bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘We can no longer fill prisons with men and cemeteries with women’: exploring carceral and abolitionist feminist discourses on gendered violence in Albania and Kosovo through photo elicitation
Authors: Malaj Diana , Pali Brunilda 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Over two decades, extensive research and heated debate have addressed tensions between carceral and abolitionist responses to gendered violence within feminism. Disagreements arise from the existing multiplicity of feminist approaches and divergent socio-economic and political contexts in which such violence occurs. At the same time, different conceptions of the state and community also impact on feminist organizing around these issues in particular contexts. This article analyses the tensions between so-called carceral feminism and abolitionist feminism in the context of Albania and Kosovo, two countries not only heavily impacted by domestic and sexualized violence and feminicide but also with a significantly rising feminist mobilization. Using the photo-elicitation method, we interviewed feminist activists and academics regarding the ways they interpret gendered violence, the strategies and interventions they deem most relevant in addressing it, and the contradictions and tensions that exist in their discourses and practices. Our aim is to offer a contextualized critique of carceral feminism, while illustrating the reasons and lack of alternatives that have impeded a transformative imagination towards abolitionist feminism.
Preferences for Redistribution: Two Decades of Gender Gaps and Generational Differences in Europe
Authors: Bozzano Monica , Scabrosetti Simona 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
We provide a concise overview of the literature concerning the factors influencing preferences for redistribution, with particular attention to works that have integrated considerations of gender and/or cohort heterogeneity into their analyses. We then present a series of stylized facts on preferences for redistribution based on data from the European Social Survey for a wide array of European countries over the period spanning from 2002 to 2022. We document that, since 2002, the average preferences for redistribution have increased. While the gender gap has remained substantially unchanged, the generational gap has widened over time. Distinguishing women and men by a set of individual characteristics, instead, there exists a not negligible heterogeneity both ‘between’ and ‘within’ women and men. At the country level, the overall gender gap in preferences for redistribution increases as the country’s per capita income or gender equality increase. Conversely, the gender gap decreases in more income, unequal, and religious countries. Finally, looking at the two exogenous shocks, that is, the 2008 financial and economic crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, we observe that average individual attitudes towards redistribution react to both events but in a surprisingly opposite way, with a relevant heterogeneity across different sub-groups of women and men.
Constructing a novel I-BiOBr/CQD composite for near-infrared–driven photocatalysis
Authors: Fan Maozhou 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In this study, a novel composite of Iodine-doped bismuth oxybromide (I-BiOBr)/carbon quantum dots was synthesized using a simple chemical precipitation method at ambient temperature. The bandgap energy of bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) can be reduced from 2.78 to 2.28 eV by introducing I-ions, aligning it with the upconverted emission spectrum of carbon quantum dots. Consequently, the photodegradation efficiency of I-BiOBr/carbon quantum dots reached a 95% degradation rate for methyl orange after 120 min of visible light irradiation, which is 4.2 times than that of BiOBr.
Percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure for hypoxaemia at the age of 73: a case report showing immediate benefit
Authors: Witte Lars S , Straver Bart , Bouma Berto J , de Winter Robbert J , Beijk Marcel A M 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Approximately 25% of the general population has a patent foramen ovale (PFO) that remains asymptomatic in the vast majority. Right-to-left shunt (RLS)-mediated hypoxaemia is a rare associated condition of PFO.

Case summary
This report describes a case of percutaneous PFO closure for hypoxaemia in a 73-year-old patient showing immediate clinical benefit. She experienced progressive dyspnoea on exertion requiring oxygen therapy. SaO2 was 87% at rest without oxygen therapy, which increased to 98% after percutaneous PFO closure.

Discussion
Most PFOs remain clinically insignificant but RLS-mediated hypoxaemia is a rare phenomenon that can occur even at advanced age. Percutaneous PFO closure is a safe and effective therapy option that provides immediate improvement of hypoxaemia.
Management of dyslipidaemia in patients with comorbidities: facing the challenge
Authors: Mayer Gert , Dobrev Dobromir , Kaski Juan Carlos , Semb Anne Grete , Huber Kurt , Zirlik Andreas , Agewall Stefan , Drexel Heinz 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Dyslipidaemia is a common chronic kidney disease (CKD) and contributes to excessively elevated cardiovascular mortality. The pathophysiology is complex and modified by comorbidities like the presence/absence of proteinuria, diabetes mellitus or drug treatment. This paper provides an overview of currently available treatment options. We focused on individuals with CKD and excluded those on renal replacement therapy (haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or kidney transplantation). The use of statins is safe and recommended in most patients, but guidelines vary with respect to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol goals. While no dedicated primary or secondary prevention studies are available for pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, secondary analyses of large outcome trials reveal no effect modification on endpoints by the presence of CKD. Similar data have been shown for bempedoic acid, but no definite conclusion can be drawn with respect to efficacy and safety. No outcome trials are available for inclisiran while the cholesterol lowering effects seem to be unaffected by CKD. Finally, the value of fibrates and icosapent ethyl in CKD is unclear. Lipid abnormalities contribute to the massive cardiovascular disease burden in CKD. Lowering of LDL cholesterol with statins (and most likely PCSK9 inhibitors) reduces the event rate and thus statin therapy should be initiated in almost all individuals. Other interventions (bempedoic acid, inclisiran, fibrates, or icosapent ethyl) currently need a case-by-case decision before prescription.
Addition of testosterone to endocrine care for transgender women: a dose-finding and feasibility trial
Authors: Gieles Noor C , Kroon Maurice A G M , Both Stephanie , Heijboer Annemieke C , Kreukels Baudewijntje P C , den Heijer Martin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
Transgender women who underwent gonadectomy have lower serum testosterone concentrations than cisgender women. There is uncertainty regarding the dosing and side effects of supplementation of testosterone in transgender women. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of dosing testosterone to the cisgender female physiological range in transgender women. In addition, we explored changes in cardiovascular parameters, virilizing side effects, and clinical symptoms.

Design
This is an open-label, single-arm feasibility study. Participants initially went through a dose-titration phase with 2-week intervals of 0.07-0.09-0.13 mL (277-318-403 μg bioavailable testosterone) testosterone 2% gel to establish a dose leading to serum testosterone concentrations between 1.5 and 2.5 nmol/L. This dose was then continued for 8 weeks.

Methods
Participants applied daily transdermal testosterone 2% gel (Tostran®) at the prescribed dosage. Testosterone was measured every 2-4 weeks. Laboratory analyses, side effects, and clinical symptoms were evaluated.

Results
In total, 12 participants were included. Most participants required a dose of 0.07 mL (277 μg bioavailable testosterone) or 0.09 mL (318 μg bioavailable testosterone) to reach serum testosterone concentrations of 1.5-2.5 nmol/L. Continuing this dose, testosterone concentrations remained stable throughout the study. Changes in clinical outcomes were in the desired direction, and side effects were mild.

Conclusions
The use of testosterone supplementation in transgender women seems feasible and safe in the short term. Although dosing requires personalized titration, stable testosterone levels can be established. A blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial is needed to study the clinical benefit.
The humanized platelet glycoprotein VI Fab inhibitor EMA601 protects from arterial thrombosis and ischaemic stroke in mice
Authors: Navarro Stefano , Talucci Ivan , Göb Vanessa , Hartmann Stefanie , Beck Sarah , Orth Valerie , Stoll Guido , Maric Hans M , Stegner David , Nieswandt Bernhard 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Glycoprotein VI (GPVI) is a platelet collagen/fibrin(ogen) receptor and an emerging pharmacological target for the treatment of thrombotic and thrombo-inflammatory diseases, notably ischaemic stroke. A first anti-human GPVI (hGPVI) antibody Fab-fragment (ACT017/glenzocimab, KD: 4.1 nM) recently passed a clinical phase 1b/2a study in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and was found to be well tolerated, safe, and potentially beneficial. In this study, a novel humanized anti-GPVI antibody Fab-fragment (EMA601; KD: 0.195 nM) was developed that inhibits hGPVI function with very high potency in vitro and in vivo.

Methods
Fab-fragments of the mouse anti-hGPVI IgG Emf6.1 were tested for functional GPVI inhibition in human platelets and in hGPVI expressing (hGP6tg/tg) mouse platelets. The in vivo effect of Emf6.1Fab was assessed in a tail bleeding assay, an arterial thrombosis model and the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model of ischaemic stroke. Using complementary-determining region grafting, a humanized version of Emf6.1Fab (EMA601) was generated. Emf6.1Fab/EMA601 interaction with hGPVI was mapped in array format and kinetics and quantified by bio-layer interferometry.

Results
Emf6.1Fab (KD: 0.427 nM) blocked GPVI function in human and hGP6tg/tg mouse platelets in multiple assays in vitro at concentrations ≥5 µg/mL. Emf6.1Fab (4 mg/kg)-treated hGP6tg/tg mice showed potent hGPVI inhibition ex vivo and were profoundly protected from arterial thrombosis as well as from cerebral infarct growth after tMCAO, whereas tail-bleeding times remained unaffected. Emf6.1Fab binds to a so far undescribed membrane proximal epitope in GPVI. The humanized variant EMA601 displayed further increased affinity for hGPVI (KD: 0.195 nM) and fully inhibited the receptor at 0.5 µg/mL, corresponding to a &gt;50-fold potency compared with ACT017.

Conclusions
EMA601 is a conceptually novel and promising anti-platelet agent to efficiently prevent or treat arterial thrombosis and thrombo-inflammatory pathologies in humans at risk.
Accelerometer-measured intensity-specific physical activity, genetic predisposition, and the risk of venous thromboembolism: a cohort study
Authors: Ye Rui , Yang Honghao , Li Shiwen , Ji Chao , Chen Liangkai , Zhao Yuhong , Zhao Li , Xia Yang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The association between physical activity and venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the prospective dose–response associations between accelerometer-measured intensity-specific physical activity and new-onset VTE, accounting for genetic risk.

Methods and results
In total, 85 116 participants from the UK Biobank were included. Incident VTE was identified via linked hospital records and death registries. A weighted polygenic risk score (PRS) was used to quantify genetic risk for VTE, with higher values indicating a high genetic risk. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of the associations. Overall, 1182 incident VTE cases were documented during a median follow-up of 6.18 years. In the overall study population, the participants in the highest level of the total volume of physical activity [0.60 (0.45, 0.79)], moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity [0.66 (0.51, 0.86)], and light-intensity physical activity [0.66 (0.51, 0.85)] had lower adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for VTE than those of participants in the lowest level. Both the total volumes of physical activity and light-intensity physical activity were negatively associated with VTE risk in participants with low, intermediate, and high PRS. However, moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity was only protective against VTE in participants with low and intermediate PRS, with a significant interaction (P for interaction = 0.02).

Conclusion
Higher levels of physical activity of any intensity were associated with a lower risk of new-onset VTE. However, the negative association between moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity and new-onset VTE was significant only in participants with low and intermediate genetic predispositions to VTE.
Challenging the status quo: a scoping review of value-based care models in cardiology and electrophysiology
Authors: Osoro Lucia , Zylla Maura M , Braunschweig Frieder , Leyva Francisco , Figueras Josep , Pürerfellner Helmut , Merino Josè Luis , Casado-Arroyo Ruben , Boriani Giuseppe 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aims
The accomplishment of value-based healthcare (VBHC) models could save up to $1 trillion per year for healthcare systems worldwide while improving patients’ wellbeing and experience. Nevertheless, its adoption and development are challenging. This review aims to provide an overview of current literature pertaining to the implementation of VBHC models used in cardiology, with a focus on cardiac electrophysiology.

Methods and results
This scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis for Scoping Reviews. The records included in this publication were relevant documents published in PubMed, Mendeley, and ScienceDirect. The search criteria were publications about VBHC in the field of cardiology and electrophysiology published between 2006 and 2023. The implementation of VBHC models in cardiology and electrophysiology is still in its infant stages. There is a clear need to modify the current organizational structure in order to establish cross-functional teams with the patient at the centre of care. The adoption of new reimbursement schemes is crucial to moving this process forward. The implementation of technologies for data analysis and patient management, among others, poses challenges to the change process.

Conclusion
New VBHC models have the potential to improve the care process and patient experience while optimizing the costs. The implementation of this model has been insufficient mainly because it requires substantial changes in the existing infrastructures and local organization, the need to track adherence to guidelines, and the evaluation of the quality of life improvement and patient satisfaction, among others.
Niche evolution during allopatric and sympatric diversification of Aeonium (Crassulaceae) on the Canary Islands
Authors: dos Santos Patrícia , Oliveira M Alexandra , Karger Dirk N , Lucek Kay , Branquinho Cristina , de Vos Jurriaan M 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Although species radiations on island archipelagos are broadly studied, the geographic and ecological modes of speciation that underlie diversification are often not fully understood. Both allopatry and sympatry play a role during radiations, particularly on islands with profound habitat diversity. Here, we use the most diverse Canary Island plant radiation, Aeonium (Crassulaceae), to phylogenetically test two hypotheses: (i) allopatric speciation, which predicts that closely related taxa are ecologically similar but do not co-occur, and (ii) sympatric speciation, whereby closely related taxa co-occur geographically but are ecologically distinct. We fitted niche and spatial distribution models based on extensive field surveys to quantify geographic and ecological divergence among taxa integrated in a phylogenetic context. Contrary to our expectation, phylogenetically closely related species tend to occupy similar ecological niches, revealing that ecological niche divergence among species accumulates slowly, even in sympatry. This suggests that evolutionary young taxa may be partially reproductively isolated due to subtle phenotypic differences, such as reproductive morphology and phenology, rather than by ecological niche and may putatively exacerbate divergence among populations. Thus, allopatry and sympatry are complementary speciation mechanisms on oceanic islands, jointly spurring this enigmatic radiation.
Heterologous expression and purification of the phage lysin-like bacteriocin LysL from Lactococcus lactis LAC460
Authors: Mokhtari Samira , Saris Per E J , Takala Timo M 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The wild-type Lactococcus lactis strain LAC460 produces two bacteriocin-like phage lysins, LysL and LysP. This study aimed to produce and secrete LysL in various heterologous hosts and an in vitro cell-free expression system for further functional studies. Initially, the lysL gene from L. lactis LAC460 was cloned into Lactococcus cremoris NZ9000 and L. lactis N8 strains, with and without the usp45 signal sequence (SSusp45), under a nisin-inducible promoter. Active LysL was primarily produced intracellularly in recombinant L. lactis N8, with some secretion into the supernatant. Recombinant L. cremoris NZ9000 lysed upon nisin induction, indicating successful lysL expression. However, fusion with Usp45 signal peptide (SPUsp45–LysL) weakened LysL activity, likely due to incomplete signal peptide cleavage during secretion. Active LysL was also produced in vitro, and analysed in SDS-PAGE, giving a 42-kDa band. However, the yield of LysL protein was still low when produced from recombinant lactococci or by in vitro expression system. Therefore, His-tagged LysL was produced in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). Western blot confirmed the intracellular production of about 44-kDa His-tagged LysL in E. coli. His-tagged active LysL was then purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography yielding sufficient 4.34 mg of protein to be used in future functional studies.
Hypomorphic mutation in the large subunit of replication protein A affects mutagenesis by human APOBEC cytidine deaminases in yeast
Authors: Dennen Matthew S , Kockler Zachary W , Roberts Steven A , Burkholder Adam B , Klimczak Leszek J , Gordenin Dmitry A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Human APOBEC single-strand (ss) specific DNA and RNA cytidine deaminases change cytosines to uracils (U’s) and function in antiviral innate immunity and RNA editing and can cause hypermutation in chromosomes. The resulting U’s can be directly replicated, resulting in C to T mutations, or U–DNA glycosylase can convert the U’s to abasic (AP) sites which are then fixed as C to T or C to G mutations by translesion DNA polymerases. We noticed that in yeast and in human cancers, contributions of C to T and C to G mutations depend on the origin of ssDNA mutagenized by APOBECs. Since ssDNA in eukaryotic genomes readily binds to replication protein A (RPA) we asked if RPA could affect APOBEC-induced mutation spectrum in yeast. For that purpose, we expressed human APOBECs in the wild-type (WT) yeast and in strains carrying a hypomorph mutation rfa1-t33 in the large RPA subunit. We confirmed that the rfa1-t33 allele can facilitate mutagenesis by APOBECs. We also found that the rfa1-t33 mutation changed the ratio of APOBEC3A-induced T to C and T to G mutations in replicating yeast to resemble a ratio observed in long persistent ssDNA in yeast and in cancers. We present the data suggesting that RPA may shield APOBEC formed U’s in ssDNA from Ung1, thereby facilitating C to T mutagenesis through the accurate copying of U’s by replicative DNA polymerases. Unexpectedly, we also found that for U’s shielded from Ung1 by WT RPA, the mutagenic outcome is reduced in the presence of translesion DNA polymerase zeta.
Multidimensional Care Poverty Among East Asian and Nordic Older Adults
Authors: Chou Yueh-Ching , Mathew Puthenparambil Jiby , Kröger Teppo , Pu Christy 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
This study uses the care poverty framework, focusing on both individuals and structures. In this context, structures are represented by 2 welfare states: Taiwan, an East Asian welfare system and Finland, a Nordic welfare state. This study explores multidimensional care poverty rates and examines 3 realms of individual factors (health status, sociodemographic factors, and care support availability) among older adults in these long-term care (LTC) models.

Research Design and Methods
We analyzed data from the 2019 Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Ageing Survey and the 2020 Daily Life and Care in Old Age Survey in Finland to compare the rates and factors of care poverty in these 2 culturally and structurally different countries.

Results
Our analysis revealed different rates of care poverty in personal, practical, and socioemotional care needs in the 2 countries. Under a familistic welfare regime, Taiwanese older adults had higher personal care poverty rates than their Finnish counterparts. Those living alone faced more personal and practical care poverty. Conversely, Finnish older adults, under the Nordic welfare model, experienced more practical and socioemotional care poverty. Those with high care needs and disadvantaged social status and support were more likely to experience personal and practical care poverty. Socioemotional care poverty varied with the availability of support and health status in both countries.

Discussion and Implications
The study highlights the impact of 2 LTC policies and cultures on older adults’ multidimensional care poverty, identifying disadvantaged older adults under different welfare-transforming LTC models. Taiwan’s budget-constrained LTC policies and high family reliance contrast with Finland’s inadequate attention to the practical and socioemotional needs of its aging population. This study suggests that holistic LTC policies are needed in both countries to improve the well-being of older adults with limited support and health issues.