bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Teaching chemistry in the metaverse: the effectiveness of using virtual and augmented reality for visualization
Authors: Amirbekova Elmira , Shertayeva Nailya , Mironova Ekaterina 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe metaverse is a promising platform for learning that all participants in the teaching and learning process may find appealing. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using metaverse-related visualization technologies, such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), in teaching chemistry.MethodsThe study has an experimental research design and uses the following tools to collect data: Dombrovskaya’s Motivation for Learning Scale, the SAMOAL Questionnaire, and the Self-management Questionnaire. The study sample includes 236 first-year undergraduate students studying chemistry at the Faculty of Natural Sciences.ResultsResults suggest that the integration of immersive VR/AR technologies in chemistry education signifies the beginning of a metaverse transition; the process, however, is in its early stages.DiscussionThe study concludes that immersive VR/AR technologies have an advantage over traditional programs in terms of motivation and competence development. Future research can investigate the impact of VR/AR technologies on students’ anxiety and build a model for predicting student achievements in the metaverse-based chemistry classroom.
Through teachers’ eyes: adaptability and transformations in their practices and relationship with students during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dario Nadia , Mollo Monica , Savarese Giulia , Carpinelli Luna 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThis research critically and empirically analyzes the intricate interaction between the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Italian educational system and the quality of the teacher-student relationship. The main focus is on the experiences of Italian educators who had to deal with the upheavals caused by the pandemic within an educational system.AimThe primary purpose of this study is to explore (a) how did teachers’ educational practices change during the first lockdown and (b) how did the teacher-student relationship evolve during the first lockdown from the teachers’ point of view.MethodsThe study uses a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews and diary collection (conducted via platforms). Participants are Italian primary and secondary school teachers aged between 25 and 60.ResultsIn this study, the thematic analysis of the content of the interviews and diaries reveals: the initial responses of educators, the transition to distance learning, the challenges and potential of virtual education, the students’ evaluation, future perspectives, and the topic of the relationship with students (particularly addressed in the diaries).DiscussionBy delving into the transformation of the teacher-student relationship under extraordinary circumstances, this research enriches the discourse on its quality, capturing the psychological nuances of learning-teaching experiences, and uncovers the multifaceted transformations in teaching methodologies, tools, and assessments.
Study on multi-cluster fracturing simulation of deep reservoir based on cohesive element modeling
Authors: Wu Jianfa , Wu Mingyang , Guo Yintong , Huang Haoyong , Zhang Zhen , Zhong Guanghai , Gui Junchuan , Lu Jun 
Published: January 2024

With the depletion of conventional reservoir development, reservoir fracturing under deep high geo-stress and high geo-stress difference conditions is receiving increasing attention. Deep reservoirs typically require multi-cluster fracturing to achieve efficient reservoir transformation and development. In this paper, considering the relevant geological parameters of a certain reservoir in the southwest, three-dimensional multi-cluster reservoir fracturing models were established based on cohesive element modeling. Then, the propagation law of artificial fractures in reservoirs under the influence of the different number of fracturing clusters, injection displacement, and Young’s modulus in different regions of the 60 m fracturing well section is analyzed, and the quantitative law of parameters such as fracture length, maximum fracture width, injection point fracture width, fracture area, and tensile failure ratio during multi-cluster fracturing construction, as well as the propagation law of fracture morphology are revealed. The simulation results show that using multi-cluster fracturing can significantly improve the effectiveness of reservoir reconstruction, but as the number of fracturing clusters increases, it is also easy to form some small opening artificial fractures. These small opening artificial fractures may not be conducive to the transportation of proppants and fluids. During single cluster fracturing, the interface stiffness and rock Young’s modulus have a significant impact on the propagation of artificial fractures in the reservoir. As the number of fracturing clusters increases, the competition between artificial main fractures expands significantly, which may reduce the impact of interface stiffness and rock Young’s modulus. The fluid injection rate has a significant impact on reservoir fracturing, and in the same area, using high displacement injection can significantly increase the volume of reservoir reconstruction. This study can provide some reference for multi-cluster fracturing construction in deep reservoirs.
Transcolonoscopic spraying formalin solution for hemorrhagic radiation proctitis: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Huang Kun , Zhao Xiaolin , Yu Jiufei , Cheng Jianping , Wu Lili 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundRadiation proctitis is a common complication that occurs as a result of radiation therapy used to treat pelvic malignancies. The most common and bothersome symptom resulting from radiation proctitis is rectal bleeding, which can be persistent or recurrent. This study aimed to review our experience and evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcolonoscopic spraying of formalin solution in patients with hemorrhagic radiation proctitis.MethodsA total of 37 patients with hemorrhagic radiation proctitis, aged between 48 and 79 years (mean age 62.56 ± 8.48 years), were divided into three cohorts based on the severity of radiation injury. Under direct endoscopic vision, a 4% formalin solution was applied directly to the rectal hemorrhagic mucosa. The patients were followed for a period of over 6 months after receiving treatment, during which the therapeutic effectiveness and occurrence of complications were observed.ResultsThe study resulted in an overall response rate of 89.2% among all patients. The response rates for patients with grades 1–3 were 100, 100, and 66.7%, respectively. Notably, the rate of response among patients with grade 3 radiation injury was significantly lower compared to those with grades 1–2 (p = 0.009). Mild adverse reactions, such as anal pain and tenesmus, were reported in a small number of patients but could be alleviated without any intervention.ConclusionThe endoscopic application of formalin solution for the treatment of hemorrhagic radiation proctitis has shown a significant effect, particularly in patients with grades 1–2 radiation injury. The observed effect is superior to that observed in patients with grade 3 radiation injury.
Appropriateness of specialized care referrals for LBP: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Mathieu Janny , Robert Marie-Ève , Châtillon Claude-Édouard , Descarreaux Martin , Marchand Andrée-Anne 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) accounts for a significant proportion of primary care visits. Despite the development of evidence-based guidelines, studies point to the inefficient use of healthcare resources, resulting in over 60.0% of patients with LBP being referred to spine surgeons without any surgical indication. Centralized waiting lists (CWLs) have been implemented to improve access to specialized care by managing asymmetry between supply and demands. To date, no study has provided data on patients’ clinical profiles and referral patterns to medical specialists for LBP in the context of a publicly funded healthcare system operating a prioritization model. The objective of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of specialized care referrals for LBP after the implementation of a CWL.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 500 randomly selected electronic health records of patients who attended the outpatient neurosurgery clinic of the administrative Mauricie-et-Centre-du-Québec region was performed. Inclusion criteria were neurosurgery consultation referrals for adults ≥18 years suffering from a primary complaint of LBP, and performed between September 1st, 2018, and September 1st, 2021. Data relevant for drawing a comprehensive portrait of patients referred to the neurosurgery service and for judging referrals appropriateness were manually extracted.ResultsOf the 500 cases analyzed, only 112 (22.4%) were surgical candidates, while 221 (44.2%) were discharge from the neurosurgery service upon initial assessment. Key information was inconsistently documented in medical files, thus preventing the establishment of a comprehensive portrait of patients referred to the neurosurgery service for LBP. Nevertheless, over 80.0% of referrals made during the study period were deemed inappropriate. Inappropriate referrals were characterized by higher proportion of patients symptomatically improved, presenting a back-dominant chief complaint, exhibiting no objective neurological symptoms, and diagnosed with non-specific LBP.ConclusionThis study reveals a significant proportion of inappropriate referrals to specialized care for LBP. Further research is needed to better understand the factors that prompt referrals to medical specialists for LBP, and the criteria considered by neurosurgeons when selecting the appropriate management strategy. Recent studies suggest that triaging approaches led by musculoskeletal experts may improve referral appropriateness to specialized care.
Surveillance of high-risk early postsurgical patients for real-time detection of complications using wireless monitoring (SHEPHERD study): results of a randomized multicenter stepped wedge cluster trial
Authors: Posthuma Linda M. , Breteler Martine J. M. , Lirk Philipp B. , Nieveen van Dijkum Els J. , Visscher Maarten J. , Breel Jennifer S. , Wensing Carin A. G. L. , Schenk Jimmy , Vlaskamp Lyan B. , van Rossum Mathilde C. , Ruurda Jelle P. , Dijkgraaf Marcel G. W. , Hollmann Markus W. , Kalkman Cor J. , Preckel Benedikt 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundVital signs measurements on the ward are performed intermittently. This could lead to failure to rapidly detect patients with deteriorating vital signs and worsens long-term outcome. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that continuous wireless monitoring of vital signs on the postsurgical ward improves patient outcome.MethodsIn this prospective, multicenter, stepped-wedge cluster randomized study, patients in the control group received standard monitoring. The intervention group received continuous wireless monitoring of heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature on top of standard care. Automated alerts indicating vital signs deviation from baseline were sent to ward nurses, triggering the calculation of a full early warning score followed. The primary outcome was the occurrence of new disability three months after surgery.ResultsThe study was terminated early (at 57% inclusion) due to COVID-19 restrictions. Therefore, only descriptive statistics are presented. A total of 747 patients were enrolled in this study and eligible for statistical analyses, 517 patients in the control group and 230 patients in the intervention group, the latter only from one hospital. New disability at three months after surgery occurred in 43.7% in the control group and in 39.1% in the intervention group (absolute difference 4.6%).ConclusionThis is the largest randomized controlled trial investigating continuous wireless monitoring in postoperative patients. While patients in the intervention group seemed to experience less (new) disability than patients in the control group, results remain inconclusive with regard to postoperative patient outcome due to premature study termination.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02957825.
High-throughput screening identification of novel immunomodulatory combinations for the generation of tolerogenic dendritic cells
Authors: Jia Sihan , Kim Jeremiah , Esser-Kahn Aaron Palmer , Deak Peter 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionTolerogenic Dendritic Cells (tolDCs) have an exceptional promise as a potential therapy for autoimmune disease and transplantation rejection. TolDCs are a unique phenotype of antigen presenting cells (APCs) that can influence naïve T cells into antigen specific T regulatory cells (Tregs), which can re-establish tolerance against auto/allo-antigens in the long term. Despite their promise, tolDCs have not found clinical success. Most strategies seek to generate tolDCs ex vivo by differentiating naïve dendritic cells (DCs) with immunosuppressive agents. Recently, we developed a tolDC generation strategy, which we call Push/Pull Immunomodulation (PPI). In PPI, DCs are treated with combinations of toll-like-receptor (TLR) agonists and immunomodulatory agents, which generate more robust, Treg-inducing tolDCs than previous strategies. Here, we seek to identify more potent and clinically viable PPI formulations using data from a high-throughput screening project.MethodsOver 40,000 combinations of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and immunomodulatory small molecules were screened using a modified murine macrophage line, RAW dual cells, to observe the effect of these combinations on two major immune regulatory transcription factors, NF-κB and IRF. Combinations were further screened for inflammatory cytokine activity using a human monocyte cell line, THP-1, then on murine DCs. Leading candidates were co-cultured with T cells to assess antigen specific T cell responses.ResultsFrom this data, we identified 355 combinations that showed low or moderate IRF activity, low NF-κB activity, low inflammatory cytokine generation and good viability: all hallmarks of tolerogenic potential. We further screened these 355 combinations using bone marrow derived DCs (BMDCs) and identified 10 combinations that demonstrated high IL-10 (tolerogenic) and low TNF-α (inflammatory) secretion. After further optimizing these combinations, we identified two combinations that generate robust tolDCs from BMDCs ex vivo. We further show that these PPI-tolDCs can also generate antigen specific Tregs but do not increase overall Treg populations.DiscussionThese second-generation PPI formulations have significant potential to generate robust tolDCs and strong antigen specific Tregs.
Automatic diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease using artificial intelligence base on routine T1-weighted MRI
Authors: Li Chang , Hui Dongming , Wu Faqi , Xia Yuwei , Shi Feng , Yang Mingguang , Zhang Jinrui , Peng Chao , Feng Junbang , Li Chuanming 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. An objective diagnosis method is urgently needed in clinical practice. In this study, deep learning and radiomics techniques were studied to automatically diagnose PD from healthy controls (HCs).Methods155 PD patients and 154 HCs were randomly divided into a training set (246 patients) and a testing set (63 patients). The brain subregions identification and segmentation were automatically performed with a VB-net, and radiomics features of billateral thalamus, caudatum, putamen and pallidum were extracted. Five independent machine learning classifiers [Support Vector Machine (SVM), Stochastic gradient descent (SGD), random forest (RF), quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) and decision tree (DT)] were trained on the training set, and validated on the testing. Delong test was used to compare the performance of different models.ResultsOur VB-net could automatically identify and segment the brain into 109 regions. 2,264 radiomics features were automatically extracted from the billateral thalamus, caudatum, putamen or pallidum of each patient. After four step of features dimensionality reduction, Delong tests showed that the SVM model based on combined features had the best performance, with AUCs of 0.988 (95% CI: 0.979 ~ 0.998, specificity = 91.1%, sensitivity =100%, accuracy = 89.4% and precision = 88.2%) and 0.976 (95% CI: 0.942 ~ 1.000, specificity = 100%, sensitivity = 87.1%, accuracy = 93.5% and precision = 88.6%) in the training set and testing set, respectively. Decision curve analysis showed that the clinical benefit of the line graph model was high.ConclusionThe SVM model based on combined features could be used to diagnose PD with high accuracy. Our fully automatic model could rapidly process the MRI data and distinguish PD and HCs in one minute. It greatly improved the diagnostic efficiency and has a great potential value in clinical practice to help the early diagnosis of PD.
Associations of traditional Chinese medicine body constitution and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study of a Taiwanese medical center
Authors: Lee Cheng-Hung , Su Yi-Chang , Lin Shih-Yi , Lee I-Te , Tsai Chia-I , Li Tsai-Chung 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to investigate associations between baseline body constitutions (BCs) in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and all-cause mortality in Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes.MethodsA total of 887 individuals with type 2 diabetes who were enrolled in managed care in 2010 were included. These individuals were followed up until 2015, and their mortality status was determined through the use of Taiwan National Death Datasets. At baseline, BC status of participants, including Yin deficiency, Yang deficiency, and phlegm stasis, was assessed using a well-developed Body Constitutions Questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsDuring 6807.2 person-years of follow-up of 887 participants, with an average follow-up period of 7.7 years, a total of 190 individuals died, resulting in an incidence density of 0.0279 person-years. Yin deficiency was associated with all-cause mortality (HR, 95% CI: 1.39, 1.02–1.90). This study indicates that individuals diagnosed with Yin deficiency in TCM, characterized by symptoms such as thirst, reduced urine volume, hard stool, and hot flushes, had a 39% higher risk of all-cause mortality.DiscussionThe findings may provide information for TCM practitioners on tailoring treatment plans for persons with type 2 diabetes. No conclusive statements can be made on the basis of the preliminary data presented here. Controlled prospective studies are warranted.
Exploring age-related changes in saccades during cognitive tasks in healthy adults
Authors: Yang Hee Won , Choe Jin Yeong , Noh Soo Rim , Kim Jeong Lan , Han Ji Won , Kim Ki Woong 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionAlthough eye movements such as saccades are related to internal cognitive processes and are independent of visual processing, few studies have investigated whether non-visual cognitive tasks simultaneously affect horizontal and vertical saccades in younger and older adults.MethodsWe recruited 28 younger adults aged 20–29 years and 26 older adults aged &gt;60 years through advertisements in community settings. All participants were free of major psychiatric, neurological, or ocular diseases. All participants performed the mental arithmetic task (MAT) and verbal fluency task (VFT). The primary measures were saccade parameters, including frequency, mean amplitude, and mean velocity.ResultsDuring MAT and VFT, the frequencies of horizontal and vertical saccades increased (p = 0.0005 for horizontal saccade in MAT; p &lt; 0.0001 for horizontal saccade in VFT; p = 0.012 for vertical saccade in MAT; p = 0.001 for vertical saccade in VFT), but were comparable between MAT and VFT. The old group showed a slower vertical saccade than the young group during the tasks (p = 0.011 in the MAT phase; p = 0.006 in the VFT phase). The amplitude of the horizontal saccade decreased in both groups during MAT compared to the resting period (p = 0.013), but did not change significantly during VFT.DiscussionSaccade parameters can change during non-visual cognitive tasks with differences between age groups and saccade directions. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of the distinct dynamics of horizontal and vertical saccades across various age group in cognitive aging, despite its restricted focus on specific saccade parameters and cognitive tasks, and inclusion solely of cognitively normal individuals. This study highlights the importance of saccade analysis in elucidating age-related cognitive changes. In conclusion, saccades should be examined in future studies as a potential non-invasive biomarker for early detection of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
The effect of CNQX on self-administration: present in nicotine, absent in methamphetamine model
Authors: Hrickova Maria , Amchova Petra , Ruda-Kucerova Jana 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveAddiction is a chronic disease with limited pharmacological options for intervention. Focusing on reducing glutamate levels in the brain seems to be a promising strategy in addiction treatment research. Our research aimed to evaluate the effects of CNQX, an antagonist that targets AMPA and kainate glutamatergic receptors while also exhibiting affinity for the NMDA receptor, especially by modulating its glycine site. We conducted this assessment on the self-administration of nicotine and methamphetamine via intravenous (IV) administration in rats.MethodsAn operant IV self-administration model was used in male Wistar rats. When animals maintained a stable intake of nicotine or methamphetamine, we administered a single injection of CNQX (in the dose of 3 or 6 mg/kg IV) to evaluate its effect on drug intake. Subsequently, the rats were forced to abstain by staying in their home cages for 2 weeks. The period of abstinence was followed by a context-induced relapse-like session before which animals were pretreated with the injection of CNQX (3 or 6 mg/kg IV) to evaluate its effect on drug seeking.ResultsCNQX significantly reduced nicotine intake during the maintenance phase, but no effect was revealed on nicotine seeking after forced abstinence. CNQX did not affect methamphetamine taking or seeking.ConclusionThe effect of reducing nicotine taking but not seeking could be explained by different involvement of glutamatergic receptors in various stages of nicotine dependence.