bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mondrian's Boogie Woogie
Authors: Dickerman Leah
Published: September 2023

This essay looks at Piet Mondrian's Broadway Boogie Woogie (1942-43), one of the most iconic paintings in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art since it was acquired in 1943, offering a counterpoint to persistent readings that fundamentally position the work within a narrative of the European avant-garde. In a story that is both familiar and new, this essay highlights the structural and political insights provided by Mondrian's engagement with boogie-woogie music in America, through both recordings and visits to the nightclub Cafe Society, positioning the painting at the confluence of two streams of migration: one that brought Mondrian to New York as a war refugee and another that brought boogie-woogie sound northward with the Great Migration. Tracing these parallel histories, and how boogie-woogie signified in specific historical and political ways, deepens our understanding of how it modeled a space of freedom for Mondrian and shaped the vision realized in his two final paintings.
IL-1β knockout increases the intestinal abundancy of Akkermansia muciniphila
Authors: Bechberger M. , Eigenbrod T. , Boutin S. , Heeg K. , Bode K.A.
Published: September 2023

The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is known to be upregulated in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. IL-1β contributes to insulin resistance in obesity and type 2 diabetes, yet its influence on the intestinal microbiome is incompletely understood. The data presented here demonstrate that mice genetically deficient in IL-1β show a specific alteration of intestinal colonisation of a small group of bacteria. Especially Akkermansia muciniphila, a bacterium reported to be inversely associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiometabolic diseases and low-grade inflammation, showed increased colonisation in IL-1β knockout mice. In comparative microarray analysis from mucus scrapings of the colon mucosa of IL-1β knockout and wildtype mice, angiogenin 4 mRNA was strongly reduced in IL-1β knockout animals. Since the presence of angiogenin 4 in the culture medium showed a significant growth inhibition on A. muciniphila which was not detectable for other bacteria tested, IL-1β induced expression of angiogenin 4 is a strong candidate to be responsible for the IL-1β induced suppression of A. muciniphila colonisation. Thus, the data presented here indicate that IL-1β might be the lacking link between inflammation and suppression of A. muciniphila abundance as observed in a variety of chronic inflammatory disorders.
Trackability of proteins from probiotic Bifidobacterium spp. in the gut using metaproteomics
Authors: Hendrickx D.M. , An R. , Boeren S. , Mutte S.K. , the PRESTO study team  , Wopereis H. , Belzer C.
Published: September 2023

Beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium spp. on gut microbiota development and infant health have been reported earlier. Therefore, supplementation of infant formulas with probiotic bifidobacteria, as well as prebiotics stimulating bifidobacterial growth, has been proposed. Here, we studied the faecal microbiome of infants supplemented with specialized nutrition, of which some received a standard amino acid-based formula (AAF) and others an AAF with a specific mixture of prebiotics and a probiotic (synbiotics) using metaproteomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Faecal samples were taken at baseline, as well as after 6 and 12 months fed with the specialized formula. The aim was to compare microbial differences between infants treated with the standard AAF and those who received the additional synbiotics. Our findings show that infants who received AAF with synbiotics have significantly higher levels of Bifidobacteriaceae DNA as well as significantly increased levels of Coriobacteriaceae proteins, over time. Moreover, at visit 12 months higher levels of some bifidobacterial carbohydrate-active enzymes, known to metabolize oligosaccharides, were observed in the synbiotic group compared to the non-synbiotic group. The results indicate that the synbiotics provided in our study are trackable in faecal samples on the DNA and protein level during the intervention period.
Legal Constraints on Policymaking for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture in Indonesia
Authors: Zahar Alexander , Nurhidayah Laely
Published: September 2023

Agricultural regulation in Indonesia is almost entirely focused on adaptation and food security. Mitigation of emissions from the sector is not presented as an obligation in the country’s body of agricultural law. This situation, which emphasizes autarky, does not facilitate a strong agricultural mitigation policy in the country; and, in fact, Indonesia’s policies and planned actions on greenhouse-gas-emission reduction in agriculture are narrow, vague, and lacking in ambition. The emphatic adaptation focus of Indonesia’s body of agricultural regulation may reflect entrenched values about the role of agriculture in society. An alternative explanation is that the regulatory emphasis on adaptation is an instance of regulatory inertia, sustained by a tradition of agricultural protectionism that deflects risky reforms. Inertia is problematic in itself, as it closes off the sector to innovation. But inertia is not as serious as a values-based resistance in the country to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. A government’s mandate in a democratic society to act ambitiously on climate change, in a climate-treaty context that demands little more than “national determination” of ambition, must necessarily be obtained from, in large part, those most directly affected by a regulatory change – in this case, farmers. An inquiry that seeks to elicit their opinion in this respect is overdue. A survey of farmers’ views on their willingness to support mitigation of emissions from their sector would add to our understanding of the risks that our slow response to climate change entails, for it is a response that presumes that a significant mitigation contribution will eventually be made by each and every economic sector, including agriculture. If the issue is mere inertia, the outlook is more optimistic than if the issue is active resistance. Because agriculture is still a closed sector, not only in developing but also in developed countries, this article contributes to our understanding of research priorities for climate law around the world. The article is the first in a series this journal will publish under our co-editorship on climate change law in Indonesia.
Beyond Colonial Rupture: Print Culture and the Emergence of Muslim Modernity in Nineteenth-Century South Asia
Authors: Sobers-Khan Nur , Uddin Layli , Basu Priyanka
Published: September 2023

Scholarly discussions on Islam in print have focused predominantly on the role of Urdu in the development of North Indian Muslim publics (Dubrow, 2018; Robb, 2020), ʿulama and Islamic jurisprudence (Tareen, 2020) and relations between Islam and colonial modernity (Robinson, 2008; Osella & Osella, 2008) This special issue instead offers fine-grained investigations on technology and labour; print landscapes, networks and actors; subaltern languages; and popular Islam. We critique the idea of an “epistemic rupture” brought about by colonial modernity, providing a more systematic analysis of continuities and changes in Islamic knowledge economy. Examining two centuries of print authored by South Asian Muslims, the articles in the issue provide new ways of thinking about questions of knowledge production, distribution, circulation and reception. The issue broadens the scope of earlier scholarship, examining genres such as cosmology, divination, devotional poems, salacious songs, romances and tales of war in Urdu, Persian, Arabic, dobhāṣī do Bangla, Arabic Malayalam, Sindhi, Balochi and Brahui. The articles show the different ways that pre-colonial practices and cultures of writing and reading persisted in the print landscape, in terms of copying, adaptation, translation and circulation of texts. They inquire into new technologies, labour and networks that evolved, and how it provided fertile ground for both new and traditional forms of religious activities and authorities. The articles present new Muslim publics, geographies, and imaginaries forged through the vernacularisation of Islam, and their relationship to the transnational or global community.
A Social Space for Religious Reform: Maktaba-i Durkhan and the Emergence of a Vernacular Print Culture in Colonial Balochistan (1882–1948)
Authors: Jamali Hafeez Ahmed
Published: September 2023

The development of manuscript and print cultures in colonial Balochistan have eluded scholarly attention due to the representation of the princely state of Kalat as a savage frontier space. Despite a Baloch nationalist awakening in the late colonial period and the flourishing of Balochi and Brahui language books and periodicals in postcolonial Pakistan, only a handful of scholars have taken note of these developments and their transformative effects on Baloch society. Understanding these dynamics in a frontier space is important not only in its own right but also to help shed light on the politics of religious and nationalist reform in South Asia. This paper seeks to understand these dynamics by exploring the emergence of the Maktaba-i-Durkhan (1883–1960), a madrasah and publishing house in the village of Durkhan in eastern Balochistan that pioneered the use of books in Balochi and Brahui languages for teaching Quran, Hadith, and other religious literature.
The Garden and the Fire: The Hereafter in the Bengali Muslim Literary Imagination
Authors: Halder Epsita
Published: September 2023

Hell (al-nar, the Fire) and Paradise (al-janna, the Garden), as punishment and reward for Muslims for failing in performing obligatory practices or perfecting them, appeared in popular print in late nineteenth-century Bengal, to coalesce an audience as belonging to the umma. In a reformist attempt to offer Islamic eschatology to the masses, references were based on Qurʾanic and hadith-based traditions, available in Urdu and Bangla and borrowed freely from several sources. The fear of torment in Hell and sensory indulgence in Paradise, articulated by the ʿulamaʾ as part of reformist Islam in Bengal, drew awe towards God and piety towards the Prophet. With the Qurʾan and hadis repertoire in Bangla, sharīʿa-based knowledge was standardized, but ʿulamaʾ who were writing doctrinal treatises for the masses created multiple layers of negotiation between high and popular forms of eschatology by exploring the creative potential of the hereafter.
New species of the Genus Messatoporus Cushman (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae) from the Neotropical Region
Authors: LIMA THALITA DA SILVA , CAMARGO LUIZA FIGUEIREDO , DIAS ANGÉLICA MARIA PENTEADO-
Published: September 2023

Three new species of Messatoporus are described and illustrated from Brazil: Messatoporus claretee sp. nov., Messatoporus luizae sp. nov. and Messatoporus suzane sp. nov. The species are characterized by having long mandibles, with dorsal tooth much longer than ventral tooth, propodeum with long transverse striation and first metasomal tergite long with spiracle near the middle.
Gendered ethnic discrimination and the role of recruiter gender. A field experiment
Authors: Erlandsson Anni
Published: September 2023

Relying on data from a large-scale field experiment in Sweden, this article studies discrimination in recruitment on the basis of gender and ethnicity combined with recruiter gender. The study includes 5641 job applications sent in response to advertised vacancies, and the employer callbacks to these. Gender and either a Swedish or a foreign-sounding name were randomly assigned to the applications, and recruiter gender was documented whenever available. Based on the callback rates, there is evidence of ethnic discrimination against foreign-named job applicants by both male and female recruiters. Also, male applicants with foreign-sounding names are discriminated more than female applicants with foreign-sounding names. Thus, the results show gendered ethnic discrimination in the Swedish labor market, and this does not appear to depend on recruiter gender in general. However, the patterns for gendered ethnic discrimination by recruiter gender vary across occupational categories.
Democratic Planning and its Pitfalls: E. H. Carr, Harold B. Butler, and the Interwar Crisis
Authors: Milani Tommaso
Published: September 2023

The article investigates competing arguments in favour of democratic planning by comparing and contrasting the writings of E. H. Carr (1892–1982) and Harold B. Butler (1883–1951). As British civil servants and distinguished commentators on public affairs, Carr and Butler were deeply struck by the magnitude of the Great Depression and its political repercussions around the world. Despite having a similar background and being critical of laissez-faire economics, Carr and Butler came to express two conflicting visions of the implications of planning for democracy, informed by their respective fascination with the Soviet experience and the New Deal. Ultimately, they took opposite stances on Britain's post-1945 nationalizations, a development that highlights the extreme suppleness of the democratic planning discourse blossoming during the interwar years.
The Pathogenesis of COVID-19–Related Taste Disorder and Treatments
Authors: Wang J. , Liu R. , Ma H. , Zhang W.
Published: September 2023

COVID-19, mainly manifested as acute respiratory distress syndrome, has afflicted millions of people worldwide since 2019. Taste dysfunction is a common early-stage symptom of COVID-19 infection that burdens patients for weeks or even permanently in some cases. Owing to its subjectivity and complexity, the mechanism of taste disorder is poorly studied. Previous studies have reported that the COVID-19 entry receptors are highly expressed in taste buds, thereby intensifying the cytocidal effect. Taste receptor cells are vulnerable to inflammation, and the COVID-19–induced cytokine storm causes secondary damage to taste function. Interferon and various proinflammatory cytokines can trigger cell apoptosis and disrupt the renewal of taste bud stem cells. This immune response can be further enhanced by the accumulation of Angiotensin II (Ang II) caused by an unbalanced local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) system. In addition, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is neurotropic and can invade the brain through the olfactory bulb, affecting the nervous system. Other factors, such as host zinc deficiency, genetic susceptibility, sialic acid, and some neurotransmitters, also contribute to the pathogenesis process. Although several medical interventions have displayed effectiveness, only a few strategies exist for the treatment of postinfectious dysgeusia. Stem cell–based taste regeneration offers promise for long-term taste disorders. Clinical studies have demonstrated that stem cells can treat long COVID-19 through immune regulation. In dysgeusia, the differentiation of taste bud stem cells can be stimulated through exogenous epithelial-derived and neural-derived factors to regenerate taste buds. Tongue organoids are also emerging as functional taste buds, offering new insights into the study of taste regeneration. This review presents the current evidence of the pathogenesis of COVID-19–related dysgeusia, summarizes currently available treatments, and suggests future directions of taste regeneration therapy.
Fun in the Workplace and Employee Substance Use: A Double-Edged Sword?
Authors: Tews Michael J. , Yu Heyao , Pons Sydney T.
Published: September 2023

While fun in the workplace has been demonstrated to favorably influence a variety of attitudinal and behavioral outcomes in previous research (Michel et al., 2019), the present study demonstrates that fun bears a complex relationship with employee alcohol and marijuana use. With a sample of 378 individuals employed in the hospitality and retail industries, manager support for fun and fun activities were negatively related to after-work employee substance use through subjective stress. In addition, both aspects of fun in the workplace were positively related to substance use through coworker socializing. In this light, fun in the workplace may be a double-edged sword in the context of human resource management. These findings are discussed, along with opportunities for future research.
Response Aggregation to Obtain Truthful Answers to Sensitive Questions: Estimating the Prevalence of Illegal Purchases of Prescription Drugs
Authors: Gregori Marco , De Jong Martijn G. , Pieters Rik
Published: September 2023

This research proposes a simple, new technique to obtain truthful answers to sensitive, categorical questions. The paired response technique (PRT) asks participants to merely report the sum of the answers to two paired questions, one baseline and one sensitive, with the answers to each question known only to the participants. The technique then statistically infers the prevalence of the sensitive characteristic and its potential drivers from the association of the baseline question with other questions in the survey. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate the performance of the PRT under varying conditions. A representative survey (n = 4,649) in the Netherlands about legal and illegal purchases of prescription drugs to enhance sexual performance reveals that 17.4% of the target population has purchased medication to enhance sexual performance at least once. In contrast, in a control group surveyed with direct questioning, only 5.1% admit having done so. The great majority of these individuals opt to purchase illegally. Two further empirical applications, respectively, in the United States and the United Kingdom, show that the PRT reduces cognitive and affective costs of survey participation compared with a state-of-the-art randomized response technique for categorical questions.
World scientists’ warning: The behavioural crisis driving ecological overshoot
Authors: Merz Joseph J , Barnard Phoebe , Rees William E , Smith Dane , Maroni Mat , Rhodes Christopher J , Dederer Julia H , Bajaj Nandita , Joy Michael K , Wiedmann Thomas , Sutherland Rory
Published: September 2023

Previously, anthropogenic ecological overshoot has been identified as a fundamental cause of the myriad symptoms we see around the globe today from biodiversity loss and ocean acidification to the disturbing rise in novel entities and climate change. In the present paper, we have examined this more deeply, and explore the behavioural drivers of overshoot, providing evidence that overshoot is itself a symptom of a deeper, more subversive modern crisis of human behaviour. We work to name and frame this crisis as ‘the Human Behavioural Crisis’ and propose the crisis be recognised globally as a critical intervention point for tackling ecological overshoot. We demonstrate how current interventions are largely physical, resource intensive, slow-moving and focused on addressing the symptoms of ecological overshoot (such as climate change) rather than the distal cause (maladaptive behaviours). We argue that even in the best-case scenarios, symptom-level interventions are unlikely to avoid catastrophe or achieve more than ephemeral progress. We explore three drivers of the behavioural crisis in depth: economic growth; marketing; and pronatalism. These three drivers directly impact the three ‘levers’ of overshoot: consumption, waste and population. We demonstrate how the maladaptive behaviours of overshoot stemming from these three drivers have been catalysed and perpetuated by the intentional exploitation of previously adaptive human impulses. In the final sections of this paper, we propose an interdisciplinary emergency response to the behavioural crisis by, amongst other things, the shifting of social norms relating to reproduction, consumption and waste. We seek to highlight a critical disconnect that is an ongoing societal gulf in communication between those that know such as scientists working within limits to growth, and those members of the citizenry, largely influenced by social scientists and industry, that must act.
Challenges to Humanism
Authors: Richmond Sheldon
Published: September 2023

Joseph Agassi develops a humanist world view in his last single-authored book through confronting the challenges facing the humanist world view. The three challenges that Agassi confronts are: 1. how do we rationally choose ways of life, including the life of rationality? 2. is humanity worthwhile? 3. how can we improve liberal democracy in our fractured societies where extremists seek to gain control?
Beyond Martyrdom: Rereading Invisible Man
Authors: Lupino Ferris
Published: September 2023

For political and literary theorists working on race, Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man is a canonical text. Most political theorists approach the novel through what this essay calls a “martyr reading,” though martyrdom is just one of several political strategies explored in the work. This essay highlights an alternative in Ellison’s repertoire. The “trickster reading” developed here better accounts for several key scenes in the novel and also shows the limits of martyrdom as a technique of democratic politics. While other democratic theorists have identified Ellison with redemptive or deliberative aims, the novel’s references to Homer’s Odyssey, with its own trickster-hero, license a trickster reading of Invisible Man. Tricksters do not take on suffering, loss, or sacrifice in the hope of redemption nor are they necessarily committed to the virtues of deliberation. Instead, they evade sacrifice by resorting routinely to irony, cunning, and refusal. This reading demonstrates the importance of these techniques to Ellison’s vision and to our politics today.
Vegetable oil extended emulsion styrene butadiene rubbers for passenger car radial tire tread application
Authors: Agrawal Shambhu Lal , Adhikary Abhijit , Bhatt Jayesh , Ameta Suresh C
Published: September 2023

Currently emulsion polymerized Styrene Butadiene Rubber (E-SBR) is extended with various petroleum based mineral oils like Distillate Aromatic Extract (DAE), Treated Distillate Aromatic Extract (TDAE), Residual Aromatic Extract (RAE) and Naphthenic oils. It is obvious that introduction of vegetable oil should result in almost zero Polycyclic Aromatic Content (PCA) content and therefore, are environmentally friendly, renewable, and sustainable. In the present work, vegetable oil extended Styrene Butadiene Rubber (OE-SBR) were characterized for chemical properties and found that all the properties were meeting the specification requirements of mineral oils extended grades. These rubbers were also evaluated in standard Passenger Car Radial (PCR) tire tread compound recipe for various processing, different vulcanizate and other performance properties. The developed grades with vegetable oils required less mixing energy (around 10% for master batch and 15% for final batch) and shown better flow behavior (around 15% power law index and 20% activation energy reduction), better carbon dispersion (around 20%), high reinforcement index (around 15%), better rubber-filler interaction parameter (around 20%), better abrasion resistance (around 20%) and lower tanδ value @60°C (around 15%) as compared to TDAE oil extended SBR based compound. This may help to improve life of a PCR tire and reduction in fuel consumption of the vehicle.
AFS control system research of distributed drive electric vehicles by adaptive super-twisting sliding mode control
Authors: Chen Qiping , Xiong Zuqi , Hu Yiming , Huang Liang , Liu Qin , You Daoliang
Published: September 2023

To solve the problems of serious buffeting in traditional sliding mode control and difficulty in obtaining the derivative information of the system sliding mode surface, a distributed drive electric vehicles active front steering (AFS) control method based on adaptive super-twisting sliding mode control (ASTSMC) is proposed. Taking the yaw rate deviation as the state quantity, the stable and convergent sliding mode surface is designed to obtain the equivalent control input of the front wheel angle. The sliding mode function information is substituted into the parameters of the super-twisting algorithm; the discontinuous term is kept in the integrand function to keep the control signal continuous and weaken the system chattering; the adaptive control law is added to design the AFS controller. The co-simulation results of Matlab/Simulink and Carsim show that ASTSMC can reduce the yaw rate by 40.59% compared with no control under step steering condition. Compared with the sliding mode controller, ASTSMC has optimized the sideslip angle by 5.41% under the double line shifting condition.
Convergence Between Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking of Goods: Text Analysis of Open-Source Data
Authors: Aziani Alberto , Jofre Maria , Mancuso Marina
Published: September 2023

There is debate about the convergence of migrant smuggling and transnational trafficking of goods, the threat it poses to society, and its evolution in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, empirical evidence is limited. We tested for convergence using a methodology based on natural language processing. Results show that convergence occurs, but it is rare and episodic. Exploratory results suggest that COVID-19 containment policies had no impact on the simultaneous occurrence of migrant smuggling and transnational trafficking of goods. These findings expand our understanding of migrant smuggling and provide suggestions for policymakers to combat transnational crimes.
Inclusive music teacher education: Valuing breadth and diversity through authentic immersive experiences
Authors: Fuelberth Rhonda J , Woody Robert H
Published: September 2023

In this report of self-study research, we share the insights we have gained working together at our institution to make undergraduate music teacher education more inclusive of how people naturally do music, focusing on three program features. First, we explain how our program affirms composition as a primary form of musicianship, similar to the status commonly given to performance. Second, we describe a vernacular music making experience in which our music education students learn to play “rock band” instruments, engage in songwriting, and explore being expressive in the styles of music personally favored by themselves and their future students. Third, we share how our students have opportunity to work with an intergenerational choir that is inclusive of individuals with special needs. We have found that these creative, authentic, and immersive experiences produce a more inclusive educational orientation in the future music teachers who graduate from our program.
The Effects of Practice-Based Coaching on the Implementation of Shared Book Reading Strategies for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants and Paraeducators Working With Children With Language Delays
Authors: Dennis Lindsay R. , Farquharson Kelly , Reed Anne , Summy Rebecca , Westmoreland Jennifer , Clark Kimberline
Published: September 2023

This study examined the effects of practice-based coaching with scripted supports designed to support paraeducators and speech-language pathology assistants (SLP-As) as they implement evidence-based shared book reading strategies with preschoolers with language delays. A single-case, multiple baseline across behaviors was employed. Five U.S. educators (three SLP-As and two paraeducators) participated in the study. The primary dependent variable was percentage of strategies correctly implemented; the secondary dependent variable was expressive and receptive vocabulary. Results demonstrate that all five educators were able to successfully implement the strategies with high and consistent levels of fidelity during the intervention and maintained similar levels of fidelity even after coaching and scripted supports were faded or removed. All five preschool participants showed gains in both expressive and receptive vocabulary. Social validity results support the feasibility and usefulness of the intervention. Implications for research and practice are provided.
Multimodal imaging of the role of hyperglycemia following experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Joya Ana , Plaza-García Sandra , Padro Daniel , Aguado Laura , Iglesias Leyre , Garbizu Maider , Gómez-Vallejo Vanessa , Laredo Carlos , Cossío Unai , Torné Ramon , Amaro Sergio , Planas Anna M , Llop Jordi , Ramos-Cabrer Pedro , Justicia Carles , Martín Abraham
Published: September 2023

Hyperglycemia has been linked to worsening outcomes after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Nevertheless, the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of SAH have been scarcely evaluated so far. The role of hyperglycemia was assessed in an experimental model of SAH by T2 weighted, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (T2W and DCE-MRI), [18F]BR-351 PET imaging and immunohistochemistry. Measures included the volume of bleeding, the extent of cerebral infarction and brain edema, blood brain barrier disruption (BBBd), neutrophil infiltration and matrix metalloprotease (MMP) activation. The neurofunctional outcome, neurodegeneration and myelinization were also investigated. The induction of hyperglycemia increased mortality, the size of the ischemic lesion, brain edema, neurodegeneration and worsened neurological outcome during the first 3 days after SAH in rats. In addition, these results show for the first time the exacerbating effect of hyperglycemia on in vivo MMP activation, Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression and neutrophil infiltration together with increased BBBd, bleeding volume and fibrinogen accumulation at days 1 and 3 after SAH. Notably, these data provide valuable insight into the detrimental effect of hyperglycemia on early BBB damage mediated by neutrophil infiltration and MMP activation that could explain the worse prognosis in SAH.
[11C]metoclopramide is a sensitive radiotracer to measure moderate decreases in P-glycoprotein function at the blood-brain barrier
Authors: Mairinger Severin , Leterrier Sarah , Filip Thomas , Löbsch Mathilde , Pahnke Jens , Hernández-Lozano Irene , Stanek Johann , Tournier Nicolas , Zeitlinger Markus , Hacker Marcus , Langer Oliver , Wanek Thomas
Published: September 2023

The efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) at the blood-brain barrier limits the cerebral uptake of various xenobiotics. To assess the sensitivity of [11C]metoclopramide to measure decreased cerebral P-gp function, we performed [11C]metoclopramide PET scans without (baseline) and with partial P-gp inhibition by tariquidar in wild-type, heterozygous Abcb1a/b(+/−) and homozygous Abcb1a/b(−/−) mice as models with controlled levels of cerebral P-gp expression. Brains were collected to quantify P-gp expression with immunohistochemistry. Brain uptake of [11C]metoclopramide was expressed as the area under the brain time-activity curve (AUCbrain) and compared with data previously obtained with ( R)-[11C]verapamil and [11C] N-desmethyl-loperamide. Abcb1a/b(+/−) mice had intermediate P-gp expression compared to wild-type and Abcb1a/b(−/−) mice. In baseline scans, all three radiotracers were able to discriminate Abcb1a/b(−/−) from wild-type mice (2.5- to 4.6-fold increased AUCbrain, p ≤ 0.0001). However, only [11C]metoclopramide could discriminate Abcb1a/b(+/−) from wild-type mice (1.46-fold increased AUCbrain, p ≤ 0.001). After partial P-gp inhibition, differences in [11C]metoclopramide AUCbrain between Abcb1a/b(+/−) and wild-type mice (1.39-fold, p ≤ 0.001) remained comparable to baseline. There was a negative correlation between baseline [11C]metoclopramide AUCbrain and ex-vivo-measured P-gp immunofluorescence (r =  −0.9875, p ≤ 0.0001). Our data suggest that [11C]metoclopramide is a sensitive radiotracer to measure moderate, but (patho-)physiologically relevant decreases in cerebral P-gp function without the need to co-administer a P-gp inhibitor.
Middle School Staff’s Perspectives on the Impact of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program on Interpersonal Relationships
Authors: Washington-Nortey Melissa , Sullivan Terri N. , Ahmed Rihana , Crosby Jelani , Farrell Albert , Sutherland Kevin , Hitti Stephanie
Published: September 2023

The current study used thematic analysis to examine school staff perspectives on the impact of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) on school climate in terms of the quality of student-student and student-teacher relationships in two low-income, urban middle schools in the United States. Data were collected using focus groups and interviews. Participants included teachers ( n = 26), administrators ( n = 8), and Bullying Prevention Coordination Committee members (BPCCs; n = 8). Results indicated that providing explicit instruction about bullying, nurturing student-teacher trust by effectively addressing student concerns, and providing consistent opportunities for informal, collaborative engagement facilitated positive school-based interpersonal relationships and behavioral change. Implications for policy and intervention development are discussed.
Prevalence and risk factors of COVID-19 infection, mortality, and post-infection lung fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Farah Randa , Al-Hawari Hussam , Albtoush Asma , Nofal Amani , Hyasat Tala Basheer , Abu Jabeh Raghed Abdel Hay , Suboh Lojayn Tareq , Toubasi Ahmad A. , Eqrai Tareq Fatah , Abufaraj Mohammad
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is often aggressive, with unfavorable outcomes for those with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of COVID-19 infection, mortality, and post-infection lung fibrosis in patients with COVID-19 infection who had T2DM.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we included adult patients with T2DM who attended an endocrinology clinic and underwent testing for COVID-19 infection.

Results

Among 1039 included patients, the mean age was 59.5 ± 11.0 years and 429 (41.3%) were men. Overall, 87.1% of patients had received COVID-19 vaccination and 32.3% had confirmed COVID-19 infection. The COVID-19-related mortality was 3.0% and rate of post-COVID-19 lung fibrosis was 19.1%. Vaccination was associated with lower COVID-19-related mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0–0.3) and post-COVID-19 lung fibrosis risk (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1–0.9).

Conclusion

Patients with T2DM exhibited a high prevalence of COVID-19 infection and associated mortality. However, COVID-19 vaccines were beneficial in reducing the risks of COVID-19-related mortality and post-infection lung fibrosis in these patients. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are recommended for patients with T2DM. Further studies involving larger study populations are necessary to validate these findings.
Contextualized Game-Based Language Learning: Retrospect and Prospect
Authors: Yang Lu , Li Rui
Published: September 2023

While studies of contextualized game-based language learning (CGBLL) have to date gained a growing scholarly interest, there is still a lack of systematic review synthesizing its research trends regarding theoretical foundations, learning contexts, research foci and findings. To address the gap, this study collected data from the Web of Science (WoS) and reviewed a total of 82 Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) articles pertaining to CGBLL based on the proposed inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results revealed that most CGBLL studies were based on social frameworks, including situated learning and socio-cultural theory. Most learning activities were carried out in a local community. Language skills and learner perceptions were the two main research foci. The results also revealed that CGBLL not only improved students’ language performance and perceptions, but also promoted interaction and collaboration, knowledge transfer, autonomy and self-regulation, and higher-order thinking skills. In addition, technical issues, high cognitive load, difficult game tasks, the lack of user guide and explicit game instruction were the major challenges. Based on the results, implications have been made for teachers, designers, and researchers.
Is Time on Our Side? A Longitudinal Analysis of the Quality of Mandated Plans
Authors: Lyles Ward , Wu Yiwen , Overstreet Kelly , Sutley Elaina
Published: September 2023

Do plans get better over time? This deceptively simple question goes to the heart of our profession’s effectiveness. We use a multi-state, longitudinal analysis of eighty-four local plans to add to our knowledge base about changes in plan quality over time. Our longitudinal findings reinforce and extend the conclusions of previous cross-sectional studies of hazard mitigation plan quality. Simply put, local planning to meet federal Disaster Mitigation Act requirements grossly underperforms compared with its potential. Our findings raise cautionary lessons beyond the realm of risk reduction, as well as federal and state policymakers who seek to incentivize local planning.
Reviewing Research on Travel and the Built Environment: If You Don’t Like Meta-analysis, Try Meta-regression Analysis Instead!
Authors: Stevens Mark R.
Published: September 2023

In this Commentary, I respond to a Commentary by Petter Næss that critiques the use of meta-analysis for reviewing the literature on travel and the built environment. I describe how each of Næss’s four challenges to the use of meta-analysis can be at least partially resolved through the use of meta-regression analysis instead. I also note important limitations of the literature review method that Næss recommends as an alternative to meta-analysis. While meta-regression is not a perfect method, I argue that it offers valuable features for understanding planning research that literature review and meta-analysis do not.
Methodology of a Natural History Study of a Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorder: Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood as a Prototype Disease
Authors: Patel Shital H. , Panagiotakaki Eleni , Papadopoulou Maria T. , Fons Carmen , De Grandis Elisa , Vezyroglou Aikaterini , Balestrini Simona , Hong Hwanhee , Liu Beiyu , Prange Lyndsey , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Vavassori Rosaria , Mikati Mohamad A.
Published: September 2023

Here, we describe the process of development of the methodology for an international multicenter natural history study of alternating hemiplegia of childhood as a prototype disease for rare neurodevelopmental disorders. We describe a systematic multistep approach in which we first identified the relevant questions about alternating hemiplegia of childhood natural history and expected challenges. Then, based on our experience with alternating hemiplegia of childhood and on pragmatic literature searches, we identified solutions to determine appropriate methods to address these questions. Specifically, these solutions included development and standardization of alternating hemiplegia of childhood–specific spell video-library, spell calendars, adoption of tailored methodologies for prospective measurement of nonparoxysmal and paroxysmal manifestations, unified data collection protocols, centralized data platform, adoption of specialized analysis methods including, among others, Cohen kappa, interclass correlation coefficient, linear mixed effects models, principal component, propensity score, and ambidirectional analyses. Similar approaches can, potentially, benefit in the study of other rare pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders.
Levan-based bioactive hydrogels containing herbal liposome in treating acute wounds
Authors: Erdal Altıntaş Özlem , Aytar Çelik Pınar
Published: September 2023

Hydrogels in active wound care products are 3D polymeric scaffolds that provide the desired moisture balance in the wound area with their high water retention capacity. Thanks to their biocompatible properties, flexible and porous structures, and high hydrophilic properties, they have frequently been preferred in the repair and regeneration of cells and tissues and the controlled release of bioactive substances to the target area. In this study, hydrogel structures were developed for the first time with levan produced by Halomonas elongata 153B halophilic bacteria. Extracts from Plantago lanceolata L., commonly known as a wound herb, which has medicinal importance for cell regeneration, ensuring tissue integrity in a short time and reducing infections in the wound area, were obtained and extract-loaded liposome structures were formed for controlled release into the wound area. The wound healing efficacy of the composite material developed by loading herbal liposomes into levan-based hydrogel structures was evaluated in an in vitro wound model. Thus, a natural, biocompatible, biodegradable, and functional wound care product containing herbal liposomes suitable for both clinical applications and point-of-care use has been developed. The developed bioactive hydrogels are a promising therapeutic approach for the healing of acute wounds.

Graphical abstract

[Formula: see text]
Social Reactions to Disclosure of Sexual Violence Experienced by Sexual and Gender Minority Young Adults: Comparisons of Sexual and Gender Minority Recipients Versus Cisgender/Heterosexual Recipients
Authors: Temple Jasmine , Bowling Jessamyn , Mennicke Annelise , Edwards Katie
Published: September 2023

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing sexual violence (SV). Social reactions received upon disclosure of SV impact survivors’ mental health, and this may be more extreme when social reactions are provided by other SGM individuals. The purpose of the current study was to understand the SV disclosure experiences of SGM young adults, including the identity of disclosure recipients and the quality of the social reactions received by SGM and cisgender/heterosexual disclosure recipients. Additionally, the current study sought to examine how the SGM identity of the disclosure recipient and the quality of the social reactions received were associated with mental health outcomes (depression, post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], and alcohol use) among SGM SV survivors. SGM-identifying participants ( N = 110) completed a 10-min survey on Qualtrics that was distributed through Prime Panels. Results revealed that 83% of participants (SGM survivors of SV) disclosed their SV experience to other SGM individuals. SGM disclosure recipients provided more positive social reactions and fewer negative social reactions than cisgender/heterosexual disclosure recipients. Regression models indicated that positive social reactions from cisgender/heterosexual recipients were associated with a decrease in depression scores. Negative social reactions from SGM recipients were associated with an increase in depression scores. Unexpectedly, positive social reactions from SGM recipients, while negative social reactions from cisgender/heterosexual recipients, were associated with an increase in PTSD scores. No associations were found between social reactions and alcohol use. Findings highlight the importance of social reactions and disclosure experiences on SGM survivors’ mental health and mitigation opportunities to improve these disclosure experiences.
Examining the Role and Strategies of Advocacy Coalitions in California’s Statewide Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax Debate (2001-2018)
Authors: Garibay Kesia K. , Burke Nancy J. , Ramírez A. Susana , Payán Denise D.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

California’s failed attempts to enact a statewide sugary beverage tax presents an opportunity to advance understanding of advocacy coalition behavior. We investigate the participation of advocacy coalitions in California’s statewide sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax policy debate.

Design

Document analysis of legislative bills and newspaper articles collected in 2019.

Setting

California.

Method

A total of 11 SSB tax-related bills were introduced in California’s legislature between 2001-2018 according to the state’s legislative website. Data sources include legislative bill documents (n = 94) and newspaper articles (n = 138). Guided by the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), we identify advocacy coalitions involved in California’s SSB tax debate and explore strategies and arguments used to advance each coalitions’ position.

Results

Two coalitions (public health, food/beverage industry) were involved in California’s statewide SSB tax policy debate. The public health coalition had higher member participation and referred to scientific research evidence while the industry coalition used preemption and financial resources as primary advocacy strategies. The public health coalition frequently presented messaging on the health consequences and financial benefits of SSB taxes. The industry coalition responded by focusing on the potential negative economic impact of a tax.

Conclusion

Multiple attempts to enact a statewide SSB tax in California have failed. Our findings add insight into the challenges of enacting an SSB tax considering industry interference. Results can inform future efforts to pass evidence-based nutrition policies.
Determining Knowledge and Opinions of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses on Wet-Nursing and Human Milk Banks: A Cross-Sectional Study in Türkiye
Authors: Konukbay Dilek , Kapan Emine , Yildiz Dilek
Published: September 2023

Background:

Wet nursing and human milk banks are vital sources of human milk for infants unable to breastfeed.

Research Aim:

This study aims to determine the knowledge and opinions of neonatal intensive care unit nurses regarding wet-nursing and human milk banks in Türkiye.

Methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 219 neonatal intensive care unit nurses using an online survey comprising 20 questions. The data were collected between August and September 2021.

Results:

Among the participants, 64.4% ( n = 141) expressed that they would be a wet-nurse and 59.8% ( n = 131) would search for a wet-nurse if necessary. Some, 47.0% ( n = 103) of participants did not know if there were any human milk banks in Türkiye, 53.9% ( n = 118) would like to be a donor if human milk banks were established, and 71.7% ( n = 157) stated that the establishment of human milk banks should be supported. Religious concerns were the basis for reluctance to donate milk to human milk banks for 60% ( n = 51) of the participants. Knowledge was greater and opinions about wet-nursing and human milk banks were more positive for participants with higher education, more time in the neonatal intensive care unit, or work at a tertiary care center.

Conclusion:

The approaches of neonatal intensive care unit nurses towards personally being wet-nurses and milk sharing were generally positive, although more information about human milk banks is needed. Religious beliefs are an important consideration when providing information about milk sharing.