bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural characterization and enzymatic hydrolysis of radio frequency cold plasma treated starches
Authors: Okyere Akua Y. , Boakye Prince G. , Bertoft Eric , Annor George A.
Published: January 2022

The effect of carbon dioxide‐argon radio frequency cold plasma treatment on the in vitro digestion and structural characteristics of granular and non‐granular waxy maize, potato, and rice starches was investigated in this study. The effect on the fine structure of waxy potato was very minimal after plasma treatment irrespective of their granular or non‐granular form. The short chain length (SCL) of waxy maize and rice (granular and non‐granular) starches was reduced leading to subsequent increases in the long chain length (LCL). In vitro digestibility studies showed that cold plasma treatment enhanced (p < 0.05) the amount of slowly digestible starches (5.62%; 10.24%) and resistant starches (0.28%; 85.66%) in non‐granular waxy maize (WMS NG) and granular waxy potato starches (WPS G), respectively. The amount of rapidly digestible starches increased in granular waxy maize starch (WMS G) (85.08%) but was unaffected in non‐granular waxy rice (WRS NG), WPS G, and non‐granular waxy potato starches after plasma treatment. FTIR‐ATR data confirmed the ability of cold plasma to induce cross‐linking in waxy starches specifically in WMS NG, WRS G, WRS NG, and WPS G. Overall, the unit and internal chain structure of the waxy starches were mostly unaffected by radio frequency plasma treatment. Cross‐linking served as the dominant mechanism by which plasma altered the structure and digestibility of these starches.

Practical Application

Cold plasma technology has been suggested as a green technique for starch modification. More research is, however, needed to facilitate the industrial scale up of this technology. In this study, we utilized a carbon dioxide‐argon radio frequency cold plasma to modify waxy maize, rice and potato starches. Cold plasma treatment resulted in starches that were resistant to digestion and were highly cross‐linked. The cross‐linking would give the starches the ability to possibly withstand the high temperatures and shear that can be applied during industrial processing.
Can PATH Study susceptibility measures predict e‐cigarette and cigarette use among American youth 1 year later?
Authors: Sun Ruoyan , Mendez David , Warner Kenneth E.
Published: January 2022

Aims

To investigate whether e‐cigarette and cigarette susceptibility predict e‐cigarette and cigarette use among American youth 1 year later.

Design and Setting

Longitudinal data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study—a four‐stage, stratified probability cohort study of youth (12–17 years old) sampled from the United States civilian, non‐institutionalized population. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between initial product‐specific susceptibility and subsequent cigarette smoking and e‐cigarette use while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, exposure to nicotine users, and behavioral risk factors.

Participants

The sample included 8841 adolescent never nicotine users at initial survey who participated in both wave 4 (2016–2017) and wave 4.5 (2017–2018) of PATH.

Measurements

We measured cigarette and e‐cigarette susceptibility (defined as a lack of a firm commitment to not use cigarettes or e‐cigarettes) among never nicotine users at baseline (wave 4) as well as cigarette and e‐cigarette use at 12‐month follow‐up (wave 4.5).

Findings

Youth e‐cigarette susceptibility was statistically significantly (P < 0.05) associated with e‐cigarette use 1 year later, for both past 12‐month (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.99; 95% CI, 2.29–3.90) and past 30‐day e‐cigarette use (aOR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.78–4.16), but not with cigarette smoking (aOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.64–1.73 for past 12‐month smoking and aOR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.29–1.45 for past 30‐day smoking. Smoking susceptibility predicted subsequent smoking in the past 12 months (aOR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.09–3.03) and past 30 days (aOR, 3.32; 95% CI (1.33–8.29), but not e‐cigarette use in the past 12 months (aOR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.77–1.19) or past 30 days (aOR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.82–1.51).

Conclusion

E‐cigarette and cigarette susceptibility measures appear to predict product‐specific use among youth 1 year later.
Alcohol consumption patterns and growth differentiation factor 15 among life‐time drinkers aged 65+ years in Spain: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ortolá Rosario , García‐Esquinas Esther , Buño‐Soto Antonio , Carballo‐Casla Adrián , Sotos‐Prieto Mercedes , Banegas José R. , Rodríguez‐Artalejo Fernando
Published: January 2022

Aims

To examine the association of alcohol consumption patterns with growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15) in older drinkers, separately among individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD)/diabetes and those without them, as GDF‐15 is a strong biomarker of chronic disease burden.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Population‐based study in Madrid (Spain).

Participants

A total of 2051 life‐time drinkers aged 65+ years included in the Seniors‐ENRICA‐2 study in 2015–17. Participants’ mean age was 71.4 years and 55.4% were men.

Measurements

According to their average life‐time alcohol intake, participants were classified as occasional (≤ 1.43 g/day), low‐risk (men: > 1.43–20 g/day; women: > 1.43–10 g/day), moderate‐risk (men: > 20–40 g/day; women: > 10–20 g/day) and high‐risk drinkers (men: > 40 g/day; women: > 20 g/day; or binge drinkers). We also ascertained wine preference (> 80% of alcohol derived from wine), drinking with meals and adherence to a Mediterranean drinking pattern (MDP) defined as low‐risk drinking, wine preference and one of the following: drinking only with meals; higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet; or any of these.

Findings

In participants without CVD/diabetes, GDF‐15 increased by 0.27% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.06%, 0.48%] per 1 g/day increment in alcohol among high‐risk drinkers, but there was no clear evidence of association in those with lower intakes or in the overall group, or across categories of alcohol consumption status. Conversely, among those with CVD/diabetes, GDF‐15 rose by 0.19% (95% CI = 0.05%, 0.33%) per 1 g/day increment in the overall group and GDF‐15 was 26.89% (95% CI = 12.93%, 42.58%) higher in high‐risk versus low‐risk drinkers. Drinking with meals did not appear to be related to GDF‐15, but among those without CVD/diabetes, wine preference and adherence to the MDP were associated with lower GDF‐15, especially when combined with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

Conclusions

Among older life‐time drinkers in Madrid, Spain, high‐risk drinking was positively associated with growth differentiation factor 15 (a biomarker of chronic disease burden). There was inconclusive evidence of a beneficial association for low‐risk consumption.
Ageing and older people who use illicit opioids, cocaine or methamphetamine: a scoping review and literature map
Authors: Zolopa Camille , Høj Stine B , Minoyan Nanor , Bruneau Julie , Makarenko Iuliia , Larney Sarah
Published: January 2022

Aims

To provide an overview of research literature on ageing and older people who use illicit opioids and stimulants by documenting the conceptual frameworks used and content areas that have been investigated.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of literature relating to ageing and older people who use illicit stimulants and opioids, defining ‘older’ as 40 years and above. Primary studies, secondary studies and editorials were included. Searches were conducted in PubMed and Embase in July 2020 and March 2021; the Cochrane library was searched in November 2021. Charted data included methodological details, any conceptual frameworks explicitly applied by authors and the content areas that were the focus of the publication. We developed a hierarchy of content areas and mapped this to provide a visual guide to the research area.

Results

Of the 164 publications included in this review, only 16 explicitly applied a conceptual framework. Seven core content areas were identified, with most publications contributing to multiple content areas: acknowledgement of drug use among older people (n = 64), health status (n = 129), health services (n = 109), drug use practices and patterns (n = 84), social environments (n = 74), the criminal legal system (n = 28) and quality of life (n = 15).

Conclusions

The literature regarding older people who use illicit drugs remains under‐theorized. Conceptual frameworks are rarely applied and few have been purposely adapted to this population. Health status and health services access and use are among the most frequently researched topics in this area.
3D‐T2W‐TSE radiotherapy treatment planning MRI using compressed sensing acceleration for prostate cancer: Image quality and delineation value
Authors: Wong Oi Lei , Poon Darren M.C. , Kam Miachael K.M. , Lo Gladys G. , Fung Winky W.K. , Man Shei Yee , Xue Cindy , Yu Siu Ki , Cheung Kin Yin , Yuan Jing
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To assess the image quality and delineation value of compressed sensing (CS)‐accelerated 3D T2W turbo‐spin‐echo (TSE) sequence for radiotherapy treatment planning (RTP) of prostate cancer.

Methods

An optimized CS‐accelerated 3D‐T2W‐TSE was determined by volunteer imaging and applied for clinical RTP‐MRI. This optimized CS‐accelerated planning MRI and the standardized adaptive MRI acquired at 1.5T were retrospectively analyzed in 26 prostate cancer patients who were to receive MR‐guided radiotherapy. Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and relative contrast ratio (CR) were quantitatively assessed. Image quality and artifacts were qualitatively assessed using a five‐point scale rating. Delineation value in the prostate and organs‐at‐risk (OARs) was also rated and compared. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used for SNR, relative CR, and rating comparisons. The interobserver rating agreement was evaluated by percent agreement.

Results

Significantly better SNR and relative CR in the prostate, rectum, bowel, penis, and penile bulb, while significantly worse in the cauda equina, were observed on the planning MRI. Significantly better ratings of image quality and artifacts were given to the planning MRI, with much less Gibbs ringing and reconstruction artifacts. Significantly better delineation value rating was achieved on the planning MRI in the prostate, seminal vesicle, rectum, penis, penile bulb, and testes, while significantly worse in the cauda equina. A strong to almost perfect interobserver rating agreement was obtained.

Conclusion

This study suggested that CS acceleration is applicable and valuable in prostate RTP‐MRI. CS‐accelerated 3D‐T2W‐TSE images should benefit the delineation of prostate and many OARs.
Impacts of African savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) on tall trees and their recovery within a small, fenced reserve in South Africa
Authors: Thompson Katie Elizabeth , Ford Andrew , Esteban Genoveva , Poupard Angelo , Zoon Kayla , Pettorelli Nathalie
Published: January 2022

African savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) can have detrimental impacts on trees; studies exploring elephant impact within small, fenced reserves, have lacked focus in determining elephant high‐use areas, the direct effect of fence line and tree recovery. The aim of this study is to assess whether elephants cause significant impact on trees in the small‐fenced Karongwe Private Game Reserve (KPGR) and to determine the levels of tree recovery. Trees ≥5 m in height were surveyed (n = 634 trees). Elephant location data were used to identify high‐ and low‐use areas. Five species accounted for 80% of the records; these were used for further analysis. Trees in high‐use areas were significantly less likely to show signs of debarking and push over. Tall trees were significantly more likely to be impacted by elephants, being associated with heightened risks of debarking and branches being broken but lower risks of being pushed over. Trees close to the fence line were not more impacted than trees near the centre of the reserve. The level of use, distance to the fence and tree height were not significant predictors of tree recovery indicators. Future mitigation efforts should focus on trees with high levels of impact and low levels of recovery.
Hyaluronic acid‐sperm selection significantly improves the clinical outcome of couples with previous ICSI cycles failure
Authors: Scaruffi Paola , Bovis Francesca , Casciano Ida , Maccarini Elena , De Leo Caterina , Gazzo Irene , Massarotti Claudia , Sozzi Fausta , Stigliani Sara , Anserini Paola
Published: January 2022

Background

Beneficial effects of hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based selection of spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are still controversial, and further studies are needed to categorize patients that might benefit from such a method.

Objective

We investigated whether HA sperm selection improved ICSI outcome of couples with previous ICSI cycle failure.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective study, we prospectively collected data of (i) Group 1: 96 couples who performed one failed ICSI cycle (“1st procedure,” n = 96) followed by another ICSI cycle (“2nd procedure,” n = 101); ii) Group 2: 87 couples who performed one failed ICSI cycle (n = 87) followed by an HA‐ICSI cycle (n = 104). Differences between procedures and groups were measured by paired and independent statistical tests, respectively. A generalized linear mixed model analyzed the effect of procedure on the outcomes and the interaction between procedures and groups.

Results

Injection of HA‐bound sperm significantly improved cleavage rate with respect to standard ICSI (p = 0.026). No evolutive pregnancies were obtained in the 1st ICSI attempts. The 2nd ICSI cycles resulted in successfully seven pregnancies. In HA‐ICSI cycles, the better quality of embryos with respect to ICSI (p = 0.034) increased the choice of day 5 embryo transfer (p = 0.030), which resulted in successfully 28 pregnancies. No differences were observed in clinical outcomes of the two ICSI procedures in Group 1, while pregnancy and implantation rates were significantly higher in HA‐ICSI with respect to ICSI cycles (p = 0.001, p < 0.0001, respectively). No negative perinatal outcomes were recorded.

Discussion

In couples where previous 1st ICSI failed, selection of HA‐bound spermatozoa significantly improved clinical outcomes with respect to further standard ICSI.

Conclusion

This study identified couples with previous ICSI cycles failure as a category of infertile patients that really may benefit from HA sperm selection before ICSI.
Outcome of boys with posterior urethral valves from a single tertiary hospital in Singapore
Authors: Chan Ming Tow , Chan Esther Ern‐Hwei , Ng Yong Hong , Yap Te‐Lu , Ong Lin Yin , Narasimhan Kannan Laksmi , Jacobsen Anette Sundfor
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Posterior urethral valve (PUV) is the most common congenital cause of bladder outflow obstruction in male infants. Despite timely treatment, renal damage can still occur in the long‐term leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

A retrospective review of all PUV patients in a single tertiary institution between April 1998 and July 2019 was conducted to analyze their presentations, management and outcomes. Long‐term renal function, radiologic scans and somatic growth were evaluated.

Results

A total of 16 patients were included in this study. Two patients who defaulted all follow‐ups were excluded. Seven patients (43.7%) presented in the antenatal period; four patients (25%) presented in the neonatal period and five patients (31.3%) presented in the post‐neonatal period. Primary transurethral fulguration of valves was done in 13 patients, while three had vesicostomies as the primary procedure. Three patients had associated anterior urethral valves (AUV), which were treated endoscopically. Nine boys had additional procedures for diversion and undiversion, VUR, non‐functioning kidney and clean intermittent catheterization. Ten patients had urodynamic studies performed, of which eight patients received anticholinergic therapy. Eleven patients had DMSA scans, of which three patients had a normal study and eight patients showed unilateral reduced function. Four patients were diagnosed with CKD on long‐term follow‐up duration over 5 years. All patients were shown to have good somatic growth.

Conclusion

Patients with PUV can suffer from complications despite primary treatment. In our small cohort, a quarter of our patients developed CKD on follow‐up. Thus, patients need long‐term follow‐up to optimize bladder and renal function.
Sensitivity of pre‐operative imaging and radiologist inter‐rater reliability in detecting lesions in Crohn's disease
Authors: Hong Jason T. , Kutaiba Numan , Parameswaran Bimal , James Simon , Hong Alton , Ng Suat Chin , An Vinna
Published: January 2022

Background

Computed tomography (CT), computed tomography enterography (CTE) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) are commonly used pre‐operatively in surgical planning in Crohn's Disease (CD). The findings on CT, CTE and MRE may not, however, correlate with operative findings. This study aims to establish the sensitivity of these imaging modalities and analyse radiologist inter‐rater reliability by comparing imaging findings of strictures, fistulas and abscesses with intra‐operative findings.

Methods

A retrospective review of CD patients who had either CT, CTE and/or MRE imaging and CD related surgical intervention at a public health service from 2010 to 2019 inclusive. The number and locations of strictures, fistulas and abscesses on pre‐operative original radiology reports (OR) were recorded. Subsequently, all scans were re‐read by two specialist abdominal radiologists and consensus recorded (SR). Lesions recorded from both OR and SR were compared to those found intra‐operatively.

Results

Eighty‐three patients were included. For strictures, sensitivity was 67%, 74% and 79% for OR and 88%, 71% and 87% for SR for CT, CTE and MRE respectively. The frequency of fistulas and abscesses were small hence a conclusion could not be drawn. The level of agreement between radiologists ranged from 44% to 82% for strictures and 64 to 100% for fistulas and abscesses across all three imaging modalities.

Conclusions

CT and MRE have similarly high sensitivities for the identification of strictures pre‐operatively when read by specialist radiologists. Inter‐rater reliability calculations found similar agreement levels between specialist radiologists and between OR and SR for strictures, fistulas and abscesses across CT, CTE and MRE.
Island feminism meets feminist geopolitics: The spatial dynamics of gender‐based violence in the Galapagos Islands
Authors: Dávalos Cristen , Zaragocín Sofia
Published: January 2022

This paper brings together reflections on island feminism with feminist geopolitics in the Latin American context. Based on ongoing qualitative research by two Ecuadorian feminist geographers, gender‐based violence spatial dynamics on one of the islands of the Galapagos archipelago – San Cristobal – is analysed. A multi‐scalar approach from the experience of Galapagueña and foreign women highlights that gender‐based violence is spatially determined in ways that challenge the public–private sphere in the island space.
Vegetation response to rapid climate change during the Lateglacial–Early Holocene transition at Gola di Lago, southern Switzerland
Authors: Höhn Laura , Leunda Maria , Gobet Erika , Tinner Willy , Schwörer Christoph
Published: January 2022

Predicting the effects of ongoing climate warming on vegetation requires a long‐term perspective of past ecosystem dynamics. We therefore analysed the sedimentary record from the mire Gola di Lago (985 m a.s.l.) in southern Switzerland, to better understand the vegetation response to past rapid climate change. We present a high‐resolution pollen and plant macrofossil study from the Lateglacial to the Early Holocene (13 400–10 400 cal. a BP), a climatic transition that represents a close analogue to current global warming. The vegetation responses during this time match previously analysed palaeoecological sites south of the Alps. At the end of the Bølling‐Allerød interstadial, the site was surrounded by open larch forest. The beginning of the Younger Dryas was characterized by the local presence and rapid expansion of Pinus cembra, whereas the second part was dominated by Pinus sylvestris, Betula and Larix decidua. These vegetation dynamics agree well with independent climate data indicating a cold and dry start and a subsequent shift to slightly warmer climate. The following rapid temperature increase at the beginning of the Holocene resulted in an increase in forest density and the establishment of novel temperate vegetation assemblages, without major changes in species diversity. Noteworthy, during the Younger Dryas–Early Holocene transition, long‐lived cold‐adapted tree line species such as P. cembra and L. decidua persisted over several centuries, while open boreal forests dominated by P. sylvestris and Betula expanded, indicating high resilience to climatic changes. The results of Gola di Lago suggest that climate warming led to a significant change in vegetation communities through species range shifts. Our study also indicates that some species may potentially be able to locally persist under current global warming, forming novel vegetation assemblages with newly establishing species.
Painful flexural plaques
Authors: Kelly Áine , Wijesuriya Nilu , Koh Mickey , Lamb Ruth C.
Published: January 2022

A 30-year-old man presented with a 6-year history of eroded, orange–red plaques with a subtle nodular edge in the bilateral axilla, groin and perianal skin leading to pain, scarring and limited shoulder extension.

Click https://www.wileyhealthlearning.com/#/online-courses/9b96cb7b-9903-4244-b741-3690a7e5b398 for the corresponding questions to this CME article.
The impact of isometric handgrip exercise and training on health‐related factors: A review
Authors: Yamada Yujiro , Spitz Robert W. , Wong Vickie , Bell Zachary W. , Song Jun Seob , Abe Takashi , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: January 2022

Isometric handgrip exercise has been suggested to promote some health‐related factors (e.g., lowering blood pressure). However, there is a need to evaluate whether this type of exercise can be included as an option to elicit these health‐related outcomes. The purpose of the article was to systematically review the acute and chronic effects of isometric handgrip exercise on resting blood pressure, pain sensation, cognitive function and blood lipids and lipoproteins. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 89 studies met our inclusion criteria. Most randomized controlled trials (17/26) reported reductions in resting blood pressure (mostly systolic blood pressure) following isometric handgrip training. There were inconsistent results in isometric handgrip exercise‐induced hypotension (i.e., acute response). There was convincing evidence observed in randomized controlled trials (4/6) for isometric handgrip exercise‐induced hypoalgesia. Some randomized controlled trials (2/2) supported an improvement in memory performance, but not interference control (0/2), after a session of isometric handgrip exercise. None of the included studies found any effects of isometric handgrip training on blood lipids and lipoproteins. Isometric handgrip exercise appears to be an effective method to improve certain health‐related factors. The acute reductions in pain and blood pressure may share a similar central mechanism. However, training‐induced reductions in resting blood pressure may be driven by changes in the periphery. Additional work is needed to better understand if (and to what extent) isometric handgrip exercise (or training) influences cognitive function and blood lipids and lipoproteins.
Impact of CYBA genotypes on severity and progression of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Törnell Andreas , Kiffin Roberta , Haghighi Sara , Mossberg Natalia , Andersen Oluf , Hellstrand Kristoffer , Martner Anna
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose

The NOX2 enzyme of myeloid cells generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that have been implicated in the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to determine the impact of genetic variation within CYBA, which encodes the functional CYBA/p22phox subunit of NOX2, on MS severity and progression.

Methods

One hundred three MS patients with up to 49 (median = 17) years follow‐up time from first MS diagnosis were genotyped at the single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1049254 and rs4673 within CYBA. Results were matched with disease severity and time to diagnosis of secondary progressive MS (SPMS). NOX2‐mediated formation of ROS was measured by chemiluminescence in blood myeloid cells from healthy donors (n = 55) with defined genotypes at rs1049254 and rs4673.

Results

The rs1049254/G and rs4673/A CYBA alleles were associated with reduced formation of ROS and were thus defined as low‐ROS alleles. Patients carrying low‐ROS alleles showed reduced multiple sclerosis severity score (p = 0.02, N = 103, linear regression) and delayed onset of SPMS (p = 0.02, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.46, n = 100, log‐rank test). In a cohort examined after 2005, patients carrying low‐ROS CYBA alleles showed >20 years longer time to secondary progression (p = 0.003, HR = 0.29, n = 59, log‐rank test).

Conclusions

These results implicate NOX2 in MS, in particular for the development of secondary progressive disease, and point toward NOX2‐reductive therapy aiming to delay secondary progression.
Immediate bond performance of resin composite luting systems to saliva‐contaminated enamel and dentin in different curing modes
Authors: Ishii Ryo , Takamizawa Toshiki , Katsuki Shun , Iwase Kei , Shoji Mone , Sai Keiichi , Tsujimoto Akimasa , Miyazaki Masashi
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate shear bond strength of resin composite luting systems to tooth with or without saliva contamination in different curing modes. The Knoop hardness number of the resin composite luting agents was measured. Four combinations of resin composite luting systems were used. The shear bond strength to bovine teeth was measured with and without saliva contamination in different curing modes at different storage periods. The Knoop hardness number of the resin composite luting agents was also evaluated. Significantly lower enamel and dentin shear bond strengths and Knoop hardness number values were observed in all resin composite luting systems at 5 min versus 24 h, regardless of the curing mode or saliva contamination. The influence of the curing mode of the resin composite luting systems on shear bond strengths and Knoop hardness number was dependent on material. For the saliva contamination conditions, only G‐CEM ONE EM did not show any significant difference in shear bond strength among the groups with and without saliva contamination, regardless of curing mode, storage period, or tooth substrate. All the resin composite luting systems showed lower shear bond strengths and Knoop hardness number values immediately after setting.
Racial capitalism and the sea: Development and change in Black maritime labour, and what it means for fisheries and a blue economy
Authors: Clark Timothy P.
Published: January 2022

The ‘Blue Economy’ is often framed as a revolutionary and transformative approach to marine and fishery development. However, scholars increasingly critique the Blue Economy in hopes that equity‐related concerns can become more prevalent. While these efforts are important, historical materialist perspectives can more deeply challenge the assumptions and limits of economistic thinking. In that vein, Racial Capitalism posits that capitalist markets promote, solidify and rely on racial hierarchy to secure differential value accumulation. This study applies a Racial Capitalist analysis to illustrate how the expansion of capitalist social relations corresponded the re‐solidification of white supremacy to (re)produce systemic inequality in Black maritime labour, and specifically fisheries labour, on the U.S. eastern seaboard. In this case, which occurred across several states and in a critically important marine‐fishery system, the expansion of market relations corresponded with labour exploitation, naturalization of hierarchy and inequitable distribution of socioeconomic harm for Black workers. I identify three lessons from this case that Blue Economy and fisheries scholars should heed; specifically, be wary of market utopianism, technological innovation is not inherently progressive, and systemic exploitation still matters.
FREEDOM TIME: TEMPORAL INSURRECTIONS IN OLIVIA WENZEL'S 1000 SERPENTINEN ANGST AND SHARON DODUA OTOO'S ADAS RAUM
Authors: Colvin Sarah
Published: January 2022

Anthony Reed has developed the concepts of ‘racial time’ and ‘freedom time’ to explore the aesthetics of possibility in Black experimental writing in the USA. Here I build on that thinking, on Michelle Wright's concept of Epiphenomenal time, and on Priscilla Layne's exploration of Afrofuturist temporal aesthetics in Wenzel's dramatic work, to discuss how Wenzel and Otoo as contemporary European novelists explore literary storytelling that is temporally insurrectionary. Neither of the novels considered here is typically Afrofuturist: both, however, have resonances with the Afropean Contemporary as described by Philipp Khabo Koepsell. Each novel engages poetic strategies to historicise and denaturalise the present, to render different pasts thinkable, and to address the shape that a future order might take. Both use an aesthetic strategy I call transtemporality, where meaning is deepened and rendered complex across time‐space. The transtemporal perspective is insurrectionary not least because it renders power's emergence and fall visible. Both Wenzel and Otoo develop narratives whose progression is not linear but moves in coils or loops (‘Serpentinen’, ‘Schleifen’) across what María Lugones calls ‘multiple, intersecting, co‐temporaneous realities’. That, I argue, is an aesthetic strategy that represents vital movement in the face of the almost literally petrifying force that is necropolitical or racialised time.

Anthony Reeds Konzepte ʻracial timeʼ und ʻfreedom timeʼ erläutern eine Ästhetik der Möglichkeit im literarischen Schreiben Schwarzer avantgardistischer Autor*innen in den USA. Aufbauend darauf und in Anlehnung an Michelle Wrights Konzept der Epiphänomenalen Zeit und Priscilla Laynes Erforschung einer afrofuturistischen Ästhetik in Wenzels dramatischem Werk, geht dieser Beitrag der Frage nach, wie Wenzel und Otoo als zeitgenössische europäische Autorinnen literarische Erzählweisen erproben, die sich gegen konventionelle ästhetische Strukturen der Zeitlichkeit auflehnen. Die hier untersuchten Romane sind nicht typisch afrofuturistisch, haben jedoch Resonanzen mit der Afropean Contemporary, wie sie von Philipp Khabo Koepsell konzipiert worden ist. Poetische Strategien lassen die Gegenwart als bedingt und veränderbar erscheinen, unterschiedliche Vergangenheiten und eine andere zukünftige Ordnung werden denkbar. Beide Dichterinnen verwenden eine ästhetische Strategie, die ich Transtemporalität nenne, wobei die erzählerische Bewegung durch Zeit und Raum Bedeutungsmomente verdichtet. Diese transtemporale Perspektive bezeichne ich als aufständisch nicht zuletzt deshalb, weil sie die Vergänglichkeit der Macht offenlegt. Wenzel und Otoo erzählen nicht linear, sondern in Serpentinen bzw. Schleifen. Sie schaffen damit ʻmultiple, sich überschneidende, zeitgleiche Realitätenʼ (María Lugones). Das ist eine ästhetische Strategie, die angesichts der fast buchstäblich versteinernden Kraft einer nekropolitischen oder rassifizierten Zeit vitale Bewegung denkbar werden lässt.
Effects of pemafibrate on primary biliary cholangitis with dyslipidemia
Authors: Yamaguchi Mayumi , Asano Takeharu , Arisaka Takahiro , Mashima Hirosato , Irisawa Atsushi , Tamano Masaya
Published: January 2022

Aim

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of pemafibrate (PEM) in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients with dyslipidemia.

Methods

Patients who were diagnosed with PBC between June 2018 and December 31, 2020 were included in the study if they also had dyslipidemia and their alkaline phosphatase (ALP) or gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels remained above the normal range despite taking 600 mg/day ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for at least 6 months. Patients who were treated with UDCA alone were administered PEM as an add‐on (PEM‐add group), and patients who were treated with UDCA and bezafibrate (BEZ) for at least 6 months were given PEM instead of BEZ (PEM‐switch group). Clinical parameters were compared in all patients, and the levels of ALP, GGT, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and creatinine (Cr) were compared between the PEM‐add and PEM‐switch groups. Improvement in cholangitis was also evaluated.

Results

In the PEM‐add group, both ALP and GGT improved in 40 of 46 patients (87.0%). In the PEM‐switch group, both ALP and GGT improved in 15 of 29 patients (51.7%). In the PEM‐switch group, however, significant improvement was seen in eGFR and Cr.

Conclusions

Administration of PEM is effective in PBC patients with dyslipidemia who are refractory to UDCA monotherapy. In patients using both UDCA and BEZ, there was an advantage in switching to PEM if they had renal damage; however, improvement of ALP and GGT occurred in about 50%.
Predictors of knowledge of and access to biomedical prevention among MSM and transgender men in Latin America: Results from the Latin American internet survey
Authors: Avelino‐Silva Vivian Iida , Vasconcelos Ricardo , Cerqueira Natalia B. , Marcus Ulrich , Schmidt Axel Jeremias , Veras Maria Amelia
Published: January 2022

Introduction

HIV is still a central public health issue in Latin America, disproportionally affecting key populations. Knowledge and access to biomedical prevention strategies, including treatment as prevention (TASP) or undetectable = untransmissible (U=U), pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP), are the first steps to increasing uptake. We used data from the Latin American MSM Internet Survey (LAMIS) to describe knowledge and access to biomedical HIV prevention strategies among gay, bisexual, transgender and other men who have sex with men (MSM) living in 18 Latin American countries.

Methods

We compared LAMIS data across countries and according to age categories using frequencies and percentages. We also used multivariable models to explore whether age, gender identity, sexual identity, steady partnership, HIV status and education were independently associated with outcomes.

Results

In all, 55 924 participants were included. Most were cisgender (99%) and identified as gay/homosexual (77%) or bisexual (17%). Schooling levels were very high, with 89% reporting highest attained education as tertiary level, university or post‐graduation. In total, 16% had been previously diagnosed with HIV; of those, rates of undetectable viral load varied from 60% in Venezuela to 83% in Brazil. Overall, 54%, 54% and 52% of participants already knew about PEP, PrEP and U=U, respectively. Participants from Brazil and those aged between 26 and 55 years, living with diagnosed HIV and having a gay/homosexual identity had greater levels of awareness about biomedical prevention strategies.

Conclusions

Our study highlights gaps in HIV prevention campaigns directed to MSM in Latin America resulting in low uptake of biomedical prevention methods.
When does the price presentation order impact choices? Dispositional and situational moderators for the price order effect
Authors: Mukherjee Sudipta
Published: January 2022

Consumers are often presented with multiple prices—either for the same item (e.g. auctions or negotiations) or for a suite of options. Existing research has shown that the order in which multiple prices are presented can influence consumer choices. Specifically, ascending (vs. descending) price order can result in a stronger tendency to choose lower prices—an effect termed as the price order effect. While this effect has been studied extensively across a variety of domains, its boundary conditions are relatively unknown. This research fills this important gap by identifying specific dispositional (regulatory focus and sense of power) and situational (self vs. other focus, abstract vs. concrete mindset, and gain vs. loss focus) moderators of the price order effect. Specifically, across a series of four studies, we show that the price order effect is stronger for (a) prevention (vs. promotion) focused consumers, (b) those with low (vs. high) sense of power, (c) under self (vs. other) focus, (d) under concrete (vs. abstract) mindset, and (e) under loss (vs. gain) focus. This research also provides additional evidence for loss aversion as the proposed mechanism for price order effect. We discuss the theoretical contributions and managerial implications of this research, and identify potential future research directions.
A Systematic review on diagnostic methods of red cell membrane disorders in Asia
Authors: Silva Ruwindi , Amarasinghe Dinusha , Perera Shiromi , Premawardhena Anuja
Published: January 2022

Membranopathies are a group of inherited blood disorders where the diagnosis could form a challenge due to phenotype‐genotype heterogeneity. In this review, the usage and limitations of diagnostic methods for membranopathies in Asian countries were evaluated. A systematic review was done using articles from PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCO from 2000 to 2020. Thirty‐six studies conducted in seven Asian countries had used different diagnostic methods to confirm membranopathies. In 58.3% of studies, full blood count (FBC), reticulocyte count, and peripheral blood smear (PBS) were used in preliminary diagnosis. The combination of the above three with osmotic fragility (OF) test was used in 38.8%. The flowcytometric osmotic fragility (FC‐OF) test was used in 27.7% where it showed high sensitivity (92%–100%) and specificity (96%–98%). The eosin‐5‐maleimide (EMA) assay was used in 68.1% with high sensitivity (95%–100%) and specificity (93%–99.6%). About 36.1% of studies had used sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) as a further diagnostic method to detect defective proteins. Genetic analysis to identify mutations was done using Sanger sequencing, next‐generation sequencing (NGS), and whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in 33.3%, 22.2%, and 13.8% of studies, respectively. The diagnostic yield of NGS ranged from 63% to 100%. Proteomics was used in 5.5% of studies to support the diagnosis of membranopathies. A single method could not diagnose all membranopathies. Next‐generation sequencing, Sanger sequencing, and proteomics will supplement the well‐established screening and confirmatory methods, but not replace them in hereditary hemolytic anemia assessment.
The relation between gestures and stuttering in individuals with Down syndrome
Authors: Maessen Babette , Rombouts Ellen , Maes Bea , Zink Inge
Published: January 2022

Background

Evidence shows that neurotypical individuals who stutter use fewer gestures than those who do not stutter. Presently, no research exists about the interaction of stuttering and gestures in individuals with Down syndrome.

Method

Twenty‐nine individuals with Down syndrome (7–19 years) of whom 16 stuttered and 13 spoke fluently and 20 neurotypical children (3–10 years) of whom 8 stuttered and 12 spoke fluently participated in this study. In spontaneous speech transcriptions, stuttering events and gestures were coded.

Results

Comparisons of gesture frequency during stuttered and fluent speech inside the Down syndrome and neurotypical group show that the Down syndrome group uses significantly more gestures during stuttered than during fluent speech while no significant difference is seen in the neurotypical group.

Conclusions

There is some preliminary evidence that individuals with Down syndrome try to compensate for their stuttering events, however, analyses on word level are necessary to confirm a successful compensation.
The regulation of PBXs and their emerging role in cancer
Authors: Liu Ying , Ao Xiang , Zhou Xuehao , Du Chengcheng , Kuang Shouxiang
Published: January 2022

Pre‐B‐cell leukaemia transcription factor (PBX) proteins are a subfamily of evolutionarily conserved, atypical homeodomain transcription factors that belong to the superfamily of three amino acid loop extension (TALE) homeodomain proteins. Members of the PBX family play crucial roles in regulating multiple pathophysiological processes, such as the development of organs, congenital cardiac defects and carcinogenesis. The dysregulation of PBXs has been shown to be closely associated with many diseases, particularly cancer. However, the detailed mechanisms of PBX dysregulation in cancer progression are still inconclusive. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the structures, functions and regulatory mechanisms of PBXs, and discuss their underlying mechanisms in cancer progression. We also highlight the great potential of PBXs as biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of cancer as well as their therapeutic applications. The information reviewed here may expand researchers’ understanding of PBXs and could strengthen the clinical implication of PBXs in cancer treatment.
Increasing energy expenditure through exercise and low ambient temperature offers oxidative protection to the hypothalamus after high‐fat feeding to mice
Authors: Jaroslawska Julia , Gospodarska Emilia , Korytko Agnieszka
Published: January 2022

The effects of weight loss produced by increased energy expenditure on measures of oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage have not been investigated in the hypothalamus of diet‐induced obese mice. The present study aimed to characterize the effects of either a low housing temperature of 17°C or daily exercise on a treadmill on high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced abnormalities in the hypothalamic tissue of mice. Exercise and low ambient temperature protocols were designed to produce energy deficit through increased energy expenditure. Forty mice aged 8 weeks were assigned to one of four conditions: chow diet (n = 10), HFD (n = 10), HFD and 5 weeks of either exercise training (ET; n = 10) or an ambient temperature of 17°C (n = 10). Mice were killed at the age of 31 weeks. In comparison with HFD treatment alone, both interventions reduced body adiposity (14.6% and 27.6% reduction for the ET and 17°C groups, respectively). Moreover, exposing obese mice to ET and 17°C restored mitochondrial DNA content (41.3% and 32.6% increase for the ET and 17°C groups, respectively), decreased level of lipid peroxidation as assessed by the detection of 4‐hydroxy‐nonenal protein adducts (12.8% and 29.4% reduction for the ET and 17°C groups, respectively) and normalized the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines (Tnfα: 73.9% and 62%; Il1β: 54.5% and 39.6%; Il6: 33.1% and 35.6% reduction for the ET and 17°C groups, respectively), as well as several proteins associated with mitochondrial respiratory chain (OxPhos Complex I: 75.7% and 53.9%; Complex III: 33% and 36%; Complex V: 42% and 36.9% reduction for the ET and 17°C groups, respectively) in hypothalamic cells. Negative energy balance induced through either lower ambient temperature or exercise resulted in substantial and similar improvements in markers of inflammation and mitochondrial damage in the hypothalamus of mice with diet‐induced obesity, potentially by reducing oxidative stress.
Use of virtual reality in managing paediatric procedural pain and anxiety: An integrative literature review
Authors: Addab Sofia , Hamdy Reggie , Thorstad Kelly , Le May Sylvie , Tsimicalis Argerie
Published: January 2022

Aims

This integrative review aimed to identify, analyse and synthesise studies investigating the clinical efficacy of virtual reality (VR) distraction for children undergoing varying painful and anxiety‐inducing medical procedures across different hospital settings and to identify implications for research and clinical practice.

Background

Virtual reality has been leveraged as a distraction tool in the healthcare setting to help patients manage procedural pain and anxiety. Initial studies in the burn wound care setting using VR as a non‐pharmacological analgesia led to the use of VR during other medical procedures.

Design

An integrative review of the literature was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines across four electronic databases. Published studies between 2000 and 2020 investigating the clinical efficacy of VR in managing paediatric procedural pain or anxiety were included for review.

Results

Reviewed studies collectively included 2,174 patients aged 6 months‐18 years used VR during burn wound care, post‐burn physiotherapy, dental, needle‐related and other procedures. Additionally, ten studies included samples with adults, for which paediatric data could not be isolated (n = 507). Overall, studies supported the efficacy of VR in managing procedural pain and anxiety in the paediatric setting.

Conclusion

Virtual reality is redefining pain management by immersing children in a virtual world, reducing pain and anxiety at the hospital. A notable gap was the neglected use of VR in children with chronic conditions receiving orthopaedic procedures as part of their standard care.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Ultimately, VR distraction will reduce the fear associated with medical interventions, preventing increased pain sensitivity, exacerbated anxiety and healthcare avoidance in adulthood. Nurses will play an important role in ensuring the smooth integration of VR in clinical practice by championing the technology and transferring evidence‐based methods for VR use.
Textural thermo‐mechanical properties of sweet cherry for postharvest damage analysis
Authors: Han Xuewei , An Xue , Fadiji Tobi , Li Zhiguo , Khojastehpour Mehdi
Published: January 2022

In this study, the textural thermo‐mechanical properties of three sweet cherry varieties were systematically investigated by the puncture test of whole fruit, uniaxial tension of the exocarp, and uniaxial compression test of mesocarp. It was found that the puncture test can not only reflect the shear mechanics of the exocarp in vivo at the tissue level, but it can also characterize the resistance level of fruit to puncture damage at the macroscopic level, particularly when the puncture failure stress is used. The environmental temperature had negative and positive significant effects on the puncture failure stress and the puncture failure deformation of the sweet cherry (p < .05), respectively. The environmental temperature showed a negative significant effect on the failure stress and elastic modulus of the sweet cherry exocarp under tension and mesocarp under compression (p < .05). As the environmental temperature increased from 5 to 40°C, the elastic modulus of the Black pearl, Summit, and Tieton sweet cherry exocarp ranged from 2.28 to 1.72, 2.57 to 1.47, and 1.98 to 1.24 MPa, respectively; and that of mesocarp ranged from 0.33 to 0.21, 0.27 to 0.19, and 0.43 to 0.23 MPa, respectively. The obtained exponential function relationships between environmental temperature and each mechanical parameter are useful for predicting the thermo‐mechanical properties of sweet cherry across a 5–40°C continuous temperature range. This study provided systematical thermo‐mechanical data for predicting the mechanical damage of sweet cherry in postharvest handling using the thermo‐mechanical coupling numerical simulation.