bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting the AKT‐P53/CREB pathway with epicatechin for improved prognosis of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Wang Ziheng , Lu Zhichao , Chen Yixun , Wang Chenxing , Gong Peipei , Jiang Rui , Liu Qianqian
Published: July 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of epicatechin, on neurological recovery and neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury (TBI) to investigate its potential value in clinical practice.

Methods

TBI model was established in adult rats by CCI method. The effect of epicatechin was evaluated after intraperitoneal injection. Neurological recovery after TBI was assessed by Morris Water Maze, mNSS score, Rotarod test and Adhesive removal test. Protein and gene expression was assessed by Western blot, ELISA, PCR and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, the use of AKT pathway inhibitors blocked the therapeutic effects of epicatechin clarifying AKT‐P53/CREB as a potential pathway for the effects of epicatechin.

Results

Administering epicatechin after TBI prevented neuronal death, reduced neuroinflammation, and promoted neurological function restoration in TBI rats. Network pharmacology study suggested that epicatechin may exert its therapeutic benefits through the AKT‐P53/CREB pathway

Conclusion

These results indicate that epicatechin, a monomeric compound derived from tea polyphenols, possesses potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties after TBI. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the AKT‐P53/CREB signal pathway.
Rostral mandibulectomy as a treatment for comminuted pars incisiva fractures and fibro‐osseous lesions: A retrospective study including six cases
Authors: Haion Orr , Tatz Amos , Brenner Ori , Dahan Roee , Oreff Gil , Kelmer Gal
Published: July 2023

Rostral mandibulectomy is a relatively rarely performed procedure, reported mainly for rostral mandibular mass removal. This retrospective case series reports the histories, clinical findings and outcome in six horses that underwent rostral mandibulectomy. Three horses had mandibular fractures, necessitating rostral mandibulectomy; one case had both a fracture and a rostral mandibular mass. Two cases had mandibular masses without fracture involvement. All cases had a successful outcome, with good functional and cosmetic results.
The Neurocognitive Underpinnings of Second Language Processing: Knowledge Gains From the Past and Future Outlook
Authors: van Hell Janet G.
Published: July 2023

The past decades have seen an explosion of research using electrophysiological or neuroimaging techniques for studying the neurocognitive underpinnings of second language (L2) processing. Although this field has a shorter history than does research on language learning more generally, important insights into the neurocognitive basis of L2 processing have driven it to the center stage of language science. In this target article for Language Learning’s 75th Jubilee volume, I illustrate the field's impressive achievements by selectively reviewing electrophysiological and neuroimaging research on L2 processing and bilingual brain organization. I also review changing perspectives in the field (including individual difference and experience‐based perspectives, neural network approaches, neuroplasticity, and L2‐learning related neural changes) and identified challenges, promises, and future directions (revisit native‐speaker benchmark, increase linguistic diversity, enhance ecological validity, intensify research on child L2 learners’ brain, adopt lifelong approach to L2 learning) that can lead to a better understanding of the neural underpinnings of L2 learning and processing.
Noncompliance with the law as institutional maintenance at ultra‐religious schools
Authors: Perry‐Hazan Lotem , Barak‐Corren Netta , Nachmani Gil
Published: July 2023

How do ultra‐religious schools respond to state regulations that conflict with deep‐rooted cultural norms? This study investigates this question in the context of Haredi boys schools' decisions regarding Israel's core‐curriculum regulations. It draws on a first‐of‐its‐kind dataset of interviews and school data collected from a representative sample of 82 principals and teachers in schools serving 18,000 students and six government inspectors overseeing dozens of schools. We identify isomorphic structures of compliance and noncompliance and analyze the law's role among the competing sources of schools' decisions. These sources include rabbis, nongovernmental network supervisors, private consultants, models set by other schools, resource constraints, parents, and personal opinions. The findings reveal a tension between the law's overarching role in setting the baseline for schools' decisions and its under‐enforcement. We conceptualize this tension as a manifestation of coupled institutional maintenance, whereby ultra‐religious schools and government inspectors collaborate to maintain schools' noncompliance and autonomy.
Reflexiones acerca del pensamiento cooperativista de Alexander Chayanov a partir de casos de estudio en Argentina
Authors: Bageneta José Martín , Palmisano Tomás
Published: July 2023

La difusión y apropiación de los escritos sistemáticos del pensador ruso Alexander Chayanov en torno al cooperativismo agrario en América Latina ha sido mucho menor que sus aportes sobre el campesinado en general. Con este antecedente nos proponemos identificar algunos de los núcleos conceptuales más importantes sobre la temática y ensayar su capacidad interpretativa para procesos contemporáneos a partir de dos estudios de caso argentinos. En la introducción se presentan las repercusiones de The theory of peasant co-operatives en los problemas y debates agrarios contemporáneos. La metodología es de estudio de casos en base a un enfoque predominante cualitativo (entrevistas y fuentes documentales), complementada con estadística descriptiva y secundaria. En los resultados, diversos procesos socio-económicos que atravesaron la historia reciente de La Unión Agrícola de Avellaneda (Santa Fe) y La Riojana (La Rioja) son analizados a partir de algunas dimensiones centrales identificadas en la obra chayanoviana. Los hallazgos más importantes del artículo son que las relaciones/tensiones entre diversos sujetos agrarios asociados, el rol del procesamiento y la diversificación en la estructura productiva, y la integración en instancias asociativas de mayor grado conforman elementos fundamentales a la hora de comprender el funcionamiento de las cooperativas en el capitalismo contemporáneo.
Counter-stereotypical messaging and partisan cues: Moving the needle on vaccines in a polarized United States
Authors: Larsen Bradley J. , Ryan Timothy J. , Greene Steven , Hetherington Marc J. , Maxwell Rahsaan , Tadelis Steven
Published: July 2023

This paper reports results from a large-scale randomized controlled trial assessing whether counter-stereotypical messaging and partisan cues can induce people to get COVID-19 vaccines. The study used a 27-s video compilation of Donald Trump’s comments about the vaccine from Fox News interviews and presented the video to millions of U.S. YouTube users through a $100,000 advertising campaign in October 2021. Results indicate that the number of vaccines increased in the average treated county by 103 (with a one-tailed
P
value of 0.097). Based on this average treatment effect and totaling across our 1014 treated counties, the total estimated effect was 104,036 vaccines.
The opening dynamics of the lateral gate regulates the activity of rhomboid proteases
Authors: Bohg Claudia , Öster Carl , Türkaydin Berke , Lisurek Michael , Sanchez-Carranza Pascal , Lange Sascha , Utesch Tillmann , Sun Han , Lange Adam
Published: July 2023

Rhomboid proteases hydrolyze substrate helices within the lipid bilayer to release soluble domains from the membrane. Here, we investigate the mechanism of activity regulation for this unique but wide-spread protein family. In the model rhomboid GlpG, a lateral gate formed by transmembrane helices TM2 and TM5 was previously proposed to allow access of the hydrophobic substrate to the shielded hydrophilic active site. In our study, we modified the gate region and either immobilized the gate by introducing a maleimide-maleimide (M2M) crosslink or weakened the TM2/TM5 interaction network through mutations. We used solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and molecular docking to investigate the resulting effects on structure and dynamics on the atomic level. We find that variants with increased dynamics at TM5 also exhibit enhanced activity, whereas introduction of a crosslink close to the active site strongly reduces activity. Our study therefore establishes a strong link between the opening dynamics of the lateral gate in rhomboid proteases and their enzymatic activity.
Graph Mining for Cybersecurity: A Survey
Authors: Yan Bo , Yang Cheng , Shi Chuan , Fang Yong , Li Qi , Ye Yanfang , Du Junping
Published: July 2023

The explosive growth of cyber attacks today, such as malware, spam, and intrusions, has caused severe consequences on society. Securing cyberspace has become a great concern for organizations and governments. Traditional machine learning based methods are extensively used in detecting cyber threats, but they hardly model the correlations between real-world cyber entities. In recent years, with the proliferation of graph mining techniques, many researchers have investigated these techniques for capturing correlations between cyber entities and achieving high performance. It is imperative to summarize existing graph-based cybersecurity solutions to provide a guide for future studies. Therefore, as a key contribution of this work, we provide a comprehensive review of graph mining for cybersecurity, including an overview of cybersecurity tasks, the typical graph mining techniques, and the general process of applying them to cybersecurity, as well as various solutions for different cybersecurity tasks. For each task, we probe into relevant methods and highlight the graph types, graph approaches, and task levels in their modeling. Furthermore, we collect open datasets and toolkits for graph-based cybersecurity. Finally, we present an outlook on the potential directions of this field for future research.
Identifying Behavioral Factors Leading to Differential Polarization Effects of Adversarial Botnets
Authors: Lee Yeonjung , Ozer Mert , Corman Steven R. , Davulcu Hasan
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we utilize a Twitter dataset collected between December 8, 2021 and February 18, 2022, during the lead-up to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Our aim is to design a data processing pipeline featuring a high-accuracy Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) based political camp classifier, a botnet detection algorithm, and a robust measure of botnet effects. Our experiments reveal that while the pro-Russian botnet contributes significantly to networkpolarization, the pro-Ukrainian botnet contributes withmoderatingeffects. To understand thefactorsleading to these different effects, we analyze the interactions between the botnets and the users, distinguishing betweenbarrier-crossingusers, who navigate across different political camps, andbarrier-boundusers, who remain within their own camps. We observe that the pro-Russian botnet amplifies thebarrier-boundpartisan users within their own camp most of the time. In contrast, the pro-Ukrainian botnet amplifies thebarrier-crossingusers on their own camp alongside themselves for the majority of the time.
A Comprehensive Review on HIV-Associated Dermatologic Manifestations: From Epidemiology to Clinical Management
Authors: Mohseni Afshar Zeinab , Goodarzi Azadeh , Emadi Seyed Naser , Miladi Ronak , Shakoei Safoura , Janbakhsh Alireza , Aryanian Zeinab , Hatami Parvaneh
Published: July 2023

Dermatological disorders are among the most prevalent manifestations of HIV infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In this review, we aimed to characterize the various dermatologic presentations among HIV-infected patients with a detailed categorization of the mucocutaneous signs and symptoms, their etiopathogenic factors, and clinical management. In fact, cutaneous manifestations of HIV are quite various, ranging from AIDS-specific skin eruptions (xerosis, pruritic papular eruptions, eosinophilic folliculitis, and acne), opportunistic infections (herpes simplex, molluscum contagiosum, cutaneous leishmaniasis, bacillary angiomatosis, disseminated histoplasmosis, disseminated cryptococcosis, and zoster) to AIDS-related malignancies (Kaposi’s sarcoma, lymphoma, and nonmelanoma skin cancers) and antiretroviral therapy (ART)-associated drug eruptions. We tried to classify HIV-related cutaneous presentations which can help clinicians for a better understanding of the various specific and nonspecific features of AIDS-associated cutaneous manifestations and management of the condition.
Fractalkine Enhances Hematoma Resolution and Improves Neurological Function via CX3CR1/AMPK/PPARγ Pathway After GMH
Authors: Chen Xionghui , He Xuying , Xu Feng , Xu Ningbo , Sharifi Nona Hashem , Zhang Pengjie , Flores Jerry J. , Wu Lei , He Qiuguang , Kanamaru Hideki , Zhu Shiyi , Dong Siyuan , Han Mingyang , Yuan Ye , Huang Lei , Miao Liyan , Zhang John H. , Zhou Youxin , Tang Jiping
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Hematoma clearance has been a proposed therapeutic strategy for hemorrhagic stroke. This study investigated the impact of CX3CR1 (CX3C chemokine receptor 1) activation mediated by r-FKN (recombinant fractalkine) on hematoma resolution, neuroinflammation, and the underlying mechanisms involving AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase)/PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) pathway after experimental germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH).

METHODS:

A total of 313 postnatal day 7 Sprague Dawley rat pups were used. GMH was induced using bacterial collagenase by a stereotactically guided infusion. r-FKN was administered intranasally at 1, 25, and 49 hours after GMH for short-term neurological evaluation. Long-term neurobehavioral tests (water maze, rotarod, and foot-fault test) were performed 24 to 28 days after GMH with the treatment of r-FKN once daily for 7 days. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, CX3CR1 CRISPR, or selective CX3CR1 inhibitor AZD8797, was administered intracerebroventricularly 24 hours preinduction of GMH. Selective inhibition of AMPK/PPARγ signaling in microglia via intracerebroventricularly delivery of liposome-encapsulated specific AMPK (Lipo-Dorsomorphin), PPARγ (Lipo-GW9662) inhibitor. Western blot, Immunofluorescence staining, Nissl staining, Hemoglobin assay, and ELISA assay were performed.

RESULTS:

The brain expression of FKN and CX3CR1 were elevated after GMH. FKN was expressed on both neurons and microglia, whereas CX3CR1 was mainly expressed on microglia after GMH. Intranasal administration of r-FKN improved the short- and long-term neurobehavioral deficits and promoted M2 microglia polarization, thereby attenuating neuroinflammation and enhancing hematoma clearance, which was accompanied by an increased ratio of p-AMPK (phosphorylation of AMPK)/AMPK, Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2), PPARγ, CD36 (cluster of differentiation 36), CD163 (hemoglobin scavenger receptor), CD206 (the mannose receptor), and IL (interleukin)-10 expression, and decreased CD68 (cluster of differentiation 68), IL-1β, and TNF (tumor necrosis factor) α expression. The administration of CX3CR1 CRISPR or CX3CR1 inhibitor (AZD8797) abolished the protective effect of FKN. Furthermore, selective inhibition of microglial AMPK/PPARγ signaling abrogated the anti-inflammation effects of r-FKN after GMH.

CONCLUSIONS:

CX3CR1 activation by r-FKN promoted hematoma resolution, attenuated neuroinflammation, and neurological deficits partially through the AMPK/PPARγ signaling pathway, which promoted M1/M2 microglial polarization. Activating CX3CR1 by r-FKN may provide a promising therapeutic approach for treating patients with GMH.
Study on Pore Structure and Absorbability Properties of Rock
Authors: Wang Jun , Ma Hongwei , Liu Zhengpeng , Wang Gaohu
Published: July 2023

The characteristics of the pore structure and the imbibition model of rock in offshore oil and gas reservoirs are examined in this paper. Based on the analysis of rocks from tight oil and gas reservoirs in a particular sea area, it is known that the pore structure exhibits strong heterogeneity,
uneven pore distribution, and significant variation in pore throat radii. The rock has a low capacity for seepage and the pore throat’s small radius makes it difficult for fluid to participate in the flow. In order to construct a reverse imbibition model and obtain precise results for
imbibition velocity calculation, fractal theory was used to obtain the distribution of rock pore size in accordance with the correlation between saturation and capillary pressure. A dimensionless imbibition velocity imbibition model was used to define the normalized recovery factor, and the
imbibition model’s solution results were obtained.
Maximizing Utility or Avoiding Losses? Uncovering Decision Rule-Heterogeneity in Sociological Research with an Application to Neighbourhood Choice
Authors: Liebe Ulf , van Cranenburgh Sander , Chorus Caspar
Published: July 2023

Empirical studies on individual behaviour often, implicitly or explicitly, assume a single type of decision rule. Other studies do not specify behavioural assumptions at all. We advance sociological research by introducing (random) regret minimization, which is related to loss aversion, into the sociological literature and by testing it against (random) utility maximization, which is the most prominent decision rule in sociological research on individual behaviour. With an application to neighbourhood choice, in a sample of four European cities, we combine stated choice experiment data and discrete choice modelling techniques and find a considerable degree of decision rule-heterogeneity, with a strong prevalence of regret minimization and hence loss aversion. We also provide indicative evidence that decision rules can affect expected neighbourhood demand at the macro level. Our approach allows identifying heterogeneity in decision rules, that is, the degree of regret/loss aversion, at the level of choice attributes such as the share of foreigners when comparing neighbourhoods, and can improve sociological practice related to linking theories and social research on decision-making.
Who Is Skeptical About Scientific Innovation? Examining Worldview Predictors of Artificial Intelligence, Nanotechnology, and Human Gene Editing Attitudes
Authors: Većkalov Bojana , van Stekelenburg Aart , van Harreveld Frenk , Rutjens Bastiaan T.
Published: July 2023

This work examines worldview predictors of attitudes toward nanotechnology, human gene editing (HGE), and artificial intelligence. By simultaneously assessing the relative predictive value of various worldview variables in two Dutch samples (total N = 614), we obtained evidence for spirituality as a key predictor of skepticism across domains. Religiosity consistently predicted HGE skepticism only. Lower faith in science contributed to these relationships. Aversion to tampering with nature predicted skepticism across domains. These results speak to the importance of religiosity and spirituality for scientific innovation attitudes and emphasize the need for a detailed consideration of worldviews that shape these attitudes.
Could palliative sedation be seen as unnamed euthanasia?: a survey among healthcare professionals in oncology
Authors: Lucchi E. , Milder M. , Dardenne A. , Bouleuc C.
Published: July 2023

Background

In 2016 a French law created a new right for end-of-life patients: deep and continuous sedation maintained until death, with discontinuation of all treatments sustaining life such as artificial nutrition and hydration. It was totally unprecedented that nutrition and hydration were explicitly defined in France as sustaining life treatments, and remains a specificity of this law. End- of-life practices raise ethical and practical issues, especially in Europe actually. We aimed to know how oncology professionals deal with the law, their opinion and experience and their perception.

Methods

Online mono-centric survey with closed-ended and open-ended questions in a Cancer Comprehensive Centre was elaborated. It was built during workshops of the ethics committee of the Institute, whose president is an oncologist with a doctoral degree in medical ethics. 58 oncologists and 121 nurses—all professionals of oncological departments -, received it, three times, as mail, with an information letter.

Results

63/ 179 professionals answered the questionnaire (35%). Conducting end-of-life discussions and advanced care planning were reported by 46/63 professionals. In the last three months, 18 doctors and 7 nurses faced a request for a deep and continuous sedation maintained until death, in response to physical or existential refractory suffering. Artificial nutrition and even more hydration were not uniformly considered as treatment. Evaluation of the prognosis, crucial to decide a deep and continuous sedation maintained until death, appears to be very difficult and various, between hours and few weeks. Half of respondents were concerned that this practice could lead to or hide euthanasia practices, whereas for the other half, this new law formalised practices necessary for the quality of palliative care at the end-of-life.

Conclusion

Most respondents support the implementation of deep and continuous sedation maintained until death in routine end-of-life care. Nevertheless, difficulty to stop hydration, confusion with euthanasia practices, ethical debates it provokes and the risk of misunderstanding within teams and with families are significant. This is certainly shared by other teams. This could lead to a multi-centric survey and if confirmed might be reported to the legislator.
Liver function test indices-based prediction model for post-stroke depression: a multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Gong Jun , Zhang Yalian , Zhong Xiaogang , Zhang Yi , Chen Yanhua , Wang Huilai
Published: July 2023

Background

Post-stroke depression (PSD) was one of the most prevalent and serious neuropsychiatric effects after stroke. Nevertheless, the association between liver function test indices and PSD remains elusive, and there is a lack of effective prediction tools. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the liver function test indices and PSD, and construct a prediction model for PSD.

Methods

All patients were selected from seven medical institutions of Chongqing Medical University from 2015 to 2021. Variables including demographic characteristics and liver function test indices were collected from the hospital electronic medical record system. Univariate analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and logistic regression analysis were used to screen the predictors. Subsequently, logistic regression, random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), categorical boosting (CatBoost) and support vector machine (SVM) were adopted to build the prediction model. Furthermore, a series of evaluation indicators such as area under curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, F1 were used to assess the performance of the prediction model.

Results

A total of 464 PSD and 1621 stroke patients met the inclusion criteria. Six liver function test items, namely AST, ALT, TBA, TBil, TP, ALB/GLB, were closely associated with PSD, and included for the construction of the prediction model. In the test set, logistic regression model owns the AUC of 0.697. Compared with the other four machine learning models, the GBDT model has the best predictive performance (F1 = 0.498, AUC = 0.761) and was chosen to establish the prediction tool.

Conclusions

The prediction model constructed using these six predictors with GBDT algorithm displayed a promising prediction ability, which could be used for the participating hospital units or individuals by mobile phone or computer.
Inhibition of p90 ribosomal S6 kinases disrupts melanoma cell growth and immune evasion
Authors: Kosnopfel Corinna , Wendlinger Simone , Niessner Heike , Siewert Johannes , Sinnberg Tobias , Hofmann Angelika , Wohlfarth Jonas , Schrama David , Berthold Marion , Siedel Claudia , Sauer Birgit , Jayanthan Aarthi , Lenz Georg , Dunn Sandra E. , Schilling Bastian , Schittek Birgit
Published: July 2023

Background

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is frequently hyperactivated in malignant melanoma and its inhibition has proved to be an efficient treatment option for cases harboring BRAFV600 mutations (BRAFMut). However, there is still a significant need for effective targeted therapies for patients with other melanoma subgroups characterized by constitutive MAPK activation, such as tumors with NRAS or NF-1 alterations (NRASMut, NF-1LOF), as well as for patients with MAPK pathway inhibitor-resistant BRAFMut melanomas, which commonly exhibit a reactivation of this pathway. p90 ribosomal S6 kinases (RSKs) represent central effectors of MAPK signaling, regulating cell cycle progression and survival.

Methods

RSK activity and the functional effects of its inhibition by specific small molecule inhibitors were investigated in established melanoma cell lines and patient-derived short-term cultures from different MAPK pathway-hyperactivated genomic subgroups (NRASMut, BRAFMut, NF-1LOF). Real-time qPCR, immunoblots and flow cytometric cell surface staining were used to explore the molecular changes following RSK inhibition. The effect on melanoma cell growth was evaluated by various two- and three-dimensional in vitro assays as well as with melanoma xenograft mouse models. Co-cultures with gp100- or Melan-A-specific cytotoxic T cells were used to assess immunogenicity of melanoma cells and associated T-cell responses.

Results

In line with elevated activity of the MAPK/RSK signaling axis, growth and survival of not only BRAFMut but also NRASMut and NF-1LOF melanoma cells were significantly impaired by RSK inhibitors. Intriguingly, RSK inhibition was particularly effective in three-dimensional growth settings with long-term chronic drug exposure and suppressed tumor cell growth of in vivo melanoma models. Additionally, our study revealed that RSK inhibition simultaneously promoted differentiation and immunogenicity of the tumor cells leading to enhanced T-cell activation and melanoma cell killing.

Conclusions

Collectively, RSK inhibitors exhibited both multi-layered anti-tumor efficacy and broad applicability across different genomic melanoma subgroups. RSK inhibition may therefore represent a promising novel therapeutic strategy for malignant melanoma with hyperactivated MAPK signaling.
Autoantibody test for type 1 diabetes in children: are there reasons to implement a screening program in the general population? A statement endorsed by the Italian Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (SIEDP-ISPED) and the Italian Society of Paediatrics (SIP)
Authors: Cherubini Valentino , Chiarelli Francesco
Published: July 2023

In recent years screening of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in both at risk children and general population has been widely discussed with the aim of increasing awareness of the importance to early detect (and possibly treat) at-risk children in early stages of the chronic autoimmune progression to T1D.

In fact, it is well known that first-degree relatives have the highest risk of T1D, but up to 90% of children who develop T1D do not have a family history and belong to the general population.

The reasons for screening children well before the clinical onset of T1D include prevention of DKA (still up to 60% children are diagnosed with DKA) and related morbidities and mortality, reducing the need for hospitalisation, time to provide emotional support and education to ensure a smooth transition to insulin treatment, and opportunities for new treatments to prevent or delay progression.

There are pros and cons of screening of T1D in children, but recent evidences suggest that it is now time to consider possible a screening for T1D in children.

Recently, the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) has endorsed a Position Statement, discussing the pros and cons of screening for T1D in the general population; ESPE supports national Societies for Paediatric Endocrinology to spread information on this important issue in various countries throughout Europe; the Italian Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (SIEDP-ISPED) and the Italian Society of Paediatrics (SIP) endorse this document with the specific aim of increasing awareness on screening for paediatric T1D in the general population.
The mediating role of social connectedness and hope in the relationship between group membership continuity and mental health problems in vulnerable young people
Authors: Vella Claire , Berry Clio , Easterbrook Matthew J. , Michelson Daniel , Bogen-Johnston Leanne , Fowler David
Published: July 2023

Background

There is growing evidence of a beneficial effect of social group processes on well-being and mental health.

Aims

To investigate the role of group membership continuity in reducing mental ill-health among young people who were already vulnerable pre-pandemic, and to understand the social and psychological mechanisms of the benefits of group memberships for vulnerable young people.

Method

This study takes a cross-sectional design, using survey data from a sample of 105 young people aged 16–35 years, collected approximately 1 year after the global COVID-19 outbreak (January to July 2021). Correlational and path analyses were used to test the associations between group membership continuity and mental health problems (depression, anxiety, psychotic-like experiences) and the mediation of these associations by hope and social connectedness (in-person and online). To correct for multiple testing, the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure was implemented for all analyses. Indirect effects were assessed with coverage of 99% confidence intervals.

Results

Multiple prior group memberships were associated with preservation of group memberships during the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person social connectedness, online social connectedness and hope mediated the relationship between group membership continuity and mental health problem symptoms.

Conclusions

The results suggest that clinical and public health practice should support vulnerable young people to foster and maintain their social group memberships, hopefulness and perceived sense of social connectedness as means of helping to prevent exacerbation of symptoms and promote recovery of mental health problems, particularly during significant life events.
Cluster Randomized Pragmatic Clinical Trial Testing Behavioral Economic Implementation Strategies to Improve Tobacco Treatment for Patients With Cancer Who Smoke
Authors: Jenssen Brian P. , Schnoll Robert , Beidas Rinad S. , Bekelman Justin , Bauer Anna-Marika , Evers-Casey Sarah , Fisher Tierney , Scott Callie , Nicoloso Jody , Gabriel Peter , Asch David A. , Buttenheim Alison M. , Chen Jessica , Melo Julissa , Grant Dwayne , Horst Michael , Oyer Randall , Shulman Lawrence N. , Clifton Alicia B.W. , Lieberman Adina , Salam Tasnim , Rendle Katharine A. , Chaiyachati Krisda H. , Shelton Rachel C. , Fayanju Oluwadamilola , Wileyto E. Paul , Ware Sue , Blumenthal Daniel , Ragusano Daniel , Leone Frank T.
Published: July 2023

Behavioral economics–based nudges to oncology clinicians boost engagement in tobacco use treatment.
A data science approach for multi-sensor marine observatory data monitoring cold water corals (Paragorgia arborea) in two campaigns
Authors: van Kevelaer Robin , Langenkämper Daniel , Nilssen Ingunn , Buhl-Mortensen Pål , Nattkemper Tim W.
Published: July 2023

Fixed underwater observatories (FUO), equipped with digital cameras and other sensors, become more commonly used to record different kinds of time series data for marine habitat monitoring. With increasing numbers of campaigns, numbers of sensors and campaign time, the volume and heterogeneity of the data, ranging from simple temperature time series to series of HD images or video call for new data science approaches to analyze the data. While some works have been published on the analysis of data from one campaign, we address the problem of analyzing time series data from two consecutive monitoring campaigns (starting late 2017 and late 2018) in the same habitat. While the data from campaigns in two separate years provide an interesting basis for marine biology research, it also presents new data science challenges, like the the marine image analysis in data form more than one campaign. In this paper, we analyze the polyp activity of two Paragorgia arborea cold water coral (CWC) colonies using FUO data collected from November 2017 to June 2018 and from December 2018 to April 2019. We successfully apply convolutional neural networks (CNN) for the segmentation and classification of the coral and the polyp activities. The result polyp activity data alone showed interesting temporal patterns with differences and similarities between the two time periods. A one month “sleeping” period in spring with almost no activity was observed in both coral colonies, but with a shift of approximately one month. A time series prediction experiment allowed us to predict the polyp activity from the non-image sensor data using recurrent neural networks (RNN). The results pave a way to a new multi-sensor monitoring strategy for Paragorgia arborea behaviour.
Gradient-mixing LEGO robots for purifying DNA origami nanostructures of multiple components by rate-zonal centrifugation
Authors: Sentosa Jason , Djutanta Franky , Horne Brian , Showkeir Dominic , Rezvani Robert , Leff Chloe , Pradhan Swechchha , Hariadi Rizal F.
Published: July 2023

DNA origami purification is essential for many fields, including biophysics, molecular engineering, and therapeutics. The increasing interest in DNA origami has led to the development of rate-zonal centrifugation (RZC) as a scalable, high yield, and contamination-free method for purifying DNA origami nanostructures. RZC purification uses a linear density gradient of viscous media, such as glycerol or sucrose, to separate molecules according to their mass and shape. However, many methods for creating density gradients are time-consuming because they rely on slow passive diffusion. To expedite the preparation time, we used a LEGO gradient mixer to generate rotational motion and rapidly create a quasi-continuous density gradient with a minimal layering of the viscous media. Rotating two layers of differing concentrations at an angle decreases the time needed to form the density gradient from a few hours to minutes. In this study, the density gradients created by the LEGO gradient mixer were used to purify 3 DNA origami shapes that have different aspect ratios and numbers of components, with an aspect ratio ranging from 1:1 to 1:100 and the number of components up to 2. The gradient created by our LEGO gradient mixer is sufficient to purify folded DNA origami nanostructures from excess staple strands, regardless of their aspect ratios. Moreover, the gradient was able to separate DNA origami dimers from DNA origami monomers. In light of recent advances in large-scale DNA origami production, our method provides an alternative for purifying DNA origami nanostructures in large (gram) quantities in resource-limited settings.
Exploring parents’ views of the use of narratives to promote childhood vaccination online
Authors: Dubé Eve , Trottier Marie-Eve , Gagnon Dominique , Bettinger Julie A. , Greyson Devon , Graham Janice , MacDonald Noni E. , MacDonald Shannon E. , Meyer Samantha B. , Witteman Holly O. , Driedger S. Michelle
Published: July 2023

Background

Negative information about vaccines that spreads online may contribute to parents’ vaccine hesitancy or refusal. Studies have shown that false claims about vaccines that use emotive personal narratives are more likely to be shared and engaged with on social media than factual evidence-based public health messages. The aim of this study was to explore parents’ views regarding the use of positive narratives to promote childhood vaccination.

Methods

We identified three ∼4-minute video narratives from social media that counter frequent parental concerns about childhood vaccination: parents and informed decision-making (online misinformation about vaccines); a paediatrician’s clinical experience with vaccine-preventable diseases (prevention of still existing diseases); and a mother’s experience with vaccine-preventable disease (risks of the disease). Focus group discussions were held with parents of children aged 0 to 5 years to assess their views on these three narratives and their general opinion on the use of narratives as a vaccine promotion intervention.

Results

Four focus groups discussions were virtually held with 15 parents in December 2021. In general, parents trusted both health care provider’s and parent’s narratives, but participants identified more with stories having a parent as the main character. Both narratives featuring personal stories with vaccine-preventable diseases were preferred by parents, while the story about informed decision-making was perceived as less influential. Parents expressed the need for reliable and nuanced information about vaccines and diseases and felt that a short video format featuring a story was an efficient vaccine promotion intervention. However, many mentioned that they generally are not watching such videos while navigating the Web.

Conclusion

While vaccine-critical stories are widely shared online, evidence on how best public health could counter these messages remains scarce. The use of narratives to promote vaccination was well-perceived by parents. Future studies are needed to assess reach and impact of such an intervention.
Leading wellness in healthcare: A qualitative study of leadership practices for wellness in hospital settings
Authors: Allan Julaine , Olcon Katarzyna , Everingham Ruth , Fox Mim , Pai Padmini , Mackay Maria , Keevers Lynne
Published: July 2023

Ways of dealing with workplace stress and enhancing healthcare workers wellness are sought globally. The aim of this study was to explore healthcare leaders’ practice in relation to the implementation of a workplace wellness program called SEED in the context of multiple crises (bushfires and COVID-19) affecting a local health district in New South Wales, Australia. Practice theory informed interviews (n = 23), focus groups (n = 2) and co-analysis reflexive discussions (n = 2) that were conducted with thirteen leaders and twenty healthcare workers. A pragmatic approach to program implementation for healthcare workers’ wellness explored the process and actions that resulted from leadership practice in an inductive thematic analysis. Preliminary themes were presented in the co-analysis sessions to ensure the lived experiences of the SEED program were reflected and co-interpretation of the data was included in the analysis. Three key themes were identified. 1) Leading change—implementing a wellness program required leaders to try something new and be determined to make change happen. 2) Permission for wellness—implicit and explicit permission from leaders to engage in wellness activities during worktime was required. 3) Role-modelling wellness—leaders viewed SEED as a way to demonstrate leadership in supporting and caring for healthcare workers. SEED provided a platform for leaders who participated to demonstrate their leadership practices in supporting wellness activities. Leadership practices are critical to the implementation of healthcare wellness programs. The implementation of SEED at a time of unprecedented crisis gave leaders and healthcare workers opportunities to experience something new including leadership that was courageous, responsive and authentic. The study highlighted the need for workplace wellness programs to intentionally include leaders rather than only expect them to implement them. The practices documented in this study provide guidance to others developing, implementing and researching workplace wellness programs.
Does entrepreneurship education in China develop entrepreneurial intention? the role of self-efficacy and experience
Authors: Xu Ju , Fu Yitu , Zhang Xueying
Published: July 2023

Entrepreneurship education has attracted much attention in recent years. However, the relationship between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intention has not achieved an agreement yet. To reconcile these conflicting conclusions, we explore the effect of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intention from the content of the entrepreneurship education programs and different types of individuals who have participated in the program. Leveraging the self-efficacy theory and event system theory, we examine the mediation of entrepreneurial self-efficacy from five dimensions and the moderation of entrepreneurial experience. The sample of this study comprised 243 individuals who participated in entrepreneurship education in China (female = 40.3%, The majority of responders with an age range from 21 to 30 years). The results reveal that entrepreneurship education has a significantly positive influence on entrepreneurial intention (β = 0.331, p < 0.001). Entrepreneurial self-efficacies in searching (β = 0.382, p<0.001), planning (β = 0.249, p<0.001), and marshaling (β = 0.134, p<0.05) play mediating roles in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intention. We also find that entrepreneurial experience negatively moderates the relationship between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intention (β = -0.212, p<0.05). The results have implications for entrepreneurship education scholars and policymakers in China.
Specific facial signals associate with categories of social actions conveyed through questions
Authors: Nota Naomi , Trujillo James P. , Holler Judith
Published: July 2023

The early recognition of fundamental social actions, like questions, is crucial for understanding the speaker’s intended message and planning a timely response in conversation. Questions themselves may express more than one social action category (e.g., an information request “What time is it?”, an invitation “Will you come to my party?” or a criticism “Are you crazy?”). Although human language use occurs predominantly in a multimodal context, prior research on social actions has mainly focused on the verbal modality. This study breaks new ground by investigating how conversational facial signals may map onto the expression of different types of social actions conveyed through questions. The distribution, timing, and temporal organization of facial signals across social actions was analysed in a rich corpus of naturalistic, dyadic face-to-face Dutch conversations. These social actions were: Information Requests, Understanding Checks, Self-Directed questions, Stance or Sentiment questions, Other-Initiated Repairs, Active Participation questions, questions for Structuring, Initiating or Maintaining Conversation, and Plans and Actions questions. This is the first study to reveal differences in distribution and timing of facial signals across different types of social actions. The findings raise the possibility that facial signals may facilitate social action recognition during language processing in multimodal face-to-face interaction.
Biochar ageing improves soil properties, growth and yield of red radish (Raphanus sativus) in a Haplic Cambisol
Authors: Nyambo Patrick , Motsi Hammond , Chiduza Cornelius , Malobane Mashapa Elvis
Published: July 2023

The use of biochar as a soil ameliorant has recently gained momentum. However, its application has been reported to have some adverse effects soon after the pyrolysis process. This study aimed to determine the effect of different biochar ageing methods and fertiliser applications on selected soil properties, growth, and yield of red radish (Raphanus sativus L.). A 2 x 3 factorial arrangement was used in a complete randomised design (CRD) with three replications. The factors were (1) biochar ageing at three levels, i.e., naturally aged biochar (NB), artificially aged biochar (AB), and fresh biochar (FB), and (2) fertiliser at two levels viz fertilised (F) and non-fertilised (NF). A control treatment (without biochar) was also included. Irrespective of the ageing method used, biochar application significantly increased soil pH, while fertiliser application significantly reduced soil pH throughout the experiment. Similarly, biochar application significantly increased soil hydraulic conductivity compared to the control. However, after ten weeks, significantly higher soil hydraulic conductivity was reported in treatments with AB biochar compared to both NB and FB. The application of fertiliser in biochar-amended soils improves the soil’s hydraulic properties and increases radish growth. The study concludes that AB biochar + fertiliser application improves soil properties and growth of radish.
Kindness: Definitions and a pilot study for the development of a kindness scale in healthcare
Authors: Hake Austin B. , Post Stephen G.
Published: July 2023

Background

Empathy and compassion currently receive the most attention in healthcare with respect to the medical humanities and while these skills are important for any clinician to learn, they are complex and can be daunting to healthcare trainees when first encountered. Kindness is a simple, time-sensitive behavior not yet well characterized in the healthcare setting. With this study, we aim to clearly define it as well as investigate a few common examples of kindness that might be used to create a scale for use in the healthcare setting.

Methods

A literature search was performed to rigorously define kindness. A kindness scale based on this definition was then compiled and administered to 45 patients across three outpatient clinical settings to evaluate the association between several actions and the patient’s perception of kindness.

Results

Kind actions are small, take little effort, and are short in duration to their intended effect. We define kindness as an action that benefits another, as perceived by the recipient of the kind action. The results from our clinical study indicate several actions such as greeting the patient with a smile, asking questions about the patient’s daily life, listening carefully, and appearing interested in the patient have a moderate strength correlation to a perception of kindness. The physician being perceived as kind also had a weak-moderate strength correlation to the patient subjectively reporting improvement after their visit.

Conclusions

Definitions in the medical humanities are important as they guide the scales used to measure them. This article defines kindness and describes some examples of its manifestation in the healthcare setting. Our study indicates that performing kind actions may improve a patient’s subjective perception of their care, however, future studies are needed to evaluate whether this benefit extends to health outcomes as has been demonstrated for skills such as empathy and good communication.

“Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.”

~Albert Schweitzer