bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Gut Dysmotility Questionnaire for Parkinson's disease: Insights into development and pretest studies
Authors: Raeder Vanessa , Batzu Lucia , Untucht Robert , Fehre Annekathrin , Rizos Alexandra , Leta Valentina , Schmelz Renate , Hampe Jochen , Bostantjopoulou Sevasti , Katsarou Zoe , Storch Alexander , Reichmann Heinz , Falkenburger Björn , Ray Chaudhuri K. , Klingelhoefer Lisa
Published: March 2023

Objective

A total of 48% of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) present symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction, particularly constipation. Furthermore, gastrointestinal tract (GIT)-related non-motor symptoms (NMSs) appear at all stages of PD, can be prodromal by many years and have a relevant impact on the quality of life. There is a lack of GIT-focused validated tools specific to PD to assess their occurrence, progress, and response to treatment. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a novel, disease- and symptom-specific, self-completed questionnaire, titled Gut Dysmotility Questionnaire (GDQ), for screening and monitoring gastrointestinal dysmotility of the lower GIT in patients with PD.

Methods

In phase 1, a systematic literature review and multidisciplinary expert discussions were conducted. In phase 2, cognitive pretest studies comprising standard pretests, interviews, and evaluation questionnaires were performed in patients with PD (n = 21), age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) (n = 30), and neurologists (n = 11). Incorporating these results, a second round of cognitive pretests was performed investigating further patients with PD (n = 10), age- and sex-matched HC (n = 10), and neurologists (n = 5). The questionnaire was adapted resulting in the final GDQ, which underwent cross-cultural adaptation to the English language.

Results

We report significantly higher GDQ total scores and higher scores in five out of eight domains indicating a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal dysmotility in patients with PD than in HC (p < 0.05). Cognitive pretesting improved the preliminary GDQ so that the final GDQ was rated as relevant (100/100%), comprehensive (100/90%), easy to understand concerning questions and answer options (100/90%), and of appropriate length (80/100%) by neurologists and patients with PD, respectively. The GDQ demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach‘s alpha value of 0.94). Evidence for good construct validity is given by moderate to high correlations of the GDQ total score and its domains by intercorrelations (rs = 0.67–0.91; p < 0.001) and with validated general NMS measures as well as with specific items that assess gastrointestinal symptoms.

Interpretation

The GDQ is a novel, easy, and quick 18-item self-assessment questionnaire to screen for and monitor gastrointestinal dysmotility with a focus on constipation in patients with PD. It has shown high acceptance and efficacy as well as good construct validity in cognitive pretests.
A study of linear measurement and clinical correlation of brain atrophy in Wilson's disease
Authors: Wang Yun , Xuan Hongxia , Zhao Tun , Li Xiaodong , Li Shujuan , Hu Wenli
Published: March 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to explore the clinical relevance of linear measures of Wilson's disease (WD).

Methods

Relative values of brain atrophy in 30 patients with WD and 30 healthy volunteers were measured and compared using a manual measurement method. Linear measurement indicators of brain atrophy in patients with and without mental disorders were also compared. In addition, correlations of patients' age, disease duration, and Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale (UWDRS) scores with brain atrophy indicators were determined.

Results

The results showed that the e-value, Huckman number, Evans index, and lateral ventricular body index were higher in the WD group compared with the control group. The age of patients with WD was negatively correlated with the k-value and significantly positively correlated with the brainstem index. WD duration was prominently positively correlated with the d-value and negatively correlated with the j-value. In addition, neurological function scores were significantly positively correlated with the c-value, e-value, caudate nucleus index, Huckman number, Evans index, and lateral ventricular body index. By contrast, patients with psychiatric symptoms had a higher a-value and fourth ventricular index than those without psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that patients with WD and those with psychiatric symptoms have more severe brain atrophy compared to normal subjects. The patient's age, disease duration, and neurological function scores were positively correlated with the severity of brain atrophy.
Reduced acetylated α-tubulin in SPAST hereditary spastic paraplegia patient PBMCs
Authors: Wali Gautam , Siow Sue-Faye , Liyanage Erandhi , Kumar Kishore R. , Mackay-Sim Alan , Sue Carolyn M.
Published: March 2023

HSP-SPAST is the most common form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a neurodegenerative disease causing lower limb spasticity. Previous studies using HSP-SPAST patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell cortical neurons have shown that patient neurons have reduced levels of acetylated α-tubulin, a form of stabilized microtubules, leading to a chain of downstream effects eventuating in increased vulnerability to axonal degeneration. Noscapine treatment rescued these downstream effects by restoring the levels of acetylated α-tubulin in patient neurons. Here we show that HSP-SPAST patient non-neuronal cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), also have the disease-associated effect of reduced levels of acetylated α-tubulin. Evaluation of multiple PBMC subtypes showed that patient T cell lymphocytes had reduced levels of acetylated α-tubulin. T cells make up to 80% of all PBMCs and likely contributed to the effect of reduced acetylated α-tubulin levels seen in overall PBMCs. We further showed that mouse administered orally with increasing concentrations of noscapine exhibited a dose-dependent increase of noscapine levels and acetylated α-tubulin in the brain. A similar effect of noscapine treatment is anticipated in HSP-SPAST patients. To measure acetylated α-tubulin levels, we used a homogeneous time resolved fluorescence technology-based assay. This assay was sensitive to noscapine-induced changes in acetylated α-tubulin levels in multiple sample types. The assay is high throughput and uses nano-molar protein concentrations, making it an ideal assay for evaluation of noscapine-induced changes in acetylated α-tubulin levels. This study shows that HSP-SPAST patient PBMCs exhibit disease-associated effects. This finding can help expedite the drug discovery and testing process.
Systematic bibliometric and visualized analysis of research hotspots and trends in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder neuroimaging
Authors: Deng Haiyin , Huang Zhenming , Li Zhaoying , Cao Lei , He Youze , Sun Ning , Zeng Yi , Wu Jingsong
Published: March 2023

Introduction

This study focused on the research hotspots and development trends of the neuroimaging of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the past thirty years.

Methods

The Web of Science database was searched for articles about ADHD neuroimaging from January 1992 to September 2022. CiteSpace was used to analyze the co-occurrence of keywords in literature, partnerships between authors, institutions, and countries, the sudden occurrence of keywords, clustering of keywords over time, and analysis of references, cited authors, and cited journals.

Results

2,621 articles were included. More and more articles have been published every year in the last years. These articles mainly come from 435 institutions and 65 countries/regions led by the United States. King's College London had the highest number of publications. The study identified 634 authors, among which Buitelaar, J. K. published the largest number of articles and Castellanos, F. X. was co-cited most often. The most productive and cited journal was Biological psychiatry. In recent years, burst keywords were resting-state fMRI, machine learning, functional connectivity, and networks. And a timeline chart of the cluster of keywords showed that “children” had the longest time span.

Conclusions

Increased attention has been paid to ADHD neuroimaging. This work might assist researchers to identify new insight on potential collaborators and cooperative institutions, hot topics, and research directions.
Imaging of nerve injury in neonatal acute bilirubin encephalopathy using 1H-MRS and Glu-CEST techniques
Authors: Lin Qihuan , Chen Lanmei , Zheng Hongyi , Tan Hui , Zhang Gengbiao , Zheng Wenbin
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To investigate the significance of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) and glutamate chemical exchange saturation transfer (Glu-CEST) techniques in assessing the condition and prognosis of acute bilirubin encephalopathy patients and to understand the mechanism of nerve injury in this disease.

Materials and methods

From September 2019 to February 2021, 31 neonates with acute bilirubin encephalopathy and 16 healthy neonates were enrolled in this study. All the quantitative results of 1H-MRS, Glu-CEST, and conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of all neonates were analyzed. The associations between statistically significant indicators of imaging and developmental quotients (DQ) were analyzed.

Results

The 31 cases were assigned to the mild subgroup (n = 21) and moderate and severe subgroup (n = 10) according to the bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction (BIND) scores. The case group had elevated Cho and GABA absolute concentrations compared to the normal control group (all p < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the absolute concentration of GABA of the moderate and severe subgroup was significantly larger (p < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the Glu-CEST% values in the left basal ganglia, right thalamus, left frontal cortex and bilateral medial geniculate body of the case group was significantly larger (all p < 0.05). The moderate and severe subgroup had higher Glu-CEST% values in the left basal ganglia, right thalamus, and bilateral medial geniculate body than the normal control group (all p < 0.05). A negative association was revealed between the DQ scores and the Glu-CEST% values in the left basal ganglia (r = −0.888, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The combination of 1H-MRS and Glu-CEST techniques can monitor the intracerebral metabolite level of acute bilirubin encephalopathy and evaluate the illness severity.
Genome-wide analysis of oxylipins and oxylipin profiles in a pediatric population
Authors: Buckner Teresa , Johnson Randi K. , Vanderlinden Lauren A. , Carry Patrick M. , Romero Alex , Onengut-Gumuscu Suna , Chen Wei-Min , Kim Soojeong , Fiehn Oliver , Frohnert Brigitte I. , Crume Tessa , Perng Wei , Kechris Katerina , Rewers Marian , Norris Jill M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Oxylipins are inflammatory biomarkers derived from omega-3 and-6 fatty acids implicated in inflammatory diseases but have not been studied in a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The aim of this study was to identify genetic loci associated with oxylipins and oxylipin profiles to identify biologic pathways and therapeutic targets for oxylipins.

Methods

We conducted a GWAS of plasma oxylipins in 316 participants in the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY). DNA samples were genotyped using the TEDDY-T1D Exome array, and additional variants were imputed using the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) multi-ancestry reference panel. Principal components analysis of 36 plasma oxylipins was used to capture oxylipin profiles. PC1 represented linoleic acid (LA)- and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)-related oxylipins, and PC2 represented arachidonic acid (ARA)-related oxylipins. Oxylipin PC1, PC2, and the top five loading oxylipins from each PC were used as outcomes in the GWAS (genome-wide significance: p < 5×10−8).

Results

The SNP rs143070873 was associated with (p < 5×10−8) the LA-related oxylipin 9-HODE, and rs6444933 (downstream of CLDN11) was associated with the LA-related oxylipin 13 S-HODE. A locus between MIR1302-7 and LOC100131146, rs10118380 and an intronic variant in TRPM3 were associated with the ARA-related oxylipin 11-HETE. These loci are involved in inflammatory signaling cascades and interact with PLA2, an initial step to oxylipin biosynthesis.

Conclusion

Genetic loci involved in inflammation and oxylipin metabolism are associated with oxylipin levels.
Determinants of human milk oligosaccharides profiles of participants in the STRONG kids 2 cohort
Authors: Fan Yuting , Vinjamuri Anita , Tu Diane , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Donovan Sharon M.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOS) are indigestible carbohydrates that support infant development by establishing a healthy microbiota, preventing infectious diseases, and promoting immune and cognitive development. Individual HMOS have distinct functions based on their chemical structures. HMO profiles can vary largely among mothers, but the research on factors other than genetic background affecting HMO composition are limited.

Methods

In the present analysis, we examined the relationships between maternal characteristics and the HMO profiles of breastfeeding mothers (n = 392) in the STRONG kids 2 with the following demographic characteristics: average age: 30.8 y, 74.5% White, and 75.5% exclusively breastfeeding. Human milk samples were collected at 6 weeks postpartum and maternal information was obtained from self-reported surveys. Information on dietary intake changes since the participants have been breastfeeding was collected. HMO profiles were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and secretor status was determined by the presence of four secretor markers [2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL), LNFP I, LDFT, and TFLNH]. Spearmen correlation test was utilized to determine the relationships between individual HMOS and associations with maternal factors. Between-group differences in HMO relative abundances were examined with Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results

Among all participants, 71.9% were secretors and 28.1% were non-secretors. The relative abundances of all HMOS differed (p < 0.05) by secretor status, with the exception for 6′-SL and 3′-SL. Positive correlations were observed among HMOS with similar structures, such as the 1,2-fucosylated HMOS. The abundances of selected HMOS were associated with maternal body weight, pregnancy complications, and dietary characteristics. Based on pre-pregnancy BMI, in all mothers, relative abundance of 3′-SL was significantly higher in overweight mothers than obese mothers (p = 0.013). In milk produced by non-secretor mothers, LNPF I + III abundances were greater in overweight than normal weight mothers (p = 0.020). Several HMO abundances were found to be associated with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Variations of HMO abundances were also observed with dietary food intake. In all mothers, egg consumption was positively correlated with LNT + LNnT (R = 0.13; p = 0.012) and cheese intake was positively associated with 2′-FL (R = 0.10; p = 0.046) and S-LNnH II (R = 0.11; p = 0.026) abundances.

Discussion

HMO profiles were found to be associated with maternal characteristics and intake. Future research will investigate associations between HMOS and maternal and infant outcomes.
Long noncoding RNA SNHG15: A promising target in human cancers
Authors: Zhang Niu , Lei Tianyao , Xu Tianwei , Zou Xiaoteng , Wang Zhaoxia
Published: March 2023

As oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, lncRNAs played an important role in tumorigenesis and the progression of human cancers. The lncRNA SNHG15 has recently been revealed to be dysregulated in malignant tumors, suggesting the aberrant expression of which contributes to clinical features and regulates various oncogenic processes. We have selected extensive literature focused on SNHG15 from electronic databases, including studies relevant to its clinical significance and the critical events in cancer-related processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review summarized the current understanding of SNHG15 in cancer, mainly focusing on the pathological features, known biological functions, and underlying molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, SNHG15 has been well-documented to be an effective diagnostic and prognostic marker for tumors, offering novel therapeutic interventions in specific subsets of cancer cells.
Evaluation of the association of birth order and group childcare attendance with Kawasaki disease using data from a nationwide longitudinal survey
Authors: Namba Takahiro , Takeuchi Akihito , Matsumoto Naomi , Tsuge Mitsuru , Yashiro Masato , Tsukahara Hirokazu , Yorifuji Takashi
Published: March 2023

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a form of pediatric systemic vasculitis. Although the etiology remains unclear, infections have been identified as possible triggers. Children with a later birth order and those who attend childcare are at a higher risk of infections due to exposure to pathogens from their older siblings and other childcare attendees. However, longitudinal studies exploring these associations are limited. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the relationship between birth order, group childcare attendance, and KD, using a nationwide longitudinal survey in Japan.

Methods

In total, 36,885 children born in Japan in 2010 were included. The survey used questionnaires to identify hospitalized cases of KD. We evaluated the relationship between birth order classification, group childcare attendance, and KD prevalence every year, from 6 to 66 months of age. For each outcome, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated after adjusting for child factors, parental factors, and region of residence.

Results

Children with higher birth orders were more likely to be hospitalized with KD at 6–18 months of age (second child OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.25–2.51; third child OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.08–2.65). This trend was stronger for children who did not attend group childcare (second child OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.57–4.01; third child OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.30–4.43). An increased risk of KD hospitalization owing to the birth order was not observed in any age group for children in the childcare group.

Conclusions

Children with higher birth orders were at high risk for hospitalization due to KD at 6–18 months of age. The effect of birth order was more prominent among the children who did not attend group childcare.
The potential of 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of fetal anomalies of the great vessels
Authors: Xie Linjun , Xu Hong , He Xuelian , Fu Hang , Zhang Lu , Bai Wei , Li Xuesheng , Bao Li , Xu Huayan , Li Xiaohong , Guo Yingkun
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To determine the efficacy of 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of anomalies of the fetal great arteries with comparison to fetal ultrasound, and to compare image quality between 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI in fetal imaging of the great arteries.

Methods

We compared the results of postnatal exam or surgery and evaluated the application value of prenatal 1.5 T MRI in the assessment of fetal great-vessel anomalies. To further determine the diagnostic potential of 1.5 T MRI, 23 pregnant women with suspected fetal cardiovascular abnormalities who had undergone ultrasound and 3.0 T MRI were enrolled and compared, respectively.

Results

Prenatal MRI was superior to ultrasound in demonstrating aortic arch and branch abnormalities (sensitivity, 92.86% vs. 83.33%; specificity, 66.67% vs. 20%). The mean quality ratings for fetal MRI at 1.5 T was higher than 3.0 T (P < 0.001). Other than the fast scan speed afforded by 3.0 T MRI, the signal noise ratio (SNR) of 1.5 T MRI were higher than those of 3.0 T MRI; however, the difference in contrast to noise ratio (CNR) between the two imaging modalities was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

1.5 T MRI can achieve an overall assessment of fetal great-vessel anomalies, especially aortic arch and branch abnormalities. Therefore, 1.5 T MRI can be considered a supplementary imaging modality for the prenatal assessment of extracardiac great vessels malformations.
Considering weights in real social networks: A review
Authors: Bellingeri M. , Bevacqua D. , Sartori F. , Turchetto M. , Scotognella F. , Alfieri R. , Nguyen N. K. K. , Le T. T. , Nguyen Q. , Cassi D.
Published: March 2023

Network science offers powerful tools to model complex social systems. Most social network science research focuses on topological networks by simply considering the binary state of the links, i.e., their presence or absence. Nonetheless, complex social systems present heterogeneity in link interactions (link weight), and accounting for this heterogeneity, it is mandatory to design reliable social network models. Here, we revisit the topic of weighted social networks (WSNs). By summarizing the main notions, findings, and applications in the field of WSNs, we outline how WSN methodology may improve the modeling of several real problems in social sciences. We are convinced that WSNs may furnish ideas and insights to open interesting lines of new research in the social sciences.
Random mutagenesis-based screening of the interface of phyllogen, a bacterial phyllody-inducing effector, for interaction with plant MADS-box proteins
Authors: Kitazawa Yugo , Iwabuchi Nozomu , Maejima Kensaku , Matsumoto Oki , Suzuki Masato , Matsuyama Juri , Koinuma Hiroaki , Oshima Kenro , Namba Shigetou , Yamaji Yasuyuki
Published: March 2023

To understand protein function deeply, it is important to identify how it interacts physically with its target. Phyllogen is a phyllody-inducing effector that interacts with the K domain of plant MADS-box transcription factors (MTFs), which is followed by proteasome-mediated degradation of the MTF. Although several amino acid residues of phyllogen have been identified as being responsible for the interaction, the exact interface of the interaction has not been elucidated. In this study, we comprehensively explored interface residues based on random mutagenesis using error-prone PCR. Two novel residues, at which mutations enhanced the affinity of phyllogen to MTF, were identified. These residues, and all other known interaction-involved residues, are clustered together at the surface of the protein structure of phyllogen, indicating that they constitute the interface of the interaction. Moreover, in silico structural prediction of the protein complex using ColabFold suggested that phyllogen interacts with the K domain of MTF via the putative interface. Our study facilitates an understanding of the interaction mechanisms between phyllogen and MTF.
Cell-free supernatant of Devosia sp. (strain SL43) mitigates the adverse effects of salt stress on soybean (Glycine max L.) seed vigor index
Authors: Monjezi Nadia , Yaghoubian Iraj , Smith Donald L.
Published: March 2023

Soil salinity is a major constraint for soybean production worldwide, and the exploitation of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and their bioactive metabolite(s) can improve plant salinity tolerance. With this objective, two experiments were performed, aiming to test 4 culture media (YEM(A), TYE(A), TS(A), and LB(A)) for growing a novel Devosia sp. (strain SL43), and then evaluating cell-free supernatants (CFS) from the Devosia sp. on germination of soybean (Glycine max L.) seeds under salinity stress. Soybean seeds were subjected to three salinity levels (0, 100, and 125 mM NaCl) and 6 levels of Devosia sp. CFS dilution (0, 1:1, 1:100, 1:250, 1:500, 1:1000). The results indicated that 125 mM NaCl concentration caused the greatest reduction in the total number of germinated seeds (15%), germination rate (43.6%), root length (55.2%), root weight (39.3%), and seed vigor (68%), and it also increased mean germination time by 71.9%. However, Devosia-CFS improved soybean germination, and the greatest effect was obtained at 1:1 dilution. Under the highest salinity level, application of CFS at 1:1 dilution increased final germination (17.6%), germination rate (18.6%), root length (162.2%), root weight (239.4%), seed vigor index (318.7%), and also shortening mean germination time by 19.2%. The results indicated that seed vigor index was positively correlated with other traits except for mean germination time. Our study suggested that the highest productivity of Devoisa sp. was obtained from the YEM medium. Results also suggested that CFS produced by the novel Devosia sp. (SL43 strain) can successfully alleviate salt stress effects on soybean seed germination and manipulating the chemical composition of the growth medium can influence the effectiveness of these bioactive metabolites.
Integrative effects of morphology, silicification, and light on diatom vertical movements
Authors: Petrucciani Alessandra , Moretti Paolo , Ortore Maria Grazia , Norici Alessandra
Published: March 2023

Diatoms represent the most abundant and diversified class of primary producers in present oceans; their distinctive trait is the ability to incorporate silicic acid in a silica outer shell called frustule. Numerous adaptative functions are ascribed to frustules, including the control of vertical movements through the water column; this indirectly determines cell access to fundamental resources such as light and nutrients, and favors diatom escape from predators. At the same time, light guides phototroph movements in the water column by affecting cell density (e.g., by modulating Si deposition in diatoms, vacuole volume, and/or solution). We investigated how the tremendous diversity in morphology and silicification that characterizes the frustule and the crucial role of light in diatom spatial distribution govern diatom sinking capacity. To test their integrative effects, we acclimated four diatoms distinguished by frustule traits (Chaetoceros muelleri, Conticribra weissflogii, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and Cylindrotheca fusiformis) to different light conditions and evaluated their physiological performance in terms of growth, elemental composition, morphological changes, and their in vivo sinking capacity. What emerged from this study was that silicification, more than other morphological characteristics, controls species vertical movements, while a higher energy availability enhances cell floating independently from the silica content.
Falling and heaviness: Heaviness judgment for a visual object which users lift up is influenced by the presentation of the object's falling or staying still
Authors: Ujitoko Yusuke , Kaneko Seitaro , Yokosaka Takumi , Kawabe Takahiro
Published: March 2023

When lifting and subsequently releasing a visual object on a screen using a computer mouse, users tend to judge the object to be heavier when the motion speed of the object during lifting is smaller. However it was unclear how the presentation of an object falling after its release influenced the judgment of heaviness. Users generally believe mistakenly that heavier objects fall faster. Based on the previous report of this misbelief, we briefly explored how the falling speed of a visual object after release by a user influenced the judgment of heaviness. The falling speed of the object was systematically modulated by changing gravity in the simulation of the natural falling of the object. Participants judged the object's heaviness after they lifted and subsequently released it. As a result, the participants judged the object to be lighter when the falling speed was zero. However, no significant differences were observed among the conditions with a falling speed greater than zero. It is suggested that for the judgment of heaviness, a vital aspect in the presentation of a falling object after releasing is whether the object falls or not.
Influence of game-based learning in mathematics education on the students' cognitive and affective domain: A systematic review
Authors: Hui Hii Bii , Mahmud Muhammad Sofwan
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Game-based learning (GBL) is one of the modern trends in education in the 21st century. Numerous research studies have been carried out to investigate the influence of teaching on the students' academic attainment. It is crucial to integrate the cognitive and affective domains into teaching and learning strategies. This study aims to review journal articles from 2018 to 2022 concerning the influence of GBL in mathematics T&L on the students' cognitive and affective domains.

Methods

A research methodology based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was used for the survey on the basis of the Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases wherein 773 articles relating to game-based learning (GBL) in mathematics were discovered. Based on the study topic, study design, study technique, and analysis, only 28 open-access articles were chosen for further evaluation. Two types of cognitive domain and five types of affective domain were identified as related to the implications of GBL on the students' T&L of mathematics.

Results

The study results show that GBL has positively impacted students when they are learning mathematics. It is comprised of two types of cognitive domain (knowledge and mathematical skills) and five types of affective domain (achievement, attitude, motivation, interest, and engagement). The findings of this study are anticipated to encourage educators in the classrooms more effectively.

Discussion

GBL in education is now one of the major learning trends of the 21st century. Since 2019, the number of studies relating to game-based learning has increased. There is an influence on the cognitive and affective domains due to T&L Mathematics utilizing a game-based learning (GBL) approach.
How growth mindset influences mathematics achievements: A study of Chinese middle school students
Authors: Dong Lianchun , Jia Xiaoying , Fei Yaxin
Published: March 2023

Introduction

It has been suggested that students with growth mindsets are more likely to achieve better mathematics learning results than their counterparts with fixed mindsets. However, inconsistent and some even contradictory results have been reported in recent studies which examined the associations between growth mindset and mathematics achievements, suggesting the complexity regarding the effects of growth mindset on academic achievements.

Methods

This study aims to examine students' growth mindsets, failure attributions, intrinsic motivation, mathematics self-efficacy, mathematics anxiety and mathematics achievements in one model to capture the sophisticated functioning processes of growth mindset. A total number of 266 middle school students in China participated in this study. Students' mindset and related variables (i.e.,motivations to learn mathematics, attributions of failure in mathematics, mathematics anxiety, mathematics self-efficacy) were measured at year 7, the first year of junior middle school in China. These students' mathematics learning outcomes were tracked from year 7 to year 9, the end of junior middle school. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to investigate the relations among students' growth mindsets, failure attributions, intrinsic motivation, mathematics self-efficacy, mathematics anxiety and mathematics achievements.

Results

The results show that: (1) growth mindset doesn't directly predict mathematics achievements; (2) growth mindset indirectly influences mathematics achievements through intrinsic motivation; (3) failure attributions and mathematics self-efficacy sequentially mediate the association between growth mindset mathematics achievements; (4) failure attributions and mathematics anxiety sequentially mediate the relationship between growth mindset mathematics achievements.

Discussion

The results of this study contribute a better understanding about how growth mindsets make impacts on middle school students' mathematics achievements. These findings have important implications for mathematics education in that we could not simply cultivate students' growth mindset in schools with expectations of higher mathematics learning outcomes. Instead, along with the growth mindset intervention, it is fundamental to make interventions on students' intrinsic motivation, failure attribution, mathematics self-efficacy, and mathematics anxiety in mathematics teaching and learning.
What to Look for in Relationships: Development, inter-rater reliability, and initial validity estimates for a young child-caregiver relationship assessment
Authors: Osofsky Joy D. , Fields-Olivieri Margaret A. , Frazer Andrew L. , Graham Rebecca A. , McCurdy Bethany H. , Weems Carl F.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Observational assessments are important for understanding a range of behaviors and emotions in the young child-caregiver relationship. This paper provides initial data on a multidimensional assessment for professionals who work with young children and their caregivers, the What to Look for in Relationships (WLR). The WLR was designed to assist providers in evaluating strengths and areas for improvement in five areas of young child-caregiver relationship dimensions. This paper reports on the development, interrater reliability, initial convergent and discriminant validity, and incremental utility of the scales.

Methods

Data were collected from caregiver-child dyads, who participated in a semi-structured observational caregiver-child interaction session as part of a clinic evaluation for relationship-based therapeutic services for young children in child protection. Recorded interactions were coded using the WLR scales with 146 interactions coded by at least two independent observers for interrater reliability analyses.

Results

The scales showed adequate internal consistency, good inter-rater reliability, strong convergent associations with a single dimension measure (i.e., the Parent-Infant Relationship Global Assessment Scale; PIR-GAS) and discriminated those in the clinical range from those with adaptive functioning on the PIR-GAS.

Discussion

This study provides initial support for the usefulness of the WLR scales for assessing dimensions of caregiver-child relationships during early childhood that may be useful targets of intervention.
Epistemic injustice and mental health research: A pragmatic approach to working with lived experience expertise
Authors: Okoroji Celestin , Mackay Tanya , Robotham Dan , Beckford Davino , Pinfold Vanessa
Published: March 2023

“Epistemic injustice” refers to how people from marginalized groups are denied opportunities to create knowledge and derive meaning from their experiences. In the mental health field, epistemic injustice occurs in both research and service delivery systems and particularly impacts people from racialized communities. Lived experience involvement and leadership are often proposed as methods of combatting epistemic injustice, a tool for ensuring the views of people at the center of an issue are heard and can inform decision-making. However, this approach is not without challenges. In this paper, we draw on our work as intermediary organizations that center lived experience perspectives to challenge epistemic injustice. We highlight two problems we have identified in working in the mental health research field: “elite capture” and “epistemic exploitation”. We believe that these problems are barriers to the radical and structural change required for epistemic justice to occur. We propose a pragmatic approach to addressing these issues. Based on our work we suggest three considerations for researchers and our own organizations to consider when involving people with lived experience. These include reflecting on the purpose of creating knowledge, with a focus on impact. Embedding lived experience roles, with appropriate employment, support and remuneration, and acknowledging that it may be necessary to work alongside existing systems as a “critical friend” while developing new spaces and structures for alternative forms of knowledge. Finally, the mental health research system needs to change. We believe these three considerations will help us better move toward epistemic justice in mental health research.
Eliciting social stressors, supports, and determinants of health through the DSM-5 cultural formulation interview
Authors: Aggarwal Neil Krishan , Chen Daniel , Lewis-Fernández Roberto
Published: March 2023

Objective

As recognition of the importance of social determinants of mental health has increased, the limitations of clinical competence-enhancing interventions that do not emphasize this approach have emerged. The Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) is a cultural competence intervention that emerges from a confluence of social medicine and medical anthropology traditions. Limited research has examined how patients respond to CFI questions on social-structural aspects of illness and care to assess whether the CFI adequately elicits information on social determinants of mental health.

Methods

Patients’ responses during a first intake appointment to three CFI questions on social stressors, supports, or barriers to care from 27 patient-clinician dyads are analyzed through qualitative content analysis. The data come from a hyper-diverse clinical setting in Queens, New York, where no ethnoracial group has a majority and all patient-clinician dyads reflect cross-cultural interactions.

Results

At least one social determinant was coded in 89 of all cases, and nearly 44% included themes related to multiple determinants of health. The most-commonly coded theme was social relationships (n = 21), followed by financial instability (n = 7), stigma (n = 5), housing instability (n = 2), and poor access to healthcare, involvement in the criminal justice system, employment instability, area-level poverty, and immigration policies (n = 1 each).

Conclusion

Our work shows that social determinants of mental health can be elicited through the CFI. Future work should examine how this information is included in clinicians’ formulations and whether the cultural formulation approach would benefit from additional revision to facilitate assessment of socio-structural factors.
Use of fermented Chinese medicine residues as a feed additive and effects on growth performance, meat quality, and intestinal health of broilers
Authors: Zhou Xinhong , Li Shiyi , Jiang Yilong , Deng Jicheng , Yang Chuanpeng , Kang Lijuan , Zhang Huaidan , Chen Xianxin
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The purpose of this research was to investigate how dietary supplementation with fermented herbal residues (FCMR) affected birds' development capacity, quality of meat, gut barrier, and cecum microbiota.

Methods

540 cyan-shank partridge birds aged 47 days were chosen and divided into two groups of six replicates each and 45 birds for each replicate. The control group (CON) received a basal diet, while the trial group decreased a basic diet containing 5% FCMR.

Results and discussion

The findings revealed that the addition of FCMR decreased FCR and increased ADG in broilers (P < 0.05). Adding FCMR increased steaming loss in broiler chicken breasts (p < 0.05). Supplementation with FCMR significantly enhanced VH/CD and VH in the bird's intestine (jejunum, duodenum, and ileum) (p < 0.05). In addition, the addition of FCMR significantly down-regulated mRNA expression of INF-γ, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α and up-regulated mRNA expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin (P < 0.05). Microbial 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing study revealed that supplements with FCMR modified the cecum microbiota, and α-diversity analysis showed that supplementation with FCMR reduced the cecum bacterial abundance in broilers (P < 0.05). At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Spirochaetota increased considerably following FCMR supplementation (P < 0.05). The broiler cecum's close lot of Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 (P < 0.05), Desulfovibrio, Muribaculaceae, and Fusobacterium (p < 0.05) reduced when FCMR was supplemented. Supplementation with FCMR can promote growth capacity and maintain intestinal health in birds by enhancing gut barrier function and modulating the inflammatory response and microbial composition.
Association Between Changes in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and Depressive Symptoms in the Korean Elderly Population
Authors: Park Kyoung Eun , Lee Hooyeon , Kwon Young Dae , Kim Sukil
Published: March 2023

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the association between changes in oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) and depressive symptoms in the elderly South Koreans.

Methods: We used the 2018 and 2020 Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing data. Our study population was a total of 3,604 participants aged over 65 in 2018. The independent variable of interest was the changes in the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index as OHRQoL between 2018 and 2020. The dependent variable was depressive symptoms in 2020. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed the associations between changes in OHRQoL and depressive symptoms.

Results: Participants with improvement in OHRQoL over 2-year period were likely to have fewer depressive symptoms in 2020. Especially, changes in the oral pain and discomfort dimension score was associated with depressive symptoms. A decline in oral physical function, such as difficulty in chewing and speaking, was also associated with depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: Negative change in OHRQoL is a risk factor for depression in elderly. This results suggest the importance of maintaining good oral health in later life, as a protective factor against depression.
Additional Benefits of Rituximab and Plasma Exchange on Top of Standard Induction Therapy in Kidney Transplant Recipients With a Negative CDC Crossmatch but High Preformed Donor Specific Antibody Titer
Authors: Mohamadou Inna , Matignon Marie , Malard Stéphanie , Lombardi Yannis , Buob David , Moktefi Anissa , Jamme Matthieu , Ouali Nacera , Rafat Cedric , François Hélène , Petit-Hoang Camille , Rondeau Eric , Mesnard Laurent , Grimbert Philippe , Taupin Jean-Luc , Luque Yosu
Published: March 2023

Optimal induction strategy in highly sensitized kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is still a matter of debate. The place of therapies, such as plasma exchange and rituximab, with potential side effects and high cost, is not clearly established. We compared two induction strategies with (intensive) or without (standard) rituximab and plasma exchange in KTRs with high levels of preformed DSA transplanted between 2012 and 2019. Sixty KTRs with a mean age of 52.2 ± 12.2 years were included, 36 receiving standard and 24 intensive induction. Mean fluorescence intensity of immunodominant DSA in the cohort was 8,903 ± 5,469 pre-transplantation and similar in both groups. DSA level decrease was similar at 3 and 12 months after transplantation in the two groups. An intensive induction strategy was not associated with better graft or patient survival, nor more infectious complications. The proportion of patients with rejection during the first year was similar (33% in each group), but rejection occurred later in the intensive group (211 ± 188 days, vs. 79 ± 158 days in the standard group, p < 0.01). Our study suggests that an intensive induction therapy including rituximab and plasma exchanges in highly sensitized kidney recipients is not associated with better graft survival but may delay biopsy-proven rejection.
The Effect of Protein Derivatives and Starch Addition on Some Quality Characteristics of Beef Emulsions and Gels
Authors: Ianiţchi Daniela , Pătraşcu Livia , Cercel Floricel , Dragomir Nela , Vlad Iulian , Maftei Marius
Published: March 2023

Starch and plant or animal proteins represent a rich source that can be used for fortifying meat products. The present study aimed to analyze how the different additives used (soy protein isolate, chickpea flour, lupine concentrate, sodium caseinate and starch, in 2% concentration) influence the rheological properties of beef emulsions and gels, cooking losses and the texture of the finished products. Rheological parameters G’ (storage modulus), G* (complex modulus) and Delta angle were determined by increasing the temperature from 5 to 70 °C, with a rate of 1 °C/min. The study highlighted that the addition of vegetable proteins (soy, chickpeas and lupine) improved strength of meat gels (G’ > 1057.8 Pa), while the addition of sodium caseinate and starch reduced the consistency of the gel network structure (G’ < 1057.8 Pa). All additions led to a decrease in heat treatment losses (a reduction of maximum 62% of cooking loss, from 11.89% for control to 4.54% in case of samples with added starch) and the hardness of heat-treated products. The maximum reduction of hardness was observed for samples with added starch, from 2.83 kgf to 1.08 kgf.
Comparative Omics-Based Identification and Expression Analysis of a Two-Component System in Vigna radiata in Drought Stress
Authors: Afzal Muhammad Amin , Azeem Farrukh , Afzal Shumaila , Afzal Naila , Rizwan Muhammad , Seo Hyojin , Shah Asad Ali , Nawaz Muhammad Amjad
Published: March 2023

Two-component system (TCS) genes regulate a wide range of biological activities in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including plants. TCS plays an important role in cellular responses to external stimuli, such as biotic and abiotic factors. In plants, this system supports cell division, leaf senescence, stress response, chloroplast division, and nutrient signaling. There are three kinds of proteins responsible for the appropriate functioning of the TCS system: histidine kinases (HKs), histidine phosphotransfer proteins (HPs), and response regulators (RRs). The results of the current study revealed that Vigna radiata has 54 genes encoding potential TCS proteins, which were divided into three subgroups: 18 HKs, 9 HPs (seven true and two pseudos), and 27 RRs (8 type-A, 8 type-B, 3 type-C, and 8 PRRS). The anticipated TCS genes were widely dispersed across all eleven chromosomes and had family-specific intron/exon structures. After investigating TCS genes in a variety of plant species, we determined that Vigna HK (L)s, HPs, and RRs have closer evolutionary relationships with other legume genes. Gene duplication, including segmental and tandem types, is the most frequent source of gene family expansion. Multiple stress-related cis-elements were predicted in the promoter sequences of the VrTCS genes. RNA-seq data analysis demonstrated that VrTCS genes were expressed in clusters of upregulated and downregulated groups in response to drought stress. Moreover, these clusters were differentially expressed as early or late responses to drought stress. Real-time qPCR showed that VrHK2, VrHK3, VrPHYE, VrHP4.1, VrRR5.2, and VrRR10 genes were upregulated, while VrRR3 and VrHP6.1 genes were downregulated in response to drought stress. The current study highlights the architecture of V. radiata TCS and provides a robust framework for subsequent functional evaluation.