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The importance of content knowledge (CK) for effective teaching and student learning is widely recognized. However, there is still a lack of detailed understanding of the CK held by early childhood education (ECE) teachers, particularly those teaching English as a foreign language (EFL). To fill this gap, our study utilized a qualitative approach, specifically stimulated recall classroom observation, to examine the various categories and subcategories of CK among Chinese EFL teachers in kindergartens. Six EFL teachers participated, two with English backgrounds and four with ECE backgrounds. Our findings highlight the multifaceted nature of CK in ECE EFL teaching, identifying three categories: knowledge of first language (L1) acquisition, knowledge of second language (L2) acquisition, and knowledge of linguistics. Notably, there were significant differences between the teachers with English and ECE majors, particularly in the most frequently mentioned CK subcategory and in how L1 is learned. This study not only illuminates these differences but also provides valuable insights for future research and practical applications in ECE EFL teacher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Although the unfavourable prognostic role of complex karyotype (CK) in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy has been clarified, its impact on the outcome of patients being treated with novel targeted agents, and especially with venetoclax‐based regimens, remains to be resolved. In fact, only few studies, utilizing data derived from clinical trials (e.g. MURANO, CLL14, GAIA‐CLL13), specifically focus on this topic while real‐word evidence is missing. In our real‐life retrospective study conducted on 61 patients with CLL and treated with venetoclax‐based regimens in any therapeutic line, we documented a remarkable lower progression‐free survival in patients harbouring both CK and high CK, while overall response rate (including complete remissions and partial remissions) and overall survival are not affected by CK in our population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between creatine kinase (CK) concentration following official matches and the risk of subsequent muscle injury in professional male football (soccer) players. Blood samples were collected on the second post-match day for CK analysis over four consecutive seasons in a professional football club. Players were then followed for five days to observe any occurrence of indirect muscle injury (structural or functional in nature). Players exposed to at least 45 minutes in two consecutive matches within seven days were considered valid cases for analysis. Eighty players participated in the study, generating 1,656 cases eligible for analysis, of which 229 resulted in muscle injuries. The hamstrings were the most frequently injured muscle group (54%), followed by the adductor (21%), triceps surae (19%), quadriceps (5%), and psoas (1%). While CK concentration was higher in muscle injury cases [783 ± 507 U/L (95%CI, 717 to 849; min–max, 105–2,800)] compared with uninjured cases [688 ± 446 U/L (95%CI, 665 to 711; min–max, 100–2,950)], it was not an accurate predictor of subsequent muscle injury risk in professional football players (sensitivity = 56%; specificity = 55%; odds ratio = 1.00; area under curve = 0.557). CK concentration on the second post-match day cannot be used to effectively screen subsequent muscle injury risk in professional male football players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of content knowledge (CK) for effective teaching and student learning is widely recognized. However, there is still a lack of detailed understanding of the CK held by early childhood education (ECE) teachers, particularly those teaching English as a foreign language (EFL). To fill this gap, our study utilized a qualitative approach, specifically stimulated recall classroom observation, to examine the various categories and subcategories of CK among Chinese EFL teachers in kindergartens. Six EFL teachers participated, two with English backgrounds and four with ECE backgrounds. Our findings highlight the multifaceted nature of CK in ECE EFL teaching, identifying three categories: knowledge of first language (L1) acquisition, knowledge of second language (L2) acquisition, and knowledge of linguistics. Notably, there were significant differences between the teachers with English and ECE majors, particularly in the most frequently mentioned CK subcategory and in how L1 is learned. This study not only illuminates these differences but also provides valuable insights for future research and practical applications in ECE EFL teacher education.

Simple Summary: Welfare assessment of horses used in equine disciplines such as 3-barrels must incorporate both invasive and noninvasive methods. Ten Quarter Horses regularly participating in 3TB competitions were evaluated through infrared thermography and blood biomarkers to determine the effects of a short interval between races on their health and well-being. These animals performed two races of 3TB at 2 min intervals, and samples were obtained before and during the recovery period in four moments. The physiological responses observed in experimental horses indicated changes in some parameters within 1 h after races on surface temperatures but with no differences compared to pre-race records. Parameters usually used to assess well-being and health in athletic horses did not change. We conclude that well-conditioned 3TB horses are not harmed by running two races with short intervals between them. Equestrian sports require precise animal welfare and health evaluations. To test the hypothesis that horses maintain their welfare when subjected to two three-barrel (3TB) races with 2 min intervals, an experiment was designed to evaluate their surface temperature using infrared thermography (IRT) in regions of interest (barrel, flank, neck, jaw, corner of the mouth, and ocular caruncle) and also measure blood biomarkers (hemogram, total plasma protein, fibrinogen, urea, creatinine, GGT, CK, cortisol, IL-6, and IL-1β). Ten Quarter Horses were monitored through thermography (pre-race, +1, +4, and +24 h post-race) and blood sampling (pre-race, +1, +4, and +24 h post-race). ANOVA and Tukey test at 5% were used. IRT in six regions of interest (Left/Right—barrel, flank, neck muscles) increased at +, with no differences between values recorded at +1 and +4 when compared to those measured pre-race (p > 0.05). Plasma protein, RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, WBC count, neutrophils, and lymphocytes (p < 0.05) increased immediately after the races, with recovery at +1 h. Other biomarkers did not change, including cortisol, IL-6, and IL-1β (p > 0.05). Results indicate that well-conditioned 3TB horses subjected to two races at short intervals do not show changes that could be related to impaired health or welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In reptile medicine, the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) have been used in clinical diagnostics, where CK is considered an enzyme specific to muscle cell damage, while AST is a nonspecific enzyme that is mainly produced in the liver and muscle. When many native reptiles are sampled, it is evident that there are important differences between species and individuals belonging to the same species, making the AST and CK ranges very wide. The minimum and maximum values, variations and standard deviations were extracted for each enzyme from 17 wild reptile studies, revealing high variation and a wide range of variation for each species. AST and CK must be interpreted with caution in wild reptiles since there appears to be an important amount of individual and specific variation due to the muscular origin of these enzymes, and such variations tell us that there are considerable differences between individuals, physiological characteristics or sampling methods; thus, there is no apparent value derived from these kinds of studies on the utility of AST for evaluating liver damage, but the measurement of AST and CK can be useful for reptile health assessments or any manipulative study since they can eventually be used as indicators or potential biomarkers for restraint techniques or holding time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical enzymology studies the enzyme activity in serum or other body fluids for the diagnosis, prognosis or monitoring of a variety of diseases. Clinical enzymology has greatly benefited from advances in technology and is now an integral part of laboratory analysis. However, to maximise the clinical benefits of serum enzyme measurement, clinicians and clinical pathologists must have a good understanding of the pathophysiology behind serum enzyme alterations. They must also be aware of the preanalytical and analytical factors that can affect the accuracy of serum enzyme activity measurement. This review article first covers the basic concepts of clinical enzymology and the general mechanisms related to serum enzyme alterations. Then, the review discusses the potential effects of various preanalytical and analytical factors on enzyme activity measurement. Lastly, it explores the pathophysiology and clinical use of various serum enzymes in canine and feline medicine. The present review article aims to be a comprehensive one‐stop source for clinical pathologists and small animal practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Creatine kinase (CK) exists as three isoenzymes (CK‐MM, CK‐MB, and CK‐BB) that are predominantly expressed in specific tissues and can be detected in both the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF CK has been relatively unstudied in veterinary medicine, although studies in human medicine have demonstrated that changes in total CSF CK activity can indicate neurologic abnormalities. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish reference intervals for CK and its three major isoenzymes in the serum and CSF of clinically healthy dogs. By establishing a definitive reference interval for this enzyme in healthy canines, the diagnostic use and possible significance of CK in clinical disease can be studied. Methods: Serum and/or CSF were collected from healthy dogs. Total CK activity was measured spectrophotometrically, and isoenzyme distributions were determined using the QuickGel CK Vis Isoenzyme Kit and a densitometric scanner. Total CK and CK isoenzyme activities were determined within 8 h of collection. Results: The median serum total CK in healthy canines was 159.0 U/L (range: 53.0–539.0 U/L), while the median CSF total CK was 3.7 U/L (range: 2.0–84.0 U/L). CK‐BB and CK‐MM were approximately equal in the serum, while CK‐MM was the predominant isoenzyme in the CSF. Conclusions: Knowledge of the normal distribution and concentration of CK in canine serum and CSF will set the foundation for future studies of canine CK as a potentially clinically useful biomarker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ay&scedil;egül Beykumül,1 Yuksel Ersoy,2 Gazi Gülba&scedil;,3 Salim Neselioglu4 1Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey; 2Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey; 3Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey; 4Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, TurkeyCorrespondence: Ay&scedil;egül Beykumül, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, Inonu University, Elazig Road 11th. Km. Battalgazi, Malatya, 44280, Turkey, Tel +905355581415, Fax +904223411220, Email abeykumul@yahoo.comPurpose: To determine the level of oxidative stress in the body due to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) with thiols and disulfide and to investigate their relationship with indirect markers such as creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase – MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which show cell destruction.Patients and Methods: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are included in inpatient and outpatient care. They were evaluated before and after for PR, and an exercise program was prescribed. In addition, native thiol (NT), total thiol (TT), disulfide (DS), LDH, CK, and CK-MB values were tested.Results: The mean age of 21 patients was 63± 7.31 years. Eleven of them were outpatients and 10 of them were inpatients. Most of the patients were male (M/F=20/1, 95.2/4.8%). There was a significant difference in pulmonary function tests (PFT), St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) before and after the treatment (p< 0.001). There was a correlation between PFT and 1RM upper extremity. While there was no significant difference between thiols and disulfide, according to GOLD scores, there was a significant difference in patients with level 3-MMRC. No correlation was found between LDH, CK, CK-MB, and thiols, DS. ΔCK was found to be associated with ΔDS, and ΔCK-MB with ΔNT, and ΔTT.Conclusion: PR contributes to the antioxidant process by improving respiration and reducing oxidative stress. The decrease in LDH, CK with PR, increase in CK-MB, and correlation of CK with thiols and DS gave a different interpretation. In this case, it should be considered that oxidative stress may also be increased in people with high CK values.Keywords: CK, CK-MB, COPD, LDH, oxidative stress, pulmonary rehabilitation

In this explanatory sequential mixed method study, the researcher attempted to investigate the EFL teachers’ status of CK, PK, PCK, classroom practice and the relationships among these variables. Comprehensive and purposive sampling techniques were used. Quantitative and qualitative data analyses methods were employed in the study. The least knowledge the teachers owned was CK whereas classroom practice was found to be relatively the highest. They had moderate PK in assessing students’ understanding of topics, in drawing up clear classroom rules, creating a friendly atmosphere, and developing a good relationship with students. However, the overall finding revealed that the teachers were not well equipped with PK. They had moderate PCK in designing instructional objectives and context, and in using appropriate examples to explain concepts related to the subject matter whereas their knowledge of students’ understandings and misunderstandings was inadequate. They had low knowledge to diagnose the notions that were problematic for students and to think why these concepts became difficult. There was a strong positive correlation between CK and classroom practice. The correlation between CK and PK was fair whereas there was a weak positive correlation between PK and classroom practice. There was not statistically significant relationship between PCK and classroom practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the patients with high liver function test results detected at admission to the hospital diagnosed with COVID-19. Methodology: Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 by a nasopharyngeal RT-PCR (+) test in the emergency department were included in the study. CRP, liver function tests, and abdominal ultrasonography (US) findings of the patients were recorded. Results: A total of 367 COVID-19 patients, 254 (69.2%) males and 113 (30.8%) females, with a mean age of 60.39 (16.81) years, were included in the study. It was seen that 236 (68.7%) patients were treated without complications, 131 (35.7%) patients needed intensive care, and 81 (22.1%) patients died. The frequency of hepatomegaly was significantly higher in patients with severe course and mortality (p < 0.001). When COVID-19 patients who developed mortality were compared with other patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19, no additional risk factors affecting mortality were detected, except LDH [OR: 1.009, (1.006-1.012); p < 0.001] and high CK [OR: 1.001 CI: 95%, (1.000-1.001); p = 0.032]. Conclusions: Patients who need to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and who do not have acute and/or chronic liver disease, elevated liver function test results, and an increase in liver sizes at presentation, it was seen that these did not have an effect on the clinical outcome. However, in addition to the presence of advanced age and comorbidity, the presence of hepatomegaly measured by CT at admission, and high LDH and CK levels were associated with poor clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia is a frequent comorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Clinical trials have shown that JAK inhibitors (JAKi) produce an asymptomatic increase in serum creatine kinase (CK) in RA, suggesting an impact on muscle. We evaluated the effect of JAKi in muscle remodeling in an experimental RA model. Antigen-induced arthritis (experimental RA, e-RA) was performed in 14 rabbits. Seven rabbits received tofacitinib (TOFA, orally 10 mg/kg/day). Animals were euthanized one day after the last ovalbumin injection, and muscles were prepared for histology, RT-PCR, and WB. C-reactive protein (CRP) and Myostatin (MSTN) serum concentration were determined by ELISA. Creatine and creatine kinase (CK) were analyzed. An increase in body weight as well as tibialis anterior cross-sectional area and diameter was observed in e-RA+TOFA vs. e-RA. e-RA decreased type II fibers and increased the myonuclei number, with all reverted by TOFA. TOFA did not modify CRP levels, neither did MSTN. TOFA significantly reduced IL-6, atrogin-1, and MuRF-1 compared with e-RA. e-RA+TOFA showed higher CK and lower creatine levels compared with e-RA. No differences in PAX-7 were found, while TOFA prevented the increase in MyoD1 in e-RA. Our model reflects the features of rheumatoid sarcopenia in RA. JAKi increased muscle mass through attenuating IL-6/JAK/STAT activation, decreasing atrogenes, and restoring muscle differentiation markers. These data together with an increase in CK support the role of CK as a valuable marker of muscle gain following JAKi treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early identification of women with an increased risk of preeclampsia (PE) is desirable, but apart from soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), few biomarkers have previously been identified as relevant for predicting preeclampsia. Since kinases and phosphatases regulate critical biological processes and previous evidence suggests a potential role of these molecules in preeclampsia, we performed this systematic review and metanalysis. The objective was to determine if there are kinases and phosphatases whose serum levels are different between women with and without PE, being relevant biomarkers of PE. We followed the recommendations of Cochrane and the Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Metanalysis (PRISMA) to perform this study. The MESH terms preeclampsia, kinases, phosphatases, angiopoietins, soluble tyrosine protein kinase receptor (sTIE2), and cellular-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET) were combined to find relevant articles in the PubMed, PROSPERO, and Cochrane databases. Then, a qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed in R Studio software. From 580 abstracts identified, 37 were included in the final analysis, which comprised 24,211 pregnant women (2879 with PE and 21,332 women without PE [HP]. The pooled analysis showed that serum creatine kinase (CK) (SMD: 2.43, CI 95% 0.25–4.62) was significantly higher in PE, whereas sTIE2 and anti-angiogenic factor soluble c-Met (sMet)were significantly lower in PE than in HP (SMD: −0.23, CI95% −0.37 to −0.09; and SMD:0.24, CI95% 0.01–0.47, respectively). Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), angiopoietin-1 (ANG-1), angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2), the ratio angiopoietin-1/angiopoietin-2, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase were not different between women with PE and HP. In summary CK, sTIE2, and c-MET are relevant biomarkers of PE. It is desirable to incorporate them into current models for PE prediction to evaluate their utility as biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Medical clearance for patients with primary psychiatric complaints presenting to the emergency department has been debated for decades. Emergency physicians have argued that clearance labs are unnecessary, yet psychiatrists may still order or require them. A retrospective review was conducted to evaluate the continued need for labs of psychiatric patients and help identify high risk groups that may need additional intervention prior to medical clearance. Methods: Charts of 163 patients from Ochsner LSU Shreveport Psychiatric Crisis Unit (PCU) were reviewed with data collected of history, physical examination, review of systems, vitals and routine lab work including complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), urine drug screen (UDS), serum ethanol level (EtOH), urinalysis (UA), creatine kinase (CK), urine pregnancy test (UPT), and rapid COVID-19. Results: Review identified 82 patients (50.3%) that received interventions prior to medical clearance. Most common intervention was intravenous (IV) fluids (n = 59; 45%) followed by admission to other service (n = 15; 8.4%), imaging (n = 10; 7.6%), antihypertensive medication (n = 3; 3.1%), cardiac workup (n = 3; 2.3%), antibiotics (n = 3; 2.3%), lorazepam for undocumented reasons (n = 2; 1.5%). Additional interventions completed once included immunizations, antiseizure medication, pain medication, and additional lab work. Causes for IV fluids were reviewed with elevated creatine kinase (CK) (n = 31; 50.8%) being most common. Additional causes included undocumented (n = 12; 19.7%), tachycardia (n = 6; 9.8%), elevated EtOH level (n = 3; 4.9%), dehydration (n = 2; 3.3%), acute kidney injury (AKI) (n = 2; 3.3%), leukocytosis following a seizure (n = 1; 1.6%), elevated CK and leukocytosis (n = 1; 1.6%), and AKI and elevated CK (n = 1; 1.6%). Most common cause for medical admission was elevated CK being cited in 8 out of 15 admissions (53.3%). Additional causes for admission included AKI (n = 2; 14.3%), seizures and leukocytosis (n = 1; 6.7%), rule out of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (n = 1; 6.7%), alcohol withdrawal (n = 1; 6.7%), encephalopathy with drop in hemoglobin and white blood cell count (n = 1; 6.7%), and encephalopathy with elevated CK (n = 1; 6.7%). Discussion: Our results support the recommended guidelines set by AAEP for laboratory testing in addition to history, vital signs and physical examination prior to medical clearance. Certain laboratory testing such as CK and CMP were identified to have higher utility for medical intervention while other lab work such as UA and UDS had less of an impact. Further, we suggest that specifically a CK and CMP be obtained on patients presenting with any of the following: agitation, abnormal vital signs, intoxication, or a history of or current stimulant use as these were factors correlated with lab abnormalities that led to interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in global sustainability, but specifically, this study analyses the impact of lockdown on health and behavior in the game of football. The 2020/2021 Italian football competitive season (indicated as "post-COVID"), taking place following an obliged lockdown and longer than the normal summery season break, was characterized by very short recovery times and was compared to the 2018–2019 "pre-COVID" season, which had a regular course. The comparisons were about anthropometric and hormonal responses, muscle damage, and the physical performance of players in the major league (Serie A), and were made considering two extreme points of the competitive seasons: before the preparatory period (T0) and at the end of the season (T1). Turning to the results, it is significant to note the following: (1) body fat percentage was lower at the start (T0) of the post-COVID season than at the start of the pre-COVID season. During both seasons, serum CK and LDH increased in T1 and were significantly higher in both T0 and T1 of the post-COVID season. (2) Cortisol and testosterone concentrations increased in both seasons from T0 to T1; however, in the post-COVID season, concentrations of both were higher than in the previous season. The testosterone to cortisol ratio increased at the end of the pre-COVID season, whilst strongly decreasing at T1 of the post-COVID season. (3) Blood lactate concentrations significantly decreased during the pre-COVID season but remained unchanged during the post-COVID season. We may conclude that the enforced suspension period and the consequent rapid resumption of all activities influenced the physical and physiological state of professional footballers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Our goal was to assess the diagnostic utility and temporal kinetics of serum creatine kinase (CK) measurement as a predictor of acute kidney injury (AKI) in emergency department (ED) patients who present with possible substance-use related conditions.Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of ED patients with a urine drug screen (UDS) ordered and resulted between 2009–2013. Data was extracted electronically from EPIC Systems electronic health records, populated into a Microsoft Excel file, and includes demographics, chief complaint, vital signs, neuro-psychiatric physical examination findings, laboratory findings, psychiatric consult order time, ED medications given, orders, disposition and its time, and diagnosis.Results: Of 74,970 patients with an ED UDS, 22,101 (29%) had at least one CK measured. After inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2858 (13%) remained. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 43.3 (12.5) years, 73% were male, 61% Black, 22% White, and 17% Hispanic. Mean (SD) ED length of stay was 10.4 (5.8) hours, and 56.7% were hospitalized. On average, CK was higher at 6-12 hours (p2 CK measures. We defined AKI risk as a creatinine of >1.4 milligrams per deciliter based on RIFLE criteria. AKI risk was calculated among those with at least two creatinine values in 522 patients. We identified five (1%) patients as having AKI risk. The odds of AKI risk were not associated with increase in CK over time.Conclusion: In 74,970 ED patients undergoing UDS testing for potential substance abuse, there was no identifiable CK level associated with AKI risk. In patients with possible substance-use conditions, CK continued to trend up even after six hours from door time and began to decrease after 42 hours. We found no value in repeated ED CK measures. Disposition should not be based solely on CK levels.

Abstract Purpose To analyze the diagnostic value of placenta three-dimensional (3D) energy blood flow parameters combined with maternal serum AFP, β-hCG, sFlt-1 and CK levels for PA. Methods 30 pregnant women with PA and 30 pregnant women with normal placenta were randomly selected in the Affiliated Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Nantong University from January 2021 to December 2021. Thereafter, the 3D energy ultrasound was applied to detect the placenta VI, FI and VFI. Moreover, the diagnostic value of different parameters combined with serum AFP, β-hCG, sFlt-1 and CK levels for PA was analyzed. Results Multivariate analysis results indicated that, gravidity > 2 and with/without placenta previa were the independent risk factors for PA (P

Simple Summary: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the slaughter method on the microbiology of the meat and the animal welfare physiological indicators for beef cattle. Three slaughter procedures were compared, as follows: regular slaughter (with a penetrative captive bolt), halal slaughter, and halal slaughter with a non-penetrative captive bolt (reversible stunning accepted by some halal religious authorities). We conclude that the halal slaughter with stunning showed the best results for microbial counts (enterobacteria and coliforms) and for the considered biomarkers of animal welfare, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, and creatine kinase; however, this slaughter type gave the highest amount of cortisol. The main objective of this research was to carry out a comparative study between different types of slaughter in beef cattle with and without stunning. In addition, the hygienic quality of the obtained meat was determined through microbiological analysis and the animal welfare at the time of slaughtering was assessed by means of physiological parameters. A total of 52 blood samples collected at the slaughterhouse during slaughter (10 for each type of slaughter: regular, halal, and halal with stunning; 10 at the time of resting; and 12 from rotating box slaughter) were analysed for physiological parameters indicating animal welfare status, namely, glucose, cortisol, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). In addition, the meat from 30 of the above animals was analysed for aerobic mesophilic bacteria, enterobacteria and coliforms. Moreover, a radiological study of the possible skull damage due to the non-penetrative captive bolt used at the time of stunning in the halal rite slaughter was carried out. A significance difference (p < 0.05) in the microbiological counts per type of slaughter was observed. It was proven that the amounts of glucose, LDH, CK, and cortisol in plasma were influenced (p < 0.05) by the type of slaughter. The halal rite slaughter using stunning with a non-penetrative captive bolt resulted in the best hygienic quality of meat and obtained the lowest values for all animal welfare biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionMedical clearance for patients with primary psychiatric complaints presenting to the emergency department has been debated for decades. Emergency physicians have argued that clearance labs are unnecessary, yet psychiatrists may still order or require them. A retrospective review was conducted to evaluate the continued need for labs of psychiatric patients and help identify high risk groups that may need additional intervention prior to medical clearance.MethodsCharts of 163 patients from Ochsner LSU Shreveport Psychiatric Crisis Unit (PCU) were reviewed with data collected of history, physical examination, review of systems, vitals and routine lab work including complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), urine drug screen (UDS), serum ethanol level (EtOH), urinalysis (UA), creatine kinase (CK), urine pregnancy test (UPT), and rapid COVID-19.ResultsReview identified 82 patients (50.3%) that received interventions prior to medical clearance. Most common intervention was intravenous (IV) fluids (n = 59; 45%) followed by admission to other service (n = 15; 8.4%), imaging (n = 10; 7.6%), antihypertensive medication (n = 3; 3.1%), cardiac workup (n = 3; 2.3%), antibiotics (n = 3; 2.3%), lorazepam for undocumented reasons (n = 2; 1.5%). Additional interventions completed once included immunizations, antiseizure medication, pain medication, and additional lab work. Causes for IV fluids were reviewed with elevated creatine kinase (CK) (n = 31; 50.8%) being most common. Additional causes included undocumented (n = 12; 19.7%), tachycardia (n = 6; 9.8%), elevated EtOH level (n = 3; 4.9%), dehydration (n = 2; 3.3%), acute kidney injury (AKI) (n = 2; 3.3%), leukocytosis following a seizure (n = 1; 1.6%), elevated CK and leukocytosis (n = 1; 1.6%), and AKI and elevated CK (n = 1; 1.6%). Most common cause for medical admission was elevated CK being cited in 8 out of 15 admissions (53.3%). Additional causes for admission included AKI (n = 2; 14.3%), seizures and leukocytosis (n = 1; 6.7%), rule out of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (n = 1; 6.7%), alcohol withdrawal (n = 1; 6.7%), encephalopathy with drop in hemoglobin and white blood cell count (n = 1; 6.7%), and encephalopathy with elevated CK (n = 1; 6.7%).DiscussionOur results support the recommended guidelines set by AAEP for laboratory testing in addition to history, vital signs and physical examination prior to medical clearance. Certain laboratory testing such as CK and CMP were identified to have higher utility for medical intervention while other lab work such as UA and UDS had less of an impact. Further, we suggest that specifically a CK and CMP be obtained on patients presenting with any of the following: agitation, abnormal vital signs, intoxication, or a history of or current stimulant use as these were factors correlated with lab abnormalities that led to interventions.

Diagnostic competences of teachers are an essential prerequisite for the individual support of students and, therefore, highly important. There is a substantial amount of research on teachers’ diagnostic competences, mostly operationalized as diagnostic accuracy, and on how diagnostic competences may be influenced by teachers’ professional knowledge base. While this line of research already includes studies on the influence of teachers’ content knowledge (CK), pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), and pedagogical-psychological knowledge (PK) on the diagnosis of subject-specific knowledge or skills, research on the diagnosis of cross-domain skills (i.e., skills relevant for more than one subject), such as scientific reasoning, is lacking although students’ scientific reasoning skills are regarded as important for multiple school subjects (e.g., biology or physics). This study investigates how the accuracy of pre-service teachers’ diagnosis of scientific reasoning is influenced by teachers’ own scientific reasoning skills (one kind of CK), their topic-specific knowledge (i.e., knowledge about a topic that constitutes the thematic background for teaching scientific reasoning; which is another kind of CK), and their knowledge about the diagnosis of scientific reasoning (one kind of PCK) and whether the relationships between professional knowledge and diagnostic accuracy are similar across subjects. The design of the study was correlational. The participants completed several tests for the kinds of professional knowledge mentioned and questionnaires for several control variables. To ensure sufficient variation in pre-service teachers’ PCK, half of the participants additionally read a text about the diagnosis of scientific reasoning. Afterwards, the participants completed one of two parallel video-based simulations (depicting a biology or physics lesson) measuring diagnostic accuracy. The pre-service teachers’ own scientific reasoning skills (CK) were a statistically significant predictor of diagnostic accuracy, whereas topic-specific knowledge (CK) or knowledge about the diagnosis of scientific reasoning (PCK), as manipulated by the text, were not. Additionally, no statistically significant interactions between subject (biology or physics) and the different kinds of professional knowledge were found. These findings emphasize that not all facets of professional knowledge seem to be equally important for the diagnosis of scientific reasoning skills, but more research is needed to clarify the generality of these findings.

The authors report a case of fulminant myocarditis from an influenza A (H3N2) infection in a healthy individual who experienced cardiac arrest requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The case highlights the management of complications arising from the use of ECMO including differential hypoxia and left ventricular overload requiring left ventricular venting. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

The paper presents results of the study of the phytohormonal balance in mature, formed leaves of the lines of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) of the winter variety Olvia during the transition from vegetative to generative development. Near isogenic for the VRN genes lines (NILs) created in the gene pool of the Olvia variety and plants of the vernalized and non-vernalized winter variety were used. The experiments were carried out under the conditions of a vegetation experiment in the factorial chamber of the Department of Physiology and Biochemistry of Plants and Microorganisms of the V.N. Karazin KhNU. During the experiment, we conducted physiological observations and analyzed the development rate of experimental plants. Phytohormone analysis was carried out in fixed plant material by a chromatographic distribution of phytohormone mixture with thin-layer chromatography. The phytohormones were identified by the reference standards irradiating the chromatograms with ultraviolet UV (254 nm), and the content was determined by biotesting methods. The level of main classes of classical growth-stimulating phytohormones (auxins (IAA), cytokinins (CK), and gibberellins (GA), and growth-inhibiting hormones (abscisins (ABA)) was analyzed. The indicators of phytohormonal balance were calculated as the ratio of growth-stimulating and growth-inhibiting hormones. The results of the experiments showed that phytohormones in mature, formed leaves of the experimental plants are represented by auxins - 64.9-70.7 µg/g, cytokinins - 26.6-30.5 µg/g, gibberellins - 179.47-228.68 µg/g, and abscisins - 54.06-89.76 µg/g of dry weight. Among the phytohormone classes studied, the minimal was the cytokinins' content, while the phytohormones of terpenoid nature (gibberellins and abscisins) were represented best. It has been established that the phytohormonal balance viz. the ratio of growth-stimulating and growth-inhibiting phytohormones reflects the development rate of experimental plants. Rapidly developing plants of isolines VRN 1 and VRN 3, and the plants of vernalized variety were characterized by the maximum phytohormone balance (especially GA/ABA), while the slowly developing plants of the isoline VRN 2 and the non-vernalized variety Olvia had the minimum balance. Since the plant organism is an integrated system of organs and functions, we assume that this indicator - phytohormonal balance in plant leaves, can be used as a marker of the ontogenetic state of the entire plant organism. The identified changes in the phytohormonal status of mature, formed leaves and the development rates of experimental plants have the same regularities in all the models used in our research: the model of isogenic lines and the model of vernalized and non-vernalized plants of the winter variety. This fact makes it possible to assume that changes in the phytohormone balance of mature leaves, which reflect the ontogenetic state of the entire plant organism, are determined by the genotypic and phenotypic (epigenetic) influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the zoonotic illnesses, COVID-19, is spreading from person to person by a variety of methods, including coughing, sneezing, or speaking, which spreads tiny droplets from the infected person's lips or nose. Corona virus vaccination generally causes modest side effects that become more noticeable after the second dosage. Creatine kinase (CK) is a protein that catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from creatine phosphate to adenosine diphosphate. Aim: This study aimed to compare between the impact of Pfizer vaccination and covid-19 infection on human creatine kinase activity and its isoenzymes. Patients and Methods: (150) blood samples; one hundred blood specimens were collected from Covid-19 patients who attended to Al-Fallujah Teaching Hospital and Al-Razzi private hospital and, fifty Blood samples were collected from volunteers who attended to the vaccination outlets to be vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine in Al-Fallujah Teaching Hospital. The study was conducted through the period from September 2021 to December 2021. Results: In the COVID-19 group of patients, there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the mean levels of basal Total CK, basal CK-MB, and CK-MM in comparison with the vaccinated group. There was no statistically significant difference in mean of total CK after second dose between the two groups. There was a statistically significant decrease in mean of CK-mb and CK-mm in vaccinated group in comparison with COVID-19 group. Conclusion: Covid-19 infection had more impact on CK-MB and CK-MM than the Pfizer vaccination. The activity of CK-MB and CK-MM after covid-19 infection were higher than activity after Pfizer vaccination and before vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant hormones are a group of small signaling molecules produced by plants at very low concentrations that have the ability to move and function at distal sites. Hormone homeostasis is critical to balance plant growth and development and is regulated at multiple levels, including hormone biosynthesis, catabolism, perception, and transduction. In addition, plants move hormones over short and long distances to regulate various developmental processes and responses to environmental factors. Transporters coordinate these movements, resulting in hormone maxima, gradients, and cellular and subcellular sinks. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of most of the characterized plant hormone transporters with respect to biochemical, physiological, and developmental activities. We further discuss the subcellular localizations of transporters, their substrate specificities, and the need for multiple transporters for the same hormone in the context of plant growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the diagnostic value of placenta three-dimensional (3D) energy blood flow parameters combined with maternal serum AFP, β-hCG, sFlt-1 and CK levels for PA. Methods: 30 pregnant women with PA and 30 pregnant women with normal placenta were randomly selected in the Affiliated Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Nantong University from January 2021 to December 2021. Thereafter, the 3D energy ultrasound was applied to detect the placenta VI, FI and VFI. Moreover, the diagnostic value of different parameters combined with serum AFP, β-hCG, sFlt-1 and CK levels for PA was analyzed. Results: Multivariate analysis results indicated that, gravidity > 2 and with/without placenta previa were the independent risk factors for PA (P < 0.05). In PA group, the AFP, β-hCG, CK, placenta VI, FI and VFI values were higher than those in non-PA group, while sFlt-1 was apparently lower than that in non-PA group. With the increase in PA degree, the serum AFP, β-hCG and CK levels increased. Meanwhile, serum sFlt-1 level was negatively correlated with PA degree. Serum AFP, β-hCG, sFlt-1, CK and placenta VFI showed prediction potency for PA, and their combined detection attained the optimal diagnostic value for predicting PA. ROC curve analysis suggested that, serum AFP, β-hCG, sFlt-1, CK and 3D ultrasound VFI value had the greatest AUC values in predicting PA, which might provide reference for the clinical diagnosis and disease evaluation of PA. Conclusion Serum AFP, β-hCG, sFlt-1, CK and placental VFI can increase the consistency in the diagnosis of PA. Serum markers combined with 3D ultrasound blood flow imaging can improve the sensitivity and specificity of prenatal diagnosis of PA, which provides an important reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Benign acute myositis of childhood (CABM) is a self-resolving clinical picture that usually affects school-age children, characterized by symmetrical calf pain and sudden refusal to walk, and is accompanied by elevated creatine phosphokinase (CK). The aim of our study is to reveal the characteristics of our CABM cases. Materials and Methods: Patients who applied to the Pediatric Emergency Department and Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic of our hospital between October 2019 and March 2020 with an upper respiratory tract infection and were diagnosed with CABM were included retrospectively. The patients' chronological age, hemogram, CRP, AST, ALT, LDH, CK, CK-MB levels recorded in the hospital information management system were evaluated. Statistical analyzes were performed with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows 22.0 software. Results: Of the 52 cases with a mean age of 6.4±2.9 (5.0-12.9) years, 71.2% (n=37) were male. While 92.8% (n=48) of the patients presented with complaints of inability to walk following an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), 5.8% (n=3) had URTI and abdominal pain; 1.9% (n=1) applied with complaints of URTI and chest pain. The mean serum CK level measured at the first admission was 1777.4±2320.5 (188-11383) IU/L, and a significant decrease was found on the 4th day of admission, with a mean level of 1104.3±1720.5 (81-7190) IU/L (p=0.011). Similarly, significant improvement was observed in AST, ALT, and LDH levels on the 4th day (p=0.053, p=0.001, p=0.043). Conclusion: We found that CABM was observed 2.4 times more frequently in boys than in girls, and the CK level decreased significantly on the 4th day of admission. Although it is a worrying situation due to the sudden and rapid initial findings; It should be kept in mind that it is a benign picture due to its spontaneous and rapid recovery and results in recovery without sequelae, and unnecessary and repetitive examinations should be avoided in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]