bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Programming and 21st century skill development in K‐12 schools: A multidimensional meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Linlin
Published: November 2023

Background Study

As interest in programming education continues to grow, more educators are incorporating programming into K‐12 classrooms. There is evidence that programming can help develop essential skills for future societal advancement, known as 21st century skills. However, there has been limited research into which sub‐skills of 21st century skills are fostered through programming and the effect sizes thereof.

Objective

This study presented a meta‐analysis to comprehensively understand the influence of programming instruction in K‐12 classrooms on the development of students' 21st century skills in different dimensions of sub‐skills. And further analysed the impact of key elements of programming instruction design on its effectiveness.

Methods

A comprehensive meta‐analysis was conducted, covering 74 empirical studies published between 2000 and 2023, involving 136 effect sizes, and moderation analyzes on variables of instructional design.

Results

This study indicated that implementing programming instruction in K‐12 schools can help develop students' multiple dimensions of 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, problem‐solving and decision, learning to learn, ICT literacy, and personal and social responsibility. Overall, programming demonstrates a moderate but significant effect on improving 21st century skills (Hedges's g = 0.621, p = 0.000 < 0.01). Furthermore, several best practices were identified to enhance students' 21st century skills, including initiating programming education from kindergarten, limiting the duration of programming interventions to 6 months, adopting interdisciplinary approaches to programming education, utilizing visual programming tools, and selecting appropriate assessment methods.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, this study recommended the thoughtful design of programming education to maximize its advantages in various dimensions of 21st century skills.
Identification and functional analysis of circulating small extracellular vesicle lncRNA signatures in children with fulminant myocarditis
Authors: Ma Mengjie , Chen Siyu , Zhang Xinyue , Yang Rulin , Zhang Li , Guo Kaiyin , Wang Jing , Jia Hailin , You Yingnan , Han Bo
Published: November 2023

Fulminant myocarditis (FM) is the most serious type of myocarditis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of FM has not been fully elucidated. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) play important roles in many diseases, but any potential role in paediatric FM has not been reported. Here, the differential signatures of lncRNAs in plasma sEVs were studied in FM children and healthy children using transcriptome sequencing followed by functional analysis. Then immune‐related lncRNAs were screened to study their role in immune mechanisms, the levels and clinical relevance of core immune‐related lncRNAs were verified by qRT‐PCR in a large sample size. Sixty‐eight lncRNAs had increased levels of plasma sEVs in children with FM and 11 had decreased levels. Functional analysis showed that the sEVs‐lncRNAs with different levels were mainly related to immunity, apoptosis and protein efflux. Seventeen core immune‐related sEVs‐lncRNAs were screened, functional enrichment analysis showed that these lncRNAs were closely related to immune activation, immune cell migration and cytokine pathway signal transduction. The results of the study show that sEVs‐lncRNAs may play an important role in the pathogenesis of fulminant myocarditis in children, especially in the mechanism of immune regulation.
Mutations of evolutionarily conserved aromatic residues suggest that misfolding of the mouse prion protein may commence in multiple ways
Authors: Pal Suman , Udgaonkar Jayant B.
Published: November 2023

The misfolding of the mammalian prion protein from its α‐helix rich cellular isoform to its β‐sheet rich infectious isoform is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. The determination of the structural mechanism by which misfolding commences, still remains an unsolved problem. In the current study, native‐state hydrogen exchange coupled with mass spectrometry has revealed that the N state of the mouse prion protein (moPrP) at pH 4 is in dynamic equilibrium with multiple partially unfolded forms (PUFs) capable of initiating misfolding. Mutation of three evolutionarily conserved aromatic residues, Tyr168, Phe174, and Tyr217 present at the interface of the β2‐α2 loop and the C‐terminal end of α3 in the structured C‐terminal domain of moPrP significantly destabilize the native state (N) of the protein. They also reduce the free energy differences between the N state and two PUFs identified as PUF1 and PUF2**. It is shown that PUF2** in which the β2‐α2 loop and the C‐terminal end of α3 are disordered, has the same stability as the previously identified PUF2*, but to have a very different structure. Misfolding can commence from both PUF1 and PUF2**, as it can from PUF2*. Hence, misfolding can commence and proceed in multiple ways from structurally distinct precursor conformations. The increased extents to which PUF1 and PUF2** are populated at equilibrium in the case of the mutant variants, greatly accelerate their misfolding. The results suggest that the three aromatic residues may have been evolutionarily selected to impede the misfolding of moPrP.
Efficacy and safety of a noninvasive, home‐based radiofrequency device for facial rejuvenation: An open‐label, intraindividual controlled trial
Authors: Ai Xuechen , Chen Liuyu , Lan Yu , Liu Ben , Song Pengfei , Wang Jing , Zhang Zhenying
Published: November 2023

Background

Wrinkle formation is the most visible characteristic of facial aging. Radiofrequency (RF) technology is currently utilized to reduce facial wrinkles and contribute to skin rejuvenation.

Objective

To analyze the efficacy and safety of a noninvasive, home‐based RF device applied for facial rejuvenation in Chinese people.

Methods

A single‐center, open‐label, intraindividual controlled trial was performed on subjects who received an 8‐week treatment of the RF device. A total of 22 female individuals aged 25–60 years with Fitzpatrick skin type III–IV were enrolled. Efficacy of treatment was subjectively evaluated using the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Classification Scale (FWCS) assessed by physician or overall satisfaction of subject with a 10‐point VAS, and objectively using the skin ultrasound examination as well as the 3D skin analysis system. Adverse event was recorded at each visit.

Results

In comparison with the baseline, evaluator‐assessed FWCS scores showed significant improvement at 4 weeks (p < 0.005) and 8 weeks (p < 0.005) after treatment. All subjects reported different degrees of improvement in facial wrinkles after 8 weeks of treatment. The results of skin ultrasound examination revealed significant increase of the dermal thickness at week 8 (p < 0.05) as compared to the baseline. In addition, a significant decrease in the proportion and density of perioral wrinkles evaluated by the 3D skin analysis system was observed from baseline to week 4. The treatment was well‐tolerated, and no serious adverse event was observed.

Conclusion

This noninvasive, home‐based RF device was effective in improving skin texture and elasticity with a safe and well‐tolerated treating procedure.
Digitalization and employment in Europe: the role of firm's size and the complementarity of R&D
Authors: García‐Romanos Jesús , Martínez‐Ros Ester
Published: November 2023

The empirical research finds a contingent, slightly positive net effect on the relationship between digitalization and employment, resulting from the automation and reinstatement of jobs, the two countervailing forces revealed by the theoretical literature. We dig down at the features of this relationship, using two waves of Innobarometer surveys to capture the innovation investments of a sample of European enterprises in 2015 and 2016. Adding to previous studies, we identify an inverted U‐shape between degrees of digitalization and employment; this effect is more prominent in small companies with fewer than 50 employees. The effect diminishes for very large companies. In addition, we show complementarity links between research and development (R&D) investments and digital ones proxied by investing in software development and acquiring hardware and software. Specifically, we find support for a positive association between employment and investment in information technology (IT) assets and R&D. On average, companies that invest in both IT and R&D have 11.5% more employees than those that embrace just one. While we observe that small companies that invest in either type of IT asset employ more people, at larger enterprises, the positive effect is only found when they invest in both. The study supports the findings using alternative regression methods, quantile, and Lewbel instrumental variables.
Opportunities and risk management of peat restoration in Indonesia: lessons learned from peat restoration actors
Authors: Lestari Nurul S. , Rochmayanto Yanto , Salminah Mimi , Novita Nisa , Asyhari Adibtya , Gangga Adi , Ritonga Rasis , Yeo Samantha , Albar Israr
Published: November 2023

Significant efforts have been invested to restore degraded peatlands in Indonesia considering the high mitigation potential as an effective natural climate solution. However, peat restoration in Indonesia faces challenges such as suboptimal planning and risk management. In this study, we assessed the national potential peat restoration area using spatial analysis and identified the associated risks based on lessons learned from past restoration efforts. We estimated the extent of potential restoration areas by analyzing canal networks, burnt areas, and critical land maps at the national scale. We conducted focus group discussions (FGD), in‐depth interviews, followed by a national workshop with relevant stakeholders to assess the potential risks and develop risk management strategies for peat restoration. Our analysis estimated 6 Mha, or 45% of Indonesia's total peatland area, as potentially restorable areas for rewetting and/or revegetation efforts. Of this potential area, 50% falls under concession holder management. The identified risks consisted of technical (39%), management (38%), social (17%), and economic (6%) factors, with 15 and 22% classified as extreme and high risk, respectively. Policymakers can use these findings to strengthen regulations and improve the chances of successful restoration implementation, supporting Indonesia's emissions reduction target and providing economic benefits for restoration actors.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DPA1*01:03:51 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Blandin Lucie , Wojciechowski Elodie , Ralazamahaleo Mamy , Rouzaire Paul , Lemal Richard
Published: November 2023

HLA‐DPA1*01:03:51 differs from HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 146 in exon 3.
The tamely ramified geometric quantitative minimal ramification problem
Authors: Shusterman Mark
Published: November 2023

We prove a large finite field version of the Boston–Markin conjecture on counting Galois extensions of the rational function field with a given Galois group and the smallest possible number of ramified primes. Our proof involves a study of structure groups of (direct products of) racks.
Current Imbalance in Dissimilar Parallel-Connected Batteries and the Fate of Degradation Convergence
Authors: Weng Andrew , Movahedi Hamidreza , Wong Clement , Siegel Jason B. , Stefanopoulou Anna
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes an analytical framework describing how initial capacity and resistance variability in parallel-connected battery cells may inflict additional variability or reduce variability while the cells age. We derive closed-form equations for current and SOC imbalance dynamics within a charge or discharge cycle. These dynamics are represented by a first-order equivalent circuit model and validated against experimental data. To demonstrate how current and state of charge (SOC) imbalance leads to cell degradation, we developed a successive update scheme in which the intercycle imbalance dynamics update the intracycle degradation dynamics, and vice versa. Using this framework, we demonstrate that current imbalance can cause convergent degradation trajectories, consistent with previous reports. However, we also demonstrate that different degradation assumptions, such as those associated with SOC imbalance, may cause divergent degradation. We finally highlight the role of different cell chemistries, including different OCV function nonlinearities, on system behavior, and derive analytical bounds on the SOC imbalance using Lyapunov analysis.
Effect of Personalized Sodium Replacement on Fluid and Sodium Balance and Thermophysiological Strain During and After Ultraendurance Running in the Heat
Authors: McCubbin Alan J. , da Costa Ricardo J.S.
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To investigate the effect of personalized sweat sodium replacement on drinking behavior, sodium and water balance, and thermophysiological responses during and after ultraendurance running in hot conditions. Methods: Nine participants (7 male, 2 female) completed two 5-hour treadmill runs (60% maximum oxygen uptake, 30°C ambient temperature), in a double-blind randomized crossover design, consuming sodium chloride (SODIUM) capsules to replace 100% of previously assessed losses or placebo (PLACEBO). Fluid was consumed ad libitum. Results: No effect of SODIUM was observed for ad libitum fluid intake or net fluid balance (P > .05). Plasma sodium concentration increased in both trials, but to a greater extent in SODIUM at 2.5 hours (mean [SD]: 4 [4] mmol·L−1 vs 1 [5] mmol·L−1; P < .05) and postexercise (4 [3] mmol·L−1 vs 1 [5] mmol·L−1; P < .05). Plasma volume change was not different between trials (P > .05) but was strongly correlated with sodium balance in SODIUM (r = .880, P < .01). No effect of sodium replacement was observed for heart rate, rectal temperature, thermal comfort, perceived exertion, or physiological strain index. During the 24 hours postexercise, ad libitum fluid intake was greater following SODIUM (2541 [711] mL vs 1998 [727] mL; P = .04), as was urinary sodium excretion (NaCl: 66 [35] mmol, Pl: 21 [12] mmol; P < .01). Conclusions: Personalized sweat sodium replacement during ultraendurance running in hot conditions, with ad libitum fluid intake, exacerbated the rise in plasma sodium concentration compared to no sodium replacement but did not substantially influence overall body-water balance or thermophysiological strain. A large sodium deficit incurred during exercise leads to substantial renal sodium conservation postexercise.
Burning bridges
Authors: Dobrovidova Olga
Published: November 2023

Isolated and diminished, scientists in Russia struggle in a world transformed by its war with Ukraine
Geographical distribution and driving force of micro-eukaryotes in the seamount sediments along the island arc of the Yap and Mariana trenches
Authors: Zhang Yue , Liu Hongbin , Huang Ning , Peng Xiaotong , Jing Hongmei
Published: November 2023

The specific topographic characteristics and complex hydrodynamics of seamounts could directly or indirectly affect the distribution and trophic status of microbes. However, little is known about the distribution patterns and associated driving forces of micro-eukaryotes in the deep seamounts. Micro-eukaryotes in the seamount sediments along the island arc of the Yap and Mariana trenches were investigated using high-throughput sequencing and quantitative PCR based on the 18S rRNA gene. Micro-eukaryotic communities from seamounts were clustered together and distinct from those of the depression, which showed comparatively lower diversity, gene abundance, endemic species, and higher proportions of decomposers and parasites. This clear geographical distribution pattern was mainly shaped by the deterministic process, especially environmental (61.63%) and biotic (mainly the unexplained 30.05%) factors, potentially reflecting the seamount effect along the horizontal dimension very likely caused by enclosed circulation cells. Varied community connectivity existed along the summit, flank, and base of different seamounts, and this seamount effect along the vertical dimension might be attributed to the upwelling/downwelling water flows. Prevalence of parasitism and predation for the trophic relationships among micro-eukaryotes would be helpful for adaptation, diversification, and maintaining the ecological balance in this extreme biosphere. This study provides insights into the ecological patterns, assembling processes, and species interactions underlying the dynamics of micro-eukaryotic communities across a series of seamounts with a comparison of the depression and would expand our understanding of seamount effects on the deep-sea ecosystems.

IMPORTANCE

A distinct distribution pattern was shaped by a deterministic process. Enhanced vertical connectivity expanded the previous understanding of seamount effects. Parasitism and predation were prevalent in the seamounts.
Resection of previously inoperable retroperitoneal liposarcoma
Authors: Maclean Ellen , Delriviere Luc , Johansson Mikael , Hodder Rupert
Published: November 2023

We present a case of successful resection of a large right upper quadrant retroperitoneal dedifferentiated liposarcoma involving multiple adjacent organs, initially considered inoperable in a patient in his 40s. This case highlights the importance of extensive preoperative planning and a multidisciplinary approach in achieving a greater chance of curative resection. Preoperative optimisation included neoadjuvant chemotherapy, concurrent portal vein embolisation and hepatic vein embolisation. The patient then underwent en-bloc resection, including total pancreatectomy, hemihepatectomy and vena caval resection in conjunction with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and percutaneous venovenous bypass.
Ferric derisomaltose and Outcomes in the Recovery of Gynecologic oncology: ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) (FORGE) – a protocol for a pilot randomised double-blinded parallel-group placebo-controlled study of the feasibility and efficacy of intravenous ferric derisomaltose to correct preoperative iron-deficiency anaemia in patients undergoing gynaecological oncology surgery
Authors: Bisch Steven P , Woo Lawrence , Ljungqvist Olle , Nelson Gregg
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Iron-deficiency anaemia is common in gynaecological oncology patients. Blood transfusions are immunosuppressive and carry immediate and long-term risks. Oral iron replacement remains the standard of care but requires prolonged treatment courses associated with gastrointestinal side effects, poor compliance and variable absorption in cancer patients. Intravenous iron has been shown to decrease the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in gynaecological oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy, but the efficacy of this treatment in the preoperative period is unknown. The goal of this pilot study is to determine the effect of intravenous ferric derisomaltose on preoperative haemoglobin in patients undergoing surgery for gynaecological malignancy.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a pilot single-centre, parallel-arm randomised controlled trial of intravenous ferric derisomaltose versus placebo among consenting patients with iron-deficiency anaemia having elective major surgery on the gynaecological oncology service. Patients, clinicians and outcome assessors will be blinded. The intervention consists of a single infusion of 500–1000 mg of intravenous ferric derisomaltose administered a minimum of 21 days prior to the planned operation. The primary outcome is mean preoperative haemoglobin concentration measured 0–3 days prior to surgery in patients receiving intravenous ferric derisomaltose compared with those receiving placebo. Secondary outcomes include the following: change in haemoglobin concentration, postoperative haemoglobin concentration, perioperative blood transfusion rates, patient-reported quality of life scores (Quality of Recovery 15, Modified Short Form 36 v1, EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Anaemia), surgical site infection, complication rates, length of hospital stay and readmission rate. Analyses will follow intention-to-treat principles for all randomised participants. All patients will be followed up to 60 days following surgery.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta (Project ID: HREBA.CC-22–0187) and Health Canada (HC6-024-c264013). Results will be disseminated through presentation at scientific conferences, peer-reviewed publication and social and traditional media.

Trial registration number

NCT05407987.
Performance evaluation of human cough annotators: optimal metrics and sex differences
Authors: Sanchez-Olivieri Isabel , Rudd Matthew , Gabaldon-Figueira Juan Carlos , Carmona-Torre Francisco , Del Pozo Jose Luis , Moorsmith Reid , Jover Lola , Galvosas Mindaugas , Small Peter , Grandjean Lapierre Simon , Chaccour Carlos
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Despite its high prevalence and significance, there is still no widely available method to quantify cough. In order to demonstrate agreement with the current gold standard of human annotation, emerging automated techniques require a robust, reproducible approach to annotation. We describe the extent to which a human annotator of cough sounds (a) agrees with herself (intralabeller or intrarater agreement) and (b) agrees with other independent labellers (interlabeller or inter-rater agreement); we go on to describe significant sex differences in cough sound length and epochs size.

Materials and methods

24 participants wore an audiorecording smartwatch to capture 6–24 hours of continuous audio. A randomly selected sample of the whole audio was labelled twice by an expert annotator and a third time by six trained annotators. We collected 400 hours of audio and analysed 40 hours. The cough counts as well as cough seconds (any 1 s of time containing at least one cough) from different annotators were compared and summary statistics from linear and Bland-Altman analyses were used to quantify intraobserver and interobserver agreement.

Results

There was excellent intralabeller (less than two disagreements per hour monitored, Pearson’s correlation 0.98) and interlabeller agreement (Pearson’s correlation 0.96), using cough seconds as the unit of analysis decreased annotator discrepancies by 50% in comparison to coughs. Within this data set, it was observed that the length of cough sounds and epoch size (number of coughs per bout or attach) differed between women and men.

Conclusion

Given the decreased interobserver variability in annotation when using cough seconds (vs just coughs) we propose their use for manually annotating cough when assessing of the performance of automatic cough monitoring systems. The differences in cough sound length and epochs size may have important implications for equality in the development of cough monitoring tools.

Trial registration number

NCT05042063.
Conceptual definition for drowning prevention: a Delphi study
Authors: Scarr Justin-Paul , Jagnoor Jagnoor
Published: November 2023

Background

Expanding support for drowning prevention is evidenced by interlinked Resolutions at the United Nations (2021) and World Health Assembly (2023). While progress has accelerated, a universally agreed definition for drowning prevention remains absent. Here, we aim to develop a conceptual definition of drowning prevention using the Delphi method.

Methods

First, we conducted a document review to guide our development and consensus-building process. Then, we formed an advisory group and recruited participants with diverse expertise to contribute to Delphi-method surveys. In the first round, participants selected from draft concepts to build a definition and delineate between the terms drowning prevention and water safety. In the second round, we presented a codeveloped definition, and three statements based on first-round findings. We then sought participant feedback where ≥70% support was considered consensus-based agreement.

Results

Participants (n=134) were drawn from community (7.46%), policy (26.87%), research (40.30%) and technical backgrounds (25.37%), and low-income and middle-income countries (38.06%). In the first- round, half (50.74%) disagreed with the proposition that drowning prevention was synonymous to water safety, while 40.30% agreed. The second- round achieved consensus-based agreement (97.27%) for the definition: Drowning prevention is defined as a multidisciplinary approach that reduces drowning risk and builds resilience by implementing evidence-informed measures that address hazards, exposures and vulnerabilities to protect an individual, community or population against fatal and non-fatal drowning.

Conclusion

The Delphi method enabled the codevelopment of our conceptual definition for drowning prevention. Agreement on the definition forms the basis for strengthened multisectoral action, and partnerships with health and sustainable development agendas. Defining drowning prevention in terms of vulnerability and exposure might increase focus on social determinants and other upstream factors critical to prevention efforts.
Utilisation of cardiovascular preventive services in a rheumatoid arthritis population-based cohort
Authors: Montes Daniel , Hulshizer Cassondra A , Myasoedova Elena , Davis John M , Hanson Andrew C , Duarte-Garcia Ali , Figueroa-Parra Gabriel , Chevet Baptiste , Crowson Cynthia S
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The objective is to examine utilisation of cardiovascular preventive services in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), compared with a non-RA population, and to examine cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening rates among RA patients without diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension or hyperlipidaemia to non-RA patients with one of these diagnoses.

Methods

All ≥18-year-old patients with an RA diagnosis living in one of eight Minnesota counties on 1 January 2015 were included and matched (1:1) by sex, age and county to non-RA comparators. Rates of screening for CVD risk factors, including DM (ie, glucose), hypertension (ie, blood pressure) and hyperlipidaemia (ie, lipids), were compared between groups using Cox models.

Results

The study included 1614 patients with RA and 1599 non-RA comparators. DM screening was more common among patients with RA (HR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.19), as was hypertension screening (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.24 to 1.52). Hyperlipidaemia screening in RA was similar to comparators (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.10). Conversely, patients with RA and no CVD risk factors had a lower probability of undergoing diabetes (HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.78) and hyperlipidaemia screening (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.79) than non-RA patients with only one CVD risk factor diagnosis. Hypertension screening was similar between both groups.

Conclusions

RA patients undergo CVD preventive screening at rates at least comparable to the general population. However, patients with RA as their sole CVD risk factor were less likely to undergo screenings, despite an equivalent-to-higher risk as the traditional CVD risk factors. These findings demonstrate opportunities for improvement of RA patient care.
Risk of kidney failure in patients with systemic sclerosis: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Kwon Oh Chan , Han Kyungdo , Park Min-Chan
Published: November 2023

Objective

Data from a decade ago have shown that patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have a higher risk of kidney failure than the general population. However, as the incidence of kidney failure due to SSc has been declining, the comparative risk of kidney failure between patients with SSc and the general population could have changed over time. We investigated the risk of kidney failure in patients with SSc compared with the general population, up to more recent years.

Methods

This was a nationwide population-based study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Patients with claims data for SSc between 2010 and 2017 (n=2591) and 1:5 age-matched and sex-matched controls (n=12 955) were selected. The index date was the earliest date of claim for SSc between 2010 and 2017. The follow-up duration was from the index date to 2019. The adjusted HRs (aHRs) and 95% CI for kidney failure were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Over 5.2±2.6 years, the incidence rates of kidney failure in patients with SSc and controls were 2.88 and 0.35 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Patients with SSc had a significantly higher risk of kidney failure than controls (aHR=7.244, 95% CI=4.256 to 12.329). The effect size was larger in patients diagnosed with SSc between 2014 and 2017 (aHR=9.754, 95% CI=3.254 to 29.235) than in those diagnosed before 2010 (aHR=6.568, 95% CI=2.711 to 15.571) or between 2010 and 2013 (aHR=6.553, 95% CI=2.721 to 15.781).

Conclusion

The risk of kidney failure remains higher in patients with SSc than in the general population.
Amygdalin and exercise training exert a synergistic effect in improving cardiac performance and ameliorating cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in a rat model of myocardial infarction
Authors: Guo Xiao , Qu Feng-Xia , Zhang Ji-Dong , Zheng Fa , Xin Yue , Wang Rong , Li Jing-Yuan , Li Hai-Ying , Lu Chang-Hong
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the effects of amygdalin (AMY, a cyanogenic glycoside widely distributed in the fruits and seeds of Rosaceae plants) on cardiac performance and ventricular remodeling in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). We also investigated whether the combination of AMY with exercise training (ExT) has a beneficial synergistic effect in treating MI rats. MI was induced by the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in male SD rats. ExT or AMY treatment was started 1 week after MI and continued for 1 week (short-term) or 8 weeks (long-term). Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters. Heart tissues were harvested and subjected to 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride, Masson's trichrome, hematoxylin-eosin, and immunohistochemical staining. Gene expression was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blot gave a qualitative assessment of protein levels. AMY or ExT improved cardiac function and reduced infarct size in MI rats. AMY or ExT also suppressed myocardial fibrosis and attenuated inflammation in the infarct border zone of hearts from MI rats, as evidenced by inhibition of collagen deposition, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory markers (interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cyclooxygenase 2). Notably, the effects of AMY combined with ExT were superior to those of AMY alone or ExT alone. Mechanistically, these beneficial functions were correlated with the inhibition of MI-induced activation of the transforming growth factor-β/Smad pathway. Collectively, AMY and ExT exert a synergistic effect on improving cardiac performance and ameliorating cardiac inflammation and fibrosis after MI, and the effects of long-term intervention were better than short-term intervention.
SCH772984 ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced hypoglycemia in mice through reversing MEK/ERK/Foxo1-mediated gluconeogenesis suppression
Authors: Wang Yirong , Qing Shuyun , Yang Jing , Qian Dehui
Published: November 2023

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in a lethal hypoglycemic response. However, the main molecular mechanism involved in LPS-induced glucose metabolism disorder is poorly understood. This study intends to investigate the signaling pathways involved in LPS-induced hypoglycemia and potential efficacy of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor SCH772984. The effects of LPS and SCH772984 on gluconeogenesis, glucose absorption, and glycogenolysis were evaluated by pyruvate tolerance test, oral glucose tolerance test, and glucagon test, respectively. After a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 mg/kg LPS, the mice’s blood glucose levels and gluconeogenesis ability were significantly lower than that of control group. Besides, mRNA and protein expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) decreased significantly after LPS treatment. LPS induced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, MEK1/2 (mitogen-activated protein kinase), and Foxo1 while inhibited Foxo1 expression in the nucleus, indicating an important role of the MEK/ERK/Foxo1 signaling in the inhibition of gluconeogenesis by LPS. Furthermore, SCH772984 elevated blood glucose, increased the G6Pase and PEPCK expression, and inhibited pERK1/2 and pFoxo1 expression in LPS-induced mice. In summary, LPS inhibited gluconeogenesis and induced hypoglycemia through the MEK/ERK/Foxo1 signal pathway, and ERK inhibitor could effectively reverse decreased blood glucose in mice with LPS treatment. These findings provide a novel therapeutic target for LPS-induced hypoglycemia.
Geometrically Nonlinear Analysis of Beam-Reinforced Thin Plates Using the Methodology of Groebner Bases
Authors: Liu Y. Jane , Peddieson John , Idem Stephen
Published: November 2023

This paper illustrates the utility of the methodology of Groebner bases computations combined with the energy method in the analysis of geometric nonlinear beam-reinforced thin rectangular isotropic plates (BRP) for modeling rectangular duct system deflections under internal positive pressure. The governing integro-partial differential equation is derived based on Kirchhoff/von Karman plate theory. With Rayleigh/Ritz methodology, a system of coupled polynomial algebraic equations is generated by using the exact solution of the BRP plate from linear analysis as a shape function. Then Groebner basis methodology is employed to decouple these equations. Under certain conditions, an analytical expression for the lateral displacements of the BRP plate under pressure can be obtained in a fully symbolic form, in terms of such parameters as geometric and material properties of the beams and panels. The analytical solutions have been compared with the results using the finite element software, ANSYS. The comparative study indicates that for commonly used duct panels with the aspect ratio (L:W) less than 1:4, the analytical solutions for displacements are in very close agreement. Finally, the study is found to be a unique alternative, worthy of further investigation, and potentially effective in the analysis of similar problems occurring in a variety of engineering applications.
A Simulated Annealing Algorithm for Quay Crane Scheduling and Assignment Problem Under Uncertain Conditions
Authors: Sargazi Sima , Ahmadzade Hamed , Nehi Hassan Mishmast , Sayareh Jafar
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a mixed integer programming (MIP) mathematical model was formulated for the quay crane scheduling and assignment problem (QCSAP) in container terminals with the aim of minimizing the total cost of activities. With the assumption that due to the uncertain nature of the ship’s activities and operations, we have considered most of the parameters of the problem to be indeterminate in order to bring the optimal solution closer to the real world. In this paper, the uncertain nature of the parameters was investigated by using uncertainty theory and in the form of indeterminate quantities. These uncertainties might be subject to the conditions, such as the failure of cranes, container terminal transportation means, congestion in the dockyard, adverse weather conditions, etc. Further, considering the large dimensions of such real problems and the complexity of solving them in terms of processing time, the simulated annealing (SA) meta-heuristic optimization algorithm was utilized to solve the above model. The proposed algorithm has been coded by MATLAB software and its efficiency was put on test by comparing its results for a low-dimensional problem with the accurate solution from GAMS software is compared in terms of computational times for small sizes. The proposed algorithm exhibited promising potentials for quick approximation of usable solutions to high-dimensional QCSAPs. The calculations show that, nondeterministic model with the help of the above proposed algorithm can be one of the basic factors in increasing the productivity of container terminals and the main purpose and advantage of this research is compared to the basic model presented by Tavakkoli-Moghaddam et al. in 2009 which has been analyzed and investigated with definitive data and optimized with the help of genetic algorithm. In addition, some restrictions were added to the basic model in order to make the above crane assignment scheduling problem more practical.
A Novel Exploration Mechanism of RRT Guided by Deep Q-Network
Authors: Li Zhaoying , Huang Jiaqi , Fei Yuheng , Shi Ruoling
Published: November 2023

A novel exploration mechanism for addressing the issues of slow convergence speed, excessive redundancy and low path quality associated with the inherent randomness of Rapidly-exploring Random Tree (RRT)’s sampling approach is presented. First, the node exploration process of the RRT algorithm is modeled as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) by designing the action space and reward function. Subsequently, a novel node exploration mechanism based on RRT-Connect is developed by integrating environmental feedback information. Finally, the combination of Deep Q-Network (DQN) and RRT is achieved through the proposed DQN-RRT algorithm, which incorporates the structure and training method of DQN. Compared to the traditional RRT algorithm, the proposed algorithm balances planning autonomy, reduces search redundancy and efficient obstacle avoidance. Simulations are given to validate the performance optimization function of the proposed algorithm in RRT path planning.
Fast Sampling via Spectral Independence Beyond Bounded-degree Graphs
Authors: Bezáková Ivona , Galanis Andreas , Goldberg Leslie Ann , Štefankovič Daniel
Published: November 2023

Spectral independence is a recently developed framework for obtaining sharp bounds on the convergence time of the classical Glauber dynamics. This new framework has yielded optimal
O(n
log
n)
sampling algorithms on bounded-degree graphs for a large class of problems throughout the so-called uniqueness regime, including, for example, the problems of sampling independent sets, matchings, and Ising-model configurations. Our main contribution is to relax the bounded-degree assumption that has so far been important in establishing and applying spectral independence. Previous methods for avoiding degree bounds rely on using

L
p

-norms to analyse contraction on graphs with bounded connective constant (Sinclair, Srivastava, and Yin, FOCS’13). The non-linearity of

L
p

-norms is an obstacle to applying these results to bound spectral independence. Our solution is to capture the

L
p

-analysis recursively by amortising over the subtrees of the recurrence used to analyse contraction. Our method generalises previous analyses that applied only to bounded-degree graphs. As a main application of our techniques, we consider the random graph
G (n, d/n)
, where the previously known algorithms run in time

n
O

(log
d
) or applied only to large
d
. We refine these algorithmic bounds significantly, and develop fast nearly linear algorithms based on Glauber dynamics that apply to all constant
d
, throughout the uniqueness regime.
Decoupled Progressive Distillation for Sequential Prediction with Interaction Dynamics
Authors: Hu Kaixi , Li Lin , Xie Qing , Liu Jianquan , Tao Xiaohui , Xu Guandong
Published: November 2023

Sequential prediction has great value for resource allocation due to its capability in analyzing intents for next prediction. A fundamental challenge arises from real-world interaction dynamics where similar sequences involving multiple intents may exhibit different next items. More importantly, the character of volume candidate items in sequential prediction may amplify such dynamics, making deep networks hard to capture comprehensive intents. This article presents a sequential prediction framework with Decoupled Progressive Distillation (DePoD), drawing on the progressive nature of human cognition. We redefine target and non-target item distillation according to their different effects in the decoupled formulation. This can be achieved through two aspects: (1) Regarding how to learn, our target item distillation with progressive difficulty increases the contribution of low-confidence samples in the later training phase while keeping high-confidence samples in the earlier phase. And, the non-target item distillation starts from a small subset of non-target items from which size increases according to the item frequency. (2) Regarding whom to learn from, a difference evaluator is utilized to progressively select an expert that provides informative knowledge among items from the cohort of peers. Extensive experiments on four public datasets show DePoD outperforms state-of-the-art methods in terms of accuracy-based metrics.
Na+ Intercalated V2O5 Derived from V-MOF as High-Performance Cathode for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Mengmei , Li Zhihua , Zhang Yibo
Published: November 2023

Layered vanadium oxides have been considered as highly promising cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) due to their unique open crystal structure and high theoretical specific capacity. However, the structural instability and sluggish Zn2+ diffusion kinetics limit their further application in ZIBs. Here, a novel and stable cathode (porous Na-V2O5) for aqueous ZIBs is rationally constructed by using a straightforward MOF-assisted synthetic method. The Na-V2O5 exhibits remarkable capacity of 306 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, exceptional rate characteristics (264.3 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1), and great cycling capabilities over 1000 cycles with a capacity-retention of 83.4% when examined as a cathode for ZIBs. Higher pseudo-capacitance, quicker charge-transfer/ion-diffusion kinetics, and a robust architecture have been attained in the Na-V2O5 cathode, which are in charge of the superior zinc-ion storage performance. This has been made possible by the pre-intercalated Na+ cations and the resulting layer structure. Additionally, the Zn2+ and H+ co-intercalation/extraction-based energy storage method has been validated. This research may help rationally design layer-structured V2O5 cathodes for high energy and power density aqueous energy storage systems.
Association between Blood Group and Change in Coagulation Factors in Plasma Preparations for Transfusion Purpose at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital
Authors: Ogolla Collince Odiwuor , Nyanchongi Benson , Demba Rodgers Norman
Published: November 2023

Background. Blood component therapy helps in managing patients with reduced hematopoiesis, elevated peripheral destruction of cells, and generalized blood loss (bleeding). Increased prevalence of arterial and venous thrombotic disease linked to the impact of ABO blood group on plasma levels of coagulation glycoprotein is demonstrated by blood group non-O persons. Objective. This study had a main objective of determining the association between blood group and change in coagulation factors in plasma preparation for transfusion purpose. Methods. The study employed a longitudinal study design. Factor assay evaluation was done by the use of Erba Mannheim ECL 105 semiautomated coagulation analyzer from India. Thawing meant for consequent coagulation factor analysis and sequential testing of stored cryoprecipitate and fresh frozen plasma was performed by the use of Stericox plasma thawing bath before being analyzed by the coagulation analyzer. Blood group of the collected blood sample in purple EDTA vacutainer was analyzed using blood antisera and a clean white tile, and results were recorded which helped in establishing the association existing between plasma and blood group. The data were fed into Excel and were evaluated by the use of SPSS version 25. Results. There was no significant association between coagulation factors in fresh frozen plasma and blood group, coagulation factors in cryoprecipitate plasma and blood group of the donors showed that the relationship was not significant with, (r = −0.116, −0.097, 0.007 and 0.047 with

p

value (0.900, 0.087, 0.096 and 0.096), respectively, which are greater than 0.005 standard alpha value. Conclusion. This study has shown no significant association existing between blood group and change in coagulation factors in plasma preparations at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Chronic Low Back Pain with and without Concomitant Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective, Longitudinal Cohort Study of Patients in England
Authors: Coates Greg , Clewes Peter , Lohan Christoph , Stevenson Hannah , Wood Robert , Tritton Theo , Knaggs Roger D. , Dickson Alastair J. , Walsh David A.
Published: November 2023

Objective. Despite the high prevalence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) and osteoarthritis (OA), few estimates of the economic cost of these conditions in England have been published. The aim of the present analysis was to characterise the economic burden of moderate-to-severe pain associated with CLBP + OA and CLBP alone compared with general population-matched controls without CLBP or OA. The primary objective was to describe the total healthcare resource use (HCRU) and direct healthcare costs associated with the target patient populations. Secondary objectives were to describe treatment patterns and surgical procedures. Methods. This was a retrospective, observational cohort study of patients receiving healthcare indicative of moderate-to-severe chronic pain associated with CLBP, with or without OA. We used linked longitudinal data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD and Hospital Episode Statistics (HES). Patients (cases) were matched 1 : 1 with controls on age, sex, comorbidity burden, GP practice, and HES data availability. Results. The CLBP-alone cohort comprised 13 554 cases with CLBP and 13 554 matched controls; the CLBP + OA cohort comprised 7803 cases with both OA and CLBP and 7803 matched controls. Across all follow-up periods, patients with CLBP alone and those with CLBP + OA had significantly more GP consultations, outpatient attendances, emergency department visits, and inpatient stays than controls (all

p

 < 0.0001). By 36 months after indexing, the mean (SD) per-patient total direct healthcare cost in the CLBP-alone cohort was £5081 (£5905) for cases and £1809 (£4451) for controls (

p

 < 0.0001); in the CLBP + OA cohort, the mean (SD) per-patient total direct healthcare cost was £8819 (£7143) for cases and £2428 (£4280) for controls (

p

 < 0.0001). Conclusion Moderate-to-severe chronic pain associated with CLBP—with or without OA—has a substantial impact on patients and healthcare providers, leading to higher HCRU and costs versus controls among people with CLBP alone or together with OA.