bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anisotropic compact stellar objects with a slow rotation effect
Authors: Baskey Lipi , Das Shyam , Rahaman Farook
Published: January 2024

A new class of exact solutions depicting anisotropic compact objects is presented in the current work. This spherically symmetric matter distribution assumes a specific form of anisotropy to obtain the exact solution for the field equations. The obtained interior solutions are smoothly matched with the Schwarzschild exterior metric over the bounding surface of a compact star and together with the condition that the radial pressure vanishes at the boundary, the form of the model parameters are attained. One of the interesting features of the obtained solutions is the codependency of the metric potentials. We have considered the pulsar 4U1608-52 with its current estimated data (mass $$=1.57^{+0.30}_{-0.29} ~M\odot $$

=
1
.

57

-
0.29

+
0.30

M
⊙

and radius $$=9.8 \pm 1.8$$

=
9.8
±
1.8

km [Özel in Astrophys J 820(1):28, 2016]) to study the model graphically. Moreover, we have studied the physical features and some important stability conditions for the model. Tabular comparison with other known pulsars infers that the obtained model represents a compact star within a radius of 8–12 km. Finally, we have found the angular momentum that causes the dragging of inertial frames of the slowly rotating equilibrium compact objects.
T-duality constraint on effective Lagrangians
Authors: Garousi Mohammad R.
Published: January 2024

Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of utilizing O(1, 1) symmetry in the circular reduction of effective actions to determine NS–NS couplings in the effective action of string theory. However, these calculations often result in residual terms as total derivatives that do not conform to O(1, 1) transformations. In this paper, we present explicit calculations at $$\alpha '$$

α
′

order, demonstrating the enforceability of this symmetry on effective Lagrangians to establish the parameters governing covariant couplings in any scheme. Notably, we discover the O(1, 1)-invariant Lagrangians corresponding to the Metsaev–Tseytlin action and the Meissner action.
Optimal escapes in active matter
Authors: Angelani Luca
Published: January 2024

The out-of-equilibrium character of active particles, responsible for accumulation at boundaries in confining domains, determines not-trivial effects when considering escape processes. Non-monotonous behavior of exit times with respect to tumbling rate (inverse of mean persistent time) appears, as a consequence of the competing processes of exploring the bulk and accumulate at boundaries. By using both 1D analytical results and 2D numerical simulations of run-and-tumble particles with different behaviours at boundaries, we scrutinize this very general phenomenon of active matter, evidencing the role of accumulation at walls for the existence of optimal tumbling rates for fast escapes.

Graphical abstract
Mellisa officinalis Leaf Extract Green-Synthesized AgNPs: Investigation of Its Anaesthetic and Analgesic Activities
Authors: Wang Fengfeng , Zhu Yunxia
Published: January 2024

Investigating and studying natural origin agents, such as nanocompounds obtained from plants that have less harmful effects, is the main research aim in the field of treatment of diseases. For this goal, extensive research have been performed on several medicinal herbs and their nanoparticles,
and their cytotoxic and therapeutic properties have been determined. In the current experiment, the Ag nanoparticles green-synthesis were carried out by the Mellisa officinalis extract. The formulated NPs were analyzed by FESEM, TEM, and UV-Vis. In the in vivo design, after oral
administration, paw edema was significantly decreased in mice. CH3COOH-induced writhing episodes were dose-dependently and significantly decreased. The results of anesthetic activity were indicated that the nanoparticles made the local anesthetic effects in guinea pig and frog models.
In addition, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties were determined in several doses.
Study of Banxia Xiexin Prescription Combined with Diet Nursing on Improving the Clinical Symptoms, Inflammatory Factor Levels and Prognosis of Hospitalized Patients with Peptic Ulcer
Authors: Guan Yi , Gao Yemei
Published: January 2024

Western medicine is the first choice for the clinical treatment of peptic ulcer (PU), which can quickly improve the symptoms of patients. However, the efficacy of western medicine can be influenced by PU patients’ unhealthy lifestyle and other factors, leading to various adverse
reactions during and after treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to actively find ways to increase the efficacy of PU patients without increasing adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment for PU focuses on warming and tonifying deficiencies and alleviating urgency. The
medicinal composition of Banxia Xiexin Decoction is Pinellia, Scutellaria baicalensis, Zingiberis rhizoma, fried licorice, Rhizoma coptidis and jujube, etc. β-sitosterol, 6-gingerol and berberine, the active components of Pinellia, Zingiberis rhizoma
and Rhizoma coptidis, have been proved to have anti-ulcer effects. In this study, a rat model of PU was established in the animal experiment, and it was found that Banxia Xiexin prescription could effectively reduce the levels of ET-1 and NO in PU rats (P < 0.05). In the clinical
trial, the Western Medicine convention (W-Con) group consisted of 61 PU patients who were hospitalized in our facility from 2020.01 to 2022.12 and received conventional western medicine treatment, while the Banxia combination (B-Com) group included PU patients who received Banxia xiexin decoction
along with dietary care during the same period. The analysis of treatment outcomes between the two groups revealed that patients treated with Banxia Xiexin decoction combined with dietary care exhibited more significant improvements in clinical symptoms and inflammatory state compared to those
relying solely on traditional western medicine (P < 0.05). In addition, we found that combined diet care helped to improve the prognosis of patients (P < 0.05). Therefore, this study suggests that Banxia Xiexin decoction combined with diet nursing can be used as an optimal
treatment for PU patients. Banxia Xiexin decoction can effectively treat PU, which may be the main active ingredients in Banxia Xiexin decoction, such as β-sitosterol, 6-gingerol and berberine, which have anti-ulcer effects.
Research Progress of Natural Source Potential Drugs in Reversing Cervical Precancerous Lesions and Human Papillomavirus Negative Conversion
Authors: Wang Huifang , Li Zhiwei , Li Lihong , Li Zhaodi , Luo CaiLin
Published: January 2024

The recent breakthrough in understanding the etiology of cervical cancer has led to increased attention towards the prevention and treatment of this disease. Extensive research has confirmed a strong correlation between persistent infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the
development of cervical cancer. Focusing on the pivotal role of HPV infection in the occurrence and progression of cervical cancer, there has been a surge in research aimed at developing drugs that can eradicate HPV and reverse cervical precancerous lesions. Natural drugs have attracted considerable
attention in the field of tumor therapy due to their multi-targeted approach, high selectivity, and low toxic and side effects. Therefore, this paper aims to review the research progress of natural drugs in the treatment of HPV infection and cervical precancerous lesions, while also exploring
their pharmacological mechanism. The goal is to provide comprehensive information basis for the potential application of natural drugs in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.
Astragalus membranaceus Treatment and Clinical Care Pathways for Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Management in Hemodialysis
Authors: Chen Weiying , Li Jin , Xia Dan
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) treatment combined with clinical care pathways (CCP) on inflammation and oxidative stress response in hemodialysis (HD). This study comprised the establishment of an animal model for HD and the enrollment
of 60 maintenance HD patients. Rats were categorized into control + HD and AS-IV + HD groups, while patients were randomly allocated to control + CCP or AM + CCP groups. In the animal model, Astra-galoside IV (AS-IV), a primary active component of AM, was administered to HD rats to assess
dialysis efficiency and examine inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. For patients, assessments of hematological and biochemical parameters, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were conducted before and after a 6-month intravenous infusion
of AM injection. In the rat model, AS-IV significantly enhanced dialysis efficiency and decreased levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress markers compared to the control + HD group. In patients, significant improvements in white blood cell count (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit
(HCT), and albumin (ALB) levels in the AM + CCP group after 6 months when compared to the control + CCP group, with the reduced inflammation and oxidative stress response. Additionally, various dimensions of HRQoL showed significant improvements in the AM + CCP group compared to the control
+ CCP group. Astragalus membranaceus, when integrated into clinical care pathways, holds potential as an adjunctive therapy for individuals undergoing hemodialysis.
Effect of Cox’s Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior Combined with Huangqi and Dangshen Decoction on Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Authors: Li Yuping , Liang Dongzhi , Chen Yi , Shu Hong , Wang Qian
Published: January 2024

Huangqi and Dangshen have significant medicinal and medical value as natural bio-based materials, but there are few studies on female pelvic floor dysfunction. We aimed to explore the effect of the Cox’s interaction model of client health behavior (Cox-IMCHB) combined with Huangqi
and Dangshen decoction on female pelvic floor dysfunction. 166 postpartum patients with Qi-deficiency syndrome of pelvic floor dysfunction were selected from Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University hospital and divided into two groups, Group A and Group B, each consisting of 83 cases. The allocation
was done using the random number table method. Patients in Group A received routine nursing and biofeedback electrical stimulation treatment, while patients in Group B received Cox-IMCHB combined with Huangqi and Dangshen decoction based on Group A. We compared the clinical efficacy, syndrome
efficacy, pelvic floor muscle strength scores, sexual life quality scores, VAS score, pelvic floor functional exercise compliance score, and the incidence of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse between the two groups. The results showed that Group B had better clinical efficacy
and syndrome efficacy, as well as a higher total effective rate (clinical efficacy: 91.57% vs. 72.29%; syndrome efficacy: 95.18% vs. 74.70%). Moreover, compared to Group A, Group B had higher scores of pelvic floor muscle strength and sexual life quality, a lower proportion of mild pain (85.54%
vs. 71.08%), and higher scores of pelvic floor functional exercise compliance. The scores of pelvic floor functional exercise compliance in both groups tended to increase with time, and there was an interactive effect between groups and time (intergroup effect: F = 322.900, time effect: F
= 186.200, interaction effect: F = 27.410). The incidence of urinary incontinence (2.41% vs. 14.46%, ϰ2 = 6.319) and pelvic organ prolapse (3.61% vs. 16.87%, ϰ2 = 9.608) in group B was lower (all P > 0.05). The combination of Cox-IMCHB
with Huangqi and Dangshen decoction can improve the pelvic function and exercise compliance of patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, relieve pain, and have significant clinical effects, which are worthy of promotion and application.
Soil Ecological Stoichiometric Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Degraded Alpine Grassland in Northwest Sichuan
Authors: Ma Li , Wang Qing , Huang Tianzhi
Published: January 2024

Alpine grasslands are important ecosystems providing a variety of ecosystem services. However, alpine grassland degradation poses significant threats impacting soil health, stabilization and soil ecosystem function. This study aims to investigate the soil ecological stoichiometric characteristics
and influencing factors in alpine grasslands, to find the primary contributing factors in soil degradation process. Soil samples were collected from alpine grassland areas with varying degrees of degradation, including non-, lightly, moderately and severely degraded (ND, LD, MD, SD). Soil
characteristics including soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), available nitrogen (AN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) were measured. The results revealed that soil TN, N:P ratios and C:P ratios
were below the average level of China’s soil, while C:N ratio were above the average. With increasing aggravation of grassland degradation, SOC, TP, AN, MBN and MBC significantly decreased. Correlation were observed between SOC and C:N ratios as well as C:P ratios in alpine grassland
with different degradation degrees (P < 0.05). The C:N ratios in degraded grasslands were lower than those in ND grasslands but higher than the average level of China’s soil. Additionally, the N:P and C:P ratios of LD and MD were significantly higher than those of ND, but lower
than the China’s soil average level. In conclusion, soil degradation in alpine grasslands is associated with lower TN contents, higher C:N ratios, and lower N:P ratios, which can impact soil organic matter decomposition and act as plant growth restriction factor. This study provides
comprehensive insights into the ecological stoichiometry of alpine grasslands, understanding these factors is essential for the sustainable management of alpine grasslands and restoration strategies for the ecosystem services.
Codon Usage Characteristics and Evolutionary Analysis of Mitochondrial Genome of Winter Squash (Cucurbita maxima Duch.)
Authors: Dang Jiancheng , Liu Zefa , Luo Xuan , Jiang Yanfang , Zhang Zixia , Abdullah Shamsiah , Yusop Mohd Rafii
Published: January 2024

Mitochondrial genomes are essential components of eukaryotic cells, understanding their structural characteristics and codon usage bias is critical. Winter squash (Cucurbita maxima Duch ex Poiret) is an economically important cucurbit crop. To clarify its structural characteristics
and codon usage bias of mitochondrial genome, as well as the evolutionary characteristics in the Cucurbitaceae family, whole genome sequencing analysis of C. maxima mitochondrial genome was carried out. The results revealed that the total length of the C. maxima mitochondrial
genome was 640,814 bp, containing 9,162,318,300 bp of bases. There were 68 annotated genes identified. The mitochondrial coding genes of C. maxima exhibited an average GCall content of 42.57%, with the last position enriched in A/T bases. Codon usage analysis indicated weak codon bias,
with the effective codon number (ENC) ranging from 44.22 to 61.00. Correlation analysis and neutrality plot analysis demonstrated a nonsignificant correlation between GC3 and GC12. PR2-plot and ENC-plot analysis further supported the influence of natural selection on the codon preference in
the C. maxima mitochondrial genome. Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis identified 19 optimal codons, with a preference for U or A as the final base. The analysis of scattered repeat sequences in the genome indicated a high frequency of forward and palindromic repeats in
the C. maxima mitochondrial genome. Nucleic acid diversity analysis highlighted rpl5 as the gene with the highest variability. Comparative analysis of mitochondrial structure and phylogenetic tree analysis revealed a close evolutionary relationship between C. maxima and
Cucurbita pepo, showing synteny in evolution. Homologous fragment analysis demonstrated a similarity of over 70% between the C. maxima mitochondrial genome and chloroplast genome fragments. These findings provide a foundation for C. maxima identification and phylogenetic
studies.
Contribution of Hurdles Technology to Preserve the Qualities of Broccoli and Extend Their Shelf-Life
Authors: Nagib Ashraf , Helal Mahmoud , Sami Rokayya , Aljumayi Huda , Algarni Eman , Al-Mushhin Amina A. M. , Alghanem Suliman M. S. , Alnusairi Ghalia S. H. , Taha Ibrahim M.
Published: January 2024

Due to its high concentration of bioactive components, broccoli heads have a lot of potential as a functional food. Broccoli is perceived as a tasty, wholesome and healthful food product. This product nevertheless has a limited shelf life and quality retention issues, especially in
tropical temperature zones. The hurdles techniques are starting to become more acceptable in the sector of food preservation since they affect moderate levels. This study evaluates the impact of hurdles techniques and various storage conditions (ambient at 25 °C, cold at 4 °C, and
frozen at -18 °C) on broccolis cut characteristics. For the hurdles experiment, broccoli cuts were soaked in four solutions (the 1st: boiling water, the 2nd: metabisulphite solution (150 ppm), the 3rd: sodium chloride (4%), citric acid (1%), sodium benzoate (200 ppm) and the 4th: 1% chitosan)
followed by packaging using two approaches (aerobic and vacuum). Sensory attributes, browning index, ascorbic acid, total phenolic, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity % (by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) of hurdled and un-hurdled broccoli cuts during storage were investigated. Results demonstrated
that using hurdle technology (different soaking solutions, packaging methods and storage conditions) had significant impact on the quality properties of the broccoli cuts. Additionally, vacuum packaging demonstrated the highest protection against decreasing the values of ascorbic acid, total
phenolic, total flavonoid, and antioxidant components.
Cloning and Bioinformatics Analysis of FecB Gene in Improved Offspring of Suffolk Sheep
Authors: Zhaxi Yangzong , Ciwang Renzeng , Sun Wu
Published: January 2024

As is well known, the FecB (BMPR-IB) gene, as the earliest gene discovered by scientists that is closely related to sheep fertility, is the major gene responsible for multiple births in sheep. FecB gene shows a notable linkage with the quantity of newborn lambs. However, there has been
limited research on the physicochemical properties and distribution of FecB in the improved descendants of Suffolk sheep. Therefore, this study first constructed a phylogenetic tree of the FecB (BMPR1B) protein in 30 species. The results showed that the improved descendants of Suffolk sheep
are closely related to goats, water buffalo, domestic cattle, and humped cattle, indicating a strong level of conservation of BMPR-IB gene within the genus. At the same time, the physicochemical properties and structure of the FecB protein were analyzed, revealing that the FecB protein in
the improved descendants of Suffolk sheep is positively charged, belongs to hydrophilic unstable alkaline proteins, contains a signal peptide, is a transmembrane protein, and has 56 phosphorylation sites. The secondary structure of the FecB protein consists of α-helices, extended
chains, β-turns, and random coils, accounting for 34.86%, 13.15%, 3.39%, and 48.61%, respectively. Protein interaction analysis also showed that FecB has extensive regulatory interactions with members of the bone morphogenetic protein family. However, the examination of the BMPR-IB
gene’s expression levels in nine tissues, which encompasses the heart, liver, spleen, and ovaries of the improved descendants of Suffolk sheep, showed the highest expression in the kidneys and the lowest expression in the spleen and small intestine. This study extensively explored the
tissue expression profile and protein physicochemical structure of the BMPR-IB gene in the improved descendants of Suffolk sheep, aiming to lay a theoretical foundation for selecting high-yield improved descendants of Suffolk sheep.
The Metabolism, Detrimental Effects, and Signal Transduction Mechanism of Reactive Oxygen Species in Plants under Abiotic Stress
Authors: Fan Ming , Li Qiang
Published: January 2024

Plants are a major source of bio based materials, and their productivity is significantly impacted by environmental adversities with the continuous deterioration of the environment. The disruption of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and scavenging balance is a common consequence
of various abiotic stresses in plants, resulting in the excessive accumulation of ROS. However, it is crucial to acknowledging the dual role of ROS, acting both as harmful substances and signaling molecules. ROS can interact with membrane proteins, initiating a chain reaction of membrane lipid
peroxidation. This process leads to a decrease in membrane lipid unsaturation and fluidity, as well as an increase in membrane permeability. Inhibited enzyme activity even lead to loss of protein function, caused DNA damage and mutations, blocked DNA replication and transcription, eventually
leading to cell death. This can result in significant reductions in crop yield and biomass in bio based agricultural production. ROS also played vital role in signal molecule transduction in the process of plant resistance to stress, and worked in concert with other signal molecules to induce
the stress resistance genes’ expression and enhance plant resistance. Hereto, scavenging mechanism for ROS in plants is of the essence to regulate the concentration of ROS, thus determining which role ROS play. The thermal dissipation of excess light energy effectively avoids ROS production,
and the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems in plants work cooperatively to clear excessive ROS. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the production pathway, detrimental effects, scavenging mechanism and signal transduction of ROS in plants under abiotic stress.
Molecular Mechanism for Regioselectivity of P450-BM3 Monooxygenase Towards Stearic Acid Hydroxylation
Authors: Chen Zhou , Liu Luo , Zhou Runzi , Jiang Qixuan , Zhao Weichen , Xu Haijun , Qiu Zenghui , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2024

Hydroxy stearic acid is an important raw material for the synthesis of biobased materials, and the hydroxylation at different positions showed different properties. With the catalysis of P450-BM3 monooxygenase, (ω - 1)-Hydroxy stearic acid was generated, which is a precursor
of macrocyclic musk. Experimental results have shown that the L188Q mutant can increase the yield of (ω - 1)-Hydroxy stearic acid by more than three times, but the reason and underlying molecular mechanism are still unclear. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were
conducted to study the structural characteristics of the P450-BM3 wild type and its three mutants (F87V, L188Q, and F87V-L188Q) in combination with stearic acid. The MD simulation results showed significant changes in the interactions between the three mutants and the carboxyl- and terminal-end
of stearic acid. The results of the Molecular mechanics-Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA) binding free energies indicated that the L188Q mutant showed the most stable binding with the stearic acid. Finally, the H-abstraction free energy barriers of L188Q and wild type systems were calculated
to study the regioselectivity, and the results indicated that the L188Q mutant shown a significant advantage in the hydroxylation of stearic acid at the ω - 1 position. Our research results not only explain molecular mechanism for regioselectivity of P450-BM3 towards stearic acid
hydroxylation, but also provide some useful ideas for the synthesis of biobased materials from hydroxy fatty acids.
Pharmacological Evaluation of Antidiabetic Capacity of Moringa oleifera LAM Leaves
Authors: Marref Salah Eddine , Melakhessou Mohamed Akram , Becheker Imene , Bensaad Mohamed Sabri , Marref Cherine , Mekersi Nawal , Khattabi Latifa , Sami Rokayya , Jafri Ibrahim , Waggas Dania S. , Algehainy Naseh A. , AlHarthi Siraj B. , Alsharif Ghadi , Althobaiti Fayez , Alsharari Zayed D.
Published: January 2024

Nowadays, phyto-medicine is considered the best form of modern, scientific herbal medicine, relying on scientific research and the highest professional standards to find effective remedies for diseases including diabetes, since this disease is principally linked to impaired insulin
function. The work aimed to evaluate inhibitory capacity of Moringa oleifera LAM (MEMO) (Moringaceae). Methanol extract of this plant was prepared and was delivered to rats and revealed a remarkable decrease in glycaemia state (vs. Glibenclamide, 5 mg/kg). Noting that the biochemical
parameters were also evaluated. In addition, the plant extract also inhibited enzymes activities comparing to acarbose (standard). This plant possesses antidiabetic properties. The results showed that the activity of this plant represents a potential candidate to develop new drugs to prevent/treat
diabetes and this type of pharmacological research is likely to lead to the industrial pharmaceutical development of new active bio-compounds in countries where tradition remains strong.
Characterization and Mechanism Analysis of Sugar Transporter Protein Obtained from Monascus pilosus
Authors: Ye Yanfang , Chen Lichen , Xiao Lishi , Mo Wenlan , Zheng Zhenghuai , Huang Zhiwei
Published: January 2024

Sugar transporter protein family is very common among different organisms in nature and plays a key role in the transportation, absorption, and synthesis of secondary metabolites. To investigate the functional characteristics of sugar transporter proteins in Monascus pilosus,
cDNA sequence of sugar transporter protein gene MpST collected from M. pilosus CICC 5045 was cloned in this research. Furthermore, bioinformatics methods and molecular docking techniques were applied to analyze MpST protein. The obtained results revealed that the coding region of MpST
was 1677 bp in length, which coded 558 amino acids, and it was a stable protein. Phylogenetic tree analysis found a close relationship between MpST and two other proteins from M. purpureus (BDD61243.1 and TQB74099.1). Bioinformatics analyses indicated that this protein is a hydrophilic
protein with 11 transmembrane domains and its functional domains were mainly consisted of the conserved domains of major facilitator superfamily (MFS) and sugar transporter proteins, suggesting that this protein belonged to MFS transporter protein family. Molecular docking results suggested
that the receptor protein could spontaneously bind with high affinity to small molecular ligands such as galactose, raffinose, glucose, xylose, and maltose. From the above analyses, it was predicted that this protein might have good transport function for the above five sugars. This study
lays the foundation for further in-depth research on the functions and applications of this protein.
Current Advances in Production and Drying Technologies of Lactoferrin
Authors: Cheng Jianbo , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhang Yongjiu , Zhao Jing , Li Jing
Published: January 2024

Lactoferrin, a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein present in milk, exhibits a remarkable array of beneficial properties, including antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Its potential as a novel food and nutritional supplement has sparked
substantial interest among researchers and the industry. This review summarizes the recent research progress on the physiological functions of lactoferrin, and summarizes various technological advances in the separation and purification of lactoferrin. Furthermore, it conducts a detailed comparative
analysis of various production and drying methods, providing fresh insights and a robust theoretical framework for advancing lactoferrin-related applications. The development of cost-effective and efficient lactoferrin production techniques holds paramount importance, as it plays a pivotal
role in accelerating industrial lactoferrin production and driving growth in the dairy industry.
Juvenile Offending Among Maltreated Youth: Assessing Type-Specificity and Offense Specialization in the Cycle of Violence
Authors: Kurpiel Allison , Connell Christian M. , Font Sarah A.
Published: January 2024

This study assesses how different forms of abuse and neglect are associated with juvenile offending, with specific emphasis on whether youth commit offenses analogous to the illicit parental behaviors to which they were exposed. Using statewide child welfare system data linked with juvenile offending records, we assess rates and types of offending among a cohort of youth exposed to child maltreatment, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect ( N = 7,787). Findings suggest that the maltreatment-delinquency link is better characterized as a general rather than a specific cycle of violence, though sex abuse victims tend to specialize in sex offending. Youth exposed to physical abuse, moral neglect, and parent incarceration offend at high rates overall and should be prioritized for prevention and treatment services.
Considerations of Academically Talented Students’ Homeschooling Families for Returning to Traditional Schools
Authors: Matthews Michael S. , Jolly Jennifer L. , Makel Matthew C. , Almhawes Ahmed , Daniels Kimberleigh S. , Wojciechowski Julia H.
Published: January 2024

Parent-led, home-based education, or homeschooling, has grown rapidly over recent decades with participation rates increasing more than 100-fold to now nearly one in 25 students nationwide in the United States. However, the research base has not grown correspondingly, and homeschoolers remain understudied. We systematically surveyed a population of homeschooling families ( N = 881 responses) who had reported homeschooling a high-ability student to learn more about their characteristics and perceptions. Specifically, we report a mixed-methods analysis of the survey responses addressing whether and why these parents would or would not consider returning their child to a traditional school setting. Respondents were predominantly mothers who reported a high level of formal education and who were primarily responsible for implementing homeschooling with their child. Qualitative thematic analysis of open-ended responses yielded five main themes: preference, academics, concerns about future educational opportunities, satisfaction, and well-being. Findings both support and extend prior research with this population.
Promoting school-based learning about nutrition and physical activity using Photovoice: A systematic review
Authors: Trask Suzanne , D’Souza Erica N , Pi Sophia , Tu’akoi Siobhan , Bay Jacquie L
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Photovoice as a participatory research method seeks to capture and share participants’ perspectives and experiences. It has been widely used in school settings to prioritise student voice in health research. Photovoice also presents opportunities for health education. There is limited synthesis on school-based Photovoice focused on nutrition and physical activity (PA). This systematic review examined the use of school-based Photovoice in relation to nutrition and PA for 10- to 18-year-olds. The research questions explored were twofold: what Photovoice approaches and implementation processes have been used in schools with respect to nutrition and PA; and what were the student learning outcomes?

Methods:

Six electronic databases were searched: MedLine, PsycInfo, EMBASE, ProQuest Education Journal, Cochrane Central and ERIC. The Participant, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome and Study (PICOS) framework was used to specify inclusion/exclusion criteria. Nineteen articles were selected from the search results of 2,305 articles based on fit with the established criteria. Iterative inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data with a focus on (1) approaches and implementation, and (2) student learning outcomes.

Results:

Nineteen studies were included in the review. Themes related to approaches and implementation were the importance in introductory sessions; processes for meaning-making; student-led community engagement and health promotion; and learning from challenges and limitations. Themes related to student learning outcomes included critical awareness of nutrition and PA environmental influences; capability development; and agency and empowerment.

Conclusion:

School-based Photovoice benefits health research by generating data with a focus on student voice. An under-valued and under-reported benefit relates to student learning outcomes, supporting the potential for healthy behaviour change. Multisectoral education and health research should value both types of goals. Photovoice can be used as a curriculum-linked pedagogical tool to add value to the pursuit of educational goals in school.
Prevalence of Obesity and its Effects in Patients With COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Qadar Sheikh Muhammad Zeeshan , Naz Hina , Shamim Sana , Hashim Faiza , Ahmed Sohail , Kumar Mehraj Sandeep
Published: January 2024

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease worldwide. Obesity has been proven to increase the susceptibility of an individual to infections, but the relationship between obesity and COVID-19 is still unclear. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of obesity and its effects in patients with COVID-19. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed and Embase were searched for English language studies up to May 22, 2020. We used a random or fixed-effects model to calculate pooled prevalence rates and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Twelve studies with a total of 14 364 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of obesity in patients with COVID-19 was 32.0% (95% CI, 26%-38%, P < .001). The prevalence of obesity in ICU COVID-19 patients were 37.0% (95% CI, 29%-46%, P < .001). Comparing between obese and non-obese patients, the meta-analysis showed that obesity was an important risk factor associated with COVID-19 patients needed for ICU care (OR: 1.36, 95% CI 1.22-1.52, P < .001). Conclusion: Obesity was highly prevalent (32.0%) in patients with COVID-19, especially in ICU patients (37.0%), and was an important risk factor for COVID-19 patients needed for ICU care.
Phenytoin Induced Purple Glove Syndrome: An Effective Management Technique
Authors: Mutsago Tonderai , Kazzazi Danny , Ibrahim Yahya , Kazzazi Fawz , Patel Hasu , Pafitanis Georgios
Published: January 2024

Background: Purple glove syndrome (PGS) is a rare condition characterized by limb edema, discoloration, and pain associated with intravenous and oral phenytoin administration. The pathophysiology is poorly understood, and there is no established treatment. Simple cases have previously been managed with hyaluronidase subcutaneous injections, with more severe cases resulting in compartment syndrome, debridement, or even amputation. Methods/Results: In this case report, a 2-year-old boy with status epilepticus developed PGS after receiving intravenous phenytoin via a cannula on the dorsum of the right hand. The patient was successfully managed by locally infiltrating subcutaneous hyaluronidase diffusely to the affected area, titrating its dose to effect, rather than aiming to adhere to any specific dosing limitation. The child was reviewed daily by the Plastic Surgery team until being discharged, and focal lesions began to demarcate after 48 hours, with epidermal loss but no deeper trauma. The epidermis peeled within one month, with healthy underlying skin found underlying when followed up in clinic. Conclusions: This case illustrates that subcutaneous administration of hyaluronidase and titrating to effect provides an effective and safe treatment for treating distal cases of early PGS in children.
An Exploratory Perspective on Morocco’s Migration Policies
Authors: Belamghari Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Without doubt Morocco has been transformed from a country of transit into a country of residence for sub-Saharan migrants. Their integration into Morocco’s social fabric has been a priority for different Moroccan governments presided over by King Mohammed VI as part of an assimilationist discourse that responds to the social, cultural and religious diversity of Morocco. In signing international agreements and treaties on the basic human rights and integration of migrants, since 2000 Morocco has been integrating migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East socially, economically and politically. This integration is intended to bridge migrants’ aspirations and Morocco’s culture, social welfare, market and politics. Indeed, continuous migration is altering contemporary Moroccan society as well as the very exemplary way in which the successive Moroccan governments presided by their King have legally confronted such an issue. This exploratory review article methodologically reviewed articles published by academic journals in English and French while foregrounding the main themes of the recent Moroccan experience and policies with regard to migration. It also explores how Morocco reformed its policies to deal with undocumented migrants and how Morocco has changed axiomatic and formulaic perceptions of sub-Saharan migration. The findings from this study pointed out that Morocco’s experience with the regularisation of undocumented migrants has been approached in an inclusive and humanitarian vein. With agility and flexibility, Morocco has managed to strike a balance between the demands of civil society organisations for the application of just migration approaches and the international agreements to that effect so as to move on with integrating illegal migrants into the Moroccan economic, social or political fabric. In this sense, Morocco exemplifies this new urge to step beyond conventional understandings of migration that engulfs the world into two camps of those who always send and those who always receive migrants. Based on the results of this study, implications for future research are discussed.
Back to the suburbs? Millennial residential locations from the Great Recession to the pandemic
Authors: Lee Hyojung , Airgood-Obrycki Whitney , Frost Riordan
Published: January 2024

In the past decade, there has been a great deal of attention paid to and speculation about the residential mobility and location decisions of millennials. Academics and practitioners alike have been trying to determine where millennials are moving and why, including whether they are leading a ‘back to the city’ movement or whether they are moving to the suburbs as previous generations did at their age. Using US Census data, this article examines the geographical population distribution of young adults in the USA in recent decades. Categorising neighbourhoods by their urban or suburban character and by their central or peripheral location, we find that millennials lived in urban areas on the heels of the Great Recession at higher rates than previous generations. However, over the decade, the millennial population gradually shifted towards suburban areas: central urban and peripheral urban neighbourhoods largely lost millennial residents from 2011 to 2021, while peripheral suburban neighbourhoods experienced substantial gains. When it comes to neighbourhood amenities (e.g. restaurants and parks), millennials largely left amenity-rich areas for neighbourhoods with fewer amenities, though these amenities grew faster in the neighbourhoods that gained millennials the most. Millennial suburbanisation seems to be associated with housing affordability and demand for larger homes, as the population shift was more pronounced in the metros that have lower housing affordability and a lower share of larger homes in their central urban neighbourhoods. The results indicate the importance of affordable and right-sized housing, complemented with neighbourhood amenities, in attracting and retaining this population group.
Local policy-making within the multilevel system: A study of governance in peripheral(ised) medium-sized cities undergoing socio-economic transformation in Saxony, Germany and Lower Silesia, Poland
Authors: Gajewski Rafał , Knippschild Robert
Published: January 2024

Our motivation for undertaking this research was to verify the scope and results of public policies aimed at supporting peripheralised medium-sized cities, and to check how these policies have been perceived by stakeholders within these cities. We selected the Polish-German borderland as a case region for this, primarily due to a particular concentration of cities experiencing the detrimental effects of socio-economic transformation. These are also cities exposed to the consequences of radicalising political discourse. We chose two pairs of cities comparable to centres behind the border: Bautzen and Görlitz (located in East Saxony), as well as Zgorzelec and Jelenia Góra (the western part of Lower Silesia). We assumed peripheralisation, left-behind places and multilevel governance to be the theoretical frameworks to capture the dynamics of processes taking place within such peripheral(ised) medium-sized cities. Our main research objective was to investigate the way the public authorities have been navigating their respective paths within the multi-level urban development / regional policy systems. The main conclusion of the research is the low institutional capacity among the public authorities in the given cities to allow them to be able to reverse negative trends.
What is local government financialisation? Four empirical channels to clarify the roles of local government
Authors: Hasenberger Hannah
Published: January 2024

Recent literature at the nexus of geography and political economy notes that local governments are becoming financialised. But it is not always clear what this means. Specifically, what is being financialised? And what is the role of local governments in this process? Building on Whiteside’s definition of local state-led financialisation as enabled and internal, this article combines a systematic literature review with the comparative analysis of country-level statistics to clarify this process further. It identifies four channels through which local government financialisation unfolds empirically. First, local governments enable the financialisation of public assets and services through privatisation and outsourcing and by applying financial principles to land use planning. Second, they borrow against their own assets. Third, local governments use bonds and derivatives to manage the risks and costs of their borrowing. Fourth, they invest to generate financial income. Focusing on high-income countries in Western Europe, the article extends the geographical remit of the US- and UK-centric literature. Building on its findings, the article highlights two avenues for further research. First, internationally comparative research can explore how the structural context in which local governments operate shapes their financialisation. Second, critical research into the tension between the objectives and risks of local government financialisation adds nuance to current debates.
Proximity as urban democratic legitimacy: Strategies of participation in Buenos Aires
Authors: Halvorsen Sam , Annunziata Rocio
Published: January 2024

Since 2007, Buenos Aires has been governed by a centre-right coalition that has made participation an integral part of its approach to governance. Under mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta (2015–2023), the idea and practice of proximity became central, notably through weekly meetings with neighbours across the city. This article demonstrates that proximity was a strategy for building urban democratic legitimacy. In so doing, it introduces the work of Pierre Rosanvallon to an urban studies readership. Contemporary literature on urban participation is at risk of establishing ontologically fixed positions, as seen in recent debates on the ‘post-political city’. Rosanvallon’s legitimacy of proximity is an analytical device that provides an open and non-essential reading of participation. Based on extensive qualitative research, the article examines how and why Larreta and his city government deployed the strategy of proximity, while also highlighting its limits.
Inventraset assemblages: The spatial logic of informal street vending, transport and settlement
Authors: Dovey Kim , Recio Redento B
Published: January 2024

Urban informality remains a central challenge for those engaged in understanding and transforming global South cities. There have been calls to develop new conceptual language geared to this challenge and much debate around the degree to which it might be subsumed within global urban theory. We argue that theories of informal urbanism need to be grounded in an understanding of how it works to sustain livelihoods, moving beyond studies of informal settlement, street vending and transport to understand the synergies, interrelations and interdependencies between them. Informal vending and transport provide employment and produce cheap goods and mobility; informal settlement produces affordable housing in key locations with access and mobility. ‘Inventraset’ is a portmanteau concept that links informal vending, transport and settlement into a dynamic urban assemblage that is inventive, transgressive and settled. This model is demonstrated through an empirical study of the spatial logic of the inventraset triangle within the megacities of Manila and Jakarta. Here the informal is normal, whether displayed in the intensities of transit nodes and street markets or camouflaged within zones of exclusion. This is not an ‘informal city’ but one where informal street vending, transport and settlement are geared to formal spatial and governance structures in different ways in different neighbourhoods − an assemblage of informal/formal and of vending/transport/settlement without which the urban economy would collapse. This is a call not simply to rename the informal but to understand it as a mode of production that is more than the inverse of the formal.
Understanding Factors Influencing Geographic Variation in Healthcare Expenditures: A Small Areas Analysis Study
Authors: Cao Peiya , Pan Jay
Published: January 2024

Dramatic geographic variations in healthcare expenditures were documented by developed countries, but little is known about such variations under China’s context, and what causes such variations. This study aims to examine variations of healthcare expenditures among small areas and to determine the associations between demand-, supply-factors, and per capita inpatient expenditures. This cross-sectional study utilized hospital discharge data aggregated within delineated hospital service areas (HSAs) using the small-area analysis approach. Linear multivariate regression modeling with robust standard errors was used to estimate the sources of variation of per capita inpatient expenditures across HSAs covering the years 2017 to 2019; the Shapley value decomposition method was used to measure the respective contributions of demand-, supply-side to such variations. Among 149 HSAs, demand factors explained most of the (87.4%) overall geographic variation among HSAs. With each 1% increase in GDP per capita and urbanization rate was associated with 0.099% and 0.9% increase in inpatient expenditure per capita, respectively, while each 1% increase in the share of females and the unemployment rate was associated with a 0.7% and 0.4% reduction in the per capita inpatient expenditures, respectively. In supply-side, for every 1 increase in hospital beds per 1000 population, the per capita inpatient expenditures rose by 2.9%, while with every 1% increase in the share of private hospitals, the per capita inpatient expenditures would decrease by 0.4%. With Herfindahl-Hirschman Index decrease 10%, the per capita inpatient expenditures would increase 1.06%. This study suggests demand-side factors are associated with large geographic variation in per capita inpatient expenditures among HSAs, while supply-side factors played an important role. The evaluation of geographic variations in per capita inpatient expenditures as well as its associated factors have great potential to provide an indirect approach to identify possibly existing underutilized or overutilized healthcare procedures.