Development and Application of a Transformation-competent Artificial chromosome (TAG) Genomic DNA Library in Allotetrapolid Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. )

The technology of cloning and transferring oflarge DNA fragments in plants is important forhigh-efficient identification of new genes andstudy of gene functions.Tranformation-competent artificial chromosome(TAC)vectorsystem has been shown to be very useful forefficient gene isolation in Arobidopsis thaliana.In order to develop an efficient platform for

Subcutaneous Model for the Study of Dengue Virus Infection in Immune Competent Mice

Various mouse models to study dengue have been described by different authors, some of them using immunodeficient or some using humanized mice. Our group reported previously a deadly murine model, which used the intracranial inoculum of highly virulent Dengue virus (DENV) in immune competent mouse. Here we present a model of immune competent mouse (C57BL/6), infected subcutaneously by the same highly virulent DENV (DENV3 genotype I). In this immunocompetent systemic mice model, the cytokine levels and hematological parameters such as total and differential leukocyte and platelets counts, together with weight loss, were considered important monitoring parameters, allowing a better understanding of the systemic human disease. Mice were inoculated subcutaneously and evaluated by the percentage weight variation as well as the clinical signs. Hematological parameters and cytokines levels were measured and viral titration in brain tissue or serum neutralization was performed to confirm mice infection. The subcutaneously DENV inoculated mice showed weight loss after infection, but they did not show any other clinical signs. The leukocytes and platelets decreased after subcutaneous inoculation. The cytokines TNF alpha and IFN gamma increased after infection in mice. The subcutaneous model provided scope for improved understanding of the dengue pathogenesis, as well as possible mechanism for protection to subsequent mouse infected by intracranial route in mice. This model could be used to study the vertebrate immune response and evaluation of drugs or vaccine against dengue virus.

Establishment of Germ-line Competent C57BL/6J Embryonic Stem Cell Lines

Objective To establish C57BL/6J embryonic stem （ES） cell lines with potential germ- line contribution Methods ES cells were isolated from blastocyst inner cell mass of C5 7BL/6J mice, and cultured for 15 passages, and then injected into blastococels of ICR mice blastocysts to establish chimeric mice. Results Three ES cell lines （mC57ES1,mC57ES3, mC57ES7） derived from the inner cell mass of C57BL/6J mice blastocysts were established. They were characteristic of undifferentiated state, including normal XY karyotype, expression of a specific cell surface marker “stage-specific embryonic antigen-I” and alkaline phosphatase in continuous passage. When injected into immunodeficient mice, mC57ES1 cells consistently differentiated into derivatives of all three embryonic germ layers. When mC57ES1 cells were transferred into ICR mice blastocysts, 4 chimeric mice have been obtained. One male of them revealed successful germ-line transmission. Conclussion We have obtained C57BL/6J ES cell lines with a potential germ-line contribution, which can be used to generate transgenic and gene knock-out mice.

Childhood Development Cross Culturally:Implications for Designing Childhood Obesity Interventions and Providing Culturally Competent Care

United States is experiencing significant growth in its foreign-born population,especially Chinese American population comprising of 1.2%of the U.S.population.Many healthcare providers are challenged in their efforts to provide culturally competent healthcare to this population.To provide culturally competent healthcare,healthcare providers should understand variations in cultural attributes that impact health.One group in which cultural variation holds great influence is that of children.Culture influences a child's behavior,development and health.This article provides a cross-cultural,comparative examination of important cultural influences on child behaviors development and health in China and the U.S.Using the findings about these two populations,interventions for childhood obesity cross culturally are addressed through the analysis of a U.S.based Children's Obesity Program.The author suggests that uniquely different approaches to childhood obesity intervention research are needed based upon the cultural differences identified within this paper.

Prevention of Cancer and Cancer Re-Occurrences by Immunization, by Using Immune Competent Cells, and by Affecting Molecular Mechanisms of Cancerogenesis

Primary cancers can be prevented by immunizations. We suggest immunizing healthy people, especially the ones with genetic predisposition to cancer, with a standard oncoantigen. In patients suffering from cancer, immunotherapy can be effective only if it is administered during complete remission. Immune competent cells, like T-lymphocytes and bone marrow, are the most important components for cancer prevention and treatment. Because of the dramatic increase in the incidence of cancer, it is important to offer all adults with absolutely healthy immune system an opportunity to donate their own T-lymphocytes and bone marrow cells and preserve them at -196。C. These cells can later be used by the same people in auto-system if they develop cancer. Patients who had their cancerous tumors surgically removed can also have their own T-lymphocytes and bone marrow cells collected during remission and then used in auto-system in case of cancer reoccurrence. It is also possible to impact on cancer development during the process of cancerogenesis by administering large amounts of normal DNA and possibly different types of RNA (displacement) together with nucleases (directly into the tumor or blood). In addition, blockers of cytokines that suppress immune system should be administered as well. It is intriguing to think that injection of large amounts of normal DNA and possibly different types of RNA together with nucleases to patients with chronic and hereditary diseases (diabetes Type II, schizophrenia, and other similar diseases) can lead to therapeutic effect.

Chief Requirements for a Competent Communicator

In China’s opening to the outside world,a large number of competentcommunicators are badly needed in the fields of industry,science andtechnology,commerce,tourism and the like.Owing to the lack of compe-tent communicators,the foreign language learners are confronted with aproblem of how to develop their communicative ability.What is a compe-tent communicator?One may ask.In brief,a competent communicator is

The ＂Competent Literary＂ Teacher： The New Perspectives of Initial Teacher Training

The aim of the paper is to describe the literary competence of teachers as a dimension of the knowledge for the teaching, which can be extended to all aspects of the professional teacher transformation. Among the various knowledge, competences, and dispositions the shape its legacy, the literary competence becomes the main turning point between pedagogical knowledge and specialized knowledge, between core and characterizing disciplines. The literary competence lives in the intersection between different kinds of competence （linguistic competence, communication competence, reading competence, writing competences, interpretive competence, discursive competence, cultural competence, cross-cultural competence, pragmatic and strategic competence and social competence）. The approach offers a framework for pedagogy of the literary competence in the teacher training as substantial experience and expertise able to increase the professional repertoire of teachers in training fields. This paper provides food for thought for enrichment and enhancement of the literary competence and its use in teaching.

Are We Losing the Art of Actively Listening to Our Patients? Connecting the Art of Active Listening with Emotionally Competent Behaviors

Active listening is an essential communication technique that requires the listener to focus and provide feedback on what is heard. The ability to listen actively demonstrates sincerity, and assumes that nothing is being shrugged or taken for granted. As a result, active listeners strive to improve professional and personal relationships, decrease misinterpretation of information, strengthen compliance, and foster understanding. Likewise, active listening can foster trust, mutual respect, and patient compliance. This paper will explore vital connections between active listening and displaying emotionally competent behaviors. Additionally, analysis of a case study as a means of strengthening these connections while improving patient outcomes will be assessed.

Emotionally Competent Behaviors and Nurse Bullying: Is There a Direct Link?

An abundance of literature spanning many years depicts the devastating effects of nurse bullying within the profession. The evidence suggests that bullying in general is a deliberate act aimed at another person. Conceptualizing nurse bullying appears to be a key ingredient in creating both awareness and preventative strategies. Emotional competence includes a set of behaviors which are unique to each individual. These behaviors according to Goldman (1995) include, but are not limited to emotional self-assessment, accurate self-assurance, self-confidence, emotional self-control, and empathy. The majority of researchers agree that emotionally competent behaviors are impacted by both positive and negative interactions and experiences. Thus, it is hypothesized that emotionally competent behaviors are continually cultivated throughout one’s life based upon lived experiences. This article assesses direct relationships between implementation of emotionally competent behaviors as a means of combatting nurse bullying within the profession. Creating awareness of these two areas can be initial steps in cultivating the needed tools and supportive interventions to assist nurses from novice to expert to professionally mentor and role model for generations to come.

Is It Competent Enough for Handling Foodservice Quality？ From the Students＇ Viewpoint of Self-perceived Competence and the Contribution of Hospitality Course

This study evaluated the self-perceived importance and competence with regard to foodservice quality of hospitality students in Taiwan. The study used a 6-dimension food quality scale to gather self-assessed data from student participants. A total of 400 questionnaires were sent out, with 355 （88.75%） returned, validated, and used in research. In the dimension of perceived importance, participants placed the highest importance on ＂food safety＂ and the lowest importance on ＂food characteristics＂. In the dimension of competence, participants placed the highest competence on ＂service quality＂, while the competence concerning ＂culinary skill＂ was lower. An importance-performance analysis （IPA） identified ＂food safety＂ as showing the greatest be improved among the six dimensions. The courses and internship experience predicted 26.4% of the variability in perceived competence of foodservice quality. Both the two variables showed a statistical significance. The culinary courses had a greater impact on food quality-related perceptions than did either hospitality professional or general management courses. Finally, this study identified that the school courses had a positive contribution to the competence of foodservice quality and with hospitality students who completed school courses having better quality perception competence than those who had not.

Mitigating Straggler Effect in Federated Learning Based on Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface over Internet of Vehicles

To protect vehicular privacy and speed up the execution of tasks,federated learning is introduced in the Internet of Vehicles(IoV)where users execute model training locally and upload local models to the base station without massive raw data exchange.However,heterogeneous computing and communication resources of vehicles cause straggler effect which weakens the reliability of federated learning.Dropping out vehicles with limited resources confines the training data.As a result,the accuracy and applicability of federated learning models will be reduced.To mitigate the straggler effect and improve performance of federated learning,we propose a reconfigurable intelligent surface(RIS)-assisted federated learning framework to enhance the communication reliability for parameter transmission in the IoV.Furthermore,we optimize the phase shift of RIS to achieve a more reliable communication environment.In addition,we define vehicular competence to measure both vehicular trustworthiness and resources.Based on the vehicular competence,the straggler effect is mitigated where training tasks of computing stragglers are offloaded to surrounding vehicles with high competence.The experiment results verify that our proposed framework can improve the reliability of federated learning in terms of computing and communication in the IoV.

Transcriptomic and bioinformatics analysis of the mechanism by which erythropoietin promotes recovery from traumatic brain injury in mice

Recent studies have found that erythropoietin promotes the recovery of neurological function after traumatic brain injury.However,the precise mechanism of action remains unclea r.In this study,we induced moderate traumatic brain injury in mice by intrape ritoneal injection of erythro poietin for 3 consecutive days.RNA sequencing detected a total of 4065 differentially expressed RNAs,including 1059 mRNAs,92 microRNAs,799 long non-coding RNAs,and 2115circular RNAs.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses revealed that the coding and non-coding RNAs that were differentially expressed after traumatic brain injury and treatment with erythropoietin play roles in the axon guidance pathway,Wnt pathway,and MAPK pathway.Constructing competing endogenous RNA networks showed that regulatory relationship between the differentially expressed non-coding RNAs and mRNAs.Because the axon guidance pathway was repeatedly enriched,the expression of Wnt5a and Ephb6,key factors in the axonal guidance pathway,was assessed.Ephb6 expression decreased and Wnt5a expression increased after traumatic brain injury,and these effects were reversed by treatment with erythro poietin.These findings suggest that erythro poietin can promote recove ry of nerve function after traumatic brain injury through the axon guidance pathway.

Post competency training in standardized training of resident physicians and integrated postgraduates

We focus on the importance and necessity of post-competency-based training in medical education alongside its current challenges and opportunities.Integrating post competency training into standardized educational frameworks is increasingly recognized as a critical component of preparing residents and postgraduates for real-world clinical practice.Post competency training represents a commitment to excellence in medical education,striving to produce competent,skilled practitioners to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.

Implementation of an international medical student pen-pal club:survey outcomes of perceptions in cultural competency and global health

Background:Pen-pal clubs(PPC)are used worldwide for students to learn about different cultures and other skillsets without the need for travel.Many medical students are interested in global health opportunities abroad but costs,scheduling,and other barriers allow few to participate in such experiences.It is important that medical students have nuanced global medical perspectives and can contribute to the global medical community.Objective:The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that an international medical student PPC improves medical students'perspectives of cultural competency and global health engagement.Methods:In 2021,a novel medical student PPC was established that began between an American and Japanese medical school.Following a shareholders meeting,it was decided that the number of medical schools involved globally be expanded through previous institutional affiliations and online presences.In total,the club connected 50 American medical students and 52 medical students from 17 high-and middle-income countries.The primary form of communication was online;pen-pals were encouraged to communicate monthly using provided topics,although frequency and way of communication was their discretion.In February 2022,American PPC members were emailed a qualitative survey to assess the PPC's impact.Results:The survey was completed by 42%of American PPC members,95%of which were 22-26 years.Participants were preclinical medical students,60%whom were female and the majority either white(47%)or Asian(43%).Overall,the PPC positively influenced American medical students'perception of global medicine,medical education,and their cultural competency after joining the PPC compared to prior(P=0.004).Conclusion:PPCs encourage medical students to think from a global perspective and foster open-mindedness within varying social and cultural contexts.Having a global communication platform for students during medical school education may be an additional way to train aspiring global leaders.

Long noncoding RNA protein-disulfide isomerase-associated 3 regulated high glucose-induced podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy through targeting miR-139-3p

BACKGROUND Podocyte apoptosis plays a vital role in proteinuria pathogenesis in diabetic nephropathy(DN).The regulatory relationship between long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)and podocyte apoptosis has recently become another research hot spot in the DN field.AIM To investigate whether lncRNA protein-disulfide isomerase-associated 3(Pdia3)could regulate podocyte apoptosis through miR-139-3p and revealed the underlying mechanism.METHODS Using normal glucose or high glucose(HG)-cultured podocytes,the cellular functions and exact mechanisms underlying the regulatory effects of lncRNA Pdia3 on podocyte apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)were explored.LncRNA Pdia3 and miR-139-3p expression were measured through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Relative cell viability was detected through the cell counting kit-8 colorimetric assay.The podocyte apoptosis rate in each group was measured through flow cytometry.The interaction between lncRNA Pdia3 and miR-139-3p was examined through the dual luciferase reporter assay.Finally,western blotting was performed to detect the effect of lncRNA Pdia3 on podocyte apoptosis and ERS via miR-139-3p.RESULTS The expression of lncRNA Pdia3 was significantly downregulated in HG-cultured podocytes.Next,lncRNA Pdia3 was involved in HG-induced podocyte apoptosis.Furthermore,the dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed the direct interaction between lncRNA Pdia3 and miR-139-3p.LncRNA Pdia3 overexpression attenuated podocyte apoptosis and ERS through miR-139-3p in HG-cultured podocytes.CONCLUSION Taken together,this study demonstrated that lncRNA Pdia3 overexpression could attenuate HG-induced podocyte apoptosis and ERS by acting as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-139-3p,which might provide a potential therapeutic target for DN.

How Emotion Nurtures Mentality:The Influencing Mechanism of Social-Emotional Competency on the Mental Health of University Students

Social-Emotional Competency(SEC),regarded as a critical psychological resource for individuals to adapt to social environments,is an effective protective factor for students’mental health,impacting their future success and well-being.Analyzing the impact of SEC on university students’mental health can offer valuable insights for nurturing talents with healthy psychological and physical development.Based on data from two large-scale surveys of Chinese university students,this study designed two comprehensive Multiple Mediation Models involving SEC,stress,coping strategies,and stress reaction to explore the pathway of emotion nurturing mentality.Study 1 utilized a parallel mediation model to examine the relationships between SEC,academic stress,interpersonal stress,and stress reactions.The results indicated that SEC negatively predicted academic stress,interpersonal stress,and stress reactions.Additionally,academic and interpersonal stress mediated the relationships between SEC and stress reactions in parallel.Extending these findings,Study 2 further investigated the role of coping strategies.By constructing a multiple-chain mediation model,it examined the predictive relationships among SEC,academic stress,interpersonal stress,three types of coping strategies,and stress reactions.The findings indicated that SEC negatively predicted stress,problemavoiding strategy,and stress reactions,while positively predicting problem-solving and assistant-seeking strategies.Furthermore,the two stress types and three coping strategies significantly mediated the relationship between SEC and stress reactions.This indicated that higher SEC was associated with reduced stress and more adaptive coping strategies and subsequently contributed to more favorable stress reactions.This research explored the impact of university students’SEC on mental health and its relational mechanisms,aiming to provide theoretical reference and practical insights for future efforts in cultivating SEC among university students to adjust academic and interpersonal stress,to enhance problem-solving and stress resistance capabilities,and to maintain their mental health.

A Comparative Study of the L2 Pragmatic Competence of University Students in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland:The Contributions of Sociocultural Context and Linguistic Proficiency

This study investigates the differences in pragmatic competence between Hong Kong and Chinese mainland university students.Participants included 19 native speakers of English,115 Chinese mainland students,divided into those who had spent time abroad in an English-speaking country(CM A)and those who had not(CM NA),and 97 Hong Kong students,divided into those from an English-medium secondary school(Hong Kong EMI)and those from a Chinese-medium school(Hong Kong CMI).Linguistic proficiency was measured by a C-test,and pragmatic competence by a Metapragmatic Knowledge Test,an Irony Test and a Monologic Role Play.Group scores were compared using ANCOVAs to control for differences in proficiency.The results point to a continuum of pragmatic competence—EMI>CMI>CM A>CM NA—reflecting the groups’access to English in real-life contexts.The differences between the Hong Kong groups and the Chinese mainland groups were clearest in those tests measuring processing capacity(i.e.,Irony Response Time and the Monologic Role Play).CM A,but not CM NA,performed as well as the Hong Kong groups on measures of metapragmatic awareness.The results are discussed in terms of Bialystok’s(1993)distinction between analyzed representation and control of processing.

From Theoretical Grammar to Grammatical Competence:An Empirical Study

In China,English teachers usually take a three-step approach to grammar teaching,namely,the presentation—practice—production principle(3P Principle).This method consists of both“morphology”and“syntax.”It adopts the traditional mode of grammar teaching,including knowledge presentation,grammar exercises,and grammatical competence production,which will inevitably lead to time consumption and low efficiency in grammar learning.This study is about cultivating English majors'grammatical competence through the theoretical mode of grammar teaching.The research results show that the theoretical mode of grammar teaching helps cultivate learners'grammatical competence.

Ultrasound Scanning Competencies in Midwifery Education in Zambia: Findings from a Desk Review and Needs Assessment

Introduction: Ultrasound is an essential component of antenatal care. Midwives provide most of the antenatal care but they do not perform ultrasound as it has been beyond their scope of practice. This leaves many women in Low and Middle-Income Countries without access to ultrasound scanning. The aim of this study was to identify competencies in ultrasound scanning in midwifery education. Methods: A desk review and needs assessment were conducted between July and October 2023. Articles and curricula on the internet, Google scholar and PubMed were searched for content on ultrasound scanning competencies. A Google form consisting of 20 questions was administered via email and WhatsApp to 135 participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Results: The desk review showed that it is feasible to train midwives in ultrasound scanning. The training programs for midwives in obstetric ultrasound were conducted for 1 week to 3 months with most of them running for 4 weeks. Content included introduction to general principles of ultrasound, physics, basic knowledge in embryology, obstetrics, anatomy, measuring foetal biometry, estimating amniotic fluid and gestational age. Experts like sonographers trained midwives. Theory and hands on were the teaching methods used. Written and practical assessments were conducted. Needs assessment revealed that majority of participants 71 (53%) knew about basic ultrasound training for midwives. All participants (100%) said it is necessary to train midwives in basic ultrasound scan in Zambia. Some content should include, anatomy, measuring foetal biometry, assessing amniotic fluid level, and gestational age determination. Most participants 91 (67%) suggested that the appropriate duration of training is 4 - 6 weeks. Conclusion: Empowering every midwife with ultrasound scanning skills will enable early detection of any abnormality among pregnant women and prompt intervention to save lives.

Community Needs Assessment for a Professional University Health Counselling Course in Cambodia

Developing health and counselling professionals remains an important part of supporting mental health services in Cambodia.This paper aims to identify how the key stakeholders and mental health experts in Cambodia consider how a university level health counselling course could contribute to addressing the needs/treatment gap for mental health services in Cambodia.In order to do this,the study consists of semi-structured interviews with stakeholders,community needs assessment,and community resource mapping.The data were drawn from 15 NGOs,various profit and not-for-profit organizations as well as two key government stakeholders.The participants were invited to take part in a stakeholders/expert semi-structured interview that lasted between 30-60 minutes at the participants’organizations.The findings revealed that all participants believe that a university level health counseling course was crucial in Cambodia to address pressing mental health issues in the country.Most participants believed that a graduate or post-graduate level program such as a B.A.or M.A.was necessary to train qualified counsellors.The program should be internationally benchmarked,with a Cambodian context.Topics should include psychopathology,professional ethics and competencies,counselling theories and interventions,trauma treatment,as well as emotional intelligence and addiction.Other topics might need to include parenting,support system for suicidal patients,self-care,staff wellbeing programs,and school counselor programs.