bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Civilizational exceptionalism in international affairs: making sense of Indian and Turkish claims
Authors: Haug Sebastian , Roychoudhury Supriya 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Claims to civilizational exceptionalism have long been part of how states manoeuvre international affairs. While scholarly attention has started to move beyond the civilizational claims of western powers by engaging with those of states beyond the West, few accounts provide in-depth examinations of specific cases or bring these into dialogue with one another. This article offers a comparative analysis of how and why India and Turkey are positioning themselves as civilizational forces in global forums and international cooperation initiatives. Under the Narendra Modi regime, civilizational framings in India have found expression in the seemingly benign discourse of Hindu internationalism. In Turkey, successive governments under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have linked their engagement abroad to the legacies of the Ottoman Empire. While there are clear differences in their respective civilizational antecedents, both countries draw on a combination of moral superiority and responsibility—India as vishwaguru (the world's guru) and Turkey as dünyanın vicdanı (the world's conscience)—as the legitimizing base for their assumed (normative) exceptionalism on the international stage. Overall, we argue that Indian and Turkish claims to civilizational exceptionalism serve two distinct but interrelated political projects: attempts to overcome centuries-long international marginalization, and efforts to buttress competitive authoritarianism domestically.
Just decarbonization? Environmental inequality, air quality, and the clean energy transition
Authors: Diana Bridget , Ash Michael , Boyce James K 
Published: March 2023

AbstractEnvironmental inequalities are often large and consequential, exacerbating vertical inequalities of income and class and horizontal inequalities along lines of race and ethnicity. Climate policies can widen these inequalities as well as mitigate them, depending on their design. Decarbonization of the US electricity sector illustrates these possibilities. A strategy narrowly focused on carbon reduction alone is likely in some regions to increase disparities in exposure to localized co-pollutants emitted by fossil fuel combustion and, in some cases, to increase exposure in absolute terms. Strategies that in addition explicitly mandate improvements in air quality, both overall and specifically for frontline communities, can couple decarbonization with remediation of environmental inequalities and broad-based gains in public health.
Influence of Chronic Electroconvulsive Seizures on Plasticity-Associated Gene Expression and Perineuronal Nets Within the Hippocampi of Young Adult and Middle-Aged Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Jaggar Minal , Ghosh Shreya , Janakiraman Balaganesh , Chatterjee Ashmita , Maheshwari Megha , Dewan Vani , Hare Brendan , Deb Sukrita , Figueiredo Dwight , Duman Ronald S , Vaidya Vidita A 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundElectroconvulsive seizure therapy is often used in both treatment-resistant and geriatric depression. However, preclinical studies identifying targets of chronic electroconvulsive seizure (ECS) are predominantly focused on animal models in young adulthood. Given that putative transcriptional, neurogenic, and neuroplastic mechanisms implicated in the behavioral effects of chronic ECS themselves exhibit age-dependent modulation, it remains unknown whether the molecular and cellular targets of chronic ECS vary with age.MethodsWe subjected young adult (2–3 months) and middle-aged (12–13 months), male Sprague Dawley rats to sham or chronic ECS and assessed for despair-like behavior, hippocampal gene expression, hippocampal neurogenesis, and neuroplastic changes in the extracellular matrix, reelin, and perineuronal net numbers.ResultsChronic ECS reduced despair-like behavior at both ages, accompanied by overlapping and unique changes in activity-dependent and trophic factor gene expression. Although chronic ECS had a similar impact on quiescent neural progenitor numbers at both ages, the eventual increase in hippocampal progenitor proliferation was substantially higher in young adulthood. We noted a decline in reelin⁺ cell numbers following chronic ECS only in young adulthood. In contrast, an age-invariant, robust dissolution of perineuronal net numbers that encapsulate parvalbumin⁺ neurons in the hippocampus were observed following chronic ECS.ConclusionOur findings indicate that age is a key variable in determining the nature of chronic ECS-evoked molecular and cellular changes in the hippocampus. This raises the intriguing possibility that chronic ECS may recruit distinct, as well as overlapping, mechanisms to drive antidepressant-like behavioral changes in an age-dependent manner.
Effect of Immune-Modulatory Interventions on Asymptomatic Cytomegalovirus Shedding During Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Hastie Elizabeth , Moser Carlee , Sun Xin , Lennox Jeffrey , Hsue Priscilla Y , Bosch Ronald J , Deeks Steven , Meneses Milenka V , Lederman Michael M , Hunt Peter , Henrich Timothy J , Marconi Vincent C , Gianella Sara 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Long-term consequences of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are likely the result of persistent inflammation and immune dysfunction of which cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a known contributor. We leveraged 2 AIDS Clinical Trials Group clinical trials exploring the effects of immune modulators (ruxolitinib and sirolimus) on inflammation in people with HIV on antiretroviral therapy to determine whether these interventions affected CMV shedding at various mucosal sites. Analyzing 635 mucosal samples collected, we found no significant difference in CMV levels across study arms or time points. Men had more CMV shedding than women. We did confirm an association between higher CMV DNA and immune markers associated with HIV persistence and HIV-associated mortality rates.
The Art of Brexit
Authors: Tallis Benjamin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBrexit is widely acknowledged as an important event in recent international relations (IR) and emblematic of polarization in Western societies. This article challenges the conventional wisdom that the two sides of the Brexit debate (Leave and Remain) have little in common and that the division of British society into entrenched Euroskeptic/Europhile camps neatly corresponds to cleavages between liberal “cosmopolitans” and conservative “nationals.” Rather, I show that “Euroskeptic” positions are also found in “Europhile” culture. I focus on the British Broadcasting Corporation’s popular and prolific “Art of” collection of miniseries (nearly 40 hours of programming over a decade), which offers a significant but hitherto unexplored archive. I explore this novel empirical material by combining interpretive research with a “societal multiplicity” framework, which overcomes the methodological nationalism of some Brexit analyses, to demonstrate that this seemingly cosmopolitan, liberal programming also reproduces tropes of “Anglo-British” chauvinistic exceptionalism. I argue that this exceptionalism (across the divides) contributed to a mode of societal differentiation that helped drive Brexit and will continue to affect Britain's options and preferences for interaction and combination with other states and societies. This provides theoretically informed empirical analysis of IR “where we least expect it” and shows the policy value of cultural IR.
From Political Violence to Political Trust? How Transitional Justice Affects Citizen Views of Government
Authors: Kitagawa Risa 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHow does transitional justice affect trust in government? Political trust is central to peaceful conflict resolution, but less is known about the ability of different transitional justice efforts to build confidence in government after war. Using survey-experimental evidence from post-conflict Guatemala, I compare how three commonly deployed justice policies (trials, truth commissions, and reparations) and political rhetoric accompanying them affect citizen attitudes toward government. Exposure to information about a trial or reparations program, which convey costly signals, led to significantly higher levels of political trust and perceived political legitimacy, when compared to the truth commission treatment. Further, a moral rhetoric emphasizing the normative claims of war victims was significantly more effective than either an instrumental rhetoric emphasizing institutional benefits or the absence of justification, regardless of policy content. The micro-level evidence reveals how the trust-building functions of transitional justice are far from uniform, speaking to the pivotal role of political communication.
Exploitation of a novel adjuvant for polymyxin B against multidrug-resistantAcinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Kim Seon-Yeong , Seo Hwi Won , Park Min-Seon , Park Chul Min , Seo Jinho , Rho Jaerang , Myung Subeen , Ko Kwan Soo , Kim Jun-Seob , Ryu Choong-Min 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlthough polymyxin has been used as a last-resort antibiotic against resistant bacteria, its use is restricted due to nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. While the present antibiotic resistance issue compels clinicians to reconsider polymyxin use in severe illness cases, polymyxin-resistant microorganisms exert an effect.ObjectivesTo address the issue of antibiotic resistance, the cycle of developing new antibiotics to counteract emerging resistance must be discontinued. Here we tried to develop novel therapies that do not rely on direct antimicrobial activity and thus do not promote antibiotic resistance.MethodsBy a high-throughout screening system based on bacterial respiration, chemical compounds accelerating the antimicrobial effects of polymyxin B were screened. In vitro and in vivo tests were performed to validate adjuvanticity. In addition, membrane depolarization and total transcriptome analysis were used to determine molecular mechanisms.ResultsPA108, a newly discovered chemical compound, was used to eradicate polymyxin-resistant A. baumannii and three other species in the presence of polymyxin B at concentrations less than the MIC. Since this molecule lacks self-bactericidal action, we hypothesized that PA108 acts as an antibiotic adjuvant, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of polymyxin B against resistant bacteria. At working concentrations, no toxicity was observed in cell lines or mice, although co-treatment with PA108 and polymyxin B increased survival of infected mouse and decreased bacterial loads in organs.ConclusionsBoosting antibiotic efficiency through the use of antibiotic adjuvants holds significant promise for tackling the rise in bacterial antibiotic resistance.
Development and preliminary validation of a modified EUCAST yeast broth microdilution MIC method with Tween 20-supplemented medium for rezafungin
Authors: Zuill Douglas E , Almaguer Amanda L , Donatelli Joanna , Arendrup Maiken Cavling , Locke Jeffrey B 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundRezafungin is a novel, once-weekly echinocandin. EUCAST rezafungin MIC testing has been associated with a good separation of WT and target gene mutant isolates in single-centre studies, but an unacceptable inter-laboratory MIC variation has prevented EUCAST breakpoint setting. This has been attributed to non-specific binding to surfaces across microtitre plates, pipettes, reservoirs, etc. used, as previously encountered for some antibiotics.ObjectivesTo investigate use of a surfactant to mitigate non-specific binding of rezafungin in EUCAST E.Def 7.3 MIC testing.MethodsSurfactants including Tween 20 (T20), Tween 80 (T80) and Triton X-100 (TX100) were evaluated for stand-alone or synergistic antifungal activity via checkerboard assays in combination with rezafungin. Subsequent T20 studies defined an optimized assay concentration, validated in up to four microtitre plate types for WT and fks mutant Candida strains (seven species total) and the six-strain EUCAST Candida quality control (QC) panel. Lastly, T20 inter-manufacturer variability, thermostability and best handling practices were investigated.ResultsT20 and T80 performed equivalently, with characteristics slightly preferable to TX100. Due to existing use in EUCAST mould susceptibility testing, T20 was pursued. An optimized concentration of 0.002% T20 normalized rezafungin MIC values across plate types for all Candida spp. evaluated, maintained differentiation of WT versus fks mutants and generated robust QC ranges. Additionally, T20 performance was consistent across manufacturers and temperatures. T20 can be reliably transferred utilizing a syringe, wide-orifice pipette tip and/or by mass.ConclusionsSupplementation of RPMI (Roswell Park Memorial Institute) 1640 medium with 0.002% T20 generated a highly reproducible EUCAST yeast MIC methodology for rezafungin.
AACC Guidance Document on Cervical Cancer Detection: Screening, Surveillance, and Diagnosis
Authors: Zhu Yusheng , Feldman Sarah , Leung Shuk On Annie , Creer Michael H , Warrick Joshua , Williams Nicole , Mastorides Stephen 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundPersistent genital infection with high-risk human papilloma virus (hrHPV) causes the vast majority of cases of cervical cancer. Early screening, ongoing surveillance, and accurate diagnosis are crucial for the elimination of cervical cancer. New screening guidelines for testing in asymptomatic healthy populations and management guidelines for managing abnormal results have been published by professional organizations.ContentThis guidance document addresses key questions related to cervical cancer screening and management including currently available cervical cancer screening tests and the testing strategies for cervical cancer screening. This guidance document introduces the most recently updated screening guidelines regarding age to start screening, age to stop screening, and frequencies of routine screening as well as risk-based management guidelines for screening and surveillance. This guidance document also summarizes the methodologies for the diagnosis of cervical cancer. Additionally, we propose a report template for human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervical cancer detection to facilitate interpretation of results and clinical decision-making.SummaryCurrently available cervical cancer screening tests include hrHPV testing and cervical cytology screening. The screening strategies can be primary HPV screening, co-testing with HPV testing and cervical cytology, and cervical cytology alone. The new American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology guidelines recommend variable frequencies of screening and surveillance based on risk. To implement these guidelines, an ideal laboratory report should include the indication for the test (screening, surveillance, or diagnostic workup of symptomatic patients); type of test (primary HPV screening, co-testing, or cytology alone); clinical history of the patient; and prior as well as current testing results.
Genetic associations between human-directed behavior and intraspecific social aggression in growing pigs
Authors: Desire Suzanne , Calderón Díaz Julia A , Lewis Craig R G , Roehe Rainer , Turner Simon P 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This study estimated the genetic parameters for human-directed behavior and intraspecific social aggression traits in growing pigs, and explored the phenotypic correlations among them. Data on 2,413 growing pigs were available. Pigs were mixed into new social groups of 18 animals, at 69 ± 5.2 d of age and skin lesions (SL) were counted 24 h (SL24h) post-mixing. Individual behavioral responses to isolation in a weighing crate (CRATE) or when alone in an arena while a human directly approached them (IHAT) were assessed within 48 h post-mixing. Additionally, pigs were tested for behavioral responses to the presence of a single human observer walking in their home pen in a circular motion (WTP) within one (T1) and 4 wk post-mixing (T2) noting pigs that followed, nosed or bit the observer. Animal models were used to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for all studied traits. Heritabilities (h2) for SL, CRATE and IHAT responses were low to moderate (0.07 to 0.29), with the highest h2 estimated for speed of moving away from the approaching observer. Low but significant h2 were estimated for nosing (0.09) and biting (0.11) the observer at T2. Positive high genetic correlations (rg) were observed between CRATE and IHAT responses (0.52 to 0.93), and within SL traits (0.79 to 0.91) while positive low to high correlations between the estimated breeding values (rEBV) were estimated within the WTP test (0.24 to 0.59) traits. Positive moderate rg were observed between CRATE and central and posterior SL24h. The rEBV of CRATE and IHAT test responses and WTP test traits were low, mostly negative (−0.21 to 0.05) and not significant. Low positive rEBV (0.06 to 0.24) were observed between SL and the WTP test traits. Phenotypic correlations between CRATE and IHAT responses and SL or WTP test traits were mostly low and not significant. Under the conditions of this study, h2 estimates for all studied traits suggest they could be suitable as a method of phenotyping aggression and fear/boldness for genetic selection purposes. Additionally, genetic correlations between aggression and fear indicators were observed. These findings suggest selection to reduce the accumulation of lesions is likely to make pigs more relaxed in a crate environment, but to alter the engagement with humans in other contexts that depends on the location of the lesions under selection.
Attitudes of Practicing Radiologists Toward the Management of Palpable Circumscribed Breast Masses
Authors: Mahboubi-Fooladi Zahra , Sabahi Marjaan , Astani Seyed Amin , Khazaei Mehdi , Ghomi Zahra 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the attitudes of radiologists toward palpable breast masses with benign features on US and to determine the factors influencing their decision.

Methods
A 20-question online questionnaire was sent to radiologists with membership of the Iranian Society of Radiology and included questions regarding demographics, practice experience, and management approach to palpable circumscribed breast masses based on patient age and risk factors. Radiologists’ management choice for masses in themselves or close relatives/friends was also queried.

Results
In total, 151 radiologists participated (response rate 16%). For palpable breast masses with benign imaging features in women at high risk, the majority of radiologists selected MRI (95/151, 62.9%) and core-needle biopsy (110/151, 72.8%). In average-risk patients, radiologists with &gt;5 years of practice experience selected biopsy more frequently (33/79, 41.8%) than less experienced radiologists (17/79, 23.6%) for patients ≥40 years old (P &lt; 0.001) and patients &lt;40 years old (20/79, 25.3%; 11/72, 15.3%, respectively) (P = 0.014). Similarly, selecting biopsy was more common in radiologists who completed a breast imaging fellowship for patients ≥40 years old (23/45, 51.1% vs 27/106, 25.5%) (P = 0.04), as well as for patients &lt;40 years old (18/45, 40% vs 13/106, 12.3%) (P = 0.02). Radiologists who were &lt;40 years old selected biopsy more frequently if evaluating a mass in themselves (22/86, 25.6%) compared to patients (15/86, 17.4%) (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Radiologist experience and educational background, as well as patient baseline breast cancer risk, can predispose radiologists to choose biopsy for palpable breast masses despite a benign appearance on imaging.
A30 EPITHELIAL FUNCTION OF THE CIRCADIAN CLOCK GENE, BMAL1, IS NECESSARY FOR COLONIC REGENERATION
Authors: Taleb Z , Haireek M , Stokes K , Wang H , Collins S , Khan W , Karpowicz P 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
The circadian clock is a self-sustained molecular oscillator which drives 24-hour physiological rhythms. It consists of the genes Bmal1 and Clock that positively regulate Cry and Per, their negative regulators, resulting in a 24-hour transcription/translation feedback loop. Shift work, which causes disruptions to 24-hour physiological rhythms, has been shown to lead to an increased incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We have previously established that mice lacking the non-redundant circadian regulator, Bmal1, exhibit more severe colitis compared to controls.

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the epithelial function of Bmal1 in colonic regeneration during colitis.

Method
In order to assess the cell-specific role of the clock, we tested the regenerative effects of Bmal1 in intestinal epithelial tissue using Vil+/+;Bmal1flox/flox (control) and VilCre/+;Bmal1flox/flox (conditional mutant) mice. Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) was applied to induce acute colitis. Disease progression was evaluated during colitis and during recovery upon removal of DSS treatment. We hypothesized that the absence of a functional circadian clock disrupts effective proliferation and regeneration of intestinal epithelial cells during colitis remission.

Result(s)
Vil +/+ ;Bmal1 flox/flox control and VilCre/+;Bmal1flox/flox conditional mutant mice exhibit no significant differences in disease severity or tissue histopathology during colitis. However, after the removal of DSS, VilCre/+;Bmal1flox/flox conditional mutants show increased total lesions and overall inflammation, decreased crypt density as well as a higher propensity of hyperplastic crypts in the tissue. Regenerative ability of the colon is decreased in conditional mutants: phosphorylated-histone H3 and Ki67 show persistent increases in mitosis and overall proliferation near ulcerated lesions. This suggests that, while controls complete the regenerative response, conditional mutants fail to recover from colitis and show inefficient regeneration when Bmal1 is disrupted in intestinal epithelial cells.

Conclusion(s)
Our results support a critical role for Bmal1 in intestinal epithelial cells during post-colitis regeneration and recovery.

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CIHR, Other

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OGS, Crohn's & Colitis Canada

Disclosure of Interest
None Declared