bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRAF6 Promoted Tumor Glycolysis in Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer by Activating the Akt‐HIFα Pathway
Authors: Feng Lihua , Feng Shuitu , Nie Zhihua , Deng Yan , Xuan Yingmei , Chen Xiaoping , Lu Yaqun , Liang Lina , Chen Yide
Published: August 2021

TRAF6 has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its precise role in tumor development has not been elaborated. In the present study, the function and the mechanism by which TRAF6 contributes to development were intensively investigated. TRAF6 was found to be overexpressed in primary NSCLC tumor tissue and all tested cell lines. Knockdown of TRAF6 with shRNA substantially attenuated NSCLC cell proliferation and anchorage‐independent growth. Moreover, tumor glycolysis, such as glucose consumption and lactate production, also significantly impaired. In TRAF6‐deficient cells, hexokinase‐2 expression was significantly reduced, which was caused by the decrease of HIF‐1α transcriptional activity. Further investigations demonstrated that TRAF6 played an important role in the regulation of Akt activation, and exogenous overexpression of constitutively activated Akt substantially rescued glycolysis suppression in TRAF6 knockdown cells. The results of the xenograft model confirmed that downregulation of TRAF6 in NSCLC tumor cells dramatically restrained tumor growth in vivo. Taken together, our studies revealed the mechanism by which TRAF6 exerts its role in NSCLC development and suggested TRAF6 maybe was a promising candidate target for lung cancer prevention and therapy.
Dexmedetomidine Directs T Helper Cells toward Th1 Cell Differentiation via the STAT1‐T‐Bet Pathway
Authors: Lei Daoyun , Liu Li , Xie Songhui , Ji Haiyan , Guo Yanxing , Ma Tieliang , Han Chao
Published: August 2021

Dexmedetomidine is an α2 adrenergic receptor agonist that has been reported to modulate the polarization of CD4+ T cells. However, the underlying mechanisms by which dexmedetomidine induces T‐helper 1 (Th1) cell differentiation remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the potential mechanisms through which dexmedetomidine can induce Th1 cell differentiation. Purified CD4+ T cells were stimulated with anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28 and then treated with dexmedetomidine. Flow cytometry analysis was adopted to measure the concentration of Th1 cells. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed to detect protein levels and mRNA expression, respectively, of IFN‐γ and IL‐4. Western blotting was used to determine the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and T‐bet expression. The Th1 cell subset and IFN‐γ levels were elevated in the dexmedetomidine‐induced CD4+ T cells. Dexmedetomidine enhanced the phosphorylation of STAT1 and the expression of T‐bet in the CD4+ T cells. Atipamezole (an α2 adrenergic antagonist) and fludarabine (a STAT1 inhibitor) reversed the dexmedetomidine‐induced Th1 cell differentiation. These results suggested that dexmedetomidine induced Th1 cell differentiation via the STAT1‐T‐bet signaling pathway.
[Retracted] Visual Mechanism Characteristics of Static Painting Based on PSO‐BP Neural Network
Authors: Wang Hai , Zhang Hongtao
Published: August 2021

Static painting works have independent theme significance in the framework of Chinese painting history, and their overall structure, lightness structure, and color structure all show different characteristics of visual mechanism. In order to extract the visual mechanism features effectively, this experiment uses the PSO algorithm to optimize the BP neural network, constructs the PSO‐BP neural network for feature recognition and extraction, and compares it with the training results of other algorithms. The results show that the prediction accuracy, recognition accuracy, and ROC curve of PSO‐BP neural network are high, which shows that the convergence of PSO‐BP neural network is good, and it can effectively complete the recognition and analysis of people and effectively extract the visual mechanism features of static writing paintings.
Diabetes Insipidus Complicating Management in a Child with COVID-19 and Multiorgan System Failure: A Novel Use for Furosemide
Authors: Gungor Sara D. , Woroniecki Robert P. , Hulfish Erin , Biagas Katherine V.
Published: August 2021

Judicious balance of fluids is needed for optimal management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Achieving optimal fluid balance is difficult in patients with disorders of fluid homeostasis such as diabetes insipidus (DI). There is little data on the use of Furosemide to aid in balancing fluid and electrolytes in patients with DI. Here, we present a critically ill 11-year-old female with developmental delay, septo-optic dysplasia, central DI, and respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 ARDS. She required careful titration of a Vasopressin infusion in addition to IV Furosemide for successful management of fluid and electrolyte derangements. On admission, she demonstrated high-volume urine output with mild hypernatremia (serum sodium 156 mmol/L). Despite her maximum Vasopressin infusion rate of 8 mU/kg/hr, by day two of admission, she voided a total of 4 L resulting in severe hypernatremia (serum sodium 171 mmol/L). With continually high Vasopressin infusion rates, her overall fluid balance became increasingly net positive, although her hypernatremia persisted. Her ARDS continued to worsen. After 48 hours of the addition of intermittent Furosemide, successful diuresis along with resolution of hypernatremia was achieved. The combination of IV Furosemide with Vasopressin infusion resulted in tailored diuresis and more controlled titration of serum sodium levels than adjustment in Vasopressin and fluids alone. These results are in contradistinction to the published literature, which focuses on the use of thiazide diuretics in managing DI. This experience highlights the potential for loop diuretics to aid in establishing a desired fluid and electrolyte status in managing patients with both DI and ARDS.
A Review of Novel Cardiac Biomarkers in Acute or Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases: The Role of Soluble ST2 (sST2), Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), and Procalcitonin (PCT)
Authors: Li Junpei , Cao Tianyu , Wei Yaping , Zhang Nan , Zhou Ziyi , Wang Zhuo , Li Jingyi , Zhang Yue , Wang Sijia , Wang Ping , Cheng Nannan , Ye Lijing , Li Minghui , Yu Yu , Ding Congcong , Tan Ziheng , Zhan Biming , He Qiangqiang , Bao Huihui , Wu Yanqing , Liu Lishun , Li Jianping , Xu Xiping , Cheng Xiaoshu , Huang Xiao
Published: August 2021

While the received traditional predictors are still the mainstay in the diagnosis and prognosis of CVD events, increasing studies have focused on exploring the ancillary effect of biomarkers for the aspiring of precision. Under which circumstances, soluble ST2 (sST2), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and procalcitonin (PCT) have recently emerged as promising markers in the field of both acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases. Existent clinical studies have demonstrated the significant associations between these markers with various CVD outcomes, which further verified the potentiality of markers in helping risk stratification and diagnostic and therapeutic work-up of patients. The current review article is aimed at illuminating the applicability of these four novels and often neglected cardiac biomarkers in common clinical scenarios, including acute myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, and chronic heart failure, especially in the emergency department. By thorough classification, combination, and discussion of biomarkers with clinical and instrumental evaluation, we hope the current study can provide insights into biomarkers and draw more attention to their importance.
Isolation and Identification of Dominant Bacteria from Raw Donkey Milk Produced in a Region of Morocco by QIIME 2 and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Derdak Reda , Quinteiro Javier , Sakoui Souraya , Addoum Boutaina , Rodríguez Castro Jorge , Rey Méndez Manuel , Soukri Abdelaziz , El Khalfi Bouchra
Published: August 2021

Recently, the interest in donkey milk has increased considerably because it proved high nutritive and functional values of their ingredients. Its chemical composition is widely studied, but its microbiota, especially lactic acid bacteria, remains less studied. This study focuses on analyzing, isolating, and identifying lactic acid bacteria and evaluating their capacity to produce biomolecules with antibacterial activity. Among 44 strains identified, 43 are Gram-positive, and most are catalase-negative and cocci-shaped. Five strains were selected to evaluate their antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Different induction methods allowed to amplify the antibacterial effects against these pathogenic strains.
Modified Smith Predictor Based on

H

2

and Predictive PI Control Strategy
Authors: Sang Shiqing , Nie Pengcheng
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a new type of modified Smith predictor based on the

H

2

and predictive PI control strategy is proposed. The modified Smith predictor not only has

H

2

robust performance but also has a similar predictive PI control structure. By introducing a time delay term, the modified Smith predictor controller overcomes the shortcoming that the conventional control algorithm can only use the low-order approximation of time delay term to design the control algorithm. The modified Smith predictor controller’s output is related to the current system error and related to the output in a period before the controller. Simultaneously, the modified Smith predictor controller is applied to conventional process systems based on dynamic optimization estimation in the case study to show absolute superiority over the nonpredictive control method (such as the classical PID control method).
Research and Optimization of Gas Extraction by Crossing-Seam Boreholes from Floor Roadway
Authors: Li Gang , Teng Jiafei
Published: August 2021

Deep coal seams are characterized by large stress, high gas pressure, and low permeability. The gas disaster threatens the safe production of coal mine seriously. Gas extraction by crossing-seam boreholes from floor roadway (GECMBFR) can reduce the pressure and content of coal seam gas, which is the main measure to prevent gas disaster. Considering the Klinkenberg effect, governing equations of gas adsorption/desorption-diffusion, gas seepage, and stress fields within the coal seam are established to form the seepage-stress coupling model. The governing equations are embodied into a finite element driven software to numerically simulate gas migration and fluid-solid coupling law in coal seam. On this basis, the process of gas extraction under different borehole spacings and diameters is simulated. The effects of these two key parameters on coal seam gas pressure, gas content, and gas permeability were analyzed. The borehole spacing and diameter were determined to be 5 m and 0.09 m, respectively. Combined with the actual situation of a mine, the process of gas extraction from floor roadway with different cross-sectional schemes, ordinary drilling boreholes and punching combined drilling boreholes, is comparatively analyzed. The results show that the gas extraction effect by ordinary drilling boreholes is lower than that of the punching combined drilling boreholes, and the extraction is uneven and makes it difficult to meet the standard. Hydraulic punching was carried out, and coal was washed out of the borehole, which expanded the contact area between the borehole wall and coal seam. The coal seam around the punching borehole is unloaded, which improves coal permeability and accelerates gas migration towards the borehole, thus promoting the efficiency of gas extraction. It is more reasonable to use punching combined drilling borehole scheme when implementing the GECMBFR technology.
An Experimental and Numerical Study on Acoustic Emission in the Process of Rock Damage at Different Stress Paths
Authors: Liang Dongxu , Zhang Nong , Rong Haoyu
Published: August 2021

The study of the damage process of rock under external loads is good guidance for geotechnical construction design. The differences in rock damage processes and damage modes under different stress paths are rarely reported. To explore the effects of stress paths on rock damage processes, uniaxial compression experiments under three stress paths were conducted. Numerical simulation is also used to simulate the rock acoustic emission (AE) and fracture process. The results of the study indicate that the maximum acoustic emission events are at the peak of stress, and fractures are mainly formed at this stage. The peak of AE energy occurs before the peak of AE events. The damage pattern and fragmentation size of the rock are related to the way the stresses are loaded. It is noticed that there is appearance of a quiet period of AE events prior to the production of significant cracks. Minor damage to the rock is accompanied by the generation of bright white spots in the specimen, which is due to the high tensile or shear stress in the units. When the stress in these units exceeds their strength, the units break down and tiny cracks appear. As the external load increased, the cracks developed and penetrated, and the specimen was damaged. Under cyclic loading and unloading, the number of AE events increased significantly compared with the controlled displacement and controlled stress loading methods, and the radius of the AE circle became larger and the energy also increased, which indicates a greater degree of destruction of the rock under cyclic loading and unloading. The results of the study are of reference significance for rock crack propagation and fracture mode influenced by stress conditions and provide some guidance for construction design under different working conditions.
The Value of CT 3D Reconstruction in the Classification and Nursing Effect Evaluation of Ankle Fracture
Authors: Xue Pan , Chen Xue , Chen Si , Shi Yuanyuan
Published: August 2021

Aim. To study the application value of ankle fracture classification and diagnosis. In this paper, the clinical data of 100 cases of ankle fracture patients admitted from May 2020 to May 2021 were analyzed by CT 3D reconstruction. All patients received surgical treatment and underwent spiral CT 3D reconstruction and X-ray examination before surgery. The results showed that 20 cases (20.00%) of the 100 cases were PER, 24 cases (24%) of the 100 cases were PAB, 31 cases (31%) of the 100 cases were SER, and 25 cases (25%) of the 100 cases were SAB, respectively. Conclusion. The diagnostic accuracy of CT 3D reconstruction for different types of ankle fracture is higher than that of X-ray, and the differences are statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). CT 3D reconstruction is applied in the early diagnosis of ankle fracture, which can accurately detect the classification of patients. It has important clinical application value and can be used as the first choice for the early classification diagnosis of ankle fracture.
[Retracted] Platelet‐Rich Plasma‐Derived Exosomal USP15 Promotes Cutaneous Wound Healing via Deubiquitinating EIF4A1
Authors: Xu Yan , Lin Ze , He Lei , Qu Yanzhen , Ouyang Liu , Han Yu , Xu Chao , Duan Deyu
Published: August 2021

Epithelial regeneration is an essential wound healing process, and recent work suggests that different types of exosomes (Exos) can improve wound repair outcomes by promoting such epithelial regeneration. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is known to facilitate enhanced wound healing, yet the mechanisms underlying its activity are poorly understood. To explore these mechanisms, we first isolated PRP‐derived Exos (PRP‐Exos). Using immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) treated with PBS, PRP, or PRP‐Exos, we conducted a series of in vitro Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), EdU, scratch wound, and transwell assays. We then established a wound defect model in vivo in mice and assessed differences in the mRNA expression within these wounds to better understand the basis for PRP‐mediated wound healing. The functions of PRP‐Exos and USP15 in the context of wound healing were then confirmed through additional in vitro and in vivo experiments. We found that PRP‐Exos effectively promoted the in vitro proliferation, migration, and wound healing activity of HaCaT cells. USP15 was further identified as a key mediator through which these PRP‐Exos were able to promote tissue repair both in vitro and in vivo. At a mechanistic level, USP15 enhanced the functional properties of HaCaT cells by promoting EIF4A1 deubiquitination. Thus, PRP‐Exos and USP15 represent promising tools that can promote wound healing via enhancing epithelial regeneration.
Relationship between the Incidence of Dengue Virus Transmission in Traditional Market and Climatic Conditions in Kaohsiung City
Authors: Huang Chung-Hao , Lin Chun-Yu , Yang Chun-Yuh , Chan Ta-Chien , Chiang Po-Huang , Chen Yen-Hsu
Published: August 2021

In 2014 and 2015, Southern Taiwan experienced two unprecedented outbreaks, with more than 10,000 laboratory-confirmed dengue cases in each outbreak. The present study was aimed to investigate the influence of meteorological and spatial factors on dengue outbreaks in Southern Taiwan and was conducted in Kaohsiung City, which is the most affected area in Taiwan. The distributed lag nonlinear model was used to investigate the role of climatic factors in the 2014 and 2015 dengue outbreaks. Spatial statistics in the Geographic Information System was applied to study the relationship between the dengue spreading pattern and locations of traditional markets (human motility) in the 2015 dengue outbreak. Meteorological analysis results suggested that the relative risk of dengue fever increased when the weekly average temperature was more than 15°C at lagged weeks 5 to 18. Elevated relative risk of dengue was observed when the weekly average rainfall was more than 150 mm at lagged weeks 12 to 20. The spatial analysis revealed that approximately 83% of dengue cases were located in the 1000 m buffer zone of traditional market, with statistical significance. These findings support the influence of climatic factors and human motility on dengue outbreaks. Furthermore, the study analysis may help authorities to identify hotspots and decide the timing for implementation of dengue control programs.
Molecular Characterization of a Reemergent Brugia malayi Parasite in Sri Lanka, Suggestive of a Novel Strain
Authors: Mallawarachchi C. H. , Chandrasena T. G. A. N. , Withanage G. P. , Premarathna R. , Mallawarachchi S. M. N. S. M. , Gunawardane Nilmini Y. , Dasanayake Ranil S. , Gunarathna Dinesh , de Silva N. R.
Published: August 2021

Sri Lanka achieved elimination status for lymphatic filariasis in 2016; still, the disease remains a potential public health issue. The present study is aimed at identifying a subperiodic Brugia sp. parasite which has reemerged in Sri Lanka after four decades via molecular‐based analysis. Polymerase chain reaction performed with pan‐filarial primers specific for the internal transcribed spacer region‐2 (ITS‐2) of the rDNA of Brugia filarial parasites isolated from human, canine, and feline blood samples yielded a 615 bp band establishing the species identity as Brugia malayi. Comparison of the ITS2 sequences of the reemerged B. malayi isolates with GenBank sequences revealed a higher sequence homology with B. pahangi than B. malayi with similar phylogenetic evidence. However, the mean interspecies Kimura‐2‐parameter pairwise divergence between the generated Brugia sequences with B. malayi and B. pahangi was less than 3%. During the analysis of parsimony sites of the new ITS2 sequences, substitutions at A36T, A296G, T373A, and G482A made the sequences different from both B. pahangi and B. malayi suggesting the possibility of a new genetic variant or a hybrid strain of B. malayi and B. pahangi. Mosquito dissections and xenomonitoring identified M. uniformis and M. annulifera as vectors of this novel strain of B. malayi circulating among cats, dogs, and humans in Sri Lanka.
Mapping Global Research on Green Finance from 1989 to 2020: A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Yu Xiaobing , Mao Ye , Huang Dongmei , Sun Zhoubao , Li Tingliao
Published: August 2021

Green finance is considered to be the financial support for green growth. It acts on the environmental protection industry through financial activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is a new financial model that combines financial and environmental protection activities. In order to explore the origin and development of this new financial model, namely, green finance, this study adopts the method of bibliometrics. Based on the database based on the Science Citation Index Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index databases, the historical evolution of green finance and the classification of research hotspots are explored. The results show that green finance research has gone through three stages: the budding stage, the stable development stage, and the booming development stage. The research topics have also changed from the establishment of the green financial system to the difficulties faced by the green financial systems of various countries to the empirical evidence of the vigorous development of green finance. In addition, we have also established a three‐dimensional framework (i.e., purpose, process, and participants, or 3P) of research hotspots in green finance to show a road map for future research directions.
An Engineered IL15 Cytokine Mutein Fused to an Anti-PD1 Improves Intratumoral T-cell Function and Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Xu Yuanming , Carrascosa Lucia Campos , Yeung Yik Andy , Chu Matthew Ling-Hon , Yang Wenjing , Djuretic Ivana , Pappas Danielle C. , Zeytounian John , Ge Zhouhong , de Ruiter Valeska , Starbeck-Miller Gabriel R. , Patterson James , Rigas Diamanda , Chen Shih-Hsun , Kraynov Eugenia , Boor Patrick P. , Noordam Lisanne , Doukas Michael , Tsao Dave , Ijzermans Jan N. , Guo Jie , Grünhagen Dirk J. , Erdmann Joris , Verheij Joanne , van Royen Martin E. , Doornebosch Pascal G. , Feldman Renny , Park Terrence , Mahmoudi Salah , Dorywalska Magdalena , Ni Irene , Chin Sherman M. , Mistry Tina , Mosyak Lidia , Lin Laura , Ching Keith A. , Lindquist Kevin C. , Ji Changhua , Londono Luz Marina , Kuang Bing , Rickert Robert , Kwekkeboom Jaap , Sprengers Dave , Huang Tzu-Hsuan , Chaparro-Riggers Javier
Published: August 2021

The use of cytokines for immunotherapy shows clinical efficacy but is frequently accompanied by severe adverse events caused by excessive and systemic immune activation. Here, we set out to address these challenges by engineering a fusion protein of a single, potency-reduced, IL15 mutein and a PD1-specific antibody (anti-PD1-IL15m). This immunocytokine was designed to deliver PD1-mediated, avidity-driven IL2/15 receptor stimulation to PD1+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) while minimally affecting circulating peripheral natural killer (NK) cells and T cells. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with a mouse cross-reactive fusion, anti-mPD1–IL15m, demonstrated potent antitumor efficacy without exacerbating body weight loss in B16 and MC38 syngeneic tumor models. Moreover, anti-mPD1–IL15m was more efficacious than an IL15 superagonist, an anti-mPD-1, or the combination thereof in the B16 melanoma model. Mechanistically, anti-PD1–IL15m preferentially targeted CD8+ TILs and single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses revealed that anti-mPD1–IL15m treatment induced the expansion of an exhausted CD8+ TIL cluster with high proliferative capacity and effector-like signatures. Antitumor efficacy of anti-mPD1–IL15m was dependent on CD8+ T cells, as depletion of CD8+ cells resulted in the loss of antitumor activity, whereas depletion of NK cells had little impact on efficacy. The impact of anti-hPD1–IL15m on primary human TILs from patients with cancer was also evaluated. Anti-hPD1–IL15m robustly enhanced the proliferation, activation, and cytotoxicity of CD8+ and CD4+ TILs from human primary cancers in vitro, whereas tumor-derived regulatory T cells were largely unaffected. Taken together, our findings showed that anti-PD1–IL15m exhibits a high translational promise with improved efficacy and safety of IL15 for cancer immunotherapy via targeting PD1+ TILs.

See related Spotlight by Felices and Miller, p. 1110.
Interleukin Polymorphisms and Predisposition of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Zongqing , Sun Tong , Song Linjian , Xue Xiaoxing , Liu Shuang , Kuang Huihui , Tian Liyuan , Xiao Zheng
Published: August 2021

Background: It is plausible that interleukin polymorphisms may affect predisposition of autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the results of so far published studies remain controversial. Objectives: The authors conducted this meta-analysis to clarify relationships between interleukin-1 (IL-1)/interleukin-4 (IL-4)/interleukin-6 (IL-6)/interleukin-10 (IL-10) polymorphisms and SLE by pooling the findings of eligible studies. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CNKI was endorsed by the authors to identify already published studies. Fifty-seven studies were found to be eligible for meta-analyses. Results: The overall pooled meta-analyses yielded positive findings for IL-1A −889 C/T, IL-1B −31 T/C, IL-6 −174 G/C, IL-4 −590 C/T, and IL-10 −1,082 A/G polymorphisms. In addition, we also detected similar positive findings for IL-1B −511 C/T, IL-4 −590 C/T, IL-10 −592 A/C, IL-10 −819 C/T, and IL-10 −1,082 A/G polymorphisms in Asians, and such positive findings were also observed for IL-1A −889 C/T, IL-6 −174 G/C, and IL-10 −1,082 A/G polymorphisms in Caucasians. Conclusions: The meta-analyses’ results suggest that IL-1A −889 C/T, IL-1B −31 T/C, IL-6 −174 G/C, IL-4 −590 C/T, and IL-10 −1,082 A/G polymorphisms might affect predisposition of SLE.
The Contribution of Known Familial Cardiovascular Disease Genes to Sudden Cardiac Death in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Schwantes-An Tae-Hwi , Vatta Matteo , Abreu Marco , Wetherill Leah , Edenberg Howard J. , Foroud Tatiana M. , Chertow Glenn M. , Moe Sharon M.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease experience high rates of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. When kidney disease progresses to the need for dialysis, sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for 25–35% of all cardiovascular deaths. The objective was to determine if rare genetic variants known to be associated with cardiovascular death in the general population are associated with SCD in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: We performed a case-control study comparing 126 (37 African American [AfAn] and 89 European ancestry [EA]) SCD subjects and 107 controls (34 AfAn and 73 EA), matched for age, sex, self-reported race, dialysis duration (<2, 2–5 and >5 years), and the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus. To target the coding regions of genes previously reported to be associated with 15 inherited cardiac conditions (ICCs), we used the TruSight Cardio Kit (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) to capture the genetic regions of interest. In all, the kit targets 572-kb regions that include the protein-coding regions and 40-bp 5′ and 3′ end-flanking regions of 174 genes associated with the 15 ICCs. Using the sequence data, burden tests were conducted to identify genes with an increased number of variants among SCD cases compared to matched controls. Results: Eleven genes were associated with SCD, but after correction for multiple testing, none of the 174 genes were identified as having more variants in the SCD cases than the matched controls, including previously identified genes. Secondary burden tests grouping variants based on diseases and gene function did not produce statistically significant associations. Discussion/Conclusions: We found no associations between genes known to be associated with ICCs and SCD in our sample of patients undergoing hemodialysis. This suggests that genetic causes are unlikely to be a major pathogenic factor in SCD in hemodialysis patients, although our sample size limits definitive conclusions.
Early childhood care and education trainees’ perspectives of their career path
Authors: Rasli Roznim Mohamad , Abdul Aziz Nor Azah , Saari Erni Marlina , Mustafa Mazlina Che , Yassin Sopia Md
Published: August 2021

Education, either formal or informal, plays an important role to help the masses. As such, educators, especially trainees, are entrusted to teach young generations all important elements, principles, or concepts in a wide range of disciplines. Surely, such an undertaking, especially for early childhood care and education, requires quality teachers. In this regard, existing early childhood care and education modules or curricula should be periodically reviewed and revamped (if necessary) to help produce competent teachers who are excellent in all aspects encompassing content, pedagogical, and technological knowledge. This paper discusses the professional growth and development of trainees in early childhood care and education (ECCE) in terms of short- and long-term goals, missions, and career path-planning. The paper also elaborates on the relevant training workshops, courses, modules, and curricula that can be implemented to help improve their practical skills. The discussion also highlights the importance of incentives, such as attractive salaries, bonuses, acknowledgments, and awards, from employers that can not only motivate trainees but also advance their professional growth and development. Certainty, strong development knowledge, practical skills, and experiences can help such trainees to be become highly competent, which can significantly contribute to nation-building efforts in Malaysia.
Teaching internship from the metaphorical lens of Filipino prospective teachers
Authors: Rogayan Jr. Danilo V. , Reusia Denn Harry R.
Published: August 2021

Understanding prospective teachers’ (PTs) conceptions and perspectives about teaching internship may serve as an anchor for understanding their new experiences. The study explores Filipino PTs’ concepts of teaching internship through a metaphorical lens. Seventy-five PTs from a state-owned university in the Philippines served as the subjects of this qualitative inquiry. Data came from written narratives and explanations provided by the participants to describe their ideas on what a teaching internship is all about. The metaphoric images were enumerated, counted, interpreted, and classified to show meaningful patterns and themes. Findings showed that conceptions converged into six categories teaching internship as: 1) An endless learning venture; 2) A rewarding obstacle to surpass; 3) A chance to be a surrogate parent; 4) An enhancement of pedagogical competence; 5) An immersion in the actual workplace; and 6) An ultimate path towards becoming a teacher. Metaphors used by the participants were a mix of positive and negative symbolisms. The study offered possible descriptions for these conceptions and their implications on teacher education institutions (TEIs). The supervision of the off-campus teaching internship program could be enhanced at the onset of Education 4.0.
Building bridges that change state Islamic universities in Indonesia toward international standard
Authors: Hamami Tasman , Hidayah Siti Nur , Sa’adah Miftahus
Published: August 2021

The learning organization is a strategic process for every university as a public service institution to improve its performance. Learning organizations have an essential role in linking past experiences to future improvements in changing State Islamic Universities in Indonesia to achieve international standards. This study aimed to describe the State Islamic University's learning organization profile in Indonesia and reveal its readiness towards international standards. This study used a survey approach, collecting data through closed questionnaires and open-ended questions involving 300 respondents consisting of lecturers and employees of the State Islamic University of Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. The data analysis technique used descriptive statistics with a benchmark scale and explanations. The results showed that the average score on all learning organization variables was low, below the benchmark scale. This result was in line with lecturers and employees' perception that most of them (68%) expressed pessimism about universities' readiness to achieve international standards. In conclusion, the State Islamic University of Sunan Kalijaga has not fully become a learning organization as a bridge of change towards an international standard.
Satisfaction on the university frontline services: From the lens of transacting students and employees
Authors: Gorospe Marivic A. , Rabanal Ma. Angelita S. , Talosa Arlene D.
Published: August 2021

Client satisfaction is an influential predictor of academic life, such as services delivered with suitable standards. Thus, the study focused on determining the level of client satisfaction on the frontline services of Cagayan State University in Aparri, Philippines from the perspective of students and employees. To assess suitability, relevance, and to ensure adequate and reliable information for the evaluation of the study, the researchers adopted the descriptive- evaluative design and ascertained the level of clients’ satisfaction on the frontline services received and experienced on the campus. The study, however, was limited to the assessment of the respondents on their level of contentment only on the frontline services and providers they have encountered. The results indicated a very high level of satisfaction with which heads of offices have gained higher satisfaction ratings than that of their staff. When grouped according to the respondents’ profile, the older students rated higher the frontline services and providers than the younger ones. At the same time, regular employees have a higher level of satisfaction as compared to non-regular. The result of the study manifests students' and employees’ very high contentment with the actual performances of the frontline service providers.
Students’ knowledge and attitudes toward basic life support
Authors: Alfakey Mysara , Alkarani Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Students spend a significant proportion of their day in colleges and healthcare facilities where they might experience medical emergencies, or unexpected accidents, that occur in these places. Nursing students are expected to play a key role in performing basic life support. This study is to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and training status with regard to basic life support (BLS). An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in Taif University, Saudi Arabia. 170 students agreed to fill out a questionnaire. The questions used in the questionnaire were prepared according to 2015 AHA guidelines. The majority of subjects (52.9%) reported that they had attended a BLS course. The mean age of the study population was 21.64 years. Previous CPR training had a significant effect on the correct responses (P <0.01). This study found significant differences between the students observed: (58.3%) of students with previous BLS training felt capable of providing CPR to their fellow college students, compared to (42.7%) in the group without previous training (P =0.01). Importantly, over all subjects the attitude to learning on a BLS training course was positive. Inconclusions this study corroborates previous reports that the knowledge, skills and attitudes of trained students are better than those of untrained students.
The development of homogeneity psycho cognition learning strategy in physical education learning
Authors: Fenanlampir Albertus , Leasa Marleny , Batlolona John Rafafy
Published: August 2021

Many future studies have been developed by scientists today in the form of methods, models, strategies, and techniques in improving student learning outcomes that are oriented to psychology and the development of students' intelligence. One of the latest innovations in learning offered in this study is the homogeneity psycho cognition (HPC) strategy. The research objective was to develop the latest learning strategies in physical education, sports, and health learning. This development research uses a 4D model consisting of four stages: define, design, develop, and disseminate to produce products in the form of an HPC learning strategy. This study involved 115 elementary school students in several sample schools in Ambon City as participants. This study found that the HPC learning strategy had been developed following the relevant development directions and procedures. The validation of the HPC strategy by experts indicates that the HPC strategy is feasible to implement with due regard to minor revisions. The results of small and medium-scale trials show that the HPC strategy can improve student learning outcomes.
Wilfully submitting to and publishing in predatory journals - a covert form of research misconduct?
Authors: Yeo-Teh Nicole Shu Ling , Tang Bor Luen
Published: August 2021

A predatory journal could be provisionally defined as one masquerading as a genuine academic publication but offer little, if any, rigorous peer review. Predatory journals or publishers place a focus on maximising financial profit, as opposed to regulated dissemination of scientific advancements. As a result, authors can often get their work published in such journals with little scrutiny on quality. Although generally warned against and discouraged, universally practiced sanctions against researchers’ submission to and publication in predatory journals are not common. Predatory publishing thus remains prevalent, particularly in places where academic success is measured by the quantity rather than quality of publication output, which feeds the journal’s business model that thrives upon significant market demand. However, such an undesirable enterprise has the potential to flood the scientific literature with unsound research that could be misleadingly perceived as authoritative. This may result in or add to the confusion of policy makers and the layperson, consequentially bringing disrepute to science and all parties involved. Here, we argue that wilfully submitting one’s manuscript to a predatory journal may constitute an active act of avoidance of rigorous peer review of one’s work. If such is the intention, it would be a questionable research practice and could be considered an, albeit covert, form of scientific misconduct. If labelled as such, and with institutional and funding rules erected to discourage the practice, predatory publishing could be effectively put out of business through diminishing the consumer demand.
Race to the Tablet? The Impact of a Personalized Tablet Educational Program
Authors: Setren Elizabeth
Published: August 2021

The presence of tablets and laptops in schools has burgeoned in recent years, with $4.9 billion spent on over 10.8 million devices in 2015. Despite the large and increasingly prevalent monetary and time investments in education technology, little causal evidence of its effectiveness exists. I estimate the effect of a Math and English Language Arts tablet educational program that supplements core instruction using a randomized controlled trial in a Boston charter middle school. I find that the personalized learning technology can substantially increase end-of-year test scores by 0.202 standard deviation in Math, but find no effects for the summative English exam. For the quarterly formative exams, I find positive, but insignificant effects for Math and marginally significant effects for English. This paper demonstrates the potential of technology to enhance student learning in Math and could serve as a cheaper alternative to high-intensity tutoring for school districts without funding or labor supply for extensive tutoring programs.
The Data Imaginaries of Climate Art: The Manifest Data Project
Authors: Corby Tom , Baily Gavin , Mackenzie Jonathan , Lane Giles , Dickson Erin , Sime Louise , Roussos George
Published: August 2021

The authors discuss a series of artworks produced since 2009, including The Southern Ocean Studies (2012), The Northern Polar Studies (2014) and Carbon Topographies (2020). Through this work they explore how climate models can be employed to develop data-driven imaginaries of climate change, its impacts and causes. They argue for the experiential potential of this information for producing differently situated ways of knowing climate, framing this through a methodological approach described as “data manifestation.”
Populism and Religion
Authors: Peker Efe , Laxer Emily
Published: August 2021

Although the populism-religion relationship is increasingly recognized in the literature, the focus has predominantly been on Western cases. This article proposes analytical tools for global comparisons. First, drawing on the ideational, performative, and strategic approaches to populism, the authors articulate how populists deploy religion in each category. Existing works have not engaged with these dimensions conjointly. Second, the authors employ this tridimensional conception to operationalize the “covert” and “overt” modes of religious populism identified in the literature. They hold that a populist movement comes closer to the former (“sacralizing the political”) or the latter (“politicizing the sacred”) depending on the extent to which it mobilizes religions in its ideas, performances, and strategies. Third, the authors exemplify these ideal types via two pairs of case studies: France and Québec (covert), and India and Turkey (overt). Finally, the authors consider how religious populisms elsewhere stack up on this spectrum, and discuss future themes for comparative research.
Keep It Halal! A Smartphone Ethnography of Muslim Dating
Authors: Hasan Farah
Published: August 2021

This article reveals how Muslim religious identity is impacted by Muslim dating apps. The development of Muslim dating apps within the last decade has led to Muslims seeking partners beyond their physical and social locality. The following research takes inner-Muslim discursive traditions into account in order to examine how Muslim males articulate and negotiate their Islamic identity in the process of partner selection. The research’s methodological approach draws from digital ethnography, with the smartphone as the primary field site. The smartphone ethnography on the app of Muzmatch will demonstrate that users are physically embedded in doctrinally heterogenous contexts. Yet, the religious framework of the app promotes a “doctrinal homogeneity” that finds expression via the discursive articulations of the app users. It will be shown that users are being shaped by the app as they incorporate the religious framework provided by it.
Dracaena neobella nom. nov., a replacement name for D. bella (L.E.Newton) Byng & Christenh. (Asparagaceae)
Authors: WEI NENG , MWACHALA GEOFFREY , HU GUANG-WAN , WANG QING-FENG
Published: August 2021

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East or Easter? Keys to the orientation of Romanesque churches along the Way of Saint James
Authors: Urrutia-Aparicio Maitane , González-García A. César , Belmonte Juan Antonio
Published: August 2021

The pilgrimage along the Way of Saint James constituted the principal mechanism for the introduction of new currents of thought into the Iberian Peninsula, such as Romanesque architecture. Taking this into account, we examined whether the standard tradition on the orientation of Christian churches was followed. We measured the orientation of 108 churches built between the end of the 10th and 13th centuries near the French Way, in the ancient kingdoms of Leon and Castile. The statistical analysis shows a clear tendency to orientate the apse of the church eastwards, specifically slightly to the north of due east. Furthermore, we found that the orientation patterns differ from one kingdom to the other. In Leon, there seems to be a predilection for the local tradition of aligning the apse toward the ecclesiastical equinox. Castile, in contrast, built their churches orientated to Easter, one of the most important feast days of Christianity.
Twentieth-century milestones in the history of the Russian ephemeris service: Marking 100 years of the Calculation Institute and astronomical yearbook
Authors: Shor Viktor Abramovich
Published: August 2021

This is the history of how the Russian ephemeris service for major and minor bodies of the solar system was created and developed to provide necessary data for the needs of astronomy, as well as ground-based, sea, and space navigation. The background of this presentation is various astronomical events described, as well as the life events of the institutions where the service was carried out.
Directly bonded single lap joints of SiCp/AA2124 composite with glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene: Hole drilling effects on lap shear strength and out-of-plane impact response
Authors: Öztoprak Nahit
Published: August 2021

Joining dissimilar materials to achieve lightweight design and energy efficiency has been increasingly popular. A joint formed by components of particle-reinforced metal and polymer matrix composite combines the merits of both materials. This paper is mainly focused on the research of the tensile lap shear and impact behavior of the dissimilar single-lap joints (SLJs) between SiCp/AA2124 composite and glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (PP). The effects of out-of-plane loading applied from different surfaces of SLJs on impact responses are evaluated. Hot pressing technique is introduced to manufacture metal/polymer assembly without using any adhesive. The hole drilling effect is investigated with the idea that it may provide weight reduction and also increase the strength of the dissimilar SLJs. The results indicate that the dissimilar SLJs show more Charpy impact strength when the impact is performed on the metal-matrix composite (MMC). Mechanical properties of SLJs are adversely affected by a drilled hole in the MMC adherend.
Multimodal Analgesia in Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Go Beatrice C. , Go Cammille C. , Chorath Kevin , Moreira Alvaro , Rajasekaran Karthik
Published: August 2021

Objective

Postoperative pain after head and neck cancer surgery is commonly treated with opioids, which are associated with considerable side effects. The objective of this study is to analyze the safety and efficacy of using multimodal analgesia (MMA) for patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery with free flap reconstruction.

Data Sources

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, and clinicaltrials.gov.

Review Methods

All studies comparing patients receiving MMA (gabapentin, corticosteroids, local anesthetic, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) vs patients receiving opioids for head and neck cancer surgery with free flap reconstruction were screened. The primary outcome was postoperative opioid usage. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, subjective pain scores, surgical/medical complications, adverse effects, and 30‐day outcomes.

Results

A total of 10 studies representing 1253 patients (MMA, n = 594; non‐MMA, n = 659) met inclusion criteria. Gabapentinoids were the most commonly used intervention (72.9%) followed by NSAIDs (44.6%), acetaminophen (44.3%), corticosteroids (25.1%), ketamine (7.2%), and nerve block (3.4%). Eight studies reported a significant decrease in postoperative opioid usage in the MMA groups. Subjective pain had wider variation, with most studies citing significant pain improvement. There were no differences in surgical outcomes, medical complications, adverse effects, or 30‐day mortality and readmission rates.

Conclusion

With the rise of the opioid epidemic, MMA may play an important role in the treatment of postoperative pain after head and neck cancer surgery. A growing body of literature demonstrates a variety of effective perioperative regimens.