis is used to analyze responses from directors or heads of agencies or departments in the ministries of a developing country.

Findings

The result shows that integrity, internal control and leadership practices positively and significantly impact public accountability. These findings suggest that public accountability in the developing economic context is a function of these aforementioned factors to ensure efficient public sector accountability and governance. The findings could assist policymakers in Sub-Saharan African country to enhance accountability among different departments and agencies of government.

Originality/value

This study makes an important contribution by providing evidence of drivers of public accountability from the perspective of public sector entities in Sub-Saharan African country, to complement the extant literature that has focused largely on developed economies
What insisted baby boomers adopt unified payment interface as a payment mechanism?: an exploration of drivers of behavioral intention
Authors: Saha Poulami , Kiran Kunjangada B.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The unified payment interface (UPI) is in its early stages of adoption for baby boomers. This study explores the factors affecting the behavioral intention of baby boomers to adopt UPI. UTAUT was adopted as theoretical lens of the study and extended with ubiquity, privacy risk and perceived security. The impact of an external factor – effect of COVID-19 was also examined in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

A consumer intercept survey was used to collect data from baby boomers via a self-administered structured questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to establish the relationships among latent variables. Further, using bootstrap re-sampling technique, the role of perceived security as a mediator between risk, ubiquity and behavioral intention was examined.

Findings

The study confirmed that COVID-19 was the most influential external factor for baby boomers to adopt UPI, followed by performance expectancy, social influence, ubiquity, effort expectancy and perceived security. Apropos of UPI adoption by baby boomers, privacy risk negatively influenced perceived security, whereas perceived security fully mediated the relationship between risk, ubiquity and behavioral intention.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused only on baby boomers and their intention to adopt UPI. Hence the results cannot be generalized to all age groups and are specific to the cohort.

Originality/value

The present study aims to establish research findings on predicting antecedents of adopting a newly introduced payment mechanism and an exemplary Indian digital innovation, UPI, by baby boomers. This study is first to empirically explore intention of baby boomers toward adoption of UPI.
You’re getting warmer: examining a “warmth effect” as antecedent to cause-related purchase intentions for sport-themed CRM
Authors: Christian Ron G. , Sarofim Samer N. , Gordon Brian S. , Bobkowski Piotr S.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how exposure to a cause-related marketing (CRM) initiative involving sport teams affects attitude formation for the team and its amplification of purchase intention for team-branded merchandise. Specifically, this paper assessed the role of distinct measures (warmth, brand attitude, admiration and success) on purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypothesized model was tested using a 2 (promotion: CRM vs non-CRM) × 2 (team: successful vs unsuccessful) between-subjects design. Following MANCOVA analysis, the moderating effect of success was explored within the sequential moderated mediation model where perceived warmth and brand attitude explicated the effect of CRM exposure on purchase intention.

Findings

The results of this paper suggest that a “Warmth Effect” played a prominent role in shaping consumer perception for sports teams when partnered with a non-profit brand in a CRM appeal. Perceived team success was revealed as moderator, while warmth, brand attitude served as serial mediators on purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides evidence-based insights to sport marketers to leverage CRM strategy in strengthening brand-related outcomes. Sport marketers may find the CRM strategy useful for engaging “casual” fans. Further analysis is needed to determine the generalizability of this consumer response to CRM in other product domains.

Practical implications

Practical implications include leveraging CRM strategy to strengthen brand-related outcomes (i.e. perceived warmth, brand attitude and purchase intention), while also being mindful of the timing of CRM initiatives to optimize engagement. Sport marketers may find the CRM strategy useful for engaging “casual” fans.

Originality/value

This paper lends clarity to brand attitude formation in the context of CRM. The findings of this paper demonstrate the influence of perceived warmth, brand attitude and success on purchase intention.
Are special economic zones products of corruption?
Authors: Norgaard Julia R. , Cartwright Alexander Chase
Published: July 2022

Purpose

These zones offer participants a wide variety of incentives and can be found in sizes ranging from a few square acres to entire large cities. The diversity among SEZs presents an opportunity for new research.

Design/methodology/approach

Special economic zones (SEZs) have grown exponentially in popularity during the past few decades, in size and scope. They are often lauded as instruments central to enhancing economic growth in developing countries. However, the empirical evidence on the relationship between SEZs and growth is inconclusive.

Findings

The analysis concludes that corruption leads to the creation of smaller zones that are likely the products of rent-seeking.

Originality/value

The authors argue that SEZs can be effective vehicles for rent-seeking, especially geographically small zones and develop an empirical model to explore the relationship between zone size and the impetus for the zone creation, namely corruption. Specifically, the authors analyze whether these small zones are vehicles of economic growth or manifestations of country wide corruption.
E-banking services and the satisfaction of customers in the Jordanian banks
Authors: Tahtamouni Asem
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to discuss the main points in the dimensions of the quality of the electronic services to be considered in the future to adapt to future transactions and how to benefit from them.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relies on the developments and to cope with them so that the banks and customers shift from dealing in the traditional way to the electronic method, which has become a cause of the gap in understanding customers for electronic banking use of the descriptive-analytical approach. A questionnaire was used as a source for collecting data and information about the study variables. It was distributed to three Jordanian banks, and the number of participants was 170. This study uses two primary sources for collecting data and information: secondary sources that relate to the theoretical aspect and preliminary sources related to the analytical aspect of the study subject.

Findings

The results showed that the impact of e-banking quality dimensions of the study (ease of use, time, confidentiality and security) was high, which required the bank to maintain its high levels and monitor them from time to time.

Originality/value

The value of this study comes from the following points: the relationship between the quality of electronic banking services and customer satisfaction; this study is one of the few field attempts in Jordan to assess the impact of the quality of electronic banking services on the satisfaction of customers in banks; this study provides new scientific results on the impact of the quality of electronic banking services on the satisfaction of customers in the Jordanian banks.
Two-level cooperation and competition strategies of government and technology service platforms: considering government subsidies
Authors: Chen Dong-lin , Fu Min , Yao Meng-Di , Wang Lei
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the optimal competition or cooperation decision between technology service platforms and governments in the context of fierce competition within urban agglomerations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the cooperation and competition game model, this study builds a two-level model for government and technology service platforms considering three cases: perfect competition, platform cooperation and government-led cooperation.

Findings

By analyzing the optimal strategies of the government and a platform in three cases, the research shows that choosing appropriate cooperation in a competitive situation is beneficial to both the government and the platform. Government-led cooperation is conducive to increasing social welfare. From the perspective of the platforms, if they actively seek cooperation, they can obtain higher subsidies and profits. The more intense the competition is, the higher the profits and social welfare generated from the platforms' active cooperation.

Practical implications

The contribution of this study relates to the development of technology service platforms in urban agglomerations. As local governments and platforms continuously undertake decision-making processes, this study constructs quantitative models to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of competition and cooperation. It is worth noting that relying on government subsidies to maintain the sustainable development of technology service platforms is not a long-term solution. Government subsidies play a vital role in the initial development of technology service platforms. The analysis results are in line with Guo et al. (2016), Jung and Feng (2020) and Li (2021) conclusions. Furthermore, long-term government subsidies will make platforms dependent on these subsidies. These are the contributions to the scientific literature.

Originality/value

Instead of focusing on vertical relationships, this study emphasizes the horizontal cooperation and competition relationship between platforms and local governments in an urban agglomeration. Thus, the vertical effects of government subsidies on platforms can be investigated. Another innovation is the social welfare policy goal, which is an important index for the development of urban agglomerations.
Relationship between environmental knowledge, environmental sensitivity, environmental attitude and environmental behavioural intention – a segmented mediation approach
Authors: Bala Rajni , Singh Sandeep , Sharma Kulwant Kumar
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Environment-friendly behaviour is essential for a sustainable development. The study is an attempt to fill the research gap by analysing the mediating role of environmental sensitivity (ES) and environmental attitude (EA) on the relationship between environmental knowledge (EK) and environmental behavioural intention (EBI). It aims to investigate the direct as well as indirect relationship between EK, ES, EA and EBI.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 466 university students representing northern region of India. The use of purposive sampling technique helped to reach the maximum number of respondents. The hypothesis was tested by applying partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

It was found that the relationship between EK and EBI was sequentially mediated by ES and EA. The study provides a model which would be instrumental in protecting the environment. It describes how the behaviour intentions of youth come into existence from EK.

Practical implications

The study is quite useful for making training schedules regarding environment protection specifically for the students. The study has various implications for the society as well. As the young students are a significant part of the society, the social communities can use this model to understand the various needs of the youth. It is likely to provide additional EK to the youth. The tested model explains how EK converts into EBI. The government and non-government agencies can use the model for chalking out environment protection strategy at the local as well as national level.

Originality/value

It is believed that this is the first study of its kind which highlights the causal links between EK, ES, EA and EBI. No doubt, certain studies were conducted by ascertaining the relationship between two or three of these variables, but none provided an insight into the direct and indirect relationship between these variables.
Access arrangements for secondary students. Are they fit for purpose?
Authors: McGhee Emily , Masterson Jackie
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate Access Arrangements (AA) which allow students with specific learning difficulties (SpLDs), disabilities or medical needs to access assessments by making reasonable adjustments, as established by the Equality Act 2010. A review of the literature revealed some problematic issues relating to the perceived manageability of the system, assessments used to ascertain eligibility for AAs, the evidence‐base for specific AAs, some training routes to become an assessor, and the lack of stakeholder voice in the process. The present study involved gathering information on views and experiences with AA by means of a survey with 513 UK educational professionals, in‐depth interviews and a small‐scale study involving pupils with reading difficulties. The results suggest that the system needs reviewing to make sure there is equitable provision for all those who need AA.
Creating inclusive schools: a self‐review tool for educational practitioners
Authors: Dimitrellou Eleni , Male Dawn
Published: July 2022

This study explored the schooling experiences of secondary‐aged pupils with and without SEND attending three mainstream schools in England . Thirty‐seven young adolescents with SEND and eight without agreed to be interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed the challenges these young adolescents with SEND encountered to feel included in their schools and light is shed on their perspectives of what an inclusive school should be. Of significance contributing to pupils' positive or negative feelings about school and their feelings of being included or excluded were: their perceptions of the implementation of approaches to behaviour management; their perceptions of the equitable allocation of teacher support and/or teacher attention; relations with their teachers; whether they found their lessons engaging or ‘boring’; and the extent to which they perceived their voices were heard and subsequently, acted upon. The findings of the study are discussed with reference to Farrell's model of inclusion and an elaboration of the model is proposed as a self‐review tool to be used by educational practitioners as an aid to facilitate their inclusion in mainstream provision.
Pride and Privilege? New Approaches to War Disability in the Twentieth Century
Authors: SCHLUND SEBASTIAN , WRIGHT STEPHANIE
Published: July 2022

War disability occupies a prominent space within the small but rapidly blossoming field of disability history. The experience of maiming in war can contribute to a specific form of identity construction amongst disabled veterans, who have often been viewed separately from other disability groups. For wounded men returning home from war, it was often psychologically of the utmost importance to be proud of their service to their homeland, or in the case of civil wars, of fighting for a political conviction. Lifelong physical impairment could even intensify this feeling, as the act of self‐sacrifice, perceived as heroic, was inscribed on one's body as a permanent mark, a ‘badge of honour’. Often, a sense of pride amongst disabled veterans has corresponded with the privilege of having a powerful political lobby, sometimes resulting in welfare measures tailored to the needs of disabled veterans. The contributions to this issue seek to explore the complex social positioning of those who – often coming to terms with their own private struggles with rehabilitation and feelings of emasculation – may not have felt privileged, while simultaneously occupying a clearly favourable position in comparison to other disability groups. Thus, through the framing of ‘pride’ and ‘privilege’, the contributions to this ‘History in Focus’ feature will aim to re‐evaluate the marginalising or stigmatising nature of war disability, and to explore the complex and multifaceted positioning of disabled veterans in a world where no individual is limited to the rigid confines of a single identity and social space.
‘Heroes to anonymous pensioners’: Francisco Franco's ‘mutilated gentlemen’ and the erosion of veteran privilege in Spain's transition to democracy
Authors: Wright Stephanie
Published: July 2022

This article explores how during Spain's transition to democracy in the 1970s and 1980s, Francoist disabled veterans of the Spanish Civil War navigated the disappearance of formerly hegemonic historical narratives which had hitherto defined their relationship with the state. While for Republican disabled veterans of the Civil War, the transition brought a degree of legitimisation, political emancipation and financial recognition, for Franco's Caballeros Mutilados or ‘Mutilated Gentlemen’ the advent of democracy prompted a re‐evaluation of their wounds, their legitimacy and the privileges they had hitherto enjoyed. In the post‐dictatorship era, Francoist disabled veterans – who unlike Republican veterans, had enjoyed uncontested legitimacy under the regime – were viewed as inconvenient symbols of Francoism, and faced the challenge of preserving the legitimacy of their veteranhood in the age of democracy. In this sense, the case of the Francoist war disabled of the Spanish Civil War underscores the close link between historical memory and the well‐being of the veterans of civil wars. While post‐civil war governments often privilege certain disabled bodies over others, this is a precarious privilege that remains vulnerable to political fluctuations over time, as well as the shifting relationship between army, nation and state. In such cases, the ability of disabled veterans’ groups to adapt to changing perceptions of their right to support is crucial to the preservation of their veteranhood, as well as their ability to advocate for improved circumstances more broadly.
Clinical outcomes of image‐guided percutaneous drainage of pericardial effusion in cancer patients: A single‐center retrospective analysis
Authors: Hasegawa Tetsuya , Arai Yasuaki , Sone Miyuki , Sugawara Shunsuke , Itou Chihiro , Wada Shinji , Umakoshi Noriyuki , Kubo Takatoshi , Kimura Shintaro , Kusumoto Masahiko
Published: July 2022

Aim

Catheter removal, survival, and recurrence rates after percutaneous pericardial effusion drainage in cancer patients are not fully understood. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of image‐guided percutaneous pericardial effusion drainage in cancer patients.

Methods

From January 2014 to September 2017, 113 percutaneous drainages for symptomatic pericardial effusion were performed in 100 cancer patients (median 60 years; range, 7–84 years) using ultrasound or angio‐computed tomography. An 8‐Fr drainage catheter was placed using the Seldinger technique via the subxiphoid (n = 73), apical (n = 23), or left parasternal (n = 17) routes. Success rates, complications, and postprocedural clinical outcomes of drainages were retrospectively assessed.

Results

The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 99%, respectively, without major complications. The median duration of catheterization and evacuated pericardial effusion volume were 6 days (range, 1–72 days) and 970 ml (range, 140–7635 ml), respectively. Catheters were removed after the first drainage in 86 cases (86%). Symptomatic pericardial effusion recurred in nine patients after catheter removal, in whom redrainages were performed 13 times with a median duration to redrainage time of 48 days (range, 13–529 days). During the follow‐up period (median 106 days [range, 1–1396 days]), 61 patients died. The median survival was 140 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 95–276 days), and the median catheter‐free survival was 111 days (95% CI, 60–152 days).

Conclusions

Image‐guided percutaneous pericardial effusion drainage for cancer patients is safe and helps alleviate symptoms. Additionally, catheter removal is possible in most patients, allowing a catheter‐free period for patients.
Failure to initiate trauma team activation for patients who meet the criteria in a level 1 paediatric trauma centre: which patients are missing out?
Authors: Sung Jonghoo , Yao Angela , Antoniou Georgia , Cooksey Rebecca , Winters Jacqueline , Ee Michael , Williams Nicole
Published: July 2022

Background

Trauma team activation (TTA) is paramount in the early hospital management of trauma patients. This study aimed to evaluate factors which contribute to failure to activate the Trauma team for management of paediatric trauma.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of Emergency Department (ED) presentations at the paediatric major trauma hospital in Adelaide, South Australia was conducted over a 16‐month period. Data from the hospital's trauma registry, individual case files and digital medical records were evaluated to determine factors that were associated with no TTA.

Results

During the study period, 617 trauma patients who met Level 1 or Level 2 TTA criteria attended the trauma centre. For 29 (4.7%) of these patients, there was no TTA. Predictors of no TTA included sustaining abdomen and/or pelvis injuries compared to limb injuries (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] = 10.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98–56.69, P = 0.006), sustaining non‐accidental injury (NAI) versus an injury with vehicle involvement (OR = 30.13, 95% CI 6.43–141.21, P < 0.001), and arriving via emergency medical retrieval service compared to private vehicle (OR = 14.23, 95% CI 3.94–51.36, P < 0.001). No patients transferred directly to Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), or High Dependency Unit (HDU) received an appropriate TTA.

Conclusion

Multiple factors were associated with no TTA in paediatric trauma patients. The results highlight that even in PICU and HDU admissions and transfer patients, vigilant clarification of mechanism of injury and potential for occult injuries should be undertaken to ensure appropriate TTA and improve patient outcome.
Perceptions of pharmacogenetic exceptionalism and the implications for clinical management within an electronic health record
Authors: Butler Tiana , Brown Jacob , Jacobson Pamala A. , Stenehjem David
Published: July 2022

Genetic exceptionalism refers to a concept that genetic information is distinct from other health data and therefore should have additional safety guards in place. The objective of this study was to establish perceptions of pharmacogenetic (PGx) exceptionalism and genetic information privacy and management within the electronic health record (EHR) from individuals who attended a PGx‐focused conference. A 47‐question survey was distributed to 370 attendees at a PGx conference in September 2020. The survey assessed demographics, professional characteristics, perceptions of PGx exceptionalism, knowledge of genetic laws and regulations, and EHR management of PGx information. Of the 370 participants invited to take the survey, 30% (n = 110) responded. Most respondents were pharmacists with postgraduate training (76.2%, n = 48). When asked whether PGx information was exceptional, 44% of respondents agreed while 32% disagreed. Agreement with PGx exceptionalism was associated most with respondents' lack of familiarity or knowledge with PGx. Over two‐thirds (67%) felt that all members of the healthcare team should be able to access their patients’ PGx information without restriction in the EHR. This study identified a lack of unanimity in the perception of PGx exceptionalism and the management of PGx information within the EHR across attendees of a PGx conference. Describing the perception of accessibility of PGx information within the EHR is important to ascertain for designing privacy‐related technology, institutional management policies, and legal regulations as this area in genetics is increasingly being implemented into clinical care and clinical standards of care need to be established.
Identification of individual subjects based on neuroanatomical measures obtained 7 years earlier
Authors: Jäncke Lutz , Valizadeh Seyed A.
Published: July 2022

We analysed a dataset comprising 118 subjects who were scanned three times (at baseline, 1‐year follow‐up, and 7‐year follow‐up) using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over the course of 7 years. We aimed to examine whether it is possible to identify individual subjects based on a restricted number of neuroanatomical features measured 7 years previously. We used FreeSurfer to compute 15 standard brain measures (total intracranial volume [ICV], total cortical thickness [CT], total cortical surface area [CA], cortical grey matter [CoGM], cerebral white matter [CeWM], cerebellar cortex [CBGM], cerebellar white matter [CBWM], subcortical volumes [thalamus, putamen, pallidum, caudatus, hippocampus, amygdala and accumbens] and brain stem volume). We used linear discriminant analysis (LDA), random forest machine learning (RF) and a newly developed rule‐based identification approach (RBIA) for the identification process. Using RBIA, different sets of neuroanatomical features (ranging from 2 to 14) obtained at baseline were combined by if–then rules and compared to the same set of neuroanatomical features derived from the 7‐year follow‐up measurement. We achieved excellent identification results with LDA, while the identification results for RF were very good but not perfect. The RBIA produced the best results, achieving perfect participant identification for some four‐feature sets. The identification results improved substantially when using larger feature sets, with 14 neuroanatomical features providing perfect identification. Thus, this study shows again that the human brain is highly individual in terms of neuroanatomical features. These results are discussed in the context of the current literature on brain plasticity and the scientific attempts to develop brain‐fingerprinting techniques.
Interictal discharges delay target‐directed eye movements and impair attentional set‐shifting in children with epilepsy
Authors: Warsi Nebras M. , Wong Simeon M. , Suresh Hrishikesh , Arski Olivia N. , Yan Han , Ebden Mark , Kerr Elizabeth , Smith Mary Lou , Ochi Ayako , Otsubo Hiroshi , Sharma Roy , Jain Puneet , Donner Elizabeth J. , Snead O. Carter , Ibrahim George M.
Published: July 2022

Objective

The theory of transient cognitive impairment in epilepsy posits that lapses in attention result from ephemeral disruption of attentional circuitry by interictal events. Eye movements are intimately associated with human attention and can be monitored in real time using eye‐tracking technologies. Here, we sought to characterize the associations between interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs), gaze, and attentional behavior in children with epilepsy.

Methods

Eleven consecutive children undergoing invasive monitoring with stereotactic electrodes for localization‐related epilepsy performed an attentional set‐shifting task while tandem intracranial electroencephalographic signals and eye‐tracking data were recorded. Using an established algorithm, IEDs were detected across all intracranial electrodes on a trial‐by‐trial basis. Hierarchical mixed‐effects modeling was performed to delineate associations between trial reaction time (RT), eye movements, and IEDs.

Results

Hierarchical mixed‐effects modeling revealed that both the presence of an IED (β ± SE = 72.74 ± 24.21 ms, p = .003) and the frequency of epileptiform events (β ± SE = 67.54 ± 17.30 ms, p < .001) were associated with prolonged RT on the attentional set‐shifting task. IED occurrence at the time of stimulus presentation was associated with delays in gaze initiation toward the visual targets (p = .017).

Significance

The occurrence of epileptiform activity in close temporal association with stimulus presentation is associated with delays in target‐directed gaze and prolonged response time, hallmarks of momentary lapses in attention. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of transient impairments in children and support the use of visual tracking as a correlate of higher order attentional behavior.
IL‐38 orchestrates proliferation and differentiation in human keratinocytes
Authors: Mermoud Loïc , Shutova Maria , Diaz‐Barreiro Alejandro , Talabot‐Ayer Dominique , Drukala Justyna , Wolnicki Michal , Kaya Gürkan , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning , Palmer Gaby , Borowczyk Julia
Published: July 2022

Interleukin (IL)‐38 is a member of the IL‐1 cytokine family with reported anti‐inflammatory activity. The highest constitutive IL‐38 expression is detected in the skin, where it is mainly produced by differentiating keratinocytes. However, little data are available regarding its biological functions. In this study, we investigated the role of IL‐38 in skin physiology. We demonstrate here that dermal fibroblasts and epithelial cells of skin appendages, such as eccrine sweat glands and sebaceous glands, also express IL‐38. Next, using two‐ and three‐dimensional cell cultures, we show that endogenous expression of IL‐38 correlates with keratinocyte differentiation and its ectopic overexpression inhibits keratinocyte proliferation and enhances differentiation. Accordingly, immunohistochemical analysis revealed downregulation of IL‐38 in skin pathologies characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation, such as psoriasis and basal or squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, intracellular IL‐38 can shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm and its overexpression modulates the activity of the transcription regulators YAP and ID1. Our results indicate that IL‐38 can act independently from immune system activation and suggest that it may affect the epidermis directly by decreasing proliferation and promoting differentiation of keratinocytes. These data suggest an important role of keratinocyte‐derived IL‐38 in skin homeostasis and pathologies characterized by epidermal alterations.
Bioimpedance phase angle and sarcopenia in older patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Park Hae‐Yeon , Park Yong Hyun , Lee Ji Youl , Lee Jong In
Published: July 2022

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with the bioimpedance phase angle (PhA) in older patients with prostate cancer, and to determine the optimal cutoff for the PhA in patients with sarcopenia and prostate cancer.

Methods

This retrospective cross‐sectional analysis enrolled patients with prostate cancer aged ≥60 years. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass and PhA estimated by bioimpedance analysis, grip strength, the five‐time chair stand test, gait speed, the Short Physical Performance Battery, the 2‐min walk test and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form were obtained at enrollment. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was based on the 2019 consensus of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia.

Results

In total, 119 male participants (mean age = 70.7 ± 6.1 years) were available for analysis. A multivariable linear regression model revealed that age, body mass index and the maximal grip strength value were associated with the PhA. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of the PhA for sarcopenia diagnosis was 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.64–0.90, P < 0.001), with a PhA cutoff value of 4.87°.

Conclusions

PhA estimated by bioimpedance analysis may be utilized as useful clinical biomarker for reflecting muscle strength and sarcopenia in older patients with prostate cancer. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 623–627.