bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavior Change and Skills Retention With an Action Record After Ultrasonography Training
Authors: Yamada Toru , Ehara Jun , Funakoshi Hiraku , Endo Keita , Kitano Yuka , Takemura Yousuke 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

In simulation training, behavior change (Kirkpatrick’s level 3) is more important than learning improvement (Kirkpatrick’s level 2). However, few studies have evaluated behavior change because it is difficult to assess objectively. Skills retention is another challenge. We evaluated whether keeping a record of the number of ultrasound (US) examinations performed after a simulation course led to positive behavior changes and improved skills retention.
Methods

A 2-day point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) course in cardiac US, lung US, lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) US, and abdominal US was held for Japanese nurse practitioners and trainees in 2018 and 2019. Participants kept a record of the number of US examinations they performed for 3 months before and 3 months after the course. The number of US exams performed was grouped into six categories. All participants underwent pre-course, immediate post-course, and 4-month post-course testing to assess image interpretation skills, image acquisition skills, and confidence.
Results

Thirty-three participants from 21 facilities completed the program. The median number of US exams performed during the 3-month period after the course increased significantly from before the course (P < 0.001). The median number of each US examination type (cardiac, lung, lower extremity DVT, and abdominal) after the course statistically significantly increased compared with before the course (P < 0.001). The immediate post-course and 4-month follow-up test scores for image interpretation skills, image acquisition skills, and confidence were statistically significantly higher than the pre-course test scores (P < 0.001). The results of the 4-month follow-up test showed no decline compared with immediate post-course scores.
Conclusions

Keeping a record after a POCUS simulation course increased the number of US examinations and improved knowledge, skills, and confidence. Keeping a record after simulation training led to positive behavior change and improved skills retention.
The Effects of Internet Addiction on the Academic Performance of Medical Students at Omdurman Islamic University: An Online Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Hamza Salih Boushra , Abdalla Yassin A. , Alkabashi Tibyan Hassan Mustafa , Mustafa Ahmed A. M. , Muhmmed Khadija Ala Abdelmaqsud , Husain Nazik Elmaliaka O.S 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:In general, the emergence of new technologies such as the internet, social networks and providing opportunities to facilitate and improve global communications quality have created some threats, as Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD), which is an emerging psychological problem across the globe. Young defined it as “an individual’s inability to control his or her use of the internet, which eventually causes psychological, social, school, and/or work difficulties in a person’s life”. Students are among the most critical internet and social networks, particularly during the coronavirus recent pandemic. The prevalence of internet addiction and its association with academic performance among Sudanese medical students has not been discussed yet. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of internet addiction on medical students’ academic performance. Methods:This study was an observational descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on medical students at Omdurman Islamic University in Sudan from 321 sample size by stratified random technique. Data were collected using a questionnaire that contains four sections; the last one is the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), a 20-item scale that measures the presence and severity of internet addiction, developed by Young. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 24. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Out of 321 medical students, 186 (57.9%) were females, and 135 (42.1%) were males, with no general differences regarding the addiction score. Social media was the leading platform for internet use purposes (88%), mean internet addiction score was 47.7; most of the respondents (55.8%) fit into the moderate-level addiction. There is an association between the duration of internet time consumption and the IAT score, with 5-6 hour/day scoring the highest (mean 50.1 ± 14.3) (P-value 0.001). There is a significant association between platforms that consume most of the participant time and IAT score, with games scoring the highest (IAT mean 56.4 ± 15) (P-value 0.001). There is an insignificant negative correlation between Internet Addiction Test (IAT) grade and CGPA (p-value 0.07).Conclusion:The mean internet addiction score is 47.7, and most of the respondents (55.8%) show moderate-level addiction. The Internet Addiction Test’s application to medical students’ sample concerning the academic performance found no significant association between Internet Addiction Test score and CGPA score.
WITHDRAWN: The Amelioration Role of Acacia Senegal on the Systemic Oxidative Stress and Necroinflammation Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Rats
Authors: Habashy Noha , Abu-Serie Marwa , Hamouda Asmaa 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Acacia Senegal (AS, Gum Arabic) is a polysaccharide with several potential health benefits that is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agency as a secure dietary fibre. The present research evaluated the systemic oxidative and necroinflammatory stress induced by CCl4 administration and the alleviating effect of AS aqueous extract (ASE, 7.5 g/Kg b.w.). The results demonstrated the presence of certain phenolic compounds in ASE as well as its in vitro potent scavenging ability to ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), NO, and lipid peroxide radicals. Also, the outcomes observed an improvement in the CCl4-induced liver, lung, brain, and spleen toxicity by reducing ROS, lipid peroxidation, NO, and the pro-inflammatory mediators. Moreover, the TAC (total antioxidant capacity) as well as the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were significantly upregulated in these organs after the treatment with ASE. These results were confirmed by enhancing the morphological features of each organ. Therefore, ASE can ameliorate the systemic toxicity induced in rats by CCl4 due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, which is related to its phytochemical composition.
In-Silico Design of Envelope based Multi-epitope Vaccine Candidate Against Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus
Authors: Arumugam Sathishkumar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV) causing common tick-borne hemorrhagic fever in south India, there is no approved anti-viral or efficacious vaccine against this disease. Recent KFDV spread into new geographic locations gives urgent call for development of new vaccine and drugs. In this study, we adapted in-silico approach to design multi-epitope subunit vaccine for KFDV. Conserved regions of KFDV envelope protein sequences reported during 1962 to 2016 were identified. Eight different immuno-informatics tools were employed to predict the linear B-cell and T-cell epitopes, high scored and/or multi-immunogenic epitopes were linked together and obtained two vaccine candidates (VC1 and VC2). Obtained vaccine candidates were found to be non-allergic and had good antigenic properties, also gives the cross-protection against to Alkhurma Hemorrhagic Fever virus (AHFV). The 3D structures of vaccine candidates were built and validated. Docking of vaccine candidates with toll-like receptor-8 (TLR-8) was performed by Hex 8.0 and Cluspro, highest binding energy observed between VC2 and TLR8. JCAT sever confirmed cloning efficiency of both vaccine constructs and in-silico cloning into pET30a (+) vector by SnapGene suggests successful translation of vaccine constructs. In this study, multi-epitope vaccine candidates were designed and validated, it paves the way for up-coming vaccine and diagnostic kit development.
Anti-PD-1 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Esophageal Cancer Refractory or Intolerant to Previous Chemotherapy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liao Guixiang , Zhao Zhihong , Zheng Tao , Khan Muhammad , Yan Maosheng , Li Xianming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Clinical studies have suggested that PD-1 inhibitor is useful in the management of advanced Esophageal Cancer. However, the efficacy and safety of Anti-PD-1 inhibitor for the treatment of advanced Esophageal Cancer is inconclusive. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis aiming to comprehensively explore the effectiveness and safety of the therapeutic effects of PD-1 inhibitors on patients with advanced esophageal cancer.
Methods & Materials:

The PubMed (since its inception), Cochrane library (since its inception), EMBASE (since its inception),and ClinicalTrials.gov (since its inception) were searched till 1st December 2020 for the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of PD-1 inhibitors for patients with esophageal cancer. Two investigators independently performed study selection, data extraction and assessment of the methodological quality. RevMan 5.3 was applied statistical analysis.
Results

Three RCTs were included for this meta-analysis ,with a total of 1477 patients. Compared with chemotherapy, PD-1 inhibitors had superior objective response rates(Odds ratio(OR) = 14.96, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.47,476.97; P = 0.13). PD-1 inhibitors group had better overall survival compared to chemotherapy group(Hazard ratio(HR):0.80,95% CI:0.70,0.91,P = 0.0007) .The progression-free survival (HR:0.94,95% CI:0.71,1.26,P = 0.69) were similar between the two groups. The grade 3 or more adverse events rate were lower in the PD-1 inhibitors group as compared to those of chemotherapy group(OR:0.25,95% CI:0.13,0.46,P < 0.0001).
Conclusions

Our study indicated that PD-1 inhibitors are efficacious and safe for the management of EC refractory or intolerant to previous chemotherapy.
Optimization of Pectinase Activity From Locally Isolated Fungi and Agrowastes
Authors: Ametefe George D. , Oluwadamilare Lemo A. , James Ifeoma C. , Ibidapo Olubunmi I. , Ofoegbu Vera O. , Fashola Folake , Orji Frank A. , Iweala Emeka E.J. , Chinedu Shalom N. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Pectin enzymes are biocatalysts that degrade pectin into simpler forms. Fermentation is the commonly utilized method for pectinase production. Prior to optimization of pectinase activity, preliminary findings were undertaken to select the best screened microbe (Aspergillus niger), agrowastes and extraction solvents. Solid-state fermentation was employed in the study (optimization process), utilizing the Box-Behnken design in Design-Expert software package version 12.0.3. Results: The results showed 0.1 molar sodium chloride as the best extraction solvent, with the activity higher than the citrate buffer. However, pectinase activity obtained with distilled water was significantly (p<0.05) lower than 0.1 molar sodium chloride. For the substrates employed in the study, the citrus (orange) peel had the highest pectinase activity of ≈0.40 mg per ml. The activity of citrus peels was significantly higher than the activities from each of corn cob, banana peel, wheat bran, Thaumatococcus danielli fruit wastes and Thaumatococcus danielli leaves. A significant increase (p<0.05) in pectinase activity was also obtained with Thaumatococcus danielli fruit wastes relative to Thaumatococcus danielli leaves. Pichia kudriavzevii strain F2-T429-5 and Pichia kudriavzevii strain CY902 have been identified to complement for pectinase production. From the results obtained, the optimum conditions for pectinase production were approximately 5.87 days of fermentation; pH of 3.90; at 21.24 oC; particle size of 0.06-inch; inoculum volume of 1.00 ml, and agitation time (for pectinase extraction) at 11.43 minutes. Optimisation of the selected conditions using the Box-Behnken design and analysis as a statistical tool resulted in a higher activity. Conclusion: Local production of pectinase would help in reducing hunger through local job creation, thereby positively contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A randomised controlled trial of a cognitive-behavioural preventive intervention for the children of parents with depression: short-term effects on symptoms and possible mechanisms
Authors: Löchner Johanna , Starman-Wöhrle Kornelija , Takano Keisuke , Engelmann Lina , Voggt Alessandra , Loy Fabian , Bley Mirjam , Winogradow Dana , Hämmerle Stephanie , Neumeier Esther , Wermuth Inga , Schmitt Katharina , Oort Frans , Schulte-Körne Gerd , Platt Belinda 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective Parental depression is one of the biggest risk factors for youth depression. This parallel randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of the German version of the family-group-cognitive-behavioral (FGCB) preventive intervention for children of depressed parents.Methods Families with i) a parent who has experienced depression and ii) a healthy child aged 8–17 years (mean = 11.63; 53% female) were randomly allocated (blockwise; stratified by child age and parental depression) to the 12-session intervention (EG; n = 50) or no intervention (CG; usual care; n = 50). Self-reported (unblinded) outcomes were assessed immediately after the intervention (6 months). We hypothesized that CG children would show a greater increase in self-reported symptoms of depression (DIKJ) and internalizing/ externalizing disorder (YSR/CBCL) over time compared to the EG. Intervention effects on secondary outcome variables emotion regulation (FEEL-KJ), attributional style (ASF-KJ), knowledge of depression and parenting style (ESI) were also expected. Study protocol (Belinda Platt, Pietsch, Krick, Oort, & Schulte-Körne, 2014) and trial registration (NCT02115880) reported elsewhere.Results We found significant intervention effects on self-reported internalising (ηp²=0.05) and externalising (ηp²=0.08) symptoms but not depressive symptoms or parent-reported psychopathology. Parental depression severity did not modify these effects. Both groups showed equally improved knowledge of depression (ηp²=0.06). There were no intervention effects on emotion regulation, attributional style or parenting style.Conclusion The German version of the FGCB intervention is effective in reducing symptoms of general psychopathology. There was no evidence that the mechanisms targeted in the intervention changed within the intervention period.
Role and Mechanisms of Probiotics in Regulating the ROS/JNK Signaling Pathway in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
Authors: Xu HuiYuan , Yang LeiLei , Huang YuMei , Li ChangPing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This study was aimed to investigate the impact of probiotics on regulating the ROS/JNK signaling pathway their underlying mechanism of action in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. For this purpose, male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, probiotics, and model groups. Methionine and choline deficiency (MCD) diets were fed for four weeks to establish a NAFLD mouse model. Serum levels of ALT, AST, TC, and TG were detected. Moreover, the pathological changes of the liver and ileum tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in liver tissues was determined. In addition, the levels of D-lactic acid and plasma and small intestine diamine oxidase were measured to evaluate the effects of probiotics on the intestinal tract of NAFLD mice. The expression levels of p-JNK, Bax, and Caspase-3 were established to analyze the regulatory mechanism of probiotics on the JNK signaling pathway. We found that probiotics improve liver function, repair intestinal barrier and significantly suppressed oxidative stress, JNK phosphorylation. Moreover, the application of probiotics regulated the expression of signaling pathway-related proteins and promoted the intestinal barrier function repair and decreased intestinal permeability. The data above suggest that probiotics alleviate NAFLD, whose mechanism might be associated with the regulation of ROS/JNK signaling pathway and the suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis.
BSS: A Brokering Model for Service Selection using Integrated Weighting approach in Federated Cloud
Authors: Chauhan Sameer Singh , Pilli Emmanuel S , Joshi R C 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Federated Cloud is a multi-cloud platform that integrates various cloud providers either through standardization or an agreement. The services offered by different federation members possess different access patterns, similar characteristics, varied performance levels, different costs, etc. This heterogeneity creates a challenging task for users to decide a suitable service as per their application requirements. Cloud broker, an inter-mediator is required in service and federation management to help both service provider and users. Cloud broker has to store all the information related to services and feedback of users on those services in order to provide the best services to end-users. Brokering model for service selection (BSS) has been proposed which employs integrated weighting approach in cloud service selection. Subjective and objective weights of QoS attributes are combined to compute integrated total weight. Subjective weight is obtained from users’ feedback on QoS attributes of a cloud service while objective weight is computed from benchmark tested data of cloud services. Users' feedback and preferences given to QoS parameters are employed in subjective weight computation. Objective weight is computed using Shannon's Entropy method. Total weight is obtained by combining subjective and objective weights. BSS method is employed to rank cloud services. Simulation with a case study on real dataset has been done to validate the effectiveness of BSS. The obtained results demonstrate the consistency of model for handling rank reversal problem and provides better execution time than other state-of-the art solutions.
Psychometric Properties of the Abbreviated Version of the Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-8) Among Diabetes and Non-Diabetes Iranian Old People
Authors: Namjoo Shamsedin , Mirzaei Masoud , Foroughan Mahshid , Harouni Gholamreza Ghaedamini 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe current study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of SF-8 using a large sample of elderly in two different groups (diabetes and non-diabetes elderly).Method1901 older adults were recruited through a two-level clustered random sampling method, according to WHO STEP guidelines. In order to test reliability, the internal consistency and test_re_test were used. Convergent validity was evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI). An independent sample t-test was used to assess the significance of differences across demographic groups.FindingsThe Cronbach for SF-8 and its subscales were between 0.79 to 0.85 (physical and mental health). Result of test_re_test indicated appropriate reliability of SF-8. The result of CFA indicated that the 2‐factor model had a good fit to the data for diabetes and non-diabetes groups of older people (GFI=0.936, CFI=0.940, NFI=0.938, IFI=0.941,RMSEA=0.1). The SF-8 also had acceptable convergent validity.ConclusionThe present study is the first to confirm the traditional 2-factor structure of SF-8 using a large sample of Iranian older individuals. The results showed that the Iranian version of SF-8 is a reliable and valid tool for measuring HRQOL among Iranian older adults ( including diabetes and non-diabetes elderly).
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals PTBP1 as a Key Molecular Signature of Sciatic Nerve Injury Recovery
Authors: Chai Zijia , Fu Jinjin , Yang Zhe , Sun Yi E. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Peripheral nerves control motor, sensory, and autonomic functions, so injury can seriously affect a patient's quality of life. There have been studies that have shown that the repair factors are different at different ages, and we have identified a repair hub gene that plays a key role throughout the entire age group. Methods: From Gene Expression Omnibus database GSE4090, mice of 2 and 24 months of age after sciatic nerve injury were selected from mice transcriptome data of differentially expressed genes in common, and the hub genes were then determined using protein-protein network and MCODE analysis, DAVID biological process, molecular function, and cell component analysis, and the miRWalk analysis of hub genes was performed to verify the key molecule. In mice aged eight weeks of sciatic 2 nerve clamps damage building, on days 0, 1, 4, and 7, sciatic nerve motor and sensory function were evaluated, and sciatic nerve immunofluorescence test was performed to verify PTBP1 expression. The continuous data were expressed as the mean ±SD. An independent t-test was used to compare two groups. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Bioinformatics analysis showed that PTBP1 is one of the key molecules in mouse sciatic nerve repair after injury. The immunofluorescence test verified that the number of positive cells reached a maximum value of 30.6 ±6.4/ROI on day 7 after injury and a minimum value of 17.4 ±7.0/ROI in the control group (p<0.001). However, the percentage of PTBP1 positive cells reached a peak of 90.8 ±16.9% at the early stage of injury, i.e., the first day, and then dropped to a minimum of 75.7 ±8.9% on the seventh day in the animal experiment as the repair time gradually increased (p<0.05). Conclusions: PTBP1 plays a key role in the repair of sciatic nerve injury, providing a new strategy for clinical treatment of patients of all ages.