bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevating EFL learners' professional English achievements and positive learning behaviours: A motivation model‐based digital gaming approach
Authors: Chang Chun‐Chun , Hwang Gwo‐Jen 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundCultivating staff's professional English has become an imperative and challenging issue in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) countries. English for medical professionals is also the common language around the world for publishing new medical knowledge or reports. Therefore, Medical English for Health Professionals (MEHP) is a crucial required professional training program in nursing education. Its purpose is to improve nursing students' professional English so that they can directly understand the clinical medical information related to patients, thereby reading the latest international medical knowledge and participating in research themselves.ObjectiveThe MEHP program is commonly conducted in a large‐scale class using the lecturing approach, which is a passive learning mode lacking opportunities for individual students to experience learning contexts and to receive advice and guidance from the teacher. To solve this problem, the present study proposed a motivation model‐based professional English gaming approach.MethodTo verify the effects of the proposed approach, a quasi‐experiment was conducted in an MEHP program of a university to explore the effects of the approach on nursing students' learning achievements. In addition, the higher and lower achievers' behavioural patterns, as well as their perceptions of the learning approach, were investigated.Results and ConclusionsThe results showed that the motivation model‐based digital gaming approach improved the students' professional English achievements in the “application” dimension as well as their positive perceptions of learning professional English more than the conventional learning approach. Moreover, when learning with the proposed approach, the higher achievers revealed more positive behavioural patterns than the lower achievers. The main contributions of the study are the proposal of a motivation model‐based digital gaming approach, and showing the effectiveness of the proposed approach in helping trainees gain a deeper understanding of professional English and facilitating their positive learning behaviours in a course for medical English.
Measuring the Impact of Peer Interaction in Group Oral Assessments with an Extended Many‐Facet Rasch Model
Authors: Jin Kuan‐Yu , Eckes Thomas 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMany language proficiency tests include group oral assessments involving peer interaction. In such an assessment, examinees discuss a common topic with others. Human raters score each examinee's spoken performance on specially designed criteria. However, measurement models for analyzing group assessment data usually assume local person independence and thus fail to consider the impact of peer interaction on the assessment outcomes. This research advances an extended many‐facet Rasch model for group assessments (MFRM‐GA), accounting for local person dependence. In a series of simulations, we examined the MFRM‐GA's parameter recovery and the consequences of ignoring peer interactions under the traditional modeling approach. We also used a real dataset from the English‐speaking test of the Language Proficiency Assessment for Teachers (LPAT) routinely administered in Hong Kong to illustrate the efficiency of the new model. The discussion focuses on the model's usefulness for measuring oral language proficiency, practical implications, and future research perspectives.
Proanthocyanidin enhances the endogenous regeneration of alveolar bone by elevating the autophagy of PDLSCs
Authors: Liu Zhuo , Li Qilin , Wang Xiangyao , Wu Yaxin , Zhang Zhixing , Mao Jing , Gong Shiqiang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effect of proanthocyanidin (PA) on osteogenesis mediated by periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and endogenous alveolar bone regeneration.BackgroundLeveraging the osteogenic potential of resident stem cells is a promising strategy for alveolar bone regeneration. PA has been reported to be effective in osteogenesis. However, the effect and mechanism of PA on the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs remain elusive.MethodsHuman PDLSCs were treated with various doses of PA to assess the cell proliferation using Cell Counting Kit‐8. The osteogenic differentiation ability was detected by qRT‐PCR analysis, western blot analysis, Alizarin red S staining, and Alkaline Phosphatase staining. The level of autophagy was evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and western blot analysis. RNA sequencing was utilized to screen the potential signaling pathway. The alveolar bone defect model of rats was created to observe endogenous bone regeneration.ResultsPA activated intracellular autophagy in PDLSCs, resulting in enhanced osteogenic differentiation. Moreover, this effect could be abolished by the autophagy inhibitor 3‐Methyladenine. Mechanistically, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was negatively correlated with PA‐mediated autophagy activation. Lastly, PA promoted the alveolar bone regeneration in vivo, and this effect was reversed when the autophagy process was blocked.ConclusionPA may activate autophagy by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to promote the osteogenesis of PDLSCs and enhance endogenous alveolar bone regeneration.
Exosomal microRNA‐223 from neutrophil‐like cells inhibits osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs through the cGMP‐PKG signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Wang Pengcheng , Zheng Youli , Wang Minghui , Chou Jiashu , Wang Zuomin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveNeutrophils‐derived exosomes have been shown to cause tissue inflammation in many diseases, but their role in periodontitis, a neutrophil‐mediated disease, is unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of neutrophil‐like cells derived exosomes on osteogenic dysfunction of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in periodontitis.MethodsNeutrophil‐like cells were derived from HL‐60 cells by dimethylsulfoxide stimulation. Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized using transmission electron microscopy, nanoflow cytometry and western blot. MicroRNA‐223 (miR‐223) expression were analyzed by real‐time PCR. Western blot, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alizarin red staining were conducted to assess whether exosomes could affect the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. The expression of miR‐223 was inhibited in PDLSCs by transfecting with miR‐223 inhibitor. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) expression was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsWe found that miR‐223 was significantly increased in neutrophils and neutrophil‐like cells derived exosomes. Treatment with exosomes derived from neutrophil‐like cells upregulated miR‐223 expression and inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, while transfection with miR‐223 inhibitor significantly promoted PDLSCs osteogenic differentiation. In addition, co‐treatment with KT5823, a cGMP–PKG pathway inhibitor, markedly abrogated the rescue effects of miR‐223 inhibitor on the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that neutrophil‐like cells derived exosomes might inhibit osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs by transporting miR‐223 and regulating the cGMP–PKG signaling pathway.
Perceptions of access to care after a rural hospital closure in an economically distressed county of Appalachian Tennessee
Authors: Letheren Amanda , Brown Kathleen C. , Barroso Cristina S. , Myers Carole R. , Nobles Robert 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPurposeThe rise in rural hospital closures has sparked concern about the potential loss of essential health care services for rural communities. It is crucial to incorporate the perspectives of community residents, which have been largely missing from the literature, when devising strategies to improve health care for this population. The purpose of this study was to describe community residents’ perceptions of access to care following a rural hospital closure in an economically distressed Appalachian county of Tennessee.MethodsThis study used a qualitative descriptive approach to illustrate how community residents perceive accessing care post hospital closure. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 24 community residents via telephone in May through August of 2020. Interviews were analyzed using conventional content analysis.FindingsFive themes were identified based on Penchansky and Thomas’ framework of health care: accessibility, availability, affordability, accommodation, and acceptability. Accessibility was identified as the most common concern among participants. Specifically, participants perceived longer travel times to receive care, reduced availability of emergency and specialty care, increased costs associated with ambulance services, and extended wait times to see providers.ConclusionsOur findings provide a critical perspective to inform local leaders and policymakers on the impacts of a hospital closure in a rural community. As rural hospitals continue to close, it is crucial to develop multi‐level, community‐driven solutions to ensure access to care for rural communities.
Localization and characterization of atrial depolarization waves on the surface electrocardiogram in dogs with rapid supraventricular tachycardia
Authors: Battaia Stefano , Perego Manuela , Cavallini Damiano , Santilli Roberto 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundSupraventricular tachycardias (SVTs), despite having various anatomical substrates and pathophysiological mechanisms, frequently show similar electrocardiographic presentations.ObjectivesTo locate and characterize atrial deflections (ADs) on 12‐lead electrocardiograms in dogs with sustained rapid SVT and assess the utility of different electrocardiographic variables in differentiating types of tachycardia.AnimalsNinety‐two dogs with orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia, 17 with atrial flutter, 33 with focal atrial tachycardia recorded and confirmed by electrophysiological study, and 40 dogs with sinus tachycardia.MethodsAtrial deflection position on the 12‐lead surface electrocardiogram was assessed according to the sequence of intracardiac activation. Its features were evaluated together with the relationship between AD and QRS complex interval (AD‐R) and QRS complex and AD interval (R‐AD).ResultsOrthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia was characterized by an AD‐AD interval of 213 ± 30 ms, mean electrical axis (MEA) of AD of −90 (−90/−78)°, R‐AD interval of 75 (65‐80) ms, and R‐AD/AD‐R of 0.54 (0.45‐0.64). Atrial flutter was characterized by an AD‐AD interval of 199 ± 57 ms, MEA of 76° (72/81), R‐AD of 120 (72‐144) ms, and R‐AD/AD‐R of 0.81 (0.63‐1.13). Focal atrial tachycardia was characterized by an AD‐AD interval of 270 ± 38 ms, MEA of 49 (−72/76)°, R‐AD of 160 (120‐200) ms, and R‐AD/AD‐R of 1.45 (0.92‐1.67). Sinus tachycardia was characterized by an AD‐AD interval of 292 ± 31 ms, MEA of 66° (52/73), R‐AD of 215 (192‐222) ms, and R‐AD/AD‐R of 2.68 (2.25‐3.08).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAnalyzing AD on 12‐lead electrocardiogram is helpful in differentiating the most common SVTs in dogs.
Disposition kinetics of meloxicam in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) after intravenous and intramuscular administrations
Authors: Poapolathep Amnart , Jongkolpath Oranee , Giorgi Mario , Klangkaew Narumol , Phaochoosak Napasorn , Chomcheun Thanaphan , Archawakulathep Amornthep , Poapolathep Saranya 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe pharmacokinetics were described of meloxicam (MLX) in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), following a single intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administrations at one of two dosages of 0.1 or 0.2 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). The sample of 20 green sea turtles was divided into four groups (n = 5) using a randomization procedure according to a parallel study design. Blood samples were collected at pre‐assigned times up to 168 h. MLX in the plasma was cleaned‐up and quantified using a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography method with UV detection. The concentration of MLX in the experimental green sea turtles with respect to time was pharmacokinetically analyzed using a non‐compartment model. MLX plasma concentrations were quantifiable for up to 72 and 120 h after i.v. at dosages of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg b.w., respectively, whereas it was measurable for up to 168 h after i.m. administration at both dosages. The long elimination half‐life value of MLX (28 h) obtained in green sea turtles after i.v. administration was consistent with the quite slow clearance rate for both dosages. The average maximum concentration (Cmax) values of MLX were 1.05 μg/mL and 4.26 μg/mL at dosages of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg b.w., respectively, with their elimination half‐life values being 37.26 h and 30.64 h, respectively, after i.m. administrations. The absolute i.m. bioavailability was approximately 110%. These results suggested that i.m. administration of MLX at a dosage of 0.2 mg/kg b.w. was likely to be effective for clinical use in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). However, further studies are needed to determine the pharmacodynamic properties and clinical efficacy of MLX for the treatment of inflammatory disease after single and multiple dosages.
A territory‐wide opportunistic, hospital‐based HCV screening in the general population from northern Italy: The 1969–1989 birth‐cohort
Authors: D'Ambrosio Roberta , Piccinelli Sara , Beccalli Benedetta , Spinetti Angiola , Puoti Massimo , Fagiuoli Stefano , Magni Carlo Federico , Vavassori Andrea , Sacchi Paolo , Castaldi Silvana , Bombardieri Giulia , Farina Claudio , Buoro Sabrina , Amorosi Alessandro , Corradin Matteo , Cereda Danilo , Lampertico Pietro ,   the Regional HCV Working Group
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and AimThe World Health Organization (WHO) goal of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) elimination by 2030 rose awareness about the need of screening plans, worldwide. In Italy, graduated screening starting from people born in 1969–1989 might be the most‐effective strategy. We performed an opportunistic HCV screening study in the general population attending health facilities in Lombardy region, Northern Italy.MethodsThis is a prospective, multicenter, territory‐wide, opportunistic study supported by the Regional Government of Lombardy, Italy. Between June 2022 and December 2022, all subjects born in 1969–1989, hospitalized or accessing blood collection centres were offered anti‐HCV and HCV–RNA tests. Patients with known anti‐HCV positivity and/or previous anti‐HCV treatment were excluded. Demographic features were uploaded into a regional web‐based platform.ResultsIn total, 120 193 individuals were screened in 75 centres. Mean age was 44 (±6) years, 65.2% were females, 83.7% were tested at blood collection centres. Anti‐HCV tested positive in 604 (0.50%) subjects: mean age 47 (±5), 51.1% females. HCV seroprevalence was higher in males (p < 0.00001), elderly (p < 0.00001) and in‐ vs. outpatients (p = 0.0009). HCV–RNA was detectable in 125 out of 441 (28.3%) anti‐HCV positive subjects. Actively infected patients were 46 (±6) years old, mainly males (56.8%). The overall prevalence of active HCV infection was 0.10%, higher in elderly (p = 0.0003) and in in‐patients (p = 0.0007). Among 93 HCV–RNA positive patients, the median age was 48 years, 58% males, 62% Italian born, median HCV–RNA levels were 6,1 log IU/mL, liver stiffness measurement (LSM) values 5.5 (3.1–29.9) kPa and ALT levels 48 U/L.ConclusionsThe prevalence of active HCV infection in the 1969–1989 population attending health facilities in Lombardy was low. Most viremic patients were Italian‐born, with mild liver disease but high‐HCV–RNA levels. Due to the higher prevalence in the elderly, the extension of such opportunistic screening programs to lower birth cohorts would be warranted.
Mechanisms and treatment approaches for ACLF
Authors: Piano Salvatore , Mahmud Nadim , Caraceni Paolo , Tonon Marta , Mookerjee Rajeshwar Prosad 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAcute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a life‐threatening syndrome characterized by decompensation of cirrhosis, severe systemic inflammation and organ failures. ACLF is frequently triggered by intra‐ and/or extrahepatic insults, such as bacterial infections, alcohol‐related hepatitis or flares of hepatic viruses. The imbalance between systemic inflammation and immune tolerance causes organ failures through the following mechanisms: (i) direct damage of immune cells/mediators; (ii) worsening of circulatory dysfunction resulting in organ hypoperfusion and (iii) metabolic alterations with prioritization of energetic substrates for inflammation and peripheral organ ‘energetic crisis’. Currently, the management of ACLF includes the support of organ failures, the identification and treatment of precipitating factors and expedited assessment for liver transplantation (LT). Early LT should be considered in patients with ACLF grade 3, who are unlikely to recover with the available treatments and have a mortality rate > 70% at 28 days. However, the selection of transplant candidates and their prioritization on the LT waiting list need standardization. Future challenges in the ACLF field include a better understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms leading to inflammation and organ failures, the development of specific treatments for the disease and personalized treatment approaches. Herein, we reviewed the current knowledge and future perspectives on mechanisms and treatment of ACLF.
Gut microbiota parallelism and divergence associated with colonisation of novel habitats
Authors: Härer Andreas , Mauro Alexander A. , Laurentino Telma G. , Rosenblum Erica B. , Rennison Diana J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAn organism's gut microbiota can change in response to novel environmental conditions, in particular when colonisation of new habitats is accompanied by shifts in the host species' ecology. Here, we investigated the gut microbiota of three lizard species (A. inornata,H. maculataandS. cowlesi) from their ancestral‐like habitat in the Chihuahuan desert and two colonised habitats with contrasting geological and ecological compositions: the White Sands and Carrizozo lava flow. The host species and the lizards' environment both shape gut microbiota composition, but host effects were overall stronger. Further, we found evidence that colonisation of the same environment by independent host species led to parallel changes of the gut microbiota, whereas the colonisation of two distinct environments by the same host species led to gut microbiota divergence. Some of the gut microbiota changes that accompanied the colonisation of the White Sands were associated with shifts in diet (based on diet information from previous studies), which is congruent with the general observation that trophic ecology has a strong effect on gut microbiota composition. Our study provides insights into how shifts in host ecology accompanying colonisation of novel environments can affect gut microbiota composition and diversity.
High climatic ancestral affinity between the lineages of the Leishmania vector Psathyromyia shannoni sensu stricto (Diptera: Phlebotominae)
Authors: Moo‐Llanes David A. , Montes de Oca‐Aguilar Ana C. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPsathyromyia (Psathyromyia) shannoni sensu stricto (Dyar) is a vector of Leishmania parasite and the second sandfly of medical importance with a wide geographical but discontinuous distribution in America. Preliminary genetic structure analysis using a mitochondrial marker shows that the species integrated by at least four lineages could be the result of ecological adaptations to different environmental scenarios, but this hypothesis had never been proven. The aim of the present study was to analyse whether the genetic structure that detected Pa. shannoni ss. is associated with divergence or conservatism niche. Using Ecological Niche Models (ENMs) theory, we estimated the potential distribution for each genetic lineage, and then, we evaluated the equivalency niche for assessing whether climatic niche was more different than expected. The ENMs identify different suitable distribution areas but the same climatic or ecological conditions for the genetic lineages of Pa. shannoni (conservatism niche). Our findings allow us to speculate that other potential processes or events could be related to the genetic differentiation of Pa. shannoni. These studies are important because they allow us to identify the factors that could restrict the potential distribution of the different lineages whose vectorial competence is still unknown.
Microbe‐dependent and independent nitrogen and phosphate acquisition and regulation in plants
Authors: Zhao Boyu , Jia Xianqing , Yu Nan , Murray Jeremy D. , Yi Keke , Wang Ertao 
Published: September 2023

SummaryNitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the most important macronutrients required for plant growth and development. To cope with the limited and uneven distribution of N and P in complicated soil environments, plants have evolved intricate molecular strategies to improve nutrient acquisition that involve adaptive root development, production of root exudates, and the assistance of microbes. Recently, great advances have been made in understanding the regulation of N and P uptake and utilization and how plants balance the direct uptake of nutrients from the soil with the nutrient acquisition from beneficial microbes such as arbuscular mycorrhiza. Here, we summarize the major advances in these areas and highlight plant responses to changes in nutrient availability in the external environment through local and systemic signals.
A long‐term experiment reveals no trade‐off between seed persistence and seedling emergence
Authors: Chen Si‐Chong , Hu Xiao‐Wen , Baskin Carol C. , Baskin Jerry M. 
Published: September 2023

Summary
Information on seed persistence and seedling emergence from the soil seed bank is critical for understanding species coexistence and predicting community dynamics. However, quantifying seed persistence in the soil is challenging; thus, its association with other life‐history traits is poorly known on a broad scale.
Using germination phenology for 349 species in a 42‐yr experiment, we quantified the persistence–emergence correlations and their associations with intrinsic regeneration traits using Bayesian phylogenetic multilevel models.
We showed no trade‐off between seed persistence and seedling emergence. Physically dormant seeds were more persistent but exhibited lower emergence than nondormant seeds. Monocarpic species had both higher persistence and emergence than polycarpic species. Seed mass posed a marginal proxy for persistence, while emergence almost doubled from the smallest to the largest seeds.
This study challenges the traditional assumption and is the first demonstration of noncorrelation between persistence and emergence, probably owing to the complexity of regenerative strategies. Species with short persistence and low emergence would be the most vulnerable for in situ conservation. Our analyses of this unique, long‐term dataset provide a strong incentive for further experimental studies and a rich data resource for future syntheses.