bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and effectiveness of a two-tiered intervention involving training and a new consultation model for patients with palliative care needs in primary care: A before-after study
Authors: Seiça Cardoso Carlos , Prazeres Filipe , Oliveiros Bárbara , Nunes Cátia , Simões Pedro , Aires Carolina , Rita Patrícia , Penetra Joana , Lopes Paulo , Alcobia Sara , Baptista Sara , Venâncio Carla , Gomes Barbara
Published: January 2024

Background:

Evidence suggests that involving General Practitioners in the care of patients with palliative care needs may improve patient outcomes.

Aim:

To evaluate whether a two-tiered intervention involving training in palliative care and a new consultation model in primary care for patients with palliative care needs is feasible and could reduce patients’ symptom burden.

Design:

Before-after study including an internal pilot.

Setting/participants:

Nine general practitioners working in a health region in Portugal and 53 patients with palliative care needs from their patient lists were recruited. General Practitioners received training in palliative care and used a new primary palliative care consultation model, with medical consultations every 3 weeks for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was physical symptom burden, self-reported using the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) patient version (min.0–max.1000). Secondary outcomes included emotional symptoms (min.0–max.400) and communication/practical issues (min.0–max.300).

Results:

Of the 35/53 patients completed the 12-week intervention (mean age 72.53 years, SD = 13.45; 54.7% female). All had advanced disease: one third had cancer ( n = 13), one third had congestive heart failure ( n = 12); others had chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. After the 12 weeks of intervention, there was a reduction in physical symptom burden [mean difference from baseline of 71.42 (95%CI 37.01–105.85) with a medium-large effect size (0.71], and in emotional symptom burden [mean difference 42.86 (95%CI 16.14–69.58), with a medium effect size (0.55)]. No difference was found for communication/practical issues.

Conclusions:

Our intervention can be effective in reducing patients’ physical and emotional symptoms.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov ID – NCT05244590. Registration: 14th February 2022.
Intelligent robotic sonographer: Mutual information-based disentangled reward learning from few demonstrations
Authors: Jiang Zhongliang , Bi Yuan , Zhou Mingchuan , Hu Ying , Burke Michael , Navab Nassir
Published: January 2024

Ultrasound (US) imaging is widely used for biometric measurement and diagnosis of internal organs due to the advantages of being real-time and radiation-free. However, due to inter-operator variations, resulting images highly depend on the experience of sonographers. This work proposes an intelligent robotic sonographer to autonomously “explore” target anatomies and navigate a US probe to standard planes by learning from the expert. The underlying high-level physiological knowledge from experts is inferred by a neural reward function, using a ranked pairwise image comparison approach in a self-supervised fashion. This process can be referred to as understanding the “language of sonography.” Considering the generalization capability to overcome inter-patient variations, mutual information is estimated by a network to explicitly disentangle the task-related and domain features in latent space. The robotic localization is carried out in coarse-to-fine mode based on the predicted reward associated with B-mode images. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed reward inference network, representative experiments were performed on vascular phantoms (“line” target), two types of ex vivo animal organ phantoms (chicken heart and lamb kidney representing “point” target), and in vivo human carotids. To further validate the performance of the autonomous acquisition framework, physical robotic acquisitions were performed on three phantoms (vascular, chicken heart, and lamb kidney). The results demonstrated that the proposed advanced framework can robustly work on a variety of seen and unseen phantoms as well as in vivo human carotid data. Code: https://github.com/yuan-12138/MI-GPSR . Video: https://youtu.be/u4ThAA9onE0 .
The diagnostic value of ultrasonography in evaluation of the intraneural vascular anomalies of peripheral nerves
Authors: Chen Wen , Wang Yeting , Qi Hengtao , Wang Tiezheng
Published: January 2024

Background

The imaging diagnosis of intraneural vascular anomalies of peripheral nerves mostly depended on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), whereas high-frequency ultrasonography evaluation of intraneural vascular anomalies has been seldom done.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of intraneural vascular anomalies of peripheral nerves.

Material and Methods

A total of 69 consecutive patients seen at Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University between February 2013 and June 2022, each with a clinical suspicion of intraneural vascular anomaly, were included. The ultrasonographic images of intraneural vascular anomalies of peripheral nerves were analyzed and the ultrasonographic features were summarized. These data were compared with MRI, which served as the gold standard for the diagnosis of intraneural vascular anomalies. The kappa statistic was adopted to determine the level of agreement. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, and Youden index of high-frequency ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool were assessed.

Results

Ultrasonography findings were positive in 20 of 69 patients with a clinical suspicion of intraneural vascular anomaly. The diagnosis was confirmed by MRI in 21 patients. There was one false-positive result and two false-negative results by ultrasonography. The κ value was 0.896. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, and Youden index of ultrasonography were 90.5%, 97.9%, 95%, 95.9%, 95.7%, and 0.884, respectively.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography could be an accurate, reliable, and convenient imaging tool for the diagnosis of intraneural vascular anomalies of peripheral nerves.
Does realizing strengths, insight, and behavioral practice through a psychological intervention promote personality change? An intensive longitudinal study
Authors: Allemand Mathias , Olaru Gabriel , Stieger Mirjam , Flückiger Christoph
Published: January 2024

The mechanisms of change underlying the effectiveness of personality change interventions are largely unclear. In this study, we used data from a three-month digital intervention with an intensive longitudinal design to test whether a greater realization of general change factors is partly responsible for personality change. Participants ( N = 679, 53.0% female; age: M = 25.3 years, SD = 7.1) seeking to increase either Emotional Stability, Conscientiousness, or Extraversion provided self-ratings on their weekly personality states and the three generic change factors of strengths, insights, and behavioral practice. We found a single-factor structure of change factors within and between individuals. Results showed within-person increases in Emotional Stability, Extraversion, and Conscientiousness states as well as increases in change factors across the intervention. Changes in personality states were coupled with changes in generic change factors. Finally, the results provide initial support for the hypothesis that the realization of general change factors is partly responsible for the effects of the intervention. Within-person increases in the change factors were associated with subsequent increases in Extraversion and Emotional Stability states during the following week. The present findings highlight the need to better understand how and why people change in personality as a result of interventions.
Improving partner notification for sexually transmitted infections: Interviews with key informants in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Murray Catriona , Rose Sally B
Published: January 2024

Background

Partner notification is a vital part of sexually transmitted infection (STI) control but evidence suggests that its practice in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) is inconsistent. This study sought to explore barriers to partner notification for STIs, identify areas for improvement and draw on lessons learnt from Covid-19.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with key informants working in primary care, sexual health, public health, management, and research were undertaken between December 2021 and March 2022. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed, coded, and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The overarching theme was that partner notification for STIs needs to be improved, and must be a more acceptable experience for providers, cases and their contacts. Four themes described how this could be achieved: (i) destigmatise and increase understanding of STIs, (ii) ensure engagement with services is easy and affirming, (iii) prioritise and resource evidence-based services and (iv) develop tools to optimise partner notification.

Conclusions

Sexually transmitted infection partner notification in NZ needs prioritisation, resourcing and innovation. The inadequate resourcing of STI management in NZ contrasts with the well-funded response to Covid-19. Without a well-resourced action plan, NZ’s high rates of STIs will persist and continue to inequitably impact Māori, Pacific, gay and bisexual men and young people.
Stimulating energy efficiency by low-carbon transformation: Evidence from low-carbon city pilot in China
Authors: Wang Qingxi , Xin Yueji , hu An , Du Yanan
Published: January 2024

The improvement of energy efficiency has always attracted significant attention from the government and academia since it is a critical step toward energy efficiency, emission reduction, and low-carbon growth. The low-carbon city pilot is launched in the process of gradual marketization of environmental regulation, and its impact on energy efficiency is of great significance. Using panel data for 280 cities in China from 2007 to 2019, this study explores the local and spatial spillover effects of low-carbon city pilot on energy efficiency using difference-in-difference and spatial difference-in-difference models. The results reflect that low-carbon city pilot improves energy efficiency and that technological innovation, industrial structure upgrading and government orientation can successfully enhance its effects. Moreover, we find that the pilot policy has a negative spillover effect in resource-based and central-western cities, while the spillover effect is not significant in the non-resource-based and eastern regions. This study sheds light on the implementation of low-carbon city pilot to promote urban low-carbon development.
The European Company: Milestone or small step towards transnational employment relations in the European Union?
Authors: Keller Berndt , Rosenbohm Sophie
Published: January 2024

The paper deals with the European Company (SE), the first supranational company form. The focal question is its impact on the development of transnational employment relations. We show that only a minority of SEs has set up SE Works Councils and we discuss the reasons for this non-compliance. Board-level employee representation (BLER), the other form of voice, is even less common. We compare both concepts and reveal that the SE’s contribution to the development of transnational employment relations remains limited. By placing the SE in a broader perspective, we conclude that it fits the general pattern of limited progress towards ‘Europeanization’.
Complement C4d as a biomarker for systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis
Authors: Qin Sihao , Wang Xueyao , Wang Jiahui , Wu Hao
Published: January 2024

Background: Increasing studies in the last decade have led to the widespread understanding that C4d, a split product of complement component 4 (C4), is a potential biomarker for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN).

Purpose: The aim of this review is to summarize the highlights of studies investigating the use of C4d as a biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring SLE and LN patients.

Data collection: we searched PubMed/Medline and Wanfang databases using the terms “C4d and systemic lupus erythematosus”, “C4d and lupus nephritis”, and “Complement C4d”.

Results: The deposition of C4d on circulating blood cells has been shown in several clinical studies to be a potential diagnostic marker that can be used to monitor patients with SLE. In addition, C4d deposits on circulating blood cells may be a helpful diagnostic marker for LN, one of the most severe complications of SLE. Meanwhile, studies utilizing renal biopsy specimens have indicated that C4d deposition in the renal peritubular capillaries of LN patients may predict more severe LN or a worse patient prognosis. Generally, a high plasma C4d level and a high plasma C4d/C4 ratio may also be promising indicators that can be used to monitor patients with SLE and LN.

Conclusions: C4d detection may be a novel strategy for further clinical prediction and therapy.
Picturing finitude: Photography of mountain glaciers as a multiple practice of dealing with environmental loss
Authors: Buhr Lorina
Published: January 2024

In recent years, photographs and visualisations of glacier retreat have become emblematic images of climate change and its ecological consequences. This paper presents glacier photography as a subtype of environmental photography. I argue that photographs and photographic projects that focus on glacial retreat are best conceived not only as strategies for proving climate change or as visual rhetoric for social transformation, but also as a practice that potentially plays an integral role in dealing and coping with human-induced environmental loss. To this end, I draw on praxeological accounts in theory of photography and philosophy of art as well as some exemplary photographic projects to develop a framework to analyse glacier photography. With the help of this praxeological framework, multiple orientations in glacier photography are identified: epistemic, aesthetic, emotional and evocative, social, ethical, and political orientations. All these photographic orientations, I argue, point in their own way to the process and consequences of glacial disappearance and loss. The framework presented innovatively brings together scholarship on climate change visualisation, imagery and art, the theory of photography, and philosophical aesthetics.
Effect of Workplace Competencies on Organisational Effectiveness: Personal Effectiveness as a Mediator in MSMEs of Manipur
Authors: Dangmei Jianguanglung , Singh Amarendra Pratap
Published: January 2024

The necessity for understanding workplace competencies and personal effectiveness has arisen as a result of the rising pressure on employees to adapt to the changing nature of work and enterprises to remain competitive in the marketplace. In this context, employers need to identify the factors impacting work performance to achieve organisational effectiveness. Organisational effectiveness is one of the most significant organisational goals practically for all firms in every industry. Organisations create several strategies to compete with rivals and to improve organisational performance in order to achieve business success. No organisation can advance or be successful unless and until its employees are competent to complete duties and achieve goals. Therefore, the current study makes an effort to comprehend the significance of workplace competencies and personal effectiveness on organisational effectiveness in the micro, small and medium enterprises of Manipur. This study finds that workplace competencies have a significant effect on the organisational effectiveness and also ascertains that personal effectiveness acts as a positive mediator in the workplace.
‘Everything That Quacks is Internationalization’ - Critical Reflections on the Evolution of Higher Education Internationalization
Authors: Hans de Wit
Published: January 2024

Since Jane Knight published her first version of her definition on internationalization of higher education in 1993, the debate on what is meant by internationalization has been ongoing and continues today. This essay provides an overview of our evolving understanding of the internationalization of higher education in theory and practice, reflects on factors influencing its development, the importance of emerging views and voices, and the implications of current debates for future directions.
Healthcare Students’ Anxiety, Cognitive Load, and Trait-mindfulness during Interprofessional obstetric Simulation Training
Authors: Takhdat Kamal , Rebahi Houssam , Eddabbah Mohamed , El Fadely Abdelmonim , Lamtali Saloua , El Adib Ahmed Rhassane
Published: January 2024

Background

Simulation anxiety can hinder healthcare students' learning. Trait-mindfulness may help reduce learners' anxiety and improve their cognitive load during simulation training. However, the relationship between healthcare students' anxiety, trait mindfulness, and cognitive load has not been studied together during undergraduate interprofessional obstetric emergency simulation training.

Methods

This observational correlational research examined the relationship between healthcare students' anxiety, trait-mindfulness, and cognitive load. Furthermore, it examined whether healthcare students' trait-mindfulness can moderate the effect of anxiety on cognitive load during undergraduate interprofessional obstetric emergency simulation training. Forty-six undergraduate medical and nursing students were enrolled in this study. Each participant (in a team of 3 to 4) completed one postpartum hemorrhage scenario. The French versions of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y; Gauthier & Bouchard, 1993), the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (Germann et al., 2009), and Paas’s cognitive load scale (Paas, 1992) were used to measure anxiety, trait-mindfulness, and cognitive load, respectively.

Results

The study results show a positive correlation between healthcare students’ state-anxiety and cognitive load. Additionally, healthcare students’ mindfulness moderated the effect of state-anxiety on cognitive load during simulation training.

Discussion

As a personality trait, healthcare students’ mindfulness is associated with reduced simulation anxiety and improved cognitive load during obstetric emergency simulation training. Besides the learning tasks and simulation environment characteristics, simulation instructors should consider healthcare students’ anxiety and mindfulness to optimize their cognitive load during simulation training.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that healthcare students’ trait mindfulness mitigates the magnitude of simulation anxiety on cognitive load during emergency simulation training. It suggests further examining healthcare students’ personality traits to detect potential interactions of their traits with the simulation learning process.
Pediatric Oncology Hospice: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Tafazoli Ali , Cronin-Wood Katharine
Published: January 2024

Pediatric hospice is a new terminology in current medical literature. Implementation of pediatric hospice care in oncology setting is a vast but subspecialized field of research and practice. However, it is accompanied by substantial uncertainties, shortages and unexplored sections. The lack of globally established definitions, principles, and guidelines in this field has adversely impacted the quality of end-of-life experiences for children with hospice needs worldwide. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive review of scientific literature, extracting and compiling the available but sparse data on pediatric oncology hospice from the PubMed database. Our systematic approach led to development of a well-organized structure introducing the foundational elements, highlighting complications, and uncovering hidden gaps in this critical area. This structured framework comprises nine major categories including general ideology, population specifications, role of parents and family, psychosocial issues, financial complications, service locations, involved specialties, regulations, and quality improvement. This platform can serve as a valuable resource in establishing a scientifically reliable foundation for future experiments and practices in pediatric oncology hospice.
Reflection in Professional Practice and Education in Engineering, Nursing, and Teaching
Authors: Holthuis Hans-Herman
Published: January 2024

Background: Critical reflection is an essential curricular component for learning from experience that determines placement quality in postsecondary experiential learning placements. However, there are poor empirical connections between the use of critically reflective processes and learning outcomes. Purpose: This research explored reflective processes professionals use in their practice and how these processes compare with the reflective activities postsecondary instructors in professional faculties use during experiential learning. Methodology/Approach: This collective case study used focus group interviews, field notes, and professional grey literature to examine the research questions. Findings/Conclusions: Professional training programs must align their reflective practices with more integrated and holistic models of reflective practice to better mirror the professional skills demanded in professional practice contexts. Professionals in context-laden professional environments should integrate reflective activities into their practice based on emergent, iterative, and cocreative models that are more like their lived realities at work. Reflective practices which better fit and mirror these lived realities may lead to better connections between reflective activities and work outcomes. Implications: Professional environments are complex, dynamic, and affected by contextual factors. New integrated and holistic models of reflective experience should replace the separated, stepwise, or automatic models that have guided reflective practices in the past.
Feline ventral abdominal wall angiosarcoma: haemangiosarcoma or lymphangiosarcoma? Clinical and pathological characteristics in nine cases
Authors: Bellamy Edward , Larsen Moberg Hanne , Suárez-Bonnet Alejandro , Palma Stefano Di , Murgia Daniela , Pittaway Rachel , Verganti Sara
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Angiosarcomas are rare malignant mesenchymal neoplasms of endothelial cell origin with a predilection to the ventral abdominal wall in cats. Larger case series describing this entity are lacking.

Methods

Two referral centre laboratory databases were searched for angiosarcoma of the ventral abdominal wall. Nine cases with a histological diagnosis were included. Immunohistochemistry (factor VIII and PROX-1 antibodies) was used to phenotype them as haemangiosarcoma or lymphangiosarcoma.

Results

All cats presented with a ventral abdominal mass, five of which were producing a serosanguinous discharge. Eight underwent tumour staging and pulmonary metastases were suspected in one cat (but not histologically confirmed). With histopathology alone, a diagnosis of angiosarcoma and lymphangiosarcoma was made in four and five cases, respectively. After immunohistochemistry, five cases had a haemangiosarcoma phenotype and four had a lymphangiosarcoma phenotype, including two cases of lymphangiosarcoma that were reclassified as hemangiosarcoma. Eight cats received treatment (either surgery with or without adjuvant therapies or medical management alone). Six cats were euthanased due to local disease progression. The median survival time for haemangiosarcoma was 166 days (range 137–381), and for lymphangiosarcoma it was 197 days (range 67–208). Two cats with haemangiosarcoma remained alive for a follow-up period of 329 and 580 days, respectively.

Conclusions and relevance

Feline ventral abdominal angiosarcomas are rare locally aggressive neoplasms. While histology often provides a diagnosis of angiosarcoma, immunohistochemistry is ultimately required to differentiate between haemangiosarcoma and lymphangiosarcoma phenotypes. Further studies are required to evaluate whether the different phenotypes have an impact on treatment response and outcome.
The Good Disobedient Citizen? Students’ Perspectives on Good Citizenship in the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study 2016
Authors: Hahn-Laudenberg Katrin
Published: January 2024

Scholars of democratic citizenship and citizenship education have long discussed whether willingness to commit civil disobedience (CD) is an important attribute of citizens to defend and enforce democratic and human rights. In light of the youth protests of recent years, this article examines whether 14-year-old students consider CD important for being a good citizen. Using representative Danish, German, Dutch and Norwegian samples from the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study 2016, this study investigates dimensions of students’ concepts of citizenship and their relatedness to civic knowledge and support for equal rights. Confirmatory factor analysis established CD as a distinct dimension of good citizenship whose scale is metrically invariant across countries. However, linear regressions showed a negative impact of civic knowledge and support for equal gender rights on CD attitudes, raising the question if the empirical pattern of students supporting CD fits with theoretical assumptions of critical or transformative citizenship education.
The Impact of Within-family Housing Assistance on the Certainty of Young People’s (Housing) Aspirations in the Czech Republic
Authors: Lux Martin , Sunega Petr
Published: January 2024

The article presents the results of research on the factors that determine how certain Czech millennials are about their housing and some other life aspirations. We did not primarily look at the content of life aspirations and instead, we examined how certain, confident and concrete young people are about their plans. Using qualitative interviews and an attitude survey we found that intergenerational housing-related within-family resource transfers had a significant impact on how certain young Czechs are about their housing and (some) work and family aspirations. Therefore, whatever the aspirations of young people are, the ability to form them with certainty and confidence is significantly influenced by a factor that is largely out of their control.
An exploratory study on tourist perception of green hotels: Empirical evidence from Thailand
Authors: Fuchs Kevin , Prideaux Bruce , Konar Rupam
Published: January 2024

The ongoing decline of significant parts of the natural environment has elevated environmental awareness and has generated increased consumer interest in products such as green hotels. These hotels differ from conventional hotels by specifically appealing to environmentally sensitive consumers and offering a value proposition based on the adoption of green management practices. The emergence of green hotels as an alternative form of lodging offers opportunities for the hospitality sector to offer products and services that specifically promote sustainable approaches to accommodation. The study examines how international tourists in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok perceive Thai green hotels. Forty-six semistructured interviews were undertaken and thematically analyzed. The findings revealed that tourists are generally aware of the environmental benefits that stem from green hotels. Limited availability and narrow variety as well as financial considerations and marketing transparency were the most important factors considered by respondents when considering green hotels. Theoretical implications for tourism researchers and practical implications for hotel managers are discussed.
Vertical stiffness limit of 400 km/h high-speed railway simple-supported bridge considering excitation randomness
Authors: Chen Xuli , Xiang Huoyue , Zhu Jin , Li Yongle
Published: January 2024

Vertical stiffness of the bridge is of paramount importance in guaranteeing optimal driving performance for high-speed railway (HSR) trains. Initially, the Auto Regression and Moving Average model with eXogenous input (ARMAX) model is employed as the surrogate model for the train-bridge (TB) coupling system. Then, the framework for analyzing vertical bridge stiffness is proposed employing the surrogate model, and the relationship between the train response affected by excitation randomness and the vertical stiffness indicators of the bridge is established. Finally, the influence of various factors such as train speed, train type, car body mass, and bridge span on stiffness limit of 400 km/h HSR simple-supported bridge (SSB) is examined. The results indicate that the surrogate model offers a notable advantage in computational efficiency, while maintaining a satisfactory accuracy in predicting the train response. With higher train speeds, lighter car body masses, and longer spans, the demand for stricter bridge stiffness limits becomes more pronounced. Based on the driving performance of the train types analyzed, the recommended stiffness limit is proposed for the prestressed concrete simply supported beam (SSB) bridges used in HSR, with a span length of less than 40 m and operating at a speed of 400 km/h.
Research Progress on Structure-Activity Relationship of 1,8-Naphthalimide DNA Chimeras Against Tumor
Authors: Zhang Hai-yang , Han Li-li , Wu Hong-yi , Xu Xiang-xiang , Yu Meng-bin , Chen Gao-yun , Qi Xiu-li
Published: January 2024

The development of 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives as cell probes, DNA targeting agents, and anti-tumor drugs is one of the research hotspots in the field of medicine. Naphthalimide compounds are a kind of DNA embedder, which can change the topological structure of DNA by embedding in the middle of DNA base pairs, and then affect the recognition and action of topoisomerase on DNA. Aminofide and mitonafide are the first 2 drugs to undergo clinical trials. They have good DNA insertion ability, can embed DNA double-stranded structure, and induce topoisomerase II to cut part of pBR322DNA, but not yet entered the market due to their toxicity. In this paper, the design and structure-activity relationship of mononaphthalimide and bisaphthalimide compounds were studied, and the relationship between the structure of naphthalimide and anti-tumor activity was analyzed and discussed. It was found that a variety of structural modifications were significant in improving anti-tumor activity and reducing toxicity.
Evaluation of Brain Electrical Activity of Visual Working Memory with Time-Frequency Analysis
Authors: Eskikurt Gökçer , Duru Adil Deniz , Ermutlu Numan , İşoğlu-Alkaç Ümmühan
Published: January 2024

The term visual working memory (VWM) refers to the temporary storage of visual information. In electrophysiological recordings during the change detection task which relates to VWM, contralateral negative slow activity was detected. It was found to occur during the information is kept in memory and it was called contralateral delay activity. In this study, the characteristics of electroencephalogram frequencies of the contralateral and ipsilateral responses in the retention phase of VWM were evaluated by using time-frequency analysis (discrete wavelet transform [DWT]) in the change detection task. Twenty-six volunteers participated in the study. Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were examined, and then a time-frequency analysis was performed. A statistically significant difference between contralateral and ipsilateral responses was found in the ERP. DWT showed a statistically significant difference between contralateral and ipsilateral responses in the delta and theta frequency bands range. When volunteers were grouped as either high or low VWM capacity the time-frequency analysis between these groups revealed that high memory capacity groups have a significantly higher negative coefficient in alpha and beta frequency bands. This study showed that during the retention phase delta and theta bands may relate to visual memory retention and alpha and beta bands may reflect individual memory capacity.
What are we missing? An alternative way to explore distributed leadership effectiveness
Authors: Choi Hyunjin , Drago-Severson Eleanor , Bowers Alex J.
Published: January 2024

Existing research has revealed various beneficial teacher-level outcomes of distributed leadership (DL). Yet these studies lack important operational nuances. The DL effectiveness literature mainly stresses one dimension of DL study operations of how leadership is distributed (e.g., interaction), being grounded in the agency view. However, it is also important to consider other dimensions of what leadership work is distributed to whom. Therefore, our study adopted the study operation of one DL research stream derived from the structural view. Specifically, our research investigated which leadership function distribution patterns for teachers were connected to teacher-level outcomes, especially teachers’ current work environment satisfaction (SENV) and professional learning communities (PLCs). We employed Latent Class Analysis and U.S. lower secondary school teacher samples from the Teaching and Learning International Survey data. Two patterns emerged: the Dualistic Distribution and Fully Stretched-Over Distribution patterns. Importantly, the relationships between the two patterns and the teacher-level outcomes were varied. We discovered no mean difference in teacher SENV between the two patterns in contrast to the previous DL effectiveness research, but a significant mean difference in teachers’ PLCs. These findings suggest considering more operational nuances of what leadership work is distributed to teachers for what outcome to better explore DL effects on teachers.
All creatures great and small: Faith, spirituality, environmental-animal rights activism and public relations as covenantal stewardship
Authors: Tilson Donn J
Published: January 2024

This study extends the historical record of faith/spirituality-inspired social activism, an under-explored area of advocacy, by examining such campaigning for environmental and animal rights and the worldview and model of public relations that guide such efforts. A combination of qualitative methods was used to obtain data on public relations as conceptualized and practiced including a textual analysis of historical material and institutional media. Throughout history faith/spirituality has inspired Indigenous peoples, governments, and individuals to advocate for environmental and animal rights, playing a central role in the formation and practice of a worldview, caritas, embracing an approach to relationship-building – covenantal stewardship – that guides behavior in a pro-social manner toward an inclusive set of “publics” – humans living, unborn, and ancestral, animals, and the natural world as well as alternative views of public relations. Moreover, individuals of faith/spirituality have created NGOs to institutionalize such activism. The influence of faith/spirituality upon environmental and animal rights activism points toward a re-thinking of the nature of public relations and its “publics” given emerging sensitivities to the principles of inclusion necessary for the harmonious functioning of society and requires a new definition, worldview, and model of practice.
Designing technology to support greater participation of people living with dementia in daily and meaningful activities
Authors: Wilson Michael , Doyle Julie , Turner Jonathan , Nugent Ciaran , O’Sullivan Dympna
Published: January 2024

Background

People living with dementia should be at the center of decision-making regarding their plans and goals for daily living and meaningful activities that help promote health and mental well-being. The human–computer interaction community has recently begun to recognize the need to design technologies where the person living with dementia is an active rather than a passive user of technology in the management of their care.

Methods

Data collection comprised semi-structured interviews and focus groups held with dyads of people with early-stage dementia (n = 5) and their informal carers (n = 4), as well as health professionals (n = 5). This article discusses findings from the thematic analysis of this qualitative data.

Results

Analysis resulted in the construction of three main themes: (1) maintaining a sense of purpose and identity, (2) learning helplessness and (3) shared decision-making and collaboration. Within each of the three main themes, related sub-themes were also constructed.

Discussion

There is a need to design technologies for persons living with dementia/carer dyads that can support collaborative care planning and engagement in meaningful activities while also balancing persons living with dementia empowerment and active engagement in self-management with carer support.
The Provider's Role in Retaining Black Women With HIV in Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hassan Kenja S. , Coon David W.
Published: January 2024

Black/African American women represent 54% of new HIV cases among all women in the United States, face higher rates of morbidity and mortality, and are often understudied. The patient–provider relationship is an important motivator to keeping people who live with HIV retained in care and adherent to a medical regimen, thereby improving chances for viral suppression and maintaining overall better health. This scoping review sought to determine the extent of documented provider actions that encourage Black women with HIV to stay engaged in care. The review investigated five databases for peer-reviewed studies in the United States that included Black women from 2009 to 2023 and specifically described beneficial provider actions or behaviors. Of 526 records, 12 met the criteria. Studies revealed that women are motivated by providers who create a respectful, nonjudgmental emotionally supportive relationship with them rather than those who rely on an authoritative transactional exchange of information and orders.
Effect of Mo on phase composition, microstructure and tribological property of TiC reinforced plasma sprayed coatings
Authors: Chang X T , Sun S B
Published: January 2024

Two kinds of TiC reinforced wear resistant coatings with or without the addition of Mo were prepared by plasma spraying. Ultrafine TiC powders with sizes varying from 5 to 15 μm were introduced as the reinforcement phase and NiCr alloy as the binder phase. Phase composition and microstructure of the as prepared coatings were characterised by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Wear behaviour of the TiC reinforced coatings was also investigated using a ring-on-block tester. Results showed that the TiC reinforced coatings adhered well to the substrate and exhibited dense structure with low porosity, even though oxidation occurred during spraying. Wear tests indicated that the sliding wear performance of the NiCrMo–TiC coating was better than that of the NiCr–TiC coating at different forces under the same experimental conditions.
Hydrophobicity and micro-/nanotribological properties of polymeric nanolines
Authors: Pham D-C , Na K , Piao S , Yang S , Kim J , Yoon E-S
Published: January 2024

This paper presents an investigation of the effects of a topographical modification, namely, nanolines, on the hydrophobicity and micro-/nanotribological properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) surfaces. The polymeric line patterns were fabricated on the poly(methyl methacrylate) films by using the capillary force lithography technique. Examinations of the water contact angle revealed that the line patterns exhibited increased hydrophobicity compared to the flat film, along with an anisotropic wetting. It was observed that the presence of the nanolines greatly reduced the adhesion and micro-/nanofriction. Furthermore, the friction behaviour varied depending upon the sliding direction as the counter bodies slid over the line structure. It was also observed that the shape of the top of the nanolines noticeably influenced nanoscale adhesion and friction. Both the flat film and the nanolines were damaged in the microscale tests; however, the nanolines exhibited less damage than the film, presumably due to their enhanced adhesion and friction properties.
Multipronged regulation of autophagy and apoptosis: emerging role of TRIM proteins
Authors: Ahsan Nuzhat , Shariq Mohd , Surolia Avadhesha , Raj Reshmi , Khan Mohammad Firoz , Kumar Pramod
Published: January 2024

TRIM proteins are characterized by their conserved N-terminal RING, B-box, and coiled-coil domains. These proteins are efficient regulators of autophagy, apoptosis, and innate immune responses and confer immunity against viruses and bacteria. TRIMs function as receptors or scaffold proteins that target substrates for autophagy-mediated degradation. Most TRIMs interact with the BECN1-ULK1 complex to form TRIMosomes, thereby efficiently targeting substrates to autophagosomes. They regulate the functions of ATG proteins through physical interactions or ubiquitination. TRIMs affect the lipidation of MAP1LC3B1 to form MAP1LC3B2, which is a prerequisite for phagophore and autophagosome formation. In addition, they regulate MTOR kinase and TFEB, thereby regulating the expression of ATG genes. TRIM proteins are efficient regulators of apoptosis and are crucial for regulating cell proliferation and tumor formation. Many TRIM proteins regulate intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis via the cell surface receptors TGFBR2, TNFRSF1A, and FAS. Mitochondria modulate the anti- and proapoptotic functions of BCL2, BAX, BAK1, and CYCS. These proteins use a multipronged approach to regulate the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, culminating in coordinated activation or inhibition of the initiator and executor CASPs. Furthermore, TRIMs can have a dual effect in determining cell fate and are therefore crucial for cellular homeostasis. In this review, we discuss mechanistic insights into the role of TRIM proteins in regulating autophagy and apoptosis, which can be used to better understand cellular physiology. These findings can be used to develop therapeutic interventions to prevent or treat multiple genetic and infectious diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Kinase inhibitor pulldown assay (KiP) for clinical proteomics
Authors: Saltzman Alexander B. , Chan Doug W. , Holt Matthew V. , Wang Junkai , Jaehnig Eric J. , Anurag Meenakshi , Singh Purba , Malovannaya Anna , Kim Beom-Jun , Ellis Matthew J.
Published: January 2024

Protein kinases are frequently dysregulated and/or mutated in cancer and represent essential targets for therapy. Accurate quantification is essential. For breast cancer treatment, the identification and quantification of the protein kinase ERBB2 is critical for therapeutic decisions. While immunohistochemistry (IHC) is the current clinical diagnostic approach, it is only semiquantitative. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics offers quantitative assays that, unlike IHC, can be used to accurately evaluate hundreds of kinases simultaneously. The enrichment of less abundant kinase targets for quantification, along with depletion of interfering proteins, improves sensitivity and thus promotes more effective downstream analyses. Multiple kinase inhibitors were therefore deployed as a capture matrix for kinase inhibitor pulldown (KiP) assays designed to profile the human protein kinome as broadly as possible. Optimized assays were initially evaluated in 16 patient derived xenograft models (PDX) where KiP identified multiple differentially expressed and biologically relevant kinases. From these analyses, an optimized single-shot parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) method was developed to improve quantitative fidelity. The PRM KiP approach was then reapplied to low quantities of proteins typical of yields from core needle biopsies of human cancers. The initial prototype targeting 100 kinases recapitulated intrinsic subtyping of PDX models obtained from comprehensive proteomic and transcriptomic profiling. Luminal and HER2 enriched OCT-frozen patient biopsies subsequently analyzed through KiP-PRM also clustered by subtype. Finally, stable isotope labeled peptide standards were developed to define a prototype clinical method. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifiers PXD044655 and PXD046169.
Adherence to commercial food thickener in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia
Authors: Peñalva-Arigita Amaya , Lecha Maria , Sansano Anna , Prats Rosa , Vásquez Aida , Bascuñana Helena , Vila Lluis
Published: January 2024

Background

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD), a common symptom in the elderly, uses commercial thickener (CT) as part of its treatment. This is often accompanied of dislike and poor compliance.

Aim

Describe adherence to CT and possible differences according to dwelling location in an area of influence of approximately 400.0000 inhabitants.

Methods

Cohort prospective observational study. Randomized patients from Nutrition and Dietetic (NDU)-database (4 calls-interviews/year). Variables: Age, diagnostic, gender, dwelling/location: Home (H) / Nursing Home (NH), viscosity (nectar, honey, pudding), days with CT. Adherence measured with a questionnaire, considering implementation of treatment by combining CT use and consumption data, categorised in three groups good, moderate and poor. Change in patterns (improvement, maintenance, worsening) and non-adherence reasons.

Results

One hundred sixty-eight patients recruited with indicated viscosity: Nectar 39.7%, honey 29.3% and pudding 30.8%. Average age of 82.6 ± 11.1 years; 57.8% women (46.4% at H vs. 67% at NH, p < 0.01). Dwelling/location: 80 (47.6%) live at H and 88 (52.4%) at NH. Days with CT prior study were 509 ± 475.28. Implementation found in first call: good in 50%, moderate in 20.2% and poor in 29.8%. At first call, adherence parameters were more favourable in NH compared to H. However these parameters were reversed during the study period as there was an improvement at H vs. NH. Also in terms of change in patterns a significant improvement of implementation was found in patients living at H, 31.1% vs. those living at NH, 15.7%, p < 0.05. CT persistence throughout study was 89.7%.

Conclusions

Low adherence to CT found in our community. Telephone follow-up resulted in improved adherence, especially in the H population. Our data provides valuable insights into the variability and changes in CT adherence among patients with OD. Adherence is complex and subject to many factors and dwelling/location is one of them. This study reveals the need to approach CT treatment for OD differently in NH.
NUSAP1 promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression by drives the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and reduces AMPK phosphorylation
Authors: Liu Yuan , Tang Rong , Meng Qing-Cai , Shi Si , Xu Jin , Yu Xian-Jun , Zhang Bo , Wang Wei
Published: January 2024

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis, and its molecular mechanisms are unclear. Nucleolar and spindle-associated protein 1 (NUSAP1), an indispensable mitotic regulator, has been reported to be involved in the development of several types of tumors. The biological function and molecular mechanism of NUSAP1 in PDAC remain controversial. This study explored the effects and mechanism of NUSAP1 in PDAC.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. A protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify hub genes. Experimental studies and tissue microarray (TMA) analysis were performed to investigate the effects of NUSAP1 in PDAC and explore its mechanism.

Results

Network analysis revealed that NUSAP1 is an essential hub gene in the PDAC transcriptome. Genome heterogeneity analysis revealed that NUSAP1 is related to tumor mutation burden (TMB), loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) in PDAC. NUSAP1 is correlated with the levels of infiltrating immune cells, such as B cells and CD8 T cells. High NUSAP1 expression was found in PDAC tissues and was associated with a poor patient prognosis. NUSAP1 promoted cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, drives the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and reduces AMPK phosphorylation.

Conclusions

NUSAP1 is an essential hub gene that promotes PDAC progression and leads to a dismal prognosis by drives the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and reduces AMPK phosphorylation.