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Abstract Resistance to fungicides is a global challenge as target proteins under selection can evolve rapidly, reducing fungicide efficacy. To manage resistance, detection technologies must be fast and flexible enough to cope with a rapidly increasing number of mutations. The most important agricultural fungicides are azoles that target the ergosterol biosynthetic enzyme sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51). Mutations associated with azole resistance in the Cyp51 promoter and coding sequence can co-occur in the same allele at different positions and codons, increasing the complexity of resistance detection. Resistance mutations arise rapidly and cannot be detected using traditional amplification-based methods if they are not known. To capture the complexity of azole resistance in two net blotch pathogens of barley we used the Oxford Nanopore MinION to sequence the promoter and coding sequence of Cyp51A. This approach detected all currently known mutations from biologically complex samples increasing the simplicity of resistance detection as multiple alleles can be profiled in a single assay. With the mobility and decreasing cost of long read sequencing, we demonstrate this approach is broadly applicable for characterizing resistance within known agrochemical target sites.

Human activity affects marine mammal stranding rates in two major ways; through human interaction (HI) that may lead to mortality and through search and response efforts that enable carcass detection. To better quantify the combined effects of these interacting human influences, we analyzed strandings for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM), an area of high cetacean strandings. To identify hotspots of human influence, we first determined the number of total and HI-related bottlenose dolphin strandings normalized to shoreline length in each nGOM U.S. state, which represent major response areas. To estimate the effects of response effort on stranding numbers (for HI and non-HI strandings), we used the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DWHOS) as an established benchmark to compare periods of lower (pre-spill) and higher (post-spill) response effort. Strandings in Alabama waters were used as a case study to detail spatial and temporal variation due to human influences during the 39-year period of retrospective study. We found an increase in strandings from Louisiana through Alabama following the DWHOS. Non-oil related HI strandings increased in total number in AL, and they increased as a proportion of total strandings in Alabama (16%) and the Florida panhandle (12%). The increase in HI-related strandings in Alabama was driven by mortality of many types, but particularly fishery interactions and cases of apparent intentional harm. The Alabama case study clearly detected lower stranding numbers during periods of low or intermittent response coverage. Our findings are consistent with an overall increase in stranding numbers due to a combination of increased stranding occurrence and response effort following the DWHOS. Importantly, we provide evidence that HI-related standings increased independently from the DWHOS, with ongoing increases in at least one hotspot (Alabama). These findings provide a first step to parsing out different effects of human influences on stranding data for a common coastal cetacean. Our approach establishes baselines for future damage and recovery assessments, identifies areas where resources can be focused for management and education, and highlights the power of response and monitoring agencies to positively influence stranding datasets.

To document the current circumstances of the salt farmers in Ilocos Sur, Philippines and to confirm if in this side of the country, salt-making is really a ‘dying’ industry, the study used the multiphase case study design. The continuing situation of salt production in the context of the two communities covered in this study, as a low productivity, low-income industry characterized by the presence of a growing intergenerational gap in the transfer of knowledge, skill, and practice in salt making indicates an impending total weakening, if not dying, of the industry in the coming years. Its existence for years without expanding despite its potentiality in sustaining the financial and socio-economic needs of the salt-makers signifies its stunting status, obviously needing an immense recalibration both in the salt makers’ and the government’s mindset of development, process, and technological use.

The aim of this study was to objectively assess and compare gait capacity and gait performance in rehabilitation inpatients with stroke or incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) using inertial measurement units (IMUs). We investigated how gait capacity (what someone can do) is related to gait performance (what someone does). Twenty-two inpatients (11 strokes, 11 iSCI) wore ankle positioned IMUs during the daytime to assess gait. Participants completed two circuits to assess gait capacity. These were videotaped to certify the validity of the IMU algorithm. Regression analyses were used to investigate if gait capacity was associated with gait performance (i.e., walking activity and spontaneous gait characteristics beyond therapy time). The ankle positioned IMUs validly assessed the number of steps, walking time, gait speed, and stride length (r ≥ 0.81). The walking activity was strongly (r ≥ 0.76) related to capacity-based gait speed. Maximum spontaneous gait speed and stride length were similar to gait capacity. However, the average spontaneous gait speed was half the capacity-based gait speed. Gait capacity can validly be assessed using IMUs and is strongly related to gait performance in rehabilitation inpatients with neurological disorders. Measuring gait performance with IMUs provides valuable additional information about walking activity and spontaneous gait characteristics to inform about functional recovery.

In Australia, Fusarium pseudograminearum and F. culmorum are the two main fungi causing crown rot, while Bipolaris sorokiniana is the causal agent of common root rot. Fusarium graminearum is typically linked with Fusarium head blight; however, it has been associated with crown rot in Australia and other parts of the world. This study investigated the reactions of single cultivars of barley, bread wheat, durum wheat, oat, and triticale to inoculation with strains of F. pseudograminearum, F. culmorum, F. graminearum and B. sorokiniana in field trials across two seasons. Fusarium pseudograminearum and F. culmorum caused greater visual discolouration than F. graminearum and B. sorokiniana on both stems and sub crown internodes of all hosts. Fusarum pseudograminearum caused the greatest reduction in plant dry weight across hosts in both years. Durum wheat (cv. Hyperno) barley (cv. Grimmett), bread wheat (cv. Livingston) and triticale (cv. Endeavour) observed significantly high levels of visual discolouration on stems when inoculated with F. pseudograminearum, while oat (cv. Genie) exhibited the least visual discolouration. Despite variation in the visual discolouration, the DNA of all pathogens were detected in all cultivars. This research further highlights the complicated nature of the pathogen × strain × cultivar × environment interaction, which remains a challenge in breeding for genetic resistance. The specific infection of each fungus and the host responses in these field trials improves our understanding of disease development and its importance in cropping systems.

We have identified 38 specifically excised, differentially expressed snoRNA fragments (sdRNAs) in TCGA prostate cancer (PCa) patient samples as compared to normal prostate controls. SnoRNA-derived fragments sdRNA-D19b and -A24 emerged among the most differentially expressed and were selected for further experimentation. We found that the overexpression of either sdRNA significantly increased PC3 (a well-established model of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)) cell proliferation, and that sdRNA-D19b overexpression also markedly increased the rate of PC3 cell migration. In addition, both sdRNAs provided drug-specific resistances with sdRNA-D19b levels correlating with paclitaxel resistance and sdRNA-24A conferring dasatinib resistance. In silico and in vitro analyses revealed that two established PCa tumor suppressor genes, CD44 and CDK12, represent targets for sdRNA-D19b and sdRNA-A24, respectively. This outlines a biologically coherent mechanism by which sdRNAs downregulate tumor suppressors in AR-PCa to enhance proliferative and metastatic capabilities and to encourage chemotherapeutic resistance. Aggressive proliferation, rampant metastasis, and recalcitrance to chemotherapy are core characteristics of CRPC that synergize to produce a pathology that ranks second in cancer-related deaths for men. This study defines sdRNA-D19b and -A24 as contributors to AR-PCa, potentially providing novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets of use in PCa clinical intervention.

Common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) exposed to freshwater or low salinity (

A range of masses can manifest in the region encompassing the femoral triangle and the inguinal canal in women. These groin masses can be classified as being neoplasms, infectious or inflammatory processes, vascular conditions, as well as congenital abnormalities. Such inguinal masses can cause aching and pain sensations in the groin region, which can worsen after prolonged activity. A comprehensive history and physical examination are sufficient in making a diagnosis of the type of inguinal mass. Imaging modalities such as computed tomography, ultrasonography, or magnetic resonance imaging demonstrate a better understanding of local anatomical characteristics of the inguinal area, allowing for a diagnosis and the characterization of the groin pathologic conditions. Most inguinal masses are often repaired or need surgical intervention through open or laparoscopic technique. A combination of the clinical history, anatomical classification, and unique imaging features can aid clinicians in an accurate diagnosis of the inguinal or inguinofemoral mass in the female groin region. Keywords: Groin, Inguinal mass, Inguinofemoral mass, Inguinal canal, Round ligament varicosities, Inguinal hernia, Femoral hernia, Femoral triangle, Laparoscopic surgery

Ureterosciatic hernia, defined as a suprapiriform or infrapiriform herniation of the pelvic ureter, is the sliding of the ureters into the pelvic fossa, fovea, or greater or lesser sciatic foramen. This type of hernia is the rarest form of pelvic sciatic hernias. It may cause a wide range of cryptic clinical symptoms of pain, obstructive uropathy, sepsis, or renal failure. This condition has been described in terms of involvement in inguinal, femoral, sciatic, obturator, and thoracic regions. A high index of clinical suspicion is essential for diagnosis because the hernia develops in the pelvic cavity and becomes overlayed by the large gluteal muscle. Since ureterosciatic hernias have not been adequately reviewed in the literature due to the limited number of case reports, we aim to aid the clinician's knowledge by discussing the relevant anatomy, classification, clinical symptoms, optional radiology, optional diagnostic instrumentation, and management. Treatment options include non-surgical and surgical intervention. Vena caval filters may be preoperatively indicated due to the proximity of the pelvic venous vasculature in the surgical field. Treatment must also be mandated for intraoperative and postoperative vascular, neurological, and other anticipated complications of complex ureterosciatic hernia repair. Keywords: Ureter, Sciatic hernia, Ureteral obstruction, Sepsis, Hydronephrosis, Renal failure

Intellectual character education has been primarily expressed in terms of educating for intellectual virtues (EFIV). This aim of teaching intellectual virtues has received some challenges, such as how it fails to articulate adequate action guidance through exemplarist pedagogy, and how it neglects the pervasiveness of intellectual vice among students. To respond to these challenges, this paper considers the aim of educating against intellectual vices (EAIV) -- teaching students not to develop intellectual vices or weakening those that they have already developed -- which comes with the emergence of vice epistemology. More specifically, I look at how negative epistemic exemplars can be used as a classroom strategy for EAIV, and demonstrate how this could address the aforementioned weaknesses of EFIV.

Lumbar hernias develop through the weakening of the posterolateral abdominal wall associated with the Petit's triangle or the Grynfeltt-Lesshaft triangle. Clinicians are generally unfamiliar with the presentation of lumbar hernias, which frequently leads to misdiagnosis and delay of treatment. Prompt failure to diagnose and surgically correct lumbar hernias have resulted in increased morbidity. This review addresses the anatomical and clinical concepts associated with the bilateral costoiliac spaces, which may be implicated in the increased prevalence of left-sided hernias. Knowledge of the contents and boundaries of this enclosure can aid the physician in diagnosis. We explore the intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal diseases that present at the lumbocostal space, including lumbar hernias, which can be classified as congenital, acquired, traumatic, or iatrogenic in origin. In an evaluation, imaging is crucial for assessing musculofascial layer disruptions and hernia contents. Open and laparoscopic surgery, as well retromuscular lumbar hernia repair, are options to explore in surgical intervention, particularly if there are challenges in preliminary pain management. Keywords: Lumbar hernia, Costoiliac spaces, Petit's triangle, Grvnfeltt-lesshaft triangle, Lumbocostovertebral syndrome

The urachus is a tubular structure that extends cranially from the anterior dome of the bladder to the umbilicus. Urachal anomalies (UA) formation results from incomplete involution of this embryonic structure, leading to various pathologies. Congenital UA can be divided into five groups: patent urachus, umbilical-urachal sinus, vesicourachal diverticulum, urachal cyst, and alternating sinus. Typically, a patent urachus is detected around birth, while the other congenital UA tend to be asymptomatic. Due to the relatively rare incidence and presenting symptoms mirroring intraabdominal or pelvic diseases, UA is not typically considered in differential diagnosis. When viewed in the differential, diagnosis of congenital UA and acquired urachal remnant diseases is elusive because of the heterogeneous clinical presentation and no uniform diagnosis protocol. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of urachal embryology, anatomy, clinical manifestations, and the current trends in diagnostic evaluation and management of UA, with an emphasis on pediatrics. Keywords: Urachus, Urachal remnant, Umbilical discharge, Umbilical mass, Vitelline duct, Hematuria

Many patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) have impaired gait and balance capacity, which may impact daily functioning. Reduced walking speed and impaired gait stability are considered important underlying factors for reduced daily functioning. With conventional therapy, patients are limited in training gait stability, but this can be trained on a treadmill in a virtual environment, such as with the Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL). Our objective was to evaluate the effect of 6-weeks GRAIL-training on gait and dynamic balance in ambulatory iSCI patients. In addition, the long-term effect was assessed. Fifteen patients with chronic iSCI participated. The GRAIL training consisted of 12 one-hour training sessions during a 6-week period. Patients performed 2 minute walking tests on the GRAIL in a self-paced mode at the 2nd, and 3rd (baseline measurements) and at the 12th training session. Ten patients performed an additional measurement after 6 months. The primary outcome was walking speed. Secondary outcomes were stride length, stride frequency, step width, and balance confidence. In addition, biomechanical gait stability measures based on the position of the center of mass (CoM) or the extrapolated center of mass (XCoM) relative to the center of pressure (CoP) or the base of support (BoS) were derived: dynamic stability margin (DSM), XCoM-CoP distance in anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions, and CoM-CoP inclination angles in AP and ML directions. The effect of GRAIL-training was tested with a one-way repeated measures ANOVA (α = 0.05) and post-hoc paired samples t-tests (α = 0.017). Walking speed was higher after GRAIL training (1.04 m/s) compared to both baseline measurements (0.85 and 0.93 m/s) (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were also found for stride length (p < 0.001) and stability measures in AP direction (XCoM-CoPAP (p < 0.001) and CoM-CoPAP−angle (p < 0.001)). Stride frequency (p = 0.27), step width (p = 0.19), and stability measures DSM (p = 0.06), XCoM-CoPML (p = 0.97), and CoM-CoPML−angle (p = 0.69) did not improve. Balance confidence was increased after GRAIL training (p = 0.001). The effects were remained at 6 months. Increased walking speed, stride length, AP gait stability, and balance confidence suggest that GRAIL-training improves gait and dynamic balance in patients with chronic iSCI. In contrast, stability measures in ML direction did not respond to GRAIL-training.

Previous research showed that an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) on the anterior side of the shank can accurately measure the Shank-to-Vertical Angle (SVA), which is a clinically-used parameter to guide tuning of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). However, in this context it is specifically important that differences in the SVA are detected during the tuning process, i.e., when adjusting heel height. This study investigated the validity of the SVA as measured by an IMU and its responsiveness to changes in AFO-footwear combination (AFO-FC) heel height in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). Additionally, the effect of heel height on knee flexion-extension angle and internal moment was evaluated. Twelve persons with an iSCI walked with their own AFO-FC in three different conditions: (1) without a heel wedge (refHH), (2) with 5 mm heel wedge (lowHH) and (3) with 10 mm heel wedge (highHH). Walking was recorded by a single IMU on the anterior side of the shank and a 3D gait analysis (3DGA) simultaneously. To estimate validity, a paired t-test and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the SVAIMU and SVA3DGA were calculated for the refHH. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed to evaluate the differences between the heel heights. A good validity with a mean difference smaller than 1 and an ICC above 0.9 was found for the SVA during midstance phase and at midstance. Significant differences between the heel heights were found for changes in SVAIMU (p = 0.036) and knee moment (p = 0.020) during the midstance phase and in SVAIMU (p = 0.042) and SVA3DGA (p = 0.006) at midstance. Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant difference between the ref and high heel height condition for the SVAIMU (p = 0.005) and knee moment (p = 0.006) during the midstance phase and for the SVAIMU (p = 0.010) and SVA3DGA (p = 0.006) at the instant of midstance. The SVA measured with an IMU is valid and responsive to changing heel heights and equivalent to the gold standard 3DGA. The knee joint angle and knee joint moment showed concomitant changes compared to SVA as a result of changing heel height.

We study the quantum interference (QI) effects in three-terminal Andreev interferometers based on polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) under non-equilibrium conditions. The Andreev interferometer consists of a PAH coupled to two superconducting and one normal conducting terminals. We calculate the current measured in the normal lead as well as the current between the superconducting terminals under non-equilibrium conditions. We show that both the QI arising in the PAH cores and the bias voltage applied to a normal contact have a fundamental effect on the charge distribution associated with the Andreev Bound States (ABSs). QI can lead to a peculiar dependence of the normal current on the superconducting phase difference that was not observed in earlier studies of mesoscopic Andreev interferometers. We explain our results by an induced asymmetry in the spatial distribution of the electron- and hole-like quasiparticles. The non-equilibrium charge occupation induced in the central PAH core can result in a π transition in the current-phase relation of the supercurrent for large enough applied bias voltage on the normal lead. The asymmetry in the spatial distribution of the electron- and hole-like quasiparticles might be used to split Cooper pairs and hence to produce entangled electrons in four terminal setups.

Recovery of the walking function is one of the most common rehabilitation goals of neurological patients. Sufficient and adequate sleep is a prerequisite for recovery or training. To objectively monitor patients’ progress, a combination of different sensors measuring continuously over time is needed. A sensor-based technological platform offers possibilities to monitor gait and sleep. Implementation in clinical practice is of utmost relevance and has scarcely been studied. Therefore, this study examined the feasibility of a sensor-based technological platform within the clinical setting. Participants (12 incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI), 13 stroke) were asked to wear inertial measurement units (IMUs) around the ankles during daytime and the bed sensor was placed under their mattress for one week. Feasibility was established based on missing data, error cause, and user experience. Percentage of missing measurement days and nights was 14% and 4%, respectively. Main cause of lost measurement days was related to missing IMU sensor data. Participants were not impeded, did not experience any discomfort, and found the sensors easy to use. The sensor-based technological platform is feasible to use within the clinical rehabilitation setting for continuously monitoring gait and sleep of iSCI and stroke patients.

For safe application of exoskeletons in people with spinal cord injury at home or in the community, it is required to have completed an exoskeleton training in which users learn to perform basic and advanced skills. So far, a framework to test exoskeleton skills is lacking. The aim of this study was to develop and test the hierarchy and reliability of a framework for measuring the progress in the ability to perform basic and advanced skills. Twelve participants with paraplegia were given twenty-four training sessions in 8 weeks with the Rewalk-exoskeleton. During the 2nd, 4th, and 6th training week the Intermediate-skills-test was performed consisting of 27 skills, measured in an hierarchical order of difficulty, until two skills were not achieved. When participants could walk independently, the Final-skills-test, consisting of 20 skills, was performed in the last training session. Each skill was performed at least two times with a maximum of three attempts. As a reliability measure the consistency was used, which was the number of skills performed the same in the first two attempts relative to the total number. Ten participants completed the training program. Their number of achieved intermediate skills was significantly different between the measurements XF2(2) = 12.36, p = 0.001. Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant increase in the median achieved intermediate skills from 4 [1–7] at the first to 10.5 [5–26] at the third Intermediate-skills-test. The rate of participants who achieved the intermediate skills decreased and the coefficient of reproducibility was 0.98. Eight participants met the criteria to perform the Final-skills-test. Their median number of successfully performed final skills was 16.5 [13–20] and 17 [14–19] skills in the first and second time. The overall consistency of >70% was achieved in the Intermediate-skills-test (73%) and the Final-skills-test (81%). Eight out of twelve participants experienced skin damage during the training, in four participants this resulted in missed training sessions. The framework proposed in this study measured the progress in performing basic and advanced exoskeleton skills during a training program. The hierarchical ordered skills-test could discriminate across participants' skill-level and the overall consistency was considered acceptable.

Treatment of ship ballast water with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is one method currently being developed to minimize the risk to introduce aquatic invasive species. The bactericidal capability of sodium hydroxide was determined for 148 bacterial strains from ballast water collected in 2009 and 2010 from the M/V Indiana Harbor, a bulk-freight carrier plying the Laurentian Great Lakes, USA. Primary culture of bacteria was done using brain heart infusion agar and a developmental medium. Strains were characterized based on PCR amplification and sequencing of a portion of the 16S rRNA gene. Sequence similarities (99+ %) were determined by comparison with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank catalog. Flavobacterium spp. were the most prevalent bacteria characterized in 2009, comprising 51.1% (24/47) of the total, and Pseudomonas spp. (62/101; 61.4%) and Brevundimonas spp. (22/101; 21.8%) were the predominate bacteria recovered in 2010; together, comprising 83.2% (84/101) of the total. Testing was done in tryptic soy broth (TSB) medium adjusted with 5 N NaOH. Growth of each strain was evaluated at pH 10.0, pH 11.0 and pH 12.0, and 4 h up to 72 h. The median cell count at 0 h for 148 cultures was 5.20 × 106 cfu/mL with a range 1.02 × 105–1.60 × 108 cfu/mL. The TSB adjusted to pH 10.0 and incubation for less than 24 h was bactericidal to 52 (35.1%) strains. Growth in pH 11.0 TSB for less than 4 h was bactericidal to 131 (88.5%) strains and pH 11.0 within 12 h was bactericidal to 141 (95.3%). One strain, Bacillus horikoshii, survived the harshest treatment, pH 12.0 for 72 h.

Resumen: Introducción y objetivos: La estimación del riesgo quirúrgico preoperatorio puede hacerse a través de los modelos matemáticos o escalas de predicción clínica. El objetivo fue validar el Euroscore para evaluar los resultados inmediatos de la cirugía de sustitución valvular mitral. Método: Estudio analítico, longitudinal, de seguimiento prospectivo en 158 pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente por enfermedad valvular mitral en el Cardiocentro Ernesto Che Guevara, de Villa Clara, durante los años 2007-2010. Se calculó el valor del Euroscore a todos los pacientes. La calibración del modelo se evaluó mediante la prueba de bondad de ajuste de Hosmer-Lemeshow. La capacidad de discriminación se analizó a través del cálculo del valor del área bajo la curva COR. Resultados: El valor medio del Euroscore fue de 2,1 con una desviación típica de 1,45. La mortalidad esperada fue del 3,9 %, inferior a la observada que fue de 4,4 %. Los fallecidos presentaron medias del Euroscore de 5,9 vs. 1,95 de los que no fallecieron (p=0.00). Los que tuvieron complicaciones graves mostraron una puntuación media mayor que ante la ausencia de estas, 3,45 vs. 1,84, diferencias estadísticamente muy significativas (p=0.000). El área bajo la curva COR fue de 0,97, con significación de 0.000 para los que fallecieron, y la presencia de complicaciones graves con un área bajo la curva de 0,70 y significación de 0.002. Conclusiones: El Euroscore es confiable para predecir la mortalidad precoz en los pacientes a los que se les ha realizado cirugía de sustitución valvular mitral en nuestro Hospital. El Euroscore no predijo morbilidad grave precoz. / Abstract: Introduction and Objectives: The preoperative surgical risk estimate can be made through mathematical models or clinical prediction scales. The objective was to validate the EuroSCORE in order to assess the immediate results of mitral valve replacement surgery. Method: Analytical, longitudinal study with a prospective follow-up of 158 patients who underwent surgery for mitral valve disease at the Cardiocentro Ernesto Che Guevara, in Villa Clara, from 2007 to 2010. EuroSCORE was calculated in all patients. Model calibration was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test. The discrimination capacity was analyzed by calculating the value of the area under the ROC curve. Results: The mean EuroSCORE was 2.1 with a standard deviation of 1.45. Expected mortality was 3.9%, lower than the actual mortality that was 4.4%. The deceased had a mean score of 5.9, and those who survived 1.95 (p = 0.00). Those who had serious complications showed a higher mean score than those who did not have them, 3.45 vs. 1.84; the diference is highly statistically significant (p = 0.000). The area under the ROC curve was 0.97, with a significance level of 0.000 for those who died, and the presence of serious complications with an area of 0.70 under the curve and a significance of 0.002. Conclusions: The EuroSCORE is reliable to predict early mortality in patients who have undergone mitral valve replacement surgery in our hospital. EuroSCORE did not predict early major morbidity.

In this paper, taking as starting point the professional experience of the authors, the results of doctoral thesis and other research, some necessary aspects are offered to be taken into account in the teaching - learning that takes place today different school settings. Its aim: to sensitize teachers with the need to conduct a teaching-learning process more student-centered and through affective communication. It provides recommendations and procedures to achieve better learning and specifies that this is individual and occurs throughout life, preparing for life and everyday problem solving. The teaching-learning process is a communicative process, where the quality of interaction, affective experiences and teacher characteristics play an important role in shaping the personality of the students, both in their cognitive-instrumental, affective-motivational and behavioral spheres.

Las prótesis valvulares pueden presentar cuadros obstructivos a lo largo de su evolución, las causas más frecuentes son la trombosis y, a largo plazo, la instauración de tejido cicatrizal. La trombosis de una válvula protésica es una complicación que puede comprometer seriamente la vida. Se presenta el caso de un paciente portador de una obstrucción de prótesis valvular por trombo de aparición tardía, al cual se le realizó tratamiento quirúrgico con evolución satisfactoria. Al paciente se le había practicado una sustitución valvular por prótesis mecánica monodisco, 21 años atrás, y había presentado cuadros obstructivos en otros momentos, que se resolvieron con tratamiento médico. En esta ocasión fue necesario reintervenirlo quirúrgicamente, por la magnitud de la enfermedad, y sustituir, además de la válvula mitral protésica, la válvula aórtica nativa que también había enfermado.

Foreign body multinucleated giant cells (FBGCs) and osteoclasts share several characteristics, like a common myeloid precursor cell, multinuclearity, expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAcP) and dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP). However, there is an important difference: osteoclasts form and reside in the vicinity of bone, while FBGCs form only under pathological conditions or at the surface of foreign materials, like medical implants. Despite similarities, an important distinction between these cell types is that osteoclasts can resorb bone, but it is unknown whether FBGCs are capable of such an activity. To investigate this, we differentiated FBGCs and osteoclasts in vitro from their common CD14+ monocyte precursor cells, using different sets of cytokines. Both cell types were cultured on bovine bone slices and analyzed for typical osteoclast features, such as bone resorption, presence of actin rings, formation of a ruffled border, and characteristic gene expression over time. Additionally, both cell types were cultured on a biomimetic hydroxyapatite coating to discriminate between bone resorption and mineral dissolution independent of organic matrix proteolysis. Both cell types differentiated into multinucleated cells on bone, but FBGCs were larger and had a higher number of nuclei compared to osteoclasts. FBGCs were not able to resorb bone, yet they were able to dissolve the mineral fraction of bone at the surface. Remarkably, FBGCs also expressed actin rings, podosome belts and sealing zones--cytoskeletal organization that is considered to be osteoclast-specific. However, they did not form a ruffled border. At the gene expression level, FBGCs and osteoclasts expressed similar levels of mRNAs that are associated with the dissolution of mineral (e.g., anion exchange protein 2 (AE2), carbonic anhydrase 2 (CAII), chloride channel 7 (CIC7), and vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (v-ATPase)), in contrast the matrix degrading enzyme cathepsin K, which was hardly expressed by FBGCs. Functionally, the latter cells were able to dissolve a biomimetic hydroxyapatite coating in vitro, which was blocked by inhibiting v-ATPase enzyme activity. These results show that FBGCs have the capacity to dissolve the mineral phase of bone, similar to osteoclasts. However, they are not able to digest the matrix fraction of bone, likely due to the lack of a ruffled border and cathepsin K.

Immunotherapy using regulatory T cells (Treg) has been proposed, yet cellular and molecular mechanisms of human Tregs remain incompletely characterized. Here, we demonstrate that human Tregs promote the generation of myeloid dendritic cells (DC) with reduced capacity to stimulate effector T cell responses. In a model of xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), allogeneic human DC conditioned with Tregs suppressed human T cell activation and completely abrogated posttransplant lethality. Tregs induced programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression on Treg-conditioned DC; subsequently, Treg-conditioned DC induced PD-L1 expression in vivo on effector T cells. PD-L1 blockade reversed Treg-conditioned DC function in vitro and in vivo, thereby demonstrating that human Tregs can promote immune suppression via DC modulation through PD-L1 up-regulation. This identification of a human Treg downstream cellular effector (DC) and molecular mechanism (PD-L1) will facilitate the rational design of clinical trials to modulate alloreactivity.

BACKGROUND:PCR in principle can detect a single target molecule in a reaction mixture. Contaminating bacterial DNA in reagents creates a practical limit on the use of PCR to detect dilute bacterial DNA in environmental or public health samples. The most pernicious source of contamination is microbial DNA in DNA polymerase preparations. Importantly, all commercial Taq polymerase preparations inevitably contain contaminating microbial DNA. Removal of DNA from an enzyme preparation is problematical. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:This report demonstrates that the background of contaminating DNA detected by quantitative PCR with broad host range primers can be decreased greater than 10-fold through the simple expedient of Taq enzyme dilution, without altering detection of target microbes in samples. The general method is: For any thermostable polymerase used for high-sensitivity detection, do a dilution series of the polymerase crossed with a dilution series of DNA or bacteria that work well with the test primers. For further work use the concentration of polymerase that gave the least signal in its negative control (H(2)O) while also not changing the threshold cycle for dilutions of spiked DNA or bacteria compared to higher concentrations of Taq polymerase. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:It is clear from the studies shown in this report that a straightforward procedure of optimizing the Taq polymerase concentration achieved "treatment-free" attenuation of interference by contaminating bacterial DNA in Taq polymerase preparations. This procedure should facilitate detection and quantification with broad host range primers of a small number of bona fide bacteria (as few as one) in a sample.

The paralysis of the hemidiaphragm can take place due to different causes, one of them is heart surgery, but it has as common factor the presence of phrenic nerve paralysis. The case of a 53 year-old woman who had received the implant of a mitral prosthesis two years ago and now required an emergency reintervention due to a prosthetic thrombosis is presented in this article. The mechanical artificial ventilation was prolonged and it was impossible to be stopped due to a great elevation of the right hemidiaphragm. The use of a surgical treatment was decided and the technique of diaphragmatic plicature was implemented. The patient was extubated the fifth day after the last surgical intervention, was treated with non-invasive ventilation during three more days and was finally discharged after 16 days of having underwent the plicature.

International students often experience significant challenges and difficulties adjusting to their new campus and university environment abroad. As a result, understanding the unique needs of these students has become an important priority for many university administrators and mental health professionals amid growing health concerns faced by members of this community. This study examines the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms in a sample of international students enrolled in a mid-size U.S. university. A hierarchical multiple regression model revealed that poor English fluency, increased acculturative stress, and perceived discrimination were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, whereas increased social support was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Implications for university administration and support services are discussed.

The information gathered from one of the secondary public schools in Cluster 1, Division of Pampanga's senior high schools for the academic year 2023-2024, the study looked at how the students used their phones. The study investigates the relationship between students' screen addiction and factors such as stress levels, physical activity levels, and lack of self-control. Through this discovery, an intervention plan is being developed by the researchers to effectively encourage senior high school students to balance their mobile phone usage. Approximately, 643 senior high learners from both levels participated in the study on the value of mobile phone usage among mobile phone users (MPUs).A mixed-method sequential explanatory design was used. According to the study, students who use screens excessively are more likely to experience stress, obsessive behavior, and a loss of self-control, among other negative consequences. On the contrary, physical activity is associated with lower stress levels among individuals. This study reveals senior high school students experience anxiety, eating problems, and smartphone addiction, impacting their behavior and mental health. Furthermore, the study found a correlation between stress levels and exercise and screen addiction. This connection may be the result of the study emphasizing the detrimental effects of excessive mobile phone use on the physical and emotional well-being of seniors in high school. Additionally, this study recommends managing digital resources, encouraging everyday life contacts, and encouraging a balanced approach to cell phone usage. Thus, the study highlights the significance of f inding a balance between personal health and technology used to enhance student's educational experiences and quality of life. To enhance their academic performance and mental health, students should be taught about the dangers of excessive mobile phone usage, encouraged to practice personal wellness, and given preventative steps to follow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This sequential explanatory research aims to determine the academic risk-taking of tenth graders. The result of the study was the basis of the proposed intervention plan to improve their confidence, support, and motivation to take risks in their academics. A mixed-method sequential explanatory design was used, involving 103 tenth graders in one of the public schools in Cluster I Schools Division of Pampanga. The study revealed that fear of failure, lack of support and motivation, discouragement, judgment, and low self-esteem are why they are not taking risks in their academics. Moreover, the study discovered that this is why the participants struggle with their academic curriculum and have less interest in academics. It affects the participant's behaviour and the school's performance. Even though it is difficult to feel supported because of the environment that they have and how their relationships with the people around them actually work, the findings eventually shed light on the factors that contribute to the student's level of academic risk-taking. They need the support and motivation of their families and friends, encouragement to have high self-esteem and to be motivated to take risks without worrying about failure, and the willingness to take risks despite the difficulties that they may encounter so that they will achieve their goals of having good grades and boost their confidence to try new things beyond their capabilities. Therefore, the researchers made an intervention plan to address and improve the student's academic risk-taking behavior. Recommendations included providing better equipment, comprehensive trainings on crisis communication, news writing and cybersecurity, fostering organizational collaboration, and recruiting specialists. Finally, a Course Instructional Guide for Public Affairs Officers was developed and proposed for adoption and implementation to hone their effectiveness in promoting the PCG's mission and functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the learning styles of the eleventh-graders and their manifestations in terms of their learning styles. The study utilized a mixed-method research design, namely sequential explanatory design, that involved 135 respondents for the quantitative phase and eight outlier participants selected for the qualitative phase based on their higher marks from the quantitative results. The study found that among the three learning styles, namely, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic, and visual learning styles, the respondents preferred the visual learning style red among the three learning styles of the study. Also, the study findings found no significant difference between the sex of the respondents and the three learning styles. In addition, the study discovered the participants' manifestations and the utilization of various learning styles and approaches when it comes to their learning, such as studying at night, using search engines, and doing extracurricular activities to help them enhance their learning process. Finally, learning styles and strategies serve as pivotal tools for the students to be more equipped, practical, and efficient regarding their academic performance at school. Hence, students, teachers, and school administrators should be able to understand various learning styles and approaches. Also, future researchers should study the environmental factors that affect students' learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing popularity and push for engagement in education abroad programs in the U.S. and globally, coupled with the need to demonstrate tangible benefits, has increased focus on how best to assess impact beyond academic outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to develop and validate a brief education abroad assessment that focuses on key constructs, is easy to administer, and is publicly available. The researchers first identified a small set of constructs that were specific, measurable, and likely to change as a result of short- or long-term education abroad programs. Given that intercultural competence has gained considerable traction as an area of inquiry in the field, they wanted to assess related constructs, but consider other options as well. Towards this end, researchers conducted informal focus groups with the University of Delaware's Study Abroad office and other international educators on campus. They also reviewed literature from related disciplines. Although the focus was on the evaluation of education abroad, they aimed to develop a scale that could be used broadly to assess the impact of a range of campus internationalization efforts. Ultimately, the study focused on four specific constructs: cultural engagement; knowledge of the host site; ambiguity tolerance; and diversity openness.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship and influence of financial inclusion on the business performance of micro and small enterprises (MSEs). The level of financial inclusion was investigated through access, usage, quality, and welfare. Business performance with its dimensions of sales growth, capital growth, labor increase, market growth and profit growth were also examined. Consequently, the relationship between financial inclusion and business performance, and the influence of financial inclusion on the business performance of MSEs were studied. Descriptive-correlational design was used to explore and describe connections between financial inclusion and business performance. Data were collected from the fifty (50) owners and managers of MSEs using stratified random sampling technique. Upon careful analysis of the results, it became evident that micro and small enterprises demonstrate a very high level of financial inclusion, coupled also with high results of their business performance. Further, it is found that there exists a statistically significant and positive relationship between financial inclusion and business performance. Moreover, it was revealed that financial inclusion significantly influences the business performance of MSEs. These findings underscore the critical importance of enhancing the financial inclusion initiatives for MSEs as it directly impacts and improves their overall business performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Increased knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about a topic and behavioral capability and self-efficacy for healthy eating are often a precursor to behavior change. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the multicomponent school-based program on children's healthy eating knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy for healthy eating, and on their eating habits over time. Method: Quasi-experimental (4 treatment, 2 comparison) in a metropolitan area using a pretest-posttest method. Participants were 628 fifth-grade youth (377 treatment, 251 comparison) with a mean age of 9.9 years. The Building Healthy Communities (BHC) program is an 8-month school-wide healthy school transformation program and includes six main components. Outcome measures include children's healthy eating knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavior. Missing data were imputed, confirmatory factor analysis tested scale factor structure, and path analysis determined a parsimonious path explaining behavior change. Results: The Student Attitudes and Self-Efficacy (SASE) scale had good measurement model fit. BHC group's healthy eating knowledge and behaviors increased significantly, while SASE remained moderate. For both groups, the students' knowledge and SASE significantly predicted their healthy eating behaviors; however, the intervention group accounted for a greater amount of variance (35% vs. 26%). Discussion: The BHC program was effective in improving healthy eating knowledge and behavior among youth, and the relationship between variables did not vary by group. Healthy eating knowledge is a significant predictor of both future knowledge and behavior.

Water yield is an important service since it plays a significant role in supporting ecosystems, human livelihood, and economic activities. It is a valuable indicator for understanding the significance of water resources in specific geographic regions. This paper focuses on the valuation of water supply as an ecosystem service in the subwatersheds of the Upper Pampanga River Basin (UPRB) by applying the InVEST model in both scenarios of business-as-usual (BAU) and development. The model incorporates economic valuation techniques, i.e. net present value (NPV), thereby enabling the assessment of the monetary value associated with water supply. The results of this study show that there is a slightly decreasing trend in the annual water yield values in both scenarios. In terms of land area, the largest area under the projected BAU and development scenario (2020-2027) is grassland and forest, respectively. The results provided insights into how land use changes and climate variability affect water yield, with the BAU scenario yielding a total annual water volume of 2.3 billion m³ compared to 2.1 billion m³ in the development scenario. Furthermore, the NPV is estimated at PHP 24.6 billion for the BAU scenario and PHP 22.4 billion for the development scenario. These findings are pivotal for decision-making frameworks, hence underscoring the imperative of sustainable land use practices and water resource management in the UPRB. The study underscores the necessity of conducting a comprehensive assessment of ecosystem services to facilitate a balanced trade-off analysis, particularly at the subwatershed or watershed levels. This approach ensures that all factors influencing water yield and ecosystem health are considered, hence providing valuable insights for informed decision-making and effective resource management in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the areas where proficient teachers struggle the most and the areas where they feel confident regarding influence in decision-making, instructional, disciplinary, parental involvement, community involvement, and a positive school climate. A mixedmethod of sequential explanatory design was utilized, involving 70 secondary high school teachers in the Cluster I Schools Division of Pampanga. The study's findings demonstrated that teachers are more comfortable and feel more competent and confident in areas like instruction and a positive school climate, where they have more direct control over the conduct and learning of their students. On the other hand, the respondents seemed to be reasonably confident in their ability to influence decisions made within the educational institution. This could be due to several factors, including their experience, relationships with other staff members, or participation in committees that make decisions for the organization. The study highlighted the importance of maintaining collaboration and support among educators, administrators, and the entire school community to foster an environment that values ongoing learning and effective teaching strategies. Lastly, this study emphasized how important teacher self-efficacy is in determining effective teaching practices, especially for experienced teachers. It also emphasized the importance of recognizing and providing targeted support for teachers' strengths to build their confidence and ultimately improve student achievement. The research suggests that schools should give priority to programs that increase teacher self-efficacy through mentorship programs, targeted professional development, and building a supportive school culture. These efforts will ultimately increase instructional effectiveness and improve the teachers' overall confidence in teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate learning motivation and self-efficacy among seventh graders. The result of the findings was the low of confidence in public speaking, business writing, and the lack of interest in English culture, history and literature. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was utilized, involving 283 seventh grade learners from one of the schools in Cluster 1 Division of Pampanga. The result of the study showed that the respondents have low confidence in writing an English letter, are afraid of public speaking, and lack interest in English cultural content. On the other hand, they see English as a tool for their future when they seek jobs or travel abroad, and they also see English as their motivation to study hard for their future career. Furthermore, the study also discovered connection between the two variables. Learning motivation could result from the positive outcomes of the students' insight when it comes to English; they would motivate themselves to master English. Although self-efficacy will determine their beliefs about their ability to learn, these learning motivations and self-efficacy further contribute to improving the learning confidence of a student. Finally, the findings have significance for boosting confidence and improving the abilities of the learners. Providing opportunities for students to use English in supportive environments, making English learning relevant and engaging, and helping students develop positive self-efficacy beliefs about their ability to learn English should be the main goals of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Fungicide resistance in Pyrenophora teres f. maculata and P. teres f. teres has become an important disease management issue. Control of the associated barley foliar diseases, spot form and net form net blotch, respectively, relies on three major groups of fungicides, demethylation inhibitors (DMIs), succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) and quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs). However, resistance has been reported for the DMI and SDHI fungicides in Australia. To enhance detection of different resistance levels, phenotyping and genotyping workflows were designed. RESULTS: The phenotyping workflow generated cultures directly from lesions and compared growth on discriminatory doses of tebuconazole (DMI) and fluxapyroxad (SDHI). Genotyping real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were based on alleles associated with sensitivity or resistance to the DMI and SDHI fungicides. These workflows were applied to spot form and net form net blotch collections from 2019 consisting predominantly of P. teres f. teres from South Australia and P. teres f. maculata from Western Australia. For South Australia the Cyp51A L489‐3 and SdhC‐R134 alleles, associated with resistance to tebuconazole and fluxapyroxad, respectively, were the most prevalent. These alleles were frequently found in single isolates with dual resistance. This study also reports the first detection of a 134 base pair insertion located at position‐66 (PtTi‐6) in the Cyp51A promoter of P. teres f. maculata from South Australia. For Western Australia, the PtTi‐1 insertion was the most common allele associated with resistance to tebuconazole. CONCLUSION: The workflow and PCR assays designed in this study have been demonstrated to efficiently screen P. teres collections for both phenotypic and genetic resistance to DMI and SDHI fungicides. The distribution of reduced sensitivity and resistance to DMI and SDHI fungicides varied between regions in south‐western Australia, suggesting the emergence of resistance was impacted by both local pathogen populations and disease management programmes. The knowledge of fungicide resistance in regional P. teres collections will be important for informing appropriate management strategies. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]