bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bifurcating and balancing: Language teachers’ emotion regulation motives and professional identity construction in cross‐cultural contexts
Authors: Han Jiying , Zhuang Haoyu , Yin Hongbiao , Cai Yan
Published: August 2024

This study investigated language teachers’ emotion regulation motives (ERMs) and their identity construction in cross‐cultural contexts. Drawing upon qualitative data about eight Chinese as a second language teachers for international students through semi‐structured interviews, classroom observation, and document collection, the study identified three overarching motives and six identities of language teachers: teacher as instructor and disciplinarian who regulated emotions for improving teaching effectiveness, teacher as caregiver and observer who regulated emotions for navigating teacher–student relationships, and teacher as mediator and defender who regulated emotions for reconciling cultural differences. These findings revealed the multifaceted, discipline‐specific, and contradictory nature of language teachers’ ERMs and reflected their balancing of sub‐identities to construct their professional identities in cross‐cultural contexts.
Opportunities and challenges of hybrid meat products: a viewpoint article
Authors: Grasso Simona
Published: August 2024

Hybrid foods are made by blending animal‐based and plant‐based ingredients to make food products that are similar to the 100% animal‐based ones. Examples include hybrid meat products such as burgers or minced meat with vegetables or more recently hybrid dairy products such as cheddar cheese with oats. While hybrid meat products have been launched in several countries by both retailers and foodservice outlets, there are very few examples of hybrid meat products still available in the market, such as hybrid nuggets targeting children and hybrid minced meat products. This short viewpoint article covers some of the possible reasons this might be happening, presents examples of successful hybrid food products, discusses the importance of sustainability claims and the potential of hybrid meals.
The effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown on the distribution of fat tissue and skinfold thickness in adolescents from Kraków (Poland)
Authors: Artymiak Paulina , Żegleń Magdalena , Kryst Łukasz
Published: August 2024

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly changed the lifestyle and dietary habits of societies worldwide. The aim of the study was to assess changes in the distribution of fat tissue and skinfold thickness in adolescents (aged 11–15) from Kraków during the COVID‐19 pandemic period.

Methods

Two cross‐sectional studies conducted in 2020 and 2022 (before and after the pandemic) involved 1662 adolescents from the Kraków population. Skinfold thickness measurements were taken. The trunk adiposity index, limbs‐to‐trunk fat ratio and limbs‐to‐total skinfold ratio were calculated. Statistical analysis employed a two‐way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD test and the Kruskal–Wallis test, depending on the normality of the distribution.

Results

Higher skinfold thicknesses were observed in the majority of age groups in both sexes from the 2022 cohort in comparison with the 2020 cohort. Additionally, higher values of the trunk adiposity index and the limbs‐to‐total skinfold ratio in most age groups were observed. However, an inverse trend was observed in the limbs‐to‐trunk fat radio.

Conclusions

The introduced restrictions such as lockdown, remote learning, reduced physical activity and changes in dietary habits could have influenced the distribution of fat tissue and skinfold thickness amongst adolescents from Kraków.
Cryptic species diversity and contrasting climate profiles in Aotearoa New Zealand, egg‐laying and live‐bearing velvet worms (Onychophora, Peripatopsidae: Ooperipatellus and Peripatoides)
Authors: Lord Arianna , Buckley Thomas R. , Gleeson Dianne M. , Giribet Gonzalo
Published: August 2024

Aotearoa (New Zealand) is a biodiversity hotspot for temperate invertebrate taxa and home to high levels of endemicity. However, our knowledge of species‐level diversity and phylogeny of endemic New Zealand Onychophora (velvet worms) is at present limited. Here, we use mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcoding to assess the extent of species diversity for the two velvet worm genera found in New Zealand, the ovoviviparous and endemic Peripatoides and the oviparous Ooperipatellus, found in Australia and New Zealand. Our results reveal that the estimated number of species of both genera in New Zealand is greater than currently described. We estimate there are between 13 and 67 species of Peripatoides and between 16 and 21 species of Ooperipatellus endemic to New Zealand. This is a stark increase from the two currently described New Zealand species of Ooperipatellus and previous work that has identified 10 species within Peripatoides. Our exploration of climatic variables shows that individuals of Ooperipatellus are predominantly found in wet, cool environments and Peripatoides are found across relatively drier, warmer habitats. We also generate ecological niche models to provide initial predictions of the distribution of climatically suitable habitats for each genus across New Zealand.
Bifunctional MnCo2Se4 nano‐cubes directly grown on nickel foam for effective water oxidation
Authors: Shah Syed Imran Abbas , Jabbour Karam , Bano Nigarish , Rehman Muhammad Yousaf Ur , Alshgari Razan A. , Ehsan Muhammad Fahad
Published: August 2024

Green and sustainable energy alternatives to replace fossil fuels are a topic of research in scientific community, thus yielding pursuit of advancing renewable energy systems with hydrogen emerging as a suitable and viable alternative. Efficient and non‐precious metal catalysts are crucial for large‐scale electrochemical water splitting yielding clean H2. Here, a novel two‐step hydrothermal synthesis approach to fabricate manganese–cobalt selenide nano‐cubes grown directly on nickel foam (NF) (MnCo2Se4/NF) is adopted. Leveraging its hierarchically structured architecture, augmented active sites, and electrochemically active surface area, MnCo2Se4/NF material demonstrates exceptional electrocatalytic performance for both water oxidation and reduction. With an overpotential of 233 mV for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and 187 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction at a current density of 10 mA/cm2, MnCo2Se4/NF also exhibits a Tafel slope of 44 mV/dec for sluggish OER process. Notably, this nanocrystalline catalyst displays enhanced catalytic activity under alkaline conditions, accelerates water dissociation, and maintains good stability over 50 h. Outperforming state‐of‐the‐art RuO2, particularly in two‐electrode assemblies with an overpotential of 218 mV at 10 mA/cm2, this work offers a promising pathway for designing and manufacturing of innovative bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient water splitting processes, thereby contributing to broader goal of sustainable energy production.
Magneto‐optical effect of rare‐earth‐rich borate glasses prepared using a levitation technique
Authors: Sasaki Shunta , Tanaka Katsuhisa , Masuno Atsunobu
Published: August 2024

The magneto‐optical properties of rare‐earth‐rich borate glasses prepared using a levitation technique were thoroughly investigated. Among the series of rare‐earth borate glasses, Tb2O3–B2O3 and Dy2O3–B2O3 glasses displayed remarkably large Faraday effects in the visible region. The Verdet constant of 58Tb2O3–42B2O3 reached −229 rad/T·m at 633 nm, surpassing the value of commercially available single‐crystalline Tb3Ga5O12. Compositions with a higher rare‐earth oxide content (60 mol%) than that of binary glasses facilitated the successful synthesis of Tb2O3–Dy2O3–B2O3 ternary glasses. The Verdet constant linearly increased with increasing Tb2O3 content for the glasses with 40 mol% B2O3. Results indicate that rare‐earth‐rich borate glasses are promising candidates for magneto‐optical applications in the visible region, and that the types and amounts of rare‐earth ion mainly affect these properties.
How are medical students learning to care for patients with intellectual disabilities? A scoping review
Authors: Anderson Hana , Studer Amy C.
Published: August 2024

Background

Individuals with intellectual disabilities experience barriers to quality healthcare. To reduce this disparity, equipping medical trainees with the knowledge and skills required for treating this patient population is critical. Our aim is to describe the breadth of instructional interventions and identify gaps in intellectual disability medical education curricula.

Method

Using scoping review methods, the intellectual disability programmes described in 27 articles were evaluated and their coverage of the six core competencies on disability for health care education was examined.

Results

The most frequently represented core competencies were disability conceptual frameworks, professionalism and communication, and clinical assessment, which were, in most programmes, fulfilled by activities involving individuals with intellectual disabilities. Uneven competency coverage warrants consideration.

Conclusions

Considerable variabilities exist in medical school curricula on intellectual disabilities. Using core competencies on disability for health care education for curricular design and evaluation would provide a coherent training experience in this important area.
Dynamic competition for customer memberships
Authors: Chica Cristian , Jimenez‐Cardenas Julian , Tamayo Jorge
Published: August 2024

This paper analyzes a two‐period membership market with two symmetric firms charging a membership fee, allowing consumers to buy products or services at a given price. Firms can offer short‐term (ST) or long‐term (LT) memberships. When firms employ LT memberships, they have incentives to prevent their old customers from being poached by competitors and price‐discriminate them based on purchase behavior. Conversely, ST memberships lead to no unit price discrimination for old customers, but instead, they lead to membership fee discrimination, increasing the share of switchers. We find that, under general assumptions, ST memberships are offered in equilibrium. This result is robust to various extensions, including switching coupons or discounts, naive consumers, sunk costs, and asymmetric differentiation parameters. We find that firms are indifferent between ST and LT memberships only when the customer's switching coupon or discount is high relative to the transportation cost.
Diet variation and trophic impact of weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, within multiple marine habitats of the eastern United States
Authors: Reyes Delgado Angel , Smith Brian E.
Published: August 2024

Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) is not federally managed but feeds on species of management and ecological interest. We examined the trophic ecology of weakfish in Chesapeake Bay and the coastal and offshore waters of the eastern United States. For these areas, we determined the dominant prey of weakfish; identified how much diet variation was explained by the factors: season, size class, and year; and quantified prey biomass removed by weakfish from 2007 to 2019. In general, diet composition was mostly dominated by Engraulidae, Osteichthyes (bony fishes), and Mysidacea, and significantly varied by season and size class in Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters, although this was less dramatic in Chesapeake Bay. The total amount of variance explained by the three factors was 23.1% (Chesapeake Bay) and 14.7% (coastal waters), with year not being a significant factor in explaining weakfish diet variation for these areas. Weakfish total prey biomass removal occurred primarily in coastal waters in the fall and small size class (annual mean: approximately 41,038 t; maximum: approximately 63,793 t). Highly opportunistic feeders, weakfish cannibalism also played an essential part of their diet. These results have implications for fisheries and ecosystem management of weakfish when considering ecological interactions in regulatory approaches, such as recruitment and cannibalism, competition with federally managed fishes, and the natural mortality of their prey.
Prevalence and incidence of pressure injuries among nursing home residents with darker skin tones: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Sugathapala R. D. Udeshika Priyadarshani , Latimer Sharon , Gillespie Brigid M. , Balasuriya Aindralal , Chaboyer Wendy
Published: August 2024

Aim

To measure the prevalence and incidence of nursing home‐acquired pressure injuries in older adults residing in Sri Lankan nursing homes.

Background

Pressure injury prevalence and incidence are indicators of safety and quality of care. A significant portion of the global population has a skin color dominated by the presence of melanin. Yet, the number of nursing home residents with darker skin tones who develop pressure injuries in nursing homes is relatively unknown.

Design

Prospective multisite cohort study conducted in nine nursing homes in Sri Lanka. The sample comprised 210 residents aged ≥60 years old.

Methods

Semi structured observations and chart audits were used to gather data from July to October 2023. Head‐to‐toe visual skin assessment to check for nursing home‐ acquired pressure injuries, Braden pressure injury risk scale and Fitzpatrick skin tone assessments were conducted on all recruited residents at baseline. All recruited residents were followed‐up weekly for 12 weeks until detection of a new pressure injury, death, discharge, or transfer.

Results

Pressure injury point prevalence at baseline was 8.1% (17/210). Cumulative incidence was 17.1% (36/210). Incidence density was 15.8 per 1000 resident weeks. Most nursing home‐acquired pressure injuries were located on the ankle at baseline (29.4%; 5/17) and in the follow‐up period (27.8%; 10/36). Stage I pressure injuries were most common: 58.8% (10/17) and 44.4% (16/36) at baseline and during follow‐up respectively.

Conclusions

About one in six nursing home residents developed a new pressure injury over the 12‐week follow‐up period. Despite staff and resource constraints, there remains a need to focus on the prevention of pressure injuries in Sri Lankan nursing homes.

Clinical Relevance

Studies on the burden of pressure injuries among darker skin tone nursing home residents are lacking and the current evidence available are predominantly from Western countries. The findings of this study highlight the need of targeted preventive measures for nursing home residents with darker skin tones.
Who rents out the land? Agrarian capital accumulation and lessor landowners in South America: The case of Uruguay
Authors: Oyhantçabal Benelli Gabriel , Figueredo Soledad , Sabia Lucía , Nuñez Verónica
Published: August 2024

This article studies the connections between lessor landowners, land grabbing and land financialization in contemporary capital accumulation. Drawing upon extensive empirical research conducted in Uruguay, which combined database analysis and in‐depth interviews, the paper provides key insights to understand why land leasing has become a central strategy of ground rent appropriation among different types of landowners at the beginning of the 21st century. Our main results show that the leasing strategy is a combination of tenant‐capitalists' expansion, social differentiation and demographic processes of the small landowning capitals displaced from production that rent out their lands, the process of land financialization through large institutional investors, which deploy a land banking strategy, and the optimization of land exploitation among landowner‐capitalists. Moreover, our results highlight the importance of prioritising the study of landowners as a class in itself and the different forms of ground rent appropriation.
Follicular unit extraction combined with fractional carbon dioxide laser therapy for post‐traumatic eyebrow scar with defects: A prospective and comparative study
Authors: Xue Ping , Yang Qing , Guo Lei , Yin Yue , Dou Wenjie , Li Tong , Zeng Xianhui , Song Baoqiang , Fan Xing
Published: August 2024

Background

Eyebrows play a crucial role in the human body. While Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a widely utilized and highly effective treatment for typical eyebrow deficiencies, it may not yield satisfactory outcomes for patients with post‐traumatic eyebrow scars and defects.

Objective

A prospective comparative clinical study was conducted to explore the treatment outcomes of post‐traumatic eyebrow scars accompanied by defects using a combination of ablative fractional CO2 laser therapy with FUE.

Method

Between January 2019 and January 2023, we enrolled 30 patients with post‐traumatic eyebrow scars and accompanying eyebrow defects, randomly assigning them to experimental and control groups. Patients in the control group received FUE treatment exclusively, whereas patients in the experimental group underwent CO2 fractional laser therapy on the eyebrow scars prior to FUE treatment. Alongside the patients' baseline data and the quantity of transplanted follicular units during surgery, we will compare the follicular survival rates between the two groups at 6 and 12 months post‐treatment.

Results

Prior to FUE, there were no notable variances in baseline data between the two‐patient groups. At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, the follicular survival rate in the experimental group was significantly higher compared to the control group. Additionally, patients in the control group were more prone to experiencing postoperative asymmetry between their eyebrows and developing curly hair.

Conclusion

For patients with post‐traumatic eyebrow scars accompanied by eyebrow defects, we applied ablative fractional CO2 laser therapy in combination with FUE treatment. This approach not only resulted in a higher follicular survival rate postoperatively but also led to the achievement of a well‐defined eyebrow shape.
Sociological and Political Origins in IBN Khaldun's State Theory
Authors: Demirel Demokaan
Published: August 2024

Even after centuries, the social and political insights of Islamic scholar Ibn Khaldun remain pertinent. The most important concepts in state theory are social interactions and classifications. Khaldun used sociological deductions to evaluate how society and the state have changed. He linked the transformation of the Badavi social structure to the Hadari society's economic structure through Alm Al‐Umran. In Badavi Alm Al‐Umran, a particular chief's leadership is the cornerstone of governance, and a strong sense of unity and brotherhood prevails. From a social, cultural, and economic perspective, Badavi society is less developed than Hadari society. The reason Asabiyyahh and the lineage Asabiyyahh are two types of Asabiyyahh that serve as the cornerstone of state theory. While the reason Asabiyyahh is based on a country's shared language, history, culture, and physical location, the lineage Asabiyyahh is based on ancestry. Asabiyyahh is crucial to the maintaining and preserving of social ties. According to the organismic perspective of society, which views the social structure as a living organism, a reduction in economic and social upheaval signals the implosion of the condition. The fundamental dynamic that provides political legitimacy is the Asabiyyahh dynamic, which creates the social substructure of the state system. This study aims to assess the scientific concept of umran and the political idea of asabiyyahh, which are the foundations of Khaldun's state theory. Umran is a social phenomenon. This study applies the literature review approach to analyze Khaldun's state theory, paying particular attention to its political and administrative aspects. The political and administrative aspects of Khaldun's state theory are examined in this study using a literature review approach, focusing on how social structure integration or loosening affects the political structure.
Mapping stroke outcomes: A review of brain connectivity atlases
Authors: Karnadipa Triana , Chong Benjamin , Shim Vickie , Fernandez Justin , Lin David J. , Wang Alan
Published: August 2024

The brain connectivity‐based atlas is a promising tool for understanding neural communication pathways in the brain, gaining relevance in predicting personalized outcomes for various brain pathologies. This critical review examines the robustness of the brain connectivity‐based atlas for predicting post‐stroke outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted from 2012 to May 2023 across PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, and Medline databases. Twenty‐one studies were screened, and through analysis of these studies, we identified 18 brain connectivity atlases employed by the studies for lesion analysis in their predictions. The brain atlases were assessed for study cohorts, connectivity measures, identified brain regions, atlas applications, and limitations. Based on the analysis of these studies, most atlases were based on diffusion tensor imaging and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Studies predicting post‐stroke functional outcomes relied on the atlases for multivariate lesion analysis and region of interest identification, often employing atlases derived from young, healthy populations. Current brain connectivity‐based atlases for stroke applications lack standardized methods to define and map brain connectivity across atlases and cover sensorimotor functional connectivity to a limited extent. In conclusion, this review highlights the need to develop more comprehensive, robust, and adaptable brain connectivity‐based atlases specifically tailored to post‐stroke populations.
Oral health self‐perception, maximum bite force and masticatory efficiency in patients with overdentures with different attachment systems—A crossover study
Authors: de Oliveira Lima Amanda Laísa , Jabr Camila Luiz , de Melo Rocha Cibele Oliveira , Oliveira Lucas Portela , de Oliveira Ribeiro Rafael Antonio , de Assis Mollo Júnior Francisco , Arioli Filho João Neudenir
Published: August 2024

Background

The literature is unclear about how the different attachment systems for overdentures impact the maximum bite force, the masticatory efficiency and how this impact in the oral health self‐perception in patients.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of two attachment systems (O‐ring and Locator) for mandibular overdenture using single implant on quality of life, maximum bite force (BF) and masticatory efficiency (ME).

Methods

Twenty‐eight completely edentulous denture wearers with a mandibular symphysis implant were randomly selected and allocated into two groups in a crossover study, considering O‐ring and Locator attachment types. The quality of life and self‐perception of oral health were assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐Edent) and Geriatric Index of Determination of Oral Health (GOHAI) questionnaires, respectively. BF was measured using a gnathodynamometer and ME by chewing silicone cubes and almonds in different numbers of cycles.

Results

There was no difference between the attachment systems about self‐perceived oral health and impact on quality of life (p > .05). The O‐ring‐type system obtained a significantly higher BF than the locator‐type system (p = .04). Regardless of the food chewed, no statistically significant difference was observed with the type of attachment (p > .05). The ME was directly proportional to the masticatory cycles only for almonds (p < .01).

Conclusions

Locator and O‐ring inserts had a similar impact on patients' quality of life, self‐perception of oral health and ME. Additionally, the O‐ring system exhibited superior properties in the BF.
Effect of photobiomodulation with different wavelengths on periodontal repair in non‐hyperglycemic and hyperglycemic rats
Authors: de Oliveira Vithor Xavier Resende , Soares Priscilla Barbosa Ferreira , Jorge Giovanna Savastano , de Oliveira Ana Paula Lima , Pigossi Suzane Cristina , de Oliveira Guilherme José Pimentel Lopes
Published: August 2024

Background

Hyperglycemic conditions is associated with more severe periodontitis and poorer outcomes after nonsurgical periodontal treatment (NPT). Then, these patients are candidates for adjunctive therapy associated with NPT. This study evaluates the effect of photobiomodulation (PBMT) at different wavelengths on periodontal repair in non‐hyperglycemic/hyperglycemic animals.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐four rats were submitted to induction of periodontitis by ligatures. Hyperglycemia was induced in half of these animals, whereas the other half remained non‐hyperglycemic. The animals were subdivided into 4 groups according to the PBMT protocol applied at the time of ligature removal (n = 8): CTR: Without PBMT; IRL: PBMT with infrared laser (808 nm); RL: PBMT with red laser (660 nm); and RL‐IRL: PBMT with red (660 nm) and infrared laser (808 nm). After a period of 7 days, the animals were euthanized. The parameters assessed by microtomography were the bone volume relative to total tissue volume (BV/TV%), distance from the cemento‐enamel junction to the top of the bone crest (CEJ‐CB), trabecular thickness, space between trabeculae, and number of trabeculae. Additionally, the percentage of inflammatory cells, blood vessels, and connective tissue matrix were assessed by histomorphometric analysis.

Results

PBMT reduced bone loss and increased trabecular density in hyperglycemic animals (p < .05), with RL being more effective in reducing linear bone loss (CEJ‐CB), whereas RL‐IRL was more effective in maintaining BV/TV%. PBMT reduced blood vessels and increased the connective tissue component in hyperglycemic animals (p < .05). RL‐IRL reduced inflammatory cells regardless of the systemic condition of the animal (p < .05).

Conclusion

PBMT (RL, RL‐IRL) improves the repair of periodontal tissues in hyperglycemic animals.
The impact of His bundle location and direction on the efficacy and safety of ablation
Authors: Ren Bangjiaxin , Cao Ying , Li Jing , Li Fanghui , Wang Chuanyun , Xiao Meng , Hu Xianjin , Zeng Rui
Published: August 2024

Background

The impact of the His bundle location and distance from the ablation site on ablation efficacy and complication risk remains unexplored. We determined the correlation between age, height, body mass index (BMI), and the His bundle location, and whether the distance between the His bundle and ablation target (DHIS‐ABL) affects ablation safety and efficacy.

Methods

Overall, 346 patients with atrioventricular nodal re‐entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and 96 with atrioventricular re‐entrant tachycardia (AVRT) were retrospectively analyzed. The distance between the His bundle and the coronary sinus ostium (DHis‐CS), the height of the His bundle (HHIS), and DHIS‐ABL were measured. Electrocardiograms were obtained 3 months post‐ablation to assess recurrence and complications.

Results

Multiple linear regression showed that HHIS was negatively correlated with age in both groups. In AVNRT patients, DHIS‐ABL was associated with age, height, and BMI; DHIS‐CS was only negatively correlated with age. In AVRT patients, there was no significant correlation between the DHIS‐ABL and age, height, or BMI. The recurrence rates in the AVNRT and AVRT groups were 0.9% and 8.7%, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with DHIS‐ABL ≤ 10 mm had a higher recurrence rate than those with DHIS‐ABL > 10 mm (p = .013). The incidence of third‐degree atrioventricular block (AVB) complications was 0.2%.

Conclusions

HHIS was negatively correlated with age but not with height and BMI. The DHIS‐ABL correlated with age, height, and BMI in AVNRT patients. A short DHIS‐ABL led to a higher rate of supraventricular tachycardia recurrence; whether this affects AVB risk warrants further studies with larger sample sizes.
Clinical impact of cryoballoon posterior wall isolation using the cross‐over technique in persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Odagiri Fuminori , Tokano Takashi , Miyazaki Tetsuro , Hirabayashi Koji , Ishi Kai , Abe Hiroshi , Ishiwata Sayaki , Kakihara Midori , Maki Masaaki , Matsumoto Hiroki , Shimai Ryosuke , Aikawa Tadao , Takano Shintaro , Kimura Yuki , Kuroda Shunsuke , Isogai Hiroyuki , Ozaki Dai , Shiozawa Tomoyuki , Yasuda Yuki , Takasu Kiyoshi , Iijima Kenichi , Takamura Kazuhisa , Matsubara Tomomi , Tabuchi Haruna , Hayashi Hidemori , Yokoyama Ken , Sekita Gaku , Sumiyoshi Masataka , Nakazato Yuji , Minamino Tohru
Published: August 2024

Background and aims

Successful left atrial posterior wall isolation (LAPWI) using only the cryoballoon (CB) is technically challenging for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the cross‐over technique, wherein an overlapped ablation is performed by placing the CB from both directions in contact with the LAPW.

Methods

This was a single‐center, retrospective, observational study of 194 consecutive patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF) who underwent a first‐time procedure of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) + PWI (108 patients) or PVI‐only (86 patients) using the CB. The cross‐over technique was applied in all LAPWI.

Results

For ablation of the LA roof and bottom, respectively, a mean of 8.6 ± 1.0 (right to left [R→L] 4.3 ± 1.1 and left to right [L→R] 4.3 ± 1.1) and 9.1 ± 1.2 (R→L 4.6 ± 1.6 and L→R 4.5 ± 1.2) CB applications were delivered. LAPW was successfully isolated solely using the CB in 99.1% of patients. Although the PVI + PWI group had significantly longer procedure time, no severe adverse events were observed in either group. During a median follow‐up of 19 months, freedom from recurrence of all atrial tachyarrhythmias was achieved in 93.5% of the PVI + PWI group and 72.9% of the PVI‐only group (p = .011).

Conclusions

LAPWI performed solely with the CB using the cross‐over technique is feasibly, safe, and was independently associated with a significantly higher freedom from recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias compared with PVI alone in patients with PerAF.
Does White Supremacy Explain Racial Inequality?
Authors: O'Donnell Patrick
Published: August 2024

Yes. I defend this claim against the charge of race reductionism and the charge that ‘white interests’ cannot figure meaningfully into structural explanations of racial inequality. We then distinguish two explanatory roles for white supremacy. The racial role approach attempts to trace the causal effects of white supremacy's normative white/non‐white hierarchy on life chances. The racial materialism approach treats racial inequality as an emergent feature of social orders which depend on conventional racial divisions in labor performance. Each approach emphasizes a different level of explanation for the same basic fact: white interests both drive and are served by racial inequality.
Making Sense of Racial Membership
Authors: Sandoval Alejandro Naranjo
Published: August 2024

Which individuals belong to a racial group, and what determines membership? I argue that questions about membership are importantly different from questions regarding the ontology of racial categories and invite a distinctive line of inquiry. But there's a formidable challenge to providing determinate and consistent answers to membership questions: Many phenomena documented in sociology and psychology generate reasonable and systematic disagreement about membership that cannot be adjudicated by an influential variety of social constructionism. While the puzzle of racial identity remains, we emerge with a new appreciation for how racial membership is a distinctive part of it.
Psychological Health of the Adolescent Transplant Recipient
Authors: Logan Beth A. , Isaksen Imari‐Ashley , Samsel Chase
Published: August 2024

Background

Solid organ transplant recipients experience a period of unique vulnerability during adolescence, when normative developmental changes intersect with health‐related variables to influence psychological health.

Methods

This article builds on previous reviews of psychological health in solid organ transplant recipients and proposes opportunities for clinical intervention during adolescence.

Results

Transplant recipients often experience neurocognitive changes, particularly with respect to executive functions, that impact health management tasks and autonomous care. Recipients should be monitored for the development of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms during adolescence, which in turn can negatively impact adherence to immunosuppression. Recent research in posttraumatic growth and resiliency factors may represent a promising avenue of intervention, leveraging normative developmental processes during this time period.

Conclusions

As pediatric transplant providers, adolescence represents a developmental period for targeted interventions to foster adjustment and adherence and promote a successful transition to adult care.
Saccharin induces resistance against Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa biovar 3) in glasshouse kiwifruit and orchard vines
Authors: Reglinski Tony , Wurms Kirstin , Northcott Grant , Taylor Joseph , Ah Chee Annette , Parry Frank , Fehlmann Christina , Cooney Janine , Jensen Dwayne , Elmer Philip , Hoyte Stephen , McKenzie Catherine , Hedderley Duncan
Published: August 2024

The artificial sweetener saccharin has been reported to enhance resistance against pathogen attack in various plant species. In this study, foliar application of saccharin resulted in increased resistance to leaf infection by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae biovar 3 (Psa) in two Actinidia chinensis cultivars, Hayward and Zesy002. In glasshouse plants, the application of saccharin at 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/L, 1 week before inoculation with Psa, induced a dose‐dependent reduction in leaf necrosis in both cultivars. Saccharin at 2.0 g/L reduced leaf necrosis in Hayward by 77% and in Zesy002 by over 90%. However, saccharin (2.0 g/L) did not inhibit growth of Psa in liquid media, thus suggesting induced resistance (IR) as the primary mode of action against leaf infection. The development of IR in both cultivars was concomitant with the accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) and salicylate glycoside (SAG), and the upregulation of SA‐pathway genes (PR1 and PR2) in treated leaves. In orchard‐grown Hayward vines, saccharin (1.0 g/L) induced the upregulation of SA‐pathway genes and reduced Psa leaf necrosis and flower bud rot by 50% and 25%, respectively, compared with controls. However, saccharin residues were detected in fruit collected from vines that were sprayed with saccharin (1.0 g/L) before flowering. Residue level correlated with application frequency and timing and was highest (0.051 mg/kg) in vines that received three preflowering sprays. This exceeds the default maximum residue limit (MRL; 0.01 mg/kg) for some export markets and could limit the use of saccharin for disease management.
Childhood physical inactivity and excess weight: Two potentially modifiable risk factors for COPD
Authors: Garcia‐Aymerich Judith , Peralta Gabriela P.
Published: August 2024

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Rescue path planning for urban flood: A deep reinforcement learning–based approach
Authors: Li Xiao‐Yan , Wang Xia
Published: August 2024

Urban flooding is among the costliest natural disasters worldwide. Timely and effective rescue path planning is crucial for minimizing loss of life and property. However, current research on path planning often fails to adequately consider the need to assess area risk uncertainties and bypass complex obstacles in flood rescue scenarios, presenting significant challenges for developing optimal rescue paths. This study proposes a deep reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm incorporating four main mechanisms to address these issues. Dual‐priority experience replays and backtrack punishment mechanisms enhance the precise estimation of area risks. Concurrently, random noisy networks and dynamic exploration techniques encourage the agent to explore unknown areas in the environment, thereby improving sampling and optimizing strategies for bypassing complex obstacles. The study constructed multiple grid simulation scenarios based on real‐world rescue operations in major urban flood disasters. These scenarios included uncertain risk values for all passable areas and an increased presence of complex elements, such as narrow passages, C‐shaped barriers, and jagged paths, significantly raising the challenge of path planning. The comparative analysis demonstrated that only the proposed algorithm could bypass all obstacles and plan the optimal rescue path across nine scenarios. This research advances the theoretical progress for urban flood rescue path planning by extending the scale of scenarios to unprecedented levels. It also develops RL mechanisms adaptable to various extremely complex obstacles in path planning. Additionally, it provides methodological insights into artificial intelligence to enhance real‐world risk management.
Old wine in new wineskins: Christian nationalism, authoritarianism, and the problem of essentialism in explanations of religiopolitical conflict
Authors: Smith Jesse
Published: August 2024

In 2001, John Levi Martin published a critique of authoritarianism scholarship, arguing that it was marred by fundamental biases of tautology, selective interpretation, and overtheorization of some research subjects but neglect of others. Drawing from this critique, I argue that Christian nationalism scholarship in sociology operates as a variant of authoritarianism research, exhibiting similar claims, strengths, and shortcomings. In a short span of time, the Christian nationalism research agenda has come to dominate the sociological study of religion and enjoyed a high profile in public discourse, presumably due to its relevance to matters of acute political concern. However, this literature interprets empirical results based on unverified assumptions of essentially authoritarian goals and motivations while ignoring plausible alternative explanations. It further neglects respondents who are low on Christian nationalism measures, despite evidence that these respondents play a role in religiopolitical conflict. The result is an essentialist account of Christian nationalism that is politically resonant but theoretically problematic. I propose that these issues can be addressed by a shift away from essentialist and toward social models of belief systems, which offer important advantages: greater consistency with current theories of political polarization, a stronger sociological element, and less susceptibility to researcher bias.
“Don't Touch!”: The Role of Cultural Knowledge in Low‐SES Parents' Perceptions of Museums
Authors: Kimelberg Shelley M. , Rabii Watoii
Published: August 2024

Museums can provide valuable benefits for children, but children from low socioeconomic (SES) backgrounds are less likely to have exposure to such institutions. We draw on interviews with 52 low‐SES parents to explore how perceptions of museums influence whether parents would consider bringing their children there. Respondents express a clear preference for enriching activities for their children. However, our findings reveal a tension between this general desire and parents' impressions of what museums are and how their children will experience them. We illustrate how limited familiarity with museums produces a circumscribed view of the range of experiences available at different kinds of museums and influences parents' perceptions of their child‐appropriateness, thus demonstrating the role of class‐based cultural knowledge in shaping the choices parents make about out‐of‐school activities. Our findings complicate the binary narrative that attributes parental investments to either preferences or resources and highlights how cultural knowledge about such activities may contribute to social inequality. The study also offers insights for cultural institutions that wish to attract a more socioeconomically diverse base of visitors.
A bitter flavonoid gum from Dorema aucheri accelerate wound healing in rats: Involvement of Bax/HSP 70 and hydroxyprolin mechanisms
Authors: Ahmed Khaled Abdul‐Aziz , Jabbar Ahmed A.j. , Raouf Mohammed M. Hussein M. , Al‐Qaaneh Ayman M. , Mothana Ramzi A. , Alanzi Abdullah R. , Abdullah Fuad Othman , hassan Rawaz Rizgar , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen , Saleh Musher Ismael , Hasson Sidgi
Published: August 2024

Background

Dorema aucheri gum (DAG) is a bitter flavonoid gum widely used for numerous medicinal purposes including wound recovery. The present work investigates the acute toxicity and wound‐healing effects of DAG in excisional skin injury in rats.

Materials and methods

Sprague Dawley rats (24) were clustered into four groups, each rat had a full‐thickness excisional dorsal neck injury (2.00 cm) and addressed with 0.2 mL of the following treatments for 15 days: Group A (vehicle), rats addressed with normal saline; Group B, rats received intrasite gel; C and D, rats addressed with 250 and 500 mg/kg of DAG, respectively.

Results

The results revealed the absence of any toxic signs in rats who received oral dosages of 2 and 5 g/kg of DAG. Wound healing was significantly accelerated following DAG treatments indicated by smaller open areas and higher wound contraction percentages compared to vehicle rats. Histological evaluation revealed higher fibroblast formation, collagen deposition, and noticeably lower inflammatory cell infiltration in granulated skin tissues of DAG‐addressed rats compared to vehicle rats. DAG treatment caused significant modulation of immunohistochemical proteins (decreased Bax and increased HSP 70) and inflammatory mediators (reduced TNF‐α, IL‐6, and magnified IL‐10), which were significantly varied compared to vehicle rats. Moreover, topical DAG treatment led to significant upregulation of the hydroxyproline (HDX) (collagen) and antioxidant content. At the same time, decreased the lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels in healed tissues obtained from DAG‐treated rats.

Conclusion

The present wound contraction by DAG might be linked with the modulatory effect of its phytochemicals (polysaccharides, flavonoids, and phenolic) on the cellular mechanisms, which justify their folkloric use and provokes further investigation as therapeutic drug additives for wound contraction.
Identification of the novel HLA‐C*07:1132 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Galluccio T. , Cerretti R. , Battarra M. , Giustiniani P. , Andreani M.
Published: August 2024

The novel HLA‐C*07:1132 allele differs from HLA‐C*07:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in Exon 5.
Exploring the role of dermal sheath cells in wound healing and fibrosis
Authors: Zhu Bing , Liang Lu , Hui Lihua , Lu Yaojun
Published: August 2024

Wound healing is a complex, dynamic process involving the coordinated interaction of diverse cell types, growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix components. Despite emerging evidence highlighting their importance, dermal sheath cells remain a largely overlooked aspect of wound healing research. This review explores the multifunctional roles of dermal sheath cells in various phases of wound healing, including modulating inflammation, aiding in proliferation, and contributing to extracellular matrix remodelling. Special attention is devoted to the paracrine effects of dermal sheath cells and their role in fibrosis, highlighting their potential in improving healing outcomes, especially in differentiating between hairy and non‐hairy skin sites. By drawing connections between dermal sheath cells activity and wound healing outcomes, this work proposes new insights into the mechanisms of tissue regeneration and repair, marking a step forward in our understanding of wound healing processes.
Fatores contingenciais e estratégia pelo menor custo: um estudo no âmbito de pequenas empresas brasileiras
Authors: De Almeida Sabrina , Tavares Pessoa Maciel Emily , Glaucio Lopes Lucena Wenner , Da Costa Freitag Viviane
Published: August 2024

A teoria da contingência visa compreender como os diversos fatores internos e externos podem influenciar o desempenho organizacional. Nessa perspectiva, de busca do desempenho, as organizações traçam estratégias que devem ser atendidas para o alcance de seus objetivos. Diante disso, o presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar as relações entre fatores contingenciais e estratégia pelo menor custo. Para isso, foi feito um estudo com micro e pequenas empresas do município de Esperança, Paraíba, Brasil, que atuam no setor de produtos alimentícios. Foi feito um levantamento por meio de questionários aplicados com os gestores dessas empresas. Para a análise dos dados, foram utilizadas a correlação de Spearman e a análise multivariada. Os principais resultados da análise multivariada mostraram que, na percepção dos gestores, o ambiente em que suas empresas operam é hostil, que suas organizações refletem a cultura nacional de extrema individualização e hierarquização impactando negativamente nesse ambiente de concorrência, em que funcionários e concorrentes são vistos como contingentes diante de sua perspectiva. As relações de Spearman mostraram que os fatores contingenciais externos são mais expressamente reconhecidos pelos gestores como influenciadores no alcance da estratégia empresarial, sendo o ciclo de informação e a mudança no sistema significativos e positivos. Isso demonstra necessidade de informações para a tomada de decisão.
A Cross-Cultural Examination of the Role of (De-)Motivating Teaching Styles in Predicting Students’ Basic Psychological Needs in Physical Education: A Circumplex Approach
Authors: Diloy-Peña Sergio , García-González Luis , Burgueño Rafa , Tilga Henri , Koka Andre , Abós Ángel
Published: August 2024

Purpose: Guided by self-determination theory, this research examined cross-cultural differences in associations of students’ perceptions of teachers’ (de-)motivating approaches on Estonian and Spanish students’ need satisfaction from a circumplex model. Method: The participants were 601 Estonian (56% girls) and 669 Spanish (52% girls) secondary students. Results: Multigroup single-indicator structural equation modeling analysis revealed that participative, attuning, guiding, clarifying, and demanding predicted the satisfaction of each basic psychological need, according to the Estonian and Spanish students’ perspective. Domineering approach negatively predicted autonomy satisfaction in the eyes of Estonian students, while abandoning approach predicted the satisfaction of each basic psychological need negatively as perceived by Estonian and Spanish students. Conclusions: Results underscore the cross-cultural relevance in explaining the role of teachers’ (de-)motivating approaches in the eyes of students, supporting/undermining students’ need satisfaction in physical education. Therefore, these findings set the scene for development of effective guidance for teaching training adapted to culture, aimed at providing teachers with the strategies they need to apply the most optimal motivating teaching styles in their physical education lessons.
Risk of Low Energy Availability, Disordered Eating, and Menstrual Dysfunction in Female Recreational Runners
Authors: Miles Marissa , Pritchett Kelly , Pritchett Robert , Larson Abigail
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Running is characterized by high physiological demands with an emphasis on body weight, which may lead to a greater risk of developing low energy availability (LEA) and/or disordered eating (DE). The prevalence of LEA among recreational runners has not been well defined, and this population may lack the ability to distinguish between nutrition resources that are evidence-based or not. Purpose: This study investigated (a) the prevalence of those at risk for LEA, menstrual dysfunction (MD), and risk of DE and (b) compared the risk of DE, training volume, and body weight dissatisfaction between female recreational runners at risk for LEA versus not at risk for LEA. Methods: Female recreational endurance runners (n = 1,923) completed an online questionnaire that included the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire to evaluate LEA risk and MD, and the Disordered Eating Screening Assessment to evaluate DE risk and body weight dissatisfaction. Results: 53.04% of participants are at risk for LEA, 42.5% are at risk for DE, and 61.7% reported MD. Conclusions: The current study suggests that recreational runners are at an increased risk for LEA and DE. Furthermore, DE, MD, training volume, and weight dissatisfaction may be associated with LEA in recreational runners. These findings highlight the need for education and preventative measures around LEA, MD, and DE among recreational female runners.