bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How do self‐efficacy and self‐concept impact mathematical achievement? The case of mathematical modelling
Authors: Holenstein Mathias , Bruckmaier Georg , Grob Alexander 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundAccording to the self‐enhancement perspective, self‐efficacy and self‐concept are shaped by prior achievement and have a crucial impact on future development. Their role in improving performance on challenging tasks, such as mathematical modelling (i.e., solving realistic problems mathematically), has barely been studied.AimsWe investigated patterns of self‐efficacy and self‐concept and their predictive effects on mathematical modelling while taking into account school grades as measure of prior achievement and reasoning to reveal cognitive and motivational effects on achievement.SampleN = 279 secondary students in Grade 8 or 9 from 16 classes and 6 schools participated in the study.MethodThe multi‐informant design consisted of teachers’ reports of school grades, students’ reports of self‐efficacy and self‐concept (questionnaire‐based), and assessment of students’ reasoning and mathematical modelling.ResultsUsing random‐intercept models, we found that the predictive effect of self‐efficacy on mathematical modelling withstood taking the school‐classroom‐related nested structure into account, whereas self‐concept lost its predictive value. Further, self‐efficacy fully mediated the effect of school grades on mathematical modelling.ConclusionsIn line with the self‐enhancement perspective on self‐efficacy, our findings highlight the strength of motivational effects on mathematical modelling. When we take the nested structure into account, our results indicate an impact of school grades via self‐efficacy on mathematical modelling independent of students’ cognitive level or classroom. Given the diverse challenges such complex tasks present, important pedagogical and didactical recommendations, such as targeting the enhancement of students’ self‐efficacy by teachers and educational decision makers, can be drawn.
Designing for “challenge” in a large‐scale adaptive literacy game for primary school children
Authors: Benton Laura , Mavrikis Manolis , Vasalou Asimina , Joye Nelly , Sumner Emma , Herbert Elisabeth , Revesz Andrea , Symvonis Antonios , Raftopoulou Chrysanthi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe use of learning games within the classroom is becoming increasingly common because of their potential to positively impact learning. Recent developments in adaptivity offer further possibilities to personalise learning by tailoring the game to an individual child's level or particular learning needs. However, designing an adaptive learning game is a complex process as many different game components have an impact on the provision of optimal challenge, crucial for maintaining player engagement, with limited prior work considering the multifaceted nature of this concept. This paper explores how to design for “challenge” within large‐scale adaptive learning games through a case study focused on the design of a literacy game for three linguistically and cognitively diverse learner groups—novice readers, children with dyslexia and children learning English as a foreign language. In reflecting on our design process, we identify three key design tensions that arose: (a) supporting longer‐term learning goals through game replayability; (b) fostering either replication or innovation in pedagogy through adaptivity rules; and (c) addressing diversity between learner groups. We present a set of design recommendations to guide researchers and designers in taking a multidimensional view of challenge when designing large‐scale adaptive learning games.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic?

Adaptive learning games can have a positive impact on children's learning outcomes.
Ensuring optimal challenge within games is important for maintaining engagement.
Designing adaptive learning games is a complex process.
What this paper adds?

Designing for optimal challenge within adaptive learning game should be considered as a multifaceted concept.
Identification of key tensions related to optimising challenge that can emerge during the design of large‐scale adaptive learning games.
Recommendations for adaptivity researchers and learning game designers for how to address these tensions in adaptive learning game design.
Implications for practice and/or policy?

We need a more systematic approach to adaptivity game design to ensure wider spread adoption.
Learning game designers seeking to utilise adaptive components in designing for optimal challenge should consider a focus on learners who may require a more targeted approach.
Adaptive learning games offer opportunities for pedagogical innovation in the classroom through exploiting innovative game features as well as large‐scale data collection to support adaptive learning over time.
Severe neonatal haemolytic anaemia caused by compound heterozygous KLF1 mutations: report of four families and literature review
Authors: Tangsricharoen Tanu , Natesirinilkul Rungrote , Phusua Arunee , Fanhchaksai Kanda , Ittiwut Chupong , Chetruengchai Wanna , Juntharaniyom Monthana , Charoenkwan Pimlak , Viprakasit Vip , Phokaew Chureerat , Shotelersuk Vorasuk 
Published: July 2021

SummaryMutations in the KLF1 gene, which encodes a transcription factor playing a role in erythropoiesis, have recently been demonstrated to be a rare cause of hereditary haemolytic anaemia. We described the genotypic and phenotypic spectra of four unrelated families with compound heterozygous class 2/class 3 KLF1 mutations. All patients had p.G176RfsX179 on one allele and either p.A298P, p.R301H or p.G335R on the other allele. All presented on the first day of life with severe haemolytic anaemia with abnormal red blood cell morphology, markedly increased nucleated red blood cells and hyperbilirubinaemia. Three patients later became transfusion‐dependent. All parents with heterozygous KLF1 mutation without co‐inherited thalassaemia had normal to borderline mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and normal to slightly elevated Hb F. Fifteen previously reported cases of biallelic KLF1 mutations were identified from a literature review. All except one presented with severe haemolytic anaemia in the neonatal period. Our finding substantiates that compound heterozygous KLF1 mutations are associated with severe neonatal haemolytic anaemia and expands the haematologic phenotypic spectrum. In carriers, the previously suggested findings of low MCV, high Hb A2 and high Hb F are inconsistent; thus this necessitates molecular studies for the identification of carriers.
Small nucleolar RNA networks are up‐regulated during human anaphylaxis
Authors: McGrath Francesca Marina , Francis Abbie , Fatovich Daniel M. , Macdonald Stephen P. J. , Arendts Glenn , Bosco Anthony , Woo Andrew , Bosio Erika 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundAnaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life‐threatening allergic reaction driven primarily by the activation of mast cells. We still fail to understand factors underlying reaction severity. Furthermore, there is currently no reliable diagnostic test to confirm anaphylaxis in the emergency department (ED).ObjectiveThis study sought to explore gene expression changes associated with anaphylaxis severity in peripheral blood leucocytes and evaluate biomarker potential.MethodsMicroarray analysis (total RNA) was performed using peripheral blood samples from ED patients with moderate (n = 6) or severe (n = 12) anaphylaxis and sepsis (n = 20) at presentation (T0) and one hour later (T1). Results were compared between groups and healthy controls (n = 10 and n = 11 matched to anaphylaxis and sepsis patients, respectively). Changes in gene expression were determined using R programming language, and pathway analysis applied to explore biological processes and pathways associated with genes. Differentially expressed genes were validated in an independent cohort of anaphylaxis (n = 30) and sepsis (n = 20) patients, and healthy controls (n = 10), using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).ResultsSignificant up‐regulation of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) was demonstrated in anaphylaxis compared to sepsis patients in the microarray cohort, at T0 and T1. qRT‐PCR analysis of the validation cohort showed five genes: SNORD61, SNORD8, SNORD69, SNORD119 and HIST1H1D to be significantly up‐regulated (adjusted p < 0.05) in severe anaphylaxis compared to sepsis. Seven genes (SNORD61, SNORD8, SCARNA21, SNORD69, SNORD110, SNORD119 and SNORD59A) were significantly up‐regulated (adjusted p < 0.05) in severe anaphylaxis compared to healthy controls.ConclusionThis study demonstrates for the first time the unique involvement of snoRNAs in the pathogenesis of anaphylaxis and suggests they are not a general feature of systemic inflammation. Further investigation of snoRNA expression in anaphylaxis could provide insights into disease pathogenesis.Clinical relevanceSnoRNAs are up‐regulated during acute anaphylaxis in humans and could potentially be used as biomarkers of severe anaphylaxis.
Impact of SGLT2 inhibitors in comparison with DPP4 inhibitors on ascites and death in veterans with cirrhosis on metformin
Authors: Saffo Saad , Kaplan David E. , Mahmud Nadim , Serper Marina , John Binu V. , Ross Joseph S. , Taddei Tamar 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) may have favourable neurohumoral and metabolic effects in patients with chronic liver disease. However, studies examining SGLT2i in this population have been limited to patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and have focused on surrogate biomarkers. Our aim was to evaluate whether SGLT2i can reduce the incidence of ascites and death over a period of 36 months in patients with cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus. Using electronic health data from Veterans Affairs hospitals in the United States, we conducted a propensity score matched intention‐to‐treat analysis among veterans on metformin who subsequently received either SGLT2i or dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors. Among 423 matched pairs (in total, 846 patients), we found no significant difference in the risk for ascites (hazard ratio 0.68 for SGLT2i, 95% confidence interval 0.37‐1.25; p = .22) but did find that SGLT2i users had a reduced risk for death (adjusted hazard ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.11‐0.99; p < .05). In comparison with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors, SGLT2i may improve survival for patients with cirrhosis who require additional pharmacotherapy for diabetes mellitus beyond metformin, but confirmatory studies are necessary.
“Don’t you care about the well‐being of your race?”: African American couples discuss racial differences involving criticisms of other Black people
Authors: Kelly Shalonda , Kellman Tara 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAfrican American couples have unique racial stress and high relationship instability, although few studies have examined the role of racial stressors in their relationships. This qualitative study used grounded theory to examine 10 African American couples’ disagreements about criticisms of other Black people. Each couple completed a standard couple problem‐solving task modified to focus solely on racial differences between the partners. Two models of couple relationships framed the approach; the general vulnerability‐stress‐adaptation model (Karney & Bradbury, Psychol. Bull., 118, 1995, 3) was combined with a comprehensive race‐focused model (Bryant et al., J. Fam. Theory Rev., 2, 2010, 157). The goal was to understand racial stress faced by African Americans, including its context, how and why it is stressful, how they cope, and its consequences in their relationship. A tentative model emerged, suggesting that some African Americans have early race‐related experiences that make them vulnerable to concerns about how Black people are seen by others. This may result in a unique minority status stressor that appears indicative of internalized stereotypes and may often include gendered criticisms of their partners. Partners seem to adapt by looking to other African Americans to take personal responsibility for their behavior and defending their racial group. Black male‐female gender role issues appear to emerge as a consequence of racial stress that also seems salient across all aspects of the model. Future studies can further examine culturally specific models involving African Americans’ criticisms of other Black people and identify successful couple‐level strategies to overcome internalized oppression.
Characterization of G4 DNA formation in mitochondrial DNA and their potential role in mitochondrial genome instability
Authors: Dahal Sumedha , Siddiqua Humaira , Katapadi Vijeth K. , Iyer Divyaanka , Raghavan Sathees C. 
Published: July 2021

Mitochondria possess their own genome which can be replicated independently of nuclear DNA. Mitochondria being the powerhouse of the cell produce reactive oxygen species, due to which the mitochondrial genome is frequently exposed to oxidative damage. Previous studies have demonstrated an association of mitochondrial deletions to aging and human disorders. Many of these deletions were present adjacent to non‐B DNA structures. Thus, we investigate noncanonical structures associated with instability in mitochondrial genome. In silico studies revealed the presence of > 100 G‐quadruplex motifs (of which 5 have the potential to form 3‐plate G4 DNA), 23 inverted repeats, and 3 mirror repeats in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Further analysis revealed that among the deletion breakpoints from patients with mitochondrial disorders, majority are located at G4 DNA motifs. Interestingly, ~ 50% of the deletions were at base‐pair positions 8271–8281, ~ 35% were due to deletion at 12362–12384, and ~ 12% due to deletion at 15516–15545. Formation of 3‐plate G‐quadruplex DNA structures at mitochondrial fragile regions was characterized using electromobility shift assay, circular dichroism (CD), and Taq polymerase stop assay. All 5 regions could fold into both intramolecular and intermolecular G‐quadruplex structures in a KCl‐dependent manner. G4 DNA formation was in parallel orientation, which was abolished in the presence of LiCl. The formation of G4 DNA affected both replication and transcription. Finally, immunolocalization of BG4 with MitoTracker confirmed the formation of G‐quadruplex in mitochondrial genome. Thus, we characterize the formation of 5 different G‐quadruplex structures in human mitochondrial region, which may contribute toward formation of mitochondrial deletions.
Understanding humectant behaviour through their water‐holding properties
Authors: Crowther Jonathan M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveHumectants perform essential roles in the formulation of topical moisturizing products in terms of delivery of active ingredients, consumer experience and biophysical behaviour. How they retain and release water is key to understanding their behaviour.MethodsDynamic vapour sorption (DVS) was used to monitor the dehydration kinetics of three humectants widely used in topical formulations—glycerine, dexpanthenol and urea. Model aqueous solutions with concentrations of 20% w/w were tested and compared against pure deionized water.ResultsThe three humectants varied in their ability to retain water during the dehydration process. Dexpanthenol was able to retain water most efficiently during the latter stages of dehydration. Urea demonstrated evidence of crystallization during the final stage of water loss, which was not shown by glycerine or dexpanthenol.ConclusionsHumectants perform vital roles in the formulation of consumer acceptable topical products including the delivery of actives to the skin. Their ability to influence water movement in the skin is also essential for the maintenance of stratum corneum flexibility. DVS assessment of aqueous solutions has demonstrated how the behaviour of three commonly used humectants differs. Knowledge of the mechanisms by which these humectants operate enables the formulator to develop topical products optimized for the roles for which they are intended.
Extension of separation along the follicular epithelium and follicular basement membrane in pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Genedy Rasha M. , Mohamed Abdiwale , El‐Mulla Khaled 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe outer root sheath of hair follicle and the interfollicular epidermis are continuous and basically similar in many aspects. The expression of various basement membrane (BM) components in the upper portion of the hair follicle is similar to that of the interfollicular BM. The extension of acantholysis into the adnexal structures was highlighted in the pemphigus group of diseases. On the other hand, extension of separation down the hair follicle BM has not been studied in subepidermal autoimmune bullous dermatoses. The aim of the present work was to study the extension of separation along follicular epithelium and follicular BM in pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted on pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid cases. For each case, 4‐μm‐thick sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin were examined for the presence of hair follicles and the extension of separation down follicular epithelium and follicular BM.ResultsPositive extension of acantholysis down the follicular epithelium was seen in 23/27 (85.2%) of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and 7/9 (77.8%) of pemphigus foliaceus (PF) cases with hair follicles. Follicular extension was limited to the infundibulum in PF but down the entire follicular length in PV. As for bullous pemphigoid (BP) cases, 20/26 cases (76.9%) that had hair follicles showed positive extension of the separation down the follicular BM. The cellular infiltrate detected was identical in its nature and density to that of subepidermal blister in all cases.ConclusionsExtension of the separation along follicular epithelium and follicular basement membrane was observed in PV, PF, and BP without significant difference.
Tumor contact length of prostate cancer determined by a three‐dimensional method on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging predicts extraprostatic extension and biochemical recurrence
Authors: Miyamoto Shunsuke , Goto Keisuke , Honda Yukiko , Terada Hiroaki , Fujii Shinsuke , Ueno Takeshi , Fukuoka Kenichiro , Sekino Yohei , Kitano Hiroyuki , Ikeda Kenichiro , Hieda Keisuke , Inoue Shogo , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Teishima Jun , Takeshima Yukio , Yasui Wataru , Awai Kazuo , Matsubara Akio 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical benefit of tumor contact length as a predictor of pathological extraprostatic extension and biochemical recurrence in patients undergoing prostatectomy.MethodsA total of 91 patients who underwent 3T multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging before prostatectomy from April 2014 to July 2019 were included. A total of 94 prostate cancer foci were analyzed retrospectively. We evaluated maximum tumor contact length, which was determined to be the maximum value in the three‐dimensional directions, as a predictor of pathological extraprostatic extension and biochemical recurrence.ResultsA total of 19 lesions (20.2%) had positive pathological extraprostatic extension. Areas under the curves showed maximum tumor contact length to be a significantly better parameter to predict pathological extraprostatic extension than the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (P = 0.002), tumor maximal diameter (P = 0.001), prostate‐specific antigen (P = 0.020), Gleason score (P < 0.001), and clinical T stage (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed maximum tumor contact length (P = 0.003) to be an independent risk factor for predicting biochemical recurrence. We classified the patients using preoperative factors (prostate‐specific antigen >10, Gleason score >3 + 4 and maximum tumor contact length >10 mm) into three groups: (i) high‐risk group (patients having all factors); (ii) intermediate‐risk group (patients having two of three factors); and (iii) low‐risk group (patients having only one or none of the factors). Kaplan–Meier curves showed that the high‐risk group had significantly worse biochemical recurrence than the intermediate‐risk group (P = 0.042) and low‐risk group (P < 0.001).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that maximum tumor contact length is an independent predictor of pathological extraprostatic extension and biochemical recurrence. A risk stratification system using prostate‐specific antigen, Gleason score and maximum tumor contact length might be useful for preoperative assessment of prostate cancer patients.
Use of graft‐derived cell‐free DNA as a novel biomarker to predict allograft function after kidney transplantation
Authors: Di Wenjia , Ran Qing , Yang Hongji , Lu Jun , Hou Yifu , Wang Xiaoxiao , He Jiayang , Wei Liang 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between graft‐derived cell‐free DNA and pretransplantation clinical variables, and to determine whether the former could be used as a novel biomarker to predict renal function.MethodsA total of 87 recipients who underwent primary kidney transplantation were recruited to the study. For each recipient, 10 mL peripheral blood was collected on days 1, 7, 14–20, and 30–45 after transplantation. The fractional abundance of graft‐derived cell‐free DNA was determined using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction.ResultsFor most recipients, graft‐derived cell‐free DNA fraction values were significantly elevated on the first day after transplantation, followed by a rapid decline, and reaching baseline values of graft‐derived cell‐free DNA fraction in the range of <1% at 7 days. Statistical analysis showed that longer cold ischemia time was significantly associated with higher graft‐derived cell‐free DNA fraction values (P = 0.02). Moreover, we also found that graft‐derived cell‐free DNA fraction values among recipients with delayed graft function were significantly higher than those of recipients without delayed graft function on the first day after transplantation. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that recipients who had a graft‐derived cell‐free DNA fraction value of <1% at 7 days had a significantly lower probability of an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2at 90 days. Using a random forest regression model, the predicted values of estimated glomerular filtration rate at 90 days were almost the same as the actual values.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that graft‐derived cell‐free DNA might be used as a novel biomarker to predict delayed graft function and renal function.