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Translational Behavioral Medicine Jul 2024Many people with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) who could benefit from digital health technologies (DHTs) are either not using DHTs or do use them, but not for long enough to...
Behavioral Engagement and Activation Model Study (BEAMS): A latent class analysis of adopters and non-adopters of digital health technologies among people with Type 2 diabetes.
Many people with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) who could benefit from digital health technologies (DHTs) are either not using DHTs or do use them, but not for long enough to reach their behavioral or metabolic goals. We aimed to identify subgroups within DHT adopters and non-adopters and describe their unique profiles to better understand the type of tailored support needed to promote effective and sustained DHT use across a diverse T2D population. We conducted latent class analysis of a sample of adults with T2D who responded to an internet survey between December 2021 and March 2022. We describe the clinical and psychological characteristics of DHT adopters and non-adopters, and their attitudes toward DHTs. A total of 633 individuals were characterized as either DHT "Adopters" (n = 376 reporting any use of DHT) or "Non-Adopters" (n = 257 reporting never using any DHT). Within Adopters, three subgroups were identified: 21% (79/376) were "Self-managing Adopters," who reported high health activation and self-efficacy for diabetes management, 42% (158/376) were "Activated Adopters with dropout risk," and 37% (139/376) were "Non-Activated Adopters with dropout risk." The latter two subgroups reported barriers to using DHTs and lower rates of intended future use. Within Non-Adopters, two subgroups were identified: 31% (79/257) were "Activated Non-Adopters," and 69% (178/257) were "Non-Adopters with barriers," and were similarly distinguished by health activation and barriers to using DHTs. Beyond demographic characteristics, psychological, and clinical factors may help identify different subgroups of Adopters and Non-Adopters.
PubMed: 38953616
DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibae034 -
Journal of the American Chemical Society Jul 2024The development of intrinsically recyclable cross-linked materials remains challenged by the inherently unfavorable chemical equilibrium that dictates the efficiency of...
The development of intrinsically recyclable cross-linked materials remains challenged by the inherently unfavorable chemical equilibrium that dictates the efficiency of the reversible covalent bonding/debonding chemistry. Rather than having to (externally) manipulate the bonding equilibrium, we here introduce a new reversible chemistry platform based on monosubstituted thiomaleimides that can undergo complete and independent light-activated covalent bonding and on-demand thermal debonding above 120 °C. Specifically, repeated bonding/debonding of a small-molecule thiomaleimide [2 + 2] photodimer is demonstrated over five heat/light cycles with full conversion in both directions, thereby regenerating its initial monothiomaleimide constituents. This motivated the synthesis of multifunctional thiomaleimide reagents as precursors for the design of covalently cross-linked networks that display intrinsic switching between a monomeric and polymeric state. The resulting materials are shown to covalently dissociate and depolymerize upon heating both in solution and in bulk, thus transforming the densely photo-cross-linked material back into a viscous liquid. Temperature-regulated photorheology evidenced the intrinsic recyclability of the thiomaleimide-based thermosets during multiple cycles of UV cross-linking and thermal de-cross-linking. The thermally reversible photodimerization of thiomaleimides presents a new addition to the designer playground of dynamic polymer networks, providing interesting opportunities for the reprocessing and closed-loop recycling of covalently cross-linked materials.
PubMed: 38953610
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c04193 -
Child: Care, Health and Development Jul 2024A large proportion of adolescents with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are physically inactive. Physical literacy has been described as an important... (Review)
Review
The effectiveness of exergames in improving physical activity behaviour and physical literacy domains in adolescents with developmental coordination disorder and cerebral palsy: A scoping review.
BACKGROUND
A large proportion of adolescents with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are physically inactive. Physical literacy has been described as an important determinant in promoting health behaviours. The potential of exergames to improve physical literacy and activity has been recognized in typically developing children. The aim of the present scoping review was to identify and map the available evidence of this potential for adolescents with DCD.
METHODS
A scoping review was performed via a literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, ERIC and CINHAIL.
RESULTS
From 2860 search records, six studies (two studies in DCD and four studies in cerebral palsy [CP]) assessed physical activity, 12 studies discussed exergame features and 16 studies assessed physical literacy domains. In DCD, one study showed positive effects of exergaming on physical activity and the other failed to show any significant effects of exergaming. In CP, all four studies demonstrated positive effects of exergaming on energy expenditure and daily physical activity. Furthermore, positive effects of exergames on the different physical literacy domains were shown, namely motor competence, self-concept and affect, motivation and social/experiential. Finally, exergame features including multiplayer modes, realism, game rewards, challenges and enjoyment were shown to have a significant effect on motivating and encouraging adolescents to exert more effort while playing.
CONCLUSION
Based on the positive effects of exergaming on physical activity in other populations, more in-depth research in adolescents with DCD is warranted such that the decline in physical activity behaviour that is present in individuals with DCD can be counteracted. Physical literacy should be regarded as an important determinant in this regard.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Cerebral Palsy; Motor Skills Disorders; Exercise; Video Games; Exercise Therapy; Health Literacy; Health Behavior; Motivation
PubMed: 38953549
DOI: 10.1111/cch.13293 -
Pediatric Blood & Cancer Jul 2024Adolescence and young adulthood are vulnerable developmental periods for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), particularly given the impact of social inequities,...
BACKGROUND
Adolescence and young adulthood are vulnerable developmental periods for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), particularly given the impact of social inequities, challenges with transitioning to adult healthcare services, and increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Systems of power, such as institutionalized and interpersonal manifestations of bias, could impact SCD transfer and engagement in adult care through their influence on healthcare transition readiness; yet research in this area is limited.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize how systems of power impact transition readiness factors described in the Social-ecological Model of AYA Readiness for Transition to Promote Health Equity (SMART-E) framework at the patient, caregiver, and practitioner levels.
METHODS
Pediatric adolescents and young adults (AYA), transferred AYA, caregivers, and practitioners participated in semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews examining health equity and systems of power during healthcare transition. Focus groups/interviews were transcribed and coded using a deductive approach via the updated SMART-E framework.
RESULTS
Ten pediatric AYA with SCD, nine transferred AYA with SCD, eight caregivers, and nine practitioners participated in a focus group or interview. Qualitative findings across reporters emphasize the impact of systems of power (e.g., racial bias and disease stigma) on knowledge, skills and self-efficacy, beliefs and expectations, goals and motivation, and emotions and psychosocial functioning at the patient, caregiver, and practitioner levels.
CONCLUSION
Systems of power are prevalent with respect to transition barriers for AYA with SCD and their supports. Structural, institutional, and individual factors with potential to reduce the influence of systems of power should be further identified and targeted for intervention.
PubMed: 38953147
DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31156 -
Patient Preference and Adherence 2024To compare three methods for identifying patient preferences (MIPPs) at the point of decision-making: analysis of video-recorded patient-clinician encounters,...
Comparing Methods for Identifying Post-Market Patient Preferences at the Point of Decision-Making: Insights from Patients with Chronic Pain Considering a Spinal Cord Stimulator Device.
PURPOSE
To compare three methods for identifying patient preferences (MIPPs) at the point of decision-making: analysis of video-recorded patient-clinician encounters, post-encounter interviews, and post-encounter surveys.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
For the decision of whether to use a spinal cord stimulator device (SCS), a video coding scheme, interview guide, and patient survey were iteratively developed with 30 SCS decision-making encounters in a tertiary academic medical center pain clinic. Burke's grammar of motives was used to classify the attributed source or justification for a potential preference for each preference block. To compare the MIPPs, 13 patients' encounters with their clinician were video recorded and subsequently analyzed by 4 coders using the final video coding scheme. Six of these patients were interviewed, and 7 surveyed, immediately following their encounters.
RESULTS
For videos, an average of 66 (range 33-106) sets of utterances potentially indicating a patient preference (a preference block), surveys 33 (range 32-34), and interviews 25 (range 18-30) were identified. Thirty-eight unique themes (75 subthemes), each a preference topic, were identified from videos, surveys 19 themes (12 subthemes), and interviews 39 themes (54 subthemes). The proportion of preference blocks that were judged as expressing a preference that was clearly important to the patient or affected their decision was highest for interviews (72.8%), surveys (68.0%), and videos (27.0%). Videos mostly attributed preferences to the patient's situation (scene) (65%); interviews, the act of receiving or living with SCS (43%); surveys, the purpose of SCS (40%).
CONCLUSION
MIPPs vary in the type of preferences identified and the clarity of expressed preferences in their data sets. The choice of which MIPP to use depends on projects' goals and resources, recognizing that the choice of MIPP may affect which preferences are found.
PubMed: 38953019
DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S431378 -
Biology of Sport Jul 2024The objective of this paper was to determine the impact of EEG-biofeedback training on the motivation and efficiency of powerlifters during the bench press exercise in...
The objective of this paper was to determine the impact of EEG-biofeedback training on the motivation and efficiency of powerlifters during the bench press exercise in relation to the external load and the level of training. The study included 18 trained powerlifters who were divided into the intermediate (IG) and the advanced (AG) groups. EEG-biofeedback training was conducted every three days, lasting 27 minutes each time (5 × 3-minute intervals with recovery periods - lying on a bench - between them 4 × 3 minutes), and ended with a final EEG measurement in the second cycle of research. The repeated measures ANOVA showed intra-group differences due to external loading for the FAI (Frontal Alpha Asymmetry) obtained in the EEG both before and after biofeedback training. In AG group analysis revealed significant differences between 65%1RM and 35%1RM. In the IG group between 35%1RM and 50, 65 and 80%1RM. One of the major variables influencing the efficiency of strength training, including bench press workouts, is the level of training. The more successfully an athlete uses motivation when exercising, the better their training, which translates into greater results and a lower chance of injury.
PubMed: 38952919
DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.127065 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Despite evidence to the contrary, many people believe in learning styles (LS)-the idea that students learn best in their preferred modality, such as visual, auditory, or...
Despite evidence to the contrary, many people believe in learning styles (LS)-the idea that students learn best in their preferred modality, such as visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. However, the impact of this belief on instructional decisions remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated how belief in the neuromyth impacts instructional choices and why educators choose an LS lesson plan or an alternative. We found that educators' beliefs about LS indeed predicted their instructional choice, but that other factors influenced their decisions as well. Three themes encapsulate educators' justifications for their lesson plan choices: beliefs about LS, practical considerations, and student learning and motivation. These findings suggest that for many educators, implementing an LS lesson provides an opportunity to integrate diverse teaching strategies that address multiple educational priorities. Although many prior studies have replicated the prevalence of the myth, this is one of the first to explore the reasons that LS is attractive to educators. Attempts to dispel the LS neuromyth could leverage the reasons educators find LS appealing to provide alternative research-backed approaches to meet their goals. Future research should examine the extent to which beliefs in the LS neuromyth are translated into instructional practices within classroom lessons and explore potential differences across grade levels.
PubMed: 38952832
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1407518 -
Network Neuroscience (Cambridge, Mass.) 2024Contemplative neuroscience has increasingly explored meditation using neuroimaging. However, the brain mechanisms underlying meditation remain elusive. Here, we...
Contemplative neuroscience has increasingly explored meditation using neuroimaging. However, the brain mechanisms underlying meditation remain elusive. Here, we implemented a mechanistic framework to explore the spatiotemporal dynamics of expert meditators during meditation and rest, and controls during rest. We first applied a model-free approach by defining a probabilistic metastable substate (PMS) space for each condition, consisting of different probabilities of occurrence from a repertoire of dynamic patterns. Moreover, we implemented a model-based approach by adjusting the PMS of each condition to a whole-brain model, which enabled us to explore perturbations to transition from resting-state to meditation and vice versa. Consequently, we assessed the sensitivity of different brain areas regarding their perturbability and their mechanistic local-global effects. Overall, our work reveals distinct whole-brain dynamics in meditation compared to rest, and how transitions can be induced with localized artificial perturbations. It motivates future work regarding meditation as a practice in health and as a potential therapy for brain disorders.
PubMed: 38952817
DOI: 10.1162/netn_a_00366 -
Bioinformatics Advances 2023Recent initiatives for federal grant transparency allow direct knowledge extraction from large volumes of grant texts, serving as a powerful alternative to traditional...
MOTIVATION
Recent initiatives for federal grant transparency allow direct knowledge extraction from large volumes of grant texts, serving as a powerful alternative to traditional surveys. However, its computational modeling is challenging as grants are usually multifaceted with constantly evolving topics.
RESULTS
We propose Turtling, a time-aware neural topic model with three unique characteristics. First, Turtling employs pretrained biomedical word embedding to extract research topics. Second, it leverages a probabilistic time-series model to allow smooth and coherent topic evolution. Lastly, Turtling leverages additional topic diversity loss and funding institute classification loss to improve topic quality and facilitate funding institute prediction. We apply on publicly available NIH grant text and show that it significantly outperforms other methods on topic quality metrics. We also demonstrate that can provide insights into research topic evolution by detecting topic trends across decades. In summary, may be a valuable tool for grant text analysis.
AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION
is freely available as an open-source software at https://github.com/aicb-ZhangLabs/Turtling.
PubMed: 38952748
DOI: 10.1093/bioadv/vbad096 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2024The interaction between DNA motifs (DNA motif pairs) influences gene expression through partnership or competition in the process of gene regulation. Potential chromatin...
MOTIVATION
The interaction between DNA motifs (DNA motif pairs) influences gene expression through partnership or competition in the process of gene regulation. Potential chromatin interactions between different DNA motifs have been implicated in various diseases. However, current methods for identifying DNA motif pairs rely on the recognition of single DNA motifs or probabilities, which may result in local optimal solutions and can be sensitive to the choice of initial values. A method for precisely identifying DNA motif pairs is still lacking.
RESULTS
Here, we propose a novel computational method for predicting DNA Motif Pairs based on Composite Heterogeneous Graph (MPCHG). This approach leverages a composite heterogeneous graph model to identify DNA motif pairs on paired sequences. Compared with the existing methods, MPCHG has greatly improved the accuracy of motifs prediction. Furthermore, the predicted DNA motifs demonstrate heightened DNase accessibility than the background sequences. Notably, the two DNA motifs forming a pair exhibit functional consistency. Importantly, the interacting TF pairs obtained by predicted DNA motif pairs were significantly enriched with known interacting TF pairs, suggesting their potential contribution to chromatin interactions. Collectively, we believe that these identified DNA motif pairs held substantial implications for revealing gene transcriptional regulation under long-range chromatin interactions.
PubMed: 38952710
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1424085