bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação de aprendizagem no contexto escolar: Breve análise (contexto histórico, objetivos e desafios)
Authors: Barbosa Alex do Carmo , Carvalho Aline dos Santos Moreira de
Published: April 2022

A avaliação de aprendizagem ou escolar é um processo complexo que exige, para seu entendimento conceitual, uma breve análise do seu contexto histórico. No atual processo educativo brasileiro, a discussão sobre os verdadeiros objetivos da avaliação desdobra-se em desafios para a educação nacional, para as escolas, para os educandos e educadores. O presente estudo justifica-se pela necessidade de alertar os profissionais da educação  sobre a verdadeira compreensão do real objetivo da avaliação e sua importância não só no processo da aprendizagem e formação dos estudantes mas em prol de melhorias na metodologia e didática docente e tem por objetivo sensibilizar professores e pedagogos sobre a necessidade de promover mudanças urgentes no processo avaliativo na educação básica, analisando o contexto histórico da avaliação e discutindo acerca de seus objetivos e desafios. Para tal, o procedimento metodológico utilizado nesta pesquisa foi de pesquisa bibliográfica de caráter exploratório. A coleta e análise de dados foi realizada em meio virtual, em bases de dados confiáveis e em artigos publicados em sites de artigos científicos e de instituições renomadas, assim como em livros. Os resultados e discussões foram apresentados em dois tópicos distintos, dos quais: Avaliação escolar, breve contexto histórico; Avaliação escolar, entre objetivos e desafios atuais. E as conclusões e impressões do autor nas considerações finais.
Bacterial resistance to azithromycin: causes, effects, and the fight against COVID-19
Authors: Silva Segundo Raylton Jansen e , Rufino Júlia Passos , Sousa Lunalva Gabrielli Veras , Rodrigues Anna Eduarda Linhares , Falcão Anna Lira Soares , Lima Isabelle Carvalho de Melo , Cavalcanti Lívia Ayres de Miranda , Dias Ana Carolina Soares , Oliveira Filho José Williams Gomes de
Published: April 2022

Introduction: azithromycin was one of the most employed medications during the beginning of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, despite the lack of scientific basis for its use treatment of COVID-19. Its uncontrolled adoption has risen as a public health problem, as it promotes the appearance of drug-resistant bacterial strains, making it difficult to effectively treat many bacterial infections. Objective: to understand the implications of bacterial resistance to azithromycin in the treatment of infections in the fight against COVID-19. Methods: we surveyed a total of 38 scientific articles. The inclusion criteria were: studies whose central theme was bacterial resistance to azithromycin in the treatment of bacterioses and azithromycin in the fight against COVID-19, published from 2015 to 2022. Results: the widespread use of antibiotics may act in the selection of bacterial strains which had long held genetic traits for drug resistance, but which, not representing adaptative advantages, did not proliferate in the subsequent lineages. This direct proportionality between the widespread use and bacterial resistance to azithromycin is yet more aggravated in COVID-19 times, when part of the medical community and layman population self-medicates with azithromycin, without a scientific basis that justifies choosing this drug. Conclusion: there is a direct relationship between the indiscriminate use of azithromycin and a potential bacterial resistance to this drug. The appearance of resistant bacteria represents a serious public health problem due to the broad use of azithromycin against several bacterial infections.
Unexpected residual habitats raise hope for the survival of the fan mussel Pinna nobilis along the Occitan coast (Northwest Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Peyran C , Morage T , Nebot-Colomer E , Iwankow G , Planes S
Published: April 2022

In 2019, the status of the Mediterranean fan mussel Pinna nobilis was elevated to ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List, in response to the pandemic caused by the parasite Haplosporidium pinnae. Identifying refuge habitats, free from parasites, is critical to the survival of the mussel. The distribution of P. nobilis was investigated along the Occitan coast (Northwest Mediterranean Sea) because of the presence of a unique lagoonal system that may provide potential refuges. Interviews with users and managers were conducted to identify target zones where the species was sighted. In situ surveys were carried out to define the main aggregations of fan mussels and characterize the habitat. Line transects were deployed to count and measure individuals to estimate density, abundance, and size distribution. Population densities were variable, ranging from 0.6 ± 0.2 (SE) to 70.8 ± 7.6 ind. 100 m-2, representing one of the highest densities reported in the Mediterranean Sea. The total abundance of individuals across the coast was extrapolated to 163000, with 87% located in Thau and Salses-Leucate, highlighting these lagoons as essential for the survival of the species. This study also revealed the diversity of habitats colonized by P. nobilis. In the context of the pandemic, only the lagoon populations remain unaffected and provide natural refuges that have disappeared from all open-water coastal areas. However, the conditions in these lagoons could become unfavorable, leading to the collapse of the last P. nobilis populations. We therefore propose that Thau and Salses-Leucate lagoons, which harbor the largest remaining populations of P. nobilis, should be declared as conservation priorities.
Osmanlı Gazeteciliği ve Ahaliye Ulaşmak, Ahaliyi Görünür Kılmak: Tasvir-i Efkâr Örneği
Authors: KARAGÖZ KIZILCA Gül
Published: April 2022

Osmanlı İmparatorluğu’nda gazetecilik görece geç bir tarihte başlamıştır. Bununla birlikte, Osmanlı gazetecileri ilk günden itibaren büyük bir hevesle ahalinin sesi oldukları iddiasıyla gazete çıkarmışlardır. Tanzimat reformları çerçevesinde sözü verilen haklara dayanarak, ilk Osmanlı gazetecileri, Bâbıali’nin halkına karşı sorumluluklarını tanımlamaya çalışmışlardır. Aynı zamanda çıkarttıkları gazetelerle, Osmanlı ahalisine, söz konusu haklarını tanıtmışlardır. Bu çalışmada, ilk Osmanlı gazetecilerinin gazetecilik anlayışı ele alınmaktadır. Bunun için Tasvir-i Efkâr gazetesinin Şinasi’nin yönetimi altında çıkan 1862-1865 yılları arasına odaklanılmıştır. Şinasi, geniş kitlelere ulaşmak için sade ve ulaşılabilir bir dille gazetesini çıkarmıştır. Makale, Şinasi yönetimindeki Tasvir-i Efkâr’ın, gazetecilik üslubuyla ve halkın haklarını savunarak Osmanlı ahalisini görünür kıldığını göstermeyi amaçlamaktadır. Şinasi, ardıllarına sıradan halkın dilek ve şikayetlerinin dillendirildiği bir gazetecilik mirası bırakmıştır
Epigenetic Differences in Long Non-coding RNA Expression in Finnish and Russian Karelia Teenagers With Contrasting Risk of Allergy and Asthma
Authors: Ndika Joseph , Karisola Piia , Lahti Vilma , Fyhrquist Nanna , Laatikainen Tiina , Haahtela Tari , Alenius Harri
Published: April 2022

Background

Previously, we investigated skin microbiota and blood cell gene expression in Finnish and Russian teenagers with contrasting incidence of allergic conditions. The microbiota and transcriptomic signatures were distinctly different, with high Acinetobacter abundance and suppression of genes regulating innate immune response in healthy subjects.

Objective

Here, we investigated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression profiles of blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy and allergic subjects, to identify lncRNAs that act at the interphase of microbiome-mediated immune homeostasis in allergy/asthma.

Methods

Genome-wide co-expression network analyses of blood cell lncRNA/mRNA expression was integrated with skin microbiota profiles of Finnish (69) and Russian (75) subjects. Selected lncRNAs were validated by stimulation of cohort-derived PBMCs and a macrophage cell model with birch pollen allergen (Betv1) or lipopolysaccharide, respectively.

Results

Finnish and Russian PBMCs were differentiated by 3,818 lncRNA transcripts. In the Finnish subjects with high prevalence of allergy and asthma, a subset of 37 downregulated lncRNAs (including, FAM155A-IT1 and LOC400958) were identified. They were part of a co-expression network with 20 genes known to be related to asthma and allergic rhinitis (R > 0.95). Incidentally, all these 20 genes were also components of pathways corresponding to cellular response to bacterium. The Finnish and Russian samples were also differentiated by the abundance of 176 bacterial OTU (operational taxonomic units). The subset of 37 lncRNAs, associated with allergy, was most correlated with the abundance of Acinetobacter (R > +0.5), Jeotgalicoccus (R > +0.5), Corynebacterium (R < −0.5) and Micrococcus (R < −0.5).

Conclusion

In Finnish and Russian teenagers with contrasting allergy and asthma prevalence, epigenetic differences in lncRNA expression appear to be important components of the underlying microbiota-immune interactions. Unraveling the functions of the 37 differing lncRNAs may be the key to understanding microbiome-immune crosstalk, and to develop clinically relevant biomarkers.
Virally Mediated Connexin 26 Expression in Postnatal Scala Media Significantly and Transiently Preserves Hearing in Connexin 30 Null Mice
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Wenwen , Kim Sun Myoung , Wang Jianjun , Zhou Binfei , Kong Weijia , Zheng James , Lin Xi
Published: April 2022

Non-sensory cells in the sensory epithelium of the cochlea are connected extensively by gap junctions. Functionally null mutations in GJB6 (encoding Cx30) cause hearing loss in humans. In this study, we injected AAV1-CB7-Gjb2 into the scala media between P0-2 in the cochlea of Gjb6−/− mice. The injection increased Cx26 expression and significantly preserved auditory functions. However, the hearing preservation gradually declined and essentially disappeared 3 months after the injections. In contrast, the morphological preservation was still significant at 3 months post-injection. We found that the expression of Cx26, at both the mRNA and protein levels, showed substantial decreases during the 3-month period. Curiously, treatments by injecting AAV1-CB7-Gjb6 with the identical approach failed to yield any hearing preservation. Our results demonstrated the first successful cochlear gene therapy treatment in mouse models by virally expressing a companion gene of Gjb6.
Recent Progress in Red Blood Cells-Derived Particles as Novel Bioinspired Drug Delivery Systems: Challenges and Strategies for Clinical Translation
Authors: Vincy Antony , Mazumder Sarmistha , Amrita  , Banerjee Indranil , Hwang Kuo Chu , Vankayala Raviraj
Published: April 2022

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)-derived particles are an emerging group of novel drug delivery systems. The natural attributes of RBCs make them potential candidates for use as a drug carrier or nanoparticle camouflaging material as they are innately biocompatible. RBCs have been studied for multiple decades in drug delivery applications but their evolution in the clinical arena are considerably slower. They have been garnering attention for the unique capability of conserving their membrane proteins post fabrication that help them to stay non-immunogenic in the biological environment prolonging their circulation time and improving therapeutic efficiency. In this review, we discuss about the synthesis, significance, and various biomedical applications of the above-mentioned classes of engineered RBCs. This article is focused on the current state of clinical translation and the analysis of the hindrances associated with the transition from lab to clinic applications.
Microbiota-Associated Biofilm Regulation Leads to Vibrio cholerae Resistance Against Intestinal Environmental Stress
Authors: Cho Jennifer Y. , Liu Rui , Hsiao Ansel
Published: April 2022

The commensal microbes of the gut microbiota make important contributions to host defense against gastrointestinal pathogens, including Vibrio cholerae, the etiologic agent of cholera. As interindividual microbiota variation drives individual differences in infection susceptibility, we examined both host and V. cholerae gene expression during infection of suckling mice transplanted with different model human commensal communities, including an infection-susceptible configuration representing communities damaged by recurrent diarrhea and malnutrition in cholera endemic areas and a representative infection-resistant microbiota characteristic of healthy individuals. In comparison to colonization of animals with resistant microbiota, animals bearing susceptible microbiota challenged with V. cholerae downregulate genes associated with generation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen stress, while V. cholerae in these animals upregulates biofilm-associated genes. We show that V. cholerae in susceptible microbe infection contexts are more resistant to oxidative stress and inhibitory bile metabolites generated by the action of commensal microbes and that both phenotypes are dependent on biofilm-associated genes, including vpsL. We also show that susceptible and infection-resistant microbes drive different bile acid compositions in vivo by the action of bile salt hydrolase enzymes. Taken together, these findings provide a better understanding of how the microbiota uses multiple mechanisms to modulate the infection-associated host environment encountered by V. cholerae, leading to commensal-dependent differences in infection susceptibility.
Dual RNA Sequencing Reveals Key Events When Different Giardia Life Cycle Stages Interact With Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Rojas Laura , Grüttner Jana , Ma’ayeh Showgy , Xu Feifei , Svärd Staffan G.
Published: April 2022

Giardia intestinalis is a protozoan parasite causing diarrheal disease, giardiasis, after extracellular infection of humans and other mammals’ intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) of the upper small intestine. The parasite has two main life cycle stages: replicative trophozoites and transmissive cysts. Differentiating parasites (encysting cells) and trophozoites have recently been shown to be present in the same regions of the upper small intestine, whereas most mature cysts are found further down in the intestinal system. To learn more about host-parasite interactions during Giardia infections, we used an in vitro model of the parasite’s interaction with host IECs (differentiated Caco-2 cells) and Giardia WB trophozoites, early encysting cells (7 h), and cysts. Dual RNA sequencing (Dual RNAseq) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both Giardia and the IECs, which might relate to establishing infection and disease induction. In the human cells, the largest gene expression changes were found in immune and MAPK signaling, transcriptional regulation, apoptosis, cholesterol metabolism and oxidative stress. The different life cycle stages of Giardia induced a core of similar DEGs but at different levels and there are many life cycle stage-specific DEGs. The metabolic protein PCK1, the transcription factors HES7, HEY1 and JUN, the peptide hormone CCK and the mucins MUC2 and MUC5A are up-regulated in the IECs by trophozoites but not cysts. Cysts specifically induce the chemokines CCL4L2, CCL5 and CXCL5, the signaling protein TRKA and the anti-bacterial protein WFDC12. The parasite, in turn, up-regulated a large number of hypothetical genes, high cysteine membrane proteins (HCMPs) and oxidative stress response genes. Early encysting cells have unique DEGs compared to trophozoites (e.g. several uniquely up-regulated HCMPs) and interaction of these cells with IECs affected the encystation process. Our data show that different life cycle stages of Giardia induce different gene expression responses in the host cells and that the IECs in turn differentially affect the gene expression in trophozoites and early encysting cells. This life cycle stage-specific host-parasite cross-talk is an important aspect to consider during further studies of Giardia’s molecular pathogenesis.
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knockout of the Dicer and Ago2 Genes in BHK-21 Cell Promoted Seneca Virus A Replication and Enhanced Autophagy
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Wang Shuo , Li Chen , Shi Jianli , Peng Zhe , Liu Chang , Han Hong , Ma Yingru , Zheng Limei , Xu Shaojian , Du Wei , Li Jun , Zhang Fan
Published: April 2022

RNA interference (RNAi) is a major form of antiviral defense in host cells, and Ago2 and Dicer are the major proteins of RNAi. The Senecavirus A (SVA) is a reemerging virus, resulting in vesicular lesions in sows and a sharp decline in neonatal piglet production. In this study, CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to knock out Ago2 and Dicer genes in BHK-21 cell lines used for SVA vaccine production. Cell clones with homozygous frameshift mutations of Ago2 and Dicer genes were successfully identified. The two knockout cell lines were named BHK-DicerΔ- and BHK-Ago2Δ-. Results showed that the two genes’ knockout cell lines were capable of stable passage and the cell growth rate did not change significantly. The replication rate and virus titers of SVA were significantly increased in knockout cell lines, indicating that RNAi could inhibit SVA replication. In addition, compared with normal cells, autophagy was significantly enhanced after SVA-infected knockout cell lines, while there was no significant difference in autophagy between the knockout and normal cell lines without SVA. The results confirmed that SVA could enhance the autophagy in knockout cells and promote viral replication. The two knockout cell lines can obtain viruses with high viral titers and have good application prospects in the production of SVA vaccine. At the same time, the RNAi knockout cell lines provide convenience for further studies on RNAi and SVA resistance to RNAi, and it lays a foundation for further study of SVA infection characteristics and screening of new therapeutic drugs and drug targets.
Language Sample Analysis With TalkBank: An Update and Review
Authors: MacWhinney Brian , Fromm Davida
Published: April 2022

This chapter examines state-of-the-art methods for coding, analyzing, and interpreting discourse-level language data from children and adults with language disorders using the data, tools, and methods provided by the TalkBank system (https://www.talkbank.org). These open and free methods have been used for language sample analysis (LSA) with several clinical populations (e.g., child language disorders, stuttering, aphasia, dementia, traumatic brain injury, right hemisphere brain damage), as well as with control participants without communication impairments. We review the six core principles guiding TalkBank, the current shape of the 15 TalkBank databanks, and the different analytic tools provided by TalkBank. We examine automatic TalkBank methods that use ASR (automatic speech recognition), NLP (natural language processing), database technology, statistics in R and Python, and ML (machine learning). The specific tools include corpus analysis methods, LSA profiling systems, online database searches through TalkBank, online browsing through transcripts linked to media, and a new system for online collaborative commentary. These systems provide multimedia access to transcripts from a wide variety of participants with and without language disorders.
Matricellular Protein CCN5 Gene Transfer Ameliorates Cardiac and Skeletal Dysfunction in mdx/utrn (±) Haploinsufficient Mice by Reducing Fibrosis and Upregulating Utrophin Expression
Authors: Song Min Ho , Yoo Jimeen , Oh Jae Gyun , Kook Hyun , Park Woo Jin , Jeong Dongtak
Published: April 2022

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration due to dystrophin gene mutations. Patients with DMD initially experience muscle weakness in their limbs during adolescence. With age, patients develop fatal respiratory and cardiac dysfunctions. During the later stages of the disease, severe cardiac fibrosis occurs, compromising cardiac function. Previously, our research showed that the matricellular protein CCN5 has antifibrotic properties. Therefore, we hypothesized that CCN5 gene transfer would ameliorate cardiac fibrosis and thus improve cardiac function in DMD-induced cardiomyopathy. We utilized mdx/utrn (±) haploinsufficient mice that recapitulated the DMD-disease phenotypes and used an adeno-associated virus serotype-9 viral vector for CCN5 gene transfer. We evaluated the onset of cardiac dysfunction using echocardiography and determined the experimental starting point in 13-month-old mice. Two months after CCN5 gene transfer, cardiac function was significantly enhanced, and cardiac fibrosis was ameliorated. Additionally, running performance was improved in CCN5 gene-transfected mice. Furthermore, in silico gene profiling analysis identified utrophin as a novel transcriptional target of CCN5. This was supplemented by a utrophin promoter assay and RNA-seq analysis, which confirmed that CCN5 was directly associated with utrophin expression. Our results showed that CCN5 may be a promising therapeutic molecule for DMD-induced cardiac and skeletal dysfunction.
Comparison Between Two Definitions of Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Wang Bo , Zheng Yiying , Li Huanqiang , Chen Shuling , Zhou Ziyou , Lun Zhubin , Ying Ming , Zhang Lingyu , Mai Ziling , Liu Liwei , Zhou Ziqing , Lin Mengfei , Yang Yongquan , Chen Jiyan , Liu Yong , Liu Jin , Chen Shiqun , Tan Ning
Published: April 2022

Background

Different definitions of contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) have different predictive effects on prognosis. However, few studies explored the relationship between these definitions and long-term prognosis in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Thus, we aimed to evaluate this association and compared the population attributable risks (PAR) of different CA-AKI definitions.

Methods

This study enrolled 2,207 consecutive patients with CHF undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital. Two different definitions of CA-AKI were used: CA-AKIA was defined as an increase ≥.5 mg/dl or > 25% in serum creatinine (SCr) from baseline within 72 h after CAG, and CA-AKIB was defined as an increase of ≥.3 mg/dl or > 50% in SCr from baseline within 48 h after CAG. Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression were applied to evaluate the association between CA-AKI with long-term mortality. Population attributable risk (PAR) of different definitions for long-term prognosis was also calculated.

Results

During the 3.8-year median follow-up (interquartile range 2.1-6), the overall long-term mortality was 24.9%, and the long-term mortality in patients with the definitions of CA-AKIA and CA-AKIB were 30.4% and 34.3%, respectively. We found that CA-AKIA (HR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.19-1.74) and CA-AKIB (HR: 1.48, 95% CI 1.21-1.80) were associated with long-term mortality. The PAR was higher for CA-AKIA (9.6% vs. 8%).

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that CA-AKI was associated with long-term mortality in patients with CHF irrespective of its definitions. The CA-AKIA was a much better definition of CA-AKI in patients with CHF due to its higher PAR. For these patients, cardiologists should pay more attention to the presence of CA-AKI, especially CA-AKIA.
Historical Context of Cardiac Rehabilitation: Learning From the Past to Move to the Future
Authors: Redfern Julie , Gallagher Robyn , O’Neil Adrienne , Grace Sherry L. , Bauman Adrian , Jennings Garry , Brieger David , Briffa Tom
Published: April 2022

Contemporary myocardial infarction (MI) care and management has evolved dramatically since the 1950’s; yet outpatient rehabilitation remains underutilized. Deepening our understanding of the origins and history of cardiac rehabilitation highlights a contemporary shift required for policy and practice related to secondary prevention of coronary disease in light of societal changes as well as medical, digital and surgical advancements. Contemporary “cardiac rehabilitation” began when bed rest and physical inactivity was recommended and commonplace for MI survivors. Today, most patients who survive an MI, undergo reperfusion therapy, a short inpatient stay and are discharged with minimal physical morbidity. Despite this, the majority of modern day programs continue to be structured in the same way they have been for the past 50 years and this model has become incongruent with the contemporary context, especially in the COVID-19 era. This review aims to describe the historical foundations of cardiac rehabilitation to inform solutions and meet the demands of contemporary MI management. Delivering health systems reform to address modernization is current healthcare challenge where a united and interdisciplinary effort is needed.
Enrichment of the Postdischarge GRACE Score With Deceleration Capacity Enhances the Prediction Accuracy of the Long-Term Prognosis After Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Duan Shoupeng , Wang Jun , Yu Fu , Song Lingpeng , Liu Chengzhe , Sun Ji , Deng Qiang , Wang Yijun , Zhou Zhen , Guo Fuding , Zhou Liping , Wang Yueyi , Tan Wuping , Jiang Hong , Yu Lilei
Published: April 2022

Background

Cardiac autonomic nerve imbalance has been well documented to provide a critical foundation for the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) but is not included in the postdischarge GRACE score. We investigated whether capturing cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS)-related modulations by 24-h deceleration capacity (DC) could improve the capability of existing prognostic models, including the postdischarge Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score, to predict prognosis after ACS.

Method

Patients with ACS were assessed with 24-h Holter monitoring in our department from June 2017 through June 2019. The GRACE score was calculated for postdischarge 6-month mortality. The patients were followed longitudinally for the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), set as a composite of non-fatal myocardial infarction and death. To evaluate the improvement in its discriminative and reclassification capabilities, the GRACE score with DC model was compared with a model using the GRACE score only, using area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUC), Akaike's information criteria, the likelihood ratio test, category-free integrated discrimination index (IDI) and continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI).

Results

Overall, 323 patients were enrolled consecutively. After the follow-up period (mean, 43.78 months), 41 patients were found to have developed MACEs, which were more frequent among patients with DC <2.5 ms. DC adjusted for the GRACE score independently predicted the occurrence of MACEs with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.885 and 95% CI of 0.831–0.943 (p < 0.001). Moreover, adding DC to the GRACE score only model increased the discriminatory ability for MACEs, as indicated by the likelihood ratio test (χ2 = 9.277, 1 df; p < 0.001). The model including the GRACE score combined with DC yielded a lower corrected Akaike's information criterion compared to that with the GRACE score alone. Incorporation of the DC into the existing model that uses the GRACE score enriched the net reclassification indices (NRIe>0 7.3%, NRIne>0 12.8%, NRI>0 0.200; p = 0.003). Entering the DC into the GRACE score model enhanced discrimination (IDI of 1.04%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

DC serves as an independent and effective predictor of long-term adverse outcomes after ACS. Integration of DC and the postdischarge GRACE score significantly enhanced the discriminatory capability and precision in the prediction of poor long-term follow-up prognosis.
Extraction of Organic Compounds From Lacustrine Oil-Prone Shales and the Effect on Nanopore
Authors: Cao Huairen , Zhang Deping , Wang Xiaoyu , Fu Deliang
Published: April 2022

Lacustrine oil-prone shale at the oil-generation stage develops a large number of nanopores; however, the influence of fluid–shale interactions on the nanopores of lacustrine shale is poorly understood. A suite of mature lacustrine shales from the Songliao Basin Qingshankou Formation was performed on sequential organic solvent (petroleum ether and mixture of dichloromethane and methanol) extractions, and nitrogen and carbon dioxide adsorptions, Rock-Eval pyrolysis and field emission scanning electron microscopes (FE-SEM) observation. The sequential extractions show a decrease in total organic matter (TOC) and in the exacted organic matter content of shale, but an increase in the specific area (SBET) and pore volume of the extracted residues. Before and after extractions, the relationships between the extracted amount of OM and SBET, pore volume and their cumulative increments reveal OM as a main factor affecting the development of nanopores in these shales. The reasons are 1) SBET and mesopores are mainly blocked by EOMs in the initial samples, 2) the cumulative increases of SBET and mesopores are dominantly controlled by the extracted amount of hydrocarbons during petroleum ether extraction, and 3) both hydrocarbons and NSOs (resins and asphaltenes) have an influence on the cumulative increases of SBET and mesopores, and kerogen exposed more open porous-organic mesopores after the EOMs in the extracted shales. Here, further work concludes that oils adsorbed on pore surfaces are dominantly distributed on nanopores less than 10 nm, and free oils occur when the threshold of the average pore width in studied shales is over 11.7 nm.
Psychological Capital and English as a Second Language Classroom Management in Malaysia: The Moderating Effect of Teaching Experience
Authors: Wu Yong , The Hery Tanto , Lai Siow Li
Published: April 2022

This research explores the influence of the psychological capital of elementary English as a second language (ESL) teachers in Malaysia on their classroom management and the moderation effect of their working experience on the influential relationship between psychological capital and ESL classroom management. A survey conducted with 675 Malaysian elementary teachers took part in this research, with 24 teachers identified by followed up interviewing. From quantitative and qualitative analyses, the results show that psychological capital of elementary ESL teachers has a significant positive influence on classroom management. Teaching experience demonstrates a significant moderation effect in the casual correlation of psychological capital to ESL classroom management. The influence of the psychological capital of novice teachers on their classroom management is better than experienced teachers. Some implications and limitations are put forward.
Exploring the Validity of Comparative Judgement: Do Judges Attend to Construct-Irrelevant Features?
Authors: Chambers Lucy , Cunningham Euan
Published: April 2022

When completing a comparative judgment (CJ) exercise, judges are asked to make holistic decisions about the quality of the work they are comparing. A key consideration is the validity of expert judgements. This article details a study where an aspect of validity, whether or not judges are attending to construct-irrelevant features, was investigated. There are a number of potentially construct-irrelevant features indicated in the assessment literature, and we focused on four features: appearance; handwriting; spelling, punctuation, and grammar (SPaG); and missing response vs. incorrect answer. This study explored this through an empirical experiment supplemented by judge observation and survey. The study was conducted within an awarding organisation. The particular context was within a programme of work trialling, a new method of maintaining examination standards involving the comparative judgement of candidates’ examination responses from the same subject from two different years. Judgements in this context are cognitively demanding, and there is a possibility that judges may attend to superficial features of the responses they are comparing. It is, therefore, important to understand how CJ decisions are made and what they are or are not based on so that we can have confidence in judgements and know that any use of them is valid.
Impacts of School Communication on Job Satisfaction in Australian Primary Schools: A Structural Equation Model
Authors: De Nobile John , Bilgin Ayse Aysin
Published: April 2022

While there has been research into the ways some aspects of organizational communication may influence job satisfaction, it has not been comprehensive, and very little work has been conducted in schools. This study investigates the influences of a comprehensive range of aspects of organizational communication on job satisfaction of school staff. Participants in the study were 1,575 staff members from schools across Australia. A questionnaire survey was the primary instrument. Data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to validate constructs and multiple regression analyses, followed by structural equation modeling, to investigate effects. A 10 factor model of aspects of organizational communication and six-factor model of job satisfaction dimensions were identified and validated. Multiple regression analyses revealed that all 10 aspects of organizational communication have associations with job satisfaction. However, structural equation modeling revealed five aspects of organizational communication, to do with openness, support-giving, principal direction, and participation in decision making to have the most important effects on job satisfaction. This study contributes to our knowledge of communication by confirming a 10-factor model of organizational communication that can be used in other research. Implications for practice include the need for school leadership to foster open communication and facilitate school climates that encourage supportiveness, democracy, and collegial direction.
Basal Insulin Reduces Glucose Variability and Hypoglycaemia Compared to Premixed Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Study Based on Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems
Authors: Wang Huiying , Zhou Yunting , Wang Yuming , Cai Tingting , Hu Yun , Jing Ting , Ding Bo , Su Xiaofei , Li Huiqin , Ma Jianhua
Published: April 2022

Aims

To examine the glycaemic variability and safety of basal and premixed insulin by using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems.

Methods

393 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with basal or premixed insulin for more than 3 months were enrolled. Patients were classified into a basal insulin group or premixed insulin group according to their insulin regimens. CGMs were used for 72 h with their previous hypoglycaemic regimen unchanged. The following glycaemic parameters were calculated for each 24 h using CGM data.

Results

Despite similar HbA1c and fasting C-peptide concentrations, glycaemic variability (GV), including the mean amplitude of glycaemic excursion (MAGE), standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV), and the time below range (TBR) were significantly lower in the basal insulin group than these in the premixed insulin group. Night-time hypoglycaemia was lower in the basal insulin group than that in the premixed insulin group (p<0.01). Among participants with haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) < 7%, the GV and TBR were higher in the premixed insulin group than that in the basal insulin group.

Conclusion

Compared with basal insulin, the patients who use premixed insulin had higher GV, smaller TIR and an increased incidence of hypoglycaemia. For patients who use premixed insulin and with HbA1c < 7%, more attention needs to be given to hypoglycaemic events and asymptomatic hypoglycaemia.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03566472.
Effect of lncRNA MALAT1 on the Granulosa Cell Proliferation and Pregnancy Outcome in Patients With PCOS
Authors: Tu Mixue , Wu Yiqing , Wang Feixia , Huang Yun , Qian Yuli , Li Jingyi , Lv Pingping , Ying Yanyun , Liu Juan , Liu Yifeng , Zhang Runju , Zhao Wei , Zhang Dan
Published: April 2022

Follicle arrest is one of the main characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrinological disorder in reproductive-aged women. Increasing evidence proves that high anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels may play an important role in follicular development. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) with a length of more than 200 nt is widely involved in the directional differentiation, growth, and development of cells, whereas whether lncRNA is involved in AMH’s role in follicular development is unknown. In this study, we analyzed lncRNA expression in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) collected from women with and without PCOS via high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that a total of 79 noncoding transcripts were differently expressed in GCs of PCOS patients, including upregulated lncRNA MALAT1. The upregulation of MALAT1 was further confirmed by RT-qPCR in GCs from a larger cohort of PCOS patients. Furthermore, knockdown MALAT1 can promote the proliferation of KGN cell in vitro. These data suggested a role for MALAT1 in the development of PCOS. Meanwhile, MALAT1 and phosphorylated SMAD 1/5 (Ser463/465) protein were upregulated in KGN cells after exogenous AMH stimulation, which identified AMH perhaps as a regulator for the expression of MALAT1. We also found that MALAT1 can predict clinical pregnancy outcome to a certain extent by ROC curve analysis (area: 0.771, p = 0.007, 95% CI: 0.617–0.925, sensitivity: 57.1%, specificity: 91.7%). Thus, our findings revealed a role of lncRNA MALAT1 in inhibiting granulosa cell proliferation and may be correlated with pregnancy outcome in PCOS.
Heat-Resistant CO2 Foam for Promoting Carbon Capture and Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Liu Yali , Zhang Chao , Wen Quan , Li Zhaomin , Song Mingzhe
Published: April 2022

Investigation of methods to effectively block the high-permeability channel and displace the residual oil in the small pores in the old oilfields is an urgent research hotspot. The heat-resistant carbon dioxide (CO2) foam with high viscoelasticity and low interfacial tension, which is suitable for improving the oil recovery of old oilfields, and at the same time aids in carbon sequestration. In this study, a suitable heat-resistant foaming agent was selected by considering the temperature resistance, plugging, and profile control as the evaluation indicators, and the heat-resistant CO2 foam was prepared. Then, the two-dimensional (2D) plate model experiment was designed to verify the feasibility of the heat-resistant CO2 foam profile control process in order to solve the problems of small sweep range and uneven sweep degree in the reservoir. The results show that the selected foaming agent (RSB-IV) still maintained a foaming volume of 375 ml at 300°C, and the interfacial tension was only 0.008 mNm−1. The prepared heat-resistant CO2 foam exhibited the best profile control effect when the gas and liquid mixed injection, the gas-liquid ratio was 1:1, and the injection volume was 4.5–5.5 PV. In the 2D plate experiment, heat-resistant CO2 foam flooding promoted the recovery of the remaining oil in the matrix, and the oil recovery was increased to 61.01%. Furthermore, by designing the CO2 gas cap, it was verified that when the volume of the gas cap was large (above 1.5 PV), the injection of the CO2 gas cap could not only effectively improve the recovery rate, but also achieve effective CO2 capture.
Heterogeneous Impact of Land-Use on Climate Change: Study From a Spatial Perspective
Authors: Jia Shuaishuai , Yang Cunyi , Wang Mengxin , Failler Pierre
Published: April 2022

Studies have shown that land and climate interact in complex ways through multiple biophysical and biogeochemical feedbacks. In this interaction mechanism, the carbon fixation effect among different land-use types and objective conditions among different regions have significant gaps, leading to the heterogeneous impact of land-use on climate change. This study takes temperature change as the observation index to reflect climate change, and analyzes the process of land use type adjustment affecting vegetation cover and climate change. Based on the data of 214 countries from 1990 to 2018, this paper uses the spatial Durbin model with temperature lag to verify the heterogeneous impact of land-use on climate change in two dimensions of land-use type (Agriculture, forestry and their subdivision structure) and region (latitude and land-sea difference). The following conclusions are drawn: 1) The impact of different land-use types on climate change is heterogeneous. The impact of agricultural land on climate change is not significant, but the increase of the forest land proportion will help to restrain the rise of national temperature. 2) The impact of land-use on climate change has regional heterogeneity. There is heterogeneity in the impact on climate change among sample countries of different latitudes. The geographical differences make the mechanism of land-use affecting climate change between island countries and mainland countries also have heterogeneity, mainly in that island countries are not affected by the land-use structure adjustment of neighboring countries. 3) A country’s climate change is affected by both its own land-use structure and the land-use structure of neighboring countries, and the latter is more critical. The conclusions in this study provide helpful supplementary evidence for the importance of international climate cooperation and provide a reference for proposing international initiatives to address climate change or establishing an international convention to address climate change.
Spatial Spillover Effects of the Resource Curse: An Empirical Analysis in China
Authors: Men Xiaolu
Published: April 2022

On the basis of a production function, an economic model consisting of three regions and two departments (resources and conventional departments) is constructed to explore the effect of natural resources on economic development and their spatial correlation. Then, we construct resource abundance and resource dependence indicators. Based on panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2004 to 2020, a spatial Durbin model is used to empirically test the theoretical hypothesis. The results demonstrate that the resource curse exists objectively, and its root lies in resource dependence; increased dependence on resource industries in a region can improve the economic situation of its surrounding regions, and the spatial spillover effect demonstrates obvious nearby features. The marginal measurement result of spatial spillover indicates that the economic effects of local resource dependence on surrounding areas peaks at 250 km. Further categorization discussions confirm that the resource curse in China is mainly the energy curse.
Genetical, Morphological, Behavioral, and Ecological Traits Support the Existence of Three Brazilian Species of the Anastrepha fraterculus Complex of Cryptic Species
Authors: Selivon Denise , Perondini André Luiz P. , Hernández-Ortiz Vicente , doVal Francisca Carolina , Camacho Agustin , Gomes Fernando R. , Prezotto Leandro F.
Published: April 2022

Within the Neotropical genusAnastrepha, the nominal speciesAnastrepha fraterculusis widely distributed from Mexico through northern Argentina. Currently it is believed to comprises a complex of at least eight cryptic species—known as theAnastrepha fraterculuscomplex (AF complex)—three of which occur in Brazil:A. sp.1 aff.fraterculus,A. sp.2 aff.fraterculus, andA. sp.3 aff.fraterculus. In this study, we present the results of a broad integrated analysis of multiple biological attributes in samples of the three species collected in sympatric areas. Analyses of the mitotic chromosomes confirm that all of them differ in sex chromosomes, and that the relative frequency of the distinct karyotypes is associated with variation in altitude. In these sympatric areas, a single female hybrid karyotype was detected within a significant sample of individuals. Population samples were analyzed for the ribosomal transcribed spacer ITS1, confirming that the three species have specific sequence types. Observations of reproductive behavior under laboratory conditions revealed thatA. sp.1 andA. sp.2 mate early in the morning, whileA. sp.3 mates in the middle of the day. A bimodal distribution of mating time was observed in the laboratory for hybrids, obtained betweenA. sp.1 andA. sp.3. In a mating choice experiment, most of the mating pairs were homospecific. In addition, through a list of the most frequent hosts associated with geographical occurrence, a bioclimatic model of their potential distribution was generated. The set of data allowed for the construction of explanatory hypothesis about the observed geographical pattern and the differential use of host fruits. Morphometric analyses of wings clearly demonstrated differences among the three species, for both males and females. Based on a wing image of theA. fraterculus(Wiedemann, 1830) type specimen, the morphometric analysis indicated that the type specimen would correspond to a male ofA. sp.2 aff.fraterculus. The information provided by this report is not only useful for taxonomic purposes, but also reveals aspects to be considered in any reconstruction of an evolutionary scenario of theAnastrepha fraterculuscomplex.
Repeatable Territorial Aggression in a Neotropical Poison Frog
Authors: Chaloupka Sarah , Peignier Mélissa , Stückler Susanne , Araya-Ajoy Yimen , Walsh Patrick , Ringler Max , Ringler Eva
Published: April 2022

Intra-specific aggressive interactions play a prominent role in the life of many animals. While studies have found evidence for repeatability in boldness, activity, and exploration in amphibians, we know relatively little about consistent among-individual variation in aggressiveness, despite its importance for male-male competition and territoriality. Amphibians, and Neotropical poison frogs (Dendrobatidae) in particular, are highly suitable for investigating among-individual variation in aggressiveness, as most species exhibit strong territoriality in at least one of the sexes. In the present study, we aimed to fill this gap in knowledge, by investigating within- and between-individual variation in territorial aggression in a semi-natural population of the Neotropical poison frog Allobates femoralis (Dendrobatidae) in French Guiana. We conducted repeated, standardized behavioral tests to assess if the level of territorial aggression is consistent within and different between individuals. Further, we tested a possible link between body size and level of territorial aggression. We found moderate repeatability in territorial aggressiveness, but no link to age and/or body size. In conclusion, our study represents the first documentation of repeatable aggressive behavior in a territorial context in amphibians.
A View on Genomic Medicine Activities in Africa: Implications for Policy
Authors: Jongeneel C. Victor , Kotze Maritha J. , Bhaw-Luximon Archana , Fadlelmola Faisal M. , Fakim Yasmina J. , Hamdi Yosr , Kassim Samar Kamal , Kumuthini Judit , Nembaware Victoria , Radouani Fouzia , Tiffin Nicki , Mulder Nicola
Published: April 2022

Genomics policy development involves assessing a wide range of issues extending from specimen collection and data sharing to whether and how to utilize advanced technologies in clinical practice and public health initiatives. A survey was conducted among African scientists and stakeholders with an interest in genomic medicine, seeking to evaluate: 1) Their knowledge and understanding of the field. 2) The institutional environment and infrastructure available to them. 3) The state and awareness of the field in their country. 4) Their perception of potential barriers to implementation of precision medicine. We discuss how the information gathered in the survey could instruct the policies of African institutions seeking to implement precision, and more specifically, genomic medicine approaches in their health care systems in the following areas: 1) Prioritization of infrastructures. 2) Need for translational research. 3) Information dissemination to potential users. 4) Training programs for specialized personnel. 5) Engaging political stakeholders and the public. A checklist with key requirements to assess readiness for implementation of genomic medicine programs is provided to guide the process from scientific discovery to clinical application.