bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Fourteenth-Century Islamic Philosophers
Authors: El-Rouayheb Khaled
Published: July 2020

Two handbooks were central to the study of philosophy in the Islamic world in the period from the thirteenth to the nineteenth centuries: the introductoryHidāyat al-ḥikmaby Athīr al-Dīn al-Abharī (d. 663/1265), and the more advancedḤikmat al-ʿaynby Abharī’s student Najm al-Dīn al-Kātibī al-Qazwīnī (d. 675/1276). Two fourteenth-century scholars play an important part in the early commentary tradition on these two works: Ibn Mubārakshāh al-Bukhārī who wrote what was to become the standard commentary on Kātibī’sḤikmat al-ʿayn, and Mullāzāde al-Kharziyānī, who wrote an influential commentary on Abharī’sHidāyat al-ḥikma. Despite the impact of the two commentaries, biographical information on their authors is sparse, and what has been written often confuses them with other figures. The present article attempts to review the available evidence, and to offer more secure identifications of the two commentators.
The Impact of Project Activities on the Cultivation of Ecological Citizenship in a High School Climate Change Club
Authors: Park Woo-Yong , Kim Chan-Jong
Published: July 2020

This research explored the characteristics of students’ activities and their artifacts during their participation in climate change club projects and investigated the impacts of the club project participation on students’ ecological citizenship. Climate change club projects were developed to help students understand climate change, investigate climate change issues, and plan and participate in social actions. Participants developed scientific models of causes of climate change and were expected to develop the own perspectives about socio-scientific issues related to climate change. Five types of competences of ecological citizenship were targeted through club activities: knowledge and understanding, responsibility, justice, sustainability, and participation. Researchers found activities were student centered and interactive and artifacts generated by students were resources for social action. Climate change club activities demonstrated the potential for student participation in club projects to promote competence for mitigating climate change among future generations by fostering a new form of citizenship: ecological citizenship.
Exploring Indian Middle School Students’ Conceptions of the Environment Using the Draw-an-Environment Test
Authors: Sprong Leslie Elizabeth , Martin Sonya N.
Published: July 2020

Quality environmental education (EE) is key for supporting sustainable development and use of resources. Educators in rural India face considerable challenges to teach EE in K-12 school settings. This study took place in Assam in Northeast India where non-governmental organization (NGO) educators are working to develop an EE program for students in rural areas. To reveal students’ perceptions of the environment, researchers administered the Draw-an-Environment Test (DAET) to 277 middle school students in government schools. Analysis of students’ drawings of the environment revealed that while students recognized humans have an impact on the environment, they did not fully understand the impact could often be negative and drawings did not necessarily reflect the reality of the local environment. Implications for how these findings can be used to develop responsive EE curriculum that challenges and extends students’ conceptions of the environment and the need for future research are discussed.
Vietnamese Education System and Teacher Training: Focusing on Science Education
Authors: Nguyen Van Hien , Nguyen Vu Bich Hien , Vu Thi Mai Huong , Hoang Thi Kim Hue , Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet
Published: July 2020

This article introduces the reader to past, current, and future trends in science teacher preparation and professional development in Vietnam. The authors rely on document analysis for data collection and focused analysis to describe the general education system and the mechanisms for teacher training in Vietnam from the past to the present. Research questions focused on exploring changes in the organization of the education system over time, identifying advances that have been made, and describing what challenges teacher education faces today. In addition, this paper offers a special focus on how Vietnamese pedagogy institutions are working to prepare new teachers. Finally, the authors describe how Vietnam is preparing to implement a new national general education program that will strongly affect all aspects of education, including training and retraining of teachers. The authors conclude by raising some important questions for future research and development.
The Cannabinoid 2 Receptor (CB2R) Alleviates Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced BV-2 Cells and Regulates M1/M2 Polarization
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhao Jing , Yan Hong-Yan , Peng Qiang , Dai Yong , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2020

Background: Microglia, which participates in the inflammatory responses in the CNS, can be polarized into M1 and M2 phenotypes, showing many functional properties such as the production of inflammation association molecules. The main aim of this study is to explore whether CB2R
is involved in the transformation of BV-2 cells from M1 to M2 to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, thus promoting the repair of damaged nerves. Material and Methods: The viability of BV-2 cells was detected by CCK-8 assay. For the analysis of the phenotypic properties of BV-2
cells, we further detected the expression of M1 markers (CD32, iNOS), M2 marker (Arg1) and CB2R using western blot or immunofluorescence. After transfection into cells, the overexpressed CB2R was treated with CB2R inhibitor (AM630), then the functional properties of BV-2 cell types regarding
cytokine expression profiles were assessed by measuring the production of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and ROS with ELISA assay. In addition, the neurotrophic factors, including NRF-2, HO-1 and NGF, were detected by western blot. Results: Under M1 conditions, BV-2 cells
were overexpressed with CD32 and iNOS, and M1-polarizing conditions induced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and ROS. The overexpression of CB2R promotes the transformation from M1 into M2 phenotype in BV-2 cells, following with the upregulation of Arg-1. Meanwhile, the neurotrophic
factors were increased in LPS-induced BV-2 cells after CB2R transfection. All these effects were attenuated by AM630. Conclusion: Targeting CB2R might be a new therapeutic option for the treatment of nerve injury and neurological diseases associated with neuroinflammation.
Study on Degradation Behavior and Biocompatibility of Polymethyl Methacrylate/Mineralized Collagen/Mg–Ca Alloy Composite Material
Authors: Shen Yuan-Xin , Sun Xi-Rao , Wang Cheng-Yue , Yang Jing-Xin , Bao Jia-Xin
Published: July 2020

In this study, we composited mineralized collagen and magnesium-calcium alloy by freeze-drying, followed by dip-coating PMMA bone cement to enhance the composite of mineralized collagen and magnesium-calcium alloy. In vitro degradation test was performed to observe the pH and
weight loss of the material. The contact angle test was used to detect the hydrophilicity of the material. Subsequently, MC3T3-E1 were used to assess cell biocompatibility In vitro by cell adhesion, cytotoxicity, alkaline phosphatase, alizarin red staining, and cytoskeleton. The results
showed that the pH changes of the PMMA/NHAC/Mg–Ca was slower than that of the Mg–Ca , and the weight loss rate at 7 d and 14 d were lower than that of the Mg–Ca (P < 0.05) in degradation test. Wettability experiment showed that PMMA/NHAC/Mg–Ca was a hydrophilic material
and Mg–Ca was a hydrophobic material (P < 0.05). In vitro cell experiments, the PMMA/NHAC/Mg–Ca had more cell adhesion than Mg–Ca and more synapses were connected to others. In the cytotoxicity experiment, the cell proliferation lever of PMMA/NHAC/Mg–Ca was
higher than that of Mg–Ca at each time point (P < 0.05). In the 7 d alkaline phosphatase experiment, the PMMA/NHAC/Mg–Ca showed higher ALP activity than the Mg–Ca (P < 0.05), and in the alizarin red experiment at 14 d and 28 d, there were more obvious calcified nodules
and mineralized area. After 1 day of culture in the PMMA/NHAC/Mg–Ca extract, the cells showed a clearer and more complete cytoskeletal structure and better cell morphology. In conclusion, PMMA/NHAC/Mg–Ca orthopedic implants had a better hydrophilicity, cytotoxicity and osteogenic
ability, besides with a slower rate of degradation, and could be implanted in animals for further research, which were expected to be used for the repair of clinical bone defects.
miR-218 Regulates Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β and Promotes Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Osteoblasts
Authors: Ling Long , Hu Hailan , Ishwar Yadav Ram , Gao Jianliang , Wei Xiao , Han Menghu , Cao Yanming
Published: July 2020

miR-218 is associated with osteogenesis. Bioinformatics analysis showed a targeting relationship between miR-218 and GSK-3β 3′-UTR. Our study assessed whether miR-218 regulates GSK-3β expression and affects osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal
stem cells (BMSCs). Osteogenic induction medium was used to induce BMSCs to differentiate into osteoblasts. miR-218, GSK-3β, β-catenin and RUNX2 level was detected during D10 and D20 differentiation. BMSCs cells were divided into antagomir-NC and antagomir-218, and
induced to differentiate for 20 days followed by analysis of GSK-3β, β-catenin and RUNX2 level, osteogenesis and cell differentiation by the alizarin red staining. Compared with pre-differentiation,the expression of miR-218, β-catenin and RUNX2 was gradually
increased and GSK-3β expression was decreased during the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblasts. There was a targeted regulation relationship between miR-218 and GSK-3β. Compared with the antagomir-NC group, GSK-3β protein expression was increased in
antagomir-218 transfection group, with decreased the expression of β-catenin and RUNX2 protein, reduced ALP activity as well as weakened staining degree of alizarin red. GSK-3β expression is decreased and miR-218 expression is increased during osteoblast differentiation
of BMSCs. Inhibition of miR-218 expression can up-regulate GSK-3β expression and attenuate the ability of BMSCs to differentiate into osteoblasts.
Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) Regulates Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Promoting Wnt Signaling Pathway in Atrophic Nonunion
Authors: Zhan Minqing , Wang Mingming , Zhang Juan , Jiang Xiaorui
Published: July 2020

During atrophic nonunion, Wnt signaling pathway is inhibited, resulting in inhibition of BMSC osteogenic differentiation. TGF-β regulates growth and development of the body. However, TGF-β’s effect on osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in atrophic nonunion
has not been reported. The bone tissue and serum of patients with atrophic nonunion and normal healing fractures were collected, and TGF-β mRNA and serum secretion were analyzed by Real time PCR and ELISA. Rat BMSCs were cultured and randomly divided into control group, TGF-β
group and TGF-β siRNA group which was transfected with pcDNA-TGF-β plasmid or TGF-β siRNA respectively followed by analysis of cell proliferation by MTT assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Caspase3 activity, expression of RUNX2 and OPN and PPARγ2
mRNA by Real time PCR, and WNT5A and FZD3 expression by Western blot. TGF-β mRNA level and secretion in patients with atrophic nonunion was significantly reduced compared with patients with normal healing fractures (P < 0.05). Transfection of TGF-β siRNA down-regulated
TGF-β expression in BMSCs, significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increased Caspase3 activity, decreased ALP activity, RUNX2 and OPN expression, increased PPARγ2 expression and deceased WNT5A and FZD3 expression (P < 0.05). However, transfection of pcDNA-TGF-β
plasmid up-regulated TGF-β expression in BMSCs and reversed the above changes (P < 0.05). TGF-β is reduced in atrophic nonunion patients. Targeting TGF-β promotes BMSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation by regulating Wnt signaling pathway.
MiR-195 Enhances the Sensitivity of Oral Cancer Cells to Cisplatin (DDP) by Down-Regulating the Expression of MAPK Kinase 1 (MEK1)
Authors: Niu Guoliang , Yang Meiling , Tan Shuai , Qian Hong
Published: July 2020

MAPK kinase 1 (MEK1) is involved in the development and cisplatin (DDP) resistance of various tumors. Abnormal miR-195 expression is associated with oral cancer. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a relationship between miR-195 and MEK1. This study investigated whether miR-195 affects
oral cancer cells through MEK1. The DDP-resistant cell OSCC-15/DDP was separated into miR-NC group and miR-195 mimic group followed by analysis of the expression of MEK1, p-MEK1 and p-ERK1/2 protein by Western blot, cell apoptosis and proliferation by flow cytometry. MEK1 mRNA is the target
gene of miR-195. miR-195 was significantly lower in OSCC-15/DDP cells than OSCC-15 cells and human normal oral epithelial cells (HOEC) cells. MEK1 was significantly upreg-ulated in OSCC-15/DDP cells compared to OSCC-15 cells and HOEC cells. miR-195 mimic significantly elevated miR-195 in OSC-15/DDP
cells, downregulated MEK1, p-MEK1 and p-ERK1/2 protein, promoted apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferative ability. miR-195 is related to oral cancer cell DDP resistance and upregulation of miR-195 down-regulates MEK1 expression and reduces DDP resistance.
Expression of Nod-Like Receptor Protein 3 (NLRP3) in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Patients with Sepsis
Authors: Li Ying , Tang Yongshan
Published: July 2020

Sepsis is a common clinical disease. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that is involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses. However, the expression of NLRP3 in patients with sepsis has not been elucidated. 98 patients with sepsis before and after treatment were
selected and 106 healthy volunteers were used as the control group. PBMCs were isolated from each group to measure NLRP3 and Caspase 1 level Real time PCR. The expression of serum procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-1β and IL-18 was analyzed by ELISA. NLRP3 and Caspase
1 level was significantly increased in sepsis patients before treatment with increased secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum and elevated level of PCT and CRP (P < 0.05). NLRP3, Caspase 1 expression, IL-1β and IL-18 secretion were positively correlated with
serum PCT and CRP in patients with sepsis (P < 0.05). After treatment, NLRP3 and Caspase 1 mRNA expression was significantly decreased and serum IL-1β and IL-18 secretion was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). NLRP3 is increased in sepsis and IL-1β and
IL-18 secretion is elevated, implying the involvement of NLRP3 in the occurrence and development of sepsis.
miR-194 Regulates Cisplatin Resistance in Colorectal Cancer Cells Through Targeting Yes-Associated Protein
Authors: Wu Lei , Cheng Si , Meng Yong , Huang Yahui
Published: July 2020

Elevated Yes-associated protein (YAP1) expression is associated with colorectal cancer. Bioinfor-matics analysis showed a targeting relationship between miR-194 and YAP13′-UTR. Our study assessed miR-194’s role in proliferation, apoptosis, and CDDP resistance of colorectal
cancer cells. The CDDP-resistant cell line SW480/CDDP was established and miR-194 and YAP1 level in parental SW480 cells and normal intestinal epithelial HCoEpiC cells was measured. SW480/CDDP cells were separated into control group, miR-NC group and miR-194 mimic group followed by analysis
of miR-194 and YAP1 level, cell apoptosis and proliferation by flow cytometry. There was a targeted regulatory relationship between miR-194 and YAP1 mRNA. miR-194 was significantly upregulated in SW480/CDDP cells compared to SW480 cells and downregulated in SW480 cells compared to HCoEpiC
cells. Whereas, opposite YAP1 expression profiles were found in SW480/CDDP, SW480 and HCoEpiC cells. miR-194 mimic significantly upregulated miR-194 in the SW480/CDDP cells, with decreased YAP1 expression, increased cell apoptosis, decreased cell proliferation and reduced IC50. Decreased miR-194
and increased YAP1 expression involve in CDDP resistance of colorectal cancer. Increase of miR-194 expression can inhibit colorectal cancer cell proliferation, promote apoptosis and reduce CDDP resistance by down-regulating YAP1 expression.
Effects of LncRNA Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1) Regulating Bcl-2 on Glioma Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis Through Regulating MiR-204 Expression
Authors: Lin Zheng , Wang Hui , Wang Junyou , Lin Gaojun , Lin Da
Published: July 2020

Objective: To investigate lncRNA MALAT1’s effect on glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis. Methods: qRT-PCR was applied to detect the MALAT1 RNA expression in para-carcinoma and carcinoma tissues of patients with brain glioma. After MALAT1 knockdown with small
interfering RNA (siRNA) in U87 cell line, MALAT1 and miR-204 expression levels were measured by qRT-PCR and cell proliferation was measured by CCK-8 assay. The U87 cell line with overexpressed miR-204 expression was constructed and miR-204 expression was detected by qRT-PCR. The CCK-8 assay
and flow cytometer were adopted to determine cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Annexin V/propidium iodide (AV/PI) staining was conducted to detect cell apoptosis. Targets can target gene prediction website predicted the target of miR-204 and Bcl-2 level was detected by qRT-PCR
and Western blot. Results: MALAT1 RNA in glioma tissues was significantly upregulated compared to para-carcinoma tissues (p < 0.05). After MALAT1 RNA expression was down-regulated by trans-fecting of MALAT1 siRNA, miR-204 expression was elevated, while cell viability was reduced.
Moreover, overexpression of miR-204 significantly decreased Bcl-2 mRNA and protein level (p < 0.05), reduced cell viability (p < 0.05), and increased cell apoptosis rate (p < 0.05). Conclusion: miR-204 can be up-regulated by suppressing lncRNA MALAT1 expression, thus controlling
Bcl-2 expression, resulting in inhibition of proliferation of glioma cells and promotion of cell apoptosis.
Resveratrol Reduces Cartilage Matrix Degradation and Affects Chondrocyte Apoptosis in Rats with Traumatic Arthritis
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Zhang Kongbin , Weng Yuesong , Huang Jianqiang , You Lu
Published: July 2020

Objective: Resveratrol (Resv) is a polyphenolic compound with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and other pharmacological effects in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, whether Resv has protective and therapeutic effects in post-traumatic arthritis (PTA) remains poorly understood.
We explored the function of Resv in the treatment of PTA and reducing chondrocyte matrix degradation and chondrocyte apoptosis in PTA rats. Methods: The PTA rat model was established and divided into sham group and Resv gavage group. MMP-13 and Hyp contents in the joint cavity fluid
were tested by ELISA. MMP-13 and COL2A1 protein expressions in the articular cartilage tissue were detected by Western blot. Mankin score was measured. The chondrocytes cultured in vitro and divided into control group, IL-1β group, and IL-1β + Resv group. Flow
cytometry was adopted to detect cell apoptosis. Results: MMP-13 and Hyp contents were significantly increased, MMP-13 protein expression was significantly upregulated, COL2A1 protein expression was significantly reduced, while Mankin score was increased in PTA group in comparison to
those in normal rats. Resv treatment significantly reduced MMP-13 protein expression and elevated COL2A1 protein level in cartilage tissue, decreased MMP-13 and Hyp contents in joint cavity fluid, and reduced Mankin score. After the treatment of IL-1β, the level of MMP-13 protein
was significantly elevated, with decreased COL2A1 protein level in chondrocytes, and enhanced chondrocytes apoptosis. Resv intervention significantly inhibited MMP-13 protein and increased COL2A1 level in chondrocytes, and attenuated cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Resv inhibits MMP-13
expression, attenuates chondrocyte matrix degradation and apoptosis, indicating it plays a therapeutic value in treating PTA.
Progranulin Regulates the Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Under Inflammation Through Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK)/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Pathway
Authors: Yang Zirong , Qu Hangbo , Jin Hongting
Published: July 2020

Osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs is beneficial to the treatment of osteoarthritis. Progranulin (PGRN) is a chondrogenic factor. However, the role of progranulin in the differentiation of BMSCs under inflammation remains unclear. Rat BMSCs were isolated and divided into control group,
inflammation group (treated with LPS), and PGRN group (5 and 10 /μM) followed by analysis of survival rate of BMSCs by MTT assay, Caspase 3 activity, ALP activity, expression of Runx2 and OP by real time PCR, level of MMP-3, TIMP-1, FAK and MAPK by Western blot and IL-6 and IL-10
secretion by ELISA. LPS treatment significantly inhibited BMSCs proliferation, increased Caspase 3 activity, decreased ALP activity, expression of Runx2 and OP, increased IL-6 secretion, decreased IL-10 secretion, increased MMP-3 expression, decreased expression of TIMP-1, FAK and p-P38 (P
< 0.05). PGRN treatment on BMSCs under inflammation significantly promoted cell proliferation, decreased Caspase 3 activity, increased ALP activity, expression of Runx2 and OP, decreased IL-6 secretion, increased IL-10 secretion, decreased MMP-3 expression, and increased TIMP-1, FAK and
p-P38 expression (P < 0.05) with more significant changes in the higher concentration. Under inflammation, BMSCs proliferation was inhibited, apoptosis was increased, and osteogenic differentiation was weakened. PGRN inhibits the proliferation of BMSCs and apoptosis, and promotes
osteogenic differentiation by regulating FAK/MAPK pathway.
Effect of Substance P on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation in High Glucose Environment
Authors: Yu HeTong , Li Yanjun , Ren Xiaowei , Zhao Huanhuan , Nan Chong , Ma Zhanbei
Published: July 2020

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can be used to treat bone defects. The neuropeptide substance P (SP) plays an important role in a variety of life activities. However, the effect of SP on BMSCs differentiation in high glucose environment remains unclear. Rat BMSCs were isolated
and divided into control group; high glucose group; and SP group. The secretion of SP was detected by ELISA; cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay; apoptosis activity was detected by Cas-pase3 activity kit. Real time PCR was performed to measure Bax and Bcl-2 expression. Alizarin red
staining was to detect calcified nodule formation. Western blot was done to measure AMPK/mTOR signaling protein expression. In high glucose environment, SP secretion was significantly decreased, along with increased cell proliferation, Caspase3 activity and Bax expression. Meanwhile, Bcl-2
expression, ALP activity and calcified nodules formation was significantly decreased with reduced AMPK phosphorylation and increased mTOR expression (P < 0.05). SP addition in high glucose environment significantly promoted SP secretion and cell proliferation, decreased Caspase3
activity and Bax expression, increased Bcl-2 expression, ALP activity and calcification nodules formation with increased AMPK phosphorylation and decreased mTOR expression (P < 0.05). In high glucose environment, SP secretion is decreased in BMSCs. Up-regulation of SP in BMSCs cells
in high glucose environment inhibit the apoptosis of BMSCs and promote cell proliferation and osteogenesis by regulating AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
In Vitro Induction of Epithelialization of Human Gingival Fibroblasts by Mesenchymal Stem Cells Conditioned Medium (MSCCM) and Its Effects on the Secretion of Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-1beta
Authors: Chen Yanbin , Li Xiang
Published: July 2020

Epithelial injury is difficult to restore normal structure and function upon self-repair. Tissue engineering technology provides hope for epithelial injury. It is showed that human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) could be ideal seed cells for tissue repair. Our study intends to assess mesenchymal
stem cell (MSC) conditioned medium’s effect on HGFs epithelization. HGFs were cultured In Vitro and divided into two groups, including control maintained at complete DMEM medium containing 10% FBS and induction group treated by MSC conditioned medium followed by analysis of cell
proliferation by MTT assay, cell apoptosis, Keratin and vimentin expressions by real-time PCR and Western blot. IL-6 and IL-1β secretions by ELISA. MSC conditioned medium induction significantly inhibited HGFs proliferation, increased keratin mRNA and protein levels, reduced vimentin
expression, and enhanced IL-6 and IL-1β secretions compared with control (P < 0.05). Caspase 3 activity failed to exhibit statistical significance (P > 0.05). MSC conditioned medium induced HGFs epithelization and promoted IL-6 and IL-1β secretions,
thus providing theoretical basis for the repair function of HGFs.
Mechanism of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Regulating Dendritic Cell Immune Function in Proliferation and Cell Cycle of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yunxing
Published: July 2020

To select human renal cell carcinoma cell lines VMRC-RCZ After resuscitation, culture and passage, the cell concentration was adjusted to 1 × 106/ml, and the experiment was divided into a control group, a renal cancer cell + DC group (DC group), and a renal cancer cell
+ DC+ hTERTtransfection group (transfection Group), a total of 3 groups; the recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid hTERT-IRES2-EGFP was constructed and transfected into mature DC; the renal cancer cell + DC group was transfected with the empty plasmid, and the renal cancer cell + DC+ hTERT
transfection group was transfected with the overexpression plasmid The transfection efficiency was detected by RT-PCR method. Cultured for 12 h and 24 h respectively, the percentage of HLA-DR, CD40 and MHC-II molecules in three groups of DC immunophenotypes was determined according to flow
cytometry assay, and the cytokines IL-12 and TNF-α expression level, DC apoptosis rate was detected by in situ hybridization, the rate of tumor cell proliferation was measured according to MTT method, and cell cycle was determined through flow cytometry.
Overexpression of Guanine Nucleotide Binding Protein, Alpha Stimulating (GNAS) Regulates Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in High Glucose Environment by Regulating ERK/P38 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Yuanbo , Jin Song , Xin Hui , Wang Changxin
Published: July 2020

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can treat osteoporosis. Whether GNAS affects BMSCs osteogenic differentiation under high glucose condition is unknown. Rat BMSCs were isolated and randomly divided into control group, high glucose group and GNAS group. The BMSCs were transfected
with GNAS plasmid in high glucose environment followed by analysis of GNAS expression by Real time PCR and Western blot, BMSCs proliferation by MTT assay, Caspase 3 activity, ALP activity, formation of calcified nodules by alizarin red staining, OC and BMP-2 expression by Real time PCR and
expression of ERK/P38 signaling pathway protein by Western blot. In high glucose environment, GNAS expression was significantly decreased, cell proliferation was inhibited, Caspase 3 activity was increased, along with decreased ALP activity, calcified nodules formation and expression of OC,
BMP-2, p-ERK1/2 and p-P38 (P < 0.05). GNAS plasmid transfected into high glucose environment BMSCs can significantly promote GNAS expression and cell proliferation, decrease Caspase 3 activity, increase p-ERK1/2 and p-P38 expression, ALP activity and calcified nodules formation as
well as increase OC and BMP-2 expression (P < 0.05). GNAS1 expression is decreased in BMSCs cells in a high glucose environment. Overexpression of GNAS1 can inhibit the apoptosis of BMSCs by regulating the ERK/P38 signaling pathway, promote its proliferation and differentiation into
osteogenic direction.
COVID-19 pandemic and psychological fatigue in Turkey
Authors: Morgul Ebru , Bener Abdulbari , Atak Muhammed , Akyel Salih , Aktaş Selman , Bhugra Dinesh , Ventriglio Antonio , Jordan Timothy R
Published: July 2020

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and psychological fatigue as a mental health issue among the population of Istanbul, Turkey.

Participants and methods:

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Istanbul, Turkey, between March and June 2020, where a total of 4,700 persons were approached and 3,672 (78%) of participants (64.4% males and 35.6% females) completed the Knowledge Attitude Practices (KAP) and Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) questionnaires.

Results:

In this study, 64.1% of participants were categorized as psychologically fatigued and 35.9% as normal. There was a significant difference between fatigued and normal participants with respect to age, educational level, occupational status, place of residence and number of family members ( p < .001). Other differences related to knowledge of COVID-19 were symptoms, treatment, ways of spreading ( p < .001), prevention by avoiding crowded places ( p = .008) and isolation ( p = .002). For attitudinal items, normal participants generally showed more positive attitudes than the fatigued in believing that COVID-19 will finally be controlled, satisfaction with preventive measures taken by the authorities, reporting suspected cases with symptoms and trusting that Turkey can overcome the COVID-19 pandemic ( p < .001). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis indicated that level of education, avoiding going to crowded places, eye, nose and mouth organs are sensitive organs to the virus, keeping physical distance due to epidemic affect by COVID-19 virus, isolation and treatment of people reduce the spread of COVID-19 virus and 14-days period of time, COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with the respiratory droplets of an infected person, occupational status, health education programme needed and antibody treatment variables were significantly associated with fatigue after adjusting for age, gender and income variables.

Conclusion:

The current study provides valuable information for policymakers and mental health professionals worldwide regarding associations between the mental health of individuals and the ongoing outbreak, COVİD-19.
Development and analysis of a novel obstacle avoidance strategy for a multi-robot system inspired by the Bug-1 algorithm
Authors: Kandathil Jom J , Mathew Robins , Hiremath Somashekhar S
Published: July 2020

This paper addresses the development and implementation of an obstacle avoidance strategy for a multi-robot system operating in an unknown environment. This novel strategy is based on the conventional Bug-1 obstacle avoidance algorithm, which is a non-heuristic method for obstacle avoidance in an unknown environment. In the Bug-1 algorithm, a robot circumnavigates the obstacle to find the coordinates of the point, having minimum distance to the goal. In the case of the new strategy, two robots will circumnavigate the obstacle in such a manner that it will reduce both the total travel time and the distance traveled. Information acquired by the individual robots during the circumnavigation is shared across other robots to accomplish the obstacle avoidance efficiently. A theoretical analysis is carried out to show the improvement in travel time and energy expenditure of the robots in implementing the new strategy. Different test scenarios for comparing the performance of the obstacle avoidance strategies using simulations is also identified. The simulation studies using these scenarios suggest that the new algorithm is a better algorithm with respect to multi-robot obstacle avoidance. The experimental study conducted also shows that robots using this new algorithm have a better travel time and less energy expenditure than the conventional Bug-1 algorithm.
Queer urban trauma and its spatial politics: A lesson from social movements in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
Authors: Hartal Gilly , Misgav Chen
Published: July 2020

Growing attention has been devoted to the political geography of urban social movements but trauma, its urban context and spatial politics, have been significantly neglected. This paper aims to develop the concept of ‘queer urban trauma’ and its aftermath in the sense of urban and spatial activism, through an analysis of two traumatic events for the LGBT community in Israel. It explains how traumatic events taking place within urban contexts affect the spatial politics of LGBT and queer urban activism. Based on geographies of sexualities and queer theory, this paper aims to fill this gap by analysing traumatic events in two Israeli cities: the 2009 shooting of two young queers in a youth club in Tel Aviv, and the 2015 stabbing of a young girl during the Jerusalem Pride Parade. Tel Aviv is considered the liberal centre of Israel and a local ‘gay heaven’, as well as a destination for global gay tourism. Jerusalem on the other hand is usually described with a sense of alienation among LGBT and queer individuals and movements, where every political, spatial, cultural and financial achievement is a struggle. We argue that the politics of trauma are constructed differently in these two urban settings, producing important nuances of urban activism and politics. Through this empirical discussion, we develop the concept of ‘queer urban trauma’, revealing divergent forms of spatial visibility, presence and activity of the queer movements within urban spaces.
The gnoseological meaning of Nietzsche’s eternal return and the similarities with Emerson’s thought
Authors: Langone Laura
Published: July 2020

This article aims to show how Nietzsche’s theory of the eternal return is a post-metaphysical gnoseology. It also aims to demonstrate how, in developing this theory, Nietzsche may have been inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson. For both Emerson and Nietzsche, being is continuously becoming in a circular movement. The enlightened man, wanting to attain knowledge of reality, must reproduce in himself this circular movement, which involves always experimenting with contradictory values throughout his life. He can never attain complete and definite knowledge of being, but only knowledge as approximate as possible to its true essence.
The missing generations: The Church in Wales and young people
Authors: Griffiths Mark
Published: July 2020

This is an account of the Youth Specialist’s Gathering which took place in Cardiff, South Wales in the latter months of 2019. It explores the combined thinking of a team of experts drawn from various strands of Christian youth work across Wales who together reflected upon how the church connects with young people today. As part of the process they looked at communication, issues/pressures on young people, and ecclesiology, but the main purpose of the gathering was to address a primary question: Given unlimited resources what would you do to better enable young people to encounter Jesus across Wales? The hoped-for outcome was to give direction to the church in Wales in its desire to help facilitate more young people encountering God across the country. The gathering looked at how we communicate, the specific issues young people are facing—sexting and self-harm were particulalrly identifed. The conclusion was intriguing in that overwhelmingly the key elements were relationship and connection.
‘Absentmindedly scrolling through nothing’: liveness and compulsory continuous connectedness in social media
Authors: Lupinacci Ludmila
Published: July 2020

Social media fuel a sense of unsettledness to encourage uninterrupted connectivity and generate quantifiable engagement. This article is concerned with the habitual, naturalized character acquired by these platforms and with how this is paradoxically constructed by prompting a permanent state of anticipation. The aim here is to explore, with a phenomenological sensibility, the experiences that emerge in settings of continuous connectedness from the perspective of the people who use these technologies in the context of everyday life – that is, the ‘users’. Theoretically, the entry point is to revisit the claim of liveness – and its shifting relations with issues of sequential flow and eventfulness – and to position it as a central resource in this process, in which users are deliberately encouraged to expect the unexpected even in ‘non-eventful’ situations. Drawing from the thematic analysis of data collected through the diary-interview method with people who live in London and use a range of social media, I examine both how this urge of continuous connectedness operates and the ambivalent experiences it generates. The findings were categorized into five themes: excitement, anxiety, reassurance, fatigue, and responsibility.
Encounters with Western media theory: Asian perspectives
Authors: Jin Dal Yong
Published: July 2020

The academic discourse on the West and the East is not new, and it has been commonly believed that non-Western countries must learn from the West in order to develop their own societies. Here, comprehending the notion of the West is considered significant, as it offers a model of comparison. While it is not necessary for the perspectives and process to be radical, it should be convincing to grasp Asia as a formation of a changeable force to the West. Of course, media scholars have to avoid limited perspectives emphasizing only intra-Asian dialogues; instead they must analyze Asian perspectives in the globalization context. What non-Western scholars must contemplate are not only paradigms that are unique to Asian society but also general trends and norms that apply to the globe so that they can identify new trends and directions, which provide fundamentals to advance new theories and norms in global media studies. This certainly contributes to a broadening of media theory and comprehension in a way that takes account of the practices of non-Western countries outside the Anglo-American sphere.
Mission to ‘Those of Riper Years’
Authors: Woolnough Brian E
Published: July 2020

This paper argues that the church should give especial care to the needs of older folk in their communities, needs that are often neglected. It analyses why such folk have especial needs in our contemporary society and suggests practical ways that churches can and should respond. It summarises particular approaches to learning to grow old, and to die well, given by various authors who have had experience in these areas. It considers the problem of pain and suffering and suggests a dualistic approach that can give comfort.
Developing a Thai Theological and Biblical Understanding of the World: Rethinking Thai Cosmology in Light of Divine Council theology
Authors: Hilderbrand Kelly Michael , Sritrakool Sutheera
Published: July 2020

This article is an attempt to compare and contrast biblical divine council cosmology (Heiser, 2008) with Thai Buddhist cosmology. The Ramakien and the Three Worlds According to King Ruang are the primary cultural narratives of the Thai people. These narratives give us insight into the worldview of the Thai. By comparing the Thai worldview with the biblical worldview, we can see where they intersect and where they are in conflict. The goal of this article is to spark a dialogue for producing a Thai theological and apologetic perspective that takes seriously Thai cultural worldview understandings in light of divine council cosmology and develops new tools for reaching Thai culture with the Gospel.
The Roots of Conflicts between Muslims and Christians in Indonesia in 1995–1997
Authors: Sukamto Amos , Pramono Rudy
Published: July 2020

This article discusses the roots of the Islam–Christianity conflict in the mid-1990s in Indonesia. The analysis showed that this conflict was motivated by various factors such as a feeling of dissatisfaction among Muslims, the problem of christianization that was happening not only in the community but also entered the bureaucracy and military, the emergence of various government policies and MUI fatwas, which added fuel to the already strained relations between the two religions and finally the economic disparity in which Christians were seen as people who were rich and enjoyed the fruits of the development. In the mid-1990s when detention factors, namely the authorities and the military, began to weaken, the conflict escalated to a massive scale.
A case of vaping-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring extracorporeal life support
Authors: Krishnan Sudhir , Thind Guramrinder Singh , Soliman Mona , Tolle Leslie , Mireles-Cabodevila Eduardo , Adi Ahmad , Anandamurthy Balaram , Bribriesco Alejandro , Yun James
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

An upsurge of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated lung injury has been reported in the United States. The potential role of extracorporeal life support in e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated lung injury merits consideration.

Case report:

We present a case of vaping-induced severe acute respiratory distress syndrome that was salvaged with extracorporeal life support and had excellent recovery.

Discussion:

The mechanistic reasons for the sudden outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated lung injury are under active investigation. A predominantly diffuse, bilateral pattern of lung injury has been reported, with some cases meeting the criteria for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. To date, 68 deaths from e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated lung injury have been confirmed by the centers of disease control. However, resolution of lung injury has been reported in most cases, thereby justifying candidacy for extracorporeal life support, if required.

Conclusion:

Extracorporeal life support can be successfully utilized as a bridge to recovery in vaping-induced severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Delayed graft function and perfusion parameters of kidneys from uncontrolled donors after circulatory death
Authors: Peris Adriano , Fulceri Giorgio Enzo , Lazzeri Chiara , Bonizzoli Manuela , Li Marzi Vincenzo , Serni Sergio , Cirami Lino , Migliaccio Maria Luisa
Published: July 2020

Better preservation and evaluation of kidneys from donors after circulatory death serve to increase the number of kidneys available for transplantation and hypothermic machine perfusion has been shown to decrease ischemia reperfusion injury and delayed graft function. Data on relation between hemodynamic parameters during hypothermic machine perfusion and delayed graft function in kidneys from donors after circulatory death are so far scarce and not univocal. We aimed at assessing whether hemodynamic parameters measured during hypothermic machine perfusion (flow, mean perfusion pressure, and renal resistance) are associated with delayed graft function in 26 kidneys retrieved from uncontrolled donors after circulatory death. In our series, the incidence of delayed graft function was 57.7% (15/26). Recipients who developed delayed graft function had a longer warm ischemic time (p = 0.04). All hemodynamic parameters measured during hypothermic machine perfusion were comparable between recipients with delayed graft function and those without. According to our data, in kidneys from uncontrolled donors after circulatory death, a longer warm ischemic time (that is the overall time of no flow, as the sum of the no-flow and the no-touch period) is associated with delayed graft function. This finding underscores the pivotal role of ischemic injury in terms of absence of flow in affecting graft function. No association was detectable between hemodynamic parameters during hypothermic machine perfusion and the development of delayed graft function in our series.
Antithrombin use during pediatric cardiac extracorporeal membrane oxygenation admission: insights from a national database
Authors: Aiello Salvatore R , Flores Saul , Coughlin Megan , Villarreal Enrique G , Loomba Rohit S
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

The frequency of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric patients continues to increase, especially in patients with complex congenital heart disease. Providing adequate anticoagulation is necessary for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and is achieved with adequate heparin administration. Antithrombin is administered to potentiate heparin’s effects. However, the efficacy of antithrombin supplementation is unclear and a clear clinical benefit has not been established. We present a large retrospective study examining the effects of antithrombin on pediatric patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Methods:

Data for this study were obtained from the Pediatric Health Information System and Pediatric Health Information System+ databases from 2004 to 2015. Pediatric patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with a congenital heart disease diagnosis were included and divided into groups that did or did not utilize antithrombin. For all admissions, the following were captured: age of admission, gender, year of admission, length of stay, billed charges, inpatient mortality, the presence of specific congenital malformations of the heart, specific cardiac surgeries, and comorbidities.

Results:

A total of 9,193 admissions were included and 865 (9.4%) utilized antithrombin. Between groups, there were significantly different frequencies of co-morbidities, cardiac lesion types and antithrombin usage over the study period. There were significantly lower odds in the antithrombin group of venous thrombosis. Antithrombin was not significantly associated with hemorrhage; however, antithrombin was associated with increased inpatient mortality and a decrease in length of stay and billed charges.

Conclusion:

Antithrombin administration is associated with increased mortality, a shorter length of stay, and decreased billing cost. Recently, antithrombin usage has been decreasing—potentially due to the reported lack of clinical benefit. Together, these results reinforce that antithrombin may not be indicated for all pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients.