bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Al-Ghuluwu fi al-amsal al-arabiy
Authors: Akewula Adams Olufemi
Published: April 2021

Al-Ghuluwu fi al-amsal al-arabiy (Postproverbial) is a new trend in modern Arabic studies. It is a way to gain the perceptions of learners of the language into Afro-Arabic and Yoruba cultures in contemporary times. Through the learning of the subject matter, University of Ibadan students of Arabic Language and Literature explore how much common philosophy is shared between postproverbial expressions in Arabic and Yoruba languages. Afro-Arabic postproverbial demonstrates the trends of modernity within the culture. It absorbs and transforms wisdom accumulated over the few years with the experience of students in their various localities. This paper investigates the exposure to postproverbiality in Arabic among the students of Arabic language and literature who are predominantly Yoruba in the University of Ibadan and how the practice of postproverbials transforms their perceptions and values of Yoruba and Afro-Arab cultural concepts. Thus, two questions are raised: to what extent does the use of postproverbials in the Arabic literature course in the University of Ibadan shed light on Yoruba cultural aspects not regularly covered in Arabic Proverbs? How does the use of postproverbials in the Arabic literature course promote a new understanding among the students and make them discover and reassess their values and preferences in the modern time? The theoretical framework of the paper is adopted from A. Raji-Oyelade’s “Postproverbials in Yoruba Culture: A Playful Blasphemy”. The result of this study indicates that students employed their basic knowledge of Arabic language, coupled with their Yoruba cultural background, to re-create a number of postproverbial texts within the context of Arabic culture. It also exhibits their level of consciousness in the modern times.
Postproverbials
Authors: Lemoha Ositadinma Nkeiruka , Ohwovoriole Felicia , Agugua Augustine Okechukwu
Published: April 2021

The wave of globalization and the attendant acculturation has uttered the contextual and conceptual rendition and meaning of traditional Igbo proverbs. In view of the fact that proverbs are wisdom from the elderly that reveals the peoples’ values, ethics, morals and worldviews. Therefore, the modernized versions of Proverbs attest to the fact of lack/loss of the ancient fervour. This paper attributes the loss of ancient morale to youth incursion and the consequent travesty of the proverbial space. It therefore, contends that Igbo postproverbial is a reaction to acculturation engendered by human interaction. Twenty-one pairs of Igbo proverbs made up of, the traditional proverb and its postproverbial version were subjected to critical analysis focusing on the culture dynamics in the construction of the postproverbials. The analysis of data is anchored on Herbert Blumer’s theory of symbolic interactionism. The paper establishes that Igbo postproverbial is a reaction to culture diffusion occasioned by human interaction and the accompanying changes in values, morals and worldviews.
Home Sweet Home?: Recent Studies of Chinese Indonesians
Authors: Suryomenggolo Jafar
Published: April 2021

This article reviews two books on Chinese Indonesians in post-Suharto Indonesia written by two young scholars: Chong Wu-Ling (2018), and Toshio Matsumura (2017). Both books illustrate the recent stream of academic publications on Chinese Indonesians by a young generation of non-Indonesian scholars who are mostly based in the East Asia region. Their works are promising as they rely on continuous fieldwork and pose new questions that reflect the socio-political changes in Indonesia and the rise of China in the region. Despite these welcomed developments, we have yet to see any paradigm shift from the works of earlier scholars. Concurrently, young scholars in the region are challenged to develop their studies beyond the Euro-American intellectual hegemony.
If One Thai Bottle Should Accidentally Fall: Health Information, Alcohol Labelling and International Investment Law
Authors: Mitchell Andrew D. , O’Brien Paula
Published: April 2021

This article considers the issues that would arise in a dispute under an international investment agreement about two innovative, public health alcohol labelling policies pursued by Thailand. One measure proposes graphic health warnings on alcoholic beverages. The other measure places extensive restrictions on the words and images that producers can use on alcoholic beverage labels. We focus on the consistency of these measures with the obligations of fair and equitable treatment and indirect expropriation. We place particular emphasis on the evidence that would likely be needed to defend these measures, including the areas where the science is somewhat tentative and might therefore pose problems for ‘first-mover’ States like Thailand. We conclude that there is a good chance that the warnings measure would be found compatible with investment law obligations. However, some aspects of the marketing measure are more vulnerable to findings of inconsistency.
NCD Prevention and International Investment Law in Latin America: Chile’s Experience in Preventing Obesity and Unhealthy Diets
Authors: Campbell Marcelo
Published: April 2021

In 2016, Chile became the first country in Latin America to implement comprehensive regulations aimed at preventing obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases. It introduced innovative measures including a mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling scheme for food products high in sodium, free sugars, fats, and calories, and strict advertising and marketing restrictions of unhealthy foods to children under 14 years of age. However, food-exporting countries have questioned the lawfulness of these measures in the context of the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade Committee, and multinational food companies have filed several complaints before Chilean courts challenging their implementation. This article provides an overview of specific legal issues discussed in domestic courts and examines Chile’s measures under the rules of international investment law. It assesses whether they would withstand a treaty claim based on indirect expropriation, breach of the national treatment standard, and breach of the fair and equitable treatment standard.
Fiqh Hadith Dalam Kalangan Ulama Hadith Kontemporari. Kajian Terhadap Metode Kefahaman al-Ghumari dalam Isu-Isu Terpilih
Authors: Ahmad Shah Faisal
Published: April 2021

This article analyses the methods applied by contemporary hadith scholars in interpreting the hadiths of the Prophet (PBUH) and the extent to which these methods were practiced by previous hadith scholars. Three leading scholars from al-Ghumārī’s family were selected, namely Aḥmad bin al-Ṣiddīq al-Ghumārī, ʿAbdullah bin Ṣiddīq al-Ghumārī and ʿAbd al-Azīz al-Ghumārī. Al-Ghumārīs are Sufi scholars who have been criticised for their method in evaluating hadith. This research focuses on the methods of interpretation used by the al-Ghumārīs and examines the qualitative research methodology applied by these three scholars in interpreting hadith. The result shows that several of their methods contradict the methods applied by the previous hadith scholars who were careful to distinguish between hadiths that are general or specific. In interpreting hadith al-fitan, these three scholars preferred to use taʾwil (an interpretation not immediately implied by the text) rather than depending on textual methods. Much of their understanding of hadith al-fitan is based on unrealistic assumptions and without any evidence.
The Theology of Dallas Willard: Discovering Protoevangelical Faith Gary Black Jr. Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2013. ix + 241. $29.00, ISBN 978-1-6203-2963-4
Authors: Robb Michael Stewart
Published: April 2021

This review essay is a critical analysis of Gary Black Jr.’s book The Theology of Dallas Willard. After summarizing the book, three aspects of its content are assessed. First, a crucial error in reconstructing Willard’s thought is exposed, namely his position respecting David Bebbington’s four evangelical distinctives, an error which proves fatal to Black’s whole argument because it leaves Willard’s theological context undefined. Second, on the philosophical level, the assumed epistemology of Black’s book is pointed out to be contradictory with Willard’s own painstakingly articulated epistemology, exposing Black’s lack of command of Willard’s philosophy. Third, Black’s reconstruction of Willard, though largely accurate, is described as making precious few contributions to the scholarly study of his theology because it is on the whole a topical arrangement of Willard’s theological statements, lacking in analysis or criticism. Its value for the layman is diminished by Black’s idiosyncratic language.
Renewing our Mind: Reformed Epistemology and the Task of Apologetics
Authors: Otto Randall
Published: April 2021

The presuppositional approach of Cornelius Van Til draws on the epistemological ideas found in Herman Bavinck and Abraham Kuyper to bring Reformed epistemology and its application to apologetics into line with its Calvinist foundations. This transcendental approach accents the ultimacy of God for all knowledge over against the Kantian transcendental critique which, with its accent on autonomy, forms the basis for all approaches to knowledge that do not start with the necessity of the revelation of God in creation and Scripture. The Christian cannot by his method deny what God’s Word has made clear to him, that he is dependent on God for all truth, meaning, and coherence.
1 Gospel, 4 Acts: Introduction(s) to the Genius of Luke
Authors: Harris Ben
Published: April 2021

Scholars today are less convinced than they used to be about the narrative and theological unity of the Third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. Recent statistical research urges that the two books be no longer attributed to a common author. Placing the prologue to Luke, which does command universal acceptance, in the context of what we know about literary recitations in the first century AD, this essay uncovers the outline of a compositional framework to both Gospel and Acts from which striking evidence of a unified authorial strategy begins to emerge. Related questions of Bible translation are considered.
The confusion of language in the interpretation of Genesis 11
Authors: Gousmett Chris
Published: April 2021

Genesis 11:1–9 has traditionally been interpreted as the origin of all languages of the world and seen to precede Genesis 10 chronologically. I argue that this is not consistent with the use of lashon and saphah in the Hebrew text and does not make sense of its current location within the narrative. Rather this passage is about the punishment of God on the empire being formed by Nimrod, commencing at Babylon, and on the unity of purpose among the people. Their common intent was confused, the people scattered and the construction ended. The story is in its correct position in the narrative of Genesis, and builds on Genesis 10:10–12 in greater detail.
Psalms of Lament and God’s Silence: Features of Petition Not Yet Answered
Authors: Waltman Joshua C.
Published: April 2021

As the most prevalent category of psalms, the psalms of lament paint an especially poignant picture of the distress often involved in the life of faith and the petitions of God’s people. Often, these psalms express a desire for God to intervene and make his presence known as it appears to the psalmists that he has remained silent in the midst of present crises. The theological message of these prayers, in conjunction with the message of the Psalter on whole, reflects the dynamic of the prayer relationship the faithful have with God. These prayers in particular, moreover, provide a framework by which God’s people can appeal to God in the midst of his apparent hiddenness, or silence.
‘He Who Consoles Us Should Console You’: The Spirituality of the Word in Select Letters of Augustine of Hippo
Authors: Ford Coleman M.
Published: April 2021

This essay explores Augustine’s spirituality of Scripture in select epistolary exchanges. It argues that Augustine’s use of Scripture in the following epistolary exchanges was meant for building up faith, hope, and love in order to help his recipients faithfully pursue the Christian life in the present day, and prepare for eternity to come. Both in the Scripture’s transformative power and its ability to shape and define one’s life, Augustine presents a multi-faceted view of spirituality centered on Scripture. This essay begins by calling attention to Augustine’s theology of Scripture. This summary leads to an assessment of Augustine’s view of Scripture as the vehicle for prayer. Augustine also provides a perspective on the humble nature of Scripture, which informs his spirituality. Additionally, the spirituality of Scripture in Augustine relates directly to Christian doctrine. In sum, for Augustine, a spirituality centered on Scripture is the only sound basis for the Christian life.
Barclay’s Gift via ΧΑΡΙΣ: Grace and Race/ Place from St. Paul to King Jr.
Authors: Jones Matthew C.
Published: April 2021

In this article, Dr. John Barclay’s work in Pauline studies and particularly his research on the ancient notion of gift (charis [χάρις]) will be used to inform the modern social—and really the theological—predicament of race and place for the church of Jesus Christ. While reviews and reflections of Barclay’s work have focused on the author’s place in the so-called New Perspective and intertestamental understandings of soteriological constructs in the NT, his theological utility for systematics engaging in the social sciences, ethics and practical theology have largely remained unexplored. Civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., famously opined, ‘We must face the fact that…the church is still the most segregated major institution…’ With this in mind, Barclay offers a genuine gift to our understanding of charis, which has implications for the post-segregated church today as she finds herself in a racialized world of brokenness and disparity. This paper will aim to creatively explore the theological utility of Barclay’s work in this intersection of race and place for the church, as she bears witness to the gracious gift of God in Christ.
‘Is the Lord One of the Two Angels?’: Justin Martyr’s Dialogue with Trypho, Early Christian Hermeneutics, and Justin's Pneumatological Christian Readings
Authors: Wilhite Shawn J.
Published: April 2021

In second-century Trinitarian thought, some early figures may often overlook the role of the Holy Spirit in contrast to providing a more secure identity for the Son. This contrast seemingly appears in Justin Martyr’s Dialogue with Trypho. In 2008, Michel Barnes wrote an essay on the early formation of Christian Pneumatology. As Barnes’s argument proceeds, Justin and Trypho focus upon the clarity of language that concerns the Son: (1) a triumphant and (2) suffering Messiah. Yet, with regard to the Holy Spirit, both Trypho and Justin do not appear to question the terminology that one another employ. So, Barnes suggests that both Trypho and Justin maintain a similar pneumatological presupposition that overlaps with Jewish Pneumatology. This article revisits how Justin addresses the pneumatological language in the Dialogue with Trypho and inquires what pneumatological discontinuities exist between Justin and Trypho. Even if Justin coheres with many facets of Jewish pneumatological ideas, he still distinctly represents, though incipiently, a Christian pneumatology.
‘Sea of Wonders Never Sounded’: The Trinitarian Spirituality of Ann Griffiths
Authors: Smiley Caroline
Published: April 2021

Ann Griffiths, an 18th-century farm wife and hymn writer, is well-known in her native Wales, though relatively unstudied in English. Even in translation her hymns and letters offer a strikingly beautiful as well as informative window into the Trinitarian spirituality of 18th-century Welsh Methodism. Historically, her Trinitarianism is notable in that it is largely assumed and primarily based in the economic Trinity, and yet, is nonetheless profound in its orthodoxy given the Trinitarian controversy of the long century prior. More than mere historical curiosity, however, Griffiths’s writing is particularly intriguing on two points that can edify the church today. First, she writes with considerable theological depth despite a lack of education, religious or otherwise, and second, her theology is both technically rich as well as profoundly devotional.
Easter through Evil: God’s pleasing purposes in the path to glory
Authors: Orr Brian J.
Published: April 2021

The perennial debate regarding the problem of evil has been dominated by philosophers in contemporary theology. And in that arena of discussion, approaches to the problem of evil tend to remove it from its theological context, also overlooking how Scripture addresses the problem. To the world, it seems as if God has failed. Death and evil are still all around us. And therefore, for many, Hume’s dilemma still stands. The aim of this essay is to provide a theological road map that traces out a path to glory, showing that God works in and through evil. My hope is that it will lead the believer, in good conscience, to affirm that while evil exists in the world, when Scripture says God ‘does whatever he pleases’ (Ps. 135:6), evil is included in his pleasing purposes in a manner that does not conflict or contradict with his power, goodness, and love.
Memoria and the Lust Disease: An Augustinian Enquiry into Post-Conversion Sexual Habit
Authors: Laskaris Ernie
Published: April 2021

It is increasingly difficult for Christians in the twenty-first century West to avoid the influence of a hypersexualised culture, particularly for Christians with memories of a sexual life (outside of marriage) prior to conversion. The classic case of this category is that of Augustine, who spoke of ‘the images of such things as [his] sexual habits had fixed’ in his memory, a symptom of what called ‘the lust disease’. In his Confessions, he engages in a philosophical enquiry into the mysteries of the memory, searching for God in the ‘place’ of memory, but concluding that the incorporeal God cannot be found in a ‘place’. While it is impossible to erase memories of one’s pre-conversion sexual life through one’s volition, Augustine found that it is possible to ‘displace’ memory so as to find the unplaceable God. In this way, one might see greater success in the struggle against residual, post-conversion concupiscence.
Composite adaptive backstepping controller design and the energy calculation for active suspension system
Authors: Su Xiaoyu , Lin Bin , Liu Shuai
Published: April 2021

The half-car suspension has the coupling of pitch angle and front and rear suspension. Especially when the suspension model has a series of uncertainties, the traditional linear control method is difficult to be applied to the half-car suspension model. At present, there is no systematic method to solve the suspension power. According to the energy storage characteristics of the elastic components of the suspension, the power calculation formula is proposed in this paper. This paper proposes a composite adaptive backstepping control scheme for the half-car active suspension systems. In this method, the correlation information between the output error and the parameter estimation error is used to construct the adaptive law. According to the energy storage characteristics of the elastic components of the suspension, the power calculation formula is introduced. The compound adaptive law and the ordinary adaptive law have good disturbance suppression, both of which can solve the pitching angle problem of the semi-car suspension, but the algorithm of the compound adaptive law is superior in effect. In terms of vehicle comfort, the algorithm of the general adaptive law can achieve stability quickly, but compared with the composite adaptive law, its peak value and jitter are higher, while the algorithm of the composite adaptive law is relatively gentle and has better adaptability to human body. In terms of vehicle handling, both control algorithms can maintain driving safety under road excitation, and the compound adaptive algorithm appears to have more advantages. Compared with the traditional adaptive algorithm, the power consumption of the composite adaptive algorithm is relatively lower than that of the former in the whole process. The simulation results show that the ride comfort, operating stability and safety of the vehicle can be effectively improved by the composite adaptive backstepping controller, and the composite adaptive algorithm is more energy-saving than the conventional adaptive algorithm based on projection operator.
PANX2 and brain lower grade glioma genesis: A bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Xu XiaoXue , Hao YueHan , Xiong Shuang , He ZhiYi
Published: April 2021

PANX2 forms large-pore channels mediating ATP release in response to physiological and pathological stimuli. Although PANX2 shows involvements in glioma genesis, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. PANX2 mRNA expression was analyzed via Oncomine and was confirmed via Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). The influence of PANX2 on overall survival (OS) of glioma was evaluated using LinkedOmics and further assessed through Cox regression analysis. The correlated genes with PANX2 acquired from LinkedOmics were validated through GEPIA and cBioPortal. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) of these genes was then obtained using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) and Cytoscape with MCODE plug-in. All the PANX2-related genes underwent Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. The correlation between PANX2 and cancer immune infiltrates was evaluated via Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER). A higher expression of PANX2 only revealed a better OS in brain low grade glioma (LGG). PANX2-related genes in LGG functionally enriched in neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, synaptic vesicle cycle, and calcium signaling. The hub genes from highest module of PPI were mainly linked to chemical synaptic transmission, plasma membrane, neuropeptide, and the pathway of neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. Besides, PANX2 expression was negatively associated with infiltrating levels of macrophage, dendritic cells, and CD4+ T cells. This study demonstrated that PANX2 likely participated in LGG pathogenesis by affecting multiple molecular pathways and immune-related processes. PANX2 was associated with LGG prognosis and might become a promising therapeutic target of LGG.
Avoiding Discrimination Litigation With Teachers With Disabilities: A Litigation Review
Authors: Chan Paula E. , Carlson Alex , Katsiyannis Antonis , Hakala Alexandria
Published: April 2021

Qualified teachers with disabilities are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To maintain legal compliance, principals must have an understanding of employment law, but often lack the training to prevent legal liability. This study reviewed litigation on discrimination claims under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Discrimination claims included failure to accommodate, adverse employment action, wrongful termination, and constructive discharge. Authors analyze results and discuss implications for future research and practice.
Agri-food scholarship: Past, present and future contributions to Australasian rural sociology
Authors: Smith Kiah , Lawrence Geoffrey
Published: April 2021

The future of food and agriculture in Australasia will be defined by multiple social, economic, political and environmental tensions – with climate change and social inequalities playing a central role in the re-imagining of food systems in crisis. This article argues that rural sociology will continue to be well-served by the sociological research into the farming and food industries undertaken by antipodean scholars – especially those from Australia and New Zealand where agri-food scholarship has flourished. Analyses of the future dynamics of rural social/economic change, natural resource management (including land, water and minerals), new relations of work, labour and identity, emerging agricultural technologies, Indigenous and post-colonial politics, and food system governance will benefit from agri-food studies’ insights into agrarian transformation and governance, social and environmental sustainability, health and wellbeing, and the growth of resistance and alternatives.
Exploring effects of DNA methylation and gene expression on pan-cancer drug response by mathematical models
Authors: Lv Wenhua , Zhang Xingda , Dong Huili , Wu Qiong , Sun Baoqing , Zhang Yan
Published: April 2021

Since genetic alteration only accounts for 20%–30% in the drug effect-related factors, the role of epigenetic regulation mechanisms in drug response is gradually being valued. However, how epigenetic changes and abnormal gene expression affect the chemotherapy response remains unclear. Therefore, we constructed a variety of mathematical models based on the integrated DNA methylation, gene expression, and anticancer drug response data of cancer cell lines from pan-cancer levels to identify genes whose DNA methylation is associated with drug response and then to assess the impact of epigenetic regulation of gene expression on the sensitivity of anticancer drugs. The innovation of the mathematical models lies in: Linear regression model is followed by logistic regression model, which greatly shortens the calculation time and ensures the reliability of results by considering the covariates. Second, reconstruction of prediction models based on multiple dataset partition methods not only evaluates the model stability but also optimizes the drug-gene pairs. For 368,520 drug-gene pairs with P < 0.05 in linear models, 999 candidate pairs with both AUC ≥ 0.8 and P < 0.05 were obtained by logistic regression models between drug response and DNA methylation. Then 931 drug-gene pairs with 45 drugs and 491 genes were optimized by model stability assessment. Integrating both DNA methylation and gene expression markedly increased predictive power for 732 drug-gene pairs where 598 drug-gene pairs including 44 drugs and 359 genes were prioritized. Several drug target genes were enriched in the modules of the drug-gene-weighted interaction network. Besides, for cancer driver genes such as EGFR, MET, and TET2, synergistic effects of DNA methylation and gene expression can predict certain anticancer drugs’ responses. In summary, we identified potential drug sensitivity-related markers from pan-cancer levels and concluded that synergistic regulation of DNA methylation and gene expression affect anticancer drug response.
Deletions in FLT-3 juxtamembrane domain define a new class of pathogenic mutations: case report and systematic analysis
Authors: Young David J. , Nguyen Bao , Zhu Ruiqi , Seo Jaesung , Li Li , Levis Mark J. , Pratz Keith W. , Duffield Amy S. , Small Donald
Published: April 2021

The FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT-3) is the most frequently mutated gene in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a high-risk feature, and now the target of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which are approved and in development. The most common mutation is the internal tandem duplication (ITD). We present a novel mutation, FLT-3/Q575Δ, identified in a patient with AML through next-generation sequencing (NGS). This mutation is activating, drives downstream signaling comparable to FLT-3/ITD, and can be targeted using available FLT-3 TKIs. We present the results of a systematic analysis that identified Y572Δ, E573Δ, and S574Δ as similarly activating and targetable deletions located in the FLT-3 juxtamembrane domain (JMD). These mutations target key residues in the JMD involved in the interactions within FLT-3 that regulate its activation. Our results suggest a new class of FLT-3 mutations that may have an impact on patient care and highlight the increasing importance of a systematic understanding of FLT-3 mutations other than ITD. It is likely that, as NGS becomes more commonly used in the diagnosis of patients with AML, these and other activating mutations will be discovered with increasing frequency.
Effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa damascena on hippocampal long-term potentiation in rats fed high-fat diet
Authors: Karimi Seyed Asaad , Komaki Somayeh , Taheri Masoumeh , Omidi Ghazaleh , Kourosh-Arami Masoumeh , Salehi Iraj , Komaki Alireza
Published: April 2021

High-fat diets (HFDs) and obesity can cause serious health problems, such as neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairments. Consumption of HFD is associated with reduction in hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Rosa damascena (R. damascena) is traditionally used as a dietary supplement for many disorders. This study was carried out to determine the beneficial effect of hydroalcoholic extract of R. damascena on in vivo hippocampal synaptic plasticity (long-term potentiation, LTP) in the perforant pathway (PP)—dentate gyrus (DG) pathway in rats fed with an HFD. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Control, R. damascena extract (1 g/kg bw daily for 30 days), HFD (for 90 days) and HFD + extract. The population spike (PS) amplitude and slope of excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSP) were measured in DG area in response to stimulation applied to the PP. Serum oxidative stress biomarkers [total thiol group (TTG) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] were measured. The results showed the HFD impaired LTP induction in the PP-DG synapses. This conclusion is supported by decreased EPSP slope and PS amplitude of LTP. R. damascena supplementation in HFD animals enhanced EPSP slope and PS amplitude of LTP in the granular cell of DG. Consumption of HFD decreased TTG and SOD. R. damascena extract consumption in the HFD animals enhanced TTG and SOD. These data indicate that R. damascena dietary supplementation can ameliorate HFD-induced alteration of synaptic plasticity, probably through its significant antioxidant effects and activate signalling pathways, which are critical in controlling synaptic plasticity.
Deployment of the consultation-liaison model in adult and child-adolescent psychiatry and its impact on improving mental health treatment
Authors: Fleury M.-J. , Grenier G. , Gentil L. , Roberge P.
Published: April 2021

Background

Little information exists on the perceptions of psychiatrists regarding the implementation and various impacts of the consultation-liaison model. This model has been used in Quebec (Canada) through the function of specialist respondent-psychiatrists (SRP) since 2009. This study assessed the main activities, barriers or facilitators, and impact of SRP in adult and child-adolescent psychiatry on the capacity of service providers in primary care and youth centers to treat patients with mental health disorders (MHD).

Methods

Data included 126 self-administered questionnaires from SRP and semi-structured interviews from 48 SRP managers. Mixed methods were used, with qualitative findings from managers complementing the SRP survey. Comparative analyses of SRP responses in adult versus child-adolescent psychiatry were also conducted.

Results

Psychiatrists dedicated a median 24.12 h/month to the SRP function, mainly involving case discussions with primary care teams or youth centers. They were confident about the level of support they provided and satisfied with their influence in clinical decision-making, but less satisfied with the support provided by their organizations. SRP evaluated their impacts on clinical practice as moderate, particularly among general practitioners (GP). SRP working in child-adolescent psychiatry were more comfortable, motivated, and positive about their overall performance and impact than in adult psychiatry. Organizational barriers (e.g. team instability) were most prevalent, followed by system-level factors (e.g. network size and complexity, lack of resources, model inflexibility) and individual factors (e.g. GP reluctance to treat patients with MHD). Organizational facilitators included support from family medicine group directors, collaboration with university family medicine groups and coordination by liaison nurses; at the system level, pre-existing relationships and working in the same institution; while individual-level facilitators included SRP personality and strong organizational support.

Conclusion

Quebec SRP were implemented sparingly in family medicine groups and youth centers, while SRP viewed their overall impact as moderate. Results were more positive in child-adolescent psychiatry than in adult psychiatry. Increased support for the SRP function, adapting the model to GP in need of more direct support, and resolving key system issues may improve SRP effectiveness in terms of team stability, coordination among providers, access to MH services and readiness to implement innovations.
The evolution and future of diabetic kidney disease research: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wei Yi , Jiang Zongpei
Published: April 2021

Background

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most important complications of diabetic mellitus. It is essential for nephrologists to understand the evolution and development trends of DKD.

Methods

Based on the total cited numbers in the Web of Science Core Collection, which was searched through September 28th, 2020, we performed a bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most cited full-length original articles on the subject of DKD. The timespans, authors, contributions, subcategories, and topics of those 100 articles were analysed. In addition, the evolution of topics in DKD research was investigated.

Results

There were 23,968 items under the subject of DKD in the Web of Science Core Collection. The top 100 cited articles, published from 1999 to 2017, were cited 38,855 times in total. Researchers from the USA contributed the most publications. The number of articles included in ‘Experimental studies (EG)’, ‘Clinical studies (CS)’, ‘Epidemiological studies (ES)’, and ‘Pathological and pathophysiological studies (PP)’ were 65, 26, 7, and 2, respectively. Among the 15 topics, the most popular topic is the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), occurring in 26 articles, including 6 of the top 10 most cited articles. The evolution of topics reveals that the role of RAAS inhibitor is a continuous hotspot, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist are two renoprotective agents which represent novel therapeutic methods in DKD. In addition, the 26 clinical studies among the top 100 most cited articles were highlighted, as they help guide clinical practice to better serve patients.

Conclusions

This bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most cited articles revealed important studies, popular topics, and trends in DKD research to assist researchers in further understanding the subject.
The relation between EQ-5D and fatigue in a Dutch general population sample: an explorative study
Authors: Spronk I. , Polinder S. , Bonsel G. J. , Janssen M. F. , Haagsma J. A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Fatigue negatively influences health-related quality of life. It is questionable whether fatigue is sufficiently covered by the EQ-5D. This study investigated whether fatigue is covered by the existing domains of the EQ-5D.

Methods

A Dutch general population sample completed the EQ-5D (3L and 5L version) and the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ), of which the fatigue item was used. Outcomes were compared between participants with and without a chronic health condition. Convergent validity was assessed, and multivariate regression analyses was used to predict the RPQ fatigue item from the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L domains separately.

Results

3027 people completed the survey, of whom 52% had ≥ 1 chronic health condition. Fatigue was reported by 48% of the participants. Fatigue was moderately correlated to the EQ-5D domains ‘pain/discomfort’, ‘usual activities’, and ‘anxiety/depression’ for the 3L (r = 0.379–0.426) and 5L version (r = 0.411–0.469). For the 5L, also a moderate correlation with ‘mobility’ (r = 0.335) was observed. The remaining correlations were weak. All EQ-5D-3L and 5L domains except for ‘mobility’ were significantly associated with the RPQ fatigue item (unstandardized Beta = − 0.20–0.67; p < 0.01 to p = 0.04). Comparable outcomes were found for participants with and without ≥ 1 chronic health condition.

Conclusions

The extent to which fatigue is covered by the EQ-5D domains is small to moderate, with the EQ-5D-5L being slightly more sensitive to capture fatigue compared to the EQ-5D-3L. An extra fatigue item for the EQ-5D may add value, as fatigue is not fully captured by the existing domains, both in people with and without a chronic health condition.
Eleven immune-gene pairs signature associated with TP53 predicting the overall survival of gastric cancer: a retrospective analysis of large sample and multicenter from public database
Authors: Huo Junyu , Wu Liqun , Zang Yunjin
Published: April 2021

Background

Growing attention have been paid to the relationship between TP53 and tumor immunophenotype, but there are still lacking enough search on the field of gastric cancer (GC).

Materials and methods

We identified differential expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) between the TP53-altered GC samples (n = 183) and without TP53-altered GC samples (n = 192) in The Cancer Genome Atlas and paired them. In the TCGA cohort (n = 350), a risk score was determined through univariate and multivariate cox regression and Lasso regression analysis. Patients were divided into two groups, high-risk and low-risk, based on the median risk score. Four independent cohorts (GSE84437,n = 431; GSE62254, n = 300; GSE15459, n = 191; GSE26901, n = 100) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used to validate the reliability and universal applicability of the model.

Results

The signature contained 11 gene pairs showed good performance in predicting progression-free survival (PFS), disease-free survival (DFS), disease special survival (DSS), and the overall survival (OS) for GC patients in the TCGA cohort. The subgroup analysis showed that the signature was suitable for GC patients with different characteristics. The signature could capable of distinguish GC patients with good prognosis and poor prognosis in all four independent external validation cohorts. The high- and low-risk groups differed significantly in the proportion of several immune cell infiltration, especially for the T cells memory resting, T cells memory activated and follicular helper, and Macrophage M0, which was also related to the prognosis of GC patients.

Conclusion

The present work proposed an innovative system for evaluating the prognosis of gastric cancer. Considering its stability and general applicability, which may become a widely used tool in clinical practice.
Utilizing ultrasound findings of a single indicator joint to assess non-systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Huang Yung-Hsien , Hu Ya-Chiao , Liao Chun-Hua , Chiang Bor-Luen , Lu Cheng-Hsun , Li Ko-Jen , Yang Yao-Hsu
Published: April 2021

Background

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) has been used worldwide in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but is beginning to play an increasing role in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The aim of this study was to investigate the application of MSUS findings of a single indicator joint in JIA to assess the disease activity and classify disease subtype.

Methods

Thirty-five non-systemic JIA patients with a total of 62 visits were retrospectively recruited in this study. Among the involved joints, the joint with highest value of grey-scale (GS) plus power Doppler (PD) (=GSPD) was selected as the indicator joint at each visit. The correlations between each MSUS parameter (GS, PD, GSPD) of indicator joints and the Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score, the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire-disability index (CHAQ-DI), and laboratory data were analyzed. The ultrasound features in different subtypes of JIA were also compared.

Results

PD was weakly correlated with the PGA score (rho = 0.323, p = 0.010), while both GS and GSPD were moderately correlated with the PGA score (rho = 0.405, p = 0.001; rho = 0.434, p = 0.000). On the other hand, GS, PD, and GSPD were weakly correlated with CHAQ-DI. Although erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) had a weak correlation with PGA, they were not statistically correlated with GS, PD, or GSPD. The proportions of effusion, synovial hypertrophy, and enthesopathy in three different subtypes, showed significant differences (Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.037; p = 0.004; p = 0.019). Enthesopathy was only seen in joints of enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA), but not in joints of polyarthritis and oligoarthritis.

Conclusions

MSUS is an acceptable non-invasive tool for the patients with JIA, particularly for those with non-systemic JIA, that might assist disease classification, and whose parameters of the indicator joints may potentially contribute to the evaluation of disease activity.
Migrant children in transit: health profile and social needs of unaccompanied and accompanied children visiting the MSF clinic in Belgrade, Serbia
Authors: Topalovic Tijana , Episkopou Maria , Schillberg Erin , Brcanski Jelena , Jocic Milica
Published: April 2021

Background

Thousands of children migrate to Europe each year in search of safety and the promise of a better life. Many of them transited through Serbia in 2018. Children journey alone or along with their family members or caregivers. Accompanied migrant children (AMC) and particularly unaccompanied migrant children (UMC) have specific needs and experience difficulties in accessing services. Uncertainty about the journey and daily stressors affect their physical and mental health, making them one of the most vulnerable migrant sub-populations. The aim of the study is to describe the demographic, health profile of UMC and AMC and the social services they accessed to better understand the health and social needs of this vulnerable population.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study using routinely collected program data of UMC and AMC receiving medical, mental and social care at the Médecins sans Frontières clinic, in Belgrade, Serbia from January 2018 through January 2019.

Results

There were 3869 children who received medical care (1718 UMC, 2151 AMC). UMC were slightly older, mostly males (99%) from Afghanistan (82%). Skin conditions were the most prevalent among UMC (62%) and AMC (51%). Among the 66 mental health consultations (45 UMC, 21 AMC), most patients were from Afghanistan, with 98% of UMC and 67% of AMC being male. UMC as well as AMC were most likely to present with symptoms of anxiety (22 and 24%). There were 24 UMC (96% males and 88% from Afghanistan) that received social services. They had complex and differing case types. 83% of UMC required assistance with accommodation and 75% with accessing essential needs, food and non-food items. Several required administrative assistance (12.5%) and nearly a third (29%) legal assistance. 38% of beneficiaries needed medical care. Most frequently provided service was referral to a state Centre for social welfare.

Conclusion

Our study shows that unaccompanied and accompanied migrant children have a lot of physical, mental health and social needs. These needs are complex and meeting them in the context of migration is difficult. Services need to better adapt by improving access, flexibility, increasing accommodation capacity and training a qualified workforce.
The emerging role of β-secretases in cancer
Authors: Farris Francesco , Matafora Vittoria , Bachi Angela
Published: April 2021

BACE1 and BACE2 belong to a class of proteases called β-secretases involved in ectodomain shedding of different transmembrane substrates. These enzymes have been extensively studied in Alzheimer's disease as they are responsible for the processing of APP in neurotoxic Aβ peptides. These proteases, especially BACE2, are overexpressed in tumors and correlate with poor prognosis. Recently, different research groups tried to address the role of BACE1 and 2 in cancer development and progression. In this review, we summarize the latest findings on β-secretases in cancer, highlighting the mechanisms that build the rationale to propose inhibitors of these proteins as a new line of treatment for different tumor types.
Timelines for returning to physical activity following pediatric spinal surgery: recommendations from the literature and preliminary data
Authors: Willson Leanne R. , Klootwyk Madeline , Rogers Laura G. , Shearer Kathleen , Southon Sarah , Sasseville Christina
Published: April 2021

Objective

Participation in physical activity and sports is known to have positive implications for physical health, and for social and emotional wellbeing of children. Following corrective spinal surgery for scoliosis, the timeline for the return to activities and sports varies from surgeon to surgeon and from location to location, and return to activities can be limited due to pain, fear, and decreased flexibility. It is critical that patients know best-practice guidelines, and it is equally critical that medical professionals know whether their patients are following those guidelines. This paper includes a summary of recommendations published in the literature, and a pilot study to address a gap in the literature on determining how long, post-surgery, adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis waited before returning to various self-care and physical activities, and what factors influenced return to activities. We used a mixed-method approach that involved two phases: a questionnaire (n = 8), and subsequent interviews of some participants (n = 3). Participants were ages 14–17 (M = 15.4) and had had posterior instrumentation and fusion for scoliosis in the past 2 years.

Results

Some patients were cautious about return to activities, either because of emotional or medical reasons. However, in many instances, participants returned to physical activities earlier than was recommended, primarily for emotional and social reasons.
Combined immune checkpoint blockade and radiotherapy induces durable remission in relapsed natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: McGehee Elizabeth , Patel Hetalkumari , Pearson Caroline , Clements Keri , Jaso Jesse Manuel , Chen Weina , Callan Alexandra , Desai Neil , Ramakrishnan Geethakumari Praveen
Published: April 2021

Background

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma is a rare, aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is treated upfront mostly with L-asparaginase containing regimens. Relapsed extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma is associated with a poor prognosis, and there is no established standard of care.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 72 year-old white male with a distant extranasal relapse of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma that has been managed successfully with a combination of radiation and immune checkpoint blockade with pembrolizumab. Pseudoprogression with new skin and bone lesions on positron emission tomography imaging was encountered during this Caucasian patient’s immunotherapy and was successfully managed with supportive care and continuation of immune checkpoint blockade.

Conclusions

The patient has been in complete clinical, radiologic, and molecular remission for close to 3 years and has not had any immune-related adverse effects. Pseudoprogression is a clinical challenge that can be encountered while patients are treated with immunotherapy, and astute clinical acumen is needed for accurate management. We believe this is the longest duration of response to immune checkpoint blockade in relapsed extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma reported to date in literature. There is a strong biologic rationale in combining radiation with immunotherapy. The optimal timing, dose, and duration of radiation combined with immunotherapy in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma need to be prospectively evaluated.