bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Ethnomathematics-Based Learning on Students' Mathematical Literacy: A Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: Pratama Ryan Angga , Yelken Tuğba Yanpar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of ethnomathematics-based learning on students' mathematical literacy through a meta-analysis study. Primary studies were collected from Google Scholar and ERIC databases based on the inclusion criteria. The results of the literature review obtained 16 studies, either from theses, proceedings, or journal articles. Furthermore, the effect sizes were combined according to the Random Effects Model (REM) and data analysis using CMA v3 and R Studio (Meta Package). The calculation results obtained an overall effect size (1,163; 𝐶𝐼 95% [0,719; 1,607]; 𝑝 < 0,001) which indicates that ethnomathematics-based learning has a “strong” effect on students' mathematical literacy when compared to conventional learning. As a result of the moderator category analysis, it was found that the effect sizes differed significantly according to students' regional demographics (𝑄=33,867; 𝑝=0,000), independent variables (𝑄=24,412; 𝑝=0,002), and subject matter (𝑄=67,754; 𝑝=0,000). However, it does not show significant differences when based on the duration of the meeting (𝑄=1,97, 𝑝=0,1601), education level (𝑄=3,743; 𝑝=0,291), sample size (𝑄=3,62, 𝑝=0,0569), and the type of publication (𝑄=4,381; 𝑝=0,112). Thus, it can be said that ethnomathematics-based learning can be an effective learning model for increasing students' understanding of mathematical literacy, especially in the Kalimantan Island region, recommended to be integrated with the Ethnomathematics Pop Up Book and Visual Thinking learning model, and Probability & Sets and 2D & 3D Geometry materials are recommended to be taught through this learning model.
Formative research identifying lung health and screening programming needs among firefighters
Authors: Kang Augustine , Gautreau Marc , D'Souza Peter , Lui Natalie 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Firefighting professionals are exposed to several job-related dangers, many of which have carcinogenic properties, escalating their risk of respiratory disease. Despite this, there are no specific guidelines dedicated to lung health assessments for this occupation. Given rising instances of fires, particularly wildland fires because of climate change, it is imperative to assess the viability of a lung health program for firefighters.
Approach:
This is a qualitative study using focus groups involving firefighters, senior firefighting personnel (lieutenants, captains, and chiefs), and medical practitioners affiliated with fire departments in the San Francisco Bay Area. These sessions aimed to assess participants’ views on the respiratory health threats firefighters face and the logistics needed to establish a lung health program. Two independent reviewers used thematic analysis to extract themes and codes from the transcripts and subsequently develop a joint codebook.
Results
We conducted a total of 4 focus groups: 2 sessions with firefighters, 1 with senior firefighting personnel, and 1 with physicians. These discussions spanned between 52 to 71 minutes. The study revealed four primary themes: (1) promising organization climate for enhancing lung health; (2) unique occupational risks; (3) advocacy of increased lung health screening for firefighters; and (4) opportunities for enhancing health care delivery, training, and equipment. The study also found unique issues, such as fires in homeless encampments that introduce distinct health threats (like specific toxins and bio-risks).
Discussion
This study documented unique occupational risks and identified opportunities for building a lung health program for firefighters.
A rare case of single umbilical artery aneurysm diagnosed by ultrasound: a case report
Authors: Liu Qiong , Quan Ying lan , Tao Yaping , Kou Changmei , Nie Sisi , Cui Guihua , Li Ning 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Single umbilical artery aneurysms are extremely rare vascular malformations associated with the prenatal fetus. These occur where the umbilical cord enters the placenta on the proximal side of the fetus, and are associated with increased perinatal morbidity, including intrauterine growth restriction and increased fetal mortality.
Case presentation: This article reports a rare case of single umbilical artery aneurysm, which was detected by ultrasound at 22 weeks and 1 day of gestation. The fetus was successfully delivered by emergency cesarean section at 37 weeks and 2 days of gestation. The newborn showed mild asphyxia and was hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit with subsequent discharge after 19 days of treatment. Pathological analysis of the placenta confirmed expansion of the end of the umbilical artery due to a blood clot.
Conclusion: Single umbilical artery aneurysm formation is a rare pregnancy complication associated with high fetal mortality rates.Therefore, elective cesarean delivery can reduce the risk of fetal death by avoiding intrauterine distress and death.
Effect of Breathing Phase Number on the 4D Robust Optimization for Pancreatic Cancer Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy
Authors: Fan Xiaoying , Wang Shuting , Li Weijie , Li Tengxiang , Dai Tianyuan , Yin Yong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Respiratory movement, as one of the main challenges in proton therapy for pancreatic cancer patients, could not only lead to harm to normal tissues but also lead to failure of the tumor control, resulting in irreversible consequences. Including respiratory movements into the plan optimization, i.e. 4D robust optimization, may mitigate the interplay effect. However, 4D robust optimization considering images of all breathing phases is time-consuming and less efficient. This work aims to investigate the effect of the breathing phase number on the 4D robust optimization for pancreatic cancer intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) by examining plan quality and computational efficiency.
Methods
A total of 15 pancreatic cancer patients were retrospectively analyzed. For each patient, five four-dimensional (4D) robust treatment planning strategies with different numbers of respiratory phases and one three-dimensional (3D) treatment plan were created. Optimization of the plans were performed on all ten phases (10phase plan), two extreme phases (2phase plan), two extreme phases plus an intermediate state (3phase plan), six phases during the exhalation stage (6Exphase plan), six phases during the inhalation stage (6Inphase plan) and 3D Computed Tomography (CT) scan image (3D plan), respectively. 4D dynamic dose (4DDD) was then calculated to access the interplay effect by considering respiratory motion and dynamic beam delivery. Plan quality and dosimetric parameters for the target and organs at risk (OARs) were then analyzed.
Results
Compared to the 4D plans, 3D plan only showed lower maximum dose of the small intestine while performing worse on all other aspects. All five 4D treatment planning strategies showed similar protection of the OARs. Both the 6Exphase and 6Inphase plans demonstrated similar performance as the 10phase plan in target coverage, outperforming the other three plans. Compared with the 10phase plan, the average decline rates of the optimization time of the five plans of 2phase, 3phase, 6Exphase, 6Inphase, and 3D were 73.26 ± 6.54%, 65.80 ± 7.89%, 42.14 ± 13.57%, 37.72 ± 11.70% and 75.52 ± 8.21%, respectively. With the decrease of the number of phases selected for optimization, the decline rates increased, while the other dosimetry parameters generally showed a deterioration trend.
Conclusion
This study highlighted that the dosimetric performances of the 6Exphase and 6Inphase plans closely aligned with that of the 10phase plan. These plans offered a feasible alternative to 10phase optimization by reducing optimization time while maintaining dose coverage of the target and protection of OARs.
Examining the After-School Study Burden and Well-Being of Chinese Secondary School Students Following Burden Reduction Policies: A Sociological Analysis
Authors: Ran Yunfang , WU XI , Wang Yitao , Zhou Zhiying , Yin Yuan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
To address the significant issue of students’ heavy after-school study burden, many countries have enacted relevant policies and made efforts to promote students’ well-being. However, the effects of policy implementation are not always desirable. This study is informed by an analysis of how dominant social imaginaries and discourses in China—emphasizing accountability, performativity, competitiveness, and capital accrual—contribute to students’ burdens.
Methods
This case study investigated the after-school study burden of Chinese junior secondary school students following the implementation of burden reduction policies. It involved one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 15 students, 9 parents, and 3 teachers. Additionally, informal individual or group discussions were conducted to explore more in-depth topics. Furthermore, the researchers spent nearly three months immersing themselves in the research site, during which they observed students’ learning status and extracurricular activities. They also reviewed internal documents, including assignments, learning and school extracurricular records, and teachers’ reflexive journals.
Findings:
This study found conflicts between the more humanistic goals of burden reduction policies and the demands of the dominant social imaginary and discourses in China oriented towards pragmatic educational goals. Participants—students, parents, and teachers—were influenced by the dominant social imaginary and discourses, feeling compelled to prioritize academic performance over holistic development and well-being. Consequently, students continued to face heavy after-school study burdens and emotional pressures from various sources such as school assignments, tutoring, and additional exercises assigned by parents or themselves.
Conclusion
The study suggests that all stakeholders should reflect on their responsibilities and collaborate to pursue humanistic objectives in education. This involves striving to meet students’ diverse learning needs, promoting holistic development, and enhancing well-being, rather than solely focusing on pragmatic goals as defined by dominant social imaginary and relevant discourses.
Durable complete response of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma using cannabis oil. A report of two cases.
Authors: Berg Pieter F. van den , Heide Frans van der , Ruiter Simeon J.S. , Slangen Jules J.G. , de Groot Derk Jan A. , Hoogwater Frederik J.H. , Nijkamp Maarten W. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide with a grim prognosis. Current treatment options for advanced HCC are limited, and a large proportion of patients is not amenable to any form of treatment, with best supportive care as the only remaining option. Meanwhile, the use of cannabis-derived products is rising in oncological patients who are seeking symptom relief. Cannabinoids, similar to endogenous endocannabinoids, have shown promise in recent preclinical cancer research due to their ability to interact with various signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of interest.
Case presentation.
In this report, we present two patients with advanced HCC with a high tumor burden who demonstrated durable and complete regression after use of cannabis oil for symptom relief. The observations in this report build on previous (pre)clinical research highlighting the potential anti-tumor qualities of cannabinoids and stress the need for clinical trials investigating the anti-tumor effects of cannabinoids in cancer patients.
Conclusion.
Based on the two cases presented here, we call for further research into the potential beneficial effect of cannabinoids in patients with advanced HCC.
Patient Reported Health Related Quality of Life Outcomes After Viable Cryopreserved Umbilical Tissue Placement Directly Over Spared Neurovascular Bundles After Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Shah Mit , Kennedy Aidan , Geisenhoff Alexander , Kraemer Samantha , Dave Chirag , Sun Fiona , Shetty Sugandh , Seifman Brian , Hafron Jason , Meah Sabir , Johnson Anna 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Incontinence and sexual dysfunction remain common side effects from robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) despite nerve sparing (NS) and bladder neck reconstruction techniques. Placing growth factors and anti-inflammatory substances over neurovascular bundles is an emerging technique to enhance recovery of continence and potency. Viable cryopreserved umbilical tissue (vCUT) is FDA-approved for surgery. The objective is to determine if vCUT use in NS-RARP accelerates return of continence and sexual function.
Methods
A retrospective cohort of 176 patients undergoing NS-RARPs with and without vCUT from 2015-2020 was identified through the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MUSIC). Return to social urinary continence at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively was evaluated using MUSIC patient-reported outcomes (PRO), a validated questionnaire assessing urinary and sexual quality of life at baseline and post-treatment. A distinct cohort of 65 patients undergoing NS-RARP with and without vCUT was assessed for erections firm enough for intercourse at 12 and 24 months post-operatively using MUSIC-PRO. The association between vCUT use and social continence at 3 months was assessed via multivariable logistic regression. A descriptive analysis among patients with quality erections prior to surgery assessed the association between vCUT use and erection quality.
Results
Continence was achieved by 3 months post-op in 86% (99/115) of vCUT patients versus 74% (45/61) in non-vCUT patients (p=0.044). In a multivariable analysis, although not reaching conventional statistical significance, vCUT patients were more likely to achieve continence than non-vCUT patients (OR=2.21, p=0.073). At 24 months post-op, 32% of vCUT patients reported good sexual function versus 33% in non-vCUT patients (p=0.9).
Conclusions
vCUT use during NS-RARP is associated with quicker return to social urinary continence. However, no differences were seen in return of potency. Further studies with longer follow-up and larger sample sizes may further evaluate effectiveness of vCUT in accelerating return of postoperative continence and potency.
Trial registration: N/a
Mendelian randomization analysis does not reveal a causal influence between lipoprotein(A) and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases
Authors: Li Jingyuan , Qin Xiaoning , Hu Yang , Xu Yuru , Zhao Qingzhao , Bu Peili , Ti Yun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Observational studies have reported an association between lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Here, we aimed to explore causal relationship between Lp(a) and IMIDs by Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. We performed a two-sample mendelian randomization analyses based on genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics of Lp(a) and nine IMIDs, specifically celiac disease (CeD), Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis (MS), psoriasis (Pso), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes (T1D), and summary-level data for lipid traits. We performed bidirectional and multivariable MR (MVMR) to examine the causal relationship of Lp(a) with IMIDs analysis and its independence after controlling other lipid traits, namely high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). The results indicated no causal relationship between Lp(a) and the risk of IMIDs in univariable and multivariable MR analysis (with all IVW P values > 0.05). In multivariable MR, genetically predicted HDL (ORMVMR 0.80(0.68–0.95); P = 0.011) and TG (ORMVMR 0.80(0.66–0.98); P = 0.033) linked to higher risk of type 1 diabetes, and genetically predicted LDL linked to higher risk of psoriasis (ORMVMR 0.80(0.64–0.99); P = 0.045). This MR study found no evidence suggesting a causal link between lipoprotein(a) and IMIDs, which is contrary to the results of many observational studies. The identification of potential mechanisms underlying the observed associations in observational studies necessitates further investigation.
A Comparative Study of Veterans' Sexual Trauma Experiences Over Time
Authors: Karuvannur Shyamala , Dun Danielle N. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Military sexual trauma (MST) is a prevalent issue with many concomitants. In the last 25 + years there has been an increase in VA policies aimed to support recovery of MST victims, but there is limited research investigating their success. There have also been military policies enacted to prevent sexual assault and improve the care of personnel reporting sexual assault but no research on their effectiveness. We aimed to compare a sample of Veterans in 2004–2006 to a sample of Veterans in 2017–2023 to see if these policies have improved recovery in the VA system or improved effectiveness in the military. Study 1 included 110 Veterans with MST (19–79 yo; 85% F) from the Northport VA between 2004–2006; Study 2 included 100 Veterans with MST (20–71 yo; 91% F) from the San Diego VA between 2017–2023. Physical and psychological concomitants were assessed with self-report questionnaires. Physical concomitants did not improve between studies. In fact, Study 2 subjects were more likely to report chronic pain (X2[1,N = 199] = 7.71, p = .005), pelvic pain (X2[1,N = 202] = 8.45, p = .004), migraines (X2[1,N = 199] = 10.59, p = .001), and panic attacks (X2[1,N = 199] = 32.24, p < .001) than Study 1 subjects. Most psychological concomitants did not improve except lifetime drug use (X2[1,N = 209] = 14.97, p < .001) and consumption of 3 + drinks per day (X2[1,N = 207] = 25.67, p < .001). Subjects in Study 2 were more likely to report a psychiatric diagnosis (X2[1,N = 200] = 13.40, p < .001). Most physical and psychological concomitants associated with MST have not improved between the studies suggesting that MST-focused policies implemented between 2006–2017 have not significantly improved recovery. A re-evaluation of these policies is needed.
Deliberate Practice: A Framework for boosting pre-clerkship clinical skills
Authors: Xu Min , Shi Hongmei , Zhang Youren , Lei Hong , Yang Miao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Clinical skills performance is a core competence for medical students, yet many pre-clerkship students encounter significant challenges in applying clinical skills effectively during their transition to clinical rotations. This study aims to explore effective training frameworks and pedagogical approaches that enhance clinical skills performance, thereby facilitating the transition from preclinical to clinical clerkship and fostering the development of clinical competence.
Methods
A total of 157 pre-clerkship students graded in the 4th year were enrolled in this study. All the students underwent two-week enhanced performance training in clinical skills which focusing on medical history-taking, physical examination, and essential procedural skills. Two competence-based evaluations in the form of objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) were implemented before (OSCE-2) and after (OSCE-3) the enhanced performance training for the students. Additionally, OSCE scores of clinical diagnostic curricula (OSCE-1) which conducted two years ago were referred for comparison.
Results
The medical history-taking performance of pre-clerkship students demonstrated fine skills retention in the pre-training OSCE examination [79.50 (9.50) in OSCE-1 vs 79.50 (9.50) in OSCE-2, q = 1.767, p = 0.424]. However, both performance of physical examination [95.10 (5.80) in OSCE-1 vs 85.00 (8.00) in OSCE-2, q = 15.840, p < 0.001]and essential procedural skills [93.00 (10.00) in OSCE-1 vs 88.00 (14.00) in OSCE-2, q = 5.284, p < 0.001] showed a significant decay with time. Skills performance in medical history-taking [83.50 (7.25) in OSCE-3 vs 79.50 (9.50) in OSCE-2, q = 7.028, p < 0.001], physical examination [90.25 (7.38) in OSCE-3 vs 85.00 (8.00) in OSCE-2, q = 7.430, p < 0.001], and essential procedural skills [95.00 (4.63) in OSCE-3 vs 88.00 (14.00) in OSCE-2, q = 9.247, p < 0.001] all showed significant improvement after the enhanced skills performance training.
Conclusion
The enhanced clinical skills performance training curriculum contributed to facilitate the transition from preclinical to clinical clerkship with improving skills performance. The aligned framework of deliberate practice and advanced teaching modalities showed significant effectiveness in the enhanced clinical skills performance training for pre-clerkship students, which providing reference to peers for best practices in evidence-based medicine education.
HU Coefficient: A Clinically Oriented Metric to Evaluate Contour Accuracy in Radiation Therapy
Authors: Hu Harold Yang , Hu Shaw Yang , Yang Min , Hu Yanle 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To propose a clinically oriented quantitative metric, the HU coefficient, to evaluate contour quality, gauge the performance of auto contouring methods, and aid effective allocation of clinical resources.
Materials and Methods
Publicly available pelvic CT data from the Cancer Imaging Archive was used to demonstrate the clinical utility of the HU coefficient in contour evaluation. The bladder was selected as the organ of interest. It was contoured by a certified medical dosimetrist and reviewed by a certified medical physicist. This contour served as the ground truth contour. From this contour, we simulated two contour sets. The first set had the same Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) but different HU coefficients, whereas the second set kept a constant HU coefficient while exhibiting different DSCs. Four individuals were asked to adjust the simulated contours until they met clinical standards. The corresponding contour modification times were recorded and normalized by individual’s manual contouring times from scratch. The normalized contour modification time was correlated to the HU and DSC to evaluate their suitability as quantitative metrics assessing contour quality.
Results
The HU coefficient maintained a strong correlation with the normalized contour modification time when both sets of simulated contours were included in analysis. The correlation between the DSC and normalized contour modification time, however, was weak. Compared to DSC, HU is more suitable for evaluating contour quality.
Conclusions
We demonstrated that the HU coefficient correlated well with the average normalized contour modification time. Clinically, contour modification time is the most relevant factor in allocating clinical resources. Therefore, the HU coefficient is better suited than DSC to assess contour quality from a clinical perspective.