bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facing the future: the changing shape of academic skills support at Bournemouth University
Authors: Ford Neil , Bowden Melissa
Published: March 2021

This paper explores the potential impact of changes to higher education in the United Kingdom on student expectations, engagement, lifestyles and diversity, and outlines implications for the development of digital literacy within academic skills support at Bournemouth university.WeÃ¢â¬â¢ll investigate how tackling resource constraints with organisational change can also enable efficient, centralised provision of support materials that utilise networks to overcome the risk of fragmented support for digital literacy. WeÃ¢â¬â¢ll also look at how changing delivery modes for support can accommodate changing student lifestyles whilst tackling a weakness of centralised support for digital literacy: that it can become detached from the studentÃ¢â¬â¢s subject-focused academic practice. Finally weÃ¢â¬â¢ll look at how involving students in developing support can help us to face changes to student expectations and engagement whilst ensuring that materials are authentic and speak to learners in their own voice.
Learning beyond the classroom: biomedical science students' narratives of volunteering and developing employability skills.
Authors: Cunningham Sheila , Gallacher Deeba
Published: March 2021

This case study focuses on a work that developed from a Higher Education Academy (HEA) teaching development grant which investigated biomedical science undergraduate students experiences of engaging with health related volunteering opportunities and the link with maximising employability skills in a North London university.Biomedical students recognise theoretical knowledge and practical skills as essential to employability but have limited opportunity to apply these with sparse placement opportunities especially within hospital or laboratory environments. Graduate employability skills are generally accepted as the knowledge, skills and attributes to be effective in the workplace.  Reports on graduate employability highlight communication skills, team-working, integrity, intellectual ability and self confidence as the five most important attributes sought by employers (Archer and Davidson, 2008).  UCAS (2012) expands this (biomedicine profile) by including creativity, initiative and flexibility and with what could also be argued as important: wisdom, (Schwartz, 2012). This is a tall order for any curriculum and in reality embraces more than classroom or laboratory learning environments but the whole undergraduate experience. This particular work was a partnership endeavour with undergraduate students to seek science related volunteering opportunities and the potential for developing the skills for biomedical employability.The methodology in this case study was primarily action research with its iterative cycles. These were: identification and development of science or health volunteering opportunities, employers' perceptions of the use and value of such volunteering and articulation of the skills and qualities from such experiences.  One key 'data' output was a record of students' reflections and narratives as they contributed and drove the volunteering activity. Students maintained diaries of their experiences, skill development, personal growth and achievements and of working in partnership with staff and independently. Students' reflective blogs revealed several benefits and challenges and their approaches to address these illustrate their creativity, endurance and flexibility. This is a 'snap-shot' but presents 'voices' or 'narratives' of partnerships which enhance the students' learning (and teaching) experience. It also presents students' attitudes to volunteering and how they feel this contributes to their employability potential. Insights gained are invaluable to academic staff in appreciating the social constriction of learning and the extension of formal academic provision into the third sector
Returning to Learning: What are the academic development needs of mature and part-time students? What works to support and retain these students?
Authors: Frith Louise , Wilson Allia
Published: March 2021

ÃÂ This paper considers issues around the support and retention of mature and part-time (MaP) students. It analyses the specific academic development needs of MaP students based on WengerÃ¢â¬â¢s model of learning (1998) which puts the academic learning needs of students into three broad categories; the first is academic confidence and learner identity, the second is the need for MaP students to integrate and build a sense of community and the third is for these students to overcome anxiety through practice and practical considerations. Then an Appreciative Inquiry (Cooperrider, Whitney and Stavros, 2008) approach is used to examine the extent to which the University of KentÃ¢â¬â¢s Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) supports MaP students through a programme of self-assessment of needs, one to one advice and targeted study skills sessions. The conclusion points to the positive responses received fromÃÂ  MaP students about the programme but also acknowledges that more could be done; perhaps through reflection on studentsÃ¢â¬â¢ prior knowledge, a stronger emphasis on building social learning networks and the increased use of technology.ÃÂ Key words: mature and part-time students, identity, community, practice
Fostering a sense of belonging: supporting the early formation of student identity as successful learners in Higher Education
Authors: Parkes Sarah
Published: March 2021

AbstractSince the Widening Participation (WP) policy of the New Labour Government (1997-2010) and the increased market-like environment created by raised tuition fees, institutions are increasingly focusing significant effort on enhancing the student experience in order both to retain existing students as well as competitively market themselves to prospective students (Brown, 2011; Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, 2011; Thomas, 2012). Pre-entry activities that include Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), supporting social and academic integration, managing student expectations and encouraging the development of appropriate academic study skills (Gorard et al., 2006; Crabtree et al., 2007) have thus been utilised to engage new learners in the experience of Higher Education (HE), with the potential to influence their progression and retention once on-programme (Thomas, 2002; 2011; Yorke and Thomas, 2003; Thomas and Quinn, 2006; Thomas and Jamieson Ball, 2011). Thomas (2011, p.45) suggests that evidence does indeed indicate that such pre-entry interventions ought to influence retention and progression yet it is still not clear how such interventions affect a studentÃ¢â¬â¢s experience of HE.Drawn from interviews conducted in 2012, this paper discusses the experiences of students participating in HEADstart; a two week pre-entry blended learning course at Newman University, Birmingham. Using notions of belonging, this thematic analysis explores the extent to which participation supports the early formation of a sense of belonging in HE, which is a key element to successful student progression and success (Thomas, 2012).
Student views of using e-learning tools to facilitate independent learning of anatomy and physiology
Authors: Roberts Fiona Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

The ability to undertake life-long learning is essential in the world today and this requires independent learning skills. A growing body of evidence suggests integration of computer assisted learning could potentially replace face-to-face teaching entirely with no detriment to students. Case study methodology was therefore utilised to investigate studentsÃ¢â¬â¢ perceptions of the use of online resources to replace face-to-face teaching and the impact of this approach on student outcomes when learning anatomy and physiology. Concurrent mixed methods, incorporating pragmatic comparison of summative assessment scores with a questionnaire gathering student opinion of this learning method, were used. Students had access to typical Anatomy and Physiology Computer Aided Learning resources. Additional adaptive learning activities (ALA) and homework quizzes were provided. Directed study was given for every topic. All but four topics were supported by interactive workshops; these four were supported by additional ALA and an optional Ã¢â¬Ëdrop inÃ¢â¬â¢ session. The results indicated no difference in student outcome for topics taught with and without workshop support. However, although students understood the rationale for the change and sufficient guidance was given, they found the independent learning challenging due to lack of intrinsic motivation and confidence. Engagement with ALA and homework quizzes was limited. Students do not want more independent learning and like the confidence provided by attending workshops. Using more selective online resources may be beneficial and ensuring that materials addressed online are used in other classes may be a way forwards, thus ensuring a constructivist approach to learning while encouraging more independent learning. Roberts Student views of using e-learning tools to facilitate independent learning of anatomy and physiology Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, Issue 9: July 2015 2 Keywords: Computer Aided Learning; adaptive learning activities; constructivist learning; motivation; perceptions.
Making the transition to master’s dissertation writing: evaluating the impact of a dissertation writing course on PGT students’ confidence
Authors: Crisfield Melanie Diane
Published: March 2021

The transition from undergraduate to postgraduate taught (PGT) studies has received increasing focus over the past decade as universities and educators have recognised that master’s students do not necessarily begin their studies equipped with the academic skills necessary to succeed (O’Donnell et al., 2009; Bunney, 2017; McPherson et al., 2017). Research on postgraduate research (PGR) students demonstrates that thesis writing courses improve students’ confidence in their abilities (Larcombe et al., 2007; Fergie et al., 2011), but to date, the transition from writing for module assessments to master’s dissertation writing remains largely unstudied. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a short master’s dissertation writing course − delivered at a British university in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 academic years − on improving students’ confidence in their writing abilities, as reported in pre-course and post-course writing self-evaluations. In both years that the course was offered, there was a significant increase in reported confidence between the first session and the final session, and thematic analysis of open-ended questions demonstrated that students enrolled on the course to improve their knowledge of and confidence in academic writing and left the course having met these goals. This paper confirms that dissertation writing support designed for PGT students can have a positive impact on students’ confidence in their writing abilities, and thus help support them in making the transition to dissertation writing.
Etlik Piliçlerde Erken Dönem Besleme Uygulamaları
Authors: TUFAN Meltem , EVREN Şefika
Published: March 2021

Piliç etinin özellikle gelişmekte olan ülkelerde insanların hayvansal protein ihtiyaçlarının karşılanmasında önemli bir potansiyele sahip olduğu bilinen bir gerçektir. İnsan beslenmesinde piliç eti, tat ve lezzetinin yanı sıra ucuz ve kaliteli protein kaynaklarının başında gelmektedir. Etlik piliç üretiminde amaç, hızlı büyüyen, yemden daha iyi yararlanan ve kaliteli karkas üreten piliçler yetiştirmektir. Gelişim hızı direk olarak hayvanın genetik özelliği, fizyolojisi ve metabolizması ile yakından ilgilidir. Bu üstün materyalden beklenen üretim potansiyelinin elde edilebilmesi için etlik piliçlerin optimal koşullarda yetiştirilmesi gerekir. Üretimde verimi belirleyen çevre koşullarından en önemlisi beslemedir. Günümüzde stardart besleme yöntemlerine ilave erken dönem besleme olarak bilinen kuluçkadan çıkış öncesi (kuluçka dönemi) ve kuluçkadan çıkış sonrası olmak üzere 2 farklı dönemde beslemeye yönelik araştırmalar yapılmaktadır. İn ovo ve ön başlatma yemi olarak bilinen bu uygulamalar etlik piliç standart besleme periyodunun dışında uygulanan performans arttırmaya yönelik besleme metotlarıdır. Erken dönemde civcivleri besleme, sistemlerinin hızlı ve hassas gelişmelerini tamamlaması için oldukça önemlidir. Yapılan derlemede hızlı gelişen ticari etlik piliçlerin kuluçka sonu ve erken dönem ilk 0-5 gün boyunca ön başlatma yemi ile beslenmesinin önemi ve sonraki dönemlerinde performanslarına etkisi ortaya konulmaya çalışılmıştır.
Cacería de subsistencia y consumo de Leopardus wiedii (Carnivora: Felidae) en comunidad rural del departamento de La Guajira, Colombia
Authors: Leuro-Robles Nerieth G , Aya-Cuero Carlos A. , Cáceres-Martínez Carlos H.
Published: March 2021

Los pequeños felinos afrontan distintas amenazas a su conservación como la deforestación, su uso como mascotas, la cacería por retaliación o para consumo humano. No obstante, esta última es una amenaza escasamente documentada. En Colombia se ha reportado el consumo de carne de felinos como el yaguaroundi, puma y jaguar. Aquí se reporta el caso de un margay, cazado y consumido por comunidades de campesinos en el departamento de La Guajira. Este es el primer registro directo documentado de caza y consumo para esta especie en el país. Esta información puede aportar al conocimiento de la problemática y representar un aspecto importante para la conservación de pequeños felinos silvestres en áreas rurales marginales de Colombia.
ERGENLERİN TEMEL PSİKOLOJİK İHTİYAÇLARI İLE İNTERNET BAĞIMLILIĞI ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİ
Authors: SEVER Gökcan
Published: March 2021

Araştırmada, ergenlerin temel ihtiyaçlarının (ait olma, güç, özgürlük, eğlence) karşılanma düzeyi ile internet bağımlılığı arasındaki ilişki incelenmiştir. Ayrıca temel ihtiyaçların internet bağımlılığını yordama düzeyi ele alınmıştır. Tarama modeliyle yapılan bu araştırma, Gaziantep ili Şehitkâmil İlçesinde öğrenim görmekte olan ve tesadüfî olarak seçilen 206’sı kız ve 159’u erkek olmak üzere toplam 365 öğrenci üzerinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmada ergenlerin temel ihtiyaçlarının karşılanma düzeyini belirleyen “Temel İhtiyaçlar Ölçeği”, İnternet bağımlılığı düzeyini ölçmek amacıyla “İnternet Bağımlılığı Ölçeği” kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada verilerin analizi, Pearson Momentler Çarpımı Korelasyon analizi ve Çoklu Doğrusal Regresyon analizi istatistiksel teknikleri ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda ait olma ve güç ile internet bağımlılığı arasında düşük düzeyde pozitif yönde; özgürlük ve eğlence ile internet bağımlılığı arasında düşük düzeyde negatif yönde bir ilişki olduğu bulgulanmıştır. Yine, araştırmanın regresyon analizi sonuçları, ait olma, güç, özgürlük ve eğlence düşük düzeyde yordayıcılar olduğunu ve bu değişkenlerin birlikte toplam varyansın %16’sını açıkladığını ortaya koymuştur.
Violation of the structure of the forest biocenosis under the action of stem pests and methods of controlling their numbers
Authors: Lohinova Svitlana , Khaietskyi Hryhoriy
Published: March 2021

The study of the forest ecosystem as an integral part of the erosion system is associated with a number of issues. The forest is the most powerful and effective tool in the fight against soil erosion, droughts and hot winds, as well as an environmental stabilising factor in general. Human forestry activities in the fight against the drying of coniferous plantations from an outbreak of mass reproduction and spread to large areas of stem pests under the influence of a complex of ecological and climatic factors, is one of the serious factors disrupting the structure of the forest biocenosis. The search for alternative solutions to the localisation of this problem requires a detailed study of the behaviour of the most common bark beetles of coniferous trees in climatic and environmental conditions that developed during 2011-2020. During the period of active temperatures in 2019, namely from the second decade of April to the third decade of October, work on stationary supervision and laboratory field work was carried out to solve the problem of localisation of stem pests of Polissya and Forest-Steppe pine plantations. Methods of laying out hunting trees and pheromone traps were used. In practice, the pest did not inhabit hunting trees and only a few representatives and very small entomophagous traps fell into the traps. Instead, it inhabited healthy stands of trees, where the catchers were located. It is established that from the scientific and practical standpoint, the studied regularity of pine drying centres is clearly confined to highways and timber roads, as well as the area of distribution of relevant species of trunk pests and weakening zones of pine stands in some areas for other reasons. It is proved that to preserve the ecological potential of coniferous plantations and reduce the negative impact of xylophagous insects, it is necessary to design preventive and biological methods of control of the main trunk pests of coniferous trees
Tratamiento laparoscópico de la hernia inguinal por técnica transabdominal preperitoneal. Análisis retrospectivo de una serie de casos
Authors: Leyba Zavarse José Luis , NAVARRETE AULESTIA SALVADOR , Navarrete-Llopis Salvador , González Liliher
Published: March 2021

El objetivo del presente trabajo es reportar y analizar nuestra experiencia con la técnica endoscópica transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) en el tratamiento de la hernia inguinal. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo mediante la revisión de nuestra base de datos electrónica y las historias clínicas en físico de la Clínica Santa Sofía, de los pacientes con diagnóstico de hernia inguinal tratados por los autores en los últimos 8 años. Se incluyeron para el análisis los casos con abordaje laparoscópico, recolectándose sexo, edad, diagnóstico pre e intraoperatorio, procedimientos adicionales, tiempo quirúrgico, complicaciones perioperatorias, tiempo de hospitalización, y morbilidad. Resultados: Se recolectaron 158 intervenciones de hernias inguinales en 102 pacientes, 89 hombres y 13 mujeres, de las cuales 135 (85,4%) fueron por abordaje laparoscópico tipo TAPP. Mediante la laparoscopia se modificó el diagnóstico preoperatorio en 17 pacientes (16,6%). El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 50,5±11,6 minutos, y se presentaron 3 complicaciones perioperatorias y 4 tardías, para una morbilidad total de 5,1%. La estancia hospitalaria fue de 1±0,08 días y el tiempo de seguimiento promedio fue de 7,5±15,4 meses, detectándose 3 recidivas (2,2%) en ese período. Cinco pacientes presentaron dolor crónico posoperatorio, ninguno debilitante, que cedió gradualmente en todos los casos utilizando analgésicos comunes. Conclusiones: La técnica TAPP es una alternativa válida en el tratamiento de la hernia inguinal. Sus principales ventajas son las de optimizar el diagnóstico, permitiendo la reparación en un solo tiempo de hernias no diagnosticadas clínicamente, y su baja incidencia de dolor posoperatorio crónico.
Incidental Lingual Thyroid: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Narendrakumar Veerasigamani , Sampathkumar Geethalakshmi
Published: March 2021

The presence of the thyroid gland outside its compartment is defined as ectopic thyroid. It is an abnormal embryological development. When present in the base of the tongue, it is lingual thyroid. We report this case of incidental lingual thyroid during routine clinical examination and highlight the importance of endoscopic examination in otorhinolaryngology.

How to cite this article:Narendrakumar V, Sampathkumar G. Incidental Lingual Thyroid: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2020;12(2):25–26.
A educação infantil e a pedagogia dos multiletramentos
Authors: Santos Wagno da Silva , Karwoski Acir Mário
Published: March 2021

Esta pesquisa, de cunho qualitativo, tem como objetivo analisar as contribuições da Pedagogia dos Multiletramentos em uma escola municipal de Uberaba-MG tendo em vista a relevância da formação continuada de professores como norteadora do uso das tecnologias digitais de informação e comunicação (TDIC) na Educação Infantil. Buscamos responder à seguinte questão: Quais as contribuições da Pedagogia dos Multiletramentos em uma escola de Educação Infantil e o papel da formação continuada de professores frente à ascensão dessa pedagogia? Para a coleta de dados dos 14 (quatorze) professores participantes utilizamos entrevista por meio de questionário e realizamos oficinas em grupo. Para discussão dos dados, usamos a análise de conteúdos por meio da análise categorial. Como resultados destacamos a colaboração da pesquisa para reflexões acerca da Pedagogia dos Multiletramentos, permitindo a valorização e inserção das TDIC nas turmas de Educação Infantil, desenvolvendo um olhar crítico quanto à utilização dessa pedagogia no contexto escolar.
Perfil dos gestores de esporte e lazer dos municípios dos territórios de identidade litoral sul da Bahia
Authors: Ávila Marco Aurélio , Bahia Cristiano de Sant Anna , Marta Felipe Eduardo Ferreira , Santos Carla Carolina Venancio dos , Levita Lucas Menezes Amaral
Published: March 2021

O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar e analisar o perfil dos gestores responsáveis pelo esporte e lazer de 15 municípios do Territórios de Identidade Litoral Sul da Bahia, buscando gerar reflexões em torno das possibilidades de desenvolvimento das políticas públicas da região. A coleta de dados foi realizada in loco e por meio de um questionário virtual utilizando o Google Formulários. Os dados apontaram para a necessidade de uma discussão que tematize a importância do grau de capacitação/especialização dos gestores no que tange ao fomento do lazer e do esporte, compreendidos nesta pesquisa como direitos do cidadão e portanto, deve ser alvo de uma consistente e regular política pública dos municípios da região.
The possible effect of coenzyme Q10 and captopril on acetaminophen-induced encephalopathy in rats: possible influence on autophagy, antioxidant and Na+/K+ ATPase
Authors: Galal Heba M. , Sayed Manal M. , Allah Eman S. H. Abd
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Induction of autophagy could protect against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity; however, little is known about the role of autophagy in APAP-induced encephalopathy (APAP-E). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and captopril on APAP-E.

Material and methods

Forty-eight rats were randomly allotted to 4 equal groups: control, an APAP-E, coenzyme Q10-treated (CoQ10-treated), and captopril-treated groups. Behavioral tests were conducted. Serum ammonia and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and hippocampal Na+/K+ ATPase activity were measured. The expression levels of hippocampal microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-II) and beclin-1 mRNA were detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). General histological, immunohistochemical staining for glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) and electron microscopy (EM) of the hippocampus were performed.

Results

In the APAP-E group, serum ammonia was increased significantly, hippocampal LC3-II and beclin-1 mRNA were elevated insignificantly, while serum TAC and the activity of hippocampal Na+/K+ ATPase were reduced significantly compared with the control group. APAP-E rats showed remarkable degenerative changes in CA1 pyramidal neurons in the form of electron-dense cytoplasm with ill-defined nuclei and accumulation of lysosomal structure-like dense bodies. Increased immunoreactivity of astrocytes for GFAP was observed. Treatment with either CoQ10 or captopril significantly reduced ammonia levels, increased hippocampal LC3-II and beclin-1 mRNA, increased serum TAC and Na+/K+ ATPase activity, and noticeably ameliorated the hippocampal neuronal changes. EM revealed restoration of the normal structure of pyramidal neurons. These effects were more obvious in CoQ10-treated than captopril-treated rats.

Conclusions

CoQ10 and captopril have neuroprotective effects on APAP-E via enhancing LC3-II, beclin-1 mRNA expression, serum TAC level and hippocampal Na+/K+ ATPase activity.
Role of ADAMTS16 metalloproteinase in pathogenesis
of cryptorchidism
Authors: Gerszon Joanna , Kabziński Jacek , Kucharski Piotr , Majsterek Ireneusz , Niedzielski Jerzy K.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The etiology of cryptorchidism is still not fully elucidated, but several hypotheses have been proposed. One of the latest concerns is the involvement of metalloproteinase ADAMTS16 in testis descent. The aim of this study was to evaluate both expression and occurrence of selected polymorphisms of metalloproteinase ADAMTS16 in patients diagnosed with cryptorchidism.

Material and methods

The study group consisted of 158 boys (mean age: 4.1 ±2.04 years) who underwent surgery due to undescended testis. Tissue samples from patients with cryptorchidism were obtained from the cremaster muscle, gubernaculum and hernial sac. The reference group consisted of 123 age-related subjects (mean age: 4.1 ±2.41 years) who had no cryptorchidism and underwent surgery for other reasons. Tissue samples from controls were obtained from the cremaster muscle and hernial sac.

Results

The obtained data indicate that patients with undescended testis have significantly lower expression of Adamts16, especially in the gubernaculum. We also demonstrated a tendency that Adamts16 expression depends on the age of patients; the older the patient was, the higher was the observed expression of Adamts16. These studies also established that polymorphisms rs16875319, rs16875122, and rs58353460 in the Adamts16 gene are not a major determinant to develop cryptorchidism while rs16875054 is associated with increased risk.

Conclusions

These studies highlight ADAMTS16 involvement in cryptorchidism and confirm data obtained in animal models.
Mechanism of resistin-induced enhancement
of proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Pang Li , Li Xian-li
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Resistin, a novel hormone secreted by human adipocytes and mononuclear cells, is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Recent studies showed that resistin plays a key role in ovarian cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the potential of resistin to regulate the proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells.

Material and methods

A series of in vitro functional experiments were carried out to elucidate the role of resistin in ovarian cancer progression and the molecular mechanisms underlying its role.

Results

Resistin enhanced the proliferation of human ovarian epithelial carcinoma cells (HO-8910) in a time- and dose-dependent manner (30–100 ng/ml). Furthermore, HO-8910 cells cultured in adipocyte-conditioned medium showed dramatically increased rates of proliferation. Resistin knockout during adipocyte culture attenuated the proliferation of HO-8910 cells treated with adipocyte-conditioned media, indicating that resistin may promote HO-8910 cell proliferation via the mechanistic target of a rapamycin (mTOR)-mediated signaling pathway. Resistin (30–100 ng/ml) also enhanced wound-healing rates in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Co-culturing HO-8910 cells with adipocytes also increased the wound-healing rates. Resistin expression was inhibited by miR-124-1 transcriptional activity, and resistin-mediated HO-8910 cell migration was also regulated by miR-124-1. Furthermore, we also confirmed the role of resistin in promoting tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that resistin may serve as an effective therapeutic target for ovarian epithelial carcinoma, especially in patients who are obese.
Association of vitamin D receptor and CYP2R1 mRNA expression with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Li Hong-Miao , Li Ye , Zhang Gen-You , Shi Si-Jiu , Zhang Tian-Ping
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The vitamin D metabolic pathway has been shown to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), and vitamin D receptor (VDR) and CYP2R1 gene variation are known to affect vitamin D status. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate VDR and CYP2R1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in PTB patients.

Material and methods

We measured VDR and CYP2R1 mRNA levels in 75 PTB patients and 63 healthy controls by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The associations of VDR and CYP2R1 mRNA levels with clinical characteristics and laboratory indexes of PTB patients were also examined in this study.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, the VDR mRNA level was significantly higher, and the CYP2R1 mRNA level was significantly lower in PBMCs from PTB patients (p = 0.047, p = 0.008, respectively). The CYP2R1 mRNA level in PTB patients with drug-resistant, unilateral tuberculosis foci was significantly higher than that in PTB patients without these clinical characteristics (p = 0.005, p = 0.048, respectively). In addition, our results demonstrated that the VDR mRNA expression level was positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (p = 0.045), while the CYP2R1 mRNA level was negatively correlated with ESR in PTB patients (p = 0.020).

Conclusions

Altered VDR and CYP2R1 mRNA expression levels among PTB patients suggest their involvement in this disease.
Long non-coding RNA HULC regulates growth and metastasis of human glioma cells via induction of apoptosis and inhibits cell migration and invasion
Authors: Ma Junfeng , Zhou Liang
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The long non-coding RNA HULC has been shown to be involved in the development of several human cancers. The present study was undertaken to investigate the regulatory role of lncRNA-HULC in growth and metastasis of human glioma.

Material and methods

The gene expression of lncRNA-HULC was estimated from the clinical glioma tissues and cell lines using RT-PCR. The proliferation of transfected cancer cells was determined with the help of cell counting kit-8 (CCK8). DAPI staining and dual annexin V-FITC/PI staining procedures were used for inferring the apoptosis of transfected cancer cells. Scratch-heal and transwell chamber assays were employed for the determination of migration and invasion of transfected cells. The expression of proteins of interest was studied by western blotting technique.

Results

The results showed that lncRNA-HULC exhibits significantly (p < 0.05) higher expression in glioma tissues and cancer cells. The knockdown of lncRNA-HULC led to a marked decline in the proliferation of glioma cells through apoptotic induction which was accompanied by upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2. Moreover, knockdown of lncRNA-HULC significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the migration and invasion of cancer cells in vitro. The western blot analysis showed that lncRNA-HULC exerted its effects via modulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusions

The study revealed the possibility of targeting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in glioma through transcriptional knockdown of lncRNA-HULC, which might be utilized for therapeutic purposes against human glioma.
FIB-4 index associated with mortality risk of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a large retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jin Ziyi , Feng Xuebing , Wang Dandan , Pan Wenyou , Liu Lin , Wu Min , Hu Huaixia , Ding Xiang , Wei Hua , Zou Yaohong , Qian Xian , Wang Meimei , Wu Jian , Tao Juan , Tan Jun , Da Zhanyun , Zhang Miaojia , Li Jing , Sun Lingyun
Published: March 2021

Introduction

A considerable proportion of patients with systemic lupus ery­thematosus (SLE) have liver enzyme abnormalities. We evaluated whether fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) was associated with increased mortality of SLE patients.

Material and methods

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted based on medical records of first-admission SLE patients who were hospitalized during 1999–2009 in Jiangsu province. FIB-4 was estimated by age, platelet (PLT) count, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and FIB-4. A Cox model and a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model were used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

During up to 15 years of follow-up, 226 deaths were observed among 2331 SLE patients. Increased overall mortality was associated with abnormal groups of PLT, ALT, AST, and high FIB-4 (≥ 1.92), with adjusted HRs (95% CI) of 1.58 (1.19–2.11), 1.54 (1.14–2.07), 1.58 (1.17–2.12), and 1.88 (1.42–2.50), respectively. Moreover, significant dose-response relationships were found between mortality of SLE and those indexes, and it was nonlinear for PLT (p < 0.001), ALT (p = 0.046) and FIB-4 (p < 0.001), but not AST (p = 0.109). In cause-specific analyses, high FIB-4 index was directly associated with death from liver failure and indirectly associated with other death from infection and neuropsychiatric impairment. We found no significant differences of areas under curves (AUCs) between FIB-4 index and the disease activity index score of SLE.

Conclusions

This is the first report to describe the nonlinear association between FIB-4 index and increased mortality of SLE patients. The FIB-4 index may be used as an independent prognostic indicator for SLE patients.
Long non-coding RNA SENCR alleviates endothelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition via targeting miR‑126a
Authors: Lou Chuang , Li Tao
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute a growing class of non-coding genes with diverse cellular function. Recent studies have reported that lncRNA smooth muscle and endothelial cell-enriched (SENCR) was associated with the phenotype switch of vascular smooth muscle cells and participated in vascular homeostasis. However, the potential role of SENCR in endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and the underlying mechanism remain unknown.

Material and methods

Human carotid plaque samples and human coronary endothelial cells (HACECs) were collected to examine the expression of SENCR. Quantitative PCR and immunoblots were performed to evaluate the expression of SENCR and miR-126a in HACECs in response to TGF-b1 and transfected with small interfering RNA.

Results

We found that SENCR was significantly decreased in carotid plaques as compared to normal carotids. Knockdown of SENCR in HACECs aggravated the expression of smooth muscle markers a-SMA and calponin induced by TGF-b1 but repressed the expression of endothelial markers platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM1) and VE-cadherin down-regulated by TGF-b1. Through bioinformatic analysis and Luciferase assay, miR-126a was identified as the direct target of SENCR. Further mechanistic experiments revealed that overexpression of miR-126a bound to the 3˘UTR region of SMURF2 and inhibited the expression of SMURF2, which was considered as the negative regulator of TGF-b/Smad signaling. Finally, overexpression of miR-126a did not restore the decreased expression of the smooth muscle markers a-SMA and calponin under the condition of SMURF2 depletion, suggesting that the effect of miR-126a on EndMT progression is SMURF2 dependent.

Conclusions

SENCR alleviates TGF-b-induced EndMT and sponges miR-126a expression via direct inhibition of the negative regulator of TGF-b/Smad signaling SMURF2.
Resveratrol promotes apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis through regulation of autophagy and the serine-threonine kinase-p53 axis
Authors: Li Shu , Du Jinfeng , Gan Haina , Chen Jinwei , Zhou Yang , Tian Jing , Ling Guanghui , Li Fen
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Resveratrol, a polyphenol extracted from many plant species, has emerged as a promising pro-apoptotic agent in various cancer cells. However, the role of resveratrol in cell proliferation and apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA-FLS) is not fully understood. The study was aimed at elucidating the role of resveratrol in cell proliferation and apoptosis of RA-FLS and the underlying molecular mechanism.

Material and methods

Cultured RA-FLSs were subjected to tumour necrosis factor  (TNF-). The cell proliferation was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle of RA-FLSs were determined by flow cytometry. The levels of apoptosis or autophagy or cell cycle-related protein were detected by immunoblot analysis.

Results

In our study, we confirmed that resveratrol reversed TNF- mediated cell proliferation in RA-FLS. Meanwhile, resveratrol blocked cells at the G2/M stage and reduced the ratio of S phase cells through upregulation of p53 and consequently led to apoptotic cell death. Quite interestingly, we found that resveratrol reversed TNF--induced autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy by resveratrol or autophagy inhibitor or Beclin-1 siRNA suppressed TNF- mediated cell survival and promoted cell apoptosis. However, the autophagy inducer rapamycin (RAPA) reversed the effect of resveratrol on autophagy and cell proliferation. Mechanistic studies revealed that resveratrol inhibited the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinases/serine-threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) pathway. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT pathway by inhibitor LY294002 or resveratrol increased the expression of p53 and decreased the expression of cycle protein (cyclin B1), which further led to block cells in the G2/M arrest.

Conclusions

Our preliminary study indicated that resveratrol may suppress RA-FLS cell survival and promote apoptosis at least partly through regulation of autophagy and the AKT-p53 axis.
Mapping Empire: Knowledge Production and Government in the Nineteenth-Century Ottoman Empire
Authors: Dados Nour Nicole
Published: March 2021

Many studies of the nineteenth century Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
region have been concerned with the economic, social and political influence
exerted by European colonial governments through the accumulation of
knowledge about the region and its subsequent military domination. The
case of the Ottoman Empire in the nineteenth century demonstrates that
European techniques of knowledge production were also strategically adopted
by ruling elites outside the colonial metropolises. Ottoman adoption of
European technologies and techniques were politically entwined with the
empire’s territorial claims against nascent nationalisms and a calculated
move towards knowledge-based forms of government administration in the
quest to hold onto power. Cartographic and demographic methods used by
the Ottomans produced new assemblages of territory and population that
profoundly reshaped the objective of government and the conduct of imperial
administration. Statistics and geography became the choice tools of social
progress and advancement, underpinning the numerous reforms of the
nineteenth century aimed at rationalisation and centralisation.
Who Maps Middle Eastern Geographies in the Digital Age? Inequalities in Web 2.0 Cartographies in Israel/Palestine
Authors: Bittner Christian , Glasze Georg
Published: March 2021

Cartographic practices have long been the domain of professionalized and
centralized actors from governmental or commercial spheres. Inspired by
the emergence of mapping practices in the age of Web 2.0, however, new
forms of mapping may offer a bottom-up alternative. Indeed, the mapping
platforms Wikimapia and especially OpenStreetMap have proven that
geographical information and maps can be generated via crowdsourcing
by cartographic amateurs. Yet, several studies have excavated powerful
exclusion mechanisms in such Web 2.0 cartographies, showing that
user-generated geographical content is often produced by privileged
demographic groups. This chapter will explore these patterns of exclusion
and inclusion in OpenStreetMap and Wikimapia in the examples of the
Gaza Strip and Jerusalem.
Cinematic Spaces of ‘the Arab Street’ : Mohamed Diab’s Inverted Road Movie Clash (2016)
Authors: Strohmaier Alena
Published: March 2021

This chapter examines how cinema challenges and inverts traditional
spaces of social upheavals, such as streets and squares, in their capacity
to be spaces of knowledge and solidarity, in conceptualizing them as
enhanced media-sensible spaces. Through a close reading of Mohamed
Diab’s feature film Clash (2016), I foreground the idea of the truck as a
cinematic space predicated on its ability to accommodate movement,
both in a literal and a metaphorical sense. This allows for a discussion
of cinematic spaces of the so-called ‘Arab street’, created by both mise
en scène and cinematography that go against the more prevalent images
of street fights and mass demonstrations as seen in documentaries
about the popular upheavals in the Middle East and North Africa region
since 2009.
Introduction: The State, Islam, and Muslim Activism in Singapore
Authors: Abdullah Walid Jumblatt
Published: March 2021

This chapter introduces the research questions the book tries to answer, its
main arguments, and the scope of discussion. These questions include the
following. How do Muslim activists navigate their way through politics in
a secular, authoritarian state to maximize their influence? What are the
different methods by which the varied categories of activists work to further
their causes? What accounts for the differences in these approaches? Briefly,
I postulate that many activists attempt to strategically align themselves with
the state, and call upon the state to be an arbiter in their disagreements with
other factions. Though there are activists who challenge the state, these are
by far in the minority, and are typically unable to assert their influence in a
sustained manner. The dominating nature of the state has largely resulted
in activists refusing to defy the state on fundamental issues, regardless of
their orientations. The chapter discusses Singapore’s political context, and
how Islam is managed. I further outline the case selection and methodology.
Designing for Transfer
Authors: Wichmand Mette
Published: March 2021

How can a game design support the transfer of human resources from an
in-game world to the physical world? A possible answer can be found in
the in-depth case study of the World Bank’s game Urgent Evoke presented
in this chapter. Urgent Evoke is a game designed to empower players
to become post-game social innovators, and this chapter shows how
the winners’ interaction with and sense-making of the game enabled a
successful transfer to and implementation of their ideas in the physical
world. The analysis is based on activity theory and leads to a discussion of
how an understanding of the successful transfer strategies of the winners
can inspire future game designs and strengthen the transfer process.
Striving ‘Against All Odds’ to Reduce Prejudice toward Immigrants and Refugees
Authors: Wertley Chad Michael , Soliz Jordan
Published: March 2021

The recent public and political response to immigration and refugee
asylum around the world reveals that prejudice toward migrants remains
a preeminent societal problem. In response to the growing political
unrest towards migrants, The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
developed the web-based video game, Against All Odds, which has players
take on the role of a refugee and experience the struggles they go through.
Thus, the purpose of the current study is to investigate the potential of
intergroup contact using a video game (i.e., Against All Odds) in changing
attitudes toward migrant populations—specifically, refugees. In addition,
this study explores four potential affordances of the media in the contact
space that may mediate the change.
FORMATION OF TOPICAL ACADEMIC VALUES IN FUTURE EDUCATORS IN THE CONTEXT OF MODERN PHILOSOPHY OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN UKRAINE
Authors: Ponomarova Halyna
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the issue of development of the modern educational environment of Ukraine in the context of its ethical activity through the formation of topical academic values. It involves both general theory and practice of changes in educational establishments, of universal values, as well as the formation

of specific academic values that are relevant for providing effective educational environment in modern higher educational, in particular pedagogical, establishments. Practice and experience testify that the importance of ethical activity in the educational environment in a higher educational establishment is determined by the changes in the model of a modern educational institution where the situation of value collisions occurs regularly. The article describes one of the theoretical models of the development of a higher educational establishment along with the outline of the reasons for its ineffective implementation. The study determines the basic factors in formation of the student's personality as a bearer of universal values, in particular academic ones. The results of the theoretical and empirical research regarding the state and conditions for the formation of personal and academic values of a future specialist with the help of pedagogical tools are presented.
With the help of empirical data, the statement about the limited opportunities of educational process towards the formation of students’ personal values, both professional and socially significant, is explained.
The relation between the concepts "responsibility of profession" and "responsibility of a person" is indicated. Based on the achievements of international and domestic scientists, philosophers and educators in the sphere of anthropological and socio-cultural studies, the author identifies the phenomena of honor and responsibility as the priority and universal values, which influence the efficiency and quality of the activity accomplished by a modern higher educational establishment and the development of educational and scientific environment in general. The emphasis is put on the key aspects of honor, which influence the personality formation and development of a future specialist. The personal honor, existentialist by its essence and nature, which serves as the basis for the formation of professional honor, is called system- forming measure.