Revisión narrativa del modelo de desarrollo positivo para adultos emergentes chilenos / A narrative review of the positive development model for Chilean emerging adults / Revisão narrativa do modelo de desenvolvimento positivo para adultos emergentes chilenos

Introducción: El desarrollo positivo es un estadio de ajuste psicosocial que acentúa las potencialidades y los recursos entre jóvenes y sus contextos próximos. En Australia, se desarrolló el primer modelo de desarrollo positivo para adultos emergentes, el cual consta de cinco componentes (competencia social, satisfacción con la vida, confianza y tolerancia con los otros, confianza hacia autoridades e instituciones, acción y compromiso cívico), pero no ha sido investigado en Chile. Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia disponible en la literatura científica sobre los cinco componentes del modelo de desarrollo positivo en adultos emergentes universitarios de Chile. Materiales y métodos: Revisión narrativa de la literatura publicada entre 2013 y 2023, en bases de datos Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, Redalyc y Dialnet. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 83 artículos, de los cuales 53 cumplieron los requisitos de inclusión; en su mayor parte fueron estudios cuantitativos (81,13%) y en español (75,47%). Se evidenció una disparidad en la cantidad de estudios por temática; se encuentra mayor investigación en satisfacción con la vida y acción y compromiso cívico. Conclusiones: Existen brechas en la literatura científica chilena en el estudio del desarrollo positivo; además de que se discuten particularidades idiosincrásicas y desafíos asociados a la etapa de adultez emergente.

Introduction: Positive development is a stage of psychosocial adjustment that accentuates the potentials and resources of young people and their close contexts. The first positive development model for emerging adulthood was developed in Australia, which includes five components: social; life satisfaction; trust and tolerance of others; trust in the authorities and institutions; and action and civic engagement. However, this model has not been investigated in Chile. Objective: To analyze the evidence available in the scientific literature on the five components of the positive development model in emerging adults universities. Materials and methods: A narrative review of the literature published between 2013 and 2023 in the Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, Redalyc, and Dialnet databases was conducted. Results: 83 articles were selected, of which 53 met the inclusion criteria; most of them were qualitative studies (81.13%) and in Spanish (75.47%). There is an evident disparity in terms of the number of studies and topics, e.g., there is more research on life satisfaction and civic action and commitment. Conclusions: There are gaps in the Chilean scientific literature in the study of positive development. In addition, idiosyncratic particularities and challenges associated with the stages of emerging adulthood are discussed.

Introdução: O desenvolvimento positivo é uma fase de ajustamento psicossocial que acentua o potencial e os recursos dos jovens e dos seus contextos imediatos. Na Austrália, foi desenvolvido o primeiro modelo de desenvolvimento positivo para adultos emergentes, que consiste em cinco componentes (social, satisfação com a vida, confiança e tolerância com os outros, confiança nas autoridades e instituições, ação e envolvimento cívico), mas ainda não foi investigado no Chile. Objetivo: Analisar as evidências disponíveis na literatura científica sobre os cinco componentes do modelo de desenvolvimento positivo em adultos universitários emergentes no Chile. Materiais e métodos: Revisão narrativa da literatura publicada entre 2013 e 2023, nas bases de dados Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, Redalyc e Dialnet. Resultados: foram obtidos 83 artigos, dos quais 53 atenderam aos requisitos de inclusão; A maioria deles eram estudos quantitativos (81,13%) e em espanhol (75,47%). Ficou evidente uma disparidade no número de estudos por tema; Há mais pesquisas sobre satisfação com a vida e ação e compromisso cívico. Conclusões: Existem lacunas na literatura científica chilena no estudo do desenvolvimento positivo; Além disso, são discutidas particularidades e desafios idiossincráticos associados à fase da idade adulta emergente.

Understanding how cells and organisms keep time during development.

A classical question in biology is how different processes are controlled in space and time, with research pointing to different mechanisms as timers. In this collection of Voices, we asked researchers to define their scientific questions related to time-keeping and the approaches they use to answer them.

Actividad física, maduración biológica y salud ósea en función de la condición socioeconómica en escolares colombianos / Physical Activity, Biological Maturation and Bone Health as a Function of the Socio-Economic Status in Colombian Schools / Atividade física, maturação biológica e saúde óssea como função do status socioeconômico em escolas colombianas

Resumen Introducción: diversos estudios describen los diferentes beneficios de la práctica de actividad física en niños y adolescentes; su déficit en estos grupos etarios, provoca un aumento concomitante de alteraciones cardiovasculares y metabólicas. Objetivo: analizar los patrones de actividad física, la maduración biológica y el contenido mineral óseo en escolares colombianos entre 8 y 16 años de edad en función del estrato socioeconómico al que pertenecen. Materiales y métodos: estudio de enfoque cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal con alcance correlacional el cual incluyó una muestra representativa para escolares colombianos entre 8-16 años de edad a los cuales se les valoró el nivel de actividad física a través del PAQ-C, igualmente, se evaluaron diferentes medidas antropométricas y de manera indirecta se determinó la velocidad pico de crecimiento (VPC) y la densidad mineral ósea (DMO). Resultados: se evaluaron un total de 2147 escolares de los cuales el 56,7 % pertenecían a instituciones educativas del sistema público, se encontraron asociaciones estadísticamente significativas entre el sexo y el estrato socioeconómico con el nivel de actividad física (p<0,005) y las demás variables de estudio. Conclusión: se puede concluir que la actividad física, la maduración biológica y la salud ósea guardan estrecha relación con la condición socioeconómica en escolares colombianos lo que permite establecer diagnósticos tempranos y toma de decisiones frente a programas y estrategias educativas y de salud pública.

Abstract Introduction: Several studies describe the different benefits of physical activity in children and adolescents. Indeed, when a deficit of physical activity is evident in these age groups, there is a concomitant increase in metabolic and metabolic disorders. Objective: to analyze the patterns of physical activity, biological maturation and bone mineral content in Colombian schoolchildren between 8 and 16 years of age according to the socioeconomic status to which they belong. Materials and methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a correlational scope, which included a representative sample of Colombian schoolchildren between 8 and 16 years of age, who were assessed for their level of physical activity through the PAQ-C, also, different anthropometric measurements are evaluated and indirectly the peak growth velocity (PSV) and bone mineral density (BMD) are prolonged. Results: a total of 2147 schoolchildren were evaluated, of which 56.7% belonged to educational institutions of the public system, statistically significant associations were found between sex and socioeconomic status with the level of physical activity and the other study variables. Conclusion: It can be concluded that physical activity, biological maturation and bone health are closely related to socioeconomic status in Colombian schoolchildren, which allows early diagnoses and decision-making regarding educational and public health programs and strategies.

Resumo Introdução: Vários estudos descrevem os diferentes benefícios da prática de atividade física em crianças e adolescentes. De fato, quando um déficit de atividade física é evidenciado nessas faixas etárias, ocorre um aumento concomitante de distúrbios cardiovasculares e metabólicos. Objetivo: analisar os padrões de atividade física, maturação biológica e conteúdo mineral ósseo em escolares colombianos entre 8 e 16 anos de idade de acordo com o status socioeconômico ao qual pertencem. Materiais e métodos: Um estudo quantitativo, descritivo, transversal com escopo correlacional, que incluiu uma amostra representativa de escolares colombianos entre 8 e 16 anos de idade, que foram avaliados quanto ao seu nível de atividade física por meio do PAQ-C, além disso, diferentes medidas antropométricas são avaliadas e, indiretamente, a velocidade máxima de crescimento (PSV) e a densidade mineral óssea (DMO) são prolongadas. Resultados: Um total de 2147 escolares foram avaliados, dos quais 56,7% pertenciam a instituições educacionais do sistema público, foram encontradas associações estatisticamente significativas entre sexo e status socioeconômico com o nível de atividade física e as outras variáveis do estudo. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que a atividade física, a maturação biológica e a saúde óssea estão intimamente relacionadas ao status socioeconômico em escolares colombianos, o que permite diagnósticos precoces e tomada de decisões em relação a programas e estratégias educacionais e de saúde pública.

Mechanism of benzoxazinoids affecting the growth and development of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae.

Continuous cropping of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) has led to a high incidence of wilt disease. The implementation of an intercropping system involving wheat and faba bean can effectively control the propagation of faba bean wilt disease. To investigate the mechanisms of wheat in mitigating faba bean wilt disease in a wheat-faba bean intercropping system. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to assess the temporal variations in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae (FOF) on the chemotaxis of benzoxazinoids (BXs) and wheat root through indoor culture tests. The effects of BXs on FOF mycelial growth, spore germination, spore production, and electrical conductivity were examined. The influence of BXs on the ultrastructure of FOF was investigated through transmission electron microscopy. Eukaryotic mRNA sequencing was utilized to analyze the differentially expressed genes in FOF upon treatment with BXs. FOF exhibited a significant positive chemotactic effect on BXs in wheat roots and root secretions. BXs possessed the potential to exert significant allelopathic effects on the mycelial growth, spore germination, and sporulation of FOF. In addition, BXs demonstrated a remarkable ability to disrupt the structural integrity and stability of the membrane and cell wall of the FOF mycelia. BXs possessed the capability of posing threats to the integrity and stability of the cell membrane and cell wall. This ultimately resulted in physiological dysfunction, effectively inhibiting the regular growth and developmental processes of the FOF.

Prolonged use of a soft diet during early growth and development alters feeding behavior and chewing kinematics in a young animal model.

In infants and children with feeding and swallowing issues, modifying solid foods to form a liquid or puree is used to ensure adequate growth and nutrition. However, the behavioral and neurophysiological effects of prolonged use of this intervention during critical periods of postnatal oral skill development have not been systematically examined, although substantial anecdotal evidence suggests that it negatively impacts downstream feeding motor and coordination skills, possibly due to immature sensorimotor development. Using an established animal model for infant and juvenile feeding physiology, we leverage X-ray reconstruction of moving morphology to compare feeding behavior and kinematics between 12-week-old pigs reared on solid chow (control) and an age- and sex-matched cohort raised on the same chow softened to a liquid. When feeding on two novel foods, almond and apple, maintenance on a soft diet decreases gape cycle duration, resulting in a higher chewing frequency. When feeding on almonds, pigs in this group spent less time ingesting foods compared to controls, and chewing cycles were characterized by less jaw rotation about a dorsoventral axis (yaw) necessary for food reduction. There was also a reduced tendency to alternate chewing side with every chew during almond chewing, a behavioral pattern typical of pigs. These more pronounced impacts on behavior and kinematics during feeding on almonds, a tougher and stiffer food than apples, suggest that food properties mediate the behavioral and physiological impacts of early texture modification and that the ability to adapt to different food properties may be underdeveloped. In contrast, the limited effects of food texture modification on apple chewing indicate that such intervention/treatment does not alter feeding behavior of less challenging foods. Observed differences cannot be attributed to morphology because texture modification over the treatment period had limited impact on craniodental growth. Short-term impacts of soft-texture modification during postweaning development on feeding dynamics should be considered as potential negative outcomes of this treatment strategy.

Ontogenetic and interelemental study of appendicular bones of Caiman latirostris Daudin, 1802 sheds light on osteohistological variability in crocodylians.

The osteohistology of vertebrates provides a reliable source to deduce biological information, particularly regarding growth and development. Although osteohistological studies in Neosuchia (Crocodyliformes, Mesoeucrocodylia) are relatively numerous, the number of species studied within the group is still small. Extant crocodilians are known to exhibit intraspecific variability linked to environmental conditions, habitat, feeding, and other intrapopulation factors. Here, we analyzed the osteohistology of the living South American Caiman latirostris throughout posthatching ontogeny. The histology of several appendicular bones of 13 different-sized captive and wild individuals were examined. Although some thin sections revealed the classic lamellar, parallel-fibered, or woven bone matrices, others showed a variation and a mix between the organization of the bone tissue. These histological differences are likely related to variability in the growth dynamics of caimans. In some bones of the juveniles studied, remnants of embryonic bone were observed. Osteohistological variation related to prevailing environmental conditions is documented. Furthermore, our results show ontogenetic variation in the type of bone tissues deposited throughout the development of C. latirostris. This study offers a broad framework for life history interpretations for C. latirostris and provides insight into the evolutionary history and ontogenetic growth of extinct crocodylian lineages.

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Intramuscular Fat Development and Growth in Cattle.

Intramuscular fat, also referred to as marbling fat, is the white fat deposited within skeletal muscle tissue. The content of intramuscular fat in the skeletal muscle, particularly the longissimus dorsi muscle, of cattle is a critical determinant of beef quality and value. In this review, we summarize the process of intramuscular fat development and growth, the factors that affect this process, and the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that mediate this process in cattle. Compared to other species, cattle have a remarkable ability to accumulate intramuscular fat, partly attributed to the abundance of sources of fatty acids for synthesizing triglycerides. Compared to other adipose depots such as subcutaneous fat, intramuscular fat develops later and grows more slowly. The commitment and differentiation of adipose precursor cells into adipocytes as well as the maturation of adipocytes are crucial steps in intramuscular fat development and growth in cattle. Each of these steps is controlled by various factors, underscoring the complexity of the regulatory network governing adipogenesis in the skeletal muscle. These factors include genetics, epigenetics, nutrition (including maternal nutrition), rumen microbiome, vitamins, hormones, weaning age, slaughter age, slaughter weight, and stress. Many of these factors seem to affect intramuscular fat deposition through the transcriptional or epigenetic regulation of genes directly involved in the development and growth of intramuscular fat. A better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which intramuscular fat develops and grows in cattle will help us develop more effective strategies to optimize intramuscular fat deposition in cattle, thereby maximizing the quality and value of beef meat.

DIA-Based Proteomic Analysis Reveals MYOZ2 as a Key Protein Affecting Muscle Growth and Development in Hybrid Sheep.

Hybridization of livestock can be used to improve varieties, and different hybrid combinations produce unique breeding effects. In this study, male Southdown and Suffolk sheep were selected to hybridize with female Hu sheep to explore the effects of male parentage on muscle growth and the development of offspring. Using data-independent acquisition technology, we identified 119, 187, and 26 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between Hu × Hu (HH) versus Southdown × Hu (NH), HH versus Suffolk × Hu (SH), and NH versus SH crosses. Two DAPs, MYOZ2 and MYOM3, were common to the three hybrid groups and were mainly enriched in muscle growth and development-related pathways. At the myoblast proliferation stage, MYOZ2 expression decreased cell viability and inhibited proliferation. At the myoblast differentiation stage, MYOZ2 expression promoted myoblast fusion and enhanced the level of cell fusion. These findings provide new insights into the key proteins and metabolic pathways involved in the effect of male parentage on muscle growth and the development of hybrid offspring in sheep.

Laser-induced changes in the gene expression, growth and development of Gladiolus grandiflorus cv. "White Prosperity".

Corms of Gladiolus grandiflorus cv. "White Prosperity" was irradiated via red laser at wavelength 635 nm. Various morphological, flowering, elemental and chemical characterizations were studied. Irradiation with different power (5, 20, and 50 mW) and various irradiation time (0.0, 0.5, 1, 3, 5 and 10 min) was studied. Several characters), totaletermined include vegetative growth parameter (spouting days, plant height (cm), leaves number, leaves fresh and dry weights (g/plant), diameter of plant middle part (mm) and leaf area (cm2), floral parameters (flowering days, vase life (day), fresh and dry weights of inflorescence (g/plant), number of flowers per inflorescence, inflorescence length(cm), flowers diameter(cm), number of corms per plant, corms fresh weight(g/plant), circumference/ corms), pigments [total chlorophylls in leaves (SPAD), anthocyanin content (mg/100 g F.W.) in petals], NPK (%) in new corms and chemical composition in corms; total carbohydrates (%),total phenol (µg CE/g (%),total flavonoid (µg CE/g) (%), antioxidant (DPPH IC50 (µg /ml (%), and proline content (µ moles/g). The results showed that the medium level (20 mW) of He-Ne laser at 5 min caused favorable changes in the leaf anatomical structures and other studied characters followed by the low level (5 mW) of He-Ne laser at 5min. 112 bands emerged from 22 SSR primers, ranging between 130 and 540 bp, with 32 bands having polymorphism ranging from 17-100%. Out of the 22 SSR primers, 3 primers exhibited a high polymorphism percentage, i.e., SSR6, SSR16 and SSR22 which exhibited 7 positive markers. These findings revealed the efficiency of SSR primers for differentiating gladiolus plants and revealed that some alleles were affected by laser in their corms and the expression resulted in color or abnormalities in leaves and/or flowers. Mutation in some alleles could result in abnormalities like mutation in the allele with 410 bp revealed by SSR16.

Important nutrient sources and carbohydrate metabolism patterns in the growth and development of spargana.

BACKGROUND: Sparganosis is a worldwide food-borne parasitic disease caused by spargana infection, which infects the muscle of frogs and snakes as well as many tissues and organs in humans. There are currently no viable treatments for sparganosis. Understanding spargana's nutrition source and carbohydrate metabolism may be crucial for identifying its energy supply and establishing methods of treatment for sparganosis. METHODS: Using an amino acid analyzer and nutrient concentration detection kits, we assessed nutrient concentrations in the muscles of Fejervarya limnocharis and Pelophylax plancyi infected or not infected with spargana. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to quantify the major enzymes involved in five glucose metabolism pathways of spargana developing in vivo. We also used quantitative PCR to assess key enzymes and transcriptome sequencing to explore the regulation of carbohydrate metabolic pathways in vitro in response to different 24-h food treatments. RESULTS: Infected muscle tissues had considerably higher concentrations of glucogenic and/or ketogenic amino acids, glucose, and glycogen than non-infected muscle tissues. We discovered that the number of differentially expressed genes in Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis was larger in low-glucose than in other dietary groups. We examined differences in the expression of genes producing amino acid transporters, glucose transporters, and cathepsins in spargana grown in various nutritional environments. In the normal saline group, only the major enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), glycogenesis, and glycogenolysis pathways were expressed. The L-glutamine group had the greatest transcriptional levels of critical rate-limiting enzymes of gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis. Furthermore, the low-glucose group had the highest transcriptional levels of critical rate-limiting enzymes involved in the TCA, glycolytic, and glycogenolysis pathways. Surprisingly, when compared to the in vitro culturing groups, spargana developing in vivo exhibited higher expression of these critical rate-limiting enzymes in these pathways, with the exception of the pentose phosphate pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Spargana have a variety of nutritional sources, and there is a close relationship between nutrients and the carbohydrate metabolism pathways. It takes a multi-site approach to block nutrient absorption and carbohydrate metabolism pathways to provide energy to kill them.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection and mitigation strategy during pregnancy on prenatal outcome, growth and development in early childhood in India: a UKRI GCRF Action Against Stunting Hub protocol paper.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has offset some of the gains achieved in global health, particularly in relation to maternal, child health and nutrition. As pregnancy is a period of plasticity where insults acting on maternal environment have far-reaching consequences, the pandemic has had a significant impact on prenatal outcomes, intrauterine and postnatal development of infants. This research will investigate both the direct and indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic during pregnancy on prenatal outcomes, growth and development in early childhood. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Community and hospital data in Hyderabad and Gujarat, India will be used to recruit women who were pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic and contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection. In comparison with women who were pregnant around the same time and did not contract the virus, the study will investigate the impact of the pandemic on access to healthcare, diet, nutrition, mental health and prenatal outcomes in 712 women (356 per study arm). Children born to the women will be followed prospectively for an 18-month period to investigate the impact of the pandemic on nutrition, health, growth and neurocognition in early childhood. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was granted from the institutional ethics committees of the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (SHSRC/2021/2185), Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (EC/NEW/INST/2021/1206), and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (72848). The findings of the study will be disseminated to policy and research communities through engagements, scientific conferences, seminars, and open-access, peer-reviewed publication.

Exposure to MEHP during Pregnancy and Lactation Impairs Offspring Growth and Development by Disrupting Thyroid Hormone Homeostasis.

Mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), as a highly toxic and biologically active phthalate metabolite, poses considerable risks to the environment and humans. Despite the existence of in vitro studies, there is a lack of in vivo experiments assessing its toxicity, particularly thyroid toxicity. Herein, we investigated the thyroid-disrupting effects of MEHP and the effects on growth and development of maternal exposure to MEHP during pregnancy and lactation on the offspring modeled by SD rats. We found that thyroid hormone (TH) homeostasis was disrupted in the offspring, showing a decrease in total TH levels, combined with an increase in free TH levels. Nonhomeostasis ultimately leads to weight loss in female offspring, longer anogenital distance in male offspring, prolonged eye-opening times, and fewer offspring. Our findings indicate that maternal exposure to MEHP during pregnancy and lactation indirectly influences the synthesis, transport, transformation, and metabolism of THs in the offspring. Meanwhile, MEHP disrupted the morphology and ultrastructure of the thyroid gland, leading to TH disruption. This hormonal disruption might ultimately affect the growth and development of the offspring. This study provides a novel perspective on the thyroid toxicity mechanisms of phthalate metabolites, emphasizing the health risks to newborns indirectly exposed to phthalates and their metabolites.

Novel Butenolide Derivatives as Dual-Chitinase Inhibitors to Arrest the Growth and Development of the Asian Corn Borer.

OfChtI and OfChi-h are considered potential targets for the control of Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis). In this work, the previously reported OfChtI inhibitor 5f was found to show certain inhibitory activity against OfChi-h (Ki = 5.81 µM). Two series of novel butenolide derivatives based on lead compound 5f were designed with the conjugate skeleton, contributing to the π-binding interaction to chitinase, and then synthesized. Compounds 4a-l and 7a-p displayed excellent inhibitory activities against OfChtI and OfChi-h, respectively, at a concentration of 10 µM. Compound 4h was found to be a good dual-Chitinase inhibitor, with Ki values of 1.82 and 2.00 µM against OfChtI and OfChi-h, respectively. The inhibitory mechanism studies by molecular docking suggested that π-π stacking interactions were crucial to the inhibitory activity of novel butenolide derivatives against two different chitinases. A preliminary bioassay indicated that 4h exhibited certain growth inhibition effects against O. furnacalis. Butenolide-like analogues should be further studied as promising novel dual-chitinase inhibitor candidates for the control of O. furnacalis.

Enhancing the Development and Growth of Infant Cerebral Palsy Rats Using Selective Spinal Manipulations.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a refractory pediatric disease with a high prevalence, high disability rate, and difficult treatment. A variety of treatments are currently used for CP. The treatment involves drug and non-drug therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine external therapy is a very distinctive treatment method in non-drug therapy. As one of the external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine, massage is used in treating cerebral palsy and has good efficacy, small side effects, and strong operability. As a part of TCM external therapy, selective spinal manipulation can effectively promote the growth and development of infant rats with cerebral palsy.The operation was mainly divided into four steps: first, the rubbing method was applied to the spine and both sides of the spine for 1 min. The pressing and kneading method was applied to the spine for 5 min, and the muscles on both sides of the spine for 5 min. Second, pressing and kneading the sensitive local acupoints in the spine for 2 min were performed. Thirdly, the affected limb was treated by twisting method for 1 min. Fourth, the rubbing method was applied to a midline from the forehead to the back of the brain for 1 min. This study aimed to use selective spinal manipulation to treat infant rats with cerebral palsy. The weight, Rotarod test, Foot-fault score, and growth hormone of infant rats with cerebral palsy were detected to understand the effect of selective spinal manipulation on the growth and development of infant rats with cerebral palsy. The results showed that it can promote weight gain, improve balance ability and motor function, promote growth and development of infant cerebral palsy rats, promote growth hormone secretion, and increase the temperature of sensitive parts of the back.

Innovative growth and development of a neurological surgery residency cadaveric spine-simulation training program: a single-institution experience.

OBJECTIVE: Cadaveric and dry 3D model-based simulation training is a valuable educational tool for neurosurgical residents. Such simulation training is an opportunity for residents to hone technical skills and decision-making and enhance their neuroanatomy knowledge. The authors describe the growth and development of the Oregon Health & Science University Department of Neurological Surgery resident-focused, hands-on, spine-simulation surgery courses and provide details of course evaluations, layout, and setup. METHODS: A four-part spine surgical simulation series, including two human cadaveric and two dry 3D model-based courses, was created to provide resident spine procedure training. Residents participated in the spine simulation series (2017-2021) and completed annual course curriculum and anonymous post-course evaluations. Evaluations included both Likert scale items and free-text responses. Responses to Likert scale items were analyzed in Python. Free-text responses were quantified using the Valence Aware Dictionary for Sentiment Reasoner. Descriptive statistics were calculated and plotted using Python's seaborn and matplotlib library modules. RESULTS: The analysis included 129 spine (occipitocervical, thoracolumbar, and spine model fusion I and II) simulation course evaluations. Likert responses demonstrated high average responses for evaluation questions (4.67 ± 0.90 and above). The average compound sentiment value was 0.58 ± 0.28. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time Likert responses and sentiment analysis have been used to demonstrate how neurosurgical residents positively value a hands-on spine simulation training. Simulation is an essential component of neurosurgical resident education training. The authors encourage other neurosurgical education programs to develop and leverage spine simulation as a teaching tool.

SlSERK3B Promotes Tomato Seedling Growth and Development by Regulating Photosynthetic Capacity.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a group of polyhydroxylated steroids for plant growth and development, regulating numerous physiological and biochemical processes and participating in multi-pathway signaling in plants. 24-Epibrassinolide (EBR) is the most commonly used BR for the investigation of the effects of exogenous steroidal phytohormones on plant physiology. Although SlSERK3B is considered a gene involved in the brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway, its specific role in plant growth and development has not been reported in detail. In this study, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings treated with 0.05 µmol L-1 EBR showed a significant increase in plant height, stem diameter, and fresh weight, demonstrating that BR promotes the growth of tomato seedlings. EBR treatment increased the expression of the BR receptor gene SlBRI1, the co-receptor gene SlSERK3A and its homologs SlSERK3B, and SlBZR1. The SlSERK3B gene was silenced by TRV-mediated virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technology. The results showed that both brassinolide (BL) content and BR synthesis genes were significantly up-regulated in TRV-SlSERK3B-infected seedlings compared to the control seedlings. In contrast, plant height, stem diameter, fresh weight, leaf area and total root length were significantly reduced in silenced plants. These results suggest that silencing SlSERK3B may affect BR synthesis and signaling, thereby affecting the growth of tomato seedlings. Furthermore, the photosynthetic capacity of TRV-SlSERK3B-infected tomato seedlings was reduced, accompanied by decreased photosynthetic pigment content chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthesis parameters. The expression levels of chlorophyll-degrading genes were significantly up-regulated, and carotenoid-synthesising genes were significantly down-regulated in TRV-SlSERK3B-infected seedlings. In conclusion, silencing of SlSERK3B inhibited BR signaling and reduced photosynthesis in tomato seedlings, and this correlation suggests that SlSERK3B may be related to BR signaling and photosynthesis enhancement.

Educational action to monitor children's growth and development based on the theory of meaningful learning.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the effect of an educational program on the knowledge of Primary Health Care nurses regarding the surveillance of growth and development during childcare appointments. METHOD: A before-after intervention study with 30 nurses. The nurses' knowledge and practice assessment were done using a tool that had been developed and validated. The educational activity was carried out, linking child growth and development indicators with public policies for early childhood and nurses' practices. David Ausubel's Significant Learning Theory was used as a teaching-learning strategy. The same instrument was reapplied after one month. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis and the proportion test, Wilcoxon test and Item Response Theory with the Rasch model were applied. RESULTS: The nurses checked more items right in the instrument after the intervention; there was an increase in the scores of correct answers and a decrease in the item response difficulty index in the knowledge and practice section, post-intervention. CONCLUSION: The educational activity had a positive effect, affecting changes in nurses' knowledge and practice, which enabled childcare consultations to become more qualified.

Development and growth of median structures in the human tongue: A histological study using human fetuses and adult cadavers.

Glossectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove all or part of the tongue in patients with cancer. The removal of a significant part of the tongue has a marked effect on speech and swallowing function, as patients may lose not only the tongue muscles but also the median lingual septum (MLS). Therefore, to achieve successful tongue regeneration, it is necessary to investigate the developmental processes of not only the tongue muscles but also the MLS. This study was conducted to clarify the mutual development of the tongue muscles and the MLS in human fetuses. Serial or semi-serial histological sections from 37 embryos and fetuses (aged 5-39 weeks) as well as nine adults were analyzed. The MLS appeared at Carnegie stage 15 (CS15), and until 12 weeks of gestation, abundant fibers of the intrinsic transverse muscle crossed the septum in the entire tongue. However, in near-term fetuses and adults, the contralaterally extending muscles were restricted to the deepest layer just above the genioglossus muscle. This finding indicates that the crossing transverse muscle showed the highest density at mid-term. A thorough understanding of both the MLS and the tongue muscles is necessary for successful tongue regeneration.

RNA interference against the putative insulin receptor substrate gene IRS1 affects growth and development in the pest natural enemy Pardosa pseudoannulata.

BACKGROUND: Insulin signalling pathways play crucial roles in regulating growth and development in insects, but their effects on the growth and development of Arachnids, such as spiders, have rarely been studied. As a valuable pest natural enemy in agricultural fields, the molecular mechanisms of insulin signalling pathway-mediated growth and development of the wolf spider, Pardosa pseudoannulata, are of particular interest. RESULTS: In this study, we identified and characterized six insulin signalling pathway genes - InR, InR2, IRS1, PI3K1, PI3K2, and PDK - in Pardosa pseudoannulata. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction results were used to analyse the relative expression levels of the six genes in different developmental instars and tissues, and in response to starvation treatment. In addition, the function of the insulin receptor substrate (IRS1) gene was investigated using RNA interference technology, which found that IRS1 significantly influenced nutrient content, developmental duration, body weight, and gonad development. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the roles of six key insulin signalling pathway genes in Pardosa pseudoannulata, and in particular the importance of the IRS1 gene in regulating growth and development in the spider. The results lay the foundation for further research on the internal regulation mechanisms of growth and development in Araneae species, and also provide a reference for the artificial breeding of spiders. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.