bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temples of Nature
Authors: Ragan Mark A.
Published: July 2023

This chapter explores high-level biological classification in Britain from about 1770 to 1880. Linnæan systematics merged smoothly with natural theology, an older tradition in which the wondrous complexity of natural things, their fitness for purpose and place in the natural order were taken as evidence of providential design. Erasmus Darwin’s poems of origin and evolution were briefly popular. Natural theology made a last stand with the Bridgewater Treatises, but gave way to new arguments for evolution. Owen considered microscopic animalcules to be prototypes, and established kingdom Protozoa for beings that lack the distinctive superadditions of animals or plants. John Hogg proposed an ill-defined kingdom Primigenum, while from across the Atlantic, Wilson and Cassin offered kingdom Primalia defined by distinct characters. These new “third kingdoms” were ignored in the immense flood of popular works on natural history characteristic of the Victorian Age.
Meditation and Cultural Repertoires
Authors: McMahan David L.
Published: July 2023

Rather than understanding meditation as an objective ascertainment of private internal contents of consciousness, this chapter theorizes meditative experiences as a systemic part of the ecology of a sociocultural system. Like patients and their doctors, meditators negotiate the significance of their experiences with teachers, texts, and traditions. This dialogue shapes not only the interpretation of their experiences but also the experiences themselves. Inchoate and unconscious impulses, impressions, and notions emerge into consciousness to take the shape of available categories. Narratives of progress, maps of the path, models of enlightened persons, and meditation instructions constitute templates that shape how meditation works in configuring consciousness. These templates guide meditators toward attending to certain features of their experience, interpreting their significance, categorizing them in certain ways, acting on them according to prescribed purposes. This is a constructivist model of meditation, in which practitioners try to cultivate states and culturally available ways of being.
Introduction
Authors: Duvanova Dinissa
Published: July 2023

This chapter sets up the research puzzle: Why do the supposedly dysfunctional and failing institutions of Russian and Kazakh kleptocratic regimes persist and even strengthen the power of authoritarian rulers? I survey the stylized facts about these countriesâ€™ economies and politics to demonstrate that Russian and Kazakh states have grown strong and resilient despite systemic corruption and debilitating cronyism. The chapter sets the scene for approaching this corruption/capacity paradox from the perspective of the regulatory state and discusses the roles of the major actors contributing to its rise—a state bureaucracy that preys on private enterprise and regular citizens, opportunistic business entities eager to collude with state agencies to get access to economic rents, and autocrats who invest in regulatory state-building to ensure their continuing rule.
European ‘Migrant Crisis’, 2015–2016
Authors: Bradley Miriam
Published: July 2023

Chapter 12 examines the international humanitarian response to the European migrant ‘crisis’, with a focus on 2015 and 2016, but additionally incorporating discussion of developments up until 2021. In just nine months from July 2015 to March 2016, more than a million refugees and other migrants arrived in Europe by sea (mainly in Greece but also Italy and—to a much lesser extent—Spain), exposing a crisis of European institutions, policy, and practice. European policies created a situation in which tens or hundreds of thousands of migrants are in need of humanitarian aid, notably in the Mediterranean, the Greek island of Lesvos, and Calais. Newly established non-governmental organizations took the lead in search-and-rescue missions in the Mediterranean and in providing assistance to migrants in camps in Calais and Lesvos. With some important exceptions, most of the largest international humanitarian agencies that are the main focus of this book have been absent or have provided a small-scale, low-profile response. For many of the organizations that did respond, advocacy was a central part of their work in this context—both as a way to minimize their complicity with the policies and practices that were the cause of suffering and in an effort to pressurize authorities into changing those policies and practices. European authorities were hostile to most kinds of humanitarian response in this context, criminalizing and harassing those who sought to rescue and to support migrants, with a negative impact on their capacity to respond.
Politics, Principles, and Humanitarian Action
Authors: Bradley Miriam
Published: July 2023

Chapter 13 introduces the four main principles of humanitarian action: humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality. It explains what each principle requires of its adherents and what the main lines of debate are regarding the desirability and feasibly of principled humanitarian action. It argues that while it is widely recognized that humanitarian action invariably has political consequences and can unintentionally serve to assist one side or other in a conflict, disagreement exists between those (so-called new humanitarians) who believe that humanitarian actors can, and should, leverage the assistance they provide in pursuit of broader, transformational goals and those (classical humanitarians) who believe that it should not be used that way. Despite significant debate, in particular regarding the value of neutrality, the chapter shows that most of the largest international humanitarian agencies continue to profess their commitment to all four principles. Differences emerge, however, in terms of how they interpret and implement these principles.
Media and Celebrities
Authors: Bradley Miriam
Published: July 2023

Chapter 17 examines the role of mainstream Western media and celebrities in setting and framing the humanitarian agenda and in advocating particular policy responses to humanitarian emergencies. Some emergencies attract significant media coverage and celebrity engagement, and this can be important for generating public interest. However, this chapter argues that the way the media and celebrities tend to frame emergencies with simplified representations of victims and saviours generates a racialized politics of pity, and Africa in particular is constructed as a place of suffering, in need of charity and guidance from the global North. Absent any critique of the role the global capitalist system plays in generating humanitarian crises or any serious explanation of their causes at all, these representations implicitly call for action to address the symptoms rather than the causes of crisis. At the same time, some (mostly male) celebrities operate at the centre of the world political stage where, with more influence than expertise, they are able to demand ill-thought-out responses to crises.
Poetry, Catastrophe, and Hope in the Vision of Isaiah
Authors: Landy Francis
Published: July 2023

The book of Isaiah is one of the longest and strangest books of the Hebrew Bible, composed over several centuries and traversing the catastrophe that befell the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah in the eighth and sixth centuries bce. ‘Utopia, Catastrophe, and Poetry in the Book of Isaiah’ is about the response of poetry to catastrophe and the hope for a new and perfect world on the other side. It traces two parallel developments: the displacement of the Davidic promise onto the Persian Empire, Israel, and the prophet himself; and the transition from exclusively male images of the deity to the matching of male and female prototypes, whereby YHWH takes the place of the warrior goddess. This process is related to the loss of power and of all state institutions, particularly the sacred monarchy and temple. The book consists of close readings of individual passages, commencing with ch. 1 and the problems of beginning, and ending with Deutero-Isaiah, composed subsequent to the Babylonian exile. It is a literary reading and differs from conventional historical and theological interpretations through its focus on poetic language and metaphor.
MDMA as a Dance Drug
Authors: Passie Torsten
Published: July 2023

The association between drugs and dancing extends back to ancient times. Parallels can be seen between spontaneous medieval ‘dance epidemics’ and contemporary use of MDMA at dance parties. As a forerunner, MDA was used at dance parties in the late 1960s. However, it was only when the MDMA enthusiast Michael Clegg began to sell MDMA in parts of the Texas night-life scene that the synergy of MDMA and dancing spontaneously arose around 1983, which led to the rapid distribution of MDMA as a ‘dance drug’. From 1985 onwards, MDMA enjoyed a new career as a dance drug and found its way to Europe via the dance scene on the Spanish island of Ibiza: Ibiza dance parties were visited by some prominent disc jockeys from the UK, who became enthusiastic MDMA aficionados and launched the first MDMA-fuelled dance parties in London. The Netherlands, with its more tolerant drug policy and international trade through its capital Amsterdam, also became a distribution hub. The evolution of musical styles related to MDMA-fuelled dance parties are outlined, together with the more important events surrounding them, and descriptions of the experiences of ravers, both positive and negative, are also presented.
The British Rave Boom
Authors: Passie Torsten
Published: July 2023

MDMA and dancing became popular in the British nightlife scene from 1987 onwards, after the first DJs, inspired by their experiences in Ibiza, began to promote MDMA. In 1988, the ‘rave scene’ in the UK grew larger and generated some public controversy. After initially positive press coverage, the scene changed dramatically to a much more hostile social and political response, especially after reports of deaths related to MDMA at dance parties. Accustomed to the demonization of drugs, British society quickly tabooed Ecstasy and introduced special police units and laws to combat this new social menace. Nevertheless, the British rave scene became the largest worldwide and pioneered musical styles and party formats.
Transcription factor VvWRKY70 inhibits both norisoprenoid and flavonol biosynthesis in grape
Authors: Wei Yi , Meng Nan , Wang Yachen , Cheng Jing , Duan Changqing , Pan Qiuhong
Published: July 2023

Norisoprenoids and flavonols are important secondary metabolites in grape berries (Vitis vinifera L.). The former is a class of ubiquitous flavor and fragrance compounds produced by the cleavage of carotenoids, and the latter, which is derived from the flavonoid metabolic pathway, has been proposed as a general quality marker for red grapes. However, the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms underlying norisoprenoid and flavonol production are still not fully understood. In this study, we characterized a transcription factor, VvWRKY70, as a repressor of both norisoprenoid and flavonol biosynthesis in grape berries, and its expression was downregulated by light and high-temperature treatment. Overexpressing VvWRKY70 in grape calli reduced norisoprenoid and flavonol production, particularly under light exposure or at high temperature, by repressing the expression of several related genes in the isoprenoid and flavonoid metabolic pathways. VvWRKY70 downregulated β-CAROTENE HYDROXYLASE 2 (VvBCH2) and CHALCONE SYNTHASE 3 (VvCHS3) expression based on yeast 1-hybrid analysis combined with electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR. We discuss the role of VvWRKY70 in the coordinated regulatory network of isoprenoid and flavonoid metabolism. These findings provide a theoretical basis to improve flavor, color, and other comprehensive qualities of fruit crops and their processing products.
The ABCD approach for managing neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia
Authors: Siple Amy
Published: July 2023

The neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia, often referred to as unwanted behaviors, are one of the most difficult aspects of this disorder for caregivers to navigate. This article presents strategies to manage dementia-related neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Climate Change and the Opioid Epidemic
Authors: Ezell Jerel M.
Published: July 2023

Ongoing assessments by climate scientists, including a recent report from the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, punctuate the pronounced effect that climate change is poised to have in the near future on the health and well-being of humans—particularly those with low socioeconomic status—throughout the world. To this end, to date, very limited scholarly attention has been placed on the effects that climate change may have on people who use drugs (PWUDs), in particular those with opioid use disorder, and assessed their structural and social determinants of climate change vulnerability. Since COVID-19, which has key lessons to offer on climate change’s potential effects on PWUDs, the opioid epidemic has been rapidly accelerating in terms of its socioeconomic, racial, and geographic reach. The opioid epidemic has been further deepened by increasing fentanyl contamination and co-use with stimulants such as methamphetamine and (crack) cocaine, spurring a heavy increase in overdose deaths. These trends highlight a looming confrontation between the world’s complex overdose crisis and its equally intensifying climate emergency. This piece contextualizes the specter of harms that climate change is likely to cultivate against PWUDs and offers strategies for mitigation.
Evaluation of Rinsing Options for Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
Authors: Steele Kelsy R. , Zadnik Karla
Published: July 2023

Objectives:

This study assessed the efficacy of various saline solutions as alternative methods to rinsing rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses with tap water.

Methods:

The exiting fluid pressure of five commercially available saline solutions was measured using a venous pressure transducer system. Rigid gas permeable lenses were cleaned with one of two commercially available cleaners and then rinsed with one of five saline solutions or with tap water. High-resolution imaging was performed after each rinse, and light transmission through the lens surface was determined by measuring the mean pixel count within a 1 mm by 1 mm square.

Results:

The mean pixels/mm2 and the rinsing method were correlated (Spearman rank order correlation, P<0.0001), that is, high pixel counts represented more lens surface deposits and residue, and as fluid pressure of the rinsing methods increased, mean pixels/mm2 decreased.

Conclusions:

Measured fluid pressure relates to lens surface opacity suggesting that some products leave less residue than others. In addition, tap water, with its high exiting fluid pressure, seems to be the most effective option for removal of RGP cleaners from the contact lens surface. Despite these findings, tap water rinse is not encouraged because of its potential to lead to corneal inflammation and infection; therefore, the development of alternative procedures and products is needed.
Vascular Expression of Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) in MiTF Family Translocation Renal Cell Carcinoma and Related Neoplasms
Authors: Baraban Ezra G. , Ged Yasser , Singla Nirmish , Allaf Mohammad E. , Gorin Michael A. , Markowski Mark C. , Rowe Steven P. , Argani Pedram
Published: July 2023

Multiple studies have demonstrated prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression in the neo-vasculature of non-prostate tumors including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, PSMA expression in rare renal tumors including MiTF family translocation renal cell carcinoma has not been previously characterized. We examined PSMA expression by immunohistochemistry in a series of MiTF family translocation renal cell carcinomas as well as in several genetically related tumors including alveolar soft part sarcoma and PEComas with TFE3 rearrangements. PSMA expression was also studied in several cases of ccRCC and papillary RCC. Overall, PSMA immunohistochemistry was performed in 61 samples from 58 patients. Vascular PSMA expression was seen with the highest frequency in ccRCC [88% (14/16)] (38% focal, 50% diffuse). Translocation RCC (tRCC) demonstrated the second highest frequency of PSMA expression [71% (22/28)] (57% focal, 14% diffuse), followed by alveolar soft part sarcoma [50% (4/8)] (38% focal, 12% diffuse). No PSMA expression was seen in PEComas with TFE3 rearrangement (0/3) or papillary RCC (0/6). PSMA expression was only present in tumor-associated neo-vasculature. A patient with oligometastatic tRCC underwent 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET imaging which detected multiple putative metastatic lesions not detected on conventional computed tomography imaging performed 2 weeks prior, supporting the potential utility of PSMA imaging in tRCC. These findings have potential implications for the utility of PSMA guided diagnostic and therapeutic agents in both common and uncommon renal cell carcinoma subtypes as well as genetically related mesenchymal neoplasms.
The Utility of Interim Positron Emission Tomography Imaging to Inform Adaptive Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Rosen Benjamin S. , Vaishampayan Neil , Cao Yue , Mierzwa Michelle L.
Published: July 2023

In this article, as part of this special issue on biomarkers of early response, we review the current evidence to support the use of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging during chemoradiation therapy to inform biologically adaptive radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We review literature covering this topic spanning nearly 3 decades, including the use of various radiotracers and discoveries of novel predictive PET biomarkers. Through understanding how observational trials have informed current interventional clinical trials, we hope that this review will encourage researchers and clinicians to incorporate PET response criteria in new trial designs to advance biologically optimized radiotherapy.
The Effect of Motivational Interview-Based Counseling in Individuals With Amputation
Authors: Küçük Öztürk Gülhan , Şimşek Nuray
Published: July 2023

Aim

This randomized controlled experimental study determined the effect of motivational interview-based counseling on the coping strategies and perceived social support levels in individuals with amputations due to chronic disease.

Design

A randomized controlled trial was conducted.

Method

The study was completed in the orthopedics and traumatology department with 48 patients. Data were collected using a descriptive information form, the Coping Strategies Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Independent samples t test, paired t test, and chi-square test were used for data analysis.

Results

The scores of the Coping Strategies Scale and the Perceived Social Support Scale of individuals in the intervention group significantly increased in the posttest after motivational interview-based counseling compared to their pretest scores. It was determined that the Coping Strategies Scale and Perceived Social Support Scale subdimension scores and total mean scores for individuals in the intervention group in the posttest were higher than the mean scores for individuals in the control group. The difference between the groups was significant.

Conclusion

The motivational interview-based counseling given to individuals with amputation because of chronic disease increased their coping strategies and perceived social support levels.
Health-care utilisation among India’s middle and older aged migrants: scrutinizing the status and predictors using Andersen’s simplified healthcare utilisation framework
Authors: Samanta Ramkrishna , Munda Jadab , Mandal Sourav , Adhikary Mihir
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Migration appears to be a determinant in health-care utilisation, particularly among the elderly in India. Ageing and migration are essential socio-demographic phenomena in the 21st century for developing and developed countries to establish better public health-care policies. This study aims to focus on the status and determinants of health-care utilisation among elderly migrants who have migrated after attaining the age of 45 and above.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the data from the first wave of the longitudinal ageing study in India (LASI) in 2017–2018. Two outcome variables were used to examine the health-care utilisation, including in-patient and out-patient care. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the predictors of healthcare utilisation in terms of in-patient and out-patient care among the elderly migrant population.

Findings

A total of 82.9% of elderly migrants had visited out-patient care when they were sick, whereas 15.3% have used in-patient care. Enabling factors, such as wealth quintile and health insurance, and need factor, such as chronic disease and self-rated health, were more significant factors influencing the health-care utilisation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to our understanding of older migrants’ health-care utilisation. Focussing on this study’s outcome, policymakers and decision makers may consider improving older migrants’ access to health-care by raising their income level, offering local health insurance and health awareness programs.
Physicians as leaders: a systematic review through the lens of expert leadership
Authors: Thoebes Gina Phelps , Porter Tracy H. , Peck Jessica A.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the current state of physician leadership. Theory of expert leadership (TEL) was applied to explore the effects of physician inherent knowledge, industry experience and leadership capabilities on leader behaviors and outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This review (August 2011–February 2022) applied the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis strategy. Our search began with 3,537 studies and a final sample of 12 articles.

Findings

The findings offer a number of studies that note the relationship between physician leadership and the three dimensions of TEL. How influential these are on leadership behaviors and health-related outcomes varies. We also found a number of studies that described general physician leadership behaviors that were not directly linked to factors of TEL, as well as two additional themes: leader identity and trust.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic review that has applied a highly cited theory (i.e. TEL) to the data and the first that has focused solely on a U.S. population. These findings offer healthcare organizations insight into the potential strengths and challenges of physician leadership.
Information sharing offices and economic growth in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Asiamah Oliver , Agyei Samuel Kwaku
Published: July 2023

Although credit availability is essential for economic growth, the information asymmetry problem inhibits the credit creation function of financial institutions. Among other means, information‐sharing offices (ISOs) have been established, including private credit bureaus and public credit registries to provide information on the financial characteristics of citizens to reduce information asymmetry. From this background, this study used an explanatory research design with a longitudinal (panel) data approach to assess whether the coverage of information by ISOs affects sectorial and overall economic growth among sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries using the system generalized method of moments technique on data from 2005 to 2019. The results highlight that information coverage by ISOs enhances sectorial and overall economic growth by solving the information asymmetry problem. From the findings, governments in SSA countries are encouraged to support public credit registries to effectively perform their mandate while providing incentives to attract investments in private credit bureaus since they contribute to economic growth.
Financial stability gap and private investment nexus: Evidence from sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Kulu Evans
Published: July 2023

The illiquidity status of financial institutions widens up the financial stability gap, hence affecting other economic agents that depend on the financial sector. The objective of the study is to determine how the financial stability gap affects private investment in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Annual time series secondary data from 33 SSA countries for the period 2007–2018 was used. Using the general methods of moments (GMM) estimation technique, we found that the financial stability gap beyond 109.9% becomes detrimental to private sector investment while government effectiveness and investment by the government improve private investment. The study recommends that financial institutions undertake liquidity protection measures as a means of protecting the stability status, while SSA governments invest in the economy and provide the needed business environment for private sector investment.
Acute lesion extension following pulmonary vein isolation with two novel single shot devices: Pulsed field ablation versus multielectrode radiofrequency balloon
Authors: My Ilaria , Lemoine Marc D. , Butt Mahi , Mencke Celine , Loeck Fabian W. , Obergassel Julius , Rottner Laura , Wenzel Jan‐Per , Schleberger Ruben , Moser Julia , Moser Fabian , Kirchhof Paulus , Reissmann Bruno , Ouyang Feifan , Rillig Andreas , Metzner Andreas
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Pulsed‐field ablation (PFA) and the multielectrode radiofrequency balloon (RFB) are two novel ablation technologies to perform pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). It is currently unknown whether these technologies differ in lesion formation and lesion extent. We compared the acute lesion extent after PVI induced by PFA and RFB by measuring low‐voltage area in high‐density maps and the release of biomolecules reflecting cardiac injury.

Methods

PVI was performed with a pentaspline catheter (FARAPULSE) applying PFA or with the compliant multielectrode RFB (HELIOSTAR). Before and after PVI high‐density mapping with CARTO 3 was performed. In addition, blood samples were taken before transseptal puncture and after post‐PVI remapping and serum concentrations of high‐sensitive Troponin I were quantified by immunoassay.

Results

Sixty patients undergoing PVI by PFA (n = 28, age 69 ± 12 year, 60% males, 39.3% persistent atrial fibrillation [AF]) or RFB (n = 32, age 65 ± 13 year, 53% males, 21.9% persistent AF) were evaluated. Acute PVI was achieved in all patients in both groups. Mean number of PFA pulses was 34.2 ± 4.5 and mean number RFB applications was 8.5 ± 3 per patient. Total posterior ablation area was significantly larger in PFA (20.7 ± 7.7 cm²) than in RFB (7.1 ± 2.09 cm²; p < .001). Accordingly, posterior ablation area for each PV resulted in larger lesions after PFA versus RFB (LSPV 5.2 ± 2.7 vs. 1.9 ± 0.8 cm², LIPV 5.5 ± 2.3 vs. 1.9 ± 0.8 cm², RSPV 4.7 ± 1.9 vs. 1.6 ± 0.5 cm², RIPV 5.3 ± 2.1 vs. 1.6 ± 0.7 cm,² respectively; p < .001). In a subset of 38 patients, increase of hsTropI was higher after PFA (625 ± 138 pg/mL, n = 28) versus RFB (148 ± 36 pg/mL, n = 10; p = .049) supporting the evidence of larger lesion extent by PFA.

Conclusion

PFA delivers larger acute lesion areas and higher troponin release upon successful PVI than multielectrode RFB‐based PVI in this single‐center series.
Linear epicardial cryoablation effects in a porcine model: Lesion characteristics and vascular risk
Authors: Hayase Justin , Fishbein Gregory , Rerkpichaisuth Vilasinee , Chung Wei‐Hsin , Ajijola Olujimi , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Bradfield Jason S.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Cryoablation in open‐chest surgical interventions for ventricular arrhythmias has been reported with reasonable procedural outcomes. However, the characteristics of cryoablation lesions on the ventricular myocardium are not well defined. The purpose of the present study was to determine the tissue and vascular effects of a linear epicardial cryoablation probe in a porcine animal model.

Methods

Five adult Yorkshire swine underwent median sternotomy and application of linear cryoablation lesions using a malleable aluminum linear cryoablation probe of varying duration (2, 3, 4, and 5 min), including one lesion placed intentionally over the left anterior descending coronary (LAD) artery. Histological analysis was performed.

Results

Maximum lesion depth was approximately 1.0 cm with 3 min freezes, with no significant increase in depth achieved with longer lesions. No transmural lesions were achieved. No large vessel epicardial coronary artery injuries were seen to the LAD; however, surprisingly, remote isolated interventricular septal injury was seen in all animals, suggestive of possible compromise of smaller coronary arterial vessels.

Conclusion

Single application freezes with an aluminum linear cryoablation probe can create homogeneous ablative lesions over the ventricular myocardium with a maximum depth of approximately 1.0 cm. No large vessel injury occurred with direct lesion application of the LAD; however, small coronary vessels may be at risk.
Cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid: Preliminary in vitro evaluation of metabolism and drug–drug interactions involving canine cytochrome P‐450, UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase, and P‐glycoprotein
Authors: Court Michael H. , Mealey Katrina L. , Burke Neal S. , Jimenez Tania Perez , Zhu Zhaohui , Wakshlag Joseph J.
Published: July 2023

Phytocannabinoid‐rich hemp extracts containing cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) are increasingly being used to treat various disorders in dogs. The objectives of this study were to obtain preliminary information regarding the in vitro metabolism of these compounds and their capacity to inhibit canine cytochrome P450 (CYP)‐mediated drug metabolism and canine P‐glycoprotein‐mediated transport. Pure CBD and CBDA, and hemp extracts enriched for CBD and for CBDA were evaluated. Substrate depletion assays using pooled dog liver microsomes showed CYP cofactor‐dependent depletion of CBD (but not CBDA) and UDP‐glucuronosytransferase cofactor‐dependent depletion of CBDA (but not CBD) indicating major roles for CYP and UDP‐glucuronosytransferase in the metabolism of these phytocannabinoids, respectively. Further studies using recombinant canine CYPs demonstrated substantial CBD depletion by the major hepatic P450 enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP2C21. These results were confirmed by showing increased CBD depletion by liver microsomes from dogs treated with a known CYP1A2 inducer (β‐naphthoflavone) and with a known CYP2C21 inducer (phenobarbital). Cannabinoid‐drug inhibition experiments showed inhibition (IC50 = 4.6–8.1 μM) of tramadol metabolism via CYP2B11‐mediated N‐demethylation (CBD and CBDA) and CYP2D15‐mediated O‐demethylation (CBDA only) by dog liver microsomes. CBD and CBDA did not inhibit CYP3A12‐mediated midazolam 1′‐hydroxylation (IC50 > 10 μM). CBD and CBDA were not substrates or competitive inhibitors of canine P‐glycoprotein. Results for cannabinoid‐enriched hemp extracts were identical to those for pure cannabinoids. These in vitro studies indicate the potential for cannabinoid–drug interactions involving certain CYPs (but not P‐glycoprotein). Confirmatory in vivo studies are warranted.
Creating inclusive schools to reduce health and well‐being disparities
Authors: Levine Cynthia S. , Bourne Kimberly A. , Song Rachel , Weltzien Katherine
Published: July 2023

In the U.S., people with marginalized racial/ethnic, social class, sexual, and gender identities often have worse physical and mental health than people with more privileged identities. This paper reviews psychological research suggesting that inclusive school cultures can improve the health and well‐being of those with marginalized identities. Specifically, we review two examples of sets of ideas and practices in schools that create more supportive environments: (a) ideas and practices that recognize and include diverse identities and (b) ideas and practices that support interdependent ways of thinking, feeling, and acting. We also speculate about the psychological and behavioral mechanisms by which each protects health and well‐being, including reducing discrimination, increasing school belonging, strengthening positive ingroup identities, and allowing students to access culturally relevant support. We suggest that changing school cultures to make them more inclusive is one way to reduce health and well‐being disparities.
A detailed analysis of single‐channel Nav1.5 recordings does not reveal any cooperative gating
Authors: Selimi Zoja , Rougier Jean‐Sébastien , Abriel Hugues , Kucera Jan P.
Published: July 2023

Cardiac voltage‐gated sodium (Na+) channels (Nav1.5) are crucial for myocardial electrical excitation. Recent studies based on single‐channel recordings have suggested that Na+ channels interact functionally and exhibit coupled gating. However, the analysis of such recordings frequently relies on manual interventions, which can lead to bias. Here, we developed an automated pipeline to de‐trend and idealize single‐channel currents, and assessed possible functional interactions in cell‐attached patch clamp experiments in HEK293 cells expressing human Nav1.5 channels as well as in adult mouse and rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes. Our pipeline involved de‐trending individual sweeps by linear optimization using a library of predefined functions, followed by digital filtering and baseline offset. Subsequently, the processed sweeps were idealized based on the idea that the ensemble average of the idealized current identified by thresholds between current levels reconstructs at best the ensemble average current from the de‐trended sweeps. This reconstruction was achieved by non‐linear optimization. To ascertain functional interactions, we examined the distribution of the numbers of open channels at every time point during the activation protocol and compared it to the distribution expected for independent channels. We also examined whether the channels tended to synchronize their openings and closings. However, we did not uncover any solid evidence of such interactions in our recordings. Rather, our results indicate that wild‐type Nav1.5 channels are independent entities or exhibit only very weak functional interactions that are probably irrelevant under physiological conditions. Nevertheless, our unbiased analysis will be important for further studies examining whether auxiliary proteins potentiate functional Na+ channel interactions.

image

Key points

Nav1.5 channels are critical for cardiac excitation. They are part of macromolecular interacting complexes, and it was previously suggested that two neighbouring channels may functionally interact and exhibit coupled gating.

Manual interventions when processing single‐channel recordings can lead to bias and inaccurate data interpretation.

We developed an automated pipeline to de‐trend and idealize single‐channel currents and assessed possible functional interactions between Nav1.5 channels in HEK293 cells and cardiomyocytes during activation protocols using the cell‐attached patch clamp technique.

In recordings consisting of up to 1000 sweeps from the same patch, our analysis did not reveal any evidence of functional interactions or coupled gating between wild‐type Nav1.5 channels.

Our unbiased analysis may be useful in further studies examining how Na+ channel interactions are affected by mutations and auxiliary proteins.
Biomechanical Response of Head Surrogate With and Without the Helmet
Authors: Singh Abhilash , Kumar Devendra , Ganpule Shailesh
Published: July 2023

Measurements of brain deformations under injurious loading scenarios are actively sought. In this work, we report experimentally measured head kinematics and corresponding dynamic, two-dimensional brain simulant deformations in head surrogates under a blunt impact, with and without a helmet. Head surrogates used in this work consisted of skin, skull, dura, falx, tentorium, and brain stimulants. The head surrogate geometry was based on the global human body models consortium's head model. A base head surrogate consisting of skin-skull-brain was considered. In addition, the response of two other head surrogates, skin-skull-dura-brain, and skin-skull-dura-brain-falx-tentorium, was investigated. Head surrogate response was studied for sagittal and coronal plane rotations for impactor velocities of 1 and 3 m/s. Response of head surrogates was compared against strain measurements in PMHS. The strain pattern in the brain simulant was heterogenous, and peak strains were established within ∼30 ms. The choice of head surrogate affect the spatiotemporal evolution of strain. For no helmet case, peak MPS of ∼50–60% and peak MSS of ∼35–50% were seen in brain simulant corresponding to peak rotational accelerations of ∼5000–7000 rad/s2. Peak head kinematics and peak MPS have been reduced by up to 75% and 45%, respectively, with the conventional helmet and by up to 90% and 85%, respectively, with the helmet with antirotational pads. Overall, these results provide important, new data on brain simulant strains under a variety of loading scenarios—with and without the helmets.
Droplet Formation in Dynamic Stratified Liquid–Liquid Systems for Solution-Based Deposition Methods
Authors: Prussack Brett A. , Foradori Sean M. , Arnold Michael S. , Nellis Gregory F. , Berson Arganthael
Published: July 2023

The assembly of a two-dimensional (2D) nematic liquid crystal at an interface between two liquids can be exploited to assemble densely packed and highly aligned arrays of rod-like nanoparticles. This method is especially relevant to creating arrays of semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for high-performance electronics. When a dense solvent containing CNTs flows over a less dense water subphase in a confined channel, the locally aligned arrays of nanoparticles align globally with the flow direction and can be transferred to the substrate. For large substrates and long channels, the dense solvent tends to slow and create a pool, which then drops through the interface and disturbs the delicate deposition process. Understanding this phenomenon is critical to improving and scaling up similar manufacturing processes. Here, data are collected, and an empirical model is developed to understand and predict the pooling behavior of a suspended fluid flowing over a less dense subphase. The model is demonstrated with two different solvents and proves to be accurate within +/− 15%. With a better understanding of the physics governing the system, the model is then used to suggest methods for minimizing pooling behavior.
Reconsidering Maslow and the hierarchy of needs from a First Nations’ perspective
Authors: Bear Chief - Oom Kapisi Elder Roy , Choate Peter , Lindstrom Gabrielle
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION: Abraham Maslow created one of the most enduring psychological constructs, the hierarchy of needs. Maslow, himself, did not create the oft-shown pyramid but it is the image that comes to mind when the construct is mentioned. There have also been reports that Maslow’s work fails to give due credit to the Blackfoot peoples of Southern Alberta for their seminal contribution to the hierarchy. There is a vibrant debate in the literature and in public spaces regarding this. Such a debate may not matter as Maslow’s construct does not represent Blackfoot philosophy. Hierarchical needs of understanding are not representative of their world view and the place of self-actualisation is very contrary to Maslow’s understanding. Maslow’s own writings do not support the notion that Blackfoot knowledge influenced him greatly in respect of the construct. In concert with the Elder knowledge keeper in the project, we explore the history of Maslow and the Blackfoot people along with knowledge held by Elder wisdom.
APPROACH: The article concludes by suggesting that Blackfoot ways of knowing represent their own views and that Maslow’s hierarchy has never been their understanding.
IMPLICATIONS: Social workers are, thus, invited to critically assess the theories used in practice and their relevance and validity for the populations engaged in their work.
Social workers with criminal convictions navigating the social work profession
Authors: Jackson Suzette , Hyslop Ian
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION: The social work profession in Aotearoa New Zealand has become increasingly regulated culminating in mandatory registration under the auspices of the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB), which took effect in February 2021. There has been considerable debate about the benefits and risks to social work from mandatory registration, particularly concerning whether someone is a fit and proper person to practise social work. This article presents voices largely absent from the debate, exploring the experiences of social workers with criminal convictions navigating the social work profession.
METHODS: The research presented is drawn from an MSW study where 11 social workers with one or more criminal convictions were interviewed. As part of the study, participants were asked about mandatory registration and their experiences with registering. Interpretive phenomenological analysis methodology framed the entire study, including data analysis.
FINDINGS: Most participants viewed mandatory registration positively, but many expressed frustration about the lack of transparency and clarity from the SWRB regarding the registration process for people with criminal convictions. The SWRB’s practices and powers were also questioned, including over-ruling the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004 (CSA, 2004).
CONCLUSIONS: It is apparent that the decision-making leading to mandatory registration did not include the voices of social workers with criminal convictions or advocacy on their behalf. Participants highlight many challenges such people face in gaining employment within social work. These challenges could be mitigated by SWRB reforming its current approach to the CSA (2004) and providing increased clarity and transparency for those with criminal convictions.
Deglaciation of northwestern Greenland during Marine Isotope Stage 11
Authors: Christ Andrew J. , Rittenour Tammy M. , Bierman Paul R. , Keisling Benjamin A. , Knutz Paul C. , Thomsen Tonny B. , Keulen Nynke , Fosdick Julie C. , Hemming Sidney R. , Tison Jean-Louis , Blard Pierre-Henri , Steffensen Jørgen P. , Caffee Marc W. , Corbett Lee B. , Dahl-Jensen Dorthe , Dethier David P. , Hidy Alan J. , Perdrial Nicolas , Peteet Dorothy M. , Steig Eric J. , Thomas Elizabeth K.
Published: July 2023

Past interglacial climates with smaller ice sheets offer analogs for ice sheet response to future warming and contributions to sea level rise; however, well-dated geologic records from formerly ice-free areas are rare. Here we report that subglacial sediment from the Camp Century ice core preserves direct evidence that northwestern Greenland was ice free during the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 11 interglacial. Luminescence dating shows that sediment just beneath the ice sheet was deposited by flowing water in an ice-free environment 416 ± 38 thousand years ago. Provenance analyses and cosmogenic nuclide data and calculations suggest the sediment was reworked from local materials and exposed at the surface <16 thousand years before deposition. Ice sheet modeling indicates that ice-free conditions at Camp Century require at least 1.4 meters of sea level equivalent contribution from the Greenland Ice Sheet.
Heart failure causes sleepless nights
Authors: Davis Harvey , Attwell David
Published: July 2023

Cardiac dysfunction triggers immune-mediated loss of pineal gland melatonin release
Systemic racism in science: Reactions matter
Authors: Fuentes Agustín
Published: July 2023

Massive amounts of
data
and countless
analyses
collected across decades of scholarly research demonstrate unequivocally that bias and inequity based on race (in other words,
racism
) have
occurred and still occur
throughout society in the United States (the same can be said for many other nations). American higher education is one of the places where racism has been, and still is, well documented
again
and
again
and
again
. Not unexpectedly, six of the nine justices on the US Supreme Court recently chose to disregard these facts
and argue
for a “race neutral” approach in college admissions.
Early Paleozoic crustal anatexis during Wuyi-Yunkai orogenesis: Insights from zircon of Fuhuling migmatites in the Yunkai region, South China
Authors: Zhang Junhao , Chen Zhen , Yakymchuk Chris , Sa Rina , Huang Qiangtai , Lou Feng , Tu Shuchen , Chen Tao
Published: July 2023

Crustal anatexis is an important process in the tectonic evolution of many orogenic systems. In the Wuyi-Yunkai orogen in the South China block, the duration of partial melting and its relationship with orogenesis are poorly constrained. In this study, we present a multifaceted approach to determine the timing of anatexis and unravel the petrogenesis of Fuhuling migmatites in the Yunkai region of the southwestern South China block. Geochemical analyses indicate that the migmatites have (meta-)sedimentary protoliths. The absence of anhydrous peritectic minerals but the presence of microstructural and outcrop-scale indicators of partial melting suggest that the Fuhuling migmatites experienced fluid-present melting. Complex zoning and variable trace element concentrations in newly formed zircons in migmatites reflect their evolutionary histories during partial melting. Anatectic melt was present at Fuhuling in the Yunkai region from ca. 449–427 Ma during early Paleozoic Wuyi-Yunkai orogenesis. The wide variety of morphologies observed in the Fuhuling migmatites implies that migmatites in the Yunkai region experienced incipient partial melting, melt segregation, and melt migration. Combining new and previous results, we argue that the Yunkai region experienced two stages of crustal anatexis during the early Paleozoic, which may have been triggered by crustal thickening followed by rapid exhumation and orogenic collapse during the intra-plate Wuyi-Yunkai orogeny in the South China block.
Molecular Mechanisms of Tumor Cell Stemness Modulation during Formation of Spheroids
Authors: Ponomarev Aleksei S. , Gilazieva Zarema E. , Solovyova Valeriya V. , Rizvanov Albert A.
Published: July 2023

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), their properties and interaction with microenvironment are of interest in modern medicine and biology. There are many studies on the emergence of CSCs and their involvement in tumor pathogenesis. The most important property inherent to CSCs is their stemness. Stemness combines ability of the cell to maintain its pluripotency, give rise to differentiated cells, and interact with environment to maintain a balance between dormancy, proliferation, and regeneration. While adult stem cells exhibit these properties by participating in tissue homeostasis, CSCs behave as their malignant equivalents. High tumor resistance to therapy, ability to differentiate, activate angiogenesis and metastasis arise precisely due to the stemness of CSCs. These cells can be used as a target for therapy of different types of cancer. Laboratory models are needed to study cancer biology and find new therapeutic strategies. A promising direction is three-dimensional tumor models or spheroids. Such models exhibit properties resembling stemness in a natural tumor. By modifying spheroids, it becomes possible to investigate the effect of therapy on CSCs, thus contributing to the development of anti-tumor drug test systems. The review examines the niche of CSCs, the possibility of their study using three-dimensional spheroids, and existing markers for assessing stemness of CSCs.