bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Personalized Learning in Higher Education for Health Sciences: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Ali Majid , Wahab Izyan , Huri Hasniza , Yusoff Muhamad 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Personalised learning, an educational approach that tailors teaching and learning to individual needs and preferences, has gained attention in recent years, particularly in higher education. Advances in educational technology have facilitated the implementation of personalised learning in various contexts. Despite its potential benefits, the literature on personalised learning in health sciences higher education remains scattered and heterogeneous. This scoping review aims to identify the current literature on personalised learning in health sciences higher education, including its definition, implementation strategies, benefits, and limitations.
Methods
A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Educational Research Complete, and Journal Storage (JSTOR), will be conducted to identify relevant articles. The search will be limited to articles published in the English language between 2000 and 2023. The search strategy will be designed and adapted for each database using a combination of keywords and subject headings related to personalised learning and health sciences higher education. Eligibility criteria will be applied to screen and select articles. Data extraction, quality assessment, and thematic synthesis will be performed to analyze the extracted data.
Discussion
The results of the scoping review will present a comprehensive and coherent overview of the literature on personalised learning in health sciences higher education. Key themes and topics related to personalised learning, including definitions, models, implementation strategies, benefits, and limitations, will be identified. The geographical and temporal distribution of research on personalised learning in health sciences higher education will also be described. This scoping review will provide a structured synthesis of the available evidence on personalised learning in health sciences higher education, highlighting potential gaps and areas for future research. The findings will contribute to ongoing scholarly and policy debates on personalised learning in higher education, informing the development of best practices, guidelines, and future research agendas.
Does Social Participation Modify the Association Between Depression and Cognitive Functioning among Older Adults in China? A Secondary Analysis Based on CHARLS
Authors: MA Xinyue , Zheng Peiqi , Guo Ruiyuan , Du Mengqi , Ran Lingyun 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Cognitive impairment and depression significantly affect the mental health of older Chinese adults. While previous studies highlighted the positive impact of social participation on cognitive functioning and depression, research on its specific types and their influence on the depression-cognitive relationship is limited. This study investigated which social activities mitigate cognitive impairment and if they moderate depression's effect on cognitive functioning in older Chinese adults.
Methods
The study conducted hierarchical regression analysis on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) dataset of 5,056 older adults. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was employed to measure the cognitive performance of the subjects, and the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) was utilized to evaluate depressive symptoms. Hierarchical regression analysis tested the fit of step-wise models: Model 1 examined the main effect of depression on cognitive functioning; Model 2 & 3 assessed the main and interactive effects of formal and informal social participation; and Model 4 & 5 evaluated the effects of specific social participation categories and their interactions with depression on cognitive functioning.
Results
Regression results indicated that depression significantly impacted older Chinese adults' cognitive functioning in all models. Engaging in both formal and informal social activities reduced cognitive decline among these adults. Specific activities like "playing mahjong, chess, or cards," "attending clubs or community organizations," and "stock investing" positively correlated with the MMSE scores. No interaction was observed between any form of social participation and depression.
Conclusion
The study highlighted the positive impact of social participation, especially informal activities, on the mental health of older Chinese adults. Its findings have implications for public policy and health, suggesting the need for social venues and activities for older adults. This could enhance their life satisfaction and ease the load on China's health system.
Design of an ultrasonic scalpel acoustic system
Authors: Li Zhenhao , liu xiao ning , Xiao Guoqong , Wang Wei , Guo Qiang , Luo Chenxu , San Hongzhan , Han Daocheng , Yang Zhibo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In order to take into account the high amplification factor of the stepped ultrasonic scalpel horn and the high fatigue strength at the abrupt section of the curve transition horn, an ultrasonic scalpel acoustic composite horn with the most fast curve transition section was proposed, and a series of experiments were carried out on the ultrasonic scalpel acoustic system. Firstly, the equivalent T-type circuit of the ultrasonic scalpel energy transducer was constructed based on the equivalent circuit method. The mathematical model of the transition curve structure was established. On this basis, the structure of energy transducer was designed, and the overall structure and initial size of the ultrasonic transducer was obtained. Secondly, using ANSYS to analyze the modal analysis, harmonic response analysis, transient dynamic analysis and feasibility analysis of the most fast curve of the energy transducer. The simulation results verify the rationality of the theoretical calculation. Finally, the performance of the energy transducer was tested and analyzed by experiments, and the effectiveness of the designed transducer is verified. The results show that the ultrasonic scalpel acoustic system meets the design requirements.
Relationship between dietary carotenoid intake and sleep duration in American adults: A population-based study
Authors: Deng Ming-Gang , Liu Fang , Wang Kai , Liang Yuehui , Nie Jia-Qi , Liu Jiewei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the relationship between dietary carotenoid intake and sleep duration.
Methods: Adults enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018 without missing information on dietary carotenoid intake (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein + zeaxanthin), sleep duration, and covariates were included. Participants’ carotenoid consumption was divided into three groups by quartiles and sleep duration was grouped as short (<7 h/night), optimal (7-8 h/night), and long (>8 h/night). Multinominal logistic regression was constructed to examine the association between dietary carotenoid intake and sleep duration. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression was further utilized to explore their dose-response relationship. The weighted quantile sum (WQS) model was adopted to calculate the mixed and individual effect of 5 carotenoid sub-types on sleep duration.
Results: Multinominal logistic regression presented that people with higher intakes of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein + zeaxanthin were less likely to sleep too short or too long. Consistent with the findings from multinominal logistic regression, the RCS models suggested a reverse U-shaped relationship between sleep duration and carotenoid intakes. The mixed effects were also significant, where β-cryptoxanthin and lutein + zeaxanthin were the top 2 contributors associated with the decreased risks of short sleep duration, while β-carotene, α-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin were the main factors related to the lower risk of long sleep duration.
Conclusion: Our study revealed that the American adults with optimal sleep duration were associated with more dietary carotenoid intake, in comparison to short or long sleepers.
Vitamin B12 as an epidrug for regulating peripheral blood biomarkers in long COVID-associated visuoconstructive deficit
Authors: Cassiano Larissa , Paula Jonas , Rosa Daniela , Miranda Debora , Romano-Silva Marco , Coimbra Roney 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Approximately four months after recovering from a mild COVID-19 infection, around 25% of individuals developed visuoconstructive deficit (VCD), which was found to be correlated with an increase in peripheral immune markers and alterations in structural and metabolic brain imaging. Recently, it has been demonstrated that supplemental vitamin B12 regulates hyperinflammation during moderate and severe COVID-19 through methyl-dependent epigenetic mechanisms. Herein, whole peripheral blood cultures were produced using samples obtained from patients with confirmed persistent VCD, and controls without impairment, between 10 and 16 months after mild COVID-19. This experimental model was used to assess the leukocyte expression patterns of 11 biomarkers previously associated with VCD in long COVID and explore the potential of pharmacological B12 in regulating these genes. The results showed that patients with persistent VCD displayed continued upregulation of CCL11 and LIF compared to controls. It is worth noting that elevated serum levels of CCL11 have been previously linked to age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, the addition of 1 nM of vitamin B12 to blood cultures from individuals with VCD normalized the mRNA levels of CCL11, upregulated the neuroprotective HGF, and, to a lesser extent, downregulated CSF2 and CXCL10. There was an inverse correlation observed between CCL11 mRNA levels and methylation levels of specific cytosines in its promoter region. These findings underscore the significance of systemic inflammation in persistent VCD associated with long COVID. Moreover, the study provides evidence suggesting that B12, acting as an epidrug, shows promise as a therapeutic approach for addressing this cognitive impairment.
Application of antibiotic bone cement combined with d-LCFA lobulated perforator flap in treatment of infected tissue defects of foot under the guidance of ERAS concept
Authors: Xu Zhong-Bao , Dai Guo-Guang , Sun Zhong-Ye , Li Hao , Yan Jun , Li Hai-Qing , Guo Zhao-Qi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of antibiotic bone cement combined with lobulated perforator flap based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery (d-LCFA) in treating infected tissue defects of the foot under the guidance of ERAS concept.
Methods
From December 2019 to November 2022, 10 patients with infected tissue defects of the foot were treated with antibiotic bone cement combined with d-LCFA lobulated perforator flap. This cohort comprised 6 males and 4 females, aged 21 to 67 years. All 10 cases underwent debridement and antibiotic bone cement coverage to control infection, with 9 cases undergoing debridement once and one case undergoing debridement twice. After infection control, the d-LCFA lobulated perforator flap was used to repair the tissue defects of the foot, and the donor site was sutured primarily. The flap area ranged from 12 cm×6 cm to 31 cm×7 cm. The follow-up included an evaluation of flap survival, donor site healing, and ambulatory function of the foot.
Results
The follow-up period ranged from 7 to 24 months, averaging 14 months. Infection control was successful in all cases. The flaps had excellent survival rates, and the donor site healed by first intention. Based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, pain and function were evaluated as excellent in 3 cases, good in 5 cases, and moderate in 2 cases.
Conclusion
The application of antibiotic bone cement combined with d-LCFA lobulated perforator flap is an effective method for infected tissue defects of the foot with the advantages of simplicity, high repeatability, and exact curative effects. The application of d-LCFA lobulated perforator flap in wound repair reduces iatrogenic injury, shortens hospital stays, lowers medical expenses, and accelerates patient rehabilitation, aligning with the ERAS concept. Therefore, it is a practice worth promoting in clinical use.
The efficacy of virtual reality technology on postoperative rehabilitation of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu Jiajun , Sun Zhongchuan , Ge Zhichao , Zhang Dong , Xu Jianghan , Zhang Rilin , Liu Xuecheng , Zhao Qing , Sun Hao 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Patients with cervical spondylosis myelopathic (CSM) may experience severe neurological dysfunction due to untimely intervention of the spinal cord compression after surgery. These disorders may lead to sensory and motion disorders, causing considerable psychological distress. Recent studies have demonstrated virtual reality (VR) technology can be an effective tool in treating spinal cord injuries.On this basis, we have developed an exploratory research project to investigate the impact of this intervention on postoperative patients with CSM.
Methods
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of combining VR training with conventional rehabilitation for postoperative patients with CSM. A total of 78 patients will be recruited, randomized to either the conventional rehabilitation group or the group receiving VR training and conventional rehabilitation.The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) will be the main measurement, also with secondary outcomes will be measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and functional MRI (fMRI).The data analysis will identify differences between the intervention and control groups, as well as any relationship between intra-group brain functional area changes and subjective scales after the intervention.
Discussion
This trial aims to investigate the effect of VR training on postoperative rehabilitation for patients with CSM after 12 intervention treatments. Positive and negative measurement results would further our understanding of the effectiveness of the intervention and its neural impact. If effective, it would provide new evidence for treatment option of postoperative rehabilitation of CSM.
Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300071544).Registered 17 May 2023, https://www.chictr.org.cn/
Building a communication and support network among Quality Improvement teams in Nursing Homes: a longitudinal study of the SCOPE trial
Authors: Nooraie Reza Yousefi , Qin Qiuyuan , Wagg Adrian , Berta Whitney , Estabrooks Carole 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background:
We applied a longitudinal network analysis approach to assess the formation of knowledge sharing and collaboration networks among care aide-led quality improvement (QI) teams in Canadian nursing homes participating in the Safer Care for Older Persons (in residential) Environments (SCOPE) trial which aimed to support unregulated front-line staff to lead unit-based quality improvement (QI) teams in nursing homes. We hypothesized that, its communicative and participatory nature would provide opportunities for peer-support, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration-building among teams.
Methods:
Fourteen QI teams in Alberta (AB) and seventeen QI teams in British Columbia (BC) participated in the study. Communications across nursing homes occurred through a series of 4 collaborative Learning Congresses (training sessions) over a one-year period. The senior leaders of QI teams participated in two online network surveys about the communication/collaboration between teams in their province, one month after the first and six months later, after the fourth Learning Congress. We developed communication and collaboration network maps pertaining to three time points: before SCOPE, at two-months, and at 9 months.
Results:
Over time, teams made significantly more new connections and strengthened existing ones, within and across regions. Geographic proximity and co-membership in organizational chains were important predictors of connectivity before, and during SCOPE. Teams whose members were well connected at baseline disproportionately improved connectivity over time. On the other hand, teams that did not have prior opportunities to connect appeared to use SCOPE to build new ties.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest the importance of network-building activities to the formation of collaboration networks, amongst QI teams across nursing homes. Active strategies could be used to better connect less connected teams and facilitate collaboration among geographically proximate teams. These findings may inform the development of interventions to leverage existing networks and provide new networking opportunities to develop and sustain organizational improvements.
Nonlinear numerical analysis of corroded reinforced concrete structures using laminated frame elements
Authors: Teodoro Chiara , Carrazedo Rogério 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

This study presents an innovative numerical model built on the position-based finite element method, using laminated frame elements to predict the displacement of beams under corrosion—a common type of damage in reinforced concrete structures resulting from the penetration of chlorides and carbon dioxide. Over time, these reactions lead to detrimental effects such as cracks, reduction of rebars’ area and consequently stiffness reduction. The expected increase of corrosion impact due to climate change-induced rising temperatures and heightened carbon dioxide levels highlights the crucial need to comprehend the structural behavior under corrosive conditions for precise displacement prediction and determination of maintenance intervals. The proposed model incorporates the geometric and physical non-linearity along with the uniform reduction in rebar area that subsequentially affects the elements’ inertia and, therefore, the stiffness of the structure. Notably, the obtained results for beam displacements under carbonation-induced corrosion exhibit promising agreement with existing literature, validating the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence in Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone: An Application of Health Behavior Change Constructs
Authors: West Joshua , Ssentongo Simon , Muhereza Alex , Mustapha Morie , Gemi Ruth , Cherian Dennis , Waugh Rebecca , Crookston Benjamin , Hall Cougar , Linehan Mary 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Over the past three years, the global health community has been primarily focused on matters related to COVID-19, such as infection rates, mortality figures, and vaccination campaigns. While African countries, in general, experienced a milder COVID-19 impact compared to Western nations, they faced challenges in vaccine uptake. Specifically, Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone saw vaccine acceptance rates below global averages. This research delves into the underlying factors that influenced these disparities in vaccine acceptance in these two countries, using the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as guiding frameworks.
Methods
This study utilized data from a cross-sectional survey encompassing 2,312 participants from areas where the Africa Christian Health Associations Platform (ACHAP) operates in Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone. The survey assessed respondents' views in line with core HBM and TPB constructs, in addition to their levels of vaccine acceptance. We then employed adjusted regression models to investigate the correlation between health behavior change theory constructs and vaccine confidence, taking into account variables like gender, age, education, and country of residence.
Results
Several associations were identified, including high vaccine confidence correlated with a heightened perceived threat of COVID-19, recognized benefits of vaccination, stronger perceived behavior control, and fewer perceived barriers to vaccination. Conversely, low vaccine confidence was linked to diminished perceived threats, an abundance of perceived barriers, weaker perceived behavior control, and heightened perceptions of barriers.
Discussion
Results underscore the significance and utility of theoretical constructs in understanding variations in vaccine confidence levels. They highlight the importance of relying on well-established theories to grasp decision-making mechanisms and to shape suggestions for behavior modification. Consequently, to boost vaccine acceptance, public health campaigns should focus on reshaping risk perceptions, addressing obstacles, emphasizing the advantages of getting vaccinated, and fostering a sense of self-efficacy within target communities.
Triple-drug combination therapy versus six-month proton pump inhibitor monotherapy in non-Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter eradication: a clinical study.
Authors: TSUKADAIRA Toshihisa , HAYASHI Seiichi , OTA Hiroyoshi , KOBAYASHI Natsuko , AGAWA Hiroyuki , KODAIRA Himiko , SEKIGUCHI Yasuhiro , MATSUMOTO Takehisa , HORIUCHI Kazuki , NEGISHI Tatsuya , TADA Toshifumi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background Reports on eradication of non-Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter (NHPH) gastritis in Japanese patients are rare. We investigated effectiveness of the standard triple-drug combination therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication and of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) monotherapy in eradication of non-Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter.Methods Subjects were the patients who were diagnosed as NHPH-infected gastritis at Kenwakai Hospital between November 2010 and September 2021, whose NHPH species were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of urease genes in endoscopically-biopsied samples, and who consented to eradication therapy of NHPH with either the triple-drug combination therapy for one week or PPI monotherapy for six months. Six months after the completion of the first-round eradication, its result was determined with esophagogastroduodenoscopy, microscopic examination, and urease gene analysis. In cases in which the first-round eradication therapy was unsuccessful, the second-round eradication with the other therapy than the first-round was suggested to the patient.Results PCR analysis detected NHPH in 38 patients: 36 as Helicobacter suis and two as Helicobacter heilmannii/Helicobacter ailurogastricus. Fourteen Helicobacter suis-infected and one Helicobacter heilmannii/Helicobacter ailurogastricus-infected patients requested eradication therapy. In the first-round eradication, the triple-drug combination therapy succeeded in four of five patients, while PPI monotherapy succeeded in five of 10 patients. Three of five patients who had been unsuccessful with the latter therapy requested the triple-drug combination therapy as the second-round eradication and all three were successful. In total, the triple-drug combination therapy succeeded in seven out of eight (87.5%) attempted cases, while PPI monotherapy in five out of 10 (50%) attempted cases.Conclusions Triple-drug combination therapy was also effective in NHPH eradication. PPI monotherapy for six months also appeared to be a promising option for eradicating NHPH. The effectiveness of the latter therapy may be attributed to NHPH’s preference for over-acidic environments and PPI’s antacid effects.Study registration: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Kenwakai Hospital (No. 2017024).