bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of cooperative membership on market performance of Nepali goat farmers
Authors: Neupane Huma , Paudel Krishna P. , He Qinying
Published: June 2023

In developing countries, agricultural cooperatives are increasingly used by farmers as a mechanism to gain market power in input and output markets. To assess the impact of cooperative membership on market channel selection and pricing outcomes, we conducted a survey of 661 Nepali goat farmers in 2019–20 and applied an endogenous switching probit model to analyze the data. Our findings indicate that cooperative membership had a significant and positive influence on farmers choosing cooperatives as their market channel. Additionally, farmers who sold their goats through cooperatives received significantly higher prices than those who sold through local markets or to goat collectors. We also observed that farmers who had access to price information were able to obtain better prices for their goats. Overall, our study highlights the potential benefits of promoting cooperative membership and marketing through cooperatives, as these efforts can help farmers improve the returns on their agricultural investments.
Faecal and urine metabolites, but not gut microbiota, may predict response to low FODMAP diet in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Wilson Bridgette , Kanno Tokuwa , Slater Rachael , Rossi Megan , Irving Peter M. , Lomer Miranda C. , Probert Chris , Mason A. James , Whelan Kevin
Published: June 2023

Background

The low FODMAP diet (LFD) leads to clinical response in 50%–80% of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is unclear why only some patients respond.

Aims

To determine if differences in baseline faecal microbiota or faecal and urine metabolite profiles may separate clinical responders to the diet from non‐responders allowing predictive algorithms to be proposed.

Methods

We recruited adults fulfilling Rome III criteria for IBS to a blinded randomised controlled trial. Patients were randomised to sham diet with a placebo supplement (control) or LFD supplemented with either placebo (LFD) or 1.8 g/d B‐galactooligosaccharide (LFD/B‐GOS), for 4 weeks. Clinical response was defined as adequate symptom relief at 4 weeks after the intervention (global symptom question). Differences between responders and non‐responders in faecal microbiota (FISH, 16S rRNA sequencing) and faecal (gas–liquid chromatography, gas‐chromatography mass‐spectrometry) and urine (1H NMR) metabolites were analysed.

Results

At 4 weeks, clinical response differed across the 3groups with adequate symptom relief of 30% (7/23) in controls, 50% (11/22) in the LFD group and 67% (16/24) in the LFD/B‐GOS group (p = 0.048). In the control and the LFD/B‐GOS groups, microbiota and metabolites did not separate responders from non‐responders. In the LFD group, higher baseline faecal propionate (sensitivity 91%, specificity 89%) and cyclohexanecarboxylic acid esters (sensitivity 80%, specificity 78%), and urine metabolite profile (Q2 0.296 vs. randomised −0.175) predicted clinical response.

Conclusions

Baseline faecal and urine metabolites may predict response to the LFD.
Pola‐R‐CHP for frontline therapy in DLBCL: Are we saving money by spending more?
Authors: Vitolo U. , Frascione P. M. M. , Bonello F.
Published: June 2023

The study by Kambhampati et al. offers the first European perspective on cost‐effectiveness of pola‐R‐CHP in the frontline line treatment of DLBCL patients. Nevertheless, the applicability of these results in other European settings remain questionable: Germany is indeed a wealthy country with wide access to cellular therapies in earlier lines, while this might not be the case for other European countries. The presented data must be re‐assessed when long term data on PFS and OS from the POLARIX trial are available, ideally considering also real‐life data. Similar CEAs in other European health care systems as well as in specific subgroups of patients are welcome to offer a broader perspective on the potential role of pola‐R‐CHP in Europe.

Commentary on: Kambhampati et al. Cost effectiveness of polatuzumab vedotin in combination with chemoimmunotherapy (pola‐R‐CHP) in previously untreated diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in Germany. Br J Haematol 2023;202:771–775.
Genes associated with spontaneous brain activity changes in clinically different patients with major depressive disorder: A transcription‐neuroimaging association study
Authors: Zhu Wenshuang , Liu Feng , Fu Jilian , Qin Wen , Xue Kaizhong , Tang Jie , Zhang Yong , Yu Chunshui
Published: June 2023

Aims

The amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF) of resting‐state functional MRI signals is a reliable neuroimaging measure of spontaneous brain activity. Inconsistent ALFF alterations have been reported in major depressive disorder (MDD) possibly due to clinical heterogeneity. This study was designed to investigate clinically sensitive and insensitive genes associated with ALFF alterations in MDD and the potential mechanisms.

Methods

Transcription‐neuroimaging association analyses of case–control ALFF differences from two independent neuroimaging datasets with gene expression data from Allen Human Brain Atlas were performed to identify the two gene sets. Various enrichment analyses were conducted to characterize their preference in biological functions, cell types, temporal stages, and shared effects with other psychiatric disorders.

Results

Compared with controls, first‐episode and drug‐naïve patients showed more extensive ALFF alterations than patients with varied clinical features. We identified 903 clinically sensitive genes and 633 clinically insensitive genes, and the former was enriched for genes with down‐regulated expression in the cerebral cortex of MDD patients. Despite shared functions of cell communication, signaling, and transport, clinically sensitive genes were enriched for cell differentiation and development whereas clinically insensitive genes were for ion transport and synaptic signaling. Clinically sensitive genes showed enrichment for microglia and macrophage from childhood to young adulthood in contrast to clinically insensitive genes for neurons before early infancy. Clinically sensitive genes (15.2%) were less likely correlated with ALFF alterations in schizophrenia than clinically insensitive genes (66.8%), and both were not relevant to bipolar disorder and adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder based on a third independent neuroimaging dataset.

Conclusions

Present results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of spontaneous brain activity changes in clinically different patients with MDD.
Modeling population extirpation rates of white‐bellied and giant pangolins in Benin using validated local ecological knowledge
Authors: Zanvo Stanislas , Djagoun Chabi A. M. S. , Gaubert Philippe , Azihou Akomian F. , Jézéquel Céline , Djossa Bruno , Sinsin Brice , Hugueny Bernard
Published: June 2023

Pangolins are globally threatened by unsustainable hunting for local use and illegal international trade, plus habitat loss. In Benin (West Africa), white‐bellied and giant pangolins have experienced a contraction in their distribution areas and population decline during the last two decades. To better understand the factors underlying declines in these species, we investigated extirpation rates of populations over the last 20 years. Because pangolins are elusive species difficult to monitor by standard methods, the status of populations has been assessed through a local ecological knowledge (LEK) approach. We collected information on persistence or extirpation status of pangolins from 156 localities. A binomial model was built to predict population persistence probability as a function of past and ongoing landscape changes, initial abundance (1998), human pressures, and density of the protected area network. The LEK‐based model was highly accurate (97% correct classification rate) in predicting the presence of white‐bellied pangolin in 52 localities where its presence has been confirmed independently. According to model outputs, persistence probability of pangolins is positively related to distance to main road, initial population abundance, and negatively related to deforestation, shrinkage of favorable habitat, and distance to protected areas. When those factors are controlled for, the white‐bellied pangolin has a higher probability of persistence than the giant pangolin. Even assuming no further habitat change, the distribution area of the white‐bellied pangolin is predicted to keep decreasing against an unavoidable extinction of the giant pangolin in Benin in the next two decades. Besides validating the usefulness of LEK as a population assessment method, this study emphasizes that, despite a demonstrated positive effect of protected areas, the current situation is not sustainable for pangolins and calls for urgent conservation actions to stop or reduce overhunting.
A rare case of cutaneous pseudoglandular schwannoma
Authors: Doan Leandra , Cassarino David S.
Published: June 2023

Schwannomas are benign tumors that arise from the peripheral nerve sheath. Many variants of schwannomas exist, including plexiform, epithelioid, cellular, glandular, and ancient. The pseudoglandular subtype is extremely rare, as fewer than five cases of cutaneous pseudoglandular schwannomas have been reported based on our literature review. Herein, we report a case of a 64‐year‐old female who presented with a skin‐colored nodule on her right arm for several years. Histopathology showed a superficial and deep dermal nodulocystic neoplasm composed of epithelioid and spindle cells surrounded by a fibrous stroma. The epithelioid cells surrounded multiple spaces suggestive of glandular differentiation, although many of these spaces also contained serum and red blood cells, raising consideration for vascular differentiation. Multiple epithelial markers, including pancytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen, were all negative, providing no support for an epithelial tumor with true ductal/glandular differentiation. In addition, CD31, CD34, smooth muscle actin, and desmin stains were negative in these spaces, making a vascular neoplasm or smooth muscle tumor unlikely. However, SOX10 and S‐100 stains were positive, including in cells lining the pseudoglandular spaces, supporting the diagnosis of pseudoglandular schwannoma. Complete excision was recommended. This case highlights an extremely rare presentation of the pseudoglandular variant of schwannoma.
A case of reactive granulomatous dermatitis associated with neonatal lupus erythematosus
Authors: Xing Monica H. , Onajin Oluwakemi , Venkataraman Girish , Stein Sarah L.
Published: June 2023

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is an uncommon disorder affecting approximately one out of 20 000 live births in the United States. Common manifestations of NLE include cutaneous eruptions and cardiac involvement. The typical rash of NLE most closely resembles the rash of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus both clinically and histopathologically. We present a case of reactive granulomatous dermatitis (RGD) associated with NLE in a 3‐month‐old male in whom the initial histopathology and immunohistochemistry were concerning for hematologic malignancy. RGD is a unifying term used to describe cutaneous granulomatous eruptions that occur in response to a variety of stimuli, including autoimmune connective tissue diseases. Our case demonstrates the range of histopathological findings that may be present in the setting of NLE.
Examination of a large electrode tip system device in gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Kato Hiroki , Kobayashi Makoto , Yano Motoyoshi
Published: June 2023

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Effects of dietary quality, physical activity and weight loss on glucose homeostasis in persons with and without prediabetes in the PREMIER trial
Authors: Gradinariu Vlad , Ard Jamy , van Dam Rob M.
Published: June 2023

Aims

We examined the contribution of changes in diet quality, physical activity and weight loss to improvements in insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR index) and fasting glucose concentrations in a long‐term behavioural trial. Furthermore, we compared the effects of lifestyle changes on glycaemic markers for individuals with and without prediabetes.

Materials and methods

The PREMIER trial was an 18‐month parallel randomized trial of the impact of behavioural lifestyle interventions implementing lifestyle recommendations (dietary changes, physical activity, moderate weight loss) in adults with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension. We analysed data on 685 men and women without diabetes. Data on body weight, fitness (treadmill test), dietary intake (24‐h recalls) and glycaemic outcomes were collected at baseline and at 6 and 18 months. We used general linear models to assess the association between the exposure variables and glycaemic markers.

Results

The mean (SD) age was 49.9 (8.8) years, the mean (SD) body mass index was 32.9 (5.7) kg/m2, and 35% had prediabetes at baseline. Weight loss and improvements in fitness and diet quality were each significantly associated with lower HOMA‐IR and fasting glucose concentrations at 6 and 18 months. Mediation analysis indicated that the effects of fitness and diet quality were partly mediated by weight loss, but significant direct effects of diet and fitness (independent of weight changes) were also observed. Furthermore, insulin sensitivity and fasting glucose improved significantly in participants with and without prediabetes.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that behavioural lifestyle interventions can substantially improve glucose metabolism in persons with and without prediabetes and that the effects of diet quality and physical activity are partly independent of weight loss.
Presence of neural surface and onconeural autoantibodies in cerebrospinal fluid and serum in neurological diseases presents a potential risk for misdiagnosis
Authors: Stevens‐Jones Oskar , Malmeström Clas , Constantinescu Clara , Dalla Keti , Nellgård Bengt , Zelano Johan , Constantinescu Radu , Axelsson Markus
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose

Autoantibodies have been found to contribute to pathology and are used in the diagnosis of some neurological diseases. We examined the prevalence of autoantibodies in patients with various neurological diseases and whether patients who had autoantibodies differed in age, sex, or disability from those who did not.

Methods

We examined the prevalence of neural surface and onconeural autoantibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum from patients with multiple sclerosis (n = 64), Parkinson disease plus atypical parkinsonism (n = 150), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n = 43), or autoimmune encephalitis (positive control; n = 7) and a healthy control group (n = 37). A total of 12 onconeural autoantibodies and six neural surface autoantibodies were tested in all participants.

Results

Autoantibodies were present in all cohorts. The prevalence of autoantibodies was high (>80%) in the autoimmune encephalitis cohort but low (<20%) in all other cohorts. When comparing patients within cohorts who were positive for autoantibodies to patients who were not, there was no difference in age, sex, and disability. This was apart from the multiple sclerosis and Parkinson disease plus atypical parkinsonism cohorts, where those with positivity for autoantibodies in the CSF were significantly older.

Conclusions

The presence of the autoantibodies examined does not appear to have a substantial clinical impact within the diseases examined in this study. The presence of autoantibodies in all cohorts presents a risk for misdiagnosis when the method is used incorrectly on patients with atypical clinical presentation.
Managing children's and adolescents' medical complaints amid parent conflict: Strategies and tools for professionals
Authors: Greenberg Lyn R. , McNamara Kathleen , Weisz Betsy E. , Altobelli Justice Thomas , Davis Frank
Published: June 2023

Children and adolescents who are having difficulty coping with stress often present with complaints of physical discomfort. Effective treatment approaches exist for many of these issues. Among high‐conflict parents, however, children's medical issues can become another canvas for conflict, with parents focused more on blaming one another for the child's distress than on options for assisting the child. Professionals can be drawn into the conflict to such a degree that they overlook essential steps for addressing and managing these issues. The authors present a research‐informed model for managing medical and psychophysiological issues amid parental conflict.
Thermoregulatory ability and mechanism do not differ consistently between neotropical and temperate butterflies
Authors: Laird‐Hopkins Benita C. , Ashe‐Jepson Esme , Basset Yves , Arizala Cobo Stephany , Eberhardt Lucy , Freiberga Inga , Hellon Josh , Hitchcock Gwen E. , Kleckova Irena , Linke Daniel , Lamarre Greg P. A. , McFarlane Alex , Savage Amanda F. , Turner Edgar C. , Zamora Ana Cecilia , Sam Katerina , Bladon Andrew J.
Published: June 2023

Climate change is a major threat to species worldwide, yet it remains uncertain whether tropical or temperate species are more vulnerable to changing temperatures. To further our understanding of this, we used a standardised field protocol to (1) study the buffering ability (ability to regulate body temperature relative to surrounding air temperature) of neotropical (Panama) and temperate (the United Kingdom, Czech Republic and Austria) butterflies at the assemblage and family level, (2) determine if any differences in buffering ability were driven by morphological characteristics and (3) used ecologically relevant temperature measurements to investigate how butterflies use microclimates and behaviour to thermoregulate. We hypothesised that temperate butterflies would be better at buffering than neotropical butterflies as temperate species naturally experience a wider range of temperatures than their tropical counterparts. Contrary to our hypothesis, at the assemblage level, neotropical species (especially Nymphalidae) were better at buffering than temperate species, driven primarily by neotropical individuals cooling themselves more at higher air temperatures. Morphology was the main driver of differences in buffering ability between neotropical and temperate species as opposed to the thermal environment butterflies experienced. Temperate butterflies used postural thermoregulation to raise their body temperature more than neotropical butterflies, probably as an adaptation to temperate climates, but the selection of microclimates did not differ between regions. Our findings demonstrate that butterfly species have unique thermoregulatory strategies driven by behaviour and morphology, and that neotropical species are not likely to be more inherently vulnerable to warming than temperate species.
Technical and oncological safety of pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer in older adults aged over 75 years versus younger adults: A single‐center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fujinaga Atsuro , Kawasaki Takahide , Hirashita Teijiro , Kawamura Masahiro , Masuda Takashi , Endo Yuichi , Ueda Yoshitake , Ohta Masayuki , Shiraishi Norio , Inomata Masafumi
Published: June 2023

Aim

The number of surgeries for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in older adults has been rising. This study aimed to evaluate the technical and oncological safety of pancreatectomy for older adults aged ≥75 years with PDAC by retrospectively comparing their short‐ and long‐term outcomes with those of younger adults aged <75 years.

Methods

Data were collected from 117 patients who underwent pancreatectomy for PDAC in our department. The indication for surgery regarding patient characteristics was considered according to each patient's American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Scale. Data of older adults (n = 32) were compared with those of younger adults (n = 85), and comprised patient background, surgical factors, postoperative course, histopathological factors and prognostic factors. Additionally, prognostic nutritional index values preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively were compared between the two groups.

Results

Although American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status and comorbidities were worse in older adults, there were no significant differences in surgical factors, postoperative courses and histopathological factors between the two groups. The overall complication rate tended to be higher in older adults (40.6%) than in younger adults (29.4%). There were no differences in median lengths of recurrence‐free survival and overall survival (older adults vs younger adults: 12 vs 13 months, P = 0.545, and 26 vs 20 months, P = 0.535, respectively) between the two groups. Furthermore, no significant differences were found in prognostic nutritional index preoperatively to 6 months after surgery.

Conclusion

With careful determination of surgical indications, pancreatectomy for PDAC can be carried out with acceptable post‐pancreatectomy morbidity in younger adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 531–536.
Hypermobility spectrum disorders and active migraine in Israeli adolescents: A nationwide study
Authors: Zloof Yair , Simchoni Maya , Derazne Estela , Tsur Avishai M. , Tzur Dorit , Braun Maya , Amarilyo Gil , Shlaifer Amir , Honig Asaf , Braun‐Moscovici Yolanda
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the association between hypermobility spectrum disorders/hypermobile type Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (HSD/hEDS) and migraine in a national sample of adolescents in Israel.

Background

The association between HSD/hEDS and migraine is unclear, even more so in pediatric populations.

Methods

This population‐based, cross‐sectional study included 1,627,345 Israeli adolescents (945,519/1,626,407 [58%] males; mean age 17 ± 0.5 years) who were medically assessed before mandatory military service during 1998–2020. Diagnoses of migraine with at least one attack per month (active migraine) and HSD/hEDS were confirmed by certified specialists. The prevalences of active migraine in adolescents with and without HSD/hEDS were computed and the association between HSD/hEDS and active migraine was examined.

Results

Active migraine was significantly more prevalent in adolescents with HSD/hEDS (307/4686 [6.5%]) compared to those without HSD/hEDS (51,931/1,621,721 [3.2%]) (OR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.90–2.45). The association between HSD/hEDS and active migraine persisted in a multivariable analysis (OR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.85–2.34) and in several sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

We found a significant association between HSD/hEDS and active migraine in both male and female adolescents. Clinical awareness of the association can promote early diagnosis and treatment of migraine. Further research is required to identify appropriate pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic migraine treatment strategies for individuals with HSD/hEDS.
Ultrasound‐guided stellate ganglion block for the treatment of migraine in elderly patients: A retrospective and observational study
Authors: Yu Bin , Hou Siyu , Xing Yan , Jia Zipu , Luo Fang
Published: June 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound‐guided stellate ganglion block (SGB) in the prophylactic treatment of migraine in the elderly.

Background

Treatment of migraine in the elderly is often difficult and troublesome due to multiple comorbidities, drug interactions, and adverse effects (AEs). SGB may be an effective treatment approach for migraine in the elderly as its clinical use is rarely limited by concomitant diseases and age‐related physiological changes; however, no studies have evaluated the effectiveness of SGB in the treatment of migraine in the elderly population.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational case series study. We retrospectively analyzed patients with migraine aged ≥65 years, who underwent ultrasound‐guided SGB for headache management between January 2018 and November 2022. Pain intensity using the numerical rating scale (NRS, 0–10), number of days with headache per month, duration of headache, and the consumptions of acute medications were recorded before SGB treatment, and at 1, 2, and 3 months after the last SGB. Safety assessment included thorough documentation of serious and minor AEs related to SGB.

Results

Of 71 patients, 52 were analyzed in this study. After the final SGB, the NRS scores decreased significantly from a mean (± standard deviation [SD]) of 7.3 (1.2) at baseline to 3.3 (1.4), 3.1 (1.6), and 3.6 (1.6) at 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively (vs. baseline, p < 0.001). The mean (SD) number of headache days per month significantly reduced from 23.1 (5.5) to 10.9 (7.1) (p < 0.001), 12.7 (6.5) (p = 0.001), and 14.0 (6.8) days (p = 0.001) at the 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐month follow‐ups, respectively. The values of headache duration were also significantly lower at the 1‐month (mean [SD] 12.5 [15.8] h, p = 0.001), 2‐month (mean [SD] 11.3 [15.9] h, p = 0.001), and 3‐month follow‐ups (mean [SD] 14.3 [16.0] h, p = 0.001) compared to pre‐treatment baseline (mean [SD] 22.7 [17.1] h). There were 33/52 (64%) patients experiencing at least a 50% reduction in acute medications consumption 3 months after the final SGB treatment. The overall AEs rate associated with ultrasound‐guided SGB was 9.0% (26/290 SGBs). There were no serious AEs; all reported AEs were minor and transient.

Conclusions

Stellate ganglion block treatment could reduce pain intensity, headache frequency, and duration of migraine, thereby reducing the need for adjunctive medications in elderly patients. Ultrasound‐guided SGB might be a safe and effective intervention for the treatment of migraine in elderly patients.
Effects of expanded graphite content on the performance of MgO‐C refractories
Authors: Kim Junseong , Jeong Seunghwa , Lee Minsuk , Kang Dong Jae , Park Hong‐woo , Lee Hwa‐In , Yang Dong‐Yeol , Kim Eun Hee , Lee Soonil , Yang Seung‐Cheol , Jeon Sang‐Chae
Published: June 2023

Expanded graphite was introduced into a MgO‐C refractory to suppress its thermal expansion and thus enhance thermal shock resistance. The refractory was prepared by mixing MgO powders (particle size = 75 μm and 1 mm), antioxidant and curing agents, flake and expanded graphite, and a novolak‐type phenolic resin at 50°C. This was followed by aging at 20°C for 24 h, compacting by uniaxial pressing, curing at 210°C for 5 h, and heat treatment at 1500°C. With an increase in expanded graphite content from 0 to 4 wt.%, the bulk density decreased, apparent density remained unchanged, and apparent porosity increased. The gaps created in the vicinity of MgO particles because of this increase in apparent porosity buffered the thermal expansion of MgO. This increased resistance to thermal shock up to 1500°C. However, the increase in expanded graphite content also had a detrimental effect reflected in the decrease in fracture strength and increase in the residual strain after repeated thermal shock. This contradiction indicates that composition optimization is important for the practical performance enhancement of MgO‐C bricks. The optimum content of the expanded graphite was determined as 2 wt.%.
The wage fund theory and gains from trade in a dynamic Ricardian model
Authors: Marjit Sugata , Nakanishi Noritsugu
Published: June 2023

The theory of wage fund as the basic source of financial capital or credit is incorporated into a dynamic Ricardian trade model consisting of three classes of agents: the workers, the capitalist, and the producers of goods. We derive the modified golden rule based on a significantly different mechanism from the standard optimal growth framework. We show that, although international trade in a static setting in the wage fund framework has asymmetric distributional effects on the agents' welfare, those asymmetric impacts are nullified in the dynamic setting. In fact, trade liberalization is Pareto improving along the balanced growth path.
Hyperglycemia: A determinant of cardiac autonomic dysfunction in youth with obesity across the spectrum of glycemic regulation
Authors: El‐Ayash Heba , Puyau Maurice , Bacha Fida
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To characterize the determinants of heart rate variability (HRV) in youth with obesity across the glycemia spectrum.

Methods

A total of 94 adolescents, 15 ± 2.1 years (21 with normal weight, 23 with overweight‐normal glucose tolerance, 26 with prediabetes and 24 with type 2 diabetes [T2D]) underwent an assessment of body composition (dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry), 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test with the calculation of indices of glycemia and insulin sensitivity (IS), inflammatory markers (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein [hs‐CRP] and tumour necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α]), and HRV by peripheral arterial tonometry.

Results

The HRV frequency‐domain index (low‐frequency to high‐frequency ratio [LF/HF]), an estimate of the ratio between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, increased across the glycemic spectrum, and was highest in T2D compared with the other three groups (p = 0.004). LF/HF correlated with %body fat (r = 0.22, p = 0.04); fasting (r = 0.39, p < 0.001), 2‐h (r = 0.31, p = 0.004), and area under the curve glucose (r = 0.32, p = 0.003); hs‐CRP (r = 0.33, p = 0.002) and TNF‐α (r = 0.38, p = 0.006). In a linear regression model, fasting glucose (β = 0.39, p = 0.003) and hs‐CRP (β = 0.21, p = 0.09) contributed to the variance in Ln LF/HF independent of IS, %body fat, age, sex, race‐ethnicity and Tanner stage (R2 = 0.23, p = 0.013).

Conclusions

Youth with impaired glucose regulation have evidence of cardiac autonomic dysfunction with decreased HRV, and sympathetic overdrive (increased LF/HF). This dysfunction is mainly related to glycemia and systemic inflammation.
The role of mental health nurses in planetary health
Authors: Hallett Cheralyn , Barrett Tanisha , Brown Hannah , Lacny Anthony , Williams Jo
Published: June 2023

This article will critically explore the concept of planetary health and locate the role and identity of the mental health nurse (MHN) within it. Like humans, our planet thrives in optimum conditions, finding the delicate balance between health and ill‐health. Human activity is now negatively impacting the homeostasis of the planet and this imbalance creates external stressors that adversely impact upon human physical and mental health at the cellular level. The value and understanding of this intrinsic relationship between human health and the planet is in danger of being lost within a society that views itself as being separate and superior to nature. The Period of Enlightenment witnessed some human groups viewing the natural world and its resources as something to exploit. White colonialism and industrialization destroyed the innate symbiotic relationship between humans and the planet beyond recognition and in particular, overlooking the essential therapeutic role nature and the land facilitated within the well‐being of individuals and communities. This prolonged loss of respect for the natural world continues to breed human disconnection on a global scale. The healing properties of nature have effectively been abandoned within healthcare planning and infrastructure, which continue to be driven principally by the medical model. Under the theory of holism, mental health nursing values the restorative capabilities of connection and belonging, employing skills to support the healing of suffering, trauma and distress, through relationships and education. This suggests MHNs are well situated to provide the advocacy the planet requires, through the active promotion of connecting communities to the natural world around them, both healing the other.
Visible hands: How gig companies shape workers' exposure to market risk
Authors: Maffie Michael David
Published: June 2023

How do gig platforms prevent workers from defecting to a competitor? Drawing on 40 original interviews and survey data from 210 ride‐hail drivers, the author finds that platform companies calibrate workers' exposure to market risk using gamified reward systems. These rewards protect compliant workers from changes in market conditions, raising the costs of accepting work from a competitor. Yet those who do not comply are “pushed” to the periphery, increasing their market risk. This article illustrates how platform companies can use their “visible hands” to harness and control market forces, shaping worker behavior within and across platforms.
Detoxification enzymes associated with flupyradifurone resistance in greenhouse whitefly
Authors: Jin Yongling , Liu Yuanyuan , Gao Yugang , Zhao Hang , Xiao Han , Li Jiaqi , Wang Lijiao
Published: June 2023

Greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood) occurs frequently in protected areas of north China and is a serious threat to vegetables. Chemical control is the main method used to kill greenhouse whitefly; however, this has led to the selection of resistance to chemical pesticides. Therefore, the study of pesticide resistance is of great significance for the sustainable management of greenhouse whitefly. From 2019 to 2021, the development of flupyradifurone resistance in greenhouse whitefly was assessed in the entomological Laboratory of Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University of China. After F7 generations of screening, the resistance increased 15.33 times. Synergistic agents were significantly enhanced, and the activities of multifunctional oxidase, carboxylesterase, and glutathione sulfur transferase were significantly increased in resistant strains compared with sensitive strains of the greenhouse whitefly. Sixteen detoxifying enzyme genes were detected by using RT‐PCR, and the expression levels of 11 detoxifying enzyme genes were significantly increased in resistant strains. These include eight P450 genes in the CYP4, CYP6, CYP18, CYP301, CYP304, and CYP314 families; two CarE genes in the Clade C and Clade E families; and one GST gene in the Sigma family. Several of these family members have been reported as detoxification enzyme genes of metabolic insecticide. This study showed that P450, CarE and GST together resulted in moderate resistance to flupyradifurone in greenhouse whitefly. The analysis revealed several overexpressed detoxification enzyme genes that will be the focus of future studies on the mechanism of resistance to flupyradifurone.
Antifeedant and insecticidal effects of alfalfa saponins in the management of the Japanese beetle Popillia japonica
Authors: Iovinella Immacolata , Barbieri Francesco , Biazzi Elisa , Sciandra Chiara , Tava Aldo , Mazza Giuseppe , Marianelli Leonardo , Cini Alessandro , Roversi Pio Federico , Torrini Giulia
Published: June 2023

Popillia japonica is a quarantine pest of priority interest for the EU, given its potentially important economic, social and environmental impacts. Alternative strategies to chemical methods are essential to limit its spread in newly infested areas with favourable climatic and environmental conditions. Saponins are biologically active molecules widely distributed in plants, displaying a well‐known repellent activity combined with a mortality effect against insects. In this context, saponins were extracted from alfalfa Medicago sativa, where medicagenic and zanhic acid glycosides and Soyasaponin I were the most abundant compounds and used in the laboratory and semi‐field experiments for treating leaves of susceptible host plants for P. japonica. Under laboratory conditions, a food deterrence effect and a significant mortality rate were observed using Corylus avellana leaves treated at increasing saponin concentrations, ranging from 1% to 5% w/v. Semi‐field condition experiment supported the food deterrence effect, as a significant food preference was observed for untreated plants of Vitis vinifera compared to treated plants. The promising results obtained suggest that alfalfa saponins could represent a potential eco‐friendly approach for Japanese beetle control.
Encapsulation of atomized erythrocytes in liposomes as source of heme iron for oral supplementation strategies
Authors: Valdés Fabrizzio , Carrillo Raúl , Campos Francisca , Sáenz Leonardo , Valenzuela Carolina
Published: June 2023

This work aimed to develop and characterize liposomes of atomized bovine erythrocytes (ABE‐liposomes) for potential use as a heme iron supplement or to fortify food with heme iron. Soy lecithin (SL) and Tween 80 (T80) were chosen to prepare empty liposomes (8 types), and ABE‐liposomes (16 types) by a rotary‐evaporated film method. Variables of interest for our study were: ABE concentration, proportion of SL:T80 and ultrasonic bath time. ABE‐liposomes were characterized according to appearance, color, morphology, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), size, zeta potential, total iron content, encapsulation efficiency (EE) and in vitro iron release under gastrointestinal conditions. ABE‐liposomes presented a brown color and spherical shape. Hydrogen bridges were the main interactions in ABE‐liposomes. Their size ranged from 379 to 964 nm, the zeta potential from −56 to −74 mV, the iron concentration range was 0.8–9.0 mg/100 mL, and EE ranged from 29% to 48%. Ultrasonic bath time was the most important variable on the reduction of ABE‐liposomes' size and EE. Under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions, iron release from ABE‐liposomes occurred mainly at the intestinal level. In conclusion, ABE‐liposomes were effectively developed, which could become a complement for supplementation or food fortification strategies with nonheme for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia.

Practical Applications

In this study atomized bovine erythrocytes (ABE)‐liposomes were developed, due to the: (1) lack of supplements or products to fortify foods based on heme iron, (2) higher bioavailability of heme iron than nonheme iron, especially when working with ABE, and (3) ABE is a low value‐added product that is generated in slaughter plants and in turn is an excellent source of underutilized heme iron. In this study it was possible to develop ABE‐liposomes, where ABE was encapsulated inside liposomes, obtaining a product that could be used as a complement in iron supplementation strategies or food fortification to prevent or treat iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia, especially in developing countries that have low consumption of heme iron.
Portrayals of older adults in over 3000 films around the world
Authors: Ng Reuben , Indran Nicole , Yang Wenshu
Published: June 2023

Background

Presently, most film analyses related to older adults are peculiar to American cinema. However, film industries outside the United States are influential in their own right. As ageism is a pan‐cultural phenomenon, it is important to explore filmic representations of older persons globally. This study is the first to offer a portrait of how filmic portrayals of older persons differ across regions.

Methods

We leveraged a 200‐million‐word movie corpus comprising over 25,000 scripts from 88 countries in 11 regions. The movies span a period of nearly 90 years, from 1930 to 2018. We identified synonyms of “older adult(s)” and compiled the top descriptors that co‐occurred most frequently with them. Seventeen thousand five hundred and eight descriptors were generated from 3384 movies. Using these descriptors, we calculated the valence of filmic portrayals of older adults on a scale of 1 (most negative) to 5 (most positive) in each region.

Results

Positive representations of older adults in movies were lacking in all 11 regions. Four regions fell into the neutral zone and the remaining seven in the negative zone. Representations of older persons were the least negative in East Asia and South Asia, and most negative in Southeast Asia as well as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Our topic modeling revealed that older adults were portrayed as venerable in both South and East Asia. Meanwhile, older people were associated with death in MENA. The idea that society is ill‐equipped to handle an aging population was hinted at in Southeast Asia.

Conclusions

As societies worldwide navigate a major demographic turning point, it is vital that filmmakers rethink portrayals of old age. In articulating the filmic narratives surrounding old age in different regions, our study lays the foundation to combat ageism on the big screen.
Working memory training in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disabilities, the role of coaching: A double‐blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Roording‐Ragetlie S. L. , Pieters S. , Wennekers E. , Klip H. , Buitelaar J. , Slaats‐Willemse D.
Published: June 2023

Background

Working memory training (WMT) can offer therapeutic benefits to patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) and mild to borderline intellectual disability (MBID). However, consistent evidence for treatment benefits of WMT over placebo training is missing. So far, participants in double‐blind research designs did receive non‐specific coaching, whereas active coaching based on individual training results might increase the efficacy of WMT. Furthermore, the intensity and duration of WMT is often too stressful for these children. This study therefore investigated whether a less intensive but more prolonged WMT, with active personalised coaching and feedback, would reduce behavioural symptoms and improve neurocognitive functioning and academic achievements in children with NDD and MBID.

Method

A double‐blind randomised controlled trial in children (aged 10;0–13;11) with MBID (60 < IQ < 85) and ADHD and/or ASD evaluated the effects of a less intensive but prolonged version of the original Cogmed WMT (30 min a day, 4 days a week, 8 weeks in total). Eighteen participants received active, personalised coaching and feedback, based on their actual individual performance during training. Twenty‐two received general non‐personalised coaching for the same amount of time. Executive functioning, academic achievements and several behavioural measurements were administered, before and after training, with a 6‐months follow‐up.

Results

We observed a significant effect of time on both primary and secondary outcome measures, indicating that all children improved in working memory performance and other neurocognitive and academic outcomes. The interaction between time and group was not significant.

Discussion

This study was unable to document superior effects of active personalised coaching and feedback compared with general non‐personalised coaching and no feedback in an adaptive WMT in children with MBID and NDD. The objectively documented changes over time suggest that for these vulnerable children, a regular, structured and structural contact with a coach and adapted exercises is enough to develop therapy fidelity, boost motivation and improve neurodevelopmental task performance. Further research is needed to examine which possible subgroups within this heterogenic group of children profit more from WMT compared with other subgroups.
Does workplace violence affect healthcare workers' turnover intention?
Authors: Liang Leilei , Wang Zhi , Hu Yueyang , Yuan Tongshuang , Fei Junsong , Mei Songli
Published: June 2023

Aims

This study aimed to explore the association between workplace violence and turnover intention among Chinese healthcare workers and explore the role of gender as a moderator in this relation.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey recruited 692 healthcare workers from a single center in a Chinese province. The content included a questionnaire regarding workplace violence, authoritarian leadership, and turnover intention. The moderated mediation effects were analyzed using the PROCESS tool in SPSS and bootstrap method was used to extract 5000 samples to estimate the 95% confidence interval of each effect.

Results

The results indicated that the effect of workplace violence on turnover intention was mediated by authoritarian leadership. In addition, gender moderated the association between authoritarian leadership and turnover intention.

Conclusions

Healthcare worker managers should establish a workplace violence intervention system and change the leadership style of direct leaders to reduce healthcare workers' turnover intention.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease mediates the effect of obesity on arterial hypertension
Authors: Pirola Carlos J. , Sookoian Silvia
Published: June 2023

Background

It has been consistently shown that obesity contributes directly to arterial hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD), independently of other risk factors. Likewise, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is acknowledged as a contributor and a risk enhancer for CVD.

Objectives

We tested the hypothesis of a causal role of NAFLD in the effect of obesity on arterial hypertension.

Methods

Using causal mediation analysis, we quantified the magnitude of the body mass index (BMI) effect on arterial hypertension and CV‐traits mediated by NAFLD. First, we analysed data from 1348 young adults in the Bogalusa Heart Study (BHS), a cohort aimed at assessing the natural history of CVD. Then, we used data from 3359 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017–2018 cycle, NHANES) to replicate the findings.

Results

We found that roughly 92% of the effects of BMI on arterial hypertension in the BHS and 51% in the NHANES population are mediated by NAFLD. In addition, indirect effects of BMI on systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and heart rate (HR) through NAFLD explained up to 91%, 93%, and 100% of the total effect, respectively, in the BHS. In the NHANES survey, indirect effects of BMI through NAFLD on CV traits explain a significant proportion of the total effects (SBP = 60.4%, HR = 100%, and pulse pressure = 88%).

Conclusion

NAFLD mediates a substantial proportion of the effect of obesity on the presence of hypertension and CV‐parameters independently of relevant covariates. This conclusion has implications for clinical management.