bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydro-climatic aspects of prehistoric human dynamics in the drylands of the Asian interior
Authors: Li Kangkang , Qin Xiaoguang , Xu Bing , Yin Zhiqiang , Wu Yong , Mu Guijin , Wei Dong , Tian Xiaohong , Shao Huiqiu , Wang Chunxue , Jia Hongjuan , Li Wen , Song Haoze , Liu Jiaqi , Jiao Yingxin
Published: November 2022

The causes of prehistoric human migrations in the drylands of the Asian interior have long been debated among multidisciplinary scholars. The Bronze Age Xiaohe settlements (ca. 4000–3300 cal yr BP) are situated in the extremely arid Tarim Basin of northwest China and exemplify a societal collapse which included a long-distance movement along river catchments. Here, we present the results of stable carbon isotope values (δ13C) of archaeobotanical remains, sedimentary faces analysis from the Tarim River catchment, and a compilation of palaeo-environmental evidence in order to investigate potential relationships between regional environmental changes and the response of prehistoric societies in this arid region. Results suggest that the early Xiaohe population was forced to migrate as a consequence of the deterioration of hydrological conditions around settlements. The decline of Xiaohe Culture occurred in the context of decreasing water availability in the basin interior due to climatic change lasting several hundred years. Results are potentially significant for the management of ecologically fragile dryland habitats, particularly the watershed terminus area, threatened by ongoing climate change, specifically in the context of the need to manage scarce water resources to promote sustainable socioeconomic development.
Modeled dispersal patterns for wood and grass charcoal are different: Implications for paleofire reconstruction
Authors: Vachula Richard S , Rehn Emma
Published: November 2022

Sedimentary charcoal records provide useful perspectives on the long-term controls and behavior of fire in the Earth System. However, a comprehensive understanding of the nuances, biases, and limitations of charcoal as a fire proxy is necessary for reliable paleofire interpretations. Here, we use a charcoal dispersal model to answer the following questions: (1) How does the dispersal of wood and grass charcoal particles differ? (2) Do traditional conceptual models of charcoal dispersal reliably characterize grass charcoal dispersal? We find that small differences in shape (length:width (L:W)) and density of grass and wood charcoal can cause substantial differences in particle dispersal and source area. Whereas the modeled dispersal of wood charcoal shows a localized deposition signal which decays with distance, grass charcoal shows more diffuse deposition lacking a localized center (for both >125 µm and >60 µm). Although paleofire research has typically not distinguished between fuel types when interpreting source area, we show that the dispersal of charcoal derived from different fuels is unlikely to be uniform. Because differences in localization, production, and preservation could bias aggregate charcoal accumulation, caution should be taken when interpreting wood and grass-derived charcoal particles preserved in the same record. Additionally, we propose an alternative, dual background conceptual model of grass charcoal dispersal, as the traditional, two-component (peak and background) conceptual model does not accurately characterize the modeled dispersal of grass charcoal. Lastly, this mismatch of conceptualizations of dispersal mechanics implies that grass charcoal may not fit the criteria necessary for peak analysis techniques.
Wif1 Mediates Coordination of Bone Morphogenetic Protein and Wnt Signaling in Neural and Glioma Stem Cells
Authors: Xu Congdi , Hu Xinyu , Fan Yantao , Zhang Ling , Gao Zhengliang , Cai Chunhui
Published: November 2022

Wnts, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) are paracrine signaling pathways implicated in the niche control of stem cell fate decisions. BMP-on and Wnt-off are the dominant quiescent niche signaling pathways in many cell types, including neural stem cells (NSCs). However, among the multiple inhibitory family members of the Wnt pathway, those with direct action after BMP4 stimulation in NSCs remain unclear. We examined 11 Wnt inhibitors in NSCs after BMP4 treatment. Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (Wif1) has been identified as the main factor reacting to BMP4 stimuli. RNA sequencing confirmed that Wif1 was markedly upregulated after BMP4 treatment in different gene expression analyses. Similar to the functional role of BMP4, Wif1 significantly decreased the cell cycle of NSCs and significantly inhibited cell proliferation ( P < 0.05). Combined treatment with BMP4 and Wif1 significantly enhanced the inhibition of cell growth compared with the single treatment ( P < 0.05). Wif1 expression was clearly lower in glioblastoma and low-grade glioma samples than in normal samples ( P < 0.05). A functional analysis revealed that both BMP4 and Wif1 could decrease glioma cell growth. These effects were abrogated by the BMP inhibitor Noggin. The collective findings demonstrate that Wif1 plays a key role in quiescent NSC homeostasis and glioma cell growth downstream of BMP-on signaling. The functional roles of Wif1/BMP4 in glioma cells may provide a technical basis for regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and personal molecular therapy in future clinical treatments.
Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer patients: a single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Chan Kaiyin , Lui Louisa , Lam Yukting , Yu Kaling , Lau Kwongwai , Lai Manchi , Lau Waiwai , Tai Lokyin , Mak Chunkin , Bian Zhaoxing , Zhong Linda LD
Published: November 2022

Background:

Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is a major first-line conventional therapy for advanced and metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). However, oxaliplatin causes chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Acupuncture has long been used to alleviate limb numbness in Chinese medicine practice.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) for the alleviation of CIPN in CRC patients.

Design:

This was a pilot single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial.

Setting/participants:

Sixty eligible patients, who had been diagnosed with CRC and were undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, were randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to the EA intervention group or sham acupuncture (SA) control group. During a 12-week treatment period, patients in the EA group received EA once a week, while patients in the SA group received SA; both groups were followed up for 12 weeks.

Results:

Compared with the SA group, the EA group exhibited significant alleviation of CIPN severity during chemotherapy. Moreover, EA also improved the physical function, role function, and social function of CRC patients. However, there were no significant differences in tests of vibration or light touch sensation. In addition, EA appeared to be a safe treatment for CIPN and was both feasible and acceptable to CRC patients during chemotherapy.

Conclusion:

This study showed preliminary evidence for the efficacy and safety of EA in acute CIPN among CRC patients, although further studies are needed to verify these effects and to further explore the potential role of EA in chronic CIPN (effects on which remain unclear).

Trial registration number:

NCT03582423 (ClinicalTrials.gov)
Fairtrade as a Social Innovation: Brazilian Experience of Rural Organisations
Authors: Silva Fábio da , Tahim Elda Fontinele , Nodari Cristine Hermann , Miranda Ana Lucia Brener Barreto
Published: November 2022

The objective of this article is to describe the dynamics of fair trade in organisations that adhered to the Fair Trade International system, based on the principles of fair trade and the dimensions of social innovation, and to identify why there was a disruption in commercial transactions. Four organisations from the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, which won the fair trade seal, were analysed. Primary data collection occurred through semi-structured interviews and simultaneous annotations and, later, secondary data were collected from official documents, articles, academic works and websites. The results show that the experiences of organisations with Fair Trade International have numerous properties of the dimensions of social innovation. There was the emergence of an emerging development model with the opportunity to work collaboratively and collectively. These changes required adaptation and new practices, as producers underwent a period of changes in their working and production. The formation of cooperatives and fair trade certification had the mobilisation and participation of various actors, who also provided collective learning, both in technical terms and in terms of civic and interpersonal management, especially for rural producers.
Macronutrient Composition of Preterm-Mother’s Milk: A Prospective Observational Study at a Tertiary Level Special New-Born Care Unit in North India
Authors: Mehta Shefali , Singh Jasbir , Sethi Amanpreet , Kaur Gurmeet , Goyal Gitanjali , Kaul Varun , Pahwa Simran
Published: November 2022

Objective:

To determine the macronutrient and energy content of preterm mothers’ milk in our tertiary care center for planning optimum nutrition strategies.

Methodology:

This prospective observational study evaluated the macronutrient and energy contents of preterm mother’s milk. The breast milk composition of 50 mothers was analyzed on 3±2, 7±2, 14±2, 21±2, and 28±2 days of birth. The carbohydrate, protein, and fat content in milk were measured by Polberger alkaline copper reduction method, Lowry method (modified by Peterson), and colorimeter method respectively, and we also studied their correlation with body mass index (BMI) of mothers.

Results:

Initially, median (inter-quartile range [IQR]) carbohydrate contents were 1.2 (1.0-1.6) g/dL, which increased to 2.1 (1.5-2.4) g/dL; the protein contents were 1.7 (1.2-2.2), later declined to 1.4 (1.0-2.2) g/dL; and fat contents were 0.8 (0.6-1.2), increased to 1.2 (0.7-1.5) g/dL at end of the study. The median energy contents were 23.3(20.7-29.5), increased to 28.5(25.3-33.7) kcal/dL during the study. The carbohydrate, fat, and energy contents showed a moderate correlation with the BMI of the mothers.

Conclusion:

Due to variable macronutrient and energy contents of the preterm mother’s milk; individualized milk fortification policies should be developed.
Ever-Increasing Caesarean Section and Free Delivery Schemes in India: How Much the Households are Still Paying?
Authors: Bose Montu , Sarkar Olivia , Dutta Sabitri
Published: November 2022

Aberrant rise in c-section deliveries and associated cost have raised concern to achieve the development goals. Given this, India has launched various schemes to directly serve the mother and newborn and to protect the households from financial hardship for childbirth. Using nationally representative unit level data, the article aims to explore the extent of c-section delivery in India and to capture the financial burden on the households due to c-section deliveries. It is observed that the c-section delivery has increased substantially in almost all Indian states. Both rural and urban sector of the states have reported alarmingly high c-section rates. Urban-India reports around 35% c-section cases and the figure for rural region is 19%. However, out-of-pocket expenditure has decreased marginally in the public facilities for c-section. Surprisingly, in many states poorest class pays much higher than the other expenditure classes even in the public facilities for c-section. Additionally, in the public sector, a considerable proportion of the households are spending substantially high share of their annual consumption expenditure to purchase medicine and diagnostic tests in the public facilities. Therefore, information asymmetry about the government schemes and related informal expenses needs to be addressed for better outcome.

JEL: I14, I15, I18
Tell me what you see: An exploratory investigation of visual mental imagery evoked by music
Authors: Dahl Sofia , Stella Antonio , Bjørner Thomas
Published: November 2022

The link between musical structure and evoked visual mental imagery (VMI), that is, seeing in the absence of a corresponding sensory stimulus, has yet to be thoroughly investigated. We explored this link by manipulating the characteristics of four pieces of music for synthesizer, guitars, and percussion (songs). Two original songs were selected on the basis of a pilot study, and two were new, specially composed to combine the musical and acoustical characteristics of the originals. A total of 135 participants were randomly assigned to one of the four groups who listened to one song each; 73% of participants reported experiencing VMI. There were similarities between participants’ descriptions of the mental imagery evoked by each song and clear differences between them. A combination of coding and content analysis produced 10 categories: Nature, Places and settings, Objects, Time, Movements and events, Color(s), Humans, Affects, Literal sound, and Film. Regardless of whether or not they had reported experiencing VMI, participants then carried out a card-sorting task in which they selected the terms they thought best described a scene or setting appropriate to the music they had heard and rated emotional dimensions. The results confirmed those of the content analysis. Taken together, participants’ ratings, descriptions of VMI, and selection of terms in the card-sorting task confirmed that new songs combining the characteristics of original songs evoke the elements of VMI associated with the latter. The findings are important for the understanding of the musical and acoustical characteristics that may influence our experiences of music, including VMI.
How U.S. Voters Elect Prosecutors: Evidence from a Conjoint Experiment
Authors: Sung Yu-Hsien
Published: November 2022

Do U.S. voters care about the policy positions of a candidate when choosing prosecutors? Conventional wisdom suggests the public favors punitiveness and that prosecutorial elections are apolitical. I argue that voters do care about the policy positions of prosecutors, but different information environments induce different voting behaviors. Using a conjoint experiment across four information settings, I show how policy congruence plays an important role in shaping voter’s decisions when candidates’ policy information is available. When policy information is sparse, voters take cues to infer candidates’ political leanings even in nonpartisan or low-information electoral environments. Contrary to the dominant view that the public favors punitiveness, my results suggest that the public is not unequivocally harsh. These findings speak to the possible benefits that society can reap from increasing the level of information available in prosecutorial elections. The findings also call into question the prevalent view that elections ought to compel prosecutors to adopt tough-on-crime stances that result in a highly incarcerated populace.
The Effects of the Medicaid Expansion on Hospital Utilization, Employment, and Capital
Authors: Meille Giacomo , Post Brady
Published: November 2022

In recent years, hospitals reacted to changes in demand caused by the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansions. We conducted a difference-in-differences analysis that compared changes to hospital demand and supply in Medicaid expansion and nonexpansion states. We used 2010–2016 data from the American Hospital Association and the Healthcare Cost Report Information System to quantify changes to hospital utilization and characterize how hospitals adjusted labor and capital inputs. During the period studied, the Medicaid expansion was associated with increases in emergency department visits and other outpatient hospital visits. We find strong evidence that hospitals met increases in demand by hiring nursing staff and weaker evidence that they increased hiring of technicians and investments in equipment. We found no evidence that hospitals adjusted hiring of physicians, support staff, or investments in other capital inputs.
Familial Factors Associated With Symptom Severity in Children and Adolescents With ADHD: A Meta-Analysis and Supplemental Review
Authors: Jendreizik Lea T. , von Wirth Elena , Döpfner Manfred
Published: November 2022

Objective:

Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of ADHD, but associations between risk factors and ADHD symptom severity in affected children remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes evidence on the association between familial factors and symptom severity in children with ADHD (PROSPERO CRD42020076440).

Method:

PubMed and PsycINFO were searched for eligible studies.

Results:

Forty-three studies ( N = 11,123 participants) were meta-analyzed. Five additional studies ( N = 2,643 participants) were considered in the supplemental review. Parenting stress ( r = .25), negative parenting practices ( r = .19), broken parental partnership ( r = .19), critical life events ( r = .17), parental psychopathologies ( r = .14–.16), socioeconomic status ( r = −.10), and single-parent family ( r = .10) were significantly associated with ADHD symptom severity.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that psychosocial familial factors show small but significant associations with symptom severity in children with ADHD. Implications are discussed.
Novel mutations in BBS genes and clinical characterization of Chinese families with Bardet–Biedl syndrome
Authors: Tao Tianchang , Liu Jia , Wang Bin , Pang Jijing , Li Xiaoxin , Huang Lvzhen
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare autosomal-recessive inherited disorder characterized by multisystem anomalies. The objective of this study was to detect and analyse pathogenic variants in four Chinese families with BBS.

Methods

Comprehensive clinical examinations were performed to investigate and evaluate the phenotypes of the affected individuals from four families. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed for four families, and the presence of pathogenic variants was confirmed via Sanger sequencing.

Results

There were two males and three females with a mean age of 16.00 years. All probands displayed the primary clinical features of BBS. Mutation screening demonstrated four novel mutations: c.613C>T; p.Q205* in the BBS5 gene, c.1391C>G; p.S464* in the BBS10 gene, and c.155delC; p.S52* and c.1584T>G; p.Y528* in the BBS12 gene. Two previously reported mutations were also identified, including c.534 + 1G>T in the BBS2 gene and c.539G>A; p.G180E in the BBS10 gene. The bioinformatic analysis revealed that all the detected mutations in BBS genes were disease causing.

Conclusions

This study identified four novel BBS gene mutations in these Chinese families and further expanded the genotypic spectrum of BBS, thus contributing to the literature and understanding of this multisystem disease.
Unusual presentation of infectious crystalline keratopathy: A case report with literature review
Authors: Ng Pey Yih , Ahmad Marium J. , Ismail Fazliana , Lott Pooi Wah , Singh Sujaya
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Infectious crystalline keratopathy (ICK) is a rare corneal disease. ICK has been recognised in patients with immunocompromised cornea or post penetrating keratoplasty. Here we report a case of ICK in an apparently healthy cornea.

Case description

A 25-years old Chinese female, with no history of systemic or ocular disease, presented to the eye clinic with one-month history of right eye (RE) blurring of vision with foreign body sensation. On examination, there were dense white crystalline needle-like projections over inferior paracentral corneal stroma with intact epithelium. There was also presence of lower eyelid epiblepharon with lashes rubbing against the diseased area. Corneal scraping cultures were suggestive of bacterial infection. Patient responded well with corneal epithelium debridement, intensive topical antibiotics and epiblepharon correction to prevent further microtrauma.

Conclusions

The only contributing factor for ICK in our patient was trichiasis from epiblepharon. Repetitive microtrauma caused by the eyelashes lead to direct penetration and inoculation of normal ocular flora into the corneal stroma. Clinicians need to be vigilant in ruling out other possible causes such as lid abnormalities when managing an ICK patient without apparent risk factors.
Unilateral corneal arcus and conjunctival vessel alterations in cranial autonomic dysregulation: A case report
Authors: Dysli Muriel , Abegg Mathias , Kerkeni Hassen , Kalla Roger , Tappeiner Christoph
Published: November 2022

Background

Cranial autonomic dysregulation is a common symptom of patients suffering from cluster headache or migraine. The peripheral vascular dysfunction may increase the risk for ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes, myocardial infarction, retinal vasculopathy, cardiovascular mortality, and peripheral artery diseases. Furthermore, it may also manifest with ocular symptoms, e.g., increased lacrimation, conjunctival injection, and facial swelling.

Case presentation

We here report a case of a patient with migraine and ocular signs of a vascular dysregulation that have led to persisting changes of conjunctival vessels and to a corneal arcus.

Conclusions

Autonomic vascular dysregulation may not only cause headaches but also persisting changes of ocular tissues, e.g., conjunctival vessel alterations and a corneal arcus.
Outcomes of stent grafts for treatment of central venous disease in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Liu Zhanao , Huang Jian , Tang Yao , Huo Guijun , Cao Junjie , Yao Zhichao , Zeng Yuqi , Shen Liming , Zhou Dayong
Published: November 2022

Background:

To evaluate the effectiveness of stent graft (SG) for the treatment of central venous disease (CVD) in hemodialysis patients.

Methods:

Between January 2014 and April 2022, 122 patients on hemodialysis with symptomatic CVD were treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and bare-metal stent (BMS) or SG placement. The mean follow-up was 14.5 months (IQR: 8.0, 24.2). Patency rates of the target sites were calculated using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank studies. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between various characteristics and target site primary patency.

Results:

Technical success rate was 100%. At 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, the target sites primary patency rates were 86.4%, 74.2%, 45.1%, and 30.4% for PTA; 94.7%, 78.6%, 60.8%, and 45.6% for BMS; and 94.0%, 92.0%, 82.4%, and 66.8% for SG, respectively, and the assisted primary patency rates were 86.5%, 80.4%, 63.8%, and 46.0% for PTA; 94.7%, 89.5%, 77.5%, and 71.1% for BMS; 100%, 100%, 97.8%, and 83.4% for SG, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that SGs achieved better primary and assisted primary patency than PTA or BMS ( p<0.05). SG use and concomitant stenosis were the independent predictors of target site primary patency dysfunction in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions:

This study confirmed the better long-term patency of SG in comparison with PTA and BMS for the treatment of CVD in hemodialysis patients.
Cancer Biomarkers in Liquid Biopsy for Early Detection of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Duque Galo , Manterola Carlos , Otzen Tamara , Arias Cristina , Palacios Dennise , Mora Miriann , Galindo Bryan , Holguín Juan Pablo , Albarracín Lorena
Published: November 2022

Background:

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common neoplasm in women worldwide. Liquid biopsy (LB) is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that allows the analysis of biomarkers in different body fluids, particularly in peripheral blood and also in urine, saliva, nipple discharge, volatile respiratory fluids, nasal secretions, breast milk, and tears. The objective was to analyze the available evidence related to the use of biomarkers obtained by LB for the early diagnosis of BC.

Methods:

Articles related to the use of biomarkers for the early diagnosis of BC due to LB, published between 2010 and 2022, from the databases (WoS, EMBASE, PubMed, and SCOPUS) were included. The MInCir diagnostic scale was applied in the articles to determine their methodological quality (MQ). Descriptive statistics were used, as well as determination of weighted averages of each variable, to analyze the extracted data. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values for specific biomarkers (individual or in panels) are described.

Results:

In this systematic review (SR), 136 articles met the selection criteria, representing 17 709 patients with BC. However, 95.6% were case-control studies. In 96.3% of cases, LB was performed in peripheral blood samples. Most of the articles were based on microRNA (miRNA) analysis. The mean MQ score was 25/45 points. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values for specific biomarkers (individual or in panels) have been found.

Conclusions:

The determination of biomarkers through LB is a useful mechanism for the diagnosis of BC. The analysis of miRNA in peripheral blood is the most studied methodology. Our results indicate that LB has a high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of BC, especially in early stages.
Shelter or status? Housing and the shifting markers of family status in Tibetan communities in China
Authors: Zhaxi Duojie
Published: November 2022

This paper explores the ways new houses in Tibetan villages of Qinghai have become a marker of family status. After the advent of state-led housing subsidy projects in China’s Qinghai province in 2009, Tibetan villagers have actively and increasingly engaged in building new houses to maintain their family status and prestige. According to local standards, owning a new, high-quality house is now an important measure of the household’s living standard and signals the family’s social and economic status. Drawing on Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital, and engaging with cultural geographies of home and house, this study examines the shifting markers of family status and explores how state-led development projects inscribe social, cultural, and political meanings in housing. In doing so, it argues that Tibetan villagers’ desire to construct new housing in Qinghai province is to create markers of family status, not actual shelters.
Belonging, student identity and school activity preferences: Views from Year 4 in the global cities of Hong Kong, Singapore and Melbourne
Authors: Yelland Nicola , Bartholomaeus Clare , Muspratt Sandy , Chan Anita Kit-wa , Leung Vivienne Wai Man , Soo Li Mei Johannah , Lim Kam Ming
Published: November 2022

Students in East Asian locations often obtain high academic results in international high-stakes testing, but lower results on affective aspects of their schooling, such as sense of belonging. These findings indicate the need for more holistic research into children’s lifeworlds, including their experiences of school. In this article, we draw on a survey with 627 Year 4 students in three global cities in the Asia Pacific (Hong Kong, Singapore, and Melbourne), exploring dimensions of their perceptions of school. Responses from students were generally positive in terms of sense of school belonging and student identity. Students who responded positively in terms of belonging and student identity were more likely to want academic activities to occur more often. The article adds to the existing literature by offering an exploratory consideration of the relationships between sense of belonging, student identity, and school activity preferences of Year 4 students in Hong Kong, Singapore and Melbourne. It is argued that all of these are essential factors that need to be considered and incorporated in policy planning and curriculum development.
Dual role of nanoclay in the improvement of the in-situ nanofibrillar morphology in polypropylene/polybutylene terephthalate nanocomposites
Authors: Seraji Amir Abbas , Bajgholi Amir Ali
Published: November 2022

The present study has addressed the effects of nanoclay on the properties of polypropylene (PP)/polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) blend fibers such as their dyeability and, rheological and resiliency behaviors which are produced by melt spinning. The results of the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicated that the presence of both nanoclay and PBT significantly influenced the crystallinity of PP which also confirmed their nucleating effects on the nanocomposite fibers. Compared to neat PP fibers, the incorporation of 0.5–1wt.% of nanoclay and 10 wt.% of PBT nanocomposite fibers caused approximately 23% and 52% enhancements in the resiliency and dye uptake respectively without using toxic carriers. The rheological analysis was carried out for investigating the viscoelastic behavior, and microstructural and dispersion of nanoclay in the nanocomposite fibers. The rheological behavior in the small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) test demonstrated the percolation threshold network of the structure of PBT fibrils in the PP matrix. When the PBT domains are fibrillated, the storage modulus (G′) and complex viscosity increase compared to neat PP. Also, the nonterminal behavior at low frequencies indicates the uniform dispersion of nanoclay in fiber nanocomposites. These all cause the improvement of the melt strength of the PP matrix. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to study the dispersion and localization of nanoclay. Nanoclay has also played a compatibilizing role in the immisible PP/PBT blend and was localized mainly in the PBT disperse and interface, and therefore prevented coalescence. The role of the compatibility of nanoparticles is to decrease the mean diameter of the nano-fibrils to 75 nm, for the hot-drawn nanocomposite fibers, as measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All of the above lead to increasing the melt strength and elasticity of the nanocomposites in the fiber spinning process.
Cognitive Assessment in Culturally, Linguistically, and Educationally Diverse Older Populations in Europe
Authors: Nielsen T. Rune
Published: November 2022

Due to increasing cultural, linguistic, and educational diversity in older populations across Europe, accurate assessment of cognitive functioning in people from diverse backgrounds becomes increasingly important. This paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art review of cognitive assessment in culturally, linguistically, and educationally diverse older populations in Europe, focusing on challenges and recent advances in cross-cultural assessment. Significant work has been carried out on the identification of challenges in cognitive assessment in culturally, linguistically, and educationally diverse older populations and on development and validation of cross-cultural cognitive tests. Most research has addressed the influences of language barriers, education and literacy, and culture and acculturation and in particular, the European Cross-Cultural Neuropsychological Test Battery (CNTB) and the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) are well-validated across European countries. However, cross-cultural cognitive assessment is largely still a developing field in Europe, and there is a continuing need for developments within the field.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Aqueous Extract of Tinospora crispa Stems Accelerate Wound Healing in Rats
Authors: Osman Mahmud Shokhan , Hamad Shareef Suhayla , Jabbar Ahmed A. J. , Hassan Rawaz Rizgar , Jalal Hardy Khalid , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen
Published: November 2022

Tinospora crispa has been known as an herbal medicine with many biological activities. The current study evaluates silver nanoparticles in accelerating the rate of wound healing and closure of excision wounds in rats. A novel technique was followed to synthesize nanosilver particles, x-ray diffraction, UV–Vis's spectroscopy, and transition electron microscope were used. Sprague Dawley rats (24) were separated into 4 clusters: vehicle group (G1), treated with Vaseline; positive control (G2), treated with the intrasite gel; Experimental groups (G3 and G4), treated with 175 and 350 ppm silver nanoparticles, respectively, with an excisional wound created on the neck area. Wounds were treated topically twice daily for two weeks and sacrificed on day fifteenth. Histology, immunohistochemistry (expression of Bax and HSP 70 proteins), and Masson Trichrome staining procedures disclose that wounds dressed with silver nanoparticles exhibited wound closure site contained less scar, less inflammatory cells, and more collagen compared vehicle group. The endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) and TGF-β were significantly increased and lipid peroxidation (MDA) and TNF-α were decreased in wound tissue homogenate dressed with silver nanoparticles compared to the vehicle cluster. Silver nanoparticles suggestively improved cell proliferation and stimulated the rate of wound closure, with less scarring, and more fibroblast.

Graphical abstract

[Formula: see text]
Survival of Cancer Patients Treated with Non-Fermented Mistletoe Extract: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Loef Martin , Walach Harald
Published: November 2022

Background:

Mistletoe extracts (ME) are used in integrative cancer care to improve quality of life and to prolong survival. ME are available from different producers and differ in pharmaceutical processing, such as fermentation. In contrast to fermented ME, the impact of unfermented extracts on the survival of cancer patients has not yet been assessed in a meta-analysis.

Methods:

We searched the databases Embase, CENTRAL, Europe PMC, Clinicaltrials.gov, Opengrey and Google Scholar, and selected controlled studies on cancer patients treated with non-fermented ME. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies of intervention (NRSIs). The risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane’s ROB2 and ROBINS-I; a meta-analysis was conducted.

Results:

Eleven RCTs and eight NRSIs met the inclusion criteria. The studies were heterogeneous and their ROB2 and ROBINS-I displayed a moderate and high risk of bias, respectively. For RCTs, the pooled effect estimate of non-fermented ME on survival was HR = 0.81 (95% CI 0.69-0.95, P = .01). Subgroup analyses as well as the NRSIs estimation support the robustness of the finding. When active comparators are added to the analysis, the effect estimates become non-significant.

Conclusion:

The results may indicate a positive impact of non-fermented ME on the overall survival of cancer patients. High quality RCTs are necessary to substantiate our results.

Prospero Registration:

CRD42021233177
Community Neighboring Norms and the Prevalence and Management of Private Neighbor Problems
Authors: Zahnow Renee , Cheshire Lynda
Published: November 2022

Neighbor relations are informal social ties that constitute part of everyday urban life. While the benefits of neighborliness are well established, less is known about the manifestation of private neighbor nuisances. Specifically, research examining the influence of community social contexts on the propensity for neighbor nuisances and the resolution of nuisance issues through informal pathways remains limited. Drawing on a stratified sample of over 4,000 residents living in 147 communities, we conducted multilevel regression analyses to examine the impact of individual-level neighboring behavior and community-level norms of neighboring on the likelihood of (1) individuals experiencing neighbor nuisances, and (2) individuals responding to neighbor nuisances informally. We found that community-level neighborliness and structural characteristics were associated with the likelihood of experiencing private neighbor nuisance issues as opposed to individual-level neighboring behaviors. Individual-level social ties in the community and neighboring were significantly associated with individual responses to neighbor nuisance issues.
The Wilsonian Moment at Lausanne, 1922–1923
Authors: Baba Gürol , Winter Jay
Published: November 2022

This article discusses the background and diplomatic strategies of the Turkish delegation at Lausanne and their selective understanding of self-determination, excluding non-Turkic and non-Muslim people in Anatolia from the ‘self’ that has the right to determine its national existence. It also elaborates on the reasons why the Allies acknowledged this exclusion in the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923. We borrow from Erez Manela's interpretation of the ‘Wilsonian moment’ to frame these diplomatic and political developments and to show how and why the democratic intent of Wilson's idea of self-determination vanished in the framing of the Peace Treaty of Lausanne in 1923.
French Decolonisation and Civil War: The Dynamics of Violence in the Early Phases of Anti-colonial War in Vietnam and Algeria, 1940–1956
Authors: Thomas Martin , Asselin Pierre
Published: November 2022

This article draws together historical sources and political science insights to test the emergence of civil war at the end of empire. It focuses on civil conflict in two French colonial territories, Vietnam and Algeria, during and immediately after 1945. It investigates the civil war dynamics of local, often intra-ethnic contests among anticolonial oppositionists. Concentrating on the early, formative years of insurgent violence, we aim to demonstrate that elements of civil war pre-existed the supposed outbreak of decolonisation conflicts – 1946 in Vietnam and 1954 in Algeria. Our approach combines narrative assessments of the early phases of these conflicts with analysis of their civil war dynamics. As we seek to demonstrate, cycles of internecine killing, massacre and counter-massacre, normalized summary killing, maltreatment of detainees, and loss of distinction between civilians, seditionists, and ‘traitors’. Our argument is that decolonisation violence in both Vietnam and Algeria may be usefully rethought in civil war terms.
Differences in transition to the labour market across STEM graduates
Authors: Skjelbred Siv-Elisabeth , Nesje Kjersti
Published: November 2022

This study compares the transition from education to work for Norwegian graduates with a professional STEM master’s degree to that of their peers with a non-professional STEM master’s degree. We find that professional STEM graduates tend to have better labour market outcomes than other STEM graduates. However, the unemployment rate of professional STEM graduates is more sensitive to business cycle fluctuations. The findings suggest that a professional STEM degree does not protect against unemployment, in contrast to findings from studies of other professional degrees.
Examination of maternal near-miss experiences in the hospital setting among Black women in the United States
Authors: Byrd Tiffany E , Ingram Lucy A , Okpara Nkechi
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

The high rate of maternal mortality among Black women in the United States continues to gain attention; yet research has not yet fully illuminated the precursors to these events, most impactful among them being “maternal near misses.” A maternal near miss occurs when a woman nearly dies but survives a complication that occurred during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy. Researchers have focused on reviewing patient medical records after sentinel maternal events to help determine major contributors to them; however, qualitative studies with near-miss survivors, especially among Black women, may be a more useful approach.

Methods:

Using a qualitative methodology, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 Black women to explore how they perceived the care provided to them during their near-miss experiences. Our study also employed a phenomenology framework to understand the lived experience of Black women who had a maternal near miss in the context of a hospital setting.

Results:

We interviewed 12 women between October 2020 and March 2021. All participants had a maternal near miss between the years 2010 and 2020 and were aged between 19 and 41 years when they had their near-miss experience. These women identified communication, patient–provider relationship, skills/competency of staff, provider discrimination, systems issues, and emotional distress as major contributors to their experiences.

Conclusion:

Maternal near misses serve as a precursor to maternal mortality events. By listening to patients and their families recount their perspectives on what leads up to these near misses, we can unearth valuable lessons that can aid in the development of strategies and interventions to decrease the numbers of pregnancy-related deaths; especially among Black women who suffer disproportionately from maternal morbidity and mortality. Based on these findings, we recommend that hospitals and OB-GYN practices consider the unique predispositions of their Black patients; account for their own personal biases, revisit the near-miss experiences of past patients to keep patients central to care and build rapport between patients and hospital birthing support staff; and center discussions about improvements in care around racist structures and systems.
Struggles for Horizontal Identification: Muslims, Jews, and the Civil Sphere in Germany
Authors: Becker Elisabeth
Published: November 2022

Muslims across Europe have been labeled as uncivil since the migration waves of postcolonial and guestworker migrants in the mid-20th century. In this paper, I bring the Muslim experience in the German capital into conversation with Civil Sphere Theory (CST), which analyzes how senses of cultural boundedness are supported, shaped, and contested through the interrelations between the institutions of civil society and social movements aimed at expanding civic inclusion. Drawing on two years of ethnographic research in a Berlin mosque, I move from Muslim associations with incivility to the actions these associations provoke in relation to the civil sphere: exploring how those deemed uncivil exert agency in response to, and also in spite of a civil/uncivil divide. Through the voices and experiences of my interlocutors, I show that Muslims are not simply a victimized out-group excluded from the German civil sphere, but are also agents of change who actively seek to gain full inclusion within it. Specifically, I trace how my German Muslim interlocutors contend with their negative social status by drawing on narratives, and enlivening connections that link them to the German Jewish experience: seeking incorporation in the civil sphere through identifications with another “Other,” and through this other, also mainstream society.
Long-term survival of 2997 finger metacarpophalanageal joint arthroplasties from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register
Authors: Brendsdal Eirik S. , Lie Stein A. , Furnes Ove , Hove Leiv M. , Krukhaug Yngvar
Published: November 2022

We present the long-time survival of 2997 primary metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint implants from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register from 1994 to 2019. Six different implants were compared in terms of survival and risk of revision. The majority of implants were inserted in patients diagnosed with inflammatory diseases and in women. The overall survival was found to be 94%, 89%, 85% and 84% after 5, 10, 15 and 20 years. The most prevalent reason for revision was a fractured prosthetic component, and the second was pain. Implants inserted in the right hand and in younger patients had a higher risk for revision. Sex, type of implant, finger treated, one- or two-component prosthesis, and inflammatory or non-inflammatory conditions did not influence the survival. The frequency of MCP joint implantations decreased during the observation period. Our data show satisfactory long-term survival of the MCP implants, with no difference found between implant types or concepts.

Level of evidence: II
Contact dermatitis
Authors: Byrne Clare
Published: November 2022

Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition, in which an inflammatory reaction occurs in response to an irritant or allergen. It can be subdivided into irritant (non-immune modulated) and allergic (immune modulated) contact dermatitis. Both forms can exist together. A detailed history and examination are essential to aid diagnosis. The hands are most commonly affected. There is an increased prevalence of contact dermatitis among those with occupational risks, females and those with a history of atopy. Affected skin becomes erythematous, and pruritic with vesicles or bullae. Lichenification and fissuring can occur in chronic cases. Treatment involves the avoidance of causative agents, the use of emollients, soap substitutes, and topical steroids. In severe cases, oral steroids may be necessary. Patch testing and onward dermatology referral to should be considered in cases that fail to respond to topical treatments, when the causative agent remains unknown or an occupational cause is suspected.
A Review of Precision Insulin Management With Smart Insulin Pens: Opening Up the Digital Door to People on Insulin Injection Therapy
Authors: MacLeod Janice , Vigersky Robert A.
Published: November 2022

Although advances in insulin therapy and delivery have been made, global evidence indicates sub-optimal glycemic management in people on insulin therapy with either type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this review, we discuss connected insulin pens that include tracking insulin pens (TIPs) and smart insulin pens (SIPs) and caps, as approaches to improving mean glucose or time in range while minimizing exposure to hypoglycemia or time below range (TBR) in people with diabetes (PwD) on multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy. We discuss various factors offered by SIPs that can facilitate precision insulin management, that is, delivering the right dose at the right time. These factors include the automatic recording of insulin dose size and delivery time; differentiating prime from therapy doses; active insulin tracking; dose calculators that provide individualized dosing recommendations; alerts for missed doses (ie, rapid-acting or long-acting insulin), insulin temperature, and insulin age monitoring; and integrated data reports for the clinical care team. A data-driven approach to care is critical to precision insulin management and includes helping PwD make informed choices regarding their preferred method of insulin delivery and ensuring insulin delivery technology tools are configured for their personal therapy plan. The data-driven approach involves developing a plan for ongoing collaborative use of the resulting data with their care team that may include adjusting insulin regimen and optimizing the care plan on a timely basis. We conclude with a list of practice protocols that are needed to support data-driven precision insulin management. This review includes a summary of research including various stages of connected insulin pens and caps.