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Background: High-ability students require effective educational strategies. This study introduces and evaluates a curriculum enrichment programme aimed at enhancing cre ativity. The programme is based on a competency framework and was implemented using variations of Project-Based Learning (PBL) strategies. Method: A quasi-experimental design compared two interventions using pre-test and post-test groups. The first intervention (N = 38) involved a 12-week PBL unit focused on designing a video game using block-based program ming through Scratch. The second intervention (N = 51), also lasting 12 weeks, comprised three separate projects involving vectorial design and programming of an Arduino-based ro bot. Both interventions used strategies for creative-thinking development. The sample includ ed high-ability students from 8 to 12 years of age. Results: Both interventions significantly increased creativity, with no statistical differences between them. This suggests that both types of PBL interventions effectively improved participants' creativity. Conclusions: This study suggests that PBL-based curricular enrichment programmes are effective in fostering creativity among high-ability students.
Antecedentes: Los estudiantes con alta capacidad requieren estrategias educativas efectivas. Este estudio presenta y evalúa un programa de enriquecimiento curricular diseñado para mejorar la creatividad. El programa se basa en un marco de competencias y se implemen tó utilizando variaciones de estrategias de aprendizaje basado en proyectos (ABP). Método: Un diseño cuasi-experimental comparó dos intervenciones utilizando grupos pretest y postest. La primera intervención consistió en una unidad de ABP de 12 semanas centrada en el diseño de un videojuego utilizando programación basada en bloques mediante Scratch. La segunda intervención, también de 12 semanas de duración, consistió en tres proyectos independientes de diseño vectorial y programación de un robot basado en Arduino. En ambas intervencio nes se utilizaron estrategias para el desarrollo del pensamiento creativo. La muestra incluía estudiantes con altas capacidades de entre 8 y 12 años. Resultados: Ambas intervenciones aumentaron significativamente la creatividad, sin diferencias estadísticas entre ellas. Esto sugiere que ambos tipos de intervenciones de ABP mejoraron efectivamente la creatividad de los participantes. Conclusiones: Este estudio sugiere que los programas de enriquecimiento curricular basados en ABP son efectivos para fomentar la creatividad entre los estudiantes con altas capacidades.
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This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using the tax methodology for determining unjustified increases in assets in money laundering cases heard in the courts. It also seeks to identify the errors made by the Tax Authority with the purpose of ascertaining whether these errors could hinder the successful application of the methodology in investigations of money laundering cases. In order to achieve these objectives, a mixed research methodology was conducted that included the analysis of rulings issued during the years 2020 and 2021 by the Peruvian Tax Court and sentences issued by the judiciary. This was complemented by semi-structured interviews with experts from the public sector, academia and accounting with relevant experience on the subject. The study found that there are some practical issues in the application of the methodology that can be overcome and that do not represent an insurmountable constraint. The study also found that the tax methodology allows for a more effective clarification of asset imbalances, and concludes that, once implementation errors have been overcome, the tax methodology can be feasibly employed to the benefit of money laundering investigations.
Esta investigación tiene como objetivos evaluar la factibilidad de utilizar la metodología tributaria de determinación de incrementos patrimoniales no justificados en la investigación de desbalances patrimoniales de casos de lavado de dinero ventilados en la vía jurisdiccional e identificar los errores que ha cometido la Administración Tributaria, a fin de establecer si estos representan problemas que pudieran dificultar la aplicación de la metodología a la investigación de casos de lavado de dinero. Con el propósito de lograr estos objetivos se condujo una investigación mixta que incluyó el análisis de las resoluciones emitidas durante los años 2020 y 2021 por el Tribunal Fiscal y sentencias emitidas por el poder judicial. Esto se complementó con entrevistas semiestructuradas a expertos del sector público, la academia y peritos contables con experiencia relevante sobre el tema. La investigación encontró que existen algunos empirismos aplicativos que pueden ser superados y que no representan ninguna restricción que no pueda ser gestionada. Se halló también que la metodología tributaria permite esclarecer de manera más efectiva los desbalances patrimoniales. La investigación concluye que, superados los errores de ejecución, es factible utilizar con ventaja la metodología tributaria en las investigaciones de lavado de dinero.
O objetivo desta pesquisa é avaliar a viabilidade do uso da metodología tributária para determinar aumentos injustificados de patrimônio na investigação de desproporções patrimoniais em casos de lavagem de dinheiro julgados nos tribunais e identificar os erros cometidos pela Administração Tributária, a fim de estabelecer se estes representam problemas que poderiam dificultar a aplicação da metodologia na investigação de casos de lavagem de dinheiro. Para atingir esses objetivos, foi realizada uma pesquisa mista que incluiu a análise de decisões emitidas durante 2020 e 2021 pelo Tribunal Tributário e sentenças emitidas pelo judiciário. Isso foi complementado por entrevistas semiestruturadas com especialistas do setor público, acadêmicos e especialistas em contabilidade com experiência relevante no assunto. A pesquisa constatou que existem alguns empirismos de aplicação que podem ser superados e que não representam nenhuma restrição que não possa ser gerenciada. Também foi constatado que a metodología tributária permite um esclarecimento mais eficaz das desproporções patrimoniais. Na pesquisa, conclui-se que, uma vez superados os erros de implementação, é viável utilizar a metodologia tributária com vantagem nas investigações de lavagem de dinheiro.
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Humans , Peru , Criminal Behavior , CorruptionABSTRACT
RESUMO Este estudo teve como objetivos identificar estudantes com talento matemático no Ensino Fundamental e no Ensino Médio, no que se refere ao sistema numérico maia e babilônico para o Ensino Fundamental e ao pensamento computacional, com o uso do Scratch, para o Ensino Médio; projetar e implementar um programa de enriquecimento extraescolar com alunos do Ensino Fundamental e do Ensino Médio; estudar a evolução das ideias matemáticas, trabalhadas no programa de enriquecimento extracurricular. O aporte teórico foi baseado no Modelo de Enriquecimento para toda a Escola (School Wide Enrichment Model - SEM). Esse modelo teve origem no Modelo Triádico de Enriquecimento de Renzulli. Os resultados apresentados referem-se às atividades de enriquecimento extracurricular, com numeração babilônica e o sistema numérico maia, e as atividades em ambiente Scratch. Os resultados do estudo mostraram que ambos os grupos de idade foram capazes de abordar as atividades propostas e desenvolveram experiências de aprendizado que lhes deram habilidades para resolver problemas matemáticos, tanto no ambiente a lápis e papel quanto na linguagem de programação Scratch. O grupo de alunos do Ensino Fundamental representou números no sistema maia e babilônico e realizou operações aritméticas; dessa forma, este trabalho os ajudou a compreender o sistema posicional; e os estudantes do Ensino Médio aprenderam a fazer animações de dois personagens (sprites) e aprenderam a programar.
ABSTRACT The study aimed to identify students with mathematical talent in Elementary and High School, with regard to the Mayan and Babylonian numerical system for Elementary School and computational thinking, with the use of Scratch for High School; to design and implement an out-of-school enrichment program with Elementary and High School students; to study the evolution of mathematical ideas, worked on in the extracurricular enrichment program. Theoretical support was based on the School Wide Enrichment Model (SEM). This model is originated from Renzulli's Triadic Enrichment Model. The results presented refer to extracurricular enrichment activities, with Babylonian numerals and the Mayan numerical system, and activities in the Scratch environment. The results of the study showed that both age groups were able to approach the proposed activities and developed learning experiences that gave them skills to solve mathematical problems, both in the pencil and paper environment and in the Scratch programming language. The group of Elementary School students represented numbers in the Mayan and Babylonian system and performed arithmetic operations; in this way, this work helped them to understand the positional system; and the High School students learned to make animations of two characters (sprites) and learned how to program.
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Objective To screen antigen targets for immunotherapy by analyzing over-expressed genes, and to identify significant pathways and molecular mechanisms in esophageal cancer by using bioinformatic methods such as enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and survival analysis based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.Methods By screening with highly expressed genes, we mainly analyzed proteins MUC13 and EPCAM with transmembrane domain and antigen epitope from TMHMM and IEDB websites. Significant genes and pathways associated with the pathogenesis of esophageal cancer were identified using enrichment analysis, PPI network, and survival analysis. Several software and platforms including Prism 8, R language, Cytoscape, DAVID, STRING, and GEPIA platform were used in the search and/or figure creation.Results Genes MUC13 and EPCAM were over-expressed with several antigen epitopes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissue. Enrichment analysis revealed that the process of keratinization was focused and a series of genes were related with the development of esophageal cancer. Four genes including ALDH3A1, C2, SLC6A1,and ZBTB7C were screened with significant P value of survival curve.Conclusions Genes MUC13 and EPCAM may be promising antigen targets or biomarkers for esophageal cancer. Keratinization may greatly impact the pathogenesis of esophageal cancer. Genes ALDH3A1, C2, SLC6A1,and ZBTB7C may play important roles in the development of esophageal cancer.
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Humans , Esophageal Neoplasms/metabolism , Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma/metabolism , Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule/metabolism , Gene Expression Profiling/methods , Gene Regulatory Networks , Gene Expression , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and ProteinsABSTRACT
Molecularly imprinted polymers demonstrate outstanding performance in the research on trace ingredients because of their high selectivity. Stimuli-responsive molecularly imprinted polymers(STR-MIPs) with the introduction of different responsive groups on the basis of traditionally imprinted materials can undergo reversible transformations when exposed to external stimuli such as temperature, magnetism, pH or light. Such responsiveness, combined with the specific recognition, endows STR-MIPs with excellent perfor-mance in trace component studies. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) contains complex components with trace content, and thus STR-MIPs have broad application prospects in the enrichment analysis of trace components in TCM. This paper elaborates on the application of STR-MIPs in the enrichment analysis of trace components in TCM from the perspectives of different stimuli, summarized relevant research achievements in the recent five years to broaden the application fields of molecular imprinting, and proposed a few opi-nions about their future development.
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Objective To improve the determination of gross α and gross β radioactivity in soil, establish a fast and accurate method for soil radioactivity analysis, and provide a basis for establishing standard methods for analysis of gross α and gross β radioactivity in soil. Methods Using the method of soil nuclide extraction and the sample preparation method for low background α/β counter, an extraction-enrichment method was established to monitor the radioactivity of gross α and gross β in soil. Meanwhile, the radioactivity of gross α and gross β in the same soil samples was determined using the direct paving method. An optimal method of monitoring gross α and gross β radioactivity in soil was put forward by comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods. Results With the direct paving method, the radioactivity of gross α and gross β in soil was 0.47 Bq/g and 0.85 Bq/g, respectively; and the minimum detection limit was 0.04 Bq/g and 0.02 Bq/g, respectively. With the extraction-enrichment method, the radioactivity of gross α and gross β in soil was 0.32 Bq/g and 0.29 Bq/g, and the minimum detection limit was 0.02 Bq/g and 0.01 Bq/g. Conclusion Comparison of the two detection methods showed that the direct paving method is more accurate and easier to operate, while the extraction-enrichment method is complex in operation and has relatively large system error but provides a lower minimum detection limit.
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ObjectiveThe study utilized human transcriptome microarray to explore biomarkers for diagnosing drug-induced liver injury （DILI） caused by anti-tuberculosis drugs. MethodsA 6-month follow-up study was conducted on 152 patients treated with anti-tuberculosis drugs in designated hospitals in Shanghai. The blood samples were collected at the 0， 2， 4， 8， 12 and 24 weeks after treatment. According to the clinical biochemical indicators， the research subjects were divided into DILI cases （34 cases） and Control cases （118 cases）. Single factor analysis was conducted on the influencing factors between the two groups. In a 1∶1 matched DILI-control study， RNA samples of 13 pairs of cases were sequenced by the whole transcript expression mRNA array. Differentially expressed genes （DEGs） were screened by Hotelling's T2 value sequencing and the expression trend analysis of genes by STEM （short-time series expression miner）， and the functional enrichment and pathway analysis of DEGs were carried out. ResultsIn total 152 clinical cases， weight of patients was a risk factor for the occurrence of hepatotoxicity caused by anti-tuberculous drugs. Based on the analysis results of mRNA array， 513 DEGs were screened by Hotelling's T2 value sequencing method， which were enriched in 32 annotations of GO （Gene Ontology） analysis and 10 pathways of KEGG （Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes） analysis. One differential expression pattern was screened by STEM， which was enriched in 2 biological process notes of GO. Among them， the key genes AIM2， CD86， CXCL10 and non-coding RNAs SCARNA10， SNHG10 and SNORD105 are potential biomarkers of DILI caused by anti-tuberculosis drugs. ConclusionIn this research for biomarkers conducted on cases with liver injury caused by anti-tuberculosis drugs， biological pathways associated with hepatotoxicity are identified and a series of key genes related with drug-induced liver injury are found， which provides the basis for mechanism study and searching for earlier and more sensitive biomarkers.
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OBJECTIVE@#To screen the prognostic biomarkers of metabolic genes in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), and construct a prognostic model of metabolic genes.@*METHODS@#The histological database related to MM patients was searched. Data from MM patients and healthy controls with complete clinical information were selected for analysis.The second generation sequencing data and clinical information of bone marrow tissue of MM patients and healthy controls were collected from human protein atlas (HPA) and multiple myeloma research foundation (MMRF) databases. The gene set of metabolism-related pathways was extracted from Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) by Perl language. The biomarkers related to MM metabolism were screened by difference analysis, univariate Cox risk regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis, and the risk prognostic model and Nomogram were constructed. Risk curve and survival curve were used to verify the grouping effect of the model. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to study the difference of biological pathway enrichment between high risk group and low risk group. Multivariate Cox risk regression analysis was used to verify the independent prognostic ability of risk score.@*RESULTS@#A total of 8 mRNAs which were significantly related to the survival and prognosis of MM patients were obtained (P<0.01). As molecular markers, MM patients could be divided into high-risk group and low-risk group. Survival curve and risk curve showed that the overall survival time of patients in the low-risk group was significantly better than that in the high risk group (P<0.001). GSEA results showed that signal pathways related to basic metabolism, cell differentiation and cell cycle were significantly enriched in the high-risk group, while ribosome and N polysaccharide biosynthesis signaling pathway were more enriched in the low-risk group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score composed of the eight metabolism-related genes could be used as an independent risk factor for the prognosis of MM patients, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that the molecular signatures of metabolism-related genes had the best predictive effect.@*CONCLUSION@#Metabolism-related pathways play an important role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of patients with MM. The clinical significance of the risk assessment model for patients with MM constructed based on eight metabolism-related core genes needs to be confirmed by further clinical studies.
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Humans , Cell Cycle , Multiple Myeloma/genetics , Prognosis , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
The "Lübeck disaster", twins studies, adoptees studies, and other epidemiological observational studies have shown that host genetic factors play a significant role in determining the host susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and pathogenesis of tuberculosis. From linkage analyses to genome-wide association studies, it has been discovered that human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genes as well as non-HLA genes (such as SLC11A1, VDR, ASAP1 as well as genes encoding cytokines and pattern recognition receptors) are associated with tuberculosis susceptibility. To provide ideas for subsequent studies about risk prediction of MTB infection and the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, we review the research progress on tuberculosis susceptibility related genes in recent years, focusing on the correlation of HLA genes and non-HLA genes with the pathogenesis of tuberculosis. We also report the results of an enrichment analysis of the genes mentioned in the article. Most of these genes appear to be involved in the regulation of immune system and inflammation， and are also closely related to autoimmune diseases.
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Humans , Genome-Wide Association Study , Tuberculosis/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation , Cytokines/genetics , Autoimmune Diseases , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics , Genetic Predisposition to DiseaseABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES@#The common differentially expressed mRNAs in brain, heart and liver tissues of deceased sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and infectious sudden death in infancy (ISDI) confirmed by autopsy was screened by bioinformatics to explore the common molecular markers and pathogenesis of SIDS and ISDI.@*METHODS@#The datasets of GSE70422 and GSE136992 were downloaded, the limma of R software was used to screen differentially expressed mRNA in different tissue samples of SIDS and ISDI decedents for overlapping analysis. The clusterProfiler of R software was used to conduct gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING database, while the hub gene was screened by cytoHubba plug-in.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, there were 19 significant differentially expressed genes in the tissue samples of SIDS and ISDI decedents, among which 16 in the heart tissue and 3 in the liver tissue, and the astrotactin 1 (ASTN1) gene expression difference in the heart tissue was most significant. The PPI network identified Ras homolog family member A (RHOA), integrin subunit alpha 1 (ITGA1), and H2B clustered histone 5 (H2BC5) were hub genes. The analysis of GO and KEGG showed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in the molecular pathways of actin cytoskeleton regulation, focal adhesion and response to mycophenolic acid.@*CONCLUSIONS@#ASTN1, RHOA and ITGA1 may participate in the development of SIDS and ISDI. The enrichment of differentially expressed genes in immune and inflammatory pathways suggests a common molecular regulatory mechanism between SIDS and ISDI. These findings are expected to provide new biomarkers for molecular anatomy and forensic identification of SIDS and ISDI.
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Humans , Infant , Gene Expression Profiling , Sudden Infant Death/genetics , Gene Regulatory Networks , Protein Interaction Maps/genetics , Computational BiologyABSTRACT
This study aims to identify the novel biomarkers of cold-dampness syndrome(RA-Cold) of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) by gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA), weighted gene correlation network analysis(WGCNA), and clinical validation. Firstly, transcriptome sequencing was carried out for the whole blood samples from RA-Cold patients, RA patients with other traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndromes, and healthy volunteers. The differentially expressed gene(DEG) sets of RA-Cold were screened by comparison with the RA patients with other TCM syndromes and healthy volunteers. Then, GSEA and WGCNA were carried out to screen the key DEGs as candidate biomarkers for RA-Cold. Experimentally, the expression levels of the candidate biomarkers were determined by RT-qPCR for an independent clinical cohort(not less than 10 cases/group), and the clinical efficacy of the candidates was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve. The results showed that 3 601 DEGs associated with RA-Cold were obtained, including 106 up-regulated genes and 3 495 down-regulated genes. The DEGs of RA-Cold were mainly enriched in the pathways associated with inflammation-immunity regulation, hormone regulation, substance and energy metabolism, cell function regulation, and synovial pannus formation. GSEA and WGCNA showed that recombinant proteasome 26S subunit, ATPase 2(PSMC2), which ranked in the top 50% in terms of coefficient of variation, representativeness of pathway, and biological modules, was a candidate biomarker of RA-Cold. Furthermore, the validation results based on the clinical independent sample set showed that the F1 value, specificity, accuracy, and precision of PSMC2 for RA-Cold were 70.3%, 61.9%, 64.5%, and 81.3%, respectively, and the area under the curve(AUC) value was 0.96. In summary, this study employed the "GSEA-WGCNA-validation" integrated strategy to identify novel biomarkers of RA-Cold, which helped to improve the TCM clinical diagnosis and treatment of core syndromes in RA and provided an experimental basis for TCM syndrome differentiation.
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Humans , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy , Biomarkers/metabolism , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Gene Expression Profiling/methods , Computational Biology , Gene Regulatory Networks , ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities/therapeutic use , Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the mechanisms of work-family conflict (WFC) and work-family enrichment (WFE) between job demands and subjective well-being (SWB) among nurses. Methods: A total of 1 420 nurses were selected as the study subjects from five tertiary public hospitals in Shandong Province using two-stage sampling method. Job Demands-Resources Scale, Work-Family Relationship Scale and General Well-Being Scale were used for investigating the job demands, job resources, WFC, WFE, and SWB. Results: The average score of SWB in nurses was (75.5±15.1). Job demands had a negative effect on SWB in nurses (standardized regression coefficient=-0.17, P<0.01). WFC and WFE played parallel mediating roles in the relationship between job demands and SWB, with the mediating effect values of -0.29 and -0.07, respectively (both P<0.01). The interaction of job resources and job demands positively affected WFC (standardized regression coefficient<0.01, P<0.01). Conclusion: Job demands affect SWB through the mediating roles of WFC and WFE, and the impact of job demands on WFC is moderated by job resources. The effect of job demands on WFC is relatively strong in nurses with high levels of job resources, but the difference in the effect of high and low levels of job resources is small.
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Objective:To analyze the expression of cell division cycle associated protein 5 (CDCA5) in pancreatic cancer tissues and its correlation with prognosis based on the bioinformatics.Methods:The RNA sequencing data (HTSeq-FPKM) and corresponding clinical information of 168 pancreatic cancer samples from January to December 2021 were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and the data of 179 pancreatic patients from January to December 2021 were downloaded from the GEPIA2 database, and 171 normal pancreatic tissues from TCGA and GTEx databases were simultaneously integrated. The relative expression level of CDCA5 mRNA in pancreatic cancer patients in GEPIA2 database and its relationship with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were explored. Combined with the clinical data of the patients, univariate and multivariate Cox regression model analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing the OS of pancreatic cancer patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to investigate the possibly involved signal pathways of CDCA5 in pancreatic cancer.Results:In the GEPIA2 database, the relative expression level of CDCA5 mRNA in pancreatic cancer tissues was higher than that in normal pancreatic tissues, and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The pancreatic cancer patients were divided into the high CDCA5 mRNA expression group (89 cases) and the low CDCA5 mRNA expression group (89 cases) according to the median of relative expression level of CDCA5 mRNA (the case equal to the median value was not subgrouped). Survival analysis showed that patients with high CDCA5 mRNA expression had shorter OS ( P = 0.024) and DFS ( P = 0.025) compared with those with low CDCA5 mRNA expression. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that in TCGA database, N staging ( HR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.24-3.72, P = 0.006) and CDCA5 expression ( HR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.23-2.38, P = 0.001) were independent influencing factors of OS for pancreatic cancer patients. The results of GSEA enrichment analysis indicated that high CDCA5 mRNA expression was enriched in 13 biological pathways [all P < 0.05, false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.005] including cell cycle, DNA replication, homologous recombination, pyrimidine metabolism, mismatch repair, pentose phosphate pathway, glycolysis gluconeogenesis and p53. The expression of CDCA5 mRNA was positively correlated with the expressions of HK2, PKM, PGK1, ALDOA, EN01 and LDHA (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:CDCA5 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and is associated with poor prognosis of patients, and it can be used as a prognostic marker for pancreatic cancer.
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Objective:To evaluate the expression level of hsa-miR-422a in hypertrophic scars and to identify the target genes of hsa-miR-422a along with their biological functions using bioinformatics approaches.Methods:From June 2020 to December 2020, tissue samples of 3 hypertrophic scar and 3 normal skin were collected from patients (3 males, 3 females, aged 20-42 years) in Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People′s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine. Primary fibroblasts were isolated and cultured. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to quantify the expression of hsa-miR-422a. To construct a ceRNA network, starbase and Target Scandata bases were utilized to predict genes as well as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that may sponge hsa-miR-422a. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were conducted on the target genes of hsa-miR-422a; protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to identify the hub genes whose functions were predicted by functional enrichment analyses. The expression of hub genes was validated through real-time quantitative PCR in hypertrophic scars.Results:The expression of hsa-miR-422a was significantly lower in the hypertrophic scar tissue samples and fibroblasts compared to that in the normal skin ( P<0.05). 133 target genes as well as 1033 lncRNAs were predicted by starBase and TargetScandata bases and used to construct an hsa-miR-422a-centered ceRNA network. PPI networks of the target genes revealed 10 hub genes, including MAPK1, GRB2, and IGF1R, which were discovered to be related to protein serine/threonine/tyrosine kinase activity, ubiquitin protein ligase binding, fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling pathway, muscle cell proliferation, and many others; besides, they may be involved in FoxO, mTOR, Toll-like receptor, Ras, MAPK, PI3K-Akt signaling pathways and signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells. Three hub genes (MAPK1, GRB2, and IGF1R) were significantly upregulated in hypertrophic scars ( P<0.05). Conclusions:hsa-miR-422a is significantly downregulated in the hypertrophic scars and may target hub genes such as MAPK1 in ceRNA networks, ultimately modulating hypertrophic scar formation.
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Objective:To document any effect of environmental enrichment on nerve regeneration in a mouse model of sciatic nerve compression and explore its mechanism.Methods:A crushed sciatic nerve model was successfully established in 22 C57BL/6 mice, and they were then randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. The mice of the intervention group were raised in a cage with an enriched environment, while those of the control group were kept in a standard cage. Two weeks later, both groups′ gait was analyzed and the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the sciatic nerve was measured. The proportion of myelinated sciatic nerve fibers was examined using toluidine blue staining, and the expression of myelin basic protein (MBP), growth associated protein-43 (GAP43) and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75 NTR) was measured using immunofluorescence intensity. Results:①The latency of the CMAP [(1.05±0.04)ms] was significantly shortened in the intervention group compared with the control group and the amplitude was significantly higher. ②Gait analysis showed a significant increase in the average contact intensity, stride length and stride rate of the intervention group compared with the control group. However, the step axis angle of the intervention group was significantly smaller than in the control group on average. ③The stained nerve fibers in the intervention group were orderly and dense, and the average number of myelinated fibers was significantly greater than in the control group. ④Quantitative analysis of the immunofluorescence showed that the levels of MBP, GAP43 and p75 NTR in the sciatic nerves of the intervention group were, on average, significantly higher than in the control group. Conclusion:An enriched environmental can promote the regeneration and functional recovery of crushed sciatic nerves by promoting the proliferation and myelination of Schwann cells.
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Objective:To explore the effects of goals-activity-motor enrichment(GAME) therapy on the function of gross and fine motion in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy.Methods:Prospective study.A total of 116 children at high risk of cerebral palsy who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted to the Rehabilitation Department of Qingdao Women and Children′s Hospital from November 2017 to November 2019 were selected in a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial, and randomly divided into control group (58 cases) and observation group (58 cases) according to the random number table method.The two groups were then divided into mild group, moderate group and severe group according to the gross motor quotient(GMQ) of Peabody Motor Development Scale-2 (PDMS-2). During treatment, 4 cases of shedding occurred in the control group and 8 cases in the observation group, respectively.Finally, 54 cases were included in the control group and 50 cases in the observation group.The control group was given regular early intervention rehabilitation, whereas the observation group was given GAME treatment.The Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), the GMQ of PDMS-2 and the fine motor quotient (FMQ) of PDMS-2 were used to assess the motor function of children before intervention and after 12 weeks of treatment.The Chi- square test or Fisher′ s exact test was used to compare gender-specific data, while the t-test was used to compare age-specific data and rehabilitation evaluation indices. Results:The GMFM-88 scores, GMQ, and FMQ of children in both groups improved significantly after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant [control group GMFM-88: (63.52±10.06) scores vs.(47.02±8.19) scores, t=-19.770, GMQ: 83.02±15.52 vs.73.56±14.72, t=-18.180, FMQ: 81.19±14.88 vs.71.22±13.92, t=-18.413, all P<0.05; observation group GMFM-88: (68.06±10.82) scores vs.(46.16±8.73) scores, t=-32.856, GMQ: 89.98±18.10 vs.72.94±13.84, t=-17.089, FMQ: 88.34±18.08 vs.72.26±13.74, t=-15.370, all P<0.05], and the GMFM-88, GMQ, and FMQ scores of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group after treatment, with statistically significant differences(GMFM-88: t=-2.176, GMQ: t=-2.111, FMQ: t=-2.210, all P<0.05). In the observation group, the added value score and quotient of mild group and moderate group were significantly increased compared with that of severe group, and the differences were statistically significant [GMFM-88 added value: the mild group (24.11±3.36) scores and moderate group (22.91±3.46) scores were compared with the severe group (15.70±4.08) scores, t=5.881, 5.164, all P<0.05, GMQ added value: the mild group (19.61±6.83) and moderate group (18.27±6.61) were compared with the severe group (9.80±4.29), t=4.098, 3.915, all P<0.05, the added value of FMQ: mild group (18.72±7.11) and moderate group (17.36±6.10) were compared with severe group (8.50±5.82), t=3.873, 3.863, all P<0.05]. Conclusions:GAME treatment is more effective than early rehabilitation training at improving gross and fine motor function in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy.Its benefits on mild and moderate infants at high risk of cerebral palsy are superior.
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Aim To explore a potential new target for the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy ( DCM) in mice. Methods The myocardial proteomics of normal and diabetic mice was studied. The GEO database GSE161931 dataset was analyzed using R language with P < 0.05 and I log
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【Objective】 To explore the role of environmental enrichment (EE) in paternal stress-induced anxiety and depression-like behaviors in offspring and its potential mechanisms. 【Methods】 Male C57BL/6 mice (F0) were treated with unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) and subsequently mated with normal females to obtain F1 offspring mice. The standard environment (SE) and enriched environment (EE) were administered to F1-UCMS offspring mice during their early life (3-5 weeks of age). Anxiety-like behaviors were detected by open field test (OFT) and elevated plus-maze test (EPM); depression-like behaviors were detected via forced swimming test (FST) and sucrose preference test (SPT) at the age of 8 weeks. The expressions of LIM and SH3 domain protein 1 (LASP1) in the hippocampus of adult F1 offspring mice were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. 【Results】 Compared to F1 offspring of normal paternal (F1-Nor), F1 offspring mice of the stressed paternal (F1-UCMS) showed significantly anxiety-like behavior with reduced percentage of time spent in the central region of OFT and in the open arm of EPM (P<0.05); mice from the F1-UCMS group showed a significantly increased percentage of immobility in FST and a reduced percentage of sugar consumption in SPT (P<0.01), which demonstrated significant depression-like behaviors. Compared to the SE group, mice in the EE group had an increased percentage of time spent in the central region of the OFT [males: (7.44±0.75)% vs. (14.93±1.74)%, P<0.01; females: (8.89±1.06)% vs. (15.10±1.82)%, P<0.05] and an increased percentage of time in the open arm of EPM [males: (8.09±1.05)% vs. (14.15±1.88)%, P<0.05; females: (9.13±1.14)% vs. (14.04±1.37)%, P<0.05]. This indicated that EE ameliorated anxiety-like behavior in F1-UCMS mice with paternal stress. Compared to the SE group, mice in the EE group had an decreased percentage of immobility in FST [males: (58.63±4.51)% vs. (42.15±3.81)%, P<0.05; females: (57.96±4.19)% vs. (43.25±4.22)%, P<0.05] and an increased percentage of sugar consumption in SPT [males: (50.38±3.47)% vs. (70.39±3.12)%, P<0.01; females: (52.42±2.84)% vs. (69.99±3.55)%, P<0.01]. This indicated that EE ameliorated depression-like behavior in F1-UCMS mice with paternal stress. Hippocampal LASP1 expression was reduced in SE group compared to F1-Nor group (males: P<0.01; females: P<0.05), while LASP1 was increased in EE group compared to SE group (P<0.05) detected by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. 【Conclusion】 EE ameliorates paternal stress-induced anxiety and depression-like behaviors in F1-UCMS mice, and the mechanism may be associated with increased hippocampal LASP1 expression in F1-UCMS mice.
ABSTRACT
Environmental enrichment techniques include olfactory stimuli for improving animal welfare. This study aimed to analyze the reactions of 41 shelter dogs exposed to odorous stimuli, such as the method used in another study on wild canids. The focal animal method analyzed the dogs' reactions, with all behaviors recorded. Behavioral responses were classified as positive (P+), negative (N-), or other (Ot). Independent variables were all dogs and the size of the packs. The behavior between the basal (without stimulus), exposure, and after-stimulus withdrawal was analyzed. For all dogs, olfactory stimuli significantly increased P+ (P=0.001) and N- (P=0.004), contrasting with the decrement of Ot behaviors (P=0.001) from the basal to the exposure phase. After the withdrawal of the stimuli, P+, N-, and Ot behaviors returned to basal levels (P>0.05). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the conduct of small or large packs exposed to stimuli. Dogs are sensitive to olfactory stimuli, but arousal is generalized to P+ and N-. It is undesirable to an N- increase for improvement of animal welfare. Contrary to what was observed in a study with wild canids, the method failed in shelter dogs because N- was increased. The introduction of sudden novelty (olfactory stimulus) in an impoverished shelter environment may have caused excitement in the dogs. It is suggested that changes in the method, such as stimuli exposition to each dog in an isolated room, are necessary to increase sheltered dog well-being.(AU)
As técnicas de enriquecimento ambiental incluem estímulos olfativos para aumentar o bem-estar animal. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as reações de 41 cães de abrigo expostos a estímulos odoríferos, como o método utilizado em outro estudo com canídeos selvagens. As reações dos cães foram analisadas pelo método animal focal, com todos os comportamentos registrados. As respostas comportamentais foram classificadas como positivas (P+), negativas (N-) ou outras (Ot). As variáveis independentes foram todos os cães e o tamanho das matilhas. Foi analisado o comportamento entre o basal (sem estímulo), exposição e após a retirada do estímulo. Para todos os cães, os estímulos olfativos aumentaram significativamente P+ (P=0,001) e N- (P=0,004), contrastando com a diminuição dos comportamentos Ot (P=0,001) da fase basal para a de exposição. Após a retirada dos estímulos, os comportamentos P+, N- e Ot retornaram aos níveis basais (P>0,05). Não houve diferenças significativas (P>0,05) no comportamento de matilhas pequenas ou grandes expostas a estímulos. Os cães são sensíveis a estímulos olfativos, mas a excitação parece ser generalizada para ambos, P+ e N-. É indesejável um aumento de N- para melhoria do bem-estar animal. Ao contrário do que foi observado em um estudo com canídeos selvagens, o método falhou em abrigar cães porque o N- foi aumentado. A introdução de uma novidade repentina (estímulo olfativo) em um ambiente de abrigo empobrecido, pode ter causado excitação exagerada nos cães. Sugere-se alterações no método, como a exposição de estímulos a cada cão em uma sala isolada necessária para aumentar o bem-estar do cão abrigado.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Receptors, Odorant/analysis , Dogs/anatomy & histology , Olfactory Perception/physiology , Housing, AnimalABSTRACT
RESUMEN Introducción: En este estudio, se examinó la idoneidad de seleccionar atletas élite desde una edad temprana. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio consistió en verificar si el comportamiento identificado en investigaciones antecedentes también ocurre entre los mejores atletas mundiales de todos los tiempos que compiten en la carrera de 100 metros. Materiales y métodos: Para ello, y con base en un análisis de las clasificaciones oficiales de todos los tiempos masculinos y femeninos de la Asociación Internacional de Federaciones de atletismo en la referida prueba, se utilizó muestras en categoría absoluta (Top-1,000 hasta el 31/12/2018) y categoría sub-20 (Top-100 hasta el 31/12/2003); se aplicaron leyes de potencia y otras estrategias típicas de los sistemas complejos para analizar los datos. Resultados: los resultados muestran cómo, con demasiada frecuencia, los mejores corredores masculinos y femeninos del mundo en la categoría sub-20 no evolucionan positivamente durante el resto de su carrera deportiva mejorando sus registros en las categorías superiores. Solo 51 hombres de los 100 mejores corredores sub-20 de todos los tiempos, lograron mejorar sus registros una vez que alcanzaron la categoría sénior, y las mejoras no presentaron siempre progresiones estadísticamente significativas. En consecuencia, una inversión excesiva en recursos humanos y materiales para identificar individuos con altas capacidades atléticas, no es siempre la mejor estrategia. Conclusiones: el deporte de nivel a edades tempranas puede ser un error metodológico que debe evitarse a la hora de construir las reservas deportivas de un país o federación deportiva.
RESUMO Introdução: Neste estudo, examinou-se a adequação da seleção de atletas de elite desde tenra idade. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se o comportamento identificado em pesquisas anteriores também ocorre entre os melhores atletas do mundo de todos os tempos que competem na prova de 100 metros. Materiais e métodos: Para isso, e com base na análise das classificações oficiais de todos os tempos para homens e mulheres da Associação Internacional de Federações de Atletismo na prova supracitada, foram utilizadas amostras em categoria absoluta (Top-1.000 até 31/12 /2018) e sub-20 (Top-100 até 31/12/2003); Leis de potência e outras estratégias típicas de sistemas complexos foram aplicadas para analisar os dados. Resultados: Os resultados mostram como, muitas vezes, os melhores corredores masculinos e femininos do mundo na categoria sub-20 não evoluem positivamente durante o resto de sua carreira esportiva, melhorando seus registros nas categorias superiores. Apenas 51 homens dos 100 melhores corredores sub-20 de todos os tempos conseguiram melhorar seus tempos quando chegaram à categoria sênior, e as melhorias nem sempre mostraram progressões estatisticamente significativas. Consequentemente, um investimento excessivo em recursos humanos e materiais para identificar indivíduos com altas habilidades atléticas nem sempre é a melhor estratégia. Conclusões: o esporte de nível em idade precoce pode ser um erro metodológico que deve ser evitado na construção das reservas esportivas de um país ou federação esportiva.
ABSTRACT Introduction: In this study, the suitability of selecting elite athletes from an early age was examined. Objective: The objective of this study was to verify if the behavior identified in previous research also occurs among the world's best athletes of all time who compete in the 100-meter race. Materials and methods: For this, and based on an analysis of the official classifications of all times for men and women of the International Association of Athletics Federations in the referred test, samples were used in absolute category (Top-1,000 up to the 12/31/2018) and sub -20 category (Top - 100 until 12/31/2003); power laws and other strategies typical of complex systems will be applied to analyze the data. Results: The results show how, all too often, the best male and female runners in the world in the under-20 category do not evolve positively during the rest of their sports career. improving their records in the higher categories. Only 51 men out of the top 100 U-20 runners of all time managed to improve their times once they reached the senior category, and the improvements did not always show statistically significant progressions. Consequently, an excessive investment in human and material resources to identify individuals with high athletic abilities is not always the best strategy. Conclusions: level sport at an early age can be a methodological error that should be avoided when building the sports reserves of a country or sports federation.