Online Tool Research Articles

Investigating EFL English-Majored Students’ Perceptions towards the Use of Technology in Language Teaching

This study investigates EFL English-majored students’ opinions of technology use in language learning at Nam Can Tho University, with an emphasis on both benefits and problems. The study uses a questionnaire survey with 85 participants to evaluate how technology affects students’ engagement, motivation, and overall learning experience. The findings show that students see major benefits from technology, such as increased engagement through multimedia materials, tailored learning experiences via applications, and access to real language input through online tools. Furthermore, students love the opportunity to communicate in real time with native speakers, which improves their language abilities and confidence. In contrast, the research cites a number of hurdles, including difficulty in integrating technology with the curriculum, technical concerns, possible diversions, and the need for more training and support. These findings emphasize the necessity of resolving these issues in order to maximize the usefulness of technology in language instruction, and they offer practical recommendations for educators and legislators.

HSCGD: a comprehensive database of single-cell whole-genome data and metadata.

Single-cell whole-genome sequencing is a powerful tool for uncovering mutations in individual cells. In recent times, the generation of vast amounts of data has significantly advanced our understanding of key biological processes, including cell development and tumor progression. This rapid accumulation of data underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive resource platform to manage and utilize this information effectively. To address this need, we introduce HSCGD, the first open-access and comprehensive database dedicated to the collection, integration, analysis, and visualization of single-cell whole-genome data and metadata. The current release of HSCGD includes processed single-cell whole-genome sequencing data and curated metadata of 74 154 human cells derived from 63 public single-cell datasets, involving 23 cell types and 17 major single-cell whole-genome amplification methods. HSCGD is designed to help researchers interested in cellular heterogeneity explore and utilize whole genome data at the single-cell level by providing browsing, searching, visualization, downloadingand online tools. The database can be accessed from the following URL: http://www.hscgd.com.

Summary of presentations and urgent call to action

Abstract Dr. Silja Kosola MD PhD is Associate Professor of Adolescent Medicine and primary investigator with the University of Helsinki, Finland, and Research Director at the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County in Southern Finland. As the concluding presentation, Silja will quiz the audience again with the online tool, this time to gauge the responses and support of the solutions that have been outlined. She will present a summary of the points raised, and this will then lead into the interactive discussion about the call to action.

Blood pressure lowering efficacy of antihypertensive drugs and their combinations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 500 randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trials

Abstract Background Each 1 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) reduces the risk of major cardiovascular disease events by about 2%. However, there are currently no tools to provide randomised trial-derived estimates of blood pressure (BP)-lowering efficacy of different antihypertensive regimens despite the vast number of possible drug-dose permutations. There has also been no attempt to classify efficacy of treatment regimens into low, moderate, and high intensity. Purpose We aimed to quantify the BP-lowering efficacy of the five major classes of antihypertensive drugs and their combinations. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trials. CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Epistimonikos were searched from inception until December 2022 to identify trials, that compared angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics versus placebo, for 4-26 weeks. Primary outcomes were reduction in SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Doses were classified into standard dose based on the World Health Organisation Defined Daily Dose. BP-lowering efficacy was estimated for each drug and dose using fixed-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions, standardised to baseline SBP 154 mmHg. Treatment regimens were categorised into low, moderate, and high intensity according to estimated SBP-lowering efficacy of <10, 10-19 and ≥20 mmHg, respectively. Results A total of 500 trials (106,358 participants, 44% female) were included, which included 66 single antihypertensive drugs (monotherapy) and 89 two drug (dual) combinations. The mean baseline BP was 154/100 mmHg and mean follow-up was 8.6 weeks. Monotherapy at one standard dose reduced SBP by 8.5 (95% CI, 8.2-8.9) mmHg, with an additional 1.2 (1.0-1.5) mmHg reduction for each 10 mmHg higher pre-treatment SBP, and an additional 1.5 (1.2-1.8) mmHg reduction with each doubling in dose. There was significant heterogeneity between monotherapies, and 72% were classified as low intensity efficacy. Dual combinations at one standard doses of both the drugs reduced SBP by 15.2 (13.4-17.1) mmHg, and an additional 2.6 (1.4-3.8) mmHg reduction with doubling the doses of both the drugs. There was considerable heterogeneity between dual combinations and 59% were classified as moderate, and 11% as high intensity efficacy. The BP lowering efficacy of adding additional drug classes was confirmed to be additive after accounting for pre-treatment SBP. Triple combinations were classified as high intensity efficacy based on meta-regression analyses. Conclusions There is significant variability in the efficacy of different BP-lowering regimens. The present analyses, available in an online tool, can estimate the BP lowering efficacy for any combination of drug(s) and dose(s), and can classify treatment regimens into low, moderate or high intensity.

Delivering shared decision-making before transcatheter aortic valve implantation using digital and remote techniques to enhance patient engagement and convenience

Abstract Introduction Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement for patients with aortic stenosis. However, the choice between TAVI, surgery, wait and watch or conservative management needs to be based upon multiple factors including comorbidity, life expectancy, anatomy, local experience and, critically, informed patient preference. In this context, engaging patients in a shared decision-making (SDM) process becomes essential, but this practice is generally underused. Purpose To comply with both international guidance and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) UK recommendations, in January 2023 we established a formal SDM pathway for TAVI, utilising digital solutions as much as possible to minimise the logistic impact for both hospital and patients. We aimed to quantitatively measure the compliance of the digital SDM meeting from the patients’ perspective with the NICE recommended essential and enhanced discussion standards. Methods Patients are contacted when the multidisciplinary heart team recommends TAVI, then offered digital or, where appropriate, physical patient decision aids and a link to a TAVI-specific explanatory video. One week later, patients are invited to a virtual comprehensive SDM meeting where a specialist nurse discusses aortic stenosis and treatment options with the patient as per the NICE recommended standards, allowing time for questioning and review. From December 2022 to June 2023, a custom developed questionnaire was administered to 20 patients prior to, and 28 patients after the implementation of the SDM meeting protocol, directly addressing the patients’ perception of adherence to the NICE standards. This was provided to the patients after the TAVI procedure via an online tool. The answers to the 12 core questions were converted into a Likert scale (1 to 5) and the global satisfaction scores for the 2 patient groups, reported as the average Likert score across the 12 questions, were compared with the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test. Results The global satisfaction score was significantly higher for the post-SDM group than for the pre-SDM group (mean 4.27 vs 3.55, p<0.001). The percentage of patients who gave positive (Likert 4-5) responses to each individual question was consistently higher in the post-SDM group. The percentage of patients giving negative (Likert 1-2) responses was substantially lower in the post-SDM group. Conclusions The SDM pathway and the virtual tools provided proved effective in delivering SDM in compliance with international guidance and NICE recommended standards from the patient’s perspective. A similar approach leveraging digital technology to minimise cost and enhance patient convenience could be implemented for other treatments and across other institutions.Questionnaire results

Pediatric tonsilitis: modern tactics against an old foe

Abstract Background Pediatric tonsillitis (PT) impacts public health due to its widespread incidence and the prevalent overprescription of antibiotics driven by concerns over Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (SGA) complications. Rapid antigen diagnostic tests (RADT) serve as vital tools for promptly identifying SGA infections in PT cases. However, despite their widespread availability, healthcare professionals often underutilize RADT, leading to inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions. Clinical audits and feedback to professionals emerge as solutions to this issue. Methods An audit was conducted on clinical cases of PT during 2023 to evaluate the correct usage of RADT and subsequent antibiotic prescription across various primary care practices in Lisbon, Portugal. Afterwards, a pilot practice was selected to assess the feasibility and utility of an online tool designed specifically to report RADT results and create a real-time surveillance system of incidence of SGA with feedback to prescribing clinicians. Following the revision of the reporting tool after the pilot, its implementation was extended to multiple practices across the Lisbon region. Results From the 1050 clinical cases analyzed, 992 had an indication to do a RADT according to the Portuguese guidelines, however only 282 (28.4%) tests were done. Overall, only 19.6% of PT cases were considered fully compliant. During the pilot, the introduction of the online tool led to a 3.259 increase in reporting (from 0.574 RADT/day to 1.872 RADT/day) for the same time period between February and March. Conclusions The implementation of an online reporting tool represents a significant advancement in SGA surveillance efforts, detecting cases promptly for public health interventions. This initiative underscores the importance of continuous quality improvement in diagnostics and shows digital tools’ potential for better disease surveillance in clinical settings. Key messages • Underutilization of RADT in PT cases contributes to inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, compromising patient care. • Introduction of an online reporting tool significantly enhances RADT usage, aiding prompt SGA detection for improved public health interventions.

Development and Implementation of Health Education Tools for Excluded Areas in the Czech Republic

Abstract Background Reducing health inequalities among population groups is imperative, however, health communication strategies tailored to ethnic minorities remain under-researched. To address this issue, various health communication strategies were developed and tested within the 3 year Saste Roma project, focused on improving health literacy and disease prevention in the excluded Czech Roma population. Methods A planning group comprising of doctors, sociologists, psychologists, NGOs and community health workers was established to create tailored health communication tools. The tools were developed with consideration of the sociocultural specifics of the Roma community, using focus groups, in-depth interviews, and the Delphi method. A PR agency was hired to implement the tools. Reach, engagement and Price Per Click = PPC were measured for online tools; feedback on offline tools was collected via surveys and interviews. Results From April 2021 to March 2024, 12 online and offline tools addressing 10 diseases were developed for various age groups and implemented. These tools, such as health literacy brochures and leaflets (78,500 pcs distributed), music videoclips (viewed 150,000 times), a mobile application (with over 500 users), social media profiles dedicated to health (with 140 followers), preventative events, school-based e-learning modules (implemented in 86 elementary schools in excluded areas), online campaigns (reaching 556,337 people; PPC of 0.85 EUR in case of in-house campaign Vs. PPC of 3.21 EUR by PR agency) or poster campaigns (engaging 3,046 individuals) focusing on excluded areas. Lessons This project represents the first extensive use of diverse communication tools targeting the Roma population. The involvement of community representatives (patients, artists, actors, and residents) in tool development is crucial. Training and support for health community workers are essential to achieve effective engagement with the community. Key messages • Tools must be delivered in a culturally sensitive and comprehensible manner by members of the communities. • Commercial PR agencies failed with this specific campaign. Cooperation with Roma artists and influencers is essential.

Introduction to round table panel discussion and audience quiz

Abstract Dr. John Gannon is a Public Health Specialist Registrar with HSE Ireland. He has a background working in clinical paediatrics in Ireland, Australia and Zambia. John will introduce the workshop and begin by quizzing the audience using an interactive online tool, to evaluate their perceptions and understanding of the current landscape of screen usage and social media among children and adolescents. In this presentation, he will relay statistics on these metrics and the dramatic upsurge in recent years. He will also touch on the financial implications of these trends for global tech giants.

Solute carrier family 4 member 4 (SLC4A4) is associated with cell proliferation, migration and immune cell infiltration in colon cancer

BackgroundSolute Carrier Family 4 Member 4 (SLC4A4) is a membrane protein‐coding gene for a Na+/HCO3− cotransporter and plays a crucial role in regulating pH, bicarbonate secretion and homeostasis. However, the prognostic and immunological role of SLC4A4 in colon cancer remains unknown.MethodIn this study, expression profiles of SLC4A4 were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, to which a variety of bioinformatic analyses were performed. Sangerbox, Xiantao, ESTIMATE and TIMER online tools were used to delve into the relationship between SLC4A4 expression and immune cell infiltration. The role of SLC4A4 in the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells was verified by CCK8, EdU and wound healing assays. The related molecules and pathways that SLC4A4 may affect were validated by bioinformatic prediction and western blotting analysis.ResultsThe expression levels of SLC4A4 were significantly lower in colon cancer tissues than in normal tissues and its low expression was positively correlated with poor prognosis. TIMER and ESTIMATE showed that SLC4A4 broadly influenced immune cell infiltration. Experiments in vitro demonstrated that SLC4A4 inhibited partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes.ConclusionsTo conclude, our study revealed that SLC4A4 is lowly expressed in colon cancer tissues, and SLC4A4 may inhibit the progression of colon cancer via regulating partial EMT phenotypes and immune cell infiltration, which may provide new perspectives for the development of more precise and personalized immune anti-tumor therapies.

Evaluation of myocardial work indexes in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis

Abstract Background Cardiac involvement is associated with worse prognosis and mortality in sarcoidosis. Diagnosis often requires expensive and less available tests. Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate whether non-invasive measurement of myocardial work by transthoracic echocardiogram has incremental value in the diagnosis of cardiac involvement compared to left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS). Methods This is a cross-sectional, non-blinded, single-center pilot study. Patients of both genders > 18 years old, with confirmed diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis according to the Heart Rhythm Society criteria, and controls consisting of individuals diagnosed with systemic sarcoidosis without cardiac involvement, were included. Patients with obesity grade 2 or higher , moderate or severe primary heart valve disease, myocardial diseases of other etiologies, established coronary artery disease, and inadequate acoustic window were excluded. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and non-invasive blood pressure measurement, followed by subsequent analysis involving the construction of a pression-strain curve. The following LV indexes were calculated: GLS, global work index, global constructive work, global wasted work, and global work efficiency. ROC curves were calculated for all variables using the EasyROC online tool (v 1.3.1), and these were later compared to GLS. Confidence intervals were established by the DeLong method, and curves were compared by the Bonferroni method. A two-tailed p value of 0.05 was considered significant. Results Twenty patients with cardiac involvement and twenty patients without cardiac involvement were evaluated. The results of the variables are presented in table 1. Conclusions With exception of wasted work, all other LV myocardial work variables showed statistical correlation with cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis patients. However, there was no incremental value of myocardial work indexes compared to the isolated use of GLS.

Frailty and quality of life in italian older adults: implications for public health interventions

Abstract Background The increasing focus on frailty in older adults underscores the significance of a timely multidimensional assessments and early detection to avert adverse outcomes. The primary aim is to integrate digital technologies, specifically online assessment tools, for the identification of frailty and the assessment of Quality of Life (QoL) in elderly individuals. Methods A nationwide multicentric study was conducted. Seven Italian centers and regions evaluated frailty in older adults residing in the community, through a prospective observational cohort study. The chosen questionnaires, Sunfrail+ and SF-12, were implemented through an easily accessible online tool, swiftly generating final scores for each test. The cross-sectional analysis included 503 older adults. The cut off to define a person “frail” is 3 positive alerts in Sunfrail baseline items, according to the literature. Results In this sample an average of 2.31 positive alerts were generated. Significant associations were established between the number of positive warnings and SF-12 physical and mental indexes, indicated by X2=53.1 (p < 0.001) and X2=25.1 (p < 0.001), respectively. The difference between two groups (frail and not frail) in relation to QoL is statistical significantly (U di Mann Whithney p < 0.001). Mean QoL mental and physical indexes are 46.3 and 39.3 in frailty group, versus 51.7 and 46.5 in non frailty group, respectively. The correlation is conceptually consistent: as frailty increases, QoL decreases. Conclusions The frailty assessment associated with the QoL assessment provides relevant information to monitor the impact of prevention interventions at community level. The assessment of frailty leads the prevention intervention whose impact could be assessed also through QoL tools. This study underlines a meaningful association between assessment tools, substantiated by conceptual correlations. Key messages • Sunfrail and SF-12 are easily accessible online tool useful for identification of frailty and the assessment of Quality of Life (QoL) in elderly individuals. • The older population in Europe is increasing a timely assessment of frailty must be a public health priority.

Effects of empagliflozin on myocardial transcriptome in rats with aortic stenosis-induced heart failure

Abstract Introduction Aortic stenosis (AS) represents one of the most prevalent valvular heart diseases and an important cause of heart failure. Currently, no medical therapies influence the natural history of aortic stenosis. Although sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have improved cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure patients with both reduced and preserved ejection fraction, their action mechanisms are not clear. Transcriptome analysis present great potential to identify biomarkers of disease and to gain insight into disease pathophysiology. In this study, we analyzed myocardial mRNA profile in aortic stenosis rats treated with empagliflozin. Methods Eighteen weeks after supra-aortic banding surgery, male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: Sham (n=15); aortic stenosis (AS, n=27); AS+empagliflozin (AS-EMP, n=27). Empagliflozin (10 mg/kg/day) was added to rat chow for 8 weeks. Transcriptome of left ventricle (LV) myocardium was studied by RNA-sequencing (sample size: 5 per group). Differential gene expression was analyzed in R environment using the DESeq2 package. Genes were considered differentially expressed (DEG) when they exhibited a log2 fold change (log2FC) higher than 1 (upregulated) or lower than -1 (downregulated), coupled with an adjusted p-value below 0.05. Functional enrichment analysis using gene ontology was performed by the online tool Enrich. Statistical analysis: ANOVA and Tukey. Results AS-EMP had lower LV diastolic diameter (Sham 8.39±0.57; AS 9.80±0.53*; AS-EMP 9.08±0.87# mm; p<0.05: * vs Sham; # vs AS), left atrium diameter (Sham 5.68±0.40; AS 9.67±1.00*; AS-EMP 8.97±1.36*# mm; p<0.05: * vs Sham; # vs AS), and LV mass (Sham 0.85±0.11; AS 2.19±0.27*; AS-EMP 1.76±0.34*# g; p<0.05: * vs Sham; # vs AS) than AS. A total of 1246 differentially expressed genes were identified, comprising 663 upregulated genes (70 genes in AS vs SHAM; 593 in AS-EMP vs AS) and 583 downregulated genes (35 genes in AS vs SHAM; 548 in AS-EMP vs AS). Most of the differentially expressed genes were enriched in processes such as extracellular matrix and structure organization, signal transduction regulation, and substrate-dependent cell migration (AS vs SHAM), as well as myocardial contraction, negative regulation of programmed cell death, and mitochondrial membrane organization (AS-EMP vs AS). The main upregulated genes were Loxl1, Mfap4, Postn, Col8a1, Pi16, and Nppa in AS vs SHAM; and Mxra8, Zfta, Pnisr, Thoc1, and Ralbp1 in AS-EMP vs AS comparison. The main downregulated genes were Mxra8, Ralbp1, and Tubgcp6 in AS vs SHAM; and Itgb5, Ltbp2, Tmem109, Plec, and Rorc in AS-EMP vs AS comparison. Conclusion We identified myocardial genes and biological processes that are potentially involved in aortic stenosis-induced heart failure. Empagliflozin attenuates cardiac remodeling and modulates myocardial genes involved with myocyte contraction, apoptosis, and mitochondrial organization in aortic stenosis rats.

Psychotropic medication prescribed for children and young people with eating disorders in mental health in-patient services: a quality improvement programme

ABSTRACT The aims of this quality improvement programme were to enable providers of mental health in-patient services for children and young people in England to review their prescribing practice alongside the views and experiences of children, young people and their parent carers. Three online tools were developed. First was a medication census tool to be completed by provider clinicians to capture prescribing practices around psychotropic medication. The two other online tools were questionnaires that provided an opportunity for inpatient children and young people and their parent carers to express their views of the medication. 193 children and young people had a primary diagnosis of eating disorders. Antidepressants were the most widely prescribed (56%), followed by antipsychotics (41%), benzodiazepines, and antihistamines as sedatives (18%) and hypnotics (11%). Of those receiving regular psychotropic medications, 67% were prescribed two or more. Both the children and young people and their parent carers expressed concerns about the high level of psychotropic medication, the number of prn administrations, the number of psychotropic medications prescribed and the extent of side effects. Psychotropic medications are widely prescribed both on a regular and on a prn basis for children and young people with eating disorders in mental health in-patient services.

PIPdb: a comprehensive plasmid sequence resource for tracking the horizontal transfer of pathogenic factors and antimicrobial resistance genes.

Plasmids, as independent genetic elements, carrying resistance or virulence genes and transfer them among different pathogens, posing a significant threat to human health. Under the 'One Health' approach, it is crucial to control the spread of plasmids carrying such genes. To achieve this, a comprehensive characterization of plasmids in pathogens is essential. Here we present the Plasmids in Pathogens Database (PIPdb), a pioneering resource that includes 792964 plasmid segment clusters (PSCs) derived from 1 009571 assembled genomes across 450 pathogenic species from 110 genera. To our knowledge, PIPdb is the first database specifically dedicated to plasmids in pathogenic bacteria, offering detailed multi-dimensional metadata such as collection date, geographical origin, ecosystem, host taxonomy, and habitat. PIPdb also provides extensive functional annotations, including plasmid type, insertion sequences, integron, oriT, relaxase, T4CP, virulence factors genes, heavy metal resistance genesand antibiotic resistance genes. The database features a user-friendly interface that facilitates studies on plasmids across diverse host taxa, habitats, and ecosystems, with a focus on those carrying antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). We have integrated online tools for plasmid identification and annotation from assembled genomes. Additionally, PIPdb includes a risk-scoring system for identifying potentially high-risk plasmids. The PIPdb web interface is accessible at https://nmdc.cn/pipdb.

ESL learners' perceptions of using High-Variability Phonetic Training (HVPT) through YouGlish to improve pronunciation skills

This study explores ESL learners' perceptions of using high-variability phonetic training (HVPT) through YouGlish to improve pronunciation skills. Data were collected through an online questionnaire completed by 70 upper-intermediate level ESL learners and semi-structured interviews with 20 learners. The collected data were analyzed statistically and thematically. The results revealed that the majority of learners had significantly positive attitudes towards using this online tool. They reported that YouGlish assisted them in accurately learning how to pronounce words and phrases from a variety of accents, including Australian, British, and American. Additionally, while learners had positive perceptions of using HVPT and YouGlish for pronunciation improvement, they emphasized the critical role of teachers in providing explicit corrective feedback and additional clarifications. Furthermore, the participants also reported some drawbacks of YouGlish. This study offers both theoretical and pedagogical implications for language learning and teaching.

INNOVATIONS IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR OF UKRAINE

The article examines the characteristics of innovations in human resource management within Ukraine’s public sector. It defines the concept of innovation in human resource management as the introduction of new ideas, methods, technologies, and processes aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of managing human resources. The importance of studying this topic is highlighted, particularly in light of the need for the public sector and government bodies to adapt to the demands of wartime and the socio-political crisis, as well as the necessity to develop a strategy for advancing the public sector through the implementation of various international agreements. The main objective of the study is to analyze the specific features of introducing innovations in the human resource management system of Ukraine’s public sector. This includes identifying successful practices for implementing electronic systems, key areas for the digitalization of public administration, and promising research directions. The study demonstrates that several organizational, technological, and social variables influence the interactions between employees, management, and other stakeholders. For instance, technological innovations enable the automation of HR processes (e.g., talent management systems, HR analytics, electronic document management platforms) and the use of online tools for employee training and development (e-learning, webinars). Organizational innovations promote the adoption of new management models. The study highlights several priority areas for further development: strategic communications in public policy, shaping the corporate culture of government agencies, defining their mission, strategic goals, values, and vision; fostering innovative leadership; developing horizontal connections within organizations through innovation; and ensuring principles such as fairness, transparency, openness, and equal access through the digital transformation of public administration.

Transforming Assessment in Education: A Critical Reflection

Abstract: This article systematically explores the evolution of educational assessment, particularly the transition from traditional summative assessments to student-centered formative assessments. Traditional summative assessments, such as final exams and standardized tests, focus on evaluating students' learning outcomes at the end of an instructional period, emphasizing final scores. In contrast, formative assessments focus on continuous feedback throughout the learning process, helping students adjust their learning methods and improve self-regulation skills. The article highlights that formative assessments not only foster the development of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities but also encourage students' self-directed learning and reflection. Additionally, with the advancement of modern technology, educational assessments have become more flexible and personalized, utilizing data analysis and online tools to enable teachers to monitor students' learning in real-time and make dynamic adjustments. The introduction of culturally responsive assessments ensures fairness by considering students' diverse backgrounds, reducing potential biases. The article emphasizes that educational assessments should continuously adapt to changing educational needs, providing practical guidance for educators to design effective strategies, which play a significant role in improving student learning outcomes and teaching quality.

Integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation to reveal the mechanism of Radix Rehmanniae in psoriasis.

Radix Rehmanniae (RR) plays an important role in treating psoriasis. However, the active compounds of RR and potential mechanisms are unclear. The current study was designed to investigate the potential active ingredients, targets, and mechanisms of RR in treating psoriasis through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and vitro experiments. Initially, the TCMSP database and literature retrieval were used to access the active ingredients of RR. The psoriasis target proteins were obtained from Therapeutic Target Database, OMIM, GeneCards, and DrugBank databases. The target proteins were then converted into target genes using Uniprot. Secondly, overlapping genes were obtained through Venn online tool. Then, protein-protein interactions network diagram is finished by STRING database. Next, Cytoscape software was used to acquire the top 10 hub proteins; gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis were then used to predict possible mechanisms. Afterwards, molecular docking validation of the active ingredients with the main targets was performed by AutoDock software. Finally, lipopolysaccharides induced RAW264.7, to assess the effects and molecular mechanisms by MTT, RT-qPCR, and Western blot assays. Overall, there are 20 effective compounds and 33 targets involved in biological processes including apoptosis, intracellular signaling, vasodilation, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade. The docking results showed strong binding capacity between the active ingredients and targets. We verified aucubin as the key active ingredient, tumor necrosis factor α, and IL6 as the core targets, and focused on the p38MAPK protein pathway. Cellular experiments showed that aucubin down-regulated the phosphorylated p38MAP protein and reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor α mRNA, IL6 mRNA, and IL1βmRNA. In summary, RR is featured with multicomponent, multi-target, and multi-pathway in treating psoriasis; the preliminary mechanism may be associated with the down-regulation of p38MAPK phosphorylation and curbing the expression of inflammatory factor by aucubin. This paper provides the scientific basis for Traditional Chinese medicine treating psoriasis.

The Collaborative Development of an Online Planning Tool for Teachers in Norway: Study Protocol for DigUp

Instructional planning is acknowledged as an important factor influencing the quality of classroom teaching. DigUp is a Research and Innovation in the Public Sector project which has received funding from the Research Council of Norway. Using a design-based research methodology, the objectives of DigUp are to design, trial, optimise and disseminate an online, didactic planning tool for teachers and to investigate how teachers use and experience the digital planning tool. The innovation part of the project has been developed in a close collaboration between researchers and practitioners in primary and lower secondary school. It applies perspectives from backward design, inquiry-based learning and disciplinary literacy. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data has been collected, providing the empirical basis for a research-based online tool that supports teachers in their planning. This protocol paper presents the background, design process and future research plan for the project.

What helps or hinders intervention success in primary care? Qualitative findings with older adults and primary care practitioners during a feasibility study to address malnutrition risk

BackgroundIn the UK, about 14% of community-dwelling adults aged 65 and over are estimated to be at risk of malnutrition. Screening older adults in primary care and treating those identified as ‘at risk’ may help reduce malnutrition risk and associated healthcare use, and improve quality of life. The aim of this study is to explore how primary care practitioners (PCPs) and older adults perceive, use and respond to an intervention to support those identified as ‘at risk’.MethodsWe developed and optimised an intervention (screen and treat protocol, online tools and printed materials) to support primary care practitioners to identify malnutrition risk among older adults, and intervene where necessary. We recruited older adults (described as ‘patients’ here) taking part in a feasibility study, and carried out semi-structured interviews to assess PCPs’ and patients’ engagement with the intervention, and identify any contextual issues that supported or undermined their engagement.ResultsFour themes were developed, encompassing patients’ and PCPs’ perceptions of undernutrition, study measures and appointments, constraints on PCPs’ enthusiasm to make a difference, and patients’ expectations of nutritional appointments. Key findings included patients commonly not accepting advice for undernutrition/malnutrition but welcoming support for their nutritional needs; checklists potentially distracting patients from recalling discussions about their nutritional needs; a tension between PCPs’ desire to recruit less-well patients and logistical difficulties in doing so; and patients compromising their nutritional needs to suit others.ConclusionsDiverse factors influence whether an intervention succeeds in primary care. PCPs learn about an intervention/study in different ways, vary in how they understand and accept its aims, and desire to make a difference to their patients. Patients bring perceptions and expectations about the study’s aims, coloured by their habits and preferences, prior experience of research and healthcare, and pressure from social expectations. Each aspect must be considered when developing a successful primary care intervention that is viewed as relevant and meaningful, and presented using language that aligns with participants’ values and goals. Our findings suggest that references to ‘malnutrition risk’ should be avoided in any patient-facing materials/interactions as participants do not accept or identify with this label.