bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the effectiveness of a game‐based phonics intervention for first and second grade English language learners in India: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Patel Priyanka , Torppa Minna , Aro Mikko , Richardson Ulla , Lyytinen Heikki 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn 2018, it was found that only a quarter of Grade 3 children in India were reading at grade level. A growing demand for English education has further limited children's literacy achievement. Despite a strong evidence base in favour of using systematic phonics for building English literacy skills, many teachers in India continue to use rote‐methods of literacy instruction.ObjectivesWe aimed to examine the efficacy of GraphoLearn (GL) English Rime, a computer‐assisted reading intervention, in improving the foundational literacy skills of 1st and 2nd grade students who were attending an English medium school in India.MethodsA total of 136 students across 6 classrooms were randomly allocated to play either GL or a control math game over a 5‐week intervention period. Students were pre‐ and post‐tested on various English literacy skills using tasks built into the GL software as well as through oral and paper‐based tasks.Results and ConclusionsStudents who played GL showed significantly greater and faster development on in‐game measures of letter‐sound knowledge, rime unit recognition, and word recognition as compared to students who did not play GL. In addition, GL resulted in greater effects on these measures for students with stronger English literacy skills prior to the start of the intervention. No differences were found between groups on the oral and paper‐based tasks.ImplicationsGL was able to quickly and effectively teach critical sub‐skills for reading. However, a lack of effects on the out‐of‐game measures opens the door for further discussion on the successful implementation of such interventions.
Familial and genetic associations between autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Ghirardi Laura , Kuja‐Halkola Ralf , Butwicka Agnieszka , Martin Joanna , Larsson Henrik , D’Onofrio Brian M. , Lichtenstein Paul , Taylor Mark J. 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundFamilial and genetic associations between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders have been reported, sometimes with conflicting results. We estimated familial and genetic associations between ASD and nine disorder groups, and explored differences in these associations for ASD in the context of intellectual disability, epilepsy, chromosomal abnormalities, and congenital malformations.MethodsIndividuals born between 1985 and 2009 living in Sweden on their seventh birthday were linked to their biological parents in order to identify different types of relatives. We retrieved information on all the disorders considered from the National Patient Register. Logistic regression was used to estimate the familial association between ASD and other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in the different groups of relatives. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate phenotypic (rp) and genetic associations (rg), as well as the contribution of genetic influences to rp.ResultsThe study included 2,398,608 individuals. Among relatives of individuals diagnosed with ASD, there was an increased risk of the disorders considered, compared to relatives of individuals who were not diagnosed with ASD. Stronger associations were detected for ASD without any additional diagnosis of intellectual disability, epilepsy, chromosomal abnormalities, and congenital malformations. The strongest genetic correlation was estimated between ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders (rg = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.66–0.79). Moderate genetic correlations were estimated for anxiety disorders (rg = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.33–0.61), depression (rg = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.37–0.66), and intentional self‐harm (rg = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.36–0.71).ConclusionsASD shows familial and genetic association not only with other neurodevelopmental disorders, but also with other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and intentional self‐harm. Family history of ASD comorbid with intellectual disability, epilepsy, congenital malformations, or chromosomal abnormalities is less related to other psychiatric disorders, potentially suggesting a different etiology for this subgroup of patients.
Hazard function analysis for development of second primary colorectal cancer after surgery for primary colorectal cancer
Authors: Kawai Kazushige , Nozawa Hiroaki , Sasaki Kazuhito , Murono Koji , Ishihara Soichiro 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough history of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a known risk factor for developing second CRC, the optimal surveillance protocol has not been established. Using hazard function analysis to evaluate changes in the hazard rate for the development of second primary CRCs or high‐grade adenomas (HGAs), we aimed to clarify when and on whom to focus in order to effectively identify second primary colorectal neoplasms after initial surgery for CRC.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 1823 consecutive patients with stage 0–III CRCs who underwent radical surgery between 2004 and 2015, and subsequent colonoscopic surveillance after surgery. The time‐course changes in the risk rates for developing metachronous CRC and HGA after surgery were assessed.ResultsA peak was observed at 1.22 years after surgery in the hazard function curve for secondary colorectal neoplasms, which decreased until 4 years, then plateaued. Older patients were at higher risk than younger patients, both showing a peak at 1 year. Another peak at 6 to 8 years was observed in younger patients. Male patients showed a higher risk than female patients, and patients with synchronous lesions showed a markedly higher hazard rate than those without, with two distinct peaks around 1 and 9 years after surgery.ConclusionsIntensive colonoscopic surveillance is recommended after surgery for CRC during the first 2 to 3 years, and if the patient is under 60 years old and has concomitant CRC or HGA, surveillance is also recommended at 6 to 8 years after surgery.
Biomechanical analysis of gait patterns in children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Ma Y. , Zhang K. , Li S. , Wang L. , Wang T. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundChildren with intellectual disabilities (ID) typically master walking skills much later than typically developing (TD) children and have poor postural control ability. This study aimed to explore the gait ability and characteristics of children with ID and whether there is any difference in walking ability between them and TD children.MethodIn this study, integrating kinematic–biomechanic–dynamic measurement methods and corresponding analysis methods (video analysis, three‐dimensional force analysis and electromyography test analysis) were used to characterise and compare the gait patterns between ID children and TD children.ResultsID children's step length/leg length ratio was lower than TD children. The left‐leg single‐leg support time and step length of ID children were shorter than TD children. While walking, ID children touched the ground with the whole foot pad and could not powerfully thrust against the ground with their toes. Their left legs had obvious disadvantages compared with their right legs. ID children's lower limb muscle strength was lower than TD children, and their thigh muscles had an obvious compensation function.ConclusionsCorrecting ID children's gait should be an important teaching goal for physical education institutors and teachers. Muscle‐strength and flexibility training can help ID children reinforce core strength and better coordinate lower limbs.
The clinical and pathological effectiveness of microneedling and topical 5‐fluorouracil in vitiligo treatment: An association with matrix metalloproteinase 2 immunohistochemical expression
Authors: Abdou Asmaa Gaber , Farag Azza Gaber Antar , Rashwan Manal , Shehata Wafaa Ahmed 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe current therapies for vitiligo require long duration with often disappointing outcomes. 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is a chemotherapeutic agent approved for topical use in the treatment of several dermatologic conditions. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) is synthesized by keratinocytes during the epidermal remodeling process and has been found to help in melanocyte migration.AimTo investigate the efficacy and safety of flexible microneedling followed by application of 5‐FU in vitiligo treatment and to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of MMP2 in involved skin in vitiligo patients before and after treatment.MethodsTwenty patients presented with vitiligo were planned to receive one session every 2 weeks for 12 weeks of microneedling followed by 5‐FU application. Clinical response to therapy was evaluated by VASI score. Pre‐ and post‐treatment biopsies were taken from vitiliginous patches for MMP2 immunostaining.ResultsFifteen patients (75%) responded to therapy with observed side effects such as pain, erythema, and hyperpigmentation of margins. The clinical response was more in young patients and those who have short disease duration. MMP2 was significantly increased in post‐treatment biopsy compared with the pretreatment one.Conclusions5‐Fluorouracil application after microneedling is effective in the treatment of vitiligo with 75% response, 60% patient satisfaction, and tolerable side effects. The improvement in vitiligo patients by microneedling and 5‐fluorouracil could be due to upregulation of MMP2 in affected vitiligo specimens.
Fertility attitudes of highly educated youth: A factorial survey
Authors: Karabchuk Tatiana , Dülmer Hermann , Gatskova Kseniia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study used factorial survey data from five countries to assess the factors that shape young adults' attitudes toward the ideal number of children for described couples.BackgroundContinuously low fertility rates in many Asian and European countries generate an interest in understanding the fertility attitudes of young adults—and the implications for family policies.MethodThe causal impact of socioeconomic and cultural factors on the ideal number of children for couples described in the vignettes was tested using a factorial survey experiment (vignette analysis). Data were collected from Germany, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to represent five different contexts each with different economies, political regimes, cultural and religious backgrounds, and population structures. Seven vignette‐level and four respondent‐level factors were assumed to affect the conditional ideal number of children.ResultsThe strongest predictors of the higher ideal number of children for couples described in the vignettes were income, availability of childcare, and husband's full employment. The highest average ideal number of children for described couples was observed in the UAE (2.8 children), followed by Germany (1.6 children), Ukraine and Russia (1.3 children), and Japan (1.2 children).ConclusionThe existing gap between public attitudes and fertility behaviors could be addressed by child‐friendly policies which allow a better reconciliation of work and family life.
Under the Radar: Institutional Drift and Non‐Strategic Institutional Change
Authors: Voronov Maxim , Glynn Mary Ann , Weber Klaus 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAlthough researchers have acknowledged that not all institutional change results from the intentional efforts of relatively reflexive actors, we lack an explanation of how mundane interactions between actors can result in non‐strategic institutional change. To address this, we advance the theory of institutional drift that reveals how the practice deviation(s) that occur between interaction partners in an institutional order, transformed into tolerable deviations by the self and others, can lead to the non‐strategic transformation of that institutional order. Our framework extends the interactionist perspective in organizational institutionalism by showing how interpersonal interactions are animated and constrained by people’s passionate attachment to the fundamental sacred ideals, or ethos, underlying institutional orders. It is this connection with ethos that animates the interactional processes tied to both maintaining and disrupting institutions.
The transformation of order in narrative as discordant concord: Using Paul Ricoeur to explore narrative realism as part of social morphogenesis
Authors: Durdovic Martin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSocial interaction as the middle phase of the morphogenetic sequence described by Margaret Archer presupposes that interpretative activities go on between individuals and collectivities. Novel meanings emerge in social interaction and spur the processes of structural elaboration. The hermeneutics of actors (or agents) should be part of the morphogenetic explanatory framework. Narratives as a distinctive species of interpretation will then become more susceptible to a mode of analysis based in realism. By adopting Paul Ricoeur's concept of narrative figuration (or threefold mimésis) for use in sociology, it is possible to embark on this task at the rudimentary level of intersubjective communication. The stories and anecdotes in which we describe episodes, events, and processes to others articulate and give order to our experience of time. When we are searching for concord in narratives to cope with discordant elements, we are participating in morphogenesis via the transformation of meaning. The complementary nature of Archer's and Ricoeur's conceptualisations provides an alternative to one‐sided social constructionist accounts of narrative
Capturing membrane trafficking events during 3D angiogenic development in vitro
Authors: Francis Caitlin R. , Kushner Erich J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectivesVesicular trafficking dictates protein localization, functional activity, and half‐life, providing a critically important regulatory step in tissue development; however, there is little information detailing endothelial‐specific trafficking signatures. This is due, in part, to limitations in visualizing trafficking events in endothelial tissues. Our aim in this investigation was to explore the use of a 3‐dimensional (3D) in vitro sprouting model to image endothelial membrane trafficking events.MethodsEndothelial cells were challenged to grow sprouts in a fibrin bead assay. Thereafter, spouts were transfected with fluorescent proteins and stained for various cell markers. Sprouts were then imaged for trafficking events using live and fixed‐cell microscopy.ResultsOur results demonstrate that fibrin bead sprouts have a strong apicobasal polarity marked by apical localization of proteins moesin and podocalyxin. Comparison of trafficking mediators Rab27a and Rab35 between 3D sprouts and 2D culture showed that vesicular carriers can be imaged at high resolution, exhibiting proper membrane polarity solely in 3D sprouts. Lastly, we imaged exocytic events of von Willebrand Factor and demonstrated a distinct imaging advantage for monitoring secretion events in 3D sprouts as compared with 2D culture.ConclusionsOur results establish that the fibrin bead sprouting assay is well‐suited for imaging of trafficking events during angiogenic growth.
Multi‐scale ensemble properties of the Escherichia coli RNA degradosome
Authors: Dendooven Tom , Paris Giulia , Shkumatov Alexander V. , Islam Md. Saiful , Burt Alister , Kubańska Marta A. , Yang Tai Yuchen , Hardwick Steven W. , Luisi Ben F. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn organisms from all domains of life, multi‐enzyme assemblies play central roles in defining transcript lifetimes and facilitating RNA‐mediated regulation of gene expression. An assembly dedicated to such roles, known as the RNA degradosome, is found amongst bacteria from highly diverse lineages. About a fifth of the assembly mass of the degradosome of Escherichia coli and related species is predicted to be intrinsically disordered – a property that has been sustained for over a billion years of bacterial molecular history and stands in marked contrast to the high degree of sequence variation of that same region. Here, we characterize the conformational dynamics of the degradosome using a hybrid structural biology approach that combines solution scattering with ad hoc ensemble modelling, cryo‐electron microscopy, and other biophysical methods. The E. coli degradosome can form punctate bodies in vivo that may facilitate its functional activities, and based on our results, we propose an electrostatic switch model to account for the propensity of the degradosome to undergo programmable puncta formation.
Pathogens pulling the strings: Effectors manipulating salicylic acid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in plants
Authors: Bauters Lander , Stojilković Boris , Gheysen Godelieve 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDuring evolution, plants have developed sophisticated ways to cope with different biotic and abiotic stresses. Phytohormones and secondary metabolites are known to play pivotal roles in defence responses against invading pathogens. One of the key hormones involved in plant immunity is salicylic acid (SA), of which the role in plant defence is well established and documented. Plants produce an array of secondary metabolites categorized in different classes, with the phenylpropanoids as major players in plant immunity. Both SA and phenylpropanoids are needed for an effective immune response by the plant. To successfully infect the host, pathogens secrete proteins, called effectors, into the plant tissue to lower defence. Secreted effectors can interfere with several metabolic or signalling pathways in the host to facilitate infection. In this review, we will focus on the different strategies pathogens have developed to affect the levels of SA and phenylpropanoids to increase plant susceptibility.
Association between childhood constipation and exposure to stressful life events: a systematic review
Authors: Liyanarachchi Hasitha , Rajindrajith Shaman , Kuruppu Chandrani , Chathurangana Prasad , Ranawaka Randula , Devanarayana Niranga M. , Benninga Marc A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundSeveral cross‐sectional studies have reported an association between childhood constipation and exposure to stressful events. We planned to systematically review the literature on constipation and its associated stressful events.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched (until February 2021) using standard search terms related to “constipation” and “stress” from 0 to 18 years that describe the association between psychological stressors and constipation. Studies were screened using pre‐designed eligibility criteria. Studies that fulfilled the criteria were reviewed in a full‐text format. The quality assessment of selected articles was conducted using standard methods.Key ResultsOf 2296 titles and abstracts screened, 38 were included in the full‐text review. Out of that, 15 articles were included in this systematic review. There were 2954 children with constipation, and the age range was from 6 months to 16 years. Exposure to home‐related stressors (divorce or separation of parents, severe illness in family, and parental job loss) school‐related stressors (including being bullied at school, change in school, separation from the best friend at school, and failure in an examination), exposure to child maltreatments and exposure to war/civil unrest were associated with childhood constipation.Conclusions and InferencesExposure to day‐to‐day home‐ and school‐related stressors, to child maltreatment, and to civil unrest is associated with constipation in children and adolescents. These factors need to be explored during clinical evaluation of children with constipation.
Right ventricular resynchronization in a patient with repaired tetralogy of Fallot and severe ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Rodríguez‐García Julián , Pijuan‐Domenech Antonia , Francisco‐Pascual Jaume , Dos‐Subirà Laura , Miranda‐Barrio Berta , Santos‐Ortega Alba , Rivas‐Gándara Nuria 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRight ventricular (RV) resynchronization therapy (CRT) with stimulation electrode implantation in the latest activation area guided by a high‐density electroanatomic activation map was successfully performed in a patient with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rToF), severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR), and severe dysfunction and dilatation of the right ventricle. An improvement in his clinical condition and intraventricular synchrony was achieved. There is a mechanical‐electrical interaction in the right ventricle of patients with rToF; therefore, RV CRT in selected cases may be beneficial. Electroanatomic activation mapping can help achieve maximum clinical benefit by identifying the optimal stimulation site.
Insect pest management in the age of synthetic biology
Authors: Mateos Fernández Rubén , Petek Marko , Gerasymenko Iryna , Juteršek Mojca , Baebler Špela , Kallam Kalyani , Moreno Giménez Elena , Gondolf Janine , Nordmann Alfred , Gruden Kristina , Orzaez Diego , Patron Nicola J 
Published: August 2021

SummaryArthropod crop pests are responsible for 20% of global annual crop losses, a figure predicted to increase in a changing climate where the ranges of numerous species are projected to expand. At the same time, many insect species are beneficial, acting as pollinators and predators of pest species. For thousands of years, humans have used increasingly sophisticated chemical formulations to control insect pests but, as the scale of agriculture expanded to meet the needs of the global population, concerns about the negative impacts of agricultural practices on biodiversity have grown. While biological solutions, such as biological control agents and pheromones, have previously had relatively minor roles in pest management, biotechnology has opened the door to numerous new approaches for controlling insect pests. In this review, we look at how advances in synthetic biology and biotechnology are providing new options for pest control. We discuss emerging technologies for engineering resistant crops and insect populations and examine advances in biomanufacturing that are enabling the production of new products for pest control.
Glucan, Water‐Dikinase 1 (GWD1), an ideal biotechnological target for potential improving yield and quality in rice
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wei Ke , Xiong Min , Wang Jin‐Dong , Zhang Chang‐Quan , Fan Xiao‐Lei , Huang Li‐Chun , Zhao Dong‐Sheng , Liu Qiao‐Quan , Li Qian‐Feng 
Published: August 2021

SummaryThe source–sink relationship determines the overall agronomic performance of rice. Cloning and characterizing key genes involved in the regulation of source and sink dynamics is imperative for improving rice yield. However, few source genes with potential application in rice have been identified. Glucan, Water‐Dikinase 1 (GWD1) is an essential enzyme that plays a pivotal role in the first step of transitory starch degradation in source tissues. In the present study, we successfully generated gwd1 weak mutants by promoter editing using CRISPR/Cas9 system, and also leaf‐dominant overexpression lines of GWD1 driven by Osl2 promoter. Analysis of the gwd1 plants indicated that promoter editing mediated down‐regulation of GWD1 caused no observable effects on rice growth and development, but only mildly modified its grain transparency and seed germination. However, the transgenic pOsl2::GWD1 overexpression lines showed improvements in multiple key traits, including rice yield, grain shape, rice quality, seed germination and stress tolerance. Therefore, our study shows that GWD1 is not only involved in transitory starch degradation in source tissues, but also plays key roles in the seeds, which is a sink tissue. In conclusion, we find that GWD1 is an ideal biotechnological target with promising potential for the breeding of elite rice cultivars via genetic engineering.