bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inequalities between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians seen through the lens of oral health: time to change focus
Authors: Durey Angela , Naylor Nola , Slack-Smith Linda
Published: June 2023

Inequitable social environments can illustrate changes needed in the social structure to generate more equitable social relations and behaviour. In Australia, British colonization left an intergenerational legacy of racism against Aboriginal people, who are disadvantaged across various social indicators including oral health. Aboriginal Australian children have poorer health outcomes with twice the rate of dental caries as non-Aboriginal children. Our research suggests structural factors outside individual control, including access to and cost of dental services and discrimination from service providers, prevent many Aboriginal families from making optimum oral health decisions, including returning to services. Nader's concept of ‘studying up’ redirects the lens onto powerful institutions and governing bodies to account for their role in undermining good health outcomes, indicating changes needed in the social structure to improve equality. Policymakers and health providers can critically reflect on structural advantages accorded to whiteness in a colonized country, where power and privilege that often go unnoticed and unexamined by those who benefit incur disadvantages to Aboriginal Australians, as reflected in inequitable oral health outcomes. This approach disrupts the discourse placing Aboriginal people at the centre of the problem. Instead, refocusing the lens onto structural factors will show how those factors can compromise rather than improve health outcomes.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Evolutionary ecology of inequality’.
Emergence of persistent institutionalized inequality at the Bridge River site, British Columbia: the roles of managerial mutualism and coercion
Authors: Prentiss Anna Marie , Foor Thomas A. , Hampton Ashley , Walsh Matthew J. , Denis Megan , Edwards Alysha
Published: June 2023

Persistent institutionalized inequality (PII) emerged at the Bridge River site byca1200–1300 years ago. Research confirms that PII developed at a time of population packing associated with unstable fluctuations in a critical food resource (anadromous salmon) and persisted across multiple generations. While we understand the demographic and ecological conditions under which this history unfolded, we have yet to address details of the underlying social process. In this paper, we draw on Bridge River's Housepit 54 to examine two alternative hypotheses. Hypothesis 1, mutualism, suggests that household heads signalled to maintain and attract new members as a means of supporting the demographic viability of the house. Inequality is indicated by variation in prestige markers but less obviously in economic fundamentals. Hypothesis 2, coercion, asserts that the more successful households developed control over access to critical food resources, forcing others into the choice between emigration and subjugation. Inequality is indicated by inter-family differences in prestige markers and economic fundamentals. Results suggest that inequality emerged under a mutualism scenario but persisted for subsequent generations under more coercive conditions.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Evolutionary ecology of inequality’.
Conceptual and analytical approaches for modelling the developmental origins of inequality
Authors: Malani Anup , Archie Elizabeth A. , Rosenbaum Stacy
Published: June 2023

In many species, individuals that experience harsh conditions during development have poor health and fitness outcomes in adulthood, compared with peers that do not. These early-life contributions to inequality are often attributed to two classes of evolutionary hypotheses: Developmental Constraints (DC) models, which focus on the deleterious effects of low-quality early-life environments, and Predictive Adaptive Response (PAR) hypotheses, which emphasize the costs individuals incur when they make incorrect predictions about conditions in adulthood. Testing these hypotheses empirically is difficult for conceptual and analytical reasons. Here, we help resolve some of these difficulties by providing mathematical definitions for DC, PAR (particularly focusing on ‘external’ PAR) and related concepts. We propose a novel, quadratic regression-based statistical test derived from these definitions. Our simulations show that this approach markedly improves the ability to discriminate between DC and PAR hypotheses relative to the status quo approach, which uses interaction effects. Simulated data indicate that the interaction effects approach often conflates PAR with DC, while the quadratic regression approach yields high sensitivity and specificity for detecting PAR. Our results highlight the value of linking verbal and visual models to a formal mathematical treatment for understanding the developmental origins of inequitable adult outcomes.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Evolutionary ecology of inequality’.
Mechanisms of equality and inequality in mammalian societies
Authors: Smith Jennifer E. , Natterson-Horowitz Barbara , Mueller Maddison M. , Alfaro Michael E.
Published: June 2023

The extent of (in)equality is highly diverse across species of social mammals, but we have a poor understanding of the factors that produce or inhibit equitable social organizations. Here, we adopt a comparative evolutionary perspective to test whether the evolution of social dominance hierarchies, a measure of social inequality in animals, exhibits phylogenetic conservatism and whether interspecific variation in these traits can be explained by sex, age or captivity. We find that hierarchy steepness and directional consistency evolve rapidly without any apparent constraint from evolutionary history. Given this extraordinary variability, we next consider multiple factors that have evolved to mitigate social inequality. Social networks, coalitionary support and knowledge transfer advantage to privilege some individuals over others. Nutritional access and prenatal stressors can impact the development of offspring, generating health disparities with intergenerational consequences. Intergenerational transfer of material resources (e.g. stone tools, food stashes, territories) advantage those who receive. Nonetheless, many of the same social species that experience unequal access to food (survival) and mates (reproduction) engage in levelling mechanisms such as food sharing, adoption, revolutionary coalitions, forgiveness and inequity aversion. Taken together, mammals rely upon a suite of mechanisms of (in)equality to balance the costs and benefits of group living.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Evolutionary ecology of inequality’.
The best of both worlds: no apparent trade-off between immunity and reproduction in two group-living African mole-rat species
Authors: Wallace K. M. E. , Hart Daniel W. , Venter F. , van Vuuren A. K. Janse , Bennett N. C.
Published: June 2023

Co-operatively breeding mammals often exhibit a female reproductive skew and suppression of the subordinate non-breeding group members. According to evolutionary theory and the immunity–fertility axis, an inverse relationship between reproductive investment and survival (through immunocompetence) is expected. As such, this study investigated if a trade-off between immunocompetence and reproduction arises in two co-operatively breeding African mole-rat species, namely the Damaraland mole-rat (
Fukomys damarensis
) and common mole-rat (
Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus
), which possess female reproductive division of labour. This study also attempted to investigate the relationship between the immune and endocrine systems in Damaraland mole-rats. There was no trade-off between reproduction and immunocompetence in co-operatively breeding African mole-rat species, and in the case of the Damaraland mole-rats, breeding females (BFs) possessed increased immunocompetence compared with non-breeding females (NBFs). Furthermore, the increased levels of progesterone possessed by Damaraland mole-rat BFs compared with NBFs appear to be correlated to increased immunocompetence. In comparison, BF and NBF common mole-rats possess similar immunocompetence. The species-specific differences in the immunity–fertility axis may be due to variations in the strengths of reproductive suppression in each species.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Evolutionary ecology of inequality’.
Emergence of ADC-5 Cephalosporinase in environmental Acinetobacter baumannii from a German tank milk with a novel Sequence Type
Authors: Sykes Ellen M. E. , Mateo-Estrada Valeria , Zhanel George , Dettman Jeremy , Chapados Julie , Gerdis Suzanne , Akineden Ömer , Khan Izhar I. U. , Castillo-Ramírez Santiago , Kumar Ayush
Published: June 2023

Bacteria resistant to antibiotics arguably pose the greatest threat to human health in the twenty-first century. One such bacterium that typifies antibiotic resistance is

Acinetobacter baumannii

. Frequently, hospital strains of

A. baumannii

display multidrug resistant (MDR) or extensively drug resistant (XDR) phenotypes, often requiring the use of last resort antibiotics for treatment. In addition to hospital settings,

A. baumannii

has been isolated from many highly divergent sources including wastewater treatment plant effluent, soil, and agricultural run-off with global distribution. However, such isolates remain poorly characterized. In this study, we characterized a strain of A. baumannii, AB341-IK15, isolated from bulk tank milk in Germany that demonstrated resistance to ceftazidime and intermediate resistance to ceftriaxone and piperacillin/tazobactam. Further genetic characterization identified an ADC-5 cephalosporinase, first incidence in an environmental isolate; and an OXA-408 oxacillinase that may contribute to this phenotype. Interestingly, AB341-IK15 is of a novel sequence type. This research underscores the importance of studying isolates of

A. baumannii

of non-clinical origin to understand the antibiotic resistance and virulence potential of environmental isolates of

A. baumannii

as well to understand the diversity of this species.
Circadian mechanisms in adipose tissue bioenergetics and plasticity
Authors: Hepler Chelsea , Bass Joseph
Published: June 2023

The circadian clock plays an essential role in coordinating feeding and metabolic rhythms with the light/dark cycle. Disruption of clocks is associated with increased adiposity and metabolic disorders, whereas aligning feeding time with cell-autonomous rhythms in metabolism improves health. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent literature in adipose tissue biology as well as our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the circadian regulation of transcription, metabolism, and inflammation in adipose tissue. We highlight recent efforts to uncover the mechanistic links between clocks and adipocyte metabolism, as well as its application to dietary and behavioral interventions to improve health and mitigate obesity.
Surface modification of Al alloy by self-assembly dodecyl phosphate/cerium composite film as relevant to offshore floating photovoltaic power
Authors: Wang Bin , Chen Wanbin , Gao Shan , Wang Dezhi
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to prepare a composite film on LY12 aluminum (Al) alloy by immersing in dodecyl phosphate and cerium nitrate solution by self-assembling methods. The effect of dipping sequence in dodecyl phosphate and cerium nitrate solution on the corrosion resistance of the composite film is studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion resistance of the dodecyl phosphate/cerium composite film is investigated by electrochemical measurement and film composition analysis.

Findings

The dipping sequence in dodecyl phosphate and cerium nitrate solutions has a significant impact on the corrosion resistance of the composite film. It shows best corrosion resistance by first dipping in dodecyl phosphate and then dipping in cerium nitrate solution.

Originality/value

The research shown in this work lays a scientific basis of the film preparation for industrial applications in the future.
Mapping the two-way relationship between management practices and firm innovation: the mediating role of business environment, degree of competition, and energy policies
Authors: Rehman Fazal Ur
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the two-way relationship between management practices and firm innovation along with the dual mediation of business environment, degree of competition and energy policies in Greece, Italy, Turkey and Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has derived data from the World Bank Enterprise Survey 2019 for Greece, Italy, Turkey and Portugal and analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to find results.

Findings

The outcomes of PLS-SEM revealed that management practices and firm innovation have two-way positive significant relationship with each other in Greece, Italy, Turkey and Portugal. The results exposed that the management practices and firm innovation have two-way positive significant relationship with the business environment, degree of competition, and energy policies in Greece, Italy, Turkey and Portugal. The findings also clarified that the business environment, degree of competition and energy policies have dual mediating role between management practices and firm innovation in Greece, Turkey and Portugal. Surprisingly, business environment does not have dual mediation in Italy.

Practical implications

These useful insights would enable practitioners and direct policymakers to develop and apply more magnificent management practices to boost up innovation among firms.

Originality/value

Although the topics of management practices and innovation have received a great concern of academia, but this is the first study that offers a comprehensive model of the relationship in these domains.
Aesthetics, gentrification and new identities: the comparison of adaptive reuse practices in contemporary Budapest and Warsaw
Authors: Sadowy Katarzyna , Szemző Hanna
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Post-socialist urban development changed cityscapes and city life profoundly, reusing public space in a different manner and reinterpreting the role of work, heritage, and consumption among others. Focusing on two case studies – the Outer Józsefváros in Budapest and the Praga North district in Warsaw – the paper examines this transformation, following how and to what extent these characteristic neighbourhoods have changed, how local heritage has been reconceptualised and what role work has played in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

The comparative analysis combines a literature review with a case study investigation that includes interviews, on-site visits, experiments with locally driven adaptive reuse, and document analysis.

Findings

The two case studies put heritage conservation, identity building and value determination processes in the context of architectural design, economic investment and labour market. The paper shows the relation between aesthetics and economic transition, how work, or its loss, has shaped the areas, creating a milieu of transition in a physical and a social sense, offering a reconceptualization of local identity. It also highlights the seminal value of civic initiatives and artists/artisans to increase the engagement of the local community.

Originality/value

The paper provides a rarely done comparison between two former Socialist cities undergoing similar transformations. It focuses on work as intangible heritage, the connected architectural aesthetics and their role in shaping the identity of various groups.
Functional characterization of Bmcap in uric acid metabolism in the silkworm
Authors: Tang Linmeng , Yang Dehong , Liu Zhiwei , Wang Yaohui , Yang Xu , Liu Yujia , Chen Dongbin , Tang Zheng , Huang Yongping
Published: June 2023

After a millennium of domestication, numerous silkworm mutants have emerged that exhibit transparent epidermis, which is caused by abnormally low levels of uric acid. We identified the Bombyx mori gene Bmcap (BMSK0003832) as the homolog of cappuccino, a subunit of the biogenesis of lysosome‐related organelles complex‐1 (BLOC‐1) that has been extensively characterized in human, mouse, and insect species, by analyzing the amino acid sequences of putative purine metabolism genes. Using the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR‐associated protein 9 system, we disrupted Bmcap, resulting in decreased uric acid levels in the silkworm epidermis and a translucent skin phenotype. In the Bmcap mutant, the purine metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and membrane system were altered compared to the wild type. Biogenesis of lysosome‐related organelle complex genes play a role in the pigmentation and biogenesis of lysosome‐related organelles (LROs) in platelets, melanocytes, and megakaryocytes. LROs exhibit unique morphologies and functions in various tissues and cells. Investigation of the Bmcap mutant will enhance our understanding of the uric acid metabolic pathway in silkworms, and this mutant offers a valuable silkworm model for LRO studies.
Rituximab in the management of retroperitoneal fibrosis: A single tertiary rheumatology care center experience
Authors: Oztas Mert , Altun Izzet , Ayla Ali Yagiz , Cerme Emir , Demirdag Cetin , Asa Sertac , Sonmezoglu Kerim , Ugurlu Serdal
Published: June 2023

Aim

To investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes and glucocorticoid‐sparing effect of rituximab therapy in 13 patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF).

Methods

We analyzed the data of both glucocorticoid‐naive and glucocorticoid‐resistant RPF patients who were treated with rituximab. Demographic features, positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET‐CT) findings, and clinical and histopathologic outcomes were collected retrospectively.

Results

We evaluated the data of 13 RPF patients (8M/5F). The median follow‐up duration was 28 months (interquartile range [IQR] 24.5–55.5 months) and median age at the time of diagnosis was 50.8 years (IQR 46.5–54.5 years). PET‐CT scans showed that following the rituximab therapy, the craniocaudal diameter of the RPF mass reduced from 74 mm (IQR 50.5–130 mm) to 52 mm (IQR 35–77 mm; p = .06), and periaortic thickness of the RPF mass reduced from 14 mm (5.5–21.9 mm) to 7 mm (4.5–11 mm; p = .12). The maximum standardized uptake value (based on body weight) of the RPF mass decreased from 5.8 (4.3–9.7) to 3.1 (2.8–5.3) after the therapy (p = .03). The number of patients with hydronephrosis reduced from 11 to 6 following rituximab therapy (p = .04). Before rituximab, nine patients received a median dose of 10 mg (IQR 0–27.5 mg) prednisolone per day. After the rituximab treatment, we discontinued prednisolone treatment for four out of nine patients and reduced the daily dose for the remaining patients. At the time of the final evaluation of the patients, the median prescribed prednisolone dose was 5 mg/day (IQR 2.5–7.5 mg/day; p = .01).

Conclusion

Our study shows that rituximab may be a favorable treatment option for glucocorticoid‐refractory RPF patients with high disease activity on PET‐CT scans.
Cyfip2 allelic variation in C57BL/6J and C57BL/6NJ mice alters free‐choice ethanol drinking but not binge‐like drinking or wheel‐running activity
Authors: Hartmann Matthew C. , McCulley Walter D. , Holbrook Sarah E. , Haney Megan M. , Smith Caitlin G. , Kumar Vivek , Rosenwasser Alan M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Since the origin of the C57BL/6 (B6) mouse strain, several phenotypically and genetically distinct B6 substrains have emerged. For example, C57BL/6J mice (B6J) display greater voluntary ethanol consumption and locomotor response to psychostimulants and differences in nucleus accumbens synaptic physiology relative to C57BL/6N (B6N) mice. A non‐synonymous serine to phenylalanine point mutation (S968F) in the cytoplasmic FMR1‐interacting protein 2 (Cyfip2) gene underlies both the differential locomotor response to cocaine and the accumbal physiology exhibited by these substrains. We examined whether Cyfip2 allelic variation underlies B6 substrain differences in other reward‐related phenotypes, such as ethanol intake and wheel‐running activity.

Methods

We compared voluntary ethanol consumption, wheel‐running, and binge‐like ethanol drinking in male and female B6J and B6NJ mice. When substrain differences were observed, additional experiments were performed in two novel mouse models in which the B6N Cyfip2 mutation was either introduced (S968F) into the B6J background or corrected (F968S) via CRISPR/Cas9 technology.

Results

B6J consumed significantly more ethanol than B6NJ and allelic variation in Cyfip2 contributed substantially to this substrain difference. In contrast, B6NJ displayed significantly more daily wheel‐running than B6J, with Cyfip2 allelic variation playing only a minor role in this substrain difference. Lastly, no substrain differences were observed in binge‐like ethanol drinking.

Conclusions

These results contribute to the characterization of behavior‐genetic differences between B6 substrains, support previous work indicating that free‐choice and binge‐like ethanol drinking are dependent on partially distinct genetic networks, and identify a novel phenotypic difference between B6 substrains in wheel‐running activity.
Pathology explains various mechanisms of auto‐immune inflammatory peripheral neuropathies
Authors: Vallat Jean‐Michel , Mathis Stéphane
Published: June 2023

Autoimmune neuropathies are a heterogeneous group of rare and disabling diseases in which the immune system is thought to target antigens in the peripheral nervous system: they usually respond to immune therapies. Guillain–Barré syndrome is divided into several subtypes including “acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy,” “acute motor axonal neuropathy,” “acute motor sensory neuropathy,” and other variants. Chronic forms such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and other subtypes and polyneuropathy associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathy; autoimmune nodopathies also belong to this group of auto‐immune neuropathies. It has been shown that immunoglobulin G from the serum of about 30% of CIDP patients immunolabels nodes of Ranvier or paranodes of myelinated axons. Whatever the cause of myelin damage of the peripheral nervous system, the initial attack on myelin by a dysimmune process may begin either at the internodal area or in the paranodal and nodal regions. The term “nodoparanodopathy” was first applied to some “axonal Guillain–Barré syndrome” subtypes, then extended to cases classified as CIDP bearing IgG4 antibodies against paranodal axoglial proteins. In these cases, paranodal dissection develops in the absence of macrophage‐induced demyelination. In contrast, the mechanisms of demyelination of other dysimmune neuropathies induced by macrophages are unexplained, as no antibodies have been identified in such cases. The main objective of this presentation is to show that the pathology illustrates, confirms, and may explain such mechanisms.
Children can represent complex social status hierarchies: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Amemiya Jamie , Widjanarko Kiara , Chung Irene , Bian Lin , Heyman Gail D.
Published: June 2023

Children's ethnicity‐status associations are often studied in societies where one ethnic group possesses status across multiple dimensions, such as political influence and wealth. This study examined children's (6–12 years) and adults' representations of more complex hierarchies in Indonesia (N = 341; 38% Native Indonesian, 33% Chinese Indonesian, and 27% other ethnicities; 55% female, 36% male; 2021–2022), a society where ethnic groups hold distinct forms of status (on average, Native Indonesians have political influence; Chinese Indonesians have wealth). By 6.5 years, children associated Native Indonesians with political influence and Chinese Indonesians with wealth. Intersectional analyses indicated that ethnicity‐status associations were stronger for male than female targets. Children of all ethnicities preferred Chinese Indonesians and preferences were predicted by wealth judgments.
A special section: Recruiting and retaining couples from underrepresented backgrounds in intervention research
Authors: Mitchell Erica A. , Gordon Kristina Coop
Published: June 2023

This special section represents a collection of papers on recruitment and retention of couples from underrepresented backgrounds in couple intervention research. Research shows that couples from underrepresented backgrounds tend to be missing from intervention research. This gap is concerning; conclusions about the effectiveness of these interventions are not being drawn from diverse and representative samples and it may be that scholars are inadvertently creating inappropriate and inaccessible services for these couples. Recruiting and retaining these couples require specialized efforts and attention. In this summary paper, we describe (a) the origins of this special section, (b) the existing research on recruitment and retention in couple intervention research, (c) an overview of the papers in this special section, and (d) future recommendations and directions for this aspect of methodology in couple research. This collection of papers elevates the need to involve community members from the beginning, reduce barriers to access, and create recruitment materials and a service delivery environment that is specific for the target population.
Carbodiimide‐mediated grafting of caffeic acid on chitosan to improve its physicochemical and biological properties: used for Pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) preservation
Authors: Lan Weiqing , Zhang Bingjie , Liu Shucheng , Sun Yuqing , Xie Jing
Published: June 2023

Chitosan‐grafted caffeic acid (CS‐g‐CA) was successfully prepared using carbodiimide‐based chemical coupling method. The results of UV–vis and FT‐MIR showed that caffeic acid (CA) was successfully grafted onto chitosan (CS). The grafting degree of CA in CS determined by Folin–Ciocalteu scheme was up to 91.26 ± 2.58 mg g−1. Compared with CS solution, CS‐g‐CA solution has lower apparent viscosity and thermal stability. The results of SEM demonstrated that the grafting treatment changed the microstructure of CS. The grafting of the CA on CS enhanced its antioxidant activity. It can be seen that the clearance rate of DPPH (82.52% ± 0.7%), ABTS+ free radicals (88.21% ± 0.26%), T‐AOC (94.91% ± 0.21%) and FRAP (13.51 ± 0.52 mmol L−1 FeSO4) of CS‐g‐CA was similar to ascorbic acid at 2.0 mg mL−1. The results of antibacterial experiments demonstrated that CS‐g‐CA had better antibacterial ability in vitro, and the diameter of inhibition zone of 20.0 mg mL−1 CS‐g‐CA against Pseudomonas fluorescens and Staphylococcus saprophyticus was 16.88 ± 0.05 mm and 19.17 ± 0.09 mm, respectively, and it was significantly higher than CS (11.25 ± 0.04 mm and 13.09 ± 0.07 mm). The texture and freshness of Control group and CS rapidly declines post‐mortem. CS‐g‐CA treatment could effectively retard the deterioration of texture and keep the better quality of Pompanos (Trachinotus ovatus). This study indicates that grafting CA onto CS alters the biological activity and physicochemical properties of CS.
Fermentative extraction of phenolic compounds from unripe areca nuts by solid‐state fermentation using newly isolated Rhizopus orizaeMW538932
Authors: Hugar Priyanka , Belur Prasanna D. , Raval Keyur
Published: June 2023

Areca nut (pericarp of Areca catechu L.) is a rich source of valuable phenolic compounds. Presence of a psychoactive agent, Arecoline, pose a challenge in the use of areca nut extracts. With an aim to maximise the extraction of phenolic compounds, a newly isolated Rhizopus orizae MW538932, was employed for the solid‐state fermentation of unripe areca nut (6–7 months' maturity) powder. Supplementary nutrients (carbon and nitrogen sources) for the media and the solvents for the extraction of phenolic compounds from the fermented medium were optimised. The optimised process could produce an extract having a total phenolic content of 186.03 ± 2.50 mg gallic acid equivalent and total flavonoid content of 139.70 ± 2.00 mg catechin equivalent per gram of the sample. UHPLC–MS/MS studies and HPLC analysis showed the presence of plethora of phenolic compounds and the absence of Arecoline and other alkaloids. This flavonoid‐rich extract can be a potential source of natural antioxidants for food and pharmaceutical industry.
A divided community: A descriptive qualitative study of the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on nurses and their relationships
Authors: Morley Georgina , Copley Dianna Jo , Field Rosemary B. , Zelinsky Megan , Albert Nancy M.
Published: June 2023

Aims

To identify the personal and professional impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on clinical nurses with regard to personal and workplace safety, personal and professional relationships and perceptions of their team, organization and community, and to understand lessons learned to inform future responses to pandemics or global emergencies.

Design

Qualitative, descriptive free‐text surveys, informed by appreciative inquiry.

Methods

Nurses working in adult COVID‐ and non‐COVID cohort medical‐surgical and intensive care units, outpatient cancer and general surgery centres were invited to participate. Data were collected between April and October 2021 and analysed using summative content analysis.

Results

In total, 77 participants completed free‐text surveys. Five themes were identified: (1) Constraints on nursing: barriers in communication and diminished patient safety and quality of care; (2) Navigating uncertainty: the emotional toll of the pandemic; (3) Team solidarity, renewed appreciation and reaffirming purpose in nursing work; (4) Enhanced trust versus feeling expendable; and (5) Increased isolation and polarization within communities. Nurses described a perceived negative impact on a number of their relationships, including with patients, employer and community. They described a huge emotional toll that included feelings of isolation and polarization. While some nurses described feeling supported by their team and employer, others described feeling expendable.

Conclusion

Nurses’ responses provided insights into negative emotional experiences during the pandemic due to heightened uncertainty and fear, and also the importance of support received from peers, colleagues and their employer. Nurses experienced feelings of isolation and polarization within their communities. The varied responses reflect the importance of societal solidarity when faced with global emergencies, and the need for nurses to feel valued by their patients and employer.

Impact

Effective responses to public health emergencies require individuals and communities to work together to achieve collective goals. Efforts to retain nurses are critical during global emergencies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient and public involvement.
Nurse–patient sexual health communication in gynaecological cancer follow‐up: A qualitative study from nurses' perspectives
Authors: Paulsen Anita , Vistad Ingvild , Fegran Liv
Published: June 2023

Aim

To explore nurse–patient sexual health communication from the perspectives of nurses trained to address sexual health in gynaecological cancer follow‐up.

Design

A qualitative hermeneutic approach.

Methods

Individual semi‐structured interviews with 10 nurses at five different hospitals in Norway were conducted in March and April 2021. A Gadamerian‐inspired research method was used in the analysis.

Results

Three main themes with six sub‐themes were identified. The three main themes were: (1) building relationships through communication, (2) practice makes perfect—the importance of experience and knowledge, and (3) personal attitudes as promoters or inhibiters of sexual health communication.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into nurse–patient sexual health communication from the perspectives of nurses. The nurses in this study experienced the importance of having a good, respectful nurse–patient relationship as the foundation for sexual health communication. The professional confidence gained through experience and knowledge was emphasized, including the significance of how attitudes and taboos can influence sexual health communication.

Impact

The main findings of this study indicate that training in sexual health communication and the possibility of addressing sexual health repeatedly give nurses skills and professional confidence to address sexual health in cancer follow‐up. Our study indicates that sexual health communication can be achieved in a clinical setting without being overly resource demanding. Our results may also motivate nurses to enhance their knowledge about sexual health in cancer follow‐ups.

Patient or Public Contribution

A patient representative from the Norwegian Gynaecological Cancer Society have been involved in the planning of this study. She has given valuable contributions from the view of a gynaecological cancer patient.
Long‐term outdoor recreation program for adults with intellectual disabilities: Feasibility and effects
Authors: Barak Sharon , Dunsky Ayelet
Published: June 2023

Background

While people with intellectual disabilities tend to refrain from physical activity, outdoor physical activity programs increase motivation to engage in physical activity.

Method

Eighty adults with intellectual disabilities participated in a 12‐month outdoor physical activity program. Attendance was used to assess feasibility. Aerobic capacity (6‐min walk test), lower extremity endurance (30‐s chair stand), and mobility (timed up and go) were assessed at three‐time points: before, during, and after the program. Six interviews were also conducted with six staff members and participants.

Results

The physical activity program was feasible, with all six groups completing the year‐long activity. The six‐minute walk and timed‐up‐and‐go tests improved significantly. The qualitative analysis indicates the program's strengths (instructors' qualities and programs' social component) and weaknesses (dependency on weather and bureaucracy).

Conclusion

Among adults with intellectual disabilities, a long‐term outdoor physical activity program is feasible as a means for increasing aerobic capacity and improving mobility ability.
Incidence and characteristics of ovarian cancer following endometrial cancer in the emerging era of conservative management of endometrial cancer—Implications for counseling—A SEER analysis
Authors: Nahshon Chen , Segev Yakir , Schmidt Meirav , Ostrovsky Ludmila , Assaf Wissam , Gerszman Eden , Lavie Ofer
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the ovarian cancer (OC) risk following endometrial cancer (EC) in patients who underwent ovarian preservation as part of the EC staging.

Study Design

With permission of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program of the United States National Cancer Institute, clinicopathological information of women diagnosed with EC and following OC were analyzed. Incidence of OC and survival according to the surgical approach were studied. Primary analysis was conducted in women up to and including the age of 49 years.

Results

A total of 116 patients up to the age of 49 years were diagnosed with EC and following OC. In this group of patients, no differences in incidence (IRR 0.9, CI 0.56–1.49, p = 0.66) or survival rates (p = 0.71) were found comparing ovarian preservation and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy (BSO) performance. In an overall analysis of women diagnosed with EC and following OC at any age, incidence of OC did not differ between groups (IRR 1.07, CI 0.83–1.39, p = 0.59) yet when including patients older than 49 years old survival rates were shorter in ovarian preservation patients compared to patients with BSO performed as part of their EC treatment.

Conclusion

Ovarian preservation in EC patients under the age of 49 years may be considered safe, with no impact on OC incidence or survival, benefiting longer natural hormonal status.
The triglyceride catabolism regulated by a serine/threonine protein phosphatase, Smek1, is required for development and plant infection in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Huang Zhicheng , Cao Huijuan , Wang Huan , Huang Pengyun , Wang Jing , Cai Ying‐Ying , Wang Qing , Li Yan , Wang Jiaoyu , Liu Xiao‐Hong , Lin Fu‐Cheng , Lu Jianping
Published: June 2023

Magnaporthe oryzae is a pathogenic fungus that seriously harms rice production. Phosphatases and carbon metabolism play crucial roles in the growth and development of eukaryotes. However, it remains unclear how serine/threonine phosphatases regulate the catabolism of triglycerides, a major form of stored lipids. In this study, we identified a serine/threonine protein phosphatase regulatory subunit, Smek1, which is required for the growth, conidiation, and virulence of M. oryzae. Deletion of SMEK1 led to defects in the utilization of lipids, arabinose, glycerol, and ethanol. In glucose medium, the expression of genes involved in lipolysis, long‐chain fatty acid degradation, β‐oxidation, and the glyoxylate cycle increased in the Δsmek1 mutant, which is consistent with ΔcreA in which a carbon catabolite repressor CREA was deleted. In lipid medium, the expression of genes involved in long‐chain fatty acid degradation, β‐oxidation, the glyoxylate cycle, and utilization of arabinose, ethanol, or glycerol decreased in the Δsmek1 mutant, which is consistent with Δcrf1 in which a transcription activator CRF1 required for carbon metabolism was deleted. Lipase activity, however, increased in the Δsmek1 mutant in both glucose and lipid media. Moreover, Smek1 directly interacted with CreA and Crf1, and dephosphorylated CreA and Crf1 in vivo. The phosphatase Smek1 is therefore a dual‐function regulator of the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and controls fungal development and virulence by coordinating the functions of CreA and Crf1 in carbon catabolite repression (CCR) and derepression (CCDR).
Fibroblast activating protein promotes the proliferation, migration, and activation of fibroblasts in oral submucous fibrosis
Authors: Li Ming , Deng Zhiyuan , Xie Changqin , Chen Juan , Yuan Zhenying , Rahhal Omar , Tang Zhangui
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Fibroblast activating protein (FAP) is associated with various organ fibrosis. However, the expression and molecular function of FAP in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is still unclear.

Materials and Methods

The high‐performance liquid chromatography was used to detect the presence of alkaloids in areca nut extract (ANE). Real‐time qPCR, Western blot, and Immunohistochemistry assay were used to analyze the expression of FAP mRNA or protein in OSF and normal oral tissue. A chi‐squared test analyzed the relationship between FAP protein expression and clinicopathological data of OSF patients. CCK‐8, Wound‐healing, and Transwell migration assay were employed to assess the effect of the proliferation and migration ability of hOMF cells with FAP overexpression or knockdown. The expression level of a‐SMA, FSP1, and P13K–Akt signaling pathways‐related protein in hOMF cells transfected with FAP overexpression or knockdown plasmid was verified by western blot assay.

Results

The four specific areca alkaloids (Arecoline, Guvacine, Arecaidine, and Guvacoline) were successfully detected in the ANE. The viability of hOMF cells was significantly improved in the 50 μg/mL ANE group and was inhibited in the 5 and 50 mg/mL ANE groups. The expression of FAP was upregulated in OSF tissues, and hOMF cells treated with 50 μg/mL ANE and was related to pathology grade, clinical stage, and history of chewing betel nut. Additionally, FAP may promote the proliferation, migration, and activation of hOMF cells through the P13K–Akt signaling pathway.

Conclusions

This study found that ANE had a bidirectional effect on the viability of hOMF cells, and the FAP gene was a potential therapeutic target in OSF.
Experiences of knowledge translation among researchers in transfusion medicine: Findings from an international survey study
Authors: Thijsen Amanda , Williamson Anna , Davison Tanya E. , Masser Barbara
Published: June 2023

Background

Translation of research knowledge is critical to ensure transfusion medicine policies and practices reflect current evidence and so effectively support the health of blood donors and recipients, as well as ensuring ongoing blood supply. The aim of this study was to investigate the barriers and facilitators of knowledge translation (KT) among transfusion medicine researchers and determine what KT supports are needed.

Study Design and Methods

An anonymous, cross‐sectional survey was distributed by emailing corresponding authors of papers in four major blood journals, emailing grant recipients in the area of transfusion medicine, posting on social media, and through an international blood operator network.

Results

The final sample included 105 researchers. Participants had a positive orientation toward KT, with few perceiving KT as not relevant to their research or beneficial for their careers. However, many reported facing difficulties practicing KT due to time constraints, competing priorities, or lack of funds or resources. Fostering relationships with stakeholders was seen as a key facilitator of KT but a number of researchers expressed difficulties engaging and communicating with them. Collaboration opportunities, protected time for KT, and access to KT resources were some of the supports researchers felt were required to help their KT efforts.

Conclusion

To minimize the knowledge to practice gap in transfusion medicine and ensure findings from research lead to improved outcomes, organizations need to support researchers in their KT efforts and facilitate interactions between researchers and research end‐users.
MAGNETIC AND MICROWAVE ABSORBING PROPERTIES IN SEMI-HARD COXFE(3-X)O4 SYNTHESIZED BY SOL-GEL METHOD
Authors: Johan Akmal , Setiabudidaya Dedi , Arsyad Fitri Suryani , - Mashadi , Sarwanto Yosef , Winatapura Didin Sahidin , Taryana Yana , - Yunasfi , Adi Wisnu Ari
Published: June 2023

Magnetic and microwave absorption properties of CoxFe(3-x)O4 semi-hard materials (x = 0.75, 1.0, and 1.5) synthesized have been carried out using the chemical method of sol-gel. The mixture of iron nitrate Fe2(NO3)3 and cobalt nitrate Co(NO3)2 dissolved in ethylene glycol, then the mixture was heated while stirring at 60 °C for 1 hour to form a gel. After that dried at a temperature of 120°C for 5 hours. A fine powder of CoxFe(3-x)O4 was obtained through the grinding process. The CoxFe(3-x)O4 powder crystallization was done by sintering at 1000 °C for 5 hours. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), and Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) is used to investigate phase identification, particle morphology, magnetic properties, and microwave absorption ability, respectively. Based on the phase identification show that the samples with composition x = 0.75 have two phases, namely CoFe2O4 and Fe2O3. The sample composition for x ³ 1 is a single phase of CoFe2O4. The particle morphology is homogeneous with spherical and the particle size is about 100 – 500 nm. The samples act ferromagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization (Ms) of 26.1-40.4 emu/g and coercivity field (Hc) of 223-299 Oe. The maximum reflection loss (RL) value of -14.03 dB at the frequency 10.98 GHz occurred in a single-phase sample with a composition of x = 1.0. This study provided a new composite material with great potential for the development of microwave-absorbing materials.
ASSESSMENT OF ROAD TRAFFIC NOISE IN SELECTED URBAN RESIDENTIAL AND CONSTRUCTION AREAS
Authors: Faisal Faiqah , Abdul Rahman Norinah , Ahmad Kamal Norashikin
Published: June 2023

The work presented in this paper includes a field investigation of road traffic noise between residential and construction areas in a selected urban area. The aim of this study was to assess the level of noise pollution from road traffic noise in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. Therefore, this study included measurements of traffic noise level, evaluation of the percentage traffic volume between residential and construction areas; and identification of the correlation between traffic volume and traffic noise level. An EXTECH 407764 sound level meter was used to take noise level measurements for 1 hour and 30 minutes in one-minute intervals at both study sites. The parameter collected in the noise level monitoring was average noise level (LAeq). The traffic volume study was conducted using manual counts for 30 minutes. Four types of vehicles were counted, namely cars, vans, motorcycles, and heavy vehicles. Based on statistical analysis, it can be concluded that both sites had high traffic noise levels which exceeded the maximum permissible limit of 60 dBA during daytime, according to Malaysian guidelines, due to several factors. The findings show that road infrastructure such as noise barriers need to be further implemented, especially in residential areas. Mitigation of noise pollution must be further carried out by contractors. Additionally, further investigations need to be conducted by the relevant authorities to reduce the level of noise which may affect the quality of life for the communities in the area.
REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE FROM POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (PET) WASTE SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION
Authors: A. Mahmood Qahtan , Abdulmajeed Basma Abbas
Published: June 2023

In this work, reduced graphene oxide was successfully synthesized from Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste in the catalytic reactor. The effects of the production variables such as temperature (375-450 C), weight of bentonite catalyst (1-4%), and holding time (15-60 min) were investigated. The physiochemical properties of reduced graphene oxide were determined by employing various analytical techniques, like X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Raman Spectroscopy. Taguchi method was used to investigate the effects of these factors on the production of reduced graphene oxide. Taguchi design methodology was used with an L16 orthogonal system to find the best operating conditions. The results of the experimental analysis showed that the most effective factors in each experimental design response were pyrolysis temperature and holding time. The best-conditions for reduced graphene oxide production from Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste were found to be as follows: pyrolysis temperature of 375 °C, the weight of bentonite catalyst 1%, and time of 15 min.