bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of tissue adequacy in patients with malignant intrathoracic lymphadenopathy undergoing combined endobronchial ultrasound-guided miniforceps biopsy (EBUS-MFB) and endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) compared to EBUS-TBNA alone
Authors:   , Tavornshevin Pipu 
Published: September 2023

RATIONALE: EBUS-TBNA has become an effective way of tissue assessment for evaluating mediastinal lymph nodes. Identifying molecular mutations is a key to personalized management in malignant disease. The success of molecular analysis depends on adequate tissue specimens consisting of an absolute number of tumor cell counts and the neoplastic cell percentage (NCP) estimation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of EBUS-MFB added on EBUS-TBNA to improve the tissue adequacy and the overall diagnostic yield. In this prospective study, patients with enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes underwent EBUS-TBNA followed by EBUS-MFB. The tissue adequacy for molecular analysis required that the tissue samples met both a tumor cell count of more than 100 cells and an NCP estimation of more than 25%. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (57 nodes) with enlarged intrathoracic lymphadenopathy were enrolled. Twenty-one of fifty-seven nodes were diagnosed with malignant disease by both EBUS-TBNA and EBUS-MFB. The tissue adequacy of EBUS-TBNA was 19/21 (90.5%) comparable to EBUS-MFB added on EBUS-TBNA, which was 20/21 (95.2%) with no statistical significance (p=0.317). EBUS-TBNA resulted in higher tumor cell counts; more than 1,000 cells were shown in 17/21 (80.9%) compared to EBUS-MFB 10/21 (47.6%) (p=0.039). The EBUS-MFB added on EBUS-TBNA significantly improved the overall diagnostic yield compared to EBUS-TBNA alone (98.2% vs 87.7%; p=0.031). The discordant cases between EBUS-TBNA and EBUS-MFB were 19 of the 29 nodes (65.5%). Within these, 6/29 (20.7%) nodes were misdiagnosed with EBUS-TBNA, but EBUS-MFB demonstrated a valid diagnosis including three anthracotic lymph node, two granulomatous nodes, and one silicotic node. No serious adverse events were observed, only 2 patients out of 52 (3.84%) had minor bleeding. CONCLUSION: The tissue adequacy for molecular analysis by EBUS-TBNA and EBUS-MFB added on EBUS-TBNA were not different. However, EBUS-TBNA showed better tumor cell counts of specimens. Also, the EBUS-MFB added on EBUS-TBNA is a feasible and safe procedure which may provide more diagnostic yield, particularly in nonmalignant disease.
Effects of using self-directed learning to foster lifelong learning attitudes of functional literacy facilitators
Authors:   , Orn Leakhena 
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to 1) investigate the effects of self-directed learning on lifelong learning attitudes of functional literacy facilitators; and to 2) propose recommendations for using self-directed learning to foster lifelong learning. The research used quantitative method by employing quasi-experimental design where pre-test and post-test are employed to explore whether self-directed learning activities would foster lifelong learning attitudes of functional literacy facilitators in the five aspects. With subject group consisted of 37 functional literacy facilitators who were working as teachers in functional literacy programs in Cambodia. Moreover, an in-depth interview with 5 adult educators has been employed to propose recommendations on using self-directed learning according to their practical experiences. The recommendations were significant to adult educators, trainers, or mentors who were interested to apply self-directed learning in their practice.

The research findings were as follow:

1. Self-directed learning significantly enhanced functional literacy instructors' attitudes towards lifelong learning on the five aspects as 1) inquiring mind, 2) setting learning plan, 3) learning skills, 4) information literacy, and 5) belief in learning benefit professional development. With one group paired sample t-test, the result indicated that the pre-test score of the participants' inquiring mind to learn (X̅ =3.3475) was lower than the post-test (X̅ =4.2734), with p=0.00, which indicated that it was perfectly different. The result of the study revealed that self-directed learning activities positively affected lifelong learning attitudes and had positive impacts on the professional development of functional literacy facilitators.

2. Recommendations on using self-directed learning were proposed by the adult educators based on practical experiences such as 1) the crucial role of facilitators, 2) setting climate of trust and respect, 3) diagnosing learning needs, 4) setting learning goals, 5) planning resources, 6) planning learning strategies, 7) monitoring the learning process, and 8) evaluating outcomes. Moreover, the research also indicated that effective self-directed learning required literacy, language proficiency, understanding of learning styles, ICT skills, and good communication, with a supportive mentor to guide learners through the process.
A path analysis model of mobility among persons with hip fracture after surgery
Authors:   , Yoryuenyong Chanipa 
Published: September 2023

This correlational study aimed to 1) investigate mobility and 2) examine direct and indirect paths of relationships among comorbidity, cognitive function, social support, pain, fatigue, and sleep quality on mobility among persons with hip fracture after surgery. The hypothesized model was constructed based on the theory of unpleasant symptoms and the literature reviewed. A three-stage random sampling approach was utilized to recruit 260 persons with hip fracture after surgery aged 50 years old and older who visited four hospitals in three health regions of Thailand. Research measurements consisted of the demographic data form, Charlson Comorbidity Index, General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition, Groningen Orthopedic Social Support Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Numerical rating scale, and de Morton Mobility Index. Data were collected from July 2022 to February 2023. The data analysis using SPSS and Mplus program

The study findings revealed that 1) the average mean of mobility was 47.51 (SD 15.63) and 2) the hypothesized model fit the empirical and could explain 90.4 % of the variance of the mobility (Chi-square= 415.198, df= 372, p=0.0605, Chi-square/df= 1.116, RMSEA= 0.021, CFI= .993, TLI= .991, SRMR= .036). Sleep quality was the most the influential factor affecting mobility by having both negative direct and indirect effect on mobility through fatigue (β = -1.385, p < .001). Cognitive function had a positive direct and indirect effect on mobility through sleep (β = .792, p < .001). Fatigue only had a negative direct effect on mobility (β = -.674, p < .001). Pain only had a negative direct effect on mobility (β = -.182, p < .05). Comorbidity had a positive indirect effect on mobility through pain (β = .164, p < .05). However, social support had a non-significant direct effect on mobility (β = .109, p > .05).

The findings indicated that comorbidity, cognitive function, fatigue, sleep quality, and pain were important factors influencing mobility among persons with hip fracture after surgery. Therefore, future nursing interventions should enhance cognitive function, and sleep quality. Managing comorbidity, fatigue, and pain to maintain or enhance mobility among persons with hip fracture after surgery.
The Effects of Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Derived from Jagged1-treated Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells on Biological Responses of Stem Cells Isolated from Apical Papilla
Authors:   , Phothichailert Suphalak 
Published: September 2023

Objective: Indirect Jagged1 immobilization efficiently activates canonical Notch signaling in hDPSCs. This study aimed to investigate the characteristic of the Jagged1-treated hDPSCs-derived dECM and its biological activity on odonto/osteogenic differentiation SCAPs. Methods: Bioinformatic database of Jagged1-treated hDPSCs was analyzed by NetworkAnalyst. hDPSCs seeded on Jagged1 immobilized surface were maintained with N or OM followed by decellularization procedure, dECM-N or dECM-OM, respectively. SCAPs were reseeded on each dECM with either normal medium or OM. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Characteristics of dECMs and SCAPs were evaluated by SEM, EDX, immunofluorescent staining and alcian blue staining. A Multipotential differentiation assay. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05. Results: RNA-seq database revealed upregulation of several genes involved in ECM organization, ECM-receptor interaction, and focal adhesion in Jagged1-treated hDPSCs. Immobilized Jagged1 increased the osteogenesis of hDPSCs culture with OM. dECMs showed fibrillar-like network structure and major ECM proteins, as well as glycosaminoglycans. A decrease in calcium and phosphate components was observed in dECMs after the decellularized process. Cell viability on dECMs did not alter by 7 days. Cell attachment and f-actin cytoskeletal organization of SCAPs proliferated on Jagged1-treated dECMs were comparable to those of the control dECMs. SCAPs exhibited significantly higher mineralization on dECM-N in OM and markedly enhanced on dECM-OM with normal medium or OM conditions. Jagged1-treated hDPSCs-derived dECMs have biocompatible and increase odonto/osteogenic differentiation of SCAPs. The results suggested the potential of Jagged1 dECMs, which could be further developed into ECM scaffolds for application in regenerative medicine.
Protein expression after gingival injection of messenger RNA encoding platelet-derived growth factor-bb in ligature-induced rat periodontitis
Authors:   , Meekhantong Pimphorn 
Published: September 2023

As a new class of medicines, mRNA platform has proven to be safe and effective. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of local inflammation on platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) expression after gingival injection of PDGF-BB mRNA in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in ligature-induced rat periodontitis and to examine the dose-dependent effect of gingival delivery of mRNA. 3-0 silk was placed around maxillary left second molar for two weeks and removed, while the corresponding molar on the right was non-ligated. Under stereomicroscope, a significant bone loss at ligature sites was observed as compared to the non-ligature sites, indicating established periodontitis. However, there were no differences in inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-17a) and cellular infiltrates between the two sites. The local inflammation may occur at earlier time point in this ligature model. Different doses of PDGF-BB mRNA (low (3 µg), medium (10 µg), high (30 µg)), DPBS (control) and LNPs alone were injected into palatal gingiva upon ligature removal. After 24 hour of mRNA delivery, we found high levels of translated PDGF-BB protein at both ligature and non-ligature sites, demonstrating a trend of dose response. In addition, some amount of inflammatory cytokine including IL-1β, and IL-17a was detected. In conclusion, this study of 24 hour-local delivery of PDGF mRNA-LNPs into gingiva using ligature-induced rat periodontitis model results in high translated PDGF protein. Even though, local gingival inflammation was not detected in this established periodontitis model, this model may be useful for future testing of mRNA therapeutic effects.
Compounds with anti-neuroinflammatory activity from aerides falcata
Authors:   , Rivai Bachtiar 
Published: September 2023

In this study, a plant from the Orchidaceae family, Aerides falcata, was investigated for its chemical constituents and anti-neuroinflammatory activity. A total of ten compounds were isolated and characterized. The isolated compounds included a new compound which was named aerifalcatin and nine known compounds: n-eicosyl-trans-ferulate, denthyrsinin, 2,4-dimethoxy-3,7-dihydroxyphenanthrene, 2,7-dihydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyphenanthrene, 3,7-dihydroxy-2,4,6-trimethoxyphenanthrene, agrostonin, syringaresinol, trans-n-feruloyltyramine, and trans-n-coumaroyltyramine. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-neuroinflammatory activity, except for trans-n-coumaroyltyramine, which was excluded due to its insufficient amount. In vitro testing was conducted on LPS-induced BV2 microglia cells to evaluate their potential anti-neuroinflammatory activity using NO inhibition model. Minocycline, a neuroinflammatory modulator, was used as a positive control. Four compounds demonstrated significant deference to inhibit NO production compared to positive control minocycline (IC50 value of 3.41 ± 0.30 µM): aerifalcatin (IC50 value of 0.87 ± 0.45 µM), 2,7-dihydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyphenanthrene (IC50 value of 2.47 ± 0.73 µM), agrostonin (IC50 value of 2.55 ± 0.32 µM), and syringaresinol (IC50 value of 1.40 ± 0.17 µM). An ELISA experiment was performed to determine the levels of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) for the most potent compounds. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in their expression in activated microglia in a dose-dependent manner, indicating their potential as anti-neuroinflammatory agents.
Stimulation of immune response in mice using the plant-produced SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit protein linked to the fc region
Authors:   , Panapitakkul Chalisa 
Published: September 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 made a devastating impact worldwide, and virus management is challenging owing to a lack of specific therapies or affordable vaccines, especially in low-and middle-income countries. Hence a low-cost and efficient vaccine is necessary. In the present study, the immunogenicity of the plant-produced S1 subunit protein of SARS-CoV-2 was investigated in order to utilize it as a subunit vaccine. The SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit protein was fused with the Fc region of human immunoglobulin (IgG1) and expressed in tobacco plants in species of Nicotiana benthamiana plants by agroinfiltration. The SARS-CoV-2 S1-Fc protein was generated within 4 days of infiltration with 30 µg/gram of fresh-weight leaves. Afterward, plant-produced S1-Fc protein from the crude extract was purified using protein A chromatography. The S1-Fc fusion protein was observed in an expected band at 100-150 kDa under reducing conditions and 250 kDa under non-reducing conditions by analysis of SDS-PAGE gel and western blot. The S1-Fc fusion protein was formulated with alum as an adjuvant. The S1-Fc protein from plants induced a significant immune response in mice and an interferon-gamma (IFN-g) enzyme-linked immunospot test revealed that the S1-Fc protein vaccine enhanced antigen-specific T-lymphocyte responses. Hence the plant-derived SARS-CoV-2 S1-Fc may provide a candidate strategy for the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Development of surrogate SARS-Cov-2 virus neutralization test method using plant-produced recombinant proteins
Authors:   , Jirarojwattana Perawat 
Published: September 2023

Detecting immunity against SARS-CoV-2 is vital for evaluating vaccine response and natural infection, but a conventional virus neutralization test (cVNT) requires BSL3 and live viruses, and a pseudo-virus neutralization test (pVNT) needs specialized equipment and trained professionals in BSL2. The surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) was developed to overcome these limitations. This study explored the use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2) produced from Nicotiana benthamiana for the development of an affordable neutralizing antibodies detection assay. The results showed that the plant-produced ACE2-His can bind to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2, and was used to develop sVNT with plant-produced RBD protein. The sVNT developed using plant-produced proteins showed high sensitivity and specificity when validated with a group of 30 RBD-Fc vaccinated mice sera and the results were correlated with cVNT titer. This preliminary finding suggests that the plants could offer a cost-effective platform for establishing antibody detection assays.
Free radical scavengers from dendrobium virgineum
Authors:   , Panuthai Pongsawat 
Published: September 2023

Free radicals are unstable, highly reactive, molecules which can cause several degenerative diseases such as mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. This research aims to study the chemical constitutents of Dendrobium virgineum and their antioxidant activity in 3 different test models including DPPH radical scavenging assay, superoxide radical scavenging activity assay and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay. Nine compounds were isolated and determined to be two new compounds named 2,8-dimethoxy-9,10-dihydro-4,5-phenanthrenediol and 2,5-dimethoxy-7-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-1,4-phenanthrenequinone, together with seven known compounds, which are 2-methoxy-9,10-dihydro-4,5-phenanthrenediol, gigantol, 5-methoxy-7-hydroxy-9,10-dihydro-1,4-phenanthrenequinone, p-coumaric acid, tristin, 2,5,7-trihydroxy-4-methoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene and 9,10-dihydro-2,4,7-phenanthrenetriol. The result obtained from the three testing models revealed that 2,5,7-trihydroxy-4-methoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene showed strongest antioxidant activity. This compound has potential for further development as a preventive agent for free radical-related diseases.
Production of PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor in nicotiana benthamiana
Authors:   , Phetphoung Thareeya 
Published: September 2023

Immune checkpoint antibodies disrupt the binding of receptor-ligand pairs which regulate immune response in cancer treatment. PD-1/PD-L1 pathway has become one target of the cancer immunotherapy approaches. Atezolizumab, the first FDA-approved antibody to PD-L1 in the treatment of metastatic urothelial, non-small cell lung, small cell lung, and hepatocellular cancers, is expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines with several limitations, i.e., high costs of production, limited-capacity yields, and pathogen risks. To overcome these drawbacks, the transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, which provide expandable scalability and inexpensive costs, was investigated by co-infiltration of Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101 cultures harboring Atezolizumab heavy chain and light chain in the genes of interest sites. The transient expression of Atezolizumab produced up to 86.76 micrograms/gram of fresh leaf weight after agroinfiltrated with OD 600 nm = 0.4 and 1:1 heavy chain to light chain ratio, then harvested on 6 days post-infiltration. The plant-produced anti-PD-L1 was assessed for physicochemical and functional properties compared to commercially available Tecentriq® from CHO cells, which showed similar binding efficacies to PD-L1 receptors. In conclusion, this research provides plants with an alternative cost-effective platform for producing functional monoclonal antibodies for cancer therapy.
Comparison of compressive strength between two mini implants :an in vitro study
Authors:   , Weerasubpong Anchisa 
Published: September 2023

Objective: To observe and evaluate the difference in static and dynamic loadings between two mini-implant systems (RetenDent and MS denture® system, OSSTEM).
Materials and Methods: Fifty mini-implant from two companies were included in the study. The compressive force was applied to the mini-implants at 30 degrees from its vertical axis. Ten specimens from each group were subjected to static load tests. Subsequently, five cyclic loadings were calculated from static compressive strength. These loads include 320N, 275N, 230N, 185N, and 140N. Three specimens from each group were randomly selected and tested at each loading condition. The Independent T- test was utilized to obtain the statistical differences of the static compressive strength, while descriptive statistics was utilized to compare the difference of dynamic loading between two mini-implant systems.
Results: The average static compressive strengths of RetenDent and OSSTEM mini-implants were 462.969 + 16.73 N and 403.407 + 25.55 N, respectively. Overall, RetenDent demonstrated a higher number of survived cycles except at 320N loading condition compared to OSSTEM. The fatigue limit of RetenDent and OSSTEM mini-implants was defined at 185N and 140N, respectively.
Conclusion: RetenDent has higher static and dynamic compressive strength compare to OSSTEM. Both RetenDent and OSSTEM’s static and dynamic compressive strength were greater than maximum bite force of implant-retained overdenture. RetenDent mini-implants is likely to has capabilities in need for application in clinical practice to retain prostheses.
Influence of CAD/CAM materials on damping behavior of implant-supported crown
Authors:   , Sukkasam Charnikan 
Published: September 2023

This study was to investigate the damping capacity of implant-supported crowns made from various computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) restorative materials. A titanium implant fixture was embedded in epoxy resin. Crown specimens were divided into three groups: Zirconia (Z), Lithium disilicate (E), and Polymethyl methacrylate (P). Each crown was subdivided into Uncement (Un) and Adhesive resin cement (RC) subgroups (n=5). Specimens were loaded (0-200N). Strain gauges were attached to measure microstrains at crestal and apical levels. Damping capacity was determined based on load-time curves, microstrain-time curves, and time required to reach the maximum load. A two-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc test and independent t-test were conducted (α=0.05). The results showed that slopes of curves and time to reach maximum load were similar in the Z and E groups (p>0.05), but the P group exhibited less steep slopes and more time to reach maximum load (p<0.05). The UN group had significantly steeper microstrain slopes at crestal level and less time to reach maximum load compared to the AR group (p<0.05). In conclusion, the crown material significantly influenced the damping capacity, with lower modulus of elasticity materials showing higher damping capacity. Cementation enhanced damping capacity in implant-supported crowns.
Development of guideline on English autonomy-supportive instruction with out-of-class English resources for EFL classrooms
Authors:   , Upara Santipap 
Published: September 2023

The purposes of this mixed methods study were to 1) explore how teachers integrate out-of-class resources in Thai EFL classrooms, 2) explore how teachers conduct autonomy-supportive instruction with out-of-class resources in Thai EFL classrooms, and 3) propose a teaching guideline for English autonomy-supportive instruction with out-of-class resources in EFL classrooms. Data were collected through a questionnaire, classroom observations, and follow-up interviews. The research instruments consisted of 1) Teachers’ Out-of-class English Resources Integration Questionnaire, 2) observation field notes, and 3) Teaching follow-up interviews questions. The participants, selected purposively, were English teachers in Bangkok, Thailand. Seventy-five participants took part in the Teachers' Out-of-class English Resources Integration Questionnaire. From this group, four participants were purposively selected for classroom observations and follow-up interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data underwent content analysis.

The study findings suggest that teachers frequently and extensively rely on receptive-oriented resources, creating a positive and supportive learning environment. The study identifies gaps that need to be addressed, emphasizing the importance of teachers actively teaching learners how to utilize learning strategies and evaluate out-of-class resources. It highlights the need to prioritize the incorporation of learners' perspectives into lessons and encourage reflection on the effectiveness of their own learning experiences, aiming to enhance learner autonomy. The pedagogical guideline emphasizes the importance of incorporating learners' perspectives, promoting real-life application, developing self-directed learning skills

and strategies and adopting an active advisory role in learners' out-of-class language learning.