bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oscillator-based optimization: design, emulation, and implementation
Authors: Al Beattie Bakr , Noll Maximiliane , Kohlstedt Hermann , Ochs Karlheinz
Published: January 2024

The emergence of digital computers has profoundly reshaped our interactions with technology and the processing of information. Despite excelling in data processing and arithmetics, these computers face limitations in tackling complex nondeterministic-polynomial (NP) problems. In response, researchers have started searching for new computational paradigms that possess the natural tendency of solving these problems. Oscillator-based optimizers are one such paradigm, where the idea is to exploit the parallelism of oscillators networks in order to efficiently solve NP problems. This involves a process of mapping a given optimization task to a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization program and then mapping the resulting program onto an inter-oscillator coupling circuit encoding its coefficients. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to constructing oscillator-based optimizers, offering both the rationale for employing oscillator networks and formulas for linking optimization coefficients to inter-oscillator coupling. Here, we cover most aspects of oscillator-based optimization starting from the design of the network up to its technical implementation. Moreover, we provide a platform-independent wave digital algorithm, which allows for emulating our network’s behavior in a highly parallel fashion.

Graphical Abstract
Disease Activity Indices in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: What Is New?
Authors: Lam Fung , Mok Chi Chiu
Published: January 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complicated multisystem autoimmune disease that carries substantial mortality and morbidity. The development of new therapies is partly hindered by the lack of a flawless instrument to gauge disease activity in different organs for the primary efficacy outcome. Until a global consensus is reached regarding the most preferred assessment tool, application of any of the existing disease activity indices is acceptable in clinical practice and research. However, one should have a more thorough understanding of the strength and limitations of individual disease activity instruments. This article updates the SLE disease activity indices commonly used in clinical trials and their latest stage of development.
U–Pb zircon–rutile dating of the Llangynog Inlier, Wales: constraints on an Ediacaran shallow-marine fossil assemblage from East Avalonia
Authors: Clarke Anthony J. I. , Kirkland Christopher L. , Menon Latha R. , Condon Daniel J. , Cope John C. W. , Bevins Richard E. , Glorie Stijn
Published: January 2024

The Llangynog Inlier of south Wales contains an assemblage of Ediacaran macrofossils from a shallow-marine environment, including discoidal morphs of
Aspidella
and rare examples of
Hiemalora
,
Palaeopascichnus
and
Yelovichnus
. These are taxa found at other sites in the Avalonian microcontinent (e.g. Charnwood Forest and eastern Newfoundland) and in the younger White Sea Ediacaran assemblages. As the Charnwood fossils reflect a deep-water environment, and no macrofossils have been found in the Ediacaran rocks of the Long Mynd, the fossils of the Llangynog Inlier represent a unique glimpse of shallow-marine life in southern Britain (East Avalonia). However, the lack of absolute age constraints has hampered direct comparison with other assemblages. Here, we report
in situ
zircon and rutile U–Pb dates from a rhyolitic ash-flow layer of the Coed Cochion Volcaniclastic Member, Llangynog Inlier, which constrains the age of the fossiliferous strata. A weighted mean single grain zircon isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry U–Pb age of 564.09 ± 0.70 Ma is interpreted as the rhyolite's crystallization age. This age is consistent with
in situ
laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon and rutile U–Pb dating. The Llangynog age temporally correlates these fossils to dated horizons within East Avalonia at the Beacon Hill Formation, Charnwood (565.22 ± 0.89 Ma) and the Stretton Shale Formation, Long Mynd (566.6 ± 2.9 Ma). Correlations to West Avalonia include the time-equivalent Fermeuse Formation, St John's Group, eastern Newfoundland (564.13 ± 0.65 Ma). The data presented here establish the biota of the Llangynog Inlier as a lateral equivalent to the similarly shallow-marine, tidally influenced ecosystem of the upper Fermeuse Formation. Intra-terrane depositional environmental variability also affects what is preserved in Avalonian fossil sites. Further, time-constrained geochemical data reinforce the Llangynog Inlier's classification within the Wrekin Terrane.

Supplementary material
: U–Pb data, reference material and figures showing sedimentary structures are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6965642
Programmer Job Interviews: The Hidden Agenda
Authors: Kelly Terence
Published: January 2024

Top tech interviews test coding and CS knowledge overtly, but they also evaluate a deeper technical instinct so subtly that candidates seldom notice the appraisal. We'll learn how interviewers
create
questions to covertly measure a skill that sets the best programmers above the rest. Equipped with empathy for the interviewer, you can prepare to shine on the job market by seizing camouflaged opportunities.
Predicting Representations of Information Needs from Digital Activity Context
Authors: Vuong Tung , Ruotsalo Tuukka
Published: January 2024

Information retrieval systems often consider search-session and immediately preceding web-browsing history as the context for predicting users’ present information needs. However, such context is only available when a user’s information needs originate from web context or when users have issued preceding queries in the search session. Here, we study the effect of more extensive context information recorded from users’ everyday digital activities by monitoring all information interacted with and communicated using personal computers. Twenty individuals were recruited for 14 days of 24/7 continuous monitoring of their digital activities, including screen contents, clicks, and operating system logs on Web and non-Web applications. Using this data, a transformer architecture is applied to model the digital activity context and predict representations of personalized information needs. Subsequently, the representations of information needs are used for query prediction, query auto-completion, selected search result prediction, and Web search re-ranking. The predictions of the models are evaluated against the ground truth data obtained from the activity recordings. The results reveal that the models accurately predict representations of information needs improving over the conventional search session and web-browsing contexts. The results indicate that the present practice for utilizing users’ contextual information is limited and can be significantly extended to achieve improved search interaction support and performance.
An All-digital Compute-in-memory FPGA Architecture for Deep Learning Acceleration
Authors: Li Yonggen , Li Xin , Shen Haibin , Fan Jicong , Xu Yanfeng , Huang Kejie
Published: January 2024

Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a versatile and programmable hardware platform, which makes it a promising candidate for accelerating Deep Neural Networks (DNNs). However, FPGA’s computing energy efficiency is low due to the domination of energy consumption by interconnect data movement. In this article, we propose an all-digital Compute-in-memory FPGA architecture for deep learning acceleration. Furthermore, we present a bit-serial computing circuit of the Digital CIM core for accelerating vector-matrix multiplication (VMM) operations. A Network-CIM-deployer (

NCIMD

) is also developed to support automatic deployment and mapping of DNN networks.

NCIMD

provides a user-friendly API of DNN models in Caffe format. Meanwhile, we introduce a Weight-stationary dataflow and describe the method of mapping a single layer of the network to the CIM array in the architecture. We conduct experimental tests on the proposed FPGA architecture in the field of Deep Learning (DL), as well as in non-DL fields, using different architectural layouts and mapping strategies. We also compare the results with the conventional FPGA architecture. The experimental results show that compared to the conventional FPGA architecture, the energy efficiency can achieve a maximum speedup of 16.1×, while the latency can decrease up to 40% in our proposed CIM FPGA architecture.
Fermented Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata L.) as Nutrient Solu-tion on the Growth of Batavia Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under Kratky Hy-droponic Method
Authors: Borja Norilie Jann A. , Bacani Mary Rhovian B. , Coloma Jiven F. , Esconde Alyanna Mariko
Published: January 2024

Golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata L.) is considered as a notorious pest in the rice fields along with different agricultural countries including the Philippines. This study was conducted to develop a fermented golden apple snail (FGAS) nutrient solution and investigate its effects on the growth of green loose-leaf Batavia lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under a Kratky hydroponic method. Green-loose leaf in grand rapid variety were used as the test plant to assess the effectiveness of the five treatments in the study: T1-SNAP solution, T2-FGAS, T3-double strength FGAS, T4-molasses, and T5-water. Due to its better suitability for trials carried out inside a screenhouse system, complete randomized design was used in the study. Moreover, the pH, electric conductivity (EC) and temperature of the treatments were measured as well as relative humidity and temperature within the screenhouse as indicators of its physicochemical characteristics. The developed FGAS has a 1:1:1 ratio composed of the meat of the P. canaliculata, food-grade molasses, and water. The result indicated that the lettuces which grew on T2-FGAS are comparable with the lettuces on the positive control. T1-SNAP solution in terms of plant height, number of leaves, length and width of the biggest leaf, fresh weight, and root length. However, lettuces on T2-FGAS displayed better leaf coloration, dry weight, and width of the biggest lettuce leaf than T1-SNAP. Additionally, L. sativa plants cultivated in T3-double strength FGAS produced results that were comparable to those obtained with negative treatments T4-molasses and T5-water. The study further revealed that the developed FGAS can probably be used as hydroponic nutrient solution by plant growers. The researchers recommend microbiological water analysis and lettuce contents analysis for further study.
Performance Evaluation Practices of Select Higher Education Institution in the City of Manila: Basis for Enhancing Faculty Performance
Authors: Gutierrez Ernell Bautista
Published: January 2024

Performance evaluation practices for faculty members has been an effective method to improve faculty performance, thus, educational institution must give paramount importance on ways to improve the performance of their faculty members. Indicated in the study of Mamatha, H et al (2021), higher education institutions being the major economic drivers in a nation rely on their faculty for quality of education. Traditional methods of performance evaluation based on quantitative data are more of a mathematical calculation than a scientific approach. The research sought answers to the effectiveness of evaluation practices in terms of student evaluation, peer evaluation and immediate superior evaluation as mechanism to enhance performance of faculty members. The research employed a quantitative-descriptive methodology and the main participants in the research are academic heads and faculty members. Results revealed that, the current evaluation practices of the select educational institution are effective as assessed by the participants. In terms of identifying differences, results revealed that between academic head and faculty members, there was no significant difference in the assessment about student evaluation, peer evaluation and immediate superior evaluation. On the other hand, when faculty members are categorized in terms of employment status, result revealed that their assessment differs on the three evaluation practices.
“O sofrimento amoroso do homem”: misoginia e discurso de ódio na literatura masculinista de autoajuda
Authors: Castellano Mayka , Miguel Vinícius Machado
Published: January 2024

Neste artigo, examina-se a literatura de autoajuda que circula nos ambientes marcados pelo pensamento masculinista. Os movimentos masculinistas ganharam destaque midiático recentemente, a partir da divulgação de influenciadores e criadores de conteúdo que compartilham nas plataformas de redes sociais misoginia disfarçada de “opiniões polêmicas”. Como objeto, analisa-se a obra de Nessahan Alita, pseudônimo de um autor cuja identidade é desconhecida, mas que funciona como uma espécie de “guru” para homens que se queixam de seu sofrimento no amor. A partir de uma investigação sobre a forma e o conteúdo do que é propagado por esse autor, e repercutido na comunidade que o cerca, avalia-se a relação entre o formato do aconselhamento disseminado pela literatura de autoajuda e o crescimento do discurso de ódio voltado contra as mulheres, assim como pretende-se refletir sobre o impacto dessa mentalidade na formação dos sujeitos contemporâneos que consomem esse tipo de conteúdo.
essência da teoria do jornalismo
Authors: Maluly Luciano Victor Barros , Silva Marcos Paulo da
Published: January 2024

Nascido no interior paulista, Marcos Paulo da Silva é um dos pesquisadores mais atuantes da nova geração de teóricos do jornalismo, com contribuições marcantes aos estudos de comunicação. A frase “as aparências das coisas importam mais que suas essências” é uma das marcas desta entrevista com o também professor do curso de Jornalismo e do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Comunicação da Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). Durante a sua trajetória acadêmica, o convívio com estudiosos do Brasil e dos Estados Unidos o influenciou, diretamente, na construção de um pensamento que possibilita a análise glocal dos fenômenos relacionados ao jornalismo, como a desinformação, e fornece elementos para a crítica da cobertura jornalística. Em entrevista a Luciano Maluly, professor do Departamento de Jornalismo e do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Comunicação da ECA-USP, o entrevistado relatou sua contribuição aos estudos de jornalismo e da comunicação.
Curiosidade em ruínas: discurso curatorial e imaginários populares dissidentes
Authors: Vidal Junior Icaro Ferraz , Bragança Mauricio de
Published: January 2024

Este artigo adota como ponto de partida algumas questões fundadoras do campo de estudos dedicado às histórias das exposições. Objetiva-se, a partir de tal repertório teórico-conceitual, refletir sobre dois processos que adquirem relevância diante do lugar privilegiado da cultura nas disputas narrativas contemporâneas: por um lado, propõe uma análise dos esforços institucionais e curatoriais de descolonização dos acervos e das narrativas contadas por meio da exposição de importantes coleções; por outro, reconhece a diversidade de regimes escópicos que marcam o contexto latino-americano contemporâneo, instaurando uma zona de indeterminação e constante negociação entre o projeto colonial e científico de museu e imaginários populares dissidentes.
Plataformas coprodutoras de conteúdo infantil: governança e moderação no YouTube
Authors: Tomaz Renata Oliveira
Published: January 2024

Este trabalho contém as etapas iniciais de um projeto mais amplo que investiga a relação entre comunicação, infância e governança das plataformas. A pesquisa tem como corpus a documentação da política de segurança infantil do YouTube. Por meio do método de análise documental, o estudo mostrou que tais diretrizes privilegiam as práticas de moderação de conteúdo em sua estratégia de governança, as quais podem ser negativas, restritivas ou afirmativas. Considerando que as políticas de uso não só moderam o conteúdo publicado, mas também modelam a produção a ser realizada, o trabalho permitiu a formulação da hipótese das plataformas como coprodutoras de conteúdo, nesse caso, infantil.
Podcasts narrativos de não ficção: apontamentos sobre o cenário de produção espanhol
Authors: Vicente Eduardo
Published: January 2024

Este artigo busca apresentar alguns aspectos do mercado de podcasts espanhol, com foco nas produções narrativas de não ficção. Apontadas como um dos tipos de produção mais característicos do universo dos podcasts, as narrativas de não ficção atestam, como este estudo procura demonstrar, a crescente autonomia do podcasting enquanto cultura de produção e consumo midiático já consolidada e cada vez mais independente do rádio.
Alfabetização midiática e informacional no combate à desinformação e à violência nas escolas: uma proposta de agenda
Authors: Guazina Liziane Soares
Published: January 2024

O artigo discute a relação entre desinformação e violência nas escolas do Brasil e articula uma contribuição para o debate público sobre a construção de proposta de agenda de políticas públicas para o Ministério da Educação, a fim de se promover a alfabetização midiática e informacional nas escolas em todos os níveis de ensino, em acordo com as competências da Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC). Para tanto, o texto apresenta documentos de referência internacional, experiências brasileiras que constituem inspiração para novas iniciativas em escala nacional e um conjunto de cinco eixos de propostas, que contemplam o fomento à participação pública, a formação de professores, a produção de conteúdos audiovisuais e o incentivo à gestão democrática nas escolas.
Wisława Szymborska e a poética do questionamento
Authors: Rebechi Junior Arlindo
Published: January 2024

Este artigo discute alguns aspectos presentes na poesia da artista polonesa Wisława Szymborska, ganhadora do prêmio Nobel de literatura em 1996. Com um perfil pessoal bastante discreto, Szymborska se ocupa, como poeta de grande estatura, com uma forma poética que questiona as incertezas humanas diante do mundo. Sob uma perspectiva filosófica, o lugar do não saber é revertido pela poeta para ampliar uma visão de mundo fora dos padrões estabelecidos, normalizados e difundidos. Dentre as três coletâneas de poemas traduzidos para o português no Brasil, este artigo focalizou, principalmente, a escolha de poemas do seu livro Gente na ponte (1987), cuja parte dos textos está enfeixado na edição brasileira Poemas (2011).
Cosmarium knopkirri sp. nov. (Desmidiaceae, Zygnematophyceae) from a tropical wetland in northern Mozambique
Authors: LEVANETS ANATOLIY , JANSE VAN VUUREN SANET
Published: January 2024

Cosmarium knopkirri Levanets & Janse van Vuuren sp. nov. (Desmidiaceae, Zygnematophyceae) is a newly discovered desmid species collected from an inland wetland system near Palma, Cabo Delgado Province, northern Mozambique. The diagnostic features distinguishing it from other species in the genus include semicells decorated with four concentric, alternating rows consisting of well-developed, large granules. Granules of one row alternate approximately half of the inter-granule distance with respect to those in the next row. The apical circle consists of 6 finger-like granules, while 6, 8 and 10 hemispherical granules are present on the circles located subapical, median and adjacent to the sinus, respectively.
Lectotypification of Gentiana filistyla var. parviflora (Gentianaceae, Gentianeae)
Authors: GUO XIN-QIANG , XUE DA-WEI , WU YU-HUAN
Published: January 2024

N/A
Lectotypification of the name Sonneratia apetala (Lythraceae)
Authors: MONDAL SUBRATA , NASKAR SAIKAT
Published: January 2024

N/A
Characteristics of Aerosols and Clouds and Their Role in Earth’s Energy Budget
Authors: Yu Lan , Zhang Ming , Wang Lunche , Li Huaping , Li Junli
Published: January 2024

Clouds and aerosols provide the greatest uncertainty in estimating and interpreting Earth’s energy budget. This study not only focuses on surface brightening/dimming, but also explores Earth’s energy balance. The validation results of the CERES-SYN, ISCCP-FH, and GEWEX-SRB datasets with Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN), Surface Radiation Budget Network (SURFRAD), and CMA observations show that CERES data have the highest accuracy and the longest temporal coverage. The role of clouds and aerosols in Earth’s energy budget was explained using CERES and MERRA-2 products. The results show that Earth’s energy increases at a rate of 0.63 W m−2 decade−1 in 2000–21. The global surface brightens at a rate of 0.57 W m−2 decade−1, with surface energy decreasing at a rate of 0.19 W m−2 decade−1. Brightening was found over Australia, central Asia, and southern Africa, mainly associated with cloud reduction, with aerosol emissions reductions contributing to the East Asian surface brightening. The surface brightening in South America and Southeast Asia is also due to the reduction of clouds. The increase of aerosols in South Asia is the main factor for its surface dimming, while we infer that the climatic effect from the increase of black carbon (BC) aerosols in South Asia is the inducing factor for the dimming in southern China. The surface darkening in West Asia is the result of the combined effect of clouds and aerosols, while in northern Africa it may be related to the increase of clouds caused by the decrease of dust aerosols. Surface energy increases only in Southeast Asia, South America, and Europe.

Significance Statement

Clouds and aerosols provide the greatest uncertainty in estimating and interpreting Earth’s changing energy budget. Moreover, the relative importance of clouds and aerosols is variable, depending on the regions and time scales of studies. This study shows that the energy inflow to the Earth system is greater than the energy outflow in 2000–21, with radiation on Earth increasing at a rate of 0.63 W m−2 decade−1 with the surface energy decreases at a rate of 0.19 W m−2 decade−1. Brightening was found over Southeast Asia, South America, Australia, and southern Africa, with the areas of surface darkening occurring mainly in Asia and northern Africa.
Characterization of Mixing at the Edge of a Kuroshio Intrusion into the South China Sea: Analysis of Thermal Variance Diffusivity Measurements
Authors: Sanchez-Rios Alejandra , Shearman R. Kipp , Lee Craig M. , Simmons Harper L. , Laurent Louis St. , Lucas Andrew J. , Ijichi Takashi , Jan Sen
Published: January 2024

The Kuroshio occasionally carries warm and salty North Pacific Water into fresher waters of the South China Sea, forming a front with a complex temperature–salinity (T–S) structure to the west of the Luzon Strait. In this study, we examine the T–S interleavings formed by alternating layers of North Pacific Water with South China Sea Water in a front formed during the winter monsoon season of 2014. Using observations from a glider array following a free-floating wave-powered vertical profiling float to calculate the fine-scale parameters Turner angle, Tu, and Richardson number, Ri, we identified areas favorable to double-diffusion convection and shear instability observed in a T–S interleaving. We evaluated the contribution of double-diffusion convection and shear instabilities to the thermal variance diffusivity, χ, using microstructure data and compared it with previous parameterization schemes based on fine-scale properties. We discover that turbulent mixing is not accurately parameterized when both Tu and Ri are within critical ranges (Tu > 60; Ri < ¼). In particular, χ associated with salt finger processes was an order of magnitude higher (6.7 × 10−7 K2 s−1) than in regions where only velocity shear was likely to drive mixing (8.7 × 10−8 K2 s−1).
Different Perception on the Use of Hawley and Vacuum-formed Retainers Amongst Post-orthodontic Patients. Part 1: Discomfort and Aesthetic Perception
Authors: Latief Andina Alia , Soegiharto Benny Mulyono , Jazaldi Fadli
Published: January 2024

Backgrounds and Objectives

The use of a retainer in the retention phase creates different perceptions amongst patients. However, the evidence regarding it is limited. This research was conducted to analyze the difference in patients’ perception of discomfort and aesthetics between Hawley and vacuum-formed retainers.

Methods

This study included 80 patients ( n per group = 40). Patients were invited to participate if they had completed their treatment for 6 months to 5 years and complied with the inclusion criteria. Seven questions were given to the patients using a digital-based questionnaire. Each was asked twice to address both maxillary and mandibular retainers. Responses were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale. Blinding was applied through data analysis.

Results

Statistically significant differences were found in the perception of the aesthetic, shape, and retainer color. Statistically significant differences were not found in the perception of comfort, pain, sharpness, pressure, presence of soft tissue cut, and confidence level with the retainer in place. No harm was observed to any patients during the study.

Conclusions

Vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs) were more acceptable than Hawley retainers (HRs) regarding the retainer’s aesthetic, shape, and color. There were no significant differences between HRs and VFRs regarding patient perception of discomfort and confidence when using the retainer.
Anwulignan Alleviates the Acute Liver Injury Induced by Acetaminophen in Mice
Authors: Chenghe Zhao , Yao Wang , Shu Jing , Huijiao Lin , He Li , Jianguang Chen , Wei Xia
Published: January 2024

Background

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is extremely common in clinical practice and needs to be focused. Anwulignan is a unique lignan monomer of Schisandra Sphenanthera Fructus and is used as the main active ingredient of Wuzhi tablet, which is used for liver protection in clinical practice. In this study, an acute liver injury mouse model induced by acetaminophen and paracetamol (APAP) was used to observe its effects.

Materials and Methods

An acute liver injury mouse model was established by intraperitoneally injecting APAP. Mice were divided into blank control (CON) group, APAP model (MOD) group, Anwulignan CON group, and Anwulignan MOD group. Anwulignan (6 mg/kg) or sodium carboxymethylcellulose (10 mL/kg) was intragastrically given to mice once a day, successively for 14 days. On day 14, 250 mg/kg APAP solution (10 mL/kg) or saline was injected intraperitoneally, and 12 h later, the mice were killed. alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in the serum of mice were tested. The liver index of mice was calculated, and the pathology of liver injury was evaluated by HE staining in mice. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver tissue were tested. The levels of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), BCL2 associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), caspase-3 and tumor suppressor protein (P53) mRNAs in the liver tissues of mice were detected by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and the expression levels of Keap-1, Nrf2, HO-1, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and P53 proteins in the liver tissue of mice were detected by Western blot.

Results

Anwulignan can alleviate the acute liver injury of mice. The down-regulation of the cyclophosphamide (CYP2E1) expression in the liver tissue of mice to reduce the hepatotoxicity of APAP, and the regulation of Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway-related gene expressions to play an antioxidant role and apoptosis-related gene expressions to inhibit the liver cell apoptosis may be involved in the mechanism through which Anwulignan can exert its effect.

Conclusion

Anwulignan can alleviate the liver injury induced by APAP in mice, and this study may provide evidence for researching and developing some drugs and nutraceuticals used for preventing and treating liver injury.
Ramulus Mori (Sangzhi) Alkaloids (SZ-A) Ameliorate Myocardial Injury in Type 2 Diabetic Rats by Regulating Autophagy
Authors: Liu Ying , Ma Leilei , Xu Wenxuan , La Xiaojin , Zhang Biwei , Cui Jianmei , Tian Chunyu , Chang Hong , Li Ji-an
Published: January 2024

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a persistent metabolic condition resulting from insufficient insulin or insulin resistance, which gives rise to diverse complications endangering human well-being. Ramulus Mori (Sangzhi) alkaloids ­(SZ-A) have various pharmacological effects, potentially benefiting clinical comprehensive kidney and cardiovascular protection. Nevertheless, the potential protective effect of SZ-A on myocardial injury in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unexplored.

Materials and Methods

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups, including control, model, metformin, and SZ-A. The establishment of the type 2 diabetes model was initiated by injecting streptozotocin (STZ) along with a diet of high glucose and fat. Following a 12-week period of treatment, measurements were taken for heart mass index (HMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and 2-h postprandial blood glucose (2hPG). Additionally, serum glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), indicators of myocardial injury, and oxidative stress were assessed. The expressions of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p-mTOR, beclin-1, and LC3 in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot.

Results

The administration of SZ-A effectively reduced the levels of HMI, FBG, 2hPG, HbA1c, malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB) in rats with type 2 diabetes while enhancing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Additionally, SZ-A could improve myocardial tissue arrangement structure and fibrosis degree. Additional analysis revealed that SZ-A suppressed the activation of p-mTOR while enhancing the levels of Beclin-1 and LC3, suggesting that the potential therapeutic impact of SZ-A on myocardial damage could be attributed to its ability to regulate autophagy, thereby mitigating oxidative stress.

Conclusion

In summary, the results indicate that SZ-A might possess inhibitory properties against myocardial damage in rats with type 2 diabetes, presenting a potential therapeutic approach in the clinic.
A data-driven prioritisation framework to mitigate maintenance impact on passengers during metro line operation
Authors: Consilvio Alice , Vignola Giulia , López Arévalo Paula , Gallo Federico , Borinato Marco , Crovetto Carlo
Published: January 2024

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques may lead to significant improvements in different aspects of rail sector. Considering asset management and maintenance, AI can improve data analysis and asset status forecasting and decision-making processes, fostering predictive and prescriptive maintenance strategies. A prescriptive approach should be able to predict future scenarios as well as to suggest a course of actions. Nevertheless, the decision-making in rail asset management is often based on the classical asset-oriented approach, concentrating on the function of the asset itself as a main key performance indicator (KPI), whereas a user-oriented approach could lead to improved performance in terms of level of service. This paper is aimed at integrating the passengers’ perspective in the decision-making process for asset management to mitigate the impact that service interruptions may have on the final users. A data-driven prioritisation framework is developed to prioritise maintenance interventions taking into account asset status and criticality. In particular, a three-step approach is proposed, which focuses on the analysis of passenger data to evaluate the failure impact on the service, the analysis of alarms and anomalies to evaluate the asset status, and the suggestion of maintenance interventions. The proposed approach is applied to the maintenance of the metro line M5 in the Italian city of Milan. Results show the usefulness of the proposed approach to support infrastructure managers and maintenance operators in making decisions regarding the priority of maintenance activities, reducing the risk of critical failures and service interruptions.
Drug therapy problems among hospitalized patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Niriayo Yirga Legesse , Kifle Roba , Asgedom Solomon Weldegebreal , Gidey Kidu
Published: January 2024

Background

Optimal utilization of cardiovascular drugs is crucial in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases. However, the effectiveness of these drugs can be compromised by drug therapy problems. Hospitalized patients with cardiovascular diseases, particularly those with multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, and advanced age, are more susceptible to experiencing drug therapy problems. However, little is known about drug therapy problems and their contributing factors among patients with cardiovascular disease in our setting. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate drug therapy problems and their contributing factors in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Method

A prospective observational study was conducted among hospitalized patients with cardiovascular disease at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in the Tigray region of Northern Ethiopia from December 2020 to May 2021. We collected the data through patient interviews and review of patients’ medical records. We employed Cipolle’s method to identify and categorize drug therapy problems and sought consensus from a panel of experts through review. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Software Package SPSS version 22. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the contributing factors of drug therapy problems in patients with cardiovascular disease. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The study included a total of 222 patients, of whom 117 (52.7%) experienced one or more drug-related problems. We identified 177 drug therapy problems equating to 1.4 ± 0.7 drug therapy problems per patients. The most frequently identified DTP was the need for additional drug therapy (32.4%), followed by ineffective drug therapy (14%), and unnecessary drug therapy (13.1%). The predicting factors for drug therapy problems were old age (AOR: 3.97, 95%CI: 1.68–9.36) and number of medications ≥ 5 (AOR: 2.68, 95%CI: 1.47–5.11).

Conclusion

More than half of the patients experienced drug therapy problems in our study. Old age and number of medications were the predicting factors of drug therapy problems. Therefore, greater attention and focus should be given to patients who are at risk of developing drug therapy problems.
Geriatric nutritional risk index and adverse medical outcomes among Egyptian patients admitted to a geriatric hospital: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Mohammed Hebatullah O , Hassan Azza M. , Mostafa Aya , Khater Mohamed S. , Aboelfotoh Aisha , Abd Elaziz Khaled M.
Published: January 2024

Background

Elderly are one of the most heterogeneous and vulnerable groups who have a higher risk of nutritional problems. Malnutrition is prevalent among hospitalized elderly but underdiagnosed and almost undistinguishable from the changes in the aging process. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a tool created to predict nutrition-related complications in hospitalized patients. This study aims to measure the prevalence of nutritional risk using the GNRI among hospitalized elderly Egyptian inpatients and to determine the association between the GNRI and selected adverse clinical outcomes.

Methods

A hospital-based prospective cohort study was conducted among 334 elderly patients admitted to a tertiary specialized geriatric university hospital in Cairo, Egypt from August 2021 to June 2022. Within 48 hours after hospital admission, socio-demographic characteristics, blood biomarkers, anthropometric measurements, and nutritional risk assessment by the GNRI score were obtained. Patients were divided into three groups based on their GNRI: high, low, and no nutritional risk (GNRI<92, 92-98, and >98) respectively. Patients were followed up for the occurrence of adverse outcomes during hospital stay (bed sores, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), hospital Length of Stay (LOS), and hospital mortality) and three months after discharge (non-improvement medical status, appearance of new medical conditions, hospital readmission and 90-day mortality). Multivariable regression and survival analysis were conducted.

Results

The prevalence of high-nutritional risk was 45.5% (95% CI, 40%–51%). Patients with high risk had significantly longer LOS than those with no risk. The high-nutritional risk was significantly associated with the development of bed sores (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 4.89; 95% CI, 1.37–17.45), HAIs (AOR: 3.18; 95% CI, 1.48–6.83), and hospital mortality (AOR: 4.41; 95% CI, 1.04–18.59). The overall survival rate was significantly lower among patients with high-nutritional risk compared to those with no risk.

Conclusion

GNRI is a simple and easily applicable objective nutritional screening tool with high prognostic value in this Egyptian sample of patients. The findings of this study signal the initiation of the application of this tool to all geriatric hospitals in Egypt.
The causal relationship between COVID-19 and estimated glomerular filtration rate: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Qiuling , Lin Mengjiao , Deng Yinghui , Huang Haozhang
Published: January 2024

Background

Previous Mendelian studies identified a causal relationship between renal function, as assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and severe infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, much is still unknown because of the limited number of associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of COVID-19 and the lack of cystatin C testing. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to determine the genetic mechanisms responsible for the association between eGFR and COVID-19 in a European population.

Methods

We performed bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis on large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) data; log-eGFR was calculated from the serum levels of creatinine or cystatin C by applying the Chronic Kidney Disease Genetics (CKDGen) Meta-analysis Dataset combined with the UK Biobank (N = 1,004,040) and on COVID-19 phenotypes (122,616 COVID-19 cases and 2,475,240 controls) from COVID19-hg GWAS meta-analyses round 7. The inverse-variance weighted method was used as the main method for estimation.

Results

Analyses showed that the genetically instrumented reduced log-eGFR, as calculated from the serum levels of creatinine, was associated with a significantly higher risk of severe COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38–5.41, P < 0.05) and significantly related to COVID-19 hospitalization (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.39–4.00, P < 0.05) or infection (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01–1.53, P < 0.05). The significance of these associations remained when using log-eGFR based on the serum levels of cystatin C as genetically instrumented. However, genetically instrumented COVID-19, regardless of phenotype, was not related to log-eGFR, as calculated by either the serum levels of creatinine or cystatin C.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that genetical predisposition to reduced kidney function may represent a risk factor for COVID-19. However, a consistent and significant effect of COVID-19 on kidney function was not identified in this study.
Impact of a one-year supervised physical activity program on long-term cancer-related fatigue and mediating effects of the gut microbiota in metastatic testicular cancer patients: protocol of the prospective multicentre, randomized controlled phase-III STARTER trial
Authors: Noh Hwayoung , Anota Amélie , Mongondry Rodolf , Meyrand Renaud , Dupuis Carmen , Schiffler Camille , Marijnen Philippe , Rinaldi Sabina , Lachuer Joel , Keski-Rahkonen Pekka , Gunter Marc J , Fléchon Aude , Fervers Béatrice , Pérol Olivia
Published: January 2024

Background

Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are the most common malignancy in men aged 15–40 years, with increasing incidence worldwide. About 33 ~ 50% of the patients present with metastatic disease at diagnosis. TGCT survivors experience short- and long-term sequelae, including cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Physical activity (PA) has established effects on reducing CRF and other sequelae and improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, its impact on TGCT survivors has so far received little attention. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in various physiological functions, including cognition and metabolism, and may mediate the effects of PA on CRF and other sequelae, but this has not been investigated in randomized controlled trials.

Methods

This national, multicentre, phase-III trial will evaluate the impact of a one-year supervised PA program on CRF and other short- and long-term sequelae in metastatic TGCT patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy combined with etoposide+/-bleomycin. It will also investigate potential mediating effects of the gut microbiota and its metabolites involved in the gut-brain axis on the relationship between PA and CRF and other sequelae. A total of 236 men ≥ 18 years of age with metastatic TGCT (seminoma and non-seminoma) will be enrolled before starting first-line chemotherapy in several French hospitals. The primary (CRF) and secondary (cognitive/psychological/metabolic sequelae, HRQoL, etc.) outcomes and gut microbiota and relevant metabolites will be assessed at inclusion, during and at the end of the one-year intervention, and annually until 10 years since inclusion to assess long-term sequelae, more specifically CRF, cardiovascular toxicities, and second primary cancer occurrence in this population.

Discussion

This trial will provide comprehensive and novel insights into the effects of a long-term supervised PA program on CRF and other sequelae in metastatic TGCT patients receiving first-line chemotherapy. It will also contribute to understanding the potential role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in mediating the effects of PA on these outcomes. The findings of this study will help the development of effective PA interventions to improve the health of TGCT survivors and may have implications for other cancer populations as well.

Trial registration

The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05588700) on 20 Oct. 2022.
Possible unusual presentation of opioid side effect in a child: a case report
Authors: Jihane Moukhaiber , Zavi Lakissian , Marianne Majdalani
Published: January 2024

Atypical presentations are commonly encountered in the Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) but having a high index of suspicion is crucial to prevent or treat severe and life-threatening conditions. This case describes the clinical presentation and course of a 14-month-old girl with congenital heart disease who was admitted to the PICU after cardiac repair and remained agitated, irritable, in hysteria and delirium despite adequate sedation. Different measures to relieve her condition were attempted but to no avail. All the common causes of this atypical presentation including pain, ventilator induced agitation, low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), opioid side effects, toxicity, opioid induced neurotoxicity (OIN) as well as withdrawal syndrome were ruled out. However, the use of naloxone as a last resort after exhausting all the other options has led to immediate and successful reversal of her symptoms.
Assessing electronic device use behaviours in healthy adults: development and evaluation of a novel tool
Authors: Fitzpatrick Naomi K. , Chachay Veronique , Capra Sandra , Briskey David , Jackman Sarah , Shore Angela , Bowtell Joanna
Published: January 2024

Background

Chronic exposure of the macula to blue light from electronic devices has been identified as a potential macular health concern. The impacts remain poorly investigated as no validated methods to capture usual device use behaviours exist.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Electronic Device Use Questionnaire (EDUQ) against multiple 24-h electronic device use diaries in healthy Australian and United Kingdom adults.

Methods

The EDUQ and diaries were developed to capture device use across categories (television, computer and handheld devices). Over eight weeks 56 Australian and 24 United Kingdom participants completed three questionnaires and eight diaries via online platforms. Tool validity was determined through Bland–Altman plot analysis of mean daily hours of device use between the tools.

Results

The EDUQ demonstrated poor validity in both cohorts with poor agreement when compared with the diaries. When the device categories were combined, a mean difference between the tools of 1.54 h/day, and 95% limits of agreement between -2.72 h/day and 5.80 h/day was observed in the Australian cohort. Across both cohorts and all device categories the mean differences indicated individuals were more likely to report higher device use through the questionnaire rather than diaries.

Conclusions

The EDUQ is a novel tool and demonstrated the difficulty for participants of accurately recalling usual behaviour of device use. Poor agreement in reported device use occurred across all device categories. The poor agreement may be related to factors such as memory recall bias, and the number of diaries captured not being reflective of usual use. Future studies should look to address these factors to improve validity of device use capture.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes among critically ill patients with cancer and COVID-19-related acute respiratory failure
Authors: Liao Ying-Ting , Shen Hsiao-Chin , Huang Jhong-Ru , Sun Chuan-Yen , Ko Hung-Jui , Chang Chih-Jung , Chen Yuh-Min , Feng Jia-Yih , Chen Wei-Chih , Yang Kuang-Yao
Published: January 2024

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected individuals worldwide, and patients with cancer are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19-related severe illness, respiratory failure, and mortality. The relationship between COVID-19 and cancer remains a critical concern, and a comprehensive investigation of the factors affecting survival among patients with cancer who develop COVID-19-related respiratory failure is warranted. We aim to compare the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19-related acute respiratory failure in patients with and without underlying cancer, while analyzing factors affecting in-hospital survival among cancer patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study at Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan from May to September 2022, a period during which the omicron variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was circulating. Eligible patients had COVID-19 and acute respiratory failure. Clinical data, demographic information, disease severity markers, treatment details, and outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Results

Of the 215 enrolled critically ill patients with COVID-19, 65 had cancer. The patients with cancer were younger and had lower absolute lymphocyte counts, higher ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations, and increased vasopressor use compared with those without cancer. The patients with cancer also received more COVID-19 specific treatments but had higher in-hospital mortality rate (61.5% vs 36%, P = 0.002) and longer viral shedding (13 vs 10 days, P = 0.007) than those without cancer did. Smoking [odds ratio (OR): 5.804, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.847–39.746], elevated LDH (OR: 1.004, 95% CI: 1.001–1.012), vasopressor use (OR: 5.437, 95% CI: 1.202–24.593), and new renal replacement therapy (OR: 3.523, 95% CI: 1.203–61.108) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality among patients with cancer and respiratory failure.

Conclusion

Critically ill patients with cancer experiencing COVID-19-related acute respiratory failure present unique clinical features and worse clinical outcomes compared with those without cancer. Smoking, elevated LDH, vasopressor use, and new renal replacement therapy were risk factors for in-hospital mortality in these patients.