Search Results (26)

Ensuring socially just, inclusive, and equitable education is a global imperative and, accordingly, a key concern for physical education (PE). While PE is widely recognized for its potential to contribute to these goals, research also highlights the persistence of discriminatory practices and injustices within the subject, underscoring the need to promote equity and social justice in PE. Social justice pedagogies (SJPs) offer a valuable framework for realizing these aims. This study explores how SJPs are understood and enacted in Austrian PE practice, with particular paid attention to how teachers describe, interpret, and navigate social justice in their pedagogical approaches. An exploratory qualitative design was employed, and 20 secondary school PE teachers were interviewed about their teaching practices. Teachers were recruited through an open call and volunteered to take part; their individual prior awareness or sensitivity to SJPs played no role in the selection process. The analysis, based on initial content–analytical structuring, led to the development of typologies. Findings revealed substantial variation in how SJPs are conceptualized and implemented in everyday teaching, reflecting differing levels of engagement with social justice principles. The predominance of approaches that fall short of fully embracing the critical and transformative potential of SJPs highlights a pressing need for professional development and systemic change in PE. Full article

The Sanjiang Plain (SJP) in Northeast China, a crucial black soil region, serves as a quintessential example of a high-intensity agricultural development zone and stands as China’s largest commercial grain production base. In the context of global climate change, pronounced global warming and increased vegetation greening are expected to significantly impact the agricultural water resource supply and its alignment with crop water requirements in the SJP. This study assesses how climate change and vegetation greening affect the crop water supply–demand relationship in the SJP, addressing the critical question of whether natural precipitation can sustain regional agricultural development. Using the extensively validated ESSI-3 distributed hydrological model, integrated with reanalysis and multi-source satellite data, we analyzed data from 1982 to 2018. The results indicate a statistically significant rise in the regional temperature and leaf area index (p < 0.05), with a notable shift around 2000. Key findings include (1) an increase in crop irrigation water requirements (IWR) post-2000, with significant spatial variation; the central and western regions experienced the highest increases, while the eastern region saw reduced risk to crop water security. Furthermore, (2) climate change accounted for approximately 37.9% of the increased IWR in central and western regions, with vegetation greening contributing about 21.2%. Conversely, in the eastern region, vegetation dynamics had a more pronounced effect (28.6%), while climate change contributed less (12.3%). These results suggest a shift in crop water deficit risk boundaries toward the east and north. To optimize water use, expanding high-water-demand crops in the eastern regions and reducing their cultivation in the west is recommended, enhancing alignment between natural precipitation and crop water needs. Full article

The present research aimed to assess the anti-cancer effects of the polysaccharide fraction (SJP) isolated from Saccharina japonica. The release of immune-activating cytokines, including IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α, was markedly stimulated by the SJP in a concentration-dependent manner within the range of 1 to 100 µg/mL. Furthermore, the prophylactic intravenous (p.i.v.) and per os (p.p.o.) injection of SJP boosted the cytolytic activity mediated by NK cells and CTLs against tumor cells. In a study involving Colon26-M3.1 carcinoma as a lung cancer model, both p.i.v. and p.p.o. exhibited significant anti-lung-cancer effects. Notably, p.i.v. and p.p.o. administration of SJP at a dose of 50 mg/kg reduced tumor colonies by 84% and 40%, respectively, compared to the control. Moreover, the anti-lung-cancer effects of SJP remained substantial, even when NK cell function was inhibited using anti-asialo-GM1. Fractionation with CaCl₂ suggested that SJP is a mixture of alginate and fucoidan. The fucoidan fraction stimulated the immune response of macrophages more strongly than the alginate fraction. Consequently, this finding suggested that SJP from S. japonica possesses remarkable anti-cancer effects through the activation of various immunocytes. In addition, this finding indicates that the potent biological activity of SJP may be attributed to fucoidan. Full article

The design of medical-grade compression garments is essential for therapeutic efficacy, requiring precise pressure distribution on specific body areas. This study evaluates the effectiveness of virtual fit technology, focusing on CLO3D, in designing these garments. Simulated strain and pressure values from CLO3D were compared to experimental measurements, alongside the development of a CP model using CLO3D’s digitized stretch stiffness (Youn’s CP model). Using a 3D-scanned manikin, the mechanical behavior of eight knit fabrics, including composite structures, was assessed under strain of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The results showed that CLO3D’s built-in pressure simulation overestimated the pressure, especially in plaited fabrics such as SJP and INTP, with discrepancies of up to 10 kPa at strain levels above 15%. In contrast, the experimental pressure measurements using the Kikuhime and PPS sensors varied within 0.13 to 2.59 kPa. Youn’s CP model provided a closer fit to the experimental data, with deviations limited to within 1.9 kPa. This finding highlights the limitations of CLO3D for precision-required applications and underscores the need for more advanced, customized algorithms in virtual fit technology to ensure reliable compression garment design, particularly in medical contexts, where precise pressure control is critical for patient outcomes. Full article

Background: Viral hepatitis is a disease that is more prevalent among individuals residing in remote regions and in contexts of social vulnerability. The objective of this study was to ascertain the seroprevalence of hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV), and C (HCV) in vulnerable communities in the rural area of São João do Piauí (SJP), northern Brazil. Methods: Immunoenzymatic assays were employed to detect the presence of anti-HAV (total and IgM), HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV serological markers in serum samples. Samples that yielded positive results were subjected to further analysis using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: A total of 492 individuals, ranging in age from 3 to 101 years, were consecutively recruited from eight rural communities. The majority of individuals were female (51.2%), over 30 years of age (57.1%), self-identified as Black/Brown (92.2%), and resided in Afro-Brazilian communities, designated as “quilombos” (68.1%). The seroprevalence of anti-HAV was 69.5% (95% CI: 65.4–73.6%), while that of anti-HBc was 4.7% (95% CI: 2.8–6.6%), and that of anti-HBs was 35.2% (95% CI: 30.1–39.4%), and 0.2% (95% CI:0.0–0.6%) for anti-HCV. Conclusions: The seroprevalence rates observed were higher than the national average, and a significant proportion of individuals in the target age groups were susceptible to HBV, despite the availability of vaccination. These findings highlight potential shortcomings in the management of vaccine-preventable diseases, which could have implications for public health. Full article

Soil organic matter (SOM) is essential for assessing land quality and enhancing soil fertility. Understanding SOM spatial and temporal changes is crucial for sustainable soil management. This study investigates the spatial and temporal variations and influencing factors of SOM content in the Songnen Plain (SNP) and Sanjiang Plain (SJP) of Heilongjiang Province, China, based on high-precision SOC content data (RMSE = 4.84 g/kg⁻¹, R² = 0.75, RPIQ = 2.43) from 1984 to 2021, with geostatistical analyses and geodetector models. This study aims to quantitatively reveal and compare the long-term spatial and temporal characteristics of SOM changes and their influencing factors across these two plains. The results show that SOM content in both plains has decreased over the past 37 years. In the SNP, the average SOM decreased from 48.61 g/kg to 45.6 g/kg, representing a reduction of 3.01 g/kg, or a 6.10% decrease; SOM decreased spatially from northeast to southwest, covering 63.1% of the area. In the SJP, the average SOM declined from 48.41 g/kg to 44.31 g/kg, a decrease of 4.1 g/kg, or an 8.50% decrease; no pronounced spatial pattern was observed, but the declining area comprises 67.49%. Changing SOM hotspots are concentrated in southern SNP and central and northwestern SJP, showing clear heterogeneity across counties. Geodetector model analysis indicates annual mean temperature as the primary driver of SOM variations in SNP; while elevation is the main driver in SJP, the combined explanatory power of multiple factors surpasses individual ones. There is a positive correlation between SOM and temperature in SNP, and policy protection positively influences SOM in both plains. These findings provide insights into the differential protection of SOM in SNP and SJP. Full article

Despite the significant impacts of biomass burning (BB) on global climate change and regional air pollution, there is a relative lack of research on the temporal trends and geographic patterns of BB in Northeast China (NEC). This study investigates the spatial–temporal distribution of BB and its impact on the atmospheric environment in the NEC region during 2004 to 2023 based on remote sensing satellite data and reanalyzed data, using the Siegel’s Repeated Median Estimator and Mann–Kendall test for trend analysis, HDBSCAN to identify significant BB change regions, and Moran’s Index to examine the spatial autocorrelation of BB. The obtained results indicate a fluctuating yet overall increasing BB trend, characterized by annual increases of 759 for fire point counts (FPC) and 12,000 MW for fire radiated power (FRP). BB predominantly occurs in the Songnen Plain (SNP), Sanjiang Plain (SJP), Liaohe Plain (LHP), and the transitional area between SNP and the adjacent Greater Khingan Mountains (GKM) and Lesser Khingan Mountains (LKM). Cropland and urban areas exhibit the highest growth in BB trends, each surpassing 60% (p < 0.05), with the most significant growth cluster spanning 68,634.9 km². Seasonal analysis shows that BB peaks in spring and autumn, with spring experiencing the highest severity. The most critical periods for BB are March–April and October–November, during which FPC and FRP contribute to over 80% of the annual total. This trend correlates with spring planting and autumn harvesting, where cropland FPC constitutes 71% of all land-cover types involved in BB. Comparative analysis of the aerosol extinction coefficient (AEC) between areas with increasing and decreasing BB indicates higher AEC in BB increasing regions, especially in spring, with the vertical transport of BB reaching up to 1.5 km. County-level spatial autocorrelation analysis indicates high–high clustering in the SNP and SJP, with a notable resurgence of autocorrelation in the SNP, suggesting the need for coordinated provincial prevention and control efforts. Finally, our analysis of the impact of BB on atmospheric pollutants shows that there is a correlation between FRP and pollutants, with correlations for PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and CO of 0.4, 0.4, and 0.5, respectively. In addition, the impacts of BB vary by region and season, with the most significant impacts occurring in the spring, especially in the SNP, which requires more attention. In summary, considering the escalating BB trend in NEC and its significant effect on air quality, this study highlights the urgent necessity for improved monitoring and strategic interventions. Full article

Satsuma mandarins are good sources of vitamin C and can be used as raw materials to produce novel plant-based food ingredients including satsuma mandarin juice powders (SJP). Food powders produced via spray drying often show thermal degradation due to the drying conditions and high drying air temperatures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using different spray drying configurations, including concurrent (CC), mixed flow (MX), and combined (CC + MX), at two inlet air temperatures (160 and 180 °C) on the physicochemical properties of SJP. Remarkably, SJP produced using the CC spray drying configuration exhibited a higher vitamin C content (3.56–4.01 mg/g) and lower moisture levels (15.18–16.35 g/100 g) than powders produced via MX or CC + MX. The vitamin C content of MX and CC + MX powders ranged from 2.88 to 3.33 mg/g. Meanwhile, all SJP had water activity values below 0.19. Furthermore, MX powders displayed the largest mean particle sizes (D₅₀) (8.69–8.83 µm), higher agglomeration, and a rapid dissolution. Despite these differences, all SJP variants exhibited consistent color, surface area, and pore volumes. Notably, powders dried at higher inlet air temperatures (180 °C) showed less vitamin C content and increased thermal damage when compared with powders dried at 160 °C inlet air temperature. This study demonstrated the feasibility of producing high-quality SJP with an extended shelf life. SJP can be used as a novel plant-based ingredient in different food applications. Full article

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents significant challenges due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has emerged as a critical factor promoting tumor growth and metastasis in TNBC. Despite encouraging results from preclinical and early clinical trials with various FAK inhibitors, none have yet achieved clinical success in TNBC treatment. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of a novel dual inhibitor of FAK and PYK2, named SJP1602, for TNBC. In vitro experiments demonstrate that SJP1602 effectively inhibits FAK and PYK2 activities, showing potent effects on both kinases. SJP1602 shows concentration-dependent inhibition of cell growth, migration, invasion, and 3D spheroid formation in TNBC cell lines, surpassing the efficacy of other FAK inhibitors. Pharmacokinetic studies in rats indicate favorable bioavailability and sustained plasma concentrations of SJP1602, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent. Furthermore, in TNBC xenograft models, SJP1602 exhibits significant dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth. These promising results emphasize the potential of SJP1602 as a potent dual inhibitor of FAK and PYK2, deserving further investigation in clinical trials for TNBC treatment. Full article

Climate change (CC) and land use change (LUC) have been determined as two major environmental change variables that broadly affect hydrological ecosystem services (HESs). However, the relative and cumulative effects of CC and LUC on HES at large spatial scales where there is great environmental heterogeneity is still unclear enough to support the formulation and update of land use decision-making and ecological management policies. This study has quantified the spatiotemporal change of HESs (water yield, water purification, soil retention) from 1992 to 2020 in northeast China, and evaluated the relative contribution and cumulative effects of CC and LUC on HESs through environmental setting scenarios and using two indicators (the Relative Importance Index and the Combined Effects Index). This study yielded the following results: (1) From 1992 to 2020, water yield (WY) (+94.33 mm) and soil retention (SR) (5.28 × 10³ t/km²) both showed an upward trend from 1992 to 2020 and an upward trend in nitrogen export (NE) indicating a decline in water purification (WP). (2) There was significant spatial heterogeneity of HESs in northeast China, which included significant increases in WY in the Sanjiang Plain; NE in the Songnen Plain (SNP), Sanjiang Plain (SJP), and Liao River Plain (LJP); and SR in the Greater Khingan Mountains (GKMR), Lesser Khingan Mountains (LKMR), and Changbai Mountains (CBMR). (3) WY was more affected by CC than LUC, especially in the SJP, the eastern LRP, and the southern CBMR; NE was more affected by LUC than CC in the western LRP, the southern GKMR, and the southwestern SNP; SR was more affected by LUC than CC in the GKMR; SR was more affected by CC than LUC and intensity gradually increased in the CBMR and LKMR. (4) The cumulative effect of CC and LUC contributed to HESs in most regions but inhibited HESs in some regions; warming and forestland expansion especially significantly inhibited WY. Our study emphasizes that current land use policies and ecosystem management practices should consider the relative and cumulative effects of CC and LUC on HESs to maintain diverse ecosystem services and ensure human well-being. Full article

Northeast China is a prominent base for commercial grain production nationwide. Soil erosion, a primary cause of land degradation and grain yield decrease, has become an imminent issue and is still not well documented in Northeast China. Thus, a comprehensive assessment of soil erosion in Northeast China is essential for deepening our understanding of various geological and agricultural issues, such as control of regional water and soil losses, anti-degeneration attempts on black soil, preservation of land fertility, and safeguarding of national food security. Based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and the Revised Wind Erosion Equation (RWEQ) models, this paper comprehensively assessed the water and wind erosion in Northeast China from 2000 to 2020 and analyzed the current situation, as well as the spatial and temporal evolution of soil erosion. The results suggest the following: (1) The degree of soil erosion in Northeast China was mainly slight, and water erosion was more severe than wind erosion. Water and wind erosion in bare land and grassland were more intensive than in cropland and forests. The Liao River Plain (LRP) has undergone relatively intensive water erosion, while the wind erosion in the Greater Kinggan Mountains Region (GKMR) was more intensive than in other sub-regions. (2) A slight intensifying trend of water erosion could be observed in Northeast China from 2000 to 2020, where the area of slight water erosion decreased and that of light and intensive water erosion increased. The water erosion in the Changbai Mountain Region (CBMR), the Sanjiang Plain (SJP), and the Songnen Plain (SNP) intensified, while the LRP has undergone slower water erosion than before. The water erosion in bare land and cropland intensified, while the water erosion in grassland and forests slowed down. Compared to the first decade (2000–2010), the second decade (2010–2020) in the timespan of study had a reversed trend of water erosion from intensifying to moderating, which means water erosion was alleviated. (3) A moderating trend in wind erosion could be found in Northeast China from 2000 to 2020, where the area of slight wind erosion increased and that of light, moderate, and intensive wind erosion decreased. The wind erosion in the LRP showed a pronounced decrease, and the wind erosion in bare land and cropland also considerably decreased. Compared to the first decade, the amount of wind erosion in the second decade decreased by 18.2%, but the rate in the second decade decreased slowly or even increased. These two facts indicate that wind erosion in Northeast China has alleviated, but this trend is gradually slowing down. Soil erosion is caused by multiple factors, such as climate, topography, soil, and human activities. This study provides important implications for our understanding of soil erosion control and management in Northeast China. In sub-regions with severe erosion, such as the LRP and the GKMR, we can adopt methods such as zero tillage, cross ridge tillage, and straw mulching according to the local characteristics of soil erosion to slow down the process. Full article

Sauerkraut juice is rich in bioactive compounds; however, it is considered a byproduct of the production process. An innovative solution was found through the process of spray-drying to obtain sauerkraut juice powder. The aim of this study was to evaluate chemical and sensory characteristics of sauerkraut juice powder (SJP) and its application in foodstuffs. For SJP, total phenol content, antiradical activity, and nutritional value were determined, and the results showed that SJP is rich in minerals, especially calcium and potassium, as well as organic acids and vitamin C. SJP contains 12% NaCl and a total phenol content of 359.54 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹ dw. SJP has umami attributes, such as sweet, sour, and salty. Sensory tests—descriptive, rate-all-that-apply, overall liking, and volatile profile determination—were carried out separately in SJP experimental samples with olive oil and sour cream. Among the sweet, sour, and salty flavours, garlic, yogurt, and mayonnaise were also mentioned. In the detection of volatile compounds, leafy and grassy green aromas with light almond were identified in the samples with olive oil and butter and rancid cheese and fishy/amine odours were identified in samples with sour cream. There were significant differences in the overall likability of samples, but the experimental samples with SJP were more popular than control samples; therefore, SJP may be used as a salt alternative in food applications. Full article

It is known that schistosome-derived antigens induce innate and adaptive immune responses that are essential for the formation of hepatic immunopathology. Here, we screened and synthesized four peptides derived from Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) heat shock protein 90α (Sjp90α-1, -2, -3, and -4), which is widely expressed in adults and eggs of the genus S. japonicum and induces remarkable immune reactions. To define the antigenicity of these peptides, we stimulated splenocytes with peptides, and the results showed that only the Sjp90α-1 peptide could predominately induce the activation of dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages as well as alter the proportion of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells. Next, CD4⁺ T cells were purified and cocultured with mouse bone-marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) with or without Sjp90α-1 peptide stimulation in vitro, and the results showed that Sjp90α-1-stimulated BMDCs can significantly induce CD4⁺ T-cell differentiation into Tfh cells, while the direct stimulation of CD4⁺ T cells with Sjp90α-1 did not induce Tfh cells, indicating that the Sjp90α-1 peptide promotes Tfh cell differentiation depending on the presence of DCs. Furthermore, we selected and prepared an Sjp90α-1-peptide-based antibody and illustrated that it has excellent reactivity with the immunizing peptide and detects a single band of 29 kDa corresponding to the Sjp90α protein. The immunolocalization results showed that the protein recognized by this Sjp90α-1-peptide-based antibody is present in the mature eggs and the tegument of adults, implying that the parasite-derived peptide has a potential interaction with the host immune system. Finally, we evaluated antipeptide IgG antibodies and revealed a significantly higher level of anti-Sjp90α-1 peptide IgG antibodies in mice 3 weeks after S. japonicum infection. In conclusion, we illustrate that these synthetic peptides warrant further investigation by evaluating their antigen-specific immune response and their ability to efficiently induce Tfh cells. Moreover, they may constitute a potentially helpful method for the laboratory diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica. Full article

The influenza virus is associated with sickness, and in particular among vulnerable populations such as elderly and those with underlying disease with hospitalization and increased mortality rates. Vaccination is an effective way to prevent infection with influenza. However, undesirable side effects of the vaccination are commonly experienced, and comprise one of the primary reasons for a substantial group of individuals to refrain from vaccination. An effective treatment against vaccination side effects could increase the overall willingness to vaccinate against influenza. Here, four cases are presented that self-administered SJP-003 (a combination of 220 mg naproxen sodium, directly followed by a single oral dose of 60 mg fexofenadine HCL), 2 h before and 10 h after influenza vaccination. No flu-like symptoms and pain at the injection site were reported. These observations warrant further investigation of SJP-003 in double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Full article

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is an important and essential strategy to combat the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Vaccination has shown to be effective in reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, reducing the chances of becoming infected and developing severe COVID-19, and reducing hospitalization and mortality rates. However, the vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 are accompanied by undesirable side effects which may be in part responsible for a reduction in the willingness to become vaccinated. At this moment (June 2022), 24.3% of the US adult population (18+ years old) is not fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, and 49.5% did not receive their follow-up booster vaccination. The most important motives for refusing vaccination are the unknown long-term side effects and the known acute side effects of vaccination. Here, we discuss the importance of recognizing the impact of this reactogenicity on individuals’ willingness to vaccinate and how the development of effective and safe medicines that prevent or mitigate the unwanted side effects of the vaccination may help to increase the willingness to vaccinate. Full article