bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“These are People Who Spread Diseases!”: An Examining of Effect of Covid-19 on the Formation of Social Perceptions Towards Syrians
Authors: BAYDEMİR Recep , BENEK Sedat
Published: October 2022

İnsanlık tarihini küresel olarak etkileyen çeşitli bulaşıcı hastalıklar, toplumları sadece sağlık, ekonomik, politik ve kültürel gibi açılardan etkilememekte aynı zamanda, çeşitli kutuplaşmaların oluşmasında veya var olan kutuplaşmaların
derinleşmesine, toplumsal algı ve yargıların biçimlenmesine de sebep olabilmektedir. Bu bağlamda, Aralık 2019’da ilk olarak Çin’de ortaya çıkan Covid-19 salgını, sadece sınıflar arası ekonomik ve sosyal eşitsizliği derinleştirmemiş,
aynı zamanda dezavantajlı gruplar başta olmak üzere, bazı toplumsal gruplara karşı çeşitli algı ve yargıların oluşmasını etkilemiş ya da var olan algı ve yargıların daha da derinleşmesinde önemli bir rol oynamıştır. Dolayısıyla
bu çalışmanın amacı, Covid-19’un Suriyelilerin ve Şanlıurfalıların birbirlerine yönelik olan algı ve yargılarını etkileyip etkilemediğini, Suriyelilere yönelik toplumsal algı ve yargıların oluşmasında Covid-19’un rolünü ortaya
koymaktır. Temelde alan araştırmasına dayanan bu çalışmada, Şanlıurfa şehrinde, 2020 yılının eylül ayında, iki merkez ilçe olan Haliliye ve Eyyübiye ilçelerinin şehirsel alanında yer alan 45 mahallede, 360’ı Suriyeli ve 360’ı da
Şanlıurfalı olmak üzere toplamda 720 kişiye yarı yapılandırılmış anket formu uygulanmıştır. Ayrıca şehirde Suriyelilerin görece en yoğun olarak yaşadıkları mahallelerin muhtarlarıyla görüşmeler de gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu kapsamda,
15’i telefonla ve 22’si de yüz yüze olmak üzere 37 mahallenin muhtarıyla görüşme yapılmıştır. Araştırma neticesinde, Şanlıurfalı katılımcıların %4,4’ünde, Covid-19 hastalığının kendileri ve Suriyeliler arasındaki ilişkilere olumsuz
bir etkisi olduğu, Covid-19 öncesi dönemle kıyaslandığında, Suriyelilere olan bakışlarının şu anda “daha kötü” olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Buna karşılık Suriyeli katılımcıların %11’i, Covid-19’un Şanlıurfalılarla kendi aralarındaki
ilişkilere olumsuz bir etkisi olduğu ve Covid-19 öncesi döneme göre Şanlıurfalıların kendilerine yönelik algı ve yargıların, tutum ve davranışların “daha kötü” olduğunu düşündükleri ortaya çıkmıştır. Ayrıca, görüşülen 37 mahalle
muhtarının 20’sinin (yani muhtarların %54’ü) Suriyelilerin “temizliğe dikkat etmemelerinin ve hassas olmamalarının bir sonucu olarak” Covid-19 hastalığının yayılmasını kolaylaştırdıklarını düşündükleri de çarpıcı biçimde ortaya
çıkmıştır. Böylelikle, Covid-19’un Suriyelilere yönelik çeşitli toplumsal algıların oluşumuna sebep olduğu ve daha da önemlisi, zaten daha önceden var olan bazı algı ve yargıların da sosyal dışlamaya ve ötekileştirmeye varacak
düzeyde geliştiği görülmüştür. Bu anlamda, Covid-19 salgını, Suriyelilere yönelik bu algı ve yargıların daha da derinleşmesinde ve perçinleşmesinde tetikleyici bir rol oynadığı saptanmıştır.
Current Situation of Baglama Education for Adults in Turkey; Analysis of Curriculums and Methods
Authors: YURDUŞEN ÇANAKÇI Yasemin , KÜPANA M.Nevra
Published: October 2022

Bu çalışmada, geçmişten günümüze sürekli yükselen bir hızla ile gelişip Anadolu coğrafyasında önemli bir yere sahip olan bağlama çalgısının eğitiminde, çeşitli türlerde eğitim kurumlarının bünyelerinde yetişkinlere yönelik izlenen
yöntemlerin, müfredat programlarının incelenmesi, çeşitli düzeylerde hazırlanan bağlama metotlarının analiz edilmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Bağlama eğitiminde yapılan metodolojik çalışmalar incelendiğinde yetişkin eğitimine dair incelemelerin
eksikliği tespit edilmiştir. Bu doğrultuda çalışmanın, bağlama öğrencilerine ve eğitimcilerine yol göstermesi açısından ve benzer çalışmalara ışık tutması açısından önem taşıdığı düşünülmektedir. Bu araştırmada nitel araştırma
yöntemlerinden doküman incelemesi ve içerik analizi kullanılmıştır. Çeşitli türlerde eğitim kurumlarının bünyelerinde yetişkinlere yönelik hazırlanan bağlama müfredat programları ve öğretim yöntemlerinin incelenmesi amacıyla dört
ayrı kurum amaçlı örnekleme ile belirlenmiştir. Elde edilen veriler tablolaştırılarak sunulmuştur. Bağlama eğitimine dair metotlar ile bağlama tekniğine ilişkin kitaplar amaçlı örnekleme ile belirlenmiştir. Çeşitli seviyelerde
belirlenen beş adet kısa sap bağlama metodu, beş adet uzun sap bağlama metodu, beş adet teknik bağlama kitabı içerik analizine tabi tutulmuştur. Buna göre müzikal, teknik, teorik ve eğitimsel öğeler açısından belirli kategoriler
oluşturulmuş, elde edilen veriler frekans ve yüzde değerleriyle sayısallaştırılmıştır. Çalışmanın amacı doğrultusunda bağlama eğitimine yönelik olarak çeşitli seviyelerdeki bağlama metotları ile bağlama tekniğine ilişkin kitaplar
incelendiğinde metotların başlangıç, orta ve ileri seviyeleri kapsadığı, teknik kitapların ise ileri seviyeyi kapsadığı görülmüştür. Bu metotlar ve kitapların genel özellikleri ile müzikal, teknik, teorik ve eğitimsel açıdan özellikleri
gözden geçirildiğinde temel ilkeler açısından benzerlikler taşıdığı, eğitmene rehberlik etmesi açısından, takip ettikleri yöntemler açısından, teknik anlamda kişiye bilgi ve beceri kazandırma açısından, müzikal anlamda kazanımlar
açısından farklılıklar gösterebildiği ortaya konmuştur.
Thinking on Hobbes's Contract Tradition Through Freud's Analysis of Civilization
Authors: UYGUN Bahtiyar
Published: October 2022

Sigmund Freud, ruhsal süreçleri ve bireyin ruhsal dünyasını İd-Ben-Üstben sınıflaması üzerinden ele alırken, aynı zamanda bu kavramsallaştırmadan hareketle bireyin toplumsallaşma sürecini de gözler önüne sermeye çalışır. Bu bağlamda
Freud, geliştirmiş olduğu psikanalizi sadece bireyin ruhsal süreçlerini açıklayan bir kuram olmaktan çıkartıp, onu toplumu ve uygarlığı anlama ve açıklamada etkin bir kuram haline getirir. Freud’un insan doğasına ve uygarlığa dair
tespitleri, Thomas Hobbes’un insan doğası ve uygarlık düşüncesiyle ortak noktalar taşımaktadır. Hobbes, modern felsefede klasik politika yapma tarzından kopuşu temsil eden en önemli düşünürdür. Hobbes, ahlaki ile politik olan arasında
ayrım yaparak, ahlaki alanın kavramları olan iyi, erdem gibi referansları politik olanın dışına taşımıştır. Diğer yandan insanı doğası gereği toplumsal olma özelliğini ters yüz ederek toplumsal alanı sonradan kurulan insanlar arası
ilişki olarak temellendirir. Bu noktada Hobbes, doğal ve toplumsal olan arasındaki ayrım yaparak, doğal durumdan toplumsal duruma geçişi ifade eden sözleşme mefhumunun mucidi ve ilk temsilcisidir. Hobbes’un toplumsal durum ve sözleşme
düşüncesi belli bir insan doğası kabulüne dayanır. Kabul edilen bu insan doğası, insanı sadece bilinçli bir varlık olarak ele alan felsefi geleneğin aksine, arzuları ve içgüdüleri olan bir varlık olarak ele almamıza imkan verir.
Bu noktada Hobbes’un insan doğası ve bu insan doğasını bastırmak ya da kontrol altına almak için tesis edilen toplumsal alan ile Freud’un bilinç-bilinçdışı ve İd-Ben-Üstben sınıflandırması arasında bir analoji kurulabilir. Bu çalışmanın
amacı Freud ve Hobbes’un insan doğasına ve bu insan doğasından hareketle yaptıkları uygarlık analizini karşılaştırmaktır. Bu karşılaştırmada amaç Freud’un Metapsikoloji ve Uygarlığın Huzursuzluğu eserlerinde ele aldığı analizlerden
hareketle, Hobbes’un sözleşme kavramı etrafında dönen siyasal düşüncesini değerlendirmektir.
Impact and Assessment of Frontline Demonstration (FLD) Management of Weeds in Pineapple by Plastic Mulch
Authors: Shukla Rohit , Hnamte Vanlalhruaia , Kumar Santosh , Pandey Nitin Kumar
Published: October 2022

Twenty-five numbers of frontline demonstrations were conducted on management of weed in pineapple by plastic mulch 2014-2016 & 2016-2018 subsequently with an ultimate aim to supressed growth of weeds and boost farmer income because weeding accounts approximate 30–40% of the overall cost of crop. Pineapple cultivation with 50 micron black polythene sheet mulching with double row spacing i.e. 90 x 60 x 30cm not only suppresses the weed growth but conserves the soil moisture, which leads to early flowering, better vegetative growth & higher yield over control (Farmer practice). The demonstrated recorded an average yield ranging from 43.18 to 45.90 t/ha with a mean of 44.54 t/ha. The per cent increase yield in demonstration 49.77% during 2014-16 and 66.67% during 2016-18 respectively, over the farmer practice.  The average ranges of extension gap (14.35- 18.36 t/ha), technology gap (9.10- 11.82 t/ha) and technology index (21.49-16.55%) were during the period under study. The demonstrated field gave higher mean gross return (Rs. 267240 /ha) and mean net returns (Rs. 191740/ha) with average benefit: cost ratio (3.54) compared to the local checks (1.71). Present results clearly show that the yield and economics of pineapple can be boost up by adoption of recommended technology.
Work Ethos as Mediator of the Influence of Human Relations and Physical Work Environment on Employee Performance
Authors: Setiani . , Sari Risca Kurnia , Munfarikha Alfin , Safitri Rini
Published: October 2022

The study aimed to examine the influence of human relations and the physical work environment on employee performance through work ethos. This research is quantitative, with explanatory research and a saturated sampling technique. The data used are primary data from a questionnaire of 70 respondents from the Tourism Office of Batu City, East Java, Indonesia, in 2022. Data analysis with validity, reliability, and hypothesis testing using Smart PLS. The results show that human relations significantly affect employee performance. The physical work environment positively and considerably to employee performance. Work ethos has a positive effect on employee performance. Work ethos mediates human relations and the physical work environment on employee performance. The research implies that it can improve the performance of the Batu City Tourism Office, East Java, Indonesia, by enhancing their work ethos and a comfortable physical work environment, and employees can respect and help each other.
Morpho-Cultural Variability Characterization of Bipolaris oryzae Causing Brown Leaf Spot of Rice in Jammu Sub-Tropics
Authors: Abrol Sonali , Singh S. K. , Singh V. B. , Singh A. K. , Singh Ranbir
Published: October 2022

Extensive fortnightly surveys were undertaken in major rice growing districts of Jammu division to study cultural and morphological variability amongst the isolates of brown leaf spot disease causing fungus (Bipolaris oryzae). Based on disease severity 24 isolates (BO1 to BO24) were divided into three groups (I, II and III). Group ‘I’ comprised 11 isolates with disease severity values between 51.22-67.44% and categorized under highly virulent and group ‘II’ comprised disease severity values between 43.17-48.17% and were categorized under moderately virulent isolates. Group ‘III’ included eight isolates with disease severity value between 26.11-38.17% and categorized under less virulent isolates. On the basis of colony growth pattern, margin and colour, the isolates were categorized into 4 groups (A, B, C and D). Group A comprised of six isolates had entire margin, circular form, umbonate elevation with smooth surface and black to fluffy growth. Eleven isolates were categorised under group B developed colonies with undulated margin, irregular form, umbonate elevation with grey fluffy growth and greyish colour. Group C comprised three isolates had undulated margin, irregular form, umbonate elevation with smooth surface. Group D contained four isolates developed entire margin, circular form; raised elevation with wrinkled surface, mycelium was grey which turned to black and showed grey to black pigmentation. The largest conidial size was recorded in isolate BO1 (98.43-101×24.54-25.54 µm). The conidia developed mean septa of 4.5-7.4 with straight to curve shaped. The sporulation of different isolates of B. oryzae ranged between 6.1-7.6×106 spores/ml.
PERAN GURU KRISTEN DALAM MENOLONG MURID BELAJAR DI KELAS PADA KELAS 2 SEKOLAH DASAR DI LUBUKLINGGAU
Authors: Gaungu Yunita Rambu Mina
Published: October 2022

Peran guru Kristen dalam proses pembelajaran adalah hal yang penting karena dapat menolong murid belajar di kelas. Guru Kristen menjalankan perannya untuk menolong murid belajar tidak terlepas dari menjalankan peran berdasarkan kebenaran Firman Tuhan. Guru Kristen menjalankan perannya berdasarkan Firman Tuhan dapat menolong murid belajar di kelas dan juga menolong murid mengenal Tuhan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan peran guru kristen dalam menolong murid belajar di kelas. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif. Pengambilan data dilakukan melalui pengamatan dan juga wawancara, baik kepada guru yang bersangkutan sebagai subjek maupun kepala sekolah serta murid sebagai informan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan guru kelas dua yang menjalankan peran guru Kristen dalam menolong murid belajar di kelas. Peran guru Kristen yang dilakukan, yaitu sebagai gembala, motivator, penatalayan dan sahabat.
Detailed Maternal Mortality Data Suggest More Than 4 in 5 Pregnancy-Related Deaths in US Are Preventable
Authors: Kuehn Bridget M.
Published: October 2022

This Medical News article discusses a new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on maternal deaths during and up to a year after pregnancy, racial disparities, and new models of care aimed at reducing maternal mortality.
Generalized Cutaneous Nodules on the Trunk and Extremities
Authors: Xiao Yu , Zhong Shaomin , Wang Yang
Published: October 2022

A 61-year-old man presented with rapidly growing and itchy cutaneous nodules all over his body and prominent lymphadenopathies. What is your diagnosis?
Contour similarity and its implication on inverse prostate SBRT treatment planning
Authors: Yan Chenyu , Guo Bingqi , Tendulkar Rahul , Xia Ping
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Success of auto‐segmentation is measured by the similarity between auto and manual contours that is often quantified by Dice coefficient (DC). The dosimetric impact of contour variability on inverse planning has been rarely reported. The main aim of this study is to investigate whether automatically generated organs‐at‐risk (OARs) could be used in inverse prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) planning and whether the dosimetric parameters are still clinically acceptable after radiation oncologists modify the OARs.

Methods and materials

Planning computed tomography images from 10 patients treated with SBRT for prostate cancer were selected and automatically segmented by commercially available atlas‐based software. The automatically generated OAR contours were compared with the manually drawn contours. Two volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans, autoRec‐VMAT (where only automatically generated rectums were used in optimization) and autoAll‐VMAT (where automatically generated OARs were used in inverse optimization) were generated. Dosimetric parameters based on the manually drawn PTV and OARs were compared with the clinically approved plans.

Results

The DCs for the rectum contours varied from 0.55 to 0.74 with a mean value of 0.665. Differences ofD95of the PTV between autoRec‐VMAT and manu‐VMAT plans varied from 0.03% to −2.85% with a mean value of −0.64%. Differences ofD0.03ccof manual rectum between the two plans varied from −0.86% to 9.94% with a mean value of 2.71%.D95of PTV between autoAll‐VMAT and manu‐VMAT plans varied from 0.28% to −2.9% with a mean value −0.83%. Differences ofD0.03ccof manual rectum between the two plans varied from −0.76% to 6.72% with a mean value of 2.62%.

Conclusion

Our study implies that it is possible to use unedited automatically generated OARs to perform initial inverse prostate SBRT planning. After radiation oncologists modify/approve the OARs, the plan qualities based on the manually drawn OARs are still clinically acceptable, and a re‐optimization may not be needed.
A potential biomarker of cognitive impairment: The olfactory dysfunction and its genes expression
Authors: Song Jiayi , Xu Jiahui , Yuan Wei , Li Ruixue , Guo Hui , Gao Hanshu , Gu Cuiying , Feng Wenjing , Ma Yanan , Guo Haiqiang , Sun Zhaoqing , Zheng Liqiang
Published: October 2022

Objective

Accumulation evidence has reported that olfactory impairment may be an essential clinical marker and predictor of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.

Method

Participants were enrolled in the population‐based, prospective study in Fuxin county, Liaoning province, China between 2019 and 2021. An inverse probability weighting logistic regression and mixed‐effect models were performed to explore the association between dysosmia and cognition and rate of change in cognition, respectively. Besides, we utilized the Robust Rank Aggregation method to integrated three eligible datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus to identify differential expressed genes.

Results

A total of 4695 participants were enrolled and 4221 of those were eligible for our cross‐sectional study. The mean (SD) age was 59.93(9.78) years, 64.8% were men. Over a 2‐year follow‐up, of the 2088 participants who completed follow‐up, 1559 participants were eligible for our longitude cohort study. We observed an association between dysosmia and an increased risk of cognitive impairment (OR, 0.47, [95% CI, 0.35–0.64]; p < 0.001). The OR (95% CI) for cognition in females with dysosmia was higher than (OR, 0.73[0.51, 1.05], p = .007) that for males with dysosmia (OR, 0.25[0.15, 0.42], p < 0.001; P for interaction <0.001). Dysosmia was also associated with more rapid decline in calculation ability (p < 0.001). Besides, several DEGs were identified, which are mainly associated with olfactory transduction, detection of chemical stimulus involved in sensory perception of smell, sensory perception of smell, olfactory receptor activity and odorant binding.

Interpretation

These findings proved novel insight into identifying olfactory dysfunction as potential biomarker for diagnosis of cognitive impairment.
Antibody–Antimicrobial Conjugates for Combating Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Yu Luofeng , Shang Zifang , Jin Qizhe , Chan Siew Yin , Hong Weilin , Li Nan , Li Peng
Published: October 2022

As the development of new antibiotics lags far behind the emergence of drug‐resistant bacteria, alternative strategies to resolve this dilemma are urgently required. Antibody‐drug conjugate is a promising therapeutic platform to delivering cytotoxic payloads precisely to target cells for efficient disease treatment. Antibody–antimicrobial conjugates (AACs) have recently attracted considerable interest from researchers as they can target bacteria in the target sites and improve the effectiveness of drugs (i.e., reduced drug dosage and adverse effects), abating the upsurge of antimicrobial resistance. In this review, the selection and progress of three essential blocks that compose the AACs: antibodies, antimicrobial payloads, and linkers are discussed. The commonly used conjugation strategies and the latest applications of AACs in recent years are also summarized. The challenges and opportunities of this booming technology are also discussed at the end of this review.
Large Magneto‐Transverse and Longitudinal Thermoelectric Effects in the Magnetic Weyl Semimetal TbPtBi
Authors: Wang Honghui , Zhou Zizhen , Ying Jianjun , Xiang Ziji , Wang Rui , Wang Aifeng , Chai Yisheng , He Mingquan , Lu Xu , Han Guang , Pan Yu , Wang Guoyu , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Chen Xianhui
Published: October 2022

Magnetic topological semimetals provide new opportunities for power generation and solid‐state cooling based on thermoelectric (TE) effect. The interplay between magnetism and nontrivial band topology prompts the magnetic topological semimetals to yield strong transverse TE effect, while the longitudinal TE performance is usually poor. Herein, it is demonstrated that the magnetic Weyl semimetal TbPtBi has high value for both transverse and longitudinal thermopower with large power factor (PF). At 300 K and 13.5 Tesla, the transverse thermopower and PF reach up to 214 µV K−1 and 35 µW cm−1 K−2, respectively, which are comparable to those of state‐of‐the‐art TE materials. Combining first‐principles calculations, longitudinal magnetoresistance and planar Hall resistance measurements, and two‐band model fitting, the large transverse thermopower and PF are attributed to both bipolar effect and large Hall angle. Moreover, the imperfectly compensated charge carriers and large transverse magnetoresistance induce the maximum magneto‐longitudinal thermopower of 251 µV K−1 with a PF of 24 µW cm−1 K−2 at 150 K and 13.5 Tesla, which is two times higher than that at zero magnetic field. This work demonstrates the great potential of topological semimetals for TEs and offers a new excellent candidate for magneto‐TEs.
Atomically Flat, 2D Edge‐Directed Self‐Assembly of Block Copolymers
Authors: Kim Jang Hwan , Jeong Hyeon U , Yeom Hye‐In , Han Kyu Hyo , Yang Geon Gug , Choi Hee jae , Kim Jong Min , Park Sang‐Hee Ko , Jin Hyeong Min , Kim Jaeup U. , Kim Sang Ouk
Published: October 2022

Nanoscale shape engineering is an essential requirement for the practical use of 2D materials, aiming at precisely customizing optimal structures and properties. In this work, sub‐10‐nm‐scale block copolymer (BCP) self‐assembled nanopatterns finely aligned along the atomic edge of 2D flakes, including graphene, MoS2, and h‐BN, are exploited for reliable nanopatterning of 2D materials. The underlying mechanism for the alignment of the self‐assembled nanodomains is elucidated based on the wetting layer alternation of the BCP film in the presence of intermediate 2D flakes. The resultant highly aligned nanocylinder templates with remarkably low levels of line edge roughness (LER) and line‐width roughness (LWR) yield a sub‐10‐nm‐wide graphene nanoribbon (GNR) array with noticeable switching characteristics (on‐to‐off ratio up to ≈6 × 104).
Fluorination Enhances NIR‐II Emission and Photothermal Conversion Efficiency of Phototheranostic Agents for Imaging‐Guided Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Chunbin , Jiang Guoyu , Yu Jia , Ji Weiwei , Liu Lingxiu , Zhang Pengfei , Du Jian , Zhan Chuanlang , Wang Jianguo , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: October 2022

Phototheranostics with second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) imaging and photothermal effect have become a burgeoning biotechnology for tumor diagnosis and precise treatment. As important parameters of phototheranostic agents (PTAs), fluorescence quantum yield (QY) and photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) are usually considered as a pair of contradictions that is difficult to be simultaneously enhanced. Herein, a fluorination strategy for designing A–D–A type PTAs with synchronously improved QY and PCE is proposed. Experimental results show that the molar extinction coefficient (ε), NIR‐II QY, and PCE of all fluorinated PTAs nanoparticles (NPs) are definitely improved compared with the chlorinated counterparts. Theoretical calculation results demonstrate that fluorination can maximize the electrostatic potential difference by virtue of the high electronegativity of fluorine, which may increase intra/intermolecular D–A interactions, tighten molecule packing, and further promote the increase of ε, ultimately leading to simultaneously enhanced QY and PCE. In these PTA NPs, FY6‐NPs display NIR‐II emission extended to 1400 nm with the highest NIR‐II QY (4.2%) and PCE (80%). These features make FY6‐NPs perform well in high‐resolution imaging of vasculature and NIR‐II imaging‐guided photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumors. This study develops a valuable guideline for constructing NIR‐II organic PTAs with high performance.
Cerebral Malaria and Neuronal Implications ofPlasmodium FalciparumInfection: From Mechanisms to Advanced Models
Authors: Akide Ndunge Oscar Bate , Kilian Nicole , Salman Mootaz M.
Published: October 2022

Reorganization of host red blood cells by the malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparumenables their sequestration via attachment to the microvasculature. This artificially increases the dwelling time of the infected red blood cells within inner organs such as the brain, which can lead to cerebral malaria. Cerebral malaria is the deadliest complication patients infected withP. falciparumcan experience and still remains a major public health concern despite effective antimalarial therapies. Here, the current understanding of the effect ofP. falciparumcytoadherence and their secreted proteins on structural features of the human blood‐brain barrier and their involvement in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria are highlighted. Advanced 2D and 3D in vitro models are further assessed to study this devastating interaction between parasite and host. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to neuronal and cognitive deficits in cerebral malaria will be pivotal in devising new strategies to treat and prevent blood‐brain barrier dysfunction and subsequent neurological damage in patients with cerebral malaria.
Sexual minority status is associated with earlier recalled age of menarche: Evidence from the 2005–2016NationalHealth andNutritionExaminationSurvey
Authors: Gibb James K. , Spake Laure , McKinnon Leela , Shattuck Eric C. , McKerracher Luseadra
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Menarcheal timing is associated with growth, development, health, wellbeing, and reproduction across the lifespan. Although sexual orientation is a known correlate of health and developmental inequities, relatively little evolutionarily framed research has investigated sexual orientation‐based variation in maturational timing. To improve our understanding of menarcheal timing among sexual minority (SM) people, we use a biocultural‐evolutionary life history lens that takes into account the stresses of minoritization to examine the relationship between sexual orientation and self‐reported age at menarche in a sample of American adults.

Methods

Using the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a large, nationally representative dataset (n = 9757), we fit multiple logistic regression models and survival curves to evaluate associations between sexual orientation, indicators of somatic and material resources during adolescence (e.g., education, citizenship, upper arm length), and self‐reported menarche.

Results

SM respondents were more likely to report earlier (by 4–5 months) ages of menarche (p < .001). Post‐hoc tests revealed that these differences were driven by bisexual (p < .001) and same‐sex experienced (p < .001) relative to heterosexual and lesbian/gay respondents. Earlier menarcheal timing among SM respondents persisted after adjusting for socio‐demographic factors and proxies of developmental conditions.

Discussion

Our findings reveal that SM status is associated with earlier ages of menarche, an important social and reproductive milestone. We argue that uniting life history theory with the minority stress hypothesis better explains differences in menarcheal timing by sexual orientation than previous paradigms. Investigators should attend to sexual orientation‐based variation in maturational timing using holistic, inclusive approaches.
X‐Linked intellectual disability update 2022
Authors: Schwartz Charles E. , Louie Raymond J. , Toutain Annick , Skinner Cindy , Friez Michael J. , Stevenson Roger E.
Published: October 2022

Genes that are involved in the transcription process, mitochondrial function, glycoprotein metabolism, and ubiquitination dominate the list of 21 new genes associated with X‐linked intellectual disability since the last update in 2017. The new genes were identified by sequencing of candidate genes (2), the entire X‐chromosome (2), the whole exome (15), or the whole genome (2). With these additions, 42 (21%) of the 199 named XLID syndromes and 27 (25%) of the 108 numbered nonsyndromic XLID families remain to be resolved at the molecular level. Although the pace of discovery of new XLID genes has slowed during the past 5 years, the density of genes on the X chromosome that cause intellectual disability still appears to be twice the density of intellectual disability genes on the autosomes.
Characteristics of animal models for COVID‐19
Authors: Qi Feifei , Qin Chuan
Published: October 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), the most consequential pandemic of this century, threatening human health and public safety. SARS‐CoV‐2 has been continuously evolving through mutation of its genome and variants of concern have emerged. The World Health Organization R&D Blueprint plan convened a range of expert groups to develop animal models for COVID‐19, a core requirement for the prevention and control of SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. The animal model construction techniques developed during the SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV pandemics were rapidly deployed and applied in the establishment of COVID‐19 animal models. To date, a large number of animal models for COVID‐19, including mice, hamsters, minks and nonhuman primates, have been established. Infectious diseases produce unique manifestations according to the characteristics of the pathogen and modes of infection. Here we classified animal model resources around the infection route of SARS‐CoV‐2, and summarized the characteristics of the animal models constructed via transnasal, localized, and simulated transmission routes of infection.
c‐myb is involved in CML progression and is a therapeutic target in the zebrafish CML model
Authors: Ye Yin , Yang Xiaojun , Li Feifei , Liu Wei , Zhang Wenqing , Huang Zhibin
Published: October 2022

Background

Despite the success of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) therapy, CML still faces the challenges of drug resistance and progression to blast crisis. Twenty‐five percent of patients have imatinib resistance and treatment difficulties due to heterogeneity after progression, but little is known about the mechanism. A key transcription factor in hematopoiesis, MYB, has been reported to increase abnormally in several types of aggressive blood disorders including CML.

Methods

This study used a zebrafish model to explore the relationship between BCR/ABL1 and c‐myb in CML progression. A CML zebrafish model was crossed with a c‐myb hyperactivity transgenic line.

Results

It was found that both exogenous BCR/ABL1 and c‐myb could up‐regulate the expression of neutrophil‐related genes. More seriously, neutrophil accumulation was observed when BCR/ABL1 was combined with c‐myb overexpression. Further studies showed that c‐myb may be one of the downstream targets of BCR/ABL1 and the effect of BCR/ABL1 on neutrophils was c‐myb dependent. Taking advantage of this inheritable in vivo model, it was shown that a combination of imatinib and flavopiridol, a cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor targeting MYB, could more effectively alleviate the aggressive phenotype of the double transgene line.

Conclusion

In summary, this study suggests that c‐myb acts downstream of BCR/ABL1 and is involved in CML progression and is therefore a risk factor and a valuable target for the treatment of CML progression. The model used in the study could be helpful in high‐throughput drug screening in CML transformation.
A case of toxic epidermal necrolysis comorbid with severe burns
Authors: Miyano Erina , Horikoshi Yuichi , Nakayama Miyabi , Kuroshima Tatsuki , Eto Yuka , Kawata Daisuke , Okada Motoi , Kokita Naohiro , Fujita Satoshi
Published: October 2022

Background

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and severe burns both have high mortality rates, but coexistence is extremely rare. The specificity of developing TEN in burn patients is not well understood and its treatment strategy is not established.

Case Presentation

A 68‐year‐old man was carried to our hospital with severe burns covering 35% of his body surface area. He developed bacteremia during treatment of burns and required antimicrobial therapy. However, erythema appeared on the trunk and upper limbs and rapidly spread to the extremities, leading to a diagnosis of TEN. The rash gradually improved after terminating antimicrobial therapy and administrating of 1,000 mg/day methylprednisolone for 3 days. The rash caused by TEN was confined to non‐burned areas, suggesting that TEN may less likely occur at burn sites.

Conclusion

It is necessary to pay attention because burn patients can develop TEN concomitantly. Corticosteroids therapy may be effective for TEN even in severe burn patients.
Identification of historical trackways in forests using contextual geospatial analyses
Authors: Slámová Martina , Pažinová Noémi Beljak , Belčáková Ingrid , Beljak Ján , Maliniak Pavol
Published: October 2022

This article demonstrates the application of the methods unravelling microtopographic features, specifically, sunken linear landforms indicating remains of historical trackways in forests. These are related to the ‘Magna Via’ route in the vicinity of the Deserted Castle and the Peťuša Castle in Central Slovakia. The microtopography validation dataset indicating sunken linear landforms was used to evaluate the data overlap of tracks identified by the global positioning and navigation system (GNSS) and a model of tracks created with the least cost path (LCP) algorithm. Microtopographic features derived from a digital relief model generated by high‐resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scans (density of 5 points/pixel) allowed us to determine the exact position (submeter total vertical and horizontal accuracy) of certain segments of the GNSS tracks and LCP overlapping the sunken linear landforms. Moreover, the LCP model shows the most efficient trackways considering the travel costs depending on the slope parameter.
Optimisation of nuclear reactor primary coolant design and maintenance parameters
Authors: Wootton Mark James , Zhou Ying , Andrews John D. , Smith Roger , Arul John , Vinod Gopika , Muruva Hari Prasad , Garg Vipul
Published: October 2022

An optimisation methodology is presented using the primary coolant circulation system of a nuclear reactor as its case study, the purpose of which is to find combinations of selected design and maintenance parameters to maximise the reactor safety and minimise monetary expenditure. The parameter space was sampled by a Monte Carlo method and Petri net modelling was used to predict the performance of each of these options. The optimal solutions were then extracted from the data via computation of the Pareto front, with further analysis conducted on parameter sets of interest.
Non‐fluorinated Zinc Anions: A Low‐Cost Environmental Approach for Reversible Zinc Electrochemistry
Authors: Kar Mega , Ha The An , Duncan Dale , Chen Fangfang , Cherepanov Pavel , Sun Ju , Pozo‐Gonzalo Cristina
Published: October 2022

Rechargeable zinc batteries (RZBs) are of immense interest as low‐cost and sustainable energy storage devices. However, formation of Zn dendrites, Zn corrosion, and undesired side reactions in aqueous electrolytes as well as the use of costly fluorinated salts in organic electrolytes, have hindered the commercialization of RZBs. In this work, a cost‐efficient and environmentally friendly, non‐aqueous electrolyte comprised of zinc dicyanamide (Zn(dca)2) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is shown to support the electrochemical cycling of zinc. Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy complemented with theoretical studies suggest that the solvation of Zn2+ is stabilized with both [dca]− anions and DMSO molecules at high concentrations (≥1.0 M) of the zinc salt content. Stable charge/discharge cycles in zinc symmetrical cells with low overpotentials (0.05 V) were especially observed for 1.0 M Zn(dca)2/DMSO over 90 cycles at 1.0 mA cm−2 with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirming the formation of a dense and smooth zinc morphology on metal anode surface post‐cycling. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) also shows that the presence of zinc nitride (Zn3N2) helps form a stable SEI layer in the presence of 1.0 M and 2.5 M systems, making [dca]‐based electrolytes highly promising candidates in rechargeable zinc batteries.
Clinical outcomes of anterior prostate cancers treated with robotic assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Saghir Reyan , Russell Beth , Kum Francesca , Darwish Raef , Deane Jude , Allen Christopher , Rizwi Hira , Saghir Noman , Mayor Nikhil , Cathcart Paul , Dasgupta Prokar , Popert Rick , Brown Christian , Challacombe Ben
Published: October 2022

Introduction

A prospective cohort study comparing peri‐ and postoperative outcomes for patients with predominantly anterior prostate cancer (APC) identified preoperatively against non‐anterior prostate cancer (NAPC) treated via robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Patients and Methods

Of the 757 RARP's completed between January 2016 and April 2018, two comparative cohorts for anterior and an equivalent group of non‐anterior prostate tumours each consisting of 152 patients were compared against each other. Data were collected on the following variables: patient age; operating consultant; preoperative PSA, ISUP grade, degree of nerve sparing; tumour staging; presence and location of positive surgical margins; PSA density, postoperative ISUP grade; treatment paradigm and postoperative PSA, erectile function, and continence outcomes with 2‐year follow‐up.

Results

APCs were found to have significantly lower ISUP grading postoperatively; increased diagnosis via active surveillance over new diagnosis; more frequently undertaken bilateral nerve‐sparing and long‐term poorer continence outcomes at 18 and 24 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). Pre‐ and post‐op PSA levels, erectile function, PSA density, positive surgical margins (PSM), age and tumour staging showed no significant differences between the APC and NAPC cohorts (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The lower ISUP grading could indicate APC as overall being less aggressive than NAPC, whereas the poorer long‐term continence outcomes require further investigating. The non‐significant differences amongst tumour staging, PSA density, preoperative PSA levels and PSM rates suggest that APC may not be as significant as predicted in diagnostic evaluation. Overall, this study provides useful information on the growing literature of anterior prostate cancer. Being the largest comparative cohort study to date on APC post‐RARP, these results indicate the true characteristics of anterior tumours and their functional outcomes to help improve education, patient expectations and management.
How germline genes promote malignancy in cancer cells
Authors: Bruggeman Jan Willem , Koster Jan , van Pelt Ans M. M. , Speijer Dave , Hamer Geert
Published: October 2022

Cancers often express hundreds of genes otherwise specific to germ cells, the germline/cancer (GC) genes. Here, we present and discuss the hypothesis that activation of a “germline program” promotes cancer cell malignancy. We do so by proposing four hallmark processes of the germline: meiosis, epigenetic plasticity, migration, and metabolic plasticity. Together, these hallmarks enable replicative immortality of germ cells as well as cancer cells. Especially meiotic genes are frequently expressed in cancer, implying that genes unique to meiosis may play a role in oncogenesis. Because GC genes are not expressed in healthy somatic tissues, they form an appealing source of specific treatment targets with limited side effects besides infertility. Although it is still unclear why germ cell specific genes are so abundantly expressed in cancer, from our hypothesis it follows that the germline's reproductive program is intrinsic to cancer development.
Strategic orientations and responsible innovation in SMEs: The moderating effects of environmental turbulence
Authors: Zhang Xiu‐e , Teng Xinyu , Le Yuan , Li Yijing
Published: October 2022

The turbulent business environment makes small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) more vulnerable, and their sustainable development faces severe challenges. Responsible innovation, as a new management paradigm that balances profit growth and social value, plays an important role in promoting enterprise's risk resistance and sustainable development. However, there are still few existing research on how to stimulate enterprises to implement responsible innovation. Based on the dynamic capability theory (DCT) and contingency theory, this study explores how strategic orientations affect responsible innovation under various degrees of environmental turbulence. Hierarchical regression was used to test the conceptual model based on data collected from 194 Chinese SMEs. The results indicate that strategic orientations (digital and environmental orientations) positively affect responsible innovation, and environmental orientation plays a stronger role in promoting responsible innovation than digital orientation. Market and technological turbulences play positive moderating roles in the relationship between digital orientation and responsible innovation, while negatively moderating the relationship between environmental orientation and responsible innovation. These findings are helpful to enrich the literature on strategic orientation and responsible innovation and provide practical implications for guiding SMEs to implement responsible innovation.
CXCL12 is expressed by skeletal muscle cells in tongue oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yorozu Akira , Sekiguchi Shohei , Takasawa Akira , Okazaki Fumika , Niinuma Takeshi , Kitajima Hiroshi , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Kai Masahiro , Toyota Mutsumi , Hatanaka Yui , Nishiyama Koyo , Ogi Kazuhiro , Dehari Hironari , Obata Kazufumi , Kurose Makoto , Kondo Atsushi , Osanai Makoto , Miyazaki Akihiro , Takano Kenichi , Suzuki Hiromu
Published: October 2022

Background

The CXCL12/CXCR4 axis plays a pivotal role in the progression of various malignancies, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In this study, we aimed to clarify the biological and clinical significance of CXCL12 in the tumor microenvironment of OSCCs.

Methods

Publicly available single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) datasets were used to analyze CXCL12 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Immunohistochemical analysis of CXCL12, α‐smooth muscle antigen (α‐SMA), fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and CD8 was performed in a series of 47 surgically resected primary tongue OSCCs. Human skeletal muscle cells were co‐cultured with or without OSCC cells, after which CXCL12 expression was analyzed using quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR.

Results

Analysis of the RNA‐seq data suggested CXCL12 is abundantly expressed in stromal cells within HNSCC tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that in grade 1 primary OSCCs, CXCL12 is expressed in both tumor cells and muscle cells. By contrast, grade 3 tumors were characterized by disruption of muscle structure and reduced CXCL12 expression. Quantitative analysis of CXCL12‐positive areas within tumors revealed that reduced CXCL12 expression correlated with poorer overall survival. Levels of CXCL12 expression tended to inversely correlate α‐SMA expression and positively correlate with infiltration by CD8+ lymphocytes, though these relations did not reach statistical significance. CXCL12 was significantly upregulated in muscle cells co‐cultured with OSCC cells.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that tongue OSCC cells activate CXCL12 expression in muscle cells, which may contribute to tumor progression. However, CXCL12 is reduced in advanced OSCCs due to muscle tissue destruction.
Esterification of Glycerol Derived from Biodiesel with Fatty Acids to Monoglycerides – Malaysian Perspective
Authors: Radzi Mohamad Razlan Md , Zulqarnain  , Mohd Yusoff Mohd Hizami , Azmi Nadzirah , Anuar Mohd Razealy
Published: October 2022

The rapid increase of biodiesel production in Malaysia generates enormous quantities of crude glycerol as the primary co‐product along with the biodiesel which has limited application in local industries. The conversion of glycerol to higher‐value products like monoglycerides seems to be an attractive route. Various heterogeneous catalysts have been investigated to produce monoglycerides via esterification with fatty acids, but the application is limited to short‐chain fatty acids such as lauric acid. Solid catalysts, the parameters affecting reaction mechanisms and pathways, and kinetics of esterification of glycerol reactions are reviewed to highlight the need of superacidic mesoporous catalysts for demonstrating the catalytic activity towards the formation of monopalmitin with high palmitic acid conversion. Esterification of fatty acids to produce monoglycerides is the best approach to reduce the amount of glycerol but it is necessary to synthesize innovative and selective catalysts such as modified mesoporous catalysts to enhance the overall yield of monoglycerides. This would not only solve the problem of crude glycerol but also lead to sustainable biodiesel production especially in the context of Malaysian economy.
Prefoldin 6 promotes glioma progression via the AKT signalling pathway
Authors: Jiang Lianglei , Liu Jun
Published: October 2022

Gliomas are one of the most aggressive primary tumours, accounting for 81% of malignant brain tumours, and are associated with a significant mortality. Therefore, the elucidation of the molecular mechanism underlying glioma progression and identification of promising treatment targets are necessary. Here, the expression of prefoldin (PFDN) 6 in human glioma tissues and cell lines was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Celigo and CCK‐8 assays were performed for assessing cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to analyse apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. Wound‐healing and transwell assays were performed to observe cell migration. Lastly, xenograft models were developed for the in vivo validation of the results, and a human phospho‐kinase array was used to explore the downstream signalling pathways. PFDN6 was upregulated in gliomas, and PFDN6 overexpression was significantly correlated with a low survival rate, estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR) expression, and tumour grade and recurrence. Moreover, PFDN6 knockdown significantly attenuated cell proliferation and migration, induced apoptosis, and blocked cell cycle progression in the G2 phase, which was further confirmed in the in vivo experiments. Mechanistically, the effects of PFDN6 may be mediated via the AKT signalling pathway. In conclusion, we showed that PFDN6 promotes glioma development by activating AKT signalling and emphasised the potential of PFDN6 as a crucial target in glioma therapy.
Impact of intravascular ultrasound‐incomplete stent apposition on stent failure
Authors: Watanabe Yusuke , Sakakura Kenichi , Taniguchi Yousuke , Yamamoto Kei , Seguchi Masaru , Tsukui Takunori , Jinnouchi Hiroyuki , Wada Hiroshi , Fujita Hideo
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between immediate incomplete stent apposition (ISA) detected by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and midterm stent failure.

Background

Stent failure is one of serious clinical events related to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The previous studies using optical coherence tomography showed that ISA could be associated with stent thrombosis. However, the association between immediate ISA detected by IVUS and stent failure has not been fully investigated.

Methods

We included 396 lesions that underwent elective PCI, and divided those into the appropriate stent apposition (ASA) group (n = 290) and the ISA group (n = 106). The primary endpoint was stent failure, which was defined as a composite of ischemia‐driven target lesion revascularization and stent thrombosis. We compared clinical and lesion characteristics between the two groups, and performed a multivariate COX hazard analysis to investigate the association between immediate ISA and stent failure.

Results

The median follow‐up duration was 1296 days. The Kaplan−Meier curves revealed the higher incidence of stent failure in the ISA group than in the ASA group (p < 0.001). The multivariate stepwise COX hazard analysis showed that immediate ISA (hazard ratio 4.97, 95% confidence interval 1.31−18.82, p = 0.018) was significantly associated with stent failure. When we set the cut‐off value of the immediate ISA distance as 0.25 mm, the distance ≥ 0.25 mm had 68.8% sensitivity and 85.0% specificity to predict stent failure.

Conclusions

Immediate ISA detected by IVUS was associated with midterm stent failure. We should pay attention to reduce immediate ISA for improving the midterm outcomes.