bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing Multiple Vocabulary Associations for Effective Long-term Learning
Authors: Al-Jarf Reima 
Published: December 2023

This article aims to give a comprehensive guide to planning and designing vocabulary tests which include Identifying the skills to be covered by the test; outlining the course content covered; preparing a table of specifications that shows the skill, content topics and number of questions allocated to each; and preparing the test instructions. The test should meet several criteria as the instructions should be brief and clear; the questions should cover all kinds of skills, tasks and exercises covered in the classroom and textbook; the test items should require the students to perform tasks at the phoneme, grapheme, affix, word, phrase and paragraph levels. The questions should test student’s ability to think, apply, infer, connect, and synthesize information, not mere recall, and should not use exact sentences and examples from the textbook. The test should have as many production questions as possible. It should have adequate discrimination power; should be reliable and valid; and should be a power and a speed test. In addition, the article describes the optimal test length, when to give the tests during the semester and the test duration. It describes the test paper format; how the tests are scored, marks allocated for each question type and whole test, using whole marks, not fractions; deducting points for spelling and grammatical mistakes. After scoring the answer sheets, the instructor returns the marked answer sheets to the students, shows the marking system and goes through the questions one by one, gives the correct answers and mentions the common errors. Follow-up issues such as calculating the test validity, reliability, and discrimination power, using the test results for diagnosing weaknesses and providing remedial work are given. The effects of the proposed test model on learning outcomes and students’ views are also given.
Correlação entre obesidade central e resistência insulínica em crianças e adolescentes com diabetes tipo 1
Authors: Dias João Pedro Ferreira , Melo Lilia Maria Freires Rodrigues Soares de , Siqueira Rodrigo de Azeredo , Orsini Marco 
Published: December 2023

Introdução: Observa-se que o Brasil é o 5º país em incidência de Diabetes no mundo, com 1,1 milhão de crianças e adolescentes portadoras de DM1. Estudos recentes indicam que a resistência insulínica pode estar presente na doença. Como objetivo principal, este trabalho busca avaliar a influência da obesidade central na resistência insulínica em crianças e adolescentes com DM1. Métodos: Estudo de coorte transversal composto por 19 indivíduos, com idade entre 6 e 18 anos diagnosticados com DM1, avaliados de janeiro a dezembro de 2022. Dados: IC; VAI; BSl; BRI; WHR; WtHR; foram coletados por anamnese e medidas antropométricas, e relacionados utilizando o coeficiente de Pearson com os resultados da equação “eGDR” e “CACTI”. Resultados: Observou-se que a correlação entre EDC x IFC não demonstrou resultados satisfatórios (p > 0.05), assim como CACTI x VAI (p > 0.05). Entretanto, a correlação entre EDC x CI se mostrou satisfatória (p < 0.001), similar ao observado em EDC x WtHR (p= 0.017), EDC x WHR (p= 0.002), e em EDC x BRI (p < 0.05). Conclusão: Concluímos que quanto maior a gordura corporal central, maior resistência insulínica e maior o índice de volume abdominal, pior a sensibilidade a insulina.
Pengaruh antioksidan Probucol terhadap kadar Malondialdehide (MDA) dan jumlah “Circulating Endothel Cells” pada tikus putih yang menerima stressor
Authors: Maslachah Lilik , Sugihartuti Rahmi , Agus Sudjarwo Sri 
Published: December 2023

The obyective of the study was to find out the effect of Probucol as an antioxidant on Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and total circulating endothelial cells of rats exposed to stressor.This study was a post test only control group design using 35 three- months old male wistar rats devided into 5 groups consisting of 7 rats each namely the control groups (Po1, Po2) and the experiment groups (P1,P2, P3). Details of the treatment to each groups ere as follows:Group Po1 were given per oral Probucol dilution solution for 3 weeksGroup Po2 were given per oral Probucol dilution solution and stressor for 3 weeks Group P1 were given per oral Probucol dose I (5 mg/rat) and stressor for 3 weeksGroup P2 were given per oral Probucol dose II (10 mg/rat) and stressor for 3 weeks, andGroup P3 were given per oral Probucol dose III (20 mg/rat) and stressor for 3 weeksMalondialdehyde (MDA) level and total circulating endothelial cells were measured using “Buege and Aust (1978) and Hladovic and Rossman (1973)“ method modified by Wijayanto (1996). Data on MDA level and total circulating endothelial cells were analyzed by using analysis of variant (Anova). The presence of significant difference was confirmed by using LSD test. Correlation between MDA level and total circulating endothelial cells was analysed by using “scarter plot” and r (rho) tests. The results showed a significant increase of MDA level of Po1 compared to Po2 (P less than 0.05). Significant decrease of MDA level (P less than 0,05) was observed in group P1, P2 and P3 compared to that of the Po1 and Po2 control groups. The results also showed a significant increase of total circulating endothelial cells of the control group Po1 compared to that in the control group Po2 (P less than 0,05), while significant decrease of total circulating endothelial cells (P less than 0,05) was observed in group P1, P2 and P3 compared to that of the control group Po2. It can be concluded that stressor may increase MDA level and total circulating endothelial cells
Sistem Pakar Diagnosa Penyakit Tanaman Buncis di Kelompok Tani Dabalulik Desa Kabuna Berbasis Web
Authors: Lelo Yeremias , Mau Sisilia Daeng Bakka , Sinlae Alfry Aristo Jansen 
Published: December 2023

Hasil produksi tanaman buncis di Kelompok Tani Dabalulik Desa Kabuna kurang stabil selama periode 2017 – 2021. Hal ini disebabkan oleh berbagai penyakit yang sering menyerang tanaman buncis yakni Layu, Bercak Daun, Busuk Lunak, Karat,Ujung Keriting. Dari permasalahan yang ada maka perlu untuk membangun sebuah aplikasi sistem pakar diagnosa tanaman buncis di Kelompok Tani Dabalulik Desa Kabuna berbasis web yang dapat membantu petani mendiagnosis penyakit pada tanaman buncis. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode Forward Chaining, metode ini dapat bekerja untuk mendapat solusi yang mengikuti fakta. Membangun suatu aplikasi menggunakan bahasa pemrograman PHP dan Database MySql. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengembangan sistem aplikasi adalah metode Expert System Life Cycle yang merupakan salah satu metode dalam sistem pakar yang dihasilkan dapat membantu para petani mendiagnosa penyakit pada tanaman buncis dan memberikan informasi mengenai penyakit dan gejala – gejala pada buncis agar terhindar dari penyakit tanpa harus menunggu datangnya pakar. Aplikasi konsultasi berbasis web ini mampu mendiagnosa penyakit pada buncis serta memberikan solusi untuk menangani penyakit yang sering terjadi pada tanaman buncis yang pada akhirnya dapat mengurangi penyakit pada tanaman buncis yang sering terjadi di Kelompok Tani Dabalulik Desa Kabuna.
Methoxychlor induces oxidative stress and impairs early embryonic development in pigs
Authors: Geng Zhaojun , Jin Yongxun , Quan Fushi , Huang Siyi , Shi Shuming , Hu Bing , Chi Zhichao , Kong Ilkeun , Zhang Mingjun , Yu Xianfeng 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Methoxychlor (MXC) is an organochlorine pesticide (OCP) that was formerly used worldwide as an insecticide against pests and mosquitoes. However, MXC is not biodegradable and has lipophilic characteristics; thus, it accumulates in organisms and affects reproductive function. MXC, as an estrogenic compound, promotes oxidative stress, induces oxidative stress damage to ovarian follicles, and causes miscarriages and stillbirths in females. In this research endeavor, our primary objective was to explore the ramifications of MXC regarding the developmental processes occurring during the initial stages of embryogenesis in pigs.Methods: In this study, we counted the blastocyst rate of early embryos cultured in vitro. We also examined the reactive oxygen species level, glutathione level, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial copy number and ATP level in four-cell stage embryos. Finally, apoptosis and DNA damage in blastocyst cells, as well as pluripotency-related and apoptosis-related genes in blastocyst cells were detected. The above experiments were used to evaluate the changes of MXC damage on early parthenogenetic embryo development.Results and Discussion: The results showed that early embryos exposed to MXC had a significantly lower cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, hatching rate, and total cell count compared with the control group. It was also of note that MXC not only increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but also decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and mitochondrial copy number during the development of early embryos. In addition, after MXC treatment, blastocyst apoptosis and DNA damage were increased, decreased cell proliferation, and the expression of pluripotency-related genes SOX2, NANOG, and OCT4 was down-regulated, while the expression of apoptosis-related genes BAX/BCL-2 and Caspase9 was up-regulated. Our results clearly show that MXC can have deleterious effects on the developmental processes of early porcine embryos, establishing the toxicity of MXC to the reproductive system. In addition, the study of this toxic effect may lead to greater concern about pesticide residues in humans and the use of safer pesticides, thus potentially preventing physiological diseases caused by chemical exposure.
Virulence-related genotypic differences among Bacillus cereus ocular and gastrointestinal isolates and the relationship to endophthalmitis pathogenesis
Authors: Coburn Phillip S. , Miller Frederick C. , LaGrow Austin L. , Mursalin Huzzatul , Gregory Anna , Parrott Aaron , Astley Daniel , Callegan Michelle C. 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundBacillus cereus (Bc) can cause self-limiting gastrointestinal infections, but when infecting the eye, can cause rapid and irreversible blindness. This study investigated whether clinical ocular and gastrointestinal Bc isolates differed in terms of virulence-related genotypes and endophthalmitis virulence.MethodsTwenty-eight Bc ocular, gastrointestinal, and laboratory reference isolates were evaluated. Hemolysis assays were performed to assess potential differences in hemolytic activity. The presence of twenty Bc virulence-related genes was assessed by PCR. A subset of ocular and gastrointestinal isolates differing in PCR positivity for 5 virulence genes was compared to strain ATCC14579 in an experimental murine model of endophthalmitis. At 8 hours post infection, retinal function was evaluated by electroretinography, and intraocular bacterial concentrations were determined by plate counts.ResultsGastrointestinal Bc isolates were more hemolytic than the Bc ocular isolates and ATCC14579 (p &lt; 0.0001). Bc ocular isolates were more frequently PCR-positive for capK, cytK, hblA, hblC, and plcR compared to the gastrointestinal isolates (p ≤ 0.0002). In the endophthalmitis model, mean A-wave retention did not differ significantly between eyes infected with ATCC14579 and eyes infected with the selected ocular or gastrointestinal isolates (p ≥ 0.3528). Similar results were observed for mean B-wave retention (p ≥ 0.0640). Only one diarrheal isolate showed significantly greater B-wave retention when compared to ATCC14579 (p = 0.0303). No significant differences in mean A-wave (p ≥ 0.1535) or B-wave (p ≥ 0.0727) retention between the selected ocular and gastrointestinal isolates were observed. Intraocular concentrations of ATCC14579 were significantly higher than the selected ocular isolate and 3 of the gastrointestinal isolates (p ≤ 0.0303). Intraocular concentrations of the selected ocular isolate were not significantly different from the gastrointestinal isolates (p ≥ 0.1923).ConclusionsAmong the subset of virulence-related genes assessed, 5 were significantly enriched among the ocular isolates compared to gastrointestinal isolates. While hemolytic activity was higher among gastrointestinal isolates, retinal function retention and intraocular growth was not significantly different between the selected ocular and gastrointestinal isolates. These results suggest that Bc strains causing gastrointestinal infections, while differing from ocular isolates in hemolytic activity and virulence-related gene profile, are similarly virulent in endophthalmitis.
Prognostic value of optical flow ratio for cardiovascular outcomes in patients after percutaneous coronary stent implantation
Authors: Hu Tianyu , Qiu Qinghua , Xie Nianjin , Sun Mingming , Jia Qianjun , Huang Meiping 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe relationship between the optical flow ratio (OFR) and clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after percutaneous coronary stent implantation (PCI) remains unknown.ObjectiveTo examine the correlation between post-PCI OFR and clinical outcomes in patients with CAD following PCI.MethodsPatients who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) guided PCI at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively and continuously enrolled. Clinical data, post-PCI OCT characteristics, and OFR measurements were collected and analyzed to identify predictors of target vessel failure (TVF) after PCI.ResultsAmong 354 enrolled patients, 26 suffered TVF during a median follow-up of 484 (IQR: 400–774) days. Post-PCI OFR was significantly lower in the TVF group than in the non-TVF group (0.89 vs. 0.93; P = 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, post-PCI OFR (HR per 0.1 increase: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.41–0.89; P = 0.011), large stent edge dissection (HR: 3.85; 95% CI: 1.51–9.84; P = 0.005) and thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) (HR: 2.95; 95% CI: 1.19–7.35; P = 0.020) in the non-stented segment were independently associated with TVF. In addition, the inclusion of post-PCI OFR to baseline characteristics and post-PCI OCT findings improved the predictive power of the model to distinguish subsequent TVF after PCI (0.838 vs. 0.796; P = 0.028).ConclusionThe post-PCI OFR serves as an independent determinant of risk for TVF in individuals with CAD after PCI. The inclusion of post-PCI OFR assessments, alongside baseline characteristics and post-PCI OCT findings, substantially enhances the capacity to differentiate the subsequent manifestation of TVF in CAD patients following PCI.
Effect of balloon pulmonary angioplasty on cardio-ankle vascular index and biventricular remodeling in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Sato Shuji , Ito Takuro , Tabata Tsuyoshi , Ogawa Akihiro , Saiki Atsuhito , Shimizu Kazuhiro 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundChronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is caused by organized pulmonary thrombi, and pulmonary endarterectomy is the only curative treatment. Since balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has become an established therapeutic option for inoperable CTEPH, prognosis has improved. Recent reports suggest that arterial stiffness evaluated using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) may play an important role in the cardio-vascular interaction in CTEPH; however, the details remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the role of CAVI in CTEPH through hemodynamic changes and ventricular remodeling after BPA.Methods and resultsA total of 23 patients with CTEPH who had undergone BPA were enrolled in this study. The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and CAVI significantly decreased after BPA [mPAP, 34 (26–45) mmHg to 20 (19–24) mmHg, p &lt; 0.0001; CAVI, 9.4 (8.0–10.3) to 8.3 (7.5–9.6), p = 0.004]. The echocardiographic right ventricle was significantly decreased, and the left ventricular volume was significantly increased after BPA, indicating significant biventricular remodeling after BPA. Changes in CAVI (ΔCAVI) significantly correlated with changes in mPAP (r = 0.45, p = 0.03). Additionally, ΔCAVI was significantly correlated with changes in both right ventricular area and left ventricular volume.ConclusionsArterial stiffness, evaluated using the CAVI, improved after BPA. Changes in CAVI were significantly correlated with changes in pulmonary arterial pressure and biventricular remodeling. CAVI may play an important role in cardiovascular interactions in patients with CTEPH.
Management perspectives from patients with fibromyalgia experiences with the healthcare pathway: a qualitative study
Authors: Kachaner Alexandra , Harim Magda , Combier Alice , Trouvin Anne Priscille , Avouac Jérôme , Ranque Brigitte , Piot Marie-Aude 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundFibromyalgia is a prevalent condition affecting 1–2% of the general population and can result in significant disability. Physicians and patients frequently encounter challenges in managing this condition.AimThe aim of this study was to explore novel management approaches through a qualitative analysis of the doctor-patient relationship.Design and settingTelephonic interviews were conducted with fibromyalgia patients to investigate their healthcare experiences.MethodsQualitative analysis was performed on patients' narratives using interpretative phenomenological analysis, a methodology that delves into each individual's subjectivity.ResultsA total of 19 adult patients with fibromyalgia, primarily middle-aged women (84% women, mean age 49.8 years), recruited from two university centers in Paris, were included in the study. The narratives of participants revealed substantial suffering and considerable functional impairment, which is paradoxical for a condition often considered benign. They reported an ongoing sense of loss of control, exacerbated by an imbalanced patient-doctor relationship. Patients constantly feared not being heard or believed, and they frequently sought attention from their caregivers. Most participants displayed significant ambivalence toward the nature of their condition and actively sought causal links. Patients' adaptive strategies sometimes worsened their symptoms, as in the case of muscular deconditioning. The healthcare system appeared deficient in managing these patients, characterized by a lack of health professional training, frequent inappropriate responses from healthcare providers, and stigmatization of psychological conditions.ConclusionDespite its perceived benign nature, fibromyalgia should be regarded as a severe condition due to its substantial long-term consequences. Participants reported a challenging experience with the doctor-patient relationship, marked by a strong sense of dependence and a lack of recognition. The care pathway for these patients appeared unsuitable and disorderly, potentially resulting in iatrogenic consequences. The management of patients with fibromyalgia should be enhanced and directed toward a patient-centered approach. The study provides practical recommendations regarding communication methods and patient care.
Involvement of orexin type-2 receptors in genetic absence epilepsy rats
Authors: Toplu Aylin , Mutlu Nursima , Erdeve Elif Tuğçe , Sariyildiz Özge , Çelik Musa , Öz-Arslan Devrim , Akman Özlem , Molnár Zoltan , Çarçak Nihan , Onat Filiz 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionOrexin is a neuropeptide neurotransmitter that regulates the sleep/wake cycle produced by the lateral hypothalamus neurons. Recent studies have shown the involvement of orexin system in epilepsy. Limited data is available about the possible role of orexins in the pathophysiology of absence seizures. This study aims to understand the role of orexinergic signaling through the orexin-type 2 receptor (OX2R) in the pathophysiology of absence epilepsy. The pharmacological effect of a selective OX2R agonist, YNT-185 on spike-and-wave-discharges (SWDs) and the OX2R receptor protein levels in the cortex and thalamus in adult GAERS were investigated.MethodsThe effect of intracerebroventricular (ICV) (100, 300, and 600 nmol/10 μL), intrathalamic (30 and 40 nmol/500 nL), and intracortical (40 nmol/500 nL) microinjections of YNT-185 on the duration and number of spontaneous SWDs were evaluated in adult GAERS. The percentage of slow-wave sleep (SWS) and spectral characteristics of background EEG were analyzed after the ICV application of 600 nmol YNT-185. The level of OX2R expression in the somatosensory cortex and projecting thalamic nuclei of adult GAERS were examined by Western blot and compared with the non-epileptic Wistar rats.ResultsWe showed that ICV administration of YNT-185 suppressed the cumulative duration of SWDs in GAERS compared to the saline-administered control group (p &lt; 0.05). However, intrathalamic and intracortical microinjections of YNT-185 did not show a significant effect on SWDs. ICV microinjections of YNT-185 affect sleep states by increasing the percentage of SWS and showed a significant treatment effect on the 1–4 Hz delta frequency band power during the 1–2 h post-injection period where YNT-185 significantly decreased the SWDs. OXR2 protein levels were significantly reduced in the cortex and thalamus of GAERS when compared to Wistar rats.ConclusionThis study investigated the efficacy of YNT-185 for the first time on absence epilepsy in GAERS and revealed a suppressive effect of OX2R agonist on SWDs as evidenced by the significantly reduced expression of OX2R in the cortex and thalamus. YNT-185 effect on SWDs could be attributed to its regulation of wake/sleep states. The results constitute a step toward understanding the effectiveness of orexin neuropeptides on absence seizures in GAERS and might be targeted by therapeutic intervention for absence epilepsy.