When the Medium is the Message:A Meta-Analysis of Creative Media Advertising Effects

Creative media advertising is a specific type of unconventional advertising in which a regular physical object serves as a medium to carry an advertising message. To better understand the workings of this type of advertising, we conducted a meta-analysis. In this study, we explore the direct effects of creative media advertising, several moderators, and the possible underlying mechanisms. The results show that exposure to creative (versus traditional) media advertising has an overall positive effect on brand association strength and persuasion (i.e., ad attitude, brand attitude, purchase intentions, and electronic word of mouth [eWOM]). Both these effects are moderated by metaphor use, meaning that the effects are stronger when the physical object is a good metaphor for the message it carries. Furthermore, indirect (e.g., social media, printed picture) exposure to the message positively moderates the effect of creative media advertising on brand association strength but not on persuasion. Brand familiarity does not play a moderating role. Finally, a meta-analytic structural equation modeling (SEM) procedure was used to show that the main underlying mechanism of creative media advertising persuasiveness is surprise—and not perceived persuasive intent. For practitioners, this study shows that creative media ads are more effective when leveraging surprise and metaphors

Carbon nanotubes: an insight into the mechanisms of their potential genotoxicity

After the health catastrophe resulting from the widespread use of asbestos which was once hailed as a new miracle material, the increasing use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has spawned major concern due to their similarities in terms of size, shape and poor solubility. Assessment of genotoxicity has shown that CNTs can damage DNA in vitro and in vivo. The genotoxic potential of different CNT samples varies considerably, however, with negative findings reported in a number of studies, probably due to the enormous heterogeneity of CNTs. The observed spectrum of genotoxic effects shows similarities with those reported for asbestos fibres. Mutagenicity has been found in vivo but in bacterial assays both asbestos and CNTs have mostly tested negative. An overview of key experimental observations on CNT-induced genotoxicity is presented in the first half of this review.In the second part, the potential mechanisms of CNT-elicited genotoxicity are discussed. Whereas CNTs possess intrinsic ROS-scavenging properties they are capable of generating intracellular ROS upon interaction with cellular components, and can cause antioxidant depletion. These effects have been attributed to their Fenton-reactive metals content. In addition, CNTs can impair the functionality of the mitotic apparatus. A noteworthy feature is that frustrated phagocytosis, which is involved in asbestos-induced pathology, has been observed for specific CNTs as well. The involvement of other mechanisms generally implicated in particle toxicity, such as phagocyte activation and impairment of DNA repair, is largely unknown at present and needs further investigation

Hyperthermic Isolated Limb Perfusion with TNF α and Cisplatin in the Treatment of Osteosarcoma of the Extremities: A Feasibility Study in Healthy Dogs

Purpose. The feasibility of hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP) with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα ) and cisplatin for the management of osteosarcoma was studied in the canine model

IL-10 Is Critically Involved in Mycobacterial HSP70 Induced Suppression of Proteoglycan-Induced Arthritis

BACKGROUND: The anti-inflammatory capacity of heat shock proteins (HSP) has been demonstrated in various animal models of inflammatory diseases and in patients. However, the mechanisms underlying this anti-inflammatory capacity are poorly understood. Therefore, the possible protective potential of HSP70 and its mechanisms were studied in proteoglycan (PG) induced arthritis (PGIA), a chronic and relapsing, T cell mediated murine model of arthritis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: HSP70 immunization, 10 days prior to disease induction with PG, inhibited arthritis both clinically and histologically. In addition, it significantly reduced PG-specific IgG2a but not IgG1 antibody production. Furthermore, IFN-gamma and IL-10 production upon in vitro restimulation with HSP70 was indicative of the induction of an HSP70-specific T cell response in HSP70 immunized mice. Remarkably, HSP70 treatment also modulated the PG-specific T cell response, as shown by the increased production of IL-10 and IFN-gamma upon in vitro PG restimulation. Moreover, it increased IL-10 mRNA expression in CD4+CD25+ cells. HSP70 vaccination did not suppress arthritis in IL-10(-/-) mice, indicating the crucial role of IL-10 in the protective effect. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, a single mycobacterial HSP70 immunization can suppress inflammation and tissue damage in PGIA and results in an enhanced regulatory response as shown by the antigen-specific IL-10 production. Moreover, HSP70 induced protection is critically IL-10 dependent

Using a Smartphone App and Coaching Group Sessions to Promote Residents' Reflection in the Workplace

Item does not contain fulltextPROBLEM: Reflecting on workplace-based experiences is necessary for professional development. However, residents need support to raise their awareness of valuable moments for learning and to thoughtfully analyze those learning moments afterwards. APPROACH: From October to December 2012, the authors held a multidisciplinary six-week postgraduate training module focused on general competencies. Residents were randomly assigned to one of four conditions with varying degrees of reflection support; they were offered (1) a smartphone app, (2) coaching group sessions, (3) a combination of both, or (4) neither type of support. The app allowed participants to capture in real time learning moments as a text note, audio recording, picture, or video. Coaching sessions held every two weeks aimed to deepen participants' reflection on captured learning moments. Questionnaire responses and reflection data were compared between conditions to assess the effects of the app and coaching sessions on intensity and frequency of reflection. OUTCOMES: Sixty-four residents participated. App users reflected more often, captured more learning moments, and reported greater learning progress than nonapp users. Participants who attended coaching sessions were more alert to learning moments and pursued more follow-up learning activities to improve on the general competencies. Those who received both types of support were most alert to these learning moments. NEXT STEPS: A simple mobile app for capturing learning moments shows promise as a tool to support workplace-based learning, especially when combined with coaching sessions. Future research should evaluate these tools on a broader scale and in conjunction with residents' and students' personal digital portfolios