bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rwandan teacher training college’s mathematics teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge for teaching: assessment toward competency-based curriculum
Authors: Habiyaremye Hashituky Telesphore , Ntivuguruzwa Celestin , Ntawiha Philothere 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionTeachers’ knowledge and positive attitudes significantly impact educational settings. This study aimed to assess teachers’ mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) and their pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) attitudes.MethodologyIt was conducted on all 23 mathematics teachers from Rwandan teacher training colleges (TTCs). Employing a survey design, standardized performance and attitude tests were utilized, employing instruments known for their standardization, validity, and reliability.ResultsThe findings informed that teachers possess a low MKT but a high PCK attitude. Thus, they performed the MKT test poorly as the average score was below 50%. However, teachers were found to have better content knowledge than other MKT constructs and performed better in pattern function and algebra than in other areas of mathematics. Teachers demonstrated a highly positive attitude toward integrating PCK in teaching mathematics.DiscussionSuch a positive attitude was inferred from the pedagogical training offered by implementing a competency-based curriculum. Therefore, teachers need to improve their MKT performance, and more research is needed on other teachers apart from those in TTCs.
Suitability assessments in teacher education during and post the COVID-19 pandemic – an impact on professional development
Authors: Hvalby Mette 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionSuitability assessment of Norwegian pre-service teachers is carried out by teacher educators, and the mentors’ professional practices play a key role in these processes. This study aims to explore how the Covid-19 pandemic has influenced suitability assessment practices of pre-service teachers. The purpose of the suitability assessment is to ensure that vulnerable groups, such as students in schools, encounter teachers who are suitable for a professional practice. The process of growing suitability includes professional development, while suitability assessment of pre-service teachers intends to strengthen the quality of teacher education programs.MethodsTwo sets of data collection methods are underpinning the arguments in this qualitative study. Data were collected in 2022 from a survey with a sample of 162 mentors in teacher education attending three universities. Thereafter, in-depth interviews were conducted with three Heads of suitability assessment from the same universities as the mentors. The triangulation aimed to reduce bias and increase the validity.ResultsThe impact the pandemic has had on the suitability assessment practices is expressed in four findings: (1) a weaker basis for the assessment, (2) continuing health issues, (3) delayed professional development among pre-service teachers, and (4) differences among the universities.RecommendationsImplications for education programs for mentoring including knowledge of the procedures of suitability assessments, and a closer collaboration between all teacher educators involving systematically evaluation of pre-service teachers are indicated for future teacher education.
Renewing an undergraduate science curriculum for the 21st century
Authors: McAteer Louise , Roche Joseph , Kelly Áine M. 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe rapid pace of technological advancement, globalisation, and complex socio-economic challenges facing 21st-century society necessitates a rethinking of undergraduate science education. Undergraduate science curriculum reform is essential to prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce in an ever-changing world. Accordingly, in Trinity College Dublin (the University of Dublin), the oldest science degree course in Ireland was intensively reviewed and redeveloped between 2014 and 2021. This study aims to collate and disseminate the knowledge acquired by university staff through the experience of undertaking a major science curriculum redevelopment.MethodsNine senior staff members closely involved with the redevelopment were interviewed about why the curriculum reform was necessary, what it had achieved, and how the process could have been improved.ResultsThe reasons behind the curriculum changes are described and placed in the context of contemporary pedagogical research. Reflections from the academic and administrative staff involved in the redevelopment process are presented, emphasising the challenges and opportunities that emerged from that process.DiscussionRecommendations for other universities undertaking similar reforms are included. Aligning undergraduate science curriculum reform with the needs of 21st-century society is vital for ensuring that science graduates are well-prepared to make positive contributions to a sustainable future.
Constructing a nomogram based on the distribution of thyroid nodules and suspicious lateral cervical lymph nodes in fine-needle aspiration biopsies to predict metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Liu Shui-Qing , Feng Jia-Wei , Yan Zhan-Tao , Xing Xiao-Xiao , Jiang Wen-Yin , Jiang Yong , Qian Feng , Xing Wei 
Published: November 2023

PurposeElevated concentrations of thyroglobulin eluent is a risk factor for lateral cervical lymph node metastasis (LLNM) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). We aimed to develop a practical nomogram based on the distribution of thyroid nodules and the presence of suspicious lateral cervical lymph nodes in fine-needle aspiration biopsies (LN-FNABs), including the cytopathology and the suspicious lateral cervical lymph node (LLN) thyroglobulin eluent (Tg), to predict the possibility of LLNM preoperatively in patients with PTC.MethodsThe clinical data of PTC patients who were admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2022 to May 2023 to undergo fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) were included in this study. A total of 208 patients in 2022 served as the training set (70%), and 89 patients in 2023 served as the validation set (30%). The clinical characteristics and LN-FNAB results were collected to determine the risk factors of LLNM. A preoperative nomogram was developed for predicting LLNM based on the results of the univariate and multivariate analyses. Internal calibration, external calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were performed for these models.ResultsThe multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the maximum thyroid nodule diameter (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.323, 95% CI 1.383 to 3.904; p = 0.001), Tg level (OR 1.007, 95% CI 1.005 to 1.009; p = 0.000), Tg divided by serum thyroglobulin, (Tg/sTg) [odds ratio (OR) 1.005, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.008; p = 0.009], and cytopathology (OR 9.738, 95% CI 3.678 to 25.783; p = 0.000) (all p &lt;  0.05) had a significant impact on the LLNM of patients with suspicious LLNs. The nomogram showed a better predictive value in both the training cohort [area under the curve, (AUC) 0.937, 95% CI 0.895 to 0.966] and the validation cohort (AUC 0.957, 95% CI 0.892 to 0.989). The nomogram also showed excellent internal and external calibration in predicting LLNM. According to the DCA, the diagnostic performance of this model was dependent on the following variables: maximum thyroid nodule diameter, Tg level, Tg/sTg, and cytopathology.ConclusionBased on the aforementioned risk factors, we believe that it is necessary to establish a personalized LLNM model for patients with PTC. Using this practical nomogram, which combines clinical and Tg risk factors, surgeons could accurately predict the possibility of LLNM preoperatively. The nomogram will also help surgeons to establish personalized treatment plans before surgery.
Robotic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy versus laparoscopic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy: outcomes from a pooled analysis
Authors: Li Yu-gen , Chen Xiao-bin , Wang Chun-mei , Yu Xiao-dong , Deng Xian-zhong , Liao Bo 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe comparative advantages of robotic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (RPRA) over laparoscopic posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (LPRA) remain a topic of ongoing debate within the medical community. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis aim to assess the safety and efficacy of RPRA compared to LPRA, with the ultimate goal of determining which procedure yields superior clinical outcomes.MethodsA systematic search was conducted on databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library database to identify relevant studies, encompassing both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs, that compare the outcomes of RPRA and LPRA. The primary focus of this study was to evaluate perioperative surgical outcomes and complications. Review Manager 5.4 was used for this analysis. The study was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023453816).ResultsA total of seven non-RCTs were identified and included in this study, encompassing a cohort of 675 patients. The findings indicate that RPRA exhibited superior performance compared to LPRA in terms of hospital stay (weighted mean difference [WMD] -0.78 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.46 to -0.10; p = 0.02). However, there were no statistically significant differences observed between the two techniques in terms of operative time, blood loss, transfusion rates, conversion rates, major complications, and overall complications.ConclusionRPRA is associated with a significantly shorter hospital stay compared to LPRA, while demonstrating comparable operative time, blood loss, conversion rate, and complication rate. However, it is important to note that further research of a more comprehensive and rigorous nature is necessary to validate these findings.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=453816, identifier CRD42023453816.
A conceptual analysis of public opinion regarding genome research in Japan
Authors: Shahrier Shibly , Gaydarska Hristina , Takashima Kayo , Yoshizawa Go , Minari Jusaku 
Published: November 2023

In the 20 years since the completion of the Human Genome Project, the gap between scientific development and public understanding of genome research has been widening. While genome research has been increasingly utilized for social and clinical purposes in a multifaceted manner, this has resulted in an increase in the potential risks associated with genomic data. In this context, our study aims to consider the nature of public perceptions of genome research, primarily by using as a case study the results of previous public surveys relevant to donations for social benefits in Japan. We explored certain types of awareness, attitude, and intention (A-A-I) in such surveys and discussed the resultant key findings through the cultural transmission framework. Reframing the public’s response toward genome research based on A-A-I analysis and behavioral science may contribute to developing more systematic communication approaches with the public. With a view to establishing such approaches, our perspective suggests some new insights to discuss the science–society gap in genome research internationally.
B cell MHC haplotype affects follicular inclusion, germinal center participation and plasma cell differentiation in a mouse model of lupus
Authors: Wibrand Camilla , Wittenborn Thomas R. , Voss Lasse Frank , Winther Gudrun , Jensen Lisbeth , Ferapontov Alexey , Fonager Sofie V. , Fahlquist-Hagert Cecilia , Degn Søren E. 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionMHC class II molecules are essential for appropriate immune responses against pathogens but are also implicated in pathological responses in autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection. Previous studies have shed light on the systemic contributions of MHC haplotypes to the development and severity of autoimmune diseases. In this study, we addressed the B cell intrinsic MHC haplotype impact on follicular inclusion, germinal center (GC) participation and plasma cell (PC) differentiation in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsWe leveraged the 564Igi mouse model which harbors a B cell receptor knock-in from an autoreactive B cell clone recognizing ribonuclear components, including double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). This model recapitulates the central hallmarks of the early stages of SLE. We compared 564Igi heterozygous offspring on either H2b/b, H2b/d, or H2d/d background.ResultsThis revealed significantly higher germinal center (GC) B cell levels in the spleens of H2b/b and H2b/d as compared to H2d/d (p&lt;0.0001) mice. In agreement with this, anti-dsDNA-antibody levels were higher in H2b/b and H2b/d than in H2d/d (p&lt;0.0001), with H2b/b also being higher compared to H2b/d (p&lt;0.01). Specifically, these differences held true both for autoantibodies derived from the knock-in clone and from wild-type (WT) derived clones. In mixed chimeras where 564Igi H2b/b, H2b/d and H2d/d cells competed head-to-head in the same environment, we observed a significantly higher inclusion of H2b/b cells in GC and PC compartments relative to their representation in the B cell repertoire, compared to H2b/d and H2d/d cells. Furthermore, in mixed chimeras in which WT H2b/b and WT H2d/d cells competed for inclusion in GCs associated with an epitope spreading process, H2b/b cells participated to a greater extent and contributed more robustly to the PC compartment. Finally, immature WT H2b/b cells had a higher baseline of BCRs with an autoreactive idiotype and were subject to more stringent negative selection at the transitional stage.DiscussionTaken together, our findings demonstrate that B cell intrinsic MHC haplotype governs their capacity for participation in the autoreactive response at multiple levels: follicular inclusion, GC participation, and PC output. These findings pinpoint B cells as central contributors to precipitation of autoimmunity.
Risk factors and outcomes of IgA nephropathy recurrence after kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yue , Tang Yangming , Lin Tao , Song Turun 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundIgA nephropathy may recur in patients receiving kidney transplantation due to IgA nephropathy induced renal failure. The risk factors for recurrence are still at issue. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess risk factors and outcomes for IgA nephropathy recurrence.MethodsWe used PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, WanFang, VIP and CBM to search for relevant studies published in English and Chinese. Cohort or case-control studies reporting risk factors or outcomes for IgA nephropathy recurrence were included.ResultsFifty-eight studies were included. Compare to no recurrence group, those with IgAN recurrence had younger age (mean difference [MD]=-4.27 years; risk ratio [RR]=0.96), younger donor age (MD=-2.19 years), shorter time from IgA nephropathy diagnosis to end stage renal disease (MD=-1.84 years; RR=0.94), shorter time on dialysis (MD=-3.14 months), lower human leukocyte-antigen (HLA) mismatches (MD=-0.11) and HLA-DR mismatches (MD=-0.13). HLA-B46 antigen (RR=0.39), anti-IL-2-R antibodies induction (RR=0.68), mycophenolate mofetil (RR=0.69), and pretransplant tonsillectomy (RR=0.43) were associated with less IgAN recurrence. Of note, male recipient gender (RR=1.17), related donor (RR=1.53), retransplantation (RR=1.43), hemodialysis (RR=1.68), no induction therapy (RR=1.73), mTOR inhibitor (RR=1.51), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers (RR=1.63) were risk factors for IgAN recurrence. Recurrence increased the risk of graft loss (RR=2.19).ConclusionsThis study summarized the risk factors for recurrence of IgA nephropathy after kidney transplantation. Well-designed prospective studies are warranted for validation.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=377480, identifier CRD42022377480.
Sulforaphane as a potential modifier of calorie-induced inflammation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial
Authors: van Steenwijk Hidde P. , Vinken Anna , van Osch Frits H. M. , Peppelenbos Herman , Troost Freddy J. , Bast Aalt , Semen Khrystyna O. , de Boer Alie 
Published: November 2023

Background and aimsObservational data indicate that diets rich in fruits and vegetables have a positive effect on inflammatory status, improve metabolic resilience and may protect against the development of non-communicable diseases. Nevertheless, experimental evidence demonstrating a causal relationship between nutrient intake (especially whole foods) and changes in metabolic health is scarce. This study investigated the pleiotropic effects of sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts, compared to pea sprouts, on biomarkers of endothelial function, inflammation and metabolic stress in healthy participants subjected to a standardized caloric challenge.MethodsIn this double-blind, crossover, randomized, placebo-controlled trial 12 healthy participants were administered 16 g broccoli sprouts, or pea sprouts (placebo) followed by the standardized high-caloric drink PhenFlex given to disturb healthy homeostasis. Levels of inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic parameters were measured in plasma before and 2 h after the caloric overload.ResultsAdministration of broccoli sprouts promoted an increase in levels of CCL-2 induced by caloric load (p = 0.017). Other biomarkers (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, hs-CRP, and IL-10) individually showed insignificant tendencies toward increase with administration of sulforaphane. Combining all studied biomarkers into the systemic low-grade inflammation score further confirmed upregulation of the inflammatory activity (p = 0.087) after sulforaphane. No significant effects on biomarkers of metabolic stress were detected.ConclusionThis study has demonstrated that sulforaphane facilitated development of a mild pro-inflammatory state during the caloric challenge, which could be suggestive of the onset of the hormetic response induced by this phytonutrient. The use of integrative outcomes measures such as the systemic low-grade inflammation score can be viewed as a more robust approach to study the subtle and pleiotropic effects of phytonutrients.Clinical trial registration:www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05146804.
Outcome after cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy in patients with secondary pleural metastases
Authors: Hassan Mohamed , Zimmermann Julia , Schmid Severin , Passlick Bernward , Kovács Julia , Hatz Rudolf , Winter Hauke , Klotz Laura V. , Eichhorn Martin E. , Markowiak Till , Müller Karolina , Huppertz Gunnar , Koller Michael , Hofmann Hans-Stefan , Ried Michael 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe role of cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (CRS+HITOC) for patients with secondary pleural metastases has scarcely been investigated.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, multicentre study investigating the outcome of CRS+HITOC for 31 patients with pleural metastases from different primary tumours in four high-volume departments of thoracic surgery in Germany. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included postoperative complications and recurrence/progression-free survival (RFS/PFS).ResultsThe primary tumour was non-small cell lung cancer in 12 (39%), ovarian cancer in 5 (16%), sarcoma in 3 (10%), pseudomyxoma peritonei in 3 (10%), and others in 8 (26%) patients. A macroscopic complete resection (R/1) could be achieved in 28 (90%) patients. Major postoperative complications as classified by Clavien-Dindo (III-V) were observed in 11 (35%) patients. The postoperative mortality rate was 10% (n=3). A total of 13 patients received additive chemotherapy (42%). The median time of follow up was 30 months (95% CI = 17– 43). The median OS was 39 months (95% CI: 34-44 months) with 1-month, 3-month, 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival estimates of 97%, 89%, 77%, 66%, and 41%. There was a significantly prolonged OS in patients who received additive chemotherapy compared to patients with only CRS+HITOC (median OS 69 vs 38 months; p= 0.048). The median RFS was 14 months (95% CI: 7-21 months).ConclusionsWe observed that CRS+HITOC is a feasible approach with reasonable complications and prolonged survival as a part of multimodal concept for highly selected patients with secondary pleural metastases.
Mendelian randomization analysis to elucidate the causal relationship between small molecule metabolites and ovarian cancer risk
Authors: Chang Xin , Liu Shijia , Han Lu 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundSmall molecule metabolites are potential biomarkers for ovarian cancer. However, the causal relationship between small molecule metabolites and ovarian cancer remains unclear.MethodsSingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) correlated with 53 distinct small molecule metabolites were identified as instrumental variables (IVs) from comprehensive genome-wide association studies. Aggregate data encompassing 25,509 cases of ovarian cancer and 40,941 controls of European descent were procured from the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium. To evaluate causative associations, four Mendelian randomization techniques—including inverse-variance weighted, weighted median, maximum likelihood, and MR-Egger regression—were employed.ResultsIn total, 242 SNPs were delineated as IVs for the small molecule metabolites under consideration. A significant association with the overarching risk of ovarian cancer was observed for six distinct metabolites. Hexadecenoylcarnitine and methioninesulfoxide were associated with a 32% and 31% reduced risk, respectively. Fifteen metabolites were linked to subtype ovarian cancers. For instance, both methionine sulfoxide and tetradecanoyl carnitine exhibited an inverse association with the risk of clear cell and high-grade serous ovarian cancers. Conversely, tryptophan demonstrated a 1.72-fold elevated risk for endometrioid ovarian cancer.ConclusionThis study identified several metabolites with putative causal effects on ovarian cancer risk using Mendelian randomization analysis. The findings provide insight into the etiological role of small molecule metabolites and highlight potential early detection biomarkers for ovarian cancer. Subsequent investigations are imperative to corroborate these findings and elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.