bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change in Medication Adherence and Beliefs in Medicines Over Time in Older Adults
Authors: Unni Elizabeth , Shiyanbola Olayinka O , Farris Karen B
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE: The temporal component of medication adherence is important while designing interventions to improve medication adherence. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine how medication adherence and beliefs in medicines change over time in older adults.

METHODS: A two-year longitudinal internet-based survey among adults 65+ years was used to collect data on medication adherence (Morisky 4-item scale) and beliefs in medicines (Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire). Paired t-test and one-way ANOVA determined if a change in beliefs in medicines and medication adherence over time was significant. A multiple linear regression was used to determine the significant predictors of change in medication adherence over time.

RESULTS: 436 respondents answered both baseline and follow-up surveys. Among all respondents, there was no significant change in adherence (0.58 ± 0.84 vs. 0.59 ± 0.84; p > 0.05), necessity beliefs (17.13 ± 4.31 vs. 17.10 ± 4.29; p > 0.05), or concern beliefs (11.70 ± 3.73 vs. 11.68 ± 3.77; p > 0.05) over time. For older adults with lower baseline adherence, there was a statistically significant improvement in adherence (1.45 ± 0.70 vs. 0.99 ± 0.97; p < 0.05); but no change in beliefs in medicines over time. The significant predictors of change in medication adherence over time were baseline adherence and baseline concern beliefs in medicines.

CONCLUSION: With baseline adherence and baseline concern beliefs in medicines playing a significant role in determining change in adherence behavior over time, especially in individuals with lower adherence, it is important to alleviate medication concerns at the beginning of therapy for better adherence.
A abordagem qualitativa nas ciências administrativas: aspectos históricos, tipologias e perspectivas futuras
Authors: Mesquita Rafael Fernandes de , Matos Fátima Regina Ney
Published: September 2015

As abordagens qualitativas de pesquisa têm o cerne de sua formação nas ciências sociais e humanas e sua atual aplicação em diversas áreas do conhecimento, incluindo as ciências administrativas. Sua história de desenvolvimento é constantemente marcada, de um lado, por questionamentos, críticas e adversidades paradigmáticas e, de outro, por ganhar legitimidade e força advindas daqueles que fazem bom uso dos seus métodos e técnicas. Este breve ensaio teórico tem por objetivo geral expor, a partir de seus aspectos históricos e principais características, o sentido da abordagem qualitativa de pesquisa, suas tipologias, aspectos que caracterizam uma possível dicotomia entre essa e a abordagem quantitativa, elucidando alguns benefícios da complementaridade e triangulação, bem como algumas dificuldades em realiza-las, sua aplicabilidade aos estudos organizacionais e algumas perspectivas futuras. Almeja-se que as contribuições deste trabalho sejam refletidas na promoção e impulsão de seus métodos e de suas técnicas, notadamente às inovações metodológicas a que estão diante toda a comunidade científica de modo geral. Como principais considerações têm-se a continuidade do debate aqui proposto e o fortalecimento das metodologias qualitativas, neste campo do conhecimento, à medida que são aperfeiçoados na prática diária de pesquisadores.
A qualidade percebida, os valores de consumo e as emoções como antecedentes da satisfação de usuários de Shopping Center: a construção de um modelo de equações estruturais
Authors: Lima Mayana Virginia Viegas , Steiner Neto Pedro José
Published: September 2015

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as influências da Qualidade Percebida, dos Valores de Consumo e das Emoções como antecedentes da Satisfação do consumidor. Sendo assim, foi realizada uma revisão de literatura acerca dos construtos centrais deste estudo, onde pretendeu-se demonstrar a relação existente entre eles e como os mesmos podem ser considerados elementos antecedentes da Satisfação, fazendo-se ao final a proposição de um modelo no qual as relações propostas entre estas variáveis formaram as hipóteses testadas. A pesquisa pode ser caracterizada como um survey de caráter Interseccional, e foi realizada na cidade de Curitiba/PR com 392 consumidores de Shopping Center. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio dos softwares: SPSS e AMOS. Por meio da relevância apresentada nos seus resultados, comparativamente com as premissas propostas, este estudo apresenta sua contribuição tanto para a teoria do comportamento do consumidor, quanto para o contexto de Shopping Center. Além de corroborar com os achados dos estudos tomados como base para a construção destas relações, este estudo também apresentou outras duas importantes contribuições: (1) considerar três dimensões (utilitária, hedônica e simbólica) aos valores de consumo e propor a relação destas dimensões com outras variáveis, conseguindo verificar empiricamente a relação destes valores com as emoções e com a satisfação; bem como a verificação da relação da qualidade percebida nos valores de consumo, relação esta que ainda não havia ficado muito clara em estudos anteriores; (2) analisar conjuntamente a relação entre as variáveis qualidade percebida, valores de consumo, moções e satisfação, já que estas variáveis ainda não tinham sido testadas em nenhum outro estudo. Por fim, ainda são apresentadas limitações do estudo e sugestões para futuras pesquisas.
A eficácia na utilização do paradigma de inovação aberta pelas empresas como um diferencial de competitividade e criação de valor
Authors: Palmeira Elaine Pinheiro , Lima Rogério Torres de , Oliveira Elaine Ribeiro , Serralvo Francisco Antonio
Published: September 2015

Os dias atuais, onde o conhecimento é um poderoso e fundamental ativo para que as organizações enfrentem rapidamente as mudanças em curso, apresentam um novo panorama de gestão da inovação. Diferentemente do modelo de inovação fechada, que até pouco tempo apresentava amplo domínio das ações de mercado, as organizações agora começam a reconhecer a importância de estarem abertas ao mundo de ideias e conhecimentos que as cercam, onde ideias valiosas podem vir de dentro e de fora da companhia e, igualmente, podem ir ao mercado de dentro ou fora da empresa. Nesse sentido, este artigo objetiva analisar a utilidade e a aplicabilidade da inovação aberta na renovação e criação de negócios e processos organizacionais. Por meio de uma pesquisa qualitativa exploratória, os resultados obtidos revelaram que ainda existe uma vasta lacuna para a pesquisa e publicação de artigos nacionais referenciando o tema e demonstraram uma grande concentração em países de língua inglesa, especialmente nos Estados Unidos.
Assédio moral, organizações e justiça: análise de julgados sobre assédio moral no Tribunal Superior do Trabalho
Authors: Ferreira Kátia Gontijo , Garcia Fernando Coutinho
Published: September 2015

Na realização da atividade econômica praticada pelas organizações, muitas vezes, os gestores, ao exercerem o poder disciplinar, que é atribuído no Brasil por lei desde 1943, com a Consolidação das Leis Trabalhistas, extrapolam esse direito e atingem os direitos do empregado, também garantidos na legislação vigente. As atitudes hostis, como a deterioração proposital das condições de trabalho, o isolamento e a recusa de comunicação, os atentados contra a dignidade e o uso da violência verbal, física ou sexual - uma das modalidades do assédio moral que não será tratada nesta pesquisa - constituem os meios pelos quais o agressor atinge as vítimas do assédio moral. A coisificação do trabalhador é evidente em algumas organizações nas quais os empregados são tratados como peças substituíveis na engrenagem da produção, e não como seres humanos. O objetivo desta pesquisa consiste em analisar como os acórdãos proferidos pelo Tribunal Superior do Trabalho entre 2010 e 2012 identificam os conceitos e as características dos autores que tratam do assédio moral sofrido pelo empregado nas organizações. A metodologia adotada foi a pesquisa descritiva de cunho qualitativo. Os resultados comprovaram que o assédio moral faz parte do cotidiano das organizações, mas que o empregado está buscando na Justiça seu direito à dignidade da pessoa humana.
Sensitivity Analysis of Minimum Spanning Trees in Sub-Inverse-Ackermann Time
Authors: Pettie Seth
Published: August 2015

We present a deterministic algorithm for computing the sensitivity of a minimum spanning tree (MST) or shortest path tree in O(mlogα(m,n)) time, where α is the inverse-Ackermann function. This improves upon a long standing bound of O(mα(m,n)) established by Tarjan. Our algorithms are based on an efficient split-findmin data structure, which maintains a collection of sequences of weighted elements that may be split into smaller subsequences. As far as we are aware, our split-findmin algorithm is the first with superlinear but sub-inverse-Ackermann complexity. We also give a reduction from MST sensitivity to the MST problem itself. Together with the randomized linear time MST algorithm of Karger, Klein, and Tarjan, this gives another randomized linear time MST sensitivity algorithm.
From Hyperinsulinemia to Cancer Progression: How Diminishing Glucose Storage Capacity Fuels Insulin Resistance
Authors: Kareva Irina
Published: August 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia. A significant portion of individuals with T2D are unaware of their condition until it has reached advanced stages. T2D is also associated with an increased risk and worse prognosis of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and cancer. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the emergence of insulin resistance is critical for improving early detection and therapeutic interventions.

Methods

An updated framework is proposed to describe the emergence of insulin resistance that precedes the development of T2D. The model focuses on the impact of diminishing capacity to store excess glucose, which can occur due to a multitude of factors, including age‐related muscle loss. The model is used to simulate responses to oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) to capture the transition from a normal to a diabetic phenotype, as defined by the Kraft criteria. Additionally, the model is used to explore how the metabolic environment influences tumor progression, drawing on experimental data regarding the impact of transient diabetic phenotypes and hyperinsulinemia on cancer therapy efficacy.

Results

The model successfully demonstrates that reduced glucose storage capacity can qualitatively reproduce the progression from normal to diabetic phenotypes observed in OGTT responses. Furthermore, it shows that tumor progression or regression is highly dependent on the host's metabolic environment, particularly hyperinsulinemia. This aligns with experimental results that connect drug‐induced hyperinsulinemia to a loss of therapeutic efficacy against tumors, whereas the reversal of the diabetic phenotype could restore drug sensitivity and treatment response.

Conclusions

This study highlights the critical role of hyperinsulinemia, even in normoglycemic individuals, in both the progression of T2D and the modulation of cancer therapy outcomes. Addressing hyperinsulinemia emerges as a promising strategy to enhance cancer treatment efficacy and improve overall health outcomes in patients with or at risk for T2D.
Multifunctional Tactile Sensors for Object Recognition
Authors: Wang Linglu , Qi Xiangyu , Li Chuanbo , Wang Yang
Published: August 2024

Humans can grab and identify objects by capturing the features of physical shape, temperature, and material. However, creating artificial sensors with finger‐like tactile capabilities is challenging due to the contradiction between structural compliance and multifunctional sensing. Here, a sensory system for a robot hand that can achieve object recognition is reported. The sensor with a simple horizontal sensing structure can respond to strain, material, and temperature stimuli using piezoresistive, triboelectric, and thermoelectric effects. A machine learning algorithm to train and classify tactile sensing signals, enabling a high accuracy of 98.5% in recognizing five objects is also developed. This work contributes to the development of sensory systems for object recognition in soft robotics.
Leidenfrost Effect‐Induced Chaotic Vortex Flow for Efficient Mixing of Highly Viscous Droplets
Authors: Liu Minjie , Ji Bingqiang , Dang Chaoqun , Zhao Fuwang , Zhang Chao , Jin Yuankai , Jiang Mengnan , Lu Yang , Tang Hui , Wang Steven , Wang Zuankai
Published: August 2024

Efficiently mixing highly viscous liquids in microfluidic systems is appealing for green chemistry such as chemical synthesis and catalysis, but it is a long‐standing challenge owing to the unfavorable diffusion kinetics. In this work, a new strategy is explored for mixing viscous droplets by harnessing a peculiar Leidenfrost state, where the substrate temperature is above the boiling point of the liquid without apparent liquid evaporation. Compared to the control experiment where the droplet stays at a similar temperature but in the contact boiling regime, the mixing time can be reduced significantly. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the liquid mixing originates from the chaotic convection flow in the Leidenfrost droplet, characterized by the internal vortex motion evidenced by the microscale visualization. A correlation between mixing time and droplet volume is also proposed, showing a good agreement with experimental results. It is further shown that Leidenfrost droplets can be used to synthesize nanoparticles of the desired morphology, and it is anticipated that this simple and scalable fabrication approach will find applications in the biological, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
High‐Efficiency Hybrid White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Extremely Low Efficiency Roll‐Off and Superior Color Stability Enabled by an Emitting System with Imidazole‐Biphenyl Derivatives
Authors: Liu Hui , Liu Futong , Cheng Zhuang , Yan Yan , Wan Liang , Hu Yin , Xu Yangze , Ma Xiaobo , Lu Ping
Published: August 2024

Hybride white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs) have experienced great success as a prospective technology for the new generation lighting source. Nevertheless, WOLEDs exhibiting excellent effciency and good color stability at high operation brightness are still rare. Herein, a simple but efficient blue molecule, pyrenoimidazole‐biphenyl (PPyIM), which exhibits promising external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 7.6% and 7.2% at the luminescence of 1000 −and 5000 cd m−2 in nondoped blue OLED, is first developed. And then, phenanthroimidazole‐biphenyl (PPIM) with analogous molecular skeleton of PPyIM is chosen as the host of phosphorescent dye PO‐01, and the resulting doped device achieves excellent EQE of 26.5% at the high luminescence of 5000 cd m−2. Furthermore, adopting PPyIM as nondoped blue emissive layer, the two‐color hybrid WOLED exhibites stable warm white emission with CIE coordinates of (0.454, 0.439), color rendering index (CRI) of 45, and correlated color temperature (CCT) of 2996 K. The maximum EQE reaches 23.5%, and the EQE still maintains 21.2% even at the luminance of 5000 cd m−2. Notably, this device exhibits exceptionally stable warm white emission, the CIE coordinates variation is only (0.004, 0.003) in the wide luminance range from 400 to 10000 cd m−2, representing the best outcome for hybrid WOLEDs to date.
Model‐based fault diagnosis for safety‐critical chemical reactors: An experimental study
Authors: Du Pu , Wilhite Benjamin , Kravaris Costas
Published: August 2024

This article presents an experimental application of fault detection, isolation, and estimation in a chemical reactor system, introducing a functional observer‐based approach without the need for linear approximation. The residual signal generators, functioning as disturbance‐decoupled functional observers, provide fault size estimates and enable fault isolation through multiple generators operating independently. The experimental study focuses on the 3‐Picoline oxidation process, deriving a discrete‐time model, and constructing specific residual generators for coolant inlet temperature and feed concentration faults. Fault diagnosis employs Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) filtering and Generalized Likelihood Ratio (GLR), facilitating on‐the‐fly detection during the experiment. The effectiveness of fault detection, disturbance decoupling, and estimation is experimentally validated.
A universal machine learning framework to automatically identify high‐performance covalent organic framework membranes for CH4/H2 separation
Authors: Qiu Yong , Chen Letian , Zhang Xu , Ping Dehai , Tian Yun , Zhou Zhen
Published: August 2024

A universal machine learning framework is proposed to predict and classify membrane performance efficiently and accurately, achieved by combining classical density functional theory and string method. Through application of this framework, we conducted high‐throughput computations under industrial conditions, utilizing an extensive database containing nearly 70,000 covalent organic framework (COF) structures for CH4/H2 separation. The best‐performing COF identified surpasses the materials reported in the previously documented MOF and COF databases, exhibiting an impressive adsorption selectivity for CH4/H2 exceeding 82 and a membrane selectivity reaching as high as 248. More impressively, some of the best candidates identified from this framework have been verified through previous experimental works. Furthermore, the automated machine learning framework and its corresponding scoring system not only enable rapid identification of promising membrane materials from a vast material space but also contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the governing mechanisms that determine separation performance.
Validity of an expert‐based job exposure matrix of hand‐wrist physical exposures and their prospective associations with carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Petersen Jonathan Aavang , Lund Christina Bach , Flachs Esben Meulengracht , Petersen Rolf , Mikkelsen Sigurd , Thomsen Jane Frølund
Published: August 2024

Background

Epidemiological studies of occupational risk factors for rare disorders require large study populations with adequate exposure estimates. Job exposure matrices (JEMs) linked to national information on standardized job titles may enable such large studies. We aimed to establish and validate a JEM for occupational hand‐wrist exposures that could be linked to Danish national register data on job titles and hand‐wrist disorders.

Methods

We developed a JEM for hand‐wrist repetition, force, vibration, and computer work in 96 job groups covering 91% of the 2227 occupational titles in the Danish version of the International Standard Classification of Occupation‐88, and examined inter‐rater reliability of five expert ratings. Poisson regression models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios for the association of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with the level of repetitive movements, force, vibration, and hours of computer work described by the JEM, adjusted for relevant confounders.

Results

The JEM based on expert ratings had fair to good interrater reliability. The incidence of CTS increased with increasing levels of force, hand‐wrist repetition, and vibration, Exposure‐response patterns for repetition and vibration became less consistent after adjustment for force. The interaction between repetition and force was complex and did not support an overall positive interaction. Computer work was negatively associated with incident CTS.

Conclusion

The JEM was able to identify known risk factors for CTS consistent with current evidence, and provided further associations on exposure‐response patterns, mutual exposure adjustment, and interaction effects between repetition and force. The reliability of expert assessments of hand‐wrist physical exposures was fair to good.
Experimental study on sloshing mechanical characteristics in a partially filled storage tank
Authors: Zhao Peng , Xue Wenlong , Yang Yunfang , Liu Zhan
Published: August 2024

Due to excellent performance, hydrogen is treated as the most promising energy carrier. However, during the storage of liquid hydrogen, there are still some thorny issues that need to be addressed urgently, such as fluid thermal stratification and sloshing phenomenon. To efficiently grasp fluid sloshing mechanical characteristics, a simple visual sloshing experiment rig was established by using a rectangle transparent water vessel. The variations of the interface shape and the impact force during sloshing were monitored and analyzed. The effects of sloshing frequency, horizontal acceleration, and initial liquid height on fluid sloshing mechanical mechanism were investigated. The results show that when the external sloshing excitation is close to the first order natural frequency, obvious interface fluctuation and large amplitude sloshing force variation are observed. The present work is of significance to strengthen the understanding of fluid sloshing mechanical performance and may lay a solid foundation for fluid sloshing suppression and long‐term storage of cryogenic fuels.
The Relative Importance of the Contrast and Assimilation Effects in Decisions Under Risk
Authors: Heilprin Eden , Erev Ido
Published: August 2024

Past research on decisions under risk has documented two contradictory context effects: the contrast effect, where risk preferences in “target” tasks diverge from those in previous “surrounding” tasks, and the assimilation effect that implies the opposite bias. We present four web experiments (three preregistered) that clarify the conditions determining the relative prominence of these opposing effects. Our experiments focus on choice patterns in “target” tasks where participants choose between the status quo and a risky mixed gamble with an expected value of zero. Study 1 examines the impact of surroundings that differ from the target task with respect to the expected benefit from risk‐taking. The findings reveal a strong contrast effect: Decreasing the attractiveness of risk‐taking in the surrounding tasks increased the risk‐taking rate in the target tasks from 53.2% to 79.7%. Study 2 investigates the impact of surroundings that differ in the payoff domain. The findings indicate a strong assimilation effect: Decreasing the attractiveness of risk‐taking in the surrounding tasks decreased the risk‐taking rate in the target tasks from 74.7% to 36.5%. Additionally, the results revealed unpredicted and robust reversed loss aversion patterns which Studies 3 and 4 further clarify. Our findings (1) suggest that the isolated within‐task computations assumed by leading descriptive models overlook substantial contextual considerations, (2) clarify the factors determining the impact of the contrast and assimilation effects in decisions under risk, and (3) provide a theoretical framework for making useful predictions in various scenarios.
Adaptivity or agency? Educational technology design for conceptual learning of materials science
Authors: Nigon Nutnicha , Tucker Julie D. , Ekstedt Thomas W. , Jeong Brandon C. , Simionescu Dana C. , Koretsky Milo D.
Published: August 2024

As the use of computers in education increases, adaptive learning platforms are becoming more common. However, these adaptive systems are typically designed to support acquisition of declarative knowledge and/or procedural fluency but rarely address conceptual learning. In this work, we developed the Crystallography Adaptive Learning Module (CALM) for materials science to provide students a tool for individualized conceptual learning. We used a randomized quasi‐experimental design comparing two instructional designs with different levels of computer‐provided direction and student agency. Undergraduate students were randomly assigned to one of two different instructional designs; one design had students complete an individualized, adaptive path using the CALM (N = 80), and the other gave students the freedom to explore CALM's learning resources but with limited guidance (N = 85). Within these two designs, we also investigated students among different cumulative grade point average (GPA) groups. While there was no statistically significant difference in the measure of conceptual understanding between instructional designs or among the groups with the same GPA, there is evidence to suggest the CALM improves conceptual understanding of students in the middle GPA group. Students using CALM also showed increased participation with the interactive learning videos compared to the other design. The number of videos watched in each instructional condition aligns with overall academic performance as the low GPA group received the most assigned supplements but watched the least videos by choice. This study provides insight for technology developers on how to develop educational adaptive technology systems that provide a proper level of student agency to promote conceptual understanding in challenging STEM topics.
Prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV combined with cervical pathological results in women from Sichuan, China: A cross‐sectional study based on post‐vaccination period 2019 to 2023
Authors: Mo Bangzhu , Ye Yuanxin , Yu Maowen , Tong Xianli , Cao Hongmei , Du Chunmei , Luo Jiangrong , Xie Chunbao
Published: August 2024

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) screening and vaccination exert efficacy in controlling the progression of cervical cancer. Thus, examinations into HPV prevalence, age‐stratified specificity, genotype distribution, and their correlation with pathological outcomes can furnish robust evidence for customizing high‐quality population screening and management.

Methods

A cohort of 17,923 women attending clinics in the Jintang area, Sichuan, from January 2019 through August 2023 were enrolled in the study. Genotyping of HPV was conducted using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The epidemiology and the relationship between HPV infection and histologic/cytologic abnormalities were subjected to analysis.

Results

HPV infection was identified in 4387 women. The outpatient group exhibited a significantly higher HPV infection rate compared to the healthy examination group (26.5% vs. 17.5%, p < 0.05). The distribution of infection rates across different age groups exhibited a U‐shaped pattern, with the highest infection rate in the group ≤20 years of age, succeeded by those >60 years of age. The 31–40 age group demonstrated the lowest prevalence of infection, but upon infection, its prevalence of the precancerous lesion CIN2‐3 reached a maximum of 29.0%, constituting a novel finding. The most prevalent genotype was HPV52, followed by HPV16, 58, 53, 68, and 18. In the cytologic and histologic abnormalities group, the most common types were HPV52, 16, and 58. HPV16 predominantly appeared in high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia and carcinoma in situ, constituting over 60% of cases. While HPV type 52 was not individually detected in cervical cancer cases. And some other non‐vaccine‐covered HPV subtypes also showed high prevalence in Sichuan. The single infection rates of NH9‐HPV (high‐risk HPV subtypes covered by the non‐nine‐valent vaccine) in CIN2‐3 and cervical cancer patients were 6.5% and 2.6%, respectively. Among them, HPV51, HPV53, HPV59, and HPV35 exhibited a significant preponderance, which even higher than HPV45 and HPV31 covered by the nine‐valent vaccine types. And in NL9‐HPV (low‐risk HPV subtypes covered by the non‐nine‐valent vaccine), HPV42 accounted for the highest percentage in CIN2‐3. A similar decreasing trend was observed in annual infection rates in the healthy examination population and in the 31–40 and 51–60 age groups, while the ≤20 age group showed an increase. Regarding type‐specificity, HPV16 and HPV58 exhibited the most rapid declines.

Conclusion

This study furnishes the latest insights into the characteristics of HPV infection rate, age distribution, and genotype prevalence in Sichuan.
Birth cohort and social change decreased quality of life among older adults: A cross‐temporal meta‐analysis, 1999–2017
Authors: Zhao Zhang , Wan Rui
Published: August 2024

Quality of life (QoL) has become an essential goal of contemporary healthcare and protective psychological resources. Individual life expectancy has increased with improved social progress, healthcare, nutrition and advanced health‐related technologies. However, research often overlooks the significant impact of social change and generational effects on the QoL of the ageing population. As people age, optimising opportunities for health, participation and safety to improve QoL has become crucial for society, policymakers and researchers. This study utilised a cross‐temporal meta‐analysis to investigate changes in the QoL among older adults from 1999 to 2017. Fifty two studies (N = 34,844) that used the Brief Health Status Survey Scale (SF‐36) were analysed. Direct and lagged correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between changes in the QoL of older adults and the macro social environment. The findings showed that QoL decreased by 7.94 points (d = −0.50) over the past 18 years. Economic status, social connectedness, and general threats were significant predictors of declining QoL among older adults. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
The metaverse experience: A scale development study
Authors: Mingione Michela , Mattia Giovanni , Materia Margherita , Pedeliento Giuseppe
Published: August 2024

Understanding the metaverse experience (MEX) is paramount to allow companies to exploit its potential and to align with consumers' expectations. Accordingly, this paper develops a scale to identify the main dimensions that define the MEX as well as investigate which constituent dimensions of the MEX are more suited to enhance consumers' attitude toward the metaverse, a key element to foster consumers' exploratory behavior. By drawing on a research design based on multiple stages including qualitative and quantitative data and analysis, this paper develops a measure of the MEX that includes six dimensions: sensory/affective, intellectual, behavioral, relational, interoperability, and safety. The dimensions of intellectual, behavioral, and relational experience were found non‐significant showing that the MEX is built on the experiential dimensions of sensory/emotional, interoperability, and safety. These dimensions were also found to directly affect consumers' attitude toward the metaverse. The paper contributes to current discussion of the metaverse by offering the first tested and reliable scale to measure the MEX.
Single‐center experience with self‐expanding transcatheter aortic valve system for symptomatic high‐risk patients with severe aortic regurgitation: One‐year outcomes
Authors: Kong Xiang‐Quan , Zhang Juan , Gao Xiao‐Fei , Wang Zhi‐Mei , Ye Peng , Zhang Jun‐Jie , Chen Shao‐Liang
Published: August 2024

Aims

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for the treatment of aortic regurgitation (AR).

Methods

From September 2019 to February 2022, 62 patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI procedure for pure, symptomatic severe AR with the VitaFlow system were enrolled in the current study. The outcomes were assessed according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 criteria. Procedural results and clinical outcomes for 1 year were analyzed.

Results

The mean age was 71.56 ± 7.34 years and 58.1% were male. The mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 5.44 ± 3.22%. The device success rate was 79.0%. Only one patient was converted to open surgery. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 1.6%. The 1‐year all‐cause mortality rate was 6.5%. The new permanent pacemaker implantation rate was 29.0% in‐hospital and 30.7% at 1‐year follow‐up. The second valve implantation rate was 14.5%. No patient developed more than moderate paravalvular leakage during follow‐up. The mean ejection fraction improved from 54.05 ± 10.83% at baseline to 59.32 ± 8.70% (p < 0.001 compared with baseline) at 12 months. Left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter decreased from 61.62 ± 5.58 mm at baseline to 55.20 ± 4.51 mm (p < 0.001 compared with the baseline) at 12 months.

Conclusions

Transfemoral TAVI procedure shows efficacy in treating patients with severe pure native AR. The safety is improved with the development of the VitaFlow system.
Three‐year outcomes of contemporary endovascular treatment in over 25‐cm femoropopliteal artery disease from a retrospective multicenter registry: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Horie Kazunori , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Nakama Tatsuya , Tanaka Akiko , Tobita Kazuki , Hayakawa Naoki , Mori Shinsuke , Iwata Yo , Suzuki Kenji
Published: August 2024

Background

Endovascular therapy (EVT) is often performed for diffuse femoropopliteal lesions. This study investigated 3‐year patency and clinical outcomes in patients with EVT‐treated femoropopliteal lesions >25 cm.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter registry analyzed patients who presented with lower extremity artery disease having femoropopliteal lesions >25 cm who underwent EVT between 2017 and 2021. The primary outcome was restenosis 3 years after EVT.

Results

Overall, 504 patients with 614 lesions undergoing EVT for diffuse femoropopliteal lesions were enrolled. The prevalence of restenosis was 184.3 per 1000 lesion‐years. Kaplan–Meier estimate of freedom from restenosis was 58.6% at 3 years. In the multivariate Poisson regression model, female sex (adjusted incidence risk ratio: 1.54; p = 0.003), cilostazol use (0.44; p < 0.001), revascularization history (1.87; p = 0.001), P3 involvement (2.09; p < 0.001), and reference vessel diameter <5 mm (1.88; p < 0.001) were associated independently with restenosis risk. The accumulation of these factors was associated with a lower rate of freedom from restenosis; the Kaplan–Meier estimates of the rates were 49.3% and 22.4% in the subgroups with two and more risk factors, respectively, while they were 81.1% in patients without any risk factors and 70.3% in those with one risk factor.

Conclusions

Female sex, nonuse of cilostazol, revascularization history, P3 involvement, and small vessels were associated with high restenosis risk after EVT for diffuse femoropopliteal lesions. Although patients with multiple risk factors have a low patency rate, EVT offers an acceptable patency rate for those with fewer risk factors.
Aberrant origin of the left coronary artery from the right coronary sinus with a common orifice with the right coronary artery
Authors: Ataya Jamal , Alkhattab Boushra , Alibrahim Nabeha Haytham , Shalaby Somar
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

In patients with anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery, accurate classification is essential for effective management. Despite surgical refusal, successful stenting and medication can lead to favorable outcomes. Regular monitoring ensures ongoing cardiac health.

Coronary artery anomalies, including anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva, are rare occurrences with varying clinical significance. Accurate classification of these anomalies is crucial for determining their implications and guiding management. A 50‐year‐old man presented with chest pain and was diagnosed with an anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery. Despite refusing surgery, successful stenting and medication led to a favorable outcome. Regular monitoring is scheduled. Accurate classification of coronary anomalies, such as the left main coronary artery anomaly described, is vital for effective management. Even when surgical intervention is declined, alternative treatments, such as stenting, can be successful. Regular monitoring ensures ongoing cardiac health.
A Non‐Linear Model for Multiple Alcohol Intakes and Optimal Designs Strategies
Authors: Mariñas‐Collado Irene , Rodríguez‐Díaz Juan M. , Santos‐Martín M. Teresa
Published: August 2024

This study addresses the complex dynamics of alcohol elimination in the human body, very important in forensic and healthcare areas. Existing models often oversimplify with the assumption of linear elimination kinetics, limiting practical application. This study presents a novel non‐linear model for estimating blood alcohol concentration after multiple intakes. Initially developed for two different alcohol incorporations, it can be straightforwardly extended to the case of more intakes. Emphasising the significance of accurate parameter estimation, the research underscores the importance of precise experimental design, utilising optimal experimental design (OED) methodologies. Sensitivity analysis of model coefficients and the determination of D‐optimal designs, considering correlation structures among observations, reveal a strong linear relationship between support points. This relationship can be used to obtain nearly optimal designs that are highly efficient and much easier to compute.
Induction of apoptosis by oridonin in nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma cells
Authors: Chen Hui‐Tong , Yuan Xing‐Yi , Wang Zhong‐Yu , Fan Dong , Luo Xiong‐Ming , Yang Jun‐Hua , Ma Yu‐Xin , Liu Jing , Wang Xin , Wang Zong‐Ming
Published: August 2024

Nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) is one of the major subtypes of pituitary adenomas (PA) and its primary treatment is surgical resection. However, normal surgery fails to remove lesions completely and there remains in lack of frontline treatment, so the development of new drugs for NFPA is no doubt urgent. Oridonin (ORI) has been reported to have antitumor effects on a variety of tumors, but whether it could exhibit the same effect on NFPA requires to be further investigated. The effects of ORI on pituitary‐derived folliculostellate cell line (PDFS) cell viability, colony formation, proliferation ability, migration, and invasion were examined by Cell Counting Kit‐8, colony formation assay, 5‑Ethynyl‑2'‑deoxyuridine proliferation assay, wound‐healing assay, and Transwell assay. The differentially expressed genes in the control and ORI‐treated groups were screened by transcriptome sequencing analysis and analyzed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment. Cell cycle analysis was performed to detect changes in cell cycle. Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining was performed to detect apoptosis in ORI‐treated cells. Western blot assay was performed to detect Bax, Bcl‐2, and cleaved Caspase‐3 protein expression. ORI inhibited PDFS cell viability and significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. GO and KEGG results showed that ORI was associated with signaling pathways such as cell cycle and apoptosis in PDFS cells. In addition, ORI blocked cells in G2/M phase and induced apoptosis in PDFS cells. ORI can trigger cell cycle disruption and apoptosis collaboratively in PDFS cells, making it a promising and effective agent for NFPA therapy.
Resource dilution effect rather than resource concentration hypothesis explains the patterns of pre‐dispersal seed predation of an African cycad along an elevational gradient in South Africa
Authors: Sadiki Kantakwa Grégoire , Yessoufou Kowiyou , Suinyuy Terence N.
Published: August 2024

The genus Encephalartos is entirely endemic to Africa, and like most cycad species, the genus is at risk of extinction. One of the threats jeopardising the future of the genus is reproduction failure, a failure that is still poorly understood. Our objective was to investigate what predisposes Encephalartos species to seed damages through predation, a potential cause of reproduction failure. We collected functional traits of 430 individuals of Encephalartos villosus, as well as data on pre‐dispersal seed predation, habitat type and elevation in the Origi Gorge Nature Reserve, South Africa. Then, we analysed our data by fitting a structural equation model. We found that plants tend to be taller when moving from open to close habitat, whereas plant height tends to increase along elevation. In addition, taller plants tend to have more leaves, and plant canopy size shows significant positive relationship with elevation, plant height and number of leaves. These findings suggest a leaf height–canopy dimension strategy perhaps in response to environmental stresses imposed by elevation. We tested the effects of habitat types on seed production. Although there were significantly more seeds in open habitats, open habitats showed the lowest proportion of predated seeds. Finally, we tested the effects of elevation on seed production. We found that seed production decreases along elevation while the proportion of predated seeds increases. Under the resource concentration hypothesis, these findings (where there are more resources, predation is low) are unexpected, suggesting rather that it is the resource dilution effect that matches the pre‐dispersal seed predation patterns in our study area. We suggest that anthropogenic pressures at lower elevation due to easy access may cause seed predators to shift towards higher elevation where they cause heavier damage to seed, thus perhaps contributing to the extinction risk of the genus Encephalartos.
Prognostic value of left atrial reverse remodelling in patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Nagumo Sakura , Ebato Mio , Tsujiuchi Miki , Mizukami Takuya , Maezawa Hideyuki , Omura Ayumi , Kubota Megumi , Ohmi Maho , Numajiri Yuki , Kitai Hitomi , Toshida Tsutomu , Iso Yoshitaka , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: August 2024

Aims

Left atrial (LA) volume index (LAVI) in chronic heart failure (HF) predicts cardiovascular outcomes. However, the association between LAVI reduction during acute decompensated HF (ADHF) and its prognostic potential is limited. We hypothesized that LA reverse remodelling (LARR) after ADHF therapy would be associated with better clinical outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective study analysed clinical outcomes and the LAVI reduction rate of 363 out of 861 patients hospitalized for ADHF who underwent two‐point echocardiography at admission and discharge between January 2015 and December 2019. The mean age was 74.3 ± 13.6 years, and the mean ejection fraction (EF) was 38.9 ± 15.2%. The follow‐up echocardiogram was performed 13.0 [9.5, 20] days after admission. As the median LAVI reduction rate was 7.02%, the LARR was defined as an LAVI reduction rate >7%.

Results

During the 34.0 ± 20.2 months of follow‐up, 117 patients (32.2%) reached the primary endpoint defined as cardiovascular death and rehospitalization for ADHF. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that patients with LARR had a better prognosis. Multivariate analysis indicated that LARR was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Similar findings were observed in the subgroup analyses of patients with persistent/permanent atrial fibrillation and those with non‐HF with reduced EF. Among patients who were brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) responders, defined as a relative reduction of >70% in BNP from admission to discharge, non‐LARR was observed in 41.6%. BNP responders without LARR experienced worse prognoses.

Conclusions

LARR in the early vulnerable phase after hospitalization for ADHF was associated with better long‐term clinical outcomes.
Chronic Toxicity of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance–Free Firefighting Foams to Aquatic Organisms
Authors: Fuller Neil , Suski Jamie G. , Lanasa Sarah , Chanov Michael K. , Jones Devin K. , Haskins David L. , Quinlin Kathryn A. , Wigren Maggie A. , Hoverman Jason T. , Choi Youn J. , Sepulveda Maria S. , Lee Linda S. , Lotufo Guilherme R. , Kennedy Alan , May Lauren , Harmon Ashley , Biber Thomas , Melby Nicolas , Moore David W. , Key Peter B. , Chung Katy W. , Wirth Edward F. , Anderson Todd A.
Published: August 2024

Amid global concern regarding the health and environmental impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), there is an urgent need to develop and implement alternative products without PFAS. Consequently, PFAS-free firefighting foams used for fire suppression have been developed for use in military and residential settings. To facilitate the selection of lower-risk PFAS-free foams, the present study focused on the chronic toxicity of seven PFAS-free and one PFAS-containing foam to six aquatic species. Target species included two cladocerans, Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia; the chironomid Chironomus dilutus; the mysid Americamysis bahia; and two fish species, Pimephales promelas and Cyprinodon variegatus, with endpoints including growth, development, reproduction, and survival. To facilitate comparison and product toxicity rankings, effective concentrations (20%, 50%) and no- and lowest-observed-effect concentrations (NOECs and LOECs, respectively) were calculated. Effective concentrations, NOECs, and LOECs varied by over an order of magnitude among foams and species, with several of the PFAS-free formulations ranked as highly toxic based on US Environmental Protection Agency alternatives assessment hazard criteria. Overall, the PFAS-free foams were found to exhibit either similar or greater toxicity compared to the PFAS-containing reference foam across several species and endpoints. Nonmonotonic and hormetic dose responses were observed in D. magna for several of the tested foams, with increased reproduction and growth at intermediate exposures. Generally, tested foam toxicity rankings were consistent with a related acute toxicity study using the same species and formulations, and other research using soil invertebrates. Combined with related efforts for other taxa including mammals, birds, and plants, the present research will facilitate the selection of appropriate PFAS-free firefighting foams that minimize harm to the environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2436–2454. © 2024 SETAC
Stakeholder Engagement as a Core Component of Recreational Marine Fisheries Research, Education, and Conservation
Authors: Adams Aaron J. , Boucek Ross E. , Lewis Justin P. , Lombardo Steven M. , Perez Addiel U. , Wilson JoEllen K. , Brownscombe Jacob W. , Griffin Lucas P.
Published: August 2024

Effective modern conservation depends on active stakeholder participation. Although stakeholder engagement is increasing, the extent of this engagement and the successful application of outcomes to science and management varies regionally and among types of fisheries. A collaborative model that emphasizes knowledge coproduction with stakeholders better identifies research needs and conservation threats, and influences research and policy outcomes. Stakeholder integration can be facilitated by nongovernment organizations, such as boundary organizations. Bonefish and Tarpon Trust is a science-based, conservation organization founded in 1998 by recreational fishers and fishing guides that focuses on marine recreational fisheries in the Caribbean Sea and western North Atlantic Ocean. The Trust engages fishers directly, incorporating their knowledge and perspectives to identify conservation concerns, shape research, contribute to data collection, and disseminate information, and work with resource managers and scientific researchers to address conservation and management needs. This approach is demonstrated in case studies that show integration of recreational fishers in science, assessment of conservation threats, and application of findings to management for the recreational flats fishery in the Caribbean Sea and western North Atlantic Ocean, in the context of broader efforts of stakeholder collaboration toward actionable science to inform management.