bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unilateral Coxalgia Revealing Acute Leukemia: One Case Report and Review of Clinical Literature
Authors: FZ Elhanafi , M Elbaz , O Assem , J Elhoudzi
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The osteoarticular manifestations revealing acute leukemia in children are diverse and can be source of diagnostic delay, especially in the absence of other signs that point to a malignant origin. Case Report: We report through this case of a 4-year-old boy without any medical history and who consulted in our department for isolated severe pain in the left hip bone causing sleep deprivation, occurred after a minimal trauma and causing lameness, all symptoms dated back to 15 days before admission. Clinical examination was normal. Radiological assessment was normal as well. Mild anemia with neutropenia was noted on the blood count with no inflammatory signs. The blood smear was normal. The bone marrow aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. Discussion: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy. Osteoarticular manifestations of ALL in children are rare, they are revealing ALL in 14% of cases.The musculoskeletal symptoms can be so prominent or even the only presenting sign that sometimes the diagnosis of leukemia is delayed. Conclusion: Knowledge of orthopedic manifestation of leukemia is important in the diagnosis, supportive treatment and follow up of patients in order to improve their survival.
Comprehensive Functional and Vocational Rehabilitation of A Kitchen Worker with Kienbocks Disease
Authors: Shinde Sandeep , Arulekar Rutuja , Dhane Saylee , Bhende Radha , Saptale Apurva
Published: February 2023

Background: A hand injury can be catastrophic because one needs to use their hand for many different tasks in day-to-day life. People who work in the kitchen on a regular basis must repeatedly move their hands, arms, wrists, and shoulders while stirring, chopping, lifting, and carrying heavy vessels. To perform all the activities of daily living complete or functional range of motion and grip strength are the important components. The present case study describes the case of post-operative wrist stiffness secondary to kienbocks disease. This impairment prevents the patient from working in the kitchen. The purpose of the study was to improve the range of motion and grip strength of her affected hand as she has to resume her work as soon as possible. Case description: A 30-year old female who is a kitchen worker has been complaining of pain, and weakness in her left hand was advised to have wrist surgery after the patient's investigations revealed that she had Kienbock's disease. The patient underwent proximal carpectomy of the wrist and was referred to physiotherapy after the sutures were removed. The patient initially complained of pain at the suture site and difficulty moving her left hand.Early physiotherapy was given to the reduce pain, improve the strength of the wrist and finger flexor extensors, improve the range of motion, and vocational rehabilitation to resume her work.
Elaboração e caracterização de fermentado à base do extrato de coco (Cocos Nucifera) com polpa de cajá (Spondias Mombin L)
Authors: Soares Jéssica Mariana Silva , Cavalcanti Mayra da Silva
Published: February 2023

A grande incidência de indivíduos com alergias, intolerância alimentar e os que optam por não utilizar alimentos de origem animal por estilo de vida, faz com que estes excluam da sua alimentação leite e derivados, conduta esta que pode acarretar carências nutricionais. Para evitar déficits, aumentou-se a procura por substitutos ao leite de vaca. Assim, os extratos vegetais surgem como substituições promissoras. Este trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver uma bebida fermentada a base de coco com polpa de cajá, analisá-la físico-quimicamente, microbiologicamente e avaliar seu potencial de substituição do fermentado de base láctea. Foi elaborado o extrato de coco e em seguida realizada a preparação da bebida probiótica, após a fermentação foi adicionada a polpa de cajá em uma das formulações. Os produtos foram avaliados quanto aos parâmetros físico-químicos (pH, acidez total, teor de água, extrato seco total, resíduo mineral fixo, sólidos solúveis e lipídios), de viabilidade dos microrganismos e qualidade microbiológica. Verificou-se que os fermentados atenderam aos requisitos físico-químicos estabelecidos para tal alimento, além de terem apresentado potencial probiótico por conter bactérias láticas exibindo valores superiores 106 UFC/mL, e ausência de coliformes totais, bolores e leveduras. Outrossim, identificou-se carências de legislações específicas para fermentados vegetais. Observou-se que a elaboração da bebida fermentada pode influenciar positivamente na comercialização de produtos probióticos e sem lactose, de modo que o fermentado elaborado demonstra boas características físico-químicas e microbiológicas. Porém, ainda precisando ser testado quanto as análises sensoriais e tecnológicas da classe do produto.
Avaliação de métodos para atualização do mapeamento eólico do Estado de Alagoas
Authors: Silva Luan Santos de Oliveira , Silva Junior Rosiberto Salustiano da , Lyra Roberto Fernando da Fonseca , Martins Fernando Ramos , Moura Marcos Antônio Lima , Leal Junior João Bosco Verçosa , Cardoso Kelvy Rosalvo Alencar
Published: February 2023

O presente trabalho apresenta o estudo do mapeamento eólico no estado de Alagoas, nordeste do Brasil, utilizando o modelo mesoescala Weather Research Forecast (WRF), versão (4.1.2), e aproximações de estabilidade atmosférica e declividade do terreno. As simulações foram executadas diariamente por um período de 8 anos (2007 - 2015), com resolução horizontal de 5 km e realizado um refinamento da resolução para 250 metros. Foram validadas estatisticamente com dados de 5 estações anemométricas de superfície situadas nas seguintes cidades: Água Branca (sertão), Girau do Ponciano (agreste), Palmeira dos Índios (agreste), Maragogi (litoral) e Roteiro (litoral). A ordem de grandeza e os resultados dos padrões do vento semelhantes para as resoluções de 5km e 250m, indica boa representação pelo modelo atmosférico WRF, como também, valida o método downscaling proposto. Sendo os índices de correlação moderada, BIAS entre -1,89 a 1,76 m/s e REQM entre 1,94 a 3,82 m/s para velocidade do vento e direção predominante do vento variando entre Leste/Sudeste. A comparação espacial dos resultados com simulações do modelo WAsP reforça que a inclusão da estabilidade atmosférica e declividade possibilitou representar com maior clareza o efeito da topografia e rugosidade superficial, o que é crucial para redução da cascata de incertezas no sistema de energia eólica. O refinamento da saída do modelo WRF ressaltaram as áreas promissoras para aproveitamento eólico nas regiões serranas das cidades de Água Branca e Palmeira dos Índios, com intensidade anual acima de 8m/s para 100m de altura.
Photosynthetic picoeukaryotes significantly affect global oceanic meta-metabolism: cellular and genome streamlining confer ecological success
Authors: Derilus D , Burdyshaw CE , Pinero F , Massey SE
Published: February 2023

Photosynthetic picoeukaryotes (PPEs) are characterized by a reduction in cell and genome size but are free living, in contrast to many other organisms that have undergone such reductions. The relative abundance of PPEs in the oceans remains to be determined, as do the evolutionary imperatives behind their cell and genome reduction. Their enigmatic nature may be deciphered through metagenomics approaches; consequently, we utilized shotgun data from the Tara Oceans database to better understand both their ecological and genomic features. The clustering of meta-metabolomic networks constructed from shotgun data from 10 different sampling sites was influenced by the proportion of PPEs in the data sets. This, along with the relative abundance of RUBISCO sequences belonging to PPEs, indicates that they have a significant effect on oceanic meta-metabolism, emphasizing the evolutionary success of the streamlining strategy. Using rRNA sequences extracted from the shotgun data, a global oceanic distribution of PPEs showed little variation, including those lineages with reduced genome sizes. This indicates that genome and cellular streamlining is not an adaptation to environmental parameters but may rather be a community-driven effect. Lastly, and surprisingly given their role as primary producers, PPEs were found to comprise only 2 to 49% (17% on average) of all picoeukaryotes across 93 metagenomes. We show that contamination of the data set by eukaryotes with larger cell sizes is not responsible for the anomaly, and so the observation remains to be explained. The approaches described here allow us to draw a direct link between taxonomic composition and meta-metabolomic capacity, with implications for better understanding carbon fixation, biogeochemical cycling, and planetary self-regulation.
Optimal Staging and Surgical Treatment for Gastric Cancer
Authors:   , Gertsen Emma Claire
Published: February 2023

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Prehľad a analýza sociálnych podnikov na Slovensku na základe vybraných charakteristík
Authors:   Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Pčolinská Lenka
Published: February 2023

Overview and analysis of social enterprises in Slovakia on the basis of selected characteristics The article focuses on the analysis and overview of registered social enterprises as a new business entity in the social economy since 2018, in which the new Act No. 112/2018 on the social economy and social enterprises came into force. The article points out their scope in Slovakia in terms of selected characteristics, namely: territorial distribution by region, distribution in terms of choice of legal form, in terms of achieving a positive social impact and others. URL: https://vsas.fvs.upjs.sk/
Emotional Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence Its Effect on Job Satisfaction through Work Stress as Intervening Variables in the Tourism Sector
Authors: Rifa’ Muhamad , Sardianto Ongki , Novitawati Retno Ayu Dewi
Published: February 2023

Emotional intelligence and spiritual intelligence are interrelated in managing work stress so that employees can obtain job satisfaction. Employees with high emotional intelligence and spiritual intelligence tend to be able to control their stress levels so that they can feel that they have job satisfaction with what they do. Work stress can negatively affect job satisfaction if employees cannot control it, because work tests can have an undesirable impact on employees. When the source of stress increases, then job satisfaction decreases. Management needs attention to monitoring and helping to control and improve the emotional intelligence and spiritual intelligence of employees, that it is also necessary to always supervise and control the level of employee work stress because employees who experience work stress will have an impact on job satisfaction which directly affects their performance.
The deterritorialization of the aesthetic experience: the artwork in the post-covid19 society
Authors: pyros Dr. Potamias S , Iro Mandilara
Published: February 2023

The pandemic of covid-19 accelerated to such an extent the prefigured tendencies - under the development of digital technology of modification of the way of distribution and reception of the works of art, that it would be generally admitted “to talk in terms of before and after this crucial moment” f. Morris, 2020). The present article attempts to outline this ongoing decisive change, in which the world of art is subject, not from the aspect of an aesthetic-artistic evaluation of the artworks that are created entirely by digital means and mediums, but from the aspect formed by the famous m. Mcluhan’s thesis “the medium is the message”. In other words, from the point of view of the consequences caused on the contemporary aesthetic experience of man by the medium, by the digital broadcasting of the works of art, that constitutionally presuppose and require the physical presence of the audience.
Attitudes Towards Death Resulting from Perceptions Toward Death: Based upon the novel “La Vie devant soi” and Philosophy of Karl Jaspers
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Park Yeonsook
Published: February 2023

The current paper reflects on the issue of attitudes toward death. More specifically, how to face the death of a loved one. In general, most people avoid the topic of death in their daily lives until, that is, a close acquaintance or important person passes away. In preparation for this inevitability, education on the topic of death is much needed. For this purpose, this paper will conduct a philosophical analysis of fiction novel protagonist’s attitudes towards death as they encounter the subject, in order to lay a foundation for humanities-based education on the subject. Analysis centers upon the protagonist Momo in Romain Gary’s novel, La Vie devant soi (1975). The character’s attitude toward death and personal encounter with the death of a loved one will be analyzed through the framework of philosopher Karl Jasper’s theories. Momo’s attitude can be explained with Jaspers’ dual perceptions toward death: one is death as a futile end, and the other is death as an opportunity to define oneself and make decisions accordingly. In Jaspers’ own words, one is to perceive death as a “situation” while the other is to see it as a “boundary situation.” The analysis is an amalgam of both literary and philosophical approaches towards attitudes toward death, for the objective of discovering the existential self and true meaning of life, and ultimately discover the means of educating the public about death as a part of life.
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Cu-Graphite Composites with Spatial Anisotropy
Authors: Ryu Geon Hong , Son Changil , Suhling Jeffrey C. , Lee Jiseok , Park Sangha , Byun Myunghwan
Published: February 2023

In the present study, we analyzed the thermal and mechanical properties of Cu-graphite composites (CGCs) with spatially anisotropic graphite layers. These composites were fabricated using a combination of electroless plating and spark plasma sintering (SPS) processes. Thermal conductivities and thermal expansion coefficients of the composites were measured using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and a laser flash method. In particular, the thermal expansion coefficients of the composites were investigated by comparative analysis, which was conducted by processing prototypes in a vertical direction with a parallel sector in the direction of the upper and lower axial pressure. The Cu reinforced with the graphite flake showed better thermal properties compared to the graphite fiber, while the graphite fiber led to better mechanical properties. This investigation was conducted to better understand the dependence of thermal properties on the morphologies of the graphite layers (i.e., flake and fiber types) in the Cu matrix. The bending strength and friction coefficient of the composites were also investigated. Taken together, the results from this work offer fruitful, yet practical information to utilize the CGCs as a thermal management material, essential for electric and electronic devices.
PENGARUH SISTEM INFORMASI AKUNTANSI DAN PELATIHAN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN PT. BANK MANDIRI (PERSERO) Tbk AREA PLUIT SELATAN
Authors: Kusuma Dewi Eka , Putri Romadhina Anggun
Published: February 2023

This study aims to analyze the accounting information system and job training on employee performance either partially or simultaneously. This research was conducted at Pt Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk South Pluit Area. The type in this research is quantitative research. This sampling uses a saturated sample technique in which all the population is sampled in this study, amounting to 57 respondents, and data collection in this study includes observation, questionnaires and literature study. Data analysis techniques in this study are validity, reliability, classical assumption test, descriptive analysis, multiple linear analysis and hypothesis testing. by using the SPSS Version 25 application program. The results of this study indicate that simultaneously accounting information systems and job training affect employee performance, partially accounting information system affects employee performance and job training affects employee performance.
Analisis Pengaruh Fraud Triangle pada Kecurangan Laporan Keuangan PT Timah tahun 2018
Authors: Vaustine Khellyn , Harsono Budi , Floren Elvinis Jolin , Xaviolyn Xaviolyn
Published: February 2023

This study aims to analyze the presence of financial statement fraud that has been presented by PT Timah Tbk. The trigger factor for this fraud is the fraud triangle which can be divided into three, namely pressure, opportunity, and rationalization. In 2018, PT Timah was suspected of processing its financial reports, especially in the profit section. This action is not in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards (SAK) that apply in Indonesia. This has attracted the attention of researchers to analyze what factors trigger PT Timah to commit fraud in its financial statements. This study analyzes the fraud triangle factor in PT Timah's 2018 financial statements using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The results showed that there was pressure for PT Timah to capture profits and expenses, there was an opportunity for PT Timah to commit fraud due to ineffective supervision, and there was an intention to rationalize its audit opinion.
Combined cervical transcutaneous with lumbosacral epidural stimulation improves voluntary control of stepping movements in spinal cord injured individuals
Authors: Angeli Claudia A. , Gerasimenko Yury
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Lumbosacral spinal cord neuromodulation has shown the ability to restore voluntary control and stepping in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury.

Methods: We combined cervical transcutaneous and lumbar epidural stimulation to explore the brain-spinal connectomes and their influence in spinal excitability and interlimb coupling. Four individuals with a prior implanted lumbosacral spinal cord epidural stimulator participated in the study. We assessed lower extremity muscle activity and kinematics during intentional stepping in both non-weight bearing and weight-bearing environments.

Results: Our results showed an inhibition of motor evoked potentials generated by spinal cord epidural stimulation when cervical transcutaneous stimulation is applied. In contrast, when intentional stepping is performed in a non-weight bearing setting, range of motion, motor output amplitude, and coordination are improved when cervical transcutaneous and lumbar epidural stimulations are combined. Similarly, with both stimulations applied, coordination is improved and motor output variability is decreased when intentional stepping is performed on a treadmill with body weight support.

Discussion: Combined transcutaneous cervical and epidural lumbar stimulation demonstrated an improvement of voluntary control of stepping in individuals with chronic motor complete paralysis. The immediate functional improvement promoted by the combination of cervical and lumbar stimulation adds to the body of evidence for increasing spinal excitability and improvement of function that is possible in individuals with chronic paralysis.
Bilateral varicocele leads to ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis of human spermatozoa and affects semen quality in infertile men
Authors: Sun Tie Cheng , Li Dong Mei , Yu Hong , Song Ling Li , Jia Yan Jun , Lin Li , Zhou Shan Jie
Published: February 2023

Purpose: This study explored the effects of bilateral varicocele on male semen quality in infertile men and the molecular mechanisms involving ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis signaling pathways.

Methods: Totally, 20 healthy males and 26 patients with bilateral varicocele receiving infertility treatment were enrolled. Semen samples were collected. Basic semen parameters, acrosome integrity and membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and apoptosis rate were compared. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), iron, glutathione (GSH), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and, Catalase (CAT), were detected in human seminal plasma. Relative mRNA expression of Ca 2+-independent phospholipases A2 beta (iPLA 2β), P53, Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and GSH-dependent peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were evaluated. Relative protein expression was determined for GPX4, receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 1 (RIPK1) and receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 3 (RIPK3), as well as pyroptosis markers of Gasdermin E (GSDME) and heat shock protein 90 (HSP 90).

Results: The results revealed that the bilateral varicocele group had significantly higher abnormalities (sperm progressive rate and sperm motility) compared to the control group. Meanwhile, compared to control group, GSH, T-SOD, and CAT levels were reduced in the bilateral varicocele group (p < 0.05). However, the level of ROS and iron were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Relative mRNA expression of P53, iPLA 2β, ZEB1, and GPX4 were reduced. In addition, ROS exposure activated ferroptosis-related signal pathways. RIPK1, RIPK3, GSDME and HSP 90 were increased in bilateral varicocele group. ROS exposure affected signaling pathways related to ferroptosis, necrosis and pyroptosis in human spermatozoa.

Conclusion: Bilateral varicocele leads to ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis of human spermatozoa and affects semen quality in infertile men.
The hydration of Li+ and Mg2+ in subnano carbon nanotubes using a multiscale theoretical approach
Authors: Liu Ruirui , Jing Zhuanfang , Shao Yifan , Zhou Yongquan , Zhu Fayan , Liu Hongyan
Published: February 2023

The separation of brines with high Mg/Li mass ratios is a huge challenge. To provide a theoretical basis for the design of separation materials, the hydration of Li+ and Mg2+ in confinement using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the 1-D nanopore model was investigated using a multiscale theoretical approach. According to the analysis of the first coordination layer of cations, we determined that the coordination shells of two cations exist inside CNTs, while the second coordination shells of the cations are unstable. Moreover, the results of the structure analysis indicate that the hydration layer of Li+ is not complete in CNTs with diameters of 0.73, 0.87, and 1.00 nm. However, this does not occur in the 0.60 nm CNT, which is explained by the formation of contact ion pairs (CIP) between Li+ and Cl− that go through a unstable solvent-shared ion pair [Li(H2O)4]+, and this research was further extended by 400 ns in the 0.60 nm CNT to address the aforementioned results. However, the hydration layer of Mg2+ is complete and not sensitive to the diameter of CNTs using molecular dynamics simulation and an ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) method. Furthermore, the results of the orientation distribution of Li+ and Mg2+ indicate that the water molecules around Mg2+ are more ordered than water molecules around Li+ in the CNTs and are more analogous to the bulk solution. We conclude that it is energetically unfavorable to confine Li+ inside the 0.60-nm diameter CNT, while it is favorable for confining Li+ inside the other four CNTs and Mg2+ in all CNTs, which is driven by the strong electrostatic interaction between cations and Cl−. In addition, the interaction between cations and water molecules in the five CNTs was also analyzed from the non-covalent interaction (NCI) perspective by AIMD.
Silicon electrowinning by molten salts electrolysis
Authors: Padamata Sai Krishna , Saevarsdottir Gudrun
Published: February 2023

Electrochemically produced Si in molten salts can be used to fabricate electronic and photovoltaic devices. The major factors influencing the structure and morphology of Si deposits are electrolyte composition, applied current densities and overpotentials, type of precursors, operating temperature, and electrodeposition duration. For Si electrodeposition, a less corrosive electrolyte with the ability to dissolve Si species and easily soluble in water should be used. This review provides a brief analysis of the Si production by electrolysis in molten salts.
Microwaves can kill malaria parasites non-thermally
Authors: Coronado Lorena M. , Stoute José A. , Nadovich Christopher T. , Cheng Jiping , Correa Ricardo , Chaw Kevin , González Guadalupe , Zambrano Maytee , Gittens Rolando A. , Agrawal Dinesh K. , Jemison William D. , Donado Morcillo Carlos A. , Spadafora Carmenza
Published: February 2023

Malaria, which infected more than 240 million people and killed around six hundred thousand only in 2021, has reclaimed territory after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Together with parasite resistance and a not-yet-optimal vaccine, the need for new approaches has become critical. While earlier, limited, studies have suggested that malaria parasites are affected by electromagnetic energy, the outcomes of this affectation vary and there has not been a study that looks into the mechanism of action behind these responses. In this study, through development and implementation of custom applicators for in vitro experimentation, conditions were generated in which microwave energy (MW) killed more than 90% of the parasites, not by a thermal effect but via a MW energy-induced programmed cell death that does not seem to affect mammalian cell lines. Transmission electron microscopy points to the involvement of the haemozoin-containing food vacuole, which becomes destroyed; while several other experimental approaches demonstrate the involvement of calcium signaling pathways in the resulting effects of exposure to MW. Furthermore, parasites were protected from the effects of MW by calcium channel blockers calmodulin and phosphoinositol. The findings presented here offer a molecular insight into the elusive interactions of oscillating electromagnetic fields with P. falciparum, prove that they are not related to temperature, and present an alternative technology to combat this devastating disease.
Gender equality and climate change mitigation: Are women a secret weapon?
Authors: Rainard Mathilde , Smith Christopher J. , Pachauri Shonali
Published: February 2023

An orthodox assumption frames gender equality as a panacea to the climate crisis, whereby empowering women is assumed to have tremendous positive effects on countries' environmental performances. However, the gender-climate nexus literature often disregards feminist epistemology, detrimentally integrating harmful gendered assumptions within its analyses, and therefore policy recommendations. To remedy this, links between gender equality and climate change mitigation action were investigated, through a mixed-method approach, which includes feminist theories. Two metrics of gender equity, the Global Gender Gap Index and the Gender Inequality Index, and their correlations to a sustainability metric, the Environmental Performance Index, were analyzed. This quantitative analysis was enriched by 13 interviews with gender-climate experts. Results showed that, despite statistically significant correlations between both gender equality indices and the Environmental Performance Index, the positive relationship between gender equality and environmental performances is contextual and multi-faceted. Disregarding situated gender constructs, understanding gender as binary, and positing women as a homogeneous group, all mask multiple interactions between gender equality and climate change mitigation. Unveiling these interactions necessitates better integration of radical gender theories within climate change science through interdisciplinary research, permitting epistemological pluralism. To further this, a methodological framework is proposed, to help guide environmental researchers willing to consider gender in their work. Furthermore, the impact of gender mainstreaming within climate policies is explored, presenting subsequent policy recommendations. Finally, findings and the systemic transformation potential of gender equality, amongst other forms of equality, are discussed, reinforcing the idea that there is no climate justice without gender justice, and that justice and equality are cornerstones of sustainable societies.
Efficacy and safety of inorganic nitrate/nitrite supplementary therapy in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Lv Feng , Zhang Junyi , Tao Yuan
Published: February 2023

Background

Approximately half of patients with heart failure have a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). To date, only SGLT-2i, ARNi, and MRAs treatments have been shown to be effective for HFpEF. Exercise intolerance is the primary clinical feature of HFpEF. The aim of this meta-analysis was to explore the effect of inorganic nitrate/nitrite supplementary therapy on the exercise capacity of HFpEF patients.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, OVID, and Web of Science for eligible studies for this meta-analysis. The primary outcomes were peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2), exercise time, and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during exercise. The secondary outcomes were cardiac output, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and systemic vascular resistance during rest and exercise, respectively.

Results

A total of eight randomized-controlled trials were enrolled for this meta-analysis. We found no benefit of inorganic nitrate/nitrite on exercise capacity in patients with HFpEF. Inorganic nitrate/nitrite compared to placebo, did not significantly increased peak VO2 (MD = 0.361, 95% CI = −0.17 to 0.89, p = 0.183), exercise time (MD = 9.74, 95% CI = −46.47 to 65.95, p = 0.734), and respiratory exchange ratio during exercise (MD = −0.003, 95% CI = −0.036 to 0.029, p = 0.834). Among the six diameters reflecting cardiac and artery hemodynamics, inorganic nitrate/nitrite can lower rest SBP, rest/exercise DBP, rest/exercise MAP, and exercise SVR, but has no effect in cardiac output and heart rate for HFpEF patients.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggested that inorganic nitrate/nitrite supplementary therapy has no benefit in improving the exercise capacity of patients with HFpEF, but can yield a blood pressure lowering effect, especially during exercise.
The role of (pro)renin receptor and its soluble form in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Wang Boyang , Jie Haipeng , Wang Shuangxi , Dong Bo , Zou Yunzeng
Published: February 2023

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a major classic therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. In addition to the circulating RAS, local tissue RAS has been identified in various tissues and plays roles in tissue inflammation and tissue fibrosis. (Pro)renin receptor (PRR) was identified as a new member of RAS in 2002. Studies have demonstrated the effects of PRR and its soluble form in local tissue RAS. Moreover, as an important part of vacuolar H+-ATPase, it also contributes to normal lysosome function and cell survival. Evidently, PRR participates in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and may be a potential therapeutic target of cardiovascular diseases. This review focuses on the effects of PRR and its soluble form on the physiological state, hypertension, myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury, heart failure, metabolic cardiomyopathy, and atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate the possibilities and challenges of PRR and its soluble form as a new therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases.
Novel non-invasive ECG imaging method based on the 12-lead ECG for reconstruction of ventricular activation: A proof-of-concept study
Authors: Fruelund Patricia Zerlang , Van Dam Peter M. , Melgaard Jacob , Sommer Anders , Lundbye-Christensen Søren , Søgaard Peter , Zaremba Tomas , Graff Claus , Riahi Sam
Published: February 2023

Aim

Current non-invasive electrocardiographic imaging (ECGi) methods are often based on complex body surface potential mapping, limiting the clinical applicability. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the ability of a novel non-invasive ECGi method, based on the standard 12-lead ECG, to localize initial site of ventricular activation in right ventricular (RV) paced patients. Validation of the method was performed by comparing the ECGi reconstructed earliest site of activation against the true RV pacing site determined from cardiac computed tomography (CT).

Methods

This was a retrospective study using data from 34 patients, previously implanted with a dual chamber pacemaker due to advanced atrioventricular block. True RV lead position was determined from analysis of a post-implant cardiac CT scan. The ECGi method was based on an inverse-ECG algorithm applying electrophysiological rules. The algorithm integrated information from an RV paced 12-lead ECG together with a CT-derived patient-specific heart-thorax geometric model to reconstruct a 3D electrical ventricular activation map.

Results

The mean geodesic localization error (LE) between the ECGi reconstructed initial site of activation and the RV lead insertion site determined from CT was 13.9 ± 5.6 mm. The mean RV endocardial surface area was 146.0 ± 30.0 cm2 and the mean circular LE area was 7.0 ± 5.2 cm2 resulting in a relative LE of 5.0 ± 4.0%.

Conclusion

We demonstrated a novel non-invasive ECGi method, based on the 12-lead ECG, that accurately localized the RV pacing site in relation to the ventricular anatomy.
An extended approach to appraise electricity distribution and carbon footprint of bitcoin in a smart city
Authors: Sharma Ayushi , Sharma Pratham , Bamotra Harsh , Gaur Vibha
Published: February 2023

A nation cannot sustain a highly productive and efficient population without smart cities. Due to their significant reliance on digital technologies, these cities require a high level of cybercrime protection. Cryptocurrencies have gained significant attention due to their secure and reliable infrastructure. The decentralised cryptocurrency operates in a trust-less environment known as the blockchain, where each network participant has a ledger copy of all transactions. Blockchain technology employs a proven consensus mechanism without requiring establishment of a central authority. But the consensus mechanism requires miner to solve a cryptographic problem by generating random hashes until one of them matches the desired one. This procedure is energy-intensive, and when thousands of miners repeat it to verify a single transaction, a substantial amount of electricity is consumed. Moreover, electricity produces a significant amount of carbon footprint. Patch methodology utilises the data of all hashes created per year and the efficiency of mining hardware over a 10-year period to calculate the Bitcoins energy consumption. Due to a large number of unknown and uncertain factors involved, it is difficult to precisely calculate a single value for electricity consumption and carbon footprint as reported by Patch methodology. The proposed method extends the Patch methodology by adding a maximum and minimum limit to the hardware efficiency as well as the sources of power generation, which can help refine estimates of electricity consumption and carbon emissions for a more accurate picture. Using the proposed methodology, it was estimated that Bitcoin consumed between 38.495 and 120.72 terawatt hours of electricity in 2021 and released between 2.12 and 45.37 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide. To address the issue of excessive energy consumption and carbon emissions, a significant number of individual miners and mining pools are relocating to energy-intensive regions, such as aluminium mining sites that rely on hydroelectricity for energy generation.
Reaction and deformation mechanism of a slipping-stretching landslide: Example of the Liangtianao ancient landslide, Guangxi Province, China
Authors: Youjun Li , Hongri Zhang , Liming Huang , Sulian Lan , Hongming Li , Xuexiao Wu
Published: February 2023

Slipping-stretching landslides have long been recognized as a common type of landslide case, but such reactions have rarely been reported. There was a slipping-stretching landslide reaction at Liangtianao, Guangxi Province, China, and the geological background and deformation characteristics of the case were identified by detailed geological survey and long-term monitoring. A FEM model of the case was built using GEO5 to analyze the mechanism of reaction and deformation. The results are as follows. 1) The Liangtianao landslide is a bedding rock ancient landslide, which remained in a creeping state after the landslide occurred in geological history. 2) The new sliding surface in the Liangtianao landslide is basically consistent with the weak interlayers formed by ancient landslides, and the fault-type is a slipping-stretching type with the following deformation process: strain at leading edge by road excavation→ leading edge instability→ middle part shear and creep→ back edge tensile. 3) Micro-geomorphology, rock mass bedding, and weak interlayers are internal causes of the Liangtianao landslide reaction, while excavation unloading and rainfall are the external causes. The inclinometer indicates that the Liangtianao landslide is still highly sensitive to rainfall after the landslide reaction, which may trigger a secondary landslide reaction. 4) The numerical analysis results indicate that the maintenance of a passive state in the anti-sliding section is highly beneficial to maintaining basic stability after the landslide reaction; unloading only 1/20 of the sliding section makes the landslide stable in the long term.
The impact of tropical SST variability on the northern hemisphere circumglobal teleconnection pattern
Authors: Lin Yen-Heng , Fosu Boniface , Ikuyajolu Olawale J.
Published: February 2023

Tropical-extratropical teleconnection during boreal summer is characterized by a circumglobal teleconnection (CGT) pattern and is often considered as one of the major predictability sources of extratropical atmospheric circulation. The extent to which the summer circumglobal teleconnection pattern is remotely forced by tropical sea surface temperature (SST) variability remains to be elucidated. Here, we use a suite of pacemaker simulations from the Community Earth System Model (CESM1) to investigate the contribution of tropical sea surface temperature variability in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, Northern Atlantic, and Indo-Western Pacific to the summer circumglobal teleconnection circulation. We find that the variability of circumglobal teleconnection in the summer is dominated by the sea surface temperature variability in the Indo-Western Pacific and its remotely forced ENSO-like anomaly. As a result, the Indo-Western Pacific pacemaker experiment exhibits precipitation and surface temperature teleconnection patterns closest to the observed patterns in the Northern Hemisphere. A better understanding of such tropical-extratropical interactions can inform better seasonal forecasts and model development.
Identification of Baihesi aluminous A-type granite: Magmatic response to the onset of Cretaceous extension in eastern Jiangnan Massif, South China
Authors: Hu Bojie , Zhang Da , Zhang Xinming , Zhang Zhihui , Wang Sen , Hu Jiaxiu
Published: February 2023

The Cretaceous lithospheric extension in South China is very distinct and expressed by systematic extension-related geological records which are concentrated in the coastal terrane, Shi-Hang Rift, and Jiangnan Massif. The Cretaceous extension in the coastal terrane and Shi-Hang Rift began almost simultaneously during 145–140 Ma, while there is a lack of reliable magmatic indication for tectonic extension in the Jiangnan Massif during 145–140 Ma. This paper reports a newly discovered Baihesi granite with a concordant age of 142.52 ± 0.57 Ma (MSWD = 1.2) on the southeast margin of the eastern Jiangnan Massif with evidence from petrology, geochronology, petrochemistry and Hf isotopes. The Baihesi granite is a monzogranite and classified as a peraluminous, high-K calc-alkaline series. The trace element compositions are characterized by relatively flat rare earth element patterns; strong depletion of Eu; slightly enriched light rare earth elements; enrichment of Cs, Rb, Th, U, and Pb; and depletion of Ba, Sr, P, and Ti. Combined with other petrochemistry characteristics, such as high SiO2 content, high differentiation index, low Zr/Hf and Nb/Ta ratios, low ratio between light and heavy REEs, low P2O5 content, and high zirconium saturation temperature, Baihesi granite is proven to be highly evolved aluminous A-type granite. The εHf(t) values of Baihesi granite range from −5.57 to −2.37, with two-stage model ages (TDM2) ranging from 1,551 to 1,345 Ma, suggesting a similar source to Neoproterozoic arc-related magmatic rocks in the Shuangqiaoshan Group. We argue that Baihesi granite has originated mainly from partial melting of a reworked juvenile crust related to Neoproterozoic arc-related magmatism in the Jiangnan Massif, which was controlled by subduction along the South China active continental margin. Furthermore, we constrain the onset of Cretaceous extension in the eastern Jiangnan Massif to be 145–140 Ma and highlight the Early Cretaceous reactivation of the northeastern Jiangxi Province fault zone and the structural inheritance in intraplate tectonics.
Ecological diversity methods improve quantitative examination of student language in short constructed responses in STEM
Authors: Shiroda Megan , Fleming Michael P. , Haudek Kevin C.
Published: February 2023

We novelly applied established ecology methods to quantify and compare language diversity within a corpus of short written student texts. Constructed responses (CRs) are a common form of assessment but are difficult to evaluate using traditional methods of lexical diversity due to text length restrictions. Herein, we examined the utility of ecological diversity measures and ordination techniques to quantify differences in short texts by applying these methods in parallel to traditional text analysis methods to a corpus of previously studied college student CRs. The CRs were collected at two time points (Timing), from three types of higher-ed institutions (Type), and across three levels of student understanding (Thinking). Using previous work, we were able to predict that we would observe the most difference based on Thinking, then Timing and did not expect differences based on Type allowing us to test the utility of these methods for categorical examination of the corpus. We found that the ecological diversity metrics that compare CRs to each other (Whittaker’s beta, species turnover, and Bray–Curtis Dissimilarity) were informative and correlated well with our predicted differences among categories and other text analysis methods. Other ecological measures, including Shannon’s and Simpson’s diversity, measure the diversity of language within a single CR. Additionally, ordination provided meaningful visual representations of the corpus by reducing complex word frequency matrices to two-dimensional graphs. Using the ordination graphs, we were able to observe patterns in the CR corpus that further supported our predictions for the data set. This work establishes novel approaches to measuring language diversity within short texts that can be used to examine differences in student language and possible associations with categorical data.
One-step versus two-step screening for diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus in Iranian population: A randomized community trial
Authors: Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh , Rahmati Maryam , Farzadfar Farshad , Abedini Mehrandokht , Farahmand Maryam , Hosseinpanah Farhad , Hadaegh Farzad , Torkestani Farahnaz , Valizadeh Majid , Azizi Fereidoun , Behboudi-Gandevani Samira
Published: February 2023

Objectives

There is considerable worldwide controversy regarding optimal screening and diagnostic approaches for GDM. This study aimed to compare the prevalence, maternal and neonatal outcomes of a One-step with a Two-step approach for the screening and diagnosis of GDM in a large community sample of pregnant women.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized community non-inferiority trial of GDM screening in Iran. For the current study, all pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups for GDM screening. The first group of women (n = 14611) was screened by a One-step screening approach [75-g 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)] and the second group (n = 14160) by a Two-step method (the 50-g glucose challenge test followed by the 100-g OGTT). All study participants were followed up until delivery, and the adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded in detail.

Results

GDM was diagnosed in 9.3% of the pregnant women who were assigned to the One-step and in 5.4% of those assigned to the Two-step approach with a statistically significant difference between them (p < 0.001). Intention-to-treat analyses showed no significant differences between the One-step and the Two-step group in the unadjusted risks of the adverse pregnancy outcomes of macrosomia, primary cesarean-section, preterm birth, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyperbilirubinemia, preeclampsia, neonatal intensive care unit admission, birth trauma, low birth weight, and intrauterine fetal death. Results remained unchanged after adjustment for potential confounder variables including gestational age at enrollment and delivery, maternal body mass index, gestational weight gain, type of delivery, treatment modality, and GDM diagnosis in the first trimester.

Conclusion

We found that although the rates of GDM more than doubled with the One-step strategy, the One-step approach was similar to the Two-step approach in terms of maternal and neonatal outcomes. These findings may warn that more caution should be exercised in adopting the One-step method worldwide. Future research is needed to assess the long-term harm and benefits of those approaches to GDM screening for both mothers and their offspring.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.irct.ir/trial/518, identifier (IRCT138707081281N1).
Spatial and temporal effects of China’s digital economy on rural revitalization
Authors: Zhou Xiangjun , Du Meng , Dong Hai
Published: February 2023

The paper constructs an evaluation index system of China’s digital economy and rural revitalization development, including 46 indicators of digital economy and rural revitalization subsystem, and analyzes the impact of China’s digital economy on rural revitalization by combining spatial Markov analysis method and spatial econometric model, and finds that:① The spatial heterogeneity of rural revitalization pattern is obvious, and the difference between north and south is more prominent, and the spatial clustering characteristic of rural revitalization pattern The spatial clustering characteristics are obvious, and the degree of clustering decreases with the increase of the spatial distance threshold. ② Digital economic development can significantly promote the level of rural revitalization in the region, and this finding is found to be robust by introducing the exogenous policy shock test of the Outline of Digital Rural Development Strategy, and digital economic development has a significant spatial siphon effect and can influence the level of rural revitalization in neighboring regions. Considering spatial heterogeneity, the regression results based on the multi-distance economic circle show that the siphoning effect of digital economy on rural revitalization in other regions peaks at 700 km ③Main contribution: It reveals that implementing a differentiated digital economy development strategy and enhancing the radiation of polarized regions are important for reducing regional differences in digital economy and rural revitalization to realize the coordinated development of China’s digital countryside.