From ‘Hood’ to Good – Dealing with Stigmatizing Spatial Representations in Everyday Life

Media reports on everyday life in US-American under-resourced and racialized neighbourhoods pre- dominantly cover one theme: violence and crime. The tragic occurrence of shootings, dead people, and gang crime are at the centre of news headlines. This singular perspective on such areas and their residents produces a stigma that affects people’s everyday lives and yet does not cover what it means to live in such an area. By using qualitative interviews with residents and representatives of community organizations, we spotlight the daily practices that illustrate the contested symbolic meaning of the ‘hood’ and the potential redevelopment discourses of the Chicago neighbourhood South Shore. The data provide insights into the heterogeneity of the social groups that live in the area and execute practices of social distinctions attached to spaces, as they become apparent with our examples of busy corners at commercial strips and the planned Obama Presidential Center

Grundlagen, Strategien und Techniken der Anonymisierung von Transkripten in der qualitativen Forschung: eine praxisorientierte Einführung

In der qualitativen Forschungspraxis müssen beim Datenschutz die gesetzlichen Rahmensetzungen beachtet werden; damit einhergehende Fragen der Anonymisierung gehen für qualitativ Forschende jedoch darüber hinaus. Denn will man Beforschte vor negativen Folgen durch eine Teilnahme schützen und dabei zugleich die eigenen Erkenntnismöglichkeiten ausschöpfen, müssen fall- und kontextspezifische Textveränderungen und andere Maßnahmen in den verschiedenen Phasen empirischer Praxis abgewogen werden. Dabei stellt das konkrete Vorgehen des Anonymisierens selbst jedoch häufig eine Blackbox dar, die in wissenschaftlichen Veröffentlichungen eher rudimentär Beachtung findet. Mit diesem Artikel stellen wir daher nicht nur die aktuellen rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen dar, sondern fokussieren insbesondere die praktischen Aspekte des Anonymisierens von Transkripten. Mit dem Ziel, einen grundlegenden, zugänglichen und praktisch orientierten Einstieg in das Thema zu geben, systematisieren wir zunächst Datenarten, Anonymisierungsstrategien, und -techniken. Anschließend diskutieren wir praktische Umsetzungsmöglichkeiten und geben Interessierten die Möglichkeit, ein fiktives Transkript selbstständig zu bearbeiten bzw. in Workshops zum Thema einzubinden. Abschließend präsentieren wir grundlegende Schlussfolgerungen für die Methodenausbildung und plädieren für einen offenen kollegialen Austausch zu Anonymisierungspraktiken.In the practice of qualitative research, legal frameworks must be considered in terms of data protection. These frameworks have implications for qualitative researchers regarding the anonymisation of qualitative data. In order to protect research participants from possible negative ramifications of their involvement, yet maximize the insights, case and context specific alterations to transcripts and other measures must be weighed during different stages of research. However, the precise practices of anonymization often remain a black box, due to few discussions in scientific publications. In this article, we provide recent legal frameworks, and also focus on these practices of anonymization. In order to present a foundational, accessible, and practice-oriented introduction, we differentiate various kinds of data, strategies of anonymization, and concrete techniques. Then, we discuss practical implementations and provide a fictive transcript for independently rehearsing these techniques or utilizing it in workshops. We end by formulating conclusions for educating future researchers, and plead for an open collegial exchange on practices of anonymization

Neutral sphingomyelinase mediates the co-morbidity trias of alcohol abuse, major depression and bone defects

Mental disorders are highly comorbid and occur together with physical diseases, which are often considered to arise from separate pathogenic pathways. We observed in alcohol-dependent patients increased serum activity of neutral sphingomyelinase. A genetic association analysis in 456,693 volunteers found associations of haplotypes of SMPD3 coding for NSM-2 (NSM) with alcohol consumption, but also with affective state, and bone mineralisation. Functional analysis in mice showed that NSM controls alcohol consumption, affective behaviour, and their interaction by regulating hippocampal volume, cortical connectivity, and monoaminergic responses. Furthermore, NSM controlled bone–brain communication by enhancing osteocalcin signalling, which can independently supress alcohol consumption and reduce depressive behaviour. Altogether, we identified a single gene source for multiple pathways originating in the brain and bone, which interlink disorders of a mental–physical co-morbidity trias of alcohol abuse—depression/anxiety—bone disorder. Targeting NSM and osteocalcin signalling may, thus, provide a new systems approach in the treatment of a mental–physical co-morbidity trias

Green Open Spaces in Indonesian cities: schisms between law and practice green governance

International organizations consider Green Open Spaces (GOSs) to be an indispensable asset for the health of urban inhabitants. Indonesian cities consist of about 9% of these spaces, even though the Law of Spatial Planning (SPL) 2007 of the Republic of Indonesia stipulates 30%. Massive cleavages are obvious between the international target of min. 9 m²/capita GOS, the adaptation and translation of it into the SPL 2007, and finally the real practice on the local level of increasing the amount of GOSs. The question follows: what are the challenges facing the realization of GOSs? Eighteen interviews have been conducted with representatives from the national government, local governments and NGOs in Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Semarang. In planning GOSs, a long-term is necessary but contrary to business interests and the short-term consumer preferences of the powerful modern middle-class. Nevertheless, examples of reducing the oppositions to the mandated regulations and requirements do exist

Efficacy and Safety of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, and Placebo for Common Psychiatric Disorders Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Depressive disorders (DDs), anxiety disorders (ADs), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common mental disorders in children and adolescents.; To examine the relative efficacy and safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and placebo for the treatment of DD, AD, OCD, and PTSD in children and adolescents.; PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database from inception through August 7, 2016.; Published and unpublished randomized clinical trials of SSRIs or SNRIs in youths with DD, AD, OCD, or PTSD were included. Trials using other antidepressants (eg, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors) were excluded.; Effect sizes, calculated as standardized mean differences (Hedges g) and risk ratios (RRs) for adverse events, were assessed in a random-effects model.; Primary outcomes, as defined by authors on preintervention and postintervention data, mean change data, and adverse event data, were extracted independently by multiple observers following PRISMA guidelines.; Thirty-six trials were eligible, including 6778 participants (3484 [51.4%] female; mean [SD] age, 12.9 [5.1] years); 17 studies for DD, 10 for AD, 8 for OCD, and 1 for PTSD. Analysis showed that SSRIs and SNRIs were significantly more beneficial compared with placebo, yielding a small effect size (g = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.25-0.40; P < .001). Anxiety disorder (g = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.40-0.72; P < .001) showed significantly larger between-group effect sizes than DD (g = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.13-0.27; P < .001). This difference was driven primarily by the placebo response: patients with DD exhibited significantly larger placebo responses (g = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.36-1.78; P < .001) compared with those with AD (g = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.84-1.21; P < .001). The SSRIs produced a relatively large effect size for ADs (g = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.45-0.97; P < .001). Compared with participants receiving placebo, patients receiving an antidepressant reported significantly more treatment-emergent adverse events (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.12; P = .01 or RR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.22-1.82; P < .001, depending on the reporting method), severe adverse events (RR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.34-2.32; P < .001), and study discontinuation due to adverse events (RR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.38-2.32; P < .001).; Compared with placebo, SSRIs and SNRIs are more beneficial than placebo in children and adolescents; however, the benefit is small and disorder specific, yielding a larger drug-placebo difference for AD than for other conditions. Response to placebo is large, especially in DD. Severe adverse events are significantly more common with SSRIs and SNRIs than placebo

1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): A versatile phytochemical with therapeutic applications across multiple diseases

1,8-cineole (Eucalyptol), a naturally occurring compound derived from botanical sources such as eucalyptus, rosemary, and camphor laurel, has a long history of use in traditional medicine and exhibits an array of biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, bronchodilatory, analgesic, and pro-apoptotic effects. Recent evidence has also indicated its potential role in managing conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, neuropathic pain, and cancer. This review spotlights the health advantages of 1,8-cineole, as demonstrated in clinical trials involving patients with respiratory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, bronchitis, and rhinosinusitis. In addition, we shed light on potential therapeutic applications of 1,8-cineole in various conditions, such as depression, epilepsy, peptic ulcer disease, diarrhea, cardiac-related heart diseases, and diabetes mellitus. A comprehensive understanding of 1,8-cineole’s pharmacodynamics and safety aspects as well as developing effective formulations, might help to leverage its therapeutic value. This thorough review sets the stage for future research on diverse health benefits and potential uses of 1,8-cineole in tackling complex medical conditions

Endogenous cortisol and conditioned placebo effects on pain - A randomized trial

Placebo effects can be induced by learning and conditioning processes, which in turn are influenced and modulated by glucocorticoids. Accordingly, previous research has shown that intervention-related associative learning can be modulated through exogenous as well as endogenous glucocorticoids. Thus, the aim of this study was to elucidate whether placebo effects induced by conditioning is modulated by daily fluctuations of endogenous cortisol levels in healthy male and female subjects. Overall 77 participants underwent a two-phased placebo conditioning paradigm for pain analgesia. Subjects were randomized in two groups, which underwent placebo preconditioning either in the morning (08:00-10:00, i.e. with high endogenous cortisol levels) or in the afternoon (16:00-18:00, i.e. with low endogenous cortisol levels). Placebo effects were assessed two days later at noontime (12:00-13:00), with possible differences between groups as an indicator of glucocorticoid modulation on the placebo learning. Results indicated a significant conditioned placebo-induced analgesia, resulting in a placebo effect of small to medium size. Cortisol levels on conditioning day significantly differed between groups and cortisol levels were similar during assessment of placebo effects. Groups did not differ in their mean reduction in pain sensation, thus the placebo effect was not affected by differences in cortisol levels during the conditioning of placebo effects. The present study does not indicate a moderation of placebo conditioning by endogenous glucocorticoid levels

Gynecologic oncologists' attitudes and practices relating to integrative medicine: results of a nationwide AGO survey

PURPOSE: The growing popularity and acceptance of integrative medicine is evident both among patients and among the oncologists treating them. As little data are available regarding health-care professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to the topic, a nationwide online survey was designed. METHODS: Over a period of 11 weeks (from July 15 to September 30, 2014) a self-administered, 17-item online survey was sent to all 676 members of the Research Group on Gynecological Oncology (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie) in the German Cancer Society. The questionnaire items addressed the use of integrative therapy methods, fields of indications for them, advice services provided, level of specific qualifications, and other topics. RESULTS: Of the 104 respondents (15.4%) using integrative medicine, 93% reported that integrative therapy was offered to breast cancer patients. The second most frequent type of tumor in connection with which integrative therapy methods were recommended was ovarian cancer, at 80% of the participants using integrative medicine. Exercise, nutritional therapy, dietary supplements, herbal medicines, and acupuncture were the methods the patients were most commonly advised to use. CONCLUSION: There is considerable interest in integrative medicine among gynecological oncologists, but integrative therapy approaches are at present poorly implemented in routine clinical work. Furthermore there is a lack of specific training. Whether future efforts should focus on extending counseling services on integrative medicine approaches in gynecologic oncology or not, have to be discussed. Evidence-based training on integrative medicine should be implemented in order to safely guide patients in their wish to do something by themselves

Sub-ionospheric VLF/LF waveguide variations related to magnitude M>5 earthquakes in the eastern Mediterranean area

International audienceIn this study we examine earthquakes with magnitude M>5 in the year 2022 where the epicenters are crossed by sub-ionospheric narrowband VLF/LF radio links. The study regions are Italy, Aegean area, and the Balkan Peninsula. Ideal suited for this task are paths from the transmitters TBB (26.70 kHz, Bafa, Turkey), ITS (45.90 kHz, Niscemi, Sicily, Italy), and ICV (20.27 kHz, Tavolara, Italy) to the seismo-electromagnetic receiver facility GRZ (Graz, Austria). The receiver is part of a wider network, this gives the opportunity to have multiple simultaneous crossings of an earthquake event.We investigate electric field amplitude variations in the time span a few days around the main shock, in particular we apply the so-called night-time amplitude method. All electric field data sets have 1 sec temporal resolution. A crucial point is a certain threshold magnitude to obtain statistically significant results, but to firm up the results additional complementary investigations are necessary.In summary, VLF/LF investigations of strong earthquakes show the complex interplay between the lithospheric events and electric field amplitude waveguide variations, multi-parametric observations in a network could be a tool to derive robust results

Investigation of VLF/LF electric field variations related to magnitude Mw≥5.5 earthquakes in the Mediterranean region for the year 2023

International audienceStrong natural hazards together with their societal impact are usually accompanied by multiple physical phenomena which can be an important information source about the underlying processes. In this study we statistically analyze the lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere couplings of magnitude Mw5.5+ earthquakes (EQs) in the year 2023 with the aid of sub-ionospheric VLF/LF radio links. The electric field amplitude and phase measurements with a temporal resolution of one second are from the seismo-electromagnetic receiver facility in Graz (GRZ), Austria (Galopeau et al., 2023), which is part of the INFREP network. The spatial extend of the study area has the range [-10°E ≤ longitude ≤ 40°E] and [20°N ≤ latitude ≤ 50°N], in total are 17 EQs according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) data base, among them the Turkey–Syria EQs (main shocks Mw7.8 and Mw7.5) and the Morocco Mw6.8 EQ. We apply the night-time amplitude method (Hayakawa et al., 2010) for all available paths, of particular importance are the transmitter links TBB (26.70 kHz, Bafa, Turkey), ITS (45.90 kHz, Niscemi, Sicily, Italy), and ICV (20.27 kHz, Tavolara, Italy). Relevant crossings are determined by the size of the Dobrovolsky-Bowman relationship (Dobrovolsky et al., 1979; Bowman et al., 1998).A major finding is the statistically significant electric field variation of the TBB-GRZ link related to the Turkey–Syria EQ sequence. A physical interpretation is based on atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) which could alter the E-layer in the lower ionosphere during nighttime and modulate the height of the waveguide cavity