bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pandemic ethics: Rethinking rights, responsibilities and roles in social work
Authors: Banks Sarah , Rutter Nikki 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This article explores responses of 41 UK social workers to ethical challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilising UK data from an international qualitative survey and follow-up interviews in 2020. Challenges ranged from weighing individual rights/needs against public health risks, to deciding whether to follow government/agency rules and guidance. Drawing on a narrative methodology to explore ethical agency, four broad types of response are identified: ethical confusion; ethical distress; ethical creativity and ethical learning. The article considers conditions that promote ethical creativity and learning: time and slow ethics; teamwork and co-creating the future and professional judgement and ethics work. It examines cognitive and emotional efforts required to make professional judgements in new conditions, when existing practices and procedures are unavailable, showing how the concept of ‘ethics work’ assists in identifying the invisible labour behind judgements and decisions in challenging circumstances. Whilst some practitioners sought clearer guidance from above, others made tailored professional ethical judgements about what would be right under particular circumstances for particular people. This capacity underpins good professional practice, and has been highlighted during the pandemic. It is important that social work post-pandemic reclaims the role of professional ethical judgement, which has been undermined by decades of managerialism and procedure-driven practice.
Factors affecting the social gradient in children’s social care
Authors: Goldacre Allie , Hood Rick 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe social gradient in children’s social care refers to the relationship between socio-economic status and the likelihood of a child welfare intervention. This article reports on a quantitative study of national administrative data, aiming to identify social gradients across all local authorities in England and to examine the factors affecting their relative strength. An anonymised extract of case-level information on all school-aged children involved with statutory social care services in 2018–2019 was combined with income deprivation data for 32,837 small neighbourhoods. Poisson regression models were used to calculate how much intervention rates could be expected to rise for each 10 percent increase in neighbourhood deprivation. This produced a single number indicator of the social gradient that could be compared for different groups of children. The strongest social gradients were found for younger children, White children, children assessed with neglect and children on protection plans under the category of neglect. For children receiving statutory services the social gradient increased at every threshold of intervention. Findings suggest the shift from prevention to intervention in children’s social care is exacerbating inequalities and encouraging a disproportionate focus on poorer families. Implications are discussed for reforming child welfare services in the context of widening social inequalities.
The effect of parietal glutamate/GABA balance on test anxiety levels in early childhood in a cross-sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Zacharopoulos George , Sella Francesco , Cohen Kadosh Kathrin , Emir Uzay , Cohen Kadosh Roi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The increased prevalence of test anxiety in our competitive society makes it a health issue of public concern. However, its neurobiological basis, especially during the years of formal education, is currently scant. Previous research has highlighted the association between neural excitation/inhibition balance and psychopathology and disease. We examined whether the glutamate/GABA profile tracks test anxiety levels in development, using a cross-sectional and longitudinal design in a cohort spanning from early childhood to early adulthood (N = 289), reassessed approximately 21 months later (N = 194). We used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to noninvasively quantify glutamate and gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and the middle frontal gyrus. We show that the glutamate/GABA balance within the IPS relates to current individual variation in test anxiety levels and predict future test anxiety approximately 21 months later. Critically, this relationship was observed during early childhood but not during the later developmental stages. Our results extend the use of the excitation/inhibition balance framework to characterize the psychopathology mechanisms of test anxiety, an underexplored yet widespread and debilitating condition that can impact early child development. Our findings provide a better understanding of the neurotransmitter basis underlying the emergence of anxiety disorders during development.
Burnout and long COVID among the UK nephrology workforce: results from a national survey investigating the impact of COVID-19 on working lives
Authors: Selvaskandan Haresh , Nimmo Ailish , Savino Manuela , Afuwape Sarah , Brand Sarah , Graham-Brown Matthew , Medcalf James , Cockwell Paul , Beckwith Hannah 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is placing a significant strain on healthcare. We conducted a national survey of the UK nephrology workforce to understand its impacts on their working lives.

Methods
An online questionnaire incorporating the Maslach Burnout Inventory score was distributed between 31 March and 1 May 2021, with a focus on COVID-19 and long COVID incidence, vaccine uptake, burnout and working patterns. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively; multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations.

Results
A total of 423 responses were received. Of them, 29% had contracted COVID-19, which was more common among doctors and nurses {odds ratio [OR] 2.18 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–4.22]} and those &lt;55 years of age [OR 2.60 (95% CI 1.38–4.90)]. Of those who contracted COVID-19, 36% had symptoms of long COVID, which was more common among ethnicities other than White British [OR 2.57 (95% CI 1.09–6.05)]. A total of 57% had evidence of burnout, which was more common among younger respondents [OR 1.92 (95% CI 1.10–3.35)] and those with long COVID [OR 10.31 (95% CI 1.32–80.70)], and 59% with reconfigured job plans continued to work more hours. More of those working full-time wished to retire early. A total of 59% experienced remote working, with a majority preference for continuing this in the future. In terms of vaccination, 95% had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 86% had received two doses by May 2021.

Conclusions
Burnout and long COVID is prevalent with impacts on working lives. Some groups are more at risk. Vaccination uptake is high and remote and flexible working were well received. Institutional interventions are needed to prevent workforce attrition.
Genetic resisters to antibiotics in Escherichia coli arise from the antibiotic surviving population containing three reactive oxygen species
Authors: Paul Avraneel , Nair Rashmi Ravindran , Ajitkumar Parthasarathi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Antibiotics exposed bacteria acquire genetic mutations and emerge as antibiotic resistant clones that thwart treatment of bacterial diseases. Genome-wide mutations are inflicted by the reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydroxyl radical, formed in most of the antibiotic exposed bacteria. Hydroxyl radical is generated through Fenton reaction of Fe (II) with H2O2, which is formed by the dismutation of superoxide. This implied that antibiotic exposed bacteria would contain these three ROS, promoting resister generation. In the present study, we examined Escherichia coli exposed independently to gentamicin and moxifloxacin for the presence of the three ROS and consequential emergence of genetic resisters to the antibiotics. Here we show that the three ROS are formed in E. coli exposed independently to bactericidal concentrations of gentamicin and moxifloxacin for prolonged duration. Resisters to these antibiotics were found to emerge from the respective antibiotic surviving population. The antibiotic unexposed cultures did not show these responses. The Gram-positive ESKAPE pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus, also showed a response similar to that of E. coli upon prolonged exposure to bactericidal concentrations of rifampicin and moxifloxacin. The similar responses of E. coli and S. aureus to antibiotics indicated a common mechanism of ROS generation in the emergence of resisters against antibiotics.
Comprehensive Transcriptome Sequencing of Tanaidacea with Proteomic Evidences for Their Silk
Authors: Kakui Keiichi , Fleming James F , Mori Masaru , Fujiwara Yoshihiro , Arakawa Kazuharu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Tanaidaceans are small benthic crustaceans that mainly inhabit diverse marine environments, and they comprise one of the most diverse and abundant macrofaunal groups in the deep sea. Tanaidacea is one of the most thread-dependent taxa in the Crustacea, constructing tubes, spun with their silk, for shelter. In this work, we sequenced and assembled the comprehensive transcriptome of 23 tanaidaceans encompassing 14 families and 4 superfamilies of Tanaidacea, and performed silk proteomics of Zeuxo ezoensis to search for its silk genes. As a result, we identified two families of silk proteins that are conserved across the four superfamilies. The long and repetitive nature of these silk genes resembles that of other silk-producing organisms, and the two families of proteins are similar in composition to silkworm and caddisworm fibroins, respectively. Moreover, the amino acid composition of the repetitive motifs of tanaidacean silk tends to be more hydrophilic, and therefore could be a useful resource in studying their unique adaptation of silk use in a marine environment. The availability of comprehensive transcriptome data in these taxa, coupled with proteomic evidence of their silk genes, will facilitate evolutionary and ecological studies.
Olfactory receptor subgenome and expression in a highly olfactory procellariiform seabird
Authors: Sin Simon Yung Wa , Cloutier Alison , Nevitt Gabrielle , Edwards Scott V 
Published: December 2021

AbstractProcellariiform seabirds rely on their sense of smell for foraging and homing. Both genomes and transcriptomes yield important clues about how olfactory receptor (OR) subgenomes are shaped by natural and sexual selection, yet no transcriptomes have been made of any olfactory epithelium of any bird species thus far. Here, we assembled a high-quality genome and nasal epithelium transcriptome of the Leach’s storm-petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) to extensively characterize their OR repertoire. Using a depth-of-coverage-assisted counting method, we estimated over 160 intact OR genes (∼500 including OR fragments). This method reveals the highest number of intact OR genes and the lowest proportion of pseudogenes compared to other waterbirds studied, and suggests that rates of OR gene duplication vary between major clades of birds, with particularly high rates in passerines. OR expression patterns reveal two OR genes (OR6-6 and OR5-11) highly expressed in adults, and four OR genes (OR14-14, OR14-12, OR10-2, and OR14-9) differentially expressed between age classes of storm-petrels. All four genes differentially expressed between age classes were more highly expressed in chicks compared to adults, suggesting that OR genes may exhibit ontogenetic specializations. Three highly differentially expressed OR genes also had high copy number ratios, suggesting that expression variation may be linked to copy number in the genome. We provide better estimates of OR gene number by using a copy number-assisted counting method, and document ontogenetic changes in OR gene expression that may be linked to olfactory specialization. These results provide valuable insight into the expression, development, and macroevolution of olfaction in seabirds.
Between Concern and Difference: German Jews and the Colonial ‘Other’ in South West Africa
Authors: Avraham Doron 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
German Jews’ involvement in the colonial venture of the Kaiserreich has remained almost untouched by historical research. While it has affirmed the dominance of the nation-state in outlining the Jews’ civic status and identity, historiography has overlooked the implications of colonization on Jews’ self-perception as Germans. This essay inquires into this perception by focusing on the Jews’ ambiguous posture towards the colonial war in South West Africa and the massacre it inflicted on the Herero and the Nama. Jews objected to the excessive violence used against the indigenous population by the German army and responded vigorously against racist theories that imposed inferior racial status on black people in the colonies, and consequently on Jews in general. At the same time, when accused of lack of patriotism and of evading military service in the colonies—thus challenging their German national belonging—Jews presented the opposite position. They used concepts of difference to confirm their national German identity, as reflected by the purported disparity between them, as Germans and Europeans, and the local population in the colony. Moreover, Jews reasserted their participation in colonial conflicts, especially in the war against the Herero, the same war that brought about the locals’ destruction. The objects of a strategy of difference on behalf of Germans, Jews themselves applied the same approach in relation to the Africans. The colonial episode therefore appears to be a test case for the formation of German Jews’ identity.
Improving uptake of non-communicable disease screening in Sri Lanka: eliciting people’s preferences using a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Karunaratna Sumudu , Weerasinghe Manuj C , Ranasinghe Thushara , Jayasuriya Rohan , Chandraratne Nadeeka , Herath Hemantha , Quaife Matthew 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A national programme to universally screen the population between 35 and 65 years for non-communicable diseases was established at ‘Healthy Lifestyle Centres (HLCs)’ in 2011 in Sri Lanka. Despite several efforts by policymakers, the uptake of screening remained &lt;10% of the target population and with disparities in uptake across districts and among men and women. Considering service beneficiaries as a vital stakeholder, a discrete choice experiment was carried out to estimate people’s preference for a non-communicable disease screening service delivery model in rural, urban and estate sectors in a district in Sri Lanka. The choice design and the general survey questionnaire was developed through focus group discussions, literature reviews and stakeholder consultations. Data were collected by stratified random sampling, with 187 participants from the urban sector, 253 from the rural sector and 152 from the estate/plantation sector. People’s preference was assessed as utility estimates derived using multinomial logistic regression. Reliability was assessed within test among all study participants and with test–retest among 40 participants showed 80% precision. Urban and rural sectors gave the highest priority to workplace screening over screening at HLCs. The estates attributed the highest priority for cost-free screening. If cost-free screening is offered with having to spend 1–2 hours at the most preferred opening times for each sector with warm and friendly staff, the uptake of screening can predicted to be increased by 65, 29 and 21 times in urban, rural and estate sectors, respectively, relative to having to attend HLCs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., spending &gt;2 hours and Rs. 1000 with unfriendly staff. Thus, people’s preferences on service delivery aspects seemed to have differed from government priorities. Preferences when ill and apparently healthy differed, as they preferred to spend less time and money when healthy than when ill.
Dysregulated mitochondrial and cytosolic tRNA m1A methylation in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Shafik Andrew M , Zhou Huiqing , Lim Junghwa , Dickinson Bryan , Jin Peng 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRNA modifications affect many aspects of RNA metabolism and are involved in the regulation of many different biological processes. Mono-methylation of adenosine in the N1 position, N1-methyladensoine (m1A), is a reversible modification that is known to target rRNAs and tRNAs. m1A has been shown to increase tRNA structural stability and induce correct tRNA folding. Recent studies have begun to associate the dysregulation of epitranscriptomic control with age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we applied the newly developed m1A-quant-seq approach to map the brain abundant m1A RNA modification in the cortex of an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model, 5XFAD. We observed hypomethylation in both mitochondrial and cytosolic tRNAs in 5XFAD mice compared with wild type. Furthermore, the main enzymes responsible for the addition of m1A in mitochondrial (TRMT10C, HSD17B10) and cytosolic tRNAs (TRMT61A) displayed decreased expression in 5XFAD compared with wild-type mice. Knockdown of these enzymes results in a more severe phenotype in a Drosophila tau model, and differential m1A methylation is correlated with differences in mature mitochondrial tRNA expression. Collectively, this work suggests that hypo m1A modification in tRNAs may play a role in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis.
Genetic landscape of human mitochondrial genome using whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Wang Yijing , Zhao Guihu , Fang Zhenghuan , Pan Hongxu , Zhao Yuwen , Wang Yige , Zhou Xun , Wang Xiaomeng , Luo Tengfei , Zhang Yi , Wang Zheng , Chen Qian , Dong Lijie , Huang Yuanfeng , Zhou Qiao , Xia Lu , Li Bin , Guo Jifeng , Xia Kun , Tang Beisha , Li Jinchen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Increasing evidences suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in diseases and aging, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is the most unbiased method in analyzing the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA). However, the genetic landscape of mtDNA in the Chinese population has not been fully examined. Here, we described the genetic landscape of mtDNA using WGS data from Chinese individuals (n = 3241). We identified 3892 mtDNA variants, of which 3349 (86%) were rare variants. Interestingly, we observed a trend toward extreme heterogeneity of mtDNA variants. Our study observed a distinct purifying selection on mtDNA, which inhibits the accumulation of harmful heteroplasmies at the individual level: (1) mitochondrial dN/dS ratios were much &lt;1; (2) the dN/dS ratio of heteroplasmies was higher than homoplasmies; (3) heteroplasmies had more indels and predicted deleterious variants than homoplasmies. Furthermore, we found that haplogroup M (20.27%) and D (20.15%) had the highest frequencies in the Chinese population, followed by B (18.51%) and F (16.45%). The number of variants per individual differed across haplogroup groups, with a higher number of homoplasmies for the M lineage. Meanwhile, mtDNA copy number was negatively correlated with age but positively correlated with the female sex. Finally, we developed an mtDNA variation database of Chinese populations called MTCards (http://genemed.tech/mtcards/) to facilitate the query of mtDNA variants in this study. In summary, these findings contribute to different aspects of understanding mtDNA, providing a better understanding of the genetic basis of mitochondrial-related diseases.
The influence of preoperative dialysis on survival after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Lamba Harveen K , Musfee Fadi I , Chatterjee Subhasis , Nair Ajith P , Civitello Andrew B , Simpson Leo , Frazier O H , Letsou George V 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Dialysis is considered a contraindication to continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) implantation. We evaluated clinical outcomes and survival in carefully selected, low-risk patients with renal failure who required dialysis before CF-LVAD implantation.

METHODS
We extracted medical record data of patients who underwent CF-LVAD placement at our centre between 1 January 2006 and 31 August 2017, with 2 clinical scenarios: those who required long-term (&gt;14 days) dialysis and those who required short-term (≤14 days) dialysis immediately before implantation. Demographic, clinical and intraoperative characteristics and survival outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS
Of 621 patients who underwent CF-LVAD implantation during the study period, 31 underwent dialysis beforehand. Of these, 17 required long-term dialysis (13 haemodialysis, 4 peritoneal dialysis), and 14 underwent short-term haemodialysis. Compared with the long-term dialysis patients, the short-term dialysis patients were more likely to be Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profile 1–2 (92.9% vs 70.6%; P &lt; 0.001), to have needed preoperative mechanical circulatory support (78.6% vs 70.6%; P &lt; 0.01) and to have higher in-hospital mortality (85.7% vs 29.4%; P = 0.01). Patients stable on long-term dialysis had acceptable overall survival and markedly better 6-month and 1-year survival than those with short-term dialysis before implantation (64.7% vs 14.3% and 58.8% vs 7.1%, respectively; P &lt; 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
Carefully selected patients who are stable on long-term dialysis have acceptable survival rates after CF-LVAD implantation. Patients with acute renal failure had much poorer outcomes than those with chronic end-stage renal disease.
Peace as Betrayal: On the Human Cost of Relational Peacebuilding in Transitional Contexts
Authors: Verwoerd Wilhelm , Little Alistair , Hamber Brandon 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT
This article explores the micro-dynamics of intragroup betrayal and self-betrayal that can be evoked by relational peacebuilding between groups. The painful accusation of betrayal by close, family-type group members and internally feeling like a betrayer as a result of working with the ‘other side’ is presented as an underestimated human cost of relational peacebuilding. This understanding emerged from an international ‘Beyond Dehumanisation’ research project, which included experienced peace practitioners from South Africa, the Israel-Palestine region and the conflict in and about Northern Ireland. The emerging diagnostic framework is supported by (and provides empirical support for) theories of betrayal that stress how deeply relational betrayal is. The resonance with Margalit’s theory of betrayal as the ‘undermining of thick relations’ is especially strong. ‘Peace as betrayal’ suggests the need for more practical support for peacebuilders and can also be applied more widely to render resistance to transitional justice processes more visible.