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Seafood is the world’s most traded food commodity, and the international trade in seafood is promoted as a development strategy in low-income coastal communities across the globe. However, the seafood trade can drive negative social and environmental impacts in fishing communities, and whether the benefits of trade actually reach fishers is a subject of ongoing scholarship. Furthermore, scholars and policymakers have tended to treat fishing communities as homogeneous, assuming that trade policies will impact all members equally. Yet individual community members have different roles, statuses, and entitlements according to their intersecting identities, meaning that different fishers will be differently impacted by the seafood trade. In particular, women occupy different positions than men in seafood value chains and in fishing communities. There are also important within-group differences among men and among women depending on their nationality, marital status, and other identity markers. Through 205 surveys, 54 interviews, and ethnographic field methods conducted in fifteen rural Palauan fishing communities between November 2019 and March 2020, this case study of the sea cucumber trade in Palau brings together theories of gender, intersectionality, and access to answer the question, “How are the harms and benefits of the seafood trade distributed in fishing communities?” In this case, men benefited more than women from the export of sea cucumbers by leveraging access to technology; knowledge; and authority, and the trade depleted resources relied on primarily by women for their food security and livelihoods. An intersectional analysis revealed that marital status and nationality determined access among women, with married women having greater access than unmarried women and immigrant women having greater access than immigrant men, demonstrating the importance of intersectionality as an analytical tool.

Individual cells have many unique properties that can be quantified to develop a holistic understanding of a population. This can include understanding population characteristics, identifying subpopulations, or elucidating outlier characteristics that may be indicators of disease. Electrical impedance measurements are rapid and label-free for the monitoring of single cells and generate large datasets of many cells at single or multiple frequencies. To increase the accuracy and sensitivity of measurements and define the relationships between impedance and biological features, many electrical measurement systems have incorporated machine learning (ML) paradigms for control and analysis. Considering the difficulty capturing complex relationships using traditional modelling and statistical methods due to population heterogeneity, ML offers an exciting approach to the systemic collection and analysis of electrical properties in a data-driven way. In this work, we discuss incorporation of ML to improve the field of electrical single cell analysis by addressing the design challenges to manipulate single cells and sophisticated analysis of electrical properties that distinguish cellular changes. Looking forward, we emphasize the opportunity to build on integrated systems to address common challenges in data quality and generalizability to save time and resources at every step in electrical measurement of single cells.

Many recent efforts in the diagnostic field address the accessibility of cancer diagnosis. Typical histological staining methods identify cancer cells visually by a larger nucleus with more condensed chromatin. Machine learning (ML) has been incorporated into image analysis for improving this process. Recently, impedance spectrometers have been shown to generate all-inclusive lab-on-a-chip platforms to detect nucleus abnormities. In this paper, a wideband electrical sensor and data analysis paradigm that can identify nuclear changes shows the realization of a single-cell microfluidic device to detect nuclei of altered sizes. To model cells of altered nucleus, Jurkat cells were treated to enlarge or shrink their nucleus followed by broadband sensing to obtain the S-parameters of single cells. The ability to deduce important frequencies associated with nucleus size is demonstrated and used to improve classification models in both binary and multiclass scenarios, despite a heterogeneous and overlapping cell population. The important frequency features match those predicted in a double-shell circuit model published in prior work, demonstrating a coherent new analytical technique for electrical data analysis. The electrical sensing platform assisted by ML with impressive accuracy of cell classification looks forward to a label-free and flexible approach to cancer diagnosis.

Many skeletal muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and sarcopenia share the dysregulation of calcium (Ca[sup.2+]) as a key mechanism of disease at a cellular level. Cytosolic concentrations of Ca[sup.2+] can signal dysregulation in organelles including the mitochondria, nucleus, and sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle. In this work, a treatment is applied to mimic the Ca[sup.2+] increase associated with these atrophy-related disease states, and broadband impedance measurements are taken for single cells with and without this treatment using a microfluidic device. The resulting impedance measurements are fitted using a single-shell circuit simulation to show calculated electrical dielectric property contributions based on these Ca[sup.2+] changes. From this, similar distributions were seen in the Ca[sup.2+] from fluorescence measurements and the distribution of the S-parameter at a single frequency, identifying Ca[sup.2+] as the main contributor to the electrical differences being identified. Extracted dielectric parameters also showed different distribution patterns between the untreated and ionomycin-treated groups; however, the overall electrical parameters suggest the impact of Ca[sup.2+]-induced changes at a wider range of frequencies.

The modern state enjoys a near monopoly over the prosecutorial system. Public officials, including local district attorneys, state attorneys general, and career prosecutors, enjoy enormous discretionary powers to decide who to charge, to determine what charges to bring, to make particular bail recommendations, to set the terms of plea bargains, and more. Rather than examining the broad discretion of the public prosecutor, this Note instead examines lesser-known private prosecution systems, where individuals, groups, and corporations bring criminal accusations. This Note surveys the practice of private prosecution outside the United States. It then turns to look within the United States at the differing legal regimes that regulate private prosecution in the various jurisdictions that permit the practice. Ultim ately, this Note asks what role private prosecution may have within modern social movements.

Many skeletal muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and sarcopenia share the dysregulation of calcium (Ca2+) as a key mechanism of disease at a cellular level. Cytosolic concentrations of Ca2+ can signal dysregulation in organelles including the mitochondria, nucleus, and sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle. In this work, a treatment is applied to mimic the Ca2+ increase associated with these atrophy-related disease states, and broadband impedance measurements are taken for single cells with and without this treatment using a microfluidic device. The resulting impedance measurements are fitted using a single-shell circuit simulation to show calculated electrical dielectric property contributions based on these Ca2+ changes. From this, similar distributions were seen in the Ca2+ from fluorescence measurements and the distribution of the S-parameter at a single frequency, identifying Ca2+ as the main contributor to the electrical differences being identified. Extracted dielectric parameters also showed different distribution patterns between the untreated and ionomycin-treated groups; however, the overall electrical parameters suggest the impact of Ca2+-induced changes at a wider range of frequencies.

The health impacts of climate change are increasingly evident in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), a group of 22 nations facing significant and existential threats to their populations. This paper investigates the ways in which climate change exacerbates existing health issues in this vulnerable region, focusing on both communicable and non-communicable diseases, and the dynamic relationship between human and planetary health. Rapid urbanization, changes in food systems, and the ongoing epidemiological transition from infectious to chronic diseases reflect the complex interplay of colonization, globalization, and a changing climate. This paper reviews the unique climate challenges faced by PICTs, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and their impacts on food security, water resources, and healthcare. We explore the environmental and social determinants of health while highlighting how climate-induced changes compromise the health and well-being of communities throughout the Pacific region. We discuss the increasing prevalence of vector-borne and waterborne diseases, the exacerbation of the region’s immense noncommunicable disease burden, and the profound mental health impacts of climate change. The economic implications of these changes, particularly on tourism and fisheries, are also explored. Despite these challenges, PICTs have demonstrated remarkable resilience and remain at the forefront of global climate advocacy. This analysis underscores the urgent need for international solidarity and action to address climate change and protect the health and well-being of the vulnerable Pacific region.

Membranous nephropathy leads to end-stage renal disease in more than 20% of patients. Although immunosuppressive therapy benefits some patients, trial evidence for the subset of patients with declining renal function is not available. We aimed to assess whether immunosuppression preserves renal function in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy with declining renal function. This randomised controlled trial was undertaken in 37 renal units across the UK. We recruited patients (18–75 years) with biopsy-proven idiopathic membranous nephropathy, a plasma creatinine concentration of less than 300 μmol/L, and at least a 20% decline in excretory renal function measured in the 2 years before study entry, based on at least three measurements over a period of 3 months or longer. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) by a random number table to receive supportive treatment only, supportive treatment plus 6 months of alternating cycles of prednisolone and chlorambucil, or supportive treatment plus 12 months of ciclosporin. The primary outcome was a further 20% decline in renal function from baseline, analysed by intention to treat. The trial is registered as an International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial, number 99959692. We randomly assigned 108 patients, 33 of whom received prednisolone and chlorambucil, 37 ciclosporin, and 38 supportive therapy alone. Two patients (one who received ciclosporin and one who received supportive therapy) were ineligible, so were not included in the intention-to-treat analysis, and 45 patients deviated from protocol before study end, mostly as a result of minor dose adjustments. Follow up was until primary endpoint or for minimum of 3 years if primary endpoint was not reached. Risk of further 20% decline in renal function was significantly lower in the prednisolone and chlorambucil group than in the supportive care group (19 [58%] of 33 patients reached endpoint vs 31 [84%] of 37, hazard ratio [HR] 0·44 [95% CI 0·24–0·78]; p=0·0042); risk did not differ between the ciclosporin (29 [81%] of 36) and supportive treatment only groups (HR 1·17 [0·70–1·95]; p=0·54), but did differ significantly across all three groups (p=0·003). Serious adverse events were frequent in all three groups but were higher in the prednisolone and chlorambucil group than in the supportive care only group (56 events vs 24 events; p=0·048). For the subset of patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy and deteriorating excretory renal function, 6 months' therapy with prednisolone and chlorambucil is the treatment approach best supported by our evidence. Ciclosporin should be avoided in this subset. Medical Research Council, Novartis, Renal Association, Kidney Research UK.

Scientists engaging in active habitat restoration often lack guidance and training on how to justly engage with the communities that rely on these ecosystems. This perspective offers a framework with five key recommendations for just seascape restoration: knowledge coevolution, participatory process, equity, and consistent monitoring. Employing these principles will support successful, just seascape restoration and can be applied to restoration efforts across various habitats and scales including the ecoscape scale.

Objectives: This study evaluates the utility of meniscus allografts in combination with other procedures to delay knee arthroplasty in patients older than 50 years of age previously advised to have a joint arthroplasty. The reason this study is important is because a 10-year delay in knee arthroplasty has been shown to reduce the lifetime revision rate. It was hypothesized that as opposed to debridement or meniscectomy alone, these subjects would benefit from a meniscus transplant in terms of improved knee symptoms, function, and delay of arthroplasty. Methods: One-hundred eight meniscus allograft transplants (MATs) using the arthroscopic 3-tunnel technique between 1997 and 2019 in patients over 50 were reviewed. Eighty-six of 108 (79.6%) patients met eligibility for this case series report. Inclusion criteria were patients recommended a knee arthroplasty with pain and preservation of some joint space by standing anterior-posterior and posterior-anterior flexion x-ray. Exclusion criteria were defined as lack of joint space, failure to comply with rehabilitation protocol or complete questionnaires. International Knee Documentation Committee and visual analog scale scores were obtained longitudinally. Time from meniscus transplantation to arthroplasty was measured with failure defined as allograft revision or excision, progression to arthroplasty, or same or increased pain. Results: Over the follow-up range of 2 to 25 years, 41 of 86 (47.6%) patients progressed to arthroplasty at a mean of 8.6 years. At the time of reporting, 41 of 86 (47.6%) patients had intact meniscus transplants. In subjects with intact meniscus allografts, significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed in pain and function. These improvements were sustained through ten years post-operatively, which correlated to a mean of 65.8 years of age. Conclusions: Meniscus allografts in combination with other arthroscopic knee treatments delay arthroplasty and improve symptoms of pain and function in a population over 50 who are otherwise candidates for knee arthroplasty. Limitations include the lack of a control population and the difficulty separating the relative contribution of concomitant procedures from meniscus transplantation alone to the clinical benefit observed. Figure 1 Figure 2