bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and factor structure of the teaching approach scale
Authors: Reho Matteo , Costa Sara , Pirchio Sabine , Limone Pierpaolo , Fuccio Raffaele Di , Gennaro Alessandro 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe study presents the development and validation of the Teaching Approach Scale (TAS), a tool aimed at assessing teaching approaches in educational settings. Literature emphasizes the significance of collaboration and a student-centered approach in enhancing learning environments. However, the translation of these approaches into daily practices faces challenges due to entrenched traditions and individual perspectives. The TAS addresses this gap by assessing educators’ perspectives on teaching approaches.MethodExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses carried on a sample of 642 teachers revealed four dimensions defining learning approaches: (a) Development of students’ autonomy, (b) Comparison and synergy in the teacher’s group, (c) Development of the student as a person, and (d) Standardization of teaching.Results and discussionThe TAS serves as a valuable instrument for capturing teachers’ perspectives on teaching, thereby offering valuable insights for enhancing teaching practices and fostering professional development. Further studies need to face TAS validity and reliability, nevertheless, this study underscores the importance of considering teacher learning cultures in improving educational procedures, highlighting the role of individual perspectives in shaping teaching practices and learning environments.
Surgical management of papillary thyroid carcinoma coexisting with Hashimoto’s disease: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Wu Jixiang , Chen Lin 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe mechanism and impact of Hashimoto’s disease (HT) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains a subject of ongoing debate. The optimal extent of thyroid resection is also controversial in cases of low-risk PTC.ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical outcomes and prognoses associated with different extents of surgical resection in patients diagnosed with PTC coexisting with HT.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data on the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with PTC concomitant with HT who underwent lobectomy with isthmusectomy and those who underwent total thyroidectomy at Peking University International Hospital between December 2014 and August 2023.ResultsTwenty-one patients in group A underwent lobectomy with isthmusectomy and prophylactic central neck dissection, whereas twenty patients in group B underwent total thyroidectomy with prophylactic central lymph node (LN) dissection, except one who did not undergo LN dissection. Group A demonstrated shorter surgery time (105.75 min ± 29.35 vs. 158.81 min ± 42.01, p = 0.000), higher parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels on postoperative day 1 [26.96 pg/ml (20.25, 35.45) vs. 9.01 pg/ml (2.48, 10.93), p = 0.000] and a shorter postoperative hospital stay [2.95 d (2.0, 4.0) vs. 4.02 d (3.0, 5.0), p = 0.008] than those of group B, with statistically significant differences. Both groups exhibited similar recovery patterns in terms of PTH [32.10 pg/ml (22.05, 46.50) vs. 20.47 pg/ml (9.43, 34.03), p = 0.192] and serum calcium (2.37 mmol/L ± 0.06 vs. 2.29 mmol/L ± 0.19, p = 0.409) after 1 montsh following the surgery. According to the Kaplan-Meier curves, no significant difference in the 5-year disease-free survival rates were observed between patients in group A (100%) and group B (97.1%) (Log rank test: p = 0.420, Breslow test: p = 0.420).ConclusionLobectomy with isthmusectomy and prophylactic central neck dissection is a safe and feasible treatment option for patients with low-risk PTC coexisting with HT.Clinical trial registrationhttp://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2300079115.
Gut resistome of NSCLC patients treated with immunotherapy
Authors: Iwan Ewelina , Grenda Anna , Bomba Arkadiusz , Bielińska Katarzyna , Wasyl Dariusz , Kieszko Robert , Rolska-Kopińska Anna , Chmielewska Izabela , Krawczyk Paweł , Rybczyńska-Tkaczyk Kamila , Olejnik Małgorzata , Milanowski Janusz 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe newest method of treatment for patients with NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) is immunotherapy directed at the immune checkpoints PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death 1) and PD-L1 (Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1). PD-L1 is the only validated predictor factor for immunotherapy efficacy, but it is imperfect. Some patients do not benefit from immunotherapy and may develop primary or secondary resistance. This study aimed to assess the intestinal resistome composition of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in the context of clinical features and potentially new prediction factors for assessing immunotherapy efficacy.MethodsThe study included 30 advanced NSCLC patients, 19 (57%) men and 11 (33%) women treated with first- or second-line immunotherapy (nivolumab, pembrolizumab or atezolizumab). We evaluated the patient’s gut resistome composition using the high sensitivity of targeted metagenomics.ResultsStudies have shown that resistome richness is associated with clinical and demographic factors of NSCLC patients treated with immunotherapy. Smoking seems to be associated with an increased abundance of macrolides, lincosamides, streptogramins and vancomycin core resistome. The resistome of patients with progression disease appears to be more abundant and diverse, with significantly higher levels of genomic markers of resistance to lincosamides (lnuC). The resistance genes lnuC, msrD, ermG, aph(6), fosA were correlated with progression-free survival or/and overall survival, thus may be considered as factors potentially impacting the disease.ConclusionThe results indicate that the intestinal resistome of NSCLC patients with immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment differs depending on the response to immunotherapy, with several distinguished markers. Since it might impact treatment efficacy, it must be examined more deeply.
Associations of genetically predicted iron status with 24 gastrointestinal diseases and gut microbiota: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Su Tao , Peng Xiang , Gan Ying , Wu Hongzhen , Ma Shulin , Zhi Min , Lu Yi , Dai Shixue , Yao Jiayin 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundIron status has been implicated in gastrointestinal diseases and gut microbiota, however, confounding factors may influence these associations.ObjectiveWe performed Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the associations of iron status, including blood iron content, visceral iron content, and iron deficiency anemia with the incidence of 24 gastrointestinal diseases and alterations in gut microbiota.MethodsIndependent genetic instruments linked with iron status were selected using a genome-wide threshold of p = 5 × 10−6 from corresponding genome-wide association studies. Genetic associations related to gastrointestinal diseases and gut microbiota were derived from the UK Biobank, the FinnGen study, and other consortia.ResultsGenetically predicted higher levels of iron and ferritin were associated with a higher risk of liver cancer. Higher levels of transferrin saturation were linked to a decreased risk of celiac disease, but a higher risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver cancer. Higher spleen iron content was linked to a lower risk of pancreatic cancer. Additionally, higher levels of liver iron content were linked to a higher risk of NAFLD and liver cancer. However, certain associations lost their statistical significance upon accounting for the genetically predicted usage of cigarettes and alcohol. Then, higher levels of iron and ferritin were associated with 11 gut microbiota abundance, respectively. In a secondary analysis, higher iron levels were associated with lower diverticular disease risk and higher ferritin levels with increased liver cancer risk. Higher levels of transferrin saturation were proven to increase the risk of NAFLD, alcoholic liver disease, and liver cancer, but decrease the risk of esophageal cancer. MR analysis showed no mediating relationship among iron status, gut microbiota, and gastrointestinal diseases.ConclusionThis study provides evidence suggesting potential causal associations of iron status with gastrointestinal diseases and gut microbiota, especially liver disease.
In India, most principal investigators have run very few trials over the years
Authors: Borah Rishima , Samanta Anwesha Dhal , Rajueni Khujith , Vaswani Vina , Saberwal Gayatri 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundIn the past, clinical trials run in India have been the subject of criticism. Among other steps to improve the trial ecosystem, for some time the government limited the number of trials that a Principal Investigator (PI) could run to three at a time. We were interested to know how many trials PIs in India tend to run at a time.MethodsWe accessed the 52,149 trial records hosted by the Clinical Trials Registry—India in April 2023. Of these, we shortlisted trials that had run in India, were interventional, and involved certain interventions such as drug, biological etc. We used multiple parameters, such as email ID, phone number etc. to determine whether one name always represented the same PI and whether two names corresponded to the same PI. We then determined how many trials each PI had run.ResultsWe found that 3,916 unique PI names were associated with 6,665 trials. Of these, 2,963 (75.7%) PIs had run a single study. Only 251 (6.4%) had run more than three trials. A mere 14 PIs had run 20 or more trials. The 14 PIs were affiliated with local pharma companies (6), local or global contract research organizations (4), multinational pharma companies (3) and the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (1). The maximum number of trials run by a single PI was 108. Of these, the largest number run in a single year, 2022, was 53.ConclusionEach PI name needs to be connected to a unique ID that does not change with time, so that it is easier to track the number of trials that a given PI has run. The number of studies run by a given PI at a given time must not be excessive and needs to be monitored more actively. The government needs to consider whether a cap on the number of trials that a PI runs at a time is required and what infrastructure needs to be in place to facilitate higher numbers of trials. Trial registry records need to be updated more regularly. Other countries may wish to do likewise.
Geometric morphometric analysis of the brainstem and cerebellum in Chiari I malformation
Authors: Perera Ishan R. , Zahed Malek , Moriarty Sydney , Simmons Zachary , Rodriguez Maya , Botkin Courtney , Dickson Taylor , Kasper Bradley , Fahmy Kendyl , Millard Jonathan A. 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundChiari I malformation (CMI) is characterized by inferior descent of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum and is associated with headache and neck pain. Many morphometric research efforts have aimed to describe CMI anatomy in the midsagittal plane using classical measurement techniques such as linear dimensions and angles. These methods are less frequently applied to parasagittal features and may fall short in quantifying more intricate anatomy with fewer distinct homologous landmarks.MethodsLandmark-based geometric morphometric techniques were used to asses CMI morphology in five anatomical planes of interest.ResultsSignificant shape differences between CMI and age/sex-matched controls were found in the midsagittal (Pseudo-F = 5.4841, p = 0.001) and axial planes through the rostral medulla (Pseudo-F = 7.6319, p = 0.001). In addition to tonsillar descent, CMI principal component 1 (PC1) scores in the midsagittal protocol were associated with marked anterior concavity of the brainstem and generalized verticality of the cerebellum with anterior rotation of its anterior lobe. In the axial medulla/cerebellum protocol, CMI PC1 scores were associated with greater anterior–posterior (A-P) dimension with loss of medial-lateral (M-L) dimension.DiscussionThese results suggest that CMI is associated with greater curvature of the brainstem and spinal cord, which may perturb normal neural activities and disrupt cerebrospinal fluid movements. Previous reports on the A-P diameter of the posterior fossa in CMI have conflicted; our findings of greater A-P cerebellar dimensionality with concomitant loss of width alludes to the possibility that more caudal aspects of the posterior cranial fossa are more bowl-like (homogenous in axial dimensions) and less trough-like or elongated in the M-L direction.
Evaluation of partial resheathing of EmboTrap III using the microcatheter (PREMIER) technique for fibrin-rich hard clots in an in vitro vessel model
Authors: Namitome Satoshi , Nagao Yoichiro , Shigehatake Yuya , Matsuo Junichi , Kawamoto Keisuke , Kuroki Kenji , Hayashi Hirotaka , Nakajima Makoto , Terasaki Tadashi , Ueda Mitsuharu , Shindo Seigo 
Published: August 2024

Background and purposeDespite the ongoing advancements in mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusions causing acute ischemic stroke, successful recanalization is not achieved in all patients. One contributing factor is the presence of fibrin-rich hard clots. We proposed a new technique called the PREMIER technique, which aims to retrieve fibrin-rich clots. This study evaluated the efficacy of the PREMIER technique on fibrin-rich and erythrocyte-rich clots by comparing it with the simple use of EmboTrap III in an in vitro vessel model.MethodsThe PREMIER technique involves partially resheathing a fully deployed EmboTrap III (CERENOVUS, Johnson &amp; Johnson Medical Devices, Irvine, California, USA) using a microcatheter to capture and retrieve a hard clot between the inner channel and outer cages of EmboTrap III. We compared recanalization rate of the PREMIER technique with the simple use of EmboTrap III in an in vitro vessel model, occluding the M1 segment with fibrin-rich hard clots (0% erythrocyte composition) and erythrocyte-rich clots (50% erythrocyte composition).ResultsAmong the 40 procedures (10 each for the PREMIER technique and the simple use of EmboTrap III for two different clots) for fibrin-rich clots, the PREMIER technique achieved successful recanalization in all 10 cases, with a significantly higher recanalization rate than the EmboTrap III (100% vs. 50%, p = 0.03). For erythrocyte-rich clots, the recanalization rate was not significantly different in the PREMIER technique compared with the simple use of EmboTrap III (80% vs. 70%, p = 1.00).ConclusionThe PREMIER technique is a novel technique for acute large-vessel occlusions caused by fibrin-rich hard clots that hinders successful recanalization during mechanical thrombectomy.
Predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes in extremely preterm neonates with low-grade germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage using synthetic MRI
Authors: Zhang Chunxiang , Zhu Zitao , Wang Kaiyu , Wang Linlin , Lu Jiaqi , Lu Lin , Xing Qingna , Wang Xueyuan , Zhang Xiaoan , Zhao Xin 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the predictive capability of synthetic MRI in assessing neurodevelopmental outcomes for extremely preterm neonates with low-grade Germinal Matrix-Intraventricular Hemorrhage (GMH-IVH). The study also investigates the potential enhancement of predictive performance by combining relaxation times from different brain regions.Materials and methodsIn this prospective study, 80 extremely preterm neonates with GMH-IVH underwent synthetic MRI around 38 weeks, between January 2020 and June 2022. Neurodevelopmental assessments at 18 months of corrected age categorized the infants into two groups: those without disability (n = 40) and those with disability (n = 40), with cognitive and motor outcome scores recorded. T1, T2 relaxation times, and Proton Density (PD) values were measured in different brain regions. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to correlate MRI values with neurodevelopmental outcome scores. Synthetic MRI metrics linked to disability were identified, and combined models with independent predictors were established. The predictability of synthetic MRI metrics in different brain regions and their combinations were evaluated and compared with internal validation using bootstrap resampling.ResultsElevated T1 and T2 relaxation times in the frontal white matter (FWM) and caudate were significantly associated with disability (p &lt; 0.05). The T1-FWM, T1-Caudate, T2-FWM, and T2-Caudate models exhibited overall predictive performance with AUC values of 0.751, 0.695, 0.856, and 0.872, respectively. Combining these models into T1-FWM + T1-Caudate + T2-FWM + T2-Caudate resulted in an improved AUC of 0.955, surpassing individual models (p &lt; 0.05). Bootstrap resampling confirmed the validity of the models.ConclusionSynthetic MRI proves effective in early predicting adverse outcomes in extremely preterm infants with GMH-IVH. The combination of T1-FWM + T1-Caudate + T2-FWM + T2-Caudate further enhances predictive accuracy, offering valuable insights for early intervention strategies.
Topical application of daphnetin hydrogel for traumatic brain injury
Authors: Ma Yuanhao , Liu Yu , Guo Jianqiang , Chen Zhongjun , Zhao Zongren , Zheng Jinyu 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) causes neuronal cell damage and dysfunction. According to previous studies, daphnetin (Dap) has a protective effect in neurological injury. However, the in vivo bioavailability of daphnetin is not high. The purpose of this study was to determine whether administering daphnetin directly into the site of injury via a hydrogel drug carrier could improve its therapeutic impact.MethodsTripolycerol monostearates / daphnetin (TM/Dap) hydrogels were prepared and characterised using water bath heating, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and small animal in vivo imaging techniques. The TBI model was established using the Feeney free fall impact method. Using the Morris water maze test, the mNSS neurological deficit rating scale, haematoxylin-eosin staining, and liver and kidney function tests, the therapeutic benefit of TM/Dap and its toxic side effects were assessed. The therapeutic effects of TM/Dap were further investigated using wet and dry gravimetric methods, Evans blue staining, protein immunoblotting, immunofluorescence staining techniques and ELISA.ResultsThe efficacy of the TM/Dap hydrogel in gradually releasing daphnetin in the context of traumatic brain damage was shown by both in vitro and in vivo tests. Behavioral experiments showed that the learning and spatial memory abilities of TM/Dap hydrogel treated mice were significantly improved in the water maze experiment. And TM/Dap hydrogel has high biosafety for organisms. The results of the therapeutic mechanism of action showed that TM/Dap hydrogel showed more significant efficacy in reducing the neuroinflammatory response caused by TNF-α, IL-6 and other factors, as well as promoting the recovery of post-traumatic neurological function.ConclusionThe use of hydrogel as a drug carrier for daphnetin showed more significant efficacy in reducing neuroinflammatory response, protecting nerve tissue and promoting post-traumatic neurological recovery compared with traditional drug delivery methods.
Repair of spinal cord injury by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on rat models
Authors: Ye Zhongduo , Zheng Yukun , Li Ningning , Zhang Huaibin , Li Qiangqiang , Wang Xiong 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BMSCs-Exo) in improving spinal cord injury (SCI) to mitigate the risk of translational discrepancies from animal experiments to clinical applications.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive literature search up to March 2024 using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the studies. Data analysis was performed using STATA16 software.ResultsA total of 30 studies were included. The results indicated that BMSCs-Exo significantly improved the BBB score in SCI rats (WMD = 3.47, 95% CI [3.31, 3.63]), inhibited the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α (SMD = -3.12, 95% CI [−3.57, −2.67]), and promoted the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 (SMD = 2.76, 95% CI [1.88, 3.63]) and TGF-β (SMD = 3.89, 95% CI [3.02, 4.76]). Additionally, BMSCs-Exo significantly reduced apoptosis levels (SMD = −4.52, 95% CI [−5.14, −3.89]), promoted the expression of axonal regeneration markers NeuN cells/field (SMD = 3.54, 95% CI [2.65, 4.42]), NF200 (SMD = 4.88, 95% CI [3.70, 6.05]), and the number of Nissl bodies (SMD = 1.89, 95% CI [1.13, 2.65]), and decreased the expression of astrogliosis marker GFAP (SMD = −5.15, 95% CI [−6.47, −3.82]). The heterogeneity among studies was primarily due to variations in BMSCs-Exo transplantation doses, with efficacy increasing with higher doses.ConclusionBMSCs-Exo significantly improved motor function in SCI rats by modulating inflammatory responses, reducing apoptosis, inhibiting astrogliosis, and promoting axonal regeneration. However, the presence of selection, performance, and detection biases in current animal experiments may undermine the quality of evidence in this study.
Soursop leaf extract and fractions protects against L-NAME-induced hypertension and hyperlipidemia
Authors: Nsor Okim Okim , Alabi Babatunde Adebola , Badejo Joseph Ayo , Afolabi Faith , Nku-Ekpang Okot-Asi , Iwalewa Ezekiel Olugbenga 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionDespite the high phenolic content of Annona muricata, little is known about its anti-hypertensive and antihyperlipidemic properties. This study evaluated the anti-hypertensive and antihyperlipidemic potential of A. muricata leaf extracts.Materials and methodsForty-two male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups of six animals each. N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was used to induce hypertension and hyperlipidemia.ResultsPhytochemical screening of Annona muricata leaf extracts (AMLE) revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, steroids, terpenoids, and phenols. Comparing the methanol extract with the ethyl acetate fraction, quantification revealed that the methanol extract contained more phenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The AMLE rats significantly reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, atherogenic index, coronary risk index, and blood pressure. The significant decrease in GSH, catalase, SOD, GST, and oxidative stress markers (MDA, nitrites, and MPO) was reversed by AMLE in a dose-dependent manner. Also, the elevated serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the hypertensive rats were attenuated in the treatment groups.DiscussionThis study suggests the potential ameliorative effects of Annona muricata leaf extracts against L-NAME-induced hypertension in rats. Notably, the study showed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of A. muricata leaf extracts, which is seen in its ability to attenuate oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. A. muricata extracts also decreased atherogenic risk and improved lipid profiles.