Teaching linguistics gotta catch ’em all: Skills grading in undergraduate linguistics

Dissatisfied with traditional grading, we developed a grading system to directly assess whether students have mastered course material. We identified the set of skills students need to master in a course and provided multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery of each skill. We describe in detail how we implemented the system for two undergraduate courses, Introductory Phonetics and Phonology I. Our goals were to decrease student stress, increase student learning and make students’ study efforts more effective, increase students’ metacognitive awareness, promote a growth mindset, encourage students to aim for mastery rather than partial credit, be fairer to students facing structural and institutional disadvantages, reduce our time spent on grading, and facilitate complying with new accreditation requirements. Our own reflections and student feedback indicate that many of these goals were met

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG-supplemented formula expands butyrate-producing bacterial strains in food allergic infants.

Dietary intervention with extensively hydrolyzed casein formula supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (EHCF+LGG) accelerates tolerance acquisition in infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA). We examined whether this effect is attributable, at least in part, to an influence on the gut microbiota. Fecal samples from healthy controls (n=20) and from CMA infants (n=19) before and after treatment with EHCF with (n=12) and without (n=7) supplementation with LGG were compared by 16S rRNA-based operational taxonomic unit clustering and oligotyping. Differential feature selection and generalized linear model fitting revealed that the CMA infants have a diverse gut microbial community structure dominated by Lachnospiraceae (20.5±9.7%) and Ruminococcaceae (16.2±9.1%). Blautia, Roseburia and Coprococcus were significantly enriched following treatment with EHCF and LGG, but only one genus, Oscillospira, was significantly different between infants that became tolerant and those that remained allergic. However, most tolerant infants showed a significant increase in fecal butyrate levels, and those taxa that were significantly enriched in these samples, Blautia and Roseburia, exhibited specific strain-level demarcations between tolerant and allergic infants. Our data suggest that EHCF+LGG promotes tolerance in infants with CMA, in part, by influencing the strain-level bacterial community structure of the infant gut

Pendekatan Quantum Teaching dalam proses pembelajaran mata pelajaran Aqidah Akhlak di Madrasah Aliyah Almaarif Singosari Malang

ABSTRAK Quantum Teaching adalah penggubahan belajar yang meriah dengan segala nuansanya. Quantum Teaching merupakan sesuatu yang baru dan asing bagi kebanyakan sekolah yang ada di Indonesia, sehingga masih jarang sekolah- sekolah yang menerapkan metode ini dalam melaksanakan pembelajaran. Quantum Teaching merupakan model pembelajaran yang ideal, karena menekankan kerja sama antara siswa dan guru untuk mencapai tujuan bersama. Model pembelajaran ini juga efektif karena memungkinkan siswa dapat belajar secara optimal. Oleh karena itu penulis ingin memecahkan masalah dengan strategi pembelajaran Quantum Teaching, karena strategi tersebut bisa diterapkan di Madrasah. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah ingin mengetahui metode yang ada pada Quantum Teaching di Madrasah Aliyah Almaarif Singosari. berpijak dari hal inilah peneliti tertarik mengambil judul “Pendekatan Quantum Teaching dalam Proses Pembelajaran Mata Pelajaran Aqidah Akhlak di Madrasah Aliyah Almaarif Singosari Malang” Berdasarkan latar belakang diatas, maka masalah yang diangakat oleh peneliti adalah 1) Bagaimana pelaksanaan dan model pembelajaran Aqidah Akhlak dengan menggunakan pendekatan Quantum Teaching di Madrasah Aliyah Almaarif Singosari Malang? 2) Hambatan-hambatan dalam penerapan Quantum Teaching pada mata pelajaran Aqidah Akhlak di Madrasah Aliyah Almaarif Singosari Malang? Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif dengan tujuan untuk mendeskripsikan atau menggambarkan fenomena yang ada di lokasi penelitian. Data yang diambil penelitian melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi, agar hasil penelitian tersusun secara sistematis maka langkah- langkah peneliti dalam menganalisis data adalah pertama, dengan memilih hal-hal yang pokok dalam memfokuskan kepada hal-hal yang penting, kedua menyajikan data yang dilakukan dalam bentuk uraian singkat, tabel dan lain sebagainya. Ketiga menarik kesimpulan guna menjawab rumusan masalah yang di rumuskan sejak awal. Hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa: (1) pelaksanaan dan model pembelajaran Aqidah Akhlak di Madrasah Aliyah Almaarif Singosari Malang adalah pertama menjelaskan manfaat materi bagi kehidupan siswa (tumbuhkan), kedua mengaitkan materi dalam kehidupan sehari-hari (alami), Ketiga memberikan kata kunci, rumus dan strategi sebagai masukan (namai), Keempat guru dan siswa menyimpulkan materi (demontrasikan), kelima siswa mencatat materi (ulangi). selanjutnya memberikan penghargaan atau pujian kepada siswa (rayakan) dan model pembelajaran berbentuk U. (2) Hambatan yang dihadapi dalam penerapan Quantum Teaching pada mata pelajaran Aqidah Akhlak di Madrasah Aliyah Almaarif Singosari Malang antara lain yaitu terbatasnya pengetahuan dan penguasaan yang dimiliki oleh para guru tentang quantum teaching sebagai metode yang masih baru, terbatasnya sarana dan fasilitas pendidikan dan terbatasnya waktu yang dialokasikan. ABSTRACT Quantum Teaching something new and unfamiliar to most schools in Indonesia, so it is still rare for schools that use these methods in the study. Teaching Quantum is the ideal model of learning, because it emphasizes collaboration among students and teachers to achieve a common goal. Learning model is also effective because it allows students to learn with all the atmosphere. Therefore the author would like to solve problems with Quantum Teaching learning strategies, because such a strategy could be applied in the Madrasah. Penilitian goal is to find methods that exist in Teaching at the Madrasah Aliyah Quantum Almaarif Singosari Malang. On this basis the researchers are interested to take the title “Quantum Teaching in the Process of Learning Subjects of Aqidah Akhlak the Madrasah Aliyah Almaarif Singosari Malang”. Based on the above background, the researchers investigated of problems are: 1). How is the implementation and model of learning by using Quantum Teaching methods in the subjects of Aqidah Akhlak in Madrasah Aliyah Almaarif Singosari Malang. 2). Any obstacles encountered in using learning Quantum Teaching methods in subjects Aqidah Akhlak in Madrasah Aliyah Almaarif Singosari Malang. The study was conducted using qualitative research methods with the aim to explain or describe the phenomena that exist at the site. Data taken from research through observation, interviews, and documentation. In order to study systematically arranged, then investigators step in analyzing the data were: First, by selecting things that are important in focusing on things that are important. Second, the present data carried in the form of brief descriptions, tables, and so on. Third, draw conclusions, in order to answer the formulation of the problem was initially formulated. The results can be concluded that: (1). Implementation and model of Quantum Teaching learning by using the method on the subjects of Aqidah Akhlaq Teaching in Madrasah Aliyah Almaarif Singosari Malang there are several steps, namely: first explain items benefit to life of student ( grow), second hooking;correlating items in everyday life ( natural), Third give keyword, strategy and formula as input (name), Fourthly of student and teacher conclude items (demontrasikan), fifth of student note items (repeat). hereinafter give praise or appreciation to student (study model and celebrate) in form of U. (2). the obstacles encountered in using the techniques of quantum subjects teaching of Aqidah Akhlak in the Madrasah Aliyah Almaarif Singosari Malang, inter alia, the limited knowledge and skill which belongs to the quantum teacher training methods, which are new, limited opportunities and educational institutions, as well as the limited time available

Molecular Characterization of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in Abu Dhabi District, United Arab Emirates

Purpose: To investigate the frequency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) variants and their associated enzyme deficiencies among different age groups of individuals in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods: A total of 15,995 patients (6302 UAE nationals and 9693 non-UAE nationals) who presented at Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE between January 2006 and January 2009 were screened for G6PD deficiency using fluorescent spot test. Molecular analysis including polymerase chain reaction– restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) and DNA sequencing were utilized to identify common mutations in individuals with G6PD deficiency.Results: The prevalence of G6PD deficiency among UAE nationals was 7.4% and non-UAE nationals 3.8%. UAE males showed prevalence of 11.6% while for UAE females it was 3.6%. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency among non-UAE nationals was 5 and 1.7% for males and females, respectively. The Mediterranean mutation, 563C→T, was predominant in non-UAE nationals.Conclusion: G6PD Mediterranean mutation is the most prevalent mutation underlying G6PD deficiency followed by Aures mutations in both UAE nationals and non-UAE nationals. On the other hand, Africa Awas found to be more in non-UAE compared with UAE nationals.Keywords: Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency, Mutation, Abu Dhabi, Polymerase chain reaction–restriction, Fragment length polymorphis

EphA2-receptor deficiency exacerbates myocardial infarction and reduces survival in hyperglycemic mice

Background We have previously shown that EphrinA1/EphA expression profile changes in response to myocardial infarction (MI), exogenous EphrinA1-Fc administration following MI positively influences wound healing, and that deletion of the EphA2 Receptor (EphA2-R) exacerbates injury and remodeling. To determine whether or not ephrinA1-Fc would be of therapeutic value in the hyperglycemic infarcted heart, it is critical to evaluate how ephrinA1/EphA signaling changes in the hyperglycemic myocardium in response to MI. Methods Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia in wild type (WT) and EphA2-receptor mutant (EphA2-R-M) mice was initiated by an intraperitoneal injection of STZ (150 mg/kg) 10 days before surgery. MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and analyses were performed at 4 days post-MI. ANOVAs with Student-Newman Keuls multiple comparison post-hoc analysis illustrated which groups were significantly different, with significance of at least p < 0.05. Results Both WT and EphA2-R-M mice responded adversely to STZ, but only hyperglycemic EphA2-R-M mice had lower ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS). At 4 days post-MI, we observed greater post-MI mortality in EphA2-R-M mice compared with WT and this was greater still in the EphA2-R-M hyperglycemic mice. Although infarct size was greater in hyperglycemic WT mice vs normoglycemic mice, there was no difference between hyperglycemic EphA2-R-M mice and normoglycemic EphA2-R-M mice. The hypertrophic response that normally occurs in viable myocardium remote to the infarct was noticeably absent in epicardial cardiomyocytes and cardiac dysfunction worsened in hyperglycemic EphA2-R-M hearts post-MI. The characteristic interstitial fibrotic response in the compensating myocardium remote to the infarct also did not occur in hyperglycemic EphA2-R-M mouse hearts to the same extent as that observed in the hyperglycemic WT mouse hearts. Differences in neutrophil and pan-leukocyte infiltration and serum cytokines implicate EphA2-R in modulation of injury and the differences in ephrinA1 and EphA6-R expression in governing this are discussed. Conclusions We conclude that EphA2-mutant mice are more prone to hyperglycemia-induced increased injury, decreased survival, and worsened LV remodeling due to impaired wound healing

Lack of association of CTLA-4 +49 A/G polymorphism with predisposition to type 1 diabetes in a cohort of Egyptian families

Background: Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic childhood illnesses. Interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors is thought to provide the fundamental element for the disease. Apart from the Major Histocompatibility locus which is the main contributor to risk susceptibility, more than 40 loci are recognized. One among these is the CTLA-4, however data from the literature are controversial. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of CTLA4 49 A/G as a risk susceptibility factor for the development of type 1 diabetes in a cohort of Egyptian families.Subjects and methods: This is a case control study including 88 Egyptian families with one or more index cases (&lt;18 years). The control group comprised 369 healthy unrelated subjects with no family history of diabetes or autoimmune disease. Using PCR-RFLP methodology, CTLA4 49 A/G was analyzed in 738 samples representing 88 families (88 patients, 125 siblings and 156 parents) and 369 control.Results: The age of onset was 6 days-12.5 years with a mean of 5.3± 3.6 and a median of 5 years. The mode of presentation was classic symptoms in 51 and diabetic ketoacidosis in 37 cases. Twenty-two cases had a history of viral infection or exanthematous disease and four had associated autoimmune diseases. No significant differences were encountered between the different groups with regard to CTLA4 +49 A/G genotype or allele frequencies. Neither was there a relation between the various genotypes and age of onset or the mode of presentation.Conclusions: CTLA4 49 A/G polymorphism was not recognized as a risk susceptibility factor in our cohort. This may be attributed to the low co-incidence of autoimmune diseases. Up to our best knowledge, this is the first study involving families. We recommend that all studies performed on risk susceptibility to type 1 diabetes should include proper investigation for other autoimmune diseases to exclude their confounding effect on data analysis.Keywords: Type 1 diabetes; CTLA-4; Risk susceptibilit

Laparoscopy in management of appendicitis in high-, middle-, and low-income countries: a multicenter, prospective, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is the most common abdominal surgical emergency worldwide. Differences between high- and low-income settings in the availability of laparoscopic appendectomy, alternative management choices, and outcomes are poorly described. The aim was to identify variation in surgical management and outcomes of appendicitis within low-, middle-, and high-Human Development Index (HDI) countries worldwide. METHODS: This is a multicenter, international prospective cohort study. Consecutive sampling of patients undergoing emergency appendectomy over 6 months was conducted. Follow-up lasted 30 days. RESULTS: 4546 patients from 52 countries underwent appendectomy (2499 high-, 1540 middle-, and 507 low-HDI groups). Surgical site infection (SSI) rates were higher in low-HDI (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.33-4.99, p = 0.005) but not middle-HDI countries (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.76-2.52, p = 0.291), compared with high-HDI countries after adjustment. A laparoscopic approach was common in high-HDI countries (1693/2499, 67.7%), but infrequent in low-HDI (41/507, 8.1%) and middle-HDI (132/1540, 8.6%) groups. After accounting for case-mix, laparoscopy was still associated with fewer overall complications (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.71, p < 0.001) and SSIs (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14-0.33, p < 0.001). In propensity-score matched groups within low-/middle-HDI countries, laparoscopy was still associated with fewer overall complications (OR 0.23 95% CI 0.11-0.44) and SSI (OR 0.21 95% CI 0.09-0.45). CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic approach is associated with better outcomes and availability appears to differ by country HDI. Despite the profound clinical, operational, and financial barriers to its widespread introduction, laparoscopy could significantly improve outcomes for patients in low-resource environments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02179112

Persistent Staphylococcus aureus Colonization Is Not a Strongly Heritable Trait in Amish Families

About 20% of adults are persistently colonized with S. aureus in the anterior nares. Host genetic factors could contribute susceptibility to this phenotype. The objective of this study was to determine whether the phenotype of persistent S. aureus colonization aggregates in family members who live in different households. Healthy adults and their eligible same sex siblings who lived in different households were recruited from the Old Order Amish of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. All participants had two cultures of the anterior nares to determine if they were persistently colonized with S. aureus. Three hundred and ninety eight participants finished the study, of whom 166 were index cases and 232 were siblings of index cases. Eighteen per cent (71/398) of all participants and 17% (29/166) of index cases were persistently colonized with S. aureus. Twenty two per cent (8/36) of siblings of persistently colonized index cases were persistently colonized with S. aureus compared to 17% (34/196) of siblings of non-persistently colonized index cases, yielding a prevalence rate ratio of 1.28 (95% CI: 0.65–2.54, p = 0.64) and sibling relative risk of 1.25 (95% CI: 0.65–2.38, p = 0.51). The heritability of persistent colonization was 0.19±0.21 (p = 0.31). Persistent S. aureus colonization does not strongly aggregate in Amish family members in different households and heritability is low, suggesting that environmental factors or acquired host factors are more important than host genetic factors in determining persistent S. aureus colonization in this community

Expression Profiling of Major Histocompatibility and Natural Killer Complex Genes Reveals Candidates for Controlling Risk of Graft versus Host Disease

Background: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is the most important genomic region that contributes to the risk of graft versus host disease (GVHD) after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Matching of MHC class I and II genes is essential for the success of transplantation. However, the MHC contains additional genes that also contribute to the risk of developing acute GVHD. It is difficult to identify these genes by genetic association studies alone due to linkage disequilibrium in this region. Therefore, we aimed to identify MHC genes and other genes involved in the pathophysiology of GVHD by mRNA expression profiling. Methodology/Principal Findings: To reduce the complexity of the task, we used genetically well-defined rat inbred strains and a rat skin explant assay, an in-vitro-model of the graft versus host reaction (GVHR), to analyze the expression of MHC, natural killer complex (NKC), and other genes in cutaneous GVHR. We observed a statistically significant and strong up or down regulation of 11 MHC, 6 NKC, and 168 genes encoded in other genomic regions, i.e. 4.9%, 14.0%, and 2.6% of the tested genes respectively. The regulation of 7 selected MHC and 3 NKC genes was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR and in independent skin explant assays. In addition, similar regulations of most of the selected genes were observed in GVHD-affected skin lesions of transplanted rats and in human skin explant assays. Conclusions/Significance: We identified rat and human MHC and NKC genes that are regulated during GVHR in skin explant assays and could therefore serve as biomarkers for GVHD. Several of the respective human genes, including HLA-DMB, C2, AIF1, SPR1, UBD, and OLR1, are polymorphic. These candidates may therefore contribute to the genetic risk of GVHD in patients