bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Efficacy of Active Learning to Support Student Performance Across Undergraduate Programmes in Biomedical Science
Authors: Lees-Murdock D. J. , Khan D. , Irwin R. , Graham J. , Hinch V. , O’Hagan B. , McClean S. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Active learning is a useful tool to enhance student engagement and support learning in diverse educational situations. We aimed to assess the efficacy of an active learning approach within a large interprofessional first year Medical Cell Biology module taken by six healthcare programmes across the School of Biomedical Sciences at Ulster University, United Kingdom.Materials and methods: An active learning approach was developed for weekly formative assessment using Smartwork to design a weekly interactive multiple-choice quiz to reinforce key concepts specifically for each lecture. We tracked and assessed student performance in the module overall and in each element of course work and exam for 2 years prior to and following the introduction of an active learning strategy to engage and support learning for students from all academic backgrounds and abilities.Results: Full engagement with active learning was significantly associated with an increased overall module performance as well as a significantly increased performance in each element of class test (No engagement vs. Full engagement, p &lt; 0.001), exam (No Engagement vs. Full engagement, p &lt; 0.05) and coursework (No engagement vs. Full engagement, p &lt; 0.001) within this overall total (No Engagement vs. Full engagement, p &lt; 0.01). Partial engagement with active learning was associated significantly improved class test (No engagement vs. partially engaged, p &lt; 0.001) and coursework (No engagement vs. partially engaged, p &lt; 0.05) performance. While a trend toward increased performance in exam and overall module mark was observed, these were not significant.Discussion: Active learning is a useful tool to support student learning across a range of healthcare programmes taken by students with differing backgrounds and academic abilities in an interprofessional and widening participation setting. Student engagement in active learning was highlighted as a key contributory factor to enhanced student performance in all aspects of assessment.
Association of serum copeptin and urinary uromodulin with kidney function, blood pressure and albuminuria at 6 weeks post-partum in pre-eclampsia
Authors: Jaques David A. , Dufey Teso Anne , Wuerzner Grégoire , Martinez De Tejada Begona , Santagata Marika , Othenin Girard Véronique , Le Tinier Bénédicte , Pechere Bertschi Antoinette , Ponte Belen 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundPreeclampsia (PE) is associated with subsequent higher risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease. Serum copeptin, as a proxy for vasopressin, and urinary uromodulin, were associated with PE physiopathology and kidney functional mass respectively. We describe concentrations of these proteins in the post-partum period and characterize their association with persistent hypertension (HTN) or albuminuria.MethodsPatients with PE and healthy controls with uncomplicated pregnancy were prospectively included at two teaching hospitals in Switzerland. Clinical parameters along with serum copeptin and urinary uromodulin were measured at 6 weeks post-partum. PE patients were further characterized based on presence of HTN (defined as either systolic BP (SBP) ≥140 mmHg or diastolic (BP) ≥90 mmHg) or albuminuria [defined as urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥3 mg/mmol].ResultsWe included 226 patients with 35 controls, 120 (62.8%) PE with persistent HTN/albuminuria and 71 (37.1%) PE without persistent HTN/albuminuria. Median serum copeptin concentration was 4.27 (2.9–6.2) pmol/L without differences between study groups (p &gt; 0.05). Higher copeptin levels were associated with higher SBP in controls (p = 0.039), but not in PE (p &gt; 0.05). Median urinary uromodulin concentration was 17.5 (7.8–28.7) mg/g with lower levels in PE patients as compared to healthy controls (p &lt; 0.001), but comparable levels between PE patients with or without HTN/albuminuria (p &gt; 0.05). Higher uromodulin levels were associated with lower albuminuria in PE as well as control patients (p = 0.040).ConclusionSerum copeptin levels at 6 weeks post-partum are similar between PE patients and healthy controls and cannot distinguish between PE with or without residual kidney damage. This would argue against a significant pathophysiological role of the vasopressin pathway in mediating organ damage in the post-partum period. On the opposite, post-partum urinary uromodulin levels are markedly lower in PE patients as compared to healthy controls, potentially reflecting an increased susceptibility to vascular and kidney damage that could associate with adverse long-term cardiovascular and kidney outcomes.
AI-based preeclampsia detection and prediction with electrocardiogram data
Authors: Butler Liam , Gunturkun Fatma , Chinthala Lokesh , Karabayir Ibrahim , Tootooni Mohammad S. , Bakir-Batu Berna , Celik Turgay , Akbilgic Oguz , Davis Robert L. 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionMore than 76,000 women die yearly from preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Early diagnosis and management of preeclampsia can improve outcomes for both mother and baby. In this study, we developed artificial intelligence models to detect and predict preeclampsia from electrocardiograms (ECGs) in point-of-care settings.MethodsTen-second 12-lead ECG data was obtained from two large health care settings: University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (AHWFB). UTHSC data was split into 80% training and 20% holdout data. The model used a modified ResNet convolutional neural network, taking one-dimensional raw ECG signals comprising 12 channels as an input, to predict risk of preeclampsia. Sub-analyses were performed to assess the predictive accuracy for preeclampsia prediction within 30, 60, or 90 days before diagnosis.ResultsThe UTHSC cohort included 904 ECGs from 759 females (78.8% African American) with a mean ± sd age of 27.3 ± 5.0 years. The AHWFB cohort included 817 ECGs from 141 females (45.4 African American) with a mean ± sd age of 27.4 ± 5.9 years. The cross-validated ECG-AI model yielded an AUC (95% CI) of 0.85 (0.77-0.93) on UTHSC holdout data, and an AUC (95% CI) of 0.81 (0.77-0.84) on AHWFB data. The sub-analysis of different time windows before preeclampsia prediction resulted in AUCs (95% CI) of 0.92 (0.84-1.00), 0.89 (0.81-0.98) and 0.90 (0.81-0.98) when tested on ECGs 30 days, 60 days and 90 days, respectively, before diagnosis. When assessed on early onset preeclampsia (preeclampsia diagnosed at &lt;34 weeks of pregnancy), the model's AUC (95% CI) was 0.98 (0.89-1.00).DiscussionWe conclude that preeclampsia can be identified with high accuracy via application of AI models to ECG data.
Serum FT3/FT4, but not TSH is associated with handgrip strength in euthyroid U.S. population: evidence from NHANES
Authors: Wang Zhizhuo , Wu Peiyun , Yang Jing , Jiang Yuanshan , Wang Juan , Lin Cheng 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveAlthough several studies have examined the relationship between thyroid function and muscle strength, their population primarily derived from Asian areas, and their results were controversial. Thus, this study aimed to explore the association between thyroid function and handgrip strength (HGS) in the U.S. population.MethodsA total of 1,067 participants from NHANES were categorized into three different age groups including young (&lt;45 years), middle (45~64 years), and old (≥65 years) age groups. Thyroid function was measured by the competitive binding immune-enzymatic assays, while HGS was examined by a trained evaluator using a dynamometer. The weighted multiple linear regression models were used to examine the association between thyroid function and handgrip strength. The restricted cubic splines were employed to explore the non-linear relationship between these two variables. All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS version 20.0 and R software.ResultsAfter adjustment for potential covariates, FT3/FT4, but not TSH was positively associated with HGS in middle age group (β=0.091, t=2.428, P=0.016). The subgroup analysis by sex revealed that the positive association between FT3/FT4 and HGS was observed in the middle age group for both male and female participants (β=0.163, t=2.121, P=0.035; β=0.157, t=2.180, P=0.031). The RCS analysis showed a statistically significant non-linear association between FT3/FT4 and HGS in overall population (P for non-linear=0.026). After adjustment for covariates, men with low HGS had a significant lower FT3/FT4 than those without low HGS in old age group (P=0.013). There was a significant increase in TSH level for female participants with low HGS in old age group compared to those with normal HGS (P=0.048).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated FT3/FT4, but not TSH, was positively associated with HGS in middle age group, and the different association was observed in men in middle age group when participants were stratified by sex. Future longitudinal cohort study should be conducted to reveal the causal relationship between thyroid function and muscle strength.
Immunoregulatory molecule expression on extracellular microvesicles in people living with HIV
Authors: Neyrinck-Leglantier Deborah , Tamagne Marie , Ben Rayana Raida , Many Souganya , Vingert Paul , LeGagneux Julie , Delorme Adèle Silane , Andrieu Muriel , Boilard Eric , Cognasse Fabrice , Hamzeh-Cognasse Hind , Perez-Patrigeon Santiago , Lelievre Jean-Daniel , Pirenne France , Gallien Sébastien , Vingert Benoît 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionPeople living with HIV (PLWH) now benefit from combined antiviral treatments that durably control viral replication. These antiretroviral treatments decrease mortality and improve quality of life in PLWH, but do not completely control the excessive non-specific activation of the immune system in PLWH. This chronic immune activation is a key element of HIV immunopathology that contributes to the pathophysiology of inflammatory comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Circulating non-exosomal extracellular vesicles, also known as microparticles (MPs) are detected in these diseases and have been linked to immune activation. The objective of this study was to characterize the MPs present in PLWH and to assess their association with chronic immune activation.MethodsWe performed flow cytometry for the complete phenotypic characterization of MPs from fresh plasma from PLWH and from people without HIV as the control group. The absolute number, size and cellular origin of MPs were evaluated. The immunoregulatory profile was determined by cell origin, for MPs derived from platelets (PMPs), monocytes (MMPs) and T lymphocytes (LMPs).ResultsPLWH had significantly more circulating MPs than controls, for MPs of all sizes originating from T lymphocytes, red blood cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, B lymphocytes and endothelial cells. PMPs and MMPs were not more numerous in PLWH, but the immunoregulatory phenotypes of these MPs differed between PLWH and controls. These differences in immunoregulatory molecule expression profile were also observed for LMPs. PDL1, ICOSL, CCR5, TGFβ1, MHC classes I and II, TRAIL, CXCR4, OX40, DC-SIGN, CTLA4 and PDL2 were more strongly expressed on the surface of MPs from PLWH than on those from controls.ConclusionMPs are an important element in intercellular communication, making it possible to transfer phenotypes and functions to immune cells. The significantly higher numbers of MPs expressing diverse immunomodulatory molecules in PLWH may make a major contribution to the maintenance and/or the development of immune-cell activation in these individuals.
Tickling the heart: integrating social emotional learning into medical education to cultivate empathetic, resilient, and holistically developed physicians
Authors: Hsu Wei-Chin , Fuh Lih-Jyh , Liao Shih-Chieh 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesAdvancements in technology have improved healthcare quality but shifted the focus to efficiency, negatively impacting patient– doctor relationships. This study proposes integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into medical education to address this issue.Key argumentsSocial-emotional learning (SEL) is based on social learning theory and has a focus on emotion management, stress management, empathy, and social skills. Through SEL, students can develop social and emotional skills by observing, interacting with, and imitating others. Incorporating SEL into medical education would ensure that physicians develop the social and emotional skills necessary to form positive relationships with patients and to cope with the emotional demands of medical work. SEL comprises six domains, namely, the cognitive, emotion, social, values, perspective, and identity domains. These six domains are closely related to the six core competencies the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) indicated every doctor should possess, which indicates that the domains of SEL are highly relevant within the context of medical education. Furthermore, SEL can lead to the development of empathy, which can improve physicians’ ability to understand patients’ perspectives and emotions, and resilience, which can enable physicians to more effectively cope with the demands of their work, and it can lead to holistic development, with doctors gaining an understanding of both the technical and humanistic aspects of their work.ConclusionIncorporating SEL in medical education would enable doctors to develop key social and emotional skills that would improve their ability to provide holistic medical services and therefore would improve overall medical systems.
Bacillus velezensis LT1: a potential biocontrol agent for southern blight on Coptis chinensis
Authors: Tang Tao , Wang Fanfan , Huang Houyun , Guo Jie , Guo Xiaoliang , Duan Yuanyuan , Wang Xiaoyue , Wang Qingfang , You Jingmao 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionSouthern blight, caused by Sclerotium rolfsii, poses a serious threat to the cultivation of Coptis chinensis, a plant with significant medicinal value. The overreliance on fungicides for controlling this pathogen has led to environmental concerns and resistance issues. There is an urgent need for alternative, sustainable disease management strategies.MethodsIn this study, Bacillus velezensis LT1 was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of diseased C. chinensis plants. Its biocontrol efficacy against S. rolfsii LC1 was evaluated through a confrontation assay. The antimicrobial lipopeptides in the fermentation liquid of B. velezensis LT1 were identified using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The effects of B. velezensis LT1 on the mycelial morphology of S. rolfsii LC1 were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).ResultsThe confrontation assay indicated that B. velezensis LT1 significantly inhibited the growth of S. rolfsii LC1, with an inhibition efficiency of 78.41%. MALDI-TOF-MS analysis detected the presence of bacillomycin, surfactin, iturin, and fengycin in the fermentation liquid, all known for their antifungal properties. SEM and TEM observations revealed that the mycelial and cellular structures of S. rolfsii LC1 were markedly distorted when exposed to B. velezensis LT1.DiscussionThe findings demonstrate that B. velezensis LT1 has considerable potential as a biocontrol agent against S. rolfsii LC1. The identified lipopeptides likely contribute to the antifungal activity, and the morphological damage to S. rolfsii LC1 suggests a mechanism of action. This study underscores the importance of exploring microbial biocontrol agents as a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides in the management of plant diseases. Further research into the genetic and functional aspects of B. velezensis LT1 could provide deeper insights into its biocontrol mechanisms and facilitate its application in agriculture.
Short term effects of contralateral tendon vibration on motor unit discharge rate variability and force steadiness in people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Kim Changki , Wile Daryl J. , Kraeutner Sarah N. , Larocque Kaylee A. , Jakobi Jennifer M. 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundVibration of one limb affects motor performance of the contralateral limb, and this may have clinical implications for people with lateralized motor impairments through vibration-induced increase in cortical activation, descending neural drive, or spinal excitability.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute biceps brachii tendon vibration on force steadiness and motor unit activity in the contralateral limb of persons with Parkinson’s disease.MethodsTen participants with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease severity performed a ramp, hold and de-ramp isometric elbow flexion at 5% of maximum voluntary contraction with the more-affected arm while vibration was applied to the distal biceps brachii tendon on the contralateral, less-affected arm. Using intramuscular fine wire electrodes, 33 MUs in the biceps brachii were recorded across three conditions (baseline, vibration, and post-vibration). Motor unit recruitment &amp; derecruitment thresholds, discharge rates &amp; variability, and elbow flexion force steadiness were compared between conditions with and without vibration.ResultsCoefficient of variation of force and discharge rate variability decreased 37 and 17%, respectively in post-vibration compared with baseline and vibration conditions. Although the motor unit discharge rates did not differ between conditions the total number of motor units active at rest after de-ramp were fewer in the post-vibration condition.ConclusionContralateral tendon vibration reduces MU discharge rate variability and enhances force control on the more affected side in persons with Parkinson’s disease.
Mendelian randomization study on the causal relationship between food and cholelithiasis
Authors: Liu Zhicheng , Liu Shun , Song Peizhe , Jiao Yan 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundCholelithiasis, commonly referred to as gallstones, is a prevalent medical condition influenced by a combination of genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and dietary habits. Specific food items have been associated with an increased susceptibility to cholelithiasis, whereas others seem to offer a protective effect against its development.MethodsIn this study, we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using a large-scale genetic dataset comprising individuals with European ancestry to explore the potential causal relationship between diet and cholelithiasis. The analysis incorporated 17 food-related variables, which were considered as potential factors influencing the occurrence of this condition.ResultsOur findings indicate that a higher consumption of cooked vegetables, dried fruit, and oily fish is associated with a reduced risk of cholelithiasis. Conversely, a higher consumption of lamb is associated with an increased risk of developing the condition. Importantly, these associations proved robust to sensitivity and heterogeneity tests, and the pleiotropic test results further supported the hypothesis of a causal relationship between diet and cholelithiasis.ConclusionThrough our study, we provide compelling evidence for the existence of a causal relationship between diet and cholelithiasis. Adopting a dietary pattern enriched with cooked vegetables, dried fruit, and oily fish, while minimizing lamb intake, may contribute to the prevention of cholelithiasis. Recognizing diet as a modifiable risk factor in the prevention and management of this condition is of paramount importance, and our study offers valuable insights in this regard.
Assessment of adenosine triphosphate content in sausages stuffed in different modified casing treatments added with orange extracts, utilising hyperspectral imaging combined with multivariate analysis
Authors: Feng Chao-Hui , Arai Hirofumi , Rodríguez-Pulido Francisco J. 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionAn investigation was conducted using a hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system to non-invasively estimate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in vacuum packaged sausages in different modified casing treatments added with orange extracts after a year of storage at 4°C.MethodsVarious pre-processing combinations were applied to the spectra to enhance the performance of partial least squares regression (PLSR).Results and discussionPLSR models, utilising the full absorbance spectrum with pre-treatment of standard normal variate combined with 1st derivative,exhibited prediction coefficients of determination (Rp2) reaching up to 0.6629. A distribution map developed through MATLAB was employed to display the location and concentration of ATP content in these unique sausages for the first time. The integration of HSI and multivariate analysis not only quantifies but also visually represents the changes in ATP content response to the different casing treatments, demonstrating the significant potential for real-time inspection in the processed meat industry.
Case report: A rare case of coexistence of low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasia and goblet cell adenocarcinoma in the appendix
Authors: Zhou Ping , Yu Xuejiao , He Du 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundPrimary appendiceal tumors are rare. Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasia (LAMN) and goblet cell adenocarcinoma (GCA) account for 20% and 14% of primary appendiceal tumors, respectively. The coexistence of LAMN and GCA is an extremely rare event. This report presents a case of an elderly male patient with an appendiceal tumor composed of LAMN and GCA in the same appendix.Case presentationA 72-year-old male patient was admitted to our institution presenting with a history of abdominal pain localized to the right lower quadrant for two months. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a large dilated thickened cystic mass in the appendix, along with a small duodenal diverticulum. Laboratory tests indicated elevated levels of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 199 (CA19-9) markers. The patient underwent a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and exploration of the duodenal diverticulum, and there was no finding of perforation of the duodenal diverticulum. Focal positivity for chromogranin A (CgA) and synaptophysin (Syn) was observed in the tumor cells of GCA. The final pathological diagnosis revealed the coexistence of LAMN staged pT4a and grade 1 GCA staged pT3 in the appendix. Unfortunately, the patient died due to severe septic shock and circulatory failure secondary to a perforated duodenal diverticulum.ConclusionsThe coexistence of LAMN and GCA are extremely rare in the appendix and may result from the proliferation of two independent cellular lines. The coexistence of distinct neoplasms poses diagnostic and management challenges. Multidisciplinary team discussion may be essential in the effective management of these patients.