bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric effect of renewable and non-renewable energy consumptions on corporate cash holdings: new panel data evidence from BRICS economies
Authors: Farooq Umar , Yang Yi , Xie Henglang
Published: August 2023

Purpose

In the recent wake of environmental sustainability, more attention has been paid to the consumption of specific energy types. However, how the consumption of such energy alternatives influences multiple corporate-level decisions has not yet been well explored in the literature. The current analysis bridges this deficiency in literature by exploring the empirical relationship between energy alternatives and cash holdings.

Design/methodology/approach

For empirical analysis, the authors sample the non-financial sector enterprises founded in five BRICS economies and employ the system GMM and fully modified ordinary least square techniques to establish the regression. The selection of econometric techniques is subject to the existence of endogeneity and cointegration.

Findings

The estimated coefficients reveal a significant negative effect of renewable energy (REC) while a significant positive impact of non-renewable energy consumption (FFE) on cash holdings. Referring to low pollution emissions, less operational risk and a cheap source of energy, the more consumption of renewable energy reduces the motives of cash holdings. Primarily, the current analysis advocates an important policy regarding the utilization of renewable energy as industrial fuel inputs because it has a material impact on cash holdings and also ensures environmental sustainability.

Practical implications

This study has equal policy outputs for industry officials, policy regulators and environmental economists. Corporate managers should do more focus on transforming the energy needs from non-renewable to renewable as such transformation can benefit in terms of both, i.e. environmental sustainability and low cash holdings.

Originality/value

Contemporary literature mainly highlights the determinants of energy consumption. However, it is less known how the consumption of specific energy sources affects the firm's cash-holding decisions. Thus, this study enriches both energy economics and financial economics literature by offering cutting-edge evidence on the sustainable role of REC in declining cash holdings.
Business sustainability reporting and assurance and sustainable development goals
Authors: Rezaee Zabihollah , Homayoun Saeid , Rezaee Nick J. , Poursoleyman Ehsan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the association between sustainable development goals (SDGs) at the micro level and firms’ inclination to sustainability reporting and assurance (SRA).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use global data from 44 countries in the 2016–2021 period and perform the probit and logistic models in testing the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that socially responsible firms adopting SDGs are more likely to issue sustainability reports and obtain assurance statements. The authors find that the link between firms’ compliance with SDGs and SRA is stronger for firms domiciled in stakeholder-oriented countries.

Originality/value

SRA issues are gaining the attention of regulators, investors, businesses and academics worldwide. Results pertaining to the relationship between SDGs and SRA are robust to alternative measures and several sensitivity tests and, thus, provide policy, practice and research implications.
Succession and assembly mechanisms of seawater prokaryotic communities along an extremely wide salinity gradient
Authors: Guan Xiaoyan , Zhao Zelong , Jiang Jingwei , Fu Lei , Liu Jiaojiao , Pan Yongjia , Gao Shan , Wang Bai , Chen Zhong , Wang Xuda , Sun Hongjuan , Jiang Bing , Dong Ying , Zhou Zunchun
Published: August 2023

Salinity is an important environmental factor in microbial ecology for affecting the microbial communities in diverse environments. Understanding the salinity adaptation mechanisms of a microbial community is a significant issue, while most previous studies only covered a narrow salinity range. Here, variations in seawater prokaryotic communities during the whole salt drying progression (salinity from 3% to 25%) were investigated. According to high‐throughput sequencing results, the diversity, composition, and function of seawater prokaryotic communities varied significantly along the salinity gradient, expressing as decreased diversity, enrichment of some halophilic archaea, and powerful nitrate reduction in samples with high salt concentrations. More importantly, a sudden and dramatic alteration of prokaryotic communities was observed when salinity reached 16%, which was recognized as the change point. Combined with the results of network analysis, we found the increasing of complexity but decreasing of stability in prokaryotic communities when salinity exceeded the change point. Moreover, prokaryotic communities became more deterministic when salinity exceeded the change point due to the niche adaptation of halophilic species. Our study showed that substantial variations in seawater prokaryotic communities along an extremely wide salinity gradient, and also explored the underlying mechanisms regulating these changes.
Non‐fatal overdose risk associated with prescribing opioid agonists concurrently with other medication: Cohort study conducted using linked primary care, secondary care and mortality records
Authors: Domzaridou Eleni , Carr Matthew J. , Millar Tim , Webb Roger T. , Ashcroft Darren M.
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

An apparently protective effect of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) on all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality risk has been widely reported. Non‐fatal overdose (NFO) often precedes subsequent drug‐poisoning deaths. We hypothesized that benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, antipsychotics, antidepressants, Z‐drugs or opioids increase the NFO risk when co‐prescribed with OAT.

Design

We conducted a cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD and Aurum databases. The cohort was linked to Hospital Episode Statistics admitted patient care data (HES‐APC), neighbourhood‐ and practice‐level Index of Multiple Deprivation quintiles and mortality records from the Office for National Statistics.

Setting

Primary care in England.

Participants

We studied patients with opioid use disorder, aged 18–64 years, who were prescribed OAT (15155 methadone and 5743 buprenorphine recipients) between Jan 1, 1998, and Dec 31, 2017.

Measurements

The main outcome examined was NFO risk during co‐prescription of OAT with benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids, antidepressants, Z‐drugs or opioids. Overdose was defined according to International Classification of Diseases codes from the HES‐APC data set. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate weighted rate ratios (wRR) for NFO during co‐prescription of OAT and benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids, antidepressants, Z‐drugs or opioids with periods of exclusive OAT usage.

Findings

Among 20 898 patients observed over 83 856 person‐years, we found an elevated overdose risk that resulted in hospital admission during co‐prescription of OAT with benzodiazepines [wRR: 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–1.67], gabapentinoids (wRR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.77–2.79), Z‐drugs (wRR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.31–1.96), antipsychotics (wRR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.53–2.25) and opioids (wRR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.02–1.60). The risk ratio for antidepressant co‐prescriptions was below unity (wRR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.79–1.02) but this result was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Elevated risk of non‐fatal overdose among opioid agonist treatment recipients is associated with concurrent use of medication prescribed for other reasons.
Janusia anisandra (A. Juss.) Griseb (Malpighiaceae): The first case of enantiostyly in oil‐flower species
Authors: de Bezerra Elisangela Lucia de Santana , Sabino‐Oliveira Ana Carolina , Machado Isabel Cristina
Published: August 2023

Enantiostyly is a floral polymorphism characterized by style deflection to the right and left, which results in flowers with mirror images. To date, enantiostyly occurs only in species that offer pollen or nectar as floral resource. Here we describe the first case of enantiostyly in an oil‐flower species. Janusia anisandra (A. Juss.) Griseb (Malpighiaceae) shows right and left‐styled flowers in individuals occurring in an area of tropical dry forest in Northeastern Brazil. We described the floral morphology, investigate the reproductive system, and made focal observations of flower visitors behaviour. J. anisandra has morphological traits that are part of the floral conservatism found in the neotropical species of Malpighiaceae, which preserves features that are decisive for the interaction with oil‐collecting bees of the Centridini tribe, performing a highly specialized pollination system. The six stamens (two major and four smaller), located in the center of the flower, characterizes heteranthery, an intrafloral polymorphism, in which the stamens differ in shape, size, and function and is commonly associated with enantiostyly. We identified the two floral morphs in the same individual, characterizing a monomorphic enantiostyly; each of the morphs differs by lateral displacement of the style to the right or to the left, always accompanied by one larger stamen. The species is moderately self‐compatible. Four species of solitary bees of the genus Centris were registered visiting the two morphs of J. anisandra flowers. Centris aenea and C. fuscata were the main pollinators, performing 65% of the visits. This new discovery of a classical monomorphic enantiostyly in J. anisandra opens the way for investigations in the evolution of this system in oil‐secreting flowers.
A comparison of double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge and open food challenge
Authors: Jessen Frederik Bloch , Mortz Charlotte G. , Eller Esben , Gudichsen Julie H. , Baekdal Emil A. , Bindslev‐Jensen Carsten
Published: August 2023

Background

Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) remains the gold standard for diagnosing food allergy, despite sparse comparisons to open food challenges (OpenFCs). The objective of this retrospective study was to compare severity of symptoms and threshold values (cumulative dose of food allergen eliciting a clinical reaction) in children and adults with peanut allergy, challenged in an open and/or double‐blind, placebo‐controlled protocol.

Methods

This study included patients from the Allergy Centre, Odense University Hospital with a positive oral food challenge, defined as strict objective signs, with peanut during the period 2001–2022. Severity of symptoms was graded using the Sampson's severity score. Distribution models of threshold values were calculated using log‐normal interval‐censored survival analysis, and the number of placebo reactions was evaluated.

Results

In total, 318 positive OpenFCs and 86 DBPCFCs were included. There was no difference in severity of symptoms nor threshold values comparing the two challenge types, neither when stratified for age groups. However, a higher proportion of children experienced Grade 3 symptoms in the double‐blind group. Only one patient had a positive reaction to a placebo challenge.

Conclusion

Our findings do not advocate for DBPCFC being superior to OpenFC, if the latter is performed with strict objective stop criteria by trained staff.
Bioinformatics‐guided disproportionality analysis of sevoflurane‐induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database
Authors: Jacob Akhil T. , Kumar Ankitha Hari , Halivana Gayethri , Lukose Lipin , Nair Gouri , Subeesh Viswam
Published: August 2023

Aims

Sevoflurane is an ether‐based inhalational anaesthetic that induces and maintains general anaesthesia. Our study aimed to detect sevoflurane‐induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus using data mining algorithms (DMAs) and molecular docking. The FAERS database was analysed using OpenVigil 2.1 for disproportionality analysis.

Methods

We analysed FAERS data from 2004 to 2022 to determine the incidence of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus associated with sevoflurane. Reporting odds ratios (RORs) and proportional reporting ratios (PRRs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. We also used molecular docking with AutoDock Vina to examine sevoflurane's binding affinity to relevant receptors.

Results

A total of 554 nephrogenic diabetes insipidus cases were reported in FAERS, of which 2.5% (14 cases) were associated with sevoflurane. Positive signals were observed for sevoflurane with ROR of 76.012 (95% CI: 44.67–129.35) and PRR of 75.72 (χ2: 934.688). Of the 14 cases, 50% required hospitalization, 14% resulted in death, and the remaining cases were categorized as other outcomes. Molecular docking analysis showed that sevoflurane exhibited high binding affinity towards AQP2 (4NEF) and AVPR2 (6U1N) with docking scores of −4.9 and −5.3, respectively.

Conclusions

Sevoflurane use is significantly associated with the incidence of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Healthcare professionals should be cautious when using this medication and report any adverse events to regulatory agencies. Further research is needed to validate these findings and identify risk factors while performing statistical adjustments to prevent false‐positives. Clinical monitoring is crucial to validate potential adverse effects of sevoflurane.
Kappa opioid receptor agonist U50,488 inhibits dopamine more in caudal than rostral nucleus accumbens core
Authors: Karkhanis Anushree N. , West Alyssa M. , Jones Sara R.
Published: August 2023

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) core is involved in regulating stress and shaping reward seeking behaviours. Multiple neuromodulators, including dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and dopamine systems, converge in this area to influence behavioural outcomes. KOR activation acutely inhibits dopamine release and chronically depresses overall dopamine transmission. Recently, studies in the NAc shell have revealed that the impact of KOR activation on behaviour is regionally specific, and these rostro‐caudal differences are likely driven by greater control of KORs over dopamine inhibition in the caudal compared with rostral subregion. Given the importance of NAc core, particularly the interaction between KORs and dopamine in regulating reward seeking behaviours, we examined the impact of KOR activation on dopamine release and uptake along the rostro‐caudal axis in the NAc core of male and female mice. Using ex vivo fast scan cyclic voltammetry, we observed that KOR mediated inhibition of dopamine release was significantly greater in caudal compared with rostral NAc core with no significant sex differences observed. These data suggest that KORs regulate dopamine release differentially along the rostro‐caudal axis, providing a new axis on which to examine the process by which the KOR/dopamine system controls reward encoding.
The impact of body mass index on the clinical features of bipolar disorder: A STEP‐BD study
Authors: Kadriu Bashkim , Deng Zhi‐De , Kraus Christoph , Johnston Jenessa N. , Fijtman Adam , Henter Ioline D. , Kasper Siegfried , Zarate Carlos A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The effects of body mass index (BMI) on the core symptoms of bipolar disorder (BD) and its implications for disease trajectory are largely unexplored.

Objective

To examine whether BMI impacted hospitalization rate, medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and core symptom domains such as depression and suicidality in BD.

Methods

Participants (15 years and older) were 2790 BD outpatients enrolled in the longitudinal STEP‐BD study; all met DSM‐IV criteria for BD‐I, BD‐II, cyclothymia, BD NOS, or schizoaffective disorder, bipolar subtype. BMI, demographic information, psychiatric and medical comorbidities, and other clinical variables such as bipolarity index, history of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and history of suicide attempts were collected at baseline. Longitudinal changes in Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score, Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) score, and hospitalizations during the study were also assessed. Depending on the variable of interest, odds‐ratios, regression analyses, factor analyses, and graph analyses were applied.

Results

A robust increase in psychiatric and medical comorbidities was observed, particularly for baseline BMIs >35. A significant relationship was noted between higher BMI and history of suicide attempts, and individuals with BMIs >40 had the highest prevalence of suicide attempts. Obese and overweight individuals had a higher bipolarity index (a questionnaire measuring disease severity) and were more likely to have received ECT. Higher BMIs correlated with worsening trajectory of core depression symptoms and with worsening lassitude and inability to feel.

Conclusions

In BD participants, elevated BMI was associated with worsening clinical features, including higher rates of suicidality, comorbidities, and core depression symptoms.
Optimal income taxation with tax avoidance and endogenous labour supply
Authors: Casamatta Georges
Published: August 2023

I determine the optimal income tax schedule when individuals both choose endogenously their labour supply and have the possibility of avoiding paying taxes. Considering a convex concealment cost function, I propose a formula for the optimal marginal tax rate, that generalizes the formula of the standard Mirrlees model to the case of tax avoidance. I also show that the results obtained by Casamatta (2021) in the fixed income case hold true when labour supply is endogenous: with a low enough marginal cost of avoidance, it is optimal to let some taxpayers, located in the interior of the skill distribution, avoid taxes.
Cytotoxic activity of quinolinequinones in cancer: In vitro studies, molecular docking, and ADME/PK profiling
Authors: Jannuzzi Ayse Tarbin , Yilmaz Goler Ayse Mine , Shilkar Deepak , Mondal Subodh , Basavanakatti Vinay N. , Yıldırım Hatice , Yıldız Mahmut , Çelik Onar Hülya , Bayrak Nilüfer , Jayaprakash Venkatesan , TuYuN Amaç Fatih
Published: August 2023

Lead molecules containing 1,4‐quinone moiety are intriguing novel compounds that can be utilized to treat cancer owing to their antiproliferative activities. Nine previously reported quinolinequinones (AQQ1‐9) were studied to better understand their inhibitory profile to produce potent and possibly safe lead molecules. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) of Bethesda chose all quinolinequinones (AQQ1‐9) based on the NCI Developmental Therapeutics Program and tested them against a panel of 60 cancer cell lines. At a single dose and five further doses, AQQ7 significantly inhibited the proliferation of all leukemia cell lines and some breast cancer cell lines. We investigated the in vitro cytotoxic activities of the most promising compounds, AQQ2 and AQQ7, in MCF7 and T‐47D breast cancer cells, DU‐145 prostate cancer cells, HCT‐116 and COLO 205 colon cancer cell lines, and HaCaT human keratinocytes using the MTT assay. AQQ7 showed particularly high cytotoxicity against MCF7 cells. Further analysis showed that AQQ7 exhibits anticancer activity through the induction of apoptosis without causing cell cycle arrest or oxidative stress. Molecular docking simulations for AQQ2 and AQQ7 were conducted against the COX, PTEN, and EGFR proteins, which are commonly overexpressed in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. The in vitro ADME and in vivo PK profiling of these compounds have also been reported.
Using innovative communication pathways to reframe the perception of young people within the political establishment
Authors: Bourke Jackie
Published: August 2023

This paper presents research into communication pathways between young people and political decision‐makers. The aim of the study was to give young people a platform to challenge how they are perceived in urban public space. Using innovative creative mapping methods, a group of teenagers shared insights into their everyday experiences of their urban neighbourhood with elected political representatives. This paper argues that the perception of young people within the political establishment inhibits engagement and change, but that the participation process is an important step towards reframing perceptions and affecting change.
Drug–drug interaction study of ciprofol and sodium divalproex: Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety in healthy Chinese subjects
Authors: Yang Dandan , Zhang Wei , Ruan Zourong , Jiang Bo , Huang Siqi , Wang Jiaying , Zhao Pengfei , Hu Mengyue , Yan Min , Lou Honggang
Published: August 2023

Ciprofol (also known as HSK3486) is a promising intravenous anesthetic candidate derived from propofol and independently developed by Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. (Chengdu, China). Compared with propofol, ciprofol has the potential to reduce the dose required and the associated risks. Ciprofol is extensively metabolized in vivo, and its interaction with other concurrently administered drugs during clinical application is worthy of attention. Therefore, an open‐label, two‐stage sequential study was performed in healthy subjects who received either a single administration of ciprofol injection or ciprofol injection after oral administration of sodium divalproex. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of sodium divalproex on ciprofol with respect to pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety, thus providing a basis for the rational clinical use of ciprofol and sodium divalproex.
Mountain passes are higher at low latitudes for madicolous insect communities of the Neotropical region
Authors: Shimabukuro Erika Mayumi , Gómez‐Rodríguez Carola , Lamas Carlos José E. , Baselga Andrés
Published: August 2023

Aim

To test whether spatial turnover patterns of mountain madicolous insect communities in the Southern Hemisphere support the ‘mountain passes are higher in the Tropic’ hypothesis (MPHT). To do this, we compared madicolous communities in the Amazon Mountains (equator) and the Atlantic Forest Mountains (23°S).

Location

Brazil.

Methods

We characterized madicolous insect communities in two elevational gradients between 90 to 3000 m a.s.l. separated by 23° of latitude, totalling 108 sampling sites. Since the MPHT predicts a more intense turnover along elevational gradients at lower latitudes than at higher latitudes, we evaluated beta diversity in the Amazon mountains, at the equator, and in the Atlantic Forest mountains, in the subtropical region. We quantified multiple‐site abundance‐based dissimilarity to assess whether beta diversity was different between both regions. We also performed constrained ordination (db‐RDA) analyses to assess whether community dissimilarity (balanced variation in abundances) was uniquely or jointly explained by environmental, spatial and/or elevational predictors. Additionally, we independently assessed the relationship between community dissimilarity and altitudinal difference in each region and tested for differences in model parameters between regions.

Results

Although we found high species turnover in both regions, the community variation explained by environmental factors and altitude was higher in the Amazon than in the Atlantic Forest, as evidenced by db‐RDA and altitudinal difference models. In general, communities were remarkably constrained by spatial predictors, which result from low dispersion capacity of most madicolous insects and low connectivity of madicolous systems. Consequently, the composition of madicolous insects notably diverged between regions, highlighting the complementarity and high conservation value of both systems.

Main Conclusions

Our results indicate that the MPHT explains, at the community level, the differences between low‐ and high‐latitude mountain systems in community turnover along elevational gradients, even within a relatively short latitudinal distance in the Southern Hemisphere.
Powered mobility in low‐ and middle‐income countries: Caregivers' perspective from Bangladesh
Authors: Jahan Israt , Islam Shafiul
Published: August 2023

This commentary is on the original article by Sloane et al. on pages 333–343 of this issue.
Optimal antiplatelet and antithrombotic regimen post‐transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Moey Melissa Y. Y. , Udani Kunjan , Nifong L. Wiley , Carabello Blase A. , Morris D. Lynn , Shah Neeraj N.
Published: August 2023

Background

There are limited data regarding optimal antiplatelet/antithrombotic therapy following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods

In this single‐centre retrospective study including TAVR patients from 2012 to 2020, ischemic and bleeding outcomes were compared between antiplatelet (dual antiplatelet [DAPT] vs. single antiplatelet [SAPT]) and oral anticoagulation (OAC) groups using incidence rate, Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Results

Total 492 patients (mean age 79.7 ± 7.7 years, 53.7% males, 83.5% Caucasian) were included. There was higher incidence of 1‐year death or ischemia with DAPT vs. SAPT (23.6 vs. 14.8 per 100 patient‐years [PY], incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97–2.68, p = .05), especially in those without coronary artery disease (23.9 vs. 10.7 per 100 PY, IRR 2.24, 95% CI 1.10–4.47, p = .017). There was significantly higher major bleeding in those on OAC vs. no OAC (15 vs. 8 per 100 PY, IRR 1.87, 95% CI 1.10–3.11, p = .016), especially late (>1‐year) bleeding (10.2 vs. 3.6 per 100 PY, IRR 2.81, 95% CI 1.33–5.92, p = .004). In multivariate analysis, DAPT was an independent predictor of death or ischemia (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.41, 95% CI 1.01–1.96, p = .041). OAC was an independent predictor of major bleeding (aHR 2.32, 95% CI 1.31–4.13, p = .004).

Conclusions

There is signal to harm with routine use of DAPT post‐TAVR. There is higher incidence of late bleeding post‐TAVR with OAC, suggesting potential role for alternate antithrombotic strategies.
Designing learning environments to promote competent lay engagement with science
Authors: Chinn Clark A. , Yoon Susan A. , Hussain‐Abidi Huma , Hunkar Kyle , Noushad Noora F. , Cottone Amanda M. , Richman Thomas
Published: August 2023

An important goal of science education is promoting scientific literacy—the competence to interact with science as laypeople to solve problems and make decisions in their personal and community lives. This is made more challenging in an age of increasing science denialism. In this article, we discuss how to design learning environments for science education that can help students attain scientific literacy. We argue that science curricula should encompass lessons with two distinguishable foci. One focus engages students in understanding the reliability of science. The second focus engages students as laypeople interacting with science in the public sphere. We discuss these two curricular foci, presenting examples from our own work on designing and implementing instruction with the first focus.
Perioperative pain management protocols of veterinarians in the United States for horses undergoing routine orchiectomy (castration)
Authors: Sellon Debra C. , Sanz Macarena G. , Kopper Jamie J.
Published: August 2023

Background

Analgesic protocols related to orchiectomy or castration of young horses vary widely depending on geographic location, educational background of the veterinarian, and other demographic factors. Specific practices of equine veterinarians in the United States (US) have not been reported.

Objectives

To determine perioperative pain management practices of equine veterinarians in the United States as they relate to castration of healthy yearling colts.

Study design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

An internet‐based questionnaire included items related to analgesic drugs used in association with castration of healthy yearling colts. Demographic, educational, and experiential factors associated with routine recommendation of analgesic medications after castration were analysed with calculation of odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Responses from 146 equine veterinarians in the United States revealed that 112/146 (76.7%) administered a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) at the time of castration, and 107/143 respondents (73.3%) recommended administration of NSAIDs for a median of 3 days (IQR = 3–5) after surgery. Veterinarians who recommended NSAID analgesia after castration provided a higher pain severity score for horses at 24 h after a routine castration. Routine recommendation of post‐castration NSAID analgesia was associated with veterinarians who were employed in a multi‐veterinarian practice (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.2–6.1) and completed their veterinary education in the year 2000 or more recently (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.1–5.9).

Main limitations

Possible distribution, self‐selection, and response biases as a result of convenience sampling methodology and possible recall bias of respondents.

Conclusions

Perioperative pain management practices vary widely among US veterinarians but the majority of veterinarians, especially more recent graduates and those in multi‐veterinarian practices, recommend administration of an NSAID at the time of castration and for a median of 3 days after surgery.
Development of a body condition index to estimate adiposity in ponies and horses from morphometric measurements
Authors: Potter Samantha J. , Erdody Madison L. , Bamford Nicholas J. , Knowles Edward J. , Menzies‐Gow Nicola , Morrison Philippa K. , Argo Caroline McG. , McIntosh Bridgett J. , Kaufman Katelyn , Harris Patricia A. , Bailey Simon R.
Published: August 2023

Background

There is a high prevalence of obesity in ponies and pleasure horses. This may be associated with equine metabolic syndrome and an increased risk of laminitis. Body condition scoring (BCS) systems are widely used but are subjective and not very sensitive.

Objectives

To derive a body condition index (BCI), based on objective morphometric measurements, that correlates with % body fat.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Morphometric measurements were obtained from 21 ponies and horses in obese and moderate body condition. Percentage body fat was determined using the deuterium dilution method and the BCI was derived to give the optimal correlation with body fat, applying appropriate weightings. The index was then validated by assessing inter‐observer variation and correlation with % body fat in a separate population of Welsh ponies; and finally, the correlation between BCI and BCS was evaluated in larger populations from studies undertaken in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Results

The BCI correlated well with adiposity in the ponies and horses, giving a Pearson r value of 0.74 (P < 0.001); however, it was found to slightly overestimate the % body fat in leaner animals and underestimate in more obese animals. In field studies, the correlation between BCI and BCS varied particularly in Shetlands and miniature ponies, presumably due to differences in body shape.

Main limitations

Further work may be required to adapt the BCI to a method that is more applicable for Shetlands and miniature ponies.

Conclusions

This BCI was able to provide an index of adiposity which compared favourably with condition scoring in terms of accuracy of estimating adiposity; and was more consistent and repeatable when used by inexperienced assessors. Therefore, this may be a useful tool for assessing adiposity; and may be more sensitive than condition scoring for tracking weight gain or weight loss in individual animals.
Use of multiple admission variables better predicts intestinal strangulation in horses with colic than peritoneal or the ratio of peritoneal:blood l‐lactate concentration
Authors: Long Alicia E. , Southwood Louise L. , Morris Tate B. , Brandly Jerrianne E. , Stefanovski Darko
Published: August 2023

Background

Early identification of strangulating obstruction (SO) in horses with colic improves outcomes, yet early diagnosis of horses requiring surgery for SO often remains challenging.

Objectives

To compare blood and peritoneal fluid l‐lactate concentrations, peritoneal:blood l‐lactate ratio, peritoneal minus blood (peritoneal‐blood) l‐lactate concentration and other clinical variables for predicting SO and SO in horses with small intestinal lesions (SO‐SI) and then to develop a multivariable model to predict SO and SO‐SI.

Study design

Retrospective cohort.

Methods

A total of 197 equids admitted to a referral institution for colic between 2016 and 2019 that had peritoneal fluid analysis performed at admission were included. Twenty‐three admission variables were evaluated individually for the prediction of a SO or SO‐SI and then using multivariable logistic regression. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and area under the curve of the receiver operator characteristic (AUC ROC) were calculated.

Results

All variables performed better in the model than individually. The final multivariable model for predicting SO included marked abdominal pain (OR 5.31, CI 1.40–20.18), rectal temperature (OR 0.30, CI 0.14–0.64), serosanguineous peritoneal fluid (OR 35.34, CI 10.10–122.94), peritoneal‐blood l‐lactate (OR 1.77, CI 1.25–2.51), and peritoneal:blood l‐lactate ratio (OR 0.36, CI 0.18–0.72). The AUC ROC was 0.91. The final multivariable model for predicting SO‐SI included reflux volume (OR 0.69, CI 0.56–0.86), blood l‐lactate concentration (OR 0.43, CI 0.22–0.87), serosanguineous peritoneal fluid (OR 4.99, CI 1.26–19.74), and peritoneal l‐lactate concentration (OR 3.77, CI 1.82–7.81).

Main limitations

Retrospective, single‐hospital study design.

Conclusions

Blood and peritoneal fluid l‐lactate concentrations should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical variables. The relationship between peritoneal and blood l‐lactate concentration for predicting SO or SO‐SI was complex when included in a multivariable model. Models to predict SO probably vary based on lesion location.
A 1.5‐Order Therapy: Between knowing and not‐knowing
Authors: Smith Ged
Published: August 2023

This article is based on personal family therapist evolution of 30 years and how I have moved between first‐ and second‐order positions in how I work, challenge and make progress in the therapy room. With increasing confidence and experience, I have found myself in a position of “knowing” in therapy and of sharing the knowledge and beliefs I have with families, in a variety of ways. The first‐ and second‐order paradigms have many definitions (Anderson & Goolishian, Family Process, 27, 1988 and 371; Hoffman, Family System Medicine, 3, 1985 and 381) and mine concern the space between knowing and not‐knowing, between collaborative and directive therapy, and how to use these ideas in therapy. I explore aspects of this including ways of challenging, embedded questions, the move from questions to statements, and differences in responses. The essence throughout is that good therapy relies on good relationships, that skillful challenge is welcomed by families, detail is the enemy of therapeutic endeavor, and that embracing our expertise again can be a valuable asset in therapy. I contend that many experienced therapists follow similar practices but this is seldom talked about in the field.
Glacier dynamics assessment in Eastern Dhauliganga basin (1994–2018), Kumaun Himalaya, India
Authors: Singh Dhanendra K. , Thakur Praveen K. , Dhote Pankaj R. , Moothedan Antony Joh , Naithani Bhanu Prasad
Published: August 2023

The glacier database provides an opportunity to track its dynamics and address issues linked with water resources, hazards and sustainability. To better understand the dynamics of Eastern Dhauliganga basin, we mapped the clean and debris‐covered glaciers by using satellite images from Landsat‐series and Sentinel 2. The band‐ratio based methods—NDSI (Normalised Difference Snow Index) and NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index) were used to map the clean ice glaciers. The debris‐covered glaciers were delineated using topographic parameters and thermal band of Landsat TM. The glacier extent and length change were monitored for 25 glaciers in the basin, of which 13 are clean ice and 12 are debris‐covered glaciers. During the time period from 1994 to 2018, higher area loss was observed for clean ice glaciers (±20.6%) compared with debris‐covered glaciers (±10.9%). The clean‐ice glaciers retreated at a rate of 4.8–33.7 m/year, whereas debris‐covered glaciers retreated at a rate of 2.9–28.8 m/year during 1994–2018.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptors improve migraine‐like pain behaviors in rats through the regulation of regulatory T cell/T‐helper 17 cell‐related homeostasis
Authors: Yang Liu , Zhou Yanjie , Zhang Lily , Wang Yue , Zhang Yu , Xiao Zheman
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate the effect of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)/regulatory T cell (Treg)/T‐helper 17 (Th17) cell pathway on the pathogenesis of migraine.

Background

Migraine is a disabling neurovascular disease that imposes an enormous burden on both individuals and society. The pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine remain controversial. Recent studies have suggested that immune dysfunction may be involved in the pathogenesis of migraine. The AHR, a receptor expressed on most immune cells, has been implicated in the occurrence of many autoimmune diseases; however, whether it is involved in the pathogenesis of migraine is unclear.

Methods

A chronic migraine rat model was established through repeated intraperitoneal injection of nitroglycerin (NTG). The mechanical and thermal pain thresholds were assessed using von Frey filaments and radiant heat. Next, the protein expression levels of AHR in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) region of chronic migraine (CM)‐like rats were quantified and the changes in Treg/Th17‐related transcription factors and inflammatory factors in the TNC were explored. To determine the role of AHR in CM, we examined the effects of the AHR agonist 2‐(1′‐indole‐3′‐carbonyl)‐thiazole‐4‐carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE), and AHR antagonist CH‐223191 on pain behavior, c‐Fos, calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), AHR, and Treg/Th17‐related factor expression in CM‐like rats.

Results

Repeated administration of NTG significantly enhanced nociceptive hypersensitivity and increased expression of c‐Fos and CGRP in rats, while AHR was significantly decreased in the TNC. In addition, the expression of the transcription factor forkhead box protein P3 and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 decreased significantly. In contrast, the expression of the transcription factor retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptor γ t and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 were significantly increased. Moreover, the mRNA level of transforming growth factor beta‐1 was decreased, while that of interleukin (IL)‐10 and IL‐22 was increased in the TNC. The AHR agonist ITE alleviated migraine‐like pain behaviors in rats, activated the AHR signaling pathway, and improved the imbalance of Treg/Th17‐related transcription factors and inflammatory factors. Conversely, the AHR antagonist CH‐223191 did not alleviate migraine‐like pain behaviors in rats; and even exacerbated them.

Conclusions

The AHR participates in the development of CM by regulating Treg/Th17‐related homeostasis. Therefore, treatments targeting the AHR/Treg/Th17 signaling pathway could be new effective interventions for CM treatment.
Presence and Abstraction. Interpreting the practice of Eucharistic Adoration online
Authors: Kevern Peter
Published: August 2023

Abstract: This paper takes as its point of departure the rise of online Adoration of the Reserved Sacrament during the widespread suspension of worship in response to COVID‐19. Taking the phenomenon seriously as an instance of the sensus fidelium exposes limitations in the Tridentine formulation of the mode of sacramental presence. Alternative approaches may be developed with reference to the thinking of two post‐Heideggerian philosophers, Marion and Nancy, who in different ways explore the subject's encounter with the divine in the phenomenal world as a double kenosis, without reference to an abstract concept of Being. These accounts together suggest an account of adoration as a kenotic response to divine kenosis and so suggest understandings of Eucharistic Adoration that are not bounded by the constraints of physical materiality. The paper concludes by considering the wider applicability of this approach in a world that is, increasingly, a hybrid of physical and ‘virtual’ phenomena and at a time when US Catholics are believed to be losing their faith in the real presence of Christ in the eucharistic elements.
Clinical efficacy of a gentle anti‐dandruff itch‐relieving shampoo formulation
Authors: Lim Delwyn Zhi Jie , Lim Fei Chu , Tey Hong Liang
Published: August 2023

Dandruff is a common scalp condition affecting almost half of the world's population. Despite its high prevalence, the exact pathophysiology is not well established and is understood to be multifactorial, with factors such as fungal colonization, sebaceous gland activity and individual factors being implicated. There is a need for an effective and safe shampoo that can target the above factors. Hence, we have developed a shampoo formulation with properties of oil control, moisturizing, non‐irritative, anti‐fungal, anti‐microbial and itch‐relieving. In this interventional, open‐label study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of this shampoo in reducing the clinical signs of dandruff and pruritus in patients with pre‐existing mild‐to‐moderate dandruff over a course of 21‐day treatment duration through self‐assessment and objective clinical evaluations. After continued use of the shampoo, there was a significant decrease in the adherent and loose scalp flaking scores. Mean pruritus scores also decreased significantly across the 21‐day time points. There were also no adverse events or skin intolerances reported. This study showed that our shampoo formulation has led to a significant reduction in both adherent and loose scalp flaking and pruritus when used in individuals suffering from mild to moderate dandruff. As such, it is an ideal shampoo, which can be used to effectively control dandruff.
How did theCOVID‐19 pandemic affect men's and women's returns to unionization?
Authors: Han Eunice S.
Published: August 2023

Using data from the Current Population Survey for the period 2015 to 2021, I study union‐nonunion differences in employment, wages and other terms and conditions before and after the COVID‐19 pandemic. Analyses are run separately for men and women. I find that, compared to non‐union workers, union workers were better able to retain employment, less likely to do telework, and more likely to receive pay for the hours they did not work during the pandemic. These patterns were more evident for female workers.
Early childhood general anesthesia and risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Sun Mingyang , Chen Wan‐Ming , Fu Saihao , Wu Szu‐Yuan , Zhang Jiaqiang
Published: August 2023

Background

The relationship between early childhood exposure to general anesthesia (GA) and the risk of developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is still uncertain and previous studies have presented conflicting results. This population‐based cohort study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between GA exposure and ADHD risk using propensity score matching (PSM) in a large sample size.

Methods

The study included 15,072 children aged 0–3 years who received GA and were hospitalized for more than 1 day in Taiwan from 2004 to 2014. The nonexposed group was randomly selected through 1:1 PSM from the Taiwan Maternal and Child Health Database (TMCHD). The primary objectives of this study were to determine the incidence rates (IR) and incidence rate ratios (IRR) of ADHD in the two cohorts, employing Poisson regression models.

Results

The GA group and non‐GA group each comprised 7,536 patients. The IR of ADHD was higher in the GA group (122.45 per 10,000 person‐years) than in the non‐GA group (64.15 per 10,000 person‐years), and the IRR of ADHD in the GA group was 1.39 (95% CI: 1.26, 1.55). The study found that the number of times of exposure to GA, duration of exposure, male gender, and central nervous system surgery were significant risk factors for ADHD in the future.

Conclusions

This study's findings suggest that there is a significant correlation between early childhood exposure to GA and the risk of developing ADHD, and GA may be an important risk factor for ADHD in children undergoing surgery. The study also identified several risk factors for ADHD, including the number of times of exposure to GA, duration of exposure, male gender, and central nervous system surgery.
Sterilization of black carrot juice by thermosonication: Compound changes revealed by NMR and GC–MS metabolomics methods
Authors: Wang Jialu , Lu Yushuang , Ni Yishu , Zhu Lin , Fang Sheng
Published: August 2023

In this study, thermosonic sterilization (TS), ultrasonic sterilization (US), and heat sterilization at 60°C, 80°C, and 90°C were used for the bactericidal treatment of black carrot juice. The processed samples were analyzed in terms of physicochemical, biological activity, microbial, and metabolomics approaches. The main differential metabolites were identified after treatment. Among these, the content of the important chemical component anthocyanins increased by 10.64% and 6.82% in TS and US, respectively. The TS treatment showed better retention of most of the active substances such as carbohydrates, malic acid, alanine, sterols, lutein, and terpenes compared to the other treatments. Furthermore, the TS treatment reduced the ultrasonic power and time for inactivating microorganisms and increased the DPPH radical scavenging activity by 11.31% compared to the control. The experimental results showed that the black carrot juice after TS treatment with 60% ultrasonic power at 60°C for 5 min sterilization was more favorable for the retention of nutrients and volatiles, improving the quality, safety, and economic potential of black carrot juice.

Practical applications

This work for the first‐time applied TS to black carrot juice. The effect of TS treatment on the quality of black carrot juice was studied and compared with ultrasonic and conventional heat treatment by metabolomics approach. TS could significantly reduce US treatment time from 25 min (20°C) to 5 min (60°C) for the sterilization of juice. TS has a better effect on the retention of nutrients and flavor substances in the juice. The study is beneficial to the application of TS in purple carrot juice sterilization, also the application of 1H‐NMR and GC–MS metabolomics approach in food processing.