bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2143: Lyso-globotriaosylsphingosine Induces Endothelial Dysfunction Via Autophagy-dependent Regulation Of Necroptosis
Authors: Hwang Ae-Rang
Published: July 2024

Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the lysosomal accumulations of glycosphingolipids in a variety of cytotypes, which include endothelial cells. The disease is inherited and originates from an error in glycosphingolipid catabolism caused by insufficient α-galactosidase A activity, which causes uncontrolled progressive storage of intracellular globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in vasculature and extracellular accumulation of lyso-Gb3 (a deacetylated soluble form of Gb3). Necrosis can lead to inflammation, which exacerbates necrosis and creates a positive feedback loop that triggers necroinflammation. However, the role played by necroptosis, a form of programed necrotic cell death, in the cell-to-cell inflammatory reaction between epithelial and endothelial cells is unclear. Thus, the present study was undertaken to determine whether lyso-Gb3 induces necroptosis and whether necroptosis inhibition protects endothelial dysfunction against lyso-Gb3 inflamed retinal pigment epithelial cells. We found lyso-Gb3 induced necroptosis of a retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) in an autophagy-dependent manner and that conditioned media (CM) from ARPE-19 cells treated with lyso-Gb3 induced the necroptosis, inflammation, and senescence of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In addition, a pharmacological study showed CM from lyso-Gb3 treated ARPE-19 cells induced endothelial necroptosis, inflammation, and senescence were significantly inhibited by an autophagy inhibitor (3-MA) and by two necroptosis inhibitors (necrostatin and GSK-872), respectively. These results demonstrate lyso-Gb3 induces necroptosis via autophagy and suggest that lyso-Gb3 inflamed retinal pigment epithelial cells trigger endothelial dysfunction via autophagy-dependent necroptosis pathway. This study suggests the involvement of a novel autophagy-dependent necroptosis pathway in the regulation of endothelial dysfunction in Fabry disease.
Abstract 2149: Smooth Muscle-derived Resident Vascular Adventitial Progenitor Cell Contribution To Cardiac Fibrosis And Inflammation Is Dependent On KLF4
Authors: Lu Sizhao , Dubner Allison M , Jolly Austin J , Noble Tysen D , Hinthorn Tyler , Nemenoff Raphael A , Moulton Karen S , Weiser-Evans Mary C
Published: July 2024

Cardiac fibrosis is defined by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) material resulting in cardiac tissue scarring and dysfunction. While it is commonly accepted that myofibroblasts are the major contributors to ECM deposition in cardiac fibrosis, their origin remains debated. By combining lineage tracing and RNA sequencing, our group made the paradigm-shifting discovery that a subpopulation of resident vascular stem cells residing within the vascular adventitia (termed AdvSca1-SM cells) originate from mature vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) through an
in situ
reprogramming process. SMC-to-AdvSca1-SM reprogramming and AdvSca1-SM cell maintenance is dependent on induction and activity of the transcription factor, KLF4. In contrast, loss of
Klf4
expression promotes the transition of AdvSca1-SM cells to a myofibroblast phenotype in vascular injury and remodeling. However, the molecular mechanism whereby KLF4 regulates AdvSca1-SM phenotype remains unclear. Our recent preliminary data confirm the existence of perivascular cardiac AdvSca1-SM cells. Leveraging a highly specific AdvSca1-SM cell reporter system, single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), and spatial transcriptomic approaches, we demonstrate the profibrotic differentiation trajectory of AdvSca1-SM cells in the setting of Angiotensin II (AngII)-induced cardiac fibrosis. Differentiation is characterized by loss of stemness-related genes, including
Klf4
, but gain of expression of a profibrotic phenotype. Importantly, these changes are recapitulated in human cardiac hypertrophic tissue, supporting the translational significance of profibrotic transition of AdvSca1-SM-like cells in human cardiomyopathy. Very surprisingly and paradoxically, AdvSca1-SM-specific genetic knockout of
Klf4
prior to AngII treatment protects against cardiac inflammation and fibrosis, indicating that
Klf4
is essential for the profibrotic response of AdvSca1-SM cells. Overall, our data reveal the contribution of AdvSca1-SM cells to myofibroblasts in the setting of cardiac fibrosis. KLF4 not only maintains the stemness of AdvSca1-SM cells, but also orchestrates their response to profibrotic stimuli, and may serve as a therapeutic target in cardiac fibrosis.
Abstract 3009: Progressive Structured Simulation-based Surgical Training Program (PROCESS) - Open Vascular Surgery: Study Protocol For A Cross-over, Randomized, Double-blinded Clinical Trial.
Authors: Uribe-Ramirez Santiago , Velandia-Sánchez Alejandro , Polania-Sandoval Camilo A , Álvarez-Martínez José V , Tello-Pirateque Juliana , Pérez-Rivera Carlos J , Ávila-Madrigal Juan P , Cruz-Reyes Danna L , Briceño Juan C , Gómez-Galán Sebastián , Reijnen Michel M , Camacho-Mackenzie Jaime , Barrera-Carvajal Juan G
Published: July 2024

Objective:
Vascular surgery has been directed towards endovascular approaches; however, not all patients qualify for these procedures. Open vascular surgery (OVS) remains an alternative, demanding a steep learning curve. Exposure to these procedures has declined resulting in a lack of standardization in acquiring OVS skills. Simulation is a solution to this challenge. However, in OVS, there is scarce evidence for structured programs. The measurement of surgical skills is based on objectively assessable subjective tools; yet, they have limitations as evaluators may introduce inherent individual biases. We aim to compare the effectiveness of technical surgical competencies acquisition between a structured progressive simulation-based training program and isolated experience-based training in OVS.

Methods:
We will conduct a randomized double-blind crossover clinical trial. A control sequence and an intervention sequence of three subgroups with different exposure levels to the simulation program are proposed using 3D printed models. Group 1: open abdominal aortic repair (AAOR), Group 2: vascular anastomosis (VA) and AAOR, and Group 3: specific micro-surgical skills, VA and AAOR. Surgical residents of general, vascular, or cardiovascular surgery programs will be included. Sample size calculation resulted in 45 participants, 15 in each group. Double blinding will involve participants and external evaluators. Randomization will occur in block randomization and permuted block randomization.

Results:
We anticipated that the structured and progressive simulation-based training program objectively enhances technical surgical competencies. We expect to determine a significant difference in the acquisition of technical surgical competencies based on the progression through different modules within the program and validate the reliability of an assessment tool based on objective metrics for technical surgical competencies in OVS.

Conclusion:
We hope this initiative will impact the formation of future vascular surgeons, complementing experience-based training with simulation-based programs in OVS. Ensuring that the trainee obtains all the necessary tools to perform OVS and standardize an objective assessment evaluation method.
Abstract 3025: Association Of Systemic Insulin Sensitivity With Walking Distance In Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Sullivan Alexander , Aday Aaron W , Shardelow Emily , Beckman Joshua A
Published: July 2024

Background:
Skeletal muscle in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) is subjected to chronic ischemia and is known to be insulin resistant. The association of insulin resistance with walking distance in unclear.

Research Question:
Does systemic insulin sensitivity (assessed by Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR] and Adipose tissue insulin resistance index [Adipo-IR]) associate with 6-minute walk test distance (6MWT)?

Aims:
To understand the role insulin resistance plays in ambulatory impairment in PAD.

Methods:
Patients with PAD (defined as ABI <0.85) and age-matched controls (ABI 1.00-1.40) were recruited and underwent measurements of fasting glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), and insulin followed by 6-minute walk testing. HOMA-IR was calculated as (glucose [mg/dL] x insulin [uU/mL])/405 and Adipo-IR was calculated as FFA (mmol/L) x insulin (uU/mL). Comparisons between controls and those with PAD were done with Mann-Whitney U tests. Linear regression modeling was used to assess the association of insulin sensitivity with 6MWT.

Results:
Seventy subjects (median [IQR] age 67.5 [61.0, 73.0] years, 45 (64.3%) males) were recruited, including 20 controls and 50 with PAD. Insulin levels were significantly high in those with PAD (9.6 vs 12.1 uU/mL, p=0.05) while FFA (0.37 vs 0.34 mmol/L, p=0.04) levels were lower. Glucose levels were similar (77.9 vs 79.5 mg/dL, p=0.53). HOMA-IR was significantly higher in PAD (2.4 vs 2.0, p=0.03) while Adipo-IR was similar (3.9 vs 3.7, p=2.42). Insulin level, HOMA-IR, and Adipo-IR were significantly associated with 6MWT distance in univariate analysis, but no association was seen after adjusting for ABI, which strongly associated with walking distance.

Conclusion:
Patients with PAD exhibit systemic insulin resistance, although ABI was more strongly associated with 6MWT distance than the degree of insulin sensitivity.
Abstract 3042: Oxidized Phospholipids Inhibit Glycolysis In Cardiomyocytes And Decrease Oxidative Phosphorylation By Activating The Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway
Authors: Szagdaj Anna , Pavelec Caitlin M , Yeudall Scott , Leitinger Norbert
Published: July 2024

Oxidized phospholipids (oxPLs) were shown to be key players in the progression of numerous cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, or cardiac ischemia reperfusion injury. However, the oxidized phospholipid-induced signaling mechanisms causing cardiac dysfunction remain elusive. We tested the hypothesis that oxPLs impact metabolism in cardiomyocytes and explored the involved signaling pathways.
In vitro,
treatment of h9c2 cardiomyocytes with a mixture of oxidized phosphatidylcholines (oxPAPC) led to activation of a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, namely phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2). Moreover, oxPAPC induced the expression of regulatory enzymes associated with the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), such as PGD, G6PD, TALDO1, as well as genes connected to Nrf2-dependent oxidative stress, like HMOX-1. Metabolically, oxPAPC significantly reduced basal respiration and maximal oxygen consumption rate, as well as glycolytic capacity in h9c2 cardiomyocytes, as measured using a Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer. Treatment with a MEK inhibitor (PD98059, 10μM) resulted in a partial rescue of basal respiration and maximal oxygen consumption rate after incubation with oxPAPC. On the other hand, p38 inhibition (SB203580, 10μM) resulted in a change of oxPAPC-induced gene expression of PPP regulatory enzymes and HMOX-1. Ongoing studies including RNA-sequencing and pathway analysis will further explicate the scope of oxPL-induced gene expression and the involved mechanisms.
In vivo
, AAV8-mediated expression of the oxPL-recognizing scFv-E06 in albumin cre mice that had been fed a high fat high sucrose diet for 12 weeks, resulted in decreased expression of genes associated with GO Terms “glutathione metabolism” compared to AAV-GFP expressing counterparts, in their hearts. In summary, our study provides evidence that oxPLs significantly influence cardiomyocyte metabolism towards a redox-regulatory phenotype accompanied by the inhibited glycolysis and the decrease in oxidative phosphorylation by activating MAPK pathways. Future experiments will elucidate the relationship between MAPK signaling induced by oxPLs and cardiac dysfunction.
Abstract 3064: Distinct Regulatory Programs Govern Smooth Muscle Cell Fate In Atherosclerosis
Authors: Riascos Tiffany , Wirka Robert C
Published: July 2024

Introduction:
During atherosclerosis, some vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) undergo phenotypic modulation, de-differentiating and adopting a fibroblast-like (FMC) or a chondrocyte/osteoblast-like phenotype (CMC). Although FMCs and CMCs appear to occur in succession in single-cell RNAseq data, they occupy distinct locations within the lesion and are associated with protective and deleterious plaque features, respectively.

Hypothesis:
Smooth muscle cell transitions to FMC and CMC occur via discrete transcriptional pathways during atherosclerosis.

Methods:
We performed single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq) and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) on lineage-traced vascular SMCs isolated from the aortic root of ApoE mice (n=3). Our analysis included pseudotime and RNA velocity analyses of the scRNAseq data, which independently identified a subgroup of Vcam+Cd74+ modulated SMCs as a potential cell state from which FMCs and CMCs appear to originate, each following distinct trajectories. We explored lineage-specific gene expression using the TradeSeq R package and conducted Ingenuity Pathway Analysis on differentially expressed genes to identify relevant upstream transcription factors, which were assayed for lineage-specific motif accessibility.

Results:
Our analysis showed profound changes in gene expression between the two trajectories as well as differential activation and chromatin accessibility of specific transcription factors at the point where FMCs diverge from CMCs. Within the CMC lineage, we noted heightened activation and chromatin accessibility of transcription factors associated with cellular stress and inflammatory responses, including Tp53, Foxo4, and Irf1. In stark contrast, these factors exhibited diminished activity within the FMC lineage during the same pseudotime interval. Furthermore, coronary artery disease GWAS transcription factors Twist1 and Tcf21 displayed differential motif accessibility over the FMC and CMC trajectories.

Conclusions:
Our study provides valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing SMC phenotypic transitions in atherosclerosis, and further underscores the importance of GWAS genes in influencing these transitions.
Abstract 3133: Selective Vulnerability Of Coronary Arteries To Hypercholesterolemia And Angiotensin II-induced Hypertension
Authors: Chen Hong , Wang Miao
Published: July 2024

Hypercholesterolemia and hypertension are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. We aimed to determine their concomitant effects on coronary atherogenesis. An SR-BI (an HDL receptor) suppression and doxycycline-inducible angiotensin II (AngII) cassette was inserted downstream of the ApoE promoter to ablate ApoE expression and overproduce AngII. The resulting mutants (ApoE
SA/SA
) exhibited mild coronary atherosclerosis after Western diet feeding. Doxycycline induced AngII-induced hypertension and drastically accelerated coronary atherosclerosis, with lesions exhibiting endothelial erosion, myeloid cell infiltration, and plaque rupture, resulting in myocardial infarction, heart failure, and male-propensity of sudden death. AngII, but not norepinephrine-induced hypertension, led to severe coronary atherogenesis under hypercholesterolemia, which was abolished by losartan. Notably, norepinephrine constricted femoral arteries, but it dilated coronary arteries. In contrast to coronary arteries, femoral arteries did not develop atherosclerosis. Proteomic analyses revealed distinctive differences between the two vascular beds. Coronary vasodilation to acetylcholine was highly susceptible to the risk factors, compared to femoral artery, and was markedly attenuated by AngII exposure and prostaglandin inhibition. Interestingly, coronary prostaglandin synthesis was suppressed in atherogenesis, and elevated coronary capacity to produce prostaglandins following methotrexate administration was associated with ameliorated early coronary endothelial dysfunction and improved cardiovascular survival, featuring markedly reduced lesional myeloid cells. Coronary arteries from patients with hypertension and hypercholesterolemia showed substantially impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation, compared to internal mammary arteries of similar risk exposure, whereas their endothelium-independent vasodilation was intact. Thus, the combination of hypercholesterolemia and AngII-induced hypertension drastically promoted coronary atherosclerosis with spontaneous lesion rupture, which confers a selective vulnerability of coronary vasodilation to prostaglandin inhibition and AngII exposure.
Abstract 3137: The Role Of Rna Binding Protein Fxr1 In Regulating Methylated Mrna Transcript Stability And Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Contractility
Authors: Openko Dominick , Guo Xinji , Corbett Cali , St. Paul Amanda , Kelemen Sheri , Autieri Michael
Published: July 2024

Introduction/Background:
A dysregulation in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) cytoskeletal components may contribute to impaired contraction, leading to vascular disease. Post-transcriptional mechanisms of mRNA stability is an understudied, yet key mechanism in the regulation of VSMC contractility. m6A mRNA methylation is the most prevalent post-transcriptional modification and recognized to regulate mRNA stability. We recently showed that inducible expression of RNA binding protein FXR1 in injured arteries and stimulated hVSMCs regulates VSMC cytoskeletal gene mRNA stability, and FXR1
smc/smc
mice have decreased VSMC contractility and blood pressure.

Research Questions/Hypothesis:
FXR1 functions as an m6A mRNA reader and regulates the stability of m6A methylated transcripts, altering VSMC contractility.

Goals/Aims:
To determine if the m6A methylation of mRNA transcripts by m6A methylases METTL3 and METTL14 play an important role in regulating cytoskeletal mRNA abundance and VSMC contractility and if transcript recognition by FXR1 is modified by transcript methylation state.

Methods/Approach:
m6A profiling was performed to investigate methylation status of hVSMC mRNA transcripts. Contraction assay following knockdown of METTL3 was performed to assess VSMC contraction. RNA immunoprecipitation experiments were performed to identify FXR1- interacting cytoskeletal transcripts following METTL3 knockdown. Biotinylated pulldown experiments were performed to assess FXR1’s interaction with methylated RNA probes.

Results/Data:
Cytoskeletal-related mRNA are the most highly methylated category of methylated transcripts. FXR1 interacts with methylated rather than unmodified target probes. Knockdown of the m6A methylase, METTL3 resulted in significantly decreased contraction of hVSMC. METTL3 knockdown significantly reduced FXR1-cytoskeletal mRNA interactions.

Conclusions:
These data support our hypothesis that FXR1 is an m6A methylated mRNA reader which regulates cytoskeletal mRNA stability and VSMC contractility.
The wood-decaying fungal diversity unveiled by morphology and phylogeny in Ailaoshan Mountain, Yunnan, China
Authors: WANG LU , YANG XIN , ZHAO CHANGLIN
Published: July 2024

Seven field surveys were carried out in the Ailaoshan area of Yunnan Province, China, from 2016 to 2021, in which 2,814 specimens of wood-decaying fungal species were collected and identified based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses. One hundred and three wood-decaying species were identified, belonging to 64 genera, 29 families, and nine orders. Polyporales is the most abundant order in this area, accounting for 55.34% of all species, while Polyporaceae is the most abundant family, accounting for 18.45% of all species discovered in this area. The wood-decaying fungal checklist is provided according to the latest fungi classification system. Of these species, 11 are edible and therapeutic, four are forest pathogens, eight are threatened, and nine have just been reported from Ailaoshan Mountain. These species comprise 10.68%, 3.88%, 7.77%, and 8.74% of all species, respectively, while 71 species, or 68.93%, have unclear functional relationships. The sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene region of the studied specimens were generated, and the phylogenetic analyses were performed with the maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. This study enriches the diversity of wood-decaying fungi in the Ailaoshan area. Also, it provides a theoretical basis for the future protection and utilization of wood-decaying fungal resources in this area.
The Combined Use of Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) and BRAF V600E Gene Testing: Can it Increase the Definitive Diagnosis Rate of Nodules Categorized as Bethesda III for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma?
Authors: Lei Lu , Hong Qing Shang , Wei Li , Ma Mo Yang Fu , Xiao Xiang Yao
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the malignant probability of thyroid nodules diagnosed as indeterminate cytology, including atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS), and investigate the diagnostic value of combining BRAF V600E gene testing within this classification.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 126 patients who underwent fine-needle aspiration (FNA) examination of thyroid nodules and subsequent surgical treatment at Beijing Haidian Hospital between October 2021 and November 2022. Among them, there were 22 male and 104 female patients, aged between 18 and 75 years old. Surgical pathology results were considered the gold standard for diagnosing the nature of thyroid nodules, evaluating the malignant incidence of cytological results categorized as AUS/FLUS. Fisher’s exact test and diagnostic test evaluation methods were used to analyze the discriminatory diagnostic efficacy of preoperative FNA combined with BRAF V600E gene testing for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software.

Results

In PTC patients, the BRAF V600E gene mutation rate was 87.93% (102/116). Within the category of FNA results as AUS/FLUS, the proportion of PTC was 60.00% (15/25). The specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the BRAF V600E gene mutation in diagnosing PTC within the AUS/FLUS category were 10/10, 6/15, 6/6, and 10/19, respectively. The BRAF V600E gene mutation significantly increased the detection rate of PTC in patients classified under this cytology ( P = 0.028, <0.05).

Conclusion

Preoperative FNA combined with BRAF V600E gene mutation testing significantly enhances the malignant detection rate of thyroid nodules diagnosed cytologically as AUS/FLUS. This combined approach provides a potent tool to improve diagnostic accuracy in this indeterminate classification.
Shame and depressive symptoms in men: The moderating role of environmental mastery and purpose in life
Authors: Misuraca Gessica O , Francis Lauren M , Mansour Kayla A , Greenwood Christopher J , Olsson Craig A , Macdonald Jacqui A
Published: July 2024

Background:

Feelings of shame are linked to increased risk for depression. Little is known about protective factors that may buffer this effect, particularly in men. Using prospective data from a community sample of Australian men, we examine the extent to which shame is associated with depressive symptoms, and the protective role of psychological wellbeing, specifically environmental mastery and purpose in life.

Methods:

Participants ( n = 448) were from the longitudinal Men and Parenting Pathways (MAPP) Study. Measures were the Event Related Shame and Guilt Scale for shame, the DASS-21 for depressive symptoms and Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being for environmental mastery and purpose in life. Linear regressions were used to test associations between shame and depressive symptoms concurrently and 1-year later, and the moderating effects of mastery and purpose in life.

Results:

Shame was strongly associated with concurrent depressive symptoms (βunadj = .76, p < .001; βadj = .63, p < .001). This effect was weaker in men with high compared to low environmental mastery (β+1 SD = .46, p  < .001; β−1 SD = .55, p < .001) and purpose in life (β+1 SD = .48, p  < .001; β−1 SD = .62, p < .001). Shame also predicted subsequent depressive symptoms after adjustment for prior depressive symptoms (βunadj = .59, p = .001; βadj = .34, p = .004), although environmental mastery or purpose in life did not moderate these associations.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that promoting a sense of psychological wellbeing in men may confer protective proximal effects in the context of shame, potentially attenuating depression severity. The current study aligns with calls for strength-based approaches to reducing mental health problems in men.
Incomplete Framing in Diagnostic Movement: Quantitative Analyzing of Slogans and Frame Analysis of “Woman, Life, Freedom” Movement in Iran
Authors: Majidifard Amin , Noei Teymori Fatemeh
Published: July 2024

The “Women, Life, Freedom” (WLF) movement has been one of Iran’s most widespread social movements. This paper aims to identify the interpretive frames constructed within the movement from the perspective of analyzing its slogans and questioning the essence of the movement. In this regard, employing a quantitative approach and utilizing the content analysis method, it collects and analyzes all slogans reported (2355 slogans). The study finds that incomplete framing is a crucial aspect of the WLF movement, and it can be described as a “diagnostic movement” that has made significant progress in identifying the primary target of the protests.
Interrogating the Dynamics of Social Movements in Burkina Faso and Nigeria
Authors: Okoli Chukwuma Rowland , Nwangwu Chikodiri , Iwuamadi Chijioke Kelechi , Nwanegbo Chukwuemeka Jaja
Published: July 2024

Two waves of mass protests were remarkable across West Africa in the first two decades of the 21st century. Drawing from the experiences of Burkina Faso and Nigeria, this study situates these mass protests within the temporal theory of social movements and argues that the focus of the protests in each wave shifted from protests against specific neoliberal economic reforms to discontent with governance institutions. However, the underlying driver of the mass protests remained the deteriorating condition of the underclass. The study explains the recurring character of mass protests and why they will remain everyday experiences across West Africa.
Reliability and Validity of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire for Portuguese Adults
Authors: Ribeiro Mariana , Fernandes Elisabete , Borges Mariana , Pires Madalena , Melo Xavier , Pinto Fausto J. , Abreu Ana , Pinto Rita
Published: July 2024

The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) has been used often to assess physical activity (PA) patterns. However, the European Portuguese version of this instrument has not been validated. We aimed to validate the self-administered GPAQ, version 2, (GPAQv2) for Portuguese adults. We included 32 participants in a pilot study of a Portuguese adaptation of the test and 108 participants in an assessment of their PA patterns and sedentary behavior (SB) through the GPAQv2. For its validation, we compared the GPAQv2 to the International PA Questionnaire-Long Form (IPAQ-LF) (concurrent validity) and the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer (criterion validity). We evaluated PA and SB at baseline and after seven consecutive days. Test-retest reliability with the Kappa test (k) and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) ranged from strong to almost perfect (k: 0.864–0.976) and from moderate to excellent (ICC: 0.56–0.994), respectively. Concurrent validity, assessed by Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient, was moderate to substantial ( rho: 0.471–0.680), and there was fair to substantial criterion validity ( rho: 0.226–0.672). Bland-Altman plots showed that the GPAQv2 overestimated vigorous and moderate to vigorous PA and underestimated moderate PA. The largest difference values were related to SB, since the GPAQv2 underestimated sitting time. In sum, we found the GPAQv2 to have acceptable validity and reliability for assessing PA and SB patterns, and we recommend its use for Portuguese adults.
Shining the “Light” on Moral Foundations: Light Versus Dark Personality Relates More Strongly to Moral Foundations
Authors: Hart William , Wahlers Danielle E. , Cease Charlotte K. , Lambert Joshua T. , Castagna Peter
Published: July 2024

Endorsement of the moral foundations specified by Moral Foundations Theory (MFT) can sometimes fail to relate negatively to certain dispositions indicative of bad moral character. This evidence has fueled some concerns over whether the moral foundations in MFT are “moral.” To increase understanding of how moral foundations relate to moral character, we proposed the “asymmetry hypothesis.” This hypothesis states that “good” character is a more powerful predictor of each moral foundation than “bad” character. Put differently, there is an asymmetry in the strength (not merely direction) with which the moral foundations relate to encompassing indicators of good versus bad character. This is important because it suggests that links between the moral foundations and moral character will be somewhat concealed by focusing on bad character and/or not considering encompassing indicators of good character. A sample of college participants ( N = 514) rated their endorsement of moral foundations and completed two sets of measures that represented encompassing indicators of both good and bad character. The data supported the asymmetry hypothesis: Each encompassing good-character assessment was a stronger predictor of each moral foundation than its corresponding encompassing bad-character assessment. Furthermore, variance unique to any good-character assessment had about moderate relations with each moral foundation, but variance unique to any bad-character assessment had no more than small relations with each moral foundation. The study provides a more nuanced understanding of how moral character relates to moral foundations and highlights utility in considering moral character as multidimensional.
Nature for All: Utilizing the Universal Design Framework to Incorporate Nature-Based Learning Within an Early Childhood Inclusive Classroom
Authors: Pikus Arianna E. , Etchison Hannah M. , Gerde Hope K. , Bingham Gary E.
Published: July 2024

Experiences with nature are important for children’s development and there are many ways for educators to provide children with exceptionalities opportunities to interact with nature. Children with diverse needs can, and should, have opportunities to interact with nature. This article describes how to apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific evidence on how people learn (CAST, 2018a), to nature-based learning and articulates strategies for educators looking to provide more opportunities for all children to interact with nature, including those with disabilities. These strategies focus on how to incorporate nature within the indoor classroom and engage children with nature outdoors to promote development and learning.
Questioning pandemic recovery: A regional second city perspective
Authors: Williams Charles , Pendras Mark
Published: July 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic unsettled many assumptions about cities and urban life. Even discounting media fears about urban ‘collapse’, the pandemic and its aftermath have led to real uncertainties about the trajectory of urban development. While the struggles of ‘superstar’ cities in the Global North have attracted significant attention, here we shift focus onto the experiences of regional second cities in an attempt to capture a different perspective. In doing so, we avoid both the sensationalism of ‘doom loop’ projections that herald the end of major cities and the uncritical embrace of new ‘opportunities’ for peripheral cities in the wake of pandemic turmoil. Instead, we offer a more critical view that acknowledges some new possibilities while highlighting both their constrained parameters and the related threat of regional gentrification. As cities around the country begin to recover from the turmoil of pandemic disruption, we accordingly question the applicability and consequences of some of the more prominent recovery strategies beyond the context of major cities and suggest careful consideration of alternative development paths for regional second cities. To illustrate the regional second city experience, we explore recent outcomes in Tacoma, Washington, where the city’s post-pandemic development strategy embraces a reliance on luxury residential growth and associated consumer amenities, defined in relation to the dominant neighbouring city of Seattle. Cautioning over working-class displacement, regional gentrification and other vulnerabilities associated with this version of recovery, we conclude by looking at emerging housing activism in Tacoma for insights into how the present moment might generate new political organising for more equitable urban development.
The association between lipid accumulation products and depression in U.S. adults: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 2005-2018
Authors: Dai Mengyao , Zhang Yuyang , Chen Yang , Wang Long , Tian Yanghua
Published: July 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between lipid accumulation products (LAP) and depression among adults in the United States.

Methods

We analyzed data from 13,051 persons participating in the NHANES 2005-2018 cycle. The LAP index was calculated using the waist circumference (WC) and serum triglyceride (TG) levels, which reflect lipid toxicity. Participants who scored ≥10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were considered depressed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the association between the LAP index and depression. Subgroup analysis was also conducted to identify sensitive populations. Smoothed curve fitting and generalized additive model (GAM) regression were performed to verify the association between the LAP index and depression.

Results

After adjusting for all potential confounders, the risk of depression increased with increasing LAP index (odds ratio [OR]=1.0011, 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.0001-1.0021). Compared to participants in LAP quartile 1, participants in LAP quartile 3 exhibited the highest risk for depression (OR=1.43, 95% CI: 1.03-1.99). Subgroup analysis demonstrated a stronger association between the LAP index and depression in men (OR= 1.002, 95% CI= 1.001-1.004) and in those with hypertension (OR=1.002, 95% CI=1.000-1.003). Additionally, smoothed curve fitting and GAM regression demonstrated a positive linear correlation between the LAP index and depression.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that individuals with a higher LAP index may be at greater risk for depression, particularly among men and those with hypertension. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.
How Does Military Experience Affect Employment: Evidence From China
Authors: Li Dongni
Published: July 2024

The impact of military experience on employment has long been a hot topic of academic discussion, and understanding how military experience affects employment is crucial to promoting the employment of veterans. Based on the 2010 to 2020 China Family Panel Studies data, the article investigates the effect of military experience on individual employment and its underlying mechanism, and overcomes the endogeneity via IV-Probit model. It is found that military experience significantly contributes to employment, specifically through improving the job opportunities in the public sector, increasing the likelihood of holding an administrative position, and enhancing one’s political capital, social capital, and human capital. The findings of this article provide insights into how to deal with the unemployment problem of ex-servicemen and help the relevant authorities to formulate targeted measures to safeguard the employment of veterans.
An experimentally validated model for a multivariate drying industrial process
Authors: Yahya Olfa , Lassoued Zeineb , Aboud Zied , Abderrahim Kamel
Published: July 2024

Modeling of industrial production processes is becoming increasingly challenging due to their large number of variables. These variables often are highly correlated and introduce nonlinear and complex features. In this paper, we are interested to model an industrial dicalcium phosphate (DCP) drying process. Attempting to solve this issue is motivated by the need to improve several production conditions, such as minimizing the consumption of natural gas and reducing the pollution rate. In fact, applying an advanced control approach requires a dynamic model for the monitored plant. This work proposes a multivariable mathematical model for the DCP dryer within the Tunisian Chemical Group factory. A steady-state model has been reproduced using Aspen Plus software tool to implement the different functionalities of the system as well as involved reactions. Indeed, since the main operation in the drying process is the combustion reaction of the liquified petroleum gas (LPG) in the furnace that produce the necessary heat to reach a target value of temperature at the dryer outlet, we focus on determining a dynamic model for the furnace. To do so, we have proposed two approaches. The first is based on the Aspen dynamic tool. The second is based on the left matrix fraction description (LMFD) identification approach. The obtained results have been successfully validated using real measurements.
Impacts of Shocks to U.S. Macroeconomic Variables on the Regional Economy of Georgia
Authors: Han Yongseung
Published: July 2024

This paper develops a way to analyze a regional economy and a large economy within a model. Using structural autoregression with block exogeneity and mutual independence assumptions as well as Cholesky factorization, we quantify the impacts of shocks to U.S. macroeconomic variables on the regional economy of Georgia. We found that the largest impact on Georgia's aggregate variables - consumer prices, real per capita personal income, and total employment - is the federal funds rate. For other shocks, Georgia's personal income is most affected by an increase in commodity prices, while Georgia's consumer prices are most affected by U.S. inflation. At the industry level, we found that the impact of real GDP is the largest and the impact of M2 is the smallest on output and employment in Georgia's industries, although the magnitude of the impact on employment is smaller and more short-lived than on output.
Situated Partnership: Dynamics of Role Formation in a Research–Practice Partnership
Authors: Hadar Linor L. , Baharav Hadar , Cohen Etan
Published: July 2024

Background or Context:

Research–practice partnerships (RPPs) are collaborative efforts between researchers and practitioners aimed at improving educational practices through engagement in research. Previous studies have highlighted the dynamic nature of roles within RPPs, emphasizing the need for role negotiation and adaptation to local contexts. This study builds on existing literature by focusing on the roles of academic faculty within an evolving RPP involving two higher education institutions and 21 schools in Israel. The aim of the RPP was to give participating schools the opportunity to evaluate and understand pedagogical processes and make changes through engagement in school-based research.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to explore the roles of academic faculty within an evolving RPP and understand how these roles develop and adapt over time. The research focused on faculty members’ experiences in supporting schools’ research endeavors, emphasizing the contingent nature of their roles. The study addressed the following research questions: What types of roles are formed for faculty within an RPP? How do faculty roles develop within the RPP? By examining these questions, the study seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of role dynamics in RPPs and provide insights for more effective partnership implementation.

Research Design:

We explored faculty roles through a fine-grained analysis of their discourse during biweekly meetings, where they reported and reflected on their interactions with practitioners in the schools. These meetings served as a forum for faculty to share their responsibilities and tasks within the partnership and to negotiate and construct their professional identity within the RPP. Data were collected from 24 transcribed meetings, each lasting 90 minutes, and segmented into episodes categorized as “small stories.” We employed a grounded-theory method to code each segment and drew on these findings to further our understanding of how faculty members’ roles were formed within the RPP.

Conclusions/Recommendations:

Faculty roles within the RPP were not fixed; they were highly contingent on the specific contexts of the participating schools. The concept of “situated partnership” emerged as a key finding, emphasizing the dynamic and context-dependent nature of faculty roles. The study recommends that future RPPs consider the importance of flexibility and adaptability in role definitions, allowing for the evolution of roles based on local contexts.
Effect of Communication Mode on Disclosure of Nutrition Impact Symptoms During Nutrition Intervention Delivered to People With Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Furness Kate , Huggins Catherine E. , Hanna Lauren , Croagh Daniel , Sarkies Mitchell , Haines Terry P.
Published: July 2024

Individuals diagnosed with upper gastrointestinal cancers experience a myriad of nutrition impact symptoms (NIS) compromise a person’s ability to adequately meet their nutritional requirements leading to malnutrition, reduced quality of life and poorer survival. Electronic health (eHealth) is a potential strategy for improving the delivery of nutrition interventions by improving early and sustained access to dietitians to address both NIS and malnutrition. This study aimed to explore whether the mode of delivery affected participant disclosure of NIS during a nutrition intervention. Participants in the intervention groups received a nutrition intervention for 18 weeks from a dietitian via telephone or mobile application (app) using behaviour change techniques to assist in goal achievement. Poisson regression determined the proportion of individuals who reported NIS compared between groups. Univariate and multiple regression analyses of demographic variables explored the relationship between demographics and reporting of NIS. The incidence of reporting of NIS was more than 1.8 times higher in the telephone group ( n = 38) compared to the mobile group ( n = 36). Telephone predicted a higher likelihood of disclosure of self-reported symptoms of fatigue, nausea, and anorexia throughout the intervention period. A trusting therapeutic relationship built on human connection is fundamental and may not be achieved with current models of mobile health technologies.
Guidelines for management of actual or suspected inadvertent intra-arterial injection of sclerosants
Authors: Parsi Kurosh , De Maeseneer Marianne , van Rij Andre M , Rogan Christopher , Bonython Wendy , Devereux John A , Lekich Christopher K , Amos Michael , Bozkurt Ahmet Kursat , Connor David E , Davies Alun H , Gianesini Sergio , Gibson Kathleen , Gloviczki Peter , Grabs Anthony , Grillo Lorena , Hafner Franz , Huber David , Iafrati Mark , Jackson Mark , Jindal Ravul , Lim Adrian , Lurie Fedor , Marks Lisa , Raymond-Martimbeau Pauline , Paraskevas Peter , Ramelet Albert-Adrien , Rial Rodrigo , Roberts Stefania , Simkin Carlos , Thibault Paul K , Whiteley Mark S
Published: July 2024

Background

Inadvertent intra-arterial injection of sclerosants is an uncommon adverse event of both ultrasound-guided and direct vision sclerotherapy. This complication can result in significant tissue or limb loss and significant long-term morbidity.

Objectives

To provide recommendations for diagnosis and immediate management of an unintentional intra-arterial injection of sclerosing agents.

Methods

An international and multidisciplinary expert panel representing the endorsing societies and relevant specialities reviewed the published biomedical, scientific and legal literature and developed the consensus-based recommendations.

Results

Actual and suspected cases of an intra-arterial sclerosant injection should be immediately transferred to a facility with a vascular/interventional unit. Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) is the key investigation to confirm the diagnosis and help select the appropriate intra-arterial therapy for tissue ischaemia. Emergency endovascular intervention will be required to manage the risk of major limb ischaemia. This includes intra-arterial administration of vasodilators to reduce vasospasm, and anticoagulants and thrombolytic agents to mitigate thrombosis. Mechanical thrombectomy, other endovascular interventions and even open surgery may be required. Lumbar sympathetic block may be considered but has a high risk of bleeding. Systemic anti-inflammatory agents, anticoagulants, and platelet inhibitors and modifiers would complement the intra-arterial endovascular procedures. For risk of minor ischaemia, systemic oral anti-inflammatory agents, anticoagulants, vasodilators and antiplatelet treatments are recommended.

Conclusion

Inadvertent intra-arterial injection is an adverse event of both ultrasound-guided and direct vision sclerotherapy. Medical practitioners performing sclerotherapy must ensure completion of a course of formal training (specialty or subspecialty training, or equivalent recognition) in the management of venous and lymphatic disorders (phlebology), and be personally proficient in the use of duplex ultrasound in vascular (both arterial and venous) applications, to diagnose and provide image guidance to venous procedure. Expertise in diagnosis and immediate management of an intra-arterial injection is essential for all practitioners performing sclerotherapy.
Evaluation of Run-off-Road Crashes Involving Battery-Electric Vehicles
Authors: Stolle Cody , Pajouh Mojdeh , Pafford Khaleb , Iwuoha Jada , Lechtenberg Karla , White Samantha
Published: July 2024

Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasing in popularity and are among the fastest-growing segments in new vehicle sales. Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are the highest-selling class of EV. BEVs use a unique frame construction (i.e., a “skateboard” chassis) with a heavy battery pack located below the occupant’s floorpan, and are heavier and have lower centers-of-gravity than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs)—factors that could affect their crashworthiness with roadside features. A crash study was performed to compare the crash conditions for BEVs to ICEVs and hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) covering the numbers of vehicles, posted speed limits, crash locations, time of day, weather conditions, crash severities, and roadside fixed objects struck. Eight state departments of transportation provided crash data spanning 5 years that included vehicle identification numbers or make, model, and year combinations, which were used to isolate BEVs from ICEVs. Crash results were reviewed and EV crash conditions were found to be similar to those of ICEV and HEV crash conditions. Moreover, the frequency of run-off-road crashes was similar for BEVs and ICEVs. Because no substantial differences were observed between the two datasets, it is recommended that impact conditions described in the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware be utilized during preliminary evaluation of roadside hardware using electric vehicles.