bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity: Updates on Potential Molecular Mechanism
Authors: Jung Da Jung
Published: October 2022

Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin), platinum compound, is an anti-cancer agent currently used for the treatment of a number of human solid cancers. It irreversibly reacts with DNA to form an interconnection between guanine-group helices, resulting in cell death. Furthermore, it is also associated with numerous adverse effects such as nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity. Hearing loss due to cisplatin ototoxicity is usually permanent and bilateral. Many studies have been conducted on the ototoxicity of cisplatin, however, its pathology and treatment have not been fully elucidated. Studies have reported that cisplatin inhibits the action of adenylate cyclase in the stria vascularis, and hearing loss occurs due to a decrease in the receptor current of the outer hair cells. In addition, it has been reported that morphological changes in the inner ear include changes in outer hair cells and abnormal findings in the supporting cells of the organ of Corti and Reissner’s membrane. Oxidative stress is known to be the main cause of ototoxicity. In addition, it has recently been suggested that inflammation may trigger inner ear cell death through autophagy, necrosis, and endogenous apoptosis. In this review, we intend to provide a basis for the prevention strategy of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by revealing its molecular targets and intracellular pathways.
Unequal Adjustments: The Effect of “Unequal Englishes” on the Adjustment of 7th Grade Students to a STEM High School and its Implications on the STEM Curriculum
Authors: Ubanos Filbert Joseph
Published: October 2022

Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE), however effective for English learning, may have a negative effect on students’ English proficiency over time. This could also increase the difficulty for students transitioning to STEM-based high schools that prioritize a more English-oriented pedagogy. It may lead to “Unequal Englishes'', where social class affects English skills. Current studies lack an in-depth discussion on the effect of "Unequal Englishes'' on students’ adjustment to an English-oriented curriculum. Through interview and content analysis, data was collected to analyze the students’ adjustment period and methods to ease their transition to an English-oriented pedagogy. The students had different levels of English demonstrating “Unequal Englishes” and experienced challenges due to limited vocabulary. Increased exposure to English and online sources aided in understanding technical English words. STEM-based schools worldwide that use an English-oriented pedagogy can use the results to create an English curriculum more inclusive, fair, and liberating for all students.
Factors affecting nursing and health technician students' satisfaction with distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco: a descriptive study
Authors: Naciri Aziz , Radid Mohamed , Achbani Abderrahmane , Baba Mohamed Amine , Kharbach Ahmed , Chemsi Ghizlane
Published: October 2022

Purpose: Distance learning describes any learning based on the use of new multimedia technologies and the internet to allow students to acquire new knowledge and skills at a distance. This study aimed to determine satisfaction levels with distance learning and associated factors among nursing and health technician students during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Morocco.Methods: An descriptive study was conducted between April and June 2022 among nursing and health technician students using a self-administered instrument. The student satisfaction questionnaire consists of 24 questions categorized into 6 subscales: instructor, technology, course setup, interaction, outcomes, and overall satisfaction. It was based on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with student satisfaction during distance learning.Results: A total of 330 students participated in this study, and 176 students (53.3%) were satisfied with the distance learning activities. A mean score higher than 2.8 out of 5 was obtained for all subscales. Multiple regression analysis showed that students’ year of study (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28–4.27) and internet quality (aOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.29–0.77) were the significant factors associated with students’ satisfaction during distance learning.Conclusion: This study highlights the satisfaction level of students and factors that influenced it during distance learning. A thorough understanding of student satisfaction with digital environments will contribute to the successful implementation of distance learning devices in nursing.
Gender and Age Differences in the Use of Language Learning Strategies by Junior and Senior High School Students
Authors: Ahsanah Finaty
Published: October 2022

In learning English as a foreign language, language learning strategies (LLS) is undoubtedly important. Therefore, most of language learners need to employ LLS in learning language effectively. However, LLS have a uniqueness that is each learner may employ LLS differently and it usually depends on some factors. The factors which usually affect LLS preferences among others are motivation, socioeconomic status, parental support, age, gender, etc. This current study tries to explore this phenomenon by administering Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) to 118 participants, consisted of 66 junior high school students and 52 senior high school students in Paciran, East Java. It is used for measuring the strategies that is used by the language learners in learning English.  Interview is also administered as the supporting data to gain the missing information which cannot be obtained from the SILL. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between male and female students in LLS preferences whereas there was a statistically significant difference between younger and older learners in employing LLS; the young learners tended to use LLS more frequent than the older. Therefore, it can be strongly assumed that the age factor is more important than the gender factor in terms of the LLS preferences. Since, this current study showed that both male and female language learners tend to employ LLS in the same frequency level.
Integrating the 4Cs into EFL Integrated Skills Learning
Authors: Pardede Parlindungan
Published: October 2022

The accelerative globalization and digitalization in the 21st century have been growingly changing the way we live, interact, learn and work. Consequently, to thrive in the 21st century, besides knowledge and the basic skills, today’s students should also be equipped with what is called the 4Cs (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity). To meet the challenges, EFL classrooms should not merely focus on students’ language skills development but also integrate the 4Cs into the learning process. This article reviews current ideas and research findings on integrated skills learning, the 4Cs, significance of blended learning in the 4Cs and integrated skills the integration, and offers practical tips for integrating the 4Cs into integrated skills learning.
An Analysis of Learning Styles and Learning Strategies Used by a Successful Language Learner
Authors: Salam Urai , Sukarti  , Arifin Zainal
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to describe major learning styles and learning strategies used by a research subject from four years of a college student of English Education Study Program. It was a qualitative study and conducted through a case study design. The subject was a successful four years college student. The data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documents. Two questionnaires were administered, Perceptual Learning Style Preferences Questionnaire (PLSPQ) to determine the student learning style preferences, whereas, Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) to determine the student learning strategies. A semi-structured interview was applied to gain the primary data, while, the document was provided to support it. The results revealed that the successful language learner performed two major learning styles proposed by Reid (1984), i.e. visual, in which the subject learns best by reading and taking notes; and the individual, in which the subject learns better individually. Subsequently, the subject uses two major learning strategies proposed by Oxford (1990). The first learning strategy is the cognitive strategy includes practicing along with receiving and sending messages. The second strategy is the compensation strategy includes guessing intelligently in listening and reading and overcoming limitations in speaking and writing.
An Investigation of the Impact of Concurrent Group Dynamic Assessment on EFL Learners’ Achievement of Phrasal Verbs at Productive Level
Authors: Moghadam Fatemeh Sadat Alavi , Farahani Fatemeh
Published: October 2022

The present study aimed at investigating the impact of the concurrent group dynamic assessment on the learning of phrasal verbs at a productive level. The participants of the study were 30 EFL learners at an intermediate level of language proficiency. The participants’ productive knowledge of the phrasal verbs was measured before and after the treatment through a researcher-made test including 80 items. For the purpose of the study, paired and independent samples t-test were utilized. Results of statistical analyses indicated that concurrent group dynamic assessment was significantly effective in the achievement of phrasal verbs at a productive level. Moreover, it was found that no significant difference existed in the concurrent group dynamic assessment in terms of the achievement of phrasal verbs at a productive level.
Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions on their Identity as Future EFL Teachers
Authors: Mbato Concilianus Laos , Wijaya Kristian Florensio
Published: October 2022

To be professional EFL teachers in the future, pre-service teachers should continuously construct their identities amid various obstacles and difficulties they confront in their working circumstances. This study attempted to investigate undergraduate students’ perceptions of their identity as future teachers. One research problem was proposed in this study namely: What are the factors influencing pre-service teachers to develop their teacher identity through Micro Teaching Class? This study applied qualitative method harnessing three research instruments i.e., classroom survey, students’ reflections on their future teaching vocation, and interview to gather the data from Micro Teaching Class of the English Education Study Program, Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta. The findings indicated that most pre-service EFL teachers studying in Micro Teaching Class were willing to nurture their identities as future educators as long as extensive supports given to them. Future researchers need to conduct more intensive studies on the relationship between agency and resilience influencing pre-service EFL teachers’ professional identity development.
Teachers' Beliefs about Language Teaching and Learning
Authors: Nureldeen Waleed
Published: October 2022

The role of teaching materials in ELT has usually been a controversial issue in terms of what type of materials teachers should use and how important these materials are to language teaching and learning. This controversy got heated by the advent of calls for material-light classrooms and using teachers and learners as resources to liberate ELT from the ‘tyranny’ of course books. Nevertheless, these calls remain to carry a relatively little weight in mainstream ESL/EFL teacher education circles. They are communicated to teachers and educators, mainly through professional development arenas. Since we know very little about what attitudes teachers hold to these calls, we cannot assess their magnitude and influence. This article investigates Egyptian EFL teachers' beliefs pertaining to the tenets of Dogme (i.e., an approach that advocates material-free English language teaching)  in relation to teachers' gender, years of experience, and the age group they teach, intending to explore the variable(s) that may influence beliefs about Dogme. Data were collected from 70 Egyptian EFL teachers using a questionnaire. Quantitative analysis of data revealed that generally, there is no significant relationship between teachers' beliefs about Dogme and the variables mentioned above.
Secondary School Students’ Perception of ICT Use in EFL Classroom
Authors: Pardede Parlindungan
Published: October 2022

Its huge potential to facilitate learning has made information and communication technology (ICT) use grow as one of the main advancements in the education sector in the 21st Century. This study aims at exploring secondary school students’ perceptions of  ICT use in the EFL classroom. To achieve the objective, 197 students in 15 secondary schools located in Jakarta, Depok, and Bekasi were surveyed using a questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed employing the descriptive analysis technique. The results showed that the participants’ perception was positive and high in some dimensions of ICT use in learning but low in one dimension. Positive and high perceptions were found in (1) the potentials of ICT use to increase learning interest and motivation; (2) the impacts of ICT use in learning; (3) ICT educational values; and (4) ICT use self-efficacy. It was also found that the participants used ICT more frequently for entertainment and socio-economic purposes than for learning activities. Finally, a majority of the participants thought taking formal ICT training to enable them to effectively use ICT in learning is not necessary.
Factors Influencing Indonesian EFL Learners’ Willingness to Speak English in Classrooms
Authors: Azwar Taufik Akbar , Harahap Alamsyah , Azwandi
Published: October 2022

In the current second language pedagogy, understanding factors that contribute to learners’ willingness to speak English in classrooms is fundamental for teachers. The aims of this present study are (1) to find out the extent to which Indonesian EFL learners are willing to speak English in classrooms and (2) to investigate the factors that influence their willingness to speak English in classrooms. A descriptive quantitative design was employed in this study. This study involved 91 English learners of the University of Bengkulu. An adapted willingness to speak English questionnaire was used to collect the data. The findings indicate that most of the learners are willing to speak English in classrooms. Furthermore, some factors are found to influence the learners’ willingness to speak, including topic familiarity, topic interest, topic preparation, topic comfort, challenging topic, group size, task familiarity, seating arrangement, gender and age of interlocutor, interlocutor familiarity, fear of making mistakes, and fear of evaluation. Therefore, several pedagogical implications for teachers have been suggested in this study.
Applying Text Feature Walks Strategy in Higher Education to Improve Students’ Critical Reading Comprehension
Authors: Mutiara Ayu
Published: October 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of text feature walks strategy in helping students in higher education to improve their critical reading comprehension through the expository texts. It also explored the feedback from students related to the implementation of Text Feature Walks in the virtual classroom. There were 40 students of English Education Study Program in a private university becoming the sample in this study and they were equally divided into experimental and control groups. To measure their improvement in reading comprehension, all students were given pre- and post reading tests in the form of multiple choice. The data obtained were analyzed by using paired sample and independent sample t-tests. The results of paired sample t-test showed that there was a significant improvement in reading (Md=33.13, p=0.000) in experimental group. In addition, the result of independent sample t-test indicated that there were significant difference in reading (Md=39.70, p=0.000) of both groups.
Synthesis and luminescent properties of strontium aluminates activated with bismuth ions
Authors: Shevchenko Gvidona P. , Bokshyts Yuliya V. , Zhuravkov Viktor A. , Shishko Galina V. , Kovel Ekaterina A.
Published: October 2022

The Bi-activated strontium aluminates SrAl2O4 and Sr3Al2O6 are synthesised by the solid-phase method; their structural phase and spectral-luminescent properties are studied. The possibility of controlling the luminescence spectrum, its intensity and, consequently, the colour characteristics of the samples by changing the composition of the matrix, the nature of the activator and its concentration are shown.
Numerical Dissipation Effects on Detached Eddy Simulation of Turbomachinery Flows
Authors:   Tsinghua University, Tian Cheng , Fu Song ,   Tsinghua University, Jiang Siya ,   Tsinghua University
Published: October 2022

Detached eddy simulation (DES) is a high-resolution method for predicting complex unsteady flows in turbomachinery. Recent researches have shown that in DES the numerical dissipation from the spatial discretization scheme should be limited to a reasonable extent. Through the test-case of decaying isotropic turbulence, the impact of the Roe scheme is assessed with three reconstruction approaches: the 3rd-order MUSCL, the 5th-order WENO, and the 4th-order minimized dispersion and controllable dissipation (MDCD) scheme. From the results, however, even with the least dissipative 4th-order MDCD scheme, the Roe scheme possesses high numerical damping for the small-scale turbulent structures. To further decrease the dissipation, the Roe scheme is modified via an adaptive factor. This adaptive scheme has small dissipation in the LES region to capture multiscale turbulent structures and returns to the original Roe scheme near shock waves to suppress numerical oscillations. The scheme with adaptive dissipation is also used to calculate flows in a centrifugal compressor. The resolution of small vortex structures, such as the tip leakage vortices and the wake vortices, is well improved.
Språkinriktade aktiviteter kan gynna övergången från vardagsspråk till ämnesspråk
Authors: Stolpe Karin
Published: October 2022

Språkinriktade undervisningsaktiviteter i fysik på gymnasiet kan hjälpa lärare att stötta elever när de lär sig ett abstrakt fysikspråk. Lärarna bör då särskilt fokusera på de ord och fraser som binder samman olika fysikaliska begrepp och därmed visar hur begreppen relaterar till varandra. Det visar en avhandling från Malmö högskola.
Orchestrating Ageing - A Field Approach Towards Cultural Disengagement in Later Life
Authors: Gallistl Vera , Parisot Viktoria
Published: October 2022

Despite gerontology’s growing interest in culture, relatively little atten­tion has been given to older adults’ participation in theater. This paper addresses this gap by developing field theory as an analytical tool to conceptualize processes of cultural disengagement in later life. Ten older individuals (60+ years) were invited to investigate their access to three different theater spaces in Vienna. The investigation was documented through participatory observations, qualitative interviews, and photo di­aries. The results highlight three specific sets of rules that are relevant in theater: Rules about 1) the ageing body, 2) mobility, and 3) subjectivities. Furthermore, these rules are age-coded, which means that many of the rules visitors in theaters have to follow to be able to participate in theater are not easily followed by older adults. Finally, this article outlines the potential of field theory for gerontology and highlights the importance of studying processes of cultural disengagement in later life.
Biology and nature: Bionic superhydrophobic surface and principle
Authors: Ge-Zhang Shangjie , Cai Taoyang , Yang Hong , Ding Yuyang , Song Mingbo
Published: October 2022

Nature is the source of human design inspiration. In order to adapt to the environment better, creatures in nature have formed various morphological structures during billions of years of evolution, among which the superhydrophobic characteristics of some animal and plant surface structures have attracted wide attention. At present, the preparation methods of bionic superhydrophobic surface based on the microstructure of animal and plant body surface include vapor deposition, etching modification, sol-gel method, template method, electrostatic spinning method and electrostatic spraying method, etc., which have been used in medical care, military industry, shipping, textile and other fields. Based on nature, this paper expounds the development history of superhydrophobic principle, summarizes the structure and wettability of superhydrophobic surfaces in nature, and introduces the characteristics differences and applications of different superhydrophobic surfaces in detail. Finally, the challenge of bionic superhydrophobic surface is discussed, and the future development direction of this field is prospected.
Increased osteoclastogenesis contributes to bone loss in the Costello syndrome Hras G12V mouse model
Authors: Nandi Sayantan , Chennappan Saravanakkumar , Andrasch Yannik , Fidan Miray , Engler Melanie , Ahmad Mubashir , Tuckermann Jan P. , Zenker Martin , Cirstea Ion Cristian
Published: October 2022

RAS GTPases are ubiquitous GDP/GTP-binding proteins that function as molecular switches in cellular signalling and control numerous signalling pathways and biological processes. Pathogenic mutations in RAS genes severely affect cellular homeostasis, leading to cancer when occurring in somatic cells and developmental disorders when the germline is affected. These disorders are generally termed as RASopathies and among them Costello syndrome (CS) is a distinctive entity that is caused by specific HRAS germline mutations. The majority of these mutations affect residues 12 and 13, the same sites as somatic oncogenic HRAS mutations. The hallmarks of the disease include congenital cardiac anomalies, impaired thriving and growth, neurocognitive impairments, distinctive craniofacial anomalies, and susceptibility to cancer. Adult patients often present signs of premature aging including reduced bone mineral density and osteoporosis. Using a CS mouse model harbouring a Hras G12V germline mutation, we aimed at determining whether this model recapitulates the patients’ bone phenotype and which bone cells are driving the phenotype when mutated. Our data revealed that Hras G12V mutation induces bone loss in mice at certain ages. In addition, we identified that bone loss correlated with an increased number of osteoclasts in vivo and Hras G12V mutations increased osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Last, but not least, mutant osteoclast differentiation was reduced by treatment in vitro with MEK and PI3K inhibitors, respectively. These results indicate that Hras is a novel regulator of bone homeostasis and an increased osteoclastogenesis due to Hras G12V mutation contributes to bone loss in the Costello syndrome.
Triplet state harvesting and search for forbidden transition intensity in the nitrogen molecule
Authors: Minaev B. F , Panchenko O. O , Minaeva V. A , Ågren H
Published: October 2022

Triplet excited states of the N2 molecule play an important role in electric discharges through air or liquid nitrogen accompanied by various afterglows. In the rarefied upper atmosphere, they produce aurora borealis and participate in other energy-transfer processes connected with atmospheric photochemistry and nightglow. In this work, we present spin–orbit coupling calculations of the intensity of various forbidden transitions, including the prediction of the electric dipole transition moment of the new 13Σg−← A3Σu+ band, which is strongly prohibited by the (+|−) selection rule, the new spin-induced magnetic B′3Σu−← A3Σu+ transition, magnetic and electric quadrupole transitions for the B3Πg← X1Σg+ Wilkinson band, and the Lyman–Birge–Hopfield a1Πg ← X1Σg transition. Also, two other far-UV singlet–singlet quadrupole transitions are calculated for the first time, namely, the Dressler–Lutz a"1Σg+–X1Σg+ and the less studied z1Δg–X1Σg+ weak transitions.
Functionality screening to help design effective materials for radioiodine abatement
Authors: Robshaw Thomas J. , Turner Joshua , Tuck Olivia , Pyke Caroline , Kearney Sarah , Simoni Marco , Sharrad Clint A. , Walkley Brant , Ogden Mark D.
Published: October 2022

This paper is part of a growing body of research work looking at the synthesis of an optimal adsorbent for the capture and containment of aqueous radioiodine from nuclear fuel reprocessing waste. 32 metalated commercial ion exchange resins were subjected to a two-tier screening assessment for their capabilities in the uptake of iodide from aqueous solutions. The first stage determined that there was appreciable iodide capacity across the adsorbent range (12–220 mg·g−1). Candidates with loading capacities above 40 mg·g−1were progressed to the second stage of testing, which was a fractional factorial experimental approach. The different adsorbents were treated as discrete variables and concentrations of iodide, co-contaminants and protons (pH) as continuous variables. This gave rise to a range of extreme conditions, which were representative of the industrial challenges of radioiodine abatement. Results were fitted to linear regression models, both for the whole dataset (R2= 59%) and for individual materials (R2= 18–82%). The overall model determined that iodide concentration, nitrate concentration, pH and interactions between these factors had significant influences on the uptake. From these results, the top six materials were selected for project progression, with others discounted due to either poor uptake or noticeable iodide salt precipitation behaviour. These candidates exhibited reasonable iodide uptake in most experimental conditions (average of >20 mg·g−1hydrated mass), comparing favourably with literature values for metallated adsorbents. Ag-loaded Purolite S914 (thiourea functionality) was the overall best-performing material, although some salt precipitation was observed in basic conditions. Matrix effects not withstanding it is recommended that metalated thiourea, bispicolylamine, and aminomethylphosphonic acid functionalized silicas warrant further exploration.
Skeletons, Object Shape, Statistics
Authors: Pizer Stephen M. , Marron J. S. , Damon James N. , Vicory Jared , Krishna Akash , Liu Zhiyuan , Taheri Mohsen
Published: October 2022

Objects and object complexes in 3D, as well as those in 2D, have many possible representations. Among them skeletal representations have special advantages and some limitations. For the special form of skeletal representation called “s-reps,” these advantages include strong suitability for representing slabular object populations and statistical applications on these populations. Accomplishing these statistical applications is best if one recognizes that s-reps live on a curved shape space. Here we will lay out the definition of s-reps, their advantages and limitations, their mathematical properties, methods for fitting s-reps to single- and multi-object boundaries, methods for measuring the statistics of these object and multi-object representations, and examples of such applications involving statistics. While the basic theory, ideas, and programs for the methods are described in this paper and while many applications with evaluations have been produced, there remain many interesting open opportunities for research on comparisons to other shape representations, new areas of application and further methodological developments, many of which are explicitly discussed here.
Sex difference and outcome trends following transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Elbaz-Greener Gabby , Rahamim Eldad , Abu Ghosh Zahi , Carasso Shemy , Yarkoni Merav , Radhakrishnan Sam , Wijeysundera Harindra C. , Igor Tomas , Planer David , Rozen Guy , Amir Offer
Published: October 2022

Background

Based on worldwide registries, approximately 50% of patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are female patients. Although TAVR procedures have improved tremendously in recent years, differences in outcome including mortality between sexes remain. We aimed to investigate the trends in TAVR in the early and new eras of utilization and to assess TAVR outcomes in female patients vs. male patients.

Methods

Using the 2011–2017 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, we identified hospitalizations for patients with the diagnosis of aortic stenosis during which a TAVR was performed. Patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, procedure complications, and mortality were analyzed. Piecewise regression analyses were performed to assess temporal trends in TAVR utilization in female patients and in male patients. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 150,647 hospitalizations for TAVR across the United States were analyzed during 2011–2017. During the study period, a steady upward trend was observed for TAVR procedures in both sexes. From 2011 to 2017, there were significantly more TAVR procedures performed in men [80,477 (53.4%)] than in women [70,170 (46.6%)]. Male patients had significantly higher Deyo-CCI score and comorbidities. Differences in mortality rates among sexes were observed, presenting with higher in-hospital mortality in women than in men, OR 1.26 [95% CI 1.18–1.35], p < 0.001.

Conclusion

Utilization of TAVR demonstrated a steady upward trend during 2011–2017, and a similar trend was presented for both sexes. Higher in-hospital mortality was recorded in female patients compared to male patients. Complication rates decreased over the years but without effect on mortality differences between the sex groups.
Protocol of the evolution study: A prospective, multicenter, observational study evaluating the effect and health economics of endovascular treatment in patients with moderate and severe calcification of femoropopliteal artery
Authors: Pan Jun , Guo Lianrui , Fang Xin , Feng Zibo , Li Qiang , He Chunshui , Sang Hongfei , Shi Weihao , Shi Zhenyu , Wang Bing , Qiu Chenyang , Wu Ziheng , Ye Meng
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Peripheral artery disease with calcification is extremely prevalent in the elderly. Due to the calcification, it requires a different clinical approach than the more common arteriosclerosis obliterans of the lower extremity. The introduction of novel technologies such as the drug-coated balloon, directional atherectomy, supera and drug-eluting stent has improved the prognosis of these patients. This study will contribute to the development of higher-quality evidence-based medicine for clinical treatment by assessing the quality of life (QOL), clinical treatment effect, and health economics of patients with calcification.

Method and analysis

The Evolution study is designed as a prospective, multicenter, observational, real-world study. From January 2021 to December 2022, 600 patients with moderate to severe femoropopliteal artery calcification will be recruited from ten locations in China. After discharge, information on demographics, disease history, procedure details, imaging findings, and follow-up will be collected. Patients will undergo follow-up at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after operation. Technical success rate, vascular quality of life questionnaire, primary patency rate of the target lesion, clinically driven target lesion revascularization rate (CD-TLR), and health economics evaluation are all included as outcome measures.

Conclusions

The Evolution study helps to investigate the clinical and financial results of various endovascular therapy modalities for patients with moderate and severe femoropopliteal artery calcification. These actual facts may help to harmonize therapy recommendations for peripheral artery disease.

Clinical trial registration

The study protocol was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (registration number: NCT04716361).
Application of continuous nursing care based on hierarchical diagnosis and treatment mode in Stage II cardiac rehabilitation of patients after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Dai Zhen-Juan , Zhou Jian-Ying , Xu Shen-Ting , Zhang Jian-Feng , Zhuang Cui-Fang , Gu Pin-Hua
Published: October 2022

Objective

To explore the effect of applying continuous nursing care based on hierarchical diagnosis and treatment in Stage II cardiac rehabilitation of patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and provide a theoretical basis for clinical nursing intervention.

Methods

Patients in PCI postoperative II cardiac rehabilitation were selected and randomly divided into the experimental group (community group), the experimental group (rehabilitation group), and the control group. Patients in the control group received the routine cardiac rehabilitation management scheme, while those in the experimental groups received continuous nursing protocol based on the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment mode. All patients were compared for the cardiac rehabilitation evaluation indexes at discharge and 6 months after discharge.

Results

Compared with the control group, the left ventricular ejection fraction, 6-minute walking distance test, medication compliance, and quality of life were all improved in the two experimental groups, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The improvement in the rehabilitation group was more significant than in the community group. There were more patients with high cardiac rehabilitation compliance in the rehabilitation group than in the community group, with the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Continuous nursing care rehabilitation based on the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment mode can improve the cardiac function of patients after PCI, enhance their quality of life, and improve their rehabilitation and medication compliance, facilitating their cardiac rehabilitation.
Extracellular vesicles in heart failure – A study in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction characteristics undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Matan Dmitri , Mobarrez Fariborz , Löfström Ulrika , Corbascio Matthias , Ekström Mattias , Hage Camilla , Lyngå Patrik , Persson Bengt , Eriksson Maria , Linde Cecilia , Persson Hans , Wallén Håkan
Published: October 2022

Aims

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were investigated as potential biomarkers associated with heart failure (HF) pathophysiology in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery characterized by HF phenotype.

Materials and methods

Patients with preoperative proxy-diagnoses of HF types i.e., preserved (HFpEF; n = 19) or reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; n = 20) were studied and compared to patients with normal left ventricular function (n = 42). EVs in plasma samples collected from the coronary sinus, an arterial line, and from the right atrium were analyzed by flow cytometry. We studied EVs of presumed cardiomyocyte origin [EVs exposing Connexin-43 + Caveolin-3 (Con43 + Cav3) and Connexin-43 + Troponin T (Con43 + TnT)], of endothelial origin [EVs exposing VE-Cadherin (VE-Cad)] and EVs exposing inflammatory markers [myeloperoxidase (MPO) or pentraxin3 (PTX3)].

Results

Median concentrations of EVs exposing Con43 + TnT and Con43 + Cav3 were approximately five to six times higher in coronary sinus compared to radial artery indicative of cardiac release. Patients with HFrEF had high trans-coronary gradients of both Con43 + TnT and Con43 + Cav3 EVs, whereas HFpEF had elevated gradients of Con43 + Cav3 EVs but lower gradients of Con43 + TnT. Coronary sinus concentrations of both Con43 + TnT and Con43 + Cav3 correlated significantly with echocardiographic and laboratory measures of HF. MPO-EV concentrations were around two times higher in the right atrium compared to the coronary sinus, and slightly higher in HFpEF than in HFrEF. EV concentrations of endothelial origin (VE-Cad) were similar in all three patient groups.

Conclusion

Con43 + TnT and Con43 + Cav3 EVs are released over the heart indicating cardiomyocyte origin. In HFrEF the EV release profile is indicative of myocardial injury and myocardial stress with elevated trans-coronary gradients of both Con43 + TnT and Con43 + Cav3 EVs, whereas in HFpEF the profile indicates myocardial stress with less myocardial injury.
On the documentation, independence, and stability of widely used seismological data products
Authors: Rösler Boris , Stein Seth , Hough Susan E.
Published: October 2022

Earthquake scientists have traditionally relied on relatively small data sets recorded on small numbers of instruments. With advances in both instrumentation and computational resources, the big-data era, including an established norm of open data-sharing, allows seismologists to explore important issues using data volumes that would have been unimaginable in earlier decades. Alongside with these developments, the community has moved towards routine production of interpreted data products such as seismic moment tensor catalogs that have provided an additional boon to earthquake science. As these products have become increasingly familiar and useful, it is important to bear in mind that they are not data, but rather interpreted data products. As such, they differ from data in ways that can be important, but not always appreciated. Important - and sometimes surprising - issues can arise if methodology is not fully described, data from multiple sources are included, or data products are not versioned (time-stamped). The line between data and data products is sometimes blurred, leading to an underappreciation of issues that affect data products. This note illustrates examples from two widely used data products: moment tensor catalogs and Did You Feel It? (DYFI) macroseismic intensity values. These examples show that increasing a data product’s documentation, independence, and stability can make it even more useful. To ensure the reproducibility of studies using data products, time-stamped products should be preserved, for example as electronic supplements to published papers, or, ideally, a more permanent repository.
The metabolic conditioning of obesity: A review of the pathogenesis of obesity and the epigenetic pathways that “program” obesity from conception
Authors: Rajamoorthi Ananthi , LeDuc Charles A. , Thaker Vidhu V.
Published: October 2022

Understanding the developmental origins of health and disease is integral to overcome the global tide of obesity and its metabolic consequences, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The rising prevalence of obesity has been attributed, in part, to environmental factors including the globalization of the western diet and unhealthy lifestyle choices. In this review we argue that how and when such exposures come into play from conception significantly impact overall risk of obesity and later health outcomes. While the laws of thermodynamics dictate that obesity is caused by an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure, the drivers of each of these may be laid down before the manifestation of the phenotype. We present evidence over the last half-century that suggests that the temporospatial evolution of obesity from intrauterine life and beyond is, in part, due to the conditioning of physiological processes at critical developmental periods that results in maladaptive responses to obesogenic exposures later in life. We begin the review by introducing studies that describe an association between perinatal factors and later risk of obesity. After a brief discussion of the pathogenesis of obesity, including the systemic regulation of appetite, adiposity, and basal metabolic rate, we delve into the mechanics of how intrauterine, postnatal and early childhood metabolic environments may contribute to adult obesity risk through the process of metabolic conditioning. Finally, we detail the specific epigenetic pathways identified both in preclinical and clinical studies that synergistically “program” obesity.
Hypoxia-driven metabolic reprogramming of adipocytes fuels cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Aird R. , Wills J. , Roby K. F. , Bénézech C. , Stimson R. H. , Wabitsch M. , Pollard J. W. , Finch A. , Michailidou Z.
Published: October 2022

Objective

Obesity increases the risk of certain cancers, especially tumours that reside close to adipose tissue (breast and ovarian metastasis in the omentum). The obesogenic and tumour micro-environment share a common pathogenic feature, oxygen deprivation (hypoxia). Here we test how hypoxia changes the metabolome of adipocytes to assist cancer cell growth.

Methods

Human and mouse breast and ovarian cancer cell lines were co-cultured with human and mouse adipocytes respectively under normoxia or hypoxia. Proliferation and lipid uptake in cancer cells were measured by commercial assays. Metabolite changes under normoxia or hypoxia were measured in the media of human adipocytes by targeted LC/MS.

Results

Hypoxic cancer-conditioned media increased lipolysis in both human and mouse adipocytes. This led to increased transfer of lipids to cancer cells and consequent increased proliferation under hypoxia. These effects were dependent on HIF1α expression in adipocytes, as mouse adipocytes lacking HIF1α showed blunted responses under hypoxic conditions. Targeted metabolomics of the human Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) adipocytes media revealed that culture with hypoxic-conditioned media from non-malignant mammary epithelial cells (MCF10A) can alter the adipocyte metabolome and drive proliferation of the non-malignant cells.

Conclusion

Here, we show that hypoxia in the adipose-tumour microenvironment is the driving force of the lipid uptake in both mammary and ovarian cancer cells. Hypoxia can modify the adipocyte metabolome towards accelerated lipolysis, glucose deprivation and reduced ketosis. These metabolic shifts in adipocytes could assist both mammary epithelial and cancer cells to bypass the inhibitory effects of hypoxia on proliferation and thrive.
Can performance-based budgeting reform improve corporate environment in ESG? Evidence from Chinese-listed firms
Authors: Wang Xueping , Hu Shichao
Published: October 2022

Finance is a pillar industry of national governance. It also provides a solid guarantee for achieving the official Double Carbon target. The question of how to forefront the role of environmental governance in the reform of fiscal and taxation systems, whilst also motivating enterprises to enhance Environment in Environmental, Social, and Governance (EESG) considerations is worth investigating in depth. This study takes A-share listed companies in China from 2001 to 2020 as examples. The effect of Performance-Based Budgeting (PBB) reform on the EESG of these enterprises is empirically examined through quasi-natural experiments using a multi-time difference-in-difference model. We find that PBB significantly optimizes the EESG of the enterprises. The placebo test, the difference-in-difference method, and a series of other robustness tests all support this conclusion. Furthermore, it is suggested that the environmental governance effect of PBB is more significant in areas with heavy financial pressure and stronger government audit. The environmental governance effect of the PBB reform is significant for enterprises with government contracts, strong green innovation capabilities, or high financing constraints. The mechanism test is performed, and the results suggest that the influence mechanism of this environmental governance role lies in the fact that PBB has improved environmental protection subsidies and enhanced fiscal transparency. Through the economic consequences test, we find that enterprise EESG can bring economic benefits to enterprises, which is reflected in the improvement of enterprise return on total assets, price-to-book ratio, and total patent authorization. This study enriches literature on the economic consequences of PBB, and has significance in deepening current fiscal and tax system reform, vigorously optimizing the major strategy of carbon peak and carbon neutrality.
Suitable grazing during the regrowth period promotes plant diversity in winter pastures in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau
Authors: Wei Wanrong , Zhang Yan , Tang Zhongmin , An Shenghui , Zhen Qiaoyan , Qin Mingsen , He Jundong , Oosthuizen Maria K.
Published: October 2022

Vegetation is a crucial component of any ecosystem and to preserve the health and stability of grassland ecosystems, species diversity is important. The primary form of grassland use globally is livestock grazing, hence many studies focus on how plant diversity is affected by the grazing intensity, differential use of grazing time and livestock species. Nevertheless, the impact of the grazing time on plant diversity remains largely unexplored. We performed a field survey on the winter pastures in alpine meadows of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) to examine the effects of grazing time on the vegetation traits. Livestock species, grazing stocking rates and the initiation time of the grazing were similar, but termination times of the grazing differed. The grazing termination time has a significant effect on most of the vegetation traits in the winter pastures. The vegetation height, above-ground biomass, and the Graminoids biomass was negatively related to the grazing termination time in the winter pastures. In contrast, vegetation cover and plant diversity initially increased and subsequently decreased again as the grazing termination time was extended. An extension of the grazing time did not have any effect on the biomass of forbs. Our study is the first to investigate the effects of grazing during the regrowth period on vegetation traits and imply that the plant diversity is mediated by the grazing termination time during the regrowth period in winter pastures. These findings could be used to improve the guidelines for livestock grazing management and policies of summer and winter pasture grazing of family pastures on the QTP from the perspective of plant diversity protection.
Diversification of chiles (Capsicum, Solanaceae) through time and space: New insights from genome-wide RAD-seq data
Authors: Carrizo García Carolina , Barboza Gloria Estela , Palombo Nahuel , Weiss-Schneeweiss Hanna
Published: October 2022

CapsicumL. encompasses 43 American species, including the five domesticated worldwide consumed sweet and hot chiles. This study presents new, updated and age-calibrated phylogenetic hypothesis on the genus evolution incorporating nearly all currently acceptedCapsicumspecies. A new model of spatial diversification ofCapsicumis proposed based on analyses of several thousands of genome-wide RAD-seq derived SNPs. Maximum likelihood approaches were used to reconstruct phylogenies and to estimate dates of all major splits. Ancestral ranges were inferred and diversification events were modeled in a time frame using a Bayesian approach. Nine clades corresponding to genetically and (mostly) geographically well-defined lineages, which diversified starting around mid-upper Miocene, were recovered with strong support. The Northern and Central Andes were inferred to represent the most likely ancestral range of the genusCapsicum.A few early vicariant and dispersal events were estimated to have driven the geographic divergence of the mainCapsicumclades. Each lineage was inferred to have diversified within a distinct region of South America and expanded geographically to different extent. Extant species diversification was inferred to have begun at the beginning of Pliocene and continued through the Pleistocene. The Central Andes, represented mainly by the territory of present-day Bolivia, were proposed to play a central role in the diversification of lineages comprising domesticated capsicums and their wild allies. The genome-wide approach allowed for high resolution and support of deep phylogenetic nodes providing novel insights into the affinities of major lineages and clades as well as on the geographic expansion ofCapsicum.This study provides the first dated evolutionary history of the genus encompassing most of the chile species diversity.