bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thinking with relations in nature conservation? A case study of the Etosha National Park and Haiǁom
Authors: Dieckmann Ute
Published: August 2023

The area of the Etosha National Park in Namibia has been inhabited for many centuries by Haiǁom, a group of (now former) hunter‐gatherers. In 1907, Etosha was proclaimed as a game reserve, although Haiǁom were still allowed to live in the area until they were expelled in the 1950s due to then‐dominant ideas of fortress conservation. In recent years, Haiǁom have been provided with several resettlement farms by the Namibian government as a reaction to the colonial land dispossession. In this article, I explore the onto‐epistemology of Haiǁom (i.e. their being in and knowing the Etosha area), focusing on their relations with the land and with human and beyond‐the‐human beings before their eviction. I argue that the eviction implies not only economic marginalization but also social deprivation, which is inadequately addressed with resettlement. I suggest that thinking with relations, illustrated with the Haiǁom case, would call for other solutions in the context of measures taken for past land dispossessions and would open new paths for Namibia's nature conservation initiatives.
Reconstituted skim milk concentration affects partitioning of some individual caseins between rennet curd and whey
Authors: Kayihura Joseph F.
Published: August 2023

Milk composition is a major factor determining cheesemaking efficiency where caseins (CNs) play key roles, but little is known about individual partitioning during coagulation. This study evaluated the impact of reconstituted skim milk concentration (8%–25% solids) on the partitioning of individual CNs between rennet curd and whey produced with or without slight acidification. αs2‐CN and intact κ‐CN fractions partitioned in rennet whey were less than 10% and decreased with rise in milk concentration, whereas αs1‐CN and β‐CN appeared 100% retained into the curds. Loss of some αs2‐ and κ‐CN into rennet whey is attributed to their soluble complexes with whey proteins.
Disentangling the relationship between serious disorder problems and the use of supermax prisons
Authors: Anderson Claudia N.
Published: August 2023

Research Summary

Supermax prisons exist, according to the policy's driving logic, to address serious disorder problems by isolating people who cause serious disorder. Criticisms of supermax, however, suggest that its use is driven by factors aside from serious disorder problems and that transfers to supermax have a degree of arbitrariness. The current paper uses 10 years of data on one state prison system to disentangle the relationship between “disorder” and supermax utilization by examining (1) the association between a facility's level of serious disorder and supermax transfers (prison‐level analysis), (2) the association between a person's level of serious rule breaking and oppositely, “nuisance” behaviors, and the odds of a supermax transfer (individual‐level analysis), and (3) whether the influence of a person's behavioral record on the odds of supermax depends upon contextual factors (prison‐by‐individual interaction). The results suggest that a facility's level of serious disorder does strongly correspond with its reliance on supermax and that indicators of serious rule breaking, and not minor forms of it, are strongly associated with a person's odds of experiencing a supermax transfer. However, a person's misconduct record has a weaker association with the odds of a supermax transfer in facilities that are more disorderly.

Policy Implications

The findings highlight the importance of prison context for dictating who experiences supermax and raises questions about whether prison systems have a uniform “bar” for supermax transfers. This in turn suggests a need for prison systems to reevaluate individual pathways to supermax and consider whether there are consistent metrics used for supermax placements. More broadly, the finding that context shapes who is transferred to supermax raises questions about the fundamental policy logic and suggests a need to investigate other solutions to disorder problems.
Evolution and Application of Sealing Ability of Gypsum Caprocks under Temperature‐Pressure Coupling: An Example of the ZS5 Well in the Tazhong Area of the Tarim Basin
Authors: LIU Hua , ZHAO Shan , YANG Xianzhang , ZHU Yongfeng , WANG Shen , ZHANG Ke
Published: August 2023

Gypsum caprocks' sealing ability is affected by temperature‐pressure coupling. Due to the limitations of experimental conditions, there is still a lack of triaxial stress‐strain experiments that simultaneously consider changes in temperature and pressure conditions, which limits the accuracy of the comprehensive evaluation of the brittle plastic evolution and sealing ability of gypsum rocks using temperature pressure coupling. Triaxial stress‐strain tests were utilized to investigate the differences in the evolution of the confinement capacity of gypsum rocks under coupled temperature‐pressure action and isothermal‐variable pressure action on the basis of sample feasibility analysis. According to research, the gypsum rock's peak and residual strengths decrease under simultaneous increases in temperature and pressure over isothermal pressurization experimental conditions, and it becomes more ductile. This reduces the amount of time it takes for the rock to transition from brittle to plastic. When temperature is taken into account, both the brittle–plastic transformation's depth limit and the lithological transformation of gypsum rocks become shallower, and the evolution of gypsum rocks under variable temperature and pressure conditions is more complicated than that under isothermal pressurization. The sealing ability under the temperature‐pressure coupling is more in line with the actual geological context when the application results of the Well #ZS5 are compared. This provides a theoretical basis for precisely determining the process of hydrocarbon accumulation and explains why the early hydrocarbon were not well preserved.
Biological considerations of dental materials as orifice barriers for restoring root‐filled teeth
Authors: Wylie ME , Parashos P , Fernando JR , Palamara JEA , Sloan AJ
Published: August 2023

There is ample published literature regarding the technical aspects of restoring root‐filled teeth, but little concerning the biological impacts, consequences, and criteria for the selection of direct restorative materials following endodontic treatment. The provision of an effective coronal seal in addition to a sound root filling is known to be important in the prevention of root canal infection. This review seeks to explore the evidence concerning the selection of dental materials in the restoration of root‐filled teeth, specifically with a close examination of the properties of commonly used materials as orifice barriers. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.
Mast cell silencing: A novel therapeutic approach for urticaria and other mast cell‐mediated diseases
Authors: Metz Martin , Kolkhir Pavel , Altrichter Sabine , Siebenhaar Frank , Levi‐Schaffer Francesca , Youngblood Bradford A. , Church Martin K. , Maurer Marcus
Published: August 2023

Chronic urticaria (CU) is a mast cell (MC)‐dependent disease with limited therapeutic options. Current management strategies are directed at inhibiting IgE‐mediated activation of MCs and antagonizing effects of released mediators. Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of CU and other MC diseases and mechanisms of MC activation—including multiple activating receptors and ligands, diverse signaling pathways, and a menagerie of mediators—strategies of MC depletion or MC silencing (i.e., inhibition of MC activation via binding of inhibitory receptors) have been developed to overcome limitations of singularly targeted agents. MC silencers, such as agonist monoclonal antibodies that engage inhibitory receptors (e.g., sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin8 ‐[Siglec‐8] [lirentelimab/AK002], Siglec‐6 [AK006], and CD200R [LY3454738]), have reached preclinical and clinical stages of development. In this review, we (1) describe the role of MCs in the pathogenesis of CU, highlighting similarities with other MC diseases in disease mechanisms and response to treatment; (2) explore current therapeutic strategies, categorized by nonspecific immunosuppression, targeted inhibition of MC activation or mediators, and targeted modulation of MC activity; and (3) introduce the concept of MC silencing as an emerging strategy that could selectively block activation of MCs without eliciting or exacerbating on‐ or off‐target, immunosuppressive adverse effects.
The impact on midwives and their practice after caring for women who have a traumatic childbirth: A systematic review
Authors: Bingham Janet , Kalu Felicity Agwu , Healy Maria
Published: August 2023

Background

Women's birth experiences can range from positive and satisfying to negative and traumatizing. Midwives caring for women can also be exposed to these traumatic childbirth experiences. There is a paucity of research on the impact these experiences have on midwives and their practice. The PEO framework guided the research review question.

Methods

Seven electronic databases were systematically searched. The quality of each included study was assessed using the tool appropriate to the study's methodological approach; Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) criteria and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) Version 2018. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) tool was utilized to assess reported findings. Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (CERQual) was used to grade the confidence in the evidence of the qualitative research. Data were thematically analyzed to formalize the identification and development of themes.

Results

A total of 12 studies were included. Synthesis of the evidence generated one overarching theme, “Midwives, the forgotten victims”, and three themes describing the essences of midwives' experiences: “Bruised and battered but still smiling”; “Wearing armour to protect my soul”; “Members of my team are holding me up, others are pulling me down”.

Conclusions

Midwives expressed feelings of shock, fear, responsibility, and powerlessness which may contribute to some experiencing serious mental illness. They reported a shaken belief in the normal physiologic birth process which consequently led to more defensive practice. Research is needed to identify high‐quality interventions to support midwives after these events. This systematic review protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; Registration CRD42021252033).
Dishonest collaboration in an intergroup context
Authors: van Lent Tjits , Verwijmeren Thijs , Bijlstra Gijsbert
Published: August 2023

Collaborations may sometimes increase the likelihood of engaging in dishonest behaviour. As yet, it remains unknown what factors contribute to this phenomenon. Here, we investigate whether it matters with whom people are collaborating for the extent to which they are dishonest. We aim to (I) replicate dishonest collaboration effects and (II) examine whether collaborating with an ingroup member (vs. outgroup member) amplifies dishonesty. In three pre‐registered studies (N = 782), we used the sequential dyadic die‐rolling paradigm in both student (Study 1: Lab context) and community samples (Studies 2–3: Field context). In this paradigm, two players form a dyad (either with an ingroup or an outgroup member) and earn winnings depending on both their own and the other's dice roll. Crucially, dice rolls are private, and players can inflate their winnings by misreporting their dice roll. Collectively, our studies replicate the dishonest collaboration effect, showing the robustness of collaborative dishonesty over samples and contexts. However, our studies suggest that dishonesty is similar when collaborating with an ingroup versus an outgroup member. Alternative processes are discussed that may play a role in collaborative dishonesty resulting in the absence of an intergroup effect.
What is hiding behind the rainbow plot? The gender ideology and LGBTQ+ lobby conspiracies (GILC) scale
Authors: Salvati Marco , Pellegrini Valerio , De Cristofaro Valeria , Giacomantonio Mauro
Published: August 2023

Previous literature on conspiracy beliefs has an important gap, as it has almost completely excluded conspiracy beliefs relating to LGBTQ+ people. The purpose of the present research was to develop and validate a specific tool to measure the Gender Ideology and LGBTQ+ Lobby Conspiracies Beliefs: the GILC scale. Two independent data collections (Ntot = 1.908) were run involving both heterosexual and gay, lesbian and bisexual people. We expected a mono‐factorial structure of the tool, with high levels of internal reliability, invariant by respondents' gender, sexual orientation and previous knowledge or hearsay of gender ideology. Furthermore, we expected that GILC scale manages to measure a differentiated construct: (a) compared to other specific and general conspiracy contents; (b) compared to a generic disposition to engage in conspiratorial mentality; (c) compared to existing measures of sexual prejudice, stereotypes and negative attitudes towards sexual minority people. In relation to criterion validity, we expected that several psychosocial and socio‐political ideology variables (i.e. RWA and SDO), would associate with high levels in GILC scale. The results confirmed our expectations, showing that GILC scale is a short tool which include nine items with a mono‐factorial structure and with excellent psychometric properties. Limitations and further research directions are discussed.
Defining and unpacking the core concepts of pharmacology: A global initiative
Authors: Guilding Clare , White Paul J. , Cunningham Margaret , Kelly‐Laubscher Roisin , Koenig Jennifer , Babey Anna‐Marie , Tucker Steve , Kelly John P. , Gorman Laurel , Aronsson Patrik , Hawes Martin , Ngo Suong N. T. , Mifsud Janet , Werners Arend H. , Hinton Tina , Khan Fouzia , Aljofan Mohamad , Angelo Tom
Published: August 2023

Background and Purpose

Development of core concepts in disciplines such as biochemistry, microbiology and physiology have transformed teaching. They provide the foundation for the development of teaching resources for global educators, as well as valid and reliable approaches to assessment. An international research consensus recently identified 25 core concepts of pharmacology. The current study aimed to define and unpack these concepts.

Experimental Approach

A two‐phase, iterative approach, involving 60 international pharmacology education experts, was used. The first phase involved drafting definitions for core concepts and identifying key sub‐concepts via a series of online meetings and asynchronous work. These were refined in the second phase, through a 2‐day hybrid workshop followed by a further series of online meetings and asynchronous work.

Key Results

The project produced consensus definitions for a final list of 24 core concepts and 103 sub‐concepts of pharmacology. The iterative, discursive methodology resulted in modification of concepts from the original study, including change of ‘drug–receptor interaction’ to ‘drug–target interaction’ and the change of the core concept ‘agonists and antagonists’ to sub‐concepts of drug–target interaction.

Conclusions and Implications

Definitions and sub‐concepts of 24 core concepts provide an evidence‐based foundation for pharmacology curricula development and evaluation. The next steps for this project include the development of a concept inventory to assess acquisition of concepts, as well as the development of case studies and educational resources to support teaching by the global pharmacology community, and student learning of the most critical and fundamental concepts of the discipline.
N‐methylpiperazinyl and piperdinylalkyl‐O‐chalcone derivatives as potential polyfunctional agents against Alzheimer's disease: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation
Authors: Sharma Pratibha , Singh Varinder , Singh Manjinder
Published: August 2023

The series of N‐methylpiperazinyl and piperdinylalkyl‐O‐chalcone derivatives as potential polyfuctional agents against Alzheimer's disease that have been designed, synthesized and then evaluated biologically using in vitro assays for the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, AGEs, and free radical formation. The majority of synthesized compounds inhibited AChE & AGEs with additional free radical scavenging activities at nanomolar concentrations. Among these, compound 5k was found to have potent AChE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 11.6 nM), superior than the reference compound donepezil (15.68 nM) along with the good anti‐AGEs and free radical formation effect. Its potency was justified by docking studies that revealed its dual binding characteristic with both catalytic active site and peripheral anionic site of AChE, simultaneously. Furthermore, the in vivo evaluation of 5k against streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced dementia in rats also showed improvement of memory functions (Morris water maze test) in animals. Also, 5k inhibited STZ‐inudced brain AChE activity and oxidative stress which further strengthen the observed in vitro effects. The stability of the ligand‐protein complex was then analyzed using a simulation‐based interaction protocol. The results revealed that these N‐methylpiperazinyl and piperdinylalkyl‐O‐chalcone derivatives could be considered for potential polyfunctional anti‐Alzheimer's molecules.
MKP‐1 regulates the inflammatory activation of microglia against Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Li Junhua , Wang Lin , Zeng Qinhua , He Jing , Tang Qing , Wang Kejian , He Guiqiong
Published: August 2023

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases leading to dementia in elderly people. Microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation plays an important role in AD pathogenesis, so modulation of neuroinflammation has emerged as an essential therapeutic method to improve AD. The current study aims to investigate whether MKP‐1 can regulate microglia phenotype and inflammatory factor release in AD and explore its possible mechanisms.

Methods

Amyloid precursor protein/PS1 double transgenic mice and wild‐type mice were selected to study the locations of microglia and amyloid‐β (Aβ) plaques in different regions of mice brains. Changes in MKP‐1 of microglia were detected using AD model mice and AD model cells. Changes in phenotype and the release of inflammatory factors within immortalized BV2 murine microglia were investigated by regulating the expression of MKP‐1.

Results

The distribution of microglia and Aβ plaques in the AD brain was region‐specific. MKP‐1 expression was downregulated in AD mice, and in vitro, with increasing Aβ concentrations, MKP‐1 expression was reduced. MKP‐1 over‐expression increased M2 microglia but decreased M1 microglia accompanied by changes in inflammatory factors and inhibition of MKP‐1 yielded the opposite result.

Conclusion

MKP‐1 regulated microglia phenotype and inflammatory factor release in AD through modulation of the p38 signaling pathway.
Progressive mask‐oriented unsupervised fabric defect detection under background repair
Authors: Tang Shancheng , Jin Zicheng , Dai Fenghua , Zhang Yin , Liang Shaojun , Lu Jianhui
Published: August 2023

Detection of defects is an essential quality control method in fabric production. Unsupervised deep learning‐based reconstruction algorithms have recently been deeply concerned owing to scarce fabric defect samples, high annotation cost, and deficient prior knowledge. Most unsupervised reconstruction models are prone to overfitting and poor generalisation performance, resulting in blurred images, residual defects, and uneven textures in the reconstruction results. On this account, an unsupervised fabric surface defect detection method using the Progressive Mask Repair Model (PMRM) has been developed. Specifically, PMRM with transformer architecture gathers detailed feature information. In order to pay closer attention to the textural properties of fabrics, the model incorporates structural similarity as a constraint in the training stage. In the detection stage, we designate the non‐defective area of the fabric image as the background and the defective area as the foreground. Next, a progressive mask is applied to repair the background of the defective area, which avoids defect false detection resulting from the poor reconstruction effect of the traditional reconstruction model in the non‐defective area. Finally, image processing methods such as image difference, frequency‐tuned salient detection, and threshold binarisation are used to segment the defects. Relative to the other six unsupervised defect detection methods, the proposed scheme increases the F1 score and intersection over union (IoU) by at least 9.34% and 8.49%, respectively. According to the earlier results, PMRM is effective and exhibits superiority.
The pivotal role of land cover around forest fragments for small‐mammal communities in a Neotropical savanna
Authors: Harmange Clément , Santos Cyntia Cavalcante , de Oliveira Roque Fabio , Souza Franco Leandro , Arvor Damien , Bonnet Manon , Vieira Emerson M. , Pays Olivier
Published: August 2023

While harboring the bulk of the planet's biodiversity, tropical ecosystems have experienced intense land conversion for agriculture. Studies examining the impacts of land‐use change on tropical biodiversity have primarily focused on forest cover loss but have overlooked the ecological potential of habitats surrounding forest fragments to modulate biodiversity loss. We examined whether small‐mammal communities changed with the land cover surrounding forest fragments, and how functional traits affected responses to land cover. Small mammals were sampled in the Brazilian Cerrado using live‐trap transects. Three landscape types were identified according to the surroundings of the transects (within 750‐m‐radius buffers): forest‐ (≥50% forest cover), pasture‐, and crop‐dominated landscapes (<50% forest cover, with predominance of pastures or crops, respectively). We examined the composition of functional traits across landscape types and used abundance models to analyze the response of small‐mammal communities to land cover. From forest‐dominated to pasture‐ and crop‐dominated landscapes, the abundances and/or species richness of the largest, forest‐specialist, frugivorous/granivorous, and terrestrial species decreased. In forest‐dominated landscapes, abundances and species richness were slightly affected by land cover surrounding forest fragments. In pasture‐ and crop‐dominated landscapes which represent the less‐preserved landscapes, increased proportions of native forests, open formations, and, to some extent, pastures, supported the increased abundance of small mammals. Land cover surrounding forest fragments is critical for maintaining the diversity of species and functional traits within small‐mammal communities. Our results emphasize the need to maintain native vegetation in human‐modified landscapes to maintain biodiversity and ecological functions.
The relationship between sex hormone‐binding protein and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease using Mendelian randomisation
Authors: Dong Jiaming , Liu Chenming , Lu Jialiang , Wang Luna , Xie Shisheng , Ji Lichao , Lu Baochun
Published: August 2023

Background

The incidence of non‐alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been increasing annually with the improvement of living standards. Numerous epidemiological observations have linked sex hormone‐binding protein (SHBG) levels to NAFLD. However, evidence of the causal role of SHBG in the development and progression of NAFLD is still absent. Therefore, a systematic assessment of the causal relationship is needed.

Method

A two‐sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis was conducted. Genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data for SHBG were obtained online from the IEU database (ebi‐a‐GCST90012111) as exposure. GWAS data from the NAFLD of the Finngen consortium were used for preliminary analysis, while NAFLD data from another GWAS involving 8434 participants were used for replication and meta‐analyses. Causal effects were investigated with inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median and MR–Egger regression. Sensitivity analyses including Cochran's Q test, leave‐one‐out analysis and MR–Egger intercept analysis were simultaneously conducted to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy.

Results

After rigorous selection, 179 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified as strongly correlated instrumental variables. Preliminary analysis suggested a significant causal relationship between genetically determined serum SHBG levels and NAFLD [odds ratio (OR) IVW = .54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = .30–.98, p = .043], supported by the results of the replication analysis (ORIVW = .61, 95% CI = .46–.81, p = .0006) and further meta‐analysis (OR = .59, 95% CI = .46–.77, p < .0001).

Conclusion

The genetic tendency to high levels of SHBG was causally correlated with a reduced risk of NAFLD, indicating that circulating high levels of SHBG was a protective factor for NAFLD.
A method of automatic field of view generation and path planning for automated x‐ray inspection
Authors: Song Guiling , Xu Wei
Published: August 2023

With the increasing accuracy and stability requirements of SMT equipment, automatic x‐ray inspection (AXI) is used as a new popular type of testing technology. First, an imaging constraint model is proposed to ensure that the detected object is not truncated. Second, an improved iterative self‐organizing clustering algorithm was proposed to realize an automatic optimal generation of the field of view and form a Hamiltonian path. Finally, the solution of the shortest Hamiltonian path problem is given by the proposed VTSP heuristic algorithm and VTSP + transformer deep learning algorithm. Experimental results show that, compared with the binary state compression DP method and the local shortest path planning method, the proposed method can support large‐scale nodes, and the performance is improved by 16% on 75 nodes and 31% on 200 nodes. The proposed method achieves a balance between x‐ray imaging efficiency and performance.
Biofuel technologies: Lessons learned and pathways to decarbonization
Authors: Cantarella Heitor , Leal Silva Jean Felipe , Nogueira Luiz Augusto Horta , Maciel Filho Rubens , Rossetto Raffaella , Ekbom Tomas , Souza Glaucia Mendes , Mueller‐Langer Franziska
Published: August 2023

This Opinion highlights several successful cases of biofuel technologies recently described by the IEA Bioenergy Intertask Report on Lessons Learned. The report discussed the potential of biofuels to contribute to a significant market supply, thus replacing fossil fuels and mitigating global warming, and it underscores the challenges in expanding biofuel production and replicating successful models between countries and regions. Based on the lessons learned from conventional, established technologies, the authors analyzed policies, feedstocks, products, technologies, economics, environmental concerns, social aspects, scalability, and ease of implementation and replication in different countries or regions. There are blending mandates in place around the world to foster the use of biofuels. Dependence on the availability and price fluctuations of crop feedstocks may limit biofuel production in certain circumstances. Legal restrictions on using food crops as feedstocks present obstacles to scaling up production. Temporary constraints related to feedstock costs and availability, as evidenced by changes and postponements of biofuel blending mandates in various countries (particularly during the COVID‐19 pandemic) also pose challenges. Technological hurdles exist for advanced biofuels that implicate premium pricing. Still, 2G ethanol from sugarcane meets very strict feedstock requirements with a carbon footprint so low that only electric vehicles charged in Norway could have life‐cycle GHG emissions at the same level as a 2G ethanol‐fueled combustion engine car. The authors evaluate whether and how much electrification could contribute to advance the decarbonization efforts in different countries. Drawing from these observations, the authors express their viewpoints to assist researchers and policymakers in the energy sector in formulating viable approaches to combat the climate crisis.
Postfeminist individuating of a women collective and the strugglesome emergence of a relational collective feminist solidarity: The story of Kudumbashree, a Kerala state‐instituted women empowerment program
Authors: Kandathil George , Chennangodu Rajeshwari
Published: August 2023

In a patriarchal caste‐ and class‐inflicted gendered work setting in an Indian state, Kerala, we explore the process of mobilizing neoliberal postfeminization and subsequent collectivization and collective acting of women from lower socioeconomic classes. We identify neoliberal postfeminism's structural contradictions and lingering individuating forces within a state‐instituted yet bottom‐up women empowerment collectivization program, enriching the emerging critique of neoliberal postfeminization, particularly within intersectionality conversations. Despite these impediments, the collective gradually developed a situational embodied relational collective feminist solidarity that facilitated possibilities for creating alternatives to neoliberal postfeminist patriarchal ways of organizing work and working bodies. By narratively mapping these processes, we hope to advance the emerging discussions on the development of feminist solidarity and solidaristic alternatives.
Improved quality of life with fremanezumab in Japanese and Korean patients with episodic and chronic migraine: Results of two multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group clinical trials
Authors: Matsumori Yasuhiko , Ishida Miki , Iba Katsuhiro , Kim Byung‐Kun , Ning Xiaoping , Nakai Masami , Koga Nobuyuki
Published: August 2023

Objective

To evaluate quality of life (QoL) endpoints from two 12‐week trials investigating fremanezumab efficacy and safety in Japanese/Korean patients with chronic (CM) or episodic (EM) migraine.

Background

Migraine is a leading cause of disability and affects QoL considerably, interfering with work and daily activities, social and family life, and emotional wellbeing.

Methods

This planned exploratory analysis used data from two multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group studies in which Migraine‐Specific QoL (MSQoL; Role Function‐Restrictive [RR], Role Function‐Preventive [RP], and Emotional Function [EF] domains) scores and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scores were pre‐specified QoL outcomes in individuals receiving monthly or quarterly fremanezumab or placebo. In both trials, MSQoL was assessed at baseline, and MSQoL and PGIC at Weeks 4, 8, and 12. PGIC responders had a score of ≥5 points, indicating significant improvement.

Results

Mean baseline MSQoL scores were similar across groups in both CM (N = 565; RR, 60.3–61.5; RP, 78.5–80.0; EF, 69.0–71.4) and EM (N = 353; RR, 68.6–71.1; RP, 83.1–85.7; EF, 76.7–81.9) trials. In the CM trial, all three MSQoL domains improved in both fremanezumab groups at 12 weeks compared with placebo: least squares mean (LSM) and standard error (SE) change from baseline,pversus placebo (quarterly; monthly; placebo): RR 14.9 (1.3),p = 0.030; 15.1 (1.4),p = 0.020; 11.6 (1.3); RP 8.9 (1.1),p = 0.007; 8.6 (1.1),p = 0.013; 5.4 (1.1); EF 13.3 (1.5),p < 0.001; 12.5 (1.5),p = 0.003; 7.5 (1.5). In the EM trial, RR/EF domains improved in both fremanezumab groups compared with placebo: LSM change from baseline,pversus placebo (quarterly; monthly; placebo): RR 16.3 (1.4),p = 0.003; 16.4 (1.3),p = 0.002; 11.6 (1.4); EF 13.0 (1.3),p < 0.001; 11.5 (1.2),p = 0.004; 7.4 (1.3); RP improved in the quarterly group RP 8.6 (1.1),p = 0.010; 7.6 (1.1),p = 0.066; 5.4 (1.1). The proportion of PGIC responders at Week 12 was greater in the monthly and quarterly fremanezumab groups compared with the placebo group in the CM (96/182 [52.7%] and 98/180 [54.4%] vs. 68/179 [38.0%];p < 0.05) and EM trial (81/118 [68.6%] and 86/113 [76.1%] vs. 38/111 [34.2%];p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with EM/CM receiving monthly or quarterly fremanezumab, for a duration of 12 weeks, showed significant improvements in their QoL.
Promoting evidence‐based practice and nursing excellence: How involvement in a Magnet4Europe® research study led to development of critically appraised topics sessions for health care staff
Authors: Jones Beverley , O'Connor Claire
Published: August 2023

Background

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GHNHSFT) is actively participating in the Magnet4Europe® research study, which aims to advance nursing excellence and promote evidence‐based practice.

Objectives

As part of this initiative, the Nursing, Allied Health Professional and Midwifery Research Council at GHNHSFT has been actively engaging colleagues in evidence‐based practice and research.

Methods

This has been achieved through the development of sessions using the Critically Appraised Topics (CATs) framework, where clinical questions and relevant research articles are discussed.

Results and Discussion

This article describes the collaborative approach between the Lead Nurse for Continual Professional Development and the Deputy Manager of the Library and Knowledge Services to develop and run the sessions.

Conclusion

Collaboration between clinical staff and library and knowledge teams can be useful in encouraging healthcare professionals’ engagement with the evidence base in order to consider changes to practice.
Kombucha fermentation as a modern way of processing vineyard by‐products into cosmetic raw materials
Authors: Stanek‐Wandzel Natalia , Zarębska Magdalena , Wasilewski Tomasz , Hordyjewicz‐Baran Zofia , Zajszły‐Turko Ewa , Tomaka Magdalena , Bujak Tomasz , Ziemlewska Aleksandra , Nizioł‐Łukaszewska Zofia
Published: August 2023

Objective

The wine industry generates large quantities of by‐products presenting a remarkably valuable composition in phytochemicals. The process that can significantly increase the content of bioactive compounds is fermentation by yeast and other microorganisms. The current study presents, for the first time, an evaluation of the potential of grape stems extract and its ferments using the Scoby consortium, as a cosmetic raw material for improving the skin care properties of facial cosmetics.

Methods

Fermentation of grape stems using Scoby consortium was carried out for 10 and 20 days. Unfermented and fermented extracts were analysed for their antioxidant activity and chemical composition, with a particular emphasis on biologically active substances. Additionally, the influence of the addition of the obtained ferments to the model cosmetic creams on hydration, transepidermal water loss and skin pH were assessed.

Results

The obtained results revealed that grape stems extract and its ferments are a rich source of phenolic compounds and show antioxidant activity, with the highest values observed for extracts on the 20th day of fermentation. Furthermore, the addition of the extract, as well as ferment, to the cream has a positive effect on skin hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss.

Conclusion

These results suggest that grape stem extracts are a prospective source of active compounds that may be valuable ingredients for the cosmetic industry. Unfermented and fermented extracts can be used in moisturizing cosmetic formulations and also to complement the treatment of dry and sensitive skin.
Traumatic masturbation and erectile dysfunction: A matched case–control study
Authors: Can Utku , Kafkasli Alper , Coskun Alper , Canakci Cengiz , Dincer Erdinc , Tuncer Murat , Karatas Berk
Published: August 2023

Objective

To identify atypical masturbatory behaviors (AMB) and to reveal their effects on both sexual and masturbational erection hardness in men with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

Patients with ED and healthy controls were questioned about their masturbation habits. Accordingly, “rubbing in a prone position,” “pressure on penis,” and “masturbation through clothes” were included in the traumatic masturbation syndrome (TMS) group. Erection hardness score (EHS) is used to measure the erectile functions during masturbation (mast), foreplay (presex), and sexual intercourse (sex), separately.

Results

The data of 448 participants, 266 (59%) from the patient group, and 182 (41%) from the control group were analyzed. The mean ages were 30 years in both groups (p = 0.734). The rate of “rubbing in a prone position” and “penile pressure” while masturbating was higher in patients than the controls (10.2% vs. 6%, p = 0.024 and 8.6% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.0002, respectively). Patients had 2.2‐fold (odds ratio, 2.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.40–3.47; p = 0.001) increased risks of having at least one AMB, compared with controls. In the secondary analysis, the patient group was divided into 2 subgroups according to having TMS (ED + TMS) or not (ED). The percentage of patients with EHS≥3 during masturbation was higher than those during sex and presex in the “ED + TMS” group (60.2%, 38.8%, and 37.2%, respectively, p = 0.0001; n = 98). Comparing the percentage of patients with EHS≥3 during mast, presex, and, sex was found to be similar in the “ED” group (58.9%, 56.5%, and 56%, respectively, p = 0.753; n = 168).

Conclusion

Atypical masturbatory behaviors are more common in young men presenting with erectile dysfunction. These patients have higher erection hardness scores during masturbation compared to partnered sex.
Impact on Japanese healthcare economics of photodynamic diagnosis‐assisted transurethral resection of bladder tumor for non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nishimura Nobutaka , Miyake Makito , Nakahama Tomonori , Miyamoto Tatsuki , Nishimoto Koshiro , Oyama Masafumi , Matsushita Yuto , Miyake Hideaki , Fukuhara Hideo , Inoue Keiji , Kobayashi Keita , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Matsuyama Hideyasu , Fujii Tomomi , Hirao Yoshihiko , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Bladder cancer, especially non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), is one of the most costly cancers owing to its long‐term management. Photodynamic diagnosis‐assisted transurethral resection of bladder tumor (PDD‐TURBT) reduces the risk of intravesical recurrence. However, its impact on healthcare economics in Japan remains unclear. We evaluated the comprehensive medical costs of Japanese healthcare economics regarding PDD‐TURBT.

Methods

This large‐scale, multicenter, retrospective study included a dataset of 1531 patients who were diagnosed with primary NMIBC who underwent initial TURBT between April 2006 and June 2021. A one‐to‐one propensity‐score matching analysis was used for an unbiased comparison based on postTURBT follow‐up periods. The total medical costs, including hospitalization, surgical procedures for TURBT and salvage radical cystectomy, adjuvant intravesical therapies, and follow‐up examinations, were compared between white light (WL)‐TURBT and PDD‐TURBT groups.

Results

After propensity‐score matching, 468 patients each of WL‐ and PDD‐TURBT groups were matched. Total costs were 510 337 128 and 514 659 328 ¥ in WL‐ and PDD‐TURBT groups, respectively. The costs of adjuvant intravesical therapies, follow‐up examinations, and salvage radical cystectomy in PDD‐TURBT group were equivalent to or lower than those in WL‐TURBT group. Furthermore, total costs of high‐ and highest‐risk NMIBC in PDD‐TURBT group were either equivalent or lower compared to those in WL‐TURBT group.

Conclusions

The total costs associated with PDD‐TURBT were higher compared to WL‐TURBT, while there is the potential of PDD‐TURBT to reduce the burden on healthcare economics in limited cases.
Supervision of the mental health lived experience workforce in Australia: A scoping review
Authors: Castles Calista , Stewart Victoria , Slattery Maddy , Bradshaw Natasha , Roennfeldt Helena
Published: August 2023

The mental health Lived Experience workforce (also referred to as peer workforce) is growing rapidly internationally and within Australia. Peer workers are increasingly employed within multi‐ and inter‐disciplinary teams, often directly supervised by mental health professionals such as nurses. Professional supervision has been identified as fundamental for implementing a sustainable peer workforce, but significant gaps in the literature remain, in particular, an understanding of appropriate supervision practices. This scoping review synthesized academic and grey literature on Lived Experience supervision in Australia, exploring current thoughts on best practices. Four electronic databases were searched, and grey literature was located via Google Advanced searches, contacting Lived Experience experts and conducting web‐based desktop searches of key mental health organization websites. Thematic analysis identified and described key characteristics in relation to how supervision is conceptualized and operationalized. Eight peer‐reviewed and 46 grey literature documents describing supervision and supervisory practices were analysed. Of these studies, 26 were Lived Experience‐led. Analysis revealed four key themes: (i) defining peer supervision, (ii) variability in understanding the purpose of supervision, (iii) approaches to supervision and the need for choice and flexibility, and (iv) qualities and skills of the supervisor. Additionally, the establishment of a national professional organization for peer workers was highlighted to protect the authenticity of Lived Experience roles and develop an effective workforce. Clearly, a sustainable Lived Experience workforce cannot develop in isolation, and mental health nurses, as important allies in mental healthcare, need to work alongside, plan and advocate for appropriate supervision practices for this emerging workforce.
Preparing ecosystems for platformization: Insights from multiple case studies
Authors: Hu Yueqiu , Zheng Shuning , Chong Alain Yee Loong , Lim Eric T. K. , Tan Chee‐Wee
Published: August 2023

Platformization is gathering pace because it is capable of restructuring the value creation process for ecosystems. Despite its merits, the failure rate of platformization is alarming for incumbents because it demands collective commitment from ecosystem partners who are already intricately connected due to their embeddedness in pre‐existing value networks. Consequently, the question of how incumbents can prepare for platformization has attracted attention from both academics and practitioners alike. By conducting multiple case studies of three distinct ecosystems that have successfully embraced platformization, we arrive at three separate process patterns of preparation for ecosystem platformization that elucidate the dimensions of organisational readiness required of the initiating firm and its partners. Particularly, we delineate between shared readiness and situated readiness, each with its own constituent sub‐dimensions underlying ecosystems' preparedness for platformization.
Global cardiovascular diseases burden attributable to high sodium intake from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Wang Keke , Jin Yaqiong , Wang Mengxiao , Liu Jing , Bu Xiang , Mu Jianjun , Lu Jingchao
Published: August 2023

Sodium intake shows a positive correlation with blood pressure, resulting in an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Salt reduction is a key step toward the WHO's goal of 25% reduction in mortality from non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) by 2025. This study aims to assess the current condition and temporal changes of the global CVD burden due to high sodium intake (HSI). We extracted data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. The numbers and age‐standardized rates of mortality and disability‐adjusted life‐years (DALYs), stratified by location, sex, and socio‐demographic Index (SDI), were used to assess the high sodium intake attributable CVD burden from 1990 to 2019. The relationship between the DALYs rates and related factors was evaluated by stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Globally, in 2019, the deaths and DALYs of HSI‐related CVD were 1.72 million and 40.54 million, respectively, increasing by 41.08% and 33.06% from 1990. Meanwhile, the corresponding mortality and DALYs rates dropped by 35.1% and 35.2%, respectively. The high‐middle and middle SDI quintiles bore almost two‐thirds of CVD burden caused by HSI. And the leading cause of HSI attributable CVD burden was ischemic heart disease. Universal health coverage (UHC) was associated with the DALYs rates after adjustment. From 1990 to 2019, the global CVD burden attributable to HSI has declined with spatiotemporal and sexual heterogeneity. However, it remains a major public health challenge because of the increasing absolute numbers. Improving UHC serves as an effective strategy to reduce the HSI‐related CVD burden.
Berberine and aspirin prevent traumatic heterotopic ossification by inhibition ofBMPsignalling pathway and osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Fan Jingjing , Gao Jiayu , Chen Jie , Hou Jia , Liu Mengchao , Dang Yanmiao , Lin Hui
Published: August 2023

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathological process that often occurs in soft tissues following severe trauma. There is no effective therapy for HO. The BMP signalling pathway plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of HO. Our previous study showed that AMPK negatively regulates the BMP signalling pathway and osteogenic differentiation. The present study aims to study the effect of two AMPK activators berberine and aspirin on osteogenic differentiation and HO induced by traumatic injury. The effects of two AMPK activators, berberine and aspirin, on BMP signalling and osteogenic differentiation were measured by western blot, ALP and Alizarin red S staining in C3H10T1/2 cells. A mouse model with Achilles tenotomy was employed to assess the effects of berberine and aspirin on HO using μCT and histological analysis. First, our study showed that berberine and aspirin inhibited phosphorylation of Smad1/5 induced by BMP6 and the inhibition was attributed to the down‐regulation of ALK2 expression. Second, the combination of berberine and aspirin yielded more potent effects on BMP signalling. Third, we further found that there was an additive effect of berberine and aspirin combination on osteogenic differentiation. Finally, we found that berberine and aspirin blocked trauma‐induced ectopic bone formation in mice, which may be through suppression of phosphorylation of Smad1/5 in injured tissues. Collectively, these findings indicate that berberine and aspirin inhibit osteogenic differentiation in C3H10T1/2 cells and traumatic HO in mice, possibly through the down‐regulation of the BMP signalling pathway. Our study sheds a light on prevention and treatment of traumatic HO using AMPK pharmacological activators berberine and aspirin.
Living single in late life among African Americans
Authors: Jordan Tera R. , Martin Peter
Published: August 2023

The conceptual literature is scant on the experiences of older single African American adults. We aim to contribute to the scholarship on singlehood within specific populations (e.g., African American) and in particular life phases (e.g., late adulthood). We begin with a presentation of life course theory. We then review literature that underscores the importance of age, resources (i.e., individual, family, social, financial), and stressful events in predicting levels of independence and self‐fulfillment as well as loneliness, regret, and dissatisfaction. We focus on the experiences of older single African American adults. Following this discussion, we propose a new conceptual framework of singlehood in late life. We then summarize key points, offer recommendations, and propose future directions.