bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digitalization of the Educational Environment: Risk Assessment of Distance Education by Russian and Vietnamese Students
Authors: Noskova A. V. , Goloukhova D. V. , Proskurina A. S. , Nguen T. H. 
Published: January 2021

The digitalization of higher education is a long-term trend that gained a new impetus for further development because of the forced transition to distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the article is to analyze the impact of digital transformation on the educational process in universities and to describe the risks through the students’ eyes. The analysis is based on the results of a survey conducted by the authors in 2020 among students of two universities - Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and the Institute of the Trade Union Movement of the General Confederation of Labor of Vietnam (IPLV).The article describes the methodology of the online survey. The attitude towards distance learning is interpreted as a three-level attitude with emotional, cognitive and behavioral aspects. It is suggested that students’ readiness to switch to distance learning is determined by a set of macro and micro factors. Among the macro factors are the national specifics of the educational system, traditions in the field of higher education, infrastructure, the national educational policy, and the mobilization potential of the population. Among the micro factors are the cognitive and other psychological characteristics of the students, the socio-psychological openness to innovation.According to the survey results, there is certain similarity in the way Russian and Vietnamese students assess their experience of distance learning. At the same time, significant differences in the perception of the outcome of the digital transformation of education have been revealed. For MGIMO students, major risks are associated with dehumanization, the severing of social ties, and the possible loss of student status. For Vietnamese students the most significant risks are mainly associated with the fears of the decreasing quality of education. It is therefore concluded that distance learning is both the field of opportunities and possible source of individual and institutional risks.
Can a different pasta making process preserve the starch’s ultrastructure, increasing its digestibility?
Authors: Gaddi Antonio Vittorino , Savo Maria Teresa , Capello Fabio , Castiglione Gaetano 
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND: Pasta plays an important role in human nutrition, nevertheless its organoleptic, structural and bromatologic properties have not been completely studied. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to compare the ultrastructure pasta cross-sections produced with reduced mechanic stress and low heat exposure technique (Pietro Massi Technology ™) to common samples obtained with traditional technology in order to assess if a different process can alter the ultrastructure of starch and then, its digestibility. METHODS: A comparative study was performed on the ultrastructure of pasta using scanning electron microscopy (S.E.M). 55 were pasta cross-sections made with Pietro Massi technology, 33 were samples from different pasta factory produced using traditional process, for a total of 88 samples analysed. RESULTS: According to an Index based on what it was observed at one slide at S.E.M we classified samples and compared the number of grains, caves and canals visible, their dimensions in μm and average size of grains. The number of grains in group 1 (9.06±5.01) in group 2 (5.71±5.77), in group 3 (5.93±7.65) resulted significative more elevated compared to group 4 (0.73±2.58); in group 1 and group 2 the number of caves observed was higher than group 4. The size in μm of canals resulted significantly more elevated in group 1 than group 3 ( p = 0.008), group 2( p = 0.013), and group 4 ( p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The analysis of average size of caves and canals in μm, the number of caves and grains demonstrated in samples obtained with Massi technology elevated values compared to samples obtained with traditional technique. The number of caves, grains and canals visible in the starch surface demonstrate the high quality of this pasta because they likely ensure penetration of water during cooking, facilitating at the same time the penetration of pancreatic amylases during digestion, suggesting a better digestibility in pasta produced according to this methodology.
ФЕНОМЕНОЛОГІЧНА ПЕДАГОГІКА ЯК СМИСЛОВИЙ АСПЕКТ МЕТОДОЛОГІЇ СУЧАСНОЇ ОСВІТИ
Authors: Сафонова І. О. 
Published: January 2021

Ми розглядаємо феноменологічний підхід як методологічну основу, що обумовлює нове бачення – глибоке прояснення сутностей і смислів освітніх проблем, онтологічних засад освіти людини і пояснює педагогічну необхідність їх вирішення. Основною ідеєю феноменологічного підходу в освіті є ідея «життєвого світу» особистості, її цілісності. Утвердження холістичної парадигми цілісності в методології освіти, в якій Людина розглядається як найвище втілення холізму, як найвища цілісність, що припускає: «постійно прагнути побачити, відчути, випробувати і зрозуміти єдність всіх речей» – «жити в цілісності» (Пол Шафер), сприятиме конвергенції природничо-наукових і гуманітарних наук, когнітивних знань і ціннісно-смислових параметрів, формуванню цілісної людини. Феноменологічний підхід у педагогіці найприродніший, що відповідає внутрішній сутності людини, оскільки досвід суб'єкта – єдиний життєвий досвід, в якому переживається сприйняття світу, себе, іншої людини, свобода, відповідальність, гідність людини.
Проблеми освіти найчастіше розглядаються лише як проблеми зовнішнього простору, але не меншою проблемою є проблема «освіти себе», пов'язана з сутністю, екзистенцією людини, її смислами, внутрішньою природою. Освіта – це гуманітарний простір самотворення, самоосвіти людини, її духовного пробудження, що має забезпечуватись такими природо­відповідними, культурними механізмами, як: підтримка, супроводження, педагогічна допомога, духовна співпричетність в освітньому процесі з боку викладача та прагнення до самовдосконалення самого студента.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) Tropical and Temperate Lineages: Uncovering Differences During Ehrlichia canis Infection
Authors: Sanches Gustavo Seron , Villar Margarita , Couto Joana , Ferrolho Joana , Fernández de Mera Isabel G. , André Marcos Rogério , Barros-Battesti Darci Moraes , Machado Rosangela Zacarias , Bechara Gervásio Henrique , Mateos-Hernández Lourdes , de la Fuente José , Antunes Sandra , Domingos Ana 
Published: January 2021

The tick vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus is established as a complex of closely related species with high veterinary-medical significance, in which the presence of different genetic, morphological, and biological traits has resulted in the recognition of different lineages within taxa. One of the most striking differences in the “temperate” and “tropical” lineages of R. sanguineus (s.l.) is the vector competence to Ehrlichia canis, suggesting that these ticks tolerate and react differently to pathogen infection. The present study addresses the SG and MG proteome of the R. sanguineus tropical and temperate lineages and compares their proteomic profile during E. canis infection. Batches of nymphs from the two lineages were allowed to feed on naïve and experimentally E. canis infected dogs and after molting, adults were dissected, and salivary glands and midgut tissues separated. Samples were screened for the presence of E. canis before proteomic analyses. The representation of the proteins identified in infected and non-infected tissues of each lineage was compared and gene ontology used for protein classification. Results highlight important differences in those proteomic profiles that added to previous reported genetic, biological, behavioral, and morphological differences, strengthening the hypothesis of the existence of two different species. Comparing infected and non-infected tissues, the results show that, while in midgut tissues the response to E. canis infection is similar in the salivary glands, the two lineages show a different pattern of protein representation. Focusing on the proteins found only in the infected condition, the data suggests that the cement cone produced during tick feeding may be implicated in pathogen infection. This study adds useful information to the debate on the controversial R. sanguineus systematic status, to the discussion related with the different vectorial competence occurring between the two lineages and identifies potential targets for efficient tick and tick-borne disease control.
The Threshold Effect: Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Primary Macrophages Are Differentially Regulated in an iRhom2-Dependent Manner
Authors: Skurski Joseph , Dixit Garima , Blobel Carl P. , Issuree Priya D. , Maretzky Thorsten 
Published: January 2021

A well-controlled innate immune response is characterized by a rapid yet self-limiting inflammatory response. Although much is known about the range of inflammatory stimuli capable of triggering an innate immune response, the mechanisms which govern the degree of inflammation induced by inflammatory insults and the mechanisms in place to reset or maintain homeostasis are poorly understood. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a potent early response pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by immune cells following a broad range of insults spanning autoimmunity and metabolic diseases to pathogenic infections. Previous studies have shown that a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 17 controls the release of soluble TNF and epidermal growth factor receptor signaling. Utilizing a genetic model of ADAM17 deficiency through the deletion of its regulator, the inactive rhomboid 2 (iRhom2), we show that loss of ADAM17 activity in innate immune cells leads to decreased expression of various cytokines in response to low levels of pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) stimulation but not at high-dose stimulation. In addition, TNF receptor (TNFR) 1/2-deficient bone marrow-derived macrophages yielded significantly reduced TNF expression following low levels of PAMP stimulation, suggesting that signaling through the TNFRs in immune cells drives a feed-forward regulatory mechanism wherein low levels of TNF allow sustained enhancement of TNF expression in an iRhom2/ADAM17-dependent manner. Thus, we demonstrate that inflammatory expression of TNF and IL1β is differentially regulated following high or low doses of PAMP stimulation, invoking the activation of a previously unknown regulatory mechanism of inflammation.
Clinical Presentation and Treatment Outcomes of Children and Adolescents With Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma in a Single Center in Korea
Authors: Park Hyojung , Kim Min-Sun , Lee Jiwon , Kim Jung-Han , Jeong Byong Chang , Lee Sanghoon , Lee Suk-Koo , Cho Sung Yoon , Jin Dong-Kyu 
Published: January 2021

PurposePheochromocytoma (PCC) and paraganglioma (PGL) (PPGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors, and data on managing these conditions in children and adolescents are lacking. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes in children and adolescents with PPGL in a single tertiary care center in Korea.MethodsThis retrospective study included 23 patients diagnosed with PCC (n = 14) and PGL (n = 9) before the age of 21 at Samsung Medical Center (from June 1994 to June 2019). We describe age, gender, family history, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, pathologic findings, therapeutic approaches, and treatment outcomes.ResultsOf the 23 patients, 14 had PCC and nine had PGL. The median age at diagnosis was 16.8 years (range, 6.8–20.8 years). The common presenting symptoms were hypertension (n = 10), headache (n = 9), palpitation (n = 4), and sweating (n = 4). The plasma or 24-hour urine catecholamine and/or metabolite concentrations were markedly elevated in 22 patients with PPGL, but were normal in one patient with carotid body PGL. All tumors were visualized on computed tomography. Genetic tests were performed in 15 patients, and seven patients showed mutations in RET (n = 3), SDHB (n = 3), and VHL (n = 1). All patients underwent surgery, and complete excision was performed successfully. Three patients with metastasis underwent postoperative adjuvant therapy.ConclusionThis study suggests that pediatric PPGL tends to be extra-adrenal and bilateral and shows a higher potential for genetic mutations. Considering the hereditary predisposition of pediatric PPGL, genetic screening tests are strongly recommended, and lifelong follow-up is needed to detect recurrence and metastasis. Further research with a larger sample size and routine genetic screening is needed to better understand the genetic conditions and long-term prognosis of PPGL.
Tissue Hydrogen Peroxide Concentration Can Explain the Invasiveness of Aquatic Macrophytes: A Modeling Perspective
Authors: Asaeda Takashi , Rashid Md Harun , Schoelynck Jonas 
Published: January 2021

In recent years, an invasive macrophyte, Egeria densa, has overwhelmingly colonized some midstream reaches of Japanese rivers. This study was designed to determine how E. densa has been able to colonize these areas and to assess the environmental conditions that limit or even prevent colonization. Invasive species (E. densa and Elodea nuttallii), and Japanese native species (Myriophyllum spicatum, Ceratophyllum demersum, and Potamogeton crispuss) were kept in experimental tanks and a flume with different environmental conditions. Tissue hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations were measured responding to either individual or multiple environmental factors of light intensity, water temperature, and water flow velocity. In addition, plants were sampled in rivers across Japan, and environmental conditions were measured. The H2O2 concentration increased in parallel to the increment of unpreferable levels of each abiotic factor, and the trend was independent of other factors. The total H2O2 concentration is provided by the sum of contribution of each factor. Under increased total H2O2 concentration, plants first started to decrease in chlorophyll concentration, then reduce their growth rate, and subsequently reduce their biomass. The H2O2 concentration threshold, beyond which degradation is initiated, was between 15 and 20 µmol/gFW regardless of the environmental factors. These results highlight the potential efficacy of total H2O2 concentration as a proxy for the overall environmental condition. In Japanese rivers, major environmental factors limiting macrophyte colonization were identified as water temperature, high solar radiation, and flow velocity. The relationship between the unpreferable levels of these factors and H2O2 concentration was empirically obtained for these species. Then a mathematical model was developed to predict the colonization area of these species with environmental conditions. The tissue H2O2 concentration decreases with increasing temperature for E. densa and increases for other species, including native species. Therefore, native species grow intensively in spring; however, they often deteriorate in summer. For E. densa, on the other hand, H2O2 concentration decreases with high water temperature in summer, allowing intensive growth. High solar radiation increases the H2O2 concentration, deteriorating the plant. Although the H2O2 concentration of E. densa increases with low water temperature in winter, it can survive in deep water with low H2O2 concentration due to diffused solar radiation. Currently, river rehabilitation has created a deep zone in the channel, which supports the growth and spreading of E. densa.
Char Products From Bamboo Waste Pyrolysis and Acid Activation
Authors: Parthasarathy Prakash , Mackey Hamish R. , Mariyam Sabah , Zuhara Shifa , Al-Ansari Tareq , McKay Gordon 
Published: January 2021

Bamboo is found worldwide but is especially concentrated in tropical and subtropical areas with the major producing nations being China, Indonesia and Thailand with an annual production of 12 million tonnes. It has found uses in many applications such as: furniture, flooring, roofing, fencing, interior design and scaffolding in the construction industry. In this study, discarded waste bamboo furniture was used in the ground form as the raw material feedstock for the production of a series of biochars and activated carbons. The biochars were produced at different temperatures, namely, 723, 823, 923, 1,023, 1,123 and 1223 K, in a muffle furnace inerted with nitrogen and for different pyrolysis times. The product chars yields were 20–30% by weight of the raw material, surface areas were 100–350 m2/g. Other tests include elemental analysis, helium displacement density, pH, ICP-AES on a leachate sample. Four of the different temperature samples of biochar were used to adsorb the basic dye methylene blue and were shown to possess high adsorption capacities. Then, the same bamboo raw material powder was treated with acid and pyrolysed/activated in a nitrogen atmosphere at the same range of temperatures to produce activated carbons; these were characterized using similar test methods to the biochars. The yields are in the range 20–40% by weight of the raw material feedstock and the BET surface areas are in the range 200–600 m2/g. Three of the different temperature activated carbons were used to adsorb methylene blue and the results were compared with the biochar results. All the adsorption experimental isotherm results were analyzed using conventional isotherm equations. The benefits and cost implications of both biochar and activated carbon routes are discussed. The methylene blue adsorption capacities are extremely attractive in the range 0.42–1.12 mmol/g (150–300 mg/g char product) and extend to over 2.35 mmol/g (700 mg/g) for the bamboo derived activated carbons. The micropore and mesopore volumes have been determined under the various char and activated carbon experimental conditions and coupled with the surface areas; these results have been used to explain the trends in the methylene blue adsorption capacities.
Long Non-coding RNA BTG3-7:1 and JUND Co-regulate C21ORF91 to Promote Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Progress
Authors: Dan Zheng , Xiujing He , Ting Luo , Xiaorong Zhong , Hong Zheng , Jiqiao Yang , Yanchu Li , Jing Jing 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of highly invasive breast cancer with poor prognosis. Recently, massive data reveal that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in cancer progress. Recently, although the role of lncRNAs in breast cancer has been well documented, few focused on TNBC. In this study, we aimed to systematically identify functional lncRNAs and to explore its molecular mechanism on TNBC progress.MethodsThe recurrence of lncRNAs and their target genes were validated with TNBC biopsies and cell lines. Total one hundred and thirteen TNBC biopsies, including nineteen patient-matched samples, were collected. The profile of TNBC-related lncRNAs and their target genes were characterized by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatic analysis. Tumor specific lncRNAs, which also showed biological function correlated with TNBC, were identified as potential candidates; and the target genes, which regulated by the identified lncRNAs, were predicted by the analysis of expression correlation and chromosome colocalization. Cross bioinformatic validation was performed with TNBC independent datasets from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). The biological functions and molecular mechanism were investigated in TNBC model cell lines by cell colony forming assay, flow cytometry assay, western-blot, RNA Fluorescence in situ Hybridization assay (RNA FISH) and chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR (ChIP-qPCR).ResultsAbundant Lnc-BTG3-7:1, which targets gene C21ORF91, was specifically observed in TNBC biopsies and cell lines. Knockdown of Lnc-BTG3-7:1 or C21ORF91 strongly inhibited cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis and cell cycle G1-arrested. Meanwhile, investigation of molecular mechanism indicated that Lnc-BTG3-7:1, cooperated with transcription factor JUND, cis-regulated the transcription of C21ORF91 gene, and down-regulation of Lnc-BTG3-7:1/C21ORF91 suppressed GRB2-RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK and GRB2-PI3K-AKT-GSK3β-β-catenin pathways.ConclusionsIn this study, we identified a TNBC specific lncRNA Lnc-BTG3-7:1, which sustained tumor progress. Up-regulation of Lnc-BTG3-7:1 promoted the transcription of oncogene C21ORF91 and activated PI3K-AKT-GSK3β-β-catenin and MAPK pathways. Taken together, our results not only identified a biomarker for diagnosis but also provided a potential therapeutic target against TNBC.
Intercellular Communication by Vascular Endothelial Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Their MicroRNAs in Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Fujimoto Shota , Fujita Yu , Kadota Tsukasa , Araya Jun , Kuwano Kazuyoshi 
Published: January 2021

Respiratory diseases and their comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and muscle atrophy, have been increasing in the world. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which include exosomes and microvesicles, are released from almost all cell types and play crucial roles in intercellular communication, both in the regulation of homeostasis and the pathogenesis of various diseases. Exosomes are of endosomal origin and range in size from 50 to 150 nm in diameter, while microvesicles are generated by the direct outward budding of the plasma membrane in size ranges of 100–2,000 nm in diameter. EVs can contain various proteins, metabolites, and nucleic acids, such as mRNA, non-coding RNA species, and DNA fragments. In addition, these nucleic acids in EVs can be functional in recipient cells through EV cargo. The endothelium is a distributed organ of considerable biological importance, and disrupted endothelial function is involved in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Endothelial cell-derived EVs (EC-EVs) play crucial roles in both physiological and pathological conditions by traveling to distant sites through systemic circulation. This review summarizes the pathological roles of vascular microRNAs contained in EC-EVs in respiratory diseases, mainly focusing on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Furthermore, this review discusses the potential clinical usefulness of EC-EVs as therapeutic agents in respiratory diseases.