bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parole hustle: a preliminary study on the lived experiences of females serving parole in Nelson Mandela Bay
Authors: Thornton Jessica Leigh
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to shift from the male offender perspective in attempts to explore the stories and lived experiences of five females on parole in Nelson Mandela Bay, as most correctional research in South Africa focuses on the male offender experience. The experiences of females are largely ignored both in terms of reform and in research, and while only a few South African studies on female criminality have emerged, little is known about the impact of incarceration and reintegration on their livelihoods.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper makes use of an ethnographic approach as the narrative follows the complex realities of females on parole to include their voice, depth and experience in the debate within the parole experiences measure framework. This study made use of five individual interviews and observations, which were complemented by existing literature.

Findings

This paper provides insights on the experiences, vulnerabilities, challenges, fears and concerns of females on parole and the relative social costs of their incarceration. The experiences allow for a deeper understanding of the shades of their experiences of powerlessness, gender-specific sexualisation and exploitation, economic vulnerability and destitution and social alienation and exclusion which uniquely influences behavioural and emotional deficits.

Research limitations/implications

Because the number of females on parole in Nelson Mandela Bay is few, this study could only interview five female offenders. Yet, as this study is ethnographic in nature, it offers a deep understanding of these five female offenders.

Practical implications

This research offers an insight into the social ills faced by female on parole. This work highlights the effects of incarceration are often felt by females long after their release since their experience of imprisonment affects their future prospects, damaging and debilitating. This paper suggests self-reclamation that could lead to positive reactions towards rehabilitative and reintegration. This research opens up the larger debate and does not offer tangible recommendations.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study parole amongst female offenders.
Red tourism in China: emotional experiences, national identity and behavioural intentions
Authors: Wang Jinwei , Sun Jie , Wang Guoquan , Yang Li , Zhang Yijie , Morrison Alastair M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the empirical linkages among emotional experiences, national identity and behavioural intentions for red tourism in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares structural equation modelling was applied to data from two rounds of surveys of 1,095 on-site visitors to Zunyi and Yan’an, two well-known red tourism cities in China.

Findings

Emotional experiences significantly affect national identity, with positive emotions significantly affecting national identity. Positive emotions also significantly influenced behavioural intentions, national identity positively influenced behavioural intentions and national pride mediated the relationship of “positive emotion → behavioural intentions”. In addition, previous experience played a moderating role in the relationship of “positive emotion → national pride”.

Originality/value

This research produced new insights on red tourism emotional experiences by clarifying its types, connotations and influences. It contributes to a better understanding of national identity antecedents and outcomes in red tourism. Findings revealed the significant role of red tourism in cultivating national identity and provide implications for academic research and practical development of red tourism.
Paying attention to pigs: negotiating equity and equality in global environmental governance in Suau, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Pascoe Sophie , Minnegal Monica
Published: March 2023

The idea of ‘equity’, largely grounded in Western legal tradition, has come to permeate evaluations of what is fair and just within environmental governance programmes. But what constitutes equity in climate change and conservation projects? And does everyone affected by such projects see equity as desirable? Local encounters with global environmental governance interventions in Suau, Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea, provide an entry point to explore these questions. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork with communities implicated in the Central Suau Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) Pilot Project and in Save the Forest conservation projects, we examine tensions around conceptions of equity and equality between project proponents and local communities, as well as between individuals within those communities. By paying attention to talk about pigs in Suau, and tracing the intersections between reciprocity and trade, we explore how people negotiate equity and equality. We emphasize that this negotiation is central to Suau ideas of fairness. While the REDD+ and Save the Forest projects work to ensure ‘equitable’ distribution of benefits among supposedly equivalent actors, we show how this may actually close down possibilities for negotiation of outcomes that local people consider fair.
Assessing the difference in racial and ethnic disparities in access to and use of care between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Authors: Gangopadhyaya Anuj , Zuckerman Stephen , Rao Nikhil
Published: March 2023

Objective

Test whether racial‐ethnic disparities in the access and use of care differ between Traditional Medicare (TM) and Medicare Advantage (MA).

Data Source

Secondary data from the 2015–2018 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS).

Study Design

Measure Black‐White and Hispanic‐White disparities in access to care and use of preventive services within TM, within MA, and assess the difference‐in‐disparities between the two programs with and without controls for factors that could influence enrollment, access, and use.

Data Collection/Extraction

Pool 2015–2018 MCBS data and restrict to non‐Hispanic Black, non‐Hispanic White, or Hispanic respondents.

Principal Findings

Black enrollees have worse access to care relative to White enrollees in TM and MA, particularly for cost‐related measures such as not having problems paying medical bills (11–13 pp. lower for Black enrollees; p < 0.05) and satisfaction with out‐of‐pocket costs (5–6 pp. lower; p < 0.05). We find no difference in Black‐White disparities between TM and MA. Hispanic enrollees have worse access to care relative to White enrollees in TM but similar access relative to White enrollees in MA. Hispanic‐White disparities in not delaying care due to cost and not reporting problems paying medical bills are narrower in MA relative to TM by about 4 pp (significant at the p < 0.05 level) each. We find no consistent evidence that Black‐White or Hispanic‐White differences in the use of preventive services differ between TM and MA.

Conclusions

Across the measures of access and use studied here, racial and ethnic disparities in MA are not substantially narrower than in TM for Black and Hispanic enrollees relative to White enrollees. For Black enrollees, this study suggests that system‐wide reforms are required to reduce existing disparities. For Hispanic enrollees, MA does narrow some disparities in access to care relative to White enrollees but, in part, because White enrollees do not do as well in MA as they do in TM.
Subchondral insufficiency fracture of the femoral head in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis: Case report and literature review
Authors: Lee Yeo‐Jin , Kim Yong‐Gil
Published: March 2023

Subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF) of the femoral head occurs in patients with osteoporosis, elderly women, and renal or liver transplant recipients. Although SIF has been reported in several patients with rheumatic disease, SIF of the femoral head has not been reported in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and the association between AS and SIF has not been determined. A 48‐year‐old man with AS presented with pain in his left hip for 2 months. He had been diagnosed with AS and radiographic bilateral grade 3 sacroiliitis 11 years earlier. He had been treated with subcutaneous adalimumab 40 mg biweekly for more than 10 years, during which time his condition remained stable. This patient was obese but had no other known predisposing conditions, such as old age, overexertion, osteoporosis, steroid use, or transplantation. He had never taken steroids. X‐rays showed no specific findings, other than mild osteoarthritis in both hips. However, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated flattening and subchondral irregularity with a large amount of bone marrow edema, confirming a diagnosis of SIF of the femoral head. Thus, even in patients with AS having no significant risk factors, SIF should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of hip pain.
Germination, overcoming seed dormancy and endozoochory dispersal by cattle of native species from natural grassland
Authors: de Azevedo Eduardo Bohrer , Pagel Reimar , Maggio Lilian Pedroso , Chiapinotto Diego Martins , Conterato Ionara Fátima , Schneider Angelo Alberto , Schaedler Carlos Eduardo , de David Diego Bitencourt
Published: March 2023

Natural grasslands, one of the main ecosystems worldwide, are under threat and native species are desired when addressing restoration issues. The main processes for grasslands restoration success are plant establishment and seed addition in the soil. Thus, it requires overcoming barriers that prevent germination and seed dispersal strategies. This study aimed to assess the germination potential, treatments to overcome seed dormancy and endozoochory dispersal of forage native species by cattle. Seeds from 21 native species from the four most common botanical families (Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Cyperaceae) were collected in a natural grassland area (Pampa Biome) and used in the experiments. Experiment I: germination under controlled conditions of all species was carried out and compared to commercial forage (Paspalum notatum cv. “Pensacola”). Experiment II: three treatments to overcome seed dormancy (mechanical and chemical scarification; priming agent) were tested in six species. Experiment III: the recovery, viability and germination of native P. notatum Flüggé and Desmodium incanum DC seeds from cattle faeces were evaluated. The results show that Paspalum umbrosum Trin. and Saccharum angustifolium Nees have high germination potential when compared to commercial forage. The treatments to overcome seed dormancy increased the germination of D. incanum, Paspalum plicatulum Michx. and Paspalum dilatatum Poir. Total seed recovery of 15% (P. notatum) and 26% (D. incanum), without affecting seed viability, show that cattle are able to supply the soil seed bank with native species. Germination potential, treatments to overcome seed dormancy and endozoochory dispersal of forage native species may be exploited in natural grassland restoration.
Analysis of the sublingual artery using contrast‐enhanced computed tomography
Authors: Takahashi Akira , Kamada Kumiko , Fukuda Naoyuki , Kudoh Keiko , Takamaru Natsumi , Kurio Naito , Sugawara Chieko , Miyamoto Youji
Published: March 2023

Introduction

This in vivo study aimed to clarify the position of the sublingual artery (SLA) relative to the mandibular bone and to infer the potential risk for injury during dental implant surgery.

Methods

Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography images of the mouth of 50 edentulous patients (100 sides) treated at Tokushima University Hospital were reviewed. Curved planar reconstructed images perpendicular to the alveolar ridge were processed and classified into molar, premolar, canine, and incisor regions. The SLA and its branches were identified, and the distance from the mandible to the SLA was measured.

Results

The SLA was located close to the mandible (<2 mm) in the molar, premolar, canine, and incisor segments in 12.0% (95% confidence interval 5.6%–18.4%), 20.6% (12.6%–28.7%), 30.5% (21.3%–39.8%), and 41.8% (28.8%–54.9%) cases, respectively. The SLA was located within ±3 mm craniocaudally to the upper wall of the mandibular canal in the molar and premolar regions in 50% of cases and within ±5 mm craniocaudally to the mylohyoid ridge in the canine and incisor regions in the other cases, with no sex or age‐related differences. The vertical distance from the alveolar ridge to the SLA was influenced by sex and age owing to alveolar resorption, indicating that the alveolar ridge is not a reliable reference for predicting SLA position.

Conclusions

As the risk of SLA injury always exist during dental implant placement and there is no way to confirm the SLA pathways in a patient, clinicians must avoid injuring the sublingual soft tissue.
Adapting an online guided self‐help intervention for the management of binge eating in adults with type 2 diabetes: The POSE‐D study
Authors: Coales Eleanor , Hill Andrew , Heywood‐Everett Suzanne , Rabbee Jinan , Mansfield Michael , Grace Clare , Beeton Ian , Traviss‐Turner Gemma
Published: March 2023

Aims

People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are more likely to experience binge eating than the general population, which may interfere with their diabetes management. Guided self‐help (GSH) is the recommended treatment for binge‐eating disorder, but there is currently a lack of evidenced treatment for binge eating in individuals living with T2D. The aims of the current study were to adapt an existing evidence‐based GSH intervention using the principles of co‐design to make it available online, suitable for remote delivery to address binge eating specifically in adults living with T2D. The Working to Overcome Eating Difficulties GSH intervention comprises online GSH materials presented in seven sections delivered over 12 weeks, supported by a trained Guide.

Methods

In order to adapt the intervention, we held four collaboration workshops with three expert patients recruited from diabetes support groups, eight healthcare professionals and an expert consensus group. We used thematic analysis to make sense of the data.

Results and Conclusions

The main themes included; keeping the GSH material generic, adapting Sam the central character, tailoring the dietary advice and eating diary. The length of Guidance sessions was increased to 60 min, and Guide training was focussed around working with people with diabetes.
Importance of mangrove plantations for climate change mitigation in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Main , Abdul Aziz Ammar , Lovelock Catherine E.
Published: March 2023

Mangroves have been identified as blue carbon ecosystems that are natural carbon sinks. In Bangladesh, the establishment of mangrove plantations for coastal protection has occurred since the 1960s, but the plantations may also be a sustainable pathway to enhance carbon sequestration, which can help Bangladesh meet its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets, contributing to climate change mitigation. As a part of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement 2016, Bangladesh is committed to limiting the GHG emissions through the expansion of mangrove plantations, but the level of carbon removal that could be achieved through the establishment of plantations has not yet been estimated. The mean ecosystem carbon stock of 5–42 years aged (average age: 25.5 years) mangrove plantations was 190.1 (±30.3) Mg C ha−1, with ecosystem carbon stocks varying regionally. The biomass carbon stock was 60.3 (±5.6) Mg C ha−1 and the soil carbon stock was 129.8 (±24.8) Mg C ha−1 in the top 1 m of which 43.9 Mg C ha−1 was added to the soil after plantation establishment. Plantations at age 5 to 42 years achieved 52% of the mean ecosystem carbon stock calculated for the reference site (Sundarbans natural mangroves). Since 1966, the 28,000 ha of established plantations to the east of the Sundarbans have accumulated approximately 76,607 Mg C year−1 sequestration in biomass and 37,542 Mg C year−1 sequestration in soils, totaling 114,149 Mg C year−1. Continuation of the current plantation success rate would sequester an additional 664,850 Mg C by 2030, which is 4.4% of Bangladesh's 2030 GHG reduction target from all sectors described in its NDC, however, plantations for climate change mitigation would be most effective 20 years after establishment. Higher levels of investment in mangrove plantations and higher plantation establishment success could contribute up to 2,098,093 Mg C to blue carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation in Bangladesh by 2030.
Efficacy and safety of a transdermal donepezil patch in patients with mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer's disease: A 24‐week, randomized, multicenter, double‐blind, parallel group, non‐inferiority study
Authors: Nakamura Yu , Kim Rei , Nishiyama Kenichi , Kikuchi Takashi , Ishikawa Ichiro , Aoki Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Aim

To assess non‐inferiority of a donepezil patch 27.5 mg compared with donepezil hydrochloride tablets 5 mg in patients with mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer's disease; and to compare the efficacy and safety profiles of a donepezil patch 27.5 mg with donepezil hydrochloride tablets 5 mg.

Methods

This was a 24‐week, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, parallel group, non‐inferiority (phase III) study carried out in Japan. The primary end‐point was the change in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive component‐Japanese version from baseline to week 24, with the aim of evaluating the non‐inferiority of the donepezil patch 27.5 mg compared with donepezil hydrochloride tablets 5 mg.

Results

Of 340 randomized patients, 303 completed the double‐blind period. Changes from baseline in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive component‐Japanese version at week 24 (least squares mean ± standard error) were −0.7 ± 0.4 (donepezil patch 27.5 mg) and 0.2 ± 0.4 (donepezil hydrochloride tablet 5 mg). The difference in the least squares means (95% confidence interval) was −0.9 (−2.01 to 0.14). The upper bound of the 95% confidence interval for the difference between groups was less than the predefined non‐inferiority margin of 2.15. The donepezil patches 27.5 mg also had a safety profile that showed good tolerability comparable with donepezil hydrochloride tablets 5 mg.

Conclusions

Non‐inferiority on suppression of cognitive decline was shown for the donepezil patch 27.5 mg when compared with donepezil hydrochloride tablets 5 mg in Japanese patients with mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer's disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 275–281.
Critical appraisal of international guidelines for the management of Helicobacter pylori infection in case of dyspepsia
Authors: Collin Anaëlle , Mion François , Kefleyesus Amaniel , Beets Corinne , Jaafari Nemat , Boussageon Rémy
Published: March 2023

Background

Affecting between 20% and 90% of the world's population depending on the geo‐socio‐economic conditions, Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection requires an adapted management because of the medico‐economic stakes it generates. Also responsible for dyspepsia, the management of Hp infection differs in this context between international guidelines.

Objectives

The primary outcome of the study was assessing the quality of current guidelines for HP eradication in dyspepsia. The secondary was defining the best therapeutic strategy for patients consulting with dyspepsia in the outpatient setting.

Methods

Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) published between January 2000 and May 2021 were retrieved from various databases (PubMed; Guidelines International Network; websites of scientific societies that issued the guidelines). Their quality was assessed using the AGREE II evaluation grid. To provide decision support for healthcare practitioners, particularly in primary care, a summary of the main points of interest for management was made for each guideline.

Results

Fourteen guidelines were included. Only four (28.6%) could be validated according to AGREE II? Most of the non‐validated guidelines had low ratings in the “Rigour of development” and “Applicability” domains with means of 40% [8%–71%] and 14% [0%–25%], respectively. Three out of four validated guidelines (75%) advocated a “test and treat” strategy for dyspepsia based on the national prevalence of Hp. Gastroscopy was the 1st line examination method in case of warning signs or high risk of gastric cancer. Triple therapy (Proton pomp inhibitor, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin) was favored for Hp eradication but required a study of the sensitivity to clarithromycin in the validated guidelines. Antibiotic resistance also had an impact on treatment duration.

Conclusions

Many guidelines were of poor quality, providing few decision‐making tools for practical use. Conversely, those of good quality had established a management strategy addressing the current problems associated with the emergence of antibiotic‐resistant strains.
Economic growth and labor investment efficiency
Authors: Singh Amanjot
Published: March 2023

We examine the relationship between economic growth and labor investment efficiency. Using a sample of US firms from 1991 to 2019, our findings suggest that labor investment inefficiency increases with the expansion of economic activities. Although economic growth increases labor overinvestment, it also decreases labor underinvestment. The magnitude effect of economic growth is more pronounced for labor overinvestment. Labor investment inefficiency is noticeable during low economic policy uncertainty. Economic growth‐induced labor investment inefficiency is pronounced for (1) large firms, (2) high labor intensity firms, and (3) firms with overinvestment in non‐labor investments. Further, economic growth negatively (positively) influences the firm's future performance for labor overinvested (underinvested) firms. Our findings remain robust to alternative specifications.
Manufacturing and deformation behavior of alumina and zirconia helical springs at room temperature
Authors: Rabe Torsten , Kalinka Gerhard , Mieller Björn
Published: March 2023

Ceramic helical springs with identical dimensions were produced by hard machining from alumina, alumina toughened zirconia (ATZ), and tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (TZP) stabilized with different oxides. According to the results of the spring constant determination under deformation rates of 3 mm/min, the deformation behavior of all ceramic springs obeys to Hook's law. However, variation of the deformation rate, tests under constant load, and spring recovery behavior revealed differences in the deformation behavior of alumina, TZP, and ATZ springs. Alumina springs exhibited time‐independent deformation in all tests. In contrast, anelastic deformation at room temperature was demonstrated in all springs containing TZP. This deformation is completely reversible over a period of several days. Anelastic behavior is particularly pronounced in Y‐TZP springs, whereas Ce‐TZP springs exhibit comparatively very low but still reliably detectable anelasticity. Oxygen vacancies in the TZP ceramic are considered the most likely explanation for the anelastic behavior of TZP springs at room temperature.
Mg2+, Sr2+, Ag+, and Cu2+ co‐doped β‐tricalcium phosphate: Improved thermal stability and mechanical and biological properties
Authors: Somers Nicolas , Jean Florian , Lasgorceix Marie , Urruth Giovanni , Balvay Sandra , Gaillard Claire , Gremillard Laurent , Leriche Anne
Published: March 2023

β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP, β‐Ca3(PO4)2) is an attractive biomaterial for bone repair applications. However, its sintering and mechanical properties are limited by a problematic phase transition to α‐TCP. Cationic doping of β‐TCP is able to postpone the formation of α‐TCP allowing higher sintering temperatures and better mechanical properties. The co‐doping of β‐TCP with Mg2+ and Sr2+ has already been studied in detail, but the addition of antibacterial cations (Ag+ and Cu2+) on the Mg–Sr β‐TCP co‐doped composition remains unexplored. Thus, two co‐doped β‐TCP compositions were realized by aqueous precipitation technique without any secondary phase and compared with undoped β‐TCP: Mg–Sr (2.0–2.0 mol%) and Mg–Sr–Ag–Cu (2.0–2.0–0.1–0.1 mol%). Differential thermal analysis and dilatometry analyses showed a slight decrease of the β‐TCP → α‐TCP phase transition temperature for the Mg–Sr–Ag–Cu (2.0–2.0–0.1–0.1% mol) composition as compared to the Mg–Sr (2.0–2.0 mol%). However, both exhibited much higher transition temperatures than undoped β‐TCP. The addition of Ag+ and Cu2+ slightly reduces the grain size after sintering compared to the Mg–Sr (2.0–2.0 mol%) and the undoped compositions. The co‐doped compositions also exhibited improved mechanical properties, specifically a higher Vickers hardness and elastic modulus. Finally, cell proliferation assays showed that the presence of dopants, even Ag+ and Cu2+, does not affect the survival and proliferation of cells. Thus, the use of Mg2+, Sr2+, Ag+, and Cu2+ co‐doped β‐TCP could be very promising for biomedical applications due to the improvements of these dopants on the thermal stability and mechanical and biological properties.
Challenges of single parents raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Kim Hyun Seung , Lee Chung Eun , Kim Kyung Mee
Published: March 2023

Background

Single‐parent families with children with disabilities need greater attention given the notable increase in their number and their additional difficulties. Single parents in East Asian countries, especially, may face greater risks than their peers elsewhere, given the region's unique cultural background.

Method

The study used a mixed methods design; we administered a risk assessment survey to 354 families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and conducted in‐depth interviews with eight single parents.

Results

Compared to two‐parent families, single‐parent families faced greater risks with respect to family relationships, economic status and legal rights. In the interviews, single parents reported a range of challenges, including sole parental responsibilities, poor physical and mental health, social isolation and alienation, the stress of juggling care and work, and difficulty accessing services.

Conclusion

These findings offer implications for future policy and practices concerning single parents in South Korea.
Gradients in the time seeds take to germinate could alter global patterns in predation strength
Authors: Martin Ella , Hargreaves Anna Lesley
Published: March 2023

Aim

Species interactions are predicted to become stronger toward low latitudes and elevations, and these predictions have been supported in large experiments measuring daily predation rates on early life‐stages. However, the overall strength and importance of predation depend on both the daily risk of being attacked and how long prey are exposed, and gradients in exposure time are rarely quantified. Here, we test whether time‐to‐germination, which determines seeds' exposure to post‐dispersal attack, is faster in high‐predation environments: low latitudes, low elevations, and warmer wetter climates.

Location

Global data synthesis.

Taxon

Angiosperms.

Methods

We synthesized data on time‐to‐germination from 1410 plant species spanning 118° latitude. We divided data by study environment (lab, greenhouse, garden, nature), as we predicted different patterns depending on whether seeds experienced only intrinsic versus intrinsic + extrinsic germination cues. We tested how mean days‐to‐germination varied with geography (latitude, elevation) and climate (annual mean and seasonality of temperature and precipitation). We also explored whether patterns could be explained by seed size or phylogeny, which vary latitudinally.

Results

Seeds germinated faster toward higher latitudes across study environments but slower toward higher elevations when experiencing intrinsic + extrinsic germination cues (in nature). Germination was faster in drier, more seasonal and—when tested in nature—warmer environments. Seed size explained some latitudinal variation in time‐to‐germination, whereas accounting for phylogeny did not improve predictions. Germination was slower in natural versus lab environments.

Main Conclusions

We found little evidence that seeds have commonly evolved faster germination in high‐predation environments. While time‐to‐germination varied with geography and climate, patterns were inconsistent among predictors, and were weaker than those reported for daily seed predation rates. Detected gradients in time‐to‐germination would partially counter elevational gradients in daily seed predation rates but exacerbate latitudinal gradients in predation rates, such that tropical seeds likely experience much stronger lifetime predation risk than high‐latitude seeds.
Mitochondria–Melanocyte cellular interactions: An emerging mechanism of vitiligo pathogenesis
Authors: Kaushik Hitaishi , Kumar Vinod , Parsad Davinder
Published: March 2023

Mitochondria has emerged as a potential modulator of melanocyte function other than just meeting its cellular ATP demands. Mitochondrial DNA defects are now an established cause of maternal inheritance diseases. Recent cellular studies have highlighted the mitochondrial interaction with other cellular organelles that lead to disease conditions such as in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where defective mitochondria was found in melanocytes of these patients. Vitiligo, a depigmentory ailment of the skin, is another such disorder whose pathogenesis is now found to be associated with mitochondria. The complete absence of melanocytes at the lesioned site in vitiligo is a fact; however, the precise mechanism of this destruction is still undefined. In this review we have tried to discuss and link the emerging facts of mitochondrial function or its inter‐ and intra‐organellar communications in vitiligo pathogenesis. Mitochondrial close association with melanosomes, molecular involvement in melanocyte–keratinocyte communication and melanocyte survival are new paradigm of melanogenesis that could ultimately account for vitiligo. This definitely adds the new dimensions to our understanding of vitiligo, its management and designing of future mitochondrial targeted therapy for vitiligo.
Oviposition and olfactometry response of codling moth (Cydia pomonella) to quince (Cydonia oblonga) cultivars
Authors: Gómez María Pía , Barud Flavia Jofré , Díaz Ariel , López María Liza
Published: March 2023

Quince (Cydonia oblonga Miller) is one of the common hosts of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella L. Knowledge of the chemical ecology of codling moth is based on its behaviour against apples and pears but not quince. Here, we present a laboratory study on olfactometry and oviposition behavior preference of mated females and neonate larvae of codling moth against four quince cultivars. Oviposition of mated females was evaluated on dual‐choice test, whereas olfactometry response was evaluated in a Y‐tube olfactometer. Neonate larvae were evaluated in a dual‐choice test between pieces of fruit of quince cultivars in pairwise comparisons. In the Y‐tube olfactometer assay, mated females always responded positively to the fruit‐scented arm to quince fruit volatiles. Smyrna and Champion cultivars showed significant differences in the time that mated females spent in the fruit‐scented arm. In the oviposition assay, all pairwise comparisons showed significant differences in the number of the eggs laid, with Smyrna and Champion being the cultivars most preferred. No significant differences were detected in dual choice of neonate larvae. All comparisons elicited the behaviour of contacting the fruit source. Based on the potential emission of recognized kairomones and the results found here, cultivars Smyrna and Champion are suggested as cultivars most susceptible to codling moth infestation.
Ethnicity and homophily effects in US M&As
Authors: Alhenawi Yasser , Hassan M. Kabir
Published: March 2023

We show that ethnic diversity of CEOs of merging firms has been increasing and report evidence of ethnic homophily effect in M&As transactions. Specifically, M&As perform better when the CEOs of the merging firms share a common ethnic background. In a sample of 444 US mergers completed between 2000 and 2018, we find that ethnic homophily improves the probability of deal completion. Furthermore, we report mild variation of performance across ethnic groups. White CEOs exhibit better postmerger performance while Asian CEOs instigate a better market reaction (announcement return). Subsequent analyses show that White CEOs tend to have longer tenure and longer experience while Asian CEOs tend to be more transparent. We discuss our findings in light of a few extant theories and show that our findings are robust to several additional tests including instrumental variables, Heckman's selection bias correction, and several variations in the model specifications and definitions of key variables.
Social connectedness and health‐related quality of life among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A mixed method approach using structural equation modelling and photo‐elicitation
Authors: Salazar Sarah Maria D. C. , Dino Michael Joseph S. , Macindo John Rey B.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To develop and test the model of association of social connectedness and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and to describe their social connectedness through photo‐elicitation.

Background

Social connectedness has been empirically associated with several well‐being outcomes. However, little is known on the association of social connectedness among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

Employing a mixed‐methods design following the good reporting of a mixed methods study guideline, the quantitative approach involved 230 consecutively‐selected patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy who answered a three‐part survey. From these patients, six informants participated in the photo‐elicitation and key informant interview sessions. Gathered data were quantitatively analyzed using structural equation modelling and qualitatively processed using polytextual thematic analysis.

Results and Findings

Social connectedness had a positive influence on social well‐being (β = .22, p = .008) and emotional well‐being (β = .20, p = .023); however, it had a negative effect on functional well‐being (β = −.20, p = .007). The overall model revealed good model indices: χ2/df = .82, RMSEA = .01, GFI = 1.00. Qualitative analysis culled from photo‐elicitation uncovered five interconnected themes yielding the Honeycomb model of social connectedness which was composed of correspondence, cohesion, constitution, convergence and corroboration.

Conclusion

HRQoL among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy is a multi‐factorial health construct affected by social connectedness. The presented model emphasises the importance of social connectedness and paves way for the development of appropriate strategies to promote social connectedness among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The findings provide impetus in the modification and development of appropriate practices, policies and strategies in promoting social connectedness. These approaches are geared towards patient–family empowerment and health education techniques to ascertain that assistance from significant others is provided without limiting the patient's autonomy or independence.
The illness severity of ward remaining patients reviewed by the medical emergency team: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Batterbury Anthony , Douglas Clint , Coyer Fiona
Published: March 2023

Background

Although progress has been made in identifying and responding to acutely deteriorating ward patients, judgements about the level of care required for patients after medical emergency team review are complex, rarely including a formal assessment of illness severity. This challenges staff and resource management practices and patient safety.

Objective

This study sought to quantify the illness severity of ward patients after medical emergency team review.

Research Design and Setting

This retrospective cohort study examined the clinical records of 1500 randomly sampled adult ward patients following medical emergency team review at a metropolitan tertiary hospital. Outcome measures were the derivation of patient acuity and dependency scores using sequential organ failure assessment and nursing activities score instruments. Findings are reported using the STROBE guideline for cohort studies.

No Patient or Public Contribution

No direct patient contact was made during the data collection and analysis phases of the study.

Results

Patients were male (52.6%), unplanned (73.9%) medical admissions (57.5%), median age of 67 years. The median sequential organ failure assessment score was 4% and 20% of patients demonstrated multiple organ system failure requiring non typical monitoring and coordination arrangements for at least 24 h. The median nursing activities score was 86% suggestive of a near 1:1 nurse‐to‐patient ratio. More than half of all patients required enhanced levels of assistance with mobilization (58.8%) and hygiene (53.9%) activities.

Conclusions

Patients who remain on the ward following medical emergency team review had complex combinations of organ dysfunction, with levels of dependency similar to those found in intensive care units. This has implications for ward and patient safety and continuity of care arrangements.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Profiling illness severity at the conclusion of the medical emergency team review may help determine the need for special resource and staffing arrangements or placement within the ward environment.
Treatment of Acetabular Bone Defect in Revision of Total Hip Arthroplasty Using 3D Printed Tantalum Acetabular Augment
Authors: Ying Jiawei , Cheng Liangliang , Li Junlei , Wu Bin , Qiu Xing , Zhang Tianwei , Wang Feng , Liu Baoyi , Yang Lei , Pokharel Durga Bhakta , Xie Hui , Wang Fuyang , Liu Yuchen , Xu Minghao , Yu Haiyu , Zhao Dewei
Published: March 2023

Objective

The treatment of acetabular defects is one of the most difficult challenges of revision of total hip arthroplasty (RTHA), and tantalum is regarded as a promising bone substitute material. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of 3D printed acetabular augment used in RTHA for the treatment of acetabular bone defect.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of seven patients who had undergone RTHA was carried out using 3D printed acetabular augment from January 2017 to December 2018. The CT data of the patients were exported to Mimics 21.0 software (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium), and the acetabular bone defect augment were designed, printed and then implanted during operation. The postoperative Harris score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score and prosthesis position were observed to evaluate the clinical outcome. A I‐test was used for preoperative and postoperative comparison of the paired‐design dataset.

Results

A firm attachment of the bone augment to the acetabulum during operation without any complications was found during the follow‐up time 2.8–4.3 years. The VAS score of all patients was found 6.9 ± 1.4 before operation and was 0.7 ± 0.7 at the last follow‐up (P ≤ 0.001), and the Harris hip scores, were 31.9 ± 10.3 and 73.3 ± 12.8 before operation, and at the last follow‐up (P ≤ 0.001), respectively. Moreover, no loosening sign between the bone defect augment and the acetabulum was observed during the entire implantation period.

Conclusion

3D printed acetabular augment is effective in reconstructing the acetabulum following an acetabular bone defect revision, which enhances the hip joint function and eventually makes a satisfactory stable prosthetic.
Effect of ascorbate and hydrogen peroxide on hormone and metabolite levels during post‐germination growth in wheat
Authors: Asghar Muhammad Ahsan , Kulman Kitti , Szalai Gabriella , Gondor Orsolya Kinga , Mednyánszky Zsuzsa , Simon‐Sarkadi Livia , Gaudinova Alena , Dobrev Petre I. , Vanková Radomíra , Kocsy Gábor
Published: March 2023

The modulation of hormone and metabolite levels by ascorbate (ASA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was compared during post‐germination growth in shoots of wheat. Treatment with ASA resulted in a greater reduction of growth than the addition of H2O2. ASA also had a larger effect on the redox state of the shoot tissues as shown by the higher ASA and glutathione (GSH) levels, lower glutathione disulfide (GSSG) content and GSSG/GSH ratio compared to the H2O2 treatment. Apart from common responses (i.e., increase of cis‐zeatin and its O‐glucosides), the contents of several compounds related to cytokinin (CK) and abscisic acid (ABA) metabolism were greater after ASA application. These differences in the redox state and hormone metabolism following the two treatments may be responsible for their distinct influence on various metabolic pathways. Namely, the glycolysis and citrate cycle were inhibited by ASA and they were not affected by H2O2, while the amino acid metabolism was induced by ASA and repressed by H2O2 based on the changes in the level of the related carbohydrates, organic and amino acids. The first two pathways produce reducing power, while the last one needs it; therefore ASA, as a reductant may suppress and induce them, respectively. H2O2 as an oxidant had different effect, namely it did not alter glycolysis and citrate cycle, and inhibited the formation of amino acids.
Nighttime light data‐based analysis of spatiotemporal patterns evolution and driving forces of economic development in China at prefecture level (1992–2020)
Authors: Wang Hua , Han Hubiao , Zhang Jiaxue , Zhang Danfei
Published: March 2023

Intercity lighting data are an important resource for studying spatial and temporal patterns in regional urban development as an indicator of the intensity of urban social and economic activity. Understanding the evolutionary characteristics of the spatial pattern of regional economic development can support decision‐making in regional economic coordination and sustainable development strategies. Based on a long time series of nighttime lighting data from 1992 to 2020, this study used the Theil index, Markoff transfer matrix, spatial autocorrelation, and spatial regression to analyze spatiotemporal evolutionary characteristics and drivers of urban economic development in China. The study found that from 1992 to 2020, China's economic development hot spots have been concentrated in highly developed urban agglomerations namely the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, Shandong Peninsula, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta. Cold spots were mainly concentrated in the central‐west and southwest of the country. The economic growth rate shows an opposite spatial pattern, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the national coordinated development strategy for regions. The Theil index for urban economic development in China shows an overall downward trend, and the overall economic disparity is mainly due to the relatively low economic development of Tibet, Xinjiang, Gansu, and other western provinces. Therefore, regional economic development remains significantly uneven. In China, the economic type of cities is relatively stable, and the probability of leapfrogging types is low; however, the level of cities with high resource dependence or a single economic structure easily downgrades. The level of economic development and the related socioeconomic factors of neighboring cities influence an obvious spatial spillover effect in the development of urban economies in China. The pattern of China's urban economic development is mainly affected by innovation capacity, financial support, capital investment, transportation infrastructure, and industrial structure.
Metalenguajes en discursos de empresarios del Área Metropolitana Centro Occidente de Colombia
Authors: López Isaza Giovanni Arturo , Correa Vallejo Martha Judith
Published: March 2023

Este artículo de investigación implicando el lente teórico luhmanniano (teoría de sistemas de tercera generación, teoría de autoproducción, con su concepto clave de autopoiesis), en el marco del objetivo general que dice: “complejizar el proceso de decisiones que deciden en los empresarios la creación y la perdurabilidad de las empresas”, a partir de historias de empresarios, registradas a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y tratadas con la herramienta de análisis cualitativo software NVivo, distinguió como metapautas los lenguajes: “construcción de futuro”, “desafiantes-tenacidad-persistencia-insistencia” e “irritación permanente como constitutiva de estado de confort”. El artículo contribuye a la construcción de dominio de la teoría, para tratarla con respeto, pero también con irreverencia, en el sentido de ejercer un pensamiento crítico, extrañándola después de otear sus profundas y elevadas abstracciones, para que en algún momento sea alcanzada una independencia teórica, con posibilidades de enfrentar la importación acrítica de teorías allende las fronteras de Colombia.
Determination of Microcystis aeruginosa Concentration Using Two Discrete Wavelengths
Authors: Prebenda Collin , Fernandes Brendan , Griffin Thomas , Markowitz Jonathan , Carson Keagan , Zheng Yi
Published: March 2023

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), specifically Microcystis aeruginosa (MA), present a serious global problem to bodies of water. HABs are the rapid growth of toxic algae species in a waterway. These algae species are known to cause irritation, nausea, and vomiting in humans, and even more severe side effects in smaller organisms. Climate change and human development have caused these harmful blooms to become more prevalent in recent years. Current commercial and academic algae detection methods were researched and found to be highly restrictive or expensive. This creates the need for a monitoring device that fills this niche, which the team attempted to do. Regarding the detection of MA, the peak spectral absorbances were determined to be at wavelengths of 430 nm and 680 nm. The handheld harmful algae monitoring device directs these specific wavelengths of light matching the peak absorptions of MA through a sample. The relative intensity of light after passing through the sample is measured and used to determine the presence and concentration of MA. This detection method is low cost, is portable, and will provide efficient and precise results with the hope of enabling a variety of users on a large scale. With proper calibration and more research, the handheld harmful algae monitoring device has the potential of being highly accurate and capable of testing nonpure samples.
A Boundary Element Method for the Prediction of Hydrodynamic Ship–Ice–Wave Interactions in Regular Waves
Authors: Jiang Zongyu , Li Fang , Mikkola Tommi , Kujala Pentti , Hirdaris Spyros
Published: March 2023

For ships navigating in ice floe fields, ship–ice–wave interactions may affect ship performance and ice impact forces. This paper presents an approach to evaluate the cross-coupling added mass and hydrodynamic damping between a passing ship and a free-floating small/medium size ice floe based on the boundary element method (BEM). The influences of added mass and hydrodynamic damping are explored for different wave frequencies and headings. Results are presented for a regular waves scenario whereby a tanker progressing at a slow speed is passing by a free-floating ice floe modeled as a round disk. Radiation and diffraction potentials of the interacting floating bodies are linearly superimposed to reflect the influence of hydromechanical coupling on responses. Parametric analysis of response amplitude operators (RAOs) indicates that the cross-coupling terms of added mass and hydrodynamic damping are of the same order of magnitude as those of the ice floe but smaller by one or two orders of magnitude than those of the ship. It is concluded that hydrodynamic interactions primarily influence the motions of the ice floe and are significant attributes in terms of suitably idealizing ship–ice system dynamics.