bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult didactics – component of andragogy: peculiarities and basic categories
Authors: Gutu Vladimir , Turcanu Carolina
Published: July 2023

At the stage of rapid development of science and market of educational services for adults, a relatively new direction in education was formed - andragogy (pedagogy of adults).In the present time, andragogy occupies a place in the structure of education sciences as an independent category, possessing at the same time its own scientific apparatus, research methods, scientific approaches and principles. In this article, an attempt was made to substantiate the definition of basic concepts and categories of adult teaching: subject, tasks, functions. Special attention is paid to the principles of adult learning: priority of independent education, reliance on personal experience, individualization of learning, contextuality of learning, reliance on individual needs, considering them as motives and sources of designing the outcomes of education. At the same time, adult learning is considered within the framework of the following characteristics: andragogic self-reflexivity, decentralization of andragogic approach, deconstruction/reconstruction of andragogic theory, contextualization of adult learning and education.
Factores De Riesgo Asociados A Asfixia Perinatal En El Hospital Nacional Sergio E. Bernales, Periodo 2018 -2019
Authors:   , Perez Martinez Grecia Pieryna
Published: July 2023

Objetivos: Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados a asfixia perinatal en el “Hospital Nacional Sergio E. Bernales”, periodo 2018- 2019. Métodos: Diseño metodológico no experimental, tipo de investigación Analítico, transversal de caso-control. Que tuvo como muestra 282 neonatos, nacidos en el “Hospital Nacional Sergio E. Bernales” a los cuales se aplicó diversos criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se empleó la ficha de recolección de datos como instrumento de recaudación de información, la cual posteriormente fue procesada en el programa SPSS y analizada para la obtención de resultados. Resultados: Se logró determinar como factores de riesgo a asociados a asfixia perinatal a los controles prenatales <6 (OR=4.056 IC OR 95%, 2.404-6.844), la presencia de líquido meconial (OR=4.962 IC OR 95%,1.253-19.649), al igual que el peso al nacimiento entre <2500kg o >4000kg (OR=7.451, IC OR 95%, 2.911-14.197), la edad gestacional <37 semanas (OR=5.248 IC OR 95%,2.968- 9.280) y el APGAR 0-6 puntos (OR 362.245 IC OR 95%,112.124-1169.038). No se mostró asociación con los factores de riesgo maternos. Conclusiones: Los factores de riesgo: controles prenatales, presencia de líquido meconial, peso al nacimiento, edad gestacional y APGAR están asociados a asfixia perinatal.
Factores relacionados al desarrollo de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en menores de 5 años en el departamento de pediatría del hospital de ventanilla durante el año 2016 - 2019
Authors:   , Espinoza Rojas Rubén Darío
Published: July 2023

OBJETIVO: Determinar “los factores relacionados al” desarrollo de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad” en menores de 5 años en el departamento de pediatría del Hospital de Ventanilla durante el año 2016 - 2019. MATERIAL Y METODO: Estudio de tipo analítico, casos y controles observacional, retrospectivo, transversal; nivel correlacional. Se usó como instrumento la ficha de recolección de datos. La población fue de 381 menores de 5 años con diagnóstico de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en el departamento de pediatría” del Hospital de Ventanilla, de los cuales resultó una muestra de 232 según criterios de inclusión y exclusión, del cual se obtuvo 116 casos y 116 controles. La técnica estadística usada fue la prueba de Chi Cuadrado, Odds Ratio y el Intervalo de confianza del 95%. RESULTADOS: El 60.3% de los pacientes con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad tuvieron déficit de lactancia materna exclusiva, con un OR=1.939 demostrando ser un factor de riesgo; el 60.3% tuvieron desnutrición con un OR=2.455, el cual demostró ser un factor de riesgo; el 81% tuvieron infecciones respiratorias previas, con un OR=2.00, demostrando ser un factor de riesgo. CONCLUSIONES: Se concluye de este estudio que el déficit de lactancia materna exclusiva, la desnutrición y las infecciones respiratorias previas son factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de “neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en menores de 5 años.
Implantología con impresión 3D y perspectivas de tratamiento con fármacos in situ
Authors: Prieto Ramos Pablo , Serrano López Dolores Remedios
Published: July 2023

En los últimos años, se ha ido desarrollando una tecnología basada en impresión 3D que permite una administración de fármacos a nivel local y modificando sus características para adecuarlas a nivel individual.
Actividad antimicrobiana de compuestos fenólicos en alimentos
Authors: Garcia Barranco Raquel , ORTEGA MORENTE ELENA
Published: July 2023

Gracias a la colaboración de las Áreas de Química Orgánica y Microbiología de la Universidad de Jaén hemos podido sintetizar derivados de Carvacrol y evaluar su actividad biológica sobre bacterias de alimentos.
Efecto de una cavidad trasera optimizada en la reducción de la fuerza de resistencia sobre vehículos
Authors: González Hinojosa José Antonio , Gutiérrez Montes Cándido
Published: July 2023

El presente trabajo analiza el efecto aerodinámico de instalar una cavidad trasera optimizada en la parte trasera de un vehículo pesado
Metaheurísticas en Logística Sostenible
Authors: García Díaz Helena , Melián Batista María Belén
Published: July 2023

Este artículo propone un algoritmo para la asignación óptima de camiones a puertas de carga en crossdock, con el objetivo de minimizar el tiempo de servicio.
La democracia amenazada. Comentarios de un observador
Authors: Cruz Miravet Luis
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this paper is to identify the context in which democracies develop and the causes of citizen disaffection towards them. A disaffection caused by the abandonment of the paradigm of the Welfare State and full employment, by the implementation of misguided economic and fiscal policies, by the inability to offer solutions and answers to the problems affecting citizens and democratic societies as a whole, for the failure to improve the structures and functioning of democracies without the necessary controls and in need of reform, for the failure to comply with electoral programs, for not firmly tackling the eradication of inequality, poverty and exclusion, for the unacceptable management of immigration and for corruption, including the so-called “revolving doors”. In short, a manifest disaffection on the part of many citizens who are convinced that their representatives are not concerned with improving their daily lives. This disaffection is, in turn, the cause of the emergence of new parties, political currents and independent candidates of different political persuasions with the common denominator of being considered populist by the establishment parties, which have been harmed by the Great Recession due to the application of austerity measures decreed by multilateral organizations.

El propósito de este artículo es identificar el contexto en el que se desenvuelven las democracias y las causas del desafecto ciudadano. Una desafección suscitada por el abandono del paradigma del Estado del bienestar y el del pleno empleo, por la aplicación de desacertadas políticas económicas y fiscales, por la incapacidad de ofrecer soluciones y respuestas a los problemas que afectan a los ciudadanos y a las sociedades democráticas en su conjunto, por no mejorar las estructuras y el funcionamiento de unas democracias sin los controles necesarios y necesitadas de reformas, por el incumplimiento de los programas electorales, por no afrontar con firmeza la erradicación de la desigualdad, la pobreza y la exclusión, por la inaceptable gestión de la inmigración y por la corrupción, que incluye a las denominadas “puertas giratorias”; en definitiva, porque son numerosos los ciudadanos convencidos de que sus representantes no se ocupan de mejorar lavidad de los ciudadanos. El desafecto es, a su vez, causa de la aparición de nuevos partidos, corrientes políticas y candidatos independientes de diferente signo político con el común denominador de ser considerados populistas por los partidos del establishment, perjudicados tras la Gran Recesión debido a la aplicación de las medidas de austeridad decretadas por los organismos multilaterales.
Tailoring the Fabrication Method of Dion–Jacobson 2D Halide Perovskites toward Highly Crystalline and Oriented Films
Authors: Lai Zhengxun , Zeng Zixin , Meng You , Zhang Yuxuan , Shen Yi , Wang Wei , Li Dengji , Chen Dong , Yin Di , Tsang Sai‐Wing , Yip SenPo , Ho Johnny C.
Published: July 2023

Halide perovskites are potential next‐generation optoelectronic devices. However, the film quality of this charming material fabricated by the conventional spin‐coating method is far from satisfactory, significantly affecting the optoelectronic devices' performance. Here, one facile slow‐evaporating solvent (SE) method is demonstrated to synthesize high‐quality organic–inorganic halide perovskite films. Compared with the conventional spin coating method, the films fabricated by this SE method show much higher crystallinity, oriented lattice, smoother surface morphology, and lower trap density. Besides, the photodetector manufactured by the SE method‐based film also performs much better than the ones by the spin‐coating method. Importantly, this universal method can be applied to different organic–inorganic halide perovskites, such as Dion–Jacobson (DJ) type and Ruddlesden–Popper type 2D halide perovskites and conventional 3D halide perovskites. This work gives an effective solution to improve the quality of the DJ‐type halide perovskites, which endows the halide perovskites with a more practical chance to be commercialized cosmically.
Zero‐Dimensional Gua3SbCl6 Crystals as Intrinsically Reabsorption‐Free Scintillators for Radiation Detection
Authors: Zaffalon Matteo L. , Wu Ye , Cova Francesca , Gironi Luca , Li Xiaoming , Pinchetti Valerio , Liu Yang , Imran Muhammad , Cemmi Alessia , Di Sarcina Ilaria , Manna Liberato , Zeng Haibo , Brovelli Sergio
Published: July 2023

The search for efficient, re‐absorption‐free scintillators has recently focused the attention on antimony‐based halides, which exhibit largely Stokes shifted luminescence due to radiative recombination of excitons self‐trapped (STE) in strongly Jahn–Teller distorted Sb3+ color centers. Here, the synthesis of a hybrid structure is reported with chemical formula (C13H14N3)3SbCl6 consisting of spatially isolated [SbCl6]3− octahedra separated by organic N,N'‐diphenylguanidinium (Gua) molecules. The optical properties of this material are mainly determined by the inorganic component and are characterized by a pronounced Stokes shift of ≈1.3 eV and a room‐temperature photoluminescence (PL) efficiency of up to 85%. Remarkably, highly efficient radioluminescence (RL) is observed with scintillation light yields of ≈2000 ph MeV−1 using both soft X‐rays and a 124 keV gamma source. Temperature‐dependent PL and RL measurements confirm the minor role of non‐radiative channels, which are completely suppressed below 100 K. Thermally stimulated luminescence measurements suggest that the traps in Gua3SbCl6 crystals have a significantly large energy depth distribution below the absorbing state.
Synergizing Spatial Confinement and Dual‐Metal Catalysis to Boost Sulfur Kinetics in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Ren Xiaoyan , Wang Qin , Pu Yulai , Sun Qi , Sun Wenbo , Lu Lehui
Published: July 2023

Sluggish kinetics and parasitic shuttling reactions severely impede lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery operation; resolving these issues can enhance the capacity retention and cyclability of Li–S cells. Therefore, an effective strategy featuring core–shell‐structured Co/Ni bimetal‐doped metal–organic framework (MOF)/sulfur nanoparticles is reported herein for addressing these problems; this approach offers unprecedented spatial confinement and abundant catalytic sites by encapsulating sulfur within an ordered architecture. The protective shells exhibit long‐term stability, ion screening, high lithium‐polysulfide adsorption capability, and decent multistep catalytic conversion. Additionally, the delocalized electrons of the MOF endow the cathodes with superior electron/lithium‐ion transfer ability. Via multiple physicochemical and theoretical analysis, the resulting synergistic interactions are proved to significantly promote interfacial charge‐transfer kinetics, facilitate sulfur conversion dynamics, and inhibit shuttling. The assembled Li–S batteries deliver a stable, highly reversible capacity with marginal decay (0.075% per cycle) for 400 cycles at 0.2 C, a pouch‐cell areal capacity of 3.8 mAh cm−2 for 200 cycles under a high sulfur loading, as well as remarkably improved pouch‐cell performance.
Recalibrating the Pennsylvania pre‐sidedress soil nitrate test recommendations for modern corn production
Authors: White Charles M. , Sigdel Sailesh , Karsten Heather D. , Meinen Robert J. , Spargo John T.
Published: July 2023

The pre‐sidedress soil nitrate test (PSNT) was developed over 30 years ago to determine sidedress nitrogen (N) fertilizer recommendations for corn (Zea mays L.). Since the original PSNT calibrations were developed, changes in production practices such as no‐till and cover cropping and increases in corn yields and N use efficiency could affect the accuracy of PSNT recommendations. To update the PSNT recommendations in Pennsylvania and demonstrate the test's efficacy, we compiled a dataset of 32 calibration sites and 13 demonstration sites where the PSNT was conducted, and the economically optimum N rate (EONR) for corn was determined from an N fertilizer yield response curve. We recalibrated the PSNT recommendation algorithm and compared its accuracy to the original calibration. The new calibration resulted in a single long‐term manure history factor that interacted with the PSNT result to adjust the sidedress N recommendation (−5.7 kg N ha−1 [mg NO3‐N kg−1]−1). The new calibration also included a term for a mixed species cover crop, which increased the sidedress N recommendation 56.2 kg N ha−1. Finally, the coefficient that scales the N fertilizer recommendation based on yield goal decreased by 29% from the original calibration to 12.9 kg N Mg−1 grain. The new algorithm for predicting EONR reduced the error of the sidedress N recommendation by one‐half compared to the original calibration. The new PSNT calibration will allow users to accurately determine sidedress N recommendations in sites with a long‐term manure history and underscores the importance of updating soil fertility recommendation algorithms with modern data.
Nussbaum gain adaptive fuzzy control for switched nonlinear systems with predefined output and full time‐varying states constraints
Authors: Ding Jixin , He Xiqin , Wu Libing , Yu Qingkun
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the problem of adaptive fuzzy tracking control for a class of uncertain switched nonlinear systems with unknown control direction is studied. Aiming at the problem, an adaptive control scheme with Nussbaum gain technology is constructed by using the average dwell time (ADT) method and the backstepping method to overcome the unknown control direction, and time‐varying asymmetric barrier Lyapunov functions (ABLFs) are adopted to ensure the full‐state constraints satisfaction. The proposed control scheme guarantees that all closed‐loop signals remain bounded under a class of switching signals with ADT, while the output tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of the zero. An important innovation of this design method is that the unknown control direction, asymmetric time‐varying full state constraints, and predefined time‐varying output requirements are simultaneously considered in uncertain switched nonlinear systems for the first time. We set a moment in advance, and make the systems comply with the constraint conditions before running the moment by the shift function nested in the first time‐varying ABLF. Finally, a simulation example verifies the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Concentration‐dependent diffusion of unlabeled protein within an in vitro hyaluronic acid matrix
Authors: dos Santos Antonio C. F. , Ahmadzadegan Adib , Ximenes Eduardo , Vlachos Pavlos , Ardekani Arezoo , Kapur Shiven , Corvari Vince , Ladisch Michael R.
Published: July 2023

Diffusion and movement of subcutaneously injected biologics and high‐concentration immunoglobulin G (IgG) therapeutics away from the injection site and through the subcutaneous (SC) tissue may be concentration dependent. This possibility was confirmed by in situ measurement of diffusion coefficients of unlabeled bovine IgG in phosphate‐buffered saline within an in vitro hyaluronic acid matrix that represents the SC electrostatic environment. Diffusion decreased from 2.67 to 0.05 × 10−7 cm2/s when IgG concentration increased from 25 to 73 mg/mL. The results demonstrated that in situ detection of unlabeled proteins within an in vitro SC environment provides another useful tool for the preclinical characterization of injectable biologics.
Correlation between enlarged perivascular space and brain white matter hyperintensities in patients with recent small subcortical infarct
Authors: Jian Xiuli , Xu Fubiao , Yang Mi , Zhang Min , Yun Wenwei
Published: July 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between enlarged perivascular space (EPVS) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) at different locations in patients with recent small subcortical infarct (RSSI).

Methods

Data were collected from patients with RSSI who were hospitalized at Changzhou Second People's Hospital between October 2020 and December 2021. All patients underwent cranial magnetic resonance imaging, and the grades of EPVS and WMH were assessed, including basal ganglia EPVS (BG‐EPVS), centrum semiovale EPVS (CSO‐EPVS), deep WMH (DWMH), and periventricular WMH (PWMH). The volumes of EPVS and WMH at different locations were quantified using 3D Slicer software. Patients were grouped according to the severity of BG‐EPVS and CSO‐EPVS. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyze the relationship between EPVS and WMH.

Results

A total of 215 patients with RSSI were included in the analysis. Patients with moderate‐to‐severe BG‐EPVS had higher DWMH and PWMH severity than those with mild BG‐EPVS, both in terms of volume and grade. There was no significant difference in WMH severity between patients with mild CSO‐EPVS and those with moderate‐to‐severe CSO‐EPVS. Multivariate analysis indicated that after adjustments were made for confounding factors, DWMH volume (β = 0.311; 95% CI, 0.089–0.400; p = .002) and PWMH volume (β = 0.296; 95% CI, 0.083–0.424; p = .004) were independently associated with BG‐EPVS. Pearson correlation showed that PWMH volume (r = .589; p < .001) and DWMH volume (r = .596; p < .001) were positively related to BG‐EPVS volume.

Conclusion

DWMH and PWMH are closely related to BG‐EPVS in patients with RSSI.
Recent progress in the development of carbon‐based materials in lead–carbon batteries
Authors: Mahadik Shivraj , Surendran Subramani , Kim Joon Young , Lee Dongkyu , Park Jihyun , Kim Tae‐Hoon , Jung Ho‐Young , Sim Uk
Published: July 2023

Lead‐acid batteries (LABs) are widely used as a power source in many applications due to their affordability, safety, and recyclability. However, as the demand for better electrochemical energy storage increases in various fields, there is a growing need for more advanced battery technologies. To meet this need, the application of LABs in hybrid electric vehicles and renewable energy storage has been explored, and the development of lead–carbon batteries (LCBs) has garnered significant attention as a promising solution. LCBs incorporate carbon materials in the negative electrode, successfully addressing the negative irreversible sulfation issue that plagues traditional LABs. Composite material additives and Pb–C composite electrodes have also gained popularity as effective ways to enhance negative electrode performance. This review article focuses on the role of carbon additives in the negative electrode of LCBs and discusses potential future additives that may be incorporated into the development of LCBs. Overall, this article provides insights into the potential of LCBs to offer more efficient and reliable energy storage.
Early maladaptive schemas and addictive behaviours: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sakulsriprasert Chaiyun , Thawornwutichat Ratipan , Phukao Darunee , Guadamuz Thomas E.
Published: July 2023

Background

Recently, early maladaptive schemas have been increasingly focused as the underlying factor of several psychopathologies. The primary objective is to systematically review and meta‐analytically analyse the evidence on the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and types of addictive behaviours. Additionally, the secondary objective was to examine potential moderators of the effect sizes.

Methods

The systematic search was conducted on three databases including ‘Scopus’, ‘Web of Science’ and ‘PubMed’. They were searched for quantitative studies investigating the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and addictive behaviours. The studies that were non‐English and had insufficient information to calculate effect sizes were excluded. The random‐effect model was utilized to estimate the pool effect sizes, and the meta‐regression was used for moderation analysis.

Results

Thirty‐three studies with 12,577 participants were included for analyses. Most of included studies were conducted in the United States (k = 12, 36.36%). The mean ages of participants varied from 13.32 to 46.09 years. The findings indicated that all of early maladaptive schemas and schema domains positively correlated with addictive behaviours. The disconnection and rejection, impaired limits and impaired autonomy were the domains with the highest association with substance addictions (pool r = 0.338, 3.26 and 3.16, respectively). Furthermore, disconnection and rejection and impaired autonomy were the schema domains with the highest association with behavioural addictions (0.310 and 0.304, respectively). The moderation analysis demonstrated that study design was the factor affecting the effect sizes between schema domain and addictive behaviours.

Limitation

All included studies were from peer‐reviewed journals in English. Moreover, the number of research examining the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and behavioural addictions was limited.

Conclusion

The findings provide evidence supporting the idea that substance addictions and behavioural addictions have shared risk factors, supporting the validity of the schema model, which can be applied for targeting and preventing addictive behaviours.
Body size‐dependent effects on the distribution patterns of phoretic mite species assemblages on Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790)
Authors: Matos Inês , Silva Diogo , Oliveira João , Gonçalves Claúdia , Alves Rita , Pereira Nuno , Catarino Francisco , Ameixa Olga M. C. C. , Sousa José Américo , Rangel Luis Filipe , Santos Maria João , Ayra‐Pardo Camilo
Published: July 2023

Phoretic mites attach to different body parts of the red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790), to disperse. However, the question of how the patterns of attachment sites are formed remains intriguing. Here, we examined RPW‐associated phoretic mites in four districts in Northern Portugal (macrohabitat), and investigated the patterns of mite distribution on six body parts of RPW (microhabitat). At the macrohabitat level, we detected seven phoretic mite taxa using the RPW host in each of the four studied districts, all documented for the first time in association with this invasive exotic species in Portugal. However, their relative abundance (species evenness) varied between districts, as did species diversity. All examined weevils carried mites, and the prevalence of the different taxa did not differ between districts or sex of weevils. Measured by mean abundance and degree of aggregation, Centrouropoda sp. proved to be the dominant taxon, while Acarus sp. and Curculanoetus rhynchophorus were considered common subordinate taxa and Uroovobella sp., Mesostigmata, Nenteria extremica and Dendrolaelaps sp. sparse taxa. At the microhabitat level, all taxa were present on all body parts of the RPW; the highest abundance was in a region encompassing the inner surface of the elytra and the membranous hind wings (subelytral space). Analysis of niche overlap revealed that the distribution patterns of phoretic mite taxa on the RPW were not randomly structured. In the subelytral space, interspecific coexistence of mites increased as a function of body size difference with the dominant Centrouropoda sp. We found that in the subelytral space the large dominant species Centrouropoda sp. displaced the larger species Uroobovella sp. and the similarly sized species Nenteria extremica, but coexisted with smaller taxa.
Study on the synthesis of pine sterol esters in solvent‐free systems catalyzed by Candida rugosa lipase immobilized on hydrophobic macroporous resin
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Ma Guangzheng , Wang Shushu , Nian Binbin , Hu Yi
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Pine sterol ester is a type of novel food source nutrient with great advantages in lowering blood cholesterol levels, inhibiting tumors, preventing prostate enlargement, and regulating immunity. Macroporous resins with large specific surface area, stable structures, and various functional groups (epoxy, amino, and octadecyl groups) have been selected for immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) to improve its stability and efficiency in the synthesis of pine sterol esters. A solvent‐free strategy using oleic acid (substrate) as an esterification reaction medium is an important alternative for avoiding the use of organic solvents.

RESULTS

The immobilization conditions of CRL immobilized on several types of commercial macroporous resins were optimized. Fortunately, by adsorption (hydrophobic interaction), a high immobilization efficiency of CRL was obtained using macroporous resins with hydrophobic octadecyl groups with an immobilization efficiency of 86.5%, enzyme loading of 138.5 mg g−1 and enzyme activity of 34.7 U g−1. The results showed that a 95.1% yield could be obtained with a molar ratio of oleic acid to pine sterol of 5:1, an enzyme amount of 6.0 U g−1 (relative to pine sterol mass) at 50 °C for 48 h.

CONCLUSION

The hydrophobic macroporous resin (ECR8806M) with a large specific surface area and abundant functional groups was used to achieve efficient immobilization of CRL. CRL@ECR8806M is an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of phytosterol esters and has the potential for further large‐scale applications. Therefore, this simple, green, and low‐cost strategy for lipase immobilization provides new possibilities for the high‐efficiency production of pine sterol esters and other food source nutrients. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Clinical outcome and genotype analysis of four Chinese children with pyruvate kinase deficiency
Authors: Xie Fei , Gan Lu , Lei Lei , Cai Tengguang , Gao Yu , Liu Xiaoying , Cai Bin , Zhou Lin
Published: July 2023

Background

Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD) is a rare congenital hemolytic anemia. Here, we summarized the clinical features and laboratory examinations of four Chinese children with PKD and analyze genomic mutations.

Method

Collected and analyzed the clinical data of all children and their parents and completed the relevant laboratory examinations of all children. Analyzed the sequences of related genes in children by second‐generation sequencing technology and verified the suspected mutations in children's family by Sanger sequencing method or second‐generation sequencing technology.

Results

A total of six mutations in gene PKLR were detected in four cases. Except for c.1510C>T (P1) and c.941T>C (P2 and P4), which had been reported in previous studies, the other four novel gene mutations were reported for the first time, including a rare homozygous mutation with large fragment deletion. All those gene mutations cause changes in the amino acids encoded by the gene, as well as subsequent changes in protein structure or loss of function.

Conclusion

Compound heterozygous or homozygous mutations in the coding region of PKLR gene are the causes of PKD in these four Chinese children. The second‐generation sequencing technology is an effective means to diagnose PKD. The mutations of c.457‐c.462delATCGCC, c.1297T>C, c.1096C>T and Exon4‐10del of PKLR reported in this article have not been included in the Thousand Genome Database, dbSNP(v138) and ExAC Database. The PKLR gene mutations found in these children with PKD can provide references for further research of the genetic characteristics of PKD and subsequent gene therapy.
Evaluation of modified frailty index for predicting post‐operative outcomes after lower‐extremity free‐flap reconstruction
Authors: Khan Mustafa T. A. , Rajesh Aashish , Montorfano Lisandro , Lue Melinda , Wong Won Brian , Wang Howard T. , Hosein Rayaad C.
Published: July 2023

Background

Risk stratification for complex procedures such as microsurgical reconstruction of the lower extremities is an important part of preoperative planning and counseling. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the modified five‐item frailty index (5‐mFI) score, a validated tool for assessing risk in surgical patients, in predicting postoperative complications after lower extremity (LE) free flap reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS‐NSQIP) database was conducted from 2010 to 2020 on patients who underwent LE free‐flap reconstruction. 5‐mFI scores were calculated and patients were categorized as 5‐mFI ≥2 or <2.

The primary endpoint was the presence of 30‐day overall complications. The secondary endpoints included 30‐day readmission, need for reoperation, and need to discharge to a care facility. Comparisons were made using one‐way analysis of variances, Pearson's chi‐squared test, or Fisher's extract test. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed for sex, age, BMI, smoker status, operative time, and ASA classification.

Results

Total of 294 (61.6% males) patients were identified. Univariate analysis showed 5‐mFI ≥2 had higher rates of overall complications (p = .043) and hematologic complications (p = .033). In this population, there were also higher rates of reoperation (p = .003) and discharge to care facility (p < .001). Multivariable regression models further substantiated that 5‐mFI ≥2 was independently associated with increased overall complications [2.46, CI: 1.10–5.59, p = .031], hematologic complications [2.55, 1.02–6.35, p = .046], reoperation [4.55, 1.54–13.3, p = .006], and discharge to facility [2.86, 1.27–6.45, p = .011].

Conclusions

There is a strong association of 5‐mFI ≥2 with adverse post‐operative outcomes in male patients undergoing LE free‐flap reconstruction. This can be a valuable adjunct in the counsel of patients for whom lower extremity salvage is feasible.
At‐risk internet addiction and related factors among senior high school teachers in Japan based on a Nationwide survey
Authors: Fukuda Mari , Chowdhury Mohammad , Chowdhury Tanvir Turin , Tsumura Hideki , Tsuchie Rina , Kinuta Minako , Hisamatsu Takashi , Kanda Hideyuki
Published: July 2023

Background

Internet addiction (IA) has been drawing attention to mental health. However, few reports have been found on the related factors of at‐risk IA among regular workers by a nationwide survey. The study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of at‐risk IA and identify related factors among senior high school teachers in Japan.

Methods

This survey was a cross‐sectional survey of high schools across Japan in 2017. There were 3189 teachers (2088 males and 1098 female) who participated in this survey. The questionnaire asked about their devices, both the time and the activities of using their internet, and sociodemographic factors. IA was measured by the internet addiction test (IAT) by which 40–79 points were classified as at‐risk IA, and more as IA. We compared the related factors of at‐risk IA and non‐IA using descriptive analysis and multivariable regression analysis.

Results

The rates of IA and at‐risk IA were 0.09% (n = 3) and 6.91% (n = 220), respectively. At‐risk IA was positively associated with activities on the internet for gaming, entertainment, net‐surfing, and younger ages. In addition, the at‐risk IA group had a longer time spent on the internet than the non‐IA group.

Conclusions

Around 7% of high school teachers are at‐risk IA in this survey, though they have regular work. Our results suggest that at‐risk IA may be reinforced not only by the active internet use such as gaming, but also by purposeless behaviors, such as net‐surfing. Managing time on the internet may support preventing at‐risk IA among senior high school teachers.
Effects of riluzole on psychiatric disorders with anxiety or fear as primary symptoms: A systematic review
Authors: Kawashima Yoshitaka , Yamada Misa , Furuie Hiroki , Kuniishi Hiroshi , Akagi Kie , Kawashima Tomoko , Noda Takamasa , Yamada Mitsuhiko
Published: July 2023

Aim

Previous behavioral pharmacology studies involving rodents suggested riluzole had potential to be an ideal psychotropic drug for psychiatric disorders with anxiety or fear as primary symptoms. Several clinical studies have recently been conducted. The purpose of this study was to gather information about the efficacy and tolerability of riluzole for patients with those symptoms.

Methods

We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database from inception until April 2021, and performed manual searches for additional relevant articles. This review included: (1) studies involving participants that were patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder, or phobias; and (2) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or intervention studies (e.g., single arm trials) examining the effects and safety of riluzole.

Results

Of the 795 identified articles, four RCTs, one RCT subgroup‐analysis, and three open‐label trials without control groups met the inclusion criteria. Most trials evaluated the efficacy of riluzole as an augmentation therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other antidepressants for PTSD, OCD, or GAD. However, there was insufficient evidence to confirm the effects of riluzole for patients with these psychiatric disorders. Most trials demonstrated adequate study quality.

Conclusions

This review found insufficient evidence to confirm the effects of riluzole for psychiatric disorders with anxiety or fear as primary symptoms. It would be worthwhile to conduct studies that incorporate novel perspectives, such as examining the efficacy of riluzole as a concomitant medication for psychotherapy.
External validity in distributed data networks
Authors: Webster‐Clark Michael , Toh Sengwee , Arnold Jonathan , McTigue Kathleen M. , Carton Thomas , Platt Robert
Published: July 2023

Purpose

While much has been written about how distributed networks address internal validity, external validity is rarely discussed. We aimed to define key terms related to external validity, discuss how they relate to distributed networks, and identify how three networks (the US Food and Drug Administration's Sentinel System, the Canadian Network for Observational Drug Effect Studies [CNODES], and the National Patient Centered Clinical Research Network [PCORnet]) deal with external validity.

Methods

We define external validity, target populations, target validity, generalizability, and transportability and describe how each relates to distributed networks. We then describe Sentinel, CNODES, and PCORnet and how each approaches these concepts, including a sample case study.

Results

Each network approaches external validity differently. As its target population is US citizens and it includes only US data, Sentinel primarily worries about lack of external validity by not including some segments of the population. The fact that CNODES includes Canadian, United States, and United Kingdom data forces them to seriously consider whether the United States and United Kingdom data will be transportable to Canadian citizens when they meta‐analyze database‐specific estimates. PCORnet, with its focus on study‐specific cohorts and pragmatic trials, conducts more case‐by‐case explorations of external validity for each new analytic data set it generates.

Conclusions

There is no one‐size‐fits‐all approach to external validity within distributed networks. With these networks and comparisons between their findings becoming a key part of pharmacoepidemiology, there is a need to adapt tools for improving external validity to the distributed network setting.
Atomic visualization of flipped‐back conformations of high mannose glycans interacting with cargo lectins: An MD simulation perspective
Authors: Jayaprakash Nisha Grandhi , Sarkar Dheeraj Kumar , Surolia Avadhesha
Published: July 2023

Protein–carbohydrate interactions play a crucial role in mediating several biomolecular recognition events. We attempt to unravel its intricacies by understanding how carbohydrate‐binding proteins interpret the glycan code. We aim to decipher lectin‐mediated recognition in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which plays a crucial role in ER‐mediated quality control (ER‐QC). The ER‐QC functions in three phases—protein folding, transport, and degradation. Altered protein QC leads to ER‐related storage disorders. Cargo transport proteins—Ergic53 and Vip36—necessary for maintaining cellular homeostasis—are our primary focus. They recognize monoglucosylated/high mannose N‐glycans on the folded glycoproteins. This article reports on the first dynamic investigation of the ER cargo lectins in complex with the high mannose glycans using an advanced sampling technique—replica exchange molecular dynamics to decipher the inherent conformational heterogeneity and the binding mechanism. The study involves simulations for the proteins complexed with three high mannose glycans—Man8B, Man9, and mono‐glucosylated glycan. The recognition process is captured using MD simulations to achieve mechanistic insights and characterize the dynamics of glycans in their native and bound states via dihedral angle analysis. Results indicate that the flipped conformation of the glycans was crucial in differentiating their interaction with the proteins. Similar conformers of the glycans are preferred for Ergic53 and Vip36 in their glycan recognition events. Ergic53 preferred Man8B while it was Man9 for Vip36, in coherence with the previous experimental reports. These simulations provide a computational microscopic purview of the mechanism at both spatial and temporal scales. The results correlate with the published experimental data on the specificities of these lectins.
The oviduct fluke, Prosthogonimus species in wild birds, Türkiye
Authors: Öztürk Mehmet , Umur Şinasi
Published: July 2023

Background

Prosthogonimus species is considered one of the most important pathogen parasites of poultry and wild birds because it causes defective egg formation, and deaths can be seen as a result of peritonitis. The genus Prosthogonimus is all‐around and has been reported in many areas worldwide. This study is research on the presence of Prosthogonimus species, one of the most pathogen trematodes of birds, in Türkiye and wild birds.

Objective

We conducted the present study to investigate the presence and prevalence of Prosthogonimus spp. in Türkiye.

Methods

We studied 183 individuals of 62 wild bird species in the Kızılırmak Delta. Wild birds that died naturally were necropsied and searched for oviducal flukes.

Results

After performing our parasitological study, we found that 4/180 birds were infected with Prosthogonimus spp. Aythya ferina, Ciconia ciconia, Erithacus rubecula and Turdus philomelos were infected with Prosthogonimus pellucidus, Prosthogonimus macrorchis, Prosthogonimus cuneatus and Prosthogonimus ovatus, respectively. Prosthogonimus species was reported for the first time from Türkiye, together with all species found.

Conclusion

The presence of Prosthogonimus species in Türkiye and wild birds was determined. We constructed a key of our found Prosthogonimus species based on their morphological characters.
COVID-19 and the Institutional Fabric of Higher Education
Authors: Pillay Pundy , Balbachevsky Elizabeth , Pinheiro Rómulo , Yonezawa Akiyoshi
Published: July 2023

This edited book comprises a number of chapters analysing the impact of COVID-19 in countries in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia-Pacific. The theme of the book relates to an analysis of the interplay between ‘macro’, ‘meso’ and ‘micro’ elements or factors underpinning higher education (HE) systems and their respective institutions (HEIs); and how they, either on their own or in cooperation with each other, addressed the challenges posed by COVID-19 beginning in March 2020. The rich empirical chapters demonstrate vividly how HEIs and, in many cases, policymakers responded to the various threats as well as opportunities posed by the pandemic. Four key features or mechanisms stand out unambiguously in the manner in which countries and their respective HE systems responded to the crisis, namely,rationality, cooperation, resilienceandinnovationThese insights suggest that, as alluded to in earlier studies, autonomy or self-organisation combined with pluralistic forms (internal diversity) of addressing novelty helps overcome the inherent challenges posed by ‘bounded rationality’ whilst facing novel and adverse situations.
New Actors, Administrative Measures and Conflicting Agendas: The Impact of the Pandemic on Internationalisation of Higher Education in Poland and Russia
Authors: Shenderova Svetlana , Antonowicz Dominik , Jaworska Marta
Published: July 2023

The Polish and Russian higher education (HE) systems evolved from similar semi-peripheral positions and centralist administration into networks of actors whose collective but uncoordinated efforts steered the internationalisation of HE. However, it all was interrupted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic that opened doors to new policy actors largely unrelated to HE with their own agenda who do not recognise the exceptional status of HE, downplaying the institutional autonomy of universities and ignoring the fact that internationalisation lies at the core of the academy. This chapter examines changes in the topography of HE policy in both countries and discusses the short- and long-term impact of the pandemic on the internationalisation of HE.
Transformation of International University Education Through Digitalisation During/After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges in Online International Learning in Japanese Universities
Authors: Yonezawa Akiyoshi , Ota Hiroshi , Ikeda Keiko , Yonezawa Yukako
Published: July 2023

Based on a country case study of Japan, which experienced a sudden suspension of physical student mobility across borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this chapter discusses the transformation and countermeasures regarding the internationalisation of higher education. The authors mainly focus on intercultural collaborative learning and collaborative international online learning primarily based on in-person classes and online class settings, respectively, as different approaches to internationalising the learning experiences of their students at two universities in Japan. Through the rapid progress in digital transformation during the pandemic, these two universities redesigned their approaches to international learning into a strategic combination of in-person and virtual collaborative learning between domestic and international students. Finally, the authors discuss the opportunities and threats of intranational university education under the new reality of digital transformation in higher education.
Internationalization of Higher Education in Argentina upon the Arrival of COVID-19: Reactions and Lessons from the Perspective of International Relations Office
Authors: Rabossi Marcelo , Guaglianone Ariadna , Markman Alex
Published: July 2023

The interdependence between countries in relation to the production and transfer of knowledge has grown steadily since the 1980s. As a result, in the past two decades the number of students crossing borders to pursue an education abroad skyrocketed. However, the arrival of COVID-19 in early 2020 imposed a series of restrictions on this exponential expansion. Closed borders and semi-frozen economies resulted in unprecedented challenges for university administrators. The International Relations Offices (IROs), responsible for the promotion and administration of collaboration agreements, nobilities, joint academic activities, international positioning, and overseas student recruitment, were especially challenged by the pandemic and its consequences. This chapter’s objective is to assess how the IROs reacted and shifted their activities in response to the restrictions in global mobility brought about by COVID-19. To capture this behavior, we conducted a series of interviews with key actors at two public and two private universities in Argentina. To contrast theory and evidence, we used some principles that emerge from Resilience Theory.
Characterization of FLOWERING LOCUS C 5 in Brassica rapa L.
Authors: Akter Ayasha , Kakizaki Tomohiro , Itabashi Etsuko , Kunita Kohei , Shimizu Motoki , Akter Mst. Arjina , Mehraj Hasan , Okazaki Keiichi , Dennis Elizabeth S. , Fujimoto Ryo
Published: July 2023

Brassica rapa L., which includes Chinese cabbage, turnip, and pak choi, has more complex flowering time regulation than does Arabidopsis thaliana due to the presence of multiple paralogous flowering time genes. FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is one of the key genes regulating the flowering time, and B. rapa has four FLC paralogs. BrFLC5 on the reference genome is deemed a pseudogene because of a mutation (from G to A) in the splice site of the third intron, but there are some accessions with a G nucleotide in the splice site. In this study, we genotyped 310 B. rapa accessions and found that 19 had homozygous and 81 had heterozygous putative functional BrFLC5 alleles. Accessions of turnip showed the highest proportion with a functional BrFLC5 allele. BrFLC5 acts as a floral repressor when overexpressed in A. thaliana. The BrFLC5 expression level varied in pre-vernalized plants, and this transcriptional variation was not associated with the G/A polymorphism in the third intron. Three accessions having a higher BrFLC5 expression in pre-vernalized plants had a 584-bp insertion in the promoter region. Many regions homologous to this 584-bp sequence are present in the B. rapa genome, and this 584-bp inserted region has tandem duplications of an AT-rich sequence in its central region. The possibility that a high expression of a functional BrFLC5 could contribute to producing premature bolting-resistant lines in B. rapa vegetables is discussed.
Polish contributions in developing medicinal plant in vitro propagation system
Authors: Thiem Barbara , Hermosaningtyas Anastasia Aliesa , Budzianowska Anna , Kikowska Małgorzata
Published: July 2023

Since the 1980s, there has been a significant emphasis in biotechnology on the utilisation of medicinal plants as a source of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, medicinal plants have been identified as a potential alternative source of essential compounds with a wide range of applications, including those involved in producing medications, nutraceuticals, food additives, cosmeceuticals, natural pigments, and preservatives. The plant micropropagation system is an ideal solution to the problems caused by conventional exploitation since it may simultaneously provide uniform biomass as a source of bioactive secondary metabolites and ex situ conservation of uncommon or endangered plant species (dual strategies of micropropagation). In honour of the Polish Botany Society’s Centenary anniversary in 2022, this article summarises the development of an in vitro propagation method for selected medicinal plants by Polish researchers and botanists.