bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading the Tulsa Race Massacre: a study exploring a white reader’s shifts in stance across genres of historical text
Authors: Bene Emma , Robillard Stephanie M.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Using a discourse analytic approach, the purpose of this paper is to examine how genre impacts white readers when reading about historic acts of racial violence. Specifically, this study explores one white high school student’s stance-taking as she read an informational text and an eyewitness narrative about the Tulsa Race Massacre.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used discourse analysis (Gee, 1999) and the think-aloud method (Pressley and Afflerbach, 1996) to explore the white student’s interactions with genres of historical texts. The authors coupled iterative coding and memoing with discourse analysis to analyze the stances she adopted while reading.

Findings

The findings illustrate that the informational text allowed for a distancing from the racialized violence in the text, whereas the narrative created an opportunity for more connection to those who experienced the violence.

Originality/value

While genre and reader response has long been explored in English Education research, little research has examined the impact of genre on reading historical texts. This study demonstrates the influence that genre may have on white readers’ emotional responses and stance-taking practices when reading about historic acts of racial violence.
Determinants of housing affordability in the USA
Authors: Iqbal Javed , Brdedthauer Jeff , Decker Christopher S.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify the determinants of housing affordability in an effort to inform policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use econometric analysis to determine variables that impact housing affordability in the USA.

Findings

The authors find that affordability depends on a number of demographic factors as well as physical characteristics of properties, including average age of homeowner, family size and average dwelling square footage. The authors also find that vacancy rates, increase in house price and median family income also have a significant impact on housing affordability. Additionally, the authors find that households with high-cost burdens are more vulnerable to mortgage rates and property taxes than those with moderate-cost burdens. As a result, changes in economic or policy variables tend to have a disproportionate impact on high-cost-burdened households, and they are more vulnerable to economic and policy shocks.

Originality/value

To date, the literature has not done a systematic investigation of housing affordability using detailed census data.
Toward a common humanitarian supply chain process model: the Frontline Humanitarian Logistics Initiative
Authors: Saïah Félicia , Vega Diego , Kovács Gyöngyi
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study focuses to develop a common humanitarian supply chain process model (HSCPM) that enables effective enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for NGOs, and the study also investigates the role of modularity as a dynamic capability that supports creating such model.

Design/methodology/approach

A multifocus group study was performed as part of a larger project, the Frontline Humanitarian Logistics Initiative, aiming to establish a common data model that would serve as the backbone of humanitarian ERP systems. Fourteen international humanitarian organizations (IHOs) participated in the process, reaching a consensus on the structure of the process model.

Findings

An HSCPM was proposed based on the consensus reached across IHOs. Four degrees of customization differentiating between “generic,” “tailored,” “specific,” and “unique” processes are presented and discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The findings show modularity applied to process as a mean to create dynamic efficiencies and position the modular process model within the dynamic capabilities framework, supporting supply chain responsiveness and expanding the literature on supply chain management (SCM), dynamic capabilities, and humanitarian logistics.

Practical implications

This research proposes a consensus-based data model, facilitating the advancement of ERP systems in the humanitarian context and lays a foundation for interoperability among ERP systems across diverse IHOs.

Originality/value

First attempt to elucidate the specific characteristics and unique processes defining an HSCPM, this study reached an unprecedented consensus for the humanitarian sector, setting the base toward an industry standard.
A bibliometric and content analysis discourse on business application of blockchain technology
Authors: Chandel Ajay , Bhanot Neeraj , Sharma Rahul
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The article aims to provide a bibliometric and content analysis of the business application of blockchain technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliometric analysis and content analysis were undertaken to accomplish the stated objectives of the study.

Findings

The results revealed publication and country collaboration trends, declining, emerging, and niche research areas, the topmost influential articles, authors, and most relevant journals.

Originality/value

As researchers have been myopic towards some mainstream research agendas studying the specific contexts of blockchain applications, this research believes a holistic approach to understanding blockchain technology's versatility to disrupt different business processes across a myriad of industries is lacking. In addition, to strengthen the research's conclusions, a content analysis of the most significant articles is conducted as part of the study.
Semantic web and machine learning techniques addressing semantic interoperability in Industry 4.0
Authors: Hafidi Mohamed Madani , Djezzar Meriem , Hemam Mounir , Amara Fatima Zahra , Maimour Moufida
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a comprehensive examination of the various solutions currently accessible for addressing the challenge of semantic interoperability in cyber physical systems (CPS). CPS is a new generation of systems composed of physical assets with computation capabilities, connected with software systems in a network, exchanging data collected from the physical asset, models (physics-based, data-driven, . . .) and services (reconfiguration, monitoring, . . .). The physical asset and its software system are connected, and they exchange data to be interpreted in a certain context. The heterogeneous nature of the collected data together with different types of models rise interoperability problems. Modeling the digital space of the CPS and integrating information models that support cyber physical interoperability together are required.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims to identify the most relevant points in the development of semantic models and machine learning solutions to the interoperability problem, and how these solutions are implemented in CPS. The research analyzes recent papers related to the topic of semantic interoperability in Industry 4.0 (I4.0) systems.

Findings

Semantic models are key enabler technologies that provide a common understanding of data, and they can be used to solve interoperability problems in Industry by using a common vocabulary when defining these models.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of the different available solutions to the semantic interoperability problem in CPS.
The non-linear impact of financial development on income inequality: evidence from dynamic panel threshold model
Authors: Sikhawal Shobhana
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study examines the non-linear impact of financial development on income inequality and analyses the mediators through which financial development affects income inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a dynamic panel threshold method with an endogeneous threshold variable on a comprehensive sample of 85 countries over the period of 1996-2015.

Findings

The author finds that financial development activities increase income inequality in developed countries. However, financial development promotes income equality in developing countries. Further, the study finds that education and institutional quality are the channels through which financial development has non-linear impacts on income inequality.

Originality/value

The study explores relatively new method to examine the nonlinear impact of financial development and also considers new dataset for the main explanatory variable.
Linking supply chain resilience with knowledge management for achieving supply chain performance
Authors: Mukherjee Subhodeep , Nagariya Ramji , Mathiyazhagan K. , Scuotto Veronica
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Supply chain (SC) and knowledge management (KM) have been studied; still, there is a need to understand how KM can be used for SC resilience and improving the firm’s performance. The purpose of the paper is to study and analyze SC resilience strategies based on KM processes to enhance SC performance considering six SC strategies: SC reengineering, collaboration, SC innovation, SC integration, SC agility and SC risk management.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting the dynamic capability theory, the empirical research is conducted on a sample of 312 Indian micro, small to medium enterprises. To evaluate 312 samples, the structural equation modeling approach is adopted.

Findings

The study found a is a positive relationship between SC reengineering, SC collaboration, SC integration, SC agility, SC risk management and KM. Nevertheless, the relationship between SC innovation and KM is not significant. This study also found the mediating effect of KM on SC performance, and the results shows that SC reengineering, SC collaboration, SC agility and SC risk management are having complementary mediation, while SC innovation and SC integration did not show any mediation.

Originality/value

This is the only research that integrates resilience strategies and KM for improving SC performance. Using KM, SC reengineering will improve SC performance by enhancing readiness and recovery strategies to avoid SC disruption. KM will improve SC collaboration. It will enhance the SC process’ overall visibility, transparency and so on. Agility leads to increased speed, visibility and flexibility, which aids in dealing with uncertainty in the environment. SCRM entails investments and additional resources (such as equipment and labor) to navigate uncertainty and risks in the SC and improve SC performance.
There's more to news media skepticism: a path analysis examining news media literacy, news media skepticism and misinformation behaviors
Authors: Xiao Xizhu , Yang Wenyuan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

While much research has examined the effect of media literacy in combatting misinformation, whether and to what extent news media literacy influences misinformation-related behaviors (i.e. misinformation sharing, misinformation correction) and the mediating effect of news media skepticism in the process remain less explored. Moreover, this line of research has extensively focused on a polarized information context (e.g. the USA) with less attention to a context where news information is more regulated and centralized. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned objective.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey study of 720 Chinese adults.

Findings

This study reveals that greater new media literacy predicts higher misinformation correction behaviors, but fails to predict caution in sharing misinformation. Findings further demonstrate a nuanced mediating effect of news media skepticism that challenges previous assertions about its protective role. That is, higher news media literacy is associated with lower news media skepticism; lower skepticism is in turn related to lower misinformation sharing and greater misinformation correction.

Originality/value

The current study integrates news media literacy and news media skepticism in understanding misinformation-related behaviors. Findings generally speak to the tangible benefits of news media literacy in helping motivate corrective actions among the general public. However, this study also strikes a cautious note that future investigations of news media skepticism would benefit from a cultural perspective. Its connections with perceptions and effects on behaviors could vary according to different types of media and political landscapes.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-04-2023-0172
Conviction, diversification or something else: constructing optimal portfolios with additional attributes
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad Farid , Satchell Stephen
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide theory for some popular models and strategies used by practitioners in constructing optimal portfolios. King (2007), for example, advocated adding a diversification term to mean-variance problems to create better portfolios and provided clear empirical evidence that this is beneficial.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide an analytical framework to help us understand different portfolio construction practices that may incorporate diversification and conviction strategies; this allows us to connect our analysis to ideas in psychophysics and behavioural finance. The critical psychological ideas are cognitive dissonance and entropy; the economics are based on expected utility theory. The empirical section uses the theory outlined and provides the basis for constructing such portfolios.

Findings

The model presented allows the incorporation of different strategies within a mean-variance framework, ranging from diversification and conviction strategies to more ESG-oriented ones. The empirical analysis provides a practical application.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this model is the first to bridge the gap between portfolio optimisation and the psychological ideas mentioned in a coherent analytical framework.
The numerical assessment of stress distribution of I-beam with web opening
Authors: Hashim Nor Salwani , De'nan Fatimah
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Castellated and cellular beams achieved the same strength as solid I-beams with the same depth, resulting in significantly lighter and more economical structures. The purpose of this study is to analyse the bending behaviour of I-beam steel sections with certain web openings by finite element analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The accuracy of finite element results allows extensive numerical analysis of sections with web openings, concentrating on the web opening sizes and web opening positions. These assumptions can increase the induced section load with various shapes of web opening depth and web opening shapes of c-hexagon, hexagon, octagon, circular and square. This also includes spacing distances, with a 50-mm edge and 150-mm centre-to-centre distance and a section with a 100-mm edge and 200-mm centre-to-centre distance. Generally, the adjustment of the opening geometry (by reducing the angle of web pitch or reducing the opening depth depending on analysed parameters) may influence the bending behaviour.

Findings

Additionally, Model 2 was found to be the optimum model compared to Model 1, mainly in terms of bending. Moreover, the I-beam with a c-hexagon shape opening exhibited the lowest displacement compared to other sections with other web opening shapes. Section with a different arrangement of web opening, Type E shows the lower displacement while higher displacement is observed for Type A and also higher displacement considered for Type G. The optimum model is associated with Type E, followed by Type D, compared to other types of certain web opening and I-beam.

Originality/value

The use of sections with different arrangements of web opening improved the performance of the perforated section in terms of structural behaviour, compared to typical I-beam, thus leading to economic design.
Assessing the mechanisms and impacts of shrub invasion in forests: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Petri Laís , Ibañez Inés
Published: August 2023

The encroachment of invasive shrubs in forest understories can have detrimental effects on native plant recruitment. As a result, removal of invasive species is a common practice although long‐lasting success is rare. In order to effectively conserve and manage invaded forests, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms that drive shrub invasion, that is, high propagule pressure, low native resistance and exploitation of empty niches.

To gain a deeper understanding of the invasion process in forest ecosystems we conducted a meta‐analysis of the work done in this topic. We collected data on invasive species and native community performance, and on the abiotic conditions of forest understories under low and high levels of shrub invasion. We analysed data from 124 articles that yielded 377 unique observations.

Our results revealed that while invader performance did not vary by the mechanism of invasion, the impact on the native community was significantly detrimental when invasion occurred via low biotic resistance, and only marginally significant via propagule pressure. Invasive species performance was associated with increases in light availability, but not with other resources (soil water or nutrients). When assessing impact on native performance as a function of invasive performance, results were again only significant under the low biotic resistance mechanism. Lastly, impacts were stronger when invasion took place by a single invader.

Synthesis and applications. Taken together, these results suggest that restoration efforts should focus on (i) increasing the presence of strong native competitors or functionally diverse native communities, (ii) decreasing sources of invasive shrub propagules while keeping the canopies closed when invasion occurs via high propagule pressure, (iii) avoiding management techniques that degrade or diminish canopy cover and (iv) prioritizing management of forest understories dominated by particularly impactful invasive shrubs.
Application of plant‐based proteins for fortification of oat yogurt storage stability and bioactivity
Authors: Demir Hande , Aydemir Levent Yurdaer , Özel Muhammed Şefik , Koca Esra , Şimşek Aslanoğlu Meriç
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the addition of plant‐based peanut protein isolate (PNP) and commercial pea protein (CPP) on the quality of oat yogurt (OY). PNP and CPP were partially characterized for techno‐functional properties. PNP had higher solubility (acidic and basic regions) and emulsifying activity than CPP. The water absorption capacity of CPP is significantly (p < 0.05) higher than PNP. Amino acid profiles of PNP and CPP were promising for the nutritional enhancement of OYs. OYs with PNP or CPP (0.5, 1, 2% w/v) were stored for 21 days and compared to the control group with no protein. On the 21st day of storage, (i) PNP‐ or CPP‐added OYs were found to be comparable to the control with respect to post‐acidification and viscosity, (ii) syneresis was more evident in PNP‐added OYs than in CPP‐added ones, (iii) total color change of 1% CPP‐added OY was equal to the control, and (iv) hardnesses of control, 2% PNP, and 2% CPP‐added OYs were 0.29 ± 0.00, 0.39 ± 0.01, and 0.45 ± 0.00 N, respectively. No adverse sensory effects were detected for CPP or PNP addition. Both proteins increased the total phenolic, soluble protein, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and α‐glucosidase inhibition activity of oat milk and OYs, with PNP superior to CPP overall. Compared to oat milk, the fermentation process increased ACE inhibition activity in in vitro digested samples, whereas it reduced digested yogurts’ antioxidant activity. Utilization of PNP in OY can solve the waste problem of peanut producers and the texture problem of the OY producers while formulating a functional product.

Practical Application

Plant‐based (PB) yogurts have a growing consumer demand. The low‐protein content of PB yogurts results in low acceptance with respect to their undesirable textural and sensorial attributes. This study provided a technical basis for the PB yogurt manufacturers focusing on the addition of commercial pea protein and isolated peanut protein into oat yogurt formulation without any thickeners or flavors. In vitro digestion of protein‐added oat milk and oat yogurts showed the benefits of fermentation on bioactivity to the consumers.
Antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and anti‐hyperglycemic activity of chickpea protein hydrolysates evaluated in BALB‐c mice
Authors: Navarro‐Leyva Alicia , López‐Angulo Gabriela , Delgado‐Vargas Francisco , López‐Valenzuela José Ángel
Published: August 2023

Chickpea (ICC3761) protein hydrolysates have shown high in vitro antioxidant activity (AoxA) and antidiabetic potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo activities (i.e., antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and anti‐hyperglycemic) of chickpea albumin hydrolysates (CAH) obtained with alcalase and pepsin‐pancreatin (fractions ≤ 10 kDa). The CAH were analyzed for degree of hydrolysis (DH), electrophoretic and chromatographic profiles, and in vitro AoxA (2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazolin)‐6‐sulfonic acid [ABTS], 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐pycrilhydrazyl [DPPH]). They were also evaluated for AoxA, anti‐inflammatory and hypo‐ and anti‐hyperglycemic activities in BALB‐c mice. The DH was 20% for the alcalase CAH and 50% for the pepsin‐pancreatin CAH, while the AoxA by ABTS (1 mg/mL) was 64.8% and 64.9% and by DPPH (5 mg/mL) was 48.0% and 31.1%. In the in vivo AoxA assay, mice of non‐damaged control and those treated with both CAH showed similar alkaline phosphatase values, control and pepsin‐pancreatin treated groups had similar malondialdehyde levels, while treated and non‐damaged control groups had higher glutathione levels than the damaged control. Liver histopathology revealed that the pepsin‐pancreatin CAH mitigated most of the pathological changes associated with the induced oxidative damage. Both CAH (2 mg/ear) reduced croton oil‐induced ear edema in mice. The α‐glucosidase inhibition of CAH (100 mg/mL) was 31.1% (alcalase) and 52.4% (pepsin‐pancreatin). Mice treated with alcalase CAH (100 mg/mL) and glibenclamide exhibited similar hypoglycemic activities, whereas only those treated with the pepsin‐pancreatin CAH (200 mg/kg body weight) showed anti‐hyperglycemic activity. The results indicate that CAH can be used as a source of bioactive peptides with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and anti‐hyperglycemic activities.
ApoE4 exacerbates the senescence of hippocampal neurons and spatial cognitive impairment by downregulating acetyl‐CoA level
Authors: Lv Shuixin , Zhang Yusi , Lin Yingbin , Fang Wenting , Wang Yu , Li Zihang , Lin Anlan , Dai Xiaoman , Ye Qinyong , Zhang Jing , Chen Xiaochun
Published: August 2023

Although aging and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele have been documented as two major risk factors for late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), their interaction and potential underlying mechanisms remain unelucidated. Using humanized ApoE4‐ and ApoE3‐ target replacement mice, we found the accumulation of senescent neurons and the activation of mTOR and endosome‐lysosome‐autophagy (ELA) system in the hippocampus of aged ApoE4 mice. Further analyses revealed that ApoE4 aggravated the profile change of hippocampal transcription and metabolism in an age‐dependent manner, accompanying with an disruption of metabolism, which is presented with the downregulating activity of citrate synthase, the level of ATP and, most importantly, the level of acetyl coenzyme A (Ac‐CoA); GTA supplement, an Ac‐CoA substrate, reversed the senescent characteristics, decreased the activation of mTOR and ELA system, and enhanced the synaptic structure and increasing level of pre‐/post‐synaptic plasticity‐related protein, leading to cognitive improvement in aged ApoE4 mice. These data suggest that ApoE4 exacerbates neuronal senescence due to a deficiency of acetyl‐CoA, which can be ameliorated by GTA supplement. The findings provide novel insights into the potential therapeutic value of GTA supplement for the cognitive improvement in aged APOE4 carriers.
Primary azoospermia factor C duplication associated with spermatogenic impariment: a case–control study based on Y‐chromosome haplogrouping in a Han Chinese population
Authors: Xie Shengyu , Ma Yongyi , Liu Yunqiang , Tao Dachang , Wang Zhaokun , Yang Yuan
Published: August 2023

Background

Azoospermia factor C (AZFc) in the male‐specific region of Y‐chromosome (MSY) presents wide structure variation mainly due to frequent non‐allele homologous recombination, leading to significant copy number variation of the AZFc‐linked coding sequences involving in spermatogenesis. A large number of studies had been conducted to investigate the association between AZFc deletions and male infertility in certain Y chromosome genetic backgrounds, however, the influence of primary AZFc duplication on spermatogenesis remained controversial and the cause of the discrepant outcomes is unknown.

Methods

In the present study, a total of 1,102 unrelated Han Chinese males without any detectable AZF deletions were recruited from 2014 to 2019, including 411 controls with normozoospermia and 691 patients with idiopathic spermatogenic failure. Using multiple paralog ratio tests (PRTs), the structure duplications were classified by the copy number of the AZFc‐linked amplicons and genes. The Y‐chromosome haplogroup (Y‐hg) was categorized by genetyping of MSY‐linked polymorphism loci. The association of primary AZFc duplication with spermatogenic phenotype was investigated in males with the same Y‐hg.

Results

Within Y‐hg O3* group, the frequency of the gr/gr duplication in patients is significantly higher than that of controls (P = 1.29×10−3, odds ratio (OR) 7.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.79–32.57). Moreover, Y‐hg O3* males with the gr/gr duplication presented a significantly lower sperm production compared with non‐AZFc duplicated ones (sperm concentration: P = 1.46×10−3; total sperm count: P = 1.82 ×10−3). The b2/b3 duplication were identified clustered in Y‐hg Cα2*, and the significant difference in the distribution was not observed between patients with spermatogenic failure and controls.

Conclusion

The results suggest that, in the Han Chinese population, the gr/gr duplication is a predisposing genetic factor for spermatogenic impairment in males harboring Y‐hg O3*. Meanwhile, the b2/b3 duplication may be fixed on a yet‐unidentified subbranch of Y‐hg Cα2* without significantly deleterious effect on spermatogenesis. Our findings provide evidence that the difference in the Y‐hg composition may cause the discrepancy on the association of AZFc duplication with spermatogenic failure among the studied populations.
One‐year follow‐up after standardized perineal reconstruction in women with deficient perineum after vaginal delivery
Authors: Rotstein Emilia , Ullemar Vilhelmina , Engberg Hedvig , Lindén Hirschberg Angelica , Ajne Gunilla , Tegerstedt Gunilla
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Perineal tears are common after childbirth and, if not surgically repaired, they may result in a deficient perineum that can cause symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. Perineal reconstruction aims to restore the perineal body and increase the support of the pelvic floor. The objective of the present study was to estimate symptom reduction after perineal reconstruction in patients with deficient perineum after vaginal delivery and to compare outcomes between participants with or without concomitant levator ani muscle deficiency.

Material and methods

Participants presenting at the Karolinska Pelvic Floor Center with symptoms of deficient perineum at least 1 year after vaginal birth were invited to the study. Inclusion criteria were a visible perineal scar and confirmed anatomic defect. Levator ani defects were assessed using the Levator Ani Deficiency score. A perineal reconstruction was performed in a standardized way. Subjective symptoms were evaluated using the validated “Karolinska Symptoms After Perineal Tear Inventory” at baseline and 1‐year follow‐up. A score difference in the symptom of an acquired sensation of a wide vagina was the primary outcome. Results were stratified by the presence or absence of a levator ani deficiency.

Results

A perineal reconstruction was performed in 131 patients and 128 patients completed the Karolinska Symptoms After Perineal Tear Inventory at baseline and 119 at follow‐up. Median age was 36.1 (interquartile range [IQR] 7.9), median body mass index 22.3 (IQR 5.1) and a median of two vaginal deliveries. Fifty‐four women (41.2%) had a levator ani deficiency. The mean score reduction for the item “Do you feel that your vagina is too wide/loose?” was −1.56 (SD 0.96; P < 0.001) from a mean score of 2.75 (maximum 3) at baseline. The mean total score reduction was −9.1 points (SD 5.3; P < 0.001) from a mean score of 18.4 (maximum 33) points at baseline. There were no significant differences between groups when stratifying by levator ani deficiency.

Conclusions

Our results show that perineal reconstructive surgery significantly decreases symptoms of deficient perineum after vaginal delivery. A concomitant levator ani defect does not affect the symptom reduction of an acquired sensation of a wide vagina or the total score reduction after surgery.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: Medical therapies for treatment of ulcerative proctitis
Authors: Aruljothy Achuthan , Singh Siddharth , Narula Neeraj , Moran Gordon W. , Vuyyuru Sudheer K. , Hogan Malcolm , Zayadi Alexa , MacDonald John K. , Caron Benedicte , Danese Silvio , Peyrin Biroulet Laurent , Ma Christopher , Jairath Vipul
Published: August 2023

Background

Ulcerative proctitis (UP) is a common highly symptomatic form of ulcerative colitis that can be difficult to treat.

Aim

To assess the efficacy of medical treatments for UP.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL on 23 November 2022 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of medical therapy for adults with UP. Primary outcomes included induction and maintenance of clinical remission. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each outcome.

Results

We included 53 RCTs (n = 4096) including 46 induction studies (n = 3731) and seven maintenance studies (n = 365). First‐line therapies included topical 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA), conventional corticosteroids, budesonide, and oral 5‐ASA. Therapy for refractory UP included topical tacrolimus and small molecules. Topical 5‐ASA was superior to placebo for induction (RR 2.72, 95% CI 1.94–3.82) and maintenance of remission (RR 2.09, 95% CI 1.26–3.46). Topical corticosteroids were superior to placebo for induction of remission (RR 2.83, 95% CI 1.62–4.92). Topical budesonide was superior to placebo for induction of remission (RR 2.34, 95% CI 1.44–3.81). Combination therapy with topical 5‐ASA and topical corticosteroids was superior to topical monotherapy with either agent. Topical tacrolimus was superior to placebo. Etrasimod was superior to placebo for induction (RR 4.71, 95% CI 1.2–18.49) and maintenance of remission (RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.31–3.32).

Conclusions

Topical 5‐ASA and corticosteroids are effective for active UP. Topical 5‐ASA may be effective for maintenance of remission. Tacrolimus may be effective for induction of remission. Etrasimod may be effective for induction and for maintenance of remission. Trials should include UP to expand the evidence base for this under‐represented population.
Supporting birth companions for women in labor, the views and experiences of birth companions, women and midwives: A mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Evans Kerry , Pallotti Phoebe , Spiby Helen , Evans Catrin , Eldridge Jeanette
Published: August 2023

Background

Birth companions can have a positive effect on women's experiences in labor. However, companions can feel unprepared and need professional guidance to help them feel involved and provide effective support.

Methods

A convergent segregated mixed‐methods systematic review was conducted to explore women's, companions’, and midwives’ experiences of birth companion support and identify ways to improve the experience for women and companions. A thematic synthesis of qualitative data and a narrative summary of quantitative data were conducted followed by integration of the findings.

Results

Companions who cope well in labor reported feeling involved, able to preserve women's internal focus and have a defined role, providing physical or emotional support. LBGTQ+ partners faced barriers to inclusion due to “forefronting” of their sexuality by staff and a lack of recognition in the language and processes used. The experience of birth companions can be enhanced by promoting their role as co‐parent, guardian, and coach, provision of timely information and developing a trusting relationship with care providers. Only two papers reported midwives’ views on birth companions in labor.

Conclusions

Women's and companions’ satisfaction with birth is increased when companions can support the mother, feel supported themselves, and valued as a co‐parent. The midwives’ role in information provision and guidance can maximize birth companions’ experience and ability to provide positive support. LBGTQ+ families need more support to feel included and recognized.
The first alongside midwifery unit in Spain: A retrospective cohort study of maternal and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Palau‐Costafreda Roser , García Gumiel Sara , Eles Velasco Amaranta , Jansana‐Riera Anna , Orus‐Covisa Lluna , Hermida González Júlia , Algarra Ramos Miriam , Canet‐Vélez Olga , Obregón Gutiérrez Noemí , Escuriet Ramón
Published: August 2023

Background

Midwife‐led units have been shown to be safer and reduce interventions for women at low risk of complications at birth. In 2017, the first alongside birth center was opened in Spain. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes for women with uncomplicated pregnancies giving birth in the Midwife‐led unit (MLU) and in the Obstetric unit (OU) of the same hospital.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study comparing birth outcomes between low‐risk women, depending on their planned place of birth. Data were analyzed with an intention‐to‐treat approach for women that gave birth between January 2018 and December 2020.

Results

A total of 878 women were included in the study, 255 women chose to give birth in the MLU and 623 in the OU. Findings showed that women in the MLU were more likely to have a vaginal birth (91.4%) than in the OU (83.8%) (aOR 2.98 [95%CI 1.62–5.47]), less likely to have an instrumental delivery, 3.9% versus 11.2% (0.25 [0.11–0.55]), to use epidural analgesia, 19.6% versus 77.9% (0.15 [0.04–0.17]) and to have an episiotomy, 7.4% versus 15.4% (0.27 [0.14–0.53]). There were no differences in rates of postpartum hemorrhage, retained placenta, or adverse neonatal outcomes. Intrapartum and postpartum transfer rates from the MLU to the OU were 21.1% and 2.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

The high rate of obstetric interventions in Spain could be reduced by implementing midwife‐led units across the whole system, without an increase in maternal or neonatal complications.
Intrapartum time intervals and transfer of nulliparae from community births to maternity care units in Germany
Authors: Hill Janice , Zinsser Laura A. , Wiemer Anke , Gross Mechthild M. , Stoll Kathrin
Published: August 2023

Background

Over one‐third of nulliparae planning births either at home or in freestanding midwife‐led birthing centers (community births) in high‐income countries are transferred during labor. Perinatal data are reported each year in Germany for women planning community birth. So far, data sets have not been linked to describe time‐related factors associated with nulliparous transfer to hospital.

Objectives

To describe the prevalence of referral for nulliparae and assess maternal and labor characteristics associated with intrapartum transfer.

Methods

Perinatal data from 2010 to 2015 were linked (n = 26,115). Women were reviewed with respect to international eligibility criteria for community birth; 1997 women were excluded (7.6%). Descriptive statistics were reported; unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) tested the predictive effect of demographic and labor factors on rates of intrapartum transfer.

Results

One in three nulliparous women (30.6%) were transferred to hospital. Compared with community births, transferred women were significantly more likely to experience longer time intervals during labor: from rupture of membranes (ROM) until birth lasting 5 to 18 h (OR 6.05, CI 5.53–6.61) and 19 to 24 h (OR 10.83, CI 9.45–12.41) compared to one to 4 h; and from onset of labor until birth 11 to 24 h (OR 6.72, CI 6.24–7.23) and 25 to 29 h (OR 26.62, CI 22.77–31.11) compared to one to 10 h. When entering all factors into the model, we found the strongest predictors of transfer to be fetal distress, longer time intervals between ROM until birth and onset of labor until birth.

Conclusions

Nulliparous transfer rates were similar to rates in other high‐income countries; 94% of referrals were non‐urgent. Time was found to be an independent risk factor for the transfer of nulliparae planning community birth.
Between “a lot of room for it” and “it doesn't exist”—Advancing and limiting factors of autonomy in birth as perceived by perinatal care practitioners: An interview study in Switzerland
Authors: Rost Michael , Stuerner Zelda , Niles Paulomi , Arnold Louisa
Published: August 2023

Background

Numerous studies show that negative birth experiences are often related to birthing people's loss of autonomy. We argue that a fetal‐focused decision‐making framework and a maternal–fetal conflict lens are often applied, creating a false dichotomy between autonomy and fetal beneficence. Given the high prevalence of autonomy‐depriving decision‐making, it is important to understand how autonomy can be enhanced.

Methods

We interviewed 15 Swiss perinatal care practitioners (eight midwives, five physicians, and two doulas) and employed reflexive thematic analysis. We offer a reflection on underlying assumptions and researcher positionality.

Results

We generated two descriptive themes: advancing and limiting factors of autonomy. Numerous subthemes, grouped at the levels of companion, birthing person, practitioners, birthing person–practitioner relationship, and structural determinants are also defined. The most salient advancing factors were practitioners' approaches to decision‐making, antenatal contacts, and structural determinants. The most salient limiting factors were various barriers within birthing people (e.g., expertise, decisional capacity, and awareness of own rights), practitioners' attitudes and behavior, and structural determinants.

Discussion

The actualization of autonomy is multifactorially determined and must be understood against the background of power structures both underlying and inherent to decision‐making in birth. Practitioners attributed a significant proportion of limited autonomy to birthing people themselves. This reinforces a “mother‐blame” narrative that absolves obstetrics of primary responsibility. Practitioners' recognition of their contributions to upholding limits on autonomy should be leveraged to implement training towards rights‐based practice standards. Most importantly, autonomy can only fully materialize if the underlying sociocultural, political, and medical contexts undergo a fundamental change.
Trends in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma mortality rate in Japan and the United States: A population‐based study
Authors: Usui Yoshiaki , Ito Hidemi , Katanoda Kota , Matsuda Tomohiro , Maeda Yoshinobu , Matsuo Keitaro
Published: August 2023

Characterizing trends in mortality rates with consideration of trends in incidence rates at the population level could help identify unmet needs in public health and provide essential indicators of cancer control. In the late 20th century, the arrival of the first molecular targeted agent, rituximab, for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) led to a paradigm shift in NHL treatment. However, the public health impact of this arrival has not been fully clarified. Here, we evaluated trends in the mortality and incidence rates of NHL in Japan and the United States. Age‐standardized rates of mortality reversed after the introduction of rituximab, around 2000, beginning to decline significantly with annual percent changes (95% confidence interval) of −2.6% (−3.6% to −1.6%) in Japan and − 3.9% (−4.2% to −3.5%) in the United States. Despite an increase in incidence, the mortality in all age groups weakened the upward trends or decreased in both countries. From a long‐term perspective, the trends in mortality rates differed between the countries. In the United States, the mortality rate has declined continuously since the introduction of rituximab, with a declining incidence rate. In contrast, in Japan, the mortality rate stopped declining and the incidence rate increased remarkably. The introduction of rituximab has had a substantial impact at the population level across a wide range of individuals. To reduce the disease burden in terms of mortality, elucidating risk factors that lead to a decreasing incidence rate is warranted for NHL, as well as further development of novel treatments.
Political representatives' experiences of child participation in decision‐making processes: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Juliussen Annika Karlsson , Garmy Pernilla , Olsson Ann‐Margreth
Published: August 2023

The aim was to explore political representatives' experiences of child participation in decision‐making processes in municipalities. Interviews were conducted with Swedish politicians (n = 7) representing four municipalities. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. Politicians had experiences in child participation and methods for involving children and young people in the practice. However, methods were not formalized within the organizations, underlining that work lies ahead to ensure children's participation in decisions that concern them. Further research should focus on methods for including child participation at the municipal level and on following the implementation of the UNCRC.
Human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing HO‐1 attenuate neural injury and enhance functional recovery by inhibiting inflammation in stroke mice
Authors: Yang Yu , Liu Qianqian , Deng Song , Shao Qian , Peng Long , Ling Yuejuan , Huang Yue , Zheng Siqi , Jiang Qiaoji , Nie Dekang , Chen Jian
Published: August 2023

Aims

The current evidence demonstrates that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold therapeutic potential for ischemic stroke. However, it remains unclear how changes in the secretion of MSC cytokines following the overexpression of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) impact excessive inflammatory activation in a mouse ischemic stroke model. This study investigated this aspect and provided further insights.

Methods

The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model was established, and subsequent injections of MSC, MSCHO‐1, or PBS solutions of equal volume were administered via the mice's tail vein. Histopathological analysis was conducted on Days 3 and 28 post‐MCAO to observe morphological changes in brain slices. mRNA expression levels of various factors, including IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17, TNF‐α, IL‐1Ra, IL‐4, IL‐10, TGF‐β, were quantified. The effects of MSCHO‐1 treatment on neurons, microglia, and astrocytes were observed using immunofluorescence after transplantation. The polarization direction of macrophages/microglia was also detected using flow cytometry.

Results

The results showed that the expression of anti‐inflammatory factors in the MSCHO‐1 group increased while that of pro‐inflammatory factors decreased. Small animal fluorescence studies and immunofluorescence assays showed that the homing function of MSCsHO‐1 was unaffected, leading to a substantial accumulation of MSCsHO‐1 in the cerebral ischemic region within 24 h. Neurons were less damaged, activation and proliferation of microglia were reduced, and polarization of microglia to the M2 type increased after MSCHO‐1 transplantation. Furthermore, after transplantation of MSCsHO‐1, the mortality of mice decreased, and motor function improved significantly.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that MSCs overexpressing HO‐1 exhibited significant therapeutic effects against hyper‐inflammatory injury after stroke in mice, ultimately promoting recovery after ischemic stroke.
Threatened fauna protections compromised by agricultural interests in Australia
Authors: Engert Jayden E. , Pressey Robert L. , Adams Vanessa M.
Published: August 2023

Australia is a global leader in land clearing and biodiversity loss. The overwhelming majority of land clearing within Australia and, globally, is driven by agricultural conversion. The importance of agricultural lands also leads to the concentration of habitat protection in landscapes that do not support productive land uses, which might contribute to species conservation in marginal habitat. Using an integrated agricultural capability map and threatened vertebrate fauna range maps, we show that observed biases in protected area location have varied impacts at the species level. Specifically, threatened vertebrate fauna with habitat capable of supporting high‐value productive lands received less protection and experienced greater habitat loss. Similarly, almost all species assessed received protection in the portions of their ranges less conducive to productive land uses. Finally, we identify regions of Australia at risk of future land clearing and the species likely to bear the brunt of the impacts. Our results demonstrate the importance of protecting land capable of supporting productive uses to conserve the most affected threatened species.
The roles of elevated temperature and carriers in the dyeing of polyester fibres using disperse dyes: Part 2. Analysis of conventional models of dye adsorption
Authors: Burkinshaw Stephen M.
Published: August 2023

This review concerns the application of disperse dyes to poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibres using aqueous immersion dyeing processes and the roles of both elevated dyeing temperatures and carriers in the dyeing system. The precise reasons why very high temperatures in the region of 130°C promote the uptake of disperse dyes on poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibres from aqueous dyebaths have not been satisfactorily resolved, nor has the exact mechanism by which carriers promote dye uptake at lower temperatures in the region of 98°C been adequately established. In this part of the review series, a detailed review and analysis is presented of the various concepts and theories that have been proposed to account for the promotional effects of temperature and carriers on disperse dye uptake, from the viewpoint of both the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of the adsorption of the dyes on poly(ethylene terephthalate) and other types of fibre.