bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sonographically-navigated frozen shoulder release (S-FSR): A modified technique for sonographically-navigated, in-office hydrodilatation of adhesive capsulitis
Authors: Lee Isaac , Sidiqi Mojda , Gonzalez Jorge A
Published: December 2023

We describe a new technique for hydrodilatation of the frozen shoulder, which we coined ‘Sonographically-Navigated Frozen Shoulder Release (S-FSR)’ or ‘Dr Gonzalez's technique.’ Traditional treatments include a combination of conservative and surgical modalities, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and open capsular release. We describe a modification to hydrodilatation of the frozen shoulder. Our technique describes the gradual dilation of the glenohumeral (GH) capsule with the goal of seeing a gentle release of the frozen shoulder. Furthermore, we outline our protocol for patient preparation with preprocedural diazepam 5   mg and Hydrocodone 5   mg-Acetaminophen 325   mg, one tablet each. During the procedure, we inject a solution of 10   mL lidocaine mixed with 2   mL of 40   mg/mL triamcinolone acetonide injection (80   mg total) through an anterior approach at the level of the rotator interval for pain control. Following this injection, we proceed to fenestrate the superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL) in the process. We conclude the procedure with hydrodilatation of the GH joint (GHJ) through the posterior approach with approximately 50   mL of 0.9% normal saline, or until an expansion and release of the GH joint is visualized under ultrasound visualization.

A full instruction video can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v = ZNB0R0hkeok&ab_channel = DrJorgeA.Gonzalez
Review Ratings, Sentiment in Review Comments, and Restaurant Profitability: Firm-Level Evidence
Authors: Abdullah Saddam , Van Cauwenberge Philippe , Vander Bauwhede Heidi , O’Connor Peter
Published: December 2023

This article examines the effect of user review ratings and sentiment in review comments on restaurant profitability. In addition, the effects of sentiment in review comments in a local versus a foreign language are compared. User sentiments are mined from 63,904 Dutch and 42,980 English TripAdvisor review comments for restaurants in Flanders (the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium). The article exploits the availability of detailed firm-level financial reports, which are mandatory for all Belgian companies. This facilitates the investigation of bottom-line profitability, which is the ultimate measure of success, and at the same time, the inclusion of firm-specific control variables in the regression analyses. Findings suggest positive sentiment toward restaurants in general and that variations in sentiment impact profitability. Sentiment in review comments is highly significant and has a larger impact than review ratings. In addition, comments in the local language (Dutch) are more impactful than comments in a global language (English). Overall results suggest that, rather than focusing solely on quantitative ratings, restaurateurs should focus on users’ qualitative review comments, actively managing them to help drive restaurant performance. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to empirically assess how review ratings, sentiment in review comments, and language of review comments impact bottom-line restaurant performance, adding to the literature supporting proactive online reputation management.
E-learning experiences of students in Pakistan during COVID-19: Barriers and perceptions
Authors: Naveeda  , Wajahat Safoora
Published: December 2023

The literature reveals that there has been significant research regarding online learning during the pandemic outbreak. This research project was conducted to investigate the experiences of university students by highlighting a few key barriers and perceptions to e-learning in Pakistan. A sample of 253 (age range: 17–31 years) students was recruited through a convenient sampling technique. According to participants the crucial online barriers included social interaction, family support, time, and motivation for studies. The majority of students were satisfied with the internet access and quality of online learning. In addition, the most intensively used web-platforms included Zoom, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, and Meet by Pakistani students. Furthermore, the findings revealed that students who sleep after midnight ( M = 51.46, SD = 9.61) and wake-up around noon ( M = 52, SD = 9.09) experience more online education barriers in comparison to students who sleep ( M = 40.33, SD = 16.75) and rise early ( M = 49.36, SD = 11.86). Hence, the findings of the current study might be helpful in addressing barriers and challenges faced by universities and the Higher Education Commission during such pandemic outbreaks.
Beyond informality: Expanding the scope of Southern smart urbanism
Authors: Odendaal Nancy
Published: December 2023

Prasad et al.'s (2024) article, ‘Smart City Planning and the Challenges of Informality in India’, makes an important contribution to understanding the limitations of smart city planning practices in a Southern context. However, whilst informality is a dominant feature of Southern urbanism, the appropriation of smart technologies by those at the margins tells an expanded story of smart urbanism from the bottom up, thereby challenging the underpinning notions of planning and smart urbanism.
The path of human civilization in the Anthropocene: Sustainable growth or sustainable development?
Authors: Winkler Jan , Vaverková Magdalena Daria , Koda Eugeniusz
Published: December 2023

This paper discusses the difference between growth and development in plants, and how these concepts can be applied to human civilization. While growth refers to the quantitative gain of biomass, development is characterized by qualitative changes in the specialization and functioning of cells, tissues, and organs. In human society, growth is often prioritized over development, as evidenced by the focus on gross domestic product without considering its social and environmental impacts. Waste, which is produced during consumption, is a significant problem for human civilization as it contributes to pollution and environmental degradation. Waste management and finding new uses for waste are important efforts to utilize waste production; however, their effectiveness is often unclear. Sustainable development of human society should focus on creating systems inspired by nature, which can be achieved by reducing waste production and increasing the share of waste utilizable in biological processes. The functional interconnection between decomposer (waste) and producers (raw materials) in human society is essential for achieving sustainable development. Ultimately, this path leads to the reduction of waste and improves the effectiveness of human activities, thereby reducing threats to ecosystems.
Are nursing home employees ready for the technical evolution? German-wide survey on the status quo of affinity for technology and technology interaction
Authors: Barisch-Fritz Bettina , Krafft Jelena , Rayling Sabine , Diener Jonathan , Möller Tobias , Wunsch Kathrin , Riedel Norman , Maia Maria , Weinberger Nora , Lefint Jérémy , Asfour Tamim , Krell-Rösch Janina , Woll Alexander
Published: December 2023

Background

Technological devices can support nursing home employees; however, their perspective is not sufficiently studied. Our aims were thus to (a) examine affinity for technology and technology interaction and related sociodemographic confounders, as well as (b) detect possible requirements and boundary conditions relevant for the development and implementation of assistive technologies among nursing home employees.

Methods

We conducted an online survey between May and July of 2022 among 200 nursing home employees in Germany. The survey included two questionnaires, that is, Affinity for Technology Interaction (ATI) and Affinity for Technology—Electronic Devices (TA-EG; subscales TA-EG-Enthusiasm, TA-EG-Competence, TA-EG-Positive Consequences, and TA-EG-Negative Consequences), as well as sociodemographic variables, that is, age, gender, professional groups, education/graduation level. We carried out factorial variance and multiple regression analyses.

Results

There were differences between age groups in ATI (lower score with increasing age) and between gender, age, and professional group in TA-EG (lower score for females, participants with higher ages, and nursing home managers). Predictors of ATI were age and professional group, predictors of TA-EG, TA-EG-Enthusiasm, and TA-EG-Competence were gender, age, and professional group. Predictors of TA-EG-Positive Consequences were education and professional group.

Conclusions

We observed rather high affinity for technology and technology interaction values overall, and particularly for nursing home employees compared to managers. Significant predictors for technology affinity and interaction may have important implications, for example the perspectives of nursing home employees and managers should be considered separately in the technological design, development, and implementation process. Furthermore, an open dialogue between all stakeholders should be encouraged to increase the probability of actual technology use.
Kinetic Cross-Modal Correspondences and Felt (e)Motion in a Novel Set of Musical Stimuli
Authors: Kolesnikov Anna , Bamford Joshua S. , Andrade Eduardo , Montalti Martina , Calbi Marta , Langiulli Nunzio , Parmar Manisha , Guerra Michele , Gallese Vittorio , Umiltà Maria Alessandra
Published: December 2023

Embodied music cognition predicts that our understanding of human-made sounds relates to our experience of making the same or similar movements and sounds, which involves imitation of the source of visual and auditory information. This embodiment of sound may lead to numerous kinetic cross-modal correspondences (CMCs). This article investigates music experience in participants with a non-professionally trained music background across three musical dimensions: Contour (Ascending, Descending, Flat), Vertical Density (Low, Medium, High), and Note Pattern (Binary, Ternary, Quaternary). In order that stimuli should reflect contemporary musical usage yet be subject to a high degree of experimental control, 27 ten-second digital piano tracks were created in collaboration with a film composer. In Study 1, participants were asked to rate the stimuli for perceived Direction, Rotation, Movement, and Emotional and Physical Involvement. We test the effects of these factors in terms of the following theories: general and vocal embodied responses to music, the Ecological Theory of Rotating Sounds, and the Shared Affective Motion Experience model of emotion induction. Results for Study 1 were consistent with theories of general and vocal embodied responses to music, as well as with theories of embodied emotional contagion in music. Study 1 also revealed potential confounds in the stimuli, which were further investigated in Study 2 with a new set of participants rating the stimuli for perceived Pitch, Loudness, and Speed. Results for Study 2 served to dissociate intrinsic features of the stimuli from CMCs. Taken together, the two studies reveal a range of embodied CMCs. Although there are limitations to a perceptual study such as this, these stimuli stand to benefit future research in further investigating the embodiment of musical motion.
The Impact of Psychological Capital on Job Satisfaction among Employees with Individuals’ Social Responsibility as a Mediator
Authors: Hassan Kariri Hadi Dhafer , Edrees Somaili Hassan , Hadi Omair Ali , Mansour Mohammed El-Sayed Ibrahim , Radwan Omaymah Abdulwahab
Published: December 2023

Research on individual social responsibility is lacking. This study evaluates the psychological capital (PsyCap), personal social responsibility (PSR), and job satisfaction (JobSat) among 775 Saudi private and public sector workers, married and single. Data was collected electronically using a random and secure sampling and analyzed by SPSS and Amos to test the study’s hypotheses. The study lasted from March through October 2022. This study used structural equation modeling, confirmatory factor analysis, and descriptive analysis. Harman’s single-factor test showed that six factors had eigenvalues more than 1, and the initial factor’s variance explained was 27.88%, far below the 40% threshold. The results presented showed that PsyCap had a significant positive predictive influence on JobSat and PSR. Amos’s analysis shows that PSR mediated the association between JobSat and PsyCap. The Bootstrap mediation effect test findings showed that the 95% confidence interval for PsyCap on JobSat extended from 0.18 to 0.34. The study also illuminates processes that mediate the association between PsyCap and JobSat and examines newer concepts like social responsibility and the workplace.
The Effect of Applying Language Picture Books in Reciprocal Teaching on Students’ Language Learning Motivations
Authors: Chen Tan-I , Chung Hung-Chang , Lin Shih-Kai
Published: December 2023

The research nature of this study is to examine the priority of English as a foreign language in many non-English speaking countries in the context of globalization with a focus on the importance of English for cross-linguistic communication and interpersonal communication. The research purpose is to understand the effects of language picture books applied to interactive teaching methods on English language learning motivation, learning performance, and language and reading ability of elementary school students in southern Taiwan. The research method used herein is an experimental design model. In total, 192 students in eight classes in Grade Six of two elementary schools in southern Taiwan, each with four classes of 24 students, who used the same picture book materials are taken as the research subjects for an experimental study. The research method includes the application of language picture books to interactive teaching methods, combined with a variety of teaching activities, to create a fun and enjoyable learning atmosphere. The study observes students’ active participation and learning performance in the classroom and evaluates the impacts of these activities on their learning motivation, language ability, and reading ability were evaluated. The findings of this study are as follows. 1) The use of the interactive teaching method with language picture books has a significant effect on students’ motivation to learn English, by observing students’ active participation in the classroom. 2) The English picture books inspire children’s curiosity and interest in reading, increase their motivation for English learning, and make them quite interested in reading. 3) The course incorporated a variety of teaching activities to create a happy learning atmosphere, so that students can continue to work toward their English learning goals after the course is over. We also present the conclusions and discussions based on the results in the hope that language picture books can develop students’ capacity for listening and concentration and contribute to the development and improvement of their language ability and reading ability.
Foundation Investment Funds for Grant-Making Foundations in Germany: Do They Facilitate Sustainable Investing?
Authors: Wiener Berenike , Schnurbein Georg von
Published: December 2023

Grant-making foundations commonly use financial returns on investment in support of a public purpose. Recently, more attention has been given in academic research to the role of foundations as sustainable investors. According to the concept of socially responsible investing (SRI), foundations should integrate their social purposes into their investment strategies. However, foundations are also required to comply with national legal frameworks. Our research interest lies in those investment funds that are specifically developed for foundations in Germany. In this study, we answer two research questions: First, what are the characteristics of the market for foundation investment funds in Germany? Second, to what extent are foundation investment funds useful for foundations pursuing an SRI strategy? We build on a full sample comprising all 52 German foundation investment funds that are currently available and then use data from MSCI to apply a sustainability rating for these funds. With these data, we evaluate the financial performance of foundation investment funds in relation to their sustainability ratings. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) was used to reduce complexity in the dataset and detect similarities among a set of objects. Our findings differentiate between two distinct clusters of foundation investment funds. The first “discrete” cluster represents the majority of funds, and these funds are generally smaller with lower performance and lower levels of SRI conformity. The funds in the second “attached” cluster are generally larger, more diversified, and have higher performance. Finally, we call for further research offer implications for both fund managers and foundation asset managers.
Platform or Content Strategy? Exploring Engagement With Brand Posts on Different Social Media Platforms
Authors: Shen Zheng
Published: December 2023

Promoting engagement with brand posts tends to be important for brands and marketers who aim for success in social media marketing. With the variety of social media available today, it can be difficult for brand and marketing practitioners, especially small brands, to coordinate their efforts across different platforms. This study examines platform and content strategies in terms of engagement with brand posts through data mining and one-way ANOVA. The results suggest that for each brand, engagement with brand posts can be improved by choosing an appropriate platform strategy, instead of using a different content strategy across platforms. These findings contribute to a limited analysis of platform strategies for social media marketing engagement of today’s brands.
Wine Attitude Scale for Consumer Research (WASCR): Scale Development and Validation in Spanish Population
Authors: Cruces-Montes Serafín , Paramio Alberto , Gómez-Carmona Diego , Zayas Antonio
Published: December 2023

Wine is a fundamental cultural and economic asset for Spain and other European’s countries. Understanding the consumer behavior is of great importance in designing marketing strategies to promote and encourage a product purchase. This research proposes developing and validating an attitudinal scale of the consumer outlook toward wine consumption. A total of 2,189 participants from the Sherry wine region (Andalusia, Spain) participated in the study. A resulting 16-item scale was estimated to meet the reliability criteria and the Principal Component Analysis after exploring the results. Three dimensions were found: one that integrate consumer experiences (Wine Experience), the elements related to the healthy perception of wine consumption (Health Consumption) and those related to factors linked to the social nature of wine consumption (Social Consumption). The Wine Attitude Scale for Consumer Research (WASCR) it has potential use for segmenting different consumer profiles and to be useful tool for wine producers. Therefore, the scale is proposed for use in different research contexts and other populations of interest in future studies.
Does the High-Speed Rail Improve Employment in Peripheral Cities? Evidence From China’s Beijing–Shanghai HSR Line
Authors: Yu Nannan , Cui Tianhang , Lv Si
Published: December 2023

This study addresses the impacts of high-speed rail (HSR) on the employment rate on the periphery of HSR-connected cities. Using the Chinese municipal-level data sets of 2001 to 2017s, we have found that HSR could improve the average employment in peripheral cities on the route. However, HSR negatively affects employment in small and medium-sized peripheral cities while the large-sized peripheral cities benefit from its operation. Our evidence shows that the “siphon effect” on employment of large-sized peripheral cities on smaller neighbors happened specifically in the manufacturing sectors. This study provides important policy implications for HSR cities with different sizes and characteristics. Small- and medium-sized periphery HSR cities could appropriately response to HSR operation by readjusting the structure of manufacturing sectors, in order to avoiding employment loss.
Sex-Based Differences in Lower Extremity Kinematics During Dynamic Jump Landing Tasks After Neuromuscular Fatigue of the Hip Extensors and Knee Flexors
Authors: Klein Cassidy J.D. , Landry Scott C. , Lattimer Lauren J.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Neuromuscular fatigue can increase the activation of antagonist muscles, thereby reducing the moment produced by the agonist. During the deceleration phase of landing, hip extensor and knee flexor muscles contract eccentrically to counteract the external hip flexion moment. Decreased hip flexion is associated with greater knee extensor moments and risk of injury.

Purpose:

To investigate sex-based differences in kinematics and muscle activity after neuromuscular fatigue of the hip extensors and knee flexors during dynamic single-leg tasks.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

In this study, 9 female (age, 22.3 ± 3.4 years) and 7 male participants (age, 21.3 ± 2.6 years) completed the triple hop (THop) for distance and single-leg drop-jump (SJump) tasks before and after a fatigue protocol consisting of eccentric hip extension and knee flexion. Motion capture and electromyography were used to compare lower extremity kinematics and muscular activation between the sexes.

Results:

During the THop, neuromuscular fatigue resulted in significantly decreased maximum hip flexion angles ( P = .01), maximum knee flexion angles ( P = .039), and an effect of sex on all hip flexion angles, where both sexes saw decreased hip flexion postfatigue ( P = .033). A significant interaction of fatigue and sex on hip flexion angular velocity was observed during the SJump, indicating that men experienced an increase while women experienced a decrease in hip flexion angular velocities due to fatigue ( P = .03). Gluteus maximus activation was increased, and erector spinae activation was decreased postfatigue in women during the THop ( P = .053 and P = .023, respectively).

Conclusion:

Results indicate that men and women compensated differently after fatigue of the hip extensors and knee flexors.

Clinical Relevance:

Women more commonly assumed an erect landing posture associated with increased injury risk after fatigue of the hip extensors and knee flexors.
Service Use Differences Among Those Experiencing Homelessness: A Posthumous Analysis
Authors: Greene Richard Neil
Published: December 2023

Services play a crucial role in responding to homelessness, facilitating stable housing, and improving health outcomes. Yet people in need do not always access services and little is known about such individuals and groups. Using mortality data from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) that was cross-referenced with services records from Homelessness Management Information Systems (HMIS), this study identified and compared people affected by homelessness ( N = 1196) who died between 2014 and 2019 based on whether they had engaged with homelessness services ( n = 841) or who were unhoused without a record services engagement ( n = 355). Groups were compared by age, race, gender, region of the state, and leading causes of death. Approximately 30 percent of individuals found to be homeless were not engaged in homelessness services. There were statistically greater numbers of Native Americans among those who were unhoused without a record of homelessness services. There were also inequities across regions of the state. This supports the need for increased outreach in rural areas and removing barriers to service engagement. The leading causes of death were drug overdose, alcohol, and heart disease, thus reinforcing the need for harm reduction education and practices both within and outside of services.
Association Between Types of Family Support and Glycemic Control for Adults With Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Zheng Yaguang , Lawrence Katharine , Fletcher Jason , Qi Xiang , Wu Bei
Published: December 2023

Background:

Family support is important in assisting with diabetes self-management for individuals with cognitive impairment, but what types of family support are most effective remain unknown.

Objectives:

We aimed to examine the association between the types of family support in diabetes self-management with glycemic control in middle-aged and older adults with cognitive impairment.

Methods:

A total of 267 individuals were included with diabetes and cognitive impairment (27-point Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status score <12), using the data of 2003 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) Diabetes Study and 2004 wave of the HRS.

Results:

Most respondents were White (68.9%), followed by Black (25.8%). The mean age was 73.4±8.4 years. Adults with strong family support (as indicated by a “strongly agree” response) in testing sugar and in handling feelings about diabetes had significantly lower A1C compared with those with less family support (mean ± standard deviation: 7.08±1.39 vs. 7.51±1.42, P=.03; 6.79±0.87 vs. 7.57±1.53; P=.007 respectively).

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate that family members of individuals with cognitive impairment provide critical support to patients with diabetes and cognitive impairment, and may need additional intervention to assist with diabetes self-management tasks that require unique knowledge and skills.
Supporting Multilingualism in Immigrant Children: An Integrative Approach
Authors: Weisleder Adriana , Reinoso Alejandra , Standley Murielle , Alvarez-Hernandez Krystal , Villanueva Anele
Published: December 2023

Immigrant children are a growing and demographically important segment of the world's population. One key aspect of immigrant children's experience is navigating multiple languages, creating both opportunities, and challenges. However, the literature on bilingualism rarely centers the experiences of immigrant children. Focusing on immigrant children in the United States, this article brings together cognitive science research on bilingualism with the integrative risk and resilience model of adaptation in immigrant-origin children to elucidate how common contexts that immigrant children encounter can support or discourage multilingualism. Policy must consider immigrant children's intersecting identities—both as immigrants and as learners of minoritized, and often racialized, languages. A proposed framework can guide policies to support multilingualism in immigrant children, with downstream consequences for their health and development.
Social Movements and Independent Institutions
Authors: Roy Aruna , Dey Nikhil
Published: December 2023

This article looks at the present state of the independent institutions and the systematic process by which they have been diluted. It further emphasises the need to build alternate cultural mode of protest.
Effect of Microwave Irradiation on Coloring and Mechanical Properties of Direct Dyed Fabric
Authors: Farooq Assad , Shahzadi Ifra , Ashraf Muhammad Azeem , Irshad Farida , Khan Nayab
Published: December 2023

Microwaves have a very short wavelength which allows them to pass through the small spaces between molecules without being scattered. This allows the microwaves to penetrate the matter and heat it from the inside out, providing uniform heat, and makes microwave technology ideal for applications that require rapid and consistent heating. It has been hypothesized that microwaves may have a positive effect on the shade depth and color fastness of the fabric due to the increased temperature. This research is being done to test this hypothesis and to study the effects of microwaves on the shade depth and color fastness properties of the fabric. Microwave-irradiated fabric dyed before and after dyeing has a greater shade depth and better fastness properties than fabric dyed without irradiation.
Retinal Vasculitis After Intravitreal Pegcetacoplan: Report From the ASRS Research and Safety in Therapeutics (ReST) Committee
Authors: Witkin Andre J. , Jaffe Glenn J. , Srivastava Sunil K. , Davis Janet L. , Kim Judy E.
Published: December 2023

Purpose: To analyze post-marketing cases of retinal vasculitis after intravitreal pegcetacoplan. Methods: The American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) Research and Safety in Therapeutics (ReST) Committee as well as an expert panel performed a retrospective review of cases of retinal vasculitis reported to the ASRS. Clinical and imaging characteristics were reviewed for evidence of retinal vasculitis and analyzed. Results: Fourteen eyes of 13 patients were confirmed to have retinal vasculitis by review of imaging studies. All cases occurred after the first pegcetacoplan injection. Occlusive retinal vasculopathy was confirmed in 11 eyes (79%). Patients presented a median of 10.5 days (range, 8-23 days) after pegcetacoplan injection. All eyes had anterior chamber inflammation, and 12 eyes (86%) had vitritis. Vasculopathy involved retinal veins (100%) more than arteries (73%), and 12 eyes (86%) had retinal hemorrhages. The median visual acuity (VA) was 20/60 (range, 20/30-5/200) at baseline, 20/300 (range, 20/100-no light perception [NLP]) at vasculitis presentation, and 20/200 (range 20/70-NLP) at the last follow-up. Eight eyes (57%) had more than a 3-line decrease in VA, and 6 eyes (43%) had more than a 6-line decrease in VA from baseline to the final follow-up, including 2 eyes that were enucleated. Six eyes (43%) developed signs of anterior segment neovascularization. Conclusions: There is currently no known etiology for vasculitis in this series. Optimum treatment strategies remain unknown. Infectious etiologies should be considered, and corticosteroid treatments may hasten resolution of inflammatory findings. Continued treatment of affected patients with pegcetacoplan should be avoided.
When and How Servant Leadership Leads to Megaproject Success: The Roles of Project Governance and Interpersonal Trust
Authors: Nauman Shazia , Basit Ameer A. , Munir Hina , Iqbal Muhammad Shoaib
Published: December 2023

Employing social exchange theory, we examined when and how servant leadership leads to megaproject success. Based on the data of 273 responses from project team members and project managers, our findings indicated that servant leadership improves project success in megaprojects by enhancing interpersonal trust. Additionally, when project governance is high, the effect of servant leadership on interpersonal trust is weaker. The study puts forth theoretical and practical implications for professionals working in mega construction projects.
Morphological features of halloysite nanotubes as revealed by various microscopies
Authors: Gray-Wannell Nia , Cubillas Pablo , Aslam Zabeada , Holliman Peter J. , Greenwell H. Christopher , Brydson Rik , Delbos Evelyne , Strachan Laura-Jane , Fuller Martin , Hillier Stephen
Published: December 2023

Nine halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have been examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and (cross-sectional) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to evaluate details of their external and internal morphologies. The samples span morphologies within the cylindrical to prismatic-polygonal framework proposed by Hillier et al. (2016). The ‘carpet roll’ model assumed in the conceptualization of most technological applications of HNTs is shown to be far too simplistic. Both cylindrical and prismatic forms have abundant edge steps traversing their surfaces that, by analogy with plates of kaolinite, correspond to prism faces. The mean value for the diameter of the central lumen of the tubes is 12 nm. Numerous slit-like nanopores, with diameters up to 18 nm, also occur between packets of layers, particularly in prismatic forms at the junction between a central cylindrical core and outer packets of planar layers. These pores expose aluminol and siloxane surfaces, but unlike the lumen, which is assumed only to expose an aluminol surface, they do not extend along the entire length of the nanotube. Edge steps seen most clearly by AFM correspond in height to the packets of layers seen in TEM. TEM cross-sections suggest that tube growth occurs by accretion of a spiralled thickening wedge of layers evolving from cylindrical to polygonal form and reveal that planar sectors may be joined by either abrupt angular junctions or by short sections of curved layers. A more realistic model of the internal and external morphologies of HNTs is proposed to assist with understanding of the behaviour of HNTs in technological applications.
Effects of nintedanib on symptoms in patients with progressive pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Wijsenbeek Marlies , Swigris Jeffrey J. , Inoue Yoshikazu , Kreuter Michael , Maher Toby M. , Suda Takafumi , Baldwin Michael , Mueller Heiko , Rohr Klaus B. , Flaherty Kevin R.
Published: December 2023

Background

Dyspnoea and cough can have a profound impact on the lives of patients with pulmonary fibrosis. We investigated the effects of nintedanib on the symptoms and impact of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) in the INBUILD trial using the Living with Pulmonary Fibrosis (L-PF) questionnaire.

Methods

Patients had a fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) (other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) of >10% extent on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and met criteria for ILD progression within the prior 24 months. Patients were randomised 1:1 to receive nintedanib or placebo. Changes in L-PF questionnaire scores from baseline to week 52 were assessed using mixed models for repeated measures.

Results

In total, 663 patients were treated. Compared with placebo, there were significantly smaller increases (worsenings) in adjusted mean L-PF questionnaire total (0.5versus5.1), symptoms (1.3versus5.3), dyspnoea (4.3versus7.8) and fatigue (0.7versus4.0) scores in the nintedanib group at week 52. L-PF questionnaire cough score decreased in the nintedanib group and increased in the placebo group (−1.8versus4.3). L-PF questionnaire impacts score decreased slightly in the nintedanib group and increased in the placebo group (−0.2versus4.6). Similar findings were observed in patients with a usual interstitial pneumonia-like fibrotic pattern on HRCT and in patients with other fibrotic patterns on HRCT.

Conclusion

Based on changes in L-PF questionnaire scores, nintedanib reduced worsening of dyspnoea, fatigue and cough and the impacts of ILD over 52 weeks in patients with PPF.
In-vitro antimalarial activity of methanolic leaf- and stem-derived extracts from four Annonaceae plants
Authors: Lithanatudom Pathrapol , Chawansuntati Kriangkrai , Saenjum Chalermpong , Chaowasku Tanawat , Rattanathammethee Kritsadee , Wungsintaweekul Boonsong , Osathanunkul Maslin , Wipasa Jiraprapa
Published: December 2023

Objective

Plants in the Annonaceae family are known for having abundant biologically active secondary metabolites. They have been used in alternative drugs for various diseases in several countries, for instance, the bark of Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook and Thomson is used for Ophthalmic inflammation and wound healing in Malaysia. Extracts from the leaves and stems of four Annonaceae plants, namely Uvaria longipes (Craib) L.L.Zhou, Y.C.F.Su & R.M.K.Saunders, Dasymaschalon sp., Artabotrys burmanicus A.DC, and Marsypopetalum modestum (Pierre) B.Xue & R.M.K.Saunders were investigated for growth inhibitory activity against blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum growth in vitro and for non-specific cytotoxicity against normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Antimalarial activity was assessed by invasion inhibition assay and the percentage of infected red blood cells on blood smears were determined. Cytotoxicity was tested by culturing PBMCs with the extracts, and viabilities were determined by Annexin V/propidium iodide staining.

Results

A. burmanicus stem extract and M. modestum leaf extract were capable of inhibiting growth of P. falciparum when used at 200 µg/mL compared to chloroquine. The extracts at effective concentrations, did not affect the viability of PBMCs. These results support further need for characterization of active compounds from specific Annonaceae plants in order to exploit their components for potential malaria treatment.
Advancements in theranostic applications: exploring the role of fibroblast activation protein inhibition tracers in enhancing thyroid health assessment
Authors: Wang Yuhua , Liu Ye , Geng Huixia , Zhang Wanchun
Published: December 2023

Background

The diagnostic accuracy of [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG) positron emission tomography imaging in accurately identifying thyroid lesions is limited, primarily due to the physiological uptake of normal head and neck tissues and inflammatory uptake in lymph nodes. Since fibroblast activating protein is highly expressed in tumors and largely unexpressed in normal tissues, quinoline-based fibroblast activating protein inhibitors (FAPI) have emerged as promising tools in the diagnosis of cancer and other medical conditions. Several studies have reported on the feasibility and value of FAPI in thyroid cancer.

Main body

In this narrative review, we summarize the current literature on state-of-the-art FAPI positron emission tomography imaging for thyroid cancer and fibroblast activating protein-targeted radionuclide therapy. We provide an overview of FAPI uptake in normal thyroid tissue, thyroid cancer and its metastases. Additionally, we highlight the difference between FAPI uptake and [18F]-FDG uptake in thyroid lesions. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic value of FAPI in iodine-refractory thyroid cancer.

Conclusion

The utilization of fibroblast activating protein inhibitors in thyroid cancer holds significant promise, offering clinicians valuable insights for more precise diagnose choices and treatments strategies in the future.
Comment on “Reflections on patient engagement by patient partners: How it can go wrong”
Authors: Zaratin Paola , Khan Usman , Graffigna Guendalina
Published: December 2023

As patient-advocacy, public policy and clinical researchers with special knowledge on Responsible Research Innovation (RRI) governance and the public health and psychology underlying patient engagement, we read with interest the comment contribution by Richards et al., “Reflections on patient engagement by patient partners: How it can go wrong” (Richards et al. in Res Involv Engagem 9:41, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-023-00454-13). As a way to help meet the “take-away actions for readers” included by the authors at the end of the article, we would like to further stimulate discussion with relevant stakeholder communities about the need to rethink the use of “expert patient”. Based on our experience, the lack of a governance model engaging patients who are representative of the target patient community, as opposed to expert patients, is at the root of the tokenistic approach, the “patient partner as a checkmark statement” and the “lack of recognizing the vulnerability of patient partners”, which results in “patient engagement going wrong”. According to our experience, the Responsible Research Innovation (RRI) MULTI-ACT model has the potential to help meet these challenges.
Exploration of Metabolomic Markers Associated With Declining Kidney Function in People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Krasauskaite Justina , Conway Bryan , Weir Christopher , Huang Zhe , Price Jackie
Published: December 2023

Background

Metabolomics, the study of small molecules in biological systems, can provide valuable insights into kidney dysfunction in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but prospective studies are scarce. We investigated the association between metabolites and kidney function decline in people with T2DM.

Methods

The Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study, a population-based cohort of 1066 men and women aged 60 to 75 years with T2DM. We measured 149 serum metabolites at baseline and investigated individual associations with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), incident chronic kidney disease [CKD; eGFR <60 mL/min/(1.73 m)2], and decliner status (5% eGFR decline per year).

Results

At baseline, mean eGFR was 77.5 mL/min/(1.73 m)2 (n = 1058), and 216 individuals had evidence of CKD. Of those without CKD, 155 developed CKD over a median 7-year follow-up. Eighty-eight metabolites were significantly associated with baseline eGFR (β range −4.08 to 3.92; PFDR < 0.001). Very low density lipoproteins, triglycerides, amino acids (AAs), glycoprotein acetyls, and fatty acids showed inverse associations, while cholesterol and phospholipids in high-density lipoproteins exhibited positive associations. AA isoleucine, apolipoprotein A1, and total cholines were not only associated with baseline kidney measures (PFDR < 0.05) but also showed stable, nominally significant association with incident CKD and decline.

Conclusion

Our study revealed widespread changes within the metabolomic profile of CKD, particularly in lipoproteins and their lipid compounds. We identified a smaller number of individual metabolites that are specifically associated with kidney function decline. Replication studies are needed to confirm the longitudinal findings and explore if metabolic signals at baseline can predict kidney decline.
Transcriptional profiling of zebrafish identifies host factors controlling susceptibility to Shigella flexneri
Authors: Torraca Vincenzo , White Richard J. , Sealy Ian M. , Mazon-Moya Maria , Duggan Gina , Willis Alexandra R. , Busch-Nentwich Elisabeth M. , Mostowy Serge
Published: December 2023

Shigella flexneri is a human-adapted pathovar of Escherichia coli that can invade the intestinal epithelium, causing inflammation and bacillary dysentery. Although an important human pathogen, the host response to S. flexneri has not been fully described. Zebrafish larvae represent a valuable model for studying human infections in vivo. Here, we use a Shigella-zebrafish infection model to generate mRNA expression profiles of host response to Shigella infection at the whole-animal level. Immune response-related processes dominate the signature of early Shigella infection (6 h post-infection). Consistent with its clearance from the host, the signature of late Shigella infection (24 h post-infection) is significantly changed, and only a small set of immune-related genes remain differentially expressed, including acod1 and gpr84. Using mutant lines generated by ENU, CRISPR mutagenesis and F0 crispants, we show that acod1- and gpr84-deficient larvae are more susceptible to Shigella infection. Together, these results highlight the power of zebrafish to model infection by bacterial pathogens and reveal the mRNA expression of the early (acutely infected) and late (clearing) host response to Shigella infection.
The Economic and Mathematical Modelling on the Chemical Enterprises
Authors: Kizimov M. , Vinichenko A. , Lomovcev D.
Published: December 2023

The economic and mathematical modelling questions for the chemical industry are investigated in the article: from the technological load optimization of the manufacturing equipment to the selection of the perspective investment projects. The authors develop computational tooling for the diversification arrangements plan of the JSC «Plastic» and the development program for the industrial park, based on it.
On the Socio-Economic Factors of Demographic Processes in the Regions of Modern Russia: Fertility
Authors: Basovskiy Leonid , Basovskaya Elena
Published: December 2023

The work makes an attempt to identify the influence of regional socio-economic factors on demographic processes in modern Russia. The influence of these factors on the birth rate in the regions of Russia was assessed. The possible influence of regional factors on fertility was assessed by identifying the correlation between fertility rates in the region and regional economic and socio-economic indicators. The results obtained indicate that the influence of the average per capita monetary income of the population, the median per capita monetary income, income from business activities, the average level of education of the employed population, and the availability of medical care on the birth rate is unlikely. It is likely and possible that social payments, other cash receipts, and income in the group of 20% of the population with the highest per capita income will have a positive impact on the birth rate, as well as the spread of higher, secondary and basic general education among the employed population. It is likely and possible that wages, property income, and income will have a negative impact on the birth rate in all groups of 20% of the population, except for the group with the highest incomes, and it is also possible that the spread of secondary vocational education among the employed population will have a negative impact on the birth rate.
Construction of a Discriminant Model for an Integral Assessment of Innovative Development of Regions
Authors: Averina Tatyana , Gnatyuk S.
Published: December 2023

The author of the article has formed a three-factor set of indicators for assessing the innovative development of regions. Based on the actual values of indicators for two groups of regions with different characteristics of the innovation process, a discriminant model was formed and a boundary value for its aggregate indicator was obtained. The result of the study was the development of a criterion that makes it easy to characterize the level of innovative development of regions. The author intends to further improve the model by expanding the set of indicators.
Analysis of Approaches to the Definition of Unemployment and Assessment of Factors Affecting this Process Using Statistical Methods
Authors: Kalyanov Aleksandr , Shishkin Andrey
Published: December 2023

In this article, unemployment is considered as one of the main economic indicators that demonstrates the level of economic development of the state as a whole. The paper presents a theoretical analysis of the socio-economic essence of unemployment, definition of the concept, causes and history of the study of the problem. A study was conducted, during which statistical methods were used — regression and correlation analysis. The result of the study was the identification and assessment of the significance of factors influencing the unemployment rate in Russia.
Treat, Dump, or Export? How Domestic and International Waste Management Policies Shape Waste Chain Outcomes
Authors: Wijnsma Sytske C. , Lauga Dominique Olié , Toktay L. Beril
Published: December 2023

Illegal or unwanted waste disposal methods such as dumping and export are prevalent in practice. To minimize the environmental harm of these methods, policymakers have implemented laws and regulations designed to combat them. Even so, violations are rampant as a high degree of heterogeneity between firms and proprietary information render monitoring imperfect. Decentralized waste disposal chains, a common form of interbusiness organization in this sector, compound this problem as firms also have limited information available on their waste chain partner, creating complex interactions between firm behavior and policy interventions. Against this background, we analyze the effects of domestic and international waste regulations targeting dumping and export, respectively, on firm incentives and compliance. We develop a two-tier waste chain with a producer that generates waste and an operator that treats it. The producer’s waste quality and the treatment operator’s efficiency can be private information. Either party can avoid compliance cost by violating regulations where the producer can arrange for export and the operator can dump locally. Our analysis reveals that primarily focusing on penalizing dumping by treatment operators can worsen environmental harm. Solely focusing on penalizing low-quality waste exports, a common intervention in practice, can also backfire. Instead, penalizing producers for downstream dumping should be given consideration. In addition, the asymmetry in export burden between waste quality levels should be reduced.

This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.