bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EFL Teachers’ Views about The Application of Collaborative Learning at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Ethiopia
Authors: Lemma Befikadu 
Published: January 2024

This study aims to investigate teachers’ views about the implementation of collaborative learning in English classes. Collaborative learning helps students to improve their English language performance. The data was collected through observation, questionnaires, and interview. The quantitative data were analyzed using percentage and frequency. Theme analysis technique was used to analyze the qualitative data. The result of the study indicated that most EFL teachers widely implement students’ collaborative learning, but the type of collaborative learning they are implementing is not collaborative group learning. Most of the teachers simply make their students to sit side by side to talk with each other as they do their individual assignments, and some teachers assign a task to groups. Then, one or two of the group members do the work and the other group members get equal credit. Although each of these is important in collaborative learning, they do not qualify collaborative learning rather traditional group learning. The data obtained from teachers’ interview revealed that teachers widely implement both informal and base group collaborative learning since most of the teachers allow their students to work collaborative from few minutes to a class period and most of the groups (‘Net works’) formed are with stable membership for the semester. In addition to this, some teachers were not playing their roles as they are expected. Teachers and other concerned bodies ought to deliver sorts of orientations to the students about the importance of collaborative learning to maximize their views before implementing collaborative learning.
Mineral coated microparticles doped with fluoride and complexed with mRNA prolong transfection in fracture healing
Authors: Nelson Anna Laura , Fontana Gianluca , Chubb Laura , Choe Josh , Williams Katherine , Regan Dan , Huard Johnny , Murphy William , Ehrhart Nicole , Bahney Chelsea 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Impaired fracture healing, specifically non-union, has been found to occur up to 14% in tibial shaft fractures. The current standard of care to treat non-union often requires additional surgeries which can result in long recovery times. Injectable-based therapies to accelerate fracture healing have the potential to mitigate the need for additional surgeries. Gene therapies have recently undergone significant advancements due to developments in nanotechnology, which improve mRNA stability while reducing immunogenicity.Methods: In this study, we tested the efficacy of mineral coated microparticles (MCM) and fluoride-doped MCM (FMCM) to effectively deliver firefly luciferase (FLuc) mRNA lipoplexes (LPX) to the fracture site. Here, adult mice underwent a tibia fracture and stabilization method and all treatments were locally injected into the fracture. Level of osteogenesis and amount of bone formation were assessed using gene expression and histomorphometry respectively. Localized and systemic inflammation were measured through gene expression, histopathology scoring and measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) in the serum. Lastly, daily IVIS images were taken to track and measure transfection over time.Results: MCM-LPX-FLuc and FMCM-LPX-FLuc were not found to cause any cytotoxic effects when tested in vitro. When measuring the osteogenic potential of each mineral composition, FMCM-LPX-FLuc trended higher in osteogenic markers through qRT-PCR than the other groups tested in a murine fracture and stabilization model. Despite FMCM-LPX-FLuc showing slightly elevated il-1β and il-4 levels in the fracture callus, inflammation scoring of the fracture callus did not result in any differences. Additionally, an acute systemic inflammatory response was not observed in any of the samples tested. The concentration of MCM-LPX-FLuc and FMCM-LPX-FLuc that was used in the murine fracture model did not stimulate bone when analyzed through stereological principles. Transfection efficacy and kinetics of delivery platforms revealed that FMCM-LPX-FLuc prolongs the luciferase signal both in vitro and in vivo.Discussion: These data together reveal that FMCM-LPX-FLuc could serve as a promising mRNA delivery platform for fracture healing applications.
Gestational diabetes mellitus in Cameroon: prevalence, risk factors and screening strategies
Authors: Sobngwi Eugene , Sobngwi-Tambekou Joelle , Katte Jean Claude , Echouffo-Tcheugui Justin B. , Balti Eric V. , Kengne Andre-Pascal , Fezeu Leopold , Ditah Chobufo Muchi , Tchatchoua Alain-Patrick , Dehayem Mesmin , Unwin Nigel C. , Rankin Judith , Mbanya Jean Claude , Bell Ruth 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe burden of gestational diabetes (GDM) and the optimal screening strategies in African populations are yet to be determined. We assessed the prevalence of GDM and the performance of various screening tests in a Cameroonian population.MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional study involving the screening of 983 women at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy for GDM using serial tests, including fasting plasma (FPG), random blood glucose (RBG), a 1-hour 50g glucose challenge test (GCT), and standard 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). GDM was defined using the World Health Organization (WHO 1999), International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Special Group (IADPSG 2010), and National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE 2015) criteria. GDM correlates were assessed using logistic regressions, and c-statistics were used to assess the performance of screening strategies.FindingsGDM prevalence was 5·9%, 17·7%, and 11·0% using WHO, IADPSG, and NICE criteria, respectively. Previous stillbirth [odds ratio: 3·14, 95%CI: 1·27-7·76)] was the main correlate of GDM. The optimal cut-points to diagnose WHO-defined GDM were 5·9 mmol/L for RPG (c-statistic 0·62) and 7·1 mmol/L for 1-hour 50g GCT (c-statistic 0·76). The same cut-off value for RPG was applicable for IADPSG-diagnosed GDM while the threshold was 6·5 mmol/L (c-statistic 0·61) for NICE-diagnosed GDM. The optimal cut-off of 1-hour 50g GCT was similar for IADPSG and NICE-diagnosed GDM. WHO-defined GDM was always confirmed by another diagnosis strategy while IADPSG and GCT independently identified at least 66·9 and 41·0% of the cases.InterpretationGDM is common among Cameroonian women. Effective detection of GDM in under-resourced settings may require simpler algorithms including the initial use of FPG, which could substantially increase screening yield.
The impact of climate and land use changes on nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the Luhun Lake Basin, China
Authors: Yang Xu , Qiu Shike , Wang Chao , Hao Limin 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Water is an important ecological factor, and non-point source pollution (NPSP) seriously affects water security. In recent years, NPSP has affected water security and human survival in China.Methods: The Luhun Lake Basin has been selected as an example region of Yellow River Basin (YRB) in China, and the trends and impacts of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) has been quantitatively evaluated by using geographic information system (GIS), remote sensing (RS) and InVEST model.Results: The results show that (1) the arable land and water bodies decreased, while forest land, grass land, construction land and unutilized land increased in the 20 years. The average annual precipitation increased from the northeast to the southwest in the 20 years; (2) the N and P exports first increased in 2000–2010 and then decreased in 2010–2020, and finally increased in 2000–2020; (3) with the increase of precipitation, the N and P exports decreased in 2000–2010, 2010–2020 and 2000–2020; (4) the amount of N and P exports on arable land and construction land were more than that on the other land use types. The N and P exports on each land use type all first increased and then decreased, and the overall change trend all increased in 2000–2020.Discussion: This study demonstrates how geographic information system (GIS), remote sensing (RS) and InVEST model can be used to assess nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in data scarce regions.
Skin repair and immunoregulatory effects of myeloid suppressor cells from human cord blood in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kim Chang-Hyun , Hong Seung-Min , Kim Sueon , Yu Jae Ik , Jung Soo-Hyun , Bang Chul Hwan , Lee Ji Hyun , Kim Tai-Gyu 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionPreviously, we achieved large-scale expansion of bone marrow-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) derived from cluster of differentiation (CD)34+ cells cultured in human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) and demonstrated their immunomodulatory properties. In the present study, we assessed the therapeutic efficacy of hUCB-MDSCs in atopic dermatitis (AD).MethodsDermatophagoides farinae (Df)-induced NC/Nga mice (clinical score of 7) were treated with hUCB-MDSCs or a control drug. The mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of hUCB-MDSCs were evaluated.Results and discussionhUCB-MDSCs demonstrated immunosuppressive effects in both human and mouse CD4+ T cells. hUCB-MDSCs significantly reduced the clinical severity scores, which were associated with histopathological changes, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, epidermal hyperplasia, and fibrosis. Furthermore, hUCB-MDSCs decreased the serum levels of immunoglobulin E, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, thymus- and activation-regulated chemokines, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin. Additionally, they altered the expression of the skin barrier function-related proteins filaggrin, involucrin, loricrin, cytokeratin 10, and cytokeratin 14 and suppressed the activation of Df-restimulated T-cells via cell–cell interactions. hUCB-MDSCs promoted skin recovery and maintained their therapeutic effect even after recurrence. Consequently, hUCB-MDSC administration improved Df-induced AD-like skin lesions and restored skin barrier function. Our findings support the potential of hUCB-MDSCs as a novel treatment strategy for AD.
Lactobacillus plantarum attenuates glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis by altering the composition of rat gut microbiota and serum metabolic profile
Authors: Li Siying , Han Xuebing , Liu Naiyuan , Chang Jiang , Liu Gang , Hu Siwang 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionOsteoporosis, one of the most common non-communicable human diseases worldwide, is one of the most prevalent disease of the adult skeleton. Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis(GIOP) is the foremost form of secondary osteoporosis, extensively researched due to its prevalence.Probiotics constitute a primary bioactive component within numerous foods, offering promise as a potential biological intervention for preventing and treating osteoporosis. This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum on bone health and its underlying mechanisms in a rat model of glucocorticoid dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis, using the osteoporosis treatment drug alendronate as a reference.MethodsWe examined the bone microstructure (Micro-CT and HE staining) and analyzed the gut microbiome and serum metabolome in rats.Results and discussionThe results revealed that L. plantarum treatment significantly restored parameters of bone microstructure, with elevated bone density, increased number and thickness of trabeculae, and decreased Tb.Sp. Gut microbiota sequencing results showed that probiotic treatment increased gut microbial diversity and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidota decreased. Beneficial bacteria abundance was significantly increased (Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcus, UCG_005, Romboutsia, and Christensenellaceae_R_7_group), and harmful bacteria abundance was significantly decreased (Desulfovibrionaceae). According to the results of serum metabolomics, significant changes in serum metabolites occurred in different groups. These differential metabolites were predominantly enriched within the pathways of Pentose and Glucuronate Interconversions, as well as Propanoate Metabolism. Furthermore, treatment of L. plantarum significantly increased serum levels of Pyrazine and gamma-Glutamylcysteine, which were associated with inhibition of osteoclast formation and promoting osteoblast formation. Lactobacillus plantarum can protect rats from DEX-induced GIOP by mediating the “gut microbial-bone axis” promoting the production of beneficial bacteria and metabolites. Therefore L. plantarum is a potential candidate for the treatment of GIOP.
Impact of sea level rise on tidal energy budget in a macro-tidal coastal bay with archipelago
Authors: Lu Chengzhi , Zhang Fan , Jia Jianjun , Wang Ya Ping 
Published: January 2024

With sea level rise (SLR), tidal nuisance flooding has become a growing threat, especially around estuaries with large tidal amplitudes. This study investigated how sea level change affects tides in Hangzhou Bay, a macro-tidal estuary with high SLR rate. By downscaling climate projections to a regional hydrodynamic model, the amplitude of primary tidal constituent (M2) was predicted to increase by 0.25 m in the upper bay, where the amplitude of major diurnal tide (K1) was also predicted to increase by 15%. In addition, the sensitivity of tidal amplitude to mean sea level was examined by a set of numerical simulations with different SLR. It was found that the increase of tidal amplitude is nonlinear to SLR, and the tidal amplitudes almost cease to increase when SLR is over 1.5 m. Although predictions show less amplitude changes in the lower bay, Zhoushan Archipelago around the bay mouth strongly modulates the incoming tidal energy, thus affecting the tidal amplitude in the upper bay. Energy budget analysis revealed that the complex topography, such as narrow channels, in the archipelago area leads to strong horizontal shear, which dissipates approximately 25% of total tidal energy in the bay. On the other hand, around 60% of the energy is dissipated in the bottom boundary layer. However, the bottom dissipation decreases by 4% due to reduced friction, while horizontal dissipation increases by 10% due to enhanced horizontal shear with SLR. This suggests that the strong horizontal shear in the Zhoushan archipelago region can play a more important role in the tidal energy budget in the future.
Gestational age at birth in pregnancies with antenatal corticosteroid administration in relation to risk factors: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Graf Joachim , Abele Harald , Pauluschke-Fröhlich Jan 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe aim was to investigate gestational age at birth of women after induction of fetal lung maturation (antenatal corticosteroids = ACS) because of imminent preterm birth (PTB), and to quantify incidence of late PTB (gestational age &lt; 260 days) and extreme immaturity (gestational age &lt; 196 days) in relation to several diagnoses (PPROM, placental bleeding, premature labor, preeclampsia, oligohydramnios, amniotic infection syndrome (AIS), cervical insufficiency) and risk factors (age &gt; 35, history of preterm delivery, multifetal gestation, gestational diabetes, hypertension, nicotine abuse).MethodsThe study was designed as a retrospective cohort trial, in which the data of all births taking place in 2016 in the German federal state Rhineland-Palatinate were evaluated. Frequency analyses, subgroup analysis (Chi-square tests and Friedman’s tests), as well as multinomial logistic regressions and linear regressions were used to determine odds ratios (OR).ResultsIn total, N = 1,544 patients were included who had been hospitalized due to an imminent PTB and had received ACS, of whom 52% had a late PTB and 8% a PTB with extreme immaturity. Regarding the gestational age at birth, there were only minor differences between the individual risk factors and diagnoses, only AIS patients showed a significantly lower gestational age (mean: 207 days). A significantly increased risk of PTB with extreme immaturity was found in patients with AIS (OR = 5.57) or placental bleeding (OR = 2.10).ConclusionThere is a need for further research in order to be able to apply therapeutic measures more accurately in relation to risk factors and diagnoses.
Prediction model for elevated intraocular pressure risk after silicone oil filling based on clinical features
Authors: Fan Wen , Zhang Chaohe , Ge Lexin , Su Na , Chen Jiaqin , Song Siyao , Wang Yasha , Yuan Songtao 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundTo evaluate risk factors and further develop prediction models for intraocular pressure elevation (IOP) after vitreoretinal surgery with silicone oil tamponade to support clinical management.MethodsA retrospective study analyzed 1,061 eyes of 1,061 consecutive patients that presented to the Jiangsu Province Hospital between December 2015 and December 2020, the IOP was measured from the preoperative visit and at the 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month visits, and the final postoperative visit before silicone oil removal. Four machine learning methods were used to carried out the prediction of IOP elevation: Decision Tree, Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Gradient-Boosted Decision Trees (GBDT) based on features including demographic and clinical characteristics, preoperative factors and surgical factors. Predictors were selected based on the p-value of the univariate analysis.ResultsElevated intraocular pressure developed in 26.01% of the eyes postoperatively. Elevated intraocular pressure primarily occurred within 1–2 weeks after surgery. Additionally, the majority of IOP values were distributed around 25–40 mmHg. GBDT utilizing features with p-values less than 0.5 from the hypothesis testing demonstrated the best predictive performance for 0.7944 in accuracy. The analysis revealed that age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, myopia, retinal detachment, lens status and biological parameters have predictive value.ConclusionAge, sex, hypertension, diabetes, myopia, retinal detachment, lens status and biological parameters have influence on postoperative intraocular pressure elevation for patients with silicone oil tamponade after pars plana vitrectomy. The prediction model showed promising accuracy for the occurrence of IOP elevation. This may have some reference significance for reducing the incidence of high intraocular pressure after pars plana vitrectomy combined with silicone oil filling.
The dysfunction in intestinal microorganisms and enzyme activity as significant contributors to diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome
Authors: Zhou Mengsi , Li Xiaoya , Wang Xuehong , Deng Na , Cai Ying , Tan Zhoujin 
Published: January 2024

ObjectTo investigate the pathogenesis of diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome by examining characteristic changes in intestinal microorganisms, enzyme activities, oxidative stress, and metabolism indices.MethodsTwenty mice were randomly and equally divided into control group (NC) and model group (NM). Mice in NM group received adenine suspension at a dosage of 50 mg/(kg⋅day) by gavage, 0.4 mL/time, once a day for 14 days, and Folium sennae decoction at a dosage of 10 g/(kg⋅day) by gavage, 0.4 mL/time, once a day for 7 days, starting on 8th day. Mice in NC group were administered an equivalent amount of sterile water by gavage once a day for 7 days, and twice a day from the 8th day. After modeling, assessments encompassed microbial culture, organ index calculation, microbial and enzyme activity detection, malondialdehyde (MDA) content determination, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, blood biochemical tests, and observation of kidney tissue pathological changes.ResultsThe results showed that in NM group, a reduction in the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria was noted, accompanied by an increase in the number of bacteria and E. coli. Xylanase activity in the intestinal contents and mucosa, protease activity in the intestinal mucosa, and intestinal mucosa microbial activity were diminished. Conversely, the activities of amylase, sucrase, and lactase increased in intestinal mucosa. Additionally, there was an elevation in the level of MDA. Renal tubular dilatation and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the renal interstitium.ConclusionThese dysfunctions in intestinal microorganisms and enzyme activities suggest potential involvement in diarrhea with kidney-yang deficiency syndrome.
The addition of discrimination inhibitors stimulations discrimination potential and N2O emissions were linked to predation among microorganisms in long term nitrogen application and straw returning systems
Authors: Jia Chunhua , Zhou Guixiang , Ma Ling , Qiu Xiuwen , Zhang Jiabao , Wang Jingkuan , Zhang Congzhi , Chen Lin , Ma Donghao , Zhao Zhanhui , Xue Zaiqi 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionAmmonia oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) have been proven to be key microorganisms driving the ammonia oxidation process. However, under different fertilization practices, there is a lack of research on the impact of interaction between predators and AOA or AOB on nitrogen cycling at the multi-trophic level.MethodsIn this study, a network-oriented microscopic culture experiment was established based on four different long-term fertilization practices soils. We used the nitrification inhibitors 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxide-3-oxyl (PTIO) and 3, 4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) inhibited AOA and AOB, respectively, to explore the impact of interaction between protists and AOA or AOB on nitrogen transformation.ResultsThe results showed that long-term nitrogen application promoted the potential nitrification rate (PNR) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission, and significantly increased the gene abundance of AOB, but had no obvious effect on AOA gene abundance. DMPP significantly reduced N2O emission and PNR, while PTIO had no obvious effect on them. Accordingly, in the multi-trophic microbial network, Cercozoa and Proteobacteria were identified as keystone taxa of protists and AOB, respectively, and were significantly positively correlated with N2O, PNR and nitrate nitrogen. However, Nitrososphaerota archaeon as the keystone species of AOA, had an obvious negative linkage to these indicators. The structural equation model (SEM) showed that AOA and AOB may be competitors to each other. Protists may promote AOB diversity through direct trophic interaction with AOA.ConclusionThe interaction pattern between protists and ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms significantly affects potential nitrification rate and N2O emission, which has important implications for soil nitrogen cycle.