One of the frequently examined design principles in multimedia learning is the personalization principle. Based on empirical evidence this principle states that using personalized messages in ...multimedia learning is more beneficial than using formal language (e.g., using 'you' instead of 'the'). Although there is evidence that these slight changes in regard to the language style affect learning, motivation and the perceived cognitive load, it remains unclear, (1) whether the positive effects of personalized language can be transferred to all kinds of content of learning materials (e.g., specific potentially aversive health issues) and (2) which are the underlying processes (e.g., attention allocation) of the personalization effect. German university students (
= 37) learned symptoms and causes of cerebral hemorrhages either with a formal or a personalized version of the learning material. Analysis revealed comparable results to the few existing previous studies, indicating an inverted personalization effect for potentially aversive learning material. This effect was specifically revealed in regard to decreased average fixation duration and the number of fixations exclusively on the images in the personalized compared to the formal version. These results can be seen as indicators for an inverted effect of personalization on the level of visual attention.
The mRNA expression of the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) gene family is highly upregulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with poor survival in HCC patients. Compounds that ...inhibit the DPP4 enzyme family, such as talabostat and ARI-4175, can mediate tumour regression by immune-mediated mechanisms that are believed to include NLRP1 activation. This study investigated the expression and activity of the DPP4 family during the development of HCC and evaluated the efficacy of ARI-4175 in the treatment of early HCC in mice. This first report on this enzyme family in HCC-bearing mice showed DPP9 upregulation in HCC, whereas intrahepatic DPP8/9 and DPP4 enzyme activity levels decreased with age. We demonstrated that ARI-4175 significantly lowered the total number of macroscopic liver nodules in these mice. In addition, ARI-4175 increased intrahepatic inflammatory cell infiltration, including CD8+ T cell numbers, into the HCC-bearing livers. Furthermore, ARI-4175 activated a critical component of the inflammasome pathway, caspase-1, in these HCC-bearing livers. This is the first evidence of caspase-1 activation by a pan-DPP inhibitor in the liver. Our data suggest that targeting the DPP4 enzyme family may be a novel and effective approach to promote anti-tumour immunity in HCC via caspase-1 activation.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Eczema herpeticum (EH) is a widespread herpes simplex virus infection of inflamed skin, most often occurring in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). A monomorphic eruption of dome-shaped blisters ...and pustules in the eczematous lesions along with severe systemic illness lead to the clinical diagnosis, but atypical variants with disseminated slits may also occur. Topical use of corticosteroids is alleged to be a pathogenetic factor for EH, but predisposing factors for EH are largely unknown.
We sought to characterize the clinical features and predisposing factors for EH. A retrospective analysis of 100 patients with EH seen from 1980 through 1996 and of 105 control patients with AD was performed.
Fever and lymphopenia were associated with EH, whereas an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate was frequently seen in patients with EH and control patients who were impetiginized. In 100 patients with EH, primary herpes simplex virus infection was likely in 20 patients, and a secondary herpes simplex virus infection was suggestive in 26 patients. In all, 13 patients had a second EH, whereas 3 patients had a third EH. Patients with EH had a significantly earlier onset of AD and a significantly higher total serum IgE level than the control patients. More than 75% of the patients with EH had not received corticosteroid treatment in the 4 weeks before onset of EH.
The characteristics of patients with EH are those associated with severe manifestations of AD. The majority of EH occurs in patients with untreated AD, arguing against a role for topical corticosteroids in the development of EH.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
The personalisation principle is a design recommendation and states that multimedia presentations using personalised language promote learning better than those using formal language (e.g., using ..."your" instead of "the"). It is often assumed that this design recommendation affects motivation and therefore allocation of attention. To gain further insight into the processes underlying personalisation effects we conducted an eye tracking experiment with 37 German university students who were presented with either personalised or formal learning materials. We examined group differences in attention allocation parameters (fixation rate, mean fixation duration, transition count, reading depth). The eye-tracking data was combined with self-reports concerning motivation, cognitive load, and learning outcomes. Eye-tracking data revealed a higher reading depth for the main picture areas of interest in the personalised condition. Additionally, participants found the personalised version more appealing and inviting. For learning outcomes, there was a positive effect of personalisation. However, after Bonferroni correction effects and therefore the pattern expected did not reach significance. The results are discussed in regard to their importance for methodological and practical implications for instructional design.
Mobile devices with touch screens, such as tablets are increasingly used in classrooms. Pragmatic advantages are seen in high mobility during computer-based learning due to a high portability of ...mobile devices and an easy online access to learning applications at places in and outside classrooms. From a psychological perspective, it is of special interest to examine how different modes of interaction with learning materials (e.g. through apps on tablets) affect performance and motivation. For example, touch screens can afford rather natural gestures and embodied interaction. For various contexts, the use of gestures to interact with information presentations (e.g. with 2-D and 3-D visualizations) has been shown to be beneficial for solving spatial tasks. It is of interest whether use of gestures can also improve learning from dynamic visual information presented on touch-based devices. We present and discuss a study in which we focused on the question of whether, for elementary school students, solving spatial tasks can be enhanced by using touch-gestures on mobile devices. Two conditions of spatial rotation tasks were compared using a within-and between subject design: an interactive, touch-based app allowing to physically rotate objects and a paper-based, static version. Elementary school students worked with both conditions, though in different orders. Findings suggest that the app-based, dynamic version improves task solving significantly with regard to success rate, mental and temporal efficiency. However, results clearly show that effects mostly exist only after children had first completed the paper-based, static trial of tasks in which they needed to mentally rotate the objects. The results indicate an additive, enhancing effect of the touch-based, dynamic interaction mode especially for children who already are capable of solving the tasks by using mental rotation processes.
•We investigated mental/physical rotation with elementary school children.•Additive effects of touch-based, dynamic representations for spatial tasks were found.•Gesture use is beneficial for rotation after mental pre-training.•Effects relate to success rate, mental and temporal efficiency.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Mobile devices are seen to incorporate characteristics which can support learning and problem solving in general and specific abilities, such as spatial ones (e.g. mental rotation). Central relevant ...characteristics of these devices are the availability of multiple representations (e.g. dynamic and static) and the direct interaction via touch, pointing and tracing with displayed information. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of direct interactive, dynamic interactions with spatial tasks on mobile devices as compared to purely static, non-interactive versions of the same tasks. We expected that dynamic, interactive tasks support mental processes while solving spatial tasks would be especially helpful for learners with difficulties in mental rotation and low expectancies regarding their spatial abilities. Therefore, the second focus of the study was to examine whether the expected beneficial effects of dynamic interactions were equally beneficial for both genders. This was motivated by previous studies that revealed gender differences in performance and motivational beliefs regarding spatial tasks to the disadvantage of females. We used a mixed within-between subject design with presentation format (static vs. dynamic) and gender (female vs. male) as factors and success rate, mental effort, intrinsic motivation, and frustration as dependent variables. The study was conducted in four classes (7th grade, N = 46) in two secondary schools. To test gender related pre-assumptions, spatial abilities and motivation were assessed before solving the actual rotation tasks. A MANOVA with single-comparison follow-up tests revealed increased success rates and decreased mental effort for both genders in the dynamic condition, whereas beneficial effects for intrinsic motivation and frustration were restricted to female students. Process data for rotation behavior was registered for dynamic tasks: an analysis hinted at more exploratory ways of solving spatial tasks for females and at more goal-oriented approaches for male students.
•Direct touch-based interaction on mobile devices is beneficial when solving spatial tasks.•Success rates are increased for direct interaction with dynamic compared to static tasks.•Intrinsic motivation is increased for direct interaction with dynamic tasks only for females.•Frustration is decreased when solving dynamic spatial tasks for females but not for males.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The discussion as to whether or not to use closed suction drainage (CSD) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is still ongoing. A multitude of surgical techniques makes comparison between studies ...difficult. The aim of the present study was to investigate the benefit of CSD versus nondrainage following primary TKA when operating after exsanguination (by means of a rubber Esmarch bandage) with a tourniquet and without any form of hemostasis. A prospective randomized trial was performed with a homogeneous sample of 36 patients with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, on a daily basis during their hospital stay, and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. The use of CSD led to a significantly stronger drop in hemoglobin levels by approximately 1 g/dL (
= 0.012). Knee circumference, wound secretion, wound healing, and postoperative range of motion did not show significant differences. All discharge criteria were met in both groups by day 9. Interestingly, patients without CSD reported higher pain levels during the entire postoperative inpatient stay and also at the 6-week follow-up (
= 0.012). These differences could not be observed in longer follow-up. The use of CSD after primary TKA in this study did not lead to indispensable advantages but did lead to increased postoperative blood loss. When evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of the use of CSD after TKA from the data in the literature, special attention must be paid to the operating technique, as it has a strong impact on the results obtained.
Spatial skill assessment and training are promising fields of application for tablets, as touch-based interaction can prime and support mental transformations of spatial knowledge. We report on a ...study with 49 secondary school students who used our iPad app to solve mental and physical rotation tasks. During physical rotation, students were able to rotate 3D stimuli using touch interaction. Results show specific similarities (e.g., regarding angular disparity effects) as well as differences between mental and physical conditions, such as for task success, mental effort, efficiency; all to the advantage of the physical condition. 12–13-year olds can benefit from these advantages without previous task training, whereas previous research showed this to be different for younger students. In a second step, our analysis compares low and high achievers regarding physical rotation behaviour and motivational variables, including expected success. The results lay grounds for constructing individualized, tablet-based training apps for spatial skills.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NMLJ, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The dose-limiting toxicity of chemotherapeutics, heterogeneity and drug resistance of cancer cells, and difficulties of targeted delivery to tumors all pose daunting challenges to effective cancer ...therapy. We report that small interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes readily penetrate intact bacterially derived minicells previously shown to cause tumor stabilization and regression when packaged with chemotherapeutics. When targeted via antibodies to tumor-cell-surface receptors, minicells can specifically and sequentially deliver to tumor xenografts first siRNAs or short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-encoding plasmids to compromise drug resistance by knocking down a multidrug resistance protein. Subsequent administration of targeted minicells containing cytotoxic drugs eliminate formerly drug-resistant tumors. The two waves of treatment, involving minicells loaded with both types of payload, enable complete survival without toxicity in mice with tumor xenografts, while involving several thousandfold less drug, siRNA and antibody than needed for conventional systemic administration of cancer therapies.
Epidermal dendritic cells found in inflamed skin include Langerhans cells and the recently identified population of inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells. Another subset of dendritic cells in humans ...is the plasmacytoid dendritic cell in peripheral blood, which is characterized by the production of large amounts of type I interferon (interferon-α and interferon-β) upon viral infection. We hypothesized that plasmacytoid dendritic cells might be involved in anti-viral defense mechanisms of the skin. Here we investigated plasmacytoid dendritic cells, inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells, and Langerhans cells in epidermal single cell suspensions of normal looking skin from healthy volunteers and of lesional skin from patients with different inflammatory skin diseases. Langerhans cells were found in normal and in inflamed skin samples. In normal skin, plasmacytoid dendritic cells and inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells were low or absent. Lesional skin samples from patients with psoriasis vulgaris and contact dermatitis contained relatively high numbers of both inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. In contrast, many inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells but only very few plasmacytoid dendritic cells could be detected in atopic dermatitis lesions. Lupus erythematosus was characterized by high numbers of plasmacytoid dendritic cells but low numbers of inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells. These results demonstrate that in addition to resident Langerhans cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells and inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells are selectively recruited to the skin lesions depending on the type of skin disease. The lack of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in atopic dermatitis may predispose atopic dermatitis patients to viral infections such as eczema herpeticum, a secondary infection of atopic dermatitis lesions with herpes simplex virus. The composition of dendritic cell subsets may help to clarify the etiology of inflammatory skin diseases and forms the basis for therapeutic intervention with selective microbial molecules such as immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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