bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the implications of organic standardization and certification in alternative food networks: The capability approach
Authors: de Lima Felipe Alexandre , Neutzling Daiane Mülling , Seuring Stefan , Kumar Vikas , Bossle Marilia Bonzanini
Published: June 2023

Although organic standards and certification schemes have a crucial role in ensuring quality, safety, and sustainability within food systems, there is a need to critically analyze their implications on human capabilities within alternative food networks (AFNs). Therefore, this paper draws upon the capability approach to analyze the implications of three governance mechanisms (i.e., third‐party, social control, and hybrid certification) on human flourishing within AFNs in Ceará, Brazil. The three cases primarily build on 66 interviews with farmers, consumers, AFN owners and employees, certifying officials, governmental and non‐governmental representatives, and researchers. Third‐party certification has some positive effects in terms of material, political, and environmental capabilities and many negative effects regarding social/cultural capabilities. Social control certification bolsters material, social/cultural, political, and environmental capabilities for the benefit of farmers and consumers. Hybrid certification increases the material control, political power, social legitimacy, and environmental governance of market intermediaries. The findings can help scholars, practitioners, and policymakers rethink the role of organic standardization and certification in fostering fundamental human capabilities and tackling inequalities within AFNs.
Hydrogen sulfide signalling in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Tripathi Sunil Jamuna , Chakraborty Suwarna , Miller Emiko , Pieper Andrew A. , Paul Bindu D.
Published: June 2023

The gaseous neurotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exerts neuroprotective efficacy in the brain via post‐translational modification of cysteine residues by sulfhydration, also known as persulfidation. This process is comparable in biological impact to phosphorylation and mediates a variety of signalling events. Unlike conventional neurotransmitters, H2S cannot be stored in vesicles due to its gaseous nature. Instead, it is either locally synthesized or released from endogenous stores. Sulfhydration affords both specific and general neuroprotective effects and is critically diminished in several neurodegenerative disorders. Conversely, some forms of neurodegenerative disease are linked to excessive cellular H2S. Here, we review the signalling roles of H2S across the spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, the ataxias, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as neurodegeneration generally associated with ageing.
BACH1 promotes lung adenocarcinoma cell metastasis through transcriptional activation of ITGA2
Authors: Chen Yingji , Jin Longyu , Ma Yuchao , Liu Yicai , Zhu Qianjun , Huang Yu , Feng Wei
Published: June 2023

BACH1 plays an important role in promoting cancer. This study aims to further verify the relationship between the expression level of BACH1 in lung adenocarcinoma prognosis, as well as the influence of BACH1 expression on lung adenocarcinoma and the potential mechanism. The expression level of BACH1 in lung adenocarcinoma and its relationship with prognosis was evaluated by lung adenocarcinoma tissue microarray analysis combined with bioinformatics approaches. Gene knockdown and overexpression were used to investigate the functions and molecular mechanisms of BACH1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells. The regulatory downstream pathways and target genes of BACH1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells were explored by bioinformatics and RNA sequencing data analysis, real‐time PCR, western blot analysis, and cell immunofluorescence and cell adhesion assays. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual‐luciferase reporter assays were carried out to verify the target gene binding site. In the present study, BACH1 is abnormally highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues, and high BACH1 expression is negatively correlated with patient prognosis. BACH1 promotes the migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Mechanistically, BACH1 directly binds to the upstream sequence of the ITGA2 promoter to promote ITGA2 expression, and the BACH1‐ITGA2 axis is involved in cytoskeletal regulation in lung adenocarcinoma cells by activating the FAK‐RAC1‐PAK signaling pathway. Our results indicated that BACH1 positively regulates the expression of ITGA2 through a transcriptional mechanism, thereby activating the FAK‐RAC1‐PAK signaling pathway to participate in the formation of the cytoskeleton in tumor cells and then promoting the migration and invasion of tumor cells.
Attrition from paediatric weight management impacts anthropometric outcomes at 2 years, but not health‐related quality of life
Authors: Morrison Katherine M. , Gunn Elizabeth , Schwindt Stephanie , Hu Linda , Tarnopolsky Mark
Published: June 2023

The study objective is to evaluate the influence of attrition from a paediatric weight management program (PWM) on health indicators over a 2‐year period. In this observational study, children and youth with obesity were recruited at entry into a family‐based behaviour modification PWM and had four research study visits, independent of clinic visits, over 2 years. Participants were divided into attrition groups based on length of clinic enrolment. Body composition, cardiometabolic health and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed. Among 269 children enrolled, 19% had no clinic treatment visit, 16% had treatment visits only up to 6 months, 23% up to 1 year and 42% had at least one clinic visit after 1 year (No Attrition). Greater declines in BMI z‐score and body fat were seen at 2 years in children with No Attrition, while improvements in HRQoL were similar for all attrition groups. Children who attended at least one treatment visit reported improved HRQoL up to 2 years, regardless of duration in clinic. In contrast, declines in body fat and BMI z‐score were greater at 2 years for those with at least one visit after 1 year. Continued efforts to reduce attrition are likely to improve anthropometric health outcomes during PWM.
Contact sensitisation in oral lichen planus: An Australian perspective
Authors: Ting Sarajane , Nguyen Jennifer , Palmer Amanda , Rosemary Nixon A. M.
Published: June 2023

Background

The role of contact sensitisation in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP) has not been clearly defined.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate relevant contact sensitisers in OLP.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on OLP patients who underwent patch testing from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2020 at an Australian tertiary dermatology institution, compared to cheilitis patients patch tested over the same time period.

Results

Ninety‐six OLP patients and 152 cheilitis patients were patch tested during the 15‐year period. Seventy‐one (73.9%) OLP patients and 100 (65.8%) cheilitis patients recorded one or more relevant reactions. Forty‐three (44.8%), 22 (22.9%), 21 (21.9%) and 17 (17.7%) OLP patients had relevant reactions to mercury‐related chemicals, amalgam, spearmint and carvone, respectively, compared to 6 (3.9%), 3 (2.0%), 4 (2.6%) and 0 (0%) cheilitis patients, respectively (p‐value <0.001 each). Four (4.2%) OLP patients had relevant positive reactions to sodium metabisulfite, compared to none in the cheilitis group (p‐value 0.021).

Conclusion

While dental amalgam is used less frequently these days, we report that mercury (found in amalgam) and additionally spearmint and carvone are relevant sensitisers in OLP in Australia. Sodium metabisulfite may also be a relevant sensitiser in OLP, which has not previously been reported.
Comparative study of different methods for the assessment of print nonuniformity and their correlation with the human visual system
Authors: Jurič Ivana , Zdravković Sunčica , Kašiković Nemanja , Dedijer Sandra , Pal Magdolna , Pavlović Živko , Karlovits Igor
Published: June 2023

Print nonuniformity is the variation of optical density (reflection) on the print and can occur in several different types that can be classified into two basic groups: random and systematic variations. This article examines two types from each group of variations that are most commonly found in digital printing systems: blotches and streaks, where amplitude and size were varied. Three most commonly used methods for measuring the print nonuniformity were used: Grey Level Co‐occurrence Matrix (GLCM), ISO 13660 and Integration (also Improved Integration) method. The results obtained by measuring were compared with a visual assessment to find the link between objective and subjective analysis and to define and determine which method/parameter is the best for the measurement of which type of print (non)uniformity. The obtained results indicate the possibility of selecting the measurement parameter, but that the choice of the parameter depends on the type of nonuniformity. It is concluded that in the case of the GLCM method, the entropy and energy parameters are strongly related to the visual assessment for all three sets of samples. These parameters can be used regardless of the type of nonuniformity. The ISO G parameter can be used to measure both graininess and mottling, while the ISO M parameter is only suitable for measuring mottling. Integration method could be used to measure systematic error. On the basis of conclusions of the research, it is possible to propose the development of an industrially applicable solution for measuring print nonuniformity of digitally printed samples.
Abemaciclib does not increase the corrected QT interval in healthy participants
Authors: Chappell Jill C. , Chiang Alan Y. , Royalty Jane , Coleman Hugh , Kulanthaivel Palaniappan , Turner P. Kellie
Published: June 2023

Abemaciclib is an orally administered, potent, and selective small molecule inhibitor of cyclin‐dependent kinases 4 and 6, approved for advanced or metastatic breast cancer. This study aimed to use an exposure–response approach to investigate the effect of abemaciclib and its active metabolites (M2 and M20) on QTc interval and delay in cardiac repolarization at clinically relevant exposures. This was a single‐blind, randomized, and placebo‐controlled study of ascending doses of abemaciclib. Thirty‐five healthy participants were administered a single dose of 200–600 mg abemaciclib. Twelve‐lead electrocardiogram tracings and pharmacokinetic samples were collected serially pre‐ and post‐dose. The primary objective was to study the relationship between abemaciclib and its active metabolites (M2 and M20) and QTc interval following ascending oral doses of abemaciclib. The secondary objective included evaluating the safety and tolerability of single ascending doses of abemaciclib in healthy participants. Exposure–response analysis demonstrated that there was no significant relationship between placebo‐corrected change from baseline QTcF (ΔΔQTcF), abemaciclib, and metabolite plasma concentrations. Additionally, the ΔΔQTcF slopes of abemaciclib, its metabolites, and total analyte concentrations were not statistically different from zero. Single doses of abemaciclib, up to 400 mg, were well‐tolerated by healthy participants; however, at the 600 mg dose (three times the highest registered dose), the frequency and severity of treatment‐related gastrointestinal events (primarily diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting) increased. In conclusion, single doses of abemaciclib, up to 400 mg, had no statistically or clinically relevant effects on QTc, and abemaciclib was well tolerated up to a dose of 400 mg in this study.
Infants expect friends, but not rivals, to be happy for each other when they succeed
Authors: Smith‐Flores Alexis S. , Herrera‐Guevara Isabel A. , Powell Lindsey J.
Published: June 2023

A friend telling you good news earns them a smile while witnessing a rival win an award may make you wrinkle your nose. Emotions arise not just from people's own circumstances, but also from the experiences of friends and rivals. Across three moderated, online looking time studies, we asked if human infants hold expectations about others’ vicarious emotions and if they expect those emotions to be guided by social relationships. Ten‐ and 11‐month‐old infants (N = 154) expected an observer to be happy rather than sad when the observer watched a friend successfully jump over a wall; infants looked longer at the sad response compared to the happy response. In contrast, infants did not expect the observer to be happy when the friend failed, nor when a different, rival jumper succeeded; infants’ looking times to the two emotion responses in these conditions were not reliably different. These results suggest that infants are able to integrate knowledge across social contexts to guide expectations about vicarious emotional responses. Here infants connected an understanding of agents’ goals and their outcomes with knowledge of social relationships to infer an emotion response. Biased concern for friends but not adversaries is not just a descriptive feature of human relationships, but an expectation about the social world present from early in development. Further, the successful integration of these information types welcomes the possibility that infants can jointly reason about goals, emotions, and social relationships under an intuitive theory of psychology.

Research Highlights

11‐month‐old infants use knowledge of relationships to make inferences about others’ vicarious emotions.

In Experiment 1 infants expected an observer to respond happily to a friend's success but not their failure.

Experiments 2 and 3 varied the relationship between the observer and actor and found that infants’ expectation of vicarious happiness is strongest for positive relationships and absent for negative relationships.

The results may reflect an intuitive psychology in which infants expect friends to adopt concern for one another's goals and to thus experience one another's successes as rewarding.
Disordered eating behaviours in adolescents with type 1 diabetes can be influenced by their weight at diagnosis and rapid weight gain subsequently
Authors: Propper‐Lewinsohn Tamar , Gillon‐Keren Michal , Shalitin Shlomit , Elran‐Barak Roni , Yackobovitch‐Gavan Michal , Fayman Gila , David Maayan , Liberman Alon , Phillip Moshe , Oron Tal
Published: June 2023

Aims

To assess the prevalence and disease‐related risk factors for disordered eating behaviours among adolescents with type 1 diabetes and also to search for risk factors at disease diagnosis that can predict the development of disordered eating behaviours.

Methods

A retrospective observational study of 291 adolescents aged 15–19 years with type 1 diabetes who completed the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey‐Revised (DEPS‐R) as is routine in our diabetes clinic. The prevalence of disordered eating behaviours and risk factors for their development was assessed.

Results

In 84 (28.9%) adolescents, disordered eating behaviours were found. Disordered eating behaviours were positively associated with female sex (β = 3.01 [SE = 0.97], p = 0.002), higher BMI‐Z score (β = 2.08 [SE = 0.49], p < 0.001), higher HbA1c (β = 0.19 [SE = 0.03], p < 0.001) and treatment with multiple daily injections of insulin (β = 2.19 [SE = 1.02], p = 0.032). At type 1 diabetes diagnosis, higher BMI‐Z score (β = 1.54 [SE = 0.63], p = 0.016) for those diagnosed before age 13 years and increased weight gain at 3 months post‐diagnosis (β = 0.88 [SE = 0.25], p = 0.001) in females diagnosed at age 13 years or older were found to be risk factors for disordered eating behaviours.

Conclusions

Disordered eating behaviours are common among adolescents with type 1 diabetes and are associated with various parameters, including BMI at diagnosis and the rate of weight gain at 3 months post‐diagnosis in females. Our findings highlight the need for early preventive efforts for disordered eating behaviours and interventions to avoid late diabetes complications.
Respiratory effort during sleep and the rate of prevalent type 2 diabetes in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Martinot Jean‐Benoit , Le‐Dong Nhat‐Nam , Borel Anne‐Laure , Tamisier Renaud , Malhotra Atul , Pépin Jean‐Louis
Published: June 2023

Aim

To determine the association between total sleep time (TST) spent in increased respiratory effort (RE) and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in a large cohort of individuals with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) referred for in‐laboratory polysomnography (PSG).

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross‐sectional study using the clinical data of 1128 patients. Non‐invasive measurements of RE were derived from the sleep mandibular jaw movements (MJM) bio‐signal. An explainable machine‐learning model was built to predict prevalent type 2 diabetes from clinical data, standard PSG indices, and MJM‐derived parameters (including the proportion of TST spent with increased respiratory effort [REMOV [%TST]).

Results

Original data were randomly assigned to training (n = 853) and validation (n = 275) subsets. The classification model based on 18 input features including REMOV showed good performance for predicting prevalent type 2 diabetes (sensitivity = 0.81, specificity = 0.89). Post hoc interpretation using the Shapley additive explanation method found that a high value of REMOV was the most important risk factor associated with type 2 diabetes after traditional clinical variables (age, sex, body mass index), and ahead of standard PSG metrics including the apnoea‐hypopnea and oxygen desaturation indices.

Conclusions

These findings show for the first time that the proportion of sleep time spent in increased RE (assessed through MJM measurements) is an important predictor of the association with type 2 diabetes in individuals with OSA.
Fire activity across Cretaceous/Paleogene transition: Evidence from pyrogenic biomarkers preserved in the Mahadeo‐Cherrapunji section, Meghalaya, India
Authors: Pal Sucharita , Shrivastava Jaya Prakash , Kalpana Munnuru Singamshetty
Published: June 2023

Previous studies on high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) present in the shallow‐marine Um‐Sohryngkew River (USR) Cretaceous/Paleogene Boundary (KPB) section suggested regional fire incidences and biotic stress on life. However, such observations at the USR site have not been confirmed so far anywhere else in the region, we, therefore, do not know whether the signal was local or regional. Thus, to find out charred organic markers associated with the shelf facies KPB outcrop (at a distance of over 5 km) of the Mahadeo‐Cherrapunji road (MCR) section, PAHs were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. Data show a notable rise in the PAHs and exhibit maximum abundance in the shaly KPB transition layer (in biozone P0) and the immediately underlying layer. The PAH excursions match well with the major incidences of the Deccan volcanic episodes and convergence of the Indian plate with the Eurasian and Burmese plates. These events were responsible for seawater disturbances and eustatic and depositional changes, including the retreat of the Tethys. The incidence of high amount of pyogenic PAHs unrelated to the total organic carbon content is suggestive of wind‐blown or aquatic system transportation. A down‐thrown shallow‐marine facies of the Therriaghat block was responsible for an early accumulation of PAHs. However, the spike of perylene in the immediately underlying KPB transition layer is plausibly linked to the Chicxulub impact crater core. Anomalous concentrations of combustion‐derived PAHs together with the high fragmentation and dissolution of the planktonic foraminifer shells show marine biodiversity and biotic distress. Significantly, the pyrogenic PAH excursions are restricted to either the KPB layer itself or strictly below or above it, indicating regional fire incidences and attendant KPB transition (66.016 ± 0.050 Ma).
Effects of the salivary gland massage program in older type 2 diabetes patients on the salivary flow rate, xerostomia, swallowing and oral hygiene: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jeamanukulkit Supanee , Vichayanrat Tippanart , Samnieng Patcharaphol
Published: June 2023

Aim

To evaluate the effect of a salivary gland massage program to improve salivary flow, swallowing, and oral hygiene in older type 2 diabetes patients.

Methods

This randomized control trial consisted of 73 older diabetes patients with a low salivary flow; 39 and 34 in intervention and control groups, respectively. The intervention group received a salivary gland massage from a trained dental nurse, whereas the control group received a dental education. The salivary flow rates were collected using spit methods at baseline, 1‐month and 3‐month follow up. All participants were examined for the objective and subjective symptoms of xerostomia, the Simplified Debris Index and the Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test.

Results

After 3 months, the resting (0.32 vs 0.14 mL/min, P < 0.001) and stimulating salivary flow (3.66 vs 2.83 mL/min, P = 0.025) in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group. The objective symptoms in the intervention group were significantly lower than the control group after 3 months (1.41 vs 2.26, P = 0.001). The participants who were able to swallow least three times in the Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test in the intervention group increased by 35.89% after 3 months, whereas the control group increased by 8.82%. Oral hygiene was improved in both groups, but the changes in the intervention were significantly greater than in the control group.

Conclusions

The 3‐month salivary glands massage program increases the salivary flow rate, and affects swallowing, objective dry mouth symptoms and oral hygiene in older patients with type 2 diabetes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 549–557.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of erenumab in patients with chronic migraine and acute medication overuse: A subgroup analysis
Authors: Tepper Stewart J. , Lipton Richard B. , Silberstein Stephen D. , Kudrow David , Ashina Messoud , Reuter Uwe , Dodick David W. , Wang Andrea , Cheng Sunfa , Klatt Jan , Mikol Daniel D.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Assess the long‐term efficacy and safety of erenumab in patients with chronic migraine with acute medication overuse.

Background

Overuse of acute medication in patients with chronic migraine has been linked to greater pain intensity and disability and may diminish the effectiveness of preventive therapies.

Methods

This 52‐week open‐label extension study followed a 12‐week double‐blind placebo‐controlled study in which patients with chronic migraine were randomized 3:2:2 to placebo or once‐monthly erenumab 70 mg or 140 mg. Patients were stratified by region and medication overuse status. Patients received erenumab 70 mg or 140 mg throughout or switched from erenumab 70 to 140 mg (based on protocol amendment to augment safety data at higher dose). Efficacy was assessed in patients with and without medication overuse at parent study baseline.

Results

Of 609 patients enrolled in the extension study, 252/609 (41.4%) met the criteria for medication overuse at parent study baseline. At Week 52, the mean change in monthly migraine days from parent study baseline was −9.3 (95% confidence interval: −10.4, −8.1 days) in the medication overuse subgroup versus −9.3 (−10.1, −8.5 days) in the non‐medication overuse subgroup (combined erenumab doses); proportion of patients achieving ≥50% reduction in monthly migraine days at Week 52 was 55.9% (90/161; 48.2%, 63.3%) versus 61.3% (136/222; 54.7%, 67.4%), respectively. Among baseline users of acute migraine‐specific medication, the mean change in monthly migraine‐specific medication days at Week 52 was −7.4 (−8.3, −6.4 days) in the medication overuse subgroup versus −5.4 (−6.1, −4.7 days) in the non–medication overuse subgroup. Most patients (197/298; 66.1%) in the medication overuse subgroup transitioned to non‐overuse status by Week 52. Erenumab 140 mg was associated with numerically greater efficacy than erenumab 70 mg across all endpoints. No new safety signals were identified.

Conclusion

Long‐term erenumab treatment demonstrated sustained efficacy and safety in patients with chronic migraine with and without acute medication overuse.
Prophylactic immunization to Helicobacter pylori infection using spore vectored vaccines
Authors: Katsande Paidamoyo M. , Nguyen Van Duy , Nguyen Thi Lan Phuong , Nguyen Thi Kim Cuc , Mills Gabrielle , Bailey David M. D. , Christie Graham , Hong Huynh Anh , Cutting Simon M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection remains a major public health threat leading to gastrointestinal illness and increased risk of gastric cancer. Mostly affecting populations in developing countries no vaccines are yet available and the disease is controlled by antimicrobials which, in turn, are driving the emergence of AMR.

Materials and Methods

We have engineered spores of Bacillus subtilis to display putative H. pylori protective antigens, urease subunit A (UreA) and subunit B (UreB) on the spore surface. Following oral dosing of mice with these spores, we evaluated immunity and colonization in animals challenged with H. pylori.

Results

Oral immunization with spores expressing either UreA or UreB showed antigen‐specific mucosal responses (fecal sIgA) including seroconversion and hyperimmunity. Following challenge, colonization by H. pylori was significantly reduced by up to 1‐log.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the utility of bacterial spores for mucosal vaccination to H. pylori infection. The heat stability and robustness of Bacillus spores coupled with their existing use as probiotics make them an attractive solution for either protection against H. pylori infection or potentially for therapy and control of active infection.
Parent's preferences for unscheduled paediatric healthcare: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Nicholson Emma , McDonnell Thérèse , Conlon Ciara , De Brún Aoife , Doherty Edel , McAuliffe Eilish
Published: June 2023

Background

Unscheduled healthcare is a key component of healthcare delivery and makes up a significant proportion of healthcare access, with children being particularly high users of unscheduled healthcare. Understanding the relative importance of factors that influence this behaviour and decision‐making is fundamental to ensuring the system is best designed to meet the needs of users and foster appropriate cost‐effective usage of health system resources.

Objective

The aim of the study was to identify the parent's preferences for unscheduled healthcare for a common mild childhood illness.

Design

A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was developed to identify the preferences of parents accessing unscheduled healthcare for their children.

Setting and Participants

Data were collected from parents in Ireland (N = 458) to elicit preferences across five attributes: timeliness, appointment type, healthcare professional attended, telephone guidance before attending and cost.

Results

Using a random parameters logit model, all attributes were statistically significant, cost (β = −5.064, 95% confidence interval, CI [−5.60, −4.53]), same‐day (β = 1.386, 95% CI [1.19, 1.58]) or next‐day access (β = 0.857, 95% CI [0.73, 0.98]), coupled with care by their own general practitioner (β = 0.748, 95% CI [0.61, 0.89]), identified as the strongest preferences of parents accessing unscheduled healthcare for their children.

Discussion

The results have implications for policy development and implementation initiatives that seek to improve unscheduled health services as understanding how parents use these services can maximise their effectiveness.

Patient or Public Contribution

The development of the DCE included a qualitative research component to ensure that the content accurately reflected parents experiences when seeking healthcare. Before data collection, a pilot test was carried out with the target population to gather their views on the survey.
Missing pieces: Integrating the socialist world in global health history
Authors: Vargha Dora
Published: June 2023

This essay provides an overview of recent histories of medicine and global health from a socialist perspective, and maps out possible new directions of research. It focuses on key themes in the history of medicine in Eastern Europe, its global connections and Latin American, East Asian and African contexts. Through a discussion of international professional and diplomatic networks, health systems, medical technologies and aid and technical assistance, the essay argues that integrating missing actors, ideas and practices is crucial for a complete understanding of global health history.
Preen oil composition of Pied Flycatchers is similar between partners but differs between sexes and breeding stages
Authors: Gilles Marc , Fokkema Rienk W. , Korsten Peter , Caspers Barbara A. , Schmoll Tim
Published: June 2023

Preen oil, the secretion of the uropygial gland, may be an important source of body odour in birds. By characterizing the chemical composition of preen oil, we can describe the olfactory phenotypes of birds and investigate whether odours could have a function in sexual signalling or other chemical communication. Here we analysed the preen oil of a wild passerine, the European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca, to find out whether it holds socially relevant information. We sampled both the female and male of breeding pairs during nestling rearing to test for sex differences and within‐pair similarity. We additionally sampled the females during incubation to test for changes across breeding stages and for individual repeatability of chemical profiles. Pair mates had similar chemical profiles in comparison with other breeding adults. Furthermore, we found evidence for sex differences and for changes across breeding stages. Notably, the preen oil of females was more diverse and more volatile than that of males, and the preen oil secreted by females during incubation was more volatile than that secreted during nestling rearing. However, we found no evidence for individual repeatability of chemical profiles across breeding stages in females. Our results point towards a function of preen oil in sexual signalling, although other functions should not be excluded. Our study is a first step towards understanding the role of odours in the social life of an important avian model species used in the study of mate choice and sexual selection.
Predictors of female age, health and attractiveness perception from skin feature analysis of digital portraits in five ethnic groups
Authors: Voegeli Rainer , Campiche Remo , Biassin Romain , Rawlings Anthony V. , Shackelford Todd K. , Fink Bernhard
Published: June 2023

Objective

Research indicates the impact of skin colour, tone evenness and surface topography on ratings of age, health and attractiveness in women. In addition to subjective assessments, these effects have been quantified with objective measures derived from skin image analysis. Signs of skin ageing may manifest differently across ethnic groups. However, comparisons have been limited to research with two ethnic groups, preventing conclusions about an ethnicity‐specific ranking of skin ageing signs.

Methods

We report results from a multi‐ethnic and multi‐centre study in which faces of women (n = 180; aged 20–69 years) from five ethnic groups were imaged. Facial images were rated for age, health and attractiveness by members of the same ethnic group (each n = 120). Digital image analysis was used to quantify skin colour, gloss, tone evenness and wrinkling/sagging. We assessed associations between face ratings and skin image measurements in the total sample (i.e. all ethnic groups) and separately by ethnicity.

Results

Skin image analysis revealed differences between ethnic groups, including skin colour, gloss, tone evenness, wrinkling and sagging. Differences in the relative predictive utility of individual skin features in accounting for ratings of age, health and attractiveness also were observed between ethnic groups. Facial wrinkling and sagging were the best predictors of face ratings in each ethnic group, with some differences in the type (or predictive magnitude) of skin features.

Conclusion

The current findings corroborate previous reports of differences between ethnic groups in female facial skin and indicate differential effects of skin features on ratings of age, health and attractiveness, within and between ethnic groups. Facial wrinkling and sagging were the best predictors of age and attractiveness ratings, and skin tone evenness and gloss had an additional role in ratings of health.
A psychological examination of attachment insecurity, loneliness, and fear of missing out as drivers of retail patronage among emerging adults
Authors: Rippé Cindy B. , Smith Brent , Gala Prachi
Published: June 2023

Recent consumer literature has shown that attachment insecurity (i.e., anxious, avoidant) enhances individual's motivations for retail shopping. We extend that literature using attachment theory to explain how attachment insecurity, loneliness (i.e., social, emotional), and fear of missing out (FoMO) affect retail patronage. We posit that these three negatively valenced psychosocial conditions generally incline emerging adult consumers toward retail patronage to resolve their relational deficits. Based on results from partial least squares‐structural equation modeling (n = 509), we find support for most of our hypotheses. The study presents previously unavailable knowledge about antecedents of FoMO and multiple negative psychosocial drivers of retail patronage. We provide a foundation for future scholarship to examine more broadly how attachment, loneliness, and FoMO impact consumer behavior. Managerial and theoretical implications are also provided.
Association between molar hypomineralization, genes involved in enamel development, and medication in early childhood: A preliminary study
Authors: da Silva Fernanda Mafei Felix , de Carvalho Flávia Martinez , Franco Ana Luiza Meneguci Moreira , Soares Thais Rodrigues Campos , Fonseca‐Gonçalves Andréa , Vieira Alexandre Rezende , Neves Aline de Almeida , de Castro Costa Marcelo
Published: June 2023

Background

Molar hypomineralization (MH) is defined as a multifactorial condition, and thus, its presence may be defined by interactions between environmental and genetic factors.

Aim

To evaluate the association between MH, genes involved in enamel development, and the use of medication during pregnancy in early childhood.

Design

One hundred and eighteen children, 54 with and 64 without MH, were studied. The data collected included demographics, socioeconomic data, and the medical history of mothers and children. Genomic DNA was collected from saliva. Genetic polymorphisms in ameloblastin (AMBN; rs4694075), enamelin (ENAM; rs3796704, rs7664896), and kallikrein (KLK4; rs2235091) were evaluated. These genes were analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction using TaqMan chemistry. The software PLINK was used to compare allele and genotype distributions of the groups and to assess the interaction between environmental variables and genotypes (p < .05).

Results

The variant allele KLK4 rs2235091 was associated with MH in some children (odds ratio [OR]: 3.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.65–7.81; p = .001). Taking medications in the first 4 years of life was also associated with MH (OR: 2.94; 95% CI = 1.02–6.04; p = .041) and specifically in association with polymorphisms in ENAM, AMBN, and KLK4 (p < .05). The use of medications during pregnancy was not associated with MH (OR: 1.37; 95% CI = 0.593–3.18; p = .458).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that taking medication in the postnatal period appears to contribute to the etiology of MH in some evaluated children. There may be a possible genetic influence of polymorphisms in the KLK4 gene with this condition.
Arrival of Normative Power in Planetary Politics
Authors: Manners Ian
Published: June 2023

This lead article in a JCMS symposium marking 20 years of normative power provides a prospective intervention into thinking through the rest of the century by taking the language of Arrival, the 2016 speculative fiction film based on Ted Chiang's 1998 short ‘Story of Your Life’ and applying it to normative power by double‐decolonising the anthropocentrism of capitalist culture and Eurocentrism in order to arrive at planetary politics. The article will first reflect on the 20‐year development of the normative power approach to arrive at a language of comprehension. The subsequent sections will then set out a mode of simultaneous awareness, a medium of sharing relationships and a means for action in concert found in the normative power approach before concluding on how planetary symbiosis is the story of our lives.
LncRNA SNHG1 knockdown inhibits hyperglycemia induced ferroptosis viamiR‐16‐5p/ACSL4 axis to alleviate diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Fang Xiangdong , Song Jianling , Chen Yanxia , Zhu Shuying , Tu Weiping , Ke Ben , Wu Lidong
Published: June 2023

Background

Hyperglycemia accelerates the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) by inducing renal tubular injury. Nevertheless, the mechanism has not been elaborated fully. Here, the pathogenesis of DN was investigated to seek novel treatment strategies.

Methods

A model of diabetic nephropathy was established in vivo, the levels of blood glucose, urine albumin creatinine ratio (ACR), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and iron were measured. The expression levels were detected by qRT‐PCR and Western blotting. H&E, Masson, and PAS staining were used to assess kidney tissue injury. The mitochondria morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The molecular interaction was analyzed using a dual luciferase reporter assay.

Results

SNHG1 and ACSL4 were increased in kidney tissues of DN mice, but miR‐16‐5p was decreased. Ferrostatin‐1 treatment or SNHG1 knockdown inhibited ferroptosis in high glucose (HG)‐treated HK‐2 cells and in db/db mice. Subsequently, miR‐16‐5p was confirmed to be a target for SNHG1, and directly targeted to ACSL4. Overexpression of ACSL4 greatly reversed the protective roles of SNHG1 knockdown in HG‐induced ferroptosis of HK‐2 cells.

Conclusions

SNHG1 knockdown inhibited ferroptosis via the miR‐16‐5p/ACSL4 axis to alleviate diabetic nephropathy, which provided some new insights for the novel treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
Consistent hearing aid use is associated with lower fall prevalence and risk in older adults with hearing loss
Authors: Campos Laura , Prochazka Allan , Anderson Melinda , Kaizer Alexander , Foster Carol , Hullar Timothy
Published: June 2023

Background

Falls and their sequelae cost more than $50 billion every year. Older adults with hearing loss are at 2.4 times greater risk of falls than their normal hearing peers. Current research is inconclusive about whether hearing aids can offset this increased fall risk, and no previous studies considered if outcomes differed based on the consistency of hearing aid use.

Methods

Individuals 60 years and older with bilateral hearing loss completed a survey consisting of the Fall Risk Questionnaire (FRQ) and questions about hearing loss history, hearing aid use, and other common fall risk factors. In this cross‐sectional study, fall prevalence, as well as fall risk (based on FRQ score), was compared between hearing aid users and non‐users. A separate group of consistent hearing‐aid users (at least 4 h daily use for more than 1 year) was also compared with inconsistent/non‐users.

Results

Responses from 299 surveys were analyzed. Bivariate analysis found 50% reduced odds of experiencing a fall for hearing aid users compared with non‐users (OR = 0.50 [95% CI: 0.29–0.85], p = 0.01). After adjusting for age, sex, hearing loss severity, and medication usage, those who reported any hearing aid use still had lower odds of falls (OR = 0.48 [95% CI: 0.26–0.90], p = 0.02) and lower odds of being at risk for falls (OR = 0.36 [95% CI: 0.19–0.66] p < 0.001) than non‐users. Results for consistent hearing aid users demonstrate an even stronger association of lowered odds of falling (OR = 0.35 [95% CI: 0.19–0.67], p < 0.001) and lower odds of being at risk for falls (OR = 0.32 [95% CI: 0.12–0.59], p < 0.001), suggesting a potential dose–response relationship.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that use of hearing aids—especially consistent hearing aid use—is associated with lower odds of experiencing a fall or being classified as at risk for falls in older individuals with hearing loss.
A virtual breakthrough series collaborative to support deprescribing interventions across Veterans Affairs healthcare settings
Authors: Phillips Kristin K. , Mecca Marcia C. , Baim‐Lance Abigail M. , Schiller Gabrielle S. , Pruskowski Jennifer A. , Ellis Elizabeth C. , Aponte‐Rosario Deylen S. , Federovich‐Hogan Amanda L. , Kossifologos Annette C. , Martinez Erica D. , Boockvar Kenneth S.
Published: June 2023

Background

Virtual collaborative models are a practical way to implement a supportive environment for multi‐team learning. In this project, we aimed to describe the processes and outcomes of a virtual deprescribing collaborative that facilitated implementation of deprescribing interventions around the country.

Methods

Two successive cohorts comprised of multidisciplinary teams from geographically diverse veterans affairs (VA) sites were selected via an application process to participate in a virtual deprescribing collaborative. Each site developed its own deprescribing protocol and took part in regular meetings, mentoring groups, monthly data reporting, and other learning activities over an approximate 9 month period, per cohort. Standard measures were number of veterans served and medications deprescribed. Descriptive and qualitative analyses were utilized.

Results

Twenty‐one total VA sites were selected to participate in the deprescribing collaborative in two cohorts (Cohort 1, n = 12 sites; Cohort 2, n = 9 sites). The majority of sites' practice areas directly served the older adult population, and the majority of site leads were pharmacists. The most utilized tool used by the collaborative sites was the VA VIONE decision support tool (n = 14) and the most common strategy was individualized medication review. Combining outcomes from both Cohorts 1 and 2, a total of n = 4770 veterans were served, with 8332 medications deprescribed. Eighty‐two percent of Cohort 1 sites surveyed reported their deprescribing program was still being utilized after 1 year follow up.

Conclusions

This virtual deprescribing collaborative aided in the successful implementation of both established and novel deprescribing practices across a variety of VA practice sites that care for older adults. The shared learning experience enhanced problem solving and allowed for interdisciplinary teamwork. Overall the collaborative was successful in improving polypharmacy for several thousand older adults.
Exacerbated inequalities: A scoping review of the experiences of older persons during conflict situations
Authors: Kokorelias Kristina M. , Grosse Anna , Kazberouk Alexander , Sinha Samir K.
Published: June 2023

Background

We conducted the first known comprehensive literature review to (1) identify, categorize, and summarize the existing knowledge about the experiences of older persons and their caregivers during conflict situations; (2) identify the support needs of older persons and their caregivers, and; (3) identify gaps in the literature and understanding that may inform future research.

Methods

A scoping review methodology of academic peer‐reviewed and gray English language literature was employed using six academic literature databases and one gray literature database. We further performed comprehensive searches of relevant search engines and organization websites and bibliographic hand searches to identify additional academic and gray literature. Two authors screened for eligibility of identified studies and documents. One reviewer extracted data regarding authors, article type, geographic origin, key participant characteristics, aims, study design and data collection method, results, conclusions and limitations. Data were analyzed thematically.

Results

83 documents met this review's inclusion criteria, including 21 academic documents and 62 from the gray literature. Thematic analysis revealed that conflict situations exacerbate existing inequalities experienced by older persons. Within this overarching theme were three interconnected sub‐themes: (1) Older adults are particularly vulnerable during conflict situations; (2) Older persons are inadequately supported in conflict situations; (3) In the face of great challenges, many older adults still manage to endure through conflict situations. We identified 15 recommendations from the reviewed documents to better support older adults in conflict situations.

Conclusions

Existing inequalities, such as ageism and ableism, targeted discrimination, and poor health outcomes, become exacerbated during conflict situations, resulting in older persons being less able to flee and meet their daily needs with sufficient access to necessities and healthcare. Little is known of the experiences and needs of family caregivers during conflict situations. We identified several opportunities to improve the experience and support of older persons in conflict situations.
Three‐dimensional analysis for measuring volumetric changes after a noninvasive treatment performed with a new system delivering microwave energy for unwanted abdominal fat reduction
Authors: Clementoni Matteo Tretti , Bonan Paolo , Pedrelli Valerio , Fusco Irene
Published: June 2023

Background

A growing demand for aesthetic treatments for localized abdominal unwanted fat has developed as a healthy lifestyle is not always able to improve abdomen appearance.

Aims

The purpose of this retrospective nonrandomized observational study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new device delivering microwaves energy for unwanted fat reduction, using three‐dimensional (3D) imaging analysis.

Methods

Twenty patients (both female and male) were treated in the abdominal area. Subjects received 4 treatments with the study device. Follow‐up evaluations were conducted to estimate safety and efficacy. A Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was used for pain assessment. Patient's 3D imaging analysis was performed at baseline and at 3 months follow‐up. Finally, a satisfaction questionnaire was filled in by all the patients.

Results

All subjects completed the whole cycle of treatments and presented for the follow‐up visits. Analysis of 3D imaging yielded a significantly reduction in circumference (cm) and volume (cm3), passing, respectively, from 85.2 ± 8.1 cm and 1950.6 ± 471.0 cm3at baseline to 80.8 ± 8.2 cm and 1728.9 ± 490.9 cm3(p < 0.001) at 3‐months follow‐up after the last treatment. According to the NRS results, the treatment was well tolerated. From the analysis of the satisfaction questionnaire the 90% of patients are interested in carrying out the same treatment in other body areas.

Conclusion

With the use of three‐dimensional imaging techniques, the efficacy of a new system delivering microwaves energy for the reduction of abdominal volume correlated to a subdermal fat reduction while preserving/improving skin tightening, was quantitatively and objectively demonstrated.