bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANGPTL4 Attenuates Ang II-Induced Atrial Fibrillation and Fibrosis in Mice via PPAR Pathway
Authors: Zhu Xi , Zhang Xiaogang , Cong Xinpeng , Zhu Luoning , Ning Zhongping
Published: August 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the more significant portion of arrhythmia in clinical practice, with inflammation and fibrosis as its central pathological mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) effects on angiotensin II- (Ang II-) induced AF and its related pathophysiological mechanisms. C57BL/6J mice were randomized and divided into three groups: the control group, the Ang II group, and the ANGPTL4 group (Ang II with ANGPTL4 treatment). Mice were infused with Ang II (2000 ng/kg/min) and were administrated with recombinant human ANGPTL4 (rhANGPTL4, 20 μg/kg/day) for 3 weeks. The fibrosis was evaluated with Masson’s trichrome staining in the atrial myocardium. mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, collagen I, and collagen III were measured using real-time qRT-PCR. Protein levels of PPARα, PPARγ, CPT-1, and SIRT3 were measured using Western blotting. Compared to the control group, the mice infused with Ang II showed electrocardiogram characteristics of AF, and this effect was markedly attenuated in ANGPTL4-treated mice. ANGPTL4 also reversed the increase in cardiomyocyte apoptosis, inflammation, interstitial collagen fraction, and collagen gene expression in mice with Ang II. Mechanistically, ANGPTL4 inhibited the activation of several fatty acid metabolism-related proteins, including PPARα, PPARγ, and CPT-1, and the expression of SIRT3 protein in atrial tissues. In conclusion, ANGPTL4 attenuates Ang II-induced AF and atrial fibrosis by modulation in the SIRT3, PPARα, and PPARγ signaling pathways.
Prognostic Utility of Breast Cancer Index to Stratify Distant Recurrence Risk in Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
Authors: Nunes Raquel , Sella Tal , Treuner Kai , Atkinson Jennifer M. , Wong Jenna , Zhang Yi , Exman Pedro , Dabbs David , Richardson Andrea L. , Schnabel Catherine A. , Sgroi Dennis C. , Oesterreich Steffi , Cimino-Mathews Ashley , Metzger Otto
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

The prognostic utility of Breast Cancer Index (BCI) for risk assessment of overall (0–10 years), early (0–5 years), and late (5–10 years) distant recurrence (DR) in hormone receptor–positive (HR+) invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) was evaluated.

Experimental Design:

BCI gene expression analysis was performed blinded to clinical outcome utilizing tumor specimens from patients with HR+ ILC from a multi-institutional cohort. The primary endpoint was time to DR. Kaplan–Meier analyses of overall, early, and late DR risk were performed, and statistical significance was evaluated by log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression. The prognostic contribution of BCI in addition to clinicopathologic factors was evaluated by likelihood ratio analysis.

Results:

Analysis of 307 patients (99% ER+, 53% T1, 42% N+, 70% grade II) showed significant differences in DR over 10 years based on BCI risk categories. BCI low- and intermediate-risk patients demonstrated similar DR rates of 7.6% and 8.0%, respectively, compared with 27.0% for BCI high-risk patients. BCI was a significant independent prognostic factor for overall 10-year DR [HR = 4.09; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.00–8.34; P = 0.0001] as well as for both early (HR = 8.19; 95% CI, 1.85–36.30; P = 0.0042) and late (HR = 3.04; 95% CI, 1.32–7.00; P = 0.0224) DR. In multivariate analysis, BCI remained the only statistically significant prognostic factor for DR (HR = 3.49; 95% CI, 1.28–9.54; P = 0.0150).

Conclusions:

BCI is an independent prognostic factor for ILC and significantly stratified patients for cumulative risk of 10-year, early, and late DR. BCI added prognostic value beyond clinicopathologic characteristics in this distinct subtype of breast cancer.
Pretreatment Tissue TCR Repertoire Evenness Is Associated with Complete Pathologic Response in Patients with NSCLC Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Casarrubios Marta , Cruz-Bermúdez Alberto , Nadal Ernest , Insa Amelia , García Campelo María del Rosario , Lázaro Martín , Dómine Manuel , Majem Margarita , Rodríguez-Abreu Delvys , Martínez-Martí Alex , de Castro-Carpeño Javier , Cobo Manuel , López-Vivanco Guillermo , Del Barco Edel , Bernabé Caro Reyes , Viñolas Nuria , Barneto Aranda Isidoro , Viteri Santiago , Massuti Bartomeu , Barquín Miguel , Laza-Briviesca Raquel , Sierra-Rodero Belén , Parra Edwin R. , Sanchez-Espiridion Beatriz , Rocha Pedro , Kadara Humam , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Romero Atocha , Calvo Virginia , Provencio Mariano
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

Characterization of the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire may be a promising source for predictive biomarkers of pathologic response to immunotherapy in locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Experimental Design:

In this study, next-generation TCR sequencing was performed in peripheral blood and tissue samples of 40 patients with NSCLC, before and after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NADIM clinical trial, NCT03081689), considering their complete pathologic response (CPR) or non-CPR. Beyond TCR metrics, tissue clones were ranked by their frequency and spatiotemporal evolution of top 1% clones was determined.

Results:

We have found a positive association between an uneven TCR repertoire in tissue samples at diagnosis and CPR at surgery. Moreover, TCR most frequently ranked clones (top 1%) present in diagnostic biopsies occupied greater frequency in the total clonal space of CPR patients, achieving an AUC ROC to identify CPR patients of 0.967 (95% confidence interval, 0.897–1.000; P = 0.001), and improving the results of PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS; AUC = 0.767; P = 0.026) or tumor mutational burden (TMB; AUC = 0.550; P = 0.687). Furthermore, tumors with high pretreatment top 1% clonal space showed similar immune cell populations but a higher immune reactive gene expression profile. Finally, the selective expansion of pretreatment tissue top 1% clones in peripheral blood of CPR patients suggests also a peripheral immunosurveillance, which could explain the high survival rate of these patients.

Conclusions:

We have identified two parameters derived from TCR repertoire analysis that could outperform PD-L1 TPS and TMB as predictive biomarkers of CPR after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, and unraveled possible mechanisms of CPR involving enhanced tumor immunogenicity and peripheral immunosurveillance.
Circulating Tumor DNA Analysis Detects FGFR2 Amplification and Concurrent Genomic Alterations Associated with FGFR Inhibitor Efficacy in Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Jogo Tomoko , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Shitara Kohei , Bando Hideaki , Yasui Hisateru , Esaki Taito , Terazawa Tetsuji , Satoh Taroh , Shinozaki Eiji , Nishina Tomohiro , Sunakawa Yu , Komatsu Yoshito , Hara Hiroki , Oki Eiji , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Ohta Takashi , Kato Takeshi , Ohtsubo Koushiro , Kawakami Takeshi , Okano Naohiro , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Yamada Takanobu , Tsuji Akihito , Odegaard Justin I. , Taniguchi Hiroya , Doi Toshihiko , Fujii Satoshi , Yoshino Takayuki
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

FGFR2 amplification is associated with poor prognosis in advanced gastric cancer and its subclonal heterogeneity has been revealed. Here, we examined whether circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was useful for detecting FGFR2 amplification and co-occurring resistance mechanisms in advanced gastric cancer.

Experimental Design:

We assessed genomic characteristics of FGFR2-amplified advanced gastric cancer in a nationwide ctDNA screening study. We also analyzed FGFR2 amplification status in paired tissue and plasma samples with advanced gastric cancer. In addition, we examined patients with FGFR2-amplified advanced gastric cancer identified by ctDNA sequencing who received FGFR inhibitors.

Results:

FGFR2 amplification was more frequently detected by ctDNA sequencing in 28 (7.7%) of 365 patients with advanced gastric cancer than by tissue analysis alone (2.6%–4.4%). FGFR2 amplification profiling of paired tissue and plasma revealed that FGFR2 amplification was detectable only by ctDNA sequencing in 6 of 44 patients, which was associated with a worse prognosis. Two patients in whom FGFR2 amplification was detected by ctDNA sequencing after tumor progression following previous standard chemotherapies but not by pretreatment tissue analysis had tumor responses to FGFR inhibitors. A third patient with FGFR2 and MET co-amplification in ctDNA showed a limitation of benefit from FGFR inhibition, accompanied by a marked increase in the MET copy number.

Conclusions:

ctDNA sequencing identifies FGFR2 amplification missed by tissue testing in patients with advanced gastric cancer, and these patients may respond to FGFR inhibition. The utility of ctDNA sequencing warrants further evaluation to develop effective therapeutic strategies for patients with FGFR2-amplified advanced gastric cancer.
Can Boys Have Turner Syndrome? More than a Question of Semantics
Authors: Knoll Michelle M. , Strickland Julie , Jacobson Jill D.
Published: August 2021

Individuals with 45,X mosaicism with Y chromosome material raised as boys are not diagnosed with Turner syndrome, a label restricted to phenotypic females. We sought to determine if boys with 45,X mosaicism had features consistent with Turner syndrome. Twenty-two patients (14 girls, 8 boys) seen in our Differences of Sex Development (DSD) clinic were identified for review. Standardized height (z-scores) by sex of rearing and results of cardiology, renal, audiology, thyroid, and celiac screenings were recorded. All subjects had heights below the mean for sex. Z-scores were not significantly different between boys and girls (p = 0.185). There were no significant differences in the incidence of cardiac anomalies between boys and girls (p = 0.08). Girls were more likely to have additional screenings (p = 0.042), but there were no significant differences in the number of positive screenings between boys and girls (p = 0.332). Patients with 45,X mosaicism raised as boys appear to have features similar to patients with the same karyotype raised as girls. Routine screening of boys following the Turner Syndrome Clinical Practice Guidelines may allow early recognition of comorbidities. Additionally, obtaining karyotypes on boys with short stature or other features of Turner syndrome may identify unrecognized cases of 45,X mosaicism.
Preoperative Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio Predicts Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Cohort Study Including Non-Hepatitis Virus-Infected Patients
Authors: Utsumi Masashi , Kitada Koji , Tokunaga Naoyuki , Narusaka Toru , Hamano Ryosuke , Miyasou Hideaki , Tsunemitsu Yousuke , Otsuka Shinya , Inagaki Masaru
Published: August 2021

Introduction: We evaluated the prognostic significance of the preoperative albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with various liver etiologies. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 157 patients with HCC between July 2010 and February 2021. The relationship between clinicopathological variables was investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean overall survival (OS) was 24.5 months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 90.4%, 81.2%, and 68.7%, respectively. Patients were classified into 2 groups: AGR <1.16 (low-AGR group; n = 43) and AGR ≥1.16 (high-AGR group; n = 114). In univariate analysis, OS was significantly reduced in patients with a low AGR (AGR <1.16), an alpha-fetoprotein level ≥25 ng/mL, a tumor size ≥3.5 cm, microvascular invasion, and poor tumor differentiation. In multivariate analysis, a low AGR (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]) (2.394 [1.092–5.213]; p = 0.030) and microvascular invasion (2.268 [1.019–5.169]; p = 0.045) were independent predictors of OS. Discussion/Conclusion: A low AGR was significantly associated with poor OS in patients with HCC, regardless of liver etiology. This may assist in treatment stratification and better management of patients with HCC.
Comparison of Anorectal Function as Measured with High-Resolution and High-Definition Anorectal Manometry
Authors: Banasiuk Marcin , Dobrowolska Magdalena Elżbieta , Skowrońska Barbara , Konys Justyna , Banaszkiewicz Aleksandra
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Anorectal manometry (ARM) provides comprehensive assessment of pressure activity in the rectum and anal canal. Absolute pressure values might depend on the catheter used. Objective: Our aim was to compare the results obtained by different anorectal catheters in children with functional anorectal disorders. Methods: Children diagnosed with functional defecation disorders based on the Rome IV criteria were prospectively enrolled. ARM was performed in the supine position successively using 2 different probes in each patient in random order. Resting, squeeze pressures, and bear-down maneuver variables obtained by high-resolution (2-dimensional [2D]) and high-definition (3-dimensional [3D]) catheters were compared. Results: We prospectively included 100 children {mean age 7.5 [standard deviation (SD) ± 4.3] years; 62 boys}. Mean resting pressures were significantly higher when measured with the 3D than with the 2D catheter (71 [SD ± 19.4] vs. 65 [SD ± 20.1] mm Hg, respectively; p = 0.000). Intrarectal pressure measured by 3D and 2D catheters was similar (35 vs. 39 mm Hg, respectively; p = 0.761), but the percent of anal relaxation appeared to be higher for the 3D than for the 2D probe (12 vs. 5%, respectively; p = 0.002). Dyssynergic defecation (DD) was diagnosed in 41/71 patients (57.7%) using the 3D probe and in 51/71 children (71.8%) using the 2D probe (p = 0.044). Cohen’s kappa showed only fair agreement between the catheters (κ = 0.40) in diagnosis of DD. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated significantly different values of pressures obtained with different types of catheters. Normal ranges for conventional manometry cannot be applied to high-resolution systems, and results obtained by different types of manometry cannot be compared without adjustments (NCT02812823).
Remdesivir: A Closer Look at Its Effect in COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Taha Huda R. , Keewan Nour , Slati Farah , Al-Sawalha Nour A.
Published: August 2021

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiology of COVID-19 pandemic, resulted in significant harm to the affected countries in every aspect of life. The virus infected over 139 million patients and resulted in over 2.9 million deaths until April 16, 2021. New variants of this virus were identified that spread rapidly worldwide. Summary: Remdesivir, a prodrug of adenosine nucleotide analog, is an antiviral with a broad spectrum of activity that was tested on SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome infections. In vitro studies conducted on SARS-CoV-2 revealed that remdesivir inhibited viral replication with high selectivity index in cell cultures. In vivo studies showed that remdesivir reduced viral load in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and attenuated pulmonary infiltrates in infected animals. Further, remdesivir showed promising results in terms of clinical improvement, shortening the recovery time, mortality rate, and the duration of oxygen need, despite that some clinical trials did not reveal significant effect on remdesivir use. Several studies showed positive results of remdesivir against the new variants. Key Messages: Remdesivir showed a promising beneficial effect against new variants of SARS-CoV-2, but more clinical evidence is needed to confirm this effect.
Pre-service biology teacher’s perception on local environment problems as contextual learning resources
Authors: Yani Ahmad , Amin Mohamad , Rohman Fatchur , Suarsini Endang , Rijal Muhammad
Published: August 2021

A survey and exploratory study were conducted to analyze Lake Tempe as a resource for contextual learning (CTL). The first phase of the study included exploring the lake’s potential through interviews with the people who live in the lake’s coastal region. Quadrat transects were done to identify aquatic plants around the lake. A feasibility analysis was conducted to see the lake’s potential as a learning resource. Field data were collected and compared to the environmental biology (EB) curriculum, responses, and learning outcome. The data were analyzed descriptively and tested using a paired-sample t-test. The results showed differences in the three stations’ physicochemical parameters and decreased quality of the water. It was found that anthropogenic activity had a significant contribution to the lake’s pollution. Nine species of six aquatic plant families were found in the lake. The survey revealed that the lake was feasible as a learning resource with criteria easy to access, safety, time efficiency, costs, and the material's suitability for EB courses. The t-test showed a difference in the students’ scores between before and after exploration practices. These findings suggest that Lake Tempe can serve as a resource for CTL in EB courses.
Digital citizenship skills among undergraduate students in Malaysia: A preliminary study
Authors: Mahadir Noor Banu , Baharudin Nur Hidayah , Ibrahim Nurul Nadia
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the study was to examine level of digital citizenship skills among undergraduate students at the Sultan Idris Education University, Perak, Malaysia. The study focused on three sub-variables of digital citizenship skills; online wellbeing, online learning and online safety. The paper present report from a questionnaire conducted on 1000 students from nine different faculties. Items for each variable were constructed based on literature highlights related to digital citizenship framework and through experts’ validation. A descriptive statistic was used in determined the level of digital citizenship skills among the undergraduate students. The findings of the study showed that the level of digital citizenship skills of students is at a high level. This study expected to help stakeholders to further emphasize the study of digital citizenship and digital citizenship education in Malaysia in more detail.
Virtual learning of the tribal students in Bangladesh: Constrictions and propositions
Authors: Yesmin Quazi Farzana , Khan Mohammad Ehsanul Islam
Published: August 2021

This paper depicts the current panorama of virtual learning of the tribal students in Bangladesh with the constrictions and possible solutions. The study aimed to deal with the major issues about tribal students’ online education by bringing out the key restraints of their distance learning and the possible solutions. The researchers followed a mixed method using a 5-point Likert Scale to point out the learner sensitivities, an online Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to know specific information from all the tribes who participated in the study. Additionally, four different questions were also set for multiple response analyses. The results suggested that the tribal students have not agreeably received adequate facilities such as technological support, university funding, departmental encouragements, or monetary benefits from the quota system in the current pandemic (COVID-19) time to attend virtual learning sessions though they expect arrangements and future steps for academic learning. All institutions also could not provide them adequate opportunities to attend online classes. In conclusion, the study proposed some imperative measures for example, inclusion of flipped classroom, introducing blended learning henceforth, revising quota facilities, adequate electricity support and internet connection, to help the tribal students as they should not get deprived.
Decision-making style profiles of pre-service biology teachers in socio-scientific issues
Authors: Genisa Marlina Ummas , Subali Bambang , Djukri Djukri , Habibi Habibi
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to describe the decision-making style regarding the socio-scientific issue (SSI) of pre-service Biology teachers in four regions of Indonesia as a guide in designing active, varied, and creative learning involving students in each learning session. Data were collected using a questionnaire to 514 participants and analyzed descriptively-quantitatively. The results showed that each student's decision-making style is influenced by cognitive dimensions and processes during learning. Analytical decision-making styles also have a positive effect on gender, grade, region, and university.
Gender differences in anger expressions among secondary students
Authors: Ahmad Nor Shafrin , Aman Rahimi Che , Khairani Ahmad Zamri
Published: August 2021

Individuals with choleric temperaments easily get angry and can be problematic if not expressed appropriately. The purpose of this study was to identify gender differences in anger expressions among secondary school students. Respondents were secondary school students in four states in the Northern region of Malaysia. A total of 3348 students were involved, including 1,800 males and 1,548 females. Respondents aged between 13 and 16 were randomly selected from 20 secondary schools. Descriptive analyses and t-test were used to identify anger expressions among secondary school students. Findings showed that 780 respondents agreed that they are hot-tempered, while 2568 others did not. From the 780 hot-tempered respondents, 370 are males and 410 are females. A total of 3160 from the 3348 respondents did not meet their school counsellors for counselling sessions when they had anger problems. The findings also revealed a significant difference in four types of anger expressions between male and female students. They were in aggressive, verbal, intrinsic anger expression, and intrinsic anger control. The findings revealed that school counsellors need to equip students with specific, creative, and innovative interventions to cope with different anger expression.
Establishing a nexus between executive functions and management efficacy of academic leaders
Authors: Gabatino Bryan B. , Afalla Bonimar T.
Published: August 2021

Executive functions enable an individual to initiate and stop actions, track and modify behavior, and plan imminent behavior when faced with specific tasks and circumstances. This study, therefore, identified a connection between the executive functions and management efficacy of academic leaders of a State University in the Philippines. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version was used in a correlation analysis to gauge the executive functions of academic leaders and a researcher-made questionnaire was administered to determine their management efficacy. The study was conducted using t-scores, means, and Pearson r. The stronger the potential of academic leaders to carry out their management skills, the more their emotional regulation leans towards the borderline. As academic leaders' management skills become remarkable, the more they are predisposed to functioning on their own initiative and can control their actions in the light of the circumstances. Further, when academic leaders normally conduct change, self-monitoring, initiation, planning/organization, and task monitoring functions, they exemplify outstanding performance in their communication skills, adaptability, interpersonal relationships, and initiative, and imagination. But when their working memory, cognitive control, inhibition, and arrangement of materials is at the borderline, better interpersonal relationships, decision-making and judgment, and initiative and imagination are achieved.
Does civil servant teachers’ job satisfaction influence their absenteeism?
Authors: Utami Purwani Puji , Widiatna Alexius Dwi , Herlyna Herlyna , Ariani Alpha , Karyati Faridah , Nurvrita Ardya Setya
Published: August 2021

The present research aimed at investigating the direct effect of civil servant teacher job satisfaction on their absenteeism. Quantitative approach with survey method was employed. The sample involved was 198 civil servant teachers from public senior high schools in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. The result signified that tcount < ttable (-2.84<-1.97) leading to the acceptance of H0 and the rejection of H1. This explicitly stated that civil servant job satisfaction has a negative direct effect on their absenteeism. For job satisfaction predictors, positive attitude places the highest position followed by comfort in work and certainty in work. While the highest predictors of absenteeism from the highest to the lowest are: punctual task completion failure, absenteeism style, and no explanation absence. The study is predicted to provide recommendation for schools to promote teacher job satisfaction and suppress their absenteeism rate. Providing comfort and creating positive working atmosphere for teachers either has significant consequence to endeavor job satisfaction promotion and absenteeism rate decrease. Besides, leaders and school management board assertiveness in the mechanism of decreasing absenteeism is unarguably decisive to create fairness in policy and procedure obedience.
The authority of principals’ technology leadership in empowering teachers’ self-efficacy towards ICT use
Authors: Ismail Siti Noor , Omar Mohd Norakmar , Raman Arumugam
Published: August 2021

The application of information technology and communication (ICT) in education has a significant impact on teachers. Administrators pressure them to use ICT to improve the quality of teaching and to learn in the classroom. However, teachers are still skeptical of the ability to embody pedagogical strategies through the use of ICT. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between principals’ technology leadership and teachers’ self-efficacy. The study also determined the dimensions of technology leadership that are predictors to the empowerment of teachers' self-efficacy in using ICT. There are two instruments used, namely NETS-A and TSES. The respondents of the study consisted of 376 teachers in Malaysia. The study was conducted based on a quantitative approach, and respondents were selected through multi-level sampling. The results of the t-test found no significant difference for the gender of teachers on the improvement of self-efficacy. Through correlation testing, there was a moderate relationship between technology leadership and teachers’ self-efficacy. Even so, there is 24% of the influence of technology leadership that affects teachers' self-efficacy. Two contributing dimensions are excellence in professional practice and digital citizenship. In summary, principals can generate a revival of teachers' self -efficacy if they wisely encourage them to use ICT. Principals should be role models to teachers and students in ensuring that the concept of pedagogy in the classroom is always carried out through an ICT approach.
Strategies for boosting students’ enrolment into business education programme of colleges of education
Authors: Igberaharha Clever Omovigho , Onyesom Moses
Published: August 2021

A close observation in recent times has shown a steady decline of students’ enrolment into business education programme especially in the colleges of education. The situation is becoming worrisome considering the social implications it has on the education industry. Thus, the study was conducted to determine strategies for boosting students’ enrolment into business education programme of colleges of education in Delta State.  Design of this research was descriptive survey and 118 business education lecturers in the colleges of education in Delta State participated in the survey. Data were collected with questionnaire. The results of data analysis showed that the respondents agreed that the attracting and retaining strategies considered in the study were necessary frameworks for boosting students’ enrolment into business education programme. The test of hypotheses showed that irrespective of the years of work experience of the respondents, their responses did not differ significantly. This indicated that the examined attracting and retaining strategies were critical for boosting students’ enrolment. It was concluded that the attracting and retaining strategies determined by the study are effective means of reversing the steady decline of students’ enrolment experienced in recent years at the colleges of education in Delta State, Nigeria.
Does capital structure influence the performance of corporate social responsibility? An analysis in companies of the world's largest economies
Authors: Campos-Rasera Paula Pontes de , Passos Gabriela de Abreu , Colauto Romualdo Douglas
Published: August 2021

Companies are under external and internal pressure to adopt Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices. Positive and significant results of the relationship between CSR and financial performance are not always confirmed in empirical studies, demonstrating, thus, no consensus has been achieved in CSR literature yet. Thereby, we seek to understand the influence of capital structure on the performance of CSR practices, since there is a theoretical omission about intangible attributes. We formulated three hypotheses about the relationship between CSR and: the capital structure (H1); the debt financing (H1a); and the shareholder’s equity (H1b). We used a sample of 1,642 publicly traded companies on the 10 highest GDP countries. Using GMM 2SLS estimator, the results reveal positive and significant relationship between shareholders’ equity and CSR, while for the relationship between debt financing and CSR shown a negative and significative correlation. Our findings suggest that companies with higher scores of CSR tend to finance itself through equity. We found differences between countries related to the Capital Structure volume required to achieve a CSR positive index. Our findings provoke further debate concerning the reasons that conduct organizations to adopt such practices and foster new discussions about the aspects that involve social practices responsible adoption in companies.
A influência dos serviços tributários prestados pelo auditor na tax avoidance das empresas: evidências do Brasil
Authors: Santos Luis Paulo Guimarães dos , Soares Paula Araújo , Freitas Sheizi Calheira de , Dias Filho José Maria
Published: August 2021

O artigo investigou a associação temporal entre os serviços tributários prestados pelo auditor e a tax avoidance das empresas no Brasil. Foi analisado um painel de empresas não financeiras da B3, cobrindo o período de 2010 a 2017, por meio de regressões para dados em painel. Os resultados sugerem que as empresas que utilizam serviços tributários de seus auditores, em comparação com aquelas que não utilizam, têm menor taxa efetiva de tributos, incorrem em menor taxa efetiva de tributos pagos em dinheiro e apresentam maior diferença entre o lucro apurado de acordo com as regras contábeis e o lucro apurado por meio de regras fiscais.
NAD
+
Redox Imbalance in the Heart Exacerbates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chiao Ying Ann , Chakraborty Akash Deep , Light Christine M. , Tian Rong , Sadoshima Junichi , Shi Xiaojian , Gu Haiwei , Lee Chi Fung
Published: August 2021

Background:

Diabetes is a risk factor for heart failure and promotes cardiac dysfunction. Diabetic tissues are associated with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD
+
) redox imbalance; however, the hypothesis that NAD
+
redox imbalance causes diabetic cardiomyopathy has not been tested. This investigation used mouse models with altered NAD
+
redox balance to test this hypothesis.

Methods:

Diabetic stress was induced in mice by streptozotocin. Cardiac function was measured by echocardiography. Heart and plasma samples were collected for biochemical, histological, and molecular analyses. Two mouse models with altered NAD
+
redox states (1, Ndufs4 [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4] knockout, cKO, and 2, NAMPT [nicotinamide phosphoribosyltranferase] transgenic mice, NMAPT) were used.

Results:

Diabetic stress caused cardiac dysfunction and lowered NAD
+
/NADH ratio (oxidized/reduced ratio of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) in wild-type mice. Mice with lowered cardiac NAD
+
/NADH ratio without baseline dysfunction, cKO mice, were challenged with chronic diabetic stress. NAD
+
redox imbalance in cKO hearts exacerbated systolic (fractional shortening: 27.6% versus 36.9% at 4 weeks, male cohort
P
<0.05), and diastolic dysfunction (early-to-late ratio of peak diastolic velocity: 0.99 versus 1.20,
P
<0.05) of diabetic mice in both sexes. Collagen levels and transcripts of fibrosis and extracellular matrix–dependent pathways did not show changes in diabetic cKO hearts, suggesting that the exacerbated cardiac dysfunction was due to cardiomyocyte dysfunction. NAD
+
redox imbalance promoted superoxide dismutase 2 acetylation, protein oxidation, troponin I S150 phosphorylation, and impaired energetics in diabetic cKO hearts. Importantly, elevation of cardiac NAD
+
levels by NAMPT normalized NAD
+
redox balance, alleviated cardiac dysfunction (fractional shortening: 40.2% versus 24.8% in cKO:NAMPT versus cKO,
P
<0.05; early-to-late ratio of peak diastolic velocity: 1.32 versus 1.04,
P
<0.05), and reversed pathogenic mechanisms in diabetic mice.

Conclusions:

Our results show that NAD
+
redox imbalance to regulate acetylation and phosphorylation is a critical mediator of the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy and suggest the therapeutic potential for diabetic cardiomyopathy by harnessing NAD
+
metabolism.
Long-Term Trajectories of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients With Chronic Inflammatory Diseases and Heart Failure: An Analysis of Electronic Health Records
Authors: Rivera Adovich S. , Sinha Arjun , Ahmad Faraz S. , Thorp Edward , Wilcox Jane E. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Feinstein Matthew J.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Immune regulation and inflammation play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of acute and chronic heart failure (HF). Although the clinical course of acute, severe inflammatory cardiomyopathy is well described, the effects of chronic systemic inflammation on cardiovascular function over time are less clear. To investigate this question, we compared trajectories over time in left ventricular ejection fraction for patients with HF with different chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs): HIV, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and/or psoriasis.

Methods:

Using a database of patients receiving care in a large metropolitan health care system since January 1, 2000, we analyzed serial, clinically indicated echocardiograms from patients with HF with CIDs and frequency-matched patients with HF without CIDs. We included patients with ≥3 serial echocardiograms (N=974; median 6.1 years between first and most recent echo). We assessed left ventricular ejection fraction trajectories over time using latent trajectory models, then investigated differences in left ventricular ejection fraction trajectories for specific CID subtypes compared with controls.

Results:

Overall, the majority of patients studied (N=687; 70.5%) had left ventricular ejection fraction trajectories consistent with HF with preserved or midrange EF, whereas 255 (26.2%) had HF with reduced EF and 32 (3.3%) had HF with recovered EF. Compared with non-CID controls with HF, patients with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus were significantly more likely than controls to have HF with preserved or midrange EF whereas patients with HIV were significantly more likely to have HF with reduced EF.

Conclusions:

Among patients with HF with CIDs, distinct left ventricular ejection fraction trajectory patterns associate with different specific individual CIDs. This highlights the heterogeneity of HF subtypes and changes over time across different CIDs.
Estimation of inter-laboratory reference change values from external quality assessment data
Authors: Paal Michael , Habler Katharina , Vogeser Michael
Published: August 2021

It is common for patients to switch between several healthcare providers. In this context, the long-term follow-up of medical conditions based on laboratory test results obtained from different laboratories is a challenge. The measurement uncertainty in an inter-laboratory context should also be considered in data mining research based on routine results from randomly selected laboratories. As a proof-of-concept study, we aimed at estimating the inter-laboratory reference change value (IL-RCV) for exemplary analytes from publicly available data on external quality assessment (EQA) and biological variation.
External quality assessment data of the Reference Institute for Bioanalytics (RfB, Bonn, Germany) for serum creatinine, calcium, aldosterone, PSA, and of whole blood HbA1c from campaigns sent out in 2019 were analysed. The median CVs of all EQA participants were calculated based on 8 samples from 4 EQA campaigns per analyte. Using intra-individual biological variation data from the EFLM database, positive and negative IL-RCV were estimated with a formula based on log transformation under the assumption that the analytes under examination have a skewed distribution.
We estimated IL-RCVs for all exemplary analytes, ranging from 13.3% to 203% for the positive IL-RCV and - 11.8% to - 67.0% for the negative IL-RCV (serum calcium - serum aldosterone), respectively.
External quality assessment data together with data on the biological variation – both freely available – allow the estimation of inter-laboratory RCVs. These differ substantially between different analytes and can help to assess the boundaries of interoperability in laboratory medicine.
A&I, a Suite for Piano, Android Device and Vibration Speaker
Authors: Alunno Marco
Published: August 2021

As part of an ongoing work with speakers that use uncommon technologies to project sound, the author considers here the vibration speaker, a kind of transducer that coaxes a surface to vibrate by direct contact. Presenting pros and cons of vibration speakers, the author illustrates a piano suite that uses an application expressly built for Android as an interface between the sound produced in, on, or with the piano and the speaker: The sound is captured by the Android device, processed by the application, sent via Bluetooth to the speaker sitting on the piano soundboard, and eventually thereby amplified. This relatively simple system allows for a large array of timbral possibilities and unconventional ways of playing the piano.
Beyond Representation in Virtual Reality: The Abstract Art of Jane LaFarge Hamill and Kevin Mack
Authors: Kent Charlotte
Published: August 2021

Although virtual reality (VR) is largely associated with a dependency on realist imagery award-winning visual effects professional Kevin Mack and oil painter Jane LaFarge Hamill use VR to produce abstract works. Abstract art and early abstract film reveal the importance of such experimentation to each medium’s latent potential and how early oddities, in due course, enter the mainstream. The author examines Mack and Hamill’s respective works to propose that experimenting with abstraction in virtual reality is crucial to its unfolding as a creative medium.
The Soundlapse Project: Exploring Spatiotemporal Features of Wetland Soundscapes
Authors: Otondo Felipe , Rabello-Mestre André
Published: August 2021

This article discusses an interdisciplinary project aimed at highlighting the acoustical heritage of wetlands by means of field recordings and a novel time-lapse montage method. The authors discuss a site-specific sound installation that was designed using original wetlands field recordings, live processing and spatial audio multichannel reproduction. The discussion focuses on spatial and temporal features of different types of recorded wetlands soundscapes. Future developments of this project will consider the implementation of a standalone spatiotemporal application, to be used in the context of virtual reality applications, game audio and interactive dance performance.
Cybernetic Performance Ecosystems: The Im-Medea Cycle
Authors: Polymeneas-Liontiris Thanos , Demeglio M. Eugenia
Published: August 2021

This article discusses a series of experimental musical theater performances that took place between 2015 and 2017. This art-based research applies cybernetic and system theory principles at different levels (i.e. compositionally aesthetically dramaturgically) in the creative process to demonstrate how qualities of the posthuman condition can manifest in experimental music theater. The article presents a number of these experimental musical theater performances and introduces the term cybernetic performance ecosystem
Liverpool LASER Talks: A Community “Studio-Laboratory”?
Authors: Roughley Mark , Wilkinson Caroline
Published: August 2021

Liverpool LASER talks encourage artists, researchers and the public to question the work carried out by artists and scientists in transdisciplinary art-science spaces by recognizing shared aims, examining processes and constructing a shared language. In this paper, the authors reflect upon their first year as LASER hosts and propose that Liverpool LASER events—supported by an accessible network of leading artists and scientists—act as community “studio-laboratories,” spaces where speakers and publics engage in two-way conversations, present and gain confidence in their ideas, gather feedback on new concepts and outputs, and facilitate knowledge transfer.
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a review
Authors: Chong CZ , Tay ELW , Sia CH , Poh KK
Published: August 2021

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a unique form of pulmonary hypertension resulting from obstruction of the pulmonary artery by fibrotic thromboembolic material, usually initiated by recurrent or incomplete resolution of pulmonary embolism. This distinct form of pulmonary hypertension is classified under Group 4 of the World Health Organization classification. Further investigations are usually initiated, with transthoracic echocardiography followed by right heart catheterisation and pulmonary angiography as the gold standard. Definitive treatment is usually in the form of surgical pulmonary endarterectomy. Inoperable CTEPH is medically treated with pharmacological agents such as phosphodiesterase Type 5 inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists, soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators and prostacyclin. Recent developments have made balloon pulmonary angioplasty a viable option as well.
Mesoscale Gravity Waves and Midlatitude Weather: A Tribute to Fuqing Zhang
Authors: Ruppert James H. , Koch Steven E. , Chen Xingchao , Du Yu , Seimon Anton , Sun Y. Qiang , Wei Junhong , Bosart Lance F.
Published: August 2021

Over the course of his career, Fuqing Zhang drew vital new insights into the dynamics of meteorologically significant mesoscale gravity waves (MGWs), including their generation by unbalanced jet streaks, their interaction with fronts and organized precipitation, and their importance in midlatitude weather and predictability. Zhang was the first to deeply examine “spontaneous balance adjustment”—the process by which MGWs are continuously emitted as baroclinic growth drives the upper-level flow out of balance. Through his pioneering numerical model investigation of the large-amplitude MGW event of 4 January 1994, he additionally demonstrated the critical role of MGW–moist convection interaction in wave amplification. Zhang’s curiosity-turned-passion in atmospheric science covered a vast range of topics and led to the birth of new branches of research in mesoscale meteorology and numerical weather prediction. Yet, it was his earliest studies into midlatitude MGWs and their significant impacts on hazardous weather that first inspired him. Such MGWs serve as the focus of this review, wherein we seek to pay tribute to his groundbreaking contributions, review our current understanding, and highlight critical open science issues. Chief among such issues is the nature of MGW amplification through feedback with moist convection, which continues to elude a complete understanding. The pressing nature of this subject is underscored by the continued failure of operational numerical forecast models to adequately predict most large-amplitude MGW events. Further research into such issues therefore presents a valuable opportunity to improve the understanding and forecasting of this high-impact weather phenomenon, and in turn, to preserve the spirit of Zhang’s dedication to this subject.
Amyand Hernia in a Pediatric Patient With Acute Perforated Appendicitis Undergoing Laparoscopy: A Brief Report and Literature Review
Authors: Huttinger Ryan M. , Sawyer Elizabeth M.
Published: August 2021

An 8-year-old male presented for evaluation of symptoms consistent with appendicitis. Upon laparoscopy, the patient was found to have appendicitis with a concomitant Amyand hernia. The latter pathology highlights a rare presentation of inguinal hernias in which the vermiform appendix herniates into the inguinal canal. Inguinal hernias are frequently encountered in pediatric populations; however, Amyand hernias have seemingly negligible incidence in all age demographics. These comprise roughly 1% of all diagnosed abdominal hernias. When seen in concurrence with appendicitis, the incidence is 0.13%. Recent literature has sought to classify types of Amyand hernias and criteria described by Losanoff and Basson is an attempt to guide surgical management. Although our management did not coincide with the proposed management above, the patient made a full recovery. In conclusion, Amyand hernias remain a rare entity that can be indistinguishable from routine inguinal hernias on clinical examination and management of Amyand hernia with appendicitis is not well defined.
Understanding the Multi-level Interactions Between Physical Environment and Neighborhood Characteristics in Assessing Vulnerability to Crime in Micro-places
Authors: Dugato Marco
Published: August 2021

Spatial crime risk assessment is based on the identification of the environmental conditions that could facilitate crime. Previous applications of this approach mainly rely on single-level analyses neglecting that different contextual factors are likely to influence crime at different geographical levels and to interact with one another in defining crime risk. This study proposes to innovate this approach by using a multi-level analysis and estimating the interaction terms among environmental features and neighborhood characteristics. An empirical test is conducted in a large urban area. The results prove that this method significantly increases the predictive capacity and favors more complete interpretations of the underlying criminogenic mechanisms, thus orienting more effective consequential actions.
‘El Capri Kylex’: A Franciscan astronomical mnemonic
Authors: Falk Seb
Published: August 2021

This article examines the role of memory techniques in medieval astronomy. Using a mnemonic written by a Franciscan friar c. 1330 as a case study, it shows how astronomers and astrologers simplified the sky for practical purposes, using verses and codes to make their science memorable. The article decodes the mnemonic and its underlying astronomical data, assessing its usefulness, memorability and adaptability alongside some other popular astronomical and calendrical mnemonics of the later Middle Ages. It argues that astronomical learning could be a creative, playful activity. And it situates the astrological practices of this particular friar, who made wide-ranging annotations in a 13th-century astronomical compendium, within the scientific and educational traditions of his order.
Robert Frank: A Pioneer and Visionary Scientist in Oral Medicine
Authors: Taddei-Gross C. , Musset A.M. , Haikel Y. , Bloch-Zupan A.
Published: August 2021

The Faculty of Dental Surgery of the University of Strasbourg would not be the great institute it is today if it were not for an admirable, or rather extraordinary, man: Robert Frank (May 21, 1924–August 7, 2020). He was the first dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the University of Strasbourg, France. He was a dynamic and notorious leader. He brought forward amazing progress—in administration, dental research, and public health at both national and international levels. He was recognized for his top-quality innovative research and elected the 60th president of the International Association for Dental Research (1983–1984). Upon retirement, he continued his commitment to advancing humanity through painting his vision of the microscopic world and developing a “nanoart” vision.