bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological evolution of PbTiO3 microstructures synthesized by topochemical microcrystal conversion
Authors: Na Yonghyeon , Kwon Jayoon , Nahm Sahn , Jeong Young Hun
Published: March 2022

PbTiO3 (PT) microstructures were fabricated by topochemical microcrystal conversion (TMC) and their morphological evolution was investigated with variation of synthesis temperature and relative molar ratio of reactants. Using molten salt synthesis, Aurivillius phase of PbBi4Ti4O15 (PBiT) synthesized at 1050°C was prepared as precursor. Large plate‐like PT microstructures with lengths of hundreds of micrometer were optimally obtained when the relative ratio (x) of (PbCO3)2·Pb(OH)2 to PBiT in reactants was 6. In addition, relatively homogeneous PT platelets were achieved at the annealing temperature of 1050°C by TMC; these materials are probably suitable for use in templated grain growth. However, a Pb‐deficient secondary phase of PbTi3O7 formed in cases of low x values of less than 4 and low annealing temperatures of less than 1050°C. The porous PT pellets, orthogonally assembled by numerous PT platelets, were achieved by increasing temperature to 1100°C. Further increase in temperature to 1150°C could lead to partial formation of denser PT blocks.
Augmented reality technology in language learning: Ameta‐analysis
Authors: Cai Ying , Pan Zilong , Liu Min
Published: March 2022

Background

As a recently emerging innovative technology, augmented reality (AR) has become a popular tool for language learning. However, to date, very few meta‐analytical studies has been conducted on AR in this field to understand its effectiveness on language learning.

Objectives

This meta‐analysis was conducted to systematically synthesize the findings from primary studies published between 2008 and 2020 to establish the effects of AR on language learning gains and students' motivation.

Methods

The 21 studies met all the inclusion criteria were included in the meta‐analysis to extract effect size statistics. The robust variance estimation (RVE) technique using the “Robumeta” R‐package was adopted to estimate the pooled effect size. Given the heterogeneity of the effect sizes, a mixed‐effects meta‐regression model was estimated to examine any association between the effectiveness of AR technologies and moderator variables.

Results and conclusion

The pooled effect‐size estimate was 0.93 for language gains and 0.42 for motivation, which indicates that AR applications have a large effect on learners' language gains and a small to medium effect on learners' motivation. The moderator analysis results suggested that learners' educational levels and intervention durations are significant moderating factors that impact the effect of AR on learners' motivation. In particular, elementary school students in this meta‐analysis study experienced a large measurable effect in terms of both language gains and motivation. Additionally, exposure to AR applications for up to 1 week is especially effective for enhancing learners' motivation.

Major takeaways

The findings of this meta‐analysis study demonstrated how AR applications can be utilized in language teaching and learning contexts, and how language educators could adopt AR technologies in classrooms to promote learners' language gains and motivation.
Mechanisms for establishing primary and secondary endosymbiosis in Paramecium
Authors: Fujishima Masahiro , Kodama Yuuki
Published: March 2022

Primary (eukaryote and procaryote) and secondary (eukaryote and eukaryote) endosymbioses are driving forces in eukaryotic cell evolution. These phenomena are still contributing to acquire new cell structures and functions. To understand mechanisms for establishment of each endosymbiosis, experiments that can induce endosymbiosis synchronously by mixing symbionts isolated from symbiont‐bearing host cells and symbiont‐free host cells are indispensable. Recent progress on endosymbiosis using Paramecium and their endonuclear symbiotic bacteria Holospora or symbiotic green alga Chlorella has been remarkable, providing excellent opportunities for elucidating host–symbiont interactions. These organisms are now becoming model organisms to know the mechanisms for establishing primary and secondary endosymbioses. Based on experiments of many researchers, we introduce how these endosymbionts escape from the host lysosomal fusion, how they migrate in the host cytoplasm to localize specific locations within the host, how their species specificity and strain specificity of the host cells are controlled, how their life cycles are controlled, how they escape from the host cell to infect more young host cell, how they affect the host viability and gene expression, what kind of substances are needed in these phenomena, and what changes had been induced in the symbiont and the host genomes.
Age, growth and reproductive biology of a widespread coral reef fish, yellowfin goatfish Mulloidichthys vanicolensis (Valenciennes, 1831)
Authors: Samejima Shota , Tachihara Katsunori
Published: March 2022

Yellowfin goatfish Mulloidichthys vanicolensis (Valenciennes, 1831) is a widely distributed commercial fish in the Indo‐Pacific. The authors examined the age, growth, sexual maturity and spawning season of M. vanicolensis around Okinawa Island, southwestern Japan, based on sectioned otolith and gonadal histology. Monthly changes in the appearance of an opaque edge indicate the annual formation of otolith bands. This fish shows sexual size dimorphism due to the faster growth and larger size of females compared to males. The von Bertalanffy growth functions were Lt = 31.0{1 – exp(−0.39(t + 1.62))} for females and Lt = 28.3{1 – exp(−0.42(t + 1.45))} for males. This species has a short life span, with a maximum age of 7.75 years, and reaches maturity in its first year of life. Observed fork lengths at 50% maturity were 19.4 cm for female and 16.2 cm for male. The main spawning season occurs from May to October. The authors compared their findings with those of previous studies on the life‐history characteristics of M. vanicolensis. Spawning season, growth and maturity size differed from those found in previous studies in areas with genetic continuity. Differences in life‐history traits between genetically continuous populations suggest a high degree of environmental adaptability for this species, which may be one of the reasons for its widespread distribution.
Crucial roles of a novel exoskeletal‐derived lectin in innate immunity of the oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense
Authors: Du Juan , Yue Kaidi , Peng Yanxin , Ning Qianji
Published: March 2022

As important pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), C‐type lectins play crucial roles in the crustacean innate immune system. In this study, a novel C‐type lectin, designated as MnLec1, was obtained from the exoskeleton of the oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense for the first time. The full‐length cDNA of MnLec1 was 1329 bp with an open reading frame of 774 bp. The predicted MnLec1 protein contains a single carbohydrate‐recognition domain with an EPN/LND motif and one Ca2+ binding site‐2. MnLec1 transcripts were widely detected in the tested tissues of M. nipponense and significantly up‐regulated after Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. The recombinant MnLec1 protein was found to have a wide spectrum of binding activities towards various microorganisms, agglutinate two kinds of Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and A. hydrophila) in a Ca2+‐independent manner. What's more, the survivability of prawns was significantly down‐regulated after RNAi of MnLec1 when infected with A. hydrophila. Collectively, these findings suggest that MnLec1 from the exoskeleton might function as a PRR and play a crucial role in immune defense against invading pathogens in M. nipponense.
Evidence of low vitamin D intakes in the Australian population points to a need for data‐driven nutrition policy for improving population vitamin D status
Authors: Dunlop Eleanor , Boorman Julie L. , Hambridge Tracy L. , McNeill Jessica , James Anthony P. , Kiely Mairead , Nowson Caryl A. , Rangan Anna , Cunningham Judy , Adorno Paul , Atyeo Paul , Black Lucinda J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Nearly one in four Australian adults is vitamin D deficient (serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations [25(OH)D] < 50 nmol L–1) and current vitamin D intakes in the Australian population are unknown. Internationally, vitamin D intakes are commonly below recommendations, although estimates generally rely on food composition data that do not include 25(OH)D. We aimed to estimate usual vitamin D intakes in the Australian population.

Methods

Nationally representative food consumption data were collected for Australians aged ≥ 2 years (n = 12,153) as part of the cross‐sectional 2011–2013 Australian Health Survey (AHS). New analytical vitamin D food composition data for vitamin D3, 25(OH)D3, vitamin D2 and 25(OH)D2 were mapped to foods and beverages that were commonly consumed by AHS participants. Usual vitamin D intakes (µg day–1) by sex and age group were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method.

Results

Assuming a 25(OH)D bioactivity factor of 1, mean daily intakes of vitamin D ranged between 1.84 and 3.25 µg day–1. Compared to the estimated average requirement of 10 µg day–1 recommended by the Institute of Medicine, more than 95% of people had inadequate vitamin D intakes. We estimated that no participant exceeded the Institute of Medicine's Upper Level of Intake (63–100 µg day–1, depending on age group).

Conclusions

Usual vitamin D intakes in Australia are low. This evidence, paired with the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Australia, suggests that data‐driven nutrition policy is required to safely increase dietary intakes of vitamin D and improve vitamin D status at the population level.
Serving Summer Meals During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Case Study of 2 Summer Food Service Program Sponsors in Maryland
Authors: Lu Stacy V. , Gross Julia , Harper Kaitlyn M. , Medina‐Perez Karen , Wilson Michael J. , Gross Susan M.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free and nutritious meals to children under age 18 during out‐of‐school times. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, Maryland sponsors served over 9.5 million meals to children through an expanded version of the SFSP. This study aimed to explore and compare the factors that enabled 2 SFSP sponsors in Maryland to dramatically increase meals distribution during the pandemic.

METHODS

Sponsors were selected based on their responses in the larger study and demographic characteristics of the area in which they served. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted over Zoom—4 interviews with Sponsor A (3 interviews with the sponsor, 1 interview with their vendor) and 1 interview with Sponsor B. Qualitative data were analyzed inductively and deductively. Participation data from 2019 and 2020 were obtained from the Maryland State Department of Education and analyzed.

RESULTS

Despite their differences in organization type and geographic region, they identified similar facilitators to their success—communication with the community and utilization of the United States Department of Agriculture‐issued waivers.

CONCLUSIONS

Strengthening community communication networks and permanently integrating more flexibility into regulation of the SFSP may increase meals participation during future out‐of‐school times.
Inulin supplementation induces expression of hypothalamic antioxidant defence genes in weaned piglets
Authors: Yang Can , Lu Hang , Li Enkai , Oladele Paul , Ajuwon Kolapo M.
Published: March 2022

Fibre plays an important role in diluting dietary energy density. Fibre is also implicated in the regulation of appetite, perhaps through direct effects in the brain. However, there is little information on this effect in pigs. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of fibre type in regulating the expression of genes involved in appetite control, inflammation and antioxidant defence in the hypothalamus of weaned piglets. A total of 64 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire barrows at 37 days old were blocked by body weight and allotted to two dietary treatments, supplementation with either 0.25% cellulose (Solka‐Floc) or inulin (INU) for 28 days, after which animals were killed for analysis. Pigs fed INU had a tendency (p = 0.06) for reduced feed intake in the first week, although this effect disappeared in subsequent weeks. Pigs supplemented with INU had lower expression of dopamine (dopamine receptor D2), serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B), free fatty acid (GPR43) and neuropeptide Y receptor Y2 receptors in the hypothalamus (p < 0.05). Expression of the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene in the hypothalamus also tended (p = 0.09) to be lower for pigs fed INU. The abundance of antioxidant defence genes, superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and catalase, were greater (p < 0.05) but that of a proinflammatory gene, interleukin 1β, was lower (p < 0.05) in the hypothalamus of pigs fed INU. Therefore, consumption of INU causes downregulation of inflammation in the hypothalamus and regulation of the abundance of serotonin or dopamine receptors, and may also increase antioxidant defence through upregulation of SOD and catalase in weaned piglets.
Hypothesis: Trans‐splicing Generates Evolutionary Novelty in the Photosynthetic Amoeba Paulinella
Authors: Gabr Arwa , Stephens Timothy G. , Bhattacharya Debashish
Published: March 2022

Plastid primary endosymbiosis has occurred twice, once in the Archaeplastida ancestor and once in the Paulinella (Rhizaria) lineage. Both events precipitated massive evolutionary changes, including the recruitment and activation of genes that are horizontally acquired (HGT) and the redeployment of existing genes and pathways in novel contexts. Here we address the latter aspect in Paulinella micropora KR01 (hereafter, KR01) that has independently evolved spliced leader (SL) trans‐splicing (SLTS) of nuclear–derived transcripts. We investigated the role of this process in gene regulation, novel gene origination, and endosymbiont integration. Our analysis shows that 20% of KR01 genes give rise to transcripts with at least one (but in some cases, multiple) sites of SL addition. This process, which often occurs at canonical cis‐splicing acceptor sites (internal introns), results in shorter transcripts that may produce 5′‐truncated proteins with novel functions. SL–truncated transcripts fall into four categories that may show: (i) altered protein localization, (ii) altered protein function, structure, or regulation, (iii) loss of valid alternative start codons, preventing translation, or (iv) multiple SL addition sites at the 5′‐terminus. The SL RNA genes required for SLTS are putatively absent in the heterotrophic sister lineage of photosynthetic Paulinella species. Moreover, a high proportion of transcripts derived from genes of endosymbiotic gene transfer (EGT) and HGT origin contain SL sequences. We hypothesize that truncation of transcripts by SL addition may facilitate the generation and expression of novel gene variants and that SLTS may have enhanced the activation and fixation of foreign genes in the host genome of the photosynthetic lineages, playing a key role in primary endosymbiont integration.
Validation of questionnaires for restless legs syndrome in the general population: the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT)
Authors: Filosa James , Omland Petter Moe , Hagen Knut , Langsrud Knut , Brenner Eiliv , Knutsen Andreas Jarlalein , Drange Ole Kristian , Bruvik Gravdahl Gøril , Stjern Marit , Engstrøm Morten , Sand Trond
Published: March 2022

Questionnaires for restless legs syndrome have rarely been validated against face‐to‐face interviews in the general population. We aimed to validate the modified Norwegian, seven‐item Cambridge‐Hopkins restless legs syndrome questionnaire and a single diagnostic question for restless legs syndrome. We also aimed to stratify validity at 65 years of age. Among a random sample of 1,201 participants from the fourth wave of the Trøndelag Health Study, 232 (19%) agreed to participate, out of whom 221 had complete data for analyses. Participants completed the questionnaires for restless legs syndrome immediately before attending a face‐to‐face interview using the latest diagnostic criteria. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and Cohen’s kappa statistic (κ) of questionnaire‐ versus interview‐based diagnoses. We found acceptable validity of the seven‐item modified Cambridge‐Hopkins diagnostic questionnaire for restless legs syndrome (κ = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23–0.51) and good validity of the single diagnostic question (κ = 0.47, 95% CI 0.35–0.58). We also found good validity through the combination of modified Cambridge‐Hopkins diagnostic questionnaire for restless legs syndrome items 2 and 5, while item 1 or 2 alone showed only acceptable validity. The single diagnostic question was significantly more valid among those aged <65 years (κ = 0.60 versus κ = 0.26). Both single‐ and two‐item questionnaire‐based diagnoses overestimated interview‐based restless legs syndrome prevalence. The seven‐item modified Cambridge‐Hopkins diagnostic questionnaire for restless legs syndrome will be useful for epidemiological studies although low sensitivity may cause underestimation of true restless legs syndrome prevalence in the general population, especially among elderly. Brief questionnaire‐based diagnoses of up to three items seem best utilised as an initial screen. Future studies should identify brief and even more valid questionnaire‐based diagnoses for restless legs syndrome in order to estimate prevalence accurately in large epidemiological studies.
Ruin lust in George Gissing's Veranilda
Authors: Reeves Gareth A.
Published: March 2022

Ruinenlust (‘ruin lust’) or ruin aesthetics is a prominent feature of George Gissing's unfinished historical novel, Veranilda (1904), which is set in sixth‐century Italy and contains many memorable images of ruins. Drawing on the work of Georg Simmel, Rose Macaulay, Brian Dillon, and others, this article argues that, by examining these images in relation to the novel's characters' psychological states and motives, the thematic significance of decadence and anti‐imperialism is heightened. The article closes by considering the unfinished nature of Veranilda, arguing, with reference to Susan Stewart's The Ruins Lesson: Meaning and Material in Western Culture (2020), that the novel itself can be appreciated as a kind of ruin. In doing so, it aims to shed light on an underexplored aspect of Gissing's work.
Transpyloric propagation and liquid gastric emptying in children with foregut dysmotility
Authors: Rochira Ilaria , Chanpong Atchariya , Biassoni Lorenzo , Easty Marina , Morris Elizabeth , Saliakellis Efstratios , Lindley Keith , Thapar Nikhil , Rybak Anna , Borrelli Osvaldo
Published: March 2022

Background/Objectives

Gastric emptying (GE) requires precise antropyloroduodenal coordination for effective transpyloric flow, the mechanisms of which are still unclear. We aimed to correlate gastric antral function assessed by antroduodenal manometry (ADM) with GE scintigraphy (GES) for liquid feeds in children with suspected gastrointestinal dysmotility.

Methods

Children who underwent both ADM and GES over a five‐year period were reviewed. ADM tracings were re‐analyzed to assess antral frequency, amplitude, and motility index (MI) pre‐prandially and postprandially. Transpyloric propagation (TPP) was defined as antegrade propagated antral activity preceding duodenal phase III of the migrating motor complex (MMC). TPP was defined as “poor” if occurring in <50% of all presented duodenal phases III. For GES, regions of interest over the whole stomach, fundus, and antrum were drawn to calculate GE half‐time (GE‐T1/2) and retention rate (RR) in each region at 1 and 2 h.

Results

Forty‐seven children (median age: 7.0 years) were included. Twenty‐two had PIPO, 14 functional GI disorders, and 11 gastroparesis. Children with poor TPP had longer GE‐T1/2 (113.0 vs 66.5 min, p = 0.028), higher RR of the whole stomach and fundus at 1 h (79.5% vs 63.5%, p = 0.038; 60.0% vs 41.0%, p = 0.022, respectively) and 2 h (51.0% vs 10.5%, p = 0.005; 36.0% vs 6.5%, p = 0.004, respectively). The pre‐prandial antral amplitude of contractions inversely correlated with GE‐T1/2, RR of the whole stomach, and fundus at 2 h.

Conclusions

TPP during phase III of the MMC correlated with gastric emptying of liquid and its assessment on ADM might predict abnormalities in postprandial gastric function.
Research in Brief: Survey of hair care practices in various ethnic and racial pediatric populations
Authors: Hollins Lauren Claire , Butt Melissa , Hong Julie , Taylor Susan C.
Published: March 2022

Medicated shampoos are part of the standard care of seborrheic dermatitis (SD), yet hair‐washing practices can vary in frequency, which could impact treatment effectiveness and therapeutic benefit. The goal of this study is to understand common hair‐washing practices in pediatric patients, with focus on Black children with SD, through online survey. Patients identifying as Black or mixed race were more likely to use medicated washes weekly or less frequently than White patients (62.5% vs. 30.8%). It is important that clinicians understand Black‐ and mixed‐race hair care practices to provide better clinical guidance on the usage of medicated shampoos, especially for the treatment of SD.
Efficiency of cycling exercise: Quantification, mechanisms, and misunderstandings
Authors: MacDougall Keenan B. , Falconer Tara M. , MacIntosh Brian R.
Published: March 2022

The energetics of cycling represents a well‐studied area of exercise science, yet there are still many questions that remain. Efficiency, broadly defined as the ratio of energy output to energy input, is one key metric that, despite its importance from both a scientific as well as performance perspective, is commonly misunderstood. There are many factors that may affect cycling efficiency, both intrinsic (e.g., muscle fiber type composition) and extrinsic (e.g., cycling cadence, prior exercise, and training), creating a complex interplay of many components. Due to its relative simplicity, the measurement of oxygen uptake continues to be the most common means of measuring the energy cost of exercise (and thus efficiency); however, it is limited to only a small proportion of the range of outputs humans are capable of, further limiting our understanding of the energetics of high‐intensity exercise and any mechanistic bases therein. This review presents evidence that delta efficiency does not represent muscular efficiency and challenges the notion that the slow component of oxygen uptake represents decreasing efficiency. It is noted that gross efficiency increases as intensity of exercise increases in spite of the fact that fast‐twitch fibers are recruited to achieve this high power output. Understanding the energetics of high‐intensity exercise will require critical evaluation of the available data.
Potential quantitative effect of a laboratory‐based approach to Lyme disease surveillance in high‐incidence states
Authors: Kugeler Kiersten J. , Cervantes Kim , Brown Catherine M. , Horiuchi Kalanthe , Schiffman Elizabeth , Lind Leah , Barkley Jonathan , Broyhill James , Murphy Julia , Crum David , Robinson Sara , Kwit Natalie A. , Mullins Jocelyn , Sun Jianxin , Hinckley Alison F.
Published: March 2022

Historically, public health surveillance for Lyme disease has required clinical follow‐up on positive laboratory reports for the purpose of case classification. In areas with sustained high incidence of the disease, this resource‐intensive activity yields a limited benefit to public health practice. A range of burden‐reducing strategies have been implemented in many states, creating inconsistencies that limit the ability to decipher trends. Laboratory‐based surveillance, or surveillance based solely on positive laboratory reports without follow‐up for clinical information on positive laboratory reports, emerged as a feasible alternative to improve standardization in already high‐incidence areas. To inform expectations of a laboratory‐based surveillance model, we conducted a retrospective analysis of Lyme disease data collected during 2012–2018 from 10 high‐incidence states. The number of individuals with laboratory evidence of infection ranged from 1302 to 20,994 per state and year. On average, 55% of those were ultimately classified as confirmed or probable cases (range: 29%–86%). Among all individuals with positive laboratory evidence, 18% (range: 2%–37%) were determined to be ‘not a case’ upon investigation and 23% (range: 2%–52%) were classified as suspect cases due to lack of associated clinical information and thus were not reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of reported cases under a laboratory‐based approach to surveillance in high‐incidence states using recommended two‐tier testing algorithms is likely to be, on average, 1.2 times higher (range: 0.6–1.8 times) than what was reported to CDC during 2012–2018. A laboratory‐based surveillance approach for high‐incidence states will improve standardization and reduce burden on public health systems, allowing public health resources to focus on prevention messaging, exploration of novel prevention strategies and alternative data sources to yield information on the epidemiology of Lyme disease.
Sarlo o la taquigrafía de la cultura
Authors: Amante Adriana
Published: March 2022

Los múltiples saberes que sustentan la acción crítica de Sarlo no son necesariamente previos al abordaje, sino muchas veces consecuencia de lo que los objetos críticos que va diseñando le marcan como ineludibles. Este artículo se propone analizar algunos aspectos de su escritura: su capacidad de síntesis conceptual, el impulso aforístico, el manejo de la economía de un texto en función del medio en el que se inserta y el modo taquigráfico de notación para la ideación crítica. Si con Barthes o con Benjamin aprendió a leer y con Schorske o Berman, a entrar y salir desprejuiciadamente de la literatura, con (y en) su propio libro La máquina cultural Sarlo aprendió a escribir. Se trata, aquí, de indagar el plan de operaciones de su obra ensayística y el modo en que adopta los gestos críticos que le fascinan de aquellos que lee en una inflexión original.
Docentes frente al covid-19: cambios percibidos en Chile y Perú
Authors: Mateus Julio-César , Andrada Pablo
Published: March 2022

Este artículo de investigación busca describir la percepción de los docentes sobre sus condiciones y los cambios en sus prácticas pedagógicas a partir de la emergencia sanitaria causada por el covid-19. Participaron del estudio una muestra de 541 profesores chilenos y peruanos de todos los niveles educativos (preescolar, primaria, secundario y superior) a través de un cuestionario estructurado virtual. Los hallazgos confirman el impacto de las desigualdades sociales, demográficas e históricas presentes en ambos países.
Good Pedagogical Practices in Science Teaching
Authors: Sotomayor-Soloaga Pedro Aurelio
Published: March 2022

Enfatizando la importancia de las ciencias y de la educación en ciencias como pilares  del desarrollo y progreso social, se presenta un estudio de caso de tres profesoras de ciencias evaluadas como destacadas por el Programa de Enseñanza en Ciencias Basado en la Indagación, cuyo objetivo era responder la pregunta: ¿Qué caracteriza las buenas prácticas pedagógicas en educación en ciencias? Basado en un enfoque cualitativo y técnicas como la observación de aula y entrevistas en profundidad, los resultados muestran una caracterización de las prácticas pedagógicas que llevan a cabo las docentes, destacando tanto su dimensión práctica como reflexiva.
Percepciones de futuras educadoras de párvulos hacia la educación ciudadana
Authors: Carrillo-Mardones Olga Aurora , Pinochet-Pinochet Sixtina , Muñoz-Labraña Carlos , Leal-Burgos Dorama Elisa
Published: March 2022

Se presentan los resultados de una investigación realizada con estudiantes en práctica profesional de la carrera de Educación Parvularia en una universidad de la Araucanía,Chile. El objetivo fue indagar las percepciones de educadoras en formación sobre el desarrollo de la noción de ciudadanía en la educación infantil. La investigación,cualitativa e interpretativa,se realizó mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas a las estudiantes que efectuaban prácticas pedagógicas en jardines infantiles y escuelas rurales y urbanas de la región. Los resultados evidencian una falta de claridad en el tema, que repercute en las estrategias para abordarlo, lo cual hace prevalecer una visión normativa de la educación ciudadana.
Simulation of All-Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries With Fastening Stress and Volume Expansion
Authors: Nunoshita Keita , Hirata Ryusei , So Magnus , Park Kayoung , Liu Xuanchen , Kimura Naoki , Inoue Gen , Tsuge Yoshifumi
Published: March 2022

The volume expansion of anode active materials in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries strongly affects the dynamic change in the electrode structure and its activity in electrochemical reactions and mass transport. Thus, understanding the mechanisms and internal phenomena during the charging process with volume expansion is important. In addition, clarifying these phenomena contributes to the selection of the active material when creating the electrode structure. This study aimed to verify the effect of volume expansion of the active material in a porous electrode layer on the charging performance using a numerical simulation. In this calculation, for the electrochemical reaction transport analysis, equations were applied based on the porous electrode theory; for the structural deformation due to expansion, we expressed the change by controlling the structural parameters and built a model for simulation. From the simulation results, when the fastening pressure was small, the active material with a large volume expansion ratio exhibited a larger capacity. However, for a large fastening pressure, active materials with a large volume expansion ratio seemed not to be used. Although the volume expansion of the active material should be suppressed from the viewpoint of ion conduction network rupture, these results demonstrate that the influence of volume expansion effectively depends on the electrode creation conditions. This model will help to optimize the design of all-solid-state batteries and can be the key to further performance improvement.
Characterizing the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Response of the Porcine Facet Joint Capsule Ligament in Response to a Simulated Impact
Authors: Fewster Kayla M. , Barrett Jeff M. , Callaghan Jack P.
Published: March 2022

The facet capsule ligament (FCL) is a structure in the lumbar spine that constrains motions of the vertebrae. Subfailure loads can produce microdamage resulting in increased laxity, decreased stiffness, and altered viscoelastic responses. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the FCL under various magnitudes of strain from control samples and samples that had been through an impact protocol. Two hundred FCL tissue samples were tested (20 control and 180 impacted). Impacted FCL tissue samples were obtained from functional spinal units that had been exposed to one of nine subfailure impact conditions. All specimens underwent the following loading protocol: preconditioning with five cycles of 5% strain, followed by a 30 s rest period, five cycles of 10% strain, and 1 cycle of 10% strain with a hold duration at 10% strain for 240 s (4 min). The same protocol was followed for 30% and 50% strain. Measures of stiffness, hysteresis, and force-relaxation were computed. No significant differences in stiffness were observed for impacted specimens in comparison to control. Impacted specimens from the 8 g flexed and 11 g flexed and neutral conditions exhibited greater hysteresis during the cyclic-30% and cyclic-50% portion of the protocol in comparison to controls. In addition, specimens from the 8 g and 11 g flexed conditions resulted in greater stress decay for the 50%-hold conditions. Results from this study demonstrate viscoelastic changes in FCL samples exposed to moderate and highspeed single impacts in a flexed posture.
Scientists in the line of fire
Authors: McNutt Marcia , Hildebrand John
Published: March 2022

The devastation and despair gripping Ukraine following the unprovoked invasion by neighboring Russia is heartbreaking and unthinkable. Such a loss of life and homeland has stirred wide concern around the world. This war sets back progress to establish a peaceful and sustainable world and to address important problems faced by all humanity, including climate change, environmental degradation, public health, and inequality. The international community of scientists cooperates extensively to address the challenges of our time, and a war that is destroying a stable and healthy nation and provoking a refugee crisis is no exception. What can the scientific community do most immediately to provide support and aid to its Ukrainian colleagues in their time of need? The community should focus on strengthening regional partnerships in Eastern Europe, networking to find refugees safe havens, speaking out forcefully against this invasion, and preparing to help rebuild Ukrainian science when the time is right.
Exploratory Growth in Streptomyces venezuelae Involves a Unique Transcriptional Program, Enhanced Oxidative Stress Response, and Profound Acceleration in Response to Glycerol
Authors: Shepherdson Evan M. F. , Netzker Tina , Stoyanov Yordan , Elliot Marie A.
Published: March 2022

Exploration represents an alternative growth strategy for
Streptomyces
bacteria and is initiated in response to other microbes or specific environmental conditions. Here, we show that entry into exploration involves comprehensive transcriptional reprogramming, with an emphasis on changes in primary metabolism and regulatory/signaling functions.
Supplemental Material: Episodic fluid flow in an eclogite-facies shear zone: Insights from Li isotope zoning in garnet
Authors: Hoover William F. , al. et
Published: March 2022

Secondary ion mass spectrometry results, garnet major element compositions, and garnet chemical maps.
Noonan syndrome: improving recognition and diagnosis
Authors: Zenker Martin , Edouard Thomas , Blair Joanne C , Cappa Marco
Published: March 2022

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a mostly dominantly inherited disorder affecting 1:1000 to 1:2500 live births. The phenotype varies in severity and can involve multiple organ systems over a patient’s lifetime. Diagnosis is based on a combination of features, including typical facial features, short stature, skeletal abnormalities, presence of cardiac defects, mild developmental delay, cryptorchidism, lymphatic dysplasia and a family history of NS. The phenotype varies from oligosymptomatic adults without significant medical issues to severely affected neonates with life-threatening heart disease. Early, accurate diagnosis is important for individualised management and to optimise developmental and long-term outcomes, but mildly affected patients often go undiagnosed for both healthcare provider (HCP)-related and patient-related reasons. Lack of awareness of NS among HCPs means that some do not recognise the condition, particularly in mildly affected patients and families. Some families do not want to receive a diagnosis that medicalises a condition that may account for family traits (eg, distinctive facial features and short stature), particularly when a child’s physical and cognitive development may be satisfactory. As for any condition with lifelong effects on multiple organ systems, a multidisciplinary approach provides the best care. It is proposed that increasing awareness of NS among non-specialist HCPs and other professionals could help direct a parent/carer to seek specialist advice and increase the number of NS diagnoses, with the potential to optimise lifelong patient outcomes. Non-specialists do not need to become experts in either diagnosis or treatment; however, early recognition of NS and referral to an appropriate specialist is important.
Nephrotic syndrome with minimal change disease after the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: two cases
Authors: Hartley James Leon , Bailey Neil , Sharma Asheesh , Shawki Howida
Published: March 2022

We present two cases of nephrotic syndrome with minimal change disease after the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. We discuss the initial presentation, investigation and management of these patients along with a discussion around the current evidence base for vaccine-induced nephrotic syndrome.
Uncommon aetiology of lymphadenopathy in a healthy child: a sporotrichosis case with painless lymphadenopathy
Authors: McKinney Jordan Asher , Baykoca-Arslan Buse , Levent Fatma
Published: March 2022

A 6-year-old boy was referred to the paediatric infectious disease clinic with a 2-month history of enlarged, erythematous, painless cervical lymph nodes. He initially presented to his paediatrician with a painless lesion. At that time, he was treated empirically with clindamycin and azithromycin due to a history of cat exposure. Despite treatment, the lesion evolved into a non-healing linear ulcer with painless, ascending cervical lymphadenopathy. Serologies were negative forBartonella henselaeantibodies. Additional laboratory studies revealed eosinophilia and negativeToxoplasma gondiiantibodies. After no improvement following a course of trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, further questioning revealed that the patient had fallen into a haystack 1 month before the initial cervical lesion. The patient’s parents opted to treat the infection empirically for sporotrichosis with itraconazole rather than undergo lymph node biopsy. At the 2-week follow-up, his lymphadenopathy had resolved and had returned to baseline activity.
Testicular infarction and spontaneous scrotal rupture secondary to acute epididymo-orchitis
Authors: Shen Fang , Kapoor Jada , Moir Diana , Gyomber Dennis
Published: March 2022

Epididymo-orchitis is a common cause of acute unilateral testicular pain. Both infectious or non-infectious causes have been proposed and, rarely, testicular abscess formation and even infarction can occur as a severe complication. We present here a case of acute epididymo-orchitis leading to testicular abscess formation, infarction and spontaneous rupture through the scrotal wall despite appropriate antibiotic treatments. Orchidectomy and partial scrotectomy were performed during surgical exploration for management of the non-viable testis and associated scrotal sinus. Clinical vigilance is important to prevent this complication by close clinical follow up with ultrasonography and even early surgical decompression to prevent testicular loss.
Management of adrenal insufficiency in the setting of chronic HIV and advanced extra-adrenal Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Mathavan Akshay , Mathavan Akash , Mathavan Mohit , Altshuler Ellery
Published: March 2022

Adrenal insufficiency is one of the most common endocrine disorders that presents in patients with HIV. Aetiologies of adrenal dysfunction include opportunistic infection, malignancy, such as lymphoma or Kaposi sarcoma, and chronic cytokine-mediated disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In the case of lymphoma, the manifestation of adrenal insufficiency is most often via primary neoplastic infiltration. However, a spectrum of associated cytokine-mediated abnormal immune responses and coagulopathies may independently contribute to adrenal insufficiency. Literature regarding the presence of the endocrine disorder in patients with both HIV and lymphoma is scarce. We report a case of adrenal insufficiency in a patient with well-controlled HIV and advanced Hodgkin lymphoma without primary adrenal involvement with suboptimal response to corticosteroids who exhibited improvement following initiation of chemotherapy, demonstrating that chemotherapy should not be delayed until adrenal insufficiency resolves and in fact may aid in resolution of adrenal dysfunction.
Use of and barriers to maternal health services in southeast Chad: results of a population-based survey 2019
Authors: Marquis Adine , O’Keeffe Jennifer , Jafari Yalda , Mulanda Winston , Carrion Martin Antonio Isidro , Daly Maura , van der Kam Saskia , Ariti Cono , Bow Gamaou Allafi , Baharadine Cherif , Pena Sibyl Jade , Ringtho Lucia , Kuehne Anna
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Chad reports the second highest maternal mortality worldwide. We conducted a survey in Sila region in southeast Chad to estimate the use of maternal health services (MHS) and to identify barriers to access MHS.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional, population-based survey using two-stage cluster sampling methodology. The survey consisted of two strata, Koukou Angarana and Goz Beida district in Sila region. We conducted systematic random sampling proportional to population size to select settlements in each strata in the first sampling stage; and in the second stage we selected households in the settlements using random walk procedure. We calculated survey-design-weighted proportions with 95% CIs. We performed univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression to identify impact factors associated with the use of MHS.

Setting

We interviewed women in selected households in Sila region in 2019.

Participants

Women at reproductive age, who have given birth in the previous 2 years and are living in Koukou Angarana and Goz Beida district.

Primary outcomes

Use of and access barriers to MHS including antenatal care (ANC), delivery care in a health facility (DC), postnatal care (PNC) and contraceptive methods.

Results

In total, 624 women participated. Median age was 28 years, 95.4% were illiterate and 95.7% married. Use of ANC, DC and PNC was reported by 57.6% (95% CI: 49.3% to 65.5%), 22.5% (95% CI: 15.7% to 31.1%) and 32.9% (95% CI: 25.8% to 40.9%), respectively. Use of MHS was lower in rural compared with urban settings. Having attended ANC increased the odds of using DC by 4.3 (1.5–12.2) and using PNC by 6.4 (3.7–11.1). Factors related to transport and to culture and belief were the most frequently stated access barriers to MHS.

Conclusion

In Sila region, use of MHS is low and does not meet WHO-defined standards regarding maternal health. Among all services, use of ANC was better than for other MHS. ANC usage is positively associated with the use of further life-saving MHS including DC and could be used as an entry point to the community. To increase use of MHS, interventions should include infrastructural improvements as well as community-based approaches to overcome access barriers related to culture and belief.
Patient safety culture improvements depend on basic healthcare education: a longitudinal simulation-based intervention study at two Danish hospitals
Authors: Schram Anders , Paltved Charlotte , Lindhard Morten Søndergaard , Kjaergaard-Andersen Gunhild , Jensen Hanne Irene , Kristensen Solvejg
Published: March 2022

Background

A growing body of evidence supports the existence of an association between patient safety culture (PSC) and patient outcomes. PSC refers to shared perceptions and attitudes towards norms, policies and procedures related to patient safety. Existing literature shows that PSC varies among health professionals depending on their specific profession and specialty. However, these studies did not investigate whether PSC can be improved. This study investigates whether length of education is associated with improvements in PCS following a simulation intervention.

Methods

From April 2017 to November 2018, a cross-sectional intervention study was conducted at two regional hospitals in Denmark. Two groups with altogether 1230 health professionals were invited to participate. One group included nurses, midwives and radiographers; the other group included doctors. A train-the-trainer intervention approach was applied consisting of a 4-day simulation instructor course that emphasised team training, communication and leadership. Fifty-three healthcare professionals were trained as instructors. After the course, instructors performed in situ simulation in their own hospital environment.

Outcomes

The Safety Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ), which has 6 dimensions and 32 items, was used to collect main outcome variables. All employees from both groups were surveyed before the intervention and again four and nine months after the intervention.

Results

Mean baseline scores were higher among doctors than among nurses, midwives and radiographers for all SAQ dimensions. At the second follow-up, four of six dimensions improved significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among nurses, midwives and radiographers, whereas no dimensions improved significantly among doctors.

Conclusion

Over time, nurses, midwives and radiographers improved more in PSC attitudes than doctors did.
Is there an association between previous infection withNeisseria gonorrhoeaeand gonococcal AMR? A cross-sectional analysis of national and sentinel surveillance data in England, 2015–2019
Authors: Allen Hester , Merrick Rachel , Ivanov Zdravko , Pitt Rachel , Mohammed Hamish , Sinka Katy , Hughes Gwenda , Fifer Helen , Cole Michelle Jayne
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Quarterly STI screening is recommended for high-risk gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK, but frequent antibiotic exposure could potentially increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) developing inNeisseria gonorrhoeae. We investigated whether repeat diagnosis of gonorrhoea in those attending sexual health services (SHS) was associated with reduced antimicrobial susceptibility.

Methods

Antimicrobial susceptibility data relating to the most recent gonorrhoea diagnosis for each individual included in the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme (2015–2019) were matched to their historical records in the national GUMCAD STI surveillance data set (2012–2019). The number of gonorrhoea diagnoses in the previous 3 years was calculated for each SHS attendee. Logistic regression was used to examine the associations between the number of diagnoses and reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) >0.03 mg/L), cefixime (MIC >0.06 mg/L) and azithromycin (MIC >0.25 mg/L) at the time of the latest diagnosis.

Results

Of 6161 individuals included in the analysis, 3913 (63.5%) were MSM, 1220 (19.8%) were heterosexual men and 814 (13.2%) were women. Among MSM, 2476 (63.3%) had 1 past gonorrhoea diagnosis, 1295 (33.1%) had 2–4, 140 (3.6%) 5–9, and 2 (0.1%) ≥10. Most women and heterosexual men (91.7%) had one past gonorrhoea diagnosis; none had more than four. Reduced ceftriaxone and cefixime susceptibility was more common among MSM with two to four gonorrhoea diagnoses (3.8% and 5.8%, respectively) compared with those with one (2.2% and 3.9%, respectively). After adjusting for potential confounding, this association remained (adjusted OR: 1.59, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.37, p=0.02; adjusted OR: 1.54, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.14, p=0.01). No evidence was found for any other associations.

Conclusions

Among MSM, repeat diagnosis of gonorrhoea may be associated with reduced ceftriaxone and cefixime susceptibility. As these are last-line therapies for gonorrhoea, further research is needed to assess the impact of intensive STI screening on AMR.