bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimised Spintronic Emitters of Terahertz Radiation for Time-Domain Spectroscopy
Authors: Wagner Ford M. , Melnikas Simas , Cramer Joel , Damry Djamshid A. , Xia Chelsea Q. , Peng Kun , Jakob Gerhard , Kläui Mathias , Kičas Simonas , Johnston Michael B.
Published: January 2023

Spintronic metal thin films excited by femtosecond laser pulses have recently emerged as excellent broadband sources of terahertz (THz) radiation. Unfortunately, these emitters transmit a significant proportion of the incident excitation laser, which causes two issues: first, the transmitted light can interfere with measurements and so must be attenuated; second, the transmitted light is effectively wasted as it does not drive further THz generation. Here, we address both issues with the inclusion of a high-reflectivity (HR) coating made from alternating layers of SiO2 and Ta2O5. Emitters with the HR coating transmit less than 0.1% of the incident excitation pulse. Additionally, we find that the HR coating increases the peak THz signal by roughly 35%, whereas alternative attenuating elements, such as cellulose nitrate films, reduce the THz signal. To further improve the emission, we study the inclusion of an anti-reflective coating to the HR-coated emitters and find the peak THz signal is enhanced by a further 4%.
Longitudinal Linkages Between Parent-Child Discrepancies in Reports on Parental Autonomy Support and Informants’ Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Vrolijk Paula , Van Lissa Caspar J. , Branje Susan , Keizer Renske
Published: January 2023

Although parent-child discrepancies in reports of parenting are known to be associated with child depressive symptoms, the direction of causality is unknown. To address this knowledge gap, this study contributes to existing literature by examining longitudinal within-family linkages between parent-child discrepancies in their reports on autonomy support and depressive symptoms of children, while also assessing these linkages with parents’ depressive symptoms. In addition, this study explored whether these linkages differ for father- versus mother-child discrepancies. Longitudinal data (six annual waves) of 497 adolescents (56.9% boys, Mage at T1 = 13.03, SD = 0.46), their mothers (N = 495), and their fathers (N = 446) of the Dutch study Research on Adolescent Development and Relationships (RADAR) were used. Counter to expectations, the results of a Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model provided no evidence for within-family cross-lagged effects. Instead, stable differences between families explained linkages; in families where children reported on average higher levels of depressive symptoms, children also reported lower levels of autonomy support relative to their parents. There were no associations between parent-child discrepancies and parents’ depressive symptoms. Thus, the findings suggest that depressive symptoms are neither a consequence, nor a predictor of parent-child discrepancies in adolescence. The hypotheses and analytical plan of this study were preregistered in a project on the Open Science Framework.
Higher research productivity = more pay? Gender pay-for-productivity inequity across disciplines
Authors: Samaniego Charissa , Lindner Peggy , Kazmi Maryam A. , Dirr Bobbie A. , Kong Dejun Tony , Jeff-Eke Evonzia , Spitzmueller Christiane
Published: January 2023

Gender pay equity for academics continues to be elusive. Adding to scholarship around structural barriers to gender equity in academic settings, we investigate the link between scholarly performance and compensation. We expect high research productivity to be differentially associated with compensation outcomes for men and women. Building on social role theory, we hypothesize that these relationships are contingent upon whether researchers are inside or outside of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Using the h-index, compensation, and researcher demographics for 3033 STEM and social and behavioral sciences (SBS) researchers from 17 R1 universities, we applied multilevel modeling techniques and showed that cumulative research productivity was more strongly related to compensation for men versus women researchers. However, these effects only held in STEM disciplines but not in SBS disciplines. Based on these results, we recommend that institutions consider changing how pay analyses are conducted and advocate for adding explicit modeling of scientific performance-compensation links as part of routine pay equity analyses.
Accelerated ageing and coronary microvascular dysfunction in chronic heart failure in Tgαq*44 mice
Authors: Berkowicz Piotr , Totoń-Żurańska Justyna , Kwiatkowski Grzegorz , Jasztal Agnieszka , Csípő Tamás , Kus Kamil , Tyrankiewicz Urszula , Orzyłowska Anna , Wołkow Paweł , Tóth Attila , Chlopicki Stefan
Published: January 2023

Age represents a major risk factor in heart failure (HF). However, the mechanisms linking ageing and HF are not clear. We aimed to identify the functional, morphological and transcriptomic changes that could be attributed to cardiac ageing in a model of slowly progressing HF in Tgαq*44 mice in reference to the cardiac ageing process in FVB mice. In FVB mice, ageing resulted in the impairment of diastolic cardiac function and in basal coronary flow (CF), perivascular and interstitial fibrosis without changes in the cardiac activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) or aldosterone plasma concentration. In Tgαq*44 mice, HF progression was featured by the impairment of systolic and diastolic cardiac function and in basal CF that was associated with a distinct rearrangement of the capillary architecture, pronounced perivascular and interstitial fibrosis, progressive activation of cardiac ACE and systemic angiotensin-aldosterone-dependent pathways. Interestingly, cardiac ageing genes and processes were represented in Tgαq*44 mice not only in late but also in early phases of HF, as evidenced by cardiac transcriptome analysis. Thirty-four genes and 8 biological processes, identified as being ageing related, occurred early and persisted along HF progression in Tgαq*44 mice and were mostly associated with extracellular matrix remodelling and fibrosis compatible with perivascular fibrosis resulting in coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in Tgαq*44 mice. In conclusion, accelerated and persistent cardiac ageing contributes to the pathophysiology of chronic HF in Tgαq*44 mice. In particular, prominent perivascular fibrosis of microcirculation resulting in CMD represents an accelerated cardiac ageing phenotype that requires targeted treatment in chronic HF.
Human antibody profiling technologies for autoimmune disease
Authors: Carlton Lauren H. , McGregor Reuben , Moreland Nicole J.
Published: January 2023

Autoimmune diseases are caused by the break-down in self-tolerance mechanisms and can result in the generation of autoantibodies specific to human antigens. Human autoantigen profiling technologies such as solid surface arrays and display technologies are powerful high-throughput technologies utilised to discover and map novel autoantigens associated with disease. This review compares human autoantigen profiling technologies including the application of these approaches in chronic and post-infectious autoimmune disease. Each technology has advantages and limitations that should be considered when designing new projects to profile autoantibodies. Recent studies that have utilised these technologies across a range of diseases have highlighted marked heterogeneity in autoantibody specificity between individuals as a frequent feature. This individual heterogeneity suggests that epitope spreading maybe an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease in general and likely contributes to inflammatory tissue damage and symptoms. Studies focused on identifying autoantibody biomarkers for diagnosis should use targeted data analysis to identify the rarer public epitopes and antigens, common between individuals. Thus, utilisation of human autoantigen profiling technology, combined with different analysis approaches, can illuminate both pathogenesis and biomarker discovery.
Phase 2 results of idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel, bb2121) in Japanese patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Minakata Daisuke , Ishida Tadao , Ando Kiyoshi , Suzuki Rikio , Tanaka Junji , Hagiwara Shotaro , Ananthakrishnan Revathi , Kuwayama Shigeki , Nishio Mitsufumi , Kanda Yoshinobu , Suzuki Kenshi
Published: January 2023

Background

In the phase 2 KarMMa trial, patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) achieved deep and durable responses with idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel), a B-cell maturation antigen-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. Here we report a sub-analysis of the Japanese cohort of KarMMa.

Methods

Adult patients with RRMM who had received  ≥ 3 prior treatment regimens, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 antibody, and had disease refractory to last treatment received ide-cel at a target dose of 450 × 106 CAR positive T cells.

Results

Nine patients were treated with ide-cel. The overall response rate was 89% (median follow-up, 12.9 months). The best overall response was stringent complete response in 5 patients (56%), very good partial response in 3 (33%), and stable disease in 1. Median duration of response was not reached. All patients experienced grade ≤ 2 cytokine release syndrome and one patient experienced grade 2 neurotoxicity, but all resolved. Two patients died, one each from plasma cell myeloma and general health deterioration.

Conclusion

Ide-cel yielded deep, durable responses with a tolerable and predictable safety profile in Japanese patients with RRMM. These results are similar to those of the non-Japanese population in KarMMa.
Transglycosylation of Stevioside by a Commercial β-Glucanase with Fungal Extracted β-Glucans as Donors
Authors: Zerva Anastasia , Mohammadi Milad , Dimopoulos Georgios , Taoukis Petros , Topakas Evangelos
Published: January 2023

Alternative sweeteners, such as steviol glucosides from the plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, are becoming increasingly popular for the design of next-generation foodstuffs. However, the bitter aftertaste of native steviol glucosides is one of the main reasons behind consumer reluctance towards stevia-containing products. Biocatalysis could be a sustainable solution to this problem, through addition of glucosyl moieties to the molecule. Glycoside hydrolases are enzymes performing transglycosylation reactions, and they can be exploited for such modifications. In the present work, the commercial β-glucanase Finizym 250L® was employed for the transglycosylation of stevioside. After optimization of several reaction parameters, the maximal reaction yield obtained was 19%, with barley β-glucan as the glycosyl donor. With the aim to develop a sustainable process, β-glucan extracts from different fungal sources were prepared. Pulsed Electric Field pretreatment of mycelial biomass resulted in extracts with higher β-glucan content. The extracts were tested as alternative glucosyl donors, reaching up to 15.5% conversion yield, from Pleurotus-extracted β-glucan. Overall, in the present work a novel enzymatic process for the modification of stevioside is proposed, with concomitant valorization of β-glucans extracted from fungal biomass, potentially generated as a byproduct from other applications, in concert with the principles of circular economy.

Graphical Abstract
Development and Validation of the Awareness Outcomes Measure (AOM) Using Rasch Approach
Authors: Sutton Anna , Medvedev Oleg N.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Awareness is a key component of concepts related to well-being, such as mindfulness and authenticity. Similarly, interventions to enhance mindfulness and well-being often focus on developing awareness. But measuring the effect of awareness development represents a challenge due to the lack of reliable and valid measures focused specifically on awareness outcomes. This study aimed to develop and validate the Awareness Outcomes Measure (AOM) using modern Rasch methodology.

Method

The measure was developed from Self-Awareness Outcomes Questionnaire (SAOQ) items, drawn from previous research with awareness-development experts. A partial credit Rasch model was applied to examine the psychometric properties of the AOM with a combined sample of 713 participants from three English-speaking countries.

Results

The 21-item AOM met expectations of the unidimensional Rasch model. It is a reliable and psychometrically sound instrument, invariant across sex, country, and age, designed to measure the outcomes of awareness development. Person-item thresholds demonstrated excellent coverage of awareness outcomes, and we developed an algorithm for ordinal-to-interval transformations presented in a table to further enhance precision of the AOM.

Conclusions

In this study, we have developed and validated the AOM, providing researchers and practitioners with a robust measure of awareness outcomes that is suitable for use in a range of populations.
Agronomic factors are the dominant influence on nitrogen fertilizer strategies in dryland cropping systems
Authors: Petersen Elizabeth H. , Scanlan Craig A. , Burton Michael P. , Oliver Yvette M. , Murphy Daniel V. , Hoyle Frances C.
Published: January 2023

Factors affecting fertilizer decisions made by grain growers are changing in the context of changing climatic conditions and growing volatility in global fertilizer and grain markets. To ensure sustainable development of grain industries in light of this uncertainty, research, development, extension, and adoption activities associated with growers’ fertilizer decisions need to be focused on factors to which they are most sensitive. The aim of this paper is to understand the factors that have the greatest influence on grain producer’s fertilizer strategies, how these factors have changed over recent years, and what is the relative importance of agronomic, socioeconomic, and logistical factors affecting these strategies. A telephone survey of 425 grain-growing businesses in Western Australia was conducted, and survey results were analyzed statistically. We show for the first time that grain growers’ fertilizer decisions are most sensitive to agronomic factors (especially the amount and distribution of rainfall). Logistic factors (such as difficulties fertilizing increasing areas in short periods of time) are growing in influence as farm size, cropping areas, and the number of fertilizer applications within seasons increase. Fertilizer decisions have become less sensitive to socioeconomic factors over the last 10 to 15 years. To ensure sustainable development of grain production, research through to adoption activities should focus on agronomic issues (such as seasonal forecasting) and logistic issues (such as improving planning, organizational, and technical capacity for developing and implementing fertilizer strategies).
Point-of-care ultrasonography in diagnosing necrotizing fasciitis—a literature review
Authors: Gan Rick Kye , Sanchez Martinez Antoni , Abu Hasan Muhammad Abdus-Syakur , Castro Delgado Rafael , Arcos González Pedro
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressive necrosis of the fascial layer with a high mortality rate. It is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires urgent treatment. Lack of skin finding in NF made diagnosis difficult and required a high clinical index of suspicion. The use of ultrasound may guide clinicians in improving diagnostic speed and accuracy, thus leading to improved management decisions and patient outcomes. This literature search aims to review the use of point-of-care ultrasonography in diagnosing necrotizing fasciitis.

Method

We searched relevant electronic databases, including PUBMED, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS, and performed a systematic review. Keywords used were “necrotizing fasciitis” or “necrotising fasciitis” or “necrotizing soft tissue infections” and “point-of-care ultrasonography” “ultrasonography” or “ultrasound”. No temporal limitation was set. An additional search was performed via google scholar, and the top 100 entry was screened.

Results

Among 540 papers screened, only 21 were related to diagnosing necrotizing fasciitis using ultrasonography. The outcome includes three observational studies, 16 case reports, and two case series, covering the period from 1976 to 2022.

Conclusion

Although the use of ultrasonography in diagnosing NF was published in several papers with promising results, more studies are required to investigate its diagnostic accuracy and potential to reduce time delay before surgical intervention, morbidity, and mortality.
Corticosteroids to prevent renal scarring in children with pyelonephritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jääskeläinen Johanna , Renko Marjo , Kuitunen Ilari
Published: January 2023

Background

Acute pyelonephritis is a common infection in children that may cause renal scarring. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyse the use of corticosteroid treatment to prevent renal scarring.

Methods

We searched the PubMED, SCOPUS, Cochrane CENTRAL and Web of Science databases in June 2022 for (corticosteroid* or dexamethasone or prednisolone* or prednisone* or hydrocortisone*) AND pyelonephritis. Randomised controlled trials focusing on children were included. The intervention was corticosteroid treatment with antibiotics compared to antibiotics with or without a placebo. The main outcome was the presence of renal scars on dimercaptosuccinic acid scanning at follow-up. The evidence quality was assessed using the GRADE methodology and risk of bias 2.0 tool. We calculated the risk ratio (RR), absolute risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and the number needed to treat (NNT). We applied a fixed effects model due to low heterogeneity.

Results

We screened 872 abstracts and included five full texts. Renal scarring at follow-up was found in 31/220 (14.1%) patients in the corticosteroid groups and 76/278 (27.3%) in the control groups (RR 0.65, CI 0.44–0.96, RD − 13.2%, NNT 8). The evidence quality was moderate. Two studies reported adverse events with no differences between the groups. The risk of bias analysis showed some concerns in four studies.

Conclusion

We found moderate quality evidence that adjuvant corticosteroid treatment could prevent renal scarring. Adverse events were insufficiently reported, and more research on their effectiveness and harm is therefore needed before using corticosteroids in clinical settings.
A new approach to investigate the effects of artificial neural networks based on bipolar complex spherical fuzzy information
Authors: Gwak Jeonghwan , Garg Harish , Jan Naeem , Akram Bushra
Published: January 2023

Artificial neural network is revolutionizing business and everyday life, bringing us to the next level in artificial intelligence. It has a unique ability to extract meaning from complex data to find patterns and detect trends that are too convoluted for the human brain. This paper analyzes the artificial neural network impact on different computational organizations by using the innovative structure of bipolar complex spherical fuzzy relation which is any subset of the Cartesian product of two bipolar complex spherical fuzzy sets. This notion has a comprehensive structure that consists of membership grade, abstinence grade, and non-membership grade. Furthermore, various kinds of bipolar complex spherical fuzzy relation with suitable examples are given and some authentic results also have been proved. These newly defined structures are used to investigate the impact of artificial neural network work on a variety of organizations. The innovative framework is also compared with the existing structure in the field of fuzzy set theory to prove its superiority.
The impact of shadowboxing on the psychological well-being of professional martial artists
Authors: Croom Adam M.
Published: January 2023

Does martial arts practice contribute to psychological well-being in professional martial artists? If so, what are the specific ways that martial arts practice accomplishes this? It has been a long-standing and widely held belief that martial arts practice can contribute to psychological well-being, however, there has been a lack of empirical research in the psychological literature focused on investigating the details of this hypothesis. The purpose of this research is therefore to investigate the impact of a paradigmatic martial arts practice—shadowboxing—on the psychological well-being of professional martial artists. In this article I present the results from an original empirical study on professional Muay Thai practitioners (n = 14) that reveals how a martial arts practice (shadowboxing) contributes to their overall psychological well-being by contributing to their positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. I present general results for how shadowboxing contributes to the psychological well-being of these professional martial artists overall, as well as more specific results for how shadowboxing contributes to the psychological well-being of these professional martial artists based on factors such as their gender, fight experience, and training location. This article also provides qualitative first-person reports from professional Muay Thai practitioners (n = 14) about their use of visualization and mental imagery and their experience of flow while shadowboxing, offering unique insight into the minds of professional martial artists as they are actively engaged in their craft. Finally, this article discusses the value and limitations of the present study and outlines suggestions for future research.
The Utility of Echocardiogram in the Workup of Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Villani Linda A. , Guay Meagan , DeDominicis Michael , Bharwani Aadil , Xu Richard , Počuča Nikola , Perera Kanjana
Published: January 2023

Background:

Cardiac sources of emboli can be identified by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). The Canadian Best Practice Guidelines recommend routine use of TTE in the initial workup of ischemic stroke when an embolic source is suspected. However, TTEs are commonly ordered for all patients despite insufficient evidence to justify cost-effectiveness. We aim to evaluate the TTE ordering pattern in the initial workup of ischemic stroke at a regional Stroke Center in Central South Ontario and determine the proportion of studies which led to a change in management and affected length of stay (LOS).

Methods:

Hospital records of 520 patients with a discharge diagnosis of TIA or ischemic stroke between October 2016 and June 2017 were reviewed to gather information

Results:

477 patients admitted for TIA or ischemic stroke met inclusion criteria. 67.9% received TTE, out of which 6.0% had findings of cardiac sources of emboli including left ventricular thrombus, atrial septal aneurysm, PFO, atrial myxoma, and valvular vegetation. 2.5% of all TTE findings led to change in medical management. The median LOS of patients who underwent TTE was 2 days longer (p < 0.00001).

Conclusion:

TTE in the initial workup of TIA or ischemic stroke remains common practice. The yield of TTEs is low, and the proportion of studies that lead to changes in medical management is minimal. TTE completion was associated with increased LOS and may result in increased healthcare spending; however, additional factors prolonging the LOS could not be excluded.
A Battle of Ideas: Modes of Liability and Mass Atrocities
Authors: Minkova Liana Georgieva
Published: January 2023

International criminal law (ICL) is premised upon the principle of individual criminal responsibility—the idea that individual persons, rather than states or other entities, bear criminal responsibility for mass atrocities. This principle has been operationalized in practice through the development of various legal theories, technically known as “modes of liability,” that delineate individual contributions to collective forms of violence. However, the modes of liability have been interpreted and applied differently across international courts and tribunals. Crucially, the International Criminal Court has construed those modes in a significantly more restrained manner than previous international tribunals, essentially limiting the set of situations in which a person could be found guilty of an international crime. This article contributes to the interdisciplinary literature on international criminal justice by exploring the social construction of different conceptualizations of the modes of liability in ICL and their transformations over time. Specifically, the framework focuses on the promotion and contestation of ideas among various actors participating in the international criminal justice field and the power dynamics that govern the field. This is a key issue for ICL and global justice because it demarcates the legal boundaries of “guilt” and “accountability” for international crimes.
Cormac McCarthy’s Racial Fictions: Race in Blood Meridian’s Colonial Imagination
Authors: Wang Kyle
Published: January 2023

Situated within contemporary studies of Cormac McCarthy’s work, this article argues that existing discourse around Cormac McCarthy’s novel Blood Meridian suffers from a lack of critical engagement with the novel’s racial and colonial politics. Using racial capitalism as a framework, the article posits that McCarthy’s novel can be read not only as a story about American storytelling traditions, but how these traditions are themselves contingent on the reproduction and reification of white supremacy. This rereading of Blood Meridian additionally takes into account how the novel’s narrativization of white supremacy and settler colonialism manifests in both the novel’s form and content, arguing that the novel stages encounters with blackness and Indigeneity to mimic the mechanisms through which white supremacy was (violently) produced.
Creolization, Hybridity and Archipelagic Thinking: Interrogating Inscriptions of Postcolonial Agency
Authors: Murdoch H. Adlai
Published: January 2023

The terms creolization and hybridity are neither parallel nor interchangeable. The former cannot be fully understood without taking into account its historical background and geographical context so that creolization is a phenomenon of exchange and transformation that is indispensable to understanding the New World experience. Hybridity, on the other hand, claims to provide a framework for avoiding the binaries of colonialist thinking, enabling agency particularly in postcolonial contexts involving subaltern subjects. Such a reading posits contact and chaos, cultural relativity, exchange and transformation as key tools in a polyvalent system of thought. The resulting nonbinary, archipelagic framework leads to the concept of archipelic rather than continental thought, transcending the universalist presumptions of the either/or and revising and rewriting traditional notions of boundary and location.
EVALUATION OF AQUEOUS GASTROPOD SHELLS AS GROUNDWATER RADIOCARBON PROXIES ACROSS SPECIES AND SITES
Authors: Lerback J C , Bagge S , Bowen B B
Published: January 2023

We evaluate carbonate gastropod shells as 14C proxies for groundwater discharge at springs. Groundwater 14C is commonly used to estimate groundwater transit times, and a carbonate shell proxy would present a different way of collecting groundwater 14C data. Specifically, we test the hypothesis that in exclusively groundwater-fed spring systems, water 14C is preserved in carbonate shells at multiple sites, species, and water 14C. We first present isotopic and water temperature variability over several years at three spring sites in Utah. We then compare the 14C of contemporaneously collected water, sediment, and shells of benthic gastropods (Melanoides tuberculata, Pyrgulopsis pilsbryana, and Physella gyrina). We show that water and shell 14C activities at each site are correlated (slope = 1.00, R2 = 0.999, n = 22). These results support the hypothesis that 14C from groundwater is preserved in carbonate shells, and that aqueous gastropods a viable groundwater 14C proxy. Finally, we describe the utility and limitations of using gastropod shells as a groundwater 14C proxy.
Interaction between genetics and inulin affects host metabolism in rainbow trout fed a sustainable all plant-based diet
Authors: Lokesh Jep , Delaygues Marine , Defaix Raphaël , Le Bechec Mickael , Pigot Thierry , Dupont-Nivet Mathilde , Kerneis Thierry , Labbé Laurent , Goardon Lionel , Terrier Frédéric , Panserat Stéphane , Ricaud Karine
Published: January 2023

Inulin affects nutrition and metabolism in many animals. Although inulin is widely used in the diet of teleosts, its mechanism of action is unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of inulin (2 %) on the intestinal microbiome and metabolism in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) selected for growth and survival when fed a 100 % plant-based diet (suave) and a control line (temoin). Metabolic responses to the two factors (line and inulin) in liver, intestine, muscle and adipose were tissue-specific, with line and interaction between the two factors influencing overall expression in liver. In the intestine, inulin and line and in muscle, line influenced the expression of metabolic genes. Microbiota between the mucus and digestive contents was significantly different, with genera from Proteobacteria being more abundant in the mucus, whereas genera from the Firmicutes and Planctomycetes being more abundant in contents. Effect of inulin and interaction between factors on the microbiome was evident in contents. The significant taxa of control and inulin-fed groups differed greatly with Streptococcus and Weissella being significantly abundant in the inulin-fed group. There was a general trend showing higher levels of all SCFA in temoin group with propionic acid levels being significantly higher. An operational taxonomic unit (OTU) belonging to the Ruminococcaceae was significantly abundant in suave. The tissue-specific correlations between OTU and gene expression may indicate the link between microbiome and metabolism. Together, these results suggest that line and inulin impact the gene expression in a tissue-specific manner, possibly driven by specific OTUs enriched in inulin-fed groups and suave.
Weight trajectories from birth to 5 years and child appetitive traits at 7 years of age: a prospective birth cohort study
Authors: Warkentin Sarah , Santos Ana Cristina , Oliveira Andreia
Published: January 2023

Rapid prenatal and postnatal weight gain seem to alter appetite regulation and hypothalamic functions through different pathways; however, little is known on how early life growth trajectories may influence appetitive traits in school-age. We aimed to explore the associations between weight trajectories from birth to 5 years and appetitive traits at 7. Participants were from the Generation XXI birth cohort (n3855). Four weight trajectories were investigated: ‘normal weight gain’ (closely overlaps the 50th percentile in the weight-for-age curve), ‘weight gain during infancy’ (low birth weight and weight gain mainly during infancy), ‘weight gain during childhood’ (continuous weight gain since birth) and ‘persistent weight gain’ (always showing higher weight than the average). Appetitive traits were assessed through the Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Associations were tested using generalised linear models, adjusted for maternal and child characteristics. Compared with ‘normal weight gain’, those in the other growth trajectories showed greater enjoyment of food and eating in response to food stimuli (i.e. Food Responsiveness) but were less able to compensate for prior food intake and ate faster at 7 (i.e. less Satiety Responsiveness and Slowness in Eating). Also, those with ‘weight gain during infancy’ showed to have greater Emotional Overeating and less Emotional Undereating and were fussier. Associations were stronger if greater weight gain occurred during infancy. Early infancy seems to be a sensitive period in the development of later appetitive traits. The control of rapid growth during infancy, besides strategies focused on the overall environment where children are living, is necessary.
Northernmost record of the Chilean torpedo Tetronarce tremens from tropical coastal waters of the Mexican Pacific
Authors: Ruiz-Escobar Fernando , Oceguera-Figueroa Alejandro , Islas-Villanueva Valentina
Published: January 2023

The Chilean torpedo Tetronarce tremens is recorded for the first time in the Mexican Pacific. A single male specimen was captured by artisanal fishermen using a bottom-set gillnet off San Agustinillo, Oaxaca. The specimen identification was based on morphology and confirmed by DNA barcoding of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene and its comparison with sequences available in online repositories. A phylogenetic analysis of Tetronarce resulted in the clustering of three species that inhabit the Pacific Ocean: Tetronarce tremens, Tetronarce californica and Tetronarce tokionis. This study provides the northernmost record of Tetronarce tremens in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, an atypical sighting beyond its native distribution range in tropical and temperate waters off South America.
‘Enjoying life’: Consumption, changing meanings, and social differentiation in Kerala, India
Authors: Mannathukkaren Nissim
Published: January 2023

Kerala is a well-recognized ‘model’ of human development in the world. In this article, I look at a crucial aspect of this development, which is often approached in a positivist fashion of statistical aggregation alone: consumption. Instead, there is a need to study the meanings that surround it. I delineate the many forces, particularly the new material infrastructure, that have driven consumption in the last three decades, especially the last one. With increasing integration into global market forces through migration and investment, and cultural imaginations, I show that there is a tectonic change in consciousness about consumption, marked by fantasies, desires, and, contrarily, feelings of excess and ambivalence. I argue that the non-market sector has also played an important role in consumption. There is an increasing generalization of certain ideas about consumption as well as disenchantments across classes. But critically, I contend, there are caste, class, and gender disparities in consumption as well as differences in the meanings attributed to it. Thus, consumption is a socially meaningful, but discrepant, space. This article is based on fieldwork conducted in a town in central Kerala, supplemented with quantitative data.
The mitochondrial DNA diversity of captive ruffed lemurs (Vareciaspp.): implications for conservation
Authors: Vega Rodrigo , Hopper Jane , Kitchener Andrew C. , Catinaud Jérôme , Roullet Delphine , Robsomanitrandrasana Eric , Hollister Jack D. , Roos Christian , King Tony
Published: January 2023

Ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegataandVarecia rubra) are categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and genetic studies are needed for assessing the conservation value of captive populations. Using 280 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequences, we studied the genetic diversity and structure of captive ruffed lemurs in Madagascar, Europe and North America. We found 10 new haplotypes: one from the European captiveV. rubrapopulation, three from captiveV. variegata subcincta(one from Europe and two from Madagascar) and six from other captiveV. variegatain Madagascar. We found low mtDNA genetic diversity in the European and North American captive populations ofV. variegata. Several founder individuals shared the same mtDNA haplotype and therefore should not be assumed to be unrelated founders when making breeding recommendations. The captive population in Madagascar has high genetic diversity, including haplotypes not yet identified in wild populations. We determined the probable geographical provenance of founders of captive populations by comparison with previous studies; all reported haplotypes from captive ruffed lemurs were identical to or clustered with haplotypes from wild populations located north of the Mangoro River in Madagascar. Effective conservation strategies for wild populations, with potentially unidentified genetic diversity, should still be considered the priority for conserving ruffed lemurs. However, our results illustrate that the captive population in Madagascar has conservation value as a source of potential release stock for reintroduction or reinforcement projects and that cross-regional transfers within the global captive population could increase the genetic diversity and therefore the conservation value of each regional population.
Health, Health Care, and Equality of Opportunity: The Rationale for Universal Health Care
Authors: Wester Gry
Published: January 2023

This article discusses what arguments best support universal health care (UHC), with a focus on Norman Daniels’ equality of opportunity account. This justification for UHC hinges on the assumption of a close relationship between health care and health. But in light of empirical research that suggests that health outcomes are shaped to a large extent by factors other than health care, such as income, education, housing, and working conditions, the question arises to what extent health care is really necessary to protect and promote health, and thereby opportunity. The author argues that, although this challenge to the equality of opportunity rationale is legitimate, it is not sufficiently specified to allow us to adequately assess the extent to which universal health succeeds in protecting equality of opportunity. The article concludes by outlining a more promising strategy for developing a viable rationale for UHC.
Opportunistic Mental Health Screening: Is there a Role Following a Disaster? Lessons from the 2010-2011 Queensland (Australia) Floods and Cyclones
Authors: Crompton David , Kohleis Peter , Shakespeare-Finch Jane , FitzGerald Gerard , Young Ross
Published: January 2023

Background:

Following the 2010-2011 floods and cyclones that affected 78% of Queensland, Australia, a State-wide mental health response was established. The response plan included a 24-hour access line. This study examines the effectiveness of the mental health screening program conducted via the State-wide health call center (13HEALTH) in 2012.

Methods:

Callers to the 13HEALTH line were screened to assess the impact of the disaster. The 13HEALTH clinicians administered the Primary Care-Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale (PC-PTSD) screening measure. Those scoring more than two on the PC-PTSD Scale were provided information on the emotional impact of disasters and a referral to the post-disaster specialist mental health program (SMHP). For calls related to those under 18, a single-item question assessed behavioral or emotional changes since the natural disasters. Those with identified changes were offered a referral to a post-disaster SMHP.

The study evaluates the relationship between disaster exposure and the likelihood of 13HEALTH callers experiencing physical health concerns and unacknowledged mental health symptoms. The program’s cost for the 12 months of 2012 was assessed using data from the financial contract.

Results:

In 2012, there were 205,064 calls to 13HEALTH: 19,708 identified as residing in a flood or cyclone-affected area, 7,315 adults indicated they were personally affected, and 907 scored more than two on the PC-PTSD Scale. Only 700 agreed to a referral to the SMHP. There were 290 children under 18 assessed as at risk; 207 accepted a referral to a SMHP.

Regions that experienced a greater impact from the floods and cyclones were 1.3-2.3 times more likely to report being personally affected by the floods and cyclones. Similarly, these regions had more callers scoring more than two on the PC-PTSD Scale. The total cost of the 13HEALTH program for 2012 was $53,284 (AU) across all age groups.

Conclusion:

The 13HEALTH general health post-disaster screening program demonstrates opportunistic screening may assist identification of those with unmet mental health needs. The data indicate an increased likelihood of personal exposure in the more affected regions with an increased risk of unrecognized psychological symptoms as assessed by the PC-PTSD Scale. However, more than 20% declined referral to a SMHP.
Relationship between dietary patterns and physical performance in the very old population: a cross-sectional study from the Kawasaki Aging and Wellbeing Project
Authors: Yu Tao , Oguma Yuko , Asakura Keiko , Abe Yukiko , Arai Yasumichi
Published: January 2023

Objectives:

As the world’s population is ageing, improving the physical performance (PP) of the older population is becoming important. Although diets are fundamental to maintaining and improving PP, few studies have addressed the role of these factors in adults aged ≥ 85 years, and none have been conducted in Asia. This study aimed to determine the dietary patterns (DP) and examine their relationship with PP in this population.

Design:

This cross-sectional study (Kawasaki Aging and Wellbeing Project) estimated food consumption using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. The results were adjusted for energy after aggregating into thirty-three groups, excluding possible over- or underestimation. Principal component analysis was used to identify DP, and outcomes included hand grip strength (HGS), timed up-and-go test, and usual walking speed.

Setting:

This study was set throughout several hospitals in Kawasaki city.

Participants:

In total, 1026 community-dwelling older adults (85–89 years) were enrolled.

Results:

Data of 1000 participants (median age: 86·9 years, men: 49·9 %) were included in the analysis. Three major DP (DP1: various foods, DP2: red meats and coffee, DP3: bread and processed meats) were identified. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the trend of DP2 was negatively associated with HGS (B, 95 % CI –0·35, –0·64, –0·06).

Conclusions:

This study suggests a negative association between HGS and DP characterised by red meats and coffee in older adults aged ≥ 85 years in Japan.
Results from the Strong Families Start at Home/Familias Fuertes Comienzan en Casa: feasibility randomised control trial to improve the diet quality of low-income, predominantly Hispanic/Latinx children
Authors: Tovar Alison , Fox Katelyn , Gans Kim M , Markham Risica Patricia , Papandonatos George D , Ramirez Andrea , Gorin Amy A , von Ash Tayla , Jennings Ernestine , Bouchard Kelly , McCurdy Karen
Published: January 2023

Objective:

To describe the feasibility, acceptability and results of Strong Families Start at Home, a 6-month pilot trial of a home-based food parenting/nutrition intervention.

Design:

Pilot randomised controlled trial.

Setting:

Participants received six visits with a community health worker trained in motivational interviewing (three home visits, three phone calls); an in-home cooking or reading activity; personalised feedback on a recorded family meal or reading activity; text messages and tailored printed materials.

Participants:

Parents and their 2–5-year-old child were randomised into intervention (responsive food parenting practices/nutrition) or control (reading readiness) groups.

Results:

Parents (n 63) were mostly mothers (90 %), Hispanic/Latinx (87 %), born outside the USA (62 %), with household incomes <$25 k (54 %). Despite delivery during COVID-19, 63 % of dyads were retained at 6 months. The intervention was delivered with high fidelity. All parents in the intervention group (n 24) expressed high levels of satisfaction with the intervention, which produced positive treatment effects for whole and total fruit component Healthy Eating Index-2015 scores (point estimate (PE) = 2·14, 95 % CI (0·17, 1·48); PE = 1·71, 95 % CI (0·16, 1·47), respectively) and negative treatment effects for sodium (PE = -2·09, 95 % CI (−1·35, −0·04)). Positive treatment effects also resulted for the following food parenting practices: regular timing of meals and snacks (PE = 1·08, 95 % CI (0·61, 2·00)), reducing distractions during mealtimes (PE = -0·79, 95 % CI (−1·52, −0·19)), using food as a reward (PE = -0·54, 95 % CI (−1·35, −0·04)) and providing a supportive meal environment (PE = 0·73, 95 % CI (0·18, 1·51)).

Conclusion:

Given the continued disparities in diet quality among low-income and diverse families, continued efforts to improve child diet quality in fully powered intervention trials are needed.
Food insecurity and coping strategies and their association with anxiety and depression: a nationally representative South African survey
Authors: Dlamini Siphiwe N , Craig Ashleigh , Mtintsilana Asanda , Mapanga Witness , Du Toit Justin , Ware Lisa J , Norris Shane A
Published: January 2023

Objective:

To investigate food insecurity and related coping strategies among South African households and their associations with anxiety and depression.

Design:

Cross-sectional study. Food insecurity and coping strategies were assessed using a modified Community Childhood Hunger Identification Project and the Coping Strategies Index questionnaires. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were used to assess anxiety and depression risk. Ordered logistic regressions were used to test associations of food insecurity and related coping strategies with anxiety and depression.

Setting:

South Africa during COVID-19, October 2021.

Participants:

Nationally representative sample of 3402 adults, weighted to 39,640,674 South African households.

Results:

About 20·4 % of South African households were food insecure, with the most affected being from the lowest socio-economic groups. Shifting from ‘food secure’ to ‘at risk’ or from ‘at risk’ to ‘food insecure’ group was associated with 1·7 times greater odds of being in a higher category of anxiety or depression (P < 0·001). All coping strategies were used to some extent in South African households, with 46·0 % relying on less preferred and less expensive foods and 20·9 % sending a household member to beg for food. These coping strategies were mostly used by food-insecure households. Although the odds of moving to a higher category of anxiety and depression were observed among all coping strategies (all P < 0·001), begging for food was associated with the highest odds (OR = 2·3).

Conclusions:

Food insecurity remains a major health threat in South Africa. Public measures to address mental health should consider reductions in food insecurity as part of their strategy.
Mapping Gender and Women’s Studies in the Arab Gulf: How to Move It from the Margins?
Authors: Alsahi Huda
Published: January 2023

Over the past few decades, the Arab Gulf has witnessed tremendous socioeconomic and structural transformation coupled with major reforms to modernize the higher education sector. These reforms have focused on establishing partnerships with foreign universities and/or hosting international branch campuses to promote diverse, liberal, and high-quality educational programs. While these far-reaching reforms have undeniably led to a dramatic increase in the number of academic institutions (Baghdady 2017), these institutions have mostly reproduced traditional educational structures and paradigms, with little contribution to the advancement of more liberal and progressive ideas and/or areas of study, namely, gender and women’s studies (GWS).