bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wnt pathway-related three-mRNA clinical outcome signature in bladder urothelial carcinoma: computational biology and experimental analyses
Authors: Sun Siqing , Wang Yutao , Wang Jianfeng , Bi Jianbin
Published: September 2021

Background

The Wnt signaling pathway is core to the growth of bladder tumors. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is significant for bladder tumor metastasis. Nevertheless, the relationship between the Wnt signaling pathway, outcomes of bladder cancer (BLCA), and the specific mechanisms driving immune infiltration have not been studied.

Methods

We obtained Wnt pathway-related gene mRNA and clinicopathological data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We obtained 34 genes that were greatly correlated with outcome using univariate Cox regression analysis and conducted a completely randomized data t-test to perform clinical staging. According to the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), the weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to identify relevant biological functions. Various subtypes were identified using consensus cluster analysis. Univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage sum selection operator–Cox regression algorithm analysis were conducted on TCGA and Gene Expression Omnibus data to identify risk characteristics. The Kaplan–Meier method and receiver running feature curves were adopted to calculate overall survival. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was adopted for the assessment of the degree of immune infiltration. Then, we demonstrated the relationship between PPP2CB and EMT function in two cell lines.

Results

Thirty-four Wnt signaling pathway-related genes were risk factors for BLCA outcome, and their expression levels differed by clinical stage. The co-expression of WGCNA showed the relationship between the Wnt signaling pathway and biological functions and was closely associated with EMT. We divided BLCA patients into two subtypes using consensus clustering. Survival curves and clinical analysis showed that the Wnt pathway enriched group had worse outcomes. The Wnt signature showed the significance of the outcome for MAPK10, PPP2CB, and RAC3. Based on these genes, the degree of immune infiltration was evaluated. Cell function experiments suggested that PPP2CB drives the proliferation and migration of BLCA cells.

Conclusion

We found that Wnt signaling pathway-related genes can be used as prognostic risk factors for BLCA, and the Wnt signaling pathway is a cancer-promoting signaling pathway associated with EMT. We identified three critical genes: MAPK10, RAC3, and PPP2CB. The genes in these three Wnt signaling pathways are associated with tumor cell EMT and immune cell infiltration. The most important finding was that these three genes were independent prognostic factors for BLCA.
Circadian rhythms affect bone reconstruction by regulating bone energy metabolism
Authors: Luo Beibei , Zhou Xin , Tang Qingming , Yin Ying , Feng Guangxia , Li Shue , Chen Lili
Published: September 2021

Metabolism is one of the most complex cellular biochemical reactions, providing energy and substances for basic activities such as cell growth and proliferation. Early studies have shown that glucose is an important nutrient in osteoblasts. In addition, amino acid metabolism and fat metabolism also play important roles in bone reconstruction. Mammalian circadian clocks regulate the circadian cycles of various physiological functions. In vertebrates, circadian rhythms are mediated by a set of central clock genes: muscle and brain ARNT like-1 (Bmal1), muscle and brain ARNT like-2 (Bmal2), circadian rhythmic motion output cycle stagnates (Clock), cryptochrome 1 (Cry1), cryptochrome2 (Cry2), period 1 (Per1), period 2 (Per2), period 3 (Per3) and neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (Npas2). Negative feedback loops, controlled at both the transcriptional and posttranslational levels, adjust these clock genes in a diurnal manner. According to the results of studies on circadian transcriptomic studies in several tissues, most rhythmic genes are expressed in a tissue-specific manner and are affected by tissue-specific circadian rhythms. The circadian rhythm regulates several activities, including energy metabolism, feeding time, sleeping, and endocrine and immune functions. It has been reported that the circadian rhythms of mammals are closely related to bone metabolism. In this review, we discuss the regulation of the circadian rhythm/circadian clock gene in osteoblasts/osteoclasts and the energy metabolism of bone, and the relationship between circadian rhythm, bone remodeling, and energy metabolism. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of regulating circadian rhythms or changing energy metabolism on bone development/bone regeneration.
Vector competence of Aedes aegypti and screening for differentially expressed microRNAs exposed to Zika virus
Authors: Zhu Chunling , Jiang Yuting , Zhang Qianghui , Gao Jian , Li Chaojie , Li Chunxiao , Dong Yande , Xing Dan , Zhang Hengduan , Zhao Teng , Guo Xiaoxia , Zhao Tongyan
Published: September 2021

Background

Zika virus (ZIKV) is transmitted to humans primarily by Aedes aegypti. Previous studies on Ae. aegypti from Jiegao (JG) and Mengding (MD) in Yunnan province, China have shown that these mosquitoes are able to transmit ZIKV to their offspring through vertical transmission, indicating that these two Ae. aegypti strains pose a potential risk for ZIKV transmission. However, the vector competence of these two Ae. aegypti strains to ZIKV has not been evaluated and the molecular mechanisms influencing vector competence are still unclear.

Methods

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from JG and MD were orally infected with ZIKV, and the infection rate (IR), dissemination rate (DR), transmission rate (TR) and transmission efficiency (TE) of these two mosquito strains were explored to evaluate their vector competence to ZIKV. On 2, 4 and 6 days post-infection (dpi), the small RNA profiles between ZIKV-infected and non-infected Ae. aegypti midgut and salivary gland tissues were compared to gain insights into the molecular interactions between ZIKV and Ae. aegypti.

Results

There were no significant differences in the IR, DR, TR and TE between the two Ae. aegypti strains (P > 0.05). However, ZIKV RNA appeared 2 days earlier in saliva of the JG strain, which indicated a higher competence of the JG strain to transmit ZIKV. Significant differences in the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles between ZIKV-infected and non-infected Ae. aegypti were found in the 2-dpi libraries of both the midgut and salivary gland tissues from the two strains. In addition, 27 and 74 miRNAs (|log2 fold change| > 2) were selected from the miRNA expression profiles of ZIKV-infected and non-infected midgut and salivary gland tissues from the JG and MD strains, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results provide novel insights into the ZIKV–mosquito interactions and build a foundation for future research on how miRNAs regulate the vector competence of mosquitoes to this arbovirus.

Graphical abstract
Single-colony sequencing reveals microbe-by-microbiome phylosymbiosis between the cyanobacterium Microcystis and its associated bacteria
Authors: Pérez-Carrascal Olga M. , Tromas Nicolas , Terrat Yves , Moreno Elisa , Giani Alessandra , Corrêa Braga Marques Laisa , Fortin Nathalie , Shapiro B. Jesse
Published: September 2021

Background

Cyanobacteria from the genusMicrocystiscan form large mucilaginous colonies with attached heterotrophic bacteria—their microbiome. However, the nature of the relationship betweenMicrocystisand its microbiome remains unclear. Is it a long-term, evolutionarily stable association? Which partners benefit? Here we report the genomic diversity of 109 individualMicrocystiscolonies—including cyanobacteria and associated bacterial genomes—isolatedin situand without culture from Lake Champlain, Canada and Pampulha Reservoir, Brazil.

Results

We identified 14 distinctMicrocystisgenotypes from Canada, of which only two have been previously reported, and four genotypes specific to Brazil.Microcystisgenetic diversity was much greater between than within colonies, consistent with colony growth by clonal expansion rather than aggregation ofMicrocystiscells. We also identified 72 bacterial species in the microbiome. EachMicrocystisgenotype had a distinct microbiome composition, and more closely related genotypes had more similar microbiomes. This pattern of phylosymbiosis could be explained by co-phylogeny in only two out of the nine most prevalent associated bacterial genera,RoseomonasandRhodobacter. These phylogenetically associated genera could enrich the metabolic repertoire ofMicrocystis,for example by encoding the biosynthesis of complementary carotenoid molecules.In contrast, other colony-associated bacteria showed weaker signals of co-phylogeny, but stronger evidence of horizontal gene transfer withMicrocystis. These observations suggest that acquired genes are more likely to be retained in both partners (Microcystisand members of its microbiome) when they are loosely associated, whereas one gene copy is sufficient when the association is physically tight and evolutionarily long-lasting.

Conclusions

We have introduced a method for culture-free isolation of single colonies from nature followed by metagenomic sequencing, which could be applied to other types of microbes. Together, our results expand the known genetic diversity of bothMicrocystisand its microbiome in natural settings, and support their long-term, specific, and potentially beneficial associations.
Impact of gender on the prognosis of carotid body tumor after surgical resection
Authors: Hu Huanrui , Xiang Yuwei , Huang Bin , Yuan Ding , Yang Yi , Zhao Jichun
Published: September 2021

Background

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms, but the prognosis of patients with resected CBTs has seldom been elucidated. This study was conducted to investigate the association between variables, especially sex, and the prognosis of carotid body tumor resection.

Methods

This was a large-volume single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients who were diagnosed with CBTs between 2009 and 2020 at our center were analyzed retrospectively. Their preoperative, surgical, and follow-up data were collected, and the association between variables and outcomes of CBT resection was assessed by correlation analysis, multivariate logistic regression, and multivariate Cox regression as appropriate.

Results

A total of 326 patients (66.6% were females) were included. Males developed larger CBTs than females (4.3 ± 1.8 cm vs. 3.8 ± 1.4 cm, P = .003). Males were more likely to develop succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB) mutations ( P = .019) and had worse relapse-free survival rates ( P = .024). Although tumor size and Shamblin classification had positive relationships with neurological complications and intraoperative blood loss, they did not affect the overall survival rate of patients, which was only influenced by remote metastasis ( P = .007) and local recurrence ( P = .008).

Conclusions

Compared to females, males with CBT resection were found to have more SDHB mutations and worse relapse-free survival rates, which may lead to the deterioration of prognosis. Tumor size and Shamblin classification cannot predict the overall survival rate of patients with excised CBTs.

Graphical abstract
Diagnostic performance of PET/CT in primary malignant bone tumors
Authors: Abdella Ahmed Eid Fahim , Elshafey Khaled Ismail , Sherif Mohammed Fouad , Nagy Hanan Ahmad
Published: September 2021

Background

Nowadays, PET/CT plays a substantial role in the diagnosis of different types of tumor by its ability to provide combined functional and anatomic imaging in the same session. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the added value of PET/CT in staging and re-staging of primary malignant bone tumors.

Results

Out of the studied 40 patients, 7 patients were referred for primary staging of different types of histologically proven primary malignant bone tumors, their FDG-PET/CT studies yielded additional diagnostic information in 28.6% of them. Thirty three patients were referred either for assessment of treatment response or for follow-up to detect any viable lesions; FDG-PET/CT was more sensitive and specific than CT in follow-up and assessment of treatment response with PET/CT sensitivity 94.4%, specificity 86.7%, and total accuracy 90.9% and CT sensitivity 88.2%, specificity 81.2%, and total accuracy 84.8%.

Conclusions

PET/CT was an accurate imaging modality in evaluation of primary malignant bone tumors regarding tumor staging, assessment of therapeutic response and detection of metastatic disease as compared to CT.
Ascertainment of Veterans With Metastatic Prostate Cancer in Electronic Health Records: Demonstrating the Case for Natural Language Processing
Authors: Alba Patrick R. , Gao Anthony , Lee Kyung Min , Anglin-Foote Tori , Robison Brian , Katsoulakis Evangelia , Rose Brent S. , Efimova Olga , Ferraro Jeffrey P. , Patterson Olga V. , Shelton Jeremy B. , Duvall Scott L. , Lynch Julie A.
Published: September 2021

PURPOSE

Prostate cancer (PCa) is among the leading causes of cancer deaths. While localized PCa has a 5-year survival rate approaching 100%, this rate drops to 31% for metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). Thus, timely identification of mPCa is a crucial step toward measuring and improving access to innovations that reduce PCa mortality. Yet, methods to identify patients diagnosed with mPCa remain elusive. Cancer registries provide detailed data at diagnosis but are not updated throughout treatment. This study reports on the development and validation of a natural language processing (NLP) algorithm deployed on oncology, urology, and radiology clinical notes to identify patients with a diagnosis or history of mPCa in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using a broad set of diagnosis and histology codes, the Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse was queried to identify all Veterans with PCa. An NLP algorithm was developed to identify patients with any history or progression of mPCa. The NLP algorithm was prototyped and developed iteratively using patient notes, grouped into development, training, and validation subsets.

RESULTS

A total of 1,144,610 Veterans were diagnosed with PCa between January 2000 and October 2020, among which 76,082 (6.6%) were identified by NLP as having mPCa at some point during their care. The NLP system performed with a specificity of 0.979 and sensitivity of 0.919.

CONCLUSION

Clinical documentation of mPCa is highly reliable. NLP can be leveraged to improve PCa data. When compared to other methods, NLP identified a significantly greater number of patients. NLP can be used to augment cancer registry data, facilitate research inquiries, and identify patients who may benefit from innovations in mPCa treatment.
Dose-Adjusted Etoposide, Doxorubicin, and Cyclophosphamide With Vincristine and Prednisone Plus Rituximab Therapy in Children and Adolescents With Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma: A Multicenter Phase II Trial
Authors: Burke G. A. Amos , Minard-Colin Veronique , Aupérin Anne , Alexander Sarah , Pillon Marta , Delgado Rafael , Zsíros József , Uyttebroeck Anne , Dartigues Peggy , Miles Rodney R. , Kazanowska Bernarda , Chiang Alan K. , Haouy Stéphanie , Bollard Catherine M. , Csoka Monika , Wheatley Keith , Barkauskas Donald A. , Adamson Peter C. , Vassal Gilles , Patte Catherine , Gross Thomas G.
Published: September 2021

PURPOSE

A dose-adjusted etoposide, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide with vincristine and prednisone plus rituximab (DA-EPOCH-R) regimen has been shown to deliver excellent survival for adults with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMLBL) without the use of radiotherapy. No international prospective evaluation of this regimen has previously been reported in children and adolescents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted an international single-arm phase II trial involving patients younger than age 18 years with PMLBL who were to receive six courses of DA-EPOCH-R. The primary end point was event-free survival (EFS). Overall survival and toxicity were also assessed. This trial was registered (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01516567 ).

RESULTS

Analyses were based on 46 patients. The median age was 15.4 years (interquartile range: 14-16 years). The median follow-up was 59.0 months (interquartile range: 52.6-69.2 months). Fourteen events were observed (eight relapses or progressions (including three parenchymal CNS relapses), four residual lymphoma, and two second malignancies). The 4-year EFS was 69.6% (95% CI, 55.2 to 80.9), which did not differ from the rate observed historically ( P = .59). Seven deaths occurred (six disease-related and one second malignancy). The overall survival was 84.8% (95% CI, 71.8 to 92.4). Twenty-two patients (48%) reached dose levels ≥ 4. Nonhematologic adverse events grade ≥ 3 or cardiac adverse events grade ≥ 2 occurred in 47 of 276 (17%) courses and 30 of 46 patients (65%).

CONCLUSION

DA-EPOCH-R did not improve the EFS compared with a historical control in this first prospective multisite international study of children and adolescents with PMLBL. Further studies are required to determine the optimum therapy for children and adolescents with this lymphoma.
Individual and Nationwide Costs for Cancer Care During the First Year After Diagnosis Among Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults in Japan
Authors: Kishimoto Kenji , Kunisawa Susumu , Fushimi Kiyohide , Imanaka Yuichi
Published: September 2021

PURPOSE:

There has been limited information on the economic evaluation of children, adolescents, and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. The aim of this study was to estimate the individual and nationwide costs for cancer care during the first year after diagnosis among children and AYAs in Japan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We estimated the direct health care costs for children (0-14 years old) and AYAs (15-29 years old) from the perspective of the public payer. Children and AYAs with newly diagnosed cancer between April 2016 and March 2018 were identified from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination Study Group database to calculate the cost per patient. The nationwide cost was estimated by the bottom-up approach, using stratification by age group, sex, and cancer classification, based on Population Estimates and Cancer Statistics data.

RESULTS:

A total of 2,939 children and 5,512 AYAs were identified. The median 1-year cost per patient after diagnosis was 2,832,840 (interquartile range, 927,490-9,222,780) JPY (in USD: median, 28,047; interquartile range, 9,183-91,310). The median 1-year cost per patient was higher in children than in AYAs in all cancer classifications. Leukemia, treatment in cancer centers, and early death as well as longer hospital stay were identified to have an impact on 1-year cost per patient after diagnosis. The 1-year nationwide cost after diagnosis was estimated as 34.83 × 109 JPY (344.8 × 106 USD).

CONCLUSION:

We showed that cancer treatments for both children and AYAs were highly cost-intensive in Japan. Our results suggest the need for further financial and policy evaluation.
In the Event of Women
Authors: Barlow Tani
Published: September 2021

In the Event of Women outlines the stakes of what Tani Barlow calls “the event of women.” Focusing on the era of the late nineteenth century through the mid-twentieth century's Cultural Revolution, Barlow shows that an event is a politically inspired action to install a newly discovered truth, in this case the mammal origins of human social evolution. Highbrow and lowbrow social theory circulating in Chinese urban print media placed humanity's origin story in relation to commercial capital's modern advertising industry and the conclusion that women's liberation involved selling, buying, and advertising industrial commodities. The political struggle over how the truth of women in China would be performed and understood, Barlow shows, means in part that an event of women was likely global because its truth is vested in biology and physiology. In so doing, she reveals the ways in which historical universals are effected in places where truth claims are not usually sought. This book reconsiders Alain Badiou's concept of the event; particularly the question of whose political moment marks newly discovered truths.
Hegemonic Mimicry
Authors: Kim Kyung Hyun
Published: September 2021

In Hegemonic Mimicry, Kyung Hyun Kim considers the recent global success of Korean popular culture—the Korean wave of pop music, cinema, and television, which is also known as hallyu—from a transnational and transcultural perspective. Using the concept of mimicry to think through hallyu's adaptation of American sensibilities and genres, he shows how the commercialization of Korean popular culture has upended the familiar dynamic of major-to-minor cultural influence, enabling hallyu to become a dominant global cultural phenomenon. At the same time, its worldwide popularity has rendered its Koreanness opaque. Kim argues that Korean cultural subjectivity over the past two decades is one steeped in ethnic rather than national identity. Explaining how South Korea leaped over the linguistic and cultural walls surrounding a supposedly “minor” culture to achieve global ascendance, Kim positions K-pop, Korean cinema and television serials, and even electronics as transformative acts of reappropriation that have created a hegemonic global ethnic identity.
Lamb1a regulates atrial growth by limiting second heart field addition during zebrafish heart development
Authors: Derrick Christopher J. , Pollitt Eric J. G. , Sanchez Sevilla Uruchurtu Ashley , Hussein Farah , Grierson Andrew J. , Noël Emily S.
Published: September 2021

During early vertebrate heart development, the heart transitions from a linear tube to a complex asymmetric structure, a morphogenetic process that occurs simultaneously with growth of the heart. Cardiac growth during early heart morphogenesis is driven by deployment of cells from the second heart field (SHF) into both poles of the heart. Laminin is a core component of the extracellular matrix and, although mutations in laminin subunits are linked with cardiac abnormalities, no role for laminin has been identified in early vertebrate heart morphogenesis. We identified tissue-specific expression of laminin genes in the developing zebrafish heart, supporting a role for laminins in heart morphogenesis. Analysis of heart development in lamb1a zebrafish mutant embryos reveals mild morphogenetic defects and progressive cardiomegaly, and that Lamb1a functions to limit heart size during cardiac development by restricting SHF addition. lamb1a mutants exhibit hallmarks of altered haemodynamics, and blocking cardiac contractility in lamb1a mutants rescues heart size and atrial SHF addition. Together, these results suggest that laminin mediates interactions between SHF deployment and cardiac biomechanics during heart morphogenesis and growth in the developing embryo.
Transitions in development – an interview with Tom Nowakowski
Authors: Eve Alex
Published: September 2021

Tom Nowakowski is an Assistant Professor at University of California San Francisco (UCSF), where he uses single-cell sequencing technologies to study neurodevelopment. He is also a Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Investigator and a Next Generation Leader at the Allen Institute for Brain Science. We met with Tom over Zoom to hear more about his career, his transition to becoming a group leader and his plans for the future.
Transitions in development – an interview with Rosa Uribe
Authors: Galander Stefan
Published: September 2021

Rosa Uribe is an Assistant Professor of BioSciences at Rice University. Having established her lab in 2017, her research focusses on identifying the genetic, cellular and signalling-level mechanisms of neural crest stem cell proliferation, migration and differentiation during embryogenesis. We caught up with Rosa to find out more about her career, her opinions about mentorship and a series of virtual seminars that she co-organises.
Halide Replacement Effect on Proton Conductivity and Vapochromic Luminescence of Pt(II) Complexes
Authors: Kobayashi Atsushi , Imada Shin-ichiro , Yao Yuze , Nagao Yuki , Kubota Yuto , Yoshida Masaki , Kato Masako
Published: September 2021

A new vapochromic, proton-conductive Pt(II) complex, [PtBr(tpypyH)]Br2 ([1Br-H]Br, tpypy = 2,2′: 6′,2′′-terpyridine-4′,4′′′-pyridine) was synthesized to improve the proton conductivity and thermal stability of the Cl− analogue, [PtCl(tpypyH)]Cl2 ([1Cl-H]Cl). The effects of halide replacement on the photophysical properties of the complex differed in the solution and solid states; the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption band of [1Br-H]Br in the solution state appeared at a longer wavelength than that of [1Cl-H]Cl owing to the stronger π-donation of Br−. In contrast, the metal-metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MMLCT) emission of [1Br-H]Br appeared at a shorter wavelength than that of [1Cl-H]Cl, which is consistent with the longer Pt⋯Pt stacking distance in [1Br-H]Br. [1Br-H]Br exhibited relative humidity-dependent proton conductivity and water vapor induced vapochromic luminescence; the conductivity was comparably higher than that of [1Cl-H]Cl, but slightly lower in the high relative humidity (RH) region above 80%, likely due to the lower hydration number of [1Br-H]Br. HBr release from [1Br-H]Br occurred at a higher temperature than HCl release from [1Cl-H]Cl, suggesting the superior thermal stability of the HBr adduct. This study demonstrates the crucial role of halide anions in attenuating both the vapochromic and proton conduction behavior of Pt(II) complexes.
Using Nonlinear Budget Sets to Estimate Extensive Margin Responses: Method and Evidence from the Earnings Test
Authors: Gelber Alexander M. , Jones Damon , Sacks Daniel W. , Song Jae
Published: September 2021

We estimate the impact of the Social Security Annual Earnings Test (AET) on older workers’ employment. The AET reduces social security claimants’ current benefits in proportion to their earnings in excess of an exempt amount. Using a regression kink design and Social Security Administration data, we document that the discontinuous change in the benefit reduction rate at the exempt amount causes a corresponding change in the slope of the employment rate, suggesting that the extensive margin of labor supply is more sensitive to this policy than commonly thought. We develop a model and method that allow us to translate the behavioral responses into a lower bound estimate of 0.49 for the extensive margin elasticity, which implies more than a 1 percentage point increase in work in the absence of the AET. (JEL H55, J14, J22, J26, J31)
The Political Premium of Television Celebrity
Authors: Xiong Heyu
Published: September 2021

This paper studies the electoral consequences of television stardom through the career of Ronald Reagan. I utilize quasi-experimental variation in television reception to estimate the causal effect of celebrity exposure on political support. I find that Reagan’s tenure as the host of a 1950s entertainment television program translated into support for his candidacy, in terms of votes and political donations, nearly two decades after the show’s first airing. Placebo checks suggest that this impact is not driven by unobserved heterogeneity or omitted variable bias. The effect was especially pronounced in the 1976 Republican primary elections relative to the general presidential elections and partially dissipated in locations where Reagan was a known political entity. Using the American National Election Studies (ANES) surveys, I provide evidence on possible mechanisms. Consistent with rational updating, nonpolitical media increased voters’ assessment of Reagan’s character and leadership, personalizing political considerations in elections featuring him. (JEL D72, L82, Z13)
Προλογικό σημείωμα
Authors: Αντωνίου Αλέξανδρος-Σταμάτιος
Published: September 2021

Προλογικό σημείωμα για τον αφιερωματικό τόμο του Παιδαγωγικού Λόγου με τίτλο: "Περί χαρισματικότητος"
H Επαγγελματική Συμβουλευτική των Χαρισματικών Μαθητών: Όταν το Ταλέντο γίνεται Δίλημμα
Authors: Σωτηράκη Καλιόππη , Αντωνίου Αλέξανδρος-Σταμάτιος
Published: September 2021

Οι χαρισματικοί μαθητές αποτελούν μία ομάδα του μαθητικού πληθυσμού, η οποία έχει απασχολήσει αρκετά την επιστημονική κοινότητα τις τελευταίες δεκαετίες. Οι ιδιαίτερες δυνατότητες αλλά και δυσκολίες που μπορεί να αντιμετωπίζουν οι μαθητές αυτής της κατηγορίας στο σχολικό και κοινωνικό τους περιβάλλον είναι πολλαπλές με αποτέλεσμα να χρειάζονται συμβουλευτική υποστήριξη για να μπορέσουν να διαχειριστούν τη διαφορετικότητα που τους διακρίνει. Η συμβουλευτική μπορεί να αφορά τόσο σε προσωπικές δυσκολίες όσο και σε ζητήματα επαγγελματικής ανάπτυξης και αποφάσεων. Σε αυτά τα ζητήματα είναι χρήσιμη η υποστήριξη των χαρισματικών μαθητών μέσω ενός προγράμματος επαγγελματικού προσανατολισμού, το οποίο θα προσαρμόζεται στο προφίλ και τις ανάγκες τους. Στόχος των διαδικασιών αυτών είναι η αυτογνωσία του μαθητή. Στην ειδική αγωγή –και ειδικότερα στην περίπτωση των χαρισματικών παιδιών– ο επαγγελματικός προσανατολισμός καλείται να λάβει επιπλέον υπόψη τις ιδιαιτερότητες και ιδιαίτερες ανάγκες των ατόμων, τα δικαιώματα που πηγάζουν από τις ανάγκες αυτές αλλά και τη στάση της κοινωνίας απέναντί τους.
The concepts of virtue after the „character – situation” debate
Authors: Szutta Natasza Anna
Published: September 2021

The article focuses on a currently hot debate in contemporary ethics that takes place between so-called situationists and the advocates of virtue ethics. The fundamental assumption made by virtue ethics is that developing and perfecting one’s moral character or moral virtues warrants one’s morally good action. Situationists claim that this assumption contradicts the results of the latest empirical studies. From this observation, they conclude that virtue ethics is based on an empirically inadequate moral psychology.In the first part of the article, I present the conceptions of virtue and moral character developed in response to the situationist criticism. I show to which degree these conceptions differ from the classical, so-called global approach in virtue ethics In the second part, based on the references to the latest empirical studies in social and cognitive psychology, I argue, against the situationist objection, that the classical notion of virtue meets the requirement of empirical adequacy. I mainly resort to the interactionist theory of personality by W. Mischel, R. Baumeister’s studies over self-control, D. Kahneman's conception of two-processual mind, and the studies over automatized processes by J. Bargh.
Where You Live Matters: Local Bank Competition, Online Marketplace Lending, and Disparity in Borrower Benefits
Authors: Alyakoob Mohammed , Rahman Mohammad S. , Wei Zaiyan
Published: September 2021

In the past decade, the proliferation of online marketplace lending has been disrupting the consumer credit market, especially for personal loans for debt consolidation. These lenders, for example, Lending Club, transcend the geographic boundaries within which local banks operate and offer homogeneous access and terms to borrowers. However, the ultimate benefits borrowers derive from marketplace lending can differ significantly because local alternatives may replace marketplace loans when available and favorable. Correspondingly, if local bank competition drives the substitution of an existing marketplace loan with a traditional bank loan, the promise of equal benefits to all borrowers from marketplace lending is unlikely to fully materialize. This competitive dynamic has implications for policy making, particularly in judging the ramifications of bank mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Our results indicate that a borrower who resides in a more competitive market is more likely to pay off a P2P loan early by making a large, one-time payment compared with a borrower from a less competitive market, indicating a substitution with a local bank loan. Thus, borrowers from different markets do not benefit equally from online marketplace lending, disrupting the consumer credit market. In particular, consumers in smaller markets continue to be disadvantaged because of the absence of competitive intensity. This is a consequence of traditional banks competing within their local markets and incentivized to attract marketplace borrowers to traditional loans primarily by their local market conditions. Therefore, unless geographic frictions in traditional lending markets are removed, digital disruptions cannot equalize the benefits to consumers.
Evaluation of Beneficial Effects of Melilotus officinalis on Blood Profiles in iron Overloaded Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Sheikh N.A. , Kosalge S.B. , Desai T.R. , Dewani A.P. , Mohale D.S. , Tripathi A.S.
Published: September 2021

Present study deals with the investigation of beneficial effects of different fraction of Melilotus officinalis (M. officinalis) on the toxic effects of iron on different blood parameters in iron overloaded sprague dawley rats. The six IP injections of iron dextran (12.5 mg/100g) were administered uniformly over a period of 30 days to induce iron overload. Different fractions of M. officinalis were given orally and Deferoxamine (DFO) subcutaneously for 30 days. The blood parameters were estimated on 15th and 30th day of treatment. Rats exposed to iron showed significant (p < 0.01) decrease in RBC counts, Total and Differential WBC counts and Platelet counts. This indicates that excess of iron in iron overloaded disease can leads to bone marrow suppression. The animals treated with methanolic fraction of methanolic extract (MFME) and methanolic fraction of aqueous extract (MFAE) of M. officinalis shows significant (P<0.01) improvement in haematological parameters as compared to disease control (DC) rats. Greater beneficial effects were observed on 30th day and at higher dose (300 mg/kg) as compared to 15th day and at lower dose (150 mg/kg). These results suggested that M. officinalis have beneficial effects on blood parameters in iron intoxicated rats.
Der Einsatz problembasierten Lernens im Blended-Learning-Studienmodell zur Erhöhung der Lernaktivität
Authors: Bockshecker Alina , Ebner Katharina , Smolnik Stefan , Anschütz Christian
Published: September 2021

Die digitale Transformation mit ihrer Komplexität und Vielfältigkeit stellt Lehrende vor große Herausforderungen, geeignete Lehr‑/Lernkonzepte zu entwickeln. Zusätzlich ergeben sich durch Blended-Learning-Studienmodelle weitere Herausforderungen in Bezug auf die didaktische und organisatorische Umsetzung von Lehr‑/Lernkonzepten. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, ein Lehr‑/Lernkonzept vorzustellen, das die digitale Transformation sowohl inhaltlich als auch didaktisch auf Basis von problembasiertem Lernen, Gamification und virtueller Gruppenarbeit umsetzt. In der Gruppenarbeit setzen sich die Studierenden inhaltlich mit vielfältigen Konzepten der digitalen Transformation auseinander und werden darauf vorbereitet, die immer neuen und komplexen Aufgaben der digitalen Transformation bewältigen zu können. Es werden zudem die notwendigen Gestaltungsanforderungen dargelegt und die zugrundeliegenden Gestaltungszyklen kurz beschrieben.
Large-scale analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike-glycoprotein mutants demonstrates the need for continuous screening of virus isolates
Authors: Schrörs Barbara , Riesgo-Ferreiro Pablo , Sorn Patrick , Gudimella Ranganath , Bukur Thomas , Rösler Thomas , Löwer Martin , Sahin Ugur
Published: September 2021

Due to the widespread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 genome is evolving in diverse human populations. Several studies already reported different strains and an increase in the mutation rate. Particularly, mutations in SARS-CoV-2 spike-glycoprotein are of great interest as it mediates infection in human and recently approved mRNA vaccines are designed to induce immune responses against it. We analyzed 1,036,030 SARS-CoV-2 genome assemblies and 30,806 NGS datasets from GISAID and European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) focusing on non-synonymous mutations in the spike protein. Only around 2.5% of the samples contained the wild-type spike protein with no variation from the reference. Among the spike protein mutants, we confirmed a low mutation rate exhibiting less than 10 non-synonymous mutations in 99.6% of the analyzed sequences, but the mean and median number of spike protein mutations per sample increased over time. 5,472 distinct variants were found in total. The majority of the observed variants were recurrent, but only 21 and 14 recurrent variants were found in at least 1% of the mutant genome assemblies and NGS samples, respectively. Further, we found high-confidence subclonal variants in about 2.6% of the NGS data sets with mutant spike protein, which might indicate co-infection with various SARS-CoV-2 strains and/or intra-host evolution. Lastly, some variants might have an effect on antibody binding or T-cell recognition. These findings demonstrate the continuous importance of monitoring SARS-CoV-2 sequences for an early detection of variants that require adaptations in preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Research on the internal flow and macroscopic characteristics of a diesel fuel injection process
Authors: Xia Hua
Published: September 2021

The internal flow and macroscopic spray behaviors of a fuel injection process were studied with schlieren spray techniques and simulations. The injection pressures(Pin)and ambient pressures(Pout)were applied in a wide range. The results showed that increasing the Pin is likely to decrease the flow performance of the nozzle. Furthermore, increasing the Pin can increase the spray tip penetration. However, the effect of Pin on the spray cone angle was not evident. The spray cone angle at an injection pressure of 160MPa was 21.7% greater than at a pressure of 100MPa during the initial spraying stage. Additionally, the discharge coefficient increased under high Pout, and the decrease in Pout can promote the formation of cavitation. Finally, increasing the Pout can decrease the penetration, while the spray angle becomes wider, especially at the initial spray stage, and high Pout will enhance the interaction of the spray and the air, which can enhance the spray quality.
South African consumers’ perceptions of front-of-package warning labels on unhealthy foods and drinks
Authors: Bopape Makoma , Taillie Lindsey Smith , Frank Tamryn , Murukutla Nandita , Cotter Trish , Majija Luyanda , Swart Rina
Published: September 2021

Front-of-package labeling (FOPL) is a policy tool that helps consumers to make informed food choices. South Africa has not yet implemented this labeling system. The aim of this study was therefore to explore adult South African consumers’ perceptions of front-of-package warning labels on foods and non-alcoholic beverages (referred to as drinks in this paper) and their insights into features that could influence the effectiveness of the warning label. Using a qualitative approach, the study purposively selected consumers diversified by urbanization, gender, socioeconomic status, and literacy. We collected data from a total of 113 participants through 12 focus group discussions. Data were systematically coded and divided into five themes namely, positive attitudes toward warning labels, perceived benefits of warning labels, perceived behavior modification, perceived beneficiaries of warning labels, and effective attributes of warning labels. Almost all participants from all socio-economic backgrounds were positive about warning labels, reporting that warning labels concisely and understandably educated them about the nutritional composition of foods. Other perceived advantages were that warning labels warn of health implications, are easily understandable and could benefit child health. Some participants anticipated that warning labels would reduce their purchases of unhealthy foods, while others thought the labels would have no effect on their purchasing habits. Participants found the warning labels attention grabbing and stated that they preferred a black triangle placed on a white background (referred to as a holding strap henceforth), the words “high in” and “warning” in bold and uppercase text, an exclamation mark, and an icon depicting the excessive nutrient. In South Africa warning labels may improve consumer understanding of nutrition information and assist consumers in determining the nutritional quality of packaged foods and drinks.
The experience of being a mother with end stage renal disease: A qualitative study of women receiving treatment at an ambulatory dialysis unit
Authors: Álvarez-Villarreal Miriam , Velarde-García Juan Francisco , García-Bravo Cristina , Carrasco-Garrido Pilar , Jimenez-Antona Carmen , Moro-Lopez-Menchero Paloma , Palacios-Ceña Domingo
Published: September 2021

Background

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has considerable effects on the quality of life, impairing daily activities and leading to lifestyle changes. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the experience of motherhood and taking care of children in women with ESKD.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory study was conducted based on an interpretive framework. Participants were recruited using non-probabilistic purposeful sampling. In total, 14 women with ESKD were included, who were treated at the dialysis unit of a Spanish hospital. In-depth interviews (unstructured and semi-structured interviews) and researchers’ field notes were used to collect the data. A systematic text condensation analysis was performed. The techniques performed and application procedures used to control trustworthiness were credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability.

Results

Three themes emerged from the data. “Coping with being a mother” described how women are faced with the decision to become mothers and assess the risks of pregnancy. The second theme, called “Children and the experience of illness”, highlighted the women’s struggle to prevent the disease from affecting their children emotionally or disrupting their lives. The third theme, “Fear of genetic transmission”, was based on the women’s fear of passing the disease on to their children.

Conclusions

Deciding to become a mother and taking care of children represents a challenge for women with ESKD, coupled with the losses in their lives caused by the disease. These findings are only relevant to women on dialysis.
Videogame exposure positively associates with selective attention in a cross-sectional sample of young children
Authors: Samson Alexandria D. , Rohr Christiane S. , Park Suhyeon , Arora Anish , Ip Amanda , Tansey Ryann , Comessotti Tiana , Madigan Sheri , Dewey Deborah , Bray Signe
Published: September 2021

There is growing interest in how exposure to videogames is associated with young children’s development. While videogames may displace time from developmentally important activities and have been related to lower reading skills, work in older children and adolescents has suggested that experience with attention-demanding/fast-reaction games positively associates with attention and visuomotor skills. In the current study, we assessed 154 children aged 4–7 years (77 male; mean age 5.38) whose parents reported average daily weekday recreational videogame time, including information about which videogames were played. We investigated associations between videogame exposure and children’s sustained, selective, and executive attention skills. We found that videogame time was significantly positively associated only with selective attention. Longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate the directional association between time spent playing recreational videogames and attention skills.
Assessment of chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from freshly drawn blood versus 24 h refrigerated blood
Authors: Tantikositruj Chananphat , Buadkhunthod Anchalee , Rattanasrisomporn Jatuporn , Kitpipit Warangkana , Boonkaewwan Chaiwat
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim: The peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) is an excellent cell source for in vitro studies, particularly those involving immunology. The aim of this study was to determine the quality and quantity of chicken PBMCs isolated from freshly drawn blood as well as blood that had been chilled for 24 h. In addition, the survival of PBMCs cultured in medium was investigated.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 12 Betong and 12 Leghorn chickens. Hemograms were analyzed. Density gradient centrifugation was used to isolate PBMCs. PBMCs (2×106 cells/mL) were cultured in a culture medium and incubated in a CO2 incubator for 5 consecutive days. The number of viable cells was determined using the trypan blue dye exclusion method.

Results: Blood samples were obtained from healthy chickens. There was no statistically significant difference in the total amount of PBMC between fresh and refrigerated blood samples from both chicken breeds. The viability of PBMCs isolated from fresh blood (95%) was significantly greater than blood refrigerated for 24 h (90-92%) in both breeds. Furthermore, the viability of PBMCs isolated from both blood samples decreased significantly over time, from 90-95% to 60-65%.

Conclusion: The total number of PBMC in fresh and refrigerated blood was not significantly different. Fresh blood-derived PBMCs had significantly higher viability than 24 h refrigerated blood PBMCs. Furthermore, the viability of PBMCs decreased significantly over time.
Special Allocation Fund (DAK) For Education Sector : A Development Evaluation Perspective Of Fiscal YEAR 2019
Authors: Pambudi Andi Setyo , Deni  , Hidayati Sri , Putri Desak Annisa Cahya , Wibowo Aditya Dwifebri Christian
Published: September 2021

National development in education is essentially carried out in order to improve the quality of human resources. In practice, this is established in a series of programs and activities involving the central and regional governments related to authority and funding capacity. One of the efforts to reduce fiscal inequality in education, the central government allocates special allocation funds (DAK). This transfer fund is needed because up to 2019 efforts to improve access and quality of education services through the fulfillment learning facilities and infrastructure standards. This paper analyse the planning and implementation of the DAK 2019 for physical assignment in education from the perspective of development evaluation. This study uses a mixed method with numerical data even secondary and primary. Data collection was obtained through discussion and questionnaires. The content analysis method is used to find gaps in central-regional planning. The study also analyse news analysis by using Intelligent Media Monitoring (IMM) tool. The results of the study found several obstacles, including: 1) Disparity in the ability of human resources in preparing proposals as well as differences in information accessibility between vocational high school (SMK) managers in urban and rural areas; 2) Budget planning is not optimal in the DAK proposal; 3) Student Practice Room (RPS) is not optimal due to the unavailability of practical equipment and equipment; 4) Determination of the allocation does not fully reflect the magnitude of the needs of school accreditation; 5) Lack of transparency and public audits in the management of DAK of Education Sector.