bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term clinical, nutritional, and functional outcomes of COVID‐19 patients after hospital discharge
Authors: Pedraza Laura , Laosa Olga , Segovia‐Moreno Rocío , Alcalá Álvaro , Tornero‐López María Isabel , Corral‐Muñoz Germán , López Patricia , Carnicero Jose Antonio , Ramirez Maria , Camprubi Maria , Rodríguez‐Mañas Leocadio
Published: June 2024

Background

Long‐term nutritional and functional status after hospitalization due to COVID‐19 has been poorly described. We show the physical and nutritional stata and the symptoms compatible with Long‐COVID in patients who survived after an episode of hospitalization due to COVID‐19 and the associated factors.

Methods

Single‐center prospective observational study. Clinical, nutritional, and physical function data were assessed in 345 subjects over 18 years of age hospitalized in an university hospital for a diagnosis of COVID‐19 in 2020 at three different times of follow‐up: 6 (n = 118), 9 (n = 115), and 15 months (n = 112) after discharge. All survivors discharged during each of those periods were called consecutively at the times of follow‐up in order to collect data about their nutritional and functional stata, and long‐COVID symptoms.

Results

The mean age of the 345 subjects included in the present study was 62.8 years (SD 15.8), and 180 (52.2%) were men. The mean number of comorbidities was 2.6 (SD 2.1). After a mean follow‐up time of 10.2 ± 3.2 months, mean Barthel score showed a decrease of 2.00 (SD 0.12) points, that showed to be consistent disregarding the time after discharge (6 months: 1.71 ± 4.8; 9 months: 2.17 ± 5.97; 15 months: 2.20 ± 5.25). The risk factors associated with worsening in the Barthel index score were basal Barthel index [BI < 95; odds ratio (OR): 3.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26–8.85], age (OR: 1.03, CI: 1.00–1.06, per year), having comorbidities (≥3 pathologies) (OR: 1.98, CI: 1.00–3.90), and female sex (OR: 2.68, CI: 1.47–4.90). Self‐reported Long‐COVID symptoms were frequent, mainly those related to functioning: fatigue/tiredness (39.4%), decreased mobility (16.2%), and subjective loss of muscle mass/strength (15.9%) plus mental complaints (depression/anxiety; 20.6%). Decreased mobility (OR 7.82, CI: 3.69–16.55), cognitive impairment (OR 6.76, CI: 2.22–20.58) and a score in SARC‐F ≥ 2 (OR: 3.89; CI: 2.03–7.49) at follow‐up were associated to the worsening in BI. BMI showed a modest, non‐significant decrease at 6 months (−0.3 ± 1.7 kg/m2), that was fully recovered in the longest follow‐up period (+0.4 ± 2.1).

Conclusions

Admission for COVID‐19 produces a significant functional loose, mainly in those who are older, female, and with a poor basal functional status and comorbidities. This impairment does not recover spontaneously and is a main component of the long‐term COVID‐19 symptoms.
Enhancing tonal‐language learning through music: A review of experimental methods and melodic intonation therapy influences
Authors: Howe Julia H. , Baumgartner Erica S.
Published: June 2024

This literature review explores the impact of music on tonal language learning, with a focus on Mandarin Chinese. Utilising searches across major databases such as ERIC (EBSCO), ProQuest Central, Google Scholar, and Web of Science from 2005 to 2024, we selected relevant peer‐reviewed English‐language articles examining music's role in aiding tone acquisition and related cognitive processes. From 30 publications, findings are categorised into theoretical relationships, cognitive effects, melodic intonation therapy (MIT) applications and digital music applications. Theoretical frameworks emphasise the correlation between musicality and language proficiency, highlighting musicians' enhanced tonal perception and production skills. Cognitive effects include music's influence on pronunciation, memory and cultural understanding. MIT's effectiveness in tonal language learning is then discussed, emphasising its potential to improve cortical representations of tone categories. Finally, digital music applications are examined, focusing on language learning apps incorporating music for personalised and engaging learning experiences. The review finds significant literature reporting that music‐based methodologies, aligned with experiential learning paradigms, hold significant potential in Mandarin Chinese acquisition. They enhance listening comprehension, spoken language production, and understanding of grammar and syntax. Similar to MIT principles, music‐assisted tonal language learning utilises exaggerated melody and rhythm to improve language production, especially with complex words. This review is motivated by the recognition of music's potential benefits in language education, especially for tonal languages. It aims to provide educators and researchers with insights into effective methods and applications, guiding instructional practices and stimulating further empirical investigations in this interdisciplinary field. Ultimately, it contributes to the ongoing discourse on optimising tonal language learning methodologies.
Data fusion for predicting long‐term program impacts
Authors: Robbins Michael W. , Bauhoff Sebastian , Burgette Lane
Published: June 2024

Policymakers often require information on programs' long‐term impacts that is not available when decisions are made. For example, while rigorous evidence from the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment (OHIE) shows that having health insurance influences short‐term health and financial measures, the impact on long‐term outcomes, such as mortality, will not be known for many years following the program's implementation. We demonstrate how data fusion methods may be used address the problem of missing final outcomes and predict long‐run impacts of interventions before the requisite data are available. We implement this method by concatenating data on an intervention (such as the OHIE) with auxiliary long‐term data and then imputing missing long‐term outcomes using short‐term surrogate outcomes while approximating uncertainty with replication methods. We use simulations to examine the performance of the methodology and apply the method in a case study. Specifically, we fuse data on the OHIE with data from the National Longitudinal Mortality Study and estimate that being eligible to apply for subsidized health insurance will lead to a statistically significant improvement in long‐term mortality.
Blockchain‐based federated learning approaches in internet of things applications
Authors: Li Xinhai , Hu Yuanchao , Zeng Lingcheng , An Yunzhu , Yang Jinsong , Xiao Xing
Published: June 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a new well‐structured emerging technology with communication of smart devices using the 5G technology, infrastructures of roads, vehicles, smart cities, traffic systems and user applications. The IoT applications facilitate providing prompt emergency responses, and improved quality of vehicles, and road services, with cost‐effective activities in the intelligent transportation systems. Federated Learning (FL) enhances privacy and security in intelligent transportation systems and the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), using advanced prediction methods. Integrating blockchain with IoT, particularly in FL for transportation systems and IoV, bolsters security and data integrity. This approach keeps data local while only sharing model updates, enhancing privacy. Blockchain's transparency aids in efficient IoT collaboration, crucial for accountability. Its consensus algorithms further ensure network integrity, validating transactions and updates across devices, protecting against attacks, and fostering a transparent, collaborative environment. This comprehensive review paper delves into the innovative integration of blockchain technology with federated learning and the dynamic domain of IoV. It extensively analyzes the primary concepts, methodologies, and challenges associated with the deployment of FL in IoVs. This review presents a novel categorization examining three main types of blockchain‐based FL approaches vertical, horizontal, and decentralized each tailored to specific IoV communication scenarios like Vehicle‐to‐Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle‐to‐Infrastructure (V2I), and Vehicle‐to‐Cloud (V2C). It highlights FL applications in cyber‐attack detection, data sharing, traffic prediction, and privacy, considering Quality of Service factors. Finally, some main challenges and new open issues are discussed and assessed for federated machine learning approaches in the IoV.
Creation and Application of an Academic Spoken Collocation List
Authors: Li Lingling , Xu Hai , Zhang Xian
Published: June 2024

Despite the widely used word lists in English as a second or foreign language learning, few attempts have been made to create an academic spoken collocation list, which holds significant potential for enhancing learners' aural and oral abilities in academic communication. This study created a list of the most frequently used and pedagogically relevant collocations in academic spoken English that involved corpus‐driven extraction of collocations and expert rating of the appropriateness and relevance of collocations for pedagogical purposes. The mixed‐methods approach produced the Academic Spoken Collocation List (ASCL), comprising 417 entries, which exhibits a higher text coverage of an academic spoken English corpus compared to an academic written corpus. The ASCL has a number of implications for the teaching and learning of English for academic purposes.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 is a hepatokine involved in MASLD progression
Authors: Gallego‐Durán Rocío , Ampuero Javier , Maya‐Miles Douglas , Pastor‐Ramírez Helena , Montero‐Vallejo Rocío , Rivera‐Esteban Jesús , Álvarez‐Amor Leticia , Pareja María Jesús , Rico María Carmen , Millán Raquel , Robles‐Frías María José , Aller Rocío , Rojas Ángela , Muñoz‐Hernández Rocío , Gil‐Gómez Antonio , Gato Sheila , García‐Lozano María , Arias‐Loste María Teresa , Abad Javier , Calleja José Luis , Andrade Raúl J. , Crespo Javier , González‐Rodríguez Águeda , García‐Monzón Carmelo , Andreola Fausto , Pericás Juan Manuel , Jalan Rajiv , Martín‐Bermudo Francisco , Romero‐Gómez Manuel
Published: June 2024

Aim

We aimed to assess the role of FGF21 in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) at a multi‐scale level.

Methods

We used human MASLD pathology samples for FGF21 gene expression analyses (qPCR and RNAseq), serum to measure circulating FGF21 levels and DNA for genotyping the FGF21 rs838133 variant in both estimation and validation cohorts. A hepatocyte‐derived cell line was exposed to free fatty acids at different timepoints. Finally, C57BL/6J mice were fed a high‐fat and choline‐deficient diet (CDA‐HFD) for 16 weeks to assess hepatic FGF21 protein expression and FGF21 levels by ELISA.

Results

A significant upregulation in FGF21 mRNA expression was observed in the liver analysed by both qPCR (fold change 5.32 ± 5.25 vs. 0.59 ± 0.66; p = 0.017) and RNA‐Seq (3.5 fold; FDR: 0.006; p < 0.0001) in MASLD patients vs. controls. Circulating levels of FGF21 were increased in patients with steatohepatitis vs. bland steatosis (386.6 ± 328.9 vs. 297.9 ± 231.5 pg/mL; p = 0.009). Besides, sex, age, A‐allele from FGF21, GG genotype from PNPLA3, ALT, type 2 diabetes mellitus and BMI were independently associated with MASH and significant fibrosis in both estimation and validation cohorts. In vitro exposure of Huh7.5 cells to high concentrations of free fatty acids (FFAs) resulted in overexpression of FGF21 (p < 0.001). Finally, Circulating FGF21 levels and hepatic FGF21 expression were found to be significantly increased (p < 0.001) in animals under CDA‐HFD.

Conclusions

Hepatic and circulating FGF21 expression was increased in MASH patients, in Huh7.5 cells under FFAs and in CDA‐HFD animals. The A‐allele from the rs838133 variant was also associated with an increased risk of steatohepatitis and significant and advanced fibrosis in MASLD patients.
Ba3Zn4Si4O15: A Novel Centrosymmetric Silicate with Isolated SiO4 and Si2O7 Units
Authors: Ababaikeri Aihaimaitijiang , Tuniyazi Gulimeikereyi , Zhang Yanhui , Malik Dilnur
Published: June 2024

A new silicate Ba3Zn4Si4O15 (BZSO), was synthesized by the high‐temperature solution method in the open air, and the structure was determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. The compound can be regarded as a derivative of α‐SiO2 tetrahedral framework. The structural analysis indicates that it crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group C2/c (No. 15) with lattice parameters a=19.3931(12) Å, b=5.1262(4) Å, c=16.3620(12) Å, β=115.7°, V=1465.5 Å3, Z=4 of a monoclinic crystal system composed of isolated Si2O7 dimers, and SiO4, ZnO4 tetrahedra. Experimental characterization demonstrates that it possesses birefringence of 0.013@546.1 nm. Besides, the first‐principles theoretical calculations were carried out to elucidate the relationship between the electronic structure and optical property.
Study of the time dependent MHD convective couple stress nanofluid flow across bidirectional periodically stretched frame using the homotopy analysis method
Authors: Kolsi Lioua , Khan Sami Ullah , Benabdallah Faiza , Al‐Khaled Kamel , Ghachem Kaouther , Albalawi Hind
Published: June 2024

The current study presents a time dependent couple stress nanofluid flow across a bidirectional periodically stretched surface under magnetic effects. The effects of nonuniform heat source and variable thermal conductivity on the convective heat transfer are analyzed. The effect of the chemical reaction, nonlinear mixed convection, and activation energy are also considered. Adequate dimensional quantities are utilized to entertained the problem in simplified from. Then, a series of solutions are obtained via homotopic analysis method. Tables and graphs are organized to evaluates the physical dynamic of problem. The archived observations convey that the nonlinear convective parameters cause a rise in horizontal velocity component. It is determined that flow intensity and skin friction have an increasing behavior with most of the governing parameters. Current investigation emphasized that the temperature increases by imposing variable thermal conductivity. The concentration values become higher by increasing the activation energy but decrease with the reaction rate.
Implementierung einer psychotherapeutischen Sprechstunde am Arbeitsplatz (PT-A): Erwartungen, Bekanntmachung und Nutzung
Authors: Kohl Fiona , Schröder Ute B. , Stegmann Ralf , Wegewitz Uta , Hander Nicole , Hansmann Marieke , Angerer Peter , Erim Yesim , Hondong Sinja , Kröger Christoph , Mulfinger Nadine , Waldman Tamara , Herrmann Kristin , Weber Jeannette
Published: June 2024

Einleitung

Die psychotherapeutische Sprechstunde am Arbeitsplatz (PT-A) bietet eine leicht zugängliche, kurzfristige Unterstützung für Beschäftigte mit psychischer Belastung. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Implementierung der PT‑A in Hinblick auf ihre Bekanntmachung, den Zugang und die Nutzung zu untersuchen.

Methoden

Die Daten wurden im Rahmen der randomisiert kontrollierten Studie (RCT) „Frühe Intervention am Arbeitsplatz“ (friaa) erhoben. Quantitativ wurden 46 betriebliche Akteur:innen (BA) hinsichtlich verwendeter Bekanntmachungswege sowie förderlicher Faktoren der Nutzung der PT‑A befragt. Aus der Baseline-Erhebung der RCT wurden die Zugangswege der 550 teilnehmenden Beschäftigten verwendet. Qualitativ wurden 7 BA zur Erwartung an die PT‑A sowie 22 Beschäftigte der RCT zu den Erfahrungen des Zugangs und der Nutzung der PT‑A interviewt.

Ergebnisse

Die BA erhoffen sich von der PT‑A Wirkungen auf allen Ebenen der Prävention. Die meisten Betriebe machten die PT‑A über zentrale betriebsinterne Wege (z. B. Flyer, Intranet) oder mithilfe von individuellen Gesprächen (z. B. Sozialberatung, Betriebsärzt:innen) bekannt. Die Beschäftigten wertschätzten bei der zentralen betriebsinternen Bekanntmachung die Möglichkeit zur anonymen Teilnahme. Vorteil des unterstützten Zugangs z. B. über Sozialberatung oder Betriebsärzt:innen war die Erreichbarkeit von Beschäftigten ohne Behandlungserfahrungen, aber mit hohem Leidensdruck.

Diskussion

Aufgrund der Ergebnisse wird empfohlen, die PT‑A sowohl zentral bei allen Beschäftigten zu bewerben als auch betroffene Beschäftigte in persönlichen Gesprächen direkt auf die PT‑A aufmerksam zu machen. Dadurch können verschiedene Zielgruppen erreicht werden und die Vorteile der anonymen Teilnahme bewahrt werden.
Application of the adaptive Monte Carlo method for uncertainty evaluation in the determination of total testosterone in human serum by triple isotope dilution mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Gongcheng , Wang Huimin , Han Yanlin , Liu Chunlong , Liang Man
Published: June 2024

The measurement uncertainty is a crucial quantitative parameter for assessing the reliability of the result. The study aimed to propose a new budget for uncertainty evaluation of a reference measurement procedure for the determination of total testosterone in human serum. The adaptive Monte Carlo method (aMCM) was used for the propagation of probability distributions assigned to various input quantities to determine the uncertainty of the testosterone concentration. The basic principles of the propagation and the statistical analysis were described based on the experimental results of the quality control serum sample. The analysis of the number of Monte Carlo trials was discussed. The procedure of validation of the GUM uncertainty framework using the aMCM was also provided. The number of Monte Carlo trials was 2.974 × 106 when the results had stabilized. The total testosterone concentration was 16.02 nmol/L, and the standard uncertainty was 0.30 nmol/L. The coverage interval at coverage probability of 95% was 15.45 to 16.62 nmol/L, while the probability distribution for testosterone concentration was approximately described by a Gaussian distribution. The validation of results was not passed as the expanded uncertainty result obtained by the aMCM was slightly lower, about 7%, than that by the GUM uncertainty framework with consistent results of the concentration.

Graphical Abstract
Comprehensive assessment of TDP-43 neuropathology data in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center database
Authors: Woodworth Davis C. , Nguyen Katelynn M. , Sordo Lorena , Scambray Kiana A. , Head Elizabeth , Kawas Claudia H. , Corrada María M. , Nelson Peter T. , Sajjadi S. Ahmad
Published: June 2024

TDP-43 proteinopathy is a salient neuropathologic feature in a subset of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP), in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS-TDP), and in limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathologic change (LATE-NC), and is associated with hippocampal sclerosis of aging (HS-A). We examined TDP-43-related pathology data in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) in two parts: (I) availability of assessments, and (II) associations with clinical diagnoses and other neuropathologies in those with all TDP-43 measures available. Part I: Of 4326 participants with neuropathology data collected using forms that included TDP-43 assessments, data availability was highest for HS-A (97%) and ALS (94%), followed by FTLD-TDP (83%). Regional TDP-43 pathologic assessment was available for 77% of participants, with hippocampus the most common region. Availability for the TDP-43-related measures increased over time, and was higher in centers with high proportions of participants with clinical FTLD. Part II: In 2142 participants with all TDP-43-related assessments available, 27% of participants had LATE-NC, whereas ALS-TDP or FTLD-TDP (ALS/FTLD-TDP) was present in 9% of participants, and 2% of participants had TDP-43 related to other pathologies (“Other TDP-43”). HS-A was present in 14% of participants, of whom 55% had LATE-NC, 20% ASL/FTLD-TDP, 3% Other TDP-43, and 23% no TDP-43. LATE-NC, ALS/FTLD-TDP, and Other TDP-43, were each associated with higher odds of dementia, HS-A, and hippocampal atrophy, compared to those without TDP-43 pathology. LATE-NC was associated with higher odds for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) clinical diagnosis, AD neuropathologic change (ADNC), Lewy bodies, arteriolosclerosis, and cortical atrophy. ALS/FTLD-TDP was associated with higher odds of clinical diagnoses of primary progressive aphasia and behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia, and cortical/frontotemporal lobar atrophy. When using NACC data for TDP-43-related analyses, researchers should carefully consider the incomplete availability of the different regional TDP-43 assessments, the high frequency of participants with ALS/FTLD-TDP, and the presence of other forms of TDP-43 pathology.
Approximation Algorithms for the Two-Watchman Route in a Simple Polygon
Authors: Nilsson Bengt J. , Packer Eli
Published: June 2024

The two-watchman route problem is that of computing a pair of closed tours in an environment so that the two tours together see the whole environment and some length measure on the two tours is minimized. Two standard measures are: the minmax measure, where we want the tours where the longest of them has smallest length, and the minsum measure, where we want the tours for which the sum of their lengths is the smallest. It is known that computing a minmax two-watchman route is NP-hard for simple rectilinear polygons and thus also for simple polygons. Also, any c-approximation algorithm for the minmax two-watchman route is automatically a 2c-approximation algorithm for the minsum two-watchman route. We exhibit two constant factor approximation algorithms for computing minmax two-watchman routes in simple polygons with approximation factors 5.969 and 11.939, having running times $$O(n^8)$$

O
(

n
8

)

and $$O(n^4)$$

O
(

n
4

)

respectively, where n is the number of vertices of the polygon. We also use the same techniques to obtain a 6.922-approximation for the fixed two-watchman route problem running in $$O(n^2)$$

O
(

n
2

)

time, i.e., when two starting points of the two tours are given as input.
De-risking green energy from mine waters by developing a robust hydrogeological conceptual model of the UK Geoenergy Observatory in Glasgow
Authors: Gonzalez Quiros Andres , MacAllister Donald John , MacDonald Alan , Palumbo-Roe Barbara , Bearcock Jenny , Ó Dochartaigh Brighid , Callaghan Eileen , Kearsey Tim , Walker-Verkuil Kyle , Monaghan Alison
Published: June 2024

Mine-water geothermal resources have potential to provide low-carbon heating and cooling in many areas; however, this potential has not been fully realised due to technical, economic and policy challenges. The UK Geoenergy Observatory (UKGEOS) in Glasgow was developed to provide an at-scale research facility designed to help de-risk mine-water geothermal usage. The limited knowledge of the hydrogeological systems altered by former mining activities is a key determinant of the long-term sustainability of water and heat abstraction/reinjection. This work presents a hydrogeological conceptual model developed using groundwater monitoring data obtained during the construction of the Observatory between 2020 and 2022, results from initial pumping tests performed in 2020, and results of hydrochemistry analysis from 25 sampling rounds collected between 2019 and 2022. The analysis of the data provides evidence of the dominant role of mine workings in controlling groundwater flow, with high intra-mine connectivity; increased fracturing in sandstones above mine workings; and limited inter-mine connectivity. Groundwater recharge is meteoric, mean residence times are >50 years, and there is a general upwards circulation from the deeper mine levels to the superficial deposits and the River Clyde. Faults play a significant role in limiting the extent of the highly transmissive mine workings, but there remains uncertainty surrounding the role of the faults in connecting different mine workings and their hydraulic behaviour in nonmined units. The conceptual model, that will be refined as new data become available, will be used to help guide monitoring and sampling programs and plan research activities in the Observatory.
Ornamental fish in the South African pet shop trade: potential risk to natural aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Vezi Madonna S. , Downs Colleen T. , Zengeya Tsungai A.
Published: June 2024

The aquarium pet trade is one of the leading pathways for the introduction of invasive species into natural ecosystems. In 2018, we surveyed pet shops across South Africa to obtain a checklist of ornamental fish species in the aquarium pet shop trade and to assess their invasion potential using sourced data (e.g., natural environment, native range, introduction status, impact status and climatic zone). We evaluated selected common aquarium fish species with high invasion potential according to previous invasion history. We highlighted the need for the development of a management strategy for the aquarium pet trade in South Africa. We identified 312 fish species belonging to 77 families and 182 genera. Most pet shops were in Gauteng Province (n = 38), with few in Limpopo Province (n = 3). Gauteng had the highest number of fish species (n = 271), while North West Province had the lowest number (n = 95). Pet shops were dominated by freshwater species (68%), followed by marine species (22%), while the origin of 30 species (10%) was transitional aquatic ecosystems. Most freshwater taxa were native to South America and Asia, while most marine species were from the Pacific and Indo-Pacific Oceans. Most (88%) species were tropical, 10% subtropical, and 1% temperate. Several (n = 28) species had more than 50% frequency of occurrence, representing the most popular ornamental fishes. Several (n = 13) species are invasive in South Africa and other parts of the world. The system of importation of ornamental fish in South Africa is not clear. Although there is a recommendation that these importations must be regulated according to the whitelist and blacklist in South Africa, it is not clear how this is implemented in practice. We demonstrated a high risk of alien fish species introduction in South Africa through the aquarium pet shop trade.
Understanding the adoption and usage of gamified web tools by K-12 teachers in Turkey: A structural equation model
Authors: Bayrak Ceren , Liman-Kaban Aysegül
Published: June 2024

The primary objective of this research is to elucidate the factors influencing the acceptance and use of gamified web tools among K-12 teachers in Turkey, according to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT, Venkatesh et al., 2003). The study employed a causal research design, which allowed for the investigation of cause-and-effect relationships between the variables. To analyze the collected data, both simple and multiple linear regressions, along with a structural equation model (SEM), were employed. The results of the analysis indicated that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence exerted positive effects on teachers’ behavioral intention to use gamified web tools. Additionally, behavioral intention and facilitating conditions demonstrated positive influences on the actual usage duration of these tools. The UTAUT constructs, namely performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions, were treated as independent variables in this study. The research findings revealed a negative correlation between performance expectancy and teachers’ behavioural intention to adopt and accept gamification as an instructional tool in education. However, the study also identified a positive relationship between effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and teachers’ behavioural intention to adopt and accept gamification. Furthermore, the study’s results suggest that the organizational variable exhibits a significant relationship with teachers’ behavioural intention to embrace and accept gamification as a teaching tool in education.
IDaTPA: importance degree based thread partitioning approach in thread level speculation
Authors: Yuxiang Li , Zhiyong Zhang , Xinyong Wang , Shuaina Huang , Yaning Su
Published: June 2024

As an auto-parallelization technique with the level of thread on multi-core, Thread-Level Speculation (TLS) which is also called Speculative Multithreading (SpMT), partitions programs into multiple threads and speculatively executes them under conditions of ambiguous data and control dependence. Thread partitioning approach plays a key role to the performance enhancement in TLS. The existing heuristic rules-based approach (HR-based approach) which is an one-size-fits-all strategy, can not guarantee to achieve the satisfied thread partitioning. In this paper, an importancedegree basedthreadpartitioningapproach (IDaTPA) is proposed to realize the partition of irregular programs into multithreads. IDaTPA implements biasing partitioning for every procedure with a machine learning method. It mainly includes: constructing sample set, expression of knowledge, calculation of similarity, prediction model and the partition of the irregular programs is performed by the prediction model. Using IDaTPA, the subprocedures in unseen irregular programs can obtain their satisfied partition. On a generic SpMT processor (called Prophet) to perform the performance evaluation for multithreaded programs, the IDaTPA is evaluated and averagely delivers a speedup of 1.80 upon a 4-core processor. Furthermore, in order to obtain the portability evaluation of IDaTPA, we port IDaTPA to 8-core processor and obtain a speedup of 2.82 on average. Experiment results show that IDaTPA obtains a significant speedup increasement and Olden benchmarks respectively deliver a 5.75% performance improvement on 4-core and a 6.32% performance improvement on 8-core, and SPEC2020 benchmarks obtain a 38.20% performance improvement than the conventional HR-based approach.
Theranostic nanoparticles ZIF-8@ICG for pH/NIR-responsive drug-release and NIR-guided chemo-phototherapy against non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Lu Kaiming , Pan Xiongfeng , Zheng Jinyu , Cheng Dezhi , Zheng Liangcheng , Zhang Xinbo
Published: June 2024

This study leverages nanotechnology by encapsulating indocyanine green (ICG) and paclitaxel (Tax) using zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 (ZIF-8) as a scaffold. This study aims to investigate the chemo-photothermal therapeutic potential of ZIF-8@ICG@Tax nanoparticles (NPs) in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). An “all-in-one” theranostic ZIF-8@ICG@Tax NPs was conducted by self-assembly based on electrostatic interaction. First, the photothermal effect, stability, pH responsiveness, drug release, and blood compatibility of ZIF-8@ICG@Tax were evaluated through in vitro testing. Furthermore, the hepatic and renal toxicity of ZIF-8@ICG@Tax were assessed through in vivo testing. Additionally, the anticancer effects of these nanoparticles were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Uniform and stable chemo-photothermal ZIF-8@ICG@Tax NPs had been successfully synthesized and had outstanding drug releasing capacities. Moreover, ZIF-8@ICG@Tax NPs showed remarkable responsiveness dependent both on pH in the tumor microenvironment and NIR irradiation, allowing for targeted drug delivery and controlled drug release. NIR irradiation can enhance the tumor cell response to ZIF-8@ICG@Tax uptake, thereby promoting the anti-tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. ZIF-8@ICG@Tax and NIR irradiation have demonstrated remarkable synergistic anti-tumor growth properties compared to their individual components. This novel theranostic chemo-photothermal NPs hold great potential as a viable treatment option for NSCLC.

Graphical Abstract
Tolerability and Safety of Large-Volume Hyaluronidase-Facilitated Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin 10% Administered with or without Dose Ramp-Up: A Phase 1 Study in Healthy Participants
Authors: Li Zhaoyang , Nagy Andras , Lindner Dirk , Duff Kim , Garcia Enrique , Ay Hakan , Rondon Juan Carlos , Yel Leman
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Facilitated subcutaneous immunoglobulin (fSCIG; immune globulin infusion 10% [human] with recombinant human hyaluronidase [rHuPH20]) permits high-volume subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) infusion, shorter infusion times and reduced dosing frequency relative to conventional SCIG. It is initiated by gradually increasing infusion volumes over time (dose ramp-up) to achieve target dose level (TDL). Whether ramp-up strategies have tolerability or safety advantages over direct initiation at full TDL has not been evaluated clinically.

Methods

This phase 1 open-label study assessed tolerability and safety of fSCIG 10% with accelerated or no ramp-up compared with conventional ramp-up in healthy adults (NCT04578535). Participants were assigned to one of the three ramp-up arms to achieve TDLs of 0.4 or 1.0 g/kg/infusion. The primary endpoint was the proportion of infusions completed without interruption or infusion rate reduction owing to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Safety was assessed as a secondary endpoint.

Results

Of 51 participants enrolled, 50 (98.0%) tolerated all fSCIG 10% infusions initiated (n = 174). Infusion rate was reduced in one participant owing to headache in the 0.4 g/kg/infusion conventional ramp-up arm. Study discontinuations were higher in the no ramp-up arm (70%) versus the conventional (0%) and accelerated (22%) arms at the 1.0 g/kg/infusion TDL. Safety outcomes did not substantially differ between treatment arms.

Conclusion

The favorable tolerability and safety profiles of fSCIG 10% in healthy participants support initiating treatment with fSCIG 10% with accelerated ramp-up at TDLs up to 1.0 g/kg. Data support no ramp-up at TDLs close to 0.4 g/kg but additional data are needed for higher doses.
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency from a Homozygous DNA Ligase 1 Mutant with Reduced Catalytic Activity but Increased Ligation Fidelity
Authors: Alajlan Huda , Raducanu Vlad-Stefan , Lopez de los Santos Yossef , Tehseen Muhammad , Alruwaili Hibah , Al-Mazrou Amer , Mohammad Reem , Al-Alwan Monther , De Biasio Alfredo , Merzaban Jasmeen S. , Al-Mousa Hamoud , Hamdan Samir M. , Alazami Anas M.
Published: June 2024

A cell’s ability to survive and to evade cancer is contingent on its ability to retain genomic integrity, which can be seriously compromised when nucleic acid phosphodiester bonds are disrupted. DNA Ligase 1 (LIG1) plays a key role in genome maintenance by sealing single-stranded nicks that are produced during DNA replication and repair. Autosomal recessive mutations in a limited number of individuals have been previously described for this gene. Here we report a homozygous LIG1 mutation (p.A624T), affecting a universally conserved residue, in a patient presenting with leukopenia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, pan-hypogammaglobulinemia, and diminished in vitro response to mitogen stimulation. Patient fibroblasts expressed normal levels of LIG1 protein but exhibited impaired growth, poor viability, high baseline levels of gamma-H2AX foci, and an enhanced susceptibility to DNA-damaging agents. The mutation reduced LIG1 activity by lowering its affinity for magnesium 2.5-fold. Remarkably, it also increased LIG1 fidelity > 50-fold against 3’ end 8-Oxoguanine mismatches, exhibiting a marked reduction in its ability to process such nicks. This is expected to yield increased ss- and dsDNA breaks. Molecular dynamic simulations, and Residue Interaction Network studies, predicted an allosteric effect for this mutation on the protein loops associated with the LIG1 high-fidelity magnesium, as well as on DNA binding within the adenylation domain. These dual alterations of suppressed activity and enhanced fidelity, arising from a single mutation, underscore the mechanistic picture of how a LIG1 defect can lead to severe immunological disease.
Person, Property, Relationships: A Cont(r)actual View
Authors: Croce Mariano , Swennen Frederik
Published: June 2024

This article challenges the long-standing boundary that separates human beings from non-human entities, whether animate or inanimate. In doing so, it engages with the jurisprudential strands that debate the transformative power of law in moving towards a fuller recognition of human relations with non-human entities. To this end, the article first examines the legal theoretical strategies that scholars have so far developed to overcome the dichotomous vision that pits humans against non-humans. It then argues for a new model of understanding property, called cont(r)actualisation, which seeks to reconfigure existing strategies. It makes the case that the legal categories of person and object should be brought together under the overarching heading of ‘legal entity’. Rather than being built around humans as persons/subjects and non-human entities as objects/objects, law should be built around the contingent points of contact between particular entities in a particular web of relations. In this way, the article advances a view that does justice to how these entities contribute to what human beings are and do.
MG132 dramatically reduces SAA expression in chicken hepatocellular carcinoma cells at the transcript level independent of its endogenous promoter
Authors: Paul Nora-Fabienne , Gustmann Karolin , Tetens Jens , Falker-Gieske Clemens
Published: June 2024

Background

MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, is widely used to inhibit nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activity by proteasome-mediated degradation of IκB. It has been marketed as a specific, reversible, cell-permeable and low-cost inhibitor. However, adverse effects of the compound have been reported in the literature. We recently discovered and characterised a point mutation in the acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) in chickens, by overexpressing the protein in chicken hepatocellular carcinoma (LMH) cells. This serine to arginine exchange at amino acid position 90 (SAA.R90S) leads to intra- and extracellular accumulation of SAA, which is surprisingly counteracted by MG132 treatment, independent of SAA’s intrinsic promoter.

Methods and Results

To test, whether low proteasomal degradation of SAA.R90S is responsible for the observed intra- and extracellular SAA accumulation, we intended to inhibit the proteasome in SAA wild type (SAA.WT) overexpressing cells with MG132. However, we observed an unexpected drastic decrease in SAA protein expression at the transcript level. NF-κB gene expression was unchanged by MG132 at the measured time point.

Conclusions

The observed results demonstrate that MG132 inhibits SAA expression at the transcript level, independent of its endogenous promoter. Further, the data might indicate that NF-κB is not involved in the observed MG132-induced inhibition of SAA expression. We, consequently, question in this brief report whether MG132 should truly be categorised as a specific ubiquitin proteasome inhibitor and recommend the usage of alternative compounds.
A novel methylation signature predicts extreme long-term survival in glioblastoma
Authors: Decraene Brecht , Coppens Grégoire , Spans Lien , Solie Lien , Sciot Raf , Vanden Bempt Isabelle , De Smet Frederik , De Vleeschouwer Steven
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor with a dismal prognosis of less than 2 years under maximal therapy. Despite the poor prognosis, small fractions of GBM patients seem to have a markedly longer survival than the vast majority of patients. Recently discovered intertumoral heterogeneity is thought to be responsible for this peculiarity, although the exact underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the epigenetic contribution to survival.

Methods

GBM treatment-naïve samples from 53 patients, consisting of 12 extremely long-term survivors (eLTS) patients and 41 median-term survivors (MTS) patients, were collected for DNA methylation analysis. 865 859 CpG sites were examined and processed for detection of differentially methylated CpG positions (DMP) and regions (DMR) between both survival groups. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway functional annotations were used to identify associated biological processes. Verification of these findings was done using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

Results

We identified 67 DMPs and 5 DMRs that were associated with genes and pathways - namely reduced interferon beta signaling, in MAPK signaling and in NTRK signaling - which play a role in survival in GBM.

Conclusion

In conclusion, baseline DNA methylation differences already present in treatment-naïve GBM samples are part of genes and pathways that play a role in the survival of these tumor types and therefore may explain part of the intrinsic heterogeneity that determines prognosis in GBM patients.
Consequences of a 2-Deoxyglucose Exposure on the ATP Content and the Cytosolic Glucose Metabolism of Cultured Primary Rat Astrocytes
Authors: Harders Antonia Regina , Watermann Patrick , Karger Gabriele , Denieffe Sadhbh Cynth , Weller Alina , Dannemann Annika Carina , Willker Johanna Elisabeth , Köhler Yvonne , Arend Christian , Dringen Ralf
Published: June 2024

The glucose analogue 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) has frequently been used as a tool to study cellular glucose uptake and to inhibit glycolysis. Exposure of primary cultured astrocytes to 2DG caused a time- and concentration-dependent cellular accumulation of 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate (2DG6P) that was accompanied by a rapid initial decline in cellular ATP content. Inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration as well as inhibitors of mitochondrial uptake of pyruvate and activated fatty acids accelerated the ATP loss, demonstrating that mitochondrial ATP regeneration contributes to the partial maintenance of the ATP content in 2DG-treated astrocytes. After a 30 min exposure to 10 mM 2DG the specific content of cellular 2DG6P had accumulated to around 150 nmol/mg, while cellular ATP was lowered by 50% to around 16 nmol/mg. Following such a 2DG6P-loading of astrocytes, glycolytic lactate production from applied glucose was severely impaired during the initial 60 min of incubation, but was reestablished during longer incubation concomitant with a loss in cellular 2DG6P content. In contrast to glycolysis, the glucose-dependent NADPH regeneration via the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) was only weakly affected in 2DG6P-loaded astrocytes and in cells that were coincubated with glucose in the presence of an excess of 2DG. Additionally, in the presence of 2DG PPP-dependent WST1 reduction was found to have doubled compared to hexose-free control incubations, indicating that cellular 2DG6P can serve as substrate for NADPH regeneration by the astrocytic PPP. The data presented provide new insights on the metabolic consequences of a 2DG exposure on the energy and glucose metabolism of astrocytes and demonstrate the reversibility of the inhibitory potential of a 2DG-treatment on the glucose metabolism of cultured astrocytes.
Root carboxylate release is common in phosphorus-limited forest ecosystems in China: using leaf manganese concentration as a proxy
Authors: Yan Li , Tang Dan , Pang Jiayin , Lambers Hans
Published: June 2024

Background and aims

Certain plant species release root carboxylates in response to phosphorus (P) limitation; however, the prevalence of root exudate release in species in P-limited forest ecosystems remains unexplored due to challenges in field assessment.

Methods

Manganese (Mn) accumulation in mature leaves can indicate the presence of root carboxylate exudates in rhizosphere soil. To account for environmental factors such as soil pH, a negative reference species that does not release carboxylates is used for comparison. In this study, we assessed multiple forest stands across soil types and different levels of P availability in northern (Gansu) and southern (Guangxi) China. Leaf and soil samples were collected from 188 plant families representing various life forms, and leaf Mn concentration ([Mn]) was analyzed as a proxy for root carboxylate exudation patterns, using Dryopteridaceae as a negative reference.

Results

The results supported our hypotheses that leaf [Mn] was higher in P-limited forests of southern China compared to P-richer forests of northern China, even though the soil [Mn] was higher in the forests of northern China. Additionally, we observed a higher prevalence of species with high leaf [Mn] across various plant families in Guangxi (82%) than in Gansu (42%).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a potential common strategy among plants in Guangxi forests, where root exudates are released in response to P limitation, possibly due to ineffective mycorrhizal symbiosis for nutrient acquisition. The diverse forest systems in China exhibit varying soil P availability, leading to the evolution of plant species with distinct P-acquisition strategies.
Climate migration and well-being: a study on ex-pastoralists in northern Kenya
Authors: van Duijne Robbin Jan , Ogara Dinah , Keeton Rachel , Reckien Diana
Published: June 2024

As the impacts of climate change intensify globally, scholars and policymakers are increasingly interested in determining the factors that lead to the success or failure of climate adaptation strategies. This paper investigates the well-being outcomes of ex-pastoralists in northern Kenya who have migrated to towns in response to severe droughts. Focusing on Marsabit Town, the study employs a comparative design with primary survey data to analyze the well-being outcomes resulting from migration as an adaptation strategy. We contrast two heterogeneous groups of former pastoralists: a “settled group” that was already residing in Marsabit Town before ending their pastoral activities and a “migrant group” that relocated to Marsabit Town at the time of abandoning pastoralism. Our analysis reveals significant differences in well-being outcomes between these groups, with the migrant group often experiencing deterioration in their well-being levels. Key predictors of poorer well-being outcomes include the loss of all livestock, informal housing, and failure to transition into agricultural work, which often results in dependence on casual labor. Additionally, many migrants continue to experience poor subjective well-being—referring to their personal satisfaction with the quality of life—years after their livelihood transition. These insights offer a nuanced understanding of the well-being outcomes of migration-as-adaptation among heterogeneous groups of ex-pastoralists and underscore the need for customized livelihood support strategies for the most at-risk populations.
A Composite Inter-Temporal Economic Insecurity Index
Authors: Gallo Alessandro , Pacei Silvia , Ferrante Maria Rosaria
Published: June 2024

Interest in the study of economic insecurity has grown in recent years. However, the ongoing debate about how to measure it remains unresolved. On the assumption that economic insecurity is related both to the forward-looking perception of future outcomes based on past experience and to the perception of one’s own situation compared to others in the present, we propose a class of objective individual composite inter-temporal indices of economic insecurity. The indices are obtained by combining two components, one longitudinal and one cross-sectional. In order to combine the two components, we propose a novel method that takes advantage of the availability of subjective self-assessments of one’s own economic conditions. The composite inter-temporal index is applied to the European Union-Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) Longitudinal Dataset, encompassing a selection of European countries. Our analysis shows that the proposed class provides new insights into individual perceptions of well-being that are not captured by poverty and inequality measures. It also provides individual measures that can be used to study the relationship between economic insecurity and other phenomena.