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Fulltext A phenomenological study of synchronous teaching during COVID-19: A case of an international school in Malaysia

Jan A

Soc Sci Humanit Open, 2020;2(1):100084.
PMID: 34173504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssaho.2020.100084

To curb the COVID-19 outbreak Malaysian Government enforced movement control. As a result many private schools with an ongoing term shifted to remote teaching. This phenomenological case study explored some issues which were faced by parents and learners of primary level students during synchronous teaching. Observation was carried out for a period of 13 days on 2 primary school students of a private international school of Malaysia. Observation was followed by interviews with the same participants, where their views and reflections regarding synchronous teaching were recorded. This data was further supplemented with brief interviews with parents, whose children were also in the primary level of the same school. Nvivo 12 was used for analysis. Following Saldana's coding (2016), elemental coding methods were used, employing structural, descriptive, and in vivo coding. 62 nodes emerged during the first cycle coding process which were placed under 10 categories in the final analysis process. Results showed that parents' continuous supervision and guidance was needed in addition to the teacher's mentoring and direction when teaching online. Furthermore, data showed that one of the problems in remote teaching is lack of developing social skills of the learners as they cannot interact with their classmates in 'real-time'. Synchronous teaching increases learners' screen time which was not liked by parents. Interviews revealed that students also preferred in-class, face-to-face learning over synchronous learning. Though importance of remote teaching in this hour of crisis cannot be denied, this study concludes that implementing 100% online teaching for primary students is still at its rudimentary phase of effectiveness. This research holds high significance in opening up new perspective for educators and policy makers on how to effectively plan for online teaching in future.
Functional analysis of hydrophobin genes in sexual development of Botrytis cinerea

Terhem RB, van Kan JA

Fungal Genet. Biol., 2014 Oct;71:42-51.
PMID: 25181040 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2014.08.002

Hydrophobins are small secreted fungal proteins that play roles in growth and development of filamentous fungi, i.e. in the formation of aerial structures and the attachment of hyphae to hydrophobic surfaces. In Botrytis cinerea, three hydrophobin genes have been identified. Studies by Mosbach et al. (2011) showed that hydrophobins are neither involved in conferring surface hydrophobicity to conidia and aerial hyphae of B. cinerea, nor are they required for virulence. The present study investigated the role of hydrophobins in sclerotium and apothecium development. Expression analysis revealed high expression of the Bhp1 gene during different stages of apothecium development. Two Bhp1 splice variants were detected that differ by an internal stretch of 13 amino acid residues. Seven different mutants in which either a single, two or three hydrophobin genes were knocked out, as well as two wild type strains of opposite mating types, were characterized for sclerotium and apothecium development. No aberrant morphology was observed in sclerotium development when single deletion mutants in hydrophobin genes were analyzed. Sclerotia of double knock out mutant ΔBhp1/ΔBhp3 and the triple knock out mutant, however, showed easily wettable phenotypes. For analyzing apothecium development, a reciprocal crossing scheme was setup. Morphological aberrations were observed in crosses with two hydrophobin mutants. When the double knock out mutant ΔBhp1/ΔBhp2 and the triple knock out mutant were used as the maternal parent (sclerotia), and fertilized with wild type microconidia, the resulting apothecia were swollen, dark brown in color and had a blotched surface. After initially growing upwards toward the light source, the apothecia in many cases collapsed due to loss of structural integrity. Aberrant apothecium development was not observed in the reciprocal cross, when these same mutants were used as the paternal parent (microconidia). These results indicate that the presence of hydrophobins in maternal tissue is important for normal development of apothecia of B. cinerea.
Fulltext Positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging of macrophages in large vessel vasculitis: Current status and future prospects

Jiemy WF, Heeringa P, Kamps JAAM, van der Laken CJ, Slart RHJA, Brouwer E

Autoimmun Rev, 2018 Jul;17(7):715-726.
PMID: 29729443 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.02.006

Macrophages are key players in the pathogenesis of large-vessel vasculitis (LVV) and may serve as a target for diagnostic imaging of LVV. The radiotracer, 18F-FDG has proven to be useful in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA), a form of LVV. Although uptake of 18F-FDG is high in activated macrophages, it is not a specific radiotracer as its uptake is high in any proliferating cell and other activated immune cells resulting in high non-specific background radioactivity especially in aging and atherosclerotic vessels which dramatically lowers the diagnostic accuracy. Evidence also exists that the sensitivity of 18F-FDG PET drops in patients upon glucocorticoid treatment. Therefore, there is a clinical need for more specific radiotracers in imaging GCA to improve diagnostic accuracy. Numerous clinically established and newly developed macrophage targeted radiotracers for oncological and inflammatory diseases can potentially be utilized for LVV imaging. These tracers are more target specific and therefore may provide lower background radioactivity, higher diagnostic accuracy and the ability to assess treatment effectiveness. However, current knowledge regarding macrophage subsets in LVV lesions is limited. Further understanding regarding macrophage subsets in vasculitis lesion is needed for better selection of tracers and new targets for tracer development. This review summarizes the development of macrophage targeted tracers in the last decade and the potential application of macrophage targeted tracers currently used in other inflammatory diseases in imaging LVV.
Identification of anti-proliferative kinase inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents to treat canine osteosarcoma

Mauchle U, Selvarajah GT, Mol JA, Kirpensteijn J, Verheije MH

Vet J, 2015 Aug;205(2):281-7.
PMID: 25190293 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.08.006

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumour in dogs but various forms of therapy have not significantly improved clinical outcomes. As dysregulation of kinase activity is often present in tumours, kinases represent attractive molecular targets for cancer therapy. The purpose of this study was to identify novel compounds targeting kinases with the potential to induce cell death in a panel of canine osteosarcoma cell lines. The ability of 80 well-characterized kinase inhibitor compounds to inhibit the proliferation of four canine osteosarcoma cell lines was investigated in vitro. For those compounds with activity, the mechanism of action and capability to potentiate the activity of doxorubicin was further evaluated. The screening showed 22 different kinase inhibitors that induced significant anti-proliferative effects across the four canine osteosarcoma cell lines investigated. Four of these compounds (RO 31-8220, 5-iodotubercidin, BAY 11-7082 and an erbstatin analog) showed significant cell growth inhibitory effects across all cell lines in association with variable induction of apoptosis. RO 31-8220 and 5-iodotubercidin showed the highest ability to potentiate the effects of doxorubicin on cell viability. In conclusion, the present study identified several potent kinase inhibitors targeting the PKC, CK1, PKA, ErbB2, mTOR and NF-κB pathways, which may warrant further investigations for the treatment of osteosarcoma in dogs.
Fulltext Reference gene validation for gene expression normalization in canine osteosarcoma: a geNorm algorithm approach

Selvarajah GT, Bonestroo FAS, Timmermans Sprang EPM, Kirpensteijn J, Mol JA

BMC Vet Res, 2017 Nov 25;13(1):354.
PMID: 29178874 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1281-3

BACKGROUND: Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a common method for quantifying mRNA expression. Given the heterogeneity present in tumor tissues, it is crucial to normalize target mRNA expression data using appropriate reference genes that are stably expressed under a variety of pathological and experimental conditions. No studies have validated specific reference genes in canine osteosarcoma (OS). Previous gene expression studies involving canine OS have used one or two reference genes to normalize gene expression. This study aimed to validate a panel of reference genes commonly used for normalization of canine OS gene expression data using the geNorm algorithm. qPCR analysis of nine canine reference genes was performed on 40 snap-frozen primary OS tumors and seven cell lines.
RESULTS: Tumors with a variety of clinical and pathological characteristics were selected. Gene expression stability and the optimal number of reference genes for gene expression normalization were calculated. RPS5 and HNRNPH were highly stable among OS cell lines, while RPS5 and RPS19 were the best combination for primary tumors. Pairwise variation analysis recommended four and two reference genes for optimal normalization of the expression data of canine OS tumors and cell lines, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate combinations of reference genes are recommended to normalize mRNA levels in canine OS tumors and cell lines to facilitate standardized and reliable quantification of target gene expression, which is essential for investigating key genes involved in canine OS metastasis and for comparative biomarker discovery.
Fulltext Online Learning Satisfaction During COVID-19 Pandemic Among Chinese University Students: The Serial Mediation Model

She L, Ma L, Jan A, Sharif Nia H, Rahmatpour P

Front Psychol, 2021;12:743936.
PMID: 34675851 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.743936

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between interaction and online learning satisfaction, whether this relationship is mediated by academic self-efficacy and student engagement among Chinese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A serial mediation model was developed to examine the proposed relationship. This study employed a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based research design. A sample of 1,504 Chinese university students (M age=19.89years, SD age=1.93) from five provinces in China completed an online survey questionnaire from December 2020 to January 2021 to respond to questions on demographic characteristics and items to measure the variables in the research model. The partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to assess the measurement model and proposed serial mediation model. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS software version 3.3.2. The results of the measurement model showed good reliability and validity for all constructs. The results of the structural model and hypothesis testing showed that all hypotheses were supported in this study. Particularly, there was a significant positive relationship between interaction and online learning satisfaction (Q1), interaction and academic self-efficacy (Q2), academic self-efficacy and student engagement (Q3), and the student engagement and online learning satisfaction (Q4). In addition, the results showed that academic self-efficacy and student engagement serial mediated the relationship between interaction and online learning satisfaction (Q5). The serial mediation model explained 34.6% of the variance of online learning satisfaction. The findings shed light on the underlying mechanisms that explain students' online learning satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Universities and policymakers need to make better decisions that ultimately could lead to students' academic outcomes and achievement.
Paroxysmal Hypertension Associated With Urination

Lou Y, Fan L, Hou X, Dominiczak AF, Wang JG, Staessen JA, et al.

Hypertension, 2019 11;74(5):1068-1074.
PMID: 31564165 DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.119.13140
Diagnosis and Management of Resistant Hypertension: A Case Report

Zhang ZY, Yang WY, Dominiczak AF, Wang JG, Wu Y, Almustafa B, et al.

Hypertension, 2019 11;74(5):1064-1067.
PMID: 31422692 DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.119.13206
Is gender diversity is diversity washing or good governance for firm sustainable development goal performance: A scoping review

Asif M, Khan PA, Irfan F, Salim M, Jan A, Khan M

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Nov;30(53):114690-114705.
PMID: 37848790 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30211-6

In Industry 4.0, sustainability is the heart, and governance is the soul of the business, but diversity washing, greenwashing, and SDG washing are skeptical. This is due to the reactive/normative approach in dealing with sustainability and governance, which has created an amounting number of greenhouse gases, waste generation, and several business washing challenges. This study has explored the Scopus and Web of Science databases and searched for the keywords "Sustainable Development Goals" AND "Director," which provided 76 documents. However, when the authors added the third keyword, "ISO 37001-2021," along with the above two keywords, the database provided no study investigating the moderation role of ISO 37001-2021. Therefore, the study advocates the adoption of newly developed ISO 37000:2021 good governance standards for greenwashing, SDG washing, and diversity washing challenges without failing to contribute to the firm sustainable development goal performance and earning management. Secondly, the independent director attribute's role is vital due to the potential, power, position, and evidence to adopt ISO 37000:2021 standards. Thirdly, the scoping review study has proposed a conceptual model to extend the reporting discloser and transparency. It goes beyond mere compliance, contributes towards societal development, and promotes adopting sustainable development goal performance and reporting as a new non-financial parameter for evaluating the firm's performance. Lastly, this will boost firm sustainability and adopt the circular economic model, creating a unique competitive edge and green governance goodwill among the business's external stakeholders and attracting sustainably responsible investors.
A fractional perspective on the transmission dynamics of a parasitic infection, considering the impact of both strong and weak immunity

Tang TQ, Jan R, Shah Z, Vrinceanu N, Tanasescu C, Jan A

PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0297967.
PMID: 38656969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297967

Infectious disease cryptosporidiosis is caused by the cryptosporidium parasite, a type of parasitic organism. It is spread through the ingestion of contaminated water, food, or fecal matter from infected animals or humans. The control becomes difficult because the parasite may remain in the environment for a long period. In this work, we constructed an epidemic model for the infection of cryptosporidiosis in a fractional framework with strong and weak immunity concepts. In our analysis, we utilize the well-known next-generation matrix technique to evaluate the reproduction number of the recommended model, indicated by [Formula: see text]. As [Formula: see text], our results show that the disease-free steady-state is locally asymptotically stable; in other cases, it becomes unstable. Our emphasis is on the dynamical behavior and the qualitative analysis of cryptosporidiosis. Moreover, the fixed point theorem of Schaefer and Banach has been utilized to investigate the existence and uniqueness of the solution. We identify suitable conditions for the Ulam-Hyers stability of the proposed model of the parasitic infection. The impact of the determinants on the sickness caused by cryptosporidiosis is highlighted by the examination of the solution pathways using a novel numerical technique. Numerical investigation is conducted on the solution pathways of the system while varying various input factors. Policymakers and health officials are informed of the crucial factors pertaining to the infection system to aid in its control.
Eyes on MEGDEL: distinctive basal ganglia involvement in dystonia deafness syndrome

Wortmann SB, van Hasselt PM, Barić I, Burlina A, Darin N, Hörster F, et al.

Neuropediatrics, 2015 Apr;46(2):98-103.
PMID: 25642805 DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1399755

Pediatric movement disorders are still a diagnostic challenge, as many patients remain without a (genetic) diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pattern recognition can lead to the diagnosis. MEGDEL syndrome (3-MethylGlutaconic aciduria, Deafness, Encephalopathy, Leigh-like syndrome MIM #614739) is a clinically and biochemically highly distinctive dystonia deafness syndrome accompanied by 3-methylglutaconic aciduria, severe developmental delay, and progressive spasticity. Mutations are found in SERAC1, encoding a phosphatidylglycerol remodeling enzyme essential for both mitochondrial function and intracellular cholesterol trafficking. Based on the homogenous phenotype, we hypothesized an accordingly characteristic MRI pattern. A total of 43 complete MRI studies of 30 patients were systematically reevaluated. All patients presented a distinctive brain MRI pattern with five characteristic disease stages affecting the basal ganglia, especially the putamen. In stage 1, T2 signal changes of the pallidum are present. In stage 2, swelling of the putamen and caudate nucleus is seen. The dorsal putamen contains an "eye" that shows no signal alteration and (thus) seems to be spared during this stage of the disease. It later increases, reflecting progressive putaminal involvement. This "eye" was found in all patients with MEGDEL syndrome during a specific age range, and has not been reported in other disorders, making it pathognomonic for MEDGEL and allowing diagnosis based on MRI findings.
100 Questions in Livestock Helminthology Research

Morgan ER, Aziz NA, Blanchard A, Charlier J, Charvet C, Claerebout E, et al.

Trends Parasitol, 2019 01;35(1):52-71.
PMID: 30477758 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.10.006

An elicitation exercise was conducted to collect and identify pressing questions concerning the study of helminths in livestock, to help guide research priorities. Questions were invited from the research community in an inclusive way. Of 385 questions submitted, 100 were chosen by online vote, with priority given to open questions in important areas that are specific enough to permit investigation within a focused project or programme of research. The final list of questions was divided into ten themes. We present the questions and set them briefly in the context of the current state of knowledge. Although subjective, the results provide a snapshot of current concerns and perceived priorities in the field of livestock helminthology, and we hope that they will stimulate ongoing or new research efforts.

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