bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential biomarkers for late-onset and term preeclampsia: A scoping review
Authors: Han Luhao , Holland Olivia J. , Da Silva Costa Fabricio , Perkins Anthony V. 
Published: March 2023

Preeclampsia is a progressive, multisystem pregnancy disorder. According to the time of onset or delivery, preeclampsia has been subclassified into early-onset (&lt;34 weeks) and late-onset (≥34 weeks), or preterm (&lt;37 weeks) and term (≥37 weeks). Preterm preeclampsia can be effectively predicted at 11–13 weeks well before onset, and its incidence can be reduced by preventively using low-dose aspirin. However, late-onset and term preeclampsia are more prevalent than early forms and still lack effective predictive and preventive measures. This scoping review aims to systematically identify the evidence of predictive biomarkers reported in late-onset and term preeclampsia. This study was conducted based on the guidance of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was used to guide the study. The following databases were searched for related studies: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest. Search terms contain “preeclampsia,” “late-onset,” “term,” “biomarker,” or “marker,” and other synonyms combined as appropriate using the Boolean operators “AND” and “OR.” The search was restricted to articles published in English from 2012 to August 2022. Publications were selected if study participants were pregnant women and biomarkers were detected in maternal blood or urine samples before late-onset or term preeclampsia diagnosis. The search retrieved 4,257 records, of which 125 studies were included in the final assessment. The results demonstrate that no single molecular biomarker presents sufficient clinical sensitivity and specificity for screening late-onset and term preeclampsia. Multivariable models combining maternal risk factors with biochemical and/or biophysical markers generate higher detection rates, but they need more effective biomarkers and validation data for clinical utility. This review proposes that further research into novel biomarkers for late-onset and term preeclampsia is warranted and important to find strategies to predict this complication. Other critical factors to help identify candidate markers should be considered, such as a consensus on defining preeclampsia subtypes, optimal testing time, and sample types.
Algal polysaccharides–Selenium nanoparticles regulate the uptake and distribution of selenium in rice plants
Authors: Yang Chunmei , Wang Chaoxin , Khan Zaid , Duan Songpo , Li Zhiming , Shen Hong 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionSelenium (Se) is an essential trace element required for proper human and animal health.MethodsIn this paper, we investigated the uptake and distribution characteristics of a new Se fertilizer, which comprises algal polysaccharides–selenium nanoparticles (APS-SeNPs), in rice plants in both hydroponic and pot experiments.ResultsThe results from the hydroponic experiments revealed that the rice root uptake of APS-SeNPs fitted the Michaelis–Menten equation, with a Vmax of 13.54 μg g−1 root dry weight (DW) per hour, which was 7.69 and 2.23 times those of selenite and selenate treatments, respectively. The root uptake of APS-SeNPs was inhibited by AgNO3 (64.81%–79.09%) and carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP; 19.83%–29.03%), indicating that the uptake of APS-SeNPs by rice roots is mainly via aquaporins and is also affected by metabolic activity. Moreover, sulfur deficiency caused rice roots to absorb more APS-SeNPs, but treatment with APS-SeNPs increased the expression of the sulfate transporter OsSULTR1;2 in the roots, suggesting that OsSULTR1;2 is probably involved in the uptake of APS-SeNPs. The application of APS-SeNPs significantly increased the Se content in rice plants and the apparent Se uptake efficiency compared with selenate and selenite treatments. Most of the Se in the roots of rice plants was distributed in the cell wall, while it was primarily located in the cytosol in the shoots when treated with APS-SeNPs. The results from the pot experiments indicated that the application of Se enhanced the Se content of each rice tissue. It is worth noting that the Se content in brown rice under APS-SeNP treatment was higher than that under selenite or selenate treatment and was mainly concentrated in the embryo end, with the Se in organic form.DiscussionOur findings provide important insights into the uptake mechanism and the distribution of APS-SeNPs in rice plants.
Factors influencing the behavioral intention to use contactless financial services in the banking industry: An application and extension of UTAUT model
Authors: Chen Lu , Jia Jing , Wu Chengzhen 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionContactless financial services are an innovative exploration of the banking industry to integrate digital technology. This study further modified the UTAUT model based on the theories of trust, perceived risk, and perceived advantage and constructed a conceptual model to examine the influencing factors of the behavior of using contactless financial services. The purpose of this paper is to figure out factors influencing users’ behavior intention of contactless financial services, in order to promote use behavior, and boost the further development of contactless financial services.MethodsThe model was validated using the data collected through questionnaires. The structural equation modelling (SEM) method was used to validate the research model. We analyzed the generated hypotheses by using AMOS version 23.0. In this study first analyzed the measurement model to test the reliability and validity of the instrument, and then analyzed the structural model to test our research hypotheses.ResultsThe results reveal that trust and perceived risk are important factors that affect the behavioral intention of contactless financial services; users perceive that contactless financial services have advantages over traditional offline channel, their intention to use contactless financial services will be increased; social influence also has a positive impact on behavioral intention.DiscussionThis paper not only provides a theoretical understanding of contactless financial services use behavior but also offers practical insights to government legislative branches and app developers. By providing personalized services and refining the policies and regulations in the digital environment to promote the development of contactless financial services.
Multi-ethnic computational thinking and cultural respect in unmanned aerial vehicle-assisted culturally responsive teaching
Authors: Lai Ying-Hsun 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionAs education systems worldwide begin to accept and implement computational thinking, the educators of both elementary and higher education are considering the cultivation of students’ computational thinking abilities. It is hoped that students effectively analyze and deconstruct all kinds of complex issues with computational thinking, and seek computer-executable ways to solve real-world problems. Through the integration of program education, students can learn and develop the abilities to practically apply their theoretical learning in information technology education. With the promotion of the concept of multicultural education, an increasing number of educational arenas are gradually introducing the concept of multicultural education to inculcate in students respect for different ethnic cultures via multicultural integration.MethodsIn this study, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology was used to introduce culturally responsive teaching. The objective was to build a UAV-assisted culturally responsive teaching environment for multi-ethnic students that is based on their different thinking mechanisms formed by their respective cultures and living environments. Multi-ethnic students can attempt to solve problems employing computational thinking that is implemented when programing to control UAV. With the influence of culturally responsive teaching, the UAV-assisted learning strategies helped students and teachers of multi-ethnic groups understand different cultures and learn through mutual aid and cooperation.Results and DiscussionThis study discussed the computational thinking abilities via different dimensions: logical thinking, programming ability, and cultural respect. The results showed that the introduction of UAV-assisted culturally responsive teaching method benefits not only indigenous students. For Han Chinese students as well, owing to the influence of cultural understanding, their overall learning effectiveness and cultural respect will be strengthened. Thus, this method improves the learning effectiveness in programming of multi-ethnic students, as well as of students with weaker prior programming ability. The method can also enhance the cognition and comprehension of different cultures in multicultural education.
Informal STEM learning: Examples from everyday spatial behaviors
Authors: Yang Yingying , Conde Santiago Sonia , Lasc Daria , Hershkovich Arielle , Grove Lauren 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionExtensive research has shown a close relationship between spatial abilities and success in STEM disciplines because many STEM problems often require students to reason about spatial information. Everyday spatial behaviors may predate and facilitate the development of spatial skills. Therefore, the current study examined children’s everyday spatial behaviors and their associations with broader child development outcomes and individual differences.MethodsBased on previous research, we developed an everyday spatial behaviors questionnaire for children (ESBQC). A total of 174 parents and their children aged 4–9 years old participated. In ESBQC, parents rated how much difficulty their children experience with different spatial behaviors, such as putting together a puzzle, retracing a route, or hitting a moving ball.ResultsFactor analysis revealed 8 components in ESBQC. The internal reliabilities were relatively high. ESBQC was positively correlated with age but not with sex. Furthermore, ESBQC predicted sense of direction, even after considering age and bias associated with parent reports.DiscussionOur questionnaire may provide a useful tool for parents and other stakeholders to better understand everyday spatial behaviors and encourage interest and competence in spatial skills, ultimately promoting STEM learning in informal, everyday settings.
Case report: Methylphenidate improved chronic pain in an adult patient with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Zain Ekachaeryanti , Sugimoto Atsunori , Egawa Jun , Someya Toshiyuki 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionChronic pain remains a health problem that is difficult to treat adequately. Its unknown cause and complex comorbidity with other illnesses, including mental disorders, amplify the severity of symptoms, which consequently decreases the quality of life of patients long term. In our clinical practice, we coincidentally found evidence that methylphenidate (MPH) effectively managed chronic pain in an adult patient with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The effectiveness of MPH in the treatment of ADHD is well-established; however, its utility in treating pain remains unclear.Case presentationWe present a rare case of a 43-year-old male patient with 15 years of chronic idiopathic pain symptoms that did not adequately respond to standard pain management, such as acetaminophen, non-opioid analgesics, and muscle relaxers. Pain also persisted after treatments with antidepressants and an epidural block. Furthermore, symptoms worsened following several sessions of modified electroconvulsive therapy. After a thorough assessment at our child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinic, we confirmed a diagnosis of adult ADHD with a predominantly inattentive type. Considering this newly established diagnosis, we prescribed osmotic-release oral system (OROS) methylphenidate. Within 1 month of treatment at a dose of 18 mg/day of OROS-MPH, the patient’s chronic pain unexpectedly improved dramatically, and the patient no longer experienced pain symptoms. The dosage of OROS-MPH was titrated monthly, reaching 72 mg/day as a maintenance dose, and ADHD symptoms improved after 4 months of treatment. The patient was followed up regularly for 7 years during his OROS-MPH treatment. No adverse effects were reported, including stimulant addiction. He was stable overall and functioned well in his daily activities. His pain never recurred.ConclusionThis case report suggests that MPH may be potentially effective in treating chronic pain. Further studies are needed to confirm whether MPH improved chronic pain simultaneously with or separately from the improvement in ADHD. Moreover, elucidating the anatomical sites and molecular pharmacological mechanisms related to the action of MPH in pain modulation and perception is essential. Such sites include the descending dopaminergic pain pathway and higher cortical areas. Furthering our understanding may reinforce the justification for treating chronic pain using MPH.
Does the implementation of pay-for-performance indicators improve the quality of healthcare? First results in France
Authors: Sanchez Marc-Antoine , Sanchez Stéphane , Bouazzi Leila , Peillard Louise , Ohl-Hurtaud Aline , Quantin Catherine 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundPay-for-performance (P4P) models are intended to promote quality of care in both hospitals and primary care settings. They are considered as a means of changing medical practices, particularly in primary care.ObjectivesThe first objective of this study was to assess how performance indicators changed over time, measured through “Remuneration on Public Health Objectives” (ROSP) scores, between 2017 and 2020 in a large French region (Grand Est region), and to compare this evolution in the rural vs. urban areas of the region. The second objective was to focus on the area with the least improvement in ROSP scores and to investigate whether the scores and the available sociodemographic characteristics of the area were associated.MethodsFirst, we measured the evolution over time of P4P indicators (i.e., ROSP scores) obtained from the regional health insurance system, for GP practices in the Grand Est region between 2017 and 2020. We then compared the scores between the Aube Department and the rest of the region (urban areas). To address the second objective, we focused on the area found to have the least improvement in indicators to investigate whether there was a relationship between ROSP score and sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsMore than 40,000 scores were collected. We observed an overall improvement in scores over the study period. The urban area (Grand Est region minus the Aube) scored better than the rural area (Aube) for chronic disease management [median 0.91 (0.84–0.95) vs. 0.90(0.79–0.94), p &lt; 0.001] and prevention [median 0.36 (0.22–0.45) vs. 0.33 (0.17–0.43), p &lt; 0.001], but not for efficiency, where the rural area (Aube) performed better [median 0.67(0.56–0.74) vs. 0.69 (0.57–0.75 in the rest of the Grand Est region, p = 0.004]. In the rural area, we found no significant association between ROSP scores and sociodemographic characteristics, except for extreme rurality in some sub-areas.ConclusionsAt the regional level, the overall improvement in scores observed between 2017 and 2020 suggests that the implementation of ROSP indicators have improved the quality of care, particularly in urban areas. These results also suggest that efforts should be focused on rural areas, which already had the lowest scores at the start of the P4P program.
Isolation and cultivation as well as in situ identification of MSCs from equine dental pulp and periodontal ligament
Authors: Heilen Laura Beate , Roßgardt Jessica , Dern-Wieloch Jutta , Vogelsberg Jörg , Staszyk Carsten 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionThe lifelong eruption places a great demand on the dental pulp and periodontal ligament (PDL) of horse teeth. Cells within the pulp and PDL seem to play a key role during this remodeling.MethodsIn this study, we isolated and cultivated MSCs (medicinal signaling cells) from dental pulp, PDL and retrobulbar fat of four horses. Subsequently, we analyzed them by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry to determine and compare their characteristics. In addition, we localized these cells within the tissue structure via immunohistochemistry of histological sections. For these analyses, several surface markers were applied.ResultsThe described method illustrates a feasible approach to isolate and cultivate MSCs from equine dental pulp and PDL. In the flow cytometry a vast majority of cultivated cells were positive for CD90 and CD40 and negative for CD11a/18, CD45, CD105 and MHCII suggesting that these cells feature characteristics of MSCs. Immunohistochemistry of histological pulp and PDL sections showed the localization of CD90 positive cells especially in the perivascular region and the subodontoblastic layer.DiscussionOur findings indicate that the isolation and cultivation of MSCs from equine dental pulp and PDL is feasible although an elaborate and complicated harvesting protocol is required. MSCs isolated from dental pulp and PDL are regarded as candidates for new therapeutical approaches in equine dental medicine like regeneration of periodontal lesions, enhancement of periodontal re-attachment after dental replantation and stimulation of pulp-obliteration and apexification in combination with endodontic therapies.
Influenza Vaccination Behaviour of Healthcare Workers in Switzerland: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lang Phung , Wu Charlotte Tsu-Shin , Le-Nguyen Anna Florence , Czock Astrid 
Published: March 2023

Objectives:As no data are available regarding the influenza vaccination status of Swiss healthcare workers (HCW) in the ambulatory setting, this study aims to investigate their influenza vaccination behaviours.Methods:We conducted an online survey using a four-item, semi-structured questionnaire to assess HCWs influenza vaccination coverage and behaviour. Associations between influenza vaccination status, age and language as well as recommendation behaviour and reasons for vaccination were assessed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses.Results:Of the 1057 completed questionnaires, 425 (40.2%) HCW were vaccinated and 632 (59.8%) not. 78.1% of the physicians and 47.3% pharmacists were vaccinated, compared to only 29.1% of the nurses, 24.3% pharmacy technicians and 13.0% medical practice assistants (MPA). There was a significant association between influenza vaccination status and HCW profession, age, language and how often an influenza vaccination recommendation was made.Conclusion:Demographic factors seem to influence HCWs’ attitudes towards influenza vaccination, which in turn affects the prospect of them recommending the influenza vaccination. Diverse strategies might be necessary to encourage HCW to get vaccinated and hence, promote influenza vaccination.
A Comprehensive Review on Cannabis sativa Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Molecular Docking and Biological Activities
Authors: Hourfane Sohaib , Mechqoq Hicham , Bekkali Abdellah Yassine , Rocha João Miguel , El Aouad Noureddine 
Published: March 2023

For more than a century, Cannabis was considered a narcotic and has been banned by lawmakers all over the world. In recent years, interest in this plant has increased due to its therapeutic potential, in addition to a very interesting chemical composition, characterized by the presence of an atypical family of molecules known as phytocannabinoids. With this emerging interest, it is very important to take stock of what research has been conducted so far on the chemistry and biology of Cannabis sativa. The aim of this review is to describe the traditional uses, chemical composition and biological activities of different parts of this plant, as well as the molecular docking studies. Information was collected from electronic databases, namely SciFinder, ScienceDirect, PubMed and Web of Science. Cannabis is mainly popular for its recreational use, but it is also traditionally used as remedy for the treatment of several diseases, including diabetes, digestive, circulatory, genital, nervous, urinary, skin and respiratory diseases. These biological proprieties are mainly due to the presence of bioactive metabolites represented by more than 550 different molecules. Molecular docking simulations proved the presence of affinities between Cannabis compounds and several enzymes responsible for anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiepileptic and anticancer activities. Several biological activities have been evaluated on the metabolites of Cannabis sativa, and these works have shown the presence of antioxidant, antibacterial, anticoagulant, antifungal, anti-aflatoxigenic, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective and dermocosmetic activities. This paper presents the up-to-date reported investigations and opens many reflections and further research perspectives.
O reconhecimento de direitos aos militares estaduais do Paraná que faleceram em decorrência do Covid-19
Authors: Selleti Robson Luiz 
Published: March 2023

O presente estudo busca evidenciar a atuação dos Policiais Militares do Estado do Paraná durante o período da pandemia provocada pelo coronavírus (COVID-19), o qual foi o responsável por inúmeras vítimas fatais tanto no cenário nacional quanto internacional. Neste aspecto, os integrantes da Polícia Militar tiverem atuação efetiva e ininterrupta durante todo período da pandemia, mesmo quando editados atos que determinavam medidas restritivas à população, dentre as quais a de circulação de pessoas, medidas estas que eram fiscalizadas por estes agentes. Com base neste cenário, muitos policiais militares foram vitimados fatalmente pela doença, sem, contudo, terem reconhecido como ocupacional a contaminação pelo vírus. Assim, em uma análise da legislação especial aplicada a estes profissionais, depreende que a contaminação dos militares estaduais que atuam na linha de frente da pandemia deve ser considerada ocupacional, independentemente de comprovação de nexo de causalidade com a atividade. Neste viés, verifica-se então que aos dependentes dos referenciados profissionais devem ser reconhecidos os direitos especificados na legislação, quais sejam: a pensão especial integral contida na Lei Estadual nº 1.943, de 23 de junho de 1954 (Código da Polícia Militar do Estado do Paraná); a indenização contida na Lei Estadual nº14.268, de 22 de dezembro de 2003; e a promoção post-mortem estabelecida na da Lei Estadual nº 5.944, de 21 de Maio de 1969 (Lei de Promoção de Oficiais da PMPR) e na Lei Estadual nº 5.940, de 08 de maio de 1969 (Lei de Promoção de Praças da PMPR).