bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supply chain collaboration and supply chain finance adoption: the moderating role of information transparency and transaction dependence
Authors: Li Lixu , Wang Zhiqiang , Chen Lujie , Zhao Xiande , Yang Shuili
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Although supply chain collaboration (SCC) theoretically boosts the adoption of supply chain finance (SCF) through information sharing and cost savings, many companies with good supply chain partnerships still hesitate to engage in SCF. To disentangle this puzzle, this study aims to explore how two dimensions of information transparency (i.e. information quantity and information quality) and two types of transaction dependence (i.e. dependence on suppliers and dependence on customers) influence the relationship between SCC and SCF adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses secondary survey data from a Chinese bank, including 464 Chinese companies that have adopted SCF to varying degrees. This study then performs the logistic regression analysis to test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study empirically confirms that SCC shows a positive relationship with SCF adoption. More interestingly, information quantity negatively moderates this positive relationship, whereas information quality positively moderates this positive relationship. Most surprisingly, dependence on customers rather than dependence on suppliers strengthens this positive relationship.

Originality/value

This study makes theoretical contributions to the SCF literature by demonstrating the distinct moderating mechanisms regarding the relationship between SCC and SCF adoption. The findings also help companies reexamine their interactions with supply chain members.
Exploring social studies teachers' use of action research to enhance cultural responsiveness
Authors: Parkhouse Hillary , Bennett Ejana
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Culturally responsive teaching is widely recognized as beneficial to students, especially those from historically marginalized communities. The social studies literature includes many studies of what culturally responsive teaching looks like in practice and how it can be taught to pre-service teachers. However, little is known about how in-service social studies teachers advance their knowledge and skills in this area. Studies of professional development (PD) suggest action research is a powerful format for teacher learning, but few closely examine the specific mechanisms through which action research fosters culturally responsive teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative case study of three secondary social studies teachers draws on the following data: two in-depth interviews with each teacher, audio recordings of action research meetings, project artifacts and field notes. Data were analyzed through multiple rounds of inductive and deductive coding using a codebook developed by a diverse group of researchers. The teacher participants reviewed and confirmed the findings.

Findings

All three teachers expanded their use of culturally responsive social studies instruction through systematic inquiry into their own interactions with students. The action research process fostered this growth through the following specific mechanisms: reflecting and reading independently, using data to strengthen relationships and leveraging a structure for addressing race and power in the curriculum.

Originality/value

This study illustrates how teacher action research can foster culturally responsive teaching by allowing educators to self-direct their own critical reflection and data gathering on inequities in their schools. It can also provide a structure for elevating histories that have traditionally been marginalized in standardized curricula.
Tree growth periodicity in the ever‐wet tropical forest of the Americas
Authors: Giraldo Jorge A. , del Valle Jorge I. , González‐Caro Sebastián , David Diego A. , Taylor Tyeen , Tobón Conrado , Sierra Carlos A.
Published: January 2023

The occurrence of annual growth rings in tropical trees—the result of the seasonal activity of vascular cambium—has been explained by seasonal water deficit or flooding periods. However, little is known about the drivers of annual tree‐ring formation under tropical hyper‐humid conditions without clear seasonal dry periods or flooding (ever‐wet conditions). Shelford's law states that the deficit or the excess of environmental resources limits plant growth. Accordingly, we hypothesize that excess soil moisture, a slight seasonal reduction of precipitation and a reduction in light availability determine rhythmic growth in ever‐wet tropical forests.

We first assessed the occurrence of rhythmic growth in 14 tree species from the Biogeographic Chocó Region (annual rainfall 7200 mm) using three methods: Radiocarbon (14C) dating (all studied species), tree‐ring synchronization (4 species that have replicates) and automatic dendrometers (two species). Then, we assessed the effect of environmental drivers (rainfall, short‐wave radiation, temperature and soil moisture) on tree growth based on tree ring and dendrometer observations.

We present evidence of annual tree‐ring formation in all 14 studied tree species. Depending on the tree species, we observed positive and negative correlations between growth, water availability and light availability. These relationships suggest that both excess or deficit of environmental resources may explain the seasonal pattern of tree growth. Although we cannot differentiate between excess soil water and low light availability by high cloudiness, we suggest that cloudiness frequency could affect tree growth in these forests.

Synthesis. We reveal the annual formation of growth rings in the unexplored wetter‐end tropical forests, where seasonal growth depends on either high soil moisture and hypoxia or light limitations by cloudiness and photosynthesis constraints.
Socially stratified associations between self‐employment and health among Chilean older people
Authors: Cabib Ignacio , Azar Ariel , Biehl Andrés , Budnevich‐Portales Carlos
Published: January 2023

Non‐standard forms of employment, such as self‐employment, are among the most prevalent routes for older people to access the workforce. While the financial benefits of any form of self‐employment in later life have been widely acknowledged, less is known about their impact on health. This study explores the association between self‐employment and 16 health outcomes among older people with different social stratification characteristics in Chile, a developing country experiencing rapid population ageing. We rely on a rich representative life history survey of Chilean men and women between the ages 65 and 75 years (N = 802) living in the capital Santiago, weighted sequence analysis to reconstruct employment histories and weighted regression analysis to measure the association between self‐employment and health in later life. All our analyses are adjusted by both individual lifetime health indicators and employment trajectories. Our results show that being self‐employed relative to not working is positively associated with health in seven out of 16 outcomes. More surprisingly, those in a self‐employment position seem to enjoy better health outcomes, particularly among the less educated and lower‐income levels. These stratified associations raise questions about how these individuals enjoy better health despite facing adverse social conditions.
The compatibility of oxytocin and tranexamic acid injection products when mixed for co‐administration by infusion for the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage: An in vitro investigation
Authors: Lambert Pete , Tomazzini Alessandra , Wright Philip , McEvoy Claire , Gallos Ioannis D. , Ammerdorffer Anne , Chinery Lester , Coomarasamy Arri , Gülmezoglu Ahmet Metin
Published: January 2023

Objective

To investigate the compatibility of oxytocin and tranexamic acid injection products when mixed for the purpose of co‐administration by intravenous infusion.

Design

Compatibility testing.

Setting

Hospitals taking part in a multicentre postpartum haemorrhage treatment (E‐MOTIVE) trial in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and South Africa.

Sample

Oxytocin and tranexamic acid products.

Methods

The compatibility of two sentinel products of oxytocin injection and tranexamic acid injection in 200‐mL infusion bags of both 0.9% w/v saline and Ringer's lactate solution was assessed. We analysed all tranexamic acid–oxytocin combinations, and each evaluation was conducted for up to 3 h. Subsequently, the compatibility of multiple tranexamic acid products with reference oxytocin products when mixed in 0.9% w/v saline over a period of 1 h was investigated.

Main outcome measures

Concentration of oxytocin over time after mixing with tranexamic acid products.

Results

We found significant interaction between certain oxytocin and tranexamic acid products after mixing them in vitro and observing for 1 h. The interaction substantially impacted oxytocin content leading to reduction in concentration (14.8%–29.0%) immediately on mixing (t = 0 min). In some combinations, the concentration continued to decline throughout the stability assessment period. Oxytocin loss was observed in 7 out of 22 (32%) of combinations tested.

Conclusions

In a clinical setting, mixing certain oxytocin and tranexamic acid products before administration may result in an underdosing of oxytocin, compromising care in an emergency life‐threatening situation. The mixing of oxytocin and tranexamic acid injection products for co‐administration with intravenous infusion fluids should be avoided until the exact nature of the observed interaction and its implications are understood.
Sodium reduction in foods: Challenges and strategies for technical solutions
Authors: Lorén Niklas , Niimi Jun , Höglund Evelina , Albin Rickard , Rytter Elisabet , Bjerre Karin , Nielsen Tim
Published: January 2023

In many parts of the world, sodium consumption is higher than recommended levels, representing one of the most important food‐related health challenges and leading to considerable economical costs for society. Therefore, there is a need to find technical solutions for sodium reduction that can be implemented by food producers and within food services. The aims of this review are to discuss the barriers related to sodium reduction and to highlight a variety of technical solutions. The barriers relate to consumer perception, microbiology, processing, and physicochemistry. Existing technical solutions include inhomogeneous salt distribution, coated salt particles, changing particle sizes and forms, surface coating, multisensory combinations, sodium replacements, double emulsions, adapted serum release by microstructure design, and adapted brittleness by microstructure design. These solutions, their implementation and the associated challenges, and applicable product categories are described. Some of these solutions are ready for use or are in their early development stages. Many solutions are promising, but in most cases, some form of adaptation or optimization is needed before application in specific products, and care must always be taken to ensure food safety. For instance, further research and innovation are required in the dynamic evolution of saltiness perception, consumer acceptance, the binding and migration of sodium, juiciness, microbiological safety, and the timing of salt addition during processing. Once implemented, these solutions will undoubtedly support food producers and food services in reducing sodium content and extend the application of the solutions to different foods.
Simple and complex coacervation methods for the nanoencapsulation of Rosa damascena mill L. anthocyanin in zein/potato starch: A new approach to enhance antioxidant and thermal properties
Authors: Farnad Neda , Farhadi Khalil
Published: January 2023

The structure and antioxidant properties of zein and potato starches as well as the stability of anthocyanins strongly depend on the pH. However, due to the stability of anthocyanins in at acidic medium, their encapsulation has been limited to low pHs. In the present work, an encapsulation of anthocyanins extracted from Rosa damascena mill L. (as a model) into zein, starch, and their binary mixtures by simple and complex coacervation methods over a wide range of pH (especially higher pHs), and different encapsulating agent doses and different initial volumes of anthocyanin were studied in order to obtain new conditions for the preservation of anthocyanins and to improve the antioxidant activities of zein and potato starches. High levels of antioxidant activity and encapsulation efficiency for zein/starch/anthocyanin nanocapsules and maximum antioxidant activity for zein/starch nanocapsules (without anthocyanin) were obtained at pHs 8 and 2, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis techniques were used to analyze simple and complex coacervates biopolymer interactions, morphology, and thermal stability. The size of zein nanocapsules (283–366 nm) decreased in the range of 50–175 nm after the encapsulation of anthocyanin (pH 8), which makes them suitable for drug delivery processes. The prepared nanocapsules showed a high scavenging ability.
Effects of other people's facial emotional expression on consumers’ perceptions of chocolate chip cookies containing cricket protein
Authors: Gao Yupeng , Chonpracha Pitchayapat , Li Bin , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: January 2023

Edible insects are recognized as a potential alternative and sustainable source of high‐quality protein for the human diet. Entomophagy is highly related to negative emotions that may cause reluctance to adopt insects as food in Western countries. During human interaction, a person's facial emotional expression (FEE) may influence other people's emotional responses. A person's emotional state may affect his/her food preference and food choice. Understanding how other people's FEE would affect consumers’ emotional profiles, liking, and subsequent willingness to try (WTT) and purchase intent (PI) toward insect‐containing food products may help increase the acceptance of entomophagy. This study identified emotional responses toward chocolate chip cookies containing cricket protein using valence and arousal scales in order to explore the effects of other people's FEE (positive, negative, and/or sensation seeking) and to find the correlation between consumers’ emotional and overall liking (OL) responses for cricket‐containing chocolate chip cookies. Predicting PI for such cookies was also performed. For consumers who perceived positive emotion from other people's FEE after watching a short video clip, their emotional feeling was raised on both valence and arousal dimensions, while negative FEE stimulus imparted the opposite effects. The OL scores and emotional intensities after watching the three FEE videos were highly related to consumers’ PI. Males compared to females rated the cricket‐containing cookies higher on positive emotion intensity, OL, and PI. Among the three FEEs evaluated, the positive emotional stimulus would be beneficial in increasing acceptance, WTT, and PI of insect‐containing foods.

Practical Application

Edible insects are potentially alternative and sustainable sources of high‐quality protein for the human diet. Entomophagy is highly related to negative emotions that cause reluctance to adopt insects as food in Western countries. Other people's facial emotional expressions (FEEs) may affect consumer food‐evoked emotional profiles, overall liking (OL), and purchase intent (PI). For consumers who perceived positive emotion from other people's FEE, their emotional feeling was raised on both valence and arousal dimensions, and OL scores and emotion intensities were highly related to consumers’ PI. Exploiting positive emotional stimuli as demonstrated in this study would be beneficial in increasing acceptance of insect‐containing food.
Geochronology, Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of the Bangbule Quartz Porphyry: Implications for Metallogenesis
Authors: HE Chuankai , WANG Yong , WANG Haiyong , TANG Juxing , YAN Penggang , WANG Yongqiang , FU Xuelian , FENG Yipeng
Published: January 2023

The Bangbule skarn lead‐zinc (Pb‐Zn) deposit (>1 Mt Zn + Pb) is located in the western Nyainqentanglha polymetallic metallogenetic belt, central Tibet. Lenticular orebodies are all hosted in skarn and developed in the contact zone between the quartz porphyry and carbonate strata of the mid Paleozoic Middle to Upper Chaguoluoma Formation as well as in carbonate and sandstone beds of the Upper Paleozoic Laga Formation. As a newly discovered skarn deposit, the geological background and metallogenesis of this deposit remain poorly understood. Detailed petrological, geochemical and geochronological data of the ore‐related quartz porphyry, helps constrain the mineralization age and contributes to discussion on the ore genesis of the Bangbule deposit. Both endoskarn and exoskarn are identified in the Bangbule deposit. From quartz porphyry to carbonate formation, the exoskarn is zoned from proximal garnet skarn to distal pyroxene skarn. Zircon U‐Pb dating results show that the quartz porphyry formed at 73.9 ± 0.8 Ma. Geochemical analysis results show that the quartz porphyry has high contents of SiO2 (71.40–74.94 wt%) and K2O + Na2O (3.76–8.46 wt%) with A/CNK values of 0.69 to 1.06. Besides, the quartz porphyry is enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs) and have low εNd(t) (from –8.25 to –8.19) and high initial (87Sr/86Sr)i values (0.713611–0.714478). Major, trace elements and whole‐rock F concentration analysis results from the endoskarn samples show higher TFe2O3, MgO, CaO, Pb + Zn, W, Sn, Mo and F etc., and lower alkalis (K2O, Na2O, Sr and Ba) than those of fresh quartz porphyry, indicating that the early ore‐forming fluids were an Ca‐Fe‐F‐enriched fluid. Massive ore in the proximal skarn might be related to the high F content in the magma, which lowered the solidus temperature of the quartz porphyry magma and caused a lower temperature of the ore‐forming fluids, as well as facilitating the precipitation of sphalerite and galena. Based on the geochemical characteristics presented in this study, we propose that the ore‐related quartz porphyry was formed by partial melting of crust materials with some juvenile crustal component input. The partial melting of the middle‐upper crust after the initial enrichment of lead and zinc elements are important for the formation of Pb‐Zn deposits. The case study of the Bangbule deposit has proven that there is still a crust‐derived magmatic source region in the western segment of the central Lhasa terrane. Therefore, there is still great potential for Pb‐Zn mineralization and Pb‐Zn exploration.
Racial and ethnic disparities in emergency department–initiated buprenorphine across five health care systems
Authors: Holland Wesley C. , Li Fangyong , Nath Bidisha , Jeffery Molly M. , Stevens Maria , Melnick Edward R. , Dziura James D. , Khidir Hazar , Skains Rachel M. , D'Onofrio Gail , Soares William E.
Published: January 2023

Background

Opioid overdose deaths have disproportionately impacted Black and Hispanic populations, in part due to disparities in treatment access. Emergency departments (EDs) serve as a resource for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD), many of whom have difficulty accessing outpatient addiction programs. However, inequities in ED treatment for OUD remain poorly understood.

Methods

This secondary analysis examined racial and ethnic differences in buprenorphine access using data from EMBED, a study of 21 EDs across five health care systems evaluating a clinical decision support system for initiating ED buprenorphine. The primary outcome was receipt of buprenorphine, ED administered or prescribed. Hospital type (academic vs. community) was evaluated as an effect modifier. Hierarchical models with cluster effects for site and clinician were used to assess buprenorphine receipt by race and ethnicity.

Results

Black patients were less likely to receive buprenorphine (6.4% [51/801] vs. White patients 8.5% [268/3154], odds ratio [OR] 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45–0.78). This association persisted after adjusting for age, insurance, gender, clinician X‐waiver, hospital type, and urbanicity (adjusted OR [aOR] 0.64, 95% CI 0.48–0.84) but not when discharge diagnosis was included (aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.56–1.02). Hispanic patients were more likely to receive buprenorphine (14.8% [122/822] vs. non‐Hispanic patients, 11.6% [475/4098]) in unadjusted (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.09–1.83) and adjusted models (aOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.08–1.83) but not including discharge diagnosis (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 0.99–1.77). Odds of buprenorphine were similar in academic and community EDs by race (interaction p = 0.97) and ethnicity (interaction p = 0.64).

Conclusions

Black patients with OUD were less likely to receive buprenorphine whereas Hispanic patients were more likely to receive buprenorphine in academic and community EDs. Differences were attenuated with discharge diagnosis, as fewer Black and non‐Hispanic patients were diagnosed with opioid withdrawal. Barriers to medication treatment are heterogenous among patients with OUD; research must continue to address the multiple drivers of health inequities at the patient, clinician, and community level.
Obstetric pain management for pregnant women with opioid use disorder: A qualitative and quantitative comparison of patient and provider perspectives (QUEST study)
Authors: Nowakowski Emma , Dayananda Sanjana , Morgan Madison , Jarvis Olivia , Altamirano Valeria , LaSorda Kelsea R. , Krans Elizabeth , Lim Grace
Published: January 2023

Background and aim

Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) may experience inadequate pain management especially during childbirth. This study assessed and compared patient and provider perspectives on analgesia during and after delivery in women with OUD.

Design

Prospective cohort, mixed method design including semi‐structured interviews and structured surveys with pregnant or recently pregnant patients (n = 17) and provider (n = 15) groups.

Setting

Prenatal clinics and hospital postpartum units.

Participants

Patients were pregnant women with OUD currently treated with methadone (n = 1) or buprenorphine (n = 16). Providers were obstetricians (n = 5), obstetric nurses (n = 5) and anesthesiologists (n = 5).

Measurements

Validated questionnaires were completed by both groups; patient interviews were conducted during the third trimester and at 5 days post‐delivery. Patient topics included pain management preferences, analgesia satisfaction and attitudes toward pain. Provider topics included labor and postpartum pain management perspectives. Interviews were independently coded and qualitatively analyzed for major themes.

Findings

Five major themes emerged from patient interviews: (1) neuraxial blockade was endorsed for labor pain; (2) otherwise, limited pain control options were perceived; (3) no consensus around use of opioids for pain; (4) non‐opioid options should be available; and (5) provider communication and health‐care system issues act as barriers to adequate pain management. Provider perspective themes included the following: (1) unique challenges in pain management for patients with OUD; (2) confusion on how to plan for and make perinatal adjustments to medication for OUD; (3) discrepant views on use of opioids for pain management; (4) endorsement of non‐pharmacological and non‐opioid options; and (5) need for improved provider collaboration in developing pain management plans.

Conclusions

Patients with opioid use disorder and health‐care providers prioritize pain management during and after childbirth, but have discrepant views on use of opioids and other pain management options. Inadequate care coordination and discrepancies in opinions need to be addressed both within care teams and between patients and providers. Clinicians would benefit from better evidence to guide clinical care of patients with OUD for patient‐centered pain management.
Selective internal radiation therapy with yttrium‐90 resin microspheres followed by anatomical hepatectomy: A potential curative strategy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Feng Xiaobin , Zhang Lin , Niu Huimin , Zhang Hui , Yang Li , Wen Yong , Chen Steve Y. , Shi Yuhong , He Zuoxiang , Yu Lijuan , Wang Yujun , Huang Xin , Wang Zhiheng , Qin Mengmeng , Wen Xiaoxi , Zhang Zhenyu , Song Jiyong , Zheng Zhuozhao , Yin Hongfang , Zhang Huan , Ma Lijuan , Wei Jixiang , Wu Xinlai , Zhang Leida , Zhao Yue , Lu Qian , Xiao Hui , Liu Tongting , Fang Pihua , Wei Lai , Gandhi Ripal T. , Dong Jiahong
Published: January 2023

About 80% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are in advanced stages and ineligible for curative surgery. Palliative treatments just maintained limited survival, thus an effective downstaging therapy is badly needed. Here we report an initially unresectable patient who underwent radical hepatectomy after successful downstaging with selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT). A 34‐year‐old man was diagnosed with China Liver Cancer Staging (CNLC) IIIa HCC. Due to insufficient future liver remnant and vascular involvement, the patient was suggested to be unresectable. SIRT with yttrium‐90 resin microspheres was given. At three months post‐SIRT, a complete response was achieved. The tumor was downstaged to CNLC Ia stage. The patient underwent anatomical hepatectomy 5 months after SIRT. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen showed 4% viable tumor cells inside a necrotic mass. To our knowledge, this is the first case who underwent SIRT with yttrium‐90 resin microspheres in China mainland. The success of the downstaging in this case renders a possible cure to be achieved in an initially unresectable patient. In addition, the nearly complete tumor necrosis in the resected specimen indicates a good prognosis post‐surgery. This is the first case who underwent SIRT with yttrium‐90 resin microspheres in China mainland. SIRT followed by anatomical hepatectomy is a potentially curative strategy for unresectable HCC, which deserves a confirmative trial in the future.
Construction and validation of a novel tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand mutant MuR5S4‐TR
Authors: Zhao Yaqin , He Jianping , Liu Xia , Yi Cheng , Sun Lei , Zhu Hong
Published: January 2023

Aim

Tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) can selectively kill tumor cells but has no significant effect on normal cells. However, the use of TRAIL is limited for resistance by more than 50% of the tumor cell lines. It's very important to develop a more efficient form of TRAIL for cancer treatment.

Methods

The N‐terminal in soluble fragments (114–281aa) of TRAIL was redesigned to construct a novel TRAIL mutant‐MuR5S4‐TR. The Cell Counting Kit‐8 method to explore the antitumor effects. The potential mechanisms were also explored.

Results

Novel TRAIL mutant with cell‐penetrating peptides (CPP) like and Second mitochondria‐derived activator of caspases (Smac) like structure‐MuR5S4‐TR was successfully constructed. The prokaryotic expression system was successfully built, and the MuR5S4‐TR was purified and reconfirmed by western blot. MuR5S4‐TR could enhance the antitumor effects of TRAIL in most of the cancer cell lines significantly, NCI‐H460 lung cancer cell line, for instance. After MuR5S4‐TR treatment, the expressions of death receptor 4 (DR4), DR5, Caspase‐8, and cleaved Caspase‐3 were remarkably increased, however, there was no significant difference in X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis expression.

Conclusion

We constructed a novel TRAIL mutant with CPP‐like and Smac‐like structure‐MuR5S4‐TR. The MuR5S4‐TR showed significantly stronger antitumor effects than TRAIL in many tumor cell lines. The MuR5S4‐TR showed strong antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo. This preliminary study implies that MuR5S4‐TR may be a more efficient form of TRAIL for cancer therapy.
Use of analgesics in Denmark: A national survey
Authors: Burghle Alaa , Pottegård Anton , Rasmussen Malthe , Bruun Belinda , Roost Hosbjerg Jens , Lundby Carina
Published: January 2023

People suffering from pain constitute a sizeable and heterogeneous patient group. Conventional oral analgesics are considered a cheap and safe first‐line treatment. These drugs are used on both a regular and ‘as needed’ basis and are often obtained over‐the‐counter (OTC). We explored patient‐reported patterns of use and adverse effects of analgesics in a community pharmacy questionnaire. Eight pharmacies invited persons aged ≥18 years requesting analgesics via prescription or OTC to complete an electronic questionnaire. A total of 2410 participants completed the questionnaire (68% female; 50% ≥ 60 years). Most participants filled a prescription for paracetamol (61%; n = 842) and non‐steroidal analgesics (n = 363; 26%). Among OTC users, most obtained paracetamol (61%). Among prescription users, 73% (n = 1114) had their analgesic prescribed for daily use; however, of these only 61% (n = 630) reported using it daily, while 35% (n = 363) reported ‘as needed’ use. Of all prescriptions, 80% (n = 898) were labelled with the standardized indication ‘against pain’. Self‐reported indications showed that back pain and muscle/joint pain were the most common indications. Among non‐new users of OTC analgesics (n = 841), 17% (n = 141) used their medication daily. Finally, 90% (n = 1658) of all participants reported not experiencing adverse effects. Our findings suggest a need for continuous assessment of analgesic patterns of use after treatment initiation to inform counselling in community pharmacies and elsewhere.
Discovery of alantolactone as a naturally occurring NLRP3 inhibitor to alleviate NLRP3‐driven inflammatory diseases in mice
Authors: Li Weifeng , Xu Haowen , Shao Jingjing , Chen Jiahao , Lin Yimin , Zheng Zhiwei , Wang Yi , Luo Wu , Liang Guang
Published: January 2023

Background and Purpose

The NLR family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is activated in many inflammatory conditions. So far, no low MW compounds inhibiting NLRP3 have entered clinical use. Identification of naturally occurring NLRP3 inhibitors may be beneficial to the design and development of compounds targeting NLRP3. Alantolactone is a phytochemical from a traditional Chinese medicinal plant with anti‐inflammatory activity, but its precise target remains unclear.

Experimental Approach

A bank of phytochemicals was screened for inhibitors of NLRP3‐driven production of IL‐1β in cultures of bone‐marrow‐derived macrophages from female C57BL/6 mice. Models of gouty arthritis and acute lung injury in male C57BL/6J mice were used to determine the in vivo effects of the most potent compound.

Key Results

Among the 150 compounds screened in vitro, alantolactone exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against LPS + ATP‐induced production of IL‐1β in macrophages, suppressing IL‐1β secretion, caspase‐1 activation and pyroptosis. Alantolactone directly bound to the NACHT domain of NLRP3 to inhibit activation and assembly of NLRP3 inflammasomes. Molecular simulation analysis suggested that Arg335 in NLRP3 was a critical residue for alantolactone binding, leading to suppression of NLRP3–NEK7 interaction. In vivo studies confirmed significant alleviation by alantolactone of two NLRP3‐driven inflammatory conditions, acute lung injury and gouty arthritis.

Conclusion and Implications

The phytochemical alantolactone inhibited activity of NLRP3 inflammasomes by directly targeting the NACHT domain of NLRP3. Alantolactone shows great potential in the treatment of NLRP3‐driven diseases and could lead to the development of novel NLRP3 inhibitors.
Opportunities and challenges for Common Agricultural Policy reform to support the European Green Deal
Authors: Cuadros‐Casanova Ivon , Cristiano Andrea , Biancolini Dino , Cimatti Marta , Sessa Andrea Antonio , Mendez Angarita Valeria Yeraldin , Dragonetti Chiara , Pacifici Michela , Rondinini Carlo , Di Marco Moreno
Published: January 2023

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the European Union's main instrument for agricultural planning, with a new reform approved for 2023–2027. The CAP intends to align with the European Green Deal (EGD), a set of policy initiatives underpinning sustainable development and climate neutrality in the European Union (EU), but several flaws cast doubts about the compatibility of the objectives of these 2 policies. We reviewed recent literature on the potential of CAP environmental objectives for integration with the EGD: protection of biodiversity, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable management of natural resources. The CAP lacks appropriate planning measures, furthering instead risks to biodiversity and ecosystem services driven by landscape and biotic homogenization. Funding allocation mechanisms are not tailored to mitigate agricultural emissions, decreasing the efficiency of climate mitigation actions. The legislation subsidies farmers making extensive use of synthetic inputs without adequately supporting organic production, hindering the transition toward sustainable practices. We recommend proper control mechanisms be introduced in CAP Strategic Plans from each member state to ensure the EU is set on a sustainable production and consumption path. These include proportional assignment of funds to each CAP objective, quantitative targets to set goals and evidence‐based interventions, and relevant indicators to facilitate effective monitoring of environmental performance. Both the CAP and the EGD should maintain ambitious environmental commitments in the face of crisis to avoid further degradation of the natural resources on which production systems stand.
Thromboembolic complications of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children
Authors: Chen Lanqin , Yin Ju , Liu Xiuyun , Liu Jun , Xu Baoping , Shen Kunling
Published: January 2023

Background

Thromboembolism is less common in children than in adults, but it is frequently associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in many cases. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of pediatric M. pneumoniae pneumonia complicated with thromboembolism.

Methods

Hospitalized patients with M. pneumoniae pneumonia complicated by thromboembolism were enrolled from January 2012 to December 2021 in Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, China. The data on clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and treatment were evaluated.

Results

A total of 49 cases were enrolled, with a mean age of 7.9 years old, including 27 boys and 22 girls. Consolidation of pulmonary lobe or segment was observed in 95.9% (47/49) of the cases, whereas interstitial change was found only in two patients; 85.7% (42/49) of patients had pleural effusion. Pulmonary vascular thromboembolism was most common in 35 patients, whereas 13 cases had thromboembolism of multiple anatomic sites. The levels of C‐reaction protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were all increased, with a mean value of 54.08 ± 52.27 g/L, 451.12 ± 218.76 U/L, 43.40 ± 29.43 mm/h, respectively. Blood coagulation test showed that all 49 patients had elevated D‐dimer values (median 3.81 ng/ml, range, 0.34–48 ng/ml) and normal PT. aPTT.LA was positive in 74.3% (26/35) of the cases. aCL‐IgM was positive in 66.7% (26/39) of the cases. aβ2GPI‐IgM was positive in 79.4% (27/34) of the cases. The prognosis was generally good in this group.

Conclusion

Pulmonary arteriovenous thromboembolism is the most common thromboembolism complicated in MPP, and cerebral artery embolism and cardiac thrombosis are common in extrapulmonary thromboembolism. In the cases of MPP with thromboembolic complications, pulmonary consolidation with pleural effusion is the main characteristic. About two thirds of the cases are positive for antiphospholipid antibodies.
Five Stylized Facts on Belt and Road Countries and Their Trade Patterns
Authors: Damoah Kaku Attah , Giovannetti Giorgia , Marvasi Enrico
Published: January 2023

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) offers investment opportunities for several Eurasian countries but not all of them attract investments in the same way. This paper investigates the geographical distribution of BRI projects completed between 2013 and 2020. The analysis shows that pre‐existing trade patterns are related to the likelihood of a country receiving completed BRI projects. We single out and provide evidence in support of five stylized facts. First, BRI countries with completed projects tend to be poorer and larger. Second, projects are more likely to occur in countries with intense intermediate trade with China. Third, the countries that received projects have more diversified export structures and their sectoral specialization overlaps with that of China. Fourth, among middle‐high‐income countries, the allocation of projects tends to favor those with high levels of intra‐industry trade. Fifth, among BRI countries with projects, the complexity or sophistication of the goods traded increases faster with income. These findings suggest that fostering trade integration has direct benefits and may also contribute to further BRI investments.
Methodological Reflections on Normative Case Studies: What They are and Why We Need Better Quality Criteria to Inform Their Use
Authors: Taylor Rebecca M.
Published: January 2023

Normative case studies represent empirically grounded phenomena that raise normative philosophical questions. Growth in the popularity of case‐based inquiry in philosophy reflects a recent trend in the field not to shy away from engaging with empirical realities, but instead to advance philosophical projects that recognize and speak directly to these realities, including social inequities endemic to our societies. Yet, as the use of case studies and other empirically engaged philosophical approaches has grown, concerns have been raised about whether these methods risk reducing philosophy to social science and, in turn, burdening philosophy with the constraints of social science research. Responding to these concerns calls for more attention to the methodological dimensions of case‐based inquiry in philosophy. In this article, Rebecca Taylor offers reflections on two core clarifying questions: (1) What makes normative case studies distinct from other related tools for inquiry — in particular, philosophical thought experiments and qualitative case studies? (2) What quality criteria should guide the development of normative case studies?
“Like stepping on glass”: A theoretical model to understand the emotional experience of childhood parentification
Authors: Schorr Shirley , Goldner Limor
Published: January 2023

Objective

This purpose of this article is to contribute to the literature on the lived experiences of parentification, its long‐term consequences to the self, and coping strategies related to parentification.

Background

A considerable number of quantitative studies have reported on the adverse consequences of destructive or pathological parentification.

Method

Nineteen Israeli women aged 30–68 years who believed that they had experienced parentification during childhood and adolescence took part. The women participated in in‐depth semistructured interviews. The data analysis employed the constructivist grounded theory approach.

Results

The participants described their childhood and adolescence as a horrifying, threatening, invasive, and neglectful experience that demanded constant adaptation to cope with the anxiety and fear of breakdown. A developmental relational trauma model is proposed to account for the relationships described in their responses. Drawing on convergent findings from psychoanalytic and developmental approaches, the model suggests that the participants developed a split self‐structure to cope with these adverse experiences. It is argued that creating a split disconnecting the topographic structure of the self is key to understanding the sources of role reversal. By aiming to overcome the overwhelming experience of abuse and neglect, this split structure paradoxically protects the traumatized participants from the fragmentation of the self through multiple disconnections.

Conclusions

Parentification can be considered a form of emotional abuse and neglect.

Implications

Clinicians need to recognize the destructive effects of this relationship on self‐structuring.
Using pre‐gelatinised red lentils in pasta production: connecting starch features and pasta cooking behaviour
Authors: Bresciani Andrea , Giuberti Gianluca , Cervini Mariasole , Marti Alessandra
Published: January 2023

Considering the high interest in using pulses in the production of staple foods, including pasta, this study aimed at investigating the effect of pre‐gelatinisation on the overall quality of pasta from red lentils. Pre‐gelatinized flours showed a lower gelatinisation temperature (up to about 57 °C vs. about 65 °C) and higher retrogradation tendency than native flour. Such changes resulted in higher water absorption capacity (up to 1.23 vs. 0.98 g g−1) and higher farinographic torque, but did not impact the cooking quality. Conversely, the resistant starch content of cooked pasta decreased (from 14.79 to 10.4 g/100 g total starch) and the starch hydrolysis index increased (from 48.28 to 67.71) when pre‐gelatinised flours were used. In conclusion, pre‐gelatinisation impacted starch, hydration and the mixing properties of red lentils flours, without compromising the cooking behaviour of the related pasta.
Associations between interleukin 17A and 17F polymorphisms and asthma susceptibility: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Young Ho , Song Gwan Gyu
Published: January 2023

Owing to their role in inflammatory reactions and immunological responses as well as their chromosomal location, interleukin (IL) 17A and 17F are regarded as candidate causal genes associated with asthma. The aim of this study was to determine whether IL17 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to asthma. We used the PubMed/Medline and Embase databases to search for studies reporting IL17 polymorphisms in patients with asthma and healthy controls. Meta‐analyses were conducted to determine the associations between IL17A rs8193036 (−737C/T), rs2275913 (−197G/A), rs3819024 (A/G), rs3748067 (C/T), and rs4711998 (A/G) and IL17F rs763780 (7488A/G), rs2397084 (T/C), rs1889570 (C/T), rs11465553 (G/A), and rs1266828 (T/C) polymorphisms and asthma susceptibility. A total of 20 studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Our results revealed the IL17A rs8193036 CC genotype was associated with asthma susceptibility (odds ratio [OR] = 1.490, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.027–2.161, p = .036). However, stratification by ethnicity indicated no association between this polymorphism and asthma in European and Asian subjects. Furthermore, no association was found between this polymorphism and asthma using the allele contrast, dominant or homozygous contrast models. No evidence of an association was found between any of the other IL17A and IL17F polymorphisms and asthma susceptibility in this meta‐analysis. This meta‐analysis showed that, among the studied polymorphisms, only the CC genotype of IL17A rs8193036 is associated with asthma susceptibility.
The unique roles of threat perception and misinformation accuracy judgments in the relationship between political orientation and COVID‐19 health behaviors
Authors: Olivett Vincenzo J. , Maranges Heather M. , March David S.
Published: January 2023

Not everyone engages in COVID‐19 related preventative health behaviors (PHB; e.g., mask wearing, social distancing) despite their demonstrated effectiveness for mitigating the spread of COVID‐19. In the United States, for instance, PHBs emerged as (and remain) a partisan issue. The current work examines partisan gaps in PHB by considering both informational and perceptual factors related to COVID‐19. Specifically, we focus on politically motivated belief in COVID‐19 (mis)information and simultaneously consider the roles of physical threat and disgust perception. We find that poor performance in misinformation accuracy judgments and subsequently lower COVID‐19 threat perceptions sequentially predict less PHB engagement. In Study 1 (N = 87 US undergraduate students), higher conservatism predicted lower COVID‐19 threat perceptions but not COVID‐19 disgust perceptions. Study 2 (N = 168 US undergraduate students) replicated this effect, while demonstrating that the relationship between stronger conservatism and lower engagement in PHB was mediated by higher accuracy judgments of COVID‐19 misinformation and, in turn, lower perceptions of COVID‐19 threat but not disgust. This suggests that considering threat perception is essential to understanding how politically motivated endorsement of COVID‐19 misinformation shapes PHB.
Alcohol intake and dyslipidemia in male patients with hypertension and diabetes enrolled in a China multicenter registry
Authors: Ye Xiao‐Fei , Miao Chao‐Ying , Zhang Wei , Ji Li‐Nong , Wang Ji‐Guang ,   and for the ATTEND investigators
Published: January 2023

Alcohol consumption is a proven risk factor of dyslipidemia. In the present analysis, we investigated the association of alcohol intake with dyslipidemia, an emerging epidemic in China, in male patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Our study participants were from a nationwide registry (n = 1181). A questionnaire was administered to collect information on alcohol intake. Dyslipidemia was defined as an elevated concentration of serum triglycerides (≥2.3 mmol/L), total (≥6.2 mmol/L) or low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (≥4.1 mmol/L), or a reduced high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (< 1.0 mmol/L). Serum concentrations of triglycerides (1.60 mmol/L) and total (4.93 mmol/L) and LDL cholesterol (2.95 mmol/L) were highest with current usual drinking, with a significant P value for trend from never (n = 679) to ever (n = 107) and to rare (n = 187) and usual drinkers (n = 208, P ≤ .002). Serum HDL cholesterol (1.13 mmol/L) was lowest in ever drinkers, with a nonsignificant P value for trend (P = .22). The prevalence was highest in usual drinkers for hypertriglyceridemia (27.4%) and total (12.5%) and LDL hypercholesterolemia (8.7%), and in ever drinkers for low HDL cholesterol (34.6%). The P value for trend was significant for hypertriglyceridemia and total hypercholesterolemia (P ≤ .01), but not for LDL hypercholesterolemia or low HDL cholesterol (P ≥ .26). The between‐province ecological analysis showed that the proportion of usual drinking was significantly associated with the prevalence of any dyslipidemia across 10 China provinces (r = .42, P < .0001). In conclusion, alcohol drinkers showed a worse lipid profile in patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Usual drinking ecologically explained the between‐province variation in the prevalence of dyslipidemia.