bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Medical Education for Undergraduates: Integrating Virtual Reality and Case-Based Learning for Shoulder Joint
Authors: He Yu , Wang Ziliang , Sun Nianyi , Zhao Yinuo , Zhao Gang , Ma Xun , Liang Zihui , Xia Shenglin , Liu Xueyong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background The integration of Virtual Reality (VR) with Case-Based Learning (CBL) has the potential to revolutionize undergraduate medical education, particularly in complex subjects like anatomy and rehabilitation of the shoulder joint. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of this innovative approach in enhancing learning outcomes and knowledge retention.Methods A comprehensive five-week educational program was developed, combining traditional lecture-based learning with VR-enhanced CBL. The study involved 82 undergraduate students from China Medical University, divided into groups receiving different combinations of VR and CBL. Student performance was evaluated through tests and questionnaires.Results In the study of anatomy-related courses, the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) technology with Case-Based Learning (CBL) yielded significantly higher results (87.71 ± 5.60) compared to traditional methods (82.59 ± 6.64), reaching a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). This provides compelling evidence of VR's potential to enhance student engagement and knowledge retention. In the context of physiotherapy-related courses, however, while the test scores of the VR-combined CBL group (81.85 ± 5.99) were marginally higher than those of the traditional CBL group (79.02 ± 7.57), this difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).Conclusion The present study provides preliminary evidence for the benefits of incorporating VR into medical education, particularly in anatomy. While the results are promising, further research is needed to explore the optimal integration of VR and CBL in rehabilitation studies and to assess their long-term impact on student learning and clinical performance.
Association of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Caries Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Qin Xiurong , Wang Mei , Wang Linlin , Xu Ying , Xiong Shijiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms with caries risk in children (< 18 years).Methods The electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, Cqvip, and Wanfang were searched for observational studies on the relationship between VDR polymorphisms and caries, including cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies. Quality assessment of selected studies was conducted using the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) values for associations of individual VDR polymorphisms with dental caries were calculated based on four genetic models: allelic, recessive, dominant, and overdominant. Of 79 studies considered, 10 (nine case-control and one cross-sectional) were selected for analysis; the studies involved seven VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms: rs731236, rs739837, rs10735810, rs2228570, rs7975232, rs1544410, and rs11568820.Results Alleles C and T of rs10735810 were significantly differently distributed in the caries and caries-free groups (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.30–2.30, P = 0.03), with CC + CT genotypes at this locus associated with greater risk of developing caries than the TT genotype (OR = 1.87, 95%CI: 1.15–3.04, P = 0.01). Further, TT + CC genotype at rs731236 was associated with a 1.33-fold higher risk of caries development than the TC genotype (OR = 1.33, 95%CI:1.06–1.67,P = 0.02). On subgroup analysis, the association between rs731236 and caries risk was affected by dentition type, ethnicity, and genotyping method (permanent dentition: OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.07–2.03, P = 0.02; Asian: OR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.02–1.87, P = 0.03; quantitative PCR test: OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.10–2.10, P = 0.01). Genotype distributions at rs1544410, rs739837, rs2228570, and rs7975232 did not differ significantly between the caries and caries-free groups.Conclusions Caries risk was associated with rs731236 and rs10735810 genotypes, and rs731236 may be a risk factor for permanent teeth caries among Asian people.
In vitro assays with Kappaphycus alvarezii for the bioremediation of coastal eutrophic systems in Southeast Brazil
Authors: Oliveira-Moreira Raquel , Mello-Guimarães Teresa Cristina , Silva Michele Maria , Borges-Barreto Manuella , Pereira Tatiane Rocha , Wasserman Maria Angélica , Wasserman Julio Cesar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The commercial alga Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) L.M.Liao 1996 may constitute a good bioremediator for eutrophicated coastal environments. In the present research, the ability of K. alvarezii to remove nutrients from the water was tested via in vitro experiments under various conditions. Cultivated K. alvarezii samples were obtained from commercial aquaculture in Angra dos Reis, Brazil, together with large volumes of water from the same area and Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Eight experimental sets were prepared with variable concentrations of nutrients, and pre-weighed pieces of algae, subjected to artificial illumination. The physical-chemical parameters were continuously monitored. Water samples were periodically analyzed for ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate. Algal samples were collected at the end of the experiment to quantify biomass growth/decay, nitrogen and phosphorus tissue contents. The ammonium concentration in the water decreased due to preferential consumption of this nutrient by the algae, as well as oxidation. The algae were able to incorporate nutrients in their tissues; however, they were not able to promote a reduction in dissolved concentrations. Nutrient removal rates were elevated and seemed to occur in microcosms at the very beginning of the experiments, but release was observed in the end. However, phosphorus removal was attained in the microcosms that did not receive artificial fertilizers. It was concluded that the use of K. alvarezii as a bioremediator in coastal lagoons is possible, but more complex in vitro and in situ experiments are still necessary for a better understanding of removal processes.
Hyperhomocysteinemia Increases the Risk of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque in the High-Risk Group of Stroke: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Niu Shenna , Tian Long , Zhang Jie , Gao Yan , Xiao Huicong , Yao Shumei , Qu Chuanqiang , Chen Hong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy) is associated with ischemic stroke. Controlling or reversing the progression of atherosclerotic plaque is essential to prevent ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and the risk of carotid atherosclerotic plaque in the high-risk population of stroke in China. We included the high-risk population of stroke over 40 years old in East China for analysis, measured the plasma total homocysteine level, and evaluated the carotid atherosclerotic plaque by ultrasound. After adjusting for demographic and vascular risk factors, multiple machine models were applied to analyze the correlation between hyperhomocysteinemia and carotid atherosclerotic plaque. The logistic model achieved the best performance at AUROC (0.720), followed by Bayes (0.708), and KNN (0.665). SVM with random forest did not work well. The results showed that 17006 (76.6%) of 22192 subjects had carotid atherosclerotic plaque. Among the population ≧ 55 years old, HHcy was significantly associated with carotid atherosclerotic plaque. HHcy (OR = 1.17, P < 0.001) is a risk factor of carotid atherosclerotic plaque. We conclude that hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for carotid atherosclerotic plaque in stroke high-risk population.
Improving Emergency Medicine Resident Pediatric Lumbar Puncture Procedural Performance through a Brief Just-In-Time Video Intervention
Authors: McGuire Sarayna S. , Finch Alexander S. , Thomas Jenna M. , Lazaro Octavio , Hevesi Sara A. , Mullan Aidan F. , Homme Jim L. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Emergency medicine (EM) trainee comfort level with lumbar puncture (LP) has decreased over time due to changing practice guidelines, particularly amongst pediatric patients. We implemented a “just in time” (JIT) brief educational video based on a validated LP evaluation checklist to improve trainee efficiency and competence in LP performance.
METHODS
Our experimental study took place January-June 2022 within a large, academic Midwestern emergency department (ED) with an established 3-year EM residency program. All 9 interns performed a timed diagnostic LP on an infant LP model in January, scored according to a previously validated LP Performance Scoring Checklist. In June, interns repeated the timed LP procedure directly after watching a brief educational video based on major checklist steps. The study was deemed exempt by the Institutional Review Board.
RESULTS
All interns completed both assessments. At baseline, interns had logged performance of median 2 (IQR 0–5) LPs and spent 12.9 (10.3–14.4) minutes performing the procedure. Post-intervention, interns had logged an additional median 2 (0–5) LPs and completed the procedure faster with an average time of 10.3 (9.7–11.3) minutes (p = 0.004). A median of 5 (4–7) major steps were missed at baseline, compared to 1 (1–2) at time of post-intervention assessment (p = 0.015).
CONCLUSION
Development of a brief educational video improved efficiency and competency amongst our intern class in performing an infant LP when viewed Just-In-Time. Similar efforts may improve education and performance of other rare (or decreasing in frequency) procedures within EM training. Future research with other procedures, larger learner cohorts, and comparing JIT approaches will be necessary to determine whether JIT videos based on validated assessment checklists are truly “best practice”. Formal evaluation of the effect of similar “standardized” videos on cognitive load of learners and supervisors is also an important avenue of future research.
Complexity measure in natural time analysis identifying the accumulation of stresses before major earthquakes
Authors: Varotsos Panayiotis , Sarlis Nicholas V , Nagao Toshiyasu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Here we suggest a new procedure through which one can identify when the accumulation of stresses before major earthquakes
(EQs) (of magnitude M 8.2 or larger) occurs. By analyzing the seismicity in the frame of natural time, which is a new concept of time introduced in 2001, we study the evolution of the fluctuations of the entropy change of seismicity under time reversal for
various scales of different length i (number of events). We find that anomalous intersections between scales of different lengths
i are observed upon approaching an extraordinary major EQ occurrence. The investigation is presented for the seismicity in
Japan since 1984 including the M9 Tohoku EQ on 11 March 2011, which is the largest EQ ever recorded there, as well as for
the seismicity in Mexico where the deadly Chiapas M8.2 EQ in 2017 is Mexico’s largest EQ in more than a century. On the
basis of this new complexity measure, a preprint of the present work submitted to the arxiv.org on 5 December 2023 anticipated
the recent M7.6 EQ on 1 January 2024 which caused extensive damage in the west coast of Japan.
Calculated hydration free energies become less accurate with increases in molecular weight
Authors: Ivanov Stefan M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In order for computer-aided drug design to fulfil its long held promise of delivering new medicines faster and cheaper, extensive development and validation work must be done first. This pertains particularly to molecular dynamics force fields where one important aspect – the hydration free energy (HFE) of small molecules – is often insufficiently and deceptively analyzed and reported. While most benchmarking studies report excellent accuracies of calculated hydration free energies – usually within 2 kcal/mol of the experimental values – we find that deeper analysis reveals significant shortcomings. Herein, we report a dependence of HFE prediction errors on ligand molecular weight – the higher the weight, the bigger the prediction error and the higher the probability the calculated result is erroneous by a large residual. We show that in the drug-like molecular weight region, HFE predictions can easily be off by 5 kcal/mol or more. This is likely to be highly problematic in a drug discovery and development setting. These findings should be taken into consideration during development and testing of the next generation of force fields, if they are to usher in the next generation of antineoplastics.
Investigation of Network Selection Decisions for Mixed Deployment of SA and NSA 5G Network
Authors: Falowo Olabisi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

As migration from 4G network to 5G network gains momentum across the world, network operators are faced with different options when migrating from the 4G to a unified 5G network. These options have been broadly classified as standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) options. While an operator can migrate from the 4G network to the 5G network in one step, using the SA 5G deployment option, for most network operators, the migration from the 4G network to a unified 5G network is a multistage process, starting with an NSA 5G deployment option. This paper investigates network selection decisions for a mixed deployment of NSA and SA 5G network, along the migration path to the realization of a unified 5G network. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper investigating network selection decisions in a 5G network with mixed deployment of NSA and SA options. A Markov model has been developed to investigate the blocking of MBB, eMBB, and uRLLC services from different categories of users in the network, based on their equipment capabilities and service subscription profiles. Moreover, the developed model has been used to investigate the effect of users’ equipment capability on average utilization of the heterogeneous network. Simulation results show that users’ equipment capability and users’ service subscription profiles significantly affect service blocking probabilities and average utilization in the heterogenous network. The study underscores the importance of upgrading users’ equipment and users’ subscription profiles before reaping the connection-level QoS benefit of deploying the 5G network.
Etiology, patterns and short-term outcomes of lower urinary tract trauma in males admitted at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Atwine O , Ainomugisha Racheal , Mwesigwa Marvin , Tayebwa E 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Trauma poses a major public health challenge in Africa. This study was conducted to establish the etiology, patterns and short-term outcomes of patients with lower urinary tract trauma in males admitted at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital
Methods: This was a hospital based prospective cohort study done on participants with lower urinary tract trauma admitted at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for a period of eight months from December 2022 to July 2023.
Results: A total of thirty-nine (38) male participants were consecutively selected and enrolled into the study. The over all median age was 25, interquartile range (5-37) years. A total of 50 lower urinary tract injuries were recorded. Urethra was the most injured organ at 70% (n=35). Injuries due to motor vehicle crush was the commonest cause of trauma at 52% (n=26). Urethral complete tear was the most common urethra injury pattern at 62.9% (n=22) while bladder contusion was the commonest bladder injury pattern at 60% (n=9). Anterior urethra was the most injured part at 60.0% (n=21). Overall complication stood at 57.9% (n=22) with urethral bleeding being the commonest at 36.8 % (n=14). Most patients stayed in the hospital longer than one week 65.8% (n=25). Mortality was 5.3% (n=2).
Conclusion: Motor vehicle crush is the leading cause of lower urinary tract trauma in males; urethra is the most injured organ and urethra bleeding is the commonest complication following treatment. Overall mortality is low.
Categorical testing of the viral load of people living with HIV to measure the intensity of the epidemic and the effectiveness of the response in the community: a prospective cohort study in Xinjiang China
Authors: He Qian , Ni Yongkang , Li Yuefei , Hu Xiaoyuan , Hu Xiaomin , Ni Zhen , Zeng Changyu , Akbar Azmat , Xu Bixin , Ni Mingjian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: New indicators of HIV transmission potential are being actively explored. We aim to categorical testing of the viral load of people living with HIV in order to explore new indicators to measure the intensity of the epidemic and the effectiveness of the response in the community.
Methods: A dynamic cohort study was conducted in Yining to monitor the viral load (VL) of all individuals with HIV/AIDS from 2017 to 2019. Different PVL surrogate values were calculated and the strength of the associations between different PVL surrogates and HIV new incidence, antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage, virus unsuppression, and viremia prevalence was assessed. Then we used PVL surrogate markers to describe the current status of HIV transmission potential in different characteristic populations and different communities.
Results: All the values of different PVL indicators showed a decreasing trend year by year (P < 0.05). A significant correlation was observed between the decrease in community viral load (CVL) alone and the increase in the incidence of new HIV infections. Mean CVL (r = 1.000, P = 0.006), geometric mean CVL (r = 1.000, P = 0.001) were positively associated with HIV new infection. Both before and after imputation with missing values showed that mean CVL and geometric mean CVL were significantly associated with ART coverage and viral unsuppression (P < 0.05). Relatively high CVLs were found for males, ≤25 years of age, elementary school or less, other place of domicile, other type of health insurance, other source of sample, nonmarital noncommercial heterosexual contact, and nonmarital commercial heterosexual contact in the different characteristics groups. Community-based cross-sectional analyses showed a positive correlation between CVL, Viral unsuppression rate, and Viremia prevalence, and a negative correlation between ART coverage rate and the first three indicators, suggesting that “community 10” is the hotspot for HIV epidemics in the city.
Conclusions: CVL can be used as an indicator evaluate the HIV transmission potential. To further reduce the HIV transmission potential, targeted interventions should be developed on key populations and hotspot communities.
Cervical Balloon Induction in LDRP Unit: Effects on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes for Primiparous Women
Authors: Gao Chunfeng , Ma Qiang , Dong Jinhua , Chen Fang , Ni Qingqing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: To compare the delivery outcomes and childbirth experiences of primiparous women using double-balloon catheters to induce labor in LDRP (labor waiting, delivery and postpartum recovery) unit and in ordinary delivery room.
Methods: 160 cases of primiparous women undergoing induced labor with double-balloon catheters in Jiaxing Women and Children's Hospital affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University between January 2022 and October 2022 were selected as the study group, either in LDRP unit or in ordinary delivery room. Age, gestational week, BMI, induced labor outcome, and blood loss at 2 hours postpartum were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Three days after delivery, the women assessed their childbirth experience using the Chinese version of Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ-C). The data was analyzed utilizing IBM SPSS Statistics.
Results: Women in the LDRP group experienced shorter time of total labor stage (333.16 min vs 434.88 min, P < 0.01) and first stage of labor (262.87 min vs 360.34 min, P < 0.01). Incidence of intrapartum fever in the LDRP group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.01). There were no differences in the rates of cesarean section (CS) or postpartum hemorrhage (P > 0.05). Additionally, rates of postpartum infection, neonatal admissions, 5min-Apgar scores, and indications for CS were similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean total CEQ-C score for women in LDRP was 3.48 (SD 0.25). In “Own capacity it was 3.38 (SD 0.40), in “Professional support” it was 3.91 (SD 0.19), in “Perceived safety” it was 3.16 (SD 0.51), and in “Participation” it was 3.22 (SD 0.56). When comparing women in ordinary room, differences were detectable (p < 0.01).
Conclusion LDRP can improve the outcome of cervical balloon induction and enhance the experience of childbirth.
Phenotypic variation and relationships in body weight and composition traits of domesticated snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis) at harvest
Authors: Sutthakiet Onprang , Suwansopee Thanathip , Na-Nakorn Uthairat , Koonawootrittriron Skorn 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Phenotypic variation in organisms arises from diverse sources, each with unique implications for adaptability to selection and environmental changes. This variation is particularly significant in tropical aquaculture, exemplified by the snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis), a popular whole-body sale fish. Understanding these variations is crucial for optimizing animal breeding and commercialization efforts. This study explores previously uncharted territory by investigating the relationships among body weight (BW), total length (TL), body depth (BD), and Fulton’s condition factor (K) using 8,345 records of domesticated snakeskin gourami fish at the 9-month harvest point. Interrelationships between these traits and the associations between BW and other characteristics were examined and compared for each sex. Sexual dimorphism was evident, with females being significantly more extensive, and it showed higher variation and a stronger correlation between traits than males in all characteristics. The population was categorized into six market sizes (XL, L, M, S, XS, and XXS), with XXS being the most abundant (36.35%), followed by XS, S, M, L, and XL (31.95%, 23.30%, 8.06%, 0.31%, and 0.04%, respectively). There was mostly a male population in the XS and XXS size categories compared to a female population. Strongly significant correlations emerged (p < 0.0001), with BW highly associated with TL and BD and moderately associated with K. This study underscores the importance of understanding sexual dimorphism and trait correlations in domesticated snakeskin gourami for informing selective breeding and commercial strategies in tropical aquaculture.