bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Between theory and practice: educators’ perceptions on assessment quality criteria and its impact on student learning
Authors: Schellekens Lonneke H. , Kremer Wim D. J. , Van der Schaaf Marieke F. , Van der Vleuten Cees P. M. , Bok Harold G. J. 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThe shift toward an assessment for learning culture includes assessment quality criteria that emphasise the learning process, such as transparency and learning impact, in addition to the traditional validity and reliability criteria. In practice, the quality of the assessment depends on how the criteria are interpreted and applied. We explored how educators perceive and achieve assessment quality, as well as how they perceive assessment impact upon student learning.MethodsWe employed a qualitative research approach and conducted semi-structured interviews with 37 educators at one Dutch research university. The data were subsequently analysed using a template analysis.ResultsThe findings indicate that educators predominantly perceive and achieve assessment quality through traditional criteria. The sampled curricular stakeholders largely perceived assessment quality at the course level, whilst few specified programme-level quality criteria. Furthermore, educators perceived the impact of assessment on student learning in two distinct ways: as a source of information to monitor and direct student learning, and as a tool to prompt student learning.DiscussionThe shift toward a culture of assessment for learning is not entirely reflected in educators’ current perceptions. The study’s findings set the stage for better assessment quality and alignment with an assessment for learning culture.
Association of physical activity and sitting with metabolic syndrome and hyperglycemic clamp parameters in adolescents – BRAMS pediatric study
Authors: Silva Talita Oliveira , Norde Marina Maintinguer , Vasques Ana Carolina , Zambom Mariana Porto , Antonio Maria Angela Reis de Góes Monteiro , Rodrigues Ana Maria De Bernardi ,   BRAMS group, Geloneze Bruno ,   Brazilian Metabolic Syndrome Study investigators
Published: June 2023

IntroductionObesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have immediate and long-term consequences on adolescent health and well-being. Among the available treatments for MetS in adolescents, behavioral interventions such as increasing physical activity (PA) are preferred. This study aimed to investigate the association of PA and sitting time with MetS and a complete set of metabolic health parameters.MethodsData from the Pediatric Brazilian Metabolic Syndrome Study (BRAMS-P), a cross-sectional multicenter study conducted using a convenience sample of 448 Brazilian adolescents (10y–19y), were used. Sociodemographic and lifestyle information were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Daily PA and sitting time were estimated from the International PA Questionnaire. Anthropometric parameters, body composition, and blood pressure were measured by trained researchers. Blood lipids, uric acid, hepatic enzymes, creatinine, glycated hemoglobin, glucose, and insulin were measured in fasting blood samples, and the Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance was calculated. A subsample of 57 adolescents underwent the hyperglycemic clamp protocol.ResultsThe odds for metabolic syndrome were higher among adolescents who spent &gt;8h sitting (OR (95%CI)=2.11 (1.02 – 4.38)), but not in those classified as active (OR (95%CI)=0.98 (0.42 – 2.26)). Adolescents who spent more time sitting had higher BMI, waist circumference, sagittal abdominal diameter, neck circumference, percentage of body fat, and worse blood lipid profile. The insulin sensitivity index was moderately and positively correlated with moderate-to-high PA in minutes per day (rho=0.29; p=0.047).ConclusionTime spent sitting was associated with worse metabolic parameters and must be restricted in favor of adolescent health. Regular PA is associated with improved insulin sensitivity and may be encouraged not only in adolescents with obesity or metabolic disorders but also to prevent adverse metabolic outcomes in normal-weight adolescents.
Sustainable assessment and carbon footprint analysis of polysaccharide biopolymer-amended soft soil as an alternate material to canal lining
Authors: Rasheed Romana Mariyam , Moghal Arif Ali Baig , Rambabu Sathyanarayanan , Almajed Abdullah 
Published: June 2023

Kuttanad region in Kerala, India, is a place that predominantly consists of soft soil formations with low shear strength and low water resistance rendering them problematic for construction purposes. Pavements constructed on such soft deposits have been subjected to structural rutting and the high erodibility of the in-situ soil necessitates the need to use suitable ground improvement techniques. The present environmental scenario demands the implementation of sustainable techniques for ground rejuvenation and effective stabilizers for enhancing engineering properties. This study investigates the amelioration of Kuttanad soft soil using chitosan as a soil amendment to improve its durability and erodibility characteristics. The untreated and chitosan-treated samples were exposed to 5 h of wetting cycle followed by 43 h of drying cycles until their failure. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of samples prepared with different dosages (0.5, 2, 4%) and cured for 14, 28, 60, and 90 days was evaluated at the onset and after each drying cycle to measure their durability index. Kuttanad soil was amended with 2% and cured for 90 days withstood five cycles with a UCS of more than 1,000 kPa. The drip erosion tests were used to check the erodibility performance for the aforementioned different dosages and curing periods. The 2% and 4% chitosan amended samples resisted the entire test duration of 10 min indicating the highest water erosion resistance. The findings of the current study evaluated through durability and erosion tests reinforced the effectiveness of chitosan as an effective biopolymer for soft soils subjected to constant water attack and can be easily implemented in places with such vulnerability. A typical earthen canal lining amended with chitosan reduced the carbon emissions by 8.74 and 7.44 times compared to conventional amendments like lime and cement in Carbon Footprint Analysis.
Vascular and Non-HLA autoantibody profiles in hospitalized patients with COVID-19
Authors: Lichtenstein Brian , Zheng Ying , Gjertson David , Ferbas Kathie G. , Rimoin Anne W. , Yang Otto O. , Aldrovandi Grace M. , Schaenman Joanna M. , Reed Elaine F. , Fulcher Jennifer A. 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionSevere COVID-19 illness is characterized by an overwhelming immune hyperactivation. Autoantibodies against vascular, tissue, and cytokine antigens have been detected across the spectrum of COVID-19. How these autoantibodies correlate with COVID-19 severity is not fully defined.MethodsWe performed an exploratory study to investigate the expression of vascular and non-HLA autoantibodies in 110 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 ranging from moderate to critically ill. Relationships between autoantibodies and COVID- 19 severity and clinical risk factors were examined using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThere were no absolute differences in levels of expression of autoantibodies against angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) or endothelial cell proteins between COVID-19 severity groups. AT1R autoantibody expression also did not differ by age, sex, or diabetes status. Using a multiplex panel of 60 non- HLA autoantigens we did identify seven autoantibodies that differed by COVID-19 severity including myosin (myosin; p=0.02), SHC-transforming protein 3 (shc3; p=0.07), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-beta (perc; p=0.05), glial-cell derived neurotrophic factor (gdnf; p=0.07), enolase 1 (eno1; p=0.08), latrophilin-1 (lphn1; p=0.08), and collagen VI (coll6; p=0.05) with greater breadth and higher expression levels seen in less severe COVID-19.DiscussionOverall, we found that patients hospitalized with COVID-19 demonstrate evidence of auto-reactive antibodies targeting endothelial cells, angiotensin II receptors, and numerous structural proteins including collagens. Phenotypic severity did not correlate with specific autoantibodies. This exploratory study underscores the importance of better understanding of the role of autoimmunity in COVID-19 disease and sequelae.
Risk and Factors associated with disease manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus – lupus nephritis (RIFLE-LN): a ten-year risk prediction strategy derived from a cohort of 1652 patients
Authors: Chan Shirley C. W. , Wang Yong-Fei , Yap Desmond Y. H. , Chan Tak Mao , Lau Yu Lung , Lee Pamela P. W. , Lai Wai Ming , Ying Shirley K. Y. , Tse Niko K. C. , Leung Alexander M. H. , Mok Chi Chiu , Lee Ka Lai , Li Teresa W. L. , Tsang Helen H. L. , Yeung Winnie W. Y. , Ho Carmen T. K. , Wong Raymond W. S. , Yang Wanling , Lau Chak Sing , Li Philip H. 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesLupus nephritis (LN) remains one of the most severe manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Onset and overall LN risk among SLE patients remains considerably difficult to predict. Utilizing a territory-wide longitudinal cohort of over 10 years serial follow-up data, we developed and validated a risk stratification strategy to predict LN risk among Chinese SLE patients – Risk and Factors associated with disease manifestations in systemic Lupus Erythematosus – Lupus Nephritis (RIFLE-LN).MethodsDemographic and longitudinal data including autoantibody profiles, clinical manifestations, major organ involvement, LN biopsy results and outcomes were documented. Association analysis was performed to identify factors associated with LN. Regression modelling was used to develop a prediction model for 10-year risk of LN and thereafter validated.ResultsA total of 1652 patients were recruited: 1382 patients were assigned for training and validation of the RIFLE-LN model; while 270 were assigned for testing. The median follow-up duration was 21 years. In the training and validation cohort, 845 (61%) of SLE patients developed LN. Cox regression and log rank test showed significant positive association between male sex, age of SLE onset and anti-dsDNA positivity. These factors were thereafter used to develop RIFLE-LN. The algorithm was tested in 270 independent patients and showed good performance (AUC = 0·70).ConclusionBy using male sex, anti-dsDNA positivity, age of SLE onset and SLE duration; RIFLE-LN can predict LN among Chinese SLE patients with good performance. We advocate its potential utility in guiding clinical management and disease monitoring. Further validation studies in independent cohorts are required.
Electron beams near surfaces: the concept of partial intensities for surface analysis and perspective on the low energy regime
Authors: Werner Wolfgang S. M. 
Published: June 2023

Electron beam techniques are indispensable tools for the analysis of surfaces in fundamental as well as applied fields of science and technology. Significant improvements have been made in the past decades in the quantitative understanding of electron spectra, particularly with respect to the near-surface transport of signal electrons. The concept of partial intensities is a simple approach providing physical insight into transport of electrons in solids, a numerically convenient means for spectrum modelling and an essential ingredient for spectrum interpretation. The energy-dissipation process of energetic electrons in solids is discussed from the perspective of the partial intensities, offering a unified model for any type of electron beam technique, be it in the quasi-elastic (QE) or the continuous slowing down (CSD) regime. Examples are given for modelling and analysis of electron spectra such as X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), Elastic peak electron spectra (EPES) and electron energy-loss spectra (EELS). The physical model as well as the quantities for electron beam interaction with solids are reviewed, and methods for spectrum modelling and analysis are presented. The examples considered demonstrate the high level of accuracy nowadays attainable for characterisation of surfaces and nanostructures employing techniques using medium energy electrons (>100 eV). This is in contrast to the low energy regime, where a number of problems prevent a similar level of understanding. The topic of low energy electrons (LEEs) is rapidly gaining importance since in this energy range the involved electrons not only act as signal carriers, but also actively participate in electrochemical processes of importance in fields ranging from nanotechnology to life sciences. Issues of future importance in the field of LEEs are discussed and recent developments such as the 2-dimensional electron cascade in the scanning field electron microscope are highlighted.
Apolipoprotein A1 is associated with osteocalcin and bone mineral density rather than high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in Chinese postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Zhe Yuan , Lv Fen Yan , Tu Mei , Guo Xiu Li 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveDisturbances in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) metabolic pathways can affect bone metabolism, which may rely on the particle function of apolipoprotein rather than HDL-c levels. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of serum HDL-c and apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) with bone metabolism in Chinese postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodA total of 1,053 participants with complete data were enrolled and separated into three groups based on the HDL-c and APOA1 tertiles. The trained reviewer collected demographic and anthropometric information. Bone turnover markers (BTMs) were determined by standard methods. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of osteoporosis was 29.7%. Groups with higher APOA1 have a remarkably more elevated level of osteocalcin (OC), L1-L4 BMD, and T-score across the APOA1 tertiles. APOA1 presented a positive correlation with OC (r = 0.194, p &lt; 0.001), L1-L4 BMD (r = 0.165, p &lt; 0.001), and T-score (r = 0.153, p &lt; 0.001) rather than HDL-c. Meanwhile, APOA1 remained independently associated with OC (β = 0.126, p &lt; 0.001), L1-L4 BMD (β = 0.181, p &lt; 0.001), and T-score (β = 0.180, p &lt; 0.001) after adjustment for confounding factors. APOA1 is also shown to be independently correlated with osteoporosis after adjustment for confounding factors, and the OR (95%CI) was 0.851 (0.784–0.924). In contrast, there was no significant association between HDL-c and osteoporosis. Furthermore, APOA1 seemed to have the largest areas under the curve (AUC) for osteoporosis. The AUC (95% CI) of APOA1 identifying osteoporosis was 0.615 (0.577–0.652). The optimal cut-off value of APOA1 was 0.89 g/L (sensitivity: 56.5%, specificity: 67.9%).ConclusionAPOA1 is independently associated with OC, L1-L4 BMD, and osteoporosis rather than HDL-c in Chinese postmenopausal women with T2DM.
The influence of pterygium on corneal densitometry evaluated using the Oculus Pentacam system
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Liyun , Hu Huiling , Sun Liangnan , He Wenling , Zhang Zhe , Wang Jiantao , Nie Danyao , Liu Xinhua 
Published: June 2023

PurposeTo assess the effect of pterygium on corneal densitometry (CD) values.MethodsOne hundred and nine patients (155 eyes) with primary pterygium were divided into a severe pterygium group (79 eyes) and a mild-to-moderate pterygium group (76 eyes) according to pterygium severity. Among them, 63 patients had monocular pterygium; and 25 patients (38 eyes) underwent pterygium excision combined with conjunctival autograft follow-up. A Pentacam anterior segment analyzer was used to obtain the CD values and corneal morphological parameters, including central corneal thickness (CCT), flat-axis keratometry (K1), steep-axis keratometry (K2), corneal astigmatism, irregular astigmatism, and spherical aberration. CD was subdivided into four concentric radial regions based on corneal diameter and three layers according to depth.ResultsCD values at 0–12 mm of the anterior 120 μm layer, 0–10 mm of the center layer and full thickness, and 2–6 mm of the posterior 60 μm layer were significantly higher in eyes affected by pterygium than in the contralateral unaffected eyes (all P &lt; 0.05). CD values were significantly higher in the severe pterygium group than in the mild to moderate pterygium group (all P &lt; 0.05). Corneal astigmatism, irregular astigmatism, K1, K2, CCT, and spherical aberration correlated with CD values in eyes with pterygium (all P &lt; 0.05). CD values at 6–10, 0–12 mm in the anterior 120 μm layer and full thickness, 10–12 and 0–12 mm in the center layer were significantly decreased 1 month after pterygium surgery compared with those before surgery (all P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionPatients with pterygium had increased CD values, particularly in the anterior and central layers. CD values were correlated with pterygium severity grading and corneal parameters. Pterygium surgery partially reduced the CD values.
Patients' perspectives related to ethical issues and risks in precision medicine: a systematic review
Authors: Ahmed Lawko , Constantinidou Anastasia , Chatzittofis Andreas 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundPrecision medicine is growing due to technological advancements including next generation sequencing techniques and artificial intelligence. However, with the application of precision medicine many ethical and potential risks may emerge. Although, its benefits and potential harms are relevantly known to professional societies and practitioners, patients' attitudes toward these potential ethical risks are not well-known. The aim of this systematic review was to focus on patients' perspective on ethics and risks that may rise with the application of precision medicine.MethodsA systematic search was conducted on 4/1/2023 in the database of PubMed, for the period 1/1/2012 to 4/1/2023 identifying 914 articles. After initial screening, only 50 articles were found to be relevant. From these 50 articles, 24 articles were included in this systematic review, 2 articles were excluded as not in English language, 1 was a review, and 23 articles did not include enough relevant qualitative data regarding our research question to be included. All full texts were evaluated following PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews following the Joanna Briggs Institute criteria.ResultsThere were eight main themes emerging from the point of view of the patients regarding ethical concerns and risks of precision medicine: privacy and security of patient data, economic impact on the patients, possible harms of precision medicine including psychosocial harms, risk for discrimination of certain groups, risks in the process of acquiring informed consent, mistrust in the provider and in medical research, issues with the diagnostic accuracy of precision medicine and changes in the doctor-patient relationship.ConclusionEthical issues and potential risks are important for patients in relation to the applications of precision medicine and need to be addressed with patient education, dedicated research and official policies. Further research is needed for validation of the results and awareness of these findings can guide clinicians to understand and address patients concerns in clinical praxis.
Co-administration of temozolomide (TMZ) and the experimental therapeutic targeting miR-10b, profoundly affects the tumorigenic phenotype of human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Chen Ming , Kim Bryan , Robertson Neil , Mondal Sujan Kumar , Medarova Zdravka , Moore Anna 
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Recent studies have shown that miRNA-10b is highly expressed in high-grade glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and its inhibition leads to deregulation of multiple pathways in tumorigenesis, resulting in repression of tumor growth and increased apoptosis. Thus, we hypothesized that suppressing miR-10b could enhance the cytotoxicity of conventional GBM chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ).Methods: Inhibition of miR-10b in glioblastoma cells was achieved using an experimental therapeutic consisting of anti-miR10b antagomirs conjugated to iron oxide nanoparticles (termed MN-anti-miR10b). The nanoparticles serve as delivery vehicles for the antagomirs as well as imaging reporters guiding the delivery in future animal studies.Results: Treatment of U251 and LN229 human glioblastoma cells with MN-anti-miR10b led to inhibition of miR-10b accompanied by repression of growth and increase in apoptosis. We next explored whether MN-anti-miR10b could enhance the cytotoxic effect of TMZ. During these studies, we unexpectedly found that TMZ monotherapy increased miR-10b expression and changed the expression of corresponding miR-10b targets. This discovery led to the design of a sequence-dependent combination treatment, in which miR-10b inhibition and induction of apoptosis by MN-anti-miR10b was followed by a sub-therapeutic dose of TMZ, which caused cell cycle arrest and ultimately cell death. This combination was highly successful in significant enhancement of apoptosis and decrease in cell migration and invasiveness.Discussion: Considering the unexpected effects of TMZ on miR-10b expression and possible implications on its clinical application, we reasoned that comprehensive in vitro studies were warranted before embarking on studies in animals. These intriguing findings serve as a solid foundation for future in vivo studies and offer promise for the successful treatment of GBM.
Establishment of a dynamic nomogram including thyroid function for predicting the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke with standardized treatment
Authors: Jiang Yi , Xie Chunhui , Zhang Guanghui , Liu Mengqian , Xu Yiwen , Zhong Wen , Ge Zhonglin , Tao Zhonghai , Qian Mingyue , Gong Chen , Shen Xiaozhu 
Published: June 2023

PurposeMany patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) cannot undergo thrombolysis or thrombectomy because they have missed the time window or do not meet the treatment criteria. In addition, there is a lack of an available tool to predict the prognosis of patients with standardized treatment. This study aimed to develop a dynamic nomogram to predict the 3-month poor outcomes in patients with AIS.MethodsThis was a retrospective multicenter study. We collected the clinical data of patients with AIS who underwent standardized treatment at the First People's Hospital of Lianyungang from 1 October 2019 to 31 December 2021 and at the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang from 1 January 2022 to 17 July 2022. Baseline demographic, clinical, and laboratory information of patients were recorded. The outcome was the 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used to select the optimal predictive factors. Multiple logistic regression was performed to establish the nomogram. A decision curve analysis (DCA) was applied to assess the clinical benefit of the nomogram. The calibration and discrimination properties of the nomogram were validated by calibration plots and the concordance index.ResultsA total of 823 eligible patients were enrolled. The final model included gender (male; OR 0.555; 95% CI, 0.378–0.813), systolic blood pressure (SBP; OR 1.006; 95% CI, 0.996–1.016), free triiodothyronine (FT3; OR 0.841; 95% CI, 0.629–1.124), National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS; OR 18.074; 95% CI, 12.264–27.054), Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST; cardioembolic (OR 0.736; 95% CI, 0.396–1.36); and other subtypes (OR 0.398; 95% CI, 0.257–0.609). The nomogram showed good calibration and discrimination (C-index, 0.858; 95% CI, 0.830–0.886). DCA confirmed the clinical usefulness of the model. The dynamic nomogram can be obtained at the website: predict model (90-day prognosis of AIS patients).ConclusionWe established a dynamic nomogram based on gender, SBP, FT3, NIHSS, and TOAST, which calculated the probability of 90-day poor prognosis in AIS patients with standardized treatment.