bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prokineticin 2 is a catabolic regulator of osteoarthritic cartilage destruction in mouse
Authors: Yang Jiye , Shin Youngnim , Kim Hwee-Jin , Kim Hyo-Eun , Chun Jang-Soo
Published: December 2023

Background

Our preliminary study indicates that the multi-functional protein, prokineticin 2 (Prok2), is upregulated in osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes as a target of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α. This study aims to elucidate the potential roles of Prok2 in OA.

Methods

Prok2 expression was assessed through microarray analysis in chondrocytes and confirmed via immunostaining in OA cartilage. Experimental OA was induced through destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). Functions of Prok2 were assessed by adenoviral overexpression, intra-articular (IA) injection of recombinant Prok2 (rProk2), and knockdown of Prok2 in joint tissues. We also explored the potential utility of Prok2 as an OA biomarker using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

HIF-2α upregulated Prok2, one of the prokineticin signaling components, in OA chondrocytes of mice and humans. Adenoviral overexpression of Prok2 in chondrocytes and cartilage explants, as well as the application of rProk2, led to an upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)3 and MMP13. Consistently, the overexpression of Prok2 in joint tissues or IA injection of rProk2 exacerbated cartilage destruction and hindpaw mechanical allodynia induced by DMM. However, the knockdown of Prok2 in joint tissues did not significantly affect DMM-induced cartilage destruction. Additionally, despite being a secreted protein, the serum levels of Prok2 in OA mice and human OA patients were found to be below the range detected by ELISA.

Conclusion

The upregulation of Prok2 exacerbates OA cartilage destruction and hindpaw mechanical allodynia. However, its knockdown is not sufficient to inhibit experimental OA and Prok2 is not a potential candidate serum biomarker of OA.
Metabolic Evidence on Vintage Effect in Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Plants
Authors: Mozumder N. H. M. Rubel , Hwang Kyeong Hwan , Lee Min-Seuk , Kim Eun-Hee , Hong Young-Shick
Published: December 2023

Recent metabolomics studies have reported diverse metabolites of tea depending on tea (Camellia sinensis) cultivars, cultivation conditions and geographical location. However, these studies were limited the effects of these conditions on metabolome of tea leaves in a single year. We explored the year-to-year variations in leaf metabolome of two tea (C. sinensis) cultivars over a period of five successive years from 2015 to 2019 to determine vintage tea products, such as in grapes or wines, and showed a clear metabolic differentiations of fresh tea leaves. Also, the best conditions of climate were suggested through an association of rainfall and sun-expose time with the metabolism of theanine in taste- or flavor-rich tea cultivar and of catechin compounds in EGCG3″Me-rich tea cultivar, thereby providing the potential vintage tea tailored to the cultivar. Since vintage wine is derived from grapes grown in a year under good climatic conditions, which provides high quality of wine in the best year, the current result highlights important information relevant to tea metabolome associated with climatic conditions in a specific year and the manufacture of vintage tea with unique quality.

Graphical Abstract
Accurate image derived input function in [18F]SynVesT-1 mouse studies using isoflurane and ketamine/xylazine anesthesia
Authors: Miranda Alan , Bertoglio Daniele , Staelens Steven , Verhaeghe Jeroen
Published: December 2023

Background

Kinetic modeling in positron emission tomography (PET) requires measurement of the tracer plasma activity in the absence of a suitable reference region. To avoid invasive blood sampling, the use of an image derived input function has been proposed. However, an accurate delineation of the blood pool region in the PET image is necessary to obtain unbiased blood activity. Here, to perform brain kinetic modeling in [18F]SynVesT-1 dynamic scans, we make use of non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) to unmix the activity signal from the different tissues that can contribute to the heart region activity, and extract only the left ventricle activity in an unbiased way. This method was implemented in dynamic [18F]SynVesT-1 scans of mice anesthetized with either isoflurane or ketamine–xylazine, two anesthestics that we showed to affect differently radiotracer kinetics. The left ventricle activity (NMF-IDIF) and a manually delineated cardiac activity (IDIF) were compared with arterial blood samples (ABS), and for isoflurane anesthetized mice, arteriovenous (AV) shunt blood data were compared as well. Finally, brain regional 2 tissue compartment modeling was performed using IDIF and NMF-IDIF, and the model fit accuracy (weighted symmetrical mean absolute percentage error, wsMAPE) as well as the total volume of distribution (VT) were compared.

Results

In isoflurane anesthetized mice, the difference between ABS and NMF-IDIF activity (+ 12.8 $$\pm$$
±
11%, p = 0.0023) was smaller than with IDIF (+ 16.4 $$\pm$$
±
9.8%, p = 0.0008). For ketamine–xylazine anesthetized mice the reduction in difference was larger (NMF-IDIF: 16.9 $$\pm$$
±
10%, p = 0.0057, IDIF: 56.3 $$\pm$$
±
14%, p < 0.0001). Correlation coefficient between isoflurane AV-shunt time activity curves and NMF-IDIF (0.97 $$\pm$$
±
0.01) was higher than with IDIF (0.94 $$\pm$$
±
0.03). The brain regional 2TCM wsMAPE was improved using NMF-IDIF compared with IDIF, in isoflurane (NMF-IDIF: 1.24 $$\pm$$
±
0.24%, IDIF: 1.56 $$\pm$$
±
0.30%) and ketamine–xylazine (NMF-IDIF: 1.40 $$\pm$$
±
0.24, IDIF: 2.62 $$\pm$$
±
0.27) anesthetized mice. Finally, brain VT was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher using NMF-IDIF compared with IDIF, in isoflurane (3.97 $$\pm$$
±
0.13% higher) and ketamine–xylazine (32.7 $$\pm$$
±
2.4% higher) anesthetized mice.

Conclusions

Image derived left ventricle blood activity calculated with NMF improves absolute activity quantification, and reduces the error in the kinetic modeling fit. These improvements are more pronounced in ketamine–xylazine than in isoflurane anesthetized mice.
The Impact of Excessive Body Weight and Foot Pronation on Running Kinetics: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jafarnezhadgero Amir Ali , Jahangirpour Azin , Parsa Hamed , Sajedi Heidar , Granacher Urs , Souza Oliveira Anderson
Published: December 2023

Background

Running exercise is an effective means to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition. Besides these health benefits, running is also associated with musculoskeletal injuries that can be more prevalent in individuals with excessive body weight. Little is known regarding the specific effects of overweight and foot pronation on ground reaction force distribution during running. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of overweight/obesity and foot pronation on running kinetics.

Methods

Eighty-four young adults were allocated to four experimental groups: non-excessive body weight/non-pronated feet; non-excessive body weight/pronated feet; overweight or obesity/ non-pronated feet and overweight or obesity/pronated feet. Biomechanical testing included participants to run at ~ 3.2 m/s over an 18-m walkway with an embedded force plate at its midpoint. Three-dimensional ground reaction forces were recorded and normalized to body mass to evaluate running kinetics from 20 running trials. Test–re-test reliability for running speed data demonstrated ICC > 0.94 for each group and in total.

Results

The results indicated significantly lower vertical impact peak forces (p = 0.001, effect size = 0.12), shorter time to reach the vertical impact peak (p = 0.006, effect size = 0.08) and reduced vertical loading rate (p = 0.0007, effect size = 0.13) in individuals with excessive body weight (overweight or obesity/non-pronated feet group and overweight or obesity/pronated feet) compared with individuals non-excessive body weight (non-excessive body weight/non-pronated feet and non-excessive body weight/pronated feet). Moreover, the excessive body weight groups presented lower peak braking (p = 0.01, effect size = 0.06) and propulsion forces (p = 0.003, effect size = 0.09), lower medio-lateral loading rate (p = 0.0009, effect size = 0.12), and greater free moments (p = 0.01, effect size = 0.07) when compared to the non-overweight groups. Moreover, a significant body mass by foot pronation interaction was found for peak medio-lateral loading rate. Non-excessive body weight/pronated feet, excessive body weight/non-pronated feet and excessive body weight/pronation groups presented lower medio-lateral loading rates compared to non-excessive body weight/non-pronated feet (p = 0.0001, effect size = 0.13).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that excessive body weight has an impact on ground reaction forces during running. We particularly noted an increase in medio-lateral and torsional forces during the stance phase. Individuals with excessive body weight appear to adapt their running patterns in an effort to attenuate early vertical impact loading.
The impacts of family planning and HIV service integration on contraceptive prevalence among HIV positive women in Tanzania: a comparative analysis from the 2016/17 Tanzania HIV impact survey
Authors: Timoth Saitoti , Machange Jane , Karino Kilaye , Mtenga Sally , Mkopi Abdallah , Levira Francis
Published: December 2023

Background

Prevention of unplanned pregnancies through modern contraceptives among HIV-positive women is one of the essential strategies for reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Family planning and HIV services integration is a national strategy designed to scale-up modern contraceptives among HIV-positive women. This study aims to evaluate the success of a service integration strategy by comparing the prevalence of modern contraceptive use among HIV-positive women receiving ART within integrated services and those not on integrated services (HIV-negative women and HIV-positive women unaware of their status).

Methods

We used data from the Tanzania HIV impact survey (THIS) of 2016/17. THIS provided HIV counselling and testing with a return of results in over 30,000 adults over 15 years of age. Women tested positive self reported their enrollment into ARV with further confirmation through laboratory analysis for any detectible ARV in their blood. All non-pregnant women reported their contraceptive use. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the effect of accessing integrated services controlling for potential confounders.

Results

A total of 14,986 women were included in the analysis; HIV-positive women were 1,066 and HIV-negative women were 13,830. Modern contraceptive use prevalence was 35% among HIV-positive women and 30% among HIV-negative women. Among HIV-positive women, those enrolled in integrated services (ART) had a higher prevalence of modern contraceptive (40%) compared to HIV-positive women unaware of their status (27%, p-value = 0.0014). The most common contraceptive methods in HIV-positive women were injectables (32%) and male condoms (31%), while in HIV-negative women, injectables (39%) and implants (30%, n = 1032) were the most preferred methods. Among HIV-positive women, enrolment into integrated services (currently on ART) demonstrated an increase in the odds of modern contraceptives by 85% (AOD = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.27–2.71).

Conclusion

This study found relatively low modern contraceptive use among HIV-positive women in the general population despite the existance of service integration program and guidelines to guide its implementation.Our study therefore calls for the evaluation on the implementation of the integration programme to identify factors that constrain or facilitate programme effectiveness.
Surgical management, use and efficacy of adjuvant dyes in idiopathic epiretinal membranes: a systemic review with network meta-analysis
Authors: Quiroz-Reyes Miguel A. , Quiroz-Gonzalez Erick A. , Quiroz-Gonzalez Miguel A. , Lima-Gomez Virgilio
Published: December 2023

Background

The epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a nonvascular fibrocellular tissue formed by cellular metaplasia and proliferation at the vitreoretinal surface and is generally treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with or without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. This network meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of all available ERM removal interventions and assessed the use and efficacy of surgical dyes in managing idiopathic ERMs.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and the US National Library of Medicine were searched (June 28, 2023). Clinical studies that included patients with ERMs were included. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were also appraised using Cochrane risk of bias (ROB).

Results

Ten RCTs and ten non-RCTs were included in this study. A pairwise meta-analysis between ERM removal and combined ERM and ILM removal showed no significant difference in visual outcome (change in BCVA) 1 year postintervention (MD = − 0.0034, SE = 0.16, p = 0.832). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the central macular thickness postoperatively between the two groups (MD = − 4.95, SE = 11.11, p = 0.656) (Q = 4.85, df = 3, p = 0.182, I2 = 41.21%). The difference in ERM recurrence between the groups was also not statistically significant (OR = 4.64, p = 0.062, I2 = 0). In a network meta-analysis, there was no significant difference in visual outcomes between ERM removal only and other treatment modalities: combined ILM and ERM removal (MD = 0.039, p = 0.837) or watchful waiting (MD = 0.020, p = 0.550). In a network meta-analysis, there was no significant difference in the visual outcomes between ERM removal alone and dye-stained combined ERM and ILM peeling (MD = 0.122, p = 0.742 for brilliant blue G; BBG and MD = 0.00, p = 1.00 for membrane blue-dual; MBD). The probability of being a better surgical dye for better visual outcomes was 0.539 for the MBD group and 0.396 for the BBG group. The recurrence of ERM was not significantly different when the ILM was stained with any of the dyes. No study was judged on ROB assessment as having low ROB in all seven domains.

Conclusion

The two types of surgical modalities provided comparable efficacy, with no significant differences between the outcomes. Among the dye-assisted ILM peeling methods, the membrane blue-dual dye was the most effective in providing better structural and functional outcomes.
Gulewamkulu institutional and organizational factors influencing community development projects in the area of T.A. Chauma in Dedza District, Malawi
Authors: Mtuta Anthony Gilbert
Published: December 2023

The aim of the study is to analyze Gulewamkulu organizational and institutional factors and how they can influence community development projects in the area of TA (TA: Traditional Authority). Chauma, Dedza District, in Malawi. Gulewamkulu is a secret society in the Chewa ethnic group in Malawi. It is also found in Mozambique and Zambia. Gulewamkulu has been recognized as an indigenous cultural institution that promotes socio-cultural, economic, and political development by the international and local communities. Despite this recognition, Gulewamkulu has not yet been fully integrated into community development projects. The results of the study showcased that Gulewamkulu institutional factors such as principles (p-value of 0.000), rules (p-value of 0.041), power (p- value of 0.028), loyalty to leaders (p-value of 0.000), and disciples (p-value of 0.012) are significant and can influence the achievement of different community development projects. The study therefore recommends that Gulewamkulu be involved in community development projects in its areas. Community development agencies should develop policies that allow the participation of Gulewamkulu in different community development projects.
Attitudes of Swiss psychiatrists towards cannabis regulation and medical use in psychiatry: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Strube Constantin , Comazzi Renato Davide , Löwinger Dimitri , Auer Reto , Moggi Franz , Pfeifer Philippe
Published: December 2023

Background

Changes in regulation for cannabis for nonmedical use (CNMU) are underway worldwide. Switzerland amended the law in 2021 allowing pilot trials evaluating regulative models for cannabis production and distribution. Simultaneously, cannabis for medical use (CMU) in psychiatry is a growing issue, asked for by patients and being discussed by medical professionals.

Methods

From December 2021 to February 2022, we conducted an online survey of psychiatrists in Switzerland. The survey comprised questions on attitudes towards regulative models for CNMU and towards prescribing CMU for mental disorders.

Results

We contacted 2010 psychiatrists in Switzerland. A total of 274 (14%) participated in the survey. Sixty-four percent agreed to a regulated legalization of CNMU, and 89% would welcome pilot trials in Switzerland assessing models for regulating CNMU with those from a French-speaking region being more skeptical. Forty-nine percent of psychiatrists agree that CMU might have a therapeutic effect in mental disorders, but 50% agree that there is not enough scientific evidence yet. Participants working in an inpatient setting or in a French-speaking region as well as those with a longer duration of practice were more skeptical on CMU for mental health.

Conclusions

Most surveyed Swiss psychiatrists favor the regulation of CNMU and the conduct of pilot trials. Despite little evidence and potential negative consequences, many participating Swiss psychiatrists agreed that cannabis could be efficacious in the treatment of some mental disorders advocating for more research in this topic.
Fungal laryngitis: a forgotten disease mimicking laryngeal cancer—a case report
Authors: Srinivasagam Kobinathan , Kumarasamy Vigneswaran , Manab Farah Wahida Abd , Daud Aidayanti Mohamed , Randhawa Aranjit Singh , Mohamad Irfan
Published: December 2023

Background

Fungal laryngitis is a fungal infection of the larynx which is an extremely rare clinical entity, especially in immunocompetent patients. The diagnosis is often overlooked and delayed among patients, and it is usually evident among immunocompromised patients.

Case presentation

We herein present a case of a 60-year-old gentleman presented with dysphagia for 6 months associated with hoarseness. Endoscopic examination shows a fungating mass over the larynx that mimics cancer. However, a biopsy of the mass showed the presence of fungal spores.

Conclusion

This case report emphasizes the importance of clinical suspicion of fungal laryngitis and its early intervention.
The impact of image and performance enhancing drugs on atrial structure and function in resistance trained individuals
Authors: Place Florence , Carpenter Harry , Morrison Barbara N. , Chester Neil , Cooper Robert , Stansfield Ben N. , George Keith P. , Oxborough David
Published: December 2023

Background

Image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) are commonly used in resistance trained (RT) individuals and negatively impact left ventricular (LV) structure and function. Few studies have investigated the impact of IPEDs on atrial structure and function with no previous studies investigating bi-atrial strain. Additionally, the impact of current use vs. past use of IPEDs is unclear.

Methods

Utilising a cross-sectional design, male (n = 81) and female (n = 15) RT individuals were grouped based on IPED user status: current (n = 57), past (n = 19) and non-users (n = 20). Participants completed IPED questionnaires, anthropometrical measurements, electrocardiography, and transthoracic echocardiography with strain imaging. Structural cardiac data was allometrically scaled to body surface area (BSA) according to laws of geometric similarity.

Results

Body mass and BSA were greater in current users than past and non-users of IPEDs (p < 0.01). Absolute left atrial (LA) volume (60 ± 17 vs 46 ± 12, p = 0.001) and right atrial (RA) area (19 ± 4 vs 15 ± 3, p < 0.001) were greater in current users than non-users but this difference was lost following scaling (p > 0.05). Left atrial reservoir (p = 0.008, p < 0.001) and conduit (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) strain were lower in current users than past and non-users (conduit: current = 22 ± 6, past = 29 ± 9 and non-users = 31 ± 7 and reservoir: current = 33 ± 8, past = 39 ± 8, non-users = 42 ± 8). Right atrial reservoir (p = 0.015) and conduit (p = 0.007) strain were lower in current than non-users (conduit: current = 25 ± 8, non-users = 33 ± 10 and reservoir: current = 36 ± 10, non-users = 44 ± 13). Current users showed reduced LV diastolic function (A wave: p = 0.022, p = 0.049 and E/A ratio: p = 0.039, p < 0.001) and higher LA stiffness (p = 0.001, p < 0.001) than past and non-users (A wave: current = 0.54 ± 0.1, past = 0.46 ± 0.1, non-users = 0.47 ± 0.09 and E/A ratio: current = 1.5 ± 0.5, past = 1.8 ± 0.4, non-users = 1.9 ± 0.4, LA stiffness: current = 0.21 ± 0.7, past = 0.15 ± 0.04, non-users = 0.15 ± 0.07).

Conclusion

Resistance trained individuals using IPEDs have bi-atrial enlargement that normalises with allometric scaling, suggesting that increased size is, in part, associated with increased body size. The lower LA and RA reservoir and conduit strain and greater absolute bi-atrial structural parameters in current than non-users of IPEDs suggests pathological adaptation with IPED use, although the similarity in these parameters between past and non-users suggests reversibility of pathological changes with withdrawal.
Health Equity: Access to Outdoor Fitness Equipment
Authors: Randall Eric J.
Published: December 2023

Adequate outdoor fitness equipment is essential for physical activity in lower income neighborhoods. San Francisco, CA, in the United States will be highlighted as a city with a large death rate, which could be improved by installing, promoting, and allowing access to fitness equipment. More than 2700 accidental overdose deaths have occurred since the year 2019, with a projected cumulative death rate expected to exceed 3000 human lives by the end of 2023. A contrast of the health inequities is illuminated in one of the nation's wealthiest cities. This is a call to action to bring about change, save lives, and promote healthier behavior.
A cross-sectional analysis identifies a low prevalence of Plasmodium ovale species infections in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in Kilifi county, Kenya.
Authors: Akinyi Mercy Yvonne , Chifwete Margaret , Ndwiga Leonard , Kimenyi Kelvin Muteru , Osoti Victor , Ochola-Oyier Lynette Isabella
Published: December 2023

Background The focus on P. falciparum diagnosis has led to an underestimation of the global burden of malaria resulting from neglected Plasmodium species. However, there is still scarce data on the prevalence of P. ovale globally. To address this knowledge gap, data collected from cross-sectional studies in Kilifi county were used to: 1) determine the prevalence of P. ovale species infections; and 2) determine the sensitivity of different diagnostic assays in detecting P. ovale species infections. Methods A total of 531 individuals were sampled across three study sites in Kilifi County, Kenya between 2009 and 2020. Blood smears were prepared from peripheral blood and screened for Plasmodium parasite stages using light microscopy. Molecular screening involved DNA extraction of dried blood spots and blood in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers targeting the 18 small ribosomal subunit and sequencing. Results Microscopy screening revealed that the most prevalent species was P. falciparum (32.0%) followed by P. malariae (9.0%) and then P. ovale (1.5%). PCR screening identified additional P. ovale species positives cases. Overall PCR results indicate that43 (8.1%) out of the 531 individuals harbored P. ovale curtisi infection with the highest prevalence reported in the tertiary health facility, (14.6%, 95% CI 8-23.6%), followed by the primary health facility (8.3%, 95% CI 5.4-11.9%), and the community from a cross-sectional blood survey, (3.6%, 95% CI 1.2-8.2%). Microscopy screening for P. ovale had a low sensitivity of 7% (95% CI 1-19-30%) and a high specificity of 99% (95% CI 98-100%). Sequencing results confirmed the presence of P.ovale curtisi. Conclusions This study provides baseline data for P.ovale species surveillance in Kilifi County, primarily using PCR to improve diagnosis. These results suggest that malaria elimination and eradication efforts should not only concentrate on P. falciparum but should embrace a holistic approach towards elimination of all Plasmodium species.
Stefan Witwicki – perfekcjonista? O stosunku poety do edycji „Wieczorów pielgrzyma”
Authors: Stocka Joanna
Published: December 2023

Artykuł został poświęcony podejściu Stefana Witwickiego do jednego z jego dzieł – Wieczorów pielgrzyma. Pisarz był bardzo zaangażowany w przygotowywanie tego utworu – początkowo wygłaszał jego fragmenty na posiedzeniach Towarzystwa Literackiego w Paryżu, a następnie opublikował je w zeszytach i tomach. Każde wznowienie było dla Witwickiego czymś więcej niż tylko zwykłym przedrukiem – następne edycje traktował jako okazję do udoskonalenia swoich tekstów, ciągle dążył do stworzenia ich idealnej wersji. Podobną postawę przejawiał także wobec ponownych wydań innych swoich dzieł – tendencja do poprawiania już opublikowanych utworów widoczna jest przez cały okres twórczości pisarza, począwszy od pierwszego zbioru poezji, Ballad i romansów. W reedycji Wieczorów pielgrzyma autor dodawał nowe rozdziały, wprowadzał poprawki, a ponadto interesował się szatą graficzną planowanego do druku dzieła i dopytywał o postępy prac. W artykule zaprezentowano przykłady zmian, które wprowadzał Witwicki.
Kanon i tradycja Władysława A. Kościelskiego. Edycje romantyków w serii „Wielka Biblioteka” Instytutu Wydawniczego „Biblioteka Polska”
Authors: Bąbiak Grzegorz P.
Published: December 2023

Historia oficyn wydawniczych XIX i XX wieku jest tematem dotychczas słabo rozpoznanym i opracowanym przez badaczy. Miarą tych „białych plam” (poza wyjątkami) jest brak opracowań o najważniejszym wydawnictwie polskim XIX stulecia – firmie Gebethner i Wolff. Jednym z powodów tego stanu jest rzecz jasna brak archiwów zniszczonych w czasie drugiej wojny światowej. Ale braków tych nie nadrabiają nawet bibliografie wydań, które mogłyby zostać sporządzone na podstawie dostępnych katalogów bibliotek. Wśród wielu zasłużonych wydawnictw międzywojnia, obok Gebethnera i Wolffa, Mortkowicza, Gubrynowicza, na uwagę zasługuje także Instytut Wydawniczy „Biblioteka Polska”. Został założony i był prowadzony przez przedstawiciela znanej na polu mecenatu kulturalnego pięknego wieku rodziny Kościelskich. Wykorzystując okres polonizacji przemysłu w dawnym zaborze pruskim, jego fundator wykupił nowoczesne zakłady poligraficzne w Bydgoszczy. Dzięki temu zwracały one uwagę poziomem typograficznym i edytorskim. Jednocześnie kultura literacka Kościelskiego i skupionych wokół niego twórców (m.in.  Leopolda Staffa, Jana Kasprowicza, Wacława Berenta, Aleksandra Guttrego) zapewniły tej instytucji przemyślaną politykę wydawniczą i wysoki poziom publikowanych dzieł. W tym świetle, biorąc pod uwagę zarówno tradycję, jak i współczesność – szczegółowej analizy jest warty program wydawniczy dzieł romantyków, jakie ukazały się nakładem Instytutu Wydawniczego „Biblioteka Polska”, który łączył w sobie dawne i nowe spojrzenie na tę epokę. Artykuł uzupełnia pełne zestawienie dzieł autorów romantycznych, które ukazały się w serii „Wielka Biblioteka” wydawanej w latach 1920–1931 w Instytucie Wydawniczym „Biblioteka Polska”.
Podstawa literaturoznawstwa. O edytorstwie z Włodzimierzem Boleckim rozmawiają Dariusz Pachocki i Wojciech Kruszewski
Authors: Bolecki Włodzimierz , Pachocki Dariusz , Kruszewski Wojciech
Published: December 2023

Rozmowa Dariusza Pachockiego i Wojciecha Kruszewskiego z Włodzimierzem Boleckim.
Graduation, Sport Retirement, and Athletic Identity: Moderating Effects of Social Support on Collegiate Athletes' Life Satisfaction and Alcohol Use
Authors:   , Kiefer Heather R.
Published: December 2023

Retirement from sport is a process that unfolds over time in which athletes have varied experiences, ranging from seamless transition to psychological distress. Researchers have sought to understand the variables (i.e., athletic identity, social support) that contribute to successful or unsuccessful transitions, with athletic identity being one of the most frequently mentioned. Athletes who strongly identify with the athlete role at the time of retirement are more at risk for adverse retirement outcomes (i.e., mental health concerns, identity concerns, substance use). To date, few studies have examined the moderating effect of coping resources, such as social support, on athletic identity at the time of retirement. The purpose of this study was two-fold. First, we found that student-athletes who graduated and retired had lower athletic identity, higher alcohol use, and less perceived social support than their peers who continued competing four months after graduation. Second, we longitudinally examined the relationship of athletic identity and social support to the psychological well-being (i.e., life satisfaction and binge drinking) of collegiate student athletes who retired from sport. Neither T1 athletic identity nor T1 social support, nor their interaction, were related to T2 life satisfaction or T2 alcohol use in the retired student-athletes after controlling for gender and the respective T1 variables. Further, being female and T1 life satisfaction were the only significant predictors for T2 life satisfaction; T1 alcohol use was the only predictor of T2 alcohol use. Implications of the findings, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
A Cultural and Systemic Model of Sibling Aggression and Its Impact
Authors:   , Weierbach Gabrielle
Published: December 2023

Sibling aggression is one of the most frequently occurring forms of aggression within the family and has been associated with socioemotional problems. Guided by the cultural context perspective and family systems theory, a conceptual model depicting the direct and indirect effects of cultural orientation values, traditional gender role attitudes, parental differential treatment, and parent-child conflict on sibling aggression and psychosocial functioning (i.e., psychological distress and interpersonal difficulties) was developed. It was hypothesized that perceptions of cultural values and gender role attitudes endorsed by primary caregivers would be associated with family dynamics factors (i.e., parental differential treatment and parent-child conflict) that contributed to sibling aggression and resulting impaired psychosocial functioning. A total of 272 participants completed the online questionnaire that measured the variables of interest. Structural equation modeling (SEM) methods were used to analyze the data. Findings of the final models lent clear support to the indirect effects of cultural values and gender role attitudes on sibling aggression and resulting psychosocial functioning through differential treatment and parent-child conflict although the results also yielded some unexpected nuances regarding the indirect effect paths. Specifically, lower levels of independent cultural values contributed to greater levels of sibling aggression and impaired psychosocial functioning through more differential treatment and parent-child conflict, while higher levels of traditional gender role attitudes contributed to the outcome variables only through differential treatment. Findings are discussed from the cultural context and family systems framework. Limitations, future directions, and clinical implications are also discussed.
On the Frontline of Athlete Mental Health: The Mental Health Literacy of NCAA Coaches
Authors:   , Beebe Kelzie E.
Published: December 2023

Coaches' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about mental health – the construct of mental health literacy (MHL) – affects teams' mental health (MH) climates and the early detection, referral, and treatment of athletes' MH concerns. Thus, assessing collegiate coaches' MHL, and the factors related to its presence, is critical. Using the Mental Health Literacy Scale, I surveyed 1,571 NCAA coaches (Mage = 37.5 years, SD = 11.8; 51.4% cisgender female; 85.9% White) regarding their MHL and related demographic and MH-experience factors, including their belief regarding MH and sport performance. Overall, 99.9% of the coaches believed that athletes' MH affected their sport performances. Through hierarchical regression analyses, I found that coaches' exposure to MH treatment, their perceived helpfulness of MH treatment, their gender (i.e., woman), number of years coaching (i.e., fewer years), and NCAA Division in which they currently coach (i.e., DIII) were related significantly to their MHL, explaining 15.5% of variance. Coaches' race/ethnicity was not related to MHL. These findings provide insight on hiring and educating coaches, and hiring appropriately trained and licensed MH and sport psychology professionals. Specifically, coach education should be focused and practical: signs and symptoms of common MH concerns disorders; the ubiquity of MH concerns among athletes; how to talk to athletes about MH and suicide; and how to make timely, efficient, and respectful referrals following that system's specific procedures. Such education would be particularly beneficial for male coaches or those who have been coaching longer.
Burnout and Psychological Wellbeing among Taiwanese and American Graduate Students in Mental Health Services: Role of Adult Attachment, Emotion Regulation, and Self-Compassion
Authors:   , Chao Wan-Ju
Published: December 2023

Graduate students in mental health service training programs are at risk of experiencing burnout. Using adult attachment theory as the guiding framework, this study examined a conceptual model which depicted the direct and indirect effect of attachment insecurity on burnout and the subsequent psychological distress via low self-compassion and emotion regulation difficulty with two cultural samples recruited from the U.S. and Taiwan, respectively. The final sample included 216 U.S. mental health graduate trainees and 201 Taiwanese trainees. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Findings from the final models best supported by the data revealed that in both cultural groups, attachment anxiety contributed to lower self-compassion which subsequently resulted in greater burnout and that emotion regulation did not play a mediational role in the models. Results also demonstrated cultural differences in several paths of the research model. For the U.S. sample, only higher attachment anxiety indirectly contributed to more psychological distress through low self-compassion and burnout was best positioned as an outcome variable similar to psychological distress, instead of being a mediator. For the Taiwanese sample, on the other hand, both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance demonstrated significant indirect effects on higher psychological distress through lower self-compassion and burnout was a 2nd tired mediator through which attachment anxiety indirectly contributed to higher psychological distress. These findings advanced our understanding of the role of adult attachment insecurity in the development of burnout and psychological distress for graduate trainees in mental health fields, as well as the possible cultural differences in the observed variables and their relations. Counseling implications, limitations, and future research directions were discussed.
Engineering a Microfluidic Blood-Brain Barrier on a Silicon Chip
Authors:   , Liu Jiafeng
Published: December 2023

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is composed of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), pericytes, and astrocytic endfeet, which regulate the transport of molecules into and out of the brain. BMECs possess intrinsic barrier properties that limit the passage of approximately 98% of small molecules into the brain in healthy individuals. However, in some brain diseases, the BBB undergoes structural and functional alterations, which can contribute to disease progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the BBB by exploring the effects of endothelial cell stretching and the optimal dimensionality of stretching to enhance endothelium barrier tightness in Chapter 2. Subsequently, we developed an endothelium gradient stretching device to further examine the stretching effect in Chapter 3. Additionally, we investigated the promotion of endothelium tightness through the use of electrospun fibers, wherein we controlled the pore size. Based on these findings, we designed and fabricated an organ chip model that incorporates mechanical stretching, microfluidic techniques, electrospun fibers, and hydrogel extracellular matrix (ECM). The results of permeability testing demonstrated that this chip significantly improved the tightness of microvascular selective transport ability and has the potential to be used in drug sorting for central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
Remote Workplace Learning Shift to Remote Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   , Jackson Kimberly Nicole
Published: December 2023

The need for online remote working from home significantly increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This unexpected crisis forced individuals and organizations to rapidly transition from face-to-face training to remote learning at home. This switch happened overnight and was not optional but necessary. Employees had to adapt to new online learning techniques, seeking to preserve the same level of learning as working from the office. The study participants were male and female remote workers in the United States aged 18 and over. A questionnaire focused on evaluating online training in the workplace and a survey measuring two types of attitudes related to the transfer of training and technology integration while taking online training courses that were distributed online. The study collected a total of 50 responses from participants for analysis. According to the study results, employees noted some positive features of remote learning, such as flexibility, self-paced learning opportunities, and faster content absorption. Areas employees identified for improvement were closely related to the causes of complaints, such as network and technology issues, using a learning management system (LMS), instructions for using an LMS or course management system (CMS), face-to-face tech support, distractions, and suitable workspace at home. The study's results revealed a need to design and improve an effective emergency remote training system that maintains remote learning similar to traditional classroom training and opportunities for non-co-located workers to prepare for future emergencies.
Did Someone Ask? Lessons for Leaders when Recruiting and Enrolling Autistic Students into Dual Credit Classes
Authors:   , Meyers Amber Kay
Published: December 2023

As rates of autism diagnosis continue to rise, more autistic students are graduating high school, and seeking to pursue postsecondary education options. Dual credit coursework has proven to be advantageous for college enrollment, success, and completion rates. Autistic students, however, are not equally represented in these college-level courses. The purpose of this qualitative study was to review dual credit recruitment practices and experiences, as told from the perspective of autistic students who completed one or more dual credit courses. Relying on student voice and a disability studies perspective, the intent of this study was to inform school leaders on how to facilitate the recruitment and participation of autistic students in dual credit courses, reducing the impact of institutional ableism. Traditional informational sessions proved ineffective as a recruitment tool. While parents influenced students' decisions to enroll in dual credit classes, parents' previous college experience factored into how much support students received. Teachers had the most meaningful influence due to their personal relationships with the students. Students with early-identified advanced academic ability received more encouragement to enroll, suggesting staff training and recruitment intentionality are key components for increasing autistic students' enrollment in dual credit programs. The intense bullying that students experienced in their traditional secondary classes versus the more accepting dual credit postsecondary learning environment also influenced their decisions to enroll and remain in dual credit classes. Implications for future practice and recommendations for future research are provided.
Synthesis, Kinetic Studies, and Structural Investigations of Osmium and Ruthenium Clusters
Authors:   , Nesterov Volodymyr
Published: December 2023

Addition reactions of ten neutral nucleophiles and seven anionic nucleophiles with the pentaosmium pentadecacarbonyl carbido cluster Os5C(CO)15 have been kinetically studied and several important reactivity trends have been established. The calculated activation parameters support an associative mechanism involving the attack of nucleophiles on the parent cluster in the rate-limiting step. Decarbonylation reactions of neutral arachno clusters Os5C(CO)15L have also been kinetically studied and different reactivity trends have been observed. Reactions of Os5C(CO)15 with both neutral and anionic nucleophiles produce corresponding arachno clusters in good yield. Neutral arachno clusters decarbonylate when heated to yield corresponding nido clusters. All studied anionic arachno clusters are resistant to decarbonylation, but most of them readily react with organic acids to form corresponding hydrido clusters. Reactions of anionic arachno clusters with methyl triflate yielded several new clusters. Exploration of metal-ligand bond lengths in the respective pairs of arachno and nido clusters yielded a valuable conclusion with regard to steric effects prevalent in these molecules. The mechanisms for polyhedral structural rearrangements between arachno and nido derivatives of the pentaosmium carbido cluster have been proposed. Thermolysis of cluster Ru3[Ph2PCH(Me)PPh2](CO)10 in the presence of diphenylacetylene yields alkyne-substituted clusters Ru3(PhCCPh)[Ph2PCH(Me)PPh2](CO)8 and Ru3(PhCCPh)[Ph2PCH(Me)PPh2](CO)7 as the major products. The backbone-modified diphosphine in both clusters has facilitated the growth of single crystals suitable for X-ray crystallography. The kinetics for the conversion between two clusters have been investigated and the calculated activation parameters were found to be inconsistent with a rate-limiting step involving a dissociative loss of CO.
Electrochemical Behavior of Catalytic Metallic Glasses
Authors:   , Mahajan Chaitanya
Published: December 2023

Metallic Glasses are multi-component alloys with disordered atomic structures and unique and attractive properties such as ultra-high strength, soft magnetism, and excellent corrosion/wear resistance. In addition, they may be thermoplastically processed in the supercooled liquid region to desired shapes across multiple length-scales. Recently developed metallic glasses based on noble metals (such as Pt and Pd) are highly active in catalytic reactions such as hydrogen oxidation, oxygen reduction, and degradation of organic chemicals for environmental remediation. However, there is a limited understanding of the underlying electrochemical mechanisms and surface characteristics of catalytically active metallic glasses. Here, we demonstrate the influence of alloy chemistry and the associated electronic structure on the activity of a systematic series of Pt42.5−xPdxCu27Ni9.5P21 bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) with x = 0 to 42.5 at%. The activity and electrochemically active surface area as a function of composition are in the form of volcano plots, with a peak around an equal proportion of Pt and Pd. These amorphous alloys showed more than two times the hydrogen oxidation reactivity compared to pure Pt. This high activity was attributed to their lower electron work function and higher binding energy of Pt core level that reduced charge-transfer resistance and improved electrocatalytic activity from weakened chemisorption of protons. To address the high cost associated with noble-metal-based amorphous catalysts, the performance of non-noble M100-xPx alloys was evaluated with a systematic variation in chemistry (M = Ni, Co; x = 0, 10, 15, 20, 30 at%). These alloys were synthesized by a scalable pulsed electrodeposition approach with glass formation seen in the range of 10 at% to 20 at% P. Enhanced corrosion resistance was observed with increasing phosphorus content as evidenced by the significant decrease in corrosion current density and ten-fold higher polarization resistance of M80P20 (M = Ni, Co) compared to its corresponding pure metal in representative electrolytes. Surface characterization showed enrichment of phosphorus in the passive layer, that likely promoted the restoration of the protective hypophosphite phase. The overpotential for hydrogen evolution reaction decreased by 35% and 45% in the case of Ni100−xPx and Co100−xPx, respectively, with increasing phosphorus content from 0 at% to 20 at%. Also, the M80P20 (M = Ni, Co) metallic glasses demonstrated excellent oxygen evolution reaction efficiency with a 10 mA/cm2 current density at 50% overpotential compared to pure Pt in alkaline media. The high activity and excellent durability of the non-noble amorphous alloys for hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER) were attributed to the decreased binding energy of the P core level due to the synergy between the proton-acceptor (P centers) and hydride/hydroxide-acceptor (metal centers) sites.
Gauging Gun-Based Social Movements Frames: Identifying Frames through Topic Modeling and Assessing Public Engagement of Frames through Facebook Media Posts
Authors:   , Prasanna Ram
Published: December 2023

The lack of success of the gun control movement and the success of the gun rights movement in the United States have prompted research into the root causes. Although the political infrastructure, organizational resources, and public interest prove to be important factors in a social movement's success, how each social movement frames their arguments is extremely important for proposing policy initiatives and garnering support. In order to understand how gun control and gun rights organizations frame their arguments this study does two things: (1) performs topic modeling on the six gun control organizations' and three gun rights organizations' press statements to see the frames that each social movement engages in, and (2) identifying these frames in the most popular gun control and gun rights organizations on Facebook to predict likes, comments, and shares. This study is able to identify the top frames in the gun control and gun rights social movements and see how followers of each of these movements engage with each of these frames on Facebook.
"Rainpiece": A Modular Work for Flute, Harp, Viola, and Live Electronics
Authors:   , Tempio Madeline Grace
Published: December 2023

Rainpiece is a composition for flute, viola, harp, and computer, cyclic and open in form, and inviting collaborative improvisation by instrumentalists and computer operator together. It is also a study of water, from torrential downpours and bubbling springs to rivers and waterfalls. The movement of water through the phases of the water cycle is the central metaphor guiding the cyclic and theoretically endless structure of the work. Rainpiece is also a model of community, collaboration, and above all mindful meditation. The metaphor of water is one that focuses the mind, and brings together the community of performers and audience members into a context with which all can connect emotionally. Like the sound of flowing water (which is included in the piece in the form of processed field recordings), the musical ideas of Rainpiece are constantly changing, and yet continually recurring and returning; this connects with concepts of meditation and mantra as well. The work proposes a new direction in interactive chamber music that integrates natural and composed sound worlds, with the goal of shaping a social and acoustic environment that allows for openness, mindfulness, and connection.