bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myocardial β-Blockade as an Alternative to Cardioplegic Arrest during Coronary Artery Surgery
Authors: Mehlhorn U. , Sauer H. , Kuhn-Régnier F. , Südkamp M. , Dhein S. , Eberhard F. , Grond S. , Horst M. , Hekmat K. , Geissler H.J. , Warters R. D. , Allen S.J. , de Vivie E. Rainer
Published: September 2024

The authors' recent experimental work has demonstrated that myocardial protection using continuous coronary perfusion with warm β-blocker-enriched blood avoids myocardial ischaemia and minimizes myocardial oedema formation, thus completely preserving left ventricle function. The purpose of this clinical study was to compare this alternative technique in terms of structural and functional myocardial protection with the routinely used crystalloid Bretschneider cardioplegia. Sixty coronary artery surgery patients were randomized to receive either crystalloid cardioplegia or continuous coronary perfusion with warm blood enriched with the ultra-short acting β-blocker esmolol. Cardiac function was evaluated using transoesophageal echocardiography (fractional area of contraction) and cardiac metabolism using arterial-coronary sinus lactate concentration difference (a — CSDLAC). From left ventricular biopsies, the authors determined myocardial oedema, heat-shock-protein-70. intercellular-adhesion-molecule and actin pattern. Patients with crystalloid cardioplegia received 3.6 ± 0.8 grafts during 64 ± 20 min cross-clamp time (β-blocker: 3.5 ± 0.9 grafts during 68 ± 22 min; NS). Following cross-clamp removal crystalloid cardioplegia hearts released significant lactate amounts (a −CSDLAC − 1.0 ± 0.6 versus − 0.1 ± 0.2 mmol/litre in β-blocker hearts; P < 0.05). In crystalloid cardioplegia hearts, myocardial water content increased from 82.1 ± 2.1% pre-cardiopulmonary bypass to 83.2 ± 1.7% at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass ( P < 0.05); in β blocker hearts myocardial water content remained unchanged (pre-cardiopulmonary bypass: 82.3 ± 1.9%; end of cardiopulmonary bypass: 82.4 ± 1.7%; NS). At the end of cardiopulmonary bypass, left ventricular biopsies of β-blocker hearts showed less structural damage as determined by heat shock protein-70. intercellular adhesion molecule-I and deranged actin cross-striation pattern as compared with crystalloid cardioplegia hearts ( P < 0.05). The postcardiopulmonary bypass fractional area of contraction was similar in both groups (β-blocker: 65 ± 14%; crystalloid cardioplegia: 62 ± 16%); however, β-blocker patients required less inotropic stimulation (dopamine: β-blocker: 2.9 ± 2.5 versus crystalloid cardioplegia: 5.0 ± 2.3 μg/kg per min: P < 0.05). The data suggest that continuous coronary perfusion with warm esmolol-enriched blood results in better myocardial protection compared with crystalloid cardioplegia. It is concluded that the concept of β-blocker-induced cardiac surgical conditions may be a useful alternative for myocardial protection during coronary artery surgery.
Cationic Polymerization of Benzoxazine Monomers by Boron Trifluoride Complex
Authors: Cid José A. , Wang Yong-Xia , Ishida Hatsuo
Published: September 2024

Purified monofunctional benzoxazine monomers have very low reactivity, and some of them do not polymerize at all after several hours using the usual thermally initiated method. In this work a boron trifluoride complex with water was used to initiate the polymerization of some of the monofunctional benzoxazine monomers that do not polymerize when heated. The reactions were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The influence of the amine basicity on reactivity was investigated as well as the behavior of a bifunctional monomer. A new proposition for the benzoxazine polymerization mechanism, based on the experimental data, is discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Dextrin-Polyacrylamide Hybrid Size for Cotton
Authors: Hashem M. M. , Higazy A. , Hebeish A.
Published: September 2024

The polymerization of acrylamide with dextrin was effected using ceric ammonium sulphate (Ce+4), ammonium persulphate, benzoyl peroxide, potassium permanganate/citric acid and hydrogen peroxide/ferrous ions as initiators. While the first three initiators are capable of inducing grafting of acrylamide onto dextrin in a decreasing order, the last two initiators fail to do so. For optimization, the Ce+4 was used under various conditions. Polymerization of acrylamide with dextrin gives a hybrid, the composition of which is largely determined by the monomer ratio in the polymerization system and the graft yield. Viscosity, solubility and hardness of the cast film depend on graft yield and type of dextrin used. Polyacrylamide-dextrin hybrid samples with viscosity values of 35-150 mPa.s were applied to light cotton fabric as the sizing agent. The fabric was evaluated for size add-on, size removal, breaking load and elongation at break.
Unravelling the Academic Tapestry of Social Marketing: A Bibliometric Analysis and Research Agenda
Authors: Dharmendra Choudhary G.  , Suresh J. Arul
Published: September 2024

In today’s dynamic world, social marketing has become an effective means for inspiring behaviour change, supporting social causes and solving pressing societal concerns. In the past 10 years (2013–2022), research in social marketing has gained momentum owing to its growing popularity among scholars and practitioners. Using bibliometric analysis, this study provides insights into the influential aspects of social marketing in terms of prominent authors, leading journals and countries. We used VOSviewer and Biblioshiny software packages to conduct bibliometric research of 718 articles in social marketing retrieved from the Scopus database. The results indicate a considerable emphasis on social marketing campaigns geared towards adults, focusing on blood donation, health promotion, female-centric interventions and public health issues. Furthermore, Australia and the United States emerged as the leading countries in social marketing research. Also, the findings help us identify scientific collaborations of countries, which might assist future researchers in establishing partnerships with authors with similar research interests.
Exploring the Impact and Prospects of Social Media in Advancing Pediatric Pathology
Authors: Schukow Casey P. , Herndon Charles , Lopez-Nunez Oscar F. , Chen Sonja D. , Kahwash Samir
Published: September 2024

Social media has been recently highlighted as a unique and modern virtual force that allows for worldwide connection, collaboration, communication, and engagement between pathologists, trainees, and medical students. Much literature has been focused on the role of social media in recruitment and medical education practices of different pathology subspecialties, such as dermatopathology and hematopathology. However, current literature on pathology social media’s status and potential future roles in promoting pediatric pathology is sparse. Herein, this review intends to narrow this knowledge gap by reviewing how social media has been utilized in different pediatric subspecialties, the current use of social media in pathology, and how the future of pediatric pathology social media use may look moving forward regarding education, research, and recruitment. Specific tips and related online resources are provided.
South Korean foreign policy signalling: The rise and fall of unreciprocated costly signals between 2013 and 2023
Authors: Paek Sunwoo , Lee Dong Sun
Published: September 2024

Over the past decade, the government of the Republic of Korea showed a puzzling attitude towards foreign policy signalling. Seoul did not demand costly signals from Beijing and Pyongyang to ascertain their cooperative intents. Moreover, Seoul showed eagerness to unilaterally send the rivals costly signals to convey its intention to cooperate. We aim to explain Seoul’s engagement in unreciprocated costly signalling that diverges from mainstream theoretical expectations. We argue that the unreciprocated signalling stemmed from Seoul’s belief that Beijing and Pyongyang might not know its own cooperative intent, whereas the latter two countries’ cooperative intents were already sufficiently clear to Seoul. Therefore, Seoul reasoned that sending costly signals was crucial to convince Beijing and Pyongyang of its trustworthiness whereas such signals from the rivals were unnecessary. To support this argument, we draw on interviews with senior Republic of Korea officials, along with primary and secondary documents available in Korean and English.
National Initiative Pivots Amid a Global Pandemic: Lessons Learned From the InSideOut Initiative
Authors: Milroy Jeffrey J. , Davoren Ann Kearns , Hebard Stephen , Grist Pauline , Kelly Samantha , Weaver GracieLee , Wyrick David L.
Published: September 2024

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) caused disruptions and challenges across the globe, and many public health interventions focused on addressing immediate and emergent needs directly related to COVID-19. At the same time, other community health needs persisted, and intervention collaborators faced new challenges with reaching their communities. One such intervention was the InSideOut Initiative, a systems approach aimed at creating more supportive cultures for school-aged athletes by assisting school leaders, athletics administrators, and coaches with developing social and emotional competencies. Formerly, an initiative dependent on in-person trainings, as a result of COVID-19, InSideOut needed to pivot their approach. InSideOut executives and intervention collaborators were interviewed to better understand what adaptations were made and what lessons were learned to continue their mission. Findings point to three primary themes: prioritizing the community, implementation innovations, and being open to content additions and adaptations. Future public health interventions could benefit from incorporating community assessment, remaining open to social innovation, actively looking for new solutions, and integrating formative, process, and outcome evaluation processes.
Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair of Complex Aneurysm Using the Anaconda Fenestrated Device: 1-Year Results From the French Multicenter Registry
Authors: Oliny Alexandre , Vasseur Marc-Antoine , Frisch Nicolas , Alimi Yves , Omnes Virgile , Ducasse Eric , Albertini Jean-Noël , Millon Antoine
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the fenestrated Anaconda device for the treatment of complex aortic aneurysms over 1 year in daily clinical practice.

Materials and Methods:

All patients who received the graft between October 2019 and October 2020 were prospectively enrolled in an observational, multicenter national registry. The primary endpoint was the aneurysm-related 1-year mortality rate. Secondary endpoints included all-cause mortality, technical success, device-related adverse events (AEs) and major complications, secondary reinterventions, endoleaks, target vessel (TV) outcomes, and a center-volume analysis comparing mortality and secondary reintervention rate between expert centers (>15 F/BEVAR per year) and nonexpert centers (≤15 F/BEVAR per year).

Results:

Ninety-seven patients from 28 centers were treated. Aneurysms types included juxta-renal and short neck (84.6%), pararenal (5.2%), paravisceral (3.1%), and type IV thoracoabdominal (2.5%). Configurations with 1, 2, 3, and 4 fenestrations were used in 2, 12, 18, and 65 cases, respectively, totaling 350 TVs. Technical success was 98.0%, with 1 type Ic and 1 type IIIc endoleak. Mean follow-up was 468 days. Ten patients died, with 8 deaths (8.2%) due to non-aortic causes and 2 deaths (2.1%) from unknown causes. The estimated 1-year survival rate was 92.7% (95% CI: 87.8-98.1%). The reintervention rate at 30 days was 11.3% and the estimated reintervention rate at 1 year was 21.6% (95% CI: 12.7-29.6%). No type Ia endoleak occurred during follow-up. Three type III endoleaks occurred and required reintervention. Three TV occlusion occurred, yielding a 1-year TVI-free rate of 92.4% (95% CI: 89.4-99.3). No device-related major complication was recorded, and 3 device-related AEs occurred: 1 limb migration, 1 limb kinking and 1 limb thrombosis. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality and survival without reintervention between expert and nonexpert centers (Log rank p=0.52 and p=0.16, respectively).

Conclusion:

The fenestrated Anaconda device demonstrated acceptable early and at 1-year safety and efficacy for treating primarily juxta-renal and short-neck aortic aneurysms, in centers with varying levels of experience.

Clinical Impact

The Anaconda Fenestrated, as the second commercially available custom-made device for complex endovascular aortic surgery, might adress some anatomical challenges. Following market authorization, this registry presents the 1-year outcomes of real-world device usage in a large number of centers, including small clinics. The results indicate that the device provided adequate efficacy and safety for treating mostly juxta-renal and short neck aneurysms, with notable improvement in technical success rate compared to older reports.
Book Review: The Authenticity Industries: Keeping It “Real” in Media, Culture, and Politics
Authors: Homant Ellie
Published: September 2024

In The Authenticity Industries: Keeping It “Real” in Media, Culture, and Politics, journalist-turned-media studies professor Michael Serazio helps us understand how authenticity gets constructed, by whom, and to what ends. Serazio argues that authenticity is “nothing short of the central moral framework of our time”: on a quest to alleviate the anxieties and pressures of modern life, we pursue an inner sense of self—one purportedly unaffected by contemporary economic and social forces (p. 2). However, a careful choreography goes into authentic performance, professionalized by what Serazio dubs the “authenticity industries”: a subset of cultural industries including reality television, music, and politics. Through an analysis of more than seventy interviews and extensive press coverage, Michael Serazio argues that authenticity has become more important, and more profitable, than ever before amidst a reality of alienating technological standardization and capitalistic marketplace motives.
The Price of Legislative Success: The President's Legislative Agenda and Midterm Seat Loss
Authors: Holt Jacob
Published: September 2024

The president’s party normally loses seats in the House of Representatives during US midterm elections. While many studies have examined the causes of seat loss, one area often mentioned by media pundits but not examined in midterm elections is the role of presidential agendas. In this paper, I examine whether legislative success is costly for the president’s party during midterm elections. I find passing a larger number of legislative items and passing a larger percentage of the president’s agenda costs the president’s party seats in the midterm election. However, the president’s party only suffers this penalty when the president’s party also controls Congress. The president’s party is not punished for legislative success when the president serves under divided government.
Photovoice Reimagined: A Guide to Supporting the Participation of Students With Intellectual Disabilities in Research
Authors: Mannion Nicola , Fitzgerald Johanna , Tynan Fionnuala
Published: September 2024

Article 12 of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (1989) sets out the right for all children to be heard and for their opinions to be given due weight. However, the voices of children with disabilities often remain silenced as their perspectives are rarely consulted. This paper describes how a visual, participatory research method called Photovoice was used to elicit the voices of students with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) in mainstream post-primary schools in the Republic of Ireland. Thirteen students with ID in four schools across Ireland participated by taking photographs of aspects of their school life that were meaningful to them. Photographs focused on places, spaces, objects and examples of learning, including their role in decision making. This paper details the stages of the Photovoice method which was adapted to support students to participate in the research process. It provides guidance on how to address the ethical and methodological concerns which arise when researching with children. It outlines a two-step approach to analysis, where participating students interpreted and created meaning which was further developed by the Principal Investigator. Employing Photovoice repositions students in this study as co-researchers and co-creators of meaning. Its use operationalises Lundy’s Model of Participation (2007) by providing space, voice, audience and influence which are necessary for children to express their views and have their voices heard in an ethical and inclusive manner.
The Effect of Polyphenolic Extracts from 10 New Zealand Kiwifruit Cultivars in Inhibiting Tyrosinase Enzyme Activity In vitro
Authors: Carroll Andrew M. , Sawyer Gregory M. , Favre Laurie , McGhie Tony K. , Lomiwes Dominic , Hurst Roger D.
Published: September 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of polyphenolic extracts from different kiwifruit genotypes to affect tyrosinase enzyme activity and determine potential relationships between tyrosinase inhibition and polyphenolic composition. To date, research on the tyrosinase inhibitory bioactivity of kiwifruit have focused on a single A. chinensis cultivar. Given the numerous genotypes of kiwifruit commercially grown have varying compositions, and a variety of polyphenolic compounds present within each of these cultivars, the full potential of the tyrosinase inhibitory of kiwifruit has not been fully evaluated.

Methods

The polyphenolic composition of ethanol extracts from the cortical flesh of 10 kiwifruit genotypes was characterized using high-resolution accurate mass liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The tyrosinase activity of each extract was measured spectrophotometrically in vitro. Multivariate analysis was subsequently conducted to identify kiwifruit compounds that may correlate with tyrosinase enzyme inhibition.

Results

The kiwifruit extracts displayed a broad range of tyrosinase inhibitory activity with some extracts having minimal or no inhibitory effect while the most potent extract showed 33.54 ± 1.59% inhibition ( P < 0.01) at a dose of 125 µg/mL. Multivariate analysis of polyphenolic and tyrosinase inhibition data identified that polymeric procyanidins likely explain the tyrosinase inhibitory ability and the differences between genotypes. This was confirmed by the high relative concentrations of these procyanidins in extracts that exhibited tyrosinase inhibitory properties, while being absent or at low concentrations in extracts that did not.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that some polyphenol kiwifruit extracts inhibit tyrosinase activity. The variability in the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of polyphenol extracts from 10 kiwifruit genotypes is attributed to the differences in the relative concentrations of polymeric procyanidins in these extracts. These results highlight that the tyrosinase inhibitory properties of kiwifruit genotypes could be examined further to support the development of kiwifruit-based cosmetic products.
Antibacterial Properties of Phytochemicals Isolated from Leaves of Alstonia boonei and Aerial Parts of Ipomoea cairica
Authors: Gumula Ivan , Kyarimpa Christine , Nanyonga Sarah Kiwanuka , Kwesiga George , Busulwa George , Opio Boniface , Heydenreich Mathias , Omara Timothy
Published: September 2024

Objective

The leaves of Alstonia boonei and aerial parts of Ipomoea cairica are used for treatment of microbial infections among other ailments in African traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial phytochemicals in A. boonei leaves and Ipomoea cairica aerial parts to validate their traditional use in Ugandan herbal medicine.

Methods

The plant materials were separately extracted using a dichloromethane/methanol (1:1) solvent system and subjected to repeated chromatographic separation to isolate pure compounds. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were determined through 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 2D NMR (COSY, HSQC and HMBC). The antibacterial activity of the extracts and pure compounds were assessed using the agar well diffusion method.

Results

Chromatographic fractionation of the extracts yielded trans-fagaramide and a pentacyclic lupane-type triterpenoid, lupeol, from A. boonei, and friedelin from I. cairica. Trans-fagaramide was identified for the first time in the Alstonia genus while friedelin was identified for the first time in I. cairica. The isolated compounds demonstrated antibacterial activity, with trans-fagaramide showing a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 μg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 250 μg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. Friedelin exhibited a MIC of 125 μg/mL against Escherichia coli and 250 μg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi.

Conclusion

The antibacterial activities observed in this study support the traditional use of A. boonei and I. cairica by indigenous communities in Uganda for treating microbial infections.
Effects of Pilates Exercise Training on Static Balance and Lower Limbs Proprioception in Adult Females With and Without Flexible Flatfeet
Authors: Ghorbani Maryam , Yaali Rasoul , Sadeghi Hassan , Granacher Urs
Published: September 2024

Background

It is well known that flatfeet are associated with a higher incidence of lower limb injuries in different populations. Thus, we examine how Pilates exercise training affects static balance and ankle and knee proprioception in females with and without flexible flatfeet. Study Design. Case series; Level of evidence.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study involves 91 healthy 18- to 25-year-old female university students. The Navicular Drop Test was used to diagnose flatfeet. Pilates included core strength, balance, and flexibility exercises for 16 weeks. Static balance was assessed using the sharpened Romberg test and ankle and knee joint proprioception were measured using joint position reproduction tests. The Wilcoxon test indicated within-group pre–post improvements in static balance, and ankle and knee joint proprioception in the Pilates and the healthy control group (P < .05).

Results

The between-group comparisons at post-test showed significant differences for joint position reproduction test of the dorsiflexion (P < .05, η2 = 0.10) and the plantarflexion (P < 0.05, η2 = 0.08) in favor of the healthy controls group. Joint proprioception of ankle and knee was positively correlated with increasing static balance in the healthy control group.

Conclusion

The results showed that Pilates has the potential to improve static balance, and ankle and knee proprioception. However, it did not improve postural control and proprioception in individuals with flatfeet. Our findings advise combining Pilates with other interventions to develop flexible flatfeet in females.

Levels of Evidence:

Level I
The evolving reality of digital health
Authors: Bit-Avragim Nana , Bousquet Jean , Cantù Stefano , Omboni Stefano , Ravot Elisabetta , Tunnah Paul
Published: September 2024

Myriad digital health interventions, applications, devices and technologies have, and are, being developed to help refine and personalise medicine from the patient, healthcare professional (HCP), healthcare system and industry perspectives. At a gathering of leaders in digital health, discussion included the current landscape of such digital health tools (DHTs), with specific examples from cardiology and respiratory medicine, and both the benefits and sometime downfalls of such tools. While DHTs can help patients and HCPs detect and monitor health conditions, the experts discussed how adoption of DHTs may be hampered by issues such as access to technology; data privacy and security concerns; technology integration into current healthcare systems; cost and reimbursement; and lack of guidelines and regulatory hurdles. The experts suggested solutions to such issues, including wider availability of healthcare ‘booths’ local to a patient; easy to understand and use phone applications; patient and HCP incentives to use DHTs and clear paths to adoption within a healthcare system. These should help with integration of DHTs into the healthcare system to aid shared decision-making and, ultimately, streamline and personalise healthcare for all.
Analysis on childhood fever health information seeking behaviors in online health community using a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Pan Xuan , Tang Zhuoyuan , Liu Ying , Ren Jingjing
Published: September 2024

Objective

The primary aim of this study is to analyze health information seeking behaviors of users related to child fever within online health communities. The findings will serve as a foundation for the development of targeted interventions and resources for addressing the specific information needs related to child fever. Ultimately, this will enhance parental capabilities in managing fever in children and for improving the quality of communication between healthcare professionals and parents dealing with feverish children.

Methods

This study employed data crawling to gather Q&A data on childhood fever from online health communities, specifically “haodf.com” between March 15, 2022, and March 15, 2023. A total of 47,781 texts were analyzed using a mixed research approach that combines qualitative text topic analysis with BERTopic algorithm.

Results

The health information needs regarding children's fever can be categorized into 6 primary topics and 17 secondary topics. Among them, parents’ demand for medication consultation and medical guidance (Topic A) was the highest at 45.40%, followed by information concerning the management of fever symptoms and body temperature in children (Topic B) at 30.35%. 13.24% of the data focused on examination recommendations and interpretation of results (Topic C).

Conclusions

This study proposes a mixed thematic analysis method combining qualitative text thematic analysis and the BERTopic topic model, which reveals parents’ information-seeking behaviors about children with fever. It emphasizes the challenges faced by parents in assessing their children's condition and highlights the necessity of continuous health information support and evidence-based medical knowledge. This can promote the improvement of medical services, optimize doctor–patient communication, strengthen patient information support, and optimize the content of online health communities.
Out With the Hero: How TikTok Everyday Stories Are Re-writing the Arctic
Authors: Frenette Arielle , Millette Mélanie , Desbiens Caroline
Published: September 2024

With the rapid growth of TikTok in the last few years, we have seen the emergence of global influencers from diverse backgrounds, whose popularity is enhanced by TikTok’s specific content-based algorithm. In North America, the meta-hashtag #NativeTikTok has become a sharing space for a diverse Indigenous online community. Among these, several young Inuit women have acquired a large fanbase, allowing them to display their culture to a vast public, as well as to bring awareness to issues relating to the Arctic. In this article, we analyze how TikTok became a scale-shifting media for contemporary self-affirmation and displaying of Inuit culture. Drawing data from a case study of six Inuit influencers and an online thematic analysis of their content, we discuss definitions of Inuit authenticity on digital screenscapes, before presenting an analysis of content shared by young Inuit influencers to better understand specific forms of storytelling on TikTok and tensions pertaining to authentic cultural self-presentation. We argue that the TikTok platform provides an efficient tool for young Inuit women to engage with, learn about, and display their culture in their own terms, self-presenting as diverse and modern, in contrast with colonial Inuit imageries.
Hashtag activism on Twitter: The effects of who, what, when, and how a tweet is sent for promoting citizens’ engagement with climate change
Authors: Estrella-Ramón Antonia , Gálvez-Rodríguez María del Mar , Herrada-Lores Sara
Published: September 2024

Online engagement is key to sustaining online connective action over time. However, there is limited research on how social media messages can trigger diverse connective actions, quantifying more precisely the different forms of online engagement generated with social protest, especially those related with environment and climate change. To this end, this study analyses a random sample of tweets containing #fridaysforfuture to identify which message characteristics motivate people to engage online in the digitally networked action against climate change. Results evidence that depends on who send messages (Greta Thunberg and icon-influencers), what content (“not supporting the movement” and “information about COVID-19 and digital strikes”), when (during business hours), and how (audiovisual format and other hashtags), higher levels of online engagement with #fridaysforfuture are generated via retweets, cited tweets, likes, comments, and replies to comments. This study contributes to previous literature expanding the empirical applications of the connective action theory, using a broader and deeper metric of online engagement with social movements, and providing a bigger picture on the debate on the importance of message strategies to generate higher engagement with social protest. This research offers implications to optimize message design, fine-tune communication strategy in general, and, in the case of social movements, to reinforce digitally networked action.
Research on Unmanned Smart Hotels Resistance from the Perspective of Innovation Resistance Theory
Authors: Yang Yingying , Lu Peng , Niu Yuanyuan , Yuan Guohong
Published: September 2024

With the development of Artificial intelligence (AI) technology, more and more AI-based smart devices are being applied in the service. Although this brings many benefits to enterprises and consumers, AI’s rapid development and application also induces consumers’ anxiety. This negative emotion affects consumers’ cognitive decision-making process. However, previous studies have focused more on the impact of positive emotion induced by AI and less on negative emotion induced by AI. Therefore, this paper starts from the negative emotion induced by AI and builds an influencing factor model of unmanned smart hotels (USH) resistance guided by feelings-as-information theory (FIT) and innovation resistance theory (IRT). Based on 355 questionnaires, the data are empirically tested. The results show that surveillance anxiety and delegation anxiety induced by AI positively impact functional barriers evaluation of USH, and functional barriers evaluation of USH has a positive impact on USH resistance. This paper enriches the research results in AI and USH by exploring the factors affecting USH resistance and providing suggestions for USH’s future development.
Color of the Plateware Modulates Taste Expectation and Perception of Chocolates
Authors: Onuma Takuya
Published: September 2024

An increasing number of studies have shown that several factors other than food and drink itself, such as design of packaging, cutlery and plateware, slightly but significantly affect taste/flavor perception of food and drink. This study aimed to broaden the knowledge by investigating the influence of the color of the plateware both on expectation and perception of chocolate taste/flavor by applying a between-participants design. Participants (48 Japanese university students) were presented with four different chocolates, and rated their expected (pre-tasting) and perceived (post-tasting) taste/flavor of the chocolates. While half of the participants were presented with the chocolates on red platewares, the other half on black platewares. The results showed that, whereas the chocolates were expected as more bitter when presented on the red plateware than the black plateware, they were perceived as sweeter when tasted from the red plateware than the black plateware. The observed discrepancy between pre-tasting expectation and post-tasting perception cannot be simply explained by sensation transference (i.e., expectation assimiliation), which would have predict that both expected and percieved sweetness would be enhanced in the red plateware condition. Possible explanations and practical implications are also discussed.
Examining Enactments of Project-based Learning in Secondary English Language Arts
Authors: Boardman Alison G. , Polman Joseph L. , Scornavacco Karla , Potvin Ashley Seidel , Garcia Antero , Dalton Bridget , Stamatis Kristina , Guggenheim Aaron , Alzen Jessica L.
Published: September 2024

Project-based learning (PBL) grounds instruction in authentic learning experiences where students engage in real-world explorations that culminate in a final product or performance. We report on a mixed methods study with 43 ninth-grade English language arts (ELA) teachers (22 PBL and 21 comparison) and 1,671 students exploring the feasibility of enacting PBL in ELA classrooms and examining how teachers and students perceived this approach to learning. PBL teachers enacted PBL design principles significantly more than comparison teachers. The majority of PBL teachers perceived positive instructional shifts including more student-centered and authentic learning, more student choice, and greater student engagement. Many teachers also expressed a sense of renewal and passion. Students in PBL classrooms reported more meaningful learning experiences, opportunities for collaboration, and other aspects of social and emotional learning. We discuss tensions, including the challenge of covering required content and skills within a PBL-focused classroom.
The Impact and Implementation of Academic Interventions During COVID-19: Evidence from the Road to Recovery Project
Authors: Carbonari Maria V. , Davison Miles , DeArmond Michael , Dewey Daniel , Dizon-Ross Elise , Goldhaber Dan , Hashim Ayesha K. , Kane Thomas J. , McEachin Andrew , Morton Emily , Muroga Atsuko , Patterson Tyler , Staiger Douglas O.
Published: September 2024

Pandemic-era disruptions to schooling resulted in academic setbacks for many students. To help students catch up, school districts nationwide are implementing a range of academic recovery interventions. In this paper, we use multiple data sources to evaluate the impact and implementation of academic recovery interventions in four school districts during the 2021-2022 school year. Our estimates suggest the interventions failed to reach the expected number of students and had little detectable impact on students’ test scores. Interviews with district officials highlight a host of challenges districts faced during the 2021-2022 school year. Considering the overall scale of pandemic learning loss, our results raise urgent questions about the adequacy of academic recovery efforts relative to students’ needs. The results also have implications for how districts might respond to disrupted learning in the future (e.g. in the wake of natural disasters).
Professionals’ perspectives on neurodiversity-affirmative autism diagnostic assessment
Authors: Pritchard-Rowe Emma , Gibson Jenny
Published: September 2024

Autism diagnostic assessment for children and young people tends to focus on within-individual ‘deficits’ and non-autistic interpretation of observable behaviours. In contrast, a neurodiversity-affirmative assessment involves centring autistic perspectives, focusing on strengths, differences and needs, and acknowledging the role of the environment. The present study was designed to focus on professionals’ perspectives on neurodiversity-affirmative autism diagnostic assessment. Autism community stakeholders were consulted on the design of the interview schedule. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 professionals aged 30 to 73 years who work in a multidisciplinary team within the United Kingdom. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Professionals described a holistic, balanced assessment involving assessing individual and contextual strengths and needs. According to professionals, assessing strengths could be beneficial for autistic children and young people's long-term wellbeing. Professionals also highlighted an autistic person-centred assessment and a strengths-and-needs-led, rather than diagnosis-led approach. These findings highlight the importance of a holistic, person-centred, strengths-and-needs-led assessment that has the potential to support autistic thriving.
Airway tapering in COPD
Authors: Bodduluri Sandeep , Nakhmani Arie , Kizhakke Puliyakote Abhilash S. , Reinhardt Joseph M. , Dransfield Mark T. , Bhatt Surya P.
Published: September 2024

Background

Luminal narrowing is a hallmark feature of airway remodelling in COPD, but current measures focus on airway wall remodelling. Quantification of the natural increase in cumulative cross-sectional area along the length of the human airway tree can facilitate assessment of airway narrowing.

Methods

We analysed the airway trees of 7641 subjects enrolled in the multicentre COPDGene cohort. Airway luminal tapering was assessed by estimating the slope of the change in cumulative cross-sectional area along the length of the airway tree over successive generations (T-Slope). We performed multivariable regression analyses to test the associations between T-Slope and lung function, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire score, modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) change, exacerbations and all-cause mortality after adjusting for demographics, emphysema measured as the percentage of voxels with density <−950 HU on inspiratory computed tomography scans (%CT emphysema) and total airway count.

Results

The mean±sdT-Slope decreased with increasing COPD severity: 2.69±0.70 mm−1in non-smokers and 2.33±0.70, 2.11±0.65, 1.78±0.58, 1.60±0.53 and 1.57±0.52 mm−1in GOLD stages 0 through 4, respectively (Jonckheere–Terpstra p=0.04). On multivariable analyses, T-Slope was independently associated with FEV1(β=0.13 (95% CI 0.10–0.15) L; p<0.001), 6MWD (β=15.0 (95% CI 10.8–19.2) m; p<0.001), change in FEV1(β= −4.50 (95% CI −7.32– −1.67) mL·year−1; p=0.001), exacerbations (incidence risk ratio 0.78 (95% CI 0.73–0.83); p<0.001) and mortality (hazard ratio 0.79 (95% CI 0.72–0.86); p<0.001).

Conclusion

T-Slope is a measure of airway luminal remodelling and is associated with respiratory morbidity and mortality.
Qin-Yu-Qing-Chang decoction reshapes colonic metabolism by activating PPAR-γ signaling to inhibit facultative anaerobes against DSS-induced colitis
Authors: Xu Feng , Hu Jingyi , Li Yanan , Cheng Cheng , Au Ryan , Tong Yiheng , Wu Yuguang , Cui Yuan , Fang Yulai , Chen Hongxin , Zhu Lei , Shen Hong
Published: September 2024

Background

Qin-Yu-Qing-Chang decoction (QYQC), an herbal formula from China, is extensively employed to manage ulcerative colitis (UC) and exhibits potential benefits for colonic function. Nevertheless, the fundamental molecular mechanisms of QYQC remain largely uncharted.

Methods

The primary constituents of QYQC were determined utilizing UHPLC-MS/MS analysis and the effectiveness of QYQC was assessed in a mouse model of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium. Evaluations of colon inflammatory responses and mucosal barrier function were thoroughly assessed. RNA sequencing, molecular docking, colonic energy metabolism, and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis were applied to uncover the complex mechanisms of QYQC in treating UC. Detect the signal transduction of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) both in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Furthermore, a PPAR-γ antagonist was strategically utilized to confirm the functional targets that QYQC exerts.

Results

Utilizing UHPLC-MS/MS, the principal constituents of the nine traditional Chinese medicinal herbs comprising QYQC were systematically identified. QYQC treatment substantially ameliorated colitis in mice, as evidenced by the improvement in symptoms and the reduction in colonic pathological injuries. Besides, QYQC treatment mitigated the inflammatory response and improved mucosal barrier function. Furthermore, QYQC enhanced the mitochondria citrate cycle (TCA cycle) by triggering PPAR-γ signaling and increasing the proportion of PPAR-γ entering the nucleus. This prevented the unconstrained expansion of facultative anaerobes, particularly pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli, family Enterobacteriaceae) and thus improved colitis. Results of molecular docking indicated that the representative chemical components of QYQC including Baicalin, Paeoniflorin, Mollugin, and Imperatorin bound well with PPAR-γ. The impact of QYQC on colitis was diminished in the presence of a PPAR-γ antagonist.

Conclusions

In summary, QYQC ameliorates UC by activating PPAR-γ signaling and increasing the proportion of PPAR-γ entering the nucleus, which enhances the energy metabolism of intestinal epithelial cells and thereby preventing the uncontrolled proliferation of facultative anaerobes.
Laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery for gastric subepithelial lesion during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for severe obesity
Authors: Miwa Takumi , Ishibashi Yuji , Hatao Fumihiko , Shimoji Kohei , Imamura Kazuhiro , Morita Yasuhiro
Published: September 2024

Background

The frequency of pathologies detected incidentally before, during, and after a bariatric surgery, such as subepithelial lesion (SEL) of the stomach, is likely to rise as bariatric surgery becomes more common.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old female patient presented with severe obesity, for which laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) was planned. During a preoperative examination, endoscopy revealed a 10 mm SEL in the posterior wall of the upper body of the stomach. Excision of the SEL was performed simultaneously with the LSG. Endoscopy demonstrated that the SEL was situated on the remnant side of the stomach. Endoscopic resection using laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery was performed for the SEL, and the thinned gastric wall was closed by hand-sewing. Thereafter, LSG was performed. Pathological analysis of the SEL led to a diagnosis of leiomyoma. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6.

Conclusion

Surgeons should be prepared to manage incidentally detected pathologies before, during, and after bariatric surgery and to choose the surgical method most suitable to the individual patient.
Regulation of intestinal epithelial homeostasis by mesenchymal cells
Authors: Kayama Hisako , Takeda Kiyoshi
Published: September 2024

The gastrointestinal tract harbors diverse microorganisms in the lumen. Epithelial cells segregate the luminal microorganisms from immune cells in the lamina propria by constructing chemical and physical barriers through the production of various factors to prevent excessive immune responses against microbes. Therefore, perturbations of epithelial integrity are linked to the development of gastrointestinal disorders. Several mesenchymal stromal cell populations, including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, pericytes, and myocytes, contribute to the establishment and maintenance of epithelial homeostasis in the gut through regulation of the self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of intestinal stem cells. Recent studies have revealed alterations in the composition of intestinal mesenchymal stromal cells in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. A better understanding of the interplay between mesenchymal stromal cells and epithelial cells associated with intestinal health and diseases will facilitate identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for gastrointestinal disorders. This review summarizes the key findings obtained to date on the mechanisms by which functionally distinct mesenchymal stromal cells regulate epithelial integrity in intestinal health and diseases at different developmental stages.
Comparison of patient-reported outcomes between alternative care provider-led and physician-led care for severe sleep disordered breathing: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: J. Santana Maria , Jaja Oyindamola , Duan Qiuli , D. Penz Erika , L. Fraser Kristin , J. Hanly Patrick , R. Pendharkar Sachin
Published: September 2024

Background

Previous research has suggested that alternative (respiratory) care providers (ACP) may provide affordable, accessible care for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) that decreases wait-times and improves clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to compare ACP-led and sleep physician-led care for SDB on patient reported outcome and experiences, with a focus on general and health-related quality of life, sleepiness, and patient satisfaction.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized trial in which participants with severe SDB were assigned to either ACP-led or physician-led management. We created longitudinal linear mixed models to assess the impacts of treatment arm and timepoint on total and domain-level scores of multiple patient-reported outcome measures and patient-reported experience measures.

Results

Patients in both treatment arms (ACP-led n = 81; sleep-physician = 75) reported improved outcomes on the Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index, Health Utilities Index, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Patients in each group had similar and clinically meaningful improvements on domains assessing cognition, emotion, and social functioning. The linear mixed models suggested no significant difference between treatment arms on the patient-reported outcomes. However, scores significantly improved over time.

Conclusions

Management of SDB using ACPs was comparable to physician-led care, as measured bypatient-reported outcome and experience measures. While loss to follow-up limits our findings, these results provide some support for the use of this novel health service delivery model to improve access to high quality SDB care.

Clinical trial registration

This is analysis of data from the study registered Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02191085).
Spectral period doubling and encoding of dissipative optical solitons via gain control
Authors: Yang Kangwen , Zhou Yi , Ling Yuqing , Tsia Kevin K. , Zeng Heping , Wong Kenneth K. Y.
Published: September 2024

Period-doubling bifurcation, as an intermediate state between order and chaos, is ubiquitous in all disciplines of nonlinear science. However, previous experimental observations of period doubling in ultrafast fiber lasers are mainly restricted to self-sustained steady state, controllable manipulation and dynamic switching between period doubling and other intriguing dynamical states are still largely unexplored. Here, we propose to expand the vision of dissipative soliton periodic doubling, which we illustrate experimentally by reporting original spontaneous, collisional, and controllable spectral period doubling in a polarization-maintaining ultrafast fiber laser. Specifically, the spontaneous period doubling can be observed in both single- and double-pulses. The mechanism of the switchable state and periodic doubling was revealed by numerical simulation. Moreover, state transformation of individual solitons can be resolved during the collision of triple solitons involving stationary, oscillating, and period doubling. Further, controllable deterministic switching between period doubling and other dynamical states, as well as exemplifying the application of period-doubling-based digital encoding, is achieved under programmable pump modulation. Our results open a new window for unveiling complex Hopf bifurcation in dissipative systems and bring useful insights into nonlinear science and applications.