bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infantile Colic Treated With Bifidobacterium longum CECT7894 and Pediococcus pentosaceus CECT8330: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Ke , Liu Changqi , Li Hua , Lei Yuehua , Zeng Chenggui , Xu Shuhong , Li Jianqiu , Savino Francesco
Published: September 2021

Background: Colic is a common condition in infants <4 months of age. Attempts to treat infantile colic with probiotics have shown variable efficacy and overall low evidence of success. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that oral administration of Bifidobacterium longum CECT7894 (KABP042) and Pediococcus pentosaceus CECT8330 (KABP041) mix (1 × 109 colony forming units) would improve the symptoms of infantile colic.

Methods: A total of 112 exclusively breastfed or mixed fed infants aged <2 months and meeting the ROME IV criteria for infantile colic were recruited. The infants were randomized in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to receive orally administered probiotics (intervention group, IG, n = 48) or placebo (placebo group, PG, n = 42) daily for 21 days.

Results: Infants in the IG had significantly shorter crying time (p < 0.001) on day 7 [IG vs. PG, median (25−75th percentile): 38 (3.5–40.5) vs. 62 (40–108) min/day], day 14 [IG vs. PG: 20 (0–40) vs. 50 (30–75) min/day], and day 21 [IG vs. PG: 14 (0–33) vs. 40 (28–62) min/day]. Higher responder ratio and fewer crying/fussing episodes on days 7, 14, and 21 and better stool consistency on day 21 were observed in the IG (p < 0.01) as compared to the PG. Conversely, no significant effects on stool frequency or quality of life were observed.

Conclusions: In summary, daily oral administration of B. longum CECT7894 (KABP042) and P. pentosaceus CECT8330 (KABP041) was an effective treatment for shortening crying time due to infantile colic and for improving fecal consistency. This trial was registered retrospectively in December 2019 with a trial number of ISRCTN92431452.
Efficacy of Treatments Targeting Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Systems for Major Depressive Disorder: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ding Yudan , Wei Zirou , Yan Haohao , Guo Wenbin
Published: September 2021

Abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has been implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD). A number of studies have attempted to use HPA-modulating medications to treat depression. However, their results are inconsistent. The efficacy of these drugs for MDD remains uncertain. The aims of this meta-analysis were to determine the effect and safety profile of HPA-targeting medications for MDD. World of Science and PubMed databases were comprehensively searched up to March 2021. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and open-label trials exploring antiglucocorticoid and related medications in patients with depression were included. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for continuous or dichotomous outcomes, respectively. In the meta-analysis, we identified 16 RCTs and seven open-label studies that included 2972 subjects. Pooling the change data that assessed the efficacy across all included HPA-targeting medications for depression showed a significant difference between interventions and controls with very small heterogeneity after influence analysis (SMD = 0.138, 95%CI = 0.052, 0.224, p = 0.002; I2 = 20.7%, p = 0.212). No obvious publication bias was observed (p = 0.127). Effectiveness remained significant in patients with MDD (SMD = 0.136, 95%CI = 0.049, 0.223, p = 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed a significant difference favoring mifepristone and vasopressin 1B (V1B) receptor antagonist treatment. Adverse events were reported by 14 studies and our analysis of high-quality studies showed a significant difference in favor of controls (RR = 1.283, 95%CI = 1.134, 1.452, p = 0). Our study suggested that patients with MDD may benefit from mifepristone and V1B receptor antagonist treatments that have tolerable side effects. HPA-based medications are promising for depression treatment. However, additional high-quality RCTs, including head-to-head trials, are needed.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier registration number: CRD42021247279
Beneficial Effects of Quercetin on Microcystin-LR Induced Tight Junction Defects
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Xue Mei , Jiang Yunfei , Zhang Miaomiao , Wang Changming , Wang Xuyang , Yu Guang , Tang Zongxiang
Published: September 2021

Quercetin has numerous functions including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The beneficial effect of quercetin against microcystin-LR (MC-LR)-induced testicular tight junctions (TJs) defects in vitro and in vivo were investigated. Significant reductions in transepithelial electrical resistance, occludin, and zonula occludens-1(ZO-1) levels were detected in the MC-LR-treated TM4 cells, and quercetin attenuated these effects. Interestingly, quercetin suppressed MC-LR-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT). It effectively inhibited the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells stimulated by MC-LR. In addition, ROS inhibitors blocked the TJ damage that is dependent on the AKT signaling pathway induced by MC-LR. In conclusion, our results suggest that alleviates MC-LR-impaired TJs by suppressing the ROS-regulated activation of the AKT pathway.
Xanthohumol Inhibited Mechanical Stimulation-Induced Articular ECM Degradation by Mediating lncRNA GAS5/miR-27a Axis
Authors: Zheng Tiansheng , Zhou Qingluo , Huang Jishang , Lai Jinliang , Ji Guanglin , Kong Dechao
Published: September 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is histopathologically marked by extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in joint cartilage. Abnormal mechanical stimulation on joint cartilage may result in ECM degeneration and OA development. Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) is one of the catabolic enzymes contributing to the degradation of ECM, and it has become the potential biomarker for the therapeutic management of OA. Xanthohumol (XH), a naturally occurring prenylflavonoid derived from hops and beer, shows the protective activity against OA development. However, the potential mechanisms still need great effort. In this article, mechanical stimulation could significantly increase the expression of MMP-13 and lncRNA GAS5 (GAS5) and promoting ECM degradation. These could be effectively reversed by XH administration. Suppressed expression GAS5 ameliorated mechanical stimulation-induced MMP-13 expression. MiR-27a was predicted and verified as a target of GAS5, and overexpression of miR-27a down regulated the expression of MMP-13. Collectively, XH exhibited protective effects against mechanical stimulation-induced ECM degradation by mediating the GAS5/miR-27a signaling pathway in OA chondrocytes.
Rhein Relieves Oxidative Stress in an Aβ1-42 Oligomer-Burdened Neuron Model by Activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α-Regulated Mitochondrial Biogenesis
Authors: Yin Zhihui , Geng Xinyue , Zhang Zhengyi , Wang Ying , Gao Xiaoyan
Published: September 2021

Neuronal mitochondrial oxidative stress induced by β-amyloid (Aβ) is an early event of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Emerging evidence has shown that antioxidant therapy represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AD. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activity of rhein against Aβ1-42 oligomer-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress in primary neurons and proposed a potential antioxidant pathway involved. The results suggested that rhein significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, reversed the depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential, and protected neurons from oxidative stress-associated apoptosis. Moreover, further study indicated that rhein activated mitochondrial biogenesis accompanied by increased cytochrome C oxidase (CytOx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. CytOx on the respiratory chain inhibited the production of ROS from electron leakage and SOD helped to eliminate excess ROS. Finally, western blot analysis confirmed that rhein remarkedly increased the protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) together with its upstream deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and activated downstream transcription factor nuclear respiratory factor 1, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that rhein activates mitochondrial biogenesis regulated by the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway as an antioxidant defense system against Aβ1-42 oligomer-induced oxidative stress. These findings broaden our knowledge of improving mitochondrial biogenesis as an approach for relieving neuronal oxidative stress in AD.
Association of Short-Term Heart Rate Variability With Breast Tumor Stage
Authors: Wu Shuang , Chen Man , Wang Jingfeng , Shi Bo , Zhou Yufu
Published: September 2021

Cardiac autonomic modulation, assessed by heart rate variability (HRV), is associated with tumor pathogenesis and development as well as invasion and metastasis. This study aimed to examine this association in breast cancer (BC) patients. A total of 133 patients (average age 49.2years) with BC or benign breast tumors were divided into three groups: benign group, early-stage group, and advanced-stage group. About 5-min resting ECG was collected for the analysis of linear and nonlinear HRV parameters. Multiple logistic regression models were performed to test the independent contribution of HRV to breast tumor stage. The advanced-stage group had significantly reduced HRV compared to the benign and early-stage groups. In particular, for each 1-SD increase in SD2, SD of normal-to-normal intervals, very-low frequency, total power, and low frequency, the odds of having advanced staging decreased by 69.3, 64.3, 58.3, 53.3, and 65.9%, respectively. These associations were independent of age, body mass index, mean heart rate (HR), and respiratory rate (RR). These findings suggest an association between HRV and breast tumor stage, and HRV parameters may help construct an effective early diagnostic and clinical prognostic model.
Effect of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Young Subjects: A Crossover Study
Authors: Zhang Guolin , Li Mei , Zheng Meifeng , Cai Xiaoqing , Yang Jinyu , Zhang Shengqing , Yilifate Anniwaer , Zheng Yuxin , Lin Qiang , Liang Junjie , Guo Lan , Ou Haining
Published: September 2021

Objective:Mask plays an important role in preventing infectious respiratory diseases. The influence of wearing masks in physical exercise on the human body needs to be studied. The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of wearing surgical masks on the cardiopulmonary function of healthy people during exercise.

Methods:The physiological responses of 71 healthy subjects (35 men and 36 women, age 27.77 ± 7.76 years) to exercises with and without surgical masks (mask-on and mask-off) were analyzed. Cardiopulmonary function and metabolic reaction were measured by the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). All tests were carried out in random sequence and should be completed in 1 week.

Results:The CPETs with the mask-on condition were performed undesirably (p< 0.05), and the Borg scale was higher than the mask-off (p< 0.001). Rest oxygen uptake (V.O2) and carbon dioxide production (V.CO2) with the mask-on condition were lower than mask-off (p< 0.01), which were more obvious at peak exercise (V.O2peak: 1454.8 ± 418.9 vs. 1628.6 ± 447.2 ml/min,p< 0.001;V.CO2peak: 1873.0 ± 578.7 vs. 2169.9 ± 627.8 ml/min,p= 0.005), and the anaerobic threshold (AT) brought forward (p< 0.001). At different stages of CPET with the mask-on condition, inspiratory and expiratory time (Te) was longer (p< 0.05), and respiratory frequency (Rf) and minute ventilation (V.E) were shorter than mask-off, especially at peak exercise (Rfpeak: 33.8 ± 7.98 vs. 37.91 ± 6.72 b/min,p< 0.001;V.Epeak: 55.07 ± 17.28 vs. 66.46 ± 17.93 l/min,p< 0.001).VTwas significantly lower than mask-off just at peak exercise (1.66 ± 0.45 vs. 1.79 ± 0.5 l,p< 0.001). End-tidal oxygen partial pressure (PetO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (PetCO2), oxygen ventilation equivalent (V.E/V.O2), and carbon dioxide ventilation equivalent (V.E/V.CO2) with mask-on, which reflected pulmonary ventilation efficiency, were significantly different from mask-off at different stages of CPET (p< 0.05), but no significant difference in percutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2) was found. Differences in oxygen pulse (V.O2/HR), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), work efficiency (△V.O2/△W), peak heart rate (HR), and peak systolic blood pressure (BP) existed between two conditions (p< 0.05).

Conclusion:Wearing surgical masks during aerobic exercise showed certain negative impacts on cardiopulmonary function, especially during high-intensity exercise in healthy young subjects. These results provide an important recommendation for wearing a mask at a pandemic during exercises of varying intensity. Future research should focus on the response of wearing masks in patients with related cardiopulmonary diseases.
Bioherbicidal Activity and Metabolic Profiling of Potent Allelopathic Plant Fractions Against Major Weeds of Wheat—Way Forward to Lower the Risk of Synthetic Herbicides
Authors: Anwar Sobia , Naseem Saadia , Karimi Saira , Asi Muhammad Rafique , Akrem Ahmed , Ali Zahid
Published: September 2021

The productivity of major field crops is highly compromised due to weed infestation. Inefficient weed management practices and undue and excessive use of chemical herbicides have drastically contaminated the environment and human health, in addition to resistance development in weed species. Therefore, utilization of allelopathic plants to explore phytochemicals as potent organic alternatives to such chemical herbicides has become indispensable. The current study evaluates the comparative bio-herbicidal potential of methanolic extracts of castor (Ricinus communis), artemisia (Artemisia santolinifolia), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) to suppress growth of major weeds, i.e., wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis), Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), and carrot grass (Parthenium hysterophorus). The results demonstrated a concentration-dependent effect on weeds’ growth. Overall, in vitro seed germination was reduced from 60 to 100% in response to 5% (w/v) extract concentration. Significant reduction in radicle length, hypocotyl length, and fresh biomass of the weeds was also observed. A strong inhibitory effect was seen in in vivo pot experiments, revealing that application of 10–20% methanolic extracts induced permanent wilting and substantial reduction in the chlorophyll content of weeds along with 20–80% increase in oxidative stress. Artemisia showed the most significant allelopathic effect, on account of highest phenolic and flavonoid contents, followed by castor, wheat, and sorghum, against S. arvensis, L. multiflorum, and P. hysterophorus, respectively. Phytochemical analysis, through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), also exhibited a correlation between extract’s phytotoxicity and their antioxidant potential due to their major constituents (rutin, quercetin, catechin, gallic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid, p-hydroxy benzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, and sinapic acid), among the total of 13 identified in methanolic fractions. Comprehensive profiling of allelochemicals with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) determined 120, 113, 90, and 50 derivates of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids, reported for the first time through this study, demonstrating significant allelopathic potential of the targeted plant fractions, which can be explored further to develop a sustainable bio-herbicidal formulation.
Species Delimitation of Asteropyrum (Ranunculaceae) Based on Morphological, Molecular, and Ecological Variation
Authors: Cheng Shanmei , Zeng Weidong , Wang Jing , Liu Lei , Liang Hua , Kou Yixuan , Wang Hengchang , Fan Dengmei , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: September 2021

Objectively evaluating different lines of evidence within a formalized framework is the most efficient and theoretically grounded approach for defining robust species hypotheses. Asteropyrum Drumm. et Hutch. is a small genus of perennial herb containing two species, A. cavaleriei and A. peltatum. The distinction of these two species mainly lies in the shape and size of leaf blades. However, these characters have been considered labile and could not differentiate the two species reliably. In this study, we investigated the variation of the leaf blades of 28 populations across the whole range of Asteropyrum using the landmark-based geometric morphometrics (GMM), sought genetic gaps within this genus using DNA barcoding, phylogenetic reconstruction and population genetic methods, and compared the predicted ecological niches of the two species. The results showed that the leaf form (shape and size) was overlapped between the two species; barcode gap was not detected within the genus Asteropyrum; and little ecological and geographical differentiation was found between the two taxa. Two genetic clusters detected by population genetic analysis did not match the two morphospecies. The results suggest that there are no distinct boundaries between the two species of Asteropyrum in terms of morphology, genetics and ecology and this present classification should be abandoned. We anticipate that range-wide population genomic studies would properly delineate the species boundaries and help to understand the evolution and speciation within Asteropyrum.
OsDOF11 Affects Nitrogen Metabolism by Sucrose Transport Signaling in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Huang Xinglei , Zhang Yiyan , Wang Leilei , Dong Xinyi , Hu Weixin , Jiang Min , Chen Gang , An Gynheung , Xiong Fei , Wu Yunfei
Published: September 2021

Carbon and nitrogen antagonistically regulate multiple developmental processes. However, the molecular mechanism affecting nitrogen metabolism by sucrose transport remains poorly defined. Previously, we noted that Oryza sativa DNA BINDING WITH ONE FINGER 11 (OsDOF11) mediated sucrose transport by binding to the promoter regions of Sucrose Transporter 1 (SUT1), Oryza sativa Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters 11 (OsSWEET11), and OsSWEET14. Here, we note that OsDOF11 promotes nitrogen uptake and then maintains the ratio of fresh weight to dry weight in seedling plants and the effective leaf blade at flowering stages. Mutants of the sucrose transporter gene OsSWEET14 displayed a phenotype similar to that of OsDOF11. By microarray analysis and qRT-PCR in OsDOF11 mutant plants, OsDOF11 affected the transcription level of amino acid metabolism-related genes. We further found that mainly amino acid contents were reduced in flag leaves but increased in seeds. Both sugar and organic nitrogen changes caused the ratio of fresh weight to dry weight to decrease in OsDOF11 mutant seedling plants and mature leaves, which might result in vigorous reduced metabolic activity and become less susceptible to stress. These results demonstrated that OsDOF11 affected nitrogen metabolism by sugar distribution in rice, which provided new insight that OsDOF11 coordinated with C and N balance to maintain plant growth activity.
Motivators of Participation and Non-Participation in Youth Environmental Protests
Authors: Feldman Hannah R.
Published: September 2021

This paper is an exploratory study investigating motivators of teenagers to both attend and not attend a climate change related protest event. Using open-ended surveys and focus groups, 16–19-year-old Australian students were asked about their motivators to attend and abstain fromSchool Strike 4 Climateevents. Through qualitative analysis and thematic coding, results show key motivators to attend aStrikeinclude climate change and acts of political participation that provide youth with a public voice. Protest is positioned as a key part of teen political repertoires. Reasons for non-attendance included prioritizing schoolwork and low efficacy in protest or participatory action. However, low efficacy in climate change mitigation, or an outright rejection of climate science, was not evident in this sample. Overall, reasons for attendance and non-attendance at aStrikeevent were not direct mirror images of the other, and implications for inclusion of non-participants in further studies is discussed in this light.
The Dilemma of Inclusive Education: Inclusion for Some or Inclusion for All
Authors: Leijen Äli , Arcidiacono Francesco , Baucal Aleksandar
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we intend to consider different understandings of inclusive education that frame current public and professional debates as well as policies and practices. We analyze two – somewhat opposing – discourses regarding inclusive education, namely, the “inclusion for some” – which represents the idea that children with special needs have a right to the highest quality education which can be delivered by specially trained staff, and the “inclusion for all” – which represents the idea that all children regarding their diverse needs should have the opportunity to learn together. To put the two discourses in a dialogical relation, we have reconstructed the inferential configurations of the arguments of each narrative to identify how the two definitions contribute to position children with and without special needs and their teachers. The results show the possibilities to bridge the two narratives, with respect to the voices they promote or silence, the power relations they constitute, and the values and practices they enact or prevent.
To Live or Die: What to Wish at 100 Years and Older
Authors: Araújo Lia , Teixeira Laetitia , Afonso Rosa Marina , Ribeiro Oscar
Published: September 2021

Previous research has shown that will to live is a strong predictor for survival among older people, irrespective of age, gender, and comorbidities. However, research on whether life at age 100 is perceived as worth living is limited. The available literature has presented evidence for good levels of positive attitudes and life satisfaction at such an advanced age, but it has also suggested that a longing for death is common. This study aimed to add to the existing data on this matter by exploring centenarians' will to live and the associated factors. The sample comprised 121 centenarians (mean age, 101 years; SD, 1.63 years), 19 (15.7%) of whom were males, from two centenarian studies (PT100). Answers to open questions were analyzed to identify the centenarians' will to live and the reasons behind it. Three groups were created (willing to live longer, not willing to live longer, no clear positioning) and further analyzed in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, health status, social functioning, and well-being. Of the total sample, 31.4% expressed willingness to live longer, 30.6% did not, and 38% presented no clear positioning. The presence of the Catholic religion (God) was referred for centenarians in all three groups. Annoyance, uselessness, loss of meaning, disconnection, and loneliness were the most common justifications for being reluctant to live longer. Positive valuation of life and good self-rated health, followed by having a confidant and reduced pain frequency, were the factors associated with being willing to live longer. The results of the study contribute to the understanding of the psychological functioning of individuals with exceptional longevity, particularly concerning the factors behind willingness to live at such an advanced age.
Do Fragile X Syndrome and Other Intellectual Disorders Converge at Aberrant Pre-mRNA Splicing?
Authors: Shah Sneha , Richter Joel D.
Published: September 2021

Fragile X Syndrome is a neuro-developmental disorder caused by the silencing of the FMR1 gene, resulting in the loss of its protein product, FMRP. FMRP binds mRNA and represses general translation in the brain. Transcriptome analysis of the Fmr1-deficient mouse hippocampus reveals widespread dysregulation of alternative splicing of pre-mRNAs. Many of these aberrant splicing changes coincide with those found in post-mortem brain tissue from individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) as well as in mouse models of intellectual disability such as PTEN hamartoma syndrome (PHTS) and Rett Syndrome (RTT). These splicing changes could result from chromatin modifications (e.g., in FXS, RTT) and/or splicing factor alterations (e.g., PTEN, autism). Based on the identities of the RNAs that are mis-spliced in these disorders, it may be that they are at least partly responsible for some shared pathophysiological conditions. The convergence of splicing aberrations among these autism spectrum disorders might be crucial to understanding their underlying cognitive impairments.
Non-use of Digital Health Consultations Among Swedish Elderly Living in the Countryside
Authors: Landgren Sara , Cajander Åsa
Published: September 2021

Digital health consultations in primary care have the advantage of offering equal healthcare for people residing in the countryside. While it is gaining acceptance among young- and middle-aged people, the elderly are reluctant to use it. The aim of this study was hence to identify reasons for non-use among elderly in the countryside and describe perceived possible challenges and opportunities with digital health consultations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 persons over 65 years old residing in the Swedish countryside. There was a mistrust for services offered by private companies and their public funding, a lack of knowledge of available services, and a lack of perceived usefulness. Personal interaction and continuity was more important than time or travel conveniences, although these advantages were recognized. To prevent digital exclusion, caregivers need to offer information, encouragement, or tools for the elderly. Digital primary care also needs to offer familiarity, with continuity and personal connections.
An Intelligent Control Model of Credit Line Computing in Intelligence Health-Care Systems
Authors: Jiang Rong , Wu Wenxuan , Yu Yimin , Ma Feng
Published: September 2021

Technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence have brought about a tremendous change to biomedical computing and intelligence health care. As a principal component of the intelligence healthcare system, the hospital information system (HIS) has provided great convenience to hospitals and patients, but incidents of leaking private information of patients through HIS occasionally occur at times. Therefore, it is necessary to properly control excessive access behavior. To reduce the risk of patient privacy leakage when medical data are accessed, this article proposes a dynamic permission intelligent access control model that introduces credit line calculation. According to the target given by the doctor in HIS and the actual access record, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 code is used to describe the degree of correlation, and the rationality of the access is formally described by a mathematical formula. The concept of intelligence healthcare credit lines is redefined with relevance and time Windows. The access control policy matches the corresponding credit limit and credit interval according to the authorization rules to achieve the purpose of intelligent control. Finally, with the actual data provided by a Grade-III Level-A hospital in Kunming, the program code is written through machine learning and biomedical computing-related technologies to complete the experimental test. The experiment proves that the intelligent access control model based on credit computing proposed in this study can play a role in protecting the privacy of patients to a certain extent.
Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Distance Learning Framework to Adapt to the Changing Landscape of Anatomy Instruction in Medical Education During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Naidoo Nerissa , Azar Aida J. , Khamis Amar Hassan , Gholami Mandana , Lindsbro Marjam , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi , Banerjee Yajnavalka
Published: September 2021

This study presents the design of a DL-framework to deliver anatomy teaching that provides a microfiche of the onsite anatomy learning experience during the mandated COVID-19 lockdown. First, using nominal-group technique, we identified the DL learning theories to be employed in blueprinting the DL-framework. Effectiveness of the designed DL-framework in anatomy teaching was demonstrated using the exemplar of the Head and Neck (H&N) course during COVID-19 lockdown, in the pre-clerkship curriculum at our medical school. The dissemination of the DL-framework in the anatomy course was informed by the Analyse, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate (ADDIE) model. The efficiency of the DL-framework was evaluated using the first two levels of Kirkpatrick's model. Versatility of the DL-framework was demonstrated by aligning its precepts with individual domains of key learning outcomes framework. The framework's blueprint was designed amalgamating principles of: Garrison's community inquiry, Siemens' connectivism and Harasim's online-collaborative-learning; and improved using Anderson's DL-model. Following the implementation of the DL-framework in the H&N course informed by ADDIE, the framework's efficiency was evaluated. In total, 70% students responded to the survey assessing perception toward DL (Kirkpatrick's Level: 1). Descriptive analysis of the survey results showed that the DL-framework was positively received by students and attested that students had an enriched learning experience, which promoted collaborative-learning and student-autonomy. For, Kirkpatrick's Level: 2 i.e., cognitive development, we compared the summative assessment performance in the H&N course across three cohort of students. The results show that the scores of the cohort, which experienced the course entirely through DL modality was statistically higher (P < 0.01) than both the other cohorts, indicating that shift to DL did not have an adverse effect on students' learning. Using Bourdieu's Theory of Practice, we showed that the DL-framework is an efficient pedagogical approach, pertinent for medical schools to adopt; and is versatile as it attests to the key domains of students' learning outcomes in the different learning outcomes framework. To our knowledge this is the first-study of its kind where a rationale and theory-guided approach has been availed not only to blueprint a DL framework, but also to implement it in the MBBS curriculum.
Quantification of Carbon Cycling in a Large Aquifer Using Reactive Transport Modelling
Authors: Miotliński Konrad , Peeters Luk J. M.
Published: September 2021

Continental scale aquifers can store significant amounts of carbon as a result of immense water volumes, substantial concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and its reactions with a matrix, thus contributing the global carbon storage and cycle. However, concentration of dissolved solutes may vary significantly over distances, which causes interpretative challenges and difficulties in process quantification. This occurs in the Guarani Aquifer System in South America, which is a subject of extensive research due to a significant strategic role in water supply. Dissolved CO2is expected to dissociate and undergo reactions with aluminosilicate minerals, but it is unknown how much DIC may get immobilised in the aquifer. To quantify the processes, we performed reactive transport modelling which combines hydrological and geochemical information followed by global sensitivity analysis. We show that more than a half of the infiltrated CO2may be consistently precipitated as CaCO3. The DIC concentrations across the aquifer depend primarily on the input carbon concentrations and the plagioclase hydrolysis rate, while other parameters including hydraulic conductivity, recharge rate and mineral stability are of the minor importance. We present how advanced modelling techniques may be used to interpret and quantify processes controlling water quality in continental scale groundwater systems.
Lenguaje, aprendizaje de lenguas extranjeras, inglés e interculturalidad: una perspectiva ecuatoriana
Authors: Rodas Pacheco Fabián Darío , Rodas Brosam Elisabeth Luisa
Published: September 2021

El lenguaje, como parte de la vida cotidiana de los individuos, ha sido definido y redefinido constantemente de varias maneras, permitiendo conocer el contexto local que les rodea al igual que el mundo exterior. Por otro lado, con el pasar de los tiempos, el lenguaje, a nivel global, se ha constituido en parte esencial del currículo oficial educativo y, en las últimas décadas, parte de la enseñanza y aprendizaje de lenguas extranjeras. El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica descriptiva es compartir una serie de elementos y conceptos para complementar o reforzar el conocimiento actual de los lectores sobre el lenguaje y su rol en la enseñanza y aprendizaje de idiomas extranjeros, así como también la importancia del inglés y su nexo con la interculturalidad hoy en día. Se consideró principalmente las fuentes primarias y secundarias directamente relacionadas con los temas tratados (periodo 2000-2020) y aquellas obras de autores cuyo trabajo seminal ha aportado al desarrollo del área disciplinar. El lenguaje, como medio de comunicación humana, permite desarrollar la competencia comunicativa, pero lo más importante, da paso a que los individuos se conozcan y se relacionen de una mejor manera con las personas que habitan a su alrededor.
Influencia de la ansiedad en el aprendizaje del idioma inglés como lengua extranjera en estudiantes de educación superior
Authors: Adrianzén Segovia Cyntia Sofía
Published: September 2021

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar el nivel de ansiedad frente al aprendizaje de una lengua extranjera, como el caso del idioma inglés, por lo que se consideró como referencia a 37 estudiantes de un instituto de educación superior de Lima, Perú. La muestra la conformaron mujeres y varones. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron: The Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) para evaluar la ansiedad y un instrumento para medir la habilidad speaking como parte del aprendizaje del idioma inglés. Se observó un nivel de ansiedad medio y el principal componente fue la ansiedad ante los exámenes.
Assessment of Capsicum annuum L. Grown in Controlled and Semi-Controlled Environments Irrigated with Greywater Treated by Floating Wetland Systems
Authors: Almuktar Suhad A. A. A. N. , Abed Suhail N. , Scholz Miklas , Uzomah Vincent C.
Published: September 2021

Accumulation of trace elements, including heavy metals, were evaluated in soil and fruits of chilli plants (Capsicum annuum L.) grown under both laboratory-controlled and semi-controlled greenhouse location conditions. Chilli plant biomass growth in different development stages and fruit productivity were evaluated and compared with each other for the impact of growth boundary conditions and water quality effects. Treated synthetic greywaters by different operational design set-ups of floating treatment wetland systems were recycled for watering chillies in both locations. Effluents of each individual group of treatment set-up systems were labelled to feed sets of three replicates of chilli plants in both locations. Results revealed that the treated synthetic greywater (SGW) complied with thresholds for irrigation water, except for high concentrations (HC) of phosphates, total suspended soils, and some trace elements, such as cadmium. Chilli plants grew in both locations with different growth patterns in each development stage. First blooming and high counts of flowers were observed in the laboratory. Higher fruit production was noted for greenhouse plants: 2266 chilli fruits with a total weight of 16.824 kg with an expected market value of GBP 176.22 compared to 858 chilli fruits from the laboratory with a weight of 3.869 kg and an estimated price of GBP 17.61. However, trace element concentrations were detected in chilli fruits with the ranking order of occurrence as: Mg > Ca > Na > Fe > Zn > Al > Mn > Cu > Cd > Cr > Ni > B. The highest concentrations of accumulated Cd (3.82 mg/kg), Cu (0.56 mg/kg), and Na (0.56 mg/kg) were recorded in chilli fruits from the laboratory, while greater accumulations of Ca, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Ni with concentrations of 4.73, 1.30, 0.20, 0.21, and 0.24 mg/kg, respectively, were linked to fruits from the greenhouse. Trace elements in chilli plant soils followed the trend: Mg > Fe > Al > Cr > Mn > Cd > Cu > B. The accumulated concentrations in either chilli fruits or the soil were above the maximum permissible thresholds, indicating the need for water quality improvements.
Aerodynamic Performance Analysis of a Modified Joukowsky Airfoil: Parametric Control of Trailing Edge Thickness
Authors: Xiong Pan , Wu Lin , Chen Xinyuan , Wu Yingguang , Yang Wenjun
Published: September 2021

In order to ensure the blade strength of large-scale wind turbine, the blunt trailing edge airfoil structure is proposed, aiming at assessing the impact of the trailing edge shape on the flow characteristics and airfoil performance. In this paper, a Joukowsky airfoil is modified by adding the tail thickness parameter K to achieve the purpose of accurately modifying the thickness of the blunt tail edge of the airfoil. Using Ansys Fluent as a tool, a large eddy simulation (LES) model was used to analyze the vortex structure of the airfoil trailing edge. The attack angles were used as variables to analyze the aerodynamic performance of airfoils with different K-values. It was found that when α = 0°, α = 4°, and α = 8°, the lift coefficient and lift–drag ratio increased with increasing K-value. With the increase in the angle of attack from 8° to 12°, the lift–drag ratio of the airfoil with the blunt tail increased from +70% to −7.3% compared with the original airfoil, which shows that the airfoil with the blunt trailing edge has a better aerodynamic performance at a small angle of attack. The aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil are affected by the periodic shedding of the wake vortex and also have periodic characteristics. By analyzing the vortex structure at the trailing edge, it was found that the value of K can affect the size of the vortex and the position of vortex generation/shedding. When α = 0°, α = 4°, and α = 8°, the blunt trailing edge could improve the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil; when α = 12°, the position of vortex generation changed, which reduced the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil. Therefore, when designing the trailing edge of an airfoil, the thickness of the trailing edge can be designed according to the specific working conditions. It can provide valuable information for the design and optimization of blunt trailing edge airfoil.
Particulate PAH Transport Associated with Adult Chronic Cough Occurrence Closely Connected with Meteorological Conditions: A Modelling Study
Authors: Inomata Yayoi , Takeda Masato , Thao Nguyen , Kajino Mizuo , Seto Takafumi , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Hayakawa Kazuichi
Published: September 2021

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a cause of chronic cough occurrence in adult patients. In order to clear the relationship between transboundary transport of PAH and health effects, this study investigates the relationship between atmospheric particulate PAHs (p-PAHs), cough occurrence by epidemiological research, and meteorological conditions using a chemical transport model. Source receptor relationship (SRR) analysis revealed that a higher cough occurrence was caused by exposure to high p-PAH levels in air masses transported from central China (CCHN, 30–40° N) under westerly conditions. The p-PAHs transported from northern China (NCHN, >40° N) and the eastern part of Russia (ERUS) under north-westerly conditions also contributed to cough occurrence. The low equivalent potential temperature (ePT) and geopotential height anomaly suggested that the p-PAHs emitted near the surface were suppressed to upward transport under the colder air mass but were instead transported horizontally near the surface in the boundary layer, resulting in high p-PAH concentrations arriving in Kanazawa. Our study’s findings suggest that the air mass transport pattern associated with meteorology strongly influences the high p-PAH concentrations causing adult chronic cough occurrence.
Dynamics of Microbial Biomass, Nitrogen Mineralization and Crop Uptake in Response to Placement of Maize Residue Returned to Chinese Mollisols over the Maize Growing Season
Authors: Gao Yan , Liang Aizhen , Zhang Yan , McLaughlin Neil , Zhang Shixiu , Chen Xuewen , Zheng Haifeng , Fan Ruqin
Published: September 2021

Returning residue to soils is not only an effective nutrient management method, but also can reduce the air pollution caused by residue burning, which has become an important factor in global warming. However, it is not clear whether returning residue to the soil can affect the nitrogen mineralization and the nitrogen cycle process, and the environmental impact caused by the nitrogen loss in gaseous forms. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of residue placement on the nitrogen turnover process, including microbial biomass N (MBN) and C (MBC), inorganic N, crop N uptake, and the contribution of residue-derived N to maize at different maize growth stages. Three treatments were assessed: no residue addition (T0), residue addition to the soil surface (T1), and residue incorporation into the 0–10 cm soil layer (T2). Soil samples were taken at the 0–5 and 5–10 cm layers for all residue treatments. Residue retention (T1 and T2) significantly affected the MBC and MBN contents and decreased MBC/MBN ratio at different maize growth stages. MBC/MBN markedly increased at the R1 stage compared to other growth stages. The differences in total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) were attributed to the balance in net N immobilization and net mineralization in the different maize growth stages. In addition, T2 significantly increased the residue-derived N source for maize by 11.3% compared to T0 in the R3 growth stage. Overall, relative to T1, T2 is a better agriculture management measure to promote N transformation and supply, and enhance residue-derived N release and uptake in maize.
Inequalities on General Lp-Mixed Chord Integral Difference
Authors: Xiao Hongying , Wang Weidong , Li Zhaofeng
Published: September 2021

In this article, we introduce the concept of general Lp-mixed chord integral difference of star bodies. Further, we establish the Brunn–Minkowski type, Aleksandrov–Fenchel type and cyclic inequalities for the Lp-mixed chord integral difference.
The Surplus Effect in Adaptive Behaviour in Down Syndrome: What Can Promote It?
Authors: Dressler Anastasia , Perelli Valetina , Bozza Margherita , Bargagna Stefania , Benninger Franz , Kosheleva Anna , Schernhammer Eva
Published: September 2021

Background: In Down syndrome (DS), adaptive behaviour often shows a “surplus effect” (i.e., higher adaptive abilities than expected from cognitive skills). As inclusive schooling has become mandatory in Italy, we studied the impact of school inclusion on the surplus effect of adaptive behaviour in adult DS, considering potential confounding factors such as parental education. Methods: All consecutive DS individuals from three different sites were queried prospectively regarding type of schooling (inclusive and non-inclusive). Demographic data were documented; cognitive abilities and adaptive behaviour were assessed (Coloured Progressive Matrices and Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales). The aim was to establish the presence of a surplus effect in adaptive behaviour, primarily in the overall level and secondarily in the main domains and subdomains. A multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model was used for the association of schooling, and parental education. Results: The majority (65%) showed a surplus effect in adaptive behaviour and had attended inclusive schools (85%). Higher adaptive skills as well as early and longer functional treatment programmes were more readily available for younger individuals. In the group of inclusive schooling, the surplus effect on overall adaptive behaviour was present in 70% as opposed to 38% in the group without inclusive schooling, significant when adjusted for gender and maternal education. This was also observed in socialisation, written, and community, and after adjustment in playing and leisure time. Conclusions: Adaptive behaviour showed a surplus effect in the majority of DS adults, even more so after inclusive schooling. Younger adults showed higher adaptive skills. Moreover, female gender and higher maternal educational level significantly enhanced this surplus effect.
Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Changes in Encoding and Decoding of Bipedal Walking by Motor Cortical Ensembles
Authors: Hu Dingyin , Wang Shirong , Li Bo , Liu Honghao , He Jiping
Published: September 2021

Recent studies have shown that motor recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI) is task-specific. However, most consequential conclusions about locomotor functional recovery from SCI have been derived from quadrupedal locomotion paradigms. In this study, two monkeys were trained to perform a bipedal walking task, mimicking human walking, before and after T8 spinal cord hemisection. Importantly, there is no pharmacological therapy with nerve growth factor for monkeys after SCI; thus, in this study, the changes that occurred in the brain were spontaneous. The impairment of locomotion on the ipsilateral side was more severe than that on the contralateral side. We used information theory to analyze single-cell activity from the left primary motor cortex (M1), and results show that neuronal populations in the unilateral primary motor cortex gradually conveyed more information about the bilateral hindlimb muscle activities during the training of bipedal walking after SCI. We further demonstrated that, after SCI, progressively expanded information from the neuronal population reconstructed more accurate control of muscle activity. These results suggest that, after SCI, the unilateral primary motor cortex could gradually regain control of bilateral coordination and motor recovery and in turn enhance the performance of brain–machine interfaces.
Deletion of NEMO Inhibits EMT and Reduces Metastasis in KPC Mice
Authors: Tsesmelis Miltiadis , Tiwary Kanishka , Steiger Katja , Sperb Nadine , Gerstenlauer Melanie , Manfras Uta , Maier Harald , Hermann Patrick , Chan Lap , Wirth Thomas
Published: September 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a largely incurable cancer type. Its high mortality is attributed to the lack of efficient biomarkers for early detection combined with its high metastatic properties. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of NF-κB signaling in the development and metastasis of PDAC. We used the well-established KPC mouse model, and, through genetic manipulation, we deleted NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO) in the pancreata of KPC mice. Interestingly, NEMO deletion altered the differentiation status of the primary tumor but did not significantly affect its development. However, in the absence of NEMO, the median survival of the mice was prolonged by 13.5 days (16%). In addition, examination of the liver demonstrated that, whereas KPC mice occasionally developed liver macro-metastasis, NEMO deletion completely abrogated this outcome. Further analysis of the tumor revealed that the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factors was diminished in the absence of NEMO. Conclusively, our study provides evidence that NF-κB is dispensable for the progression of high-grade PanINs towards PDAC. In contrast, NF-κB signaling is essential for the development of metastasis by regulating the gene expression program of EMT.