bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding teaching behavior through a theoretical perspective of teacher conception: cases in China
Authors: Zhu Fangchun , Xu Binyan 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionTeaching behavior is a key indicator for analyzing the cognitive factors of teachers. Cognitive factors affect teachers’ behavior. The use of technology rebuilds teachers’ didactical processes and their cognition in teaching mathematics.MethodsThis study examined classroom behavior from the perspective of teacher conception and chose the dynamic geometry software (DGS) to analyze how teacher conception affects their daily work by comparing four Chinese mathematics teachers with varying teaching and technology experiences.ResultsThe results suggested that these teachers were aware of the value of the DGS in teaching and learning mathematics.DiscussionAlthough it is still difficult for teachers to move away from the teacher-centered method, some have begun to use the DGS to create new learning situations with which students are not familiar to improve their mathematical skills. Further research is needed to obtain more evidence and generalized conclusions for other situations.
MicroRNAs regulating macrophages infected with Leishmania L. (V.) Braziliensis isolated from different clinical forms of American tegumentary leishmaniasis
Authors: Lago Tainã , Medina Lilian , Lago Jamile , Santana Nadja , Cardoso Thiago , Rocha Alan , Leal-Calvo Thyago , Carvalho Edgar M. , Castellucci Léa Cristina 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundLeishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. There are still no vaccines, and therapeutic options are limited, indicating the constant need to understand the fine mechanisms of its pathophysiology. An approach that has been explored in leishmaniasis is the participation of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs that act, in most cases, to repress gene expression. miRNAs play a role in the complex and plastic interaction between the host and pathogens, either as part of the host’s immune response to neutralize infection or as a molecular strategy employed by the pathogen to modulate host pathways to its own benefit.MethodsMonocyte-derived macrophages from healthy subjects were infected with isolates of three clinical forms of L. braziliensis: cutaneous (CL), mucosal (ML), and disseminated (DL) leishmaniasis. We compared the expression of miRNAs that take part in the TLR/NFkB pathways. Correlations with parasite load as well as immune parameters were analyzed.ResultsmiRNAs -103a-3p, -21-3p, 125a-3p -155-5p, -146a-5p, -132- 5p, and -147a were differentially expressed in the metastatic ML and DL forms, and there was a direct correlation between miRNAs -103a-3p, -21-3p, -155-5p, -146a-5p, -132-5p, and -9-3p and parasite load with ML and DL isolates. We also found a correlation between the expression of miR-21-3p and miR-146a-5p with the antiapoptotic gene BCL2 and the increase of viable cells, whereas miR-147a was indirectly correlated with CXCL-9 levels.ConclusionThe expression of miRNAs is strongly correlated with the parasite load and the inflammatory response, suggesting the participation of these molecules in the pathogenesis of the different clinical forms of L. braziliensis.
A community study of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in China
Authors: Lv Yitong , Huang Lei , Wang Junhu , He Hui , Song Libo , He Jia , Xu Lida , Yu Changyuan , Mei Ying , Gao Qi 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe immune background of the overall population before and after the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in China remains unexplored. And the level of neutralizing antibodies is a reliable indicator of individual immunity.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the immune levels of different population groups during a viral outbreak and identify the factors influencing these levels.MethodsWe measured the levels of neutralizing antibodies in 12,137 participants using the COVID19 Neutralizing Antibody Detection kit. The dynamics of neutralizing antibodies were analyzed using a generalized additive model, while a generalized linear model and multi-factor analysis of variance were employed to investigate the influencing factors. Additionally, statistical methods were used to compare neutralizing antibody levels among subgroups of the real-world population.ResultsParticipants who received booster doses exhibited significantly higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to those who received only one or two doses (p&lt;0.001). Both elderly [22.55 (5.12, 62.03) IU/mL, 55%] and minors [21.41 (8.15, 45.06) IU/mL, 56%] showed lower positivity rates and neutralizing antibody levels compared to young adults [29.30 (9.82, 188.08) IU/mL, 62%] (p&lt;0.001). Furthermore, the HIV-positive group demonstrated a slightly lower seropositivity rate compared to the healthy group across the three vaccination time points. Notably, three months after the large-scale infection, both the neutralizing antibody level and positivity rate in real-world populations were higher than the previous record [300 (300, 300) IU/mL, 89%; 27.10 (8.77, 139.28) IU/mL, 60%], and this difference was statistically significant.ConclusionsIncreasing vaccine dosage enhances neutralizing antibody levels, resulting in greater and longer-lasting immunity. Monitoring immune levels in older individuals and those with AIDS is crucial. Additionally, the neutralizing antibodies generated from vaccination have not yet reached the threshold for achieving herd immunity, while individuals exhibit higher immune levels following a large-scale infection. These findings provide valuable insights for guiding new strategies in vaccine administration.
The use of ketotifen as long-term anti-inflammatory prophylaxis in children with PFAPA syndrome
Authors: Kapustova Lenka , Banovcin Peter , Bobcakova Anna , Jurkova Malicherova Eva , Kapustova Daniela , Petrovicova Otilia , Slenker Branislav , Markocsy Adam , Oleksak Filip , Vorcakova Karolina , Jesenak Milos 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionPeriodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis syndrome (PFAPA) is the most frequent periodic fever syndrome in children. Its pathogenesis is still unknown, but some disease-modifying factors were observed. Several medications were tested for the long-term prophylaxis of inflammatory flares; however, none are standardly used.MethodsThis prospective clinical trial enrolled 142 children (71 girls, 50%) meeting diagnostic criteria for PFAPA syndrome. We analysed selected clinical characteristics and compared laboratory parameters during the flare and attack-free period (at least two weeks after the attack). Moreover, we assessed the possible therapeutic effect of ketotifen on the duration of attack free-periods and clinical picture. ResultsThe mean age of patients was 6.81 ± 3.03 years and the mean age of onset of symptoms was 2.31 ± 2.02 years. No significant differences were observed between genders.We recorded a positive family history for PFAPA in 31.69% of patients. Attacks lasted for 2.8 ± 1.2 days, with intervals between attacks of 4 ± 1 weeks. We administered ketotifen in 111 (77.8%) patients, and a positive effect was observed in 86 (77.5%) of patients. We observed prolonged attack-free intervals in patients treated with ketotifen (14.7 ± 8.9 days in comparison with 4.4 ± 1.9 days before the treatment; p&lt;0.001). The used dose of ketotifen was 0.08 ± 0.01 mg/kg/day. Mild side effects were observed in four patients (restlessness, irritability, agitation and constipation).DiscussionOur data supports the use of ketotifen for long-term prophylaxis in children with PFAPA syndrome with positive effects on the attenuation of disease activity and the prolongation of attack-free periods. Further well-designed studies should confirm the preliminary data.
Tracking the push towards extinction: combining dispersal and management data to monitor Asian longhorned beetle eradication in the U.S.
Authors: Trotter Robert Talbot , Ryan Josie K. , Chandler Jennifer L. , Pfister Scott 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionBased on the threat posed by the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennisMotschulsky), many countries including the United States have adopted policies of eradication. The eradication of infestations that cover hundreds of square kilometers can require multiple visual surveys of millions of individual trees. At these scales, eradication may take several decades and span multiple beetle generations. During this period the infestation of new trees adds spatially-explicit risk to the landscape while surveys and the removal of infested trees reduce it.MethodsTo track dynamic risk on the landscape we have developed the Asian Longhorned Beetle Hazard Management and Monitoring Tool. The geospatial tool combines data documenting; the locations, levels of infestation, and dates of detection of infested trees; the locations, methods, and timing of survey and host removal activities; and a reconstruction of beetle movement within the infested landscape to generate annual spatial estimates of infestation risk based on the combination of beetle dispersal and survey and host removal activities.ResultsThe analyses of three eradication programs highlight similar patterns in risk through time with risk peaking at the time infestations are detected and declining as management activities slow beetle spread and reduce risk through surveys. However, the results also highlight differences in risk reduction among the eradication programs associated with differences in beetle dispersal among infestations and the size of the infested landscape, highlighting the importance of applying local information to structure eradication programs.DiscussionThe Asian Longhorned Beetle Hazard Management and Monitoring Tool provides a quantitative repeatable approach to tracking changes in infestation risk using local beetle behavior and management efforts. In addition to this, the tool may provide a structure to optimize eradication efforts by allowing managers to estimate expected risk reduction based on proposed survey and host removal strategies.
Revealing zooplankton diversity in the midnight zone
Authors: González Carolina E. , Blanco-Bercial Leocadio , Escribano Rubén , Fernández-Urruzola Igor , Rivera Reinaldo , Ulloa Osvaldo 
Published: December 2023

Zooplankton diversity in the deep “midnight zone” (&gt;1000 m), where sunlight does not reach, remains largely unknown. Uncovering such diversity has been challenging because of the major difficulties in sampling deep pelagic fauna and identifying many (unknown) species that belong to these complex swimmer assemblages. In this study, we evaluated zooplankton diversity using two taxonomic marker genes: mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and nuclear 18S ribosomal RNA (18S). We collected samples from plankton net tows, ranging from the surface to a depth of 5000 m above the Atacama Trench in the Southeast Pacific. Our study aimed to assess the zooplankton diversity among layers from the upper 1000 m to the ultra-deep abyssopelagic zone to test the hypothesis of decreasing diversity with depth resulting from limited carbon sources. The results showed unique, highly vertically structured communities within the five depth strata sampled, with maximal species richness observed in the upper bathypelagic layer (1000–2000 m). The high species richness of zooplankton (&gt;750 OTUS) at these depths was higher than that found in the upper 1000 m. The vertical diversity trend exhibited a pattern similar to the well-known vertical pattern described for the benthic system. However, a large part of this diversity was either unknown (&gt;50%) or could not be assigned to any known species in current genetic diversity databases. DNA analysis showed that the Calanoid copepods, mostly represented by Subeucalanus monachus, the Euphausiacea, Euphausia mucronata, and the halocypridade, Paraconchoecia dasyophthalma, dominated the community. Water column temperature, dissolved oxygen, particulate carbon, and nitrogen appeared to be related to the observed vertical diversity pattern. Our findings revealed rich and little-known zooplankton diversity in the deep sea, emphasizing the importance of further exploration of this ecosystem to conserve and protect its unique biota.
Peripheral neutrophils and oxidative stress-associated molecules for predicting the severity of asthma: a cross-sectional study based on multidimensional assessment
Authors: Mao Ruolin , Jiang Zhilong , Min Zhihui , Wang Gang , Xie Min , Gao Peng , Zhu Lei , Li Huayin , Chen Zhihong 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the relationship between the severity of asthma and neutrophils and related oxidative stress-associated molecules in peripheral blood and induced sputum.MethodsA total of 67 subjects were included in this study, namely, 25 patients with severe asthma and 42 patients with non-severe asthma. Clinical data, induced sputum and peripheral blood were collected. Lung function and molecules related to oxidative stress in induced sputum and peripheral blood of asthma patients were detected. The relationship between neutrophils and asthma severity was analyzed. HDAC2 mRNA and protein expression levels and HDAC2 activity were also analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to select statistically significant variables.ResultsThe absolute value of neutrophils and percentage of neutrophils were higher in the severe asthma patients. These two values were used to predict the severity of asthma by ROC analysis, with the best cutoff values being 4.55 × 109/L (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 64.0%) and 55.15% (sensitivity 54.8%, specificity 88.0%). The ROS concentration of neutrophils in the induced sputum samples and the 8-iso-PGF2α concentration in the peripheral blood samples were higher in the severe asthma group (P = 0.012; P = 0.044), whereas there was reduced HDAC2 protein activity in PBMCs (P &lt; 0.001). A logistic equation and a nomogram were created to give a precise prediction of disease severity.ConclusionOxidative stress is increased in severe asthma patients. Peripheral blood neutrophils and 8-iso-PGF2α can be used as biomarkers to predict the severity of asthma. A prediction model was created for evaluating asthma severity.
Prediction model of adnexal masses with complex ultrasound morphology
Authors: Wu Yuqing , Miao Kuo , Wang Tianqi , Xu Changyu , Yao Jinlai , Dong Xiaoqiu 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundBased on the ovarian-adnexal reporting and data system (O-RADS), we constructed a nomogram model to predict the malignancy potential of adnexal masses with sophisticated ultrasound morphology.MethodsIn a multicenter retrospective study, a total of 430 subjects with masses were collected in the adnexal region through an electronic medical record system at the Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University during the period of January 2019–April 2023. A total of 157 subjects were included in the exception validation cohort from Harbin Medical University Tumor Hospital. The pathological tumor findings were invoked as the gold standard to classify the subjects into benign and malignant groups. All patients were randomly allocated to the validation set and training set in a ratio of 7:3. A stepwise regression analysis was utilized for filtering variables. Logistic regression was conducted to construct a nomogram prediction model, which was further validated in the training set. The forest plot, C-index, calibration curve, and clinical decision curve were utilized to verify the model and assess its accuracy and validity, which were further compared with existing adnexal lesion models (O-RADS US) and assessments of different types of neoplasia in the adnexa (ADNEX).ResultsFour predictors as independent risk factors for malignancy were followed in the preparation of the diagnostic model: O-RADS classification, HE4 level, acoustic shadow, and protrusion blood flow score (all p &lt; 0.05). The model showed moderate predictive power in the training set with a C-index of 0.959 (95%CI: 0.940–0.977), 0.929 (95%CI: 0.884–0.974) in the validation set, and 0.892 (95%CI: 0.843–0.940) in the external validation set. It showed that the predicted consequences of the nomogram agreed well with the actual results of the calibration curve, and the novel nomogram was clinically beneficial in decision curve analysis.ConclusionThe risk of the nomogram of adnexal masses with complex ultrasound morphology contained four characteristics that showed a suitable predictive ability and provided better risk stratification. Its diagnostic performance significantly exceeded that of the ADNEX model and O-RADS US, and its screening performance was essentially equivalent to that of the ADNEX model and O-RADS US classification.
Efficacy and safety of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound for Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Xiaona , Hu Rongrui , He Peicong , Ye Jianhong 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveMagnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a novel noninvasive treatment for drug-resistant Parkinson’s disease (PD) related tremor. This study aims to evaluate MRgFUS’s efficacy and safety in PD through a systematic review and meta-analysis, examining pre-and post-treatment MDS-UPDRSIII and/or CRST scores and associated adverse events.Materials and methodsWe conducted an extensive literature search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases, screening studies based on set criteria and analyzing MDS-UPDRSIII, CRST, and adverse events pre- and post-MRgFUS treatment.ResultsOut of 468 retrieved articles, 20 studies involving 258 patients, spanning 2014–2023, were included.17 studies indicated significant MDS-UPDRSIII score reductions post-MRgFUS treatment, while 3 showed significant CRST score declines. In the “on” medication state, pooled MDS-UPDRSIII scores at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 12.18 (95% CI: 5.83–18.52), 12.10 (95% CI: 8.22–15.97), 14.85 (95% CI: 9.28–20.41), and 20.65 (95% CI: 12.15–29.14) respectively. In the “off” state, scores were 11.45 (95% CI: −3.50-26.40), 14.71 (95% CI: 4.95–24.46), 21.52 (95% CI: 19.28–23.75), and 22.28 (95% CI: 15.26–29.30). Adverse events were typically mild and transient, with speech disturbances, ataxia, and sensory abnormalities being common post-operative neurological complications.ConclusionMRgFUS offers an effective and relatively safe treatment option for patients with drug-resistant PD-related tremor.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, No. CRD42023428332.
Impact of endocrine dysregulation on disability and non-motor symptoms in pediatric onset multiple sclerosis
Authors: Abe Justin , Jafarpour Saba , Vu My H. , O'Brien Devon , Boyd Natalie K. , Vogel Benjamin N. , Nguyen Lina , Paulsen Kelli C. , Saucier Laura E. , Ahsan Nusrat , Mitchell Wendy G. , Santoro Jonathan D. 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundPediatric onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) commonly occurs at the time of various endocrine changes. Evaluation of the impact of endocrine status on disease severity in POMS has not been previously explored.ObjectiveThis study sought to evaluate if sex and stress hormones in children with POMS impact motor and non-motor diseases severity.MethodsA single-center case control study was performed. Individuals with POMS were compared to individuals without neurologic disease. Each individual had three blood draws assessing stress and sex hormones between 07:00 and 09:00. Measures of fatigue (Epworth sleepiness scale), depression (PHQ-9), and quality of life (PedsQL) assessed at each visit.ResultsForty individuals with POMS and 40 controls were enrolled. Individuals with POMS had lower free testosterone (p = 0.003), cortisol (p &lt; 0.001), and ACTH (p &lt; 0.001) and had higher progesterone (p = 0.025) levels than controls. Relapses and EDSS were not impacted by endocrine variables. The POMS cohort had a significantly higher Epworth score (p &lt; 0.001), PHQ-9 score (p &lt; 0.001), and lower PQL score (p &lt; 0.001) than controls. Non-motor measures were not associated with endocrine status.ConclusionFree testosterone, cortisol, ACTH, and progesterone were abnormal in children with POMS although there was no association between endocrine status and markers of disease severity or non-motor symptoms of MS.
Construct validity of a dietary protein assessment questionnaire to explore college students’ knowledge and attitudes towards dietary protein
Authors: Gutjahr Parker , Warren Cynthia , Miketinas Derek 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionMisconceptions about dietary protein may exist due to unscientific information from commonly used sources such as social media. Understanding knowledge and attitudes towards protein is important for developing effective interventions to improve the dietary behaviors of U.S. college students. The objective of this study was to develop a questionnaire to evaluate college students’ knowledge and attitudes towards dietary protein.MethodsThe questionnaire had 64 questions, including 8 demographic, 24 knowledge, 14 attitude, and 18 behavior questions. Construct validity of the knowledge questions was assessed by performing known-group comparisons using an independent t-test. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with principal axis factoring and a promax rotation was used to evaluate the factor structure of the attitude questions.ResultsFour hundred seventy participants (87.3% female) provided responses for the attitude questions. Fifty-five nutrition and Fifty-one non-nutrition students provided responses for the knowledge questions. Three factors were retained: animal protein sources’ relationship with human and environmental health (Factor 1); organic protein sources (Factor 2); and adequacy of the protein recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for weight loss and vegetarian diets (Factor 3). Mean knowledge responses were 66.4 ± 11.5% and 47.6 ± 16.4% for nutrition and non-nutrition students, respectively (t-testp-value for difference &lt;0.001).ConclusionProtein attitudes appear multidimensional and correlated. Further testing is needed to confirm the three-factor model and to assess temporal reliability.