bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVAR in Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Horseshoe Kidney: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gonzalez-Urquijo Mauricio , Padilla-Armendariz Diana Paola , Hinojosa-Gonzalez David Eugenio , Lozano-Balderas Gerardo , Flores-Villalba Eduardo , Fabiani Mario Alejandro
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

A systematic review of all patients that have been reported in the literature with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) concomitant with horseshoe kidney (HSK) treated electively by endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is presented. A new grouping system for describing HSK vasculature is implemented.

Materials and Methods:

We searched for published manuscripts using the Medical Subject Headings terms “abdominal aortic aneurysm,” “AAA,” “EVAR,” “endovascular aneurysm repair,” and “horseshoe kidney” in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and National Center for Biotechnology Information databases. Inclusion criteria include all published material of patients with AAA with HSK treated electively by an endovascular approach. We excluded patients who were treated by a hybrid or open repair or patients with ruptured AAA. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS Statistics version 25 (IBM Corp, Armonk, New York) software.

Results:

A total of 50 patients from 30 studies were included for analysis. Males made up 88% (n=44) of the population. The median age for this cohort was 70 years (range: 47–86 years). Median aneurysmal diameter was 6.0 cm (range: 4.0–10.3 cm). The median operative time for endovascular repair was 84 minutes (range: 40–332 minutes). The most common graft used was Zenith, used in 40% (n=20) of the cases, followed by Endurant in 14% (n=7). The overall complication rate was 14% (n=7). The median follow-up was 19 months (range: 1–108 months). While comorbidities did not appear to impact outcomes significantly, median operative times for smokers were higher than those in nonsmokers, 84 versus 118 minutes, respectively (p=0.048). Univariate linear regression modeling of aneurysmal size with age, operative time, and length of stay revealed a significant coefficient association between aneurysmal size and operative times. After adjusting for comorbidities and aneurysmal size, prior history of chronic kidney disease significantly increased odds for renal infarction.

Conclusion:

This review presents the most complete data set possible of patients with concomitant HSK and AAA treated by an endovascular approach. Furthermore, the A + B + C classification for grouping the HSK vasculature is implemented. This systematic review suggests EVAR to be an excellent option with low complication rates for the treatment of AAA in patients with HSK.
Retrograde Approach for Antegrade Inner Branches in a Precannulated Off-the-Shelf Multibranch Device
Authors: Schaefers Johannes Frederik , Murtaja Ahmed , Oberhuber Alexander
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this technical note was to describe the application of the combination of precannulated branches and a femoral approach for bridging stent graft deployment in branched endovascular aneurysm repair.

Technique:

The technique is shown in a 65-year-old woman treated for thoracoabdominal aneurysm type I with endovascular repair using a multibranched device. The stent graft is an off-the-shelf device with 4 precannulated inner branches. Access to the precannulated branches is gained using a steerable sheath from retrograde femoral access instead of using access via the upper extremities. For this purpose, a 0.018ʺ wire introduced to the precannulated tube is snared into the steerable sheath. Next, the steerable sheath is guided into a stable position inside the branch. With this technique, the implantation of this off-the-shelf multibranch device could be completed safe and quickly with a full femoral approach avoiding upper extremity access.

Conclusion:

The combination of a precannulated multibranch stent graft with a full femoral approach for target vessel revascularisation is a feasible and quick method for complex endovascular repair.
No Man’s Land: Mutant Natures in Canadian Eco-Horror Film
Authors: Wallin Jason J. , Sandlin Jennifer
Published: November 2021

This essay aims to analyze the significance of Canadian “eco-horror” film within the so-called “Anthropocene” era, wherein it functions as a form of nostalgia and vehicle for imagining the liberation of nature from under the yoke of cultural repression. Assuming Canadian director Adam MacDonald’s critically lauded natural horror film Backcountry as its centerpiece, this essay surveys eco-horror’s reversal of heteropatriarchal masculinity and settler thinking by confronting it with a monstrous image of nature wholly distinct from the Canadian mythos of “beneficent” natural world submitted to the will of Man.
Complement component 3 mutations alter the longitudinal risk of pediatric malaria and severe malarial anemia
Authors: Raballah Evans , Anyona Samuel B , Cheng Qiuying , Munde Elly O , Hurwitz Ivy-Foo , Onyango Clinton , Ndege Caroline , Hengartner Nicolas W , Pacheco Maria Andreína , Escalante Ananias A , Lambert Christophe G , Ouma Collins , Obama Henri C Jr T , Schneider Kristan A , Seidenberg Philip D , McMahon Benjamin H , Perkins Douglas J
Published: November 2021

Severe malarial anemia (SMA) is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in holoendemic Plasmodium falciparum transmission regions. To gain enhanced understanding of predisposing factors for SMA, we explored the relationship between complement component 3 (C3) missense mutations [rs2230199 (2307C>G, Arg>Gly102) and rs11569534 (34420G>A, Gly>Asp1224)], malaria, and SMA in a cohort of children (n = 1617 children) over 36 months of follow-up. Variants were selected based on their ability to impart amino acid substitutions that can alter the structure and function of C3. The 2307C>G mutation results in a basic to a polar residue change (Arg to Gly) at position 102 (β-chain) in the macroglobulin-1 (MG1) domain, while 34420G>A elicits a polar to acidic residue change (Gly to Asp) at position 1224 (α-chain) in the thioester-containing domain. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, longitudinal analyses revealed that inheritance of the homozygous mutant (GG) at 2307 enhanced the risk of SMA (RR = 2.142, 95%CI: 1.229–3.735, P =  0.007). The haplotype containing both wild-type alleles (CG) decreased the incident risk ratio of both malaria (RR = 0.897, 95%CI: 0.828–0.972, P =  0.008) and SMA (RR = 0.617, 95%CI: 0.448–0.848, P =  0.003). Malaria incident risk ratio was also reduced in carriers of the GG (Gly102Gly1224) haplotype (RR = 0.941, 95%CI: 0.888–0.997, P =  0.040). Collectively, inheritance of the missense mutations in MG1 and thioester-containing domain influence the longitudinal risk of malaria and SMA in children exposed to intense Plasmodium falciparum transmission.
“I felt as if I was becoming myself anew”: Transformative Learning Through Action Research Projects Carried out by Beginner Teachers
Authors: Gawlicz Katarzyna
Published: November 2021

This article explores action research as a tool for promoting transformative learning of prospective teachers. Drawing on two B.A. or M.A. projects carried out at a university in Poland in which teacher-students used action research and the educational ethnography design to examine themselves as teachers and their practice, the article demonstrates the potential of such an approach for the transformation of students’ meaning perspectives and, eventually, of their personal and professional identities. The transformation the teacher-students experienced entailed their emancipation from the teaching models imposed on them in their institutions and the development of their personal teaching theories. This was followed by their transition to deliberate action, increased sense of agency, and readiness to assume responsibility for wider social change, consequently bridging the theory-practice divide. The author argues that despite the challenges of action research in the university context, its transformative potential makes it a valuable component of teacher education.
Sociodemographic and Geographic Disparities of Prostate Cancer Treatment Delay in Tennessee: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Montiel Ishino Francisco A. , Odame Emmanuel A. , Villalobos Kevin , Rowan Claire , Whiteside Martin , Mamudu Hadii , Williams Faustine
Published: November 2021

The relationship of social determinants of health, Appalachian residence, and prostate cancer treatment delay among Tennessee adults is relatively unknown. We used multivariate logistic regression on 2005–2015 Tennessee Cancer Registry data of adults aged ≥18 diagnosed with prostate cancer. The outcome of treatment delay was more than 90 days without surgical or nonsurgical intervention from date of diagnosis. Social determinants in the population-based registry were race (White, Black, Other) and marital status (single, married, divorced/separated, widow/widower). Tennessee residence was classified as Appalachian versus non-Appalachian (urban/rural). Covariates include age at diagnosis (18–54, 54–69, ≥70), health insurance type (none, public, private), derived staging of cancer (localized, regional, distant), and treatment type (non-surgical/surgical). We found that Black and divorced/separated patients had 32% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22–1.42) and 15% (95% CI: 1.01–1.31) increased odds to delay prostate cancer treatment. Patients were at decreased odds of treatment delay when living in an Appalachian county, both urban (odds ratio [OR] = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82–0.95) and rural (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.78–0.89), diagnosed at ≥70 (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.53–0.66), and received surgical intervention (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.68–0.76). Our study was among the first to comprehensively examine prostate cancer treatment delay in Tennessee, and while we do not make clinical recommendations, there is a critical need to further explore the unique factors that may propagate disparities. Prostate cancer treatment delay in Black patients may be indicative of ongoing health and access disparities in Tennessee, which may further affect quality of life and survivorship among this racial group. Divorced/separated patients may need tailored interventions to improve social support.
Therapeutic Potential of Selected Medicinal Plants Against Carrageenan Induced Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Fatima Hina , Shahid Muhammad , Jamil Amer , Naveed Muhammad
Published: November 2021

The current study was aimed to analyze the therapeutic effect of selected medicinal plants, that is, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Trigonella graceum-foenum, Nigella sativa, and Syzygium aromaticum against carrageenan-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in rats. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of diverse range of bioactives. IC50 values for antioxidant assays including DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), metal chelating, ABTS scavenging (2, 2′-Azino-Bis-3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid), β-carotene bleaching, and H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) scavenging ranged from 37-294, 71-243.4, 69.66-191.8, 98.92-228.5, and 82-234.9 μg/mL, respectively. All tested plants extract were found active against tested pathogenic microorganisms with lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations. Oral administration of tested plants extracts in different doses (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg b. w) did not exhibit any toxicological effects on hemato-biochemical profile of treated rats in comparison to control group rats. Further, plants extract exhibited considerable anti-inflammatory activity in rats paw inflammation and decreased cellular infiltration to inflammatory site in dose dependent manner. Pretreatment of animals with tested plants extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b. w.) caused significant alteration in total antioxidants, oxidants, and enzymes activities in paw tissue homogenate and the effect was more pronounced at higher concentration (400 mg/kg b. w.). Results showed that tested plants extract are rich source of diverse classes of phenolics and have therapeutic potential against oxidative stress and inflammation.
What Would Become of Nuclear Risk if Governments Changed Their Regulations to Recognize the Evidence of Radiation’s Beneficial Health Effects for Exposures That Are Below the Thresholds for Detrimental Effects?
Authors: Cuttler Jerry M. , Calabrese Edward J.
Published: November 2021

The 1953 Atoms for Peace Speech to the United Nations proposed applying nuclear energy to essential needs, including abundant electrical energy. The widespread fear of ionizing radiation from nuclear facilities and medical procedures began after the United States National Academy of Sciences performed a study of radiation dangers to the human genome. This study, initiated and managed by an oil industry benefactor, recommended in 1956 that the risk of radiation-induced mutations be assessed using the linear no-threshold dose-response model instead of the threshold model. It was followed by a study that wrongly linked low radiation to cancer among the atomic bomb survivors. The ensuing controversy resulted in a compromise. The National Committee on Radiation Protection adopted the precautionary principle policy in 1959, justified by fear of cancer and lack of knowledge. The United States and all other countries followed this recommendation, which remains unchanged 62 years later. Its impact on nuclear energy and medicine has been profound. Many costly regulations have been enacted to prevent very unlikely human or equipment failures—failures that would lead to radiation exposures that are below the dose thresholds for lasting harmful effects. Potential low-dose radiation therapies, against inflammation, cancer, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases, are shunned.
‘You can’t Google everything’: the voluntary sector and the leadership of communities of place
Authors: Rees James , Sancino Alessandro , Jacklin-Jarvis Carol , Pagani Michela
Published: November 2021

Responding directly to the themes of the Special Issue, this paper addresses a surprising absence to date of the voluntary sector’s important role in the constitution of place leadership. Drawing on an empirical study of locally rooted voluntary sector organisations in a district of the Midlands of England, we aim to untangle the complex relationship between leadership, place and the voluntary sector, building on recent advances in the collective and critical approaches to leadership studies. A thematic analysis of a rich qualitative dataset highlighted three core themes of the voluntary sector contribution to collective place leadership: their ability to draw on and mobilise local knowledge, their positioning in a web of dense local relationships, and the notion that their intrinsic characteristics are a key source of their distinctiveness and value to the local governance network that constitutes the district’s place leadership. In addition to contributing to a nuanced understanding of the voluntary sector’s place in both the leadership and place leadership studies corpus, our findings shed light on the multiplexity and tensions of leading in the collective, as well as the extent to which the voluntary sector is constrained by wider structures and macro-dynamics.
Consonant and vowel transposition effects during reading development: A study on Italian children and adults
Authors: Spinelli Giacomo , Colombo Lucia , Lupker Stephen J.
Published: November 2021

Recently, Colombo, Spinelli, and Lupker, using a masked transposed letter (TL) priming paradigm, investigated whether consonant/vowel (CV) status is important early in orthographic processing. In four experiments with Italian and English adults, they found equivalent TL priming effects for CC, CV, and VC transpositions. Here, we investigated that question with younger readers (aged 7–10) and adults, as well as whether masked TL priming effects might have a phonological basis. That is, because young children are likely to use phonological recoding in reading, the question was whether they would show TL priming that is affected by CV status. In Experiment 1, target words were preceded by primes in which two letters (either CV, VC, or CC) were transposed versus substituted (SL). We found significant TL priming effects, with an increasing developmental trend but, again, no letter type by priming interaction. In Experiment 2, the transpositions/substitutions involved only pairs of vowels with those vowels having either diphthong or hiatus status. The difference between these two types of vowel clusters is only phonological; thus, the question was, “Would TL priming interact with this factor?” TL priming was again found with an increasing trend with age, but there was no vowel cluster by priming interaction. There was, however, an overall vowel cluster effect (slower responding to words with hiatuses) which decreased with age. The results suggest that TL priming only taps the orthographic level, and that CV status only becomes important at a later phonological level.
The technology challenge in the transatlantic relationship
Authors: Csernatoni Raluca
Published: November 2021

Technological innovation has become a critical element of international cooperation and geopolitical rivalry. This has impacted key areas of the transatlantic partnership, presenting both opportunities and challenges for EU–US relations, either rejuvenating a relationship mired in rifts or deepening those rifts. Instead of examining how these structural cracks have emerged and are growing, this article zooms in on the challenge to transatlantic relations posed by technological innovation, both as a driver of cooperation and a cause for further rivalry. In doing so, the article explores three interrelated elements: the transatlantic technology gap and the EU’s quest for technological sovereignty, approaches to technological innovation and the role of emerging and disruptive technologies, and the values-based governance of digital and technology issues. As fast-paced technological transformation continues to disrupt societies and economies on both sides of the Atlantic, technology should be at the heart of a revived phase in EU–US cooperation and trust.
It Doesn’t Apply to Me, So It Isn’t Real: People Are Likely to Deny Science if It Contradicts Their Personality
Authors: Evans Nicholas D. , Fetterman Adam K.
Published: November 2021

When science contradicts people’s experiences, they often deny the science. Psychological science may be particularly prone to denialism because of its relatively high relevance to people’s lives. In two sets of studies ( N = 637 from university students and Mechanical Turk workers), we tested whether perceived and actual incongruence between one’s personality and scientific findings predict psychological discomfort and science denialism. Participants rated the incongruence (subjective incongruence) between their own personality responses and science, as well as their comfort and denial of the science. Those who experienced more subjective incongruence experienced greater discomfort and reported more science denialism. Those whose personality characteristics were objectively incongruent with the science also experienced greater subjective incongruence (all studies), discomfort (Studies 1A, 1B, and 1C), and science denialism (Studies 1A, 1C, and 2B) compared with those with congruent characteristics. Implications regarding denialism of psychological science, and science more broadly, are discussed.
Early Institutional Experience of Dual Tracer and Single-Photon Emission Computed-Tomography/Computed-Tomography Mapping for Sentinel Node Biopsy: A Report of Two Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Tagiling Nashrulhaq , Yahya Maya Mazuwin , Wan Zain Wan Zainira , Wan Abdul Rahman Wan Faiziah , Mat Nawi Norazlina
Published: November 2021

Intraoperative sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM) with methylene blue dye (MBD) tracer has been the recommended method to detect SLN in early-stage breast cancer patients in low-resource settings. However, the use of MBD alone is hampered by the high false-negative rate; thus, it requires coupling with other mapping methods if the appropriate infrastructure and services are available. In this article, we present two prospective cases detailing our initial experience using the gold-standard dual tracer technique (DTT: MBD and 99mTc-nanocolloid radioisotope) in combination with hybrid single-photon emission computed-tomography/computed-tomography (SPECT/CT) preoperative mapping for image-guided SLN biopsy (SLNB). Overall, both studies were successful in identifying the SLNs, which aided in mapping the possible anatomical spread of the disease.
British Menopause Society tools for clinicians: Progestogens and endometrial protection
Authors: Hamoda Haitham ,   on behalf of the BMS medical advisory council
Published: November 2021

Progestogen administration is required to oppose naturally produced or administered estrogens to provide endometrial protection. Within HRT regimens, this should be delivered for at least the same duration as that produced during the luteal phase of the monthly cycle and in the recommended doses to protect against the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. This includes progestogens administered for 12–14 days a month in sequential regimens and continuous daily intake in continuous combined HRT regimens. Shorter durations and lower doses of progestogen intake are likely to be associated with an increased risk of breakthrough bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrial cancer.
Assessing resilience of hospitals to cyberattack
Authors: Ghayoomi Hadi , Laskey Kathryn , Miller-Hooks Elise , Hooks Charles , Tariverdi Mersedeh
Published: November 2021

Objective

This paper investigates the impact on emergency hospital services from initiation through recovery of a ransomware attack affecting the emergency department, intensive care unit and supporting laboratory services. Recovery strategies of paying ransom to the attackers with follow-on restoration and in-house full system restoration from backup are compared.

Methods

A multi-unit, patient-based and resource-constrained discrete-event simulation model of a typical U.S. urban tertiary hospital is adapted to model the attack, its impacts, and tested recovery strategies. The model is used to quantify the hospital's resilience to cyberattack. Insights were gleaned from systematically designed numerical experiments.

Results

While paying the ransom was found to result in some short-term gains assuming the perpetrators actually provide the decryption key as promised, in the longer term, the results of this study suggest that paying the ransom does not pay off. Rather, paying the ransom, when considered at the end of the event when services are fully restored, precluded significantly more patients from receiving critically needed care. Also noted was a lag in recovery for the intensive care unit as compared with the emergency department. Such a lag must be considered in preparedness plans.

Conclusion

Vulnerability to cyberattacks is a major challenge to the healthcare system. This paper provides a methodology for assessing the resilience of a hospital to cyberattacks and analyzing the effects of different response strategies. The model showed that paying the ransom resulted in short-term gains but did not pay off in the longer term.
Predicting therapy outcome in a digital mental health intervention for depression and anxiety: A machine learning approach
Authors: Hornstein Silvan , Forman-Hoffman Valerie , Nazander Albert , Ranta Kristian , Hilbert Kevin
Published: November 2021

Objective

Predicting the outcomes of individual participants for treatment interventions appears central to making mental healthcare more tailored and effective. However, little work has been done to investigate the performance of machine learning-based predictions within digital mental health interventions. Therefore, this study evaluates the performance of machine learning in predicting treatment response in a digital mental health intervention designed for treating depression and anxiety.

Methods

Several algorithms were trained based on the data of 970 participants to predict a significant reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms using clinical and sociodemographic variables. As a random forest classifier performed best over cross-validation, it was used to predict the outcomes of 279 new participants.

Results

The random forest achieved an accuracy of 0.71 for the test set (base rate: 0.67, area under curve (AUC): 0.60, p = 0.001, balanced accuracy: 0.60). Additionally, predicted non-responders showed less average reduction of their Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) (−2.7, p = 0.004) and General Anxiety Disorder Screener-7 values (−3.7, p < 0.001) compared to responders. Besides pre-treatment Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and General Anxiety Disorder Screener-7 values, the self-reported motivation, type of referral into the programme (self vs. healthcare provider) as well as Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire items contributed most to the predictions.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that social-demographic and clinical variables can be used for machine learning to predict therapy outcomes within the context of a therapist-supported digital mental health intervention. Despite the overall moderate performance, this appears promising as these predictions can potentially improve the outcomes of non-responders by monitoring their progress or by offering alternative or additional treatment.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates lipopolysaccharide-altered polarizations of RAW264.7 cells and alveolar macrophages in mouse lungs
Authors: Yang Jiali , Wang Ying , Yang Dandan , Ma Jia , Wu Shuang , Cai Qian , Xue Jing , Yuan Chao , Wang Jing , Liu Xiaoming
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Macrophages are capable of exerting both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions in response to distinct environmental stimuli, by polarizing into classically inflammatory state (M1) and anti-inflammatory phenotype (M2), respectively. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays an important role in the tissue homeostasis and immune regulations, including the macrophage polarizations. However, the molecular mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in regulating alveolar macrophage polarization in an inflammatory state remains unclear.

Methods

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling-altered phenotypes of murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells in vitro and alveolar macrophage in vivo in both of naïve and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation states were accessed by immunoblotting and immunostaining assays.

Results

The activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibited macrophage M1 polarization, but promoted alternative M2 polarization in murine RAW264.7 cells under a naïve state. Interestingly, in an LPS-induced inflammation condition, the enhanced Wnt/β-catenin activity suppressed both M1 and M2 polarizations in RAW264.7 cells in vitro, and primary alveolar macrophages of LPS-challenged mice in vivo. Molecular analysis further demonstrated an involvement of Stat signing in regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling-altered polarizations in mouse alveolar macrophages.

Conclusion

These results suggest a mechanism by which Wnt/β-catenin signaling modulates macrophage polarization in an inflammation state by regulating the Stat signaling pathway.
Child Anxiety Profiles in Chilean Elementary School Students and Academic Self-Attributions in Mathematics
Authors: Fernández-Sogorb Aitana , Lagos-San Martín Nelly G. , Sanmartín Ricardo , Vicent María
Published: November 2021

The present study had a dual objective: to verify the existence of profiles of anxious students and to relate the possible profiles with causal self-attributions in the area of mathematics. The sample consisted of 1,730 Chilean children from 9 to 11 years old ( M = 10.05; SD = 1.03). The Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety-Revised and the Sydney Attribution Scale were administered. Four profiles were found by using the latent class analysis: Low Anxiety, Moderate Anxiety, Moderate Anxiety School-type and High Anxiety. The High Anxiety profile tended to attribute its failures more to ability and effort. However, the Moderate Anxiety School-type group showed a greater tendency to attribute its failures to external causes and its successes to effort. The practical implications of these findings for improving the attributional style and the anxiety levels of each profile are discussed.
English-Medium Instruction and Content Learning in Higher Education: Effects of Medium of Instruction, English Proficiency, and Academic Ability
Authors: Lin Teng , Lei Jun
Published: November 2021

English-medium instruction (EMI) has become increasingly popular in higher educational institutions across the world due to the prominence of English and the internationalization of higher education. Nevertheless, limited research to date has investigated its impacts on content learning through objective measures. The present study addresses this gap by examining whether students taught in English at a university in China perform differently in a business course from their counterparts taught in Chinese and how English-taught students’ English proficiency and academic ability (as measured by grade point average) relate to their EMI academic outcomes. The study employed a quasi-experimental design and adopted inter-translated versions of the same syllabus, textbook, class materials, and exam paper for the English- and Chinese-medium classes. It found no significant differences in students’ academic outcomes (i.e., total score, assignment, participation, and final exam) between the English- and the Chinese-taught classes. It also showed that both English proficiency and academic ability were statistically significant predictors of English-taught students’ academic outcomes with academic ability being a much stronger predictor than English proficiency. These findings add to a growing but still limited body of evidence on the impacts of EMI on content learning and point to several important implications for EMI.
Establishing an Effective Blended Learning Model: Teacher Perceptions from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Minhas Wasif , White Timothy , Daleure Georgia , Solovieva Nadia , Hanfy Hisham
Published: November 2021

Blended learning is fast becoming the new normal and increasingly considered an integral part of program offers within higher education (HE) institutions. Although there is a general consensus about online and physical face to face components, which constitute a framework for blended learning models. There are variances on how these components should be combined, established, and delivered. Empirical evidence on teachers’ perceptions of these elements is also limited. This qualitative study used focus groups to gather teacher perspectives of blended learning models, which produced three major themes related to professional development, student success, and blended courses. A sample of teacher from this group was most relevant to the study because they were involved in the implementation, and iterations, of blended learning at their HE institution for three semesters. Their experiences and perceptions provided highly relevant insights on what constitutes an effective blended leaning model. This study confirms previous empirical claims on the importance of professional development in increasing teacher efficacy. But also reveals the role of self-learning, informal communities of practice and their impact on changing teacher perceptions, which in turn improve efficacy. The study also highlights effective communication, course materials, course design and how blended learning environments are set-up, as crucial elements of an effective blended learning model. Teachers perceived these elements as the biggest influences on student success. This study provides important insights for educational institutions seeking to establish or improve their blended learning strategy and enhance student experience.
Mediating Role of Organic Labeling Awareness and Food Safety Attitudes in the Correlation Between Green Product Awareness and Purchase Intentions
Authors: Wong Wong Ming , Tzeng Shian-Yang
Published: November 2021

Improving consumer trust is critical for enhancing purchase intentions. This study assessed the effect of organic labeling awareness and food safety attitudes as mediating variables on the relation between green product awareness and organic food purchase intentions among consumers. The research sample comprised 404 respondents from Shantou, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, China, collected by systematic random sampling. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze research data. First, green product awareness did not influence organic food purchase intentions. Second, organic labeling awareness and food safety attitudes mediated the relationship between green product awareness and organic food purchase intentions. The findings indicate that organic labeling awareness and food safety attitudes directly influenced consumers’ organic food purchase intentions while they were aware of green products.
A Multidisciplinary Perspective on Publicly Available Sports Data in the Era of Big Data: A Scoping Review of the Literature on Major League Baseball
Authors: Huang Jyh-How , Hsu Yu-Chia
Published: November 2021

Sports big data has been an emerging research area in recent years. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the most frequent research topics, application areas, data sources, and data usage characteristics in the existing literature, in order to understand the development of data-driven baseball research and the multidisciplinary participation in the big data era. A scoping review was conducted, focusing on the diversity of using publicly available major league baseball data. Next, the co-occurrence analysis in bibliometrics was used to present a knowledge map of the reviewed literature. Finally, we propose a comprehensive baseball data research domain framework to visualize the ecosystem of publicly available sports data applications mapped to the four application domains in the big data maturity model. After searching and screening process from the Web of Science, Science Direct, and SPORTDiscus database, 48 relevant papers with clearly indicated data sources and data fields used were finally selected and full reviewed for advanced analysis. The most relevant research hotspots for sports data are sequentially economics and finance, sports injury, and sports performance evaluation. Subjects studied ranged from pitchers, position players, catchers, umpires, batters, free agents, and attendees. The most popular data sources are PITCHf/x, the Lahman Baseball Database, and baseball-reference.com. This review can serve as a valuable starting point for researchers to plan research strategies, to discover opportunities for cross-disciplinary research innovations, and to categorize their work in the context of the state of research.
A Qualitative Study Exploring International Experiences of Seeking Treatment for Adults With Trichotillomania: A Story of Frustration and Unmet Need
Authors: Roodt Chane Anne , Turner Mary , Edmondson Amanda , Keeley Philip , Kendal Sarah
Published: November 2021

Trichotillomania (TTM) is a poorly understood disorder with no consensus on aetiology or epidemiology; often overlooked due to high comorbidity rates. Cross-cultural qualitative research is sparse; therefore, an international qualitative study was conducted. A generic qualitative approach with thematic analysis was used to explore data from asynchronous email interviews. The aim of this article is to report participant experiences of seeking treatment. Using a sample of 20 adults (18–55 years) from 15 different countries, this article highlights lack of access and unmet healthcare needs signifying an inadequate supply of TTM expertise globally and the need for more robust clinical guidance.
Effect of Deformation on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Medium Carbon Steel During Heat Treatment Process
Authors: Peng Yan , Liu Caiyi , Wang Ningning
Published: November 2021

The current research of the Q-P and Q-P-T process has been focused on controlling the heating temperature and holding time, or adding alloy elements into the steel to induce precipitation strengthening and improve the strength and plasticity of the steel. In this article, based on a quenching-partitioning-tempering (Q-P-T) process combined with a hot deformation technology, a deforming-quenching-partitioning-tempering (D-Q-P-T) process was applied to medium carbon steel. The effect of the heat treatment parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of experimental steel under deformation was studied. Through use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and tensile tests, the optimal heat treatment conditions for realizing high strength and plasticity that meet the safety requirements were obtained. The mechanism for the D-Q-P-T process to improve the strength and plasticity of experimental steel was discussed. A multiphase composite structure of lath martensite and retained austenite was obtained. Compared with the Q-P-T process, use of the D-Q-P-T process can increase the strength of steel by 57.77 MPa and the elongation by 5%. This study proposes a method to improve the strength and plasticity of steel.
Effect of Thermal Cyclic Loading on Stress-Strain Response and Fatigue Life of 3D Chip Stacking Structure
Authors: Zhang Liang , Long Weimin , Zhong Sujuan
Published: November 2021

The thermo-mechanical reliability of IMCs (Ni3Sn4, Cu3Sn, Cu6Sn5) solder joints and Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu solder joints was investigated systematically in 3D chip stacking structure subjected to an accelerated thermal cyclic loading based on finite element simulation and Taguchi method. Effects of different control factors, including high temperature, low temperature, dwell time of thermal cyclic loading, and different IMCs on the stress-strain response and fatigue life of solder joints were calculated respectively. The results indicate that maximum stress-strain can be found in the second solder joint on the diagonal of IMC solder joints array; for Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu solder joints array, the corner solder joints show the obvious maximum stress-strain, these areas are the crack propagated locations. The stress-strain and fatigue life of solder joints is more sensitive to dwell temperature, especially to high temperature; increasing the high temperature, dwell time, or decreasing the low temperature, can reduce the stress-strain and enlarge the fatigue life of solder joints. Finally, the optimal design in the 3D-IC structure has the combination of the Cu6Sn5/Cu3Sn, 373 K high temperature, 233 K low temperature, and 10 min dwell time. The fatigue lives of Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu under 218–398 K loading in the 3D assembly based on the creep strain are 347.4 cycles, which is in good agreement with experimental results (380 cycles).
Case report: “an unexpected origin of coma in a young adult”
Authors: Chandrikasing Ranjana , Ramnarain Sudeshkoemar , Bansie Rakesh , Yang Harvey , Ponssen Huibert , Ramdhani Navin
Published: November 2021

We report a peculiar case of acute non-traumatic coma due to neuromuscular hypoventilation syndrome caused by a non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI). A 21-year-old patient presented to the emergency room complaining of sudden onset weakness in his lower limbs and shortness of breath. While in the ER, he briefly became comatose and labs revealed an acute respiratory acidosis. Detailed neurologic examination ultimately revealed upper motor neuron signs and quadriplegia. He was ultimately diagnosed with a non-traumatic spinal cord injury, in particular, a cervical transverse myelitis which had caused acute diaphragmatic weakness. Although a very rare cause of coma, emergency medicine physicians need to be aware of transverse myelitis, a disorder that may result in rapidly progressive neurologic decline and is treated with immunomodulation.
Exploring the associations between transcript levels and fluxes in constraint-based models of metabolism
Authors: Sinha Neeraj , van Schothorst Evert M. , Hooiveld Guido J. E. J. , Keijer Jaap , Martins dos Santos Vitor A. P. , Suarez-Diez Maria
Published: November 2021

Background

Several computational methods have been developed that integrate transcriptomics data with genome-scale metabolic reconstructions to increase accuracy of inferences of intracellular metabolic flux distributions. Even though existing methods use transcript abundances as a proxy for enzyme activity, each method uses a different hypothesis and assumptions. Most methods implicitly assume a proportionality between transcript levels and flux through the corresponding function, although these proportionality constant(s) are often not explicitly mentioned nor discussed in any of the published methods. E-Flux is one such method and, in this algorithm, flux bounds are related to expression data, so that reactions associated with highly expressed genes are allowed to carry higher flux values.

Results

Here, we extended E-Flux and systematically evaluated the impact of an assumed proportionality constant on model predictions. We used data from published experiments with Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and we compared the predictions of the algorithm to measured extracellular and intracellular fluxes.

Conclusion

We showed that detailed modelling using a proportionality constant can greatly impact the outcome of the analysis. This increases accuracy and allows for extraction of better physiological information.
Trophic niche shifts and phenotypic trait evolution are largely decoupled in Australasian parrots
Authors: García-Navas Vicente , Tobias Joseph A. , Schweizer Manuel , Wegmann Daniel , Schodde Richard , Norman Janette A. , Christidis Les
Published: November 2021

Background

Trophic shifts from one dietary niche to another have played major roles in reshaping the evolutionary trajectories of a wide range of vertebrate groups, yet their consequences for morphological disparity and species diversity differ among groups.

Methods

Here, we use phylogenetic comparative methods to examine whether the evolution of nectarivory and other trophic shifts have driven predictable evolutionary pathways in Australasian psittaculid parrots in terms of ecological traits such as body size, beak shape, and dispersal capacity.

Results

We found no evidence for an ‘early-burst’ scenario of lineage or morphological diversification. The best-fitting models indicate that trait evolution in this group is characterized by abrupt phenotypic shifts (evolutionary jumps), with no sign of multiple phenotypic optima correlating with different trophic strategies. Thus, our results point to the existence of weak directional selection and suggest that lineages may be evolving randomly or slowly toward adaptive peaks they have not yet reached.

Conclusions

This study adds to a growing body of evidence indicating that the relationship between avian morphology and feeding ecology may be more complex than usually assumed and highlights the importance of adding more flexible models to the macroevolutionary toolbox.
Response of physiological parameters in Dionaea muscipula J. Ellis teratomas transformed with rolB oncogene
Authors: Makowski Wojciech , Królicka Aleksandra , Tokarz Barbara , Miernicka Karolina , Kołton Anna , Pięta Łukasz , Malek Kamilla , Ekiert Halina , Szopa Agnieszka , Tokarz Krzysztof Michał
Published: November 2021

Background

Plant transformation with rol oncogenes derived from wild strains of Rhizobium rhizogenes is a popular biotechnology tool. Transformation effects depend on the type of rol gene, expression level, and the number of gene copies incorporated into the plant’s genomic DNA. Although rol oncogenes are known as inducers of plant secondary metabolism, little is known about the physiological response of plants subjected to transformation.

Results

In this study, the physiological consequences of rolB oncogene incorporation into the DNA of Dionaea muscipula J. Ellis was evaluated at the level of primary and secondary metabolism. Examination of the teratoma (transformed shoots) cultures of two different clones (K and L) showed two different strategies for dealing with the presence of the rolB gene. Clone K showed an increased ratio of free fatty acids to lipids, superoxide dismutase activity, synthesis of the oxidised form of glutathione, and total pool of glutathione and carotenoids, in comparison to non-transformed plants (control). Clone L was characterised by increased accumulation of malondialdehyde, proline, activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, total pool of glutathione, ratio of reduced form of glutathione to oxidised form, and accumulation of selected phenolic acids. Moreover, clone L had an enhanced ratio of total triglycerides to lipids and accumulated saccharose, fructose, glucose, and tyrosine.

Conclusions

This study showed that plant transformation with the rolB oncogene derived from R. rhizogenes induces a pleiotropic effect in plant tissue after transformation. Examination of D. muscipula plant in the context of transformation with wild strains of R. rhizogenes can be a new source of knowledge about primary and secondary metabolites in transgenic organisms.
Circ_MUC16 attenuates the effects of Propofol to promote the aggressive behaviors of ovarian cancer by mediating the miR-1182/S100B signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Hao , Guo Yunrui , Zhang Yecai , Wang Decai , Zhang Guoyun , Hou Jiali , Yang Jianming
Published: November 2021

Background

Propofol is commonly used for anesthesia during surgery and has been demonstrated to inhibit cancer development, which is shown to be associated with deregulation of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). The objective of this study was to explore the role of circular RNA mucin 16 (circ_MUC16) in Propofol-mediated inhibition of ovarian cancer.

Methods

The expression of circ_MUC16, microRNA-1182 (miR-1182) and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) mRNA was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The expression of S100B protein was checked by western blot. Cell proliferation was assessed by 3-(4, 5-di methyl thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-di phenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and colony formation assay. Glycolysis metabolism was assessed by glucose consumption, lactate production and ATP level. Cell migration and cell invasion were assessed by transwell assay. Cell migration was also assessed by wound healing assay. Animal study was conducted in nude mice to determine the role of circ_MUC16 in vivo. The relationship between miR-1182 and circ_MUC16 or S100B was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay.

Results

Propofol inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation, glycolysis metabolism, migration and invasion, which were partly recovered by circ_MUC16 overexpression. Circ_MUC16 was downregulated in Propofol-treated ovarian cancer cells. Besides, circ_MUC16 knockdown enhanced the effects of Propofol to further inhibit tumor growth in vivo. MiR-1182 was a target of circ_MUC16, and circ_MUC16 knockdown-inhibited cell proliferation, glycolysis metabolism, migration and invasion were partly restored by miR-1182 inhibition. In addition, S100B was a target of miR-1182, and miR-1182-suppressed cell proliferation, glycolysis metabolism, migration and invasion were partly restored by S100B overexpression.

Conclusion

Circ_MUC16 overexpression alleviated the effects of Propofol to promote the aggressive behaviors of ovarian cancer by targeting the miR-1182/S100B network.