bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do you want a description with that wine? The role of wine mental imagery in consumer's desire to drink using the revised Vividness of Wine Imagery Questionnaire (VWIQ‐II)
Authors: Croijmans Ilja , Wang Qian Janice
Published: September 2021

The influence of general wine imagery vividness on consumers' reported desire to drink was investigated. In Study 1, the Vividness of Wine Imagery Questionnaire (VWIQ) was revised and validated so that it included the dimensions of sight, smell, flavor, and mouthfeel. Mouthfeel is an important factor in wine appreciation, both for consumers and wine experts. In Study 2, we demonstrated the usage of VWIQ in a consumer context: participants were asked to indicate their desire to drink a range of wines that differed in familiarity, with half the participants also receiving a multisensory description of the wine in addition to information regarding the wine's geographical origin and grape variety. Without a description, consumers with higher imagery vividness reported higher desire to drink compared with consumers with lower imagery vividness. However, with a description, the desire to drink from the lower imagery vividness group increased, matching the higher imagery vividness group.

Practical application

The ability to imagine helps people to plan for the future. In effect, imagery ability can influence how consumers make purchase decisions. Sensory descriptions thus seemed to override differences in people's ability to imagine a wine. In summary, this research demonstrates the value of VWIQ as a tool to tailor advertisements and wine descriptions to specific groups of consumers.
Influences of periodontitis on hippocampal inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rats
Authors: Kose Oğuz , Altin Ahmet , Kurt Bayrakdar Sevda , Bostan Semih Alperen , Mercantepe Tolga , Akyildiz Kerimali , Tumkaya Levent , Yilmaz Adnan , Kose Sefanur , Yemenoglu Hatice , Turker Sener Leyla , Kuluslu Göker
Published: September 2021

Background and aim

The hippocampus, which has a central role in cognitive and behavioral activities, is one of the most sensitive parts of the brain to systemic inflammatory diseases. This animal study aims to comprehensively investigate the possible inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic effects of periodontitis on the hippocampus.

Methods

Sixteen male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups: control and experimental periodontitis (Ep). In the Ep group, periodontitis was induced by placing 3.0 sutures sub‐paramarginally around the necks of right and left mandibular first molars and maintaining the ligatures in place for 5 weeks. Following the euthanasia, mandibula and hippocampus samples were collected bilaterally. Alveolar bone loss was measured histomorphometrically and radiologically on the right and left mandibles. On the right hippocampal sections histological (Caspase‐3, TNF‐α, and 8‐OHdG) and the left hippocampal sections, biochemical (IL‐1β, Aβ1‐42, MDA, GSH, and TAS levels) evaluations were performed.

Results

Histopathological changes associated with periodontitis were limited (p > .05). A slight increase in caspase‐3 positive neuron density in EP rats showed that apoptotic changes were also limited (p > .05). 8‐OHdG activity, on the other hand, was significantly higher compared to controls (p < .05). In biochemical analysis, there was a significant increase in IL‐1β levels and oxidative membrane damage (MDA) (p < .05) whereas Aβ1‐42 and antioxidant marker (GSH and TAS) levels were slightly increased (p > .05).

Conclusion

Periodontitis causes marked increases in IL‐1β levels and oxidative stress in the hippocampus, but limited degenerative and apoptotic changes.
Surfactin attenuates particulate matter‐induced COX‐2‐dependent PGE2 production in human gingival fibroblasts by inhibiting TLR2 and TLR4/MyD88/NADPH oxidase/ROS/PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Vo Thi Thuy Tien , Wee Yinshen , Chen Yuh‐Lien , Cheng Hsin‐Chung , Tuan Vo Phuoc , Lee I‐Ta
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effects of surfactin and underlying mechanisms against particulate matter (PM)‐induced inflammatory responses in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs).

Background

PM, a major air pollutant, may associate with certain oral diseases possibly by inducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Surfactin, a potent biosurfactant, possesses various biological properties including anti‐inflammatory activity. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Also, there is no study investigating the effects of surfactin on PM‐induced oral inflammatory responses. As an essential constituent of human periodontal connective tissues which involves immune‐inflammatory responses, HGFs serve as useful study models.

Methods

HGFs were pretreated with surfactin prior to PM incubation. The PGE2 production was determined by ELISA, while the protein expression and mRNA levels of COX‐2 and upstream regulators were measured using Western blot and real‐time PCR, respectively. The transcriptional activity of COX‐2 and NF‐κB were determined using promoter assay. ROS generation and NADPH oxidase activity were identified by specific assays. Co‐immunoprecipitation assay, pharmacologic inhibitors, and siRNA transfection were applied to explore the interplay of molecules. Mice were given one dose of surfactin or different pharmacologic inhibitors, then PM was delivered into the gingiva for three consecutive days. Gingival tissues were obtained for analyzing COX‐2 expression.

Results

PM‐treated HGFs released significantly higher COX‐2‐dependent PGE2, which were regulated by TLR2 and TLR4/MyD88/NADPH oxidase/ROS/PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB pathway. PM‐induced COX‐2/PGE2 increase was effectively reversed by surfactin through the disruption of regulatory pathway. Similar inhibitory effects of surfactin was observed in mice.

Conclusion

Surfactin may elicit anti‐inflammatory effects against PM‐induced oral inflammatory responses.
Wu Hsing‐kuo’s Metamorphosis as postdramatic intercultural theater
Authors: Chen Chang
Published: September 2021

Wu Hsing‐kuo and his Contemporary Legend Theater adapted Kafka’s seminal novella The Metamorphosis into an intercultural play named Metamorphosis in 2013. In light of the connections between Hans‐Thies Lehmann’s theory of postdramatic theater and new interculturalism in theater, where both emphasize rhizomatic structures to break down imperialist transcultural synthesis, this article explores an experimental mode of intercultural theater exemplified by Wu’s Metamorphosis. It argues that the play builds on the framework of postdramatic theater an intercultural rhizome embodying various routes of East–West interconnection embedded in concrete material conditions, which meets the demands of new interculturalism. Specifically, this article finds that the play’s postdramatic form benefits the intersections both inside and beyond theater among Eastern traditional art and philosophy, Western individualism and industrialized modernity, against the backdrop of Taiwan’s social and cultural circumstances. The postdramatic intercultural mode of performance in Metamorphosis points towards a possible direction for the future development of contemporary intercultural theater.
The ecopolitics of water pollution and disorderly urbanization in Congo‐Basin plays
Authors: Nsah Kenneth Toah
Published: September 2021

This essay explores the ecopolitics of water pollution and land (ab)use through disorderly urbanization in two plays from the Congo Basin. I argue that bad governance, in the form of absented‐absence and corruption‐plagued presence, leads to the double violation of human rights and the rights of nature through water pollution and haphazard urbanization. In other words, I use two plays to suggest that political absence and bad governance amount to governmental responsibility for ecological vulnerability manifested through freshwater pollution and unregulated urban expansion. In the first part, I suggest that the government’s failure to provide potable water to its citizens leads to water pollution, violations of the rights of nature and the human right to water and sanitation, as well as disregard for the entangled relations between humans and nature in Ekpe Inyang’sWater Na Life([2002] 2006). In the second part, I use Henri Djombo’sLe mal de terre(2014) to examine urban sprawl and its effects on the rights of nature as well as land disputes and contested claims to land as consequences of bad governance. Overall, the essay foregrounds freshwater pollution, urban sprawl, and land (ab)uses which are often neglected in ecocritical scholarship from/on Africa.
Evaluating the role of intra articular injection of platelet‐rich fibrin in the management of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: A STROBE compliant retrospective study
Authors: Bera Rathindra N. , Tiwari Preeti
Published: September 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease. A number of treatments like conservative approach, minimally invasive procedures and surgical therapy have proved to be beneficial. However, there is no consensus regarding the use of a single modality of treatment. Our current study evaluates the role of intra articular injection iPRF along with arthrocentesis for the management of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ‐OA). A total of 130 patients were selected and divided into two groups, Group A (arthrocentesis only group) and Group B (arthrocentesis +i‐PRF). Patients were evaluated for pain scores and maximal mouth opening (MMO). After 1 year, mouth opening in arthrocentesis‐only group was 32.13 ± 1.46 mm compared with 36.48 ± 0.89 mm in the i‐PRF group (p‐value <0.0001). There was a significant reduction in mouth opening in Group A from 6 months to 1 year compared with Group B (p‐value <0.001).There was no statistical difference in mean VAS scores at the end of 6 months (p‐value 1.00). Addition of iPRF to arthrocentesis did not improve joint pain after 6 months. Nevertheless, repeated injections did have a beneficial effect in MMO. Within the limitations of the study repeated injections of iPRF in conjunction with arthrocentesis might be recommended for the treatment of mild TMJ‐OA.
Long‐term survival after choriocarcinoma transmitted by liver graft: A successful report in pediatric transplantation
Authors: Pessanha Inês , Heitor Fátima , Furtado Emanuel , Campos António Pedro , Gonçalves Isabel
Published: September 2021

Background

LT is the standard of care for many pediatric liver disorders. Although long‐term outcomes have improved, some rare complications such as transmission of occult donor tumors have been reported.

Case report

An adolescent diagnosed with tyrosinemia was submitted to LT from a previous healthy donor due to HCC. Almost 8 months after LT, the patient presented a nodular hepatic lesion. Clinically, he had mild weight loss, lower limb edema, and gynecomastia. Thorax CT found lesions in the left lung parenchyma, which showed no increased uptake in PET SCAN. Liver biopsy revealed a carcinoma with desmoplastic stroma. ISS was withdrawn, and palliative chemotherapy was started for presumptive HCC relapse. AFP remained normal, but HCG had reached unexpected values of 1984 IU/L. As we requested detailed information about the other organ recipients from the same donor, we found that one of them passed away due to disseminated tumor. Five months after the beginning of chemotherapy, the patient underwent resection of liver segments V and VI. Histological examination confirmed liver metastatic choriocarcinoma. At the time of writing, with 11 years of follow‐up, the patient had sustained remission with no signs of relapse.

Discussion

This case reports a diagnostic challenge in an adolescent with a particular unique background and a very rare pattern of tumor transmission. The authors aim to highlight the risk of cancer‐bearing organs reveled post‐LT and to testimony the experience of the successful outcome after a choriocarcinoma transmitted by liver graft.
Structural and histochemical attributes of secretory ducts and cavities in leaves of four species of Calophyllaceae J. Agardh in Amazonian savannas
Authors: Pessoa M. J. G. , Pireda S. , Simioni P. , Bautz N. , Da Cunha M.
Published: September 2021

This study represents an important contribution to the structural, histochemical and biological understanding of ducts and cavities in leaves of four species of Calophyllaceae that occur in Amazonian savannas.

Samples of adult leaves were processed using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as per usual methods for plant anatomy.

In paradermal sections, the lumina of ducts are elongated while those of cavities are short. Ducts occur exclusively in the central rib and are abundant in Kielmeyera rubriflora Cambess and Kielmeyera coriacea Mart. and Zucc and larger than in Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess and Caraipa densifolia Mart. In mesophyll, the type of secretory structure and distribution pattern of the ducts and cavities are distinct. In most species, the secreted metabolites are similar and consist of phenolic compounds, lipids, essential oils with oleoresins, mucilage, neutral polysaccharides, proteins and alkaloids, except in K. coriacea, which does not contain oleoresin. The secretion is probably synthesized by mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes and dictyosomes and is externalized toward the lumen by granulocrine and eccrine processes.

In addition to being of diagnostic value for species identification, the attributes of the lumen shape, type of secretory structure, distribution pattern, identified metabolites and secretion mechanism are important for understanding the biological roles of ducts and cavities. The identified metabolites reveal a capacity for adaptation, resistance and protection from the action of herbivores and pathogens, and in water retention.
The ACC deaminase‐producing plant growth‐promoting bacteria: Influences of bacterial strains and ACC deaminase activities in plant tolerance to abiotic stress
Authors: Naing Aung Htay , Maung The‐Thiri , Kim Chang Kil
Published: September 2021

Global climate change results in frequent occurrences and/or long durations of abiotic stress. Field grown plants are affected by abiotic stress, and they modulate ethylene in response to abiotic stress exposure and use it as a signaling molecule in stress tolerance mechanisms. However, frequent occurrences and/or long durations of stress conditions can cause plants to induce ethylene levels higher than their thresholds, resulting in a reduction of plant growth and crop productivity. The use of plant growth‐promoting bacteria (PGPB) that produce 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate (ACC) deaminase has increased in various plant species to ameliorate the deleterious effects of stress‐induced ethylene and promote plant growth despite abiotic stress conditions. Unfortunately, there are restrictions that limit the use of ACC deaminase‐producing PGPB to protect plants from abiotic stresses. This review describes how abiotic stress induces ethylene and how stress‐induced ethylene adversely affects plant growth. In addition, this review emphasizes the importance of the compatibility of PGPB strains and specific host plants and ACC deaminase activities in the reduction of stress ethylene and the promotion of plant growth, based on the research published in the last 10 years. Moreover, due to the restrictions in PGPB use, this review highlights the potential generation of transgenic plants expressing the AcdS gene that encodes the ACC deaminase enzyme as a substitute for PGPB in the future to support and uplift agricultural sustainability and food security globally.
Model-Assisted Analyses of Cluster-Randomized Experiments
Authors: Su Fangzhou , Ding Peng
Published: September 2021

Cluster-randomized experiments are widely used due to their logistical convenience and policy relevance. To analyse them properly, we must address the fact that the treatment is assigned at the cluster level instead of the individual level. Standard analytic strategies are regressions based on individual data, cluster averages and cluster totals, which differ when the cluster sizes vary. These methods are often motivated by models with strong and unverifiable assumptions, and the choice among them can be subjective. Without any outcome modelling assumption, we evaluate these regression estimators and the associated robust standard errors from the design-based perspective where only the treatment assignment itself is random and controlled by the experimenter. We demonstrate that regression based on cluster averages targets a weighted average treatment effect, regression based on individual data is suboptimal in terms of efficiency and regression based on cluster totals is consistent and more efficient with a large number of clusters. We highlight the critical role of covariates in improving estimation efficiency and illustrate the efficiency gain via both simulation studies and data analysis. The asymptotic analysis also reveals the efficiency-robustness trade-off by comparing the properties of various estimators using data at different levels with and without covariate adjustment. Moreover, we show that the robust standard errors are convenient approximations to the true asymptotic standard errors under the design-based perspective. Our theory holds even when the outcome models are misspecified, so it is model-assisted rather than model-based. We also extend the theory to a wider class of weighted average treatment effects.
Determinants of citizens’ support for democracy in Ghana
Authors: Asomah Joseph Yaw , Dim Eugene Emeka
Published: September 2021

Objective

This article addresses the following questions: (1) What is the extent of Ghanaians' support for democracy? (2) What are the influences of education, the pursuit of political news, and the discussion of politics on citizens' support of democracy?

Methods

This study combines the sixth and seventh rounds the Afrobarometer surveys on Ghana. The total sample for this study is 4,800 adult Ghanaians. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed for the multivariate analysis.

Results

About 81 percent of the respondents prefer democracy to any other form of government, including a military rule. Also, the study also found that education attainment, the pursuit of political news information, and the discussion of politics is significantly linked to citizens' support of democracy.

Conclusion

The study shows that increasing access to education and political information are vital mechanisms for strengthening democratic consolidation.
Necrotizing enterocolitis and mortality after transfusion of ABO non‐identical blood
Authors: Parvizian Michael K. , Barty Rebecca , Heddle Nancy M. , Li Na , McDougall Tara , Mukerji Amit , Fusch Christoph , Solh Ziad
Published: September 2021

Background

The relationship between ABO non‐identical transfusion and the outcomes of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and all‐cause mortality in very‐low birth weight (VLBW) neonates receiving red blood cell transfusion is unknown.

Study design and methods

A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted in VLBW neonates in neonatal intensive care units between 2004 and 2016. VLBW (≤1500 grams) neonates were followed until discharge or in‐hospital death. The primary exposure was ABO group. Secondary exposures included platelet count, plasma transfusions, and maternal ABO group. Outcome measures were NEC (defined as Bell stage ≥ 2) and all‐cause mortality. Time‐dependent Cox regression models with competing risks were used to investigate factors associated with NEC and mortality.

Results

Thousand and sixteen neonates were included with 10.8% developing NEC (n = 110) and 14.1% mortality (n = 143). Platelet count (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.995; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.922–0.998) and number of plasma transfusions (HR = 2.908; 95% CI:1.265–6.682) were associated with NEC, while ABO group (non‐O vs. O) was not (HR = 0.761; 95% CI: 0.393–1.471). Higher all‐cause mortality occurred in neonates without NEC who were non‐O compared with O (HR = 17.5; 95% CI: 1.784–171.692), but not in neonates with NEC (HR = 1.112; 95% CI: 0.142–8.841). Plasma transfusion was associated with increased mortality in both groups.

Discussion

ABO non‐identical transfusion was not associated with NEC or mortality in neonates with NEC. It was associated with increased mortality in neonates without NEC. As many neonatal intensive care units transfuse only O group blood as routine practice, future trials are needed to investigate the association between this practice and neonatal mortality.
Two novel alleles on Fucosyltransferase 2 from northern Thai para‐Bombay family and computational prediction on mutation effect
Authors: Anukul Nampeung , Wita Ratsameetip , Leetrakool Nipapan , Sirikul Chonticha , Veeraphan Natnaree , Wongchai Siripong
Published: September 2021

Background

Major characteristics of the para‐Bombay phenotype are the absence of ABH antigens on red blood cells due to fucosyltransferase 1 (FUT1) gene mutation and the presence of these antigens in body secretions due to the active fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) gene. An ABO blood group discrepancy can be identified via serological testing, and additional tests can be performed for confirmation. This study aimed to resolve the ABO discrepancy and report two novel alleles on the FUT2 gene in northern Thai para‐Bombay families.

Study design and methods

Twelve blood samples were collected from five suspected para‐Bombay donors and their families. Nucleotide sequences of ABO, FUT1, and FUT2 were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐based typing. Bioinformatics tools were used to predict the effect of suspected novel FUT2 alleles.

Results

All samples exhibited normal ABO alleles, concordant with serological test results. FUT1 exhibited three known variants (c.328G>A, c.424C>T, and c.658C>T). Although FUT2 exhibited two known variants (c.357C>T and c.385A>T), two novel alleles were observed. One allele consisted of c.98A>G, c.101T>G, and c.357C>T with predicted normal transferase activity, whereas the other consisted of c.357C>T and c.617T>C with predicted abnormal enzyme activity.

Discussion

Two novel alleles in FUT2 were reported among the affected para‐Bombay individuals of northern Thai families. The c.617T>C variant caused an amino acid change from valine to alanine at position 206, predicted to be an inactive FUT2 enzyme. Inheritance of this variant with the recessive FUT1 allele may lead to inheritance of the rare Bombay blood group in the progeny.
Passive muscle heating attenuates the decline in vascular function caused by limb disuse
Authors: Hyldahl Robert D. , Hafen Paul S. , Nelson W. Bradley , Ahmadi Mohadeseh , Pfeifer Brandon , Mehling Jack , Gifford Jayson R.
Published: September 2021

Limb disuse has profound negative consequences on both vascular and skeletal muscle health. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether repeated application of passive heat, applied to the knee extensor muscles, could mitigate the detrimental effects of limb disuse on vascular function. This was a randomized, single‐blinded placebo controlled trial. Twenty‐one healthy volunteers (10 women, 11 men) underwent 10 days of unilateral lower limb immobilization and were randomized to receive either a daily 2 h sham (Imm) or heat treatment (Imm+H) using pulsed shortwave diathermy. Vascular function was assessed with Doppler ultrasound of the femoral artery and the passive leg movement technique. Biopsies of the vastus lateralis were also collected before and after the intervention. In Imm, femoral artery diameter (FAD) and PLM‐induced hyperaemia (HYP) were reduced by 7.3% and 34.3%, respectively. Changes in both FAD (4% decrease; P = 0.0006) and HYP (7.8% increase; P = 0.003) were significantly attenuated in Imm+H. Vastus lateralis capillary density was not altered in either group. Immobilization significantly decreased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (P = 0.006) and Akt (P = 0.001), and increased expression of angiopoietin 2 (P = 0.0004) over time, with no differences found between groups. Immobilization also upregulated elements associated with remodelling of the extracellular matrix, including matrix metalloproteinase 2 (P = 0.0046) and fibronectin (P = 0.0163), with no differences found between groups. In conclusion, limb immobilization impairs vascular endothelial function, but daily muscle heating via diathermy is sufficient to counteract this adverse effect. These are the first data to indicate that passive muscle heating mitigates disuse‐induced vascular dysfunction.

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Key points

Limb disuse can be unavoidable for many of reasons (i.e. injury, bed rest, post‐surgery), and can have significant adverse consequences for muscular and vascular health.

We tested the hypothesis that declines in vascular function that result from lower limb immobilization could be mitigated by application of passive heat therapy.

This report shows that 10 days of limb immobilization significantly decreases resistance artery diameter and vascular function, and that application of passive heat to the knee extensor muscle group each day for 2 h per day is sufficient to attenuate these declines.

Additionally, muscle biopsy analyses showed that 10 days of heat therapy does not alter capillary density of the muscle, but upregulates multiple factors indicative of a vascular remodelling response.

Our data demonstrate the utility of passive heat as a therapeutic tool to mitigate losses in lower limb vascular function that occur from disuse.
Acid‐sensing ion channel 1 contributes to pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell depolarization following hypoxic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Jernigan Nikki L. , Naik Jay S. , Resta Thomas C.
Published: September 2021

Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by sustained vasoconstriction and remodelling of the small pulmonary arteries, which is associated with persistent depolarization of the resting membrane potential (Em) of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). It is well‐known that the underlying mechanism of this depolarization includes inhibition of K+ channels; however, whether other ion channels contribute to this depolarization is unknown. We previously reported that acid‐sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1), a non‐selective cation channel (NSCC) that conducts both Na+ and Ca2+, is present in PASMCs and contributes to the development of chronic hypoxia (CH)‐induced pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that ASIC1‐mediated Na+ influx contributes to PASMC Em regulation following CH‐induced pulmonary hypertension. Using sharp electrode intracellular recordings in isolated, pressurized small pulmonary arteries from rats and mice, we show that exposure to CH leads to PASMC membrane depolarization compared with control animals, and this is independent of intraluminal pressure‐induced depolarization. In addition to a decrease in PASMC whole‐cell K+ currents following CH, we demonstrate that whole‐cell NSCC currents are increased and essential to the persistent CH‐induced Em depolarization in PASMCs. Both the specific inhibitor of ASIC1, psalmotoxin 1, and global knockout of ASIC1 (Asic1–/–) prevents CH‐induced Em depolarization and largely inhibits whole‐cell NSCC currents, without affecting whole‐cell K+ currents. Our results show a combination of factors, including inhibition of K+ efflux and augmented Na+ influx, mediate CH‐induced PASMC depolarization. Furthermore, this study demonstrates a novel role for ASIC1 in the regulation of Em in PASMCs during CH‐induced pulmonary hypertension.

image

Key points

In pulmonary hypertensive patients and animal models of pulmonary hypertension, the resting membrane potential (Em) of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is persistently depolarized.

In addition to the well‐established reduction of K+ conductance, we show that non‐selective cation channel currents are increased and essential to the persistent Em depolarization in PASMCs following chronic hypoxia (CH)‐induced pulmonary hypertension.

The current study provides novel evidence that acid‐sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1)‐mediated Na+ influx induces membrane depolarization and regulates Em in PASMCs following CH exposure.

Although fairly quiescent under control conditions, our findings demonstrate a pathological function of ASIC1 in the development of chronic hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension.
The Impact of Video Speed on the Estimation of Time Duration in Sport
Authors: Schütz Lisa-Marie , Schweizer Geoffrey , Plessner Henning
Published: September 2021

The authors investigated the impact of video speed on judging the duration of sport performance. In three experiments, they investigated whether the speed of video presentation (slow motion vs. real time) has an influence on the accuracy of time estimation of sporting activities (n1 = 103; n2 = 100; n3 = 106). In all three studies, the time estimation was more accurate in real time than in slow motion, in which time was overestimated. In two studies, the authors initially investigated whether actions in slow motion are perceived to last longer because the distance they cycled or ran is perceived to be longer (n4 = 92; n5 = 106). The results support the hypothesis that the duration of sporting activities is estimated more accurately when they are presented in real time than in slow motion. Sporting officials’ judgments that require accurate time estimation may thus be biased when based on slow-motion displays.
Sports Sponsorship Announcements and Marketing Capability
Authors: Eshghi Kamran , Shahriari Hesam , Ray Sourav
Published: September 2021

Sports sponsorships are almost a $20 billion business in North America alone. Yet, despite the significant academic and corporate interest in such high financial stakes, the literature is equivocal on several key aspects. While some papers report that sports sponsorships enhance shareholder value, others dispute this. Furthermore, the marketing determinants of this value are unclear, particularly the role of firms’ marketing capabilities. To address these, the authors first created a database of sports sponsorship announcements over 19 years by Canadian and U.S. firms, complementing it with the stock market and firm-level financial and marketing data. The authors then conducted an event study and found that investor response to sports sponsorship announcements is, on average, positive. The authors found that investors not only credit firms with higher marketing capabilities, amplifying their positive reaction, but that they also seem to use firms’ marketing capabilities to offset the potential barriers to the value generated from these announcements. Specifically, for investors, the firms’ marketing capabilities can compensate for the dampening effect of financial risk. Our results are robust to considerations of sample selection bias, endogeneity, and outliers.
Keeping It Real or Bridging the Gap? Brand Positioning of U.S. Sport Teams in Germany and China
Authors: Behrens Anton , Yang Yanxiang , Uhrich Sebastian
Published: September 2021

Professional team sport brands are increasingly striving to conquer markets abroad. However, little is known about promising brand positioning strategies in international markets. In the context of U.S. team sport brands’ efforts to attract satellite fans in two different target markets (i.e., Germany and China), this research uses three experimental online studies to test the relative effects of two foreign brand positioning strategies (purely foreign vs. locally integrated foreign) on satellite fans’ attitudes toward the strategy and brand interaction intentions. Findings suggest that fans’ responses depend on the target market. While German fans respond more favorably to purely foreign brand positioning, Chinese fans prefer local adaptations of the U.S. brands to Chinese customs. These diverse effects can be explained by different underlying mechanisms: purely foreign brand positioning increases perceptions of authenticity among German fans, while locally integrated foreign brand positioning increases perceived customer orientation and pride among Chinese fans.
Development of Laterality and Bimanual Interference of Fine Motor Movements in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Nájera Chávez Brenda Carolina , Rueckriegel Stefan Mark , Burghardt Roland , Hernáiz Driever Pablo
Published: September 2021

Drawing and handwriting are fine motor skills acquired during childhood. We analyzed the development of laterality by comparing the performance of the dominant with the nondominant hand and the effect of bimanual interference in kinematic hand movement parameters (speed, automation, variability, and pressure). Healthy subjects (n = 187, 6–18 years) performed drawing tasks with both hands on a digitizing tablet followed by performance in the presence of an interfering task of the nondominant hand. Age correlated positively with speed, automation, and pressure, and negatively with variability for both hands. As task complexity increased, differences between both hands were less pronounced. Playing an instrument had a positive effect on the nondominant hand. Speed and automation showed a strong association with lateralization. Bimanual interference was associated with an increase of speed and variability. Maturation of hand laterality and the extent of bimanual interference in fine motor tasks are age-dependent processes.
Synchronized Swimming in Ontario, 1920–50s: Gender, Beauty, and Sport
Authors: Wiseman Matthew S. , Nicholas Jane
Published: September 2021

This article examines the history of synchronized swimming in Ontario, with a specific focus on Peterborough, between the 1920s and the 1950s. Two factors explain the rise and consolidation of “synchro” as a women’s sport in the period. The first factor relates to earlier changes in women’s sport in the interwar period, alongside the rise of modern hegemonic beauty culture. As synchro struggled for official recognition, coaches and swimmers embraced feminine beauty constructs to generate popularity for their sport. The second factor relates to the nationalistic approach to sport development in the 1940s and 1950s. Financial and ideological investment in sport as important for national health and physical fitness allowed synchro to grow and flourish. As exemplified by the Peterborough club, these two factors allowed Canadian women to play a formative role in the national and international development of synchro as a sport to produce fit and beautiful bodies.
Simultaneous new onset of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in identical twins
Authors: Bekavac Ivo , Matejic Matea , Woods Riley J , Halloran John I
Published: September 2021

Objective

To present a case of two identical twins presenting concurrently with symptoms and subsequent initial diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

Methods

Clinical, laboratory and MRI findings for both twins were reviewed and presented here.

Results

Twin A presented with right eye pain and subsequent blurred vision in right eye. MRI of the brain and spine demonstrated pre-chiasmal right optic nerve enhancement and T2 hyperintense lesions in the spinal cord at T7 and T9 levels. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was remarkable for NMO/aquaporin-4 (AQP4) fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) titre of 1:32 and a serum NMO/AQP4-IgG positive titre of 1:10 000. Twin B presented with diplopia. MRI of the brain and spine demonstrated T2 hyperintense lesions in the periventricular cerebral white matter, in the periaqueductal white matter of the pons, in the midbrain and the cervical spinal cord. Neurological examination findings revealed incomplete right trochlear palsy, rotatory nystagmus, an incomplete left internuclear ophthalmoplegia and hyper-reflexia. CSF analysis was remarkable for NMO/AQP4 FACS titre of 1:256 and a serum NMO-IgG positive titre of 1:10 000. Both twins responded well to intravenous steroid therapy. There was no adverse environmental exposure present.

Conclusion

We present an interesting and rare case of identical twins presenting concurrently and for the first time with NMOSD.
Influence of asthma and obesity on respiratory symptoms, work ability and lung function: findings from a cross-sectional Norwegian population study
Authors: Klepaker Geir , Henneberger Paul Keefer , Hertel Jens Kristoffer , Holla Øystein Lunde , Kongerud Johny , Fell Anne Kristin Møller
Published: September 2021

Background

Although asthma and obesity are each associated with adverse respiratory outcomes, a possible interaction between them is less studied. This study assessed the extent to which asthma and overweight/obese status were independently associated with respiratory symptoms, lung function, Work Ability Score (WAS) and sick leave; and whether there was an interaction between asthma and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2regarding these outcomes.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 626 participants with physician-diagnosed asthma and 691 without asthma were examined. All participants completed a questionnaire and performed spirometry. The association of outcome variables with asthma and BMI category were assessed using regression models adjusted for age, sex, smoking status and education.

Results

Asthma was associated with reduced WAS (OR=1.9 (95% CI 1.4 to 2.5)), increased sick leave in the last 12 months (OR=1.4 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.8)) and increased symptom score (OR=7.3 (95% CI 5.5 to 9.7)). Obesity was associated with an increased symptom score (OR=1.7 (95% CI 1.2 to 2.4)). Asthma was associated with reduced prebronchodilator and postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (β=−6.6 (95% CI −8.2 to −5.1) and −5.2 (95% CI −6.7 to −3.4), respectively) and prebronchodilator forced vital capacity (FVC) (β=−2.3 (95% CI −3.6 to −0.96)). Obesity was associated with reduced prebronchodilator and postbronchodilator FEV1(β=−2.9 (95% CI −5.1 to −0.7) and −2.8 (95% CI −4.9 to −0.7), respectively) and FVC (−5.2 (95% CI −7.0 to −3.4) and −4.2 (95% CI −6.1 to −2.3), respectively). The only significant interaction was between asthma and overweight status for prebronchodilator FVC (β=−3.6 (95% CI −6.6 to −0.6)).

Conclusions

Asthma and obesity had independent associations with increased symptom scores, reduced prebronchodilator and postbronchodilator FEV1and reduced prebronchodilator FVC. Reduced WAS and higher odds of sick leave in the last 12 months were associated with asthma, but not with increased BMI. Besides a possible association with reduced FVC, we found no interactions between asthma and increased BMI.
High levels of psychosocial distress among Australian frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Smallwood Natasha , Karimi Leila , Bismark Marie , Putland Mark , Johnson Douglas , Dharmage Shyamali Chandrika , Barson Elizabeth , Atkin Nicola , Long Claire , Ng Irene , Holland Anne , Munro Jane E , Thevarajan Irani , Moore Cara , McGillion Anthony , Sandford Debra , Willis Karen
Published: September 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound and prolonged impact on healthcare services and healthcare workers.

Aims

The Australian COVID-19 Frontline Healthcare Workers Study aimed to investigate the severity and prevalence of mental health issues, as well as the social, workplace and financial disruptions experienced by Australian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A nationwide, voluntary, anonymous, single timepoint, online survey was conducted between 27 August and 23 October 2020. Individuals self-identifying as frontline healthcare workers in secondary or primary care were invited to participate. Participants were recruited through health organisations, professional associations or colleges, universities, government contacts and national media. Demographics, home and work situation, health and psychological well-being data were collected.

Results

A total of 9518 survey responses were received; of the 9518 participants, 7846 (82.4%) participants reported complete data. With regard to age, 4110 (52.4%) participants were younger than 40 years; 6344 (80.9%) participants were women. Participants were nurses (n=3088, 39.4%), doctors (n=2436, 31.1%), allied health staff (n=1314, 16.7%) or in other roles (n=523, 6.7%). In addition, 1250 (15.9%) participants worked in primary care. Objectively measured mental health symptoms were common: mild to severe anxiety (n=4694, 59.8%), moderate to severe burnout (n=5458, 70.9%) and mild to severe depression (n=4495, 57.3%). Participants were highly resilient (mean (SD)=3.2 (0.66)). Predictors for worse outcomes on all scales included female gender; younger age; pre-existing psychiatric condition; experiencing relationship problems; nursing, allied health or other roles; frontline area; being worried about being blamed by colleagues and working with patients with COVID-19.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with significant mental health symptoms in frontline healthcare workers. Crisis preparedness together with policies and practices addressing psychological well-being are needed.
Severe altered mentation due to cervicothoracic intrathecal pump after correction of cervical stenosis: a case report
Authors: Sanghvi Chinar , Su Tiffany , Yaksh Tony L , Copenhaver David J , Klineberg Eric O , Jung Michael J
Published: September 2021

Background

Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) dynamics are complex and changes in spinal anatomy may influence the rostrocaudal movement of intrathecal medications. We present the first reported case demonstrating that acute cervical spinal stenosis may impede the distribution of adjacent intrathecal medications, and that correction of such stenosis and the resulting changes in CSF flow may necessitate significant adjustments in the intrathecal infusates.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 60-year-old male patient with a cervicothoracic intrathecal pump (ITP) infusing morphine, bupivacaine, and baclofen for chronic neck pain. The alert and oriented patient had a recent fall resulting in an acute severe cervical stenosis and cord compression which required urgent surgical decompression. Postoperatively, after the cervical decompression, the patient had significant altered mental status requiring a naloxone infusion. Multiple attempts to reduce the naloxone infusion were initially not successful due to worsened somnolence. The previously tolerated ITP medications were continuously reduced over the next 14 days, allowing concomitant decrease and eventual cessation of the naloxone infusion while maintaining patient mental status. The only opioids the patient received during this period were from the ITP.

Conclusions

This case presents clinical evidence that severe spinal stenosis may impede the rostral CSF distribution of intrathecal medications. Intrathecal medications previously tolerated by patients prior to decompression may need to be significantly reduced in the postoperative period.
Evolving complex networks with logistic property: Global versus local growth
Authors: Qin Sen , Peng Sha
Published: September 2021

Considering the retarding effect of natural resources, environmental conditions, and other factors on network growth, the capacity of network nodes to connect to new edges is generally limited. Inspired by this hindered growth of many real-world networks, two types of evolving network models are suggested with different logistic growth schemes. In the global and local logistic network, the total number of network edges and the number of edges added into the network at each step are in line with the Logistic growth, respectively. The most exciting feature of the Logistic growth network is that the growth rule of network edges is first fast, then slow and finally reaches the saturation value [Formula: see text]. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulation reveal that the node degrees of two new networks converge to the same results of the BA scale-free network, [Formula: see text], as the growth rate [Formula: see text] approaches to 0. The local logistic network follows a bilateral power-law degree distribution with a given value of [Formula: see text]. Meanwhile, for these two networks, it is found that the greater [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the smaller the average shortest paths, the greater the clustering coefficients, and the weaker the disassortativity. Additionally, compared to the local logistic growth network, the clustering feature of the global logistic network is more obvious.
Dynamical behaviors in the FitzHugh–Nagumo system with a memory trace
Authors: Yuan Guoyong , Liu Jun , Wang Shuijing , Yang Shiping , Wang Guangrui , Zhang Hongmei
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the dynamical behaviors of the FitzHugh–Nagumo (FHN) system with a memory trace, which has time-fractional derivatives, are investigated. For the case of a classical order, the constant input current can change the stability of the equilibrium point in a single FHN unit, and the equilibrium is unstable in a certain range of the current. A decrease of the order of the time-fractional derivative may lead to a linear reduction of the range and the appearance of a solution of mixed-mode oscillations, which consist of subthreshold small-amplitude oscillation and suprathreshold large-amplitude oscillation. In the parameter space of the input current and the fractional order, the region of existing the mixed-mode oscillation is linearly widened when the fractional order moves toward its small value. If a suprathreshold perturbation is periodically applied, there exist some obvious bands, on which the excited period is locked to the perturbation period according to some rational ratios. As a result, the bands can be narrowed by decreasing the value of fractional order and their location has a slight drift toward the small value of the perturbation period. In addition, the properties of solitary traveling waves and wave train solutions are also studied in the one-dimensional space. It is illustrated that the traveling pulse is wider for a smaller value of fractional order, and its velocity is larger. Further, some relations of wave trains have a great change when the value of the fractional order is changed.
Neuron dynamics and synchronous transition of symmetrical electrically coupled Sherman
Authors: Wu Kaijun , Li Tao , Yan Mingjun
Published: September 2021

Based on the study of the synchronization of two electric synapse-coupled Sherman neuron systems, this paper analyzes the rich discharge behavior of Sherman neurons through the peak-to-peak interval bifurcation diagram, which determines the parameter values for the study of the electrical synapse coupling Sherman neuron system synchronization. By using the synchronization difference and the correlation coefficient value, this paper analyzes the synchronous transition process of the two electrical synapse-coupled Sherman neuron systems with the change of coupling intensity and studies the bifurcation behavior of neurons in the two electrical synapse-coupled Sherman neuron systems. The experimental results show the transition process of two electrical synapse-coupled Sherman neurons from nonsynchronized, peak-independent cluster synchronization to fully synchronized. In addition, we study the synchronization process of the ring-connected electrical synapse-coupled Sherman neuron system. The experimental results show that the two electrical synapse-coupled Sherman neuron systems show a similar synchronous transition process.