The Structural Relationships among Academic Pressure, Independent Learning Ability, and Academic Self-Efficacy.

Background: The coronavirus disease pandemic has caused significant disruption in the field of education, resulting in the need for more online classes and a blended offline and online teaching model. Therefore, understanding what makes this model effective is important. Accordingly, this study explored the structural relationships among academic pressure, independent learning ability, and academic self-efficacy in a blended teaching environment during the pandemic and independent learning ability's mediating effect on the relationship between academic pressure and academic self-efficacy. Methods: Adopting a random sampling method, this study surveyed 761 Chinese college, Shaanxi Province, China in 2022 and university students. Factor analysis, correlation analysis, structural equation modeling, and path analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: The results show that the academic pressure faced by Chinese English majors had a significant negative impact on academic self-efficacy (P<0.001). However, academic pressure had no statistical effect on students' independent learning ability (P=0.317). Moreover, independent learning ability had a significant positive effect on academic self-efficacy (P<0.001) and a mediating effect on the relationship between academic pressure and academic self-efficacy (P=0.032). Conclusion: Independent learning ability can directly and indirectly affect academic self-efficacy. Thus, in an online and offline blended teaching model, teachers should guide students regarding self-exploration, communication, and cooperation based on existing knowledge and experience. They should also enable students to improve their learning process and independent learning ability. Various language learning situations should be established for learning English so that by experiencing success and failure, students can ultimately improve their academic self-efficacy.

Recognition and attitudes of Korean physicians toward fecal microbiota transplantation: a survey study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) represents a treatment option for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Recently, FMT has been investigated in various clinical settings other than CDI. This study examined Korean physicians' recognition of FMT and their attitudes toward this procedure. METHODS: An online questionnaire included questions on indications for FMT, the FMT process, physicians' attitudes toward FMT for the treatment of CDI and non-CDI diseases, and possible concerns. RESULTS: Finally, 107 physicians responded to this survey: 66 (61.7%) had experience of performing FMT, and 86 (80.4%) replied that they were willing to perform FMT for CDI. Two-thirds of physicians (63.6%, n = 68) would perform FMT for recurrent CDI on patients who had at least three recurrences. The most common obstacle to performing FMT for the treatment of CDI was the lack of regulations or guidelines (55.1%, n = 59). Seventy-seven (72.0%) physicians would consider FMT for non- CDI diseases when conventional treatment had failed. The most common obstacle for FMT for the treatment of non-CDI diseases was low treatment efficacy (57.0%, n = 61). CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of Korean physicians had experience of performing FMT, and many performed FMT for recurrent CDI. The results of this study will prove useful to researchers and practitioners in FMT in Korea.

Impact of Survival Swimming Experience on Positive Emotions, Self-Efficacy, and Safety Behaviors among Swimming Club Members in Korea.

Background: We aimed to analyze the influence survival swimming experience on positive emotions, self-efficacy, and safety behaviors among swimming club members in Korea. Methods: A total of 205 adult men and women involved in swimming clubs in the Seoul and Gyeonggi areas of Korea were surveyed via convenience sampling from 2021-22. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data related to positive emotions, self-efficacy, and safety behaviors. Frequency analysis, Cronbach's α, reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modelling were performed. Results: Survival swimming experience had a positive effect on positive emotions (P<0.05), self-efficacy (P<0.05), and safety behaviors (P<0.05). Positive emotions did not have a positive effect on self-efficacy; however, they were found to have a positive effect on safety behaviors. Conclusion: Positive emotions, self-efficacy, and safety behaviors can be improved via survival swimming experience. Successful experiences with survival swimming could promote self-efficacy and safety behaviors, highlighting the importance of survival swimming education. Therefore, proficiency should be emphasized when attempting to increase the effectiveness of survival swimming education. To achieve this outcome, developing diverse survival swimming programs for each level of proficiency is necessary to ensure adequate transmission of knowledge.

Transcription factor RORα enforces stability of the Th17 cell effector program by binding to a Rorc cis-regulatory element.

T helper 17 (Th17) cells regulate mucosal barrier defenses but also promote multiple autoinflammatory diseases. Although many molecular determinants of Th17 cell differentiation have been elucidated, the transcriptional programs that sustain Th17 cells in vivo remain obscure. The transcription factor RORγt is critical for Th17 cell differentiation; however, it is not clear whether the closely related RORα, which is co-expressed in Th17 cells, has a distinct role. Here, we demonstrated that although dispensable for Th17 cell differentiation, RORα was necessary for optimal Th17 responses in peripheral tissues. The absence of RORα in T cells led to reductions in both RORγt expression and effector function among Th17 cells. Cooperative binding of RORα and RORγt to a previously unidentified Rorc cis-regulatory element was essential for Th17 lineage maintenance in vivo. These data point to a non-redundant role of RORα in Th17 lineage maintenance via reinforcement of the RORγt transcriptional program.

Artemisia gmelinii Attenuates Lung Inflammation by Suppressing the NF-κB/MAPK Pathway.

Cigarette smoke (CS) is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and continuous CS exposure causes lung inflammation and deterioration. To investigate the protective effects of Artemisia gmelinii against lung inflammation in this study, cigarette smoke extract (CSE)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated alveolar macrophages (AMs) and mice stimulated with CSE/porcine pancreas elastase (PPE) were used. Artemisia gmelinii ethanol extract (AGE) was effective in decreasing the levels of cytokines, chemokine, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway in AMs. Additionally, oral administration of AGE suppressed inflammatory cells' infiltration and secretion of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, matrix metallopeptidase 9, and neutrophil extracellular traps in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from the COPD model. Moreover, the obstruction of small airways, the destruction of the lung parenchyma, and expression of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and MIP-2 were suppressed by inhibiting NF-κB activation in the lung tissues of the AGE group. These effects are associated with scopolin, chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, and 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, which are the main components of AGE. These data demonstrate the mitigation effect of AGE on lung inflammation via inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB pathways, suggesting that AGE may be instrumental in improving respiratory and lung health.

Epilobiumpyrricholophum Extract Suppresses Porcine Pancreatic Elastase and Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced Inflammatory response in a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model.

Chronic airway exposure to harmful substances, such as deleterious gases, cigarette smoke (CS), and particulate matter, triggers chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by impaired lung function and unbridled immune responses. Emerging epigenomic and genomic evidence suggests that excessive recruitment of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils contributes to COPD pathogenesis by producing various inflammatory mediators, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), neutrophil elastase, interleukin (IL) 6, and IL8. Recent studies showed that Epilobium species attenuated ROS, myeloperoxidase, and inflammatory cytokine production in murine and human innate immune cells. Although the Epilobium genus exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, the question of whether the Epilobium species regulate lung inflammation and innate immune response in COPD has not been investigated. In this study, Epilobium pyrricholophum extract (EPE) suppressed inflammatory cell recruitment and clinical symptoms in porcine pancreatic elastase and CS extract-induced COPD mice. In addition, EPE attenuated inflammatory gene expression by suppressing MAPKs and NFκB activity. Furthermore, UPLC-Q-TOF MS analyses revealed the anti-inflammatory effects of the identified phytochemical constituents of EPE. Collectively, our studies revealed that EPE represses the innate immune response and inflammatory gene expression in COPD pathogenesis in mice. These findings provide insights into new therapeutic approaches for treating COPD.

Structural Relationships among Self-Management, Self-Resilience, and Adaptability to Chinese and Korean College Life in Physical Education Majors.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the relationships among self-management, self-resilience, and adaptability to college life in Chinese and Korean students majoring in physical education. In addition, we explored the mediating role of self-resilience in the relationship between self-management and adaptability to college life. METHODS: Random sampling was used to identify participants majoring in physical education at five colleges and universities in Shaanxi (China) and four universities in Kyonggi-do Province (Republic of Korea) in June 2020. We analyzed data for 700 students via exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, structural equation model analysis, and path analysis. RESULTS: Self-management had a significant impact on self-resilience (P<0.001), while self-resilience had a significant impact on adaptability to college life (P<0.001). Among self-management variables, body management had a significant negative impact on adaptability to college life (P<0.001). Self-resilience had a mediating effect on the relationship between self-management and adaptability to college life (P=0.024). CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the need to develop systems that cultivate students' abilities to integrate into university life, including their abilities to face unsatisfactory studies, manage spare time, make physical adjustments, adapt to new living environments, and maintain interpersonal relationships. Strengthening self-management abilities will lead to improvements in self-resilience, adaptability, and satisfaction with university life among physical education majors.

Structural Relationship among Mobile Phone Dependence, Self-Efficacy, Time Management Disposition, and Academic Procrastination in College Students.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the relationship among mobile phone dependence, self-efficacy for self-regulated learning, time management disposition, and academic procrastination in Chinese students majoring in physical education. In addition, we explored the mediating roles of self-efficacy for self-regulated learning and time management disposition in the relationship between mobile phone dependence and academic procrastination. METHODS: We adopted a random sampling method to identify 324 physical education majors at five universities in Shaanxi Province, China in 2020. Data were analyzed via exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, structural equation model analysis, and path analysis. RESULTS: Mobile phone dependence had significant positive effects on academic procrastination (P<0.001) and self-efficacy for self-regulated learning (P<0.05) but a significant negative effect on time management disposition (P<0.001). Self-efficacy for self-regulated learning had a significant positive effect on academic procrastination (P<0.001), while time management disposition had a significant negative effect on academic procrastination (P<0.01). Notably, self-efficacy for self-regulated learning and time management disposition mediated the relationship between mobile phone dependence and academic procrastination (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In addition to its direct effect on academic procrastination, mobile phone dependence exerts an indirect effect via time management disposition and self-regulated learning efficacy. Reducing students' dependence on mobile phones is necessary for attenuating academic procrastination on university campuses. Thus, universities should aim to restrict the use of mobile phones in the classroom, actively cultivate students' confidence in their self-regulated learning ability, and educate them regarding appropriate time values.

The full-length mitochondrial genome of Tachysurus fulvidraco (Siluriformes: Bagridae) from Geum river in Korea.

The full-length mitochondrial genome of the yellow catfish, Tachysurus fulvidraco was analyzed by the primer walking method. Its assembled mitochondrial genome was found to be 16,527 bp, consisting of 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA gens, and 2 rRNA gens). The gene content and order of T. fulvidraco were congruent with those of typical vertebrate fishes. In the phylogenetic tree, it showed the closet relationship to the another conspecific specimen from China and Pseudobagrus koreanus and well separated from the other species in the family Bagridae.

Anti-allergic rhinitis activity of α-lipoic acid via balancing Th17/Treg expression and enhancing Nrf2/HO-1 pathway signaling.

An ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) mouse model was established to investigate whether α-Lipoic acid (LA) has a protective effect against upper respiratory tract inflammation. BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection and challenged by intranasal application of OVA. Mice were orally administered various doses of LA once daily (2, 10, 50 mg/kg) and dexamethasone (Dex; 2.5 mg/kg) 1 h before OVA challenge. Allergic nasal symptoms, levels of OVA-specific immunoglobulins, cytokines, and transcription factors were measured. Nasal and lung histopathology were evaluated. LA administration significantly alleviated the nasal symptoms such as rubbing and sneezing, markedly reduced both serum OVA-specific IgE and IgG1 levels. The LA treatment group showed markedly up-regulated levels of the Treg cytokine IL-10 and Treg transcription factor Foxp3. In contrast, it showed down-regulated levels of the Th17 cytokine IL-17 and the Th17 transcription factor STAT3, and RORγ. LA greatly enhanced the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO-1) pathway signaling and inhibited the activation of NF-κB/IκB, markedly suppressed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and chemokine COX-2. The histologic alterations of nasal and lung tissues of AR mice were effectively ameliorated by LA. Based on these results, we suggest that LA could be a potential therapeutic agent in OVA-induced AR by virtue of its role in controlling the Th17/Treg balance and enhancing Nrf2/HO-1 pathway signaling.

Cold electron source with an electron multiplier illuminated by ultraviolet photons.

A cold electron source has been developed using a microchannel plate (MCP) electron multiplier. Primary electron emission is initiated by illumination with ultraviolet photons from a diode. Final electron emission currents of up to 10 µA in continuous wave (CW) mode and 10 mA in pulsed mode have been achieved from a MCP with an active diameter of 5.5 mm. Electron emission generated by UV photons with a wavelength of 260 nm has been shown to be about 30 times more efficient than emission generated by photons with a wavelength of 300 nm. Application of this cold electron source in mass spectrometry is discussed.

Extended surgery for the hepatic artery aneurysm involving duodenum and pancreas--a case report.

Hepatic artery aneurysms have been the most frequently reported splanchnic artery aneurysms in the past decade. Due to the complex anatomy and sensitivity of the liver to ischemic injury, a number of therapeutic alternatives exist in repairing aneurysmal hepatic arteries. Excision or obliteration of all hepatic artery aneurysms appears to be the management of choice. However, in managing aneurysms involving the proper hepatic artery and its extrahepatic branches, restoration of normal hepatic blood flow is most crucial. A 49-year-old man was found to have a huge extrahepatic artery aneurysm involving the area from the origin of the common hepatic artery to the distal proper hepatic artery. It ruptured into the duodenal bulb and firmly adhered to the surrounding structures including pancreas and common bile duct. Extended surgery with restoration of normal hepatic flow was performed safely. In cases with huge extrahepatic artery aneurysms, an aggressive approach to restore the hepatic arterial continuity seems appropriate for the prevention of ischemic damage to the liver.

Survey and validation of the criteria for Behcet's disease recently used in Korea: a suggestion for modification of the International Study Group criteria.

The criteria employed for Korean Behcet's disease (BD) from January 1990 to December 2000 have been investigated, and the diagnostic validity for those criteria was determined. For the generation of a modified set of preliminary criteria from the International Study Group (ISG) criteria, the diagnostic values for individual feature of BD were calculated. The criteria by the Behcet's Disease Research Committee of Japan appeared to be widely employed with the ISG criteria. However, because the ISG criteria revealed a relatively valid outcome in Korea, the application of this criteria will be needed for the universal unification until the criteria with better performance comes out. On the other hand, the modified set of preliminary criteria that consisted of the clinical items with better results seemed to improve some pitfalls of the ISG criteria. Although that criteria showed better performance than the preexisting criteria, it should be necessary to validate its effectiveness in other areas.

Role of endoscopy in the diagnosis of aneurysm-duodenal fistula.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysms complicated by enteric fistulae are uniformly fatal clinical conditions and therefore should be placed high on the list of possible diagnoses in any patient with aneurysmal disease and gastrointestinal bleeding. A number of different diagnostic techniques have been proposed, but most of them are usually of little help or even misleading. METHODOLOGY: Between May 2000 and April 2002, endoscopy was performed in 290 consecutive patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We retrospectively evaluated that endoscopy may provide an important diagnostic clue in aneurysm-enteric fistulae. RESULTS: Three patients with gastrointestinal bleeding presented with aneurysmal disease complicated by duodenal fistula formation. Two patients presented with aortoduodenal fistula, and the last one hepatic artery aneurysm with duodenal fistula formation. In all of our cases, endoscopic findings were suggestive and helpful for the preoperative diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that prompt aggressive surgical intervention is mandatory for survival and more than 90% of aneurysmal disease with duodenal fistula formation should be within range of the endoscopists, aggressive and thorough endoscopy with a high index of clinical suspicion seems to be the most important diagnostic test in these difficult cases.