bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the integration of the 4C model in the professional training of foreign language teachers
Authors: Salybekova Farida Muratovna , Almetov Negmatzhan Shadimetovish , Karbozova Gulnara Kumisbekovna , Suyuberdieva Aiman Abdrazakovna , Kudaibergenova Marzhan Ryskulbekovna , Nazarova Gaziza Zhaldybaevna
Published: April 2023

Introduction

This study explored the opinions and experiences of senior EFL teachers and experts regarding the appropriate training of foreign language teachers to implement the 4C (critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration) model of education in foreign language teaching.

Methods

To achieve its goal, the study employed a mixed-methods approach, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 participants who were the most knowledgeable and experienced in the research topic, and in-depth one-on-one interviews were conducted with them. Thematic analysis was used to identify major themes and patterns in the participants’ responses. Additionally, a survey was conducted with 60 EFL students to assess the impact of the 4C training on their learning outcomes.

Results

The findings of the study revealed that participants perceived the 4C model of education as an effective approach for teaching foreign languages. They also emphasized the importance of providing appropriate training to foreign language teachers to enable them to effectively implement the 4C model. The survey data showed that the 4C training had a positive impact on the students’ learning outcomes.

Discussion

The study contributes to the existing literature on foreign language education by providing insights into the perceptions and experiences of senior EFL teachers and experts regarding the appropriate training of foreign language teachers to implement the 4C model. The study recommends that teacher training programs be revised to include the 4C model of education to improve the quality of foreign language education in Kazakhstan.
Educators by proxy: Emergency remote teaching and learning in the voice of parents
Authors: Seabra Filipa , Abelha Marta , Aires Luísa , Teixeira António Moreira
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic led educational systems worldwide to transpose activities planned for face-to-face education to mediated contexts - through what is known as Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning (ERTL). This posed unprecedented challenges to schools, teachers, families, and students. In this context, it was relevant to describe and understand how parents perceived this process, including what challenges to themselves and their children they faced and what advantages they acknowledged in the process. The present study focuses on Portuguese parents’ views on this process.

Methods

Data were gathered in April and May 2020 through an online questionnaire answered by 184 parents of preschool, basic, and secondary education students (ages 3–18). The present paper presents data from open questions analyzed by deductive and inductive content analysis using MaxQDA.

Results and discussion

Results evidence three overarching themes: equity, parental labor, and the meaning of school. Parents reveal substantial difficulties juggling the role of proxy educator and parent and point to inequalities - including those concerning very young children, children with disabilities or learning difficulties, students enrolled in professional education, families with insufficient access to technologies, and parents working from home. The school is portrayed as a crucial environment for development, a designated space for learning and caretaking, but also a relational and emotional context. Despite this scenario, parents acknowledge ERTL as having positive aspects and as the possible outlet to keep education going even in extreme situations.
Impacts of Tibetan Plateau sensible heat and El Niño–Southern Oscillation on precipitation over South China under the background of the PDO
Authors: Sun Yang , Shan Xing , Zhou Shunwu , Wang Meirong , Wang Chuanhui , Deng Zhongren
Published: April 2023

This study aims to investigate the impacts of the spring sensible heat (SH) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the preceding wintertime on midsummer (July–August) precipitation over South China under the different Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) phases. More specifically, eight classifications are adopted at the demarcation point around 1996 when the spring SH over the TP and the midsummer precipitation in South China occurred as well as the PDO phase transition, including positive and negative SHs and ENSOs under a positive PDO phase (1979–1996) and a negative PDO phase (1997–2019), respectively, based on the Niño-3 index and the spring SH calculated from 48 stations over the central and eastern parts of the TP. The results show that both the spring SH and the ENSO in preceding wintertime have a significant impact on the midsummer precipitation over South China; that is, when the two factors are in their respective positive (negative) phase, the midsummer precipitation in South China is generally less (more). Importantly, the phase change of background field PDO can significantly enhance the effect of the SH and the ENSO on summer precipitation over South China. Moreover, compared with the preceding wintertime ENSO, the spring SH over the TP contributes more to the midsummer precipitation in South China based on analyses of their independent and synergistic effects. The main mechanism responsible for the anomalous midsummer precipitation over South China are the combined effects of the South Asian high (SAH) and the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH), which are controlled by the spring SH anomaly over the TP and the ENSO, respectively. Deep understanding of the dominant factors of the midsummer precipitation over South China will help understand the local climate change and reduce the losses caused by drought and flood disasters.
Assessment of anti-HIV-1 guide RNA efficacy in cells containing the viral target sequence, corresponding gRNA, and CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Allen Alexander G. , Chung Cheng-Han , Worrell Stephen D. , Nwaozo Glad , Madrid Rebekah , Mele Anthony R. , Dampier Will , Nonnemacher Michael R. , Wigdahl Brian
Published: April 2023

The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene editing system has been shown to be effective at inhibiting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Studies have not consistently used a trackable dual reporter system to determine what cells received the Cas9/gRNA to determine the overall knockdown of HIV. Some studies have used stably transduced cells under drug selection to accomplish this goal. Here a two-color system was used that allows tracking of viral protein expression and which cells received the CRISPR/Cas9 system. These experiments ensured that each gRNA used was a perfect match to the intended target to remove this variable. The data showed that gRNAs targeting the transactivation response element (TAR) region or other highly conserved regions of the HIV-1 genome were effective at stopping viral gene expression, with multiple assays demonstrating greater than 95 percent reduction. Conversely, gRNAs targeting conserved sites of the 5’ portion of the U3 region were largely ineffective, demonstrating that the location of edits in the long terminal repeat (LTR) matter with respect to function. In addition, it was observed that a gRNA targeting Tat was effective in a T-cell model of HIV-1 latency. Taken together, these studies demonstrated gRNAs designed to highly conserved functional regions have near 100% efficacy in vitro in cells known to have received the Cas9/gRNA pair.
Multiple epigenetic modification profiles reveal the tumor immune microenvironment and clinical outcomes of uveal melanoma
Authors: Nan Xinshuai , Liu Yuchen , Gao Yuzhen , Nan Xinshan
Published: April 2023

Uveal melanoma (UM) is an aggressive intraocular cancer that, in 50% of cases, spreads to the patient’s other systems. The exact cause of the increased metastatic rate is still unknown. Methylation and immune response, metastasis, and the expansion of cancer cells are closely related. Additionally, proteins linked to RNA methylation have come to light as possible cancer treatment targets. However, the relationship between methylation-related genes (MRGs) and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is still not understood. The goal of this work was to discover important MRGs and create a signature for UM patients’ prognosis prediction. Using two different data sets, we examined the MRG expression patterns in the transcriptional and genomic regions of 106 UM samples. We discovered a connection between the clinicopathological traits of the patients, their prognosis, the capability of TME cells to infiltrate, and various MRG changes. Following that, we developed an MRGs signature to forecast prognosis, and we evaluated the model’s precision in patients with UM. We grouped the patients into multiple categories based on their clinical traits, looked at the survival rates for various groups within various groupings, and tested their accuracy. Additionally, to increase the practical usability of the MRGs model, we created a very accurate nomogram. TIDE scores were higher in the low-risk group. We go over how MGRs could impact UM’s TME, immunotherapy responsiveness, prognosis, and clinically significant features. We looked for different chemotherapeutic drugs and cutting-edge targeted agents for patients in diverse subgroups in order to better understand MRGs in UM. This helped in the creation of customized therapy to open new doors. We could also further research the prognosis and develop more efficient immunotherapy regimens.
Taxonomical composition and functional analysis of biofilms sampled from a nuclear storage pool
Authors: Pible Olivier , Petit Pauline , Steinmetz Gérard , Rivasseau Corinne , Armengaud Jean
Published: April 2023

Sampling small amounts of biofilm from harsh environments such as the biofilm present on the walls of a radioactive material storage pool offers few analytical options if taxonomic characterization and estimation of the different biomass contributions are the objectives. Although 16S/18S rRNA amplification on extracted DNA and sequencing is the most widely applied method, its reliability in terms of quantitation has been questioned as yields can be species-dependent. Here, we propose a tandem-mass spectrometry proteotyping approach consisting of acquiring peptide data and interpreting then against a generalist database without any a priori. The peptide sequence information is transformed into useful taxonomical information that allows to obtain the different biomass contributions at different taxonomical ranks. This new methodology is applied for the first time to analyze the composition of biofilms from minute quantities of material collected from a pool used to store radioactive sources in a nuclear facility. For these biofilms, we report the identification of three genera, namely Sphingomonas, Caulobacter, and Acidovorax, and their functional characterization by metaproteomics which shows that these organisms are metabolic active. Differential expression of Gene Ontology GOslim terms between the two main microorganisms highlights their metabolic specialization.
Detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on the regulatory mechanisms of postural balance: a comprehensive review
Authors: Paillard Thierry
Published: April 2023

This review addresses the effects of sleep deprivation on postural balance based on a comprehensive search of articles dealing with this relationship in the electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Evidence suggests that postural balance is sensitive to acute and chronic sleep deprivation for everyone, including young and healthy subjects. Pathologies, aging and the circadian pattern aggravate and/or accentuate the effects of sleep deprivation on postural balance. It turns out that the different systems of information taking, decision making, and motor execution of the postural balance function are negatively affected by sleep deprivation. For example, regarding the information taking system, the sensitivity of visual perception and visuo-spatial performance and the oculomotricity are disrupted and the vestibulo-ocular reflex and the sensory reweighting are altered. Regarding the decision making system, the different brain areas activated for the regulation of postural balance are less active after sleep deprivation and the executive function and perception of verticality are impaired. Regarding the motor execution system, the agonist-antagonist muscle coordination can be modified. However, the different detrimental effects induced for each system of the postural balance function are not yet fully known and deserve further exploration in order to better understand them.
Maternal immune activation as an epidemiological risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders: Considerations of timing, severity, individual differences, and sex in human and rodent studies
Authors: Hall Mary Beth , Willis Daria E. , Rodriguez Elina L. , Schwarz Jaclyn M.
Published: April 2023

Epidemiological evidence suggests that one’s risk of being diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD)—such as autism, ADHD, or schizophrenia—increases significantly if their mother had a viral or bacterial infection during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Despite this well-known data, little is known about how developing neural systems are perturbed by events such as early-life immune activation. One theory is that the maternal immune response disrupts neural processes important for typical fetal and postnatal development, which can subsequently result in specific and overlapping behavioral phenotypes in offspring, characteristic of NDDs. As such, rodent models of maternal immune activation (MIA) have been useful in elucidating neural mechanisms that may become dysregulated by MIA. This review will start with an up-to-date and in-depth, critical summary of epidemiological data in humans, examining the association between different types of MIA and NDD outcomes in offspring. Thereafter, we will summarize common rodent models of MIA and discuss their relevance to the human epidemiological data. Finally, we will highlight other factors that may interact with or impact MIA and its associated risk for NDDs, and emphasize the importance for researchers to consider these when designing future human and rodent studies. These points to consider include: the sex of the offspring, the developmental timing of the immune challenge, and other factors that may contribute to individual variability in neural and behavioral responses to MIA, such as genetics, parental age, the gut microbiome, prenatal stress, and placental buffering.
A Combination of Hermetia illucens Reared on Fish Waste and Poultry By-Product Meal Improves Sensory and Physicochemical Quality of Farmed Barramundi Filets
Authors: Chaklader Md Reaz , Chung Wing H. , Howieson Janet , Fotedar Ravi
Published: April 2023

The proximate composition, sensory attributes, and shelf life of filets from barramundi, Lates calcarifer, were fed a fishmeal (FM) based diet (0PBM-0HI) and three test diets replacing FM protein entirely with 85% poultry by-products meal (PBM) and 15% Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae meal protein (85PBM-15HI), 80% PBM and 20% HI (80PBM-20HI) and 75% PBM and 25% HI (75PBM-25HI) were investigated. After a 56-day feeding trial, the crude protein, moisture, and ash percentage were unchanged while the crude lipid increased in barramundi filet when fed with PBM-HI-based diets. The increase in C12:0 (lauric acid) and C14:0 (myristic acid) resulted in an increase in the total saturated fatty acid while the monounsaturated fatty acid elevated due to an increase in C16:1n7 and C18:1cis + trans in the filet of the barramundi fed with a PBM-HI based diet. While the decrease in the total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content in PBM-HI based fed barramundi filet was mainly due to a decrease in essential fatty acids including C20:5n3 [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)] and C22:6n3 [docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] when compared with the 0PBM-0HI fed barramundi filet. The sensory quality was improved by PBM-HI-based diets, manifested by the highest scores given by the panelists. Texture profiles were not affected by diet but cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness decreased with increasing storage time. On days 1 and 8, skin brightness decreased in the skin of the barramundi fed with 85PBM-15HI and 80PBM-20HI compared with the skin of the 0PBM-0HI fed barramundi. Skin redness improved in fish-fed PBM-HI-based diets. The flesh brightness and yellowness increased significantly in barramundi when fed with PBM-HI-based diets. On days 1 and 4, the flesh brightness of the barramundi fed with PBM-HI-based diets demonstrated an increase compared with 0PBM-0HI. PBM-HI diets suppress lipid oxidation while lipid oxidation increased over the storage time. In summary, the improvement in sensory quality and color coupled with the suppression of rancidity in barramundi filets underpinned the potentiality of using the mixture of PBM and HI transformed from food waste in the barramundi diet to improve the filet quality and thus support sustainability and circular economy in aquaculture.
Influence of different lactic acid bacteria strains and milling process on the solid-state fermented green and red lentils (Lens culinaris L.) properties including gamma-aminobutyric acid formation
Authors: Mockus Ernestas , Zokaityte Egle , Starkute Vytaute , Klupsaite Dovile , Ruibys Romas , Rocha João Miguel , Bartkevics Vadims , Bartkiene Elena
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum No.122 and Lacticaseibacillus casei No.210) and milling process on the solid-state fermented (for 24 h, at 30°C) green and red lentils (Lens culinaris L.) properties, chiefly pH, LAB viable counts, color coordinates, free amino acid (FAA) profile, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and biogenic amine (BA) concentrations, fatty acid (FA) and volatile compound (VC) profiles. Results showed that both of the tested LAB strains are suitable for the fermentation of lentils: pH of fermented lentils was <4.5 and LAB viable counts >8.0 log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/g. A very strong negative correlation was found (r = −0.973, p ≤ 0.0001) between LAB counts and pH of the samples. Also, fermentation and milling process were significant factors toward color coordinates of the lentils. In most of the cases, solid-state fermentation (SSF) increased essential FAA content in lentils; however, some of the non-essential FAA content was reduced. SSF significantly increased GABA concentration in lentils and milling process was a significant factor on GABA content of the samples (p ≤ 0.05). The main BA in lentils was spermidine, and SSF decreased their total BA content (34.8% on average in red lentils and 39.9% on average in green lentils). The main FA in lentils were linoleic and oleic. The main VC in lentils were hexanal, 1-hexanol, hexanoic acid, D-limonene and (E)-2-nonen-1-ol. Furthermore, most of the VC showed significant correlations with pH of lentil samples, LAB counts and FA content. Finally, the LAB strain used for fermentation and the milling process of lentils are significant factors for most of the analyzed parameters in lentil. Moreover, despite the higher GABA concentration found in green non-milled SSF lentils, application of combined milling and SSF is recommended because they showed the lowest BA content in addition to higher essential FAA and GABA concentrations.
Ecological niches for colorectal cancer stem cell survival and thrival
Authors: Che Jiayun , Yu Shiyan
Published: April 2023

To date, colorectal cancer is still ranking top three cancer types severely threatening lives. According to cancer stem cell hypothesis, malignant colorectal lumps are cultivated by a set of abnormal epithelial cells with stem cell-like characteristics. These vicious stem cells are derived from intestinal epithelial stem cells or transformed by terminally differentiated epithelial cells when they accumulate an array of transforming genomic alterations. Colorectal cancer stem cells, whatever cell-of-origin, give rise to all morphologically and functionally heterogenous tumor daughter cells, conferring them with overwhelming resilience to intrinsic and extrinsic stresses. On the other hand, colorectal cancer stem cells and their daughter cells continuously participate in constructing ecological niches for their survival and thrival by communicating with adjacent stromal cells and circulating immune guardians. In this review, we first provide an overview of the normal cell-of-origin populations contributing to colorectal cancer stem cell reservoirs and the niche architecture which cancer stem cells depend on at early stage. Then we survey recent advances on how these aberrant niches are fostered by cancer stem cells and their neighbors. We also discuss recent research on how niche microenvironment affects colorectal cancer stem cell behaviors such as plasticity, metabolism, escape of immune surveillance as well as resistance to clinical therapies, therefore endowing them with competitive advantages compared to their normal partners. In the end, we explore therapeutic strategies available to target malignant stem cells.
Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of fatty acid synthase in breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Binyan , Peng Qi , Wang Ya-Wen , Qiu Jianhao , Zhu Jiang , Ma Rong
Published: April 2023

Background

Aberrant expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) was demonstrated in various tumors including breast cancer. A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the role of FASN in breast cancer development and its potential prognostic significance.

Methods

The Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify studies that evaluated the relationship between FASN expression and overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and disease-free survival (DFS) of breast cancer patients. To analyze the clinicopathological and prognostic values of FASN expression in breast cancer, pooled hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were clustered based on random-effects models. To confirm whether the findings were stable and impartial, a sensitivity analysis was performed, and publication bias was estimated. Data were analyzed using Engauge Digitizer version 5.4 and Stata version 15.0.

Results

Five studies involving 855 participants were included. Patients with higher FASN expression did not have a shorter survival period compared to those with lower FASN expression (summary HR: OS, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.41-1.32; P=0.300]; DFS/RFS, 1.65 [95% CI, 0.61-4.43; P=0.323]). However, increased FASN expression was correlated with large tumor size (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.04-4.00; P=0.038), higher human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positivity (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.05-2.23; P=0.028). No significant associations were observed between FASN expression and histological grade (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.41-2.04; P=0.832), Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.49-2.53; P=0.795), nodal metastasis (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.84-2.38; P=0.183), Ki-67 labelling index (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.15-2.63; P=0.533), estrogen receptor (ER) status (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.61-1.32; P=0.586), or progesterone receptor (PR) status (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.29-1.56; P=0.354).

Conclusion

FASN is associated with HER2 expression and may contribute to tumor growth, but it has no significant impact on the overall prognosis of breast cancer.
Predicting therapeutic efficacy of oral rehydration salts in children with vasovagal syncope
Authors: Du Xiaojuan , Tao Chunyan , Li Xueying , Du Junbao , Liao Ying , Jin Hongfang
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study was designed to develop an easy-to-perform and inexpensive measure to predict efficacy of the oral rehydration salts (ORS) in children with vasovagal syncope (VVS).

Materials and methods

Children diagnosed with VVS and treated with ORS for a median of 3 months at the Peking University First Hospital, China, were enrolled and followed up. Demographic data, clinical hemodynamic parameters, and variables related to red blood cells were collected at the baseline. On the basis of changes in symptom scores after treatment, participants were divided into effective or ineffective groups at the end of the follow-up. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate parameters related to therapeutic efficacy of ORS and a predictive model of ORS effectiveness was created. The predictive efficiency was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. The accuracy/consistency was evaluated by the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and calibration curve. Internal validation was done using the bootstrap approach.

Results

Totally 97 pediatric participants were included in the study and 4 (4.1%) were lost during the follow-up. ORS therapy was effective in 46 children and ineffective in 47 children. Children in the effective group had higher baseline red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit than those in the ineffective group (p < 0.01). Through logistic regression analysis, the baseline hematocrit and body mass index (BMI) were included in predictive model for the response to ORS treatment. The predictive efficacy of the model showed an area under the curve of 0.77 (p < 0.01). The predicted probability cut-off value of 0.5 was found to be optimal, with a resulting sensitivity of 67.4% and specificity of 80.9%. In the Hosmer–Lemeshow test, p-value was 0.75, and the calibration plot showed a good model fitness. Internal validation was performed using the bootstrap approach (n = 1,000), showing 95% confidence interval of 0.67–0.86.

Conclusion

Hemoglobin combined with BMI was useful for predicting the therapeutic efficacy of ORS in children with VVS.
Conventional reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade by sugammadex in Korean children: pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety analyses
Authors: Ji Sang-Hwan , Huh Ki Young , Oh Jaeseong , Jeong Hee-Jeong , Jang Young-Eun , Kim Eun-Hee , Lee Ji-Hyun , Kim Jin-Tae , Kim Hee-Soo
Published: April 2023

Background: Sugammadex is known to reverse neuromuscular blockade induced by non-depolarizing agents. In children, the recommended dose for reversal of moderate neuromuscular blockade is 2 mg/kg. We investigated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sugammadex in Korean children.

Methods: Children (2–17 years of age) undergoing brain or spine surgery were enrolled and randomly assigned to control (neostigmine) and 2, 4, or 8 mg/kg sugammadex groups. Following induction of anesthesia and monitoring of the response to train-of-four stimulation, 1 mg/kg rocuronium was intravenously administered. Upon reappearance of the second twitch to train-of-four stimulation, the study drug was administered according to group allocation. The plasma concentrations of rocuronium and sugammadex were serially measured at nine predefined time points following study drug administration. To determine efficacy, we measured the time elapsed from drug administration to recovery of T4/T1 ≥ 0.9. For pharmacokinetics, non-compartmental analysis was performed and we monitored adverse event occurrence from the time of study drug administration until 24 h post-surgery.

Results: Among the 29 enrolled participants, the sugammadex (2 mg/kg) and control groups showed recovery times [median (interquartile range)] of 1.3 (1.0–1.9) and 7.7 (5.3–21.0) min, respectively (p = 0.002). There were no significant differences in recovery time among the participants in sugammadex groups. The pharmacokinetics of sugammadex were comparable to those of literature findings. Although two hypotensive events related to sugammadex were observed, no intervention was necessary.

Conclusion: The findings of this pharmacokinetic analysis and efficacy study of sugammadex in Korean children indicated that sugammadex (2 mg/kg) may be safely administered for reversing moderate neuromuscular blockade. Some differences in pharmacokinetics of sugammadex were observed according to age.

Clinical Trial Registration:http://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04347486)
Standards for model-based early bactericidal activity analysis and sample size determination in tuberculosis drug development
Authors: Mockeliunas Laurynas , Faraj Alan , van Wijk Rob C. , Upton Caryn M. , van den Hoogen Gerben , Diacon Andreas H. , Simonsson Ulrika S. H.
Published: April 2023

Background: A critical step in tuberculosis (TB) drug development is the Phase 2a early bactericidal activity (EBA) study which informs if a new drug or treatment has short-term activity in humans. The aim of this work was to present a standardized pharmacometric model-based early bactericidal activity analysis workflow and determine sample sizes needed to detect early bactericidal activity or a difference between treatment arms.

Methods: Seven different steps were identified and developed for a standardized pharmacometric model-based early bactericidal activity analysis approach. Non-linear mixed effects modeling was applied and different scenarios were explored for the sample size calculations. The sample sizes needed to detect early bactericidal activity given different TTP slopes and associated variability was assessed. In addition, the sample sizes needed to detect effect differences between two treatments given the impact of different TTP slopes, variability in TTP slope and effect differences were evaluated.

Results: The presented early bactericidal activity analysis approach incorporates estimate of early bactericidal activity with uncertainty through the model-based estimate of TTP slope, variability in TTP slope, impact of covariates and pharmacokinetics on drug efficacy. Further it allows for treatment comparison or dose optimization in Phase 2a. To detect early bactericidal activity with 80% power and at a 5% significance level, 13 and 8 participants/arm were required for a treatment with a TTP-EBA0-14 as low as 11 h when accounting for variability in pharmacokinetics and when variability in TTP slope was 104% [coefficient of variation (CV)] and 22%, respectively. Higher sample sizes are required for smaller early bactericidal activity and when pharmacokinetics is not accounted for. Based on sample size determinations to detect a difference between two groups, TTP slope, variability in TTP slope and effect difference between two treatment arms needs to be considered.

Conclusion: In conclusion, a robust standardized pharmacometric model-based EBA analysis approach was established in close collaboration between microbiologists, clinicians and pharmacometricians. The work illustrates the importance of accounting for covariates and drug exposure in EBA analysis in order to increase the power of detecting early bactericidal activity for a single treatment arm as well as differences in EBA between treatments arms in Phase 2a trials of TB drug development.
Advanced intraoperative MRI in pediatric brain tumor surgery
Authors: Jellema Pien E. J. , Wijnen Jannie P. , De Luca Alberto , Mutsaerts Henk J. M. M. , Obdeijn Iris V. , van Baarsen Kirsten M. , Lequin Maarten H. , Hoving Eelco W.
Published: April 2023

Introduction: In the pediatric brain tumor surgery setting, intraoperative MRI (ioMRI) provides “real-time” imaging, allowing for evaluation of the extent of resection and detection of complications. The use of advanced MRI sequences could potentially provide additional physiological information that may aid in the preservation of healthy brain regions. This review aims to determine the added value of advanced imaging in ioMRI for pediatric brain tumor surgery compared to conventional imaging.

Methods: Our systematic literature search identified relevant articles on PubMed using keywords associated with pediatrics, ioMRI, and brain tumors. The literature search was extended using the snowball technique to gather more information on advanced MRI techniques, their technical background, their use in adult ioMRI, and their use in routine pediatric brain tumor care.

Results: The available literature was sparse and demonstrated that advanced sequences were used to reconstruct fibers to prevent damage to important structures, provide information on relative cerebral blood flow or abnormal metabolites, or to indicate the onset of hemorrhage or ischemic infarcts. The explorative literature search revealed developments within each advanced MRI field, such as multi-shell diffusion MRI, arterial spin labeling, and amide-proton transfer-weighted imaging, that have been studied in adult ioMRI but have not yet been applied in pediatrics. These techniques could have the potential to provide more accurate fiber tractography, information on intraoperative cerebral perfusion, and to match gadolinium-based T1w images without using a contrast agent.

Conclusion: The potential added value of advanced MRI in the intraoperative setting for pediatric brain tumors is to prevent damage to important structures, to provide additional physiological or metabolic information, or to indicate the onset of postoperative changes. Current developments within various advanced ioMRI sequences are promising with regard to providing in-depth tissue information.
Better decision-making skills support tactical behaviour and reduce physical wear under physical fatigue in soccer
Authors: Dambroz Felipe , Teoldo Israel
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to verify whether decision-making skills influence the tactical behavior and physical performance of soccer players under acute physical fatigue, assessed in an actual game-play. The sample was comprised of 24 trained soccer players (18.25 ± 1.48 years old) from two Brazilian clubs grouped into two categories with 12 players each (with high and low decision-making skills). The assessment of decision making, tactical behavior, and physical performance were carried out using TacticUP®, FUT-SAT, and GPSports®, respectively. Acute physical fatigue was induced through the T-SAFT90 test. Results showed that under acute physical fatigue players with high decision-making skills maintained tactical behavior efficiency and had their paces reduced, in addition to displaying reduced total distance covered (p < 0.001), number of accelerations (p < 0.001), and decelerations (p < 0.001), and average movement speed (p < 0.001). On the other hand, players with low decision-making skills displayed reduced tactical behavior efficiency (p = 0.002) and maintained their movement pace under physical fatigue. It is concluded that decision-making skills contribute to players’ tactical behavior efficiency under acute physical fatigue, besides promoting reduced physical strain in movement actions throughout the field.
Effect of unilateral training and bilateral training on physical performance: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Wenfeng , Chen Xing , Xu Kun , Xie Hezhi , Li Duanying , Ding Shicong , Sun Jian
Published: April 2023

Background:In Unilateral (UNI) exercises are more effective than bilateral (BI) exercises in improving athletic performance is debatable.

Objectives:this meta-analysis investigated the effects of UNI and BI exercises on different effect indicators of jump ability, sprint ability, maximal force, change of direction ability, and balance ability.

Data Sources:PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of science, CNKI, Proquest, Wan Fang Data.

Study Eligibility Criteria:To be eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis, the study had to be: 1) athletes; 2) UNI training and BI training; 3) the intervention period had to be more than 6 weeks and the intervention frequency had to be more than 2 times/week; 4) the outcome indicators were jumping ability, sprinting ability, maximum strength, and change of direction and balance.

Study Appraisal and Synthesis Method:We used the random-effects model for meta-analyses. Effect sizes (standardized mean difference), calculated from measures of horizontally oriented performance, were represented by the standardized mean difference and presented alongside 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:A total of 28 papers met the inclusion criteria, and Meta-analysis showed that UNI training was more effective than BI training in improving jumping ability (ES = 0.61.0.23 to 0.09; Z = 3.12,p= 0.002 < 0.01), sprinting ability (ES = −0.02, −0.03 to −0.01; Z = 2.73,p= 0.006 < 0.01), maximum strength (ES = 8.95,2.30 to 15.61; Z = 2.64,p= 0.008 > 0.05), change of direction ability (ES = −0.03, −0.06 to 0.00; Z = 1.90,p= 0.06 > 0.01) and balance ability (ES = 1.41,-0.62 to 3.44; Z = 1.36,p= 0.17 > 0.01). The results of the analysis of moderating variables showed that intervention period, intervention frequency and intervention types all had different indicators of effect on exercise performance.

Conclusion:UNI training has a more significant effect on jumping and strength quality for unilateral power patterns, and BI training has a more significant effect on jumping and strength quality for bilateral power patterns.
Response of Multiple Tissues to Drought Revealed by a Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis in Foxtail Millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.]
Authors: Zhang Renliang , Zhi Hui , Li Yuhui , Guo Erhu , Feng Guojun , Tang Sha , Guo Weixia , Zhang Linlin , Jia Guanqing , Diao Xianmin
Published: April 2023

Characterization of drought-tolerance mechanisms during the jointing stage in foxtail millet under water-limited conditions is essential for improving the grain yield of this C4 crop species. In this trial, two drought-tolerant and two drought-sensitive cultivars were examined using transcriptomic dissections of three tissues (root, stem, and leaf) under naturally occurring water-limited conditions. We detected a total of 32,170 expressed genes and characterized 13,552 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) correlated with drought treatment. The majority of DEGs were identified in the root tissue, followed by leaf and stem tissues, and the number of DEGs identified in the stems of drought-sensitive cultivars was about two times higher than the drought-tolerant ones. A total of 127 differentially expressed transcription factors (DETFs) with different drought-responsive patterns were identified between drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive genotypes (including MYB, b-ZIP, ERF, and WRKY). Furthermore, a total of 34 modules were constructed for all expressed genes using a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and seven modules were closely related to the drought treatment. A total of 1,343 hub genes (including RAB18, LEA14, and RD22) were detected in the drought-related module, and cell cycle and DNA replication-related transcriptional pathways were identified as vital regulators of drought tolerance in foxtail millet. The results of this study provide a comprehensive overview of how Setaria italica copes with drought-inflicted environments during the jointing stage through transcriptional regulating strategies in different organs and lays a foundation for the improvement of drought-tolerant cereal cultivars through genomic editing approaches in the future.
A cultural-ecosocial systems view for psychiatry
Authors: Gómez-Carrillo Ana , Kirmayer Laurence J.
Published: April 2023

While contemporary psychiatry seeks the mechanisms of mental disorders in neurobiology, mental health problems clearly depend on developmental processes of learning and adaptation through ongoing interactions with the social environment. Symptoms or disorders emerge in specific social contexts and involve predicaments that cannot be fully characterized in terms of brain function but require a larger social-ecological view. Causal processes that result in mental health problems can begin anywhere within the extended system of body-person-environment. In particular, individuals’ narrative self-construal, culturally mediated interpretations of symptoms and coping strategies as well as the responses of others in the social world contribute to the mechanisms of mental disorders, illness experience, and recovery. In this paper, we outline the conceptual basis and practical implications of a hierarchical ecosocial systems view for an integrative approach to psychiatric theory and practice. The cultural-ecosocial systems view we propose understands mind, brain and person as situated in the social world and as constituted by cultural and self-reflexive processes. This view can be incorporated into a pragmatic approach to clinical assessment and case formulation that characterizes mechanisms of pathology and identifies targets for intervention.
Metacognition in schizophrenia: A practical overview of psychometric metacognition assessment tools for researchers and clinicians
Authors: Martiadis Vassilis , Pessina Enrico , Raffone Fabiola , Iniziato Valeria , Martini Azzurra , Scognamiglio Pasquale
Published: April 2023

Metacognition refers to the cognitive ability to control, monitor and modulate cognitive processes thus guiding and orienting behavior: a continuum of mental activities that ranges from more discrete ones, such as the awareness of the accuracy of others’ judgment, to more integrated activities, such as the knowledge of cognitive processes. Metacognition impairment in schizophrenia, which is considered a core feature of the illness, has become a growing research field focusing on a wide range of processes including reasoning, autobiographical memory, memory biases, cognitive beliefs and clinical insight. There is a well-established relationship between metacognition and schizophrenia symptoms severity, as well as between impaired metacognitive functioning and specific symptomatic sub-domains, such as positive symptoms, negative symptoms, or disorganization. The development of specific cognitive-derived psychotherapies for metacognitive deficits in schizophrenia has been ongoing in the last years. Although sharing a metacognitive feature, these treatments focus on different aspects: false or unhelpful beliefs for metacognitive therapy; cognitive biases for metacognitive training; schematic dysfunctional beliefs for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for psychoses; metacognitive knowledge and sense of identity for MERIT; interpersonal ideas or events triggering delusional thinking for MIT-P. This article reviews the instruments designed to assess metacognitive domains and functions in individuals with schizophrenia, providing mental health professionals with an overview of the heterogeneous current scenario ranging from self-administered scales to semi-structured interviews, which are supported by a variety of theoretical frameworks. Future directions may address the need for more specific and refined tools, also able to follow-up psychotherapeutic-induced improvements.
Associations of Physical Activity and Television Viewing With Depressive Symptoms of the European Adults
Authors: Santos João , Ihle Andreas , Peralta Miguel , Domingos Christophe , Gouveia Élvio R. , Ferrari Gerson , Werneck André , Rodrigues Filipe , Marques Adilson
Published: April 2023

Background: While mentally passive sedentary behavior such as television viewing (TV) is often related with depressive symptoms, some research shows that physical activity (PA) may attenuate this association. Thus, this study aimed to examine the associations between TV, PA, and depressive symptoms, considering sociodemographic covariates.

Methods: A sample of 29,285 adults (13,943 men; 15,342 women) with a mean age of 50.9 ± 17.4 years (50.6 ± 17.3 men; 51.1 ± 17.5 women) from the European Social Survey agreed to be respondents for this study. Data for sociodemographic variables, TV watching, PA, and depressive symptoms were self-reported. Different statistical procedures were conducted to provide evidence for the association between study variables. ANCOVA was used to analyze the association between TV watching and depressive symptoms. Linear regression analysis was conducted to analyze the association between PA and depressive symptoms. General Linear Model was performed to analyze the association of TV watching and on depressive symptoms, controlling for PA.

Results: European adults who responded watching more than 2 h per day showed higher scores for depressive symptoms. Higher participation in PA was negatively and significantly associated with depressive symptoms in men (β = −0.15, 95% CI: −0.18, −0.13), and women (β = −0.23, 95% CI: −0.26, −0.21). Men spending 1–2 h/day TV watching and engaging in PA ≥ 5 days/week presented the lowest scores on depressive symptoms. The lowest scores on depressive symptoms was observed in women engaging 2–4 days/week in PA and spending <1 h/day in TV watching.

Conclusions: More time spent in TV watching is related with increased scores on depressive symptoms. However, regular PA participation can weaken this association.
Health needs and perception of health care quality among Asylum Seekers and Refugees in an Italian local health authority: A qualitative study
Authors: Marchetti Francesca , Preziosi Jessica , Zambri Francesca , Tambascia Gabriella , Di Nolfi Annachiara , Scardetta Paola , Splendore Flavia , Colaceci Sofia , Coia Maura , Caredda Emanuele , Masi Loredana , De Luca Vittorio , Perra Alberto , Giusti Angela
Published: April 2023

Background

Migrants, Asylum Seekers and Refugees (ASRs) represent a vulnerable diversified population with increased risks of developing health problems, and in the hosting countries several barriers often hamper their access to the health services. Gathering information about ASRs’ experiences and perceptions of host country health care systems may contribute to improve the quality of health care provided. The aim of this study was to explore the health needs in their bio-psycho-social meaning, and the quality of health care as perceived from the ASRs’ perspective.

Methods

The qualitative descriptive study was conducted as part of the Project “G-START – testing a governance model of receiving and taking care of the Asylum Seekers and Refugees.” Through purposeful and snowball sampling, four Focus Groups conducted in English, Italian and French were carried out between July and August 2019, involving 50 ASRs hosted by four reception centers located on the territory pertaining to an Italian Local Health Authority covering a general population of 500.000 people. The analysis of data was categorical, and was performed using N-Vivo software.

Results

The macro-categories emerged were the ASRs’ bio-psycho-social health needs, including mental health, sexual and reproductive health, food and nutrition, knowledge of the health care system, need for inclusion; healthcare services access, including barriers before and after the access and the ability of the local health system to respond to existing and evolving demands; strengths of the healthcare and reception systems, and suggestions for improving them in the future.

Discussion and conclusions

ASRs present vulnerabilities and specific health needs, and the health care system is not always able to guarantee access or to respond to these needs. Several obstacles have been highlighted, such as linguistic barriers and lack of cultural mediation, bureaucratic and administrative barriers, lack of knowledge of the Italian health care system. An effective reorganization of services driven by a more detailed output analysis of the target population needs, together with the use of cultural mediation, peer to peer education and support, and the training of health professionals are recommended to ensure a more accessible, equitable and effective health care system at local level.