The relationship between concentric hip abductor strength 1 and the performance of the Y-balance test (YBT)

Side lying hip abduction is an action used during manual muscle testing and is also prescribed as a rehabilitation exercise to improve dynamic single leg stability. Little is known about the functional cross-over of this activity. The aims of this study was to investigate the relationship between concentric hip abductor strength and performance of the Y-Balance test (YBT). Forty-five recreational gym users (27 male age 26.2 (8.4) years, 18 female age 27.4 (7.5) years) had dynamic single leg stability and concentric hip abductor peak torque assessed in the non-dominant limb using a YBT and isokinetic dynamometry, respectively. All components of the YBT had a moderate association with concentric hip abductor torque which were greater in the posteromedial (r=0.574, P<0.001) and posterolateral (r=0.657, P<0.001) directions compared to the anterior direction (r=0.402, P=0.006). Greater concentric hip abductor strength is associated with greater scores on components of the YBT, particularly the posterior reaches

Reporting on data monitoring committees in neonatal randomised controlled trials is inconsistent

Aim: To evaluate the reported use of Data Monitoring Committees (DMCs), the frequency of interim analysis, pre-specified stopping rules and early trial termination in neonatal randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: We reviewed neonatal RCTs published in four high impact general medical journals, specifically looking at safety issues including documented involvement of a DMC, stated interim analysis, stopping rules and early trial termination. We searched all journal issues over an 11-year period (2003-2013) and recorded predefined parameters on each item for RCTs meeting inclusion criteria. Results: Seventy neonatal trials were identified in four general medical journals: Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), British Medical Journal and Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA). 43 (61.4%) studies reported the presence of a DMC, 36 (51.4%) explicitly mentioned interim analysis; stopping rules were reported in 15 (21.4%) RCTs and 7 (10%) trials were terminated early. The NEJM most frequently reported these parameters compared to the other three journals reviewed. Conclusion: While the majority of neonatal RCTs report on DMC involvement and interim analysis there is still scope for improvement. Clear documentation of safety related issues should be a central component of reporting in neonatal trials involving newborn infants

Disruption and distraction in online and physical classroom environments

Disruption and distraction in online and physical classroom environmentsjournal articl

Evaluating the Impact of Illustrated Activities on Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes

This article investigates the influence of a hand-drawn illustrated vocabulary activity on student engagement and learning outcomes in a university English Communication classroom. Conducted at Muroran Institute of Technology, the study involved 27 second-year undergraduate students participating in a modified Pictionary-style activity. The research aims to understand how drawn visual elements can enhance vocabulary retention and overall learning experiences from the student perspective. Survey responses, based on a Likert scale, revealed that students found these illustrated activities more effective for vocabulary retention compared to traditional methods, increased their confidence in using new words, encouraged active class participation, and made learning more enjoyable. These results suggest that hand-drawn illustrated vocabulary activities could be a valuable addition to English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction, promoting a more engaging, interactive, and supportive learning environment.departmental bulletin pape

地理的想像力：EFL 大学の授業で地図を 使用している学生の認識

This study explores the use of maps as a tool to build a sense of interest and imagined connections with English speaking countries. It examines student perceptions of map usage within English as a Foreign Language(EFL) university classes. By utilizing a Map Perception Questionnaire (MPQ), the study examines perceptions across a range of nodes related to perceived interest, enjoyment, learning and inspiration derived from interactions with maps of various scales. The rationale behind the study is to investigate levels of engagement with the mapping medium from the undergraduate EFL student perspective. The MPQ was administered at a median program waypoint after eight of fifteen lessons had occurred across five separate class groups. All of the aforementioned lessons incorporated map questions and related materials. Results of the study demonstrate a significantly positive response amongst the students to map related activities, and further, that maps generally serve as an inspirational trigger related to travel or experiencing cultures in English-speaking countries. The paper illustrates that maps can be impactful tools in sparking geographical imagination within EFL learners.journal articl

触覚の取得：粘土造形に関する研究

This paper examines student attitudes regarding the use of plasticine as a learning tool in the university language classroom. Plasticine clay was used as a tool where students had the opportunity to create models of vocabulary using their imagination and hands through pair work. The study in question introduced plasticine as a tactile learning tool in two English Communication EFL classes across three sessions. These sessions were then evaluated regarding the use of plasticine and its potential from a student perspective and using teacher reflections. This potential was rooted in factors such as memory, enjoyment, timing and future frequency. This research was undertaken to establish a baseline regarding the feasibility and levels of engagement around plasticine modelling which is rarely used in university language class settings. A survey questionnaire was utilized to garner the students’ attitudes. The results show that there was a positive endorsement of using plasticine and that there is potential to increase the frequency with which it could be deployed in the university classroom.journal articl

A Study Using Thematic Maps for Vocabulary Acquisition in Japanese and Colombian University English Classes

This paper examines the effectiveness of using thematic maps as a tool for teaching in CLIL and EFL contexts by focusing on how they improve vocabulary acquisition and retention among undergraduate university students in Japan and Colombia. The data collected from pretest and posttest vocabulary test scores indicate that using thematic maps can progress students' vocabulary acquisition and retention. The study shows that thematic maps can assist in teaching new vocabulary and improving student’s knowledge of English speaking countries, as they provide a visual representation of words in context and encourage students to analyze, interpret and explain real-world information. This paper also provides insights for educators in CLIL/EFL classrooms via classroom procedure descriptions of map usage and thus its utility can be replicated.departmental bulletin pape

モーションで学ぶ：ビデオ利用の影響に関する学生の視点を探る

This article explores the integration of conversation videos in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms, emphasizing students' perceptions through a paper-based survey conducted with an English Communication undergraduate class at Muroran Institute of Technology in Japan. Following the implementation of conversation videos into seven lessons, the study aimed to assess their impact on various aspects of language learning from the learners' perspective, including student interest, comprehension, pronunciation, listening skills, speaking confidence, vocabulary development, and cultural understanding. Positive student attitudes were observed across multiple areas, such as increased interest, improved cultural communication understanding and a desire for an increased use of videos. These findings highlight the potential of conversation videos in enhancing engagement and comprehension in EFL university classrooms, suggesting implications for teachers to more widely integrate this multimedia tool into their teaching practice.journal articl

Herpesvirus telomeric repeats facilitate genomic integration into host telomeres and mobilization of viral DNA during reactivation

Some herpesviruses, particularly lymphotropic viruses such as Marek's disease virus (MDV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), integrate their DNA into host chromosomes. MDV and HHV-6, among other herpesviruses, harbor telomeric repeats (TMRs) identical to host telomeres at either end of their linear genomes. Using MDV as a natural virus-host model, we show that herpesvirus TMRs facilitate viral genome integration into host telomeres and that integration is important for establishment of latency and lymphoma formation. Integration into host telomeres also aids in reactivation from the quiescent state of infection. Our results and the presence of TMRs in many herpesviruses suggest that integration mediated by viral TMRs is a conserved mechanism, which ensures faithful virus genome maintenance in host cells during cell division and allows efficient mobilization of dormant viral genomes. This finding is of particular importance as reactivation is critical for virus spread between susceptible individuals and is necessary for continued herpesvirus evolution and survival

Analysis of alternative lengthening of telomere markers in BRCA1 defective cells

Telomeres are specialized structures responsible for the chromosome end protection. Previous studies have revealed that defective BRCA1 may lead to elevated telomere fusions and accelerated telomere shortening. In addition, BRCA1 associates with promyelocytic leukemia (PML) bodies in alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALTs) positive cells. We report here elevated recombination rates at telomeres in cells from human BRCA1 mutation carriers and in mouse embryonic stem cells lacking both copies of functional Brca1. An increased recombination rate at telomeres is one of the signs of ALT. To investigate this possibility further we employed the C-circle assay that identifies ALT unequivocally. Our results revealed elevated levels of ALT activity in Brca1 defective mouse cells. Similar results were obtained when the same cells were assayed for the presence of another ALT marker, namely the frequency of PML bodies. These results suggest that BRCA1 may act as a repressor of ALT.We acknowledge Dr Amir Hassan-Khani from Bent-Al-Hoda Hospital Mashhad, Iran, for partly funding Parisa K Kargaran. Supported in part by a grant from the DoReMi consortium, EC