bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Targeting Leucine-Zipper-Like Transcription Regulator 1 Gene on Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Song Xuemin , Luo Dongming , Zhong Qian , Wei Ke , Tang Yangyang , Wu Dongbo , Xu Junyi , Yu Pengcheng
Published: July 2021

LZTR1 is associated with several diseases, including liver cancer, childhood cancer, and schwannomas. However, LZTR1’s role in colon cancer and its mechanism of action have not been reported. The colon cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were collected to measure the expression
of LZTR1 by Real time PCR. Colon cancer SW620 cell lines were cultured and randomly divided into control group and LZTR1 group followed by analysis of LZTR1 expression by real time PCR, cell proliferation by MTT assay, Caspase3 activity, Bcl-2 and Bax level by Real time PCR, cell invasion
by Transwell chamber; NF-κB/VEGF expression by Western blot. LZTR1 expression was significantly reduced in colon cancer tissues compared to adjacent tissues (P <0.05) and negatively correlated with colon cancer TNM stage, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis, and positively
associated with tumor differentiation (P <0.05). LZTR1 plasmid transfection into SW620 cells can significantly up-regulate LZTR1, inhibit tumor cell proliferation and invasion, increase Caspase 3 activity and Bax level, downregulate Bcl-2, NF-κB and VEGF (P <0.05).
LZTR1 expression is reduced in colon cancer tissues, which is related to its clinicopathological characteristics. Up-regulation of LZTR1 can regulate apoptosis and inhibit tumor proliferation and invasion by regulating NF-κB/VEGF signaling pathway.
Improved Osteogenesis by Noggin siRNA Collagen-Bioactive Glass Composites
Authors: Chen Yanling , Xue Fan , Chen Liangjiao , Li Zhengmao , Lan Zedong
Published: July 2021

Collagen-bioactive glass (COL–BG) composites have significant bone regeneration ability due to the considerable osteogenic performance and desirable biological properties of collagen. In the current research, the influence of COL–BG composite scaffolds loaded with noggin
siRNA on osteogenesis in MC3T3 cells have been comprehensively studied. We prepared three types of COL–BG composites scaffolds, namely, unloaded, loaded with noggin siRNA, and loaded with negative control siRNA. The effect of the aqueous extracts achieved from these scaffolds on MC3T3
cell proliferation was monitored using a CCK8 test, whilst the effect on osteogenesis was assessed with ALP (alkaline phosphatase) activity assays, quantitative real-time PCR, and Alizarin Red staining (ARS). After cells were cultured for three and five days, proliferation in the presence
of the extracts of composite scaffolds was remarkably greater than in the no-scaffold blank (P < 0.05). After 14 days of cultivation, MC3T3 cells exposed to COL–BG composites scaffold loaded with noggin siRNA exhibited greater ALP performance (P < 0.05) as well as
higher mRNA expression (P < 0.01) of Runx2, BSP, and ALP genes in comparison with two other composite scaffolds, whereas ARS exhibited a larger number of mineralized nodules. Overall, these outcomes illustrate that COL–BG composite scaffold loaded with noggin
siRNA is effective in enhancing osteogenesis. Thus, we suggest that this material has a promising potential for bone tissue engineering and is able to locally improve bone formation in bone defects.
Extraction, Characterization and Immunological Activity of Polysaccharides from Cynomorium songaricum Rupr.
Authors: Li Min , Yang Jianhua , Hu Junping
Published: July 2021

Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. (CSP) have been used widely in TCM for many years, polysaccharides from CSP are main active component. In our previous research, we found that CSP play a role of immunomodulatory activity in vitro, but its mechanisms and in vivo
immunomodulatory activity hadn’t been explored. In present study, we firstly extracted CSP and identified two new fractions CSP-a, CSP-b. To assess the immunomodulatory activity of CSP in vivo, cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice models were generated and then
treated with CSP. The results demonstrated that CSP could improve thymus and spleen indices, phagocytic and clearance index, serum hemolysin, inflammatory cytokines productions in serum. To explore the mechanisms of CSP, CSP-a, CSP-b, RAW264.7 macrophages were used to evaluate the immunomodulatory
activity in vitro, the results demonstrated that CSP, CSP-a, CSP-b can induce macrophage proliferation, enhance the phagocytic activity and increase cytokines expression. CSP, CSP-a, CSP-b possessed the immunomodulatory activity by inducing the phosphorylation of MAPKs. This study suggested
that CSP may be useful for lessening chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression and proposed the basis for the clinical application of CSP.
Effect of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) on Cardiac Function and Ventricular Remodeling in Diabetic Rat Models Through Inhibiting MicroRNA (miR)-34a
Authors: Qu Xiangzhen , Zhu Shanyong
Published: July 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is harmful to heart tissue. We transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in this study to improve the function of diabetic heart. 45 rats were divided into healthy group, DM group (treated with high-fat diet), and BMSCs group (BMSCs transplantation
into the ventricular wall) followed by analysis of miR-34a and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) levels, heart function, and ventricular remodeling in the three groups of rats. BMSCs were successfully cultured with high purity, and the myocardium in the BMSCs group was successfully labeled
by DAPI. The left ventricular hypertrophy index and myocardial tissue CVF of rats with DM increased significantly, suggesting that ventricular remodeling in DM rats was stimulated. However, when BMSCs were transplanted to the ventricular wall, although the ventricular remodeling was not completely
avoided, apoptosis of BMSCs group was significantly reduced. MiR-34a relative level in BMSCs group was obviously elevated, whereas ALDH2 level showed opposite trend with a negative relationship. MiR-34a can effectively bind to the 3′-UTR of ALDH2 mRNA, indicating that it can directly
regulate gene expression. BMSCs can promote the synthesis of ALDH2 by inhibiting the expression of miR-34a, and improve the cardiac function and ventricular remodeling of diabetic rats.
Ultrasound Diagnosis Technology for Sports Injury Detection and Prevention: A Mini Review
Authors: Mao Jiansheng , Xiang Liangliang
Published: July 2021

Ultrasound as a medical diagnosis tool, comprising the strengths of noninvasive, portable and cost-saving, and it allows the evaluation of soft tissue pathology. In sports medicine field, sonography technology is used for the detection and prevention of injuries of upper and lower limbs,
mainly including elbow, shoulder, knee and ankle joints. The implement of ultrasound diagnosis technology was discussed in this narrative literature review. Sonographic images of elbows could provide a dynamic assessment of medial joint laxity. Due to the importance of ultrasound assessment
in lower-limb muscles, tendons, and ligaments, this technology has been applied extensively for many types of extra-articular injuries in the lower limb. Most muscle injuries can be assessed and graded using the ultrasound apparatus. Overall, sonographic image evaluation is a reliable and
handy method for the initial examination of acute or chronic sports injuries.
Do Better Postoperative Radiological Findings Predict Better Long-Term Functional Outcomes in Adults with a Displaced Distal Radius Fracture?
Authors: Yan Yongqing , Xu Renjie , Fang Yufei
Published: July 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship of early radiological outcomes and longterm function in postoperative distal radius fracture patients. Methods: This was prospective cohort research, with information including sex, age, patient satisfaction,
Gartland and Werley Score, and radiographic score. The statistics, including correlation analysis, ROC Curve, and multivariable binary Logistic Regression, were analyzed in SPSS. Results: In the entire 135 patients, 48 were male, 87 were female. ROC curve showed longterm Gartland and
Werley Score, and early radiographic scores have an association to a certain extent with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.196 (p = 0.023) and an AUC of 0.639 (ROC Curve, p = 0.017). Patient satisfaction was mainly determined by the statistical modeling of 4.096×(palmar
flexion−dorsiflexion)−4.378× (pronation−supination)−5.754 (Multivariable Binary Logistic Regression). Conclusion: Long-terms functional outcomes of postoperative distal radius fracture patients are not only influenced by radiographic score. Patient satisfaction
is mainly concerning palmar flexion and pronation–supination of the wrist.
Comparison of Muscle Activity and Ultrasound Response of Lower Extremity Muscles During Treadmill and Track Running
Authors: Lin Chenghui , Li Shudong , Lu Yining , Wiltshire Huw
Published: July 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in lower extremity muscle morphology and electromyography (EMG) signals during treadmill running (TR) and plastic track running (PR). Methods: A total of 10 healthy male runners aged 22.5±1.3 years, height:
175.5±4.5 cm; weight: 71.9±2.7 kg; BMI: 22.1±1.1 volunteered to participate in this study. Muscle morphology data were collected by a portable ultrasound scanner before and after running. Median frequency (MF), mean power frequency (MPF) and root mean square (RMS) were
monitored during TR and PR. Results: The results indicated that muscle thickness and pennation angle have increased after running. The muscle thickness after PR showed significantly higher than TR in tested muscle except tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (MG). In contrast,
only the pennation angle of TA and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) after PR was significantly different from that after TR (P <0.001, P = 0.002). The most significant difference in the change rate of muscle thickness was found at TA. In addition, TA and MG showed significantly
higher change rate of the pennation angle after TR than that after PR. Both of MF and MPF showed a downward trend after TR and PR. It could discover that the MF and MPF of LG during TR showed a significantly lower than that during PR both in two phases (P =0.001, P <0.001).
However, in the last 5 minutes, MF and MPF of MQ during PR were smaller than that during PR (P = 0.001, P = 0.015). Furthermore, MF of RF during TR showed significantly different from that during PR (P = 0.017). From the point of RMS, in the first five minutes, the RMS
of medical quadriceps (MQ), lateral quadriceps (LQ), hamstring muscles (HM) and MG during TR was significantly higher than that of PR (P <0.05). In addition, the RMS of all tested muscles after TR was significantly higher than after PR during the last 5 minutes (P <0.05).
Conclusions: The current study indicated that TR and PR would cause different effects to lower extremity muscle morphology. In addition, the EMG signals based on running surfaces are also unconformity. Compared with the plastic track, the treadmill will bring more stimulation to the
lower extremity muscles. The preliminary findings provide further insights into the rationality of runners’ choice of the running surface.
Modification of Wright’s Technique for C2 Translaminar Screws Based on Medical Imaging Analysis
Authors: Xia Dong-Dong , Huang Shu-Meng , Wang Jian-Le , Pan Xiang-Xiang , Yan Mei-Jun , Zhang Chi , Hu Bai-Wen , Wang Cui , Wang Xiang-Yang
Published: July 2021

Background: To describe and explain the improvement of Wright C2 transforaminal screw fixation technique. Methods: 23 male patients and 10 female patients (a total of 33 patients, average age of 55 years) were implanted with lamina screws on one side or both sides by improved
technique. Adopt improved technology, there is a simple hole in the middle of the lateral brain plate, and the screw can be seen directly to prevent the spine from being invaded. Results: With the improved technique, 169 minutes (90–210 minutes) is the average operation time,
and 136 ml (80–420 minutes) is the estimated average blood loss. Average length of 26.5 mm (range 24–30) plate screws. After an average follow-up of 12.4 (1.5–30) months, all patients achieved good clinical outcomes. Conclusions: To modify the Wright’s technique,
an additional unicortical “hole” was in the middle of the backplane. Through this improved technique, the screw can be directly seen to be inserted into the dorsal cortex of the lamina, thereby reducing the risk of invading the spinal canal and shortening the operation time.
Ultrasound-Measured Femoral Arterial/Venous Parameters for Guiding Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Catheterization
Authors: Zhou Hao , Mei Yong , Lv Jinru , Li Wei , Zhang Gang , Hu Deliang , Zhang Jinsong , Chen Xufeng
Published: July 2021

The femoral artery/vein are commonly used for vascular access in clinical practice. The position, adjoining relationship, and anatomic variation of the femoral artery/vein may affect the success rate of catheterization. Clinically, we found a proportion of anatomic variations in the
common position of the femoral artery catheterization. We intended to determine the positioning data of the femoral artery/vein to provide a partial clinical basis for catheterization by ultrasound. At the common femoral artery catheterization site, we used ultrasound to collect data on the
femoral artery/vein of 208 samples. We found that the distance from the midpoint of the pubic symphysis to the surface position of the femoral artery, the distance between the central points of the femoral artery/vein, and the inner diameter of the femoral artery were significantly correlated
with height, weight, and gender, and were not correlated with age, shock, hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease. If branching of the femoral artery was higher than the inguinal ligament, the inner diameter of the femoral artery at the catheterization site was significantly reduced.
We believe that height, weight, gender, and anatomic variation are important factors influencing the adjoining relationship and the inner diameter of the femoral artery. During extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) catheterization, if an arterial branch is found at the femoral artery
catheterization site, it is recommended to adjust the catheterization protocol.
Chest CT Findings in the Protracted Period of a Critical Patient with COVID-19
Authors: Guo Weiguang , Xu Zhifeng , Zhou Lixin
Published: July 2021

There are few documents describing the characteristics of the lungs in the prolonged period of severe new coronavirus pneumonia. This case describes an 67-year-old man who has been tested positive for COVID-19, and who quickly progressed to severe illness. After mechanical ventilation,
ECMO and antiviral treatments, his condition gradually improved. Through lung CT examination, we analyzed the changes in lung characteristics at different stages of the patient, especially the protracted period, which showed “watermelon lung” changes. These characteristics may
help us adjust the treatment strategy.
Cultural Schemas: What They Are, How to Find Them, and What to Do Once You’ve Caught One
Authors: Boutyline Andrei , Soter Laura K.
Published: July 2021

Cultural schemas are a central cognitive mechanism through which culture affects action. In this article, we develop a theoretical model of cultural schemas that is better able to support empirical work, including inferential, sensitizing, and operational uses. We propose a multilevel framework centered on a high-level definition of cultural schemas that is sufficiently broad to capture its major sociological applications but still sufficiently narrow to identify a set of cognitive phenomena with key functional properties in common: cultural schemas are socially shared representations deployable in automatic cognition. We use this conception to elaborate the main theoretical properties of cultural schemas, and to provide clear criteria that distinguish them from other cultural or cognitive elements. We then propose a series of concrete tests empirical scholarship can use to determine if these properties apply. We also demonstrate how this approach can identify potentially faulty theoretical inferences present in existing work. Moving to a lower level of analysis, we elaborate how cultural schemas can be algorithmically conceptualized in terms of their building blocks. This leads us to recommend improvements to methods for measuring cultural schemas. We conclude by outlining questions for a broader research program.
Increasing Social Media Presence for Graduate Medical Education Programs
Authors: Walk Casey T. , Gerardo Rodrigo , Parikh Priti P.
Published: July 2021

Virtual residency interviews during COVID-19 pandemic created a need for residency programs to use social media to increase their visibility and connect with potential applicants. This was, however, new and a road never travelled for many programs. This report describes how our General Surgery Residency Program increased its presence through social media by using various exposure methods and approaches, including diversifying presence and developing candid personalized content. Results suggest that these methods have increased our exposure and reach from an average of 7 people per post to posts reaching over 4500 people. Moreover, the video posts introducing our residents and faculty provided the highest activity and reach. Thus, appropriate use of social media with described interventions and new content creation could exponentially increase the visibility of a residency program. Moreover, educating faculty and residents on the use and importance of social media could increase their interest and participation as well.
Virtual Coaching Delivered by Pharmacists to Prevent COVID-19 Transmission
Authors: Abdel-Qader Derar H. , Al Meslamani Ahmad Z. , Al Mazrouei Nadia , El-Shara Asma A. , El Sharu Husam , Merghani Ali Eman , Mohammed Ebaed Samah Bahy , Mohamed Ibrahim Osama
Published: July 2021

Background: While the role of pharmacists in the current pandemic control has been recognized worldwide, their coaching efforts to improve public’s behaviors that could prevent COVID-19 transmission has been rarely investigated. Objectives: To assess whether pharmacist-based virtual health coaching sessions could increase the proportion of people who practised healthy social behaviors, to test whether this model can increase the public acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines, and to measure whether these behaviors could actually prevent contracting COVID-19. Method: In this randomized controlled trial, adults who matched specific criteria were randomly allocated into 2 arms. The active arm received 12 pharmacist-based virtual coaching sessions delivered via Zoom® over a month. Participants allocated to the control arm received no coaching. At the end of the last coaching session, both groups were asked to complete a structured questionnaire for outcome assessment. Participants in the active group were followed up to 2 weeks after the end of the last coaching session to check if they contracted COVID-19 or not. The SPSS software version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Chicago, IL) was used for statistical analysis. Results: Of the 300 participants who gave consent for participation, 295 completed the study (147 from the active arm and 148 from the control arm). The proportion of those using face masks, avoiding crowds, and willing to be isolated if infected in the active arm was increased from 51.70%, 53.74%, and 59.86% at baseline to 91.83%, 80.27%, and 96.59% at the end of coaching, respectively (all with P < .05). In addition, the proportion of behaviors, such as disinfecting surfaces, not touching the T-zone, and avoid sharing personal belongings with colleagues at work was increased from 36.05%, 27.89%, and 46.93% at baseline to 63.94%, 52.38%, and 87.75% at the end of coaching, respectively (all with P < .05). Avoid touching the T-zone (OR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.24-0.89) and using disposable tissues (OR = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.18-0.77), each versus using face masks appropriately were more likely to get COVID-19. Conclusion: Pharmacist-based virtual health coaching could be a potential strategy to increase the proportion of behaviors that could curtail the spread of COVID-19.
Searching and Making Meaning of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of African Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Ekwonye Angela U. , Truong Nina
Published: July 2021

African immigrants continue to be disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unclear how they are searching for and finding meaning in the face of this adversity. This study sought to understand how African immigrants in the United States are searching for and making meaning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted in-depth interviews remotely with 20 immigrants from West Africa (Nigeria and Ghana), East Africa (Somali and Rwanda), and Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo). The meaning-making model was used as a framework to understand the processes of coping during a significant, adverse life event. The study found that some participants attempted to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their global meaning by seeking answers as to why the pandemic occurred and creating positive illusions. Some redefined their priorities and reframed the pandemic in a positive light. Participants found meaning in the form of accepting the pandemic as a reality of life, appreciating events previously taken for granted, and making positive changes in their lives. This study’s findings can inform health care providers of the meaning-making processes of African immigrants and the need to assist them in their search for meaning.
‘It’s part of our community, where we live’: Urban heritage and children’s sense of place
Authors: Grimshaw Lucy , Mates Lewis
Published: July 2021

The literature on a ‘sense of place’ often sidelines the voices of children. Consequently, little is known about how children can be encouraged to develop a sense of place. This matters because a sense of place involves feelings of belonging and attachment, and can contribute to children’s wellbeing and identity. Informed by the research of Bartos and Severcan, we deploy data from a qualitative research project in a primary school in a former coalfield area in the north-east of England to argue that children’s experiences of learning about their urban local history and heritage can help to develop their sense of place. Placing children’s voices centrally in our research, we explore how they engage with learning about local mining history, and the impact of place-based pedagogy. Emphasising the possibilities and importance of their deep involvement with their urban heritage, we show, firstly, the ways in which children’s sense of place is strengthened when they develop a feeling of ownership over their own history. Secondly, we explore how children develop a sense of place through engaging their emotions and physicality, and, thirdly, their senses. We conclude that learning about local history through place-based pedagogy allows children to create and interpret historical events and develop a sense of place. Taking ownership of their history makes the children active participants in telling the story of their place. Children can then develop new ways of seeing themselves in places, as they make connections between the past, present and future.
Parsing the Mechanisms Underlying Ingroup Facial Resemblance
Authors: Bjornsdottir R. Thora , Hehman Eric , Agboh Darren , Rule Nicholas O.
Published: July 2021

People prefer to form relationships with people like themselves—a tendency that extends even to facial appearance, resulting in groups whose members look alike. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying homophilic resemblance using facial photos of fraternity/sorority members from two time points: before joining the group and after belonging to the group for three years. Analyses of both subjective trait impressions and objective face-shape measurements revealed that not only did group members look alike, they resembled one another even before joining the group. Moreover, photos of potential fraternity recruits revealed that facial appearance predicted both the group that individuals sought to join and the group’s likelihood of accepting them. Individuals, therefore, seek to join groups consisting of people who look like them, and the groups preferentially accept new members who resemble those already in the group. This bidirectional preference for homophily likely perpetuates intragroup homogeneity, suggesting potential implications beyond appearance.
Agency and servitude in platform labour: a feminist analysis of blended cultures
Authors: Komarraju Sai Amulya , Arora Payal , Raman Usha
Published: July 2021

Digital labour platforms have become important sites of negotiation between expressions of micro-entrepreneurship, worker freedom and dignity of work. In the Global South, these negotiations are overlaid on an already fraught relationship mediated by the dynamics of caste and culture, to the usual politics of difference. Urban Company (UC), an app-based, on-demand platform in India that connects service providers offering home-based services to potential customers, lists professionalised services that have hitherto been considered part of a ‘culture of servitude’, performed by historically marginalised groups afforded little dignity of labour. Such platforms offer the possibility of disrupting the entrenched ‘master-servant’ relationship that exists in many traditional cultures in the Global South by their ostensibly professional approach. While service providers now have the opportunity for self-employment and gain ‘respectability’ by being associated with the platform, UC claims to have leveraged AI to automate discipline in everything the providers do. Using interviews with UC women service providers involved in beauty work and software development engineers, this paper explores the agency afforded to service partners in both professional and personal spheres. Further, we propose the term blended cultures to think about the ways in which algorithms and human cultures mutually (re)make each other.
Learning From Failures: Lessons From Unsuccessful Grading Reform Initiatives
Authors: Guskey Thomas R.
Published: July 2021

This article describes accounts of grading reform initiatives that while well-intentioned, met with staunch opposition and eventually were abandoned. The implementation strategies employed by the leaders of these reform initiative are explored, along with reasons these strategies failed to result in meaningful and enduring change. Alternative grading reform strategies with supporting evidence are offered, justification for their use explained, and new directions for grading reform initiatives recommended.
Methodologic Considerations for Epigenomic Investigation of Preterm Birth in African American Women
Authors: Nowak Alexandra L. , Giurgescu Carmen , Ford Jodi L. , Mackos Amy , Ohm Joyce , Tan Alai , Pietrzak Maciej , Anderson Cindy M.
Published: July 2021

Epigenetic modifications are chemical changes that can modify gene expression without changing the sequence of the gene. These modifications are potentially identifiable and reversible, making the epigenome an important area of research for discovering biomarkers to identify those who may be at risk and providing therapeutic interventions to prevent adverse health outcomes. African Americans bear a disproportionate risk of adverse health outcomes (e.g., hypertension, cancer). Indeed, African American women experience preterm birth (PTB; <37 completed weeks gestation) at more than twice the rate of non-Hispanic White women. Research suggests that environmental influences may play a significant role in PTB outcomes for this population. However, the biological pathways by which these influences contribute to PTB are poorly understood. This paper describes research methods and ethical considerations for the collection and analysis of biological samples based on our study examining the epigenetic regulation of stress pathways in PTB in pregnant African American women.
Conspiratorial medievalism: History and hyperagency in the far-right Knights Templar security imaginary
Authors: Millar Katharine M , Costa Lopez Julia
Published: July 2021

Imagery associated with the Knights Templar appears in the public discourse and symbolism of many white supremacist and white nationalist groups. The 2011 Norwegian mass murderer cited the Templars in his manifesto, as did the 2019 New Zealand shooter. Templar crosses were on display at the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, North Carolina. To understand the security imaginary behind these racialised medievalisms and their contemporary animation within right-wing extremism, this article develops the concept of ‘conspiratorial medievalism’. The Knights Templar imaginary blends a specific, racialised, and romanticised vision of history with the grammar of conspiracy theory. This is characterised by (a) a belief in the racialised decline and victimisation of a ‘righteous’ White Christendom; (b) a sense of threat posed by racialised Others and betrayal by insiders; and (c) an anachronistic view of near-omnipotent individual agency. Significantly, conspiratorial medievalism demonstrates an aspiration to not merely combat ‘undue’ agency of racialised Others, but to reclaim and perform extreme agency themselves. Agency is cast in the idiom of medieval chivalry and framed as the moral obligation of righteous White men. Although Knights Templar imagery may appear superficial, this article finds it is an important justificatory and enabling discourse for racist violence.
A survey of minimally invasive cardiac surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lyons Megan , Akowuah Enoch , Hunter Steve , Caputo Massimo , Angelini Gianni D , Vohra Hunaid A
Published: July 2021

Background:

Lack of scientific data on the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) during the COVID-19 pandemic has made clinical decision making challenging. This survey aimed to appraise MICS activity in UK cardiac units and establish a consensus amongst front-line MICS surgeons regarding standard best MICS practise during the pandemic.

Methods:

An online questionnaire was designed through the ‘googleforms’ platform. Responses were received from 24 out of 28 surgeons approached (85.7%), across 17 cardiac units.

Results:

There was a strong consensus against a higher risk of conversion from minimally invasive to full sternotomy (92%; n = 22) nor there is increased infection (79%; n = 19) or bleeding (96%; n = 23) with MICS compared to full sternotomy during the pandemic. The majority of respondents (67%; n = 16) felt that it was safe to perform MICS during COVID-19, and that it should not be halted (71%; n = 17). London cardiac units experienced a decrease in MICS (60%; n = 6), whereas non-London units saw no reduction. All London MICS surgeons wore an FP3 mask compared to 62% ( n = 8) of non-London MICS surgeons, 23% ( n = 3) of which only wore a surgical mask. London MICS surgeons felt that routine double gloving should be done (60%; n = 6) whereas non-London MICS surgeons held a strong consensus that it should not (92%; n = 12).

Conclusion:

Whilst more robust evidence on the effect of COVID-19 on MICS is awaited, this survey provides interesting insights for clinical decision-making regarding MICS and aids to facilitate the development of standardised MICS guidelines for an effective response during future pandemics.
Collaborative learning experiences in the university jazz/creative music ensemble: Student perspectives on instructional communication
Authors: de Bruin Leon R.
Published: July 2021

While the ensemble is a ubiquitous learning environment within jazz education, opportunities to learn through engagement in ensemble performances and industry-level recording opportunities are rare classroom environments tertiary jazz music institutions offer. This qualitative study examines jazz performance contexts within an Australian tertiary music course, exploring students’ learning experience spanning three diverse collaborative projects across nine months. Phenomenological analysis explores the instructional relationship outlining connection between the student and instruction, the subject matter that is taught, and the connection between the student and the teacher as master improviser. Findings outline substantive teacher crafting of learning, relationship building and learning experiences garnered from interpersonal learning relationships, and the application of content with pedagogy that aims to build a positive learning climate between improvising teachers and their students. The author contends that a phenomenological perspective can highlight this diversity and emphasize effective interpersonal strategies and ensemble pedagogies that enhance student learning and potentially enculturate richer and more sophisticated musicianship in students and their developing creative abilities.
Assessment of Social Self-perceptions of Acceptance and Enmity in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: García-Castellar Rosa , Sánchez-Chiva Desirée , Jara-Jiménez Pilar , Fernández-Ramos Cristina
Published: July 2021

This study analyzes the self-perceptions of social competence in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It compares two groups of participants, children with ADHD ( N = 20) and children without ADHD ( N = 20) ages between 8 and 12 years old. Sociometric questionnaires were completed by two groups of participants and 707 peers, as well as a questionnaire that evaluates children’s behavior from parents’ and teachers’ perspectives. Results indicate that children with ADHD correctly perceive enmity, but incorrectly perceive friendship. Children with ADHD have low rates of positive reciprocity and qualities that indicate friendship differs considerably from the children without ADHD. The children with ADHD have a different profile of social self-perception than children without ADHD, especially regarding recognizing friendship. The results contribute to the understanding of perceptions of elements of peer relationship and friendships with strong ecological validity. This small scale study provides a proof of concept for improving ecological validity in the methods of evaluating social skills and social emotion learning programming for children with ADHD.
Voyageurs malgré eux: Silence, embodiment, and exposure in Minh Tran Huy and Doan Bui
Authors: Laurent Caroline D.
Published: July 2021

In recent Franco-Vietnamese literature written by descendants of immigrants, the liminality of exile is portrayed in all its complexity through migrant bodies – that of parents’ bodies – and through political and social bodies – linked to History and the Việt Kiều’s positionality in French society. The experience of external movement becomes an internal one, creating porosity between the outside and the body, self and others, places and times. This article argues that, in Minh Tran Huy’s Voyageur malgré lui and Doan Bui’s Le Silence de mon père, by representing their family’s migration, both authors present the silenced histories of the Vietnamese community in France. In order to do so, Tran Huy and Bui first focus on uncovering and writing the stories of their silent fathers: through their embodiment of exilic history, the fathers transmit the wound of their immigrant condition to their daughters. Consequently, daughters come to manifest similar bodily expressions of traumas they have not experienced and know little about. The fathers’ histories are eventually voiced and re-invested by the second generation. This shows how the unearthing of their fathers’ life stories is also about reappropriating a dual identity as well as making Asian diasporic perspectives and histories visible, notably to create new avenues of representation for French individuals of Asian descent.
Relative positions of countries in the core-periphery structure of the European automotive industry
Authors: Pavlínek Petr
Published: July 2021

This article investigates the core-semiperiphery-periphery structure of the European automotive industry between 2003 and 2017 by drawing on the global value chains and global production networks perspectives and on the conceptual explanation of the spatial division of labor in transnational production networks in the automotive industry. It develops a methodology to empirically determine the relative position of countries in the core, semiperiphery, or periphery, and changes in their position over time. The methodology is based on calculating the automotive industry power of individual countries, which is the combination of trade-based positional power, ownership and control power, and innovation power in the automotive industry. On the one hand, the empirical analysis revealed a dominant position of Germany as a higher-order core, which is joined only by France and Italy in the stable core of the European automotive industry. On the other hand, the periphery is mostly located in East-Central Europe despite the rapid growth of the automotive industry there since the 1990s. The majority of countries kept a stable relative position in the core-semiperiphery-periphery structure of the European automotive industry transnational production system during the 2003–2017 period.
Detecting and quantifying marijuana metabolites in serum and urine of 19 dogs affected by marijuana toxicity
Authors: Fitzgerald Alyson H. , Zhang Yuntao , Fritz Scott , Whitehouse William H. , Brabson Tamera , Pohlman Lisa , Cernicchiaro Natalia , Tonozzi Caroline , Ensley Steve
Published: July 2021

Veterinarians diagnose marijuana toxicity based on clinical signs and history, or in conjunction with an over-the-counter (OTC) human urine drug screen. With the legalization of recreational marijuana use becoming more prevalent in the United States, a more accurate test to aid in the diagnosis of canine marijuana toxicity is needed. We collected urine and serum samples from 19 dogs with confirmed or suspected marijuana toxicosis from multiple veterinary hospitals and analyzed them with a novel UPLC-MS/MS method. Calibrations from 0.1 to 100 ng/mL and QC materials were prepared. Samples were extracted, purified, and eluted with solid-phase extraction. Urine samples were tested with an OTC human urine drug screen. The limit of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) ranges for marijuana metabolites in serum were 0.05–0.25 ng/mL and 0.1–0.5 ng/mL, respectively. In urine, the LOD and LLOQ ranges for the metabolites were 0.05–0.1 ng/mL and 0.1–0.5 ng/mL, respectively. In serum, median and range of metabolite concentrations (ng/mL) detected included: THC, 65.0 (0.14–160); 11-OH-Δ9-THC, 4.78 (1.15–17.8); 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-THC, 2.18 (0.71–7.79); CBD, 0.28 (0.11–82.5); and THC-glucuronide, 2.05 (0.72–18.3). In the 19 urine samples, metabolite: creatinine (ng: mg) values detected included: THC, 0.22 (0.05–0.74); 11-OH-Δ9-THC, 0; 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-THC, 1.32 (0.16–11.2); CBD, 0.19 (0.12–0.26); THC-COOH-glucuronide, 0.08 (0.04–0.11); and THC-glucuronide, 0.98 (0.25–10.7). Twenty of 21 urine samples tested negative for THC on the urine drug screen. All 19 serum samples contained quantifiable concentrations of THC using our novel UPLC-MS/MS method. Utilizing a UPLC-MS/MS method can be a useful aid in the diagnosis of marijuana toxicosis in dogs, whereas using an OTC human urine drug test is not a useful test for confirming marijuana exposure in dogs because of the low concentration of THC-COOH in urine.
A novel Streptococcus species causing clinical mastitis in a pregnant donkey
Authors: Podico Giorgia , Gray Sarah M. , Wang Leyi , Canisso Igor F.
Published: July 2021

An 8-y-old jenny was presented because of anorexia and mild depression. The jenny had weaned her colt 10 d before the admission. Upon arrival at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, the heart rate was elevated, and the right udder was painful and swollen on palpation. Milk stripping of the affected side revealed purulent content; the contralateral udder had normal-appearing milk. Cytology of mammary gland secretions from the affected side revealed a large number of hypersegmented reactive neutrophils with phagocytized bacteria. Complete blood count, serum chemistry, and fibrinogen were within normal limits. A diagnosis of clinical mastitis was made, and the jenny was started on a 5-d course of broad-spectrum antibiotics, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, hydrotherapy, and milk stripping. Clinical signs reduced over time, and the cure was attained by 96 h post-admission. Aerobic culture and subsequent MALDI-TOF MS analysis identified a bacterium of the Streptococcus genus but not the species. Whole-genome analysis was performed, and 16S rDNA sequencing and analysis determined that our isolate 20-37394 clustered with 2 other Streptococcus strains (27284-01 and 28462). Single-nucleotide variations and phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that Streptococcus 20-37394 had 96.8% and 94.9% identities to Streptococcus strains 27284-01 and 28462, respectively; therefore, the bacteria isolated in our case was deemed as a new Streptococcus species.
Admissibility analysis for autonomous underwater vehicle based on descriptor model with time-varying delay
Authors: Hedayati Khodayari Mohammad , Pariz Naser , Balochian Saeed
Published: July 2021

This article investigates an enhanced optimal robust time-delay stabilizer for an autonomous underwater vehicle in the descriptor model. Time-delay, model uncertainty, and actuator saturation constraint are some practical challenges in autonomous underwater vehicle controller design. In this regard, an appropriate autonomous underwater vehicle descriptor model is obtained, and sufficient stabilization conditions are determined in the terms of linear matrix inequality. The obtained criterion guarantees the system to be regular, impulse-free, and stable. Meanwhile, the delay-dependent and rate-dependent conditions are taken into account. Furthermore, uncertainty and time-delay are time-variant. This method includes a tuning factor for practical design aspects and tradeoff among desired requirements. Also, as an essential general requirement in non-linear systems, the maximal estimate of the attraction domain is proposed as an optimization problem. Numerical examples and simulations illustrate that the proposed methods are effective and useful in less conservative results. The technique can be generalized and applied to the most conventional autonomous underwater vehicles.
Social media affordances and information abundance: Enabling fake news sharing during the COVID-19 health crisis
Authors: Apuke Oberiri Destiny , Omar Bahiyah
Published: July 2021

This study modelled factors that predict fake news sharing during the COVID-19 health crisis using the perspective of the affordance and cognitive load theory. Data were drawn from 385 social media users in Nigeria, and Partial Least Squares (PLS) was used to analyse the data. We found that news-find-me perception, information overload, trust in online information, status seeking, self-expression and information sharing predicted fake news sharing related to COVID-19 pandemic among social media users in Nigeria. Greater effects of news-find-me perception and information overload were found on fake news sharing behaviour as compared to trust in online information, status seeking, self-expression and information sharing. Theoretically, our study enriches the current literature by focusing on the affordances of social media and the abundance of online information in predicting fake news sharing behaviour among social media users, especially in Nigeria. Practically, we suggest intervention strategies which nudge people to be sceptical of the information they come across on social media.
Exploring Children’s Understanding of the Legal Rights of Suspects in England and Wales
Authors: Kemp Vicky , Watkins Dawn
Published: July 2021

While studies have explored adult suspects’ understanding of their legal rights, seldom are the experiences of children and young people taken into account. In this article, we discuss findings arising out of research interviews conducted with 61 children and young people; many of whom have experience of being suspects. From listening to their points-of-view, we find that children and young people fundamentally lack understanding of the rights of suspects, and especially the inalienable nature of those rights. We argue this is not surprising when children are being dealt with in an adult-centred punitive system of justice, which is contrary to international human rights standards.
Building trust, resilient regions, and educational narratives: Municipalities dealing with COVID-19 in border regions of Portugal
Authors: Marques da Silva Sofia
Published: July 2021

This article recounts how municipalities from border regions in mainland Portugal interacted with the population in the face of the new social order brought about by COVID-19. Our aim is to interpret new educational spaces, beyond schools, emerging from community-level strategies to build trust during the pandemic lockdown and state of emergency. The material consists of 1503 posts from 38 Facebook pages of municipalities that were analysed and organised into dimensions: health and COVID-19; offline to online adaptation strategies; cross-border impact information; economic encouragement; care and social support; community engagement and participation. The article focuses on this last dimension given its pre-eminence.

Key findings manifested five educational narratives associated with community engagement and participation: past and memory; place; voicing and wisdom; recognition and solidarity; and participation and learning. We consider those narratives as community resilience builders, accounting for municipalities’ educational strategies that enhanced locally anchored responses. If those actions represent an opportunity for local-governing new protagonism, they also generate a footprint for encouraging transformative resilience grounded in situated literacies and new educational audiences. Municipalities were more than timely information providers – they invested in connecting with the population, an investment possibly explained by the awareness that a health crisis could easily morph into a social crisis.
The Electoral Connection Revisited: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Poyet Corentin , Chiru Mihail
Published: July 2021

Introduction to a symposium: ‘The electoral connection revisited: personal vote-seeking efforts’
Toward a Rational Civil Society: Deliberative Thinking, Civic Participation, and Self-Efficacy among Taiwanese Young Adults
Authors: Chung Ming-Lun , Fung Ken Ka-wo , Chiu Eric MP , Liu Chao-Lung
Published: July 2021

To explore the mechanisms that foster rational, communicative, and actionable citizenship, this research proposes a mediation as well as moderation research framework that links deliberative thinking, political self-efficacy, social capital, and civic participation. Data from 865 Taiwanese university students are analyzed with structural equation modeling, showing a positive association of deliberative thinking to political self-efficacy and civic participation, as well as a positive association between them. Moreover, the association between deliberative thinking and civic participation is signiﬁcantly and positively mediated by political self-efficacy. When background factors are controlled, only social capital is identified to be moderating any associations between variables in this study. The established association between deliberative thinking and political self-efficacy and that between deliberative thinking and the non-electoral, as well as community-based dimensions of civic participation, are significantly weaker among those possessing less social capital, while such differences are not significant in the case of gender and household income. Based on these findings, the relative roles of deliberative thinking, political self-efficacy, and social capital in promoting effective deliberative democracy will be discussed.