bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal trends and geographic variations in perioperative red blood cell transfusion in major surgical procedures from 2013 to 2018 in China
Authors: Tang Bo , Zhang Yuelun , Xu Xiaohan , Yu Xuerong , Ma Lulu , Huang Yuguang
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

Transfusion‐related guidelines promote restrictive blood transfusion. However, whether these guidelines have been successfully translated into clinical practice in China is unknown. This study aimed to provide updated information about the temporal trends in the prevalence of perioperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in China.

Materials and Methods

We analysed data from the Hospital Quality Monitoring System database (2013–2018) to investigate the prevalence of perioperative RBC transfusion in patients undergoing craniotomy for cerebral aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations, sternotomy for mitral valve replacement, open thoracotomy lobectomy, open gastrectomy and hip arthroplasty. Mixed‐effects logistic regression models quantified the likelihood of RBC transfusions.

Results

The study included 438,183 patients, with 44,697 (10.20%) receiving perioperative RBC transfusions. Introducing transfusion‐related guidelines in China markedly decreased the prevalence of RBC transfusion among patients who underwent major surgical procedures in the following years. The prevalence of RBC transfusion for hip arthroplasty was 17.34% in 2013 and 7.03% in 2018. After adjusting for patient risk factors, the odds ratio of RBC transfusion for hip arthroplasty was significantly lower in 2018 (0.74, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.53–1.02) than in 2013 (1.84, 95% CI 1.37–2.48).

Conclusion

The prevalence of perioperative RBC transfusion decreased from 2013 to 2018 in China, supporting the potential beneficial effects of transfusion‐related guidelines. Considering the geographic variations in RBC transfusion, reducing heterogeneity may impact public health by improving surgical outcomes.
Left ventricular function evaluation of the fetal heart: reference intervals and inter-observer variability of 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography measurements
Authors: Gozar Liliana , Sasaran Maria Oana , Toma Daniela , Cerghit-Paler Andreea , Molnar-Varlam Claudiu , Mărginean Claudiu , Săsăran Vlăduț
Published: June 2023

Aims: Measurement of myocardial strain using 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography can successfully quantify ventricular function, being considered superior to conventional echocardiography. This study aimed to establish reference intervals, interobserver agreements and reliability of two fetal echocardiographic parameters which reflect left ventricular myocardial function, left ventricular apical 4 chamber endo peak strain (AP4pLS) and ejection fraction (EF).Material and methods: We conducted a prospective study on 103 healthy fetuses. In each case, cardiac ultrasound images obtained were stored and afterwards were subject to offline 2D speckle-tracking echocardiographic analyses. In 15 randomly chosen subjects a second examiner also carried out an offline analysis of the 4-chamber view and the archived images, in order to assess inter-observer reproducibility and agreement level. Our study group was sub-divided into four different gestational age groups.Results: Reference ranges were established for the two measured parameters, AP4pLS and EF, which did not differ significantly between four different gestational age groups (p=0.98 and p=0.64) and neither correlated with gestational age progression (p=0.37 and p=0.08). An excellent level of agreement between the two examiners was found for the echocardiographic measurements, expressed through an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) value of 0.85 (0.62-0.94 for 95%CI) for AP4pLS and 0.78 (0.47- 0.92 for 95% CI) for EF.Conclusions: Speckle tracking AP4pLS and EF parameters are useful for assessment of ventricular myocardial function in healthy fetuses and can be reliably reproduced by two different skilled examiners. Further studies conducted on larger populations are required to standardize reference values of fetal speckle-tracking measurements
Slow evolution of Europa’s interior: metamorphic ocean origin, delayed metallic core formation, and limited seafloor volcanism
Authors: Trinh Kevin T. , Bierson Carver J. , O’Rourke Joseph G.
Published: June 2023

Europa’s ocean lies atop an interior made of metal and silicates. On the basis of gravity data from the Galileo mission, many argued that Europa’s interior, like Earth, is differentiated into a metallic core and a mantle composed of anhydrous silicates. Some studies further assumed that Europa differentiated while (or soon after) it accreted, also like Earth. However, Europa probably formed at much colder temperatures, meaning that Europa plausibly ended accretion as a mixture containing water-ice and/or hydrated silicates. Here, we use numerical models to describe the thermal evolution of Europa’s interior assuming low initial temperatures (~200 to 300 kelvin). We find that silicate dehydration can produce Europa’s current ocean and icy shell. Rocks below the seafloor may remain cool and hydrated today. Europa’s metallic core, if it exists, may have formed billions of years after accretion. Ultimately, we expect the chemistry of Europa’s ocean to reflect protracted heating of the interior.
Virtually the same? Examining the impact of the COVID-19 related shift to virtual lung cancer multidisciplinary team meetings in the UK National Health Service: a mixed methods study
Authors: Groothuizen Johanna Elise , Aroyewun Eunice , Zasada Magdalena , Harris Jenny , Hewish Madeleine , Taylor Cath
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of the shift to virtual lung cancer multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically in relation to the magnitude of information technology (IT) issues and distractions and MDT members’/managers’ perceptions and experiences of this shift.

Design

A mixed methods study comprising real-time observations of IT issues/distractions within virtual MDTM case discussions held between April and July 2021 and qualitative data from interviews/surveys.

Setting

Eight hospital organisations in Southern England.

Participants

Team members (respiratory physicians, surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, palliative care professionals, nurses and MDT coordinators) and managers (n=190) across 8 local MDTs.

Results

MDTM observations (n=1664) highlighted significant variation between teams regarding IT functionality. IT issues and other distractions relating to the virtual MDTM format were observed 465 times affecting 20.6% of case discussions, most of which were audio issues (18.1%). Case discussions that had audio issues were, on average, 26 s longer (t(1652)=−2.77, p<0.01). A total of 73 MDT members and managers participated in the survey and 41 participated in interviews, with all 8 teams being represented. Increased flexibility, reduced travel time and easier real-time access to patient information were seen as the main advantages of virtual MDTMs. Views regarding the impact on relational aspects and communication differed. In line with observational findings, concerns were raised in relation to IT, including having inappropriate equipment, insufficient bandwidth (impairing image sharing and video communication) and an overarching theme that virtual meeting platforms provided were not fit for purpose.

Conclusions

Despite the potential benefits of virtual MDTMs, IT issues can waste valuable MDTM time. If hospital organisations plan to continue virtual MDTMs, a functioning infrastructure is required, necessitating appropriate resource and investment.
Physicians’ narratives of communication with patients and their relatives in different phases of the palliative pathway
Authors: Landstad Bodil J , Skorpen Tarberg Anett , Kvangarsnes Marit
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To explore physicians’ experiences of the communication with patients and their relatives in the different phases of the palliative pathway.

Methods

Purposeful sampling was employed to recruit a total of 13 oncologists and general practitioners who engaged in palliative care. A qualitative study with a narrative approach was conducted. Interviews with physicians working in primary and specialist healthcare were conducted via Skype Business in the spring of 2020. The interview guide had open-ended questions with each interview lasting between 35 and 60 min.

Results

Communication between the physicians, their patients and their relatives was contextual and changed depending on the phase in the palliative pathway. In the first phase, physicians told us that patients and their relatives experienced an emotional shock. Transitioning from the curative to palliative phase was difficult, which emphasised the need for trust through communication. In the middle phase, they revealed that communication about the death process became the priority: what was probably going to happen, the family’s role in what was going to happen and perhaps, depending on the illness, any medical decisions that needed to be made. It was important for the physicians to communicate information about the palliative pathway while providing the relatives with knowledge that facilitated any decision making. In the terminal phase, physicians employed a compassionate approach, as bereaved family members needed to process their feelings of guilt and grief.

Conclusions

The study gives new insight into communication with patients and their relatives during different phases of the palliative pathway, from the physician’s perspective. The findings may help physicians improve the quality of communication with patients and their relatives over these vulnerable pathways. The findings also have practical implications in training contexts. The study reveals ethical dilemmas in physicians’ communication with patients and their relatives during a palliative pathway.
Algebra of hyperbolic band theory under magnetic field
Authors: Ikeda Kazuki , Matsuki Yoshiyuki , Aoki Shoto
Published: June 2023

We explore algebras associated with the hyperbolic band theory under a magnetic field for the first time. We define the magnetic Fuchsian group associated with a higher genus Riemann surface. By imposing the magnetic boundary conditions for the hyperbolic Bloch states, we construct the hyperbolic magnetic Bloch states and investigate their energy spectrum. We give a connection between such magnetic Bloch states and automorphic forms. Our theory is a general extension of the conventional algebra associated with the band theory defined on a Euclidean lattice/space into that of the band theory on a general hyperbolic lattice/Riemann surface.
Minimal Chaotic Networks of Linear Neuron-Like Elements with Single Rectification: Three Prototypes
Authors: Horikawa Yo
Published: June 2023

Chaotic oscillations induced by single rectification in networks of linear neuron-like elements are examined on three prototype models: one nonautonomous system and two autonomous systems. The first is a system of coupled neurons with periodic input; the second is a system of three coupled neurons with six couplings; the third is a ring of four unidirectionally coupled neurons with one reverse coupling. In each system, the output function of one neuron is ramp and that of the others is linear. Each system is piecewise linear and the phase space is separated into two domains by a single border. Steady states, periodic solutions and homoclinic orbits are derived rigorously and their stability is evaluated with the eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrices. The bifurcation analysis of the three systems shows that chaotic attractors could be generated through cascades of period-doubling bifurcations of periodic solutions.
Complex Evolution Game and System Dynamics Simulation on the Impact of Coevolution on the Stability of the Fresh Agricultural Products Green Supply Chain
Authors: Su Xin , Shi Xiangjiao , Geng Liyan , Yu Renzhu
Published: June 2023

Although optimization of a fresh agricultural products supply chain has been widely studied, not much attention was paid to the impact of coevolution on the stability of such a supply chain, especially in the green development of such a supply chain. In this paper, based on the synergy theory and by considering the green development of the supply chain, with logistic model deduction of the trading volume of the supply chain as the system order parameter, system dynamics simulation is performed, showing the influence of the coevolution mechanism of various subsystems and the complex evolution game process on the stability of the supply chain. These results indicate that excessive coevolution among subsystems is not conducive to the supply chain when it enters a stable and orderly state. Only when the coevolution ability is controlled within a certain range can each subsystem achieve maximum profit. At the same time, the simulation results demonstrate the positive impact of coevolution on the stability of the supply chain. Sensitivity analysis shows that environmental factors such as the recycling rate of rotten products and the levels of government regulation and environmental ethics regulation have a positive impact on the stability of the supply chain, for which the larger the climate impact factor is, the less conducive it is to the stability. This research report provides some guidance for the sustainable development of the fresh agricultural products supply chain.
Comparison of Three Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimating Equations with 24-Hour Urine Creatinine Clearance Measurement in Potential Living Kidney Donors
Authors: Giron-Luque Fernando , Garcia-Lopez Andrea , Baez-Suarez Yenny , Patino-Jaramillo Nasly
Published: June 2023

Background. The accuracy of the measurement of renal function in potential living kidney donors (PLKD) is essential. The direct measurement of glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) has been considered the “gold standard.” The estimated GFR (eGFR) with 24-hour urinary creatinine clearance (CrCl) is frequently used because of its availability. We aim to evaluate the correlation and agreement of eGFR using serum-based creatinine formulas (Cockcroft–Gault, MDRD, and CKD-EPI) and the eGFR based on 24-hour urinary CrCl to evaluate kidney function in PLKD. Methods. We evaluated the kidney function in 799 PLKD using 24-hour urinary CrCl method and compared the correlation and agreement with the eGFR based on creatinine formulas (Cockcroft–Gault, MDRD, and CKD-EPI). We calculated the mean bias (difference), precision (SD of this difference), accuracy, and performed Bland–Altman plots. Results. A total of 799 PLKD were analyzed. The age of the PLKD ranged from 18 to 73 years. Weak to mild correlation was observed between 24-hour urinary CrCl and all formulas (ranged from 0.31 to 0.49). The three equations underestimated the GFR. Using the Bland–Altman graphic, we observed that the CKD-EPI was the least scattered and most precise; however, mean bias and the interval range (limits of agreement) of all formulas were too big to assume equivalence between 24-hour urinary CrCl method and eGFR based on creatinine. Results of mean bias were similar when comparing the three equations in patients with CrCl GFR <60. However, the accuracy of all formulas was better for the female group and the youngest individuals (≤40 years old). Conclusion. In this PLKD cohort, of all the three equations, the CKD-EPI was the least scattered and most precise. However, the correlation and the level of agreement between the three equations and 24-hour urinary CrCl were too low to assume the equivalence.
A Numerical Approach to Analysis of an Environment-Friendly Sn-Based Perovskite Solar Cell with SnO2 Buffer Layer Using SCAPS-1D
Authors: Biswas Sunirmal Kumar , Sumon Md. Shamsujjoha , Sarker Kushal , Orthe Mst. Farzana , Ahmed Md. Mostak
Published: June 2023

In this research, we have proposed a Sn-based perovskite solar cell using solar cell capacitance software. The main aim of this study is to develop an environment-friendly and highly efficient structure that can be used as an alternative to other toxic lead-based perovskite solar cells. This work performed a numerical analysis for the proposed (Al/ZnO/SnO2/CH3NH3SnI3/Ni) device structure. The absorber layer CH3NH3SnI3, buffer layer SnO2, and electron transport layer (ETL) ZnO, with aluminium as the front contact and nickel as the back contact, have been used in this simulation. Several analyses have been conducted for the proposed structure, such as the impact of the absorber layer thickness, acceptor density, defect density, series and shunt resistances, back contact work function, and operating temperature. The device simulation revealed that the optimum thickness of the absorber layer is 1.5 μm and 0.05 μm for the buffer layer. The proposed Sn-based perovskite structure has obtained a conversion efficiency of 28.19% along with FF of 84.63%, Jsc of 34.634 mA/cm2, and Voc of 0.961 V. This study shows the upcoming lead-free perovskite solar cell’s enormous potential.
Multiband Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Meets Vehicular Network: Relying on CNN-LSTM Approach
Authors: Lu Lingyun , Li Xiang , Wang Guizhu , Ni Wei
Published: June 2023

A vehicular network is expected to empower all aspects of the intelligent transportation system (ITS) and aim at improving road safety and traffic efficiency. In view of the fact that spectrum scarcity becomes more severe owing to the increasing number of connected vehicles, implying spectrum sensing technology in vehicular network, i.e., cognitive vehicular network, has emerged as a promising solution to provide opportunistic usage of licensed spectrum. However, some unique features of vehicular networks, such as high movement and dynamic topology, take on high challenges for spectrum sensing. Recently, machine learning-based approaches, especially deep learning, for spectrum sensing have attracted sufficient interest. In this work, we investigate a learning-based cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) approach for multiband spectrum sensing in the cognitive vehicular network. Specifically, we integrate two powerful deep learning models, i.e., the convolutional neural network (CNN) to exploit the features from sensing data, and the long-short-term memory (LSTM) network is then utilized to extract temporal correlations given input as the generated features by the CNN structure. Instead of the predefined decision threshold typically set in conventional approaches, our proposed approach could eliminate the impact of impertinent threshold value setting. Extensive simulations have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method in achieving satisfactory spectrum sensing performance, particularly in terms of higher detection accuracy, robustness in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) environments, and a significant reduction in spectrum sensing time compared to other methods.
Quantifying Schedule Delay Risk in Construction Projects: A Data-Driven Approach with BIM and Probabilistic Reliability Analysis
Authors: Zhang Shen , Wang Xingyu
Published: June 2023

Progress management is an important scheme of construction management. In practical affairs, many unknown factors may lead to potential project delays and make the schedule risky. To address this issue, this paper proposes a data-driven construction progress evaluation method that employs a probabilistic reliability analysis with BIM to effectively quantify the risk of schedule delay. By identifying critical tasks and probable failure conditions in uncertain environments, this method enables project managers to take proactive measures to keep their projects on schedule. Through our case study, we have demonstrated that the proposed method is highly effective in dynamically evaluating the project progress with both accuracy and efficiency. Besides, this system offers a more efficient way for managers to gather information, evaluate progress, and identify critical tasks, and provides project managers with a data-driven understanding of the risks and uncertainties related to project schedules, enabling them to take proactive measures to minimize the potential delays and ensure successful project delivery.
Antioxidative Activity and Volatile Profiles of Maillard Reaction Products between Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus) Peptides and Glucose during the Heating Process
Authors: Wang Wenqian , Zhao Shibo , Pei Jinjin , Jiang Pengfei , Jin Wengang , Gao Ruichang
Published: June 2023

To improve the antioxidant activity and flavor characteristics of giant salamander peptides, the changes in pH, browning extent, DPPH radical scavenging capacity, and reducing ability in Maillard reaction products (MRPs) between giant salamander peptides and glucose during the heating process (95°C and 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h) were investigated. The difference in volatile compounds of the MRPs was also analyzed by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectroscopy. The results indicated that the pH value of the MRPs shrank with the proceeding of heating time, while the browning extent and antioxidative capacity increased. 58 volatile compounds including 24 aldehydes, 12 alcohols, 8 esters, 5 ketones, 4 pyrazines, 2 furans, 1 pyridine, 1 ether, and 1 olefin were detected among the MRPs. At different stages of the reaction, the MRPs were dominated by aldehydes, and the relative amount of aldehydes first decreased and then increased with the intensification of the reaction time; the relative content of esters increased first and then decreased; the relative content of alcohols decreased gradually; and the relative amount of pyrazine and furan exhibited a significant increasing tendency. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the cumulative contribution rate of the first two components reached 87.3%, indicating that the volatile compounds of MRPs at different reaction times were well differentiated. The correlation analysis demonstrated that the antioxidant activity was positively associated with the browning extent, ketones, furans, and pyrazines. These results might offer a certain reference for modifying the physicochemical traits of giant salamander peptides.
ANN and RSM Modeling for the Synthesis of Avocado Seed Starch Combined Orange Peel Extract Antimicrobial Packaging Film
Authors: Waday Yasin Ahmed , Aklilu Ermias Girma
Published: June 2023

Cooperation of essential oil into film formation results in active packaging materials, which can improve the quality and freshness of the foods and extend the shelf life. In the present study, extraction of starch and essential oil was performed. The active films were developed through the solvent casting method. The influence of avocado seed starch and orange peel essential oil was investigated and optimized using response surface methodology and an artificial neural network on the tensile strength, water vapor permeability, and antimicrobial properties of active films. The results showed that both models performed reasonably well, but trained artificial neural networks have more modeling capability rather than the response surface method. The optimum conditions were found to be orange peel oil of 0.57 g and 30% w/w of avocado seed starch with the values of the corresponding responses of 3.94 MPa,

3.098
×

10

−
10

 g/ms Pa, and 17.273 mm for tensile strength, water vapor permeability, and inhibition zone, respectively. Generally, the orange peel extract had an effective and promising alternative for the commercial production of antimicrobial packaging films.
Table S1, Table S2, Table S3 from Adavosertib Enhances Antitumor Activity of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in HER2-Expressing Cancers
Authors: DiPeri Timothy P. , Evans Kurt W. , Raso Maria Gabriela , Zhao Ming , Rizvi Yasmeen Q. , Zheng Xiaofeng , Wang Bailiang , Kirby Bryce P. , Kong Kathleen , Kahle Michael , Yap Timothy A. , Dumbrava Ecaterina E. , Ajani Jaffer A. , Fu Siqing , Keyomarsi Khandan , Meric-Bernstam Funda
Published: June 2023

Supplemental Tables 1 - 3
Supplementary Figure S7 from HLA Class II Loss and JAK1/2 Deficiency Coevolve in Melanoma Leading to CD4 T-cell and IFNγ Cross-Resistance
Authors: Stupia Simone , Heeke Christina , Brüggemann Alicia , Zaremba Anne , Thier Beatrice , Kretz Julia , Sucker Antje , Philip Manuel , Zelinskyy Gennadiy , Ferrone Soldano , Roesch Alexander , Horn Susanne , Hadaschik Eva , Schadendorf Dirk , Trilling Mirko , Dittmer Ulf , Griewank Klaus , Zhao Fang , Paschen Annette
Published: June 2023

HLA-II APM transcript levels in melanoma biopsies from ICB-treated patients
Data from An African-specific variant of TP53 reveals PADI4 as a regulator of p53-mediated tumor suppression
Authors: Indeglia Alexandra , Leung Jessica C. , Miller Sven A. , Leu Julia I-Ju , Dougherty James F. , Clarke Nicole L. , Kirven Nicole A. , Shao Chunlei , Ke Lei , Lovell Scott , Barnoud Thibaut , Lu David Y. , Lin Cindy , Kannan Toshitha , Battaile Kevin P. , Yang Tyler Hong Loong. , Batista Oliva Isabela , Claiborne Daniel T. , Vogel Peter , Liu Lijun , Liu Qin , Nefedova Yulia , Cassel Joel , Auslander Noam , Kossenkov Andrew V. , Karanicolas John , Murphy Maureen E.
Published: June 2023

Abstract
TP53 is the most frequently mutated gene in cancer, yet key target genes for p53-mediated tumor suppression remain unidentified. Here, we characterize a rare, African-specific, germline variant of TP53 in the DNA binding domain, Tyr107His (Y107H). NMR and crystal structures reveal that Y107H is structurally similar to wild-type p53. Consistent with this we find that Y107H can suppress tumor colony formation and is impaired for the transactivation of only a small subset of p53 target genes; this includes the epigenetic modifier PADI4, which deiminates arginine to the non-natural amino acid citrulline. Surprisingly, we show that Y107H mice develop spontaneous cancers and metastases, and that Y107H shows impaired tumor suppression in two other models. We show that PADI4 is itself tumor suppressive, and that it requires an intact immune system for tumor suppression. We identify a p53-PADI4 gene signature that is predictive of survival and the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Glycopeptide Antibiotics Impair Neutrophil Effector Functions
Authors: Ettel Paul , Sehgal Al Nasar Ahmed , Harrison Nicole , Pickl Winfried F. , Grabmeier-Pfistershammer Katharina
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Neutrophilic granulocytes represent the first line of defense against microorganisms. Granulocytes phagocytose microorganisms and specifically synthesize oxygen radicals against them, which eventually kills the invaders. Methods: Neutrophilic granulocytes were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy volunteer donors. Putative interference of new-generation antibiotics with neutrophil function was tested using a collection of granulocyte-stimulating agents and Amplex™ Red-based plate assay and flow cytometry-based respiratory burst assays. In addition, phagocytosis of E. coli, IL-8 production, bactericidal activity, and CD62L expression of granulocytes were evaluated. Results: Of note, we found that the two glycopeptide antibiotics dalbavancin and teicoplanin inhibited ROS production upon granulocyte activation via different signaling pathways in a dose-dependent manner. Dalbavancin also blocked the PMA-induced shedding of CD62L. In contrast, the oxazolidinone antibiotics tedizolid and linezolid had no effect on neutrophil function, while the combination of ceftazidime/avibactam dose dependently inhibited the fMLP/Cytochalasin B-induced granulocyte burst in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, we showed that dalbavancin and teicoplanin as well as sulfametrole/trimethoprim and ceftazidime/avibactam inhibited baseline and PMA-induced IL-8 production by neutrophilic granulocytes. Moreover, dalbavancin impaired the bactericidal activity of neutrophilic granulocytes. Conclusion: We here identified hitherto unknown inhibitory effects of several classes of antibiotics on the effector functions of neutrophilic granulocytes.
Activation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Muscle Exacerbates Ischemic Pathology in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Balestrieri Nicholas , Palzkill Victoria , Pass Caroline , Tan Jianna , Salyers Zachary R. , Moparthy Chatick , Murillo Ania , Kim Kyoungrae , Thome Trace , Yang Qingping , O’Malley Kerri A. , Berceli Scott A. , Yue Feng , Scali Salvatore T. , Ferreira Leonardo F. , Ryan Terence E.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) accelerates the development of atherosclerosis, decreases muscle function, and increases the risk of amputation or death in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, the mechanisms underlying this pathobiology are ill-defined. Recent work has indicated that tryptophan-derived uremic solutes, which are ligands for AHR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor), are associated with limb amputation in PAD. Herein, we examined the role of AHR activation in the myopathy of PAD and CKD.

Methods:

AHR-related gene expression was evaluated in skeletal muscle obtained from mice and human PAD patients with and without CKD. AHR
mKO
(skeletal muscle–specific AHR knockout) mice with and without CKD were subjected to femoral artery ligation, and a battery of assessments were performed to evaluate vascular, muscle, and mitochondrial health. Single-nuclei RNA sequencing was performed to explore intercellular communication. Expression of the constitutively active AHR was used to isolate the role of AHR in mice without CKD.

Results:

PAD patients and mice with CKD displayed significantly higher mRNA expression of classical AHR-dependent genes (
Cyp1a1
,
Cyp1b1
, and
Aldh3a1
) when compared with either muscle from the PAD condition with normal renal function (
P
<0.05 for all 3 genes) or nonischemic controls. AHR
mKO
significantly improved limb perfusion recovery and arteriogenesis, preserved vasculogenic paracrine signaling from myofibers, increased muscle mass and strength, as well as enhanced mitochondrial function in an experimental model of PAD/CKD. Moreover, viral-mediated skeletal muscle–specific expression of a constitutively active AHR in mice with normal kidney function exacerbated the ischemic myopathy evidenced by smaller muscle masses, reduced contractile function, histopathology, altered vasculogenic signaling, and lower mitochondrial respiratory function.

Conclusions:

These findings establish AHR activation in muscle as a pivotal regulator of the ischemic limb pathology in CKD. Further, the totality of the results provides support for testing of clinical interventions that diminish AHR signaling in these conditions.
The Etymology of Šadday
Authors: Dewrell Heath D.
Published: June 2023

Despite many proposals for the etymology of “Šadday/Shaddai,” the form of the name as we have it requires deriving it from √šdd “to destroy.” It thus originally meant “Destroyer.”
The Meaning(lessness) of qubbâ and the Original Text of Numbers 25:8
Authors: Liber Or , Seri-Levi Ariel
Published: June 2023

The hapax legomenon קֻבָּה, which seems to appear out of context in the account of Phinehas killing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman in Num 25:8, has long puzzled commentators, scholars, and translators. This paper presents a new, text-critical explanation, suggesting that the original text read ויבא אחר איש ישראל וידקר את שניהם את איש ישראל אל הקבה ואת האשה אל קבתה, not including קֻבָּה at all: Phinehas pierced the man אֶל הַקֵּבָה, “through the belly,” and the woman אֶל קֳבָתָהּ, “through her belly.” The corruption occurred when the words אל הקבה were moved six words back in the text due to homoioteleuton and a partially successful correction. This unintentionally created the extant sentence ויבא אחר איש ישראל אל הקבה, in which קבה must denote a location, not an organ. Rather than קֵבָה, it was therefore read as קֻבָּה.
China’s New Idea of Socialist Core Value Education: President Xi’s Philosophical Discourse on the Education of Socialist Core Values
Authors: Xue Eryong , Li Jian , Zhang Junjiao
Published: June 2023

The influence of the education of socialist core values includes both domestic and foreign countries, which are embodied in consolidating China’s spiritual strength, safeguarding the national governance system, and enhancing the international discourse power. In education principle, the education of socialist core values has both commonness and individuality, adhering to the guiding direction of Marxism, integrating into the “four modernizations” of life, and conducting sub-subject education close to the masses. In terms of educational content, the education of socialist core values revolves around “three advocations”, namely, advocating great morality, guarding public morality, and strictly practicing private morality. In terms of educational approach, the system and environment of socialist core values education should be optimized, namely, government macro-control, school main body participation, and family and community cooperation in education.
Left, but how left? Analyzing the foreign policy of the New Democratic Party of Canada
Authors: Collie James
Published: June 2023

This article analyzes the modern foreign policy of the New Democratic Party of Canada (NDP). It uses the framework of Aaron Ettinger's work in the International Journal on an emerging left-wing in the US Democratic Party. I first situate the research within the existing literature on leftist internationalism, Canadian foreign policy, and the New Democratic Party. I then analyze a dataset that I created based on the last five NDP federal election platforms and use it to analyze 210 different foreign policy commitments. I use these findings to argue two things: (1) the NDP has a comprehensive foreign policy that reflects dual struggles of electability and left-wing ideals; (2) there is no identifiable left-wing turn in recent NDP platforms. I conclude this article with a discussion on the future of NDP foreign policy.
The Landscape of Technology Research in Special Education: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: İNCİ Gamze , KÖSE Hasan
Published: June 2023

This study analyzes information accumulated in WoS databases on special education and technology with bibliometric methods. Bibliometric analyses, seen as an alternative to systematic literature reviews, meta-analysis, and meta-synthesis, contribute to determining essential actors in the field by analyzing the publication and citation trends, the stage of the research topic, and trends in the volume of publications. Furthermore, bibliometric analysis can reveal the collaboration structure between institutions and authors and identify the most frequently studied topics, top-producing authors, institutions, and journals in a field. In the study, we analyzed 4493 articles published in Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Social Sciences Index Expanded (SCI-Expanded), and Arts & Humanities Citation Index (AHCI) databases using the co-authorship and co-occurrence analysis method. Also, we used frequency analysis in publications and citations related to special education and technology research to determine the situation. The main findings of the research are that the literature on the use of technology in special education: (a) has grown steadily over the years, particularly since 2003; (b) research topic foci have changed over the years; (c) articles are published in different journals, particularly special education journals; (d) produced by authors from a wide variety of countries; and (e) published by research groups with limited contact with other research groups.
Physiological loading-induced streaming potentials in osteogenesis imperfecta bone
Authors: Shrivas Nikhil V , Tiwari Abhishek K , Patil Santosh , Tripathi Dharmendra
Published: June 2023

Mechanical loading on bone generates streaming potentials (SPs) and streaming currents (SCs) in lacunar-canalicular fluid which act as stimuli to bone cells namely osteocytes. It is observed that both lacunar and vascular porosity significantly affect streaming potentials and thus the bone remodelling activities. Increased porosity levels associated with bone disorders such as especially osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and osteoporosis considerably reduce SPs which may further negatively affect bone’s mechanoregulation. This could also be a possible reason for reduced mechanosensitivity of OI and osteoporotic bones to exogenous mechanical stimulation. There is hardly any work in the literature which explored the physiological loading induced SPs and SCs in healthy versus OI bone. Accordingly, the present study attempts to address the two important questions: (i) how does physiological gait loading generate SPs and SCs in Healthy versus OI osteons? (ii) Can mechanical and electrical stimuli be effectively utilised to enhance SPs and SCs in OI bone? A transversely isotropic-poroelastic osteon model is developed to compute SPs and SCs in interstitial fluid flow in response to exogenous mechanical and electrical stimulations. The outcomes indicate that streaming potentials and current significantly decrease in OI bone, whereas, loading frequency and electrical field has potential to enhance SPs and SCs in OI bone. The present study concludes that physical exercises in presence of external electrical stimulation may potentially enhance SPs and SCs in interstitial bone fluid to improve remodelling activities OI bone for naturally strengthening.
Pseudo-value regression of clustered multistate current status data with informative cluster sizes
Authors: Anyaso-Samuel Samuel , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar , Datta Somnath
Published: June 2023

Multistate current status data presents a more severe form of censoring due to the single observation of study participants transitioning through a sequence of well-defined disease states at random inspection times. Moreover, these data may be clustered within specified groups, and informativeness of the cluster sizes may arise due to the existing latent relationship between the transition outcomes and the cluster sizes. Failure to adjust for this informativeness may lead to a biased inference. Motivated by a clinical study of periodontal disease, we propose an extension of the pseudo-value approach to estimate covariate effects on the state occupation probabilities for these clustered multistate current status data with informative cluster or intra-cluster group sizes. In our approach, the proposed pseudo-value technique initially computes marginal estimators of the state occupation probabilities utilizing nonparametric regression. Next, the estimating equations based on the corresponding pseudo-values are reweighted by functions of the cluster sizes to adjust for informativeness. We perform a variety of simulation studies to study the properties of our pseudo-value regression based on the nonparametric marginal estimators under different scenarios of informativeness. For illustration, the method is applied to the motivating periodontal disease dataset, which encapsulates the complex data-generation mechanism.
Impact of Abusive Supervision on Job Performance in Education Sector of Pakistan: Moderated Mediation of Emotional Intelligence and Workplace Ostracism
Authors: Anjum Shakeel , Ahmad Ifzal , Ullah Mehfooz , Al Gharaibeh Fakir
Published: June 2023

This study was aimed to investigate the impact of abusive supervision (AS) on job performance (JP) through a novel model of moderated mediation, the roles of emotional intelligence (EI) as moderator and workplace ostracism as a mediator. Equity theory was used to build the theoretical foundation and hypotheses of this study. Data were collected from teachers working in high and higher secondary schools of Pakistan. A final sample size of 320 was recorded. Data analyses were done by utilizing two software programs, that is, (1) AMOS was used for testing the reliability and validity of the study variables, whereas (2) SPSS was used for descriptive statistics along with the PROCESS macro of Hayes to test the proposed moderated mediation model. It was found that AS has a significant negative impact on JP. Furthermore, the moderating mediation roles of EI and workplace ostracism were also supported as proposed. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Load sharing performance analysis of planetary gear system considering the coupling effects of gear pair and journal bearing
Authors: Yang Jin , Lin Tengjiao , Jiang Lidong , Xiang Yuhao , Wei Jing
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a load-sharing performance analysis method of the planetary gear system is proposed considering the coupling effects of double-helical gear and journal bearing. Firstly, the coupling effects between the meshing characteristics of the double-helical gear pair and the dynamic characteristics of journal bearing under the actual operation state are studied, the dynamic model of the double-helical gear planetary transmission system is established, and the load sharing coefficient before and after considering the coupling effects are calculated; secondly, the load sharing characteristic test rig of planetary transmission system is built, and the load sharing coefficient of gear system under the test condition is measured to verify the accuracy of the proposed method; finally, the effects of operating parameters and structural parameters on the load sharing characteristic of gear system are discussed.
Booting the system: Leadership practices for initiating and infrastructuring district-wide computer science instructional programs
Authors: Santo Rafi , DeLyser Leigh Ann , Ahn June
Published: June 2023

While a small number of school districts across the United States are well into the process of implementing system-wide computer science education (CSed), most districts are only just getting started. But what does it look like to “get started” on CSed for a whole district? This manuscript presents a single case study of a district’s process of initiating their CS instructional initiative, highlighting a distinct set of instructional leadership practices and the institutional conditions they were responding to. Early implementation research around CSed shows that in some districts, leadership practices are less often the focus of early activities. This study sheds light on what such leadership practices can look like in the early stages of a district’s CSed initiative. Our analysis, based on qualitative data collected longitudinally over 18 months of the district’s work, identified eight intertwined leadership practices that aimed to support instructional coherence, and in our findings, we share a narrative of the district’s initiation of its CS initiative around them. The case begins with the (1) initial leadership team formation and details how that team engaged in (2) content-specific instructional capacity building for its members and (3) sensemaking of ideas around CS with their relationship to existing district activities. It moves on to the team’s (4) development of an instructional vision and an (5) associated implementation strategy, which fed into processes of (6) sensegiving to foster buy-in among teachers, and providing encouragement to engage in (7) instructional piloting. Finally, leaders engaged in (8) landscape analysis activities in order to understand existing district resources and teacher perceptions related to CS. Throughout the case, we highlight the motivations behind these practices, what resources they drew on, intersections, and dependencies among them. We close our analysis exploring a number of tensions and unintended consequences associated with these leadership activities.
Reasonable adjustment: Is it a way forward to manage diversity and equity issues in vocational education and training?
Authors: Nakar Sonal
Published: June 2023

Literature has highlighted the importance of having a reasonable adjustment approach as a measure of social justice to provide inclusive education for all students. However, the growing globalisation and commercialisation of vocational education and training has tended to encourage provider organisations to use more flexible reasonable adjustments to attract and retain more students in this domain. The framework of this new reasonable adjustment approach expands on the previous reasonable management approach provided to facilitate disadvantaged students. By introducing innovative and flexible teaching and assessment, this notion of reasonable adjustment now incorporates market-like efforts to secure more income in the form of fees from students. However, there remains unanswered the question of how flexible the reasonable adjustment should be. This paper questions whether achieving a more diverse student population has delivered anything of value to the students who are making up that greater diversity. Perhaps the notion of reasonableness has been applied with too narrow a focus on a reasonable diversity of student entry characteristics, rather than also embracing their learning attainment and subsequent workplace success. Reasonable adjustment may well be a way forward, but perhaps more attention needs to be paid to the concept of reasonableness before that can happen.
Carotid artery stenting using a 7 French Optimo balloon guide catheter combined with a distal filter
Authors: Harada Kei , Fujimura Haruto , Kajihara Masahito , Arakawa Kei
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) by proximal occlusion of the common carotid artery (CCA) using a balloon guide catheter (BGC) is a simple proximal protection method to prevent distal embolism, however, it requires at least an 8 French (F) system. A 7 F Optimo BGC is the smallest BGC with an inner lumen diameter of 0.071 inches, and which permits the passage of a 5 F carotid stent. We retrospectively investigated the clinical results and the safety of CAS by using a 7 F Optimo BGC combined with a distal filter.

Materials and Methods

One-hundred carotid arterial stenosis patients were treated with CAS using combined protection of a 7 F Optimo BGC and a distal filter. The BGC was navigated from the femoral and radial arteries in 85 and 15 patients, respectively.

Results

The 7 F Optimo BGC was successfully navigated into the CCA in all patients, and the technical success rate of CAS was 100%. Major adverse events of any death, stroke, or myocardial infarction within 30-day after the procedure were observed in one (1%). Post-procedural diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed high signals in 21% of the patients, all of whom were asymptomatic.

Conclusions

The 7 F Optimo is the smallest BGC to achieve CAS using a proximal protection system. The combined use of a 7 F Optimo BGC and a distal filter is effective for navigating the BGC and distal embolic protection.