From theory to practice: insights and hurdles in collecting social media data for social science research.

Social media has profoundly changed our modes of self-expression, communication, and participation in public discourse, generating volumes of conversations and content that cover every aspect of our social lives. Social media platforms have thus become increasingly important as data sources to identify social trends and phenomena. In recent years, academics have steadily lost ground on access to social media data as technology companies have set more restrictions on Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) or entirely closed public APIs.

What makes you continuously use chatbot services? Evidence from chinese online travel agencies.

Thanks to artificial intelligence, chatbots have been applied to many consumer-facing applications, especially to online travel agencies (OTAs). This study aims to identify five quality dimensions of chatbot services and investigate their effect on user confirmation, which in turn leads to use continuance. In addition, the moderating role of technology anxiety in the relationships between chatbot quality dimensions and post-use confirmation is examined.

Gliclazide, a K channel blocker, inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation through the CaMKKβ-AMPK pathway.

Gliclazide, a sulfonylurea that is widely used to treat type II-diabetes, specifically blocks K channels and recombinant smooth muscle (SUR2B/Kir6.1) K channels with high potency. Furthermore, it exerts antioxidant properties and inhibits tumor cell proliferation.

Interaction between mTOR pathway inhibition and autophagy induction attenuates adriamycin-induced vascular smooth muscle cell senescence through decreased expressions of p53/p21/p16.

Cellular senescence is related to aging and extremely stable proliferative arrest with active metabolism. Senescent cells can activate mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell metabolism, cellular growth, and autophagy in senescence-associated cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we examined whether mTOR pathway could induce cellular senescence by inhibition of autophagy in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

Estrogenic compound attenuates angiotensin II-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation through interaction between LKB1 and estrogen receptor α.

The prevalence rate of cardiovascular disease is higher for males than females, and estradiol (E2) induces AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, which is known to regulate proliferation of VSMC. We identified the estrogenic properties of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA, a lignan phytoestrogen) that inhibit VSMC proliferation and explored the underlying mechanisms. Both the phosphorylation and expression of LKB1 were increased by NDGA.

Genistein-induced LKB1-AMPK activation inhibits senescence of VSMC through autophagy induction.

Genistein, the primary isoflavone from soy products, enhances antioxidant enzyme activities and inhibits tyrosine kinase. However, the mechanisms underlying genistein-induced autophagy are not yet completely understood. Autophagy refers to a regulated cellular process for the lysosomal-dependent turnover of organelles and proteins.

Mesoglycan attenuates VSMC proliferation through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and mTOR.

Background: Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) proliferation contributes significantly to intimal thickening in atherosclerosis and restenosis diseases. Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) has been implicated in VSMC proliferation though the activation of multiple growth-promoting signals. Mesoglycan, a natural glycosaminoglycans preparation, is reported to show vascular protective effect.

Direct brow lift combined with suspension of the orbicularis oculi muscle.

Background: Although the conventional direct brow lift operation provides a simple means of managing lateral brow ptosis, the scars produced have been unacceptable. However, using the modifications proposed here, scarring showed remarkable improvement. This article reviews our experiences with the presented technique, mainly with respect to postoperative scarring.

Acetylcholine-induced AMP-activated protein kinase activation attenuates vasoconstriction through an LKB1-dependent mechanism in rat aorta.

Numerous studies of acetylcholine (ACh)-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation in arteries have been reported since the original description by Furchgott and Zawadzki (1980). ACh also produces endothelium-independent relaxation. However, it is still unknown whether ACh-induced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation can attenuate vasoconstriction in endothelium-denuded rat aorta.

Medial epicanthoplasty combined with plication of the medial canthal tendon in Asian eyelids.

The authors present a new technique for the correction of the medial epicanthal fold using the Y-W-plasty or inverted Y-V-plasty combined with plication of the medial canthal tendon. From January of 1996 to April of 2001, 10 patients with epicanthal folds received a medial epicanthoplasty combined with plication of the medial canthal tendon. The patients ranged in age from 20 to 49 years (average, 27.