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Problem-based learning (PBL) is linked to developing learners' creative thinking in mathematics. This process-oriented approach capitalizes on using problems to stimulate learning through independent and collaborative investigations. This meta-analysis looked at the effectiveness of using PBL to influence mathematical creativity. Fifteen results from 13 studies were analyzed in which a medium effect (g=0.580) was computed using the random effects model. Further, the analysis of heterogeneity statistics suggests conducting a subgroup analysis in which only the strategy used in the comparison group and educational level, among the identified characteristics, moderates the effect of PBL on mathematical creativity. Future research should expand geographically to encompass a more diverse educational landscape and include a broader demographic to validate the efficacy of PBL across different age groups and cultural contexts.

The landscape of education has experienced significant changes as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Central to the recent developments is the increasing concerns related to the levels of student satisfaction and performance in Mathematics within the context of online learning. This study seeks to fill the gaps in existing research literature on how mathematics is taught online during the pandemic. In particular, the goal of this research was to investigate the relationship between students' perceived satisfaction and reported academic performance in a Mathematics online class and suggest important satisfaction factors to improve student online learning experiences. The study was a descriptive research design utilizing mixed methods, and the data were collected from a volunteer sample of n = 153 respondents, composed of senior high school students from three private schools, through an adapted online survey instrument. Results showed that the association between satisfaction and performance was significant and positively correlated. Furthermore, there was a low but positive significant correlation between satisfaction with their performance. Regardless of their performance levels, students were generally satisfied with online learning. Students, however, pointed out three (3) additional factors that affect their satisfaction -- flexible and considerate task management, effective communication and subject mastery in teaching; and accessibility and clarity of educational resources. To improve online learning, these additional factors are essential to have a high level of satisfaction and performance in online learning.

Conceptualized in France during the sixties, the Theory of Didactical Situations [TDS] is a pivotal framework for developing mathematics teaching and learning processes. Despite the increasing qualitative studies over the last ten years, there remains a dearth of analysis of its effects on mathematics education. Through a Grounded Formal Theory approach, this paper presents the metasynthesis of 28 studies screened from four research databases--ProQuest, EBSCO, SCOPUS, and JSTOR. Data extraction was performed to enumerate the author/s, country, publication year, and connected theoretical approaches with TDS. Subsequently, the studies were categorized into three axial codes based on the studies' goals of applying TDS: lesson sequence, teacher development, and learning innovations. The synthesis underscores TDS' capacity to improve the sequence of mathematics lessons, particularly geometry and number patterns; develop teachers' pedagogical practices in teaching elementary, high school, and college students; and be a practical tool in innovating didactical resources for learning mathematics. TDS was also associated with other theoretical approaches, such as constructivism, realistic mathematics education, gamification, and technology-based instruction. Most of these effects were rooted in the challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the adaptation of TDS to the digital era, including distance and online learning. While the European and Western Asian countries have been at the forefront of TDS integration, the paper advocates for broader global adoption of this theory to enrich mathematics education worldwide.

Demonstrating higher-order thinking skills is crucial for thriving in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment. In science education, inquiry-based learning has increasingly been recognized as a potent approach to stimulate students' higher-order thinking skills. While prior research has shown evidence of its positive impact on student achievement, no study has critically synthesized its effect on students' higher-order thinking skills in the context of science learning. Thus, this study conducted a meta-analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The study extracted twenty-six (26) effect sizes from twenty (20) studies, involving 1,349 students exposed to both inquiry-based and conventional approaches. Using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis Software, effect size (Hedges g) was calculated to determine the magnitude of the effectiveness of inquiry-based approaches. The overall weighted effect size of g = 0.893 demonstrates that inquiry-based approaches have a significantly large and positive impact on students' higher-order thinking skills. Moderator analysis suggests that regardless of students' educational level, scientific discipline, or level of inquiry, the use of the inquiry-based approach in teaching scientific concepts maximizes students' higher-order thinking skills. Although various inquiry-based approaches were effective when combined with other instructional strategies for teaching scientific concepts, only a few studies integrated technology into the implementation of inquiry-based approaches in science. Given the positive findings of this meta-analysis, science teachers are further encouraged to adapt inquiry-based approaches to enhance their teaching practices and support students in strengthening their higher-order thinking skills.

Classifying, naming, and identifying insects have been complicated topics among science teachers and students. This problem is due to the highly technical collection protocols, safekeeping procedures, the unavailability of appropriate learning resources, and the closure of school laboratories and facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the remote learning setup, this study utilized Improvised Insect Traps (IITs) to provide an authentic learning experience in teaching and learning insect taxonomy at home. The study aimed to determine the effects of using IITs on students' self-efficacy beliefs and perceived levels of engagement. In this quasi-experimental study, 42 students designed and developed their improvised insect traps. Insect collection and classification were accomplished within four weeks. A 20-item validated survey questionnaire on self-efficacy and engagement levels was administered via Google Forms. Students' feedback was gathered using virtual focus group discussions and open-ended questions. Results revealed that IITs effectively improved students' self-efficacy beliefs (Z=0.033, p-value=0.022, g=0.68), while no improvement was noted in students' perceived levels of engagement (Z=0.143, p-value=0.188, g=0.07) in teaching and learning insect taxonomy. Moreover, students' feedback and responses were classified as Affordances or Constraints. Subthemes such as motivation, satisfaction, authentic learning, safety, and parental involvement were generated in the thematic analysis. Overall, this study found that the IITs activity is relevant in teaching insect taxonomy and delivering practical learning experiences among students in a distance learning modality.

Curriculum evaluation is a significant element in the process of education. The goal of the curriculum evaluation is to understand if the curriculum is producing the desired results. This study evaluated the Senior High School (SHS) curriculum of De La Salle Araneta University (DLSAU) in Malabon city, Philippines. Descriptive evaluative design using a mixed method approach was employed to examine the perspectives and experiences of SHS students and teachers focused on the domains of curriculum satisfaction, knowledge and confidence with the curriculum, preparation with the curriculum, and satisfaction with the curriculum supports. Perceptions of students and teachers collected from focus group discussions and survey questionnaires were transcribed, analyzed, and interpreted to further reveal the SHS curriculum's strengths and areas to be improved. The findings revealed that students and teachers were satisfied, knowledgeable, confident, and prepared in learning and implementation of the curriculum. The study also highlighted the features of the SHS curriculum unique to DLSAU. Moreover, students and teachers shared their insights on how to further strengthen the curriculum in terms of its implementation and supporting student learning. It was recommended that curriculum evaluation must be conducted regularly consolidating and taking into consideration students' and teachers' insights and suggestions among other areas of the curriculum. [Note: The publication year (2022) shown on the PDF is incorrect. The correct publication year for this article is 2023.]

Home-based biology experiments (HBEs) are practical learning activities that allow students to perform safe and relevant experiments at home. Motivated by the need to innovate teaching approaches in science education due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this study was conducted to determine the effects of home-based biology experiments (HBEs) on their knowledge gains, self-efficacy, and perceived level of engagement. In addition, students' teachers' and parents' feedback were also investigated. This study employed a quasi-experimental research design using a mixed-method approach involving a pretest/post-test design in which ten teacher-collaborators and 836 pupils participated. Fifteen-item teacher-made parallel tests and the 38-item perceptions, self-efficacy and engagement questionnaire were distributed via Google Forms. Results revealed that most participants strongly agreed that HBEs were lesson congruent and risk-free, the materials were readily available, and it was fun and challenging (M=3.56, SD=0.77). Moreover, HBEs were found to be effective in improving pupils' knowledge gains (T=119, z=-4.56, p=0.04), self-efficacy (M=3.36, SD=0.71), and perceived level of engagement (M=3.45, SD=0.69). Responses were significantly different when grouped according to grade level, gender, and type of HBEs used. The results of thematic analysis were categorised as "Affordances" and "Constraints". Six subthemes emerged from the Affordances : "Safety", "Feasibility", "Independent Learning", "Learning Material", and "Affordability", while there were four subthemes for "Constraints": "Expenses", "Student Interaction", "Availability", and "Time Management". It can be concluded that home-based biology experiments are effective and relevant teaching strategies to deliver practical learning in the distance learning modality.

The COVID-19 pandemic stimulated education system worldwide to employ online learning to support learning despite difficult times. To respond to this challenge and to promote Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, advocating quality education, a virtual learning material (VLM) for Biology was articulated in Google Classroom. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate its acceptability and conformity to the international standards for online courses using the Open SUNY Course Quality Review (OSCQR) rubric as the questionnaire. Respondents (N=40) involved four stakeholders: Senior High School Students, Pre-service Science Teachers, High School Teachers, and Science Instructors/Professors, with n=10 representatives each group. Their perspectives of the VLM acceptability in terms of Overview and Information, Technology and Tool, Design and Layout, Content and Activities, Interaction, and Assessment and Feedback were obtained through a Google Form by rating the 50-item questionnaire on a 4-point Likert scale together with two open-ended questions. With a grand mean of 3.81(SD=0.40), the findings revealed highly acceptable results. The qualitative responses also substantiated this result. Significant differences in the responses are also discussed, while the Cronbach alpha reliability test is high ([alpha]=0.923). Significantly, the VLM conforms with the international standards for online course design, suggesting it can be implemented among target students.

The study explored the conduct of a service learning (SL) activity by senior high school students (N=110) in disseminating information about Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction (DRRR) to community participants (N=139). Senior high school students from a public sector senior high school in the Philippines conducted a community service learning activity. Before conducting the service learning activity, students determined the familiar disasters that the community participants commonly experienced and then developed the DRRR brochure. Students compiled their DRRR learning into a brochure and used it to discuss disaster mitigation with the community. Researchers used standardised tests and survey forms to determine the participants' pre and post-knowledge, skills and attitudes toward disasters. Quantitative results showed that both the student and community participants perceived that the service learning activity had allowed them to gain more knowledge on disaster mitigation with an overall Disaster Related Knowledge Questionnaire (DRKQ) of p<0.05. Likewise, Civic Action and Skills Questionnaire (CASQ) revealed that the activity helped the students to improve their communication and social skills and the community participants' leadership skills at p<0.05. The qualitative data showed that both the students and the community participants better understood the DRRR concepts and perceived that the service learning activity had benefited and taught them disaster mitigation.

Learning institutions in the Philippines employed online distance learning using the synchronous approach for real-time interaction among learners and teachers. While the arrangement is exploratory and contingent, and responsive to the continuity of learning during the pandemic, its impact remains uncertain. This is of interest including the teaching-learning process in online classes with regard to the domains of Community of Inquiry focusing on the cognitive, teaching and social presence. In generating data, this study utilized focus group discussions involving junior high school teachers (N=15) from public and private schools who tackled questions anchored on said domains. Codified and categorized according to themes, the respondents revealed that personal and professional gains are considered as benefits of online classes but retorted that financial, technical as well as teaching learning support are among the challenges. Learning tasks and skills application draw attention under the cognitive arena, while technology, support for learner engagement and student engagement strategies warrant emphasis under teaching presence. Modes of interaction, interaction resources and approaches to ensuring belongingness underpin the areas under social presence. Results further showed that the affordances and challenges faced by the teachers may be translated into opportunities for innovation, growth, and development.

INTRODUÇÃO: Sarcopenia constitui perda progressiva de massa muscular esquelética relacionada ao aumento da idade. O sedentarismo é um importante fator relacionado ao desequilíbrio entre a síntese e a degradação proteica, especialmente na população idosa. OBJETIVO: Investigar a prevalência de sarcopenia em grupo de idosos sedentários e sua relação com a força física e com marcadores inflamatórios. MÉTODOS: Em uma amostra de 53 idosos, foram realizados: coleta de dados antropométricos, avaliação da composição corporal, teste funcional (Timed Up and Go), teste de força (preensão palmar) e coleta de amostra de sangue para avaliação dos marcadores inflamatórios. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de sarcopenia na amostra foi de 50% entre homens e de 54% entre mulheres. A média de idade foi de 71,3 anos no grupo sarcopênico (GS) e de 66,4 anos no grupo não sarcopênico (GNS) (p = 0,015). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os valores encontrados para interleucina 6 (IL-6) (p = 0,70) e interleucina 10 (IL-10) (p = 0,14). CONCLUSÃO: Houve uma alta prevalência de sarcopenia em idosos sedentários e a perda de massa muscular esteve associada com a perda de força muscular em homens e mulheres. Não houve associação com marcadores inflamatórios IL-6 e IL-10.

Monitoring irrigated rice crops is essential for efficient agricultural management, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images are beneficial due to their capability to function in all weather conditions. However, speckle noise in SAR images complicates the classification of land cover. This study evaluates speckle filtering techniques to enhance the image quality of SAR for rice field monitoring. We extend previous work by comparing Bayesian filters in the spatial domain with advanced transform domain methods, including block matching 3D (BM3D) and Discrete Fourier Transform-extracted Edge (DFT Edge) techniques, across different rice growth stages. Twenty-two Sentinel-1B SAR images from the municipality of Turvo, Santa Catarina, Brazil were analyzed. Filters were assessed using metrics for speckle suppression and edge preservation. Our experiments reveal that BM3D with a sigma parameter of 10 (BM3Dsigma10 ) provided superior results, balancing effective speckle suppression and edge preservation. Specifically, BM3Dsigma10 was superior in preserving edge details compared to other techniques. However, as the σ value increased, a loss in resolution was observed, even for the DFT Edge method, which, while efficient in edge preservation, often resulted in reduced detail resolution. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate filtering techniques for accurate agricultural monitoring using SAR data.

The Philippines is one of the world's top conservation priority areas, yet unique species in the country are threatened. However, Filipinos still have poor awareness of Philippine wildlife and the country's biodiversity situation. A resolution to this situation is pro-environmental behavior, which can be achieved as an indirect benefit of environmental awareness. A questionnaire was used to survey a group of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students in Grades 11 and 12 (n = 314) from the University of Santo Tomas Senior High School (UST-SHS) to gather data about their level of knowledge about biodiversity, international conventions and local initiatives for the environment, and level of awareness about the critically endangered endemic mammals (CEEMs) in the Philippines. Results showed that STEM students have a fair weighted mean value (3.51) about diversity and little knowledge (2.77) of the Philippines' critically endangered and endemic mammals. A weighted mean value of 2.54 results in a level of knowledge on the local and international initiatives about CEEM has been revealed in the study. Significant differences were also noted between the biodiversity knowledge and CEEM knowledge and the international and local initiatives and CEEM knowledge. The multiple regression analysis pointed out a significant 0.289 r value, which means that the likelihood is too weak or too small that it can be neglected or considered trivial. The researchers suggest that future studies increase the scope of respondents to help determine differences between STEM and non-STEM students and how environmental behavior, knowledge, and awareness correspond.

Teachers are the frontline workers in sustaining quality education; hence, assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) allows them and the administrators to create better training, programs, and instructional materials. The objective is to develop and validate a quick and accessible online instrument to assess the teachers' KAB towards sustainable development in the Philippine context, as part of a bigger project to integrate Pili ("Canarium ovatum") into education. The researchers administered the instrument using a cross-sectional survey method through Google Forms in which respondents (n = 206) had voluntarily answered. The 24-item tool, anchored on the 2030 sustainable development goals and their complex systems, is reliable and valid based on the confirmatory factor analysis, and Cronbach's alpha and Fleiss's kappa estimates. The results showed that having favorable knowledge and attitudes toward sustainable development is inadequate to create positive behaviors. The adaptation of the developed instrument, the use of findings for intercultural and cross-cultural studies, and further investigations are recommended.

Introduction: The novel coronavirus, dubbed SARS-CoV-2, which causes the COVID-19 disease, was detected on December 31, 2019, in Wuhan, China. Objective: To perform a systematic review with a meta-analysis about the prevalence of headache and myalgia in patients with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: High-sensitivity research was conducted on the main platforms (Medline by PubMed, Embase (Elsevier), and Cochrane Library). The entire versions of the manuscripts were analyzed by three independent researchers, and only observational studies describing the symptoms of the selected sample were included. Results: 1,782 studies were identified, which were submitted to exclusion criteria, remaining only 62 manuscripts to do qualitative synthesis and metanalysis. Of the 28,412 patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, 12% (95% CI 9% - 16%) presented headache and 19% (95% CI 14% - 24%) presented myalgia, both with statistical significance and high heterogeneity (I2=97.0%, p

ABSTRACT Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is globally the third most common malignant neoplasm and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of routine screening tests by health services. A 35.5% drop in total cancer diagnoses in 2020 is estimated when compared to 2019. Objective: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis of adenomatous polyps (AP) and CRC in a population undergoing colonoscopy (COL) in a clinic in Goiânia, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study evaluating COL performed during the periods from 20 March to 31 October of 2019 and of 2020, was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CAAE-45631421.0.0000.0037). We analyzed data related to identification, referral for medical examination, colonoscopic and histopathological findings. Results: We evaluated 10,232 (93.4%) COL, divided into two groups according to the year of performance. In 2019, 6,777 (66.2%) COL were performed and in 2020, 3,455 (33.8%), demonstrating a reduction of 51.0%. A total of 3,267 (31.9%) colonoscopies found polyps, 72.1% of which were AP (68.8% in 2019 and 78.3% in 2020, P

Introdução: A bolsa de sangue total é fracionada para retirada de componentes eritrocitários, plasmáticos e plaquetários. O plasma pode ser fracionado em plasma fresco congelado (PFC), plasma comum, plasma isento de crioprecipitados. O controle de qualidade é um agrupamento de atividades empregadas para verificar os métodos produtivos, sendo essencial à garantia da qualidade e regulação de procedimentos executados nos hemocentros. Seguidamente ao fracionamento das bolsas de sangue, a verificação visual do plasma é efetuada para deliberar se o hemocomponente será utilizado para a doação, fundamentado em caracteres como lipemia, entre outros. Quanto à lipemia, julga uma ou outra turvação vista no plasma, ocasionada pelo aglomerado de triglicerídeos, com origem diversa, podendo ocasionar entraves como problemas analíticos ou clínicos. Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a frequência de detecção da turbidez nas bolsas de plasma advindas de candidatos a doação de sangue no período de janeiro 2023 a junho 2024 em hemocentro coordenador do Nordeste Brasileiro. METODOLOGIA: As bolsas de plasma foram submetidas a uma inspeção visual fundada na turvação das amostras contra fundo escuro, conforme critério de classificação adotado pela equipe técnica do setor de produção e dispensação do hemocentro: grupo 1 (límpido) quando a palavra LIPEMIA aparece de forma transparente, grupo 2 (moderadamente turvo) quando a palavra aparece opaca e grupo 3 (turvo) quando a palavra não aparece. RESULTADOS: No período de janeiro 2023 a junho 2024, obtivemos uma média de 30.554 doações. No decorrer dos anos supracitados foram descartadas em função da lipemia 4,1% (1.225) bolsas de plasma lipêmicas, sendo o maior índice o mês de janeiro de 2024 foi de 6.24% (2.387). Quando equiparadas as bolsas de plasmas lipêmicas quanto ao sexo, foi observado um maior índice de indivíduos do sexo masculino 68% (945). Discussão: No instante que foram comparadas as bolsas doadas por indivíduos do sexo masculino e feminino, observou-se que as amostras mais turvas foram provenientes de doadores masculinos. Pesquisas estabelecem que o índice de concentração plasmática de triglicerídeos em indivíduos do sexo feminino atinge o pico culminante cerca de 2 horas seguida de uma nutrição com gordura, reduzindo paulatinamente até alcançar o nível basal depois de 6 horas. Não obstante, os indivíduos do sexo feminino exibem alto índice de gordura do corpo, os indivíduos do sexo masculino mostram o pico cerca de 4 horas seguido à nutrição, tendo aproximadamente 9 horas para volver aos níveis basais. Conclusão: A subjetividade na análise da lipemia nas bolsas de sangue através inspeção visual, foi constatada, particularmente às amostras moderadamente turvas. Tencionando minimizar o descarte desnecessário de plasma, assim como manter o sistema da qualidade das bolsas, faz-se necessário o descarte por turbidez devido à lipemia, e também a normatização dos procedimentos operacionais referente a triagem clínica e a produção das bolsas.

ABSTRACT Caecilia tentaculata is an amphibian species of the order Gymnophiona, widely distributed throughout Amazonia. We reviewed the species’ color pattern based on the analysis of collection specimens representing several populations across its geographic range. We identified two main color patterns determined by the pigmentation of the primary and secondary grooves, along with variations in the color of the head, lower jaw, gular and terminal regions of the body that occur independently of the two patterns. We observed a high frequency of partial leucism in the C. tentaculata populations studied. Considering that chromatic anomalies are rare in wild animals, the unexpected high frequency of partial leucism in this species is noteworthy. Our results underscore the importance of reassessing the color patterns of Caecilia species. Therefore, we recommend that color characters should be used with caution in Caecilia taxonomy since their variation is unknown for most species of the genus.

Preparing students for the real challenges in life is one of the most important goals in education. Constructivism is an approach that uses real-life experiences to construct knowledge. Problem-Based Learning (PBL), for almost five decades now, has been the most innovative constructivist pedagogy used worldwide. However, with the rising popularity, there is a need to revisit empirical studies regarding PBL to serve as a guide and basis for designing new studies, making institutional policies, and evaluating educational curricula. This need has led the researchers to do a meta-analysis to analyse the effectiveness of PBL on secondary students' achievement in different scientific disciplines. Following the set of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 studies in Eurasia, Africa, and America conducted from 2016 to 2020 have qualified for this study. Six of which focused on JHS (n = 1047) and five on SHS (n = 375). Studies were obtained from various meta-search engines including Google, ERIC, and JSTOR. Further, the researchers used Harzing's Publish and Perish software to exhaust the search process. Sample size, mean, and standard deviation were analysed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3 to determine the effect sizes (Hedge's g) and the results of moderator analysis, forest plot, funnel plot, and Begg-Mazumdar test. Findings have shown that PBL, as an approach to teaching science, had a large and positive effect (ES = 0.871) on the achievement of secondary students. However, grade levels and various scientific disciplines did not influence students' learning achievement. The conduct of more studies on the different factors affecting PBL implementation and specific effects of PBL on various student domains is recommended to facilitate comparative educational research in the future.

Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), a principal metabolite of curcumin, was tested in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. THC was administered via daily oral gavage with the lipid carrier polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC) as add-on therapy to losartan (angiotensin receptor blocker) to examine effects on kidney oxidative stress and fibrosis. A combination of unilateral nephrectomy, high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin was used to induce diabetic nephropathy in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals with fasting blood glucose >200 mg/dL were randomized to PPC, losartan, THC + PPC or THC + PPC + losartan. Untreated chronic kidney disease (CKD) animals had proteinuria, decreased creatinine clearance, and evidence of kidney fibrosis on histology. THC + PPC + losartan treatment significantly lowered blood pressure concurrent with increased messenger RNA levels of antioxidant copper-zinc-superoxide dismutase and decreased protein kinase C-α, kidney injury molecule-1 and type I collagen in the kidneys; there was decreased albuminuria and a trend for increased creatinine clearance compared to untreated CKD rats. There was decreased fibrosis on kidney histology in PPC-only and THC-treated CKD rats. Plasma levels of kidney injury molecule-1 were decreased in THC + PPC + losartan animals. In summary, add-on THC to losartan therapy improved antioxidant levels and decreased fibrosis in the kidneys, and lowered blood pressure in diabetic CKD rats.

Abstract In dermatologists' clinical practice, the use of systemic glucocorticoids is recurrent for the management of different comorbidities that require chronic immunosuppression. The prescription of this medication requires caution and basic clinical knowledge due to the several adverse effects inherent to the treatment. However, different doubts may arise or inappropriate conduct may be adopted due to the lack of objective and specific guidelines for the screening, prophylaxis and management of complications from chronic corticosteroid therapy. Considering this problem, the authors carried out a narrative review of the literature to gather up-to-date data on adverse effects secondary to the chronic use of systemic glucocorticoids. The broad approach to this topic made it possible to review the pathophysiology and risk factors for these complications, as well as to develop updated orientation that can be used as a learning tool and quick reference for dermatologists during their clinical practice with glucocorticoids.

We report that diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) is a glial messenger mediating crosstalk between satellite glial cells (SGCs) and sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). DBI is highly expressed in SGCs of mice, rats, and humans, but not in sensory neurons or most other DRG-resident cells. Knockdown of DBI results in a robust mechanical hypersensitivity without major effects on other sensory modalities. In vivo overexpression of DBI in SGCs reduces sensitivity to mechanical stimulation and alleviates mechanical allodynia in neuropathic and inflammatory pain models. We further show that DBI acts as an unconventional agonist and positive allosteric modulator at the neuronal [GABA.sub.A] receptors, particularly strongly affecting those with a high-affinity benzodiazepine binding site. Such receptors are selectively expressed by a subpopulation of mechanosensitive DRG neurons, and these are also more enwrapped with DBI-expressing glia, as compared with other DRG neurons, suggesting a mechanism for a specific effect of DBI on mechanosensation. These findings identified a communication mechanism between peripheral neurons and SGCs. This communication modulates pain signaling and can be targeted therapeutically., Introduction Despite remarkable progress in our understanding of the fundamental biology of pain, current therapies for chronic pain are often inadequate and prone to serious side effects within the central [...]

Abstract Aim Considering the importance of knowing the organisms that make up the environments impacted by human activities, we aimed to create an inventory of the ichthyofauna of a bauxite mining area in the Eastern Amazon in this work. Methods Specimens were collected with sieves, trawls, and gill nets at 37 points in rivers and streams during two expeditions (July 2017 and September and October 2017). After euthanasia and laboratory processes, we identified each individual to the lowest possible taxonomic level, and samples were deposited in scientific collections. We analyzed the conservation status of the species on state, national, and international lists. Results A total of 109 species were identified, belonging to 28 families and six orders, emphasizing the Characiformes order (57 species) and the Characidae family (22 species). We identified two new species, and none are threatened with extinction. Conclusions The high species richness recorded in the Potiritá River basin is noteworthy, considering its relatively small area. This diversity should be considered in future environmental impact studies and in monitoring the ichthyofauna in areas affected by human activities.

ABSTRACT The limited temporal completeness and taxonomic accuracy of species lists, made available in a traditional manner in scientific publications, has always represented a problem. These lists are invariably limited to a few taxonomic groups and do not represent up-to-date knowledge of all species and classifications. In this context, the Brazilian megadiverse fauna is no exception, and the Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CTFB) (http://fauna.jbrj.gov.br/), made public in 2015, represents a database on biodiversity anchored on a list of valid and expertly recognized scientific names of animals in Brazil. The CTFB is updated in near real time by a team of more than 800 specialists. By January 1, 2024, the CTFB compiled 133,691 nominal species, with 125,138 that were considered valid. Most of the valid species were arthropods (82.3%, with more than 102,000 species) and chordates (7.69%, with over 11,000 species). These taxa were followed by a cluster composed of Mollusca (3,567 species), Platyhelminthes (2,292 species), Annelida (1,833 species), and Nematoda (1,447 species). All remaining groups had less than 1,000 species reported in Brazil, with Cnidaria (831 species), Porifera (628 species), Rotifera (606 species), and Bryozoa (520 species) representing those with more than 500 species. Analysis of the CTFB database can facilitate and direct efforts towards the discovery of new species in Brazil, but it is also fundamental in providing the best available list of valid nominal species to users, including those in science, health, conservation efforts, and any initiative involving animals. The importance of the CTFB is evidenced by the elevated number of citations in the scientific literature in diverse areas of biology, law, anthropology, education, forensic science, and veterinary science, among others.

Resumo Fundamento Dados robustos sobre a curva de aprendizagem (LC) da substituição da válvula aórtica transcateter (TAVR) são escassos nos países em desenvolvimento. Objetivo Avaliar a LC da TAVR no Brasil ao longo do tempo. Métodos Analisamos dados do registro brasileiro de TAVR de 2008 a 2023. Pacientes de cada centro foram numerados cronologicamente em número sequencial de caso (NSC). A LC foi realizada usando um spline cúbico restrito ajustado para o EuroSCORE-II e o uso de próteses de nova geração. Ainda, os desfechos hospitalares foram comparados entre grupos definidos de acordo com o nível de experiência, com base no NSC: 1º ao 40º caso (experiência inicial), 41º ao 80º caso (experiência básica), 81º ao 120º caso (experiência intermediária) e 121º caso em diante (experiência alta). Análises adicionais foram conduzidas de acordo com o número de casos tratados antes de 2014 (>40 e ≤40 procedimentos). O nível de significância adotado foi p

There has been continuous progress in diabetes management over the last few decades, not least due to the widespread dissemination of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and automated insulin delivery systems. These technological advances have radically changed the daily lives of people living with diabetes, improving the quality of life of both children and their families. Despite this, hypoglycemia remains the primary side-effect of insulin therapy. Based on a systematic review of the available scientific evidence, this paper aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for recognizing, risk stratifying, treating, and managing patients with hypoglycemia. The objective of these recommendations is to unify the behavior of pediatric diabetologists with respect to the timely recognition and prevention of hypoglycemic episodes and the correct treatment of hypoglycemia, especially in patients using CGM or advanced hybrid closed-loop systems. All authors have long experience in the specialty and are members of the Italian Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology. The goal of treating hypoglycemia is to raise blood glucose above 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) and to prevent further decreases. Oral glucose at a dose of 0.3 g/kg (0.1 g/kg for children using “smart pumps” or hybrid closed loop systems in automated mode) is the preferred treatment for the conscious individual with blood glucose

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted private basic education in the Philippines to hold a professional developmental program for faculty members using web video conferencing (WVC). Given the uncertainties of WVC educational quality and the challenge of shifting to a fully online environment, this study aimed to evaluate the use of web video conferencing and the development of a faculty development program on sustaining teacher leadership and academic vitality through research. The training was held for nine weeks, and 33 faculty members of the institution participated. Quantitative data include survey questionnaires on perceptions on action research, perceptions on technology integration, training proficiency, and pedagogical practices. Qualitative data include analysis of video recordings, reflection journals, observation notes, and actual research outputs. It utilized descriptive developmental action research using a convergent mixed-method approach, and thematic analysis. Findings show that the use of WVC as a mode of delivery proved successful in creating an effective educational experience for all the participants as evidenced by their enhanced teacher leadership skills and academic vitality. These skills were demonstrated through their willingness to promote professional inquiry as shown by their actual research outputs and demonstration of high proficiency in the adoption of technology integration.

Developing and communicating evidence-based explanations are regarded as essential skills in 21st-century learning. These skills are central to the process of scientific argumentation. Hence, teachers must adhere to a student-centered pedagogy that cultivates students' understanding and argumentation skills. This study investigated the effects of the Metacognitive Argument-Driven Inquiry (MADI) approach in promoting students' conceptual understanding of Antimicrobial Resistance and scientific argumentation skills. The study employed a mixed-method approach, which involved both quantitative and qualitative data. The participants were third-year Biological Science Education students (n=23) in a public university in Central Luzon, the Philippines. Quantitative data were obtained from the validated 30-item conceptual understanding test and six-point teacher-made written argumentation skills test, administered before and after students' four-week exposure to the MADI approach. Qualitative data from video-recorded sessions and focus group discussions were used to substantiate the quantitative findings. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to determine if there were significant improvements at the end of the study. Results showed that students' conceptual understanding and argumentation skills significantly improved after exposure to the MADI approach with large effect sizes. Students' development of argumentation skills was evident during the implementation of the study, as seen in their increasing mean scores in each activity. Moreover, students signified the efficacy of the MADI approach in facilitating substantial improvements in their conceptual understanding and argumentation skills. Thus, it is suggested for Biology teachers to integrate the MADI approach in delivering their lessons and designing inquiry-based activities to support students' development of understanding and argumentation skills.