bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultivating Authenticity as Role Models: Women in STEM Influencers on Instagram
Authors: Steinke Jocelyn , Baumel Katie , Turner Meredith M.
Published: March 2024

Despite recent increases, women continue to be underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Using social identity theory as a framework, this study conducted a reflexive thematic analysis of 614 Instagram posts by 30 women in STEM influencers on Instagram to determine the extent to which and how they portrayed themselves as role models. Findings revealed that these influencers exhibited important role model traits: (a) favorable personality traits, (b) STEM expertise, and (c) personal connections with audience members, and they also displayed authenticity and knowledge of trending platform features in their posts. Implications for science communicators and STEM educators are discussed.
Enhancing Marketing Students’ Indigenous Cultural Competencies Through a Decolonisation and Authentic Assessment Approach
Authors: Lambert Claire , Fong-Emmerson Melissa , Coetzee Sonja , D’Alessandro Steven
Published: March 2024

To prepare students for multicultural environments and understand consumers from different backgrounds, marketing educators must incorporate diversity into their curricula and recognise the importance of decolonisation by considering First Nations’ perspectives to promote reconciliation and better outcomes. This paper reports on a novel approach of students working directly with First Nations businesspeople to gain an applied understanding of Indigenous cultural learning. The study examines the influence of this approach on students’ learning and cultural understanding, as well as how the teaching approach and authentic assessment design within the unit improve the confidence of students to apply these learnings and engage in culturally informed practices, both presently and in their future careers. Through embracing an applied learning experience and critical self-reflexivity, students gained a greater appreciation and respect for First Nations peoples resulting in a transformational shift in their attitudes, leading to greater empowerment, respect, competence and confidence in their cultural awareness to work with First Nations. The paper fills a gap in the literature by highlighting a teaching and learning approach that engages and builds students’ Indigenous cultural competencies within the marketing discipline through a strength-based approach, thus promoting cultural sensitivity and effective communication with diverse populations.
Inconsistent Phonological Disorder: A Case Report
Authors: Roepke Elizabeth , Adrian Angela , Lance Olivia , Gildehaus LeAnne
Published: March 2024

This case report describes a young child with inconsistent phonological disorder (IPD). The child presented with unintelligible speech. She made limited progress on individual speech production goals targeting phonological patterns over 4 years, remaining unintelligible. The child was diagnosed with IPD following an inconsistency assessment and motor speech assessment. She completed 16 weeks of Core Vocabulary intervention to target phonological planning and consistency of word production. The child made significant gains in intelligibility once the Core Vocabulary intervention was initiated. This case report highlights the importance of identifying and providing appropriate intervention for IPD in young children.
A Fall Prevention Feasibility Trial for People With HIV and Alcohol Use
Authors: Gill Simone V. , Shin Danny , Kim Theresa W. , Magane Kara M. , Hereen Timothy , Winter Michael , Helfrich Christine , Saitz Richard
Published: March 2024

Alcohol contributes to higher fall risk in people living with HIV (PLWH), yet fall prevention trials for PWH with alcohol use are lacking. To assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial of a 10-week online fall prevention intervention tailored for PLWH with alcohol use. The intervention consisted of weekly virtual group discussions, individual phone check-ins, and home exercises. Of those eligible, 53.5% (23/43) enrolled (12 to the intervention and 11 to control). Mean age was 58 years; 82.6% had a past 6-month fall; 65.2% had alcohol use disorder; and 95.7% completed postintervention assessments. The intervention was highly rated (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 score M = 30.4, SD = 1.6) with a wide range of group and individual phone session attendance. Preliminary analyses suggest the intervention may reduce the odds of falling and alcohol use frequency. Findings support the feasibility of a larger randomized trial. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04804579.
Help-seeking experiences and intimate partner support in vulvodynia: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Lountzi Athina Zoi , Durand Hannah
Published: March 2024

Background:

Vulvodynia is a poorly understood chronic pain condition characterized by persistent and unexplained pain in the vulva. Given the intimate nature of the pain, partners may play an important role in promoting self-management and help-seeking behaviours among women with vulvodynia.

Objectives:

The current study aimed to explore the role of partner support in pain experiences and help-seeking behaviours among women with vulvodynia.

Design:

A qualitative interpretive design was used.

Methods:

Ten women with vulvodynia ( M age = 37.9 years) were interviewed using a semi-structured non-directive topic guide. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results:

Three themes around help-seeking experiences were constructed from the data: (1) ‘It’s Been a Battle’ – Failed by the Healthcare System; (2) ‘It’s Just the Vulva’ – Dismissed by Healthcare Professionals; and (3) ‘I Diagnosed Myself’ – The Patient Becomes the Expert. Participants described negative help-seeking experiences characterized by long delays to diagnosis, lack of awareness and understanding from healthcare professionals, minimization of symptoms, and having to advocate for and demand care. A further three themes pertaining to partner support were also developed: (1) ‘That Person to Listen to You’ – Source of Emotional Support; (2) ‘Why Don’t You Try This?’ – Finding Solutions Together; and (3) ‘He Forgets that it’s Still There’ – Vulvodynia is a Foreign Concept. Partners provided emotional support and showed empathy and understanding, and practical support by accompanying women to medical appointments and help with pain management. However, participants felt partners’ understanding of vulvodynia was limited and that this impacted their relationships.

Conclusions:

Findings highlight a lack of continuity of care and multidisciplinary approach to treatment, with help-seeking experiences being mainly negative in this sample. Increasing public awareness of vulvodynia and improving healthcare access is crucial to improving physical and psychological outcomes for this group. Partners can play an important role in supporting people with vulvodynia; however, other outlets of support should be further explored.
Perceived burden of respiratory physiotherapy in people with cystic fibrosis taking elexacaftor–tezacaftor–ivacaftor combination: a 1-year observational study
Authors: Blardone Chiara , Gambazza Simone , Mariani Alessandra , Galgani Rachele , Brivio Anna , Nobili Rita Maria , Rizza Carmela , Tutino Anna Luisa , Gramegna Andrea , Daccò Valeria , Contarini Martina , Blasi Francesco , Laquintana Dario
Published: March 2024

Background:

To limit the progression of disease, people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) perform daily respiratory physiotherapy, which is perceived as the most burdensome routine in managing their condition. The elexacaftor–tezacaftor–ivacaftor (ETI) combination has changed respiratory management.

Objective:

To investigate how the perceived treatment burden changed in 1 year of treatment with ETI.

Design:

Prospective observational study.

Methods:

Ad hoc questionnaires for the pwCF and for the caregivers of pwCF < 18 years were administered before the initiation of ETI therapy and then at 6–12 months. The Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) and the Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) were administered to explore disease-related symptoms and social limitations. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to determine levels of physical activity. Mixed-effect models were fitted to explore whether the time engaged in respiratory physiotherapy changed during 1 year.

Results:

The study included 47/184 pwCF aged 21.4 (5.7) years, who completed 1 year of ETI therapy. At 6 months, time on aerosol therapy was decreased by 2.5 (95% CI −32.9 to 27.8) min/day, time on airway clearance therapies (ACTs) was decreased by 8.8 (95% CI −25.9 to 8.3) min/day, and time for cleaning and disinfecting respiratory equipment was decreased by 10.6 (95% CI −26.5 to 5.3) min/day. At 1 year, gains in time saved were nearly 15 min/day on average. At 1 year, 5/47 (10.6%) pwCF reported that they had discontinued positive expiratory pressure mask.

Conclusion:

PwCF on ETI may note less time engaged in their daily respiratory physiotherapy routine. Nonetheless, aerosol therapy, ACTs and maintaining respiratory equipment were still perceived as time-consuming daily activities.
Exceptional synergistic response of PARP inhibitor and immune checkpoint inhibitor in esophageal adenocarcinoma with a germline BRCA2 mutation: a case report
Authors: Mahadevia Himil , Ponvilawan Ben , Al-Obaidi Ammar , Buckley Jennifer , Subramanian Janakiraman , Bansal Dhruv
Published: March 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have shown efficacy in various tumors. A significant therapeutic challenge with either ICIs or PARP inhibitors as monotherapy is treatment failure from intrinsic primary resistance or the development of secondarily acquired resistance after a period of responsiveness. The combination of PARP inhibitors and ICIs could mitigate this by potentiating treatment response. We describe an 83-year-old male patient who initially presented with abdominal pain, and weight loss along with alternating constipation and diarrhea. Imaging and biopsy revealed metastatic esophageal adenocarcinoma. Genomic testing revealed germline BRCA2 mutation. The patient initially underwent a few cycles of chemoimmunotherapy. However, due to intolerance to chemotherapy, the patient’s case was discussed at a multidisciplinary molecular tumor board. He was switched to PARP inhibitor olaparib and ICI nivolumab. This combination led to a durable complete response. A combination of poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) plus ICI may work in synergy through various mechanisms including enhanced neoantigen expression, release of immune-activating cytokines, and increased programmed death-ligand 1 expression. This may culminate in accentuated efficacy outcomes with a manageable safety profile. This exceptional response with ICI and PARPi in our case is consistent with the synergistic value of this combination, and prospective studies are warranted to definitively characterize clinical utility.
The association between gout flares and monosodium urate burden assessed using musculoskeletal ultrasound in patients with gout
Authors: Yang Shaoling , Lin Xiaojing , Gao Yining , Liang Nan , Han Yali , Sun Hang , Qu Shen , Chen Haibing
Published: March 2024

Background:

Ultrasound (US) has a high sensitivity in detecting monosodium urate (MSU) deposition in gout patients. However, the value of US in predicting gout flares has been reported only in a few monocentric studies.

Objective:

To investigate the association between gout flares in the previous year and US-detected MSU burden using two different US scores.

Design:

A retrospective study.

Methods:

Patients with gout were consecutively recruited to undergo musculoskeletal US examinations of their knees, ankles, and feet. The score derived from Outcome Measure in Rheumatology (hereinafter referred to as MSU score) and musculoskeletal US features-based (hereinafter referred to as MSKF score) were used to quantify the MSU burden of gout. Odds ratios for frequent gout flares were calculated.

Results:

We enrolled 1894 patients with gout (mean age: 45 years; gout duration: 5 years; males: 96.1%), experiencing a median of three flares over the past year. Of these, 428 (22.6%) patients reported frequent (⩾7) gout flares. The MSU and MSKF median scores were 6 and 9, respectively. For each five-point increase in MSU and MSKF score, the odds ratio of frequent gout flares increased 1.13-fold and 1.24-fold, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) for the MSU and MSKF score was 0.635 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.604–0.665] and 0.688 (95% CI: 0.659–0.718), respectively, (AUC difference 0.054, p value for AUC difference < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The MSU and MSKF scores were significantly associated with the number of gout flares in the previous year. The MSKF score outperformed the MSU score in terms of frequent gout flare discrimination.
Watermelons and Writing Qualitatively: Personal Reflections, Lessons Learned, and Prioritizing Process Alongside Product
Authors: Shelton Stephanie Anne
Published: March 2024

My grandmother grew watermelons, and a childhood spent helping her taught me a lot about writing, and about writing qualitatively. Neighboring farmers laced soil with fertilizers that accelerated growth but thickened the rind and softened the meat. Others pulled fruit from the vines before ripening, producing soft rinds and bland, mealy fruit. She’d cluck her tongue and say, “Watermelons don’t sweeten off the vine.” Writing and watermelons have a lot in common. When I first started writing academically, I invested significant time and energy in fancy words, convoluted ideas, and a desperate pace to publish, not perish, and what grew was thick, mushy, and sour. In my efforts to hurry and finish one project only to start another, I snatched words and thoughts hurriedly. Writing doesn’t sweeten off the vine, either. When we harvested melons, my grandmother’s careful attention meant rinds thumping with sticky, sugary sweetness. The deep red meat nearly pulsed with the love sown into the soil. Writing qualitatively is like that: daily care, refusal to cut corners, savoring process and product. When writing creates the same satisfaction, purpose, and laughter in my heart and gut that my grandmother’s watermelons always did: that is to write qualitatively.
Significant Clinical Improvement After Arthroscopic Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A 5-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Efrima Ben , Barbero Agustin , Maccario Camilla , Indino Cristian , Nocera Chiara , Albagli Assaf , Dahmen Jari , Usuelli Federico Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (A-AMIC) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) at 24 months and 60 months of follow-up. The secondary aim was to assess whether age, body mass index (BMI), and lesion surface affect outcomes.

Design

Sixty-three patients (32 males, 31 females) with a median age of 37 years [interquartile range (IQR): 25-48] were included. Preoperative and postoperative (24 months and 60 months) clinical outcomes were evaluated using a Visual Analog Score (VAS) for pain during walking, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Short-Form Survey (SF-12), the Halasi, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. Patients were categorized according to age, BMI, and lesion surface (1-1.5 cm2 and over 1.5 cm2). The effect of each category was evaluated.

Results

There were significant improvements in the VAS, AOFAS, SF-12, and UCLA, comparing the preoperative scores to the 60-month follow-up scores ( P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the above-mentioned outcomes between the follow-up periods. Patients older than 33 years had lower SF-12, Halasi, and UCLA scores ( P = 0.005, 0.004, and <0.001, respectively). Overweight patients had lower VAS, SF-12, Halasi, and UCLA scores ( P = 0.006, 0.002, 0.024, and 0.007, respectively). Lesion size was uninfluential.

Conclusion

A-AMIC yielded clinical improvements at a minimum follow-up of 60 months in patients with symptomatic OLTs, with clinical improvement peaking in the first 2 years, followed by a plateau period. Increased age and BMI were significantly associated with inferior outcomes.
Dynamic shifts in lung cytokine patterns in post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease patients: a pilot study
Authors: Oatis Daniela , Herman Hildegard , Balta Cornel , Ciceu Alina , Simon-Repolski Erika , Mihu Alin Gabriel , Lepre Caterina Claudia , Russo Marina , Trotta Maria Consiglia , Gravina Antonietta Gerarda , D’Amico Michele , Hermenean Anca
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

The pathogenesis of post-COVID interstitial lung disease, marked by lung tissue scarring and functional decline, remains largely unknown.

Objectives:

We aimed to elucidate the temporal cytokine/chemokine changes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from patients with post-COVID interstitial lung disease to uncover potential immune drivers of pulmonary complications.

Design:

We evaluated 16 females diagnosed with post-COVID interstitial lung disease, originating from moderate to severe cases during the second epidemic wave in the Autumn of 2020, treated at the Pneumology Department of the Arad County Clinical Hospital, Romania. Their inflammatory response over time was compared to a control group.

Methods:

A total of 48 BAL samples were collected over three intervals (1, 3, and 6 months) and underwent cytology, gene, and protein expression analyses for pro/anti-inflammatory lung cytokines and chemokines using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

One month after infection, there were significant increases in the levels of IL-6 and IL-8. These levels decreased gradually over the course of 6 months but were still higher than those seen in control. Interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha exhibited similar patterns. Persistent elevations were found in IL-10, IL-13, and pro-fibrotic M2 macrophages’ chemokines (CCL13 and CCL18) for 6 months. Furthermore, pronounced neutrophilia was observed at 1 month post-COVID, highlighting persistent inflammation and lung damage. Neutrophil efferocytosis, aiding inflammation resolution and tissue repair, was evident at the 1-month time interval. A notable time-dependent reduction in CD28 was also noticed.

Conclusion:

Our research provides insight into the immunological processes that may lead to the fibrotic changes noted in the lungs following COVID-19.
Designing for justice in freelancing: Testing platform interventions to minimise discrimination in online labour markets
Authors: Brooke Siân , Rao Aliya Hamid
Published: March 2024

Online labour markets (OLMs) are a vital source of income for globally diverse and dispersed freelancers. Despite their promise of neutrality, OLMs are known to perpetuate hiring discrimination, vested in how OLMs are designed and what kinds of interactions they enable between freelancers and hirers. In this study, we go beyond understanding mechanisms of hiring discrimination in OLMs, to identifying platform design features that can minimise hiring discrimination. To do so, we draw on a methodology guided by the design justice ethos. Drawing on a survey on UK-based freelancers and interviews with a purposefully drawn sub-sample, we collaboratively identify five platform design interventions to minimise hiring discrimination in OLMs: community composition, identity-signalling flairs, text only reviews, union membership, and an antidiscrimination prompt. The core of our study is an innovative experiment conducted on a purpose-built, mock OLM, Mock-Freelancer.com. On this mock OLM, we experimentally test mechanisms of discrimination, including how these mechanisms fare under the five altered platform design interventions through a discrete-choice experiment. We find that both community and flairs were important in encouraging the hiring of women and non-White freelancers. We also establish that anonymity universally disadvantages freelancers. We conclude with recommendations to design OLMs that minimise labour market discrimination.
A dual debrief-based co-autoethnography of a humanitarian delegation member: Supporting Ukraine refugee mothers through ambiguous loss
Authors: Paryente Bilha , Frei-Landau Rivi
Published: March 2024

Autoethnography—a combination of autobiography and ethnography—focuses on the intersection of personal experiences and the culture in which they take place and is considered a viable method for exploring human experiences. The Russo-Ukrainian war has resulted in millions of forcibly displaced asylum-seeking refugees facing ambiguous loss. Whereas much is known about refugees’ support needs, little is known about the needs and experiences of the humanitarian delegation members (HDM) who assist them. Through a debrief-based co-autoethnographic account of a female HDM who supported Ukrainian refugee mothers and children on the Polish borders, we explored the lived experiences involved in such a mission. Specifically, we conducted a transnational dyadic autoethnography debrief-based co-autoethnography which included both verbal and photo-based debriefing (eight 2-hour sessions) alongside a reflexive (10-day) field diary analysis. Content analysis revealed cognitive dilemmas, emotional struggles, and practical adaptations occurring within the HDM’s three identity-related domains: personal, professional (psychologist), and ethnic. The methodology presented and demonstrated in this paper enhances our theoretical understanding of the challenges faced by HDMs and may contribute to better future design of HDM training.
How Food Safety Culture Is Operationalized for Retail Food Settings: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Liggans Girvin , Kim Sei Rim (Sally)
Published: March 2024

Food safety culture has been posited as an important factor influencing employee behavior in the retail food industry. Although expressed as a subset of organizational culture, it is unclear the extent to which food safety culture is being defined and measured as a distinct but related organizational concept. Through a systematic review of the literature, this study explores how food safety culture is conceptualized and operationalized in studies investigating the concept in retail food establishments. Results showed no consensus in the conceptual definition, corresponding variables, and operational indicators for food safety culture across studies. Results also showed the corresponding variables identified for food safety culture were not derived from nor aligned closely with those associated with organizational culture. Together, these results suggest researchers are measuring different aspects of the same concept and not operationalizing food safety culture as a subset of organizational culture. As the development of measures to evaluate the prevailing food safety culture in retail food establishments is a prerequisite to the quantitative investigation of its impact on food employee behavior, the observed variation in corresponding variables and operational indicators of food safety culture can lead to incomparable results across assessments and studies.
The Incidence and Forms of Cyberbullying and the Connection Between Cyberbullying and Self-Esteem Among High School Students in Montenegro
Authors: Draganić Marija , Grbović Snežana , Adžić Zečević Antoaneta
Published: March 2024

This research has been motivated by a lack of studies related to cyberbullying in Montenegro. The main goal of the research has been to evaluate the incidence of cyberbullying and its most common forms among high school students in Montenegro, as well as whether it is committing and experiencing cyberbullying connected to the self-esteem of high school students. As many as 202 students from 10 Montenegrin high schools have participated in the research. Schools from the northern, central, and southern regions of Montenegro have been included. The research results analysis has shown that high school students commit and experience various forms of cyberbullying. The results have shown that, when it comes to committing it, the most common forms are online ridicule and online identity concealment, while the least common are e-mail insults, as well as online fraud. When it comes to experiencing cyberbullying, based on the data analysis, we can conclude that the most common forms among high school students are online gossip/slander, spreading online rumors, and online identity concealment. According to the results of our research, high school students experience online fraud and e-mail insults the least. As for the connection between committing and experiencing cyberbullying and self-esteem, we have concluded that there is a statistically significant connection between committing and experiencing verbal cyberbullying and online counterfeiting/criminal acts since high-school students committing and experiencing verbal cyberbullying and online counterfeiting/criminal acts possess higher self-esteem than those uninvolved. However, the level of self-esteem is quite low over the whole sample. Committing and experiencing online identity concealment/lies are not related to low self-esteem in high-school students.
The Role of Broadcasters and Brand Image in Improving Consumer Loyalty—Evidence From Live Streaming on Chinese Social Platforms
Authors: Li Jinying , Lee Gukseong
Published: March 2024

Consumer loyalty is crucial to a company’s performance and significantly influences its development trends. Customer trust and satisfaction form the foundation for establishing consumer loyalty, with perceived value, perceived quality, and service quality serving as prerequisites for gaining this trust and satisfaction. However, the extent to which live broadcasts can be effectively utilized for brand marketing to improve consumer loyalty has not been fully explored. Thus, this study aims to examine how live broadcasters and brand image can increase consumer loyalty. Based on 266 data surveys collected from live streaming users, our statistical analysis reveals that brand image and broadcaster influence are vital in promoting perceived value, perceived quality, and service quality to further increase customer trust and satisfaction, thereby enhancing consumer loyalty. Our findings also provide theoretical and practical insights into improving customer loyalty.
Promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an undergraduate preservice teachers’ mathematics course using DeCoRe+ methodology and assessing students’ SDG understanding through concept mapping
Authors: Ghazali Munirah , Musa Muzirah , Yakob Nooraida , Hamzah Nur Syazwana , Shaari Mohammad Zohir , Rashid Rabiatul Adawiah Ahmad , Dewa Aidiahmad , Basharudin Mazlan Hanafi
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to review the course syllabus for mathematics teaching methods with a lens to identify topics related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and develop strategies to promote their understanding among the students. This study involved two phases. Phase 1 used the capacity building model to train teacher educators to review the syllabus, map the curriculum, and identify topics nearest to SDGs. In Phase II, teacher educators developed three teaching mathematics modules on infusing SDGs in the course using the DeCoRe + methodology. The developed modules were implemented in the Teaching Mathematics Methods II course with 39 preservice mathematics teachers over a semester (14 weeks). The students’ concept maps were analyzed by using rubrics which have five categories (excellent, very good, good, fair, and failing) and to relate to SDG understanding as: knowledge representation, interconnectivity, the meaningfulness of links, complexity, contextuality, and transformation. The result from the students’ concept maps showed that students’ understanding for SDGs are good for knowledge representation, interconnectivity, and meaningfulness of links. However, students showed “fair” for complexity, contextuality, and transformation whereby linkage of the different SDGs are given. In conclusion, our exploration of integrating SDGs into a mathematics teaching methods course using DeCoRe+ has demonstrated promising outcomes. Our findings indicate that students not only acquire knowledge but also internalize key concepts, empowering them to contextualize and integrate SDGs within the mathematics curriculum. This preparation equips them with the necessary skills to become future educators capable of seamlessly incorporating sustainability principles into their teaching of mathematics.
Participatory development of an mHealth intervention delivered in general practice to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour of patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (ENERGISED)
Authors: Novak Jan , Jurkova Katerina , Lojkaskova Anna , Jaklova Andrea , Kuhnova Jitka , Pfeiferova Marketa , Kral Norbert , Janek Michael , Omcirk Dan , Malisova Katerina , Maes Iris , Dyck Delfien Van , Wahlich Charlotte , Ussher Michael , Elavsky Steriani , Cimler Richard , Pelclova Jana , Tufano James J. , Steffl Michal , Seifert Bohumil , Yates Tom , Harris Tess , Vetrovsky Tomas
Published: March 2024

Background

The escalating global prevalence of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes presents a major public health challenge. Physical activity plays a critical role in managing (pre)diabetes; however, adherence to physical activity recommendations remains low. The ENERGISED trial was designed to address these challenges by integrating mHealth tools into the routine practice of general practitioners, aiming for a significant, scalable impact in (pre)diabetes patient care through increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour.

Methods

The mHealth intervention for the ENERGISED trial was developed according to the mHealth development and evaluation framework, which includes the active participation of (pre)diabetes patients. This iterative process encompasses four sequential phases: (a) conceptualisation to identify key aspects of the intervention; (b) formative research including two focus groups with (pre)diabetes patients (n = 14) to tailor the intervention to the needs and preferences of the target population; (c) pre-testing using think-aloud patient interviews (n = 7) to optimise the intervention components; and (d) piloting (n = 10) to refine the intervention to its final form.

Results

The final intervention comprises six types of text messages, each embodying different behaviour change techniques. Some of the messages, such as those providing interim reviews of the patients’ weekly step goal or feedback on their weekly performance, are delivered at fixed times of the week. Others are triggered just in time by specific physical behaviour events as detected by the Fitbit activity tracker: for example, prompts to increase walking pace are triggered after 5 min of continuous walking; and prompts to interrupt sitting following 30 min of uninterrupted sitting. For patients without a smartphone or reliable internet connection, the intervention is adapted to ensure inclusivity. Patients receive on average three to six messages per week for 12 months. During the first six months, the text messaging is supplemented with monthly phone counselling to enable personalisation of the intervention, assistance with technical issues, and enhancement of adherence.

Conclusions

The participatory development of the ENERGISED mHealth intervention, incorporating just-in-time prompts, has the potential to significantly enhance the capacity of general practitioners for personalised behavioural counselling on physical activity in (pre)diabetes patients, with implications for broader applications in primary care.
KAT2A-mediated succinylation modification of notch1 promotes the proliferation and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells by activating notch pathway
Authors: Ye Longwei , Yu Zeqin , He Lin , Yuan Jie , Zhang Xiaodan , Li Lei , Huang Xin , Ma Yanyan , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2024

Background

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a kind of undifferentiated dental mesenchymal stem cells with strong self-renewal ability and multi-differentiation potential. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory functions of succinylation modification in DPSCs.

Methods

DPSCs were isolated from the dental pulp collected from healthy subjects, and then stem cell surface markers were identified using flow cytometry. The osteogenic differentiation ability of DPSCs was verified by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining methods, while adipogenic differentiation was detected by oil red O staining. Meanwhile, the mRNA of two desuccinylases (SIRT5 and SIRT7) and three succinylases (KAT2A, KAT3B, and CPT1A) in DPSCs before and after mineralization induction were detected using quantitative real-time PCR. The cell cycle was measured by flow cytometry, and the expression of bone-specific genes, including COL1a1 and Runx2 were evaluated by western blotting and were combined for the proliferation and differentiation of DPSCs. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and immunofluorescence were combined to verify the binding relationship between proteins.

Results

The specific markers of mesenchymal stem cells were highly expressed in DPSCs, while the osteogenic differentiation ability of isolated DPSCs was confirmed via ALP and alizarin red staining. Similarly, the oil red O staining also verified the adipogenic differentiation ability of DPSCs. The levels of KAT2A were found to be significantly upregulated in mineralization induction, which significantly decreased the ratio of G0/G1 phase and increased S phase cells; converse results regarding cell cycle distribution were obtained when KAT2A was inhibited. Moreover, overexpression of KAT2A promoted the differentiation of DPSCs, while its inhibition exerted the opposite effect. The elevated KAT2A was found to activate the Notch1 signaling pathway, which succinylated Notch1 at the K2177 site to increase their corresponding protein levels in DPSCs. The co-IP results showed that KAT2A and Notch1 were endogenously bound to each other, while inhibition of Notch1 reversed the effects of KAT2A overexpression on the DPSCs proliferation and differentiation.

Conclusion

KAT2A interacted directly with Notch1, succinylating the Notch1 at the K2177 site to increase their corresponding protein levels in DPSCs. Similarly, KAT2A-mediated succinylation modification of Notch1 promotes the DPSCs proliferation and differentiation, suggesting that targeting KAT2A and Notch1 may contribute to tooth regeneration.
Influence of implant distribution on the biomechanical behaviors of mandibular implant-retained overdentures: a three-dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Liao Xiaoling , Cao Ruitao , Zhong Juan , Chen Chunxia , Pan Shaoxia
Published: March 2024

Objective

To assess stress distribution in peri-implant bone and attachments of mandibular overdentures retained by small diameter implants, and to explore the impact of implant distribution on denture stability.

Methods

Through three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis (3D FEA), four models were established: three models of a two mandibular implants retained overdenture (IOD) and one model of a conventional complete denture (CD). The three IOD models consisted of one with two implants in the bilateral canine area, another with implants in the bilateral lateral incisor area, and the third with one implant in the canine area, and another in the lateral incisor area. Three types of loads were applied on the overdenture for each model: a 100 N vertical load and a inclined load on the left first molar, and a100N vertical load on the lower incisors. The stress distribution in the peri-implant bone, attachments, and the biomechanical behaviors of the overdentures were analyzed.

Results

Despite different distribution of implants, the maximum stress values in peri-implant bone remained within the physiological threshold for all models across three loading conditions. The dispersed implant distribution design (implant in the canine area) exhibited the highest maximum stress in peri-implant bone (822.8 µe) and the attachments (275 MPa) among the three IOD models. The CD model demonstrated highest peak pressure on mucosa under three loading conditions (0.8188 Mpa). The contact area between the denture and mucosa of the CD model was smaller than that in the IOD models under molar loading, yet it was larger in the CD model compared to the IOD model under anterior loading. However, the contact area between the denture and mucosa under anterior loading in all models was significantly smaller than those under molar loading. The IOD in all three models exhibited significantly less rotational movement than the complete denture. Different implant positions had minimal impact on the rotational movement of the IOD.

Conclusion

IOD with implants in canine area exhibited the highest maximum stress in the peri-implant bone and attachments, and demonstrated increased rotational movement. The maximum principal stress was concentrated around the neck of the small diameter one-piece implant, rather than in the abutment. An overdenture retained by two implants showed better stability than a complete denture.
Clinical characterization and outcomes of impulse oscillometry-defined bronchodilator response: an ECOPD cohort-based study
Authors: Lu Lifei , Wu Fan , Peng Jieqi , Wu Xiaohui , Hou Xiangqing , Zheng Youlan , Yang Huajing , Deng Zhishan , Dai Cuiqiong , Zhao Ningning , Zhou Kunning , Wan Qi , Tang Gaoying , Cui Jiangyu , Yu Shuqing , Luo Xiangwen , Yang Changli , Chen Shengtang , Ran Pixin , Zhou Yumin
Published: March 2024

Background

The clinical significance of the impulse oscillometry-defined small airway bronchodilator response (IOS-BDR) is not well-known. Accordingly, this study investigated the clinical characteristics of IOS-BDR and explored the association between lung function decline, acute respiratory exacerbations, and IOS-BDR.

Methods

Participants were recruited from an Early Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (ECOPD) cohort subset and were followed up for two years with visits at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was defined as a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio < 0.70. IOS-BDR was defined as meeting any one of the following criteria: an absolute change in respiratory system resistance at 5 Hz ≤ − 0.137 kPa/L/s, an absolute change in respiratory system reactance at 5 Hz ≥ 0.055 kPa/L/s, or an absolute change in reactance area ≤ − 0.390 kPa/L. The association between IOS-BDR and a decline in lung function was explored with linear mixed-effects model. The association between IOS-BDR and the risk of acute respiratory exacerbations at the two-year follow-up was analyzed with the logistic regression model.

Results

This study involved 466 participants (92 participants with IOS-BDR and 374 participants without IOS-BDR). Participants with IOS-BDR had higher COPD assessment test and modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale scores, more severe emphysema, air trapping, and rapid decline in FVC than those without IOS-BDR over 2-year follow-up. IOS-BDR was not associated with the risk of acute respiratory exacerbations at the 2-year follow-up.

Conclusions

The participants with IOS-BDR had more respiratory symptoms, radiographic structural changes, and had an increase in decline in lung function than those without IOS-BDR.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900024643. Registered on 19 July, 2019.
Novel insights and new therapeutic potentials for macrophages in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Zuo Yifan , Li Boyang , Gao Minglang , Xiong Rui , He Ruyuan , Li Ning , Geng Qing
Published: March 2024

Inflammation and immune processes underlie pulmonary hypertension progression. Two main different activated phenotypes of macrophages, classically activated M1 macrophages and alternatively activated M2 macrophages, are both involved in inflammatory processes related to pulmonary hypertension. Recent advances suggest that macrophages coordinate interactions among different proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators, and other cellular components such as smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. In this review, we summarize the current literature on the role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, including the origin of pulmonary macrophages and their response to triggers of pulmonary hypertension. We then discuss the interactions among macrophages, cytokines, and vascular adventitial fibroblasts in pulmonary hypertension, as well as the potential therapeutic benefits of macrophages in this disease. Identifying the critical role of macrophages in pulmonary hypertension will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of this pathophysiological abnormality, and may provide new perspectives for pulmonary hypertension management.
A novel quinoline with airway relaxant effects and anti-inflammatory properties
Authors: Bergwik Jesper , Liu Jielu , Padra Médea , Bhongir Ravi K. V. , Tanner Lloyd , Xiang Yujiao , Lundblad Mia , Egesten Arne , Adner Mikael
Published: March 2024

Background

In chronic pulmonary diseases characterized by inflammation and airway obstruction, such as asthma and COPD, there are unmet needs for improved treatment. Quinolines is a group of small heterocyclic compounds that have a broad range of pharmacological properties. Here, we investigated the airway relaxant and anti-inflammatory properties of a novel quinoline (RCD405).

Methods

The airway relaxant effect of RCD405 was examined in isolated airways from humans, dogs, rats and mice. Murine models of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma and LPS-induced airway inflammation were used to study the effects in vivo. RCD405 (10 mg/kg) or, for comparisons in selected studies, budesonide (3 mg/kg), were administered intratracheally 1 h prior to each challenge. Airway responsiveness was determined using methacholine provocation. Immune cell recruitment to bronchi was measured using flow cytometry and histological analyses were applied to investigate cell influx and goblet cell hyperplasia of the airways. Furthermore, production of cytokines and chemokines was measured using a multiplex immunoassay. The expression levels of asthma-related genes in murine lung tissue were determined by PCR. The involvement of NF-κB and metabolic activity was measured in the human monocytic cell line THP-1.

Results

RCD405 demonstrated a relaxant effect on carbachol precontracted airways in all four species investigated (potency ranking: human = rat > dog = mouse). The OVA-specific IgE and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were significantly reduced by intratracheal treatment with RCD405, while no significant changes were observed for budesonide. In addition, administration of RCD405 to mice significantly decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines as well as recruitment of immune cells to the lungs in both OVA- and LPS-induced airway inflammation, with a similar effect as for budesonide (in the OVA-model). However, the effect on gene expression of Il-4, IL-5 and Il-13 was more pronounced for RCD405 as compared to budesonide. Finally, in vitro, RCD405 reduced the LPS-induced NF-κB activation and by itself reduced cellular metabolism.

Conclusions

RCD405 has airway relaxant effects, and it reduces AHR as well as airway inflammation in the models used, suggesting that it could be a clinically relevant compound to treat inflammatory airway diseases. Possible targets of this compound are complexes of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in decreased metabolic activity of targeted cells as well as through pathways associated to NF-κB. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the mode of action.
Elevated levels of plasma inactive stromal cell derived factor-1α predict poor long-term outcomes in diabetic patients following percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Chikata Yuichi , Iwata Hiroshi , Miyosawa Katsutoshi , Naito Ryo , Koike Takuma , Moriya Soshi , Yasuda Hidetoshi , Funamizu Takehiro , Doi Shinichiro , Endo Hirohisa , Wada Hideki , Ogita Manabu , Dohi Tomotaka , Kasai Takatoshi , Isoda Kikuo , Okazaki Shinya , Miyauchi Katsumi , Minamino Tohru
Published: March 2024

Background

Since the complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), appropriate risk estimation is needed in diabetic patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, there is no useful biomarker to predict outcomes in this population. Although stromal cell derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), a circulating chemokine, was shown to have cardioprotective roles, the prognostic impact of SDF-1α in diabetic patients with CAD is yet to be fully elucidated. Moreover, roles of SDF-1α isoforms in outcome prediction remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prognostic implication of three forms of SDF-1α including total, active, and inactive forms of SDF-1α in patients with DM and after PCI.

Methods

This single-center retrospective analysis involved consecutive patients with diabetes who underwent PCI for the first time between 2008 and 2018 (n = 849). Primary and secondary outcome measures were all-cause death and the composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke (3P-MACE), respectively. For determining plasma levels of SDF-1α, we measured not only total, but also the active type of SDF-1α by ELISA. Inactive isoform of the SDF-1α was calculated by subtracting the active isoform from total SDF-1α.

Results

Unadjusted Kaplan–Meier analyses revealed increased risk of both all-cause death and 3P-MACE in patients with elevated levels of inactive SDF-1α. However, plasma levels of total and active SDF-1α were not associated with cumulative incidences of outcome measures. Multivariate Cox hazard analyses repeatedly indicated the 1 higher log-transformed inactive SDF-1α was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio (HR): 2.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28–5.34, p = 0.008) and 3P-MACE (HR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.12–5.46, p = 0.02). Moreover, the predictive performance of inactive SDF-1α was higher than that of total SDF-1α (C-statistics of inactive and total SDF-1α for all-cause death: 0.631 vs 0.554, for 3P-MACE: 0.623 vs 0.524, respectively).

Conclusion

The study results indicate that elevated levels of plasma inactive SDF-1α might be a useful indicator of poor long-term outcomes in diabetic patients following PCI.

Trial registration: This study describes a retrospective analysis of a prospective registry database of patients who underwent PCI at Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan (Juntendo Physicians’ Alliance for Clinical Trials, J-PACT), which is publicly registered (University Medical Information Network Japan—Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN-CTR 000035587).