bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of virtual reality simulation on medical students’ learning and motivation in human parasitology instruction: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Gao Fei , Qiu Jingfan , Chen Lin , Li Lan , Ji Minjun , Zhang Rong 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background Though research has suggested the effectiveness of simulation-based learning, the adoption of simulation in medical education is still limited, and its effects on motivation is rarely studied. The aim of this study was to investigate how simulation-based learning impacted student learning as well as students’ subjective task values, a key component of motivation, when used in a medical morphology-related course of Human Parasitology.
Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 113 undergraduate medical students in China who took a Human Parasitology course during April to May 2022. Students were assigned to one of two conditions: Simulation Group (n=55), where they played the online simulation; and Lecture Group (n=58), where they received an online lecture. All participants’ learning was measured prior to the intervention, immediately after the intervention and three weeks later to assess knowledge retention. The Subjective Task Values Questionnaire was used to measure students’ subjective task values both prior to and after the interventions. Data were analyzed using one-way ANCOVAs and MANOVAs.
Results Students in the Simulation Group gained significantly more knowledge than those in the Lecture Group [F (1,110) = 23.69, p < 0.01]. Moreover, students in the Simulation Group retained their knowledge significantly better than those in the Lecture Group [F (1,101) = 10.05, p < 0.005]. In the Simulation Group, student subjective task values significantly increased after the intervention [F (3, 52) = 3.57, p < 0.05, ηp2 =0.17], while in the Lecture Group, there was a significant decrease in student subjective task values [F (3, 55) = 2.96, p < 0.05, ηp2=0.14].
Conclusions Simulation-based learning leads to superior learning and enhanced subjective task values. The findings shed light on the design of simulation-based learning in medical education and have important practical implications for medical education.
Predictive meaning of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) in the diagnosis of asthma for epidemiological purposes – an 8-year follow-up study
Authors: Barański Kamil 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background:Asthma-like symptoms such as dyspnoea, wheezing, and chronic cough are common health problems. Chronic neglected symptoms at the early stages of the disease may herald serious respiratory diseases in the future. On the population level, the respiratory symptoms in children can be estimated via cross-sectional. However, such methods need objective support like the measurement of FeNO. The aim of the study was to analyze if the FeNO value measured at baseline can have predictive meaning for asthma-like symptoms after 8 years of measurement.
Methods: The follow-up included 128 (out of 447) children 70 girls and 58 boys. The FeNO was measured at baseline only. The prevalence of asthma-like symptoms was measured with the adopted version of the ISAAC questionnaire.
Results:After 8 years from FeNO measurement, 5 new cases of asthma have occurred, 2 cases of attacks of dyspnoea, 1 case of wheezy in the chest, and 18 cases of allergic rhinitis. The FeNO values, measured at the baseline of the study, for new cases of the above diseases, were 53.4±75.9 ppb, 11±1.5 ppb, 12.0 ppb, and 16.3±12.4 ppb, respectively. The best diagnostic accuracy parameters were found in the new cases of asthma where the sensitivity was 40.0%, the specificity was 98.6% and AUC was 66.6% and the diagnostic odds ratio was 46.9 when considering FeNO cut-off >35 ppb.;
Conclusions: The FeNO measurement is an objective method for asthma prognosis in early school-aged children with asthma-like symptoms measured on the population level and needs further confirmation on the clinical level with more accurate diagnostic tools.
Optimizing Colorectal Carcinoma Prediction Employing Convolutional Neural Networks with Multiple Features and Fusion Layers
Authors: Raju Akella S Narasimha , Jayavel Kayalvizhi , Rajalakshmi T. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

The catastrophic impacts of the lethal illness known as intestinal cancer are felt by those who suffer from it. Colonoscopy is the most effective cancer screening procedure currently available. While several deep learning methods are already used by existing systems, little research has been conducted on feature extraction and testing in the context of cancer diagnosis. The suggested system is a more comprehensive implementation of CADx technology that relies on intelligent detection. Data from the CKHK-22 dataset was preprocessed and kept in the cloud before being utilized for the system's training and testing purposes. To create local binary pattern (LBP) features, we first grayscale the colour features included in the colonoscopy dataset images. Several convolutional neural networks (CNNs), including VGG-16, DenseNet-201, and ResNet-50, are trained on the CKHK-22 dataset after it has been transformed to three features. In a vital step, the CKHK-22's feature acquisitions are fused to produce new features that are then employed in the DV-22, RD-22, and RDV-22 fusion CNN models, respectively. The CADx system, transfer learning with LSTM, and DenseNet-201 all attained testing accuracy rates of 91.92%, 86.76%, and 68.56%, respectively, over the original, grayscale, and LBP image feature datasets. By initially collecting the combined features of the original, grey, and LBP features through transfer learning with LSTM, the RDV-22 model obtained the best testing accuracy (90.81%) while applying fusion CNN for feature acquisition. The CKHK-22 dataset was mined for its three most distinguishing features by this CADx system, which yielded sufficient accuracy with DenseNet-201 and merged features and optimal accuracy with RDV-22 fusion CNN in diagnosing cancer. Using feature extraction, cancer diagnoses may be predicted with high precision.
Investigation of frailty markers including a novel biomarker panel in emergency laparotomy: protocol of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ng Hwei Jene , Quasim Tara , Rattray Nicholas J. W. , Moug Susan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background

Emergency laparotomy (EmLAP) is one of the commonest emergency operations performed in the United Kingdom (approximately 30, 000 laparotomies annually). These potentially high-risk procedures can be life changing with frail patients and/ or older adults (≥ 65 years) having the poorest outcomes, including mortality. There is no gold standard of frailty assessment and no clinical chemical biomarkers existing in practice. Early detection of subclinical changes or deficits at the molecular level are essential in improving our understanding of the biology of frailty and ultimately improving patient outcomes. This study aims primarily to compare preoperative frailty markers, including a blood-based biomarker panel, in their ability to predict 30 and 90-day mortality post-EmLAP. The secondary aim is to analyse the influence of perioperative frailty on morbidity and quality of life post-EmLAP.

Methods

A prospective single centred observational study will be conducted on 150 patients ≥ 40 years of age that undergo EmLAP. Patients will be included according to the established NELA (National Emergency Laparotomy Audit) criteria. The variables collected include demographics, co-morbidities, polypharmacy, place of residence, indication and type of surgery (as per NELA criteria) and prognostic NELA score. Frailty will be assessed using: a blood sample for ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis; preoperative CT abdomen pelvis (sarcopenia) and Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Patients will be followed up for 90 days. Variables collected include blood samples (at post operative day 1, 7, 30 and 90), place of residence on discharge, morbidity, mortality and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). The frailty markers will be compared between groups of frail (CFS ≥ 4) and non-frail using statistical methods such as regression model and adjusted for appropriate confounding factors.

Discussion

This study hypothesises that frailty level changes following EmLAP in frail and non- frail patients, irrespective of age. We propose that non- frail patients will have better survival rates and report better quality of life compared to the frail. By studying the changes in metabolites/ biomarkers in these patients and correlate them to frailty status pre-surgery, this highly novel approach will develop new knowledge of frailty and define a new area of clinical biomolecular research.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05416047. Registered on 13/06/2022 (retrospectively registered)
IL-4 induces CD22 expression to restrain the effector program of self-reactive virtual memory T cells
Authors: Dewals Benjamin , Yang Bin , Sanchez Guillem Sanchez , Lavergne Arnaud , Piedfort Ophelie , Peng Garrie , Aguirre Ariel Madrigal , Petrellis Georgios , Katsandegwaza Brunette , Isterdael Gert Van , Duyse Julie Van , Bai Qiang , Marichal Thomas , Machiels Bénédicte , Nitschke Lars , Najafabadi Hamed , King Irah , Vermijlen David 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Parasitic helminths induce the production of interleukin (IL)-4 which causes the expansion of virtual memory CD8+ T cells (Tvm), a cell subset contributing to the control of viral coinfection. However, the mechanisms regulating IL-4-dependent Tvm activation and expansion during worm infection remain ill defined. We used single-cell RNA sequencing of CD8+ T cells to investigate IL-4-dependent Tvm responses upon helminth infection in mice. Gene signature analysis of CD8+ T cells identified a cell cluster marked by CD22, a canonical regulator of B cell activation, as a specific and selective surface marker of IL-4-induced Tvm cells. CD22+ Tvm were enriched for IFN-γ and granzyme A and retained a diverse TCR repertoire, while enriched in CDR3 sequences with features of self-reactivity. Deletion of CD22 expression in CD8+ T cells enhanced Tvm responses to helminth infection, indicating that this inhibitory receptor modulates Tvm responses. Thus, helminth-induced IL-4 drives the expansion and activation of self-reactive Tvm in the periphery that is counter-inhibited by CD22.
A strong Association between Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type - 1 (-657 4G/5G PAI-1) and the Development of Pre-eclampsia
Authors: El-Khawaga Omali Y. , Ahmed Hwyda , ElSaid Afaf , Shalaby Hend , refaat Manar 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Pre-eclampsia (P-EC) is a multisystem disorder of pregnancy, characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria. Deregulation of the coagulation cascade and hypofibrinolysis appears to play a role in the development of P-EC.
Methods: About 140 Egyptian pregnant women with a diagnosis of P-EC (patients' group) and 100 normotensive pregnant women not complicated by P-EC (a healthy control group) were collected. The genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped using ARMS-PCR. The serum was used for biochemical parameters measurement.
Results: There is a strong significant (P < 0.0001) difference between PAI-1 5G/4G polymorphism among the patients and the control groups in the codominant model, high significant (P = 0.004) in the dominant model, high significant (P = 0.009) in the recessive model. Additionally, superoxide dismutase activity and reduced glutathione levels were decreased in pre-eclamptic women when compared to normotensive ones. On the other hand, malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase levels were increased in the pre-eclamptic group when compared with normalized pregnant ones.
Conclusion: Our results showed that the mutated PAI-15G/4G polymorphisms may be associated with the development of P-EC in Egyptian women.
Experimental Investigation of efficiency enhancement in Solar Photovoltaic Systems under Partial Shading Conditions using Discrete Time Slime Mould Optimization
Authors: K Padmanaban , A Shunmugalatha , MS Kamalesh 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

The Solar PhotoVoltaic (SPV) systems are the trending and commercially reputable power source abundantly served by the nature to the mankind. Partial Shading Conditions (PSC) are one of the critical concepts in the SPV maximum power extraction. PSC’s are nonlinear and fuzzy in its attributes, as it is unpredictable. Hence, it has numerous Local Maximum Peak Power (LMPP) points. Although, a wide spread of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms are doing justice in locating the peak power points and stabilize the system, they are inadequate to locate the LMPP’s and the Global Maximum Peak Power (GMPP) point. This paper proposes a discrete time-based Slime Mould Optimization (SMO), providing an effective support to the buck converter based MPPT controller for SPV systems. The analysis and testament of buck converter in discrete domain alleviates the optimization in discrete samples, which accelerates the computation speed in locating the LMPP and GMPP. The proposed methodology is validated from the predominant parametric results like tracking time, power efficiency and the stability of the system under various PSC’s. The experimental implementations are performed in MATLAB simulations and experimented with dSPACE-MicroLabBox.
The Comparing on 4-chlorophenyl Sulfoxide Modified the Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite for the Adsorption/Desorption of Pd (II) and Pt (IV) Ions
Authors: Chen Lei , Li Rongxin , Li Yuanlong , Shu Qijiang , Yang Tao 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The reduced graphene oxide aerogel modified by 4-chlorophenyl sulfoxide was obtained by a simple self-assemble process under the basic reduction-oxide condition, then freeze-dried for future using. The prepared aerogel was shortly named 4CS-rGO, which was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, et al. 1 mg of 4CS-rGO composite was used as an adsorbent to adsorb Pd (Ⅱ) and Pt (Ⅳ) in 1.0 mL 4 mM Britton-Robinson buffer solution with various pH. The adsorption efficiency of Pd (Ⅱ) increased with the increase of pH, whereas the hydrolysis of Pd (Ⅱ) happened at pH 13, and the maximum adsorption efficiency of Pd (Ⅱ) was 91.82% at pH 12, which was mainly driven by electrostatic attraction. Besides, the adsorption behavior of the 4CS-rGO composite for Pt (Ⅳ) was explored to evaluate the possibility to isolate Pd (Ⅱ) and Pt (Ⅳ) ions by using aerogel. We found that, quite interestingly, hydrogen bond, hydrophobic interaction and van der Waals force can strongly conquer electrostatic repulsion driven Pt (Ⅳ) ions adsorption behaviour at pH 5, and Pt (Ⅳ) ions displaced by cationic surfactant. Moreover, a tighter Pt (Ⅳ) ions adsorption behaviour than Pd (Ⅱ) ions was observed while we used with/without 4-chlorophenyl sulfoxide modified the graphene to adsorb them respectively. While branched TBAB was easier and more effectively replaced the adsorbed Pt (Ⅳ) ions than strained CTAB.
Tuning of Auto Disturbance Rejection Controller Parameters Based on Improved Grey Wolf Optimizer
Authors: Gao Bingwei , Zhang Wei , Zheng Lintao , Zhao Hongjian 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Aiming at the problem that auto disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) requires too many tuning parameters, this paper proposed an improved grey wolf optimizer algorithm to tune the parameters of ADRC, and used the ADRC with tuned parameters to control the electro-hydraulic position servo system. Based on the original grey wolf optimizer algorithm (GWO), the linear convergence factor was improved to a non-linear mode to optimize the optimization path, and according to the parameter adjustment advantages of particle swarm optimization, the learning factors were introduced in the process of updating the position to give the wolves consciousness to avoid local optima and improve the convergence speed. Through the test functions, simulation and experimental tests, it was found that the improved grey wolf optimizer had higher convergence accuracy, and the ADRC under the improved grey wolf optimizer parameters tuning could achieve the anti-interference control effect well.
Thrombotic risk in patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer treated with CDK 4/6 inhibitors: a meta-analysis
Authors: Hua Manqi , Chong Shan , Zhang Zhuo , Liu Qianxin , Hou Jingyi , Xiong Fei , Meng Huan , Cui Yimin , Xiang Qian 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer is ranked as the most common cancer worldwide. The use of CDK4/6 inhibitors has improved the prognosis and has become a new strategy for hormone receptor -positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-negative breast cancer; however, such drugs have been found to increase the risk of thrombosis in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and this risk may be higher in the real-world setting. This study aimed to compare the thromboembolic risk of CDK4/6 inhibitors plus endocrine therapy (ET) and ET alone in RCTs and determine the incidence of thromboembolic events associated with the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors in RCTs and in the real world.
Methods
PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched up to December 31, 2022, for RCTs and cohort studies of CDK4/6 inhibitors in patients with breast cancer. The quality of the literature was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 and R version 4.2.2.
Results
A total of 13 RCTs and 9 real-world studies were identified and included in this analysis. RCTs only reported venous thromboembolic events (VTEs); VTEs occurred in 192 patients (2.1%) in the CDK4/6 inhibitor group and 55 patients (0.7%) in the control group. Compared with ET alone, receiving CDK4/6 inhibitors plus ET increased the risk of VTEs in patients with breast cancer, with an odds ratio of 2.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.98, 3.59, p < 0.001). In real-world studies, the aggregate incidence rate of thromboembolic events was found to be 4.5% (95% CI: 2.2, 7.5).
Conclusions
CDK4/6 inhibitors combined with ET are associated with a significantly increased risk of VTEs in women with breast cancer compared with ET alone. The incidence of thromboembolic events was higher with CDK4/6 inhibitors in the real world than in RCTs.
Coconut husk fiber as a green sorbent for micro-solid phase extraction followed by HPLC- DAD analysis of trace triazole fungicides in environmental waters, soybean milks, fruit juices and alcoholic beverages samples
Authors: Kachangoon Rawikan , Santaladchaiyakit Yanawath , Vichapong Jitlada 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In this work, coconut husk fiber (CHF) as a green sorbent was developed for micro-solid phase extraction (µ-SPE) of trace determination of triazole fungicides from environmental water, soybean milks, fruit juices and alcoholic beverages samples followed by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector analysis (HPLC-DAD). Five triazole fungicides, including myclobutanil, triadimenol, tebuconazole, hexaconazole, and diniconazole were selected as target analytes for µ-SPE. The extraction parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized using the one-parameter-at-a-time method including the amount of CHF biosorbent (100 mg), kind and concentration of surfactant (SDS, 10 mM), kind and volume of desorption solvent (methanol, 150 µL), and extraction time (10 min). The limits of detection and limits of quantification for the selected fungicides were 3.00 to 10.00 µg L− 1 and from 9.00 to 30.00 µg L− 1, respectively. The accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated by measuring the recovery of the spiked samples. The satisfying recoveries of the four water samples ranged from 67.0–105.0%. Therefore, the µ-SPE using coconut husk fiber as a biosorbent was a simple, rapid, environmentally friendly, low cost and capable approach to analyze trace triazole fungicides in environmental waters, soybean milks, fruit juices and alcoholic beverages samples.
Interdisciplinary collaboration in Serious Illness Conversations in patients with multiple myeloma and caregivers – A qualitative study
Authors: Myrhøj Cæcilie Borregaard , Viftrup Dorte Toudal , Jarden Mary , Clemmensen Stine Novrup 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
There is growing evidence that conversations between healthcare professionals and patients with serious illness can improve the quality of end-of-life cancer care. Yet, there is lack of insight into how different professions collaborate to deliver serious illness communication as well as patients’ and caregivers’ perception of this collaboration between the nurse and physician. This study explores the interdisciplinary collaboration between nurses and physicians in serious illness conversations with patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma and their caregivers.
Methods
Eleven dyadic interviews were conducted with 22 patients and caregivers and two focus group interviews, one with four nurses and one with four physicians. Data analysis and reporting were conducted using reflexive thematic analysis within phenomenological epistemology.
Results
The interdisciplinary collaboration was characterized by three main themes: 1) Importance of relationships, 2) Complementary perspectives, and 3) The common goal.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of interdisciplinarity in serious illness conversations as it strengthens the use of existential and descriptive language in conversations involving medical, holistic, and existential issues. The use of broader language also reflects that interdisciplinary interaction strengthens each professional's expertise in patient care. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the patient’s and caregiver’s medical preferences and hopes, and values can be integrated into the treatment plan, which is the key to providing the best care for the patient and caregiver. It is recommended to make organizational changes to support continuity in patient–healthcare professional relationships, support interdisciplinary training, and a few minutes of preparation before the conversation and debriefing afterward to avoid fragmented and uncoordinated collaboration.
Broadband EPR spectroscopy of the ground electron state of the Fe4+ impurity ion in amethyst.
Authors: Tarasov Valery , Zaripov Ruslan , Scherbakov Victor 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Fine structure of ground electron state of Fe4+ impurity ion in a natural amethyst crystal was studied by broadband electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy in the frequency region of 34–500 GHz. It is established that energy levels scheme consists of ground quasi-doublet ⎜±2〉, quasi-doublet ⎜±1〉 and singlet with zero-field energies ±4.9 GHz, 435.2 ±45.4 GHz and 584 GHz, respectively. Parameters of effective spin Hamiltonian describing dependences of electron spin levels on magnetic field are determined.
Intergenerational transmission of preferences for redistribution
Authors: Leites Martín , Salas Gonzalo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
We explore whether preferences for redistributive policies are transmitted from parents to children and study the empirical relevance of three modulators suggested by theoretical models: family income mobility, personality traits of parents, and the abilities of their children. We draw on a novel and rich dataset, the Longitudinal Study of Well-being in Uruguay, which contains information on parents' preferences for redistribution in the years 2011/12 and 2015/16 and their children's preferences in the year 2015/16. Firstly, we find that, on average, the intergenerational persistence of redistributive preferences is relatively high. Secondly, there is heterogeneity in the intergenerational transmission process associated with parents' learning. Finally, the intergenerational transmission of preferences is more relevant when intergenerational mobility is lower, parents have greater self-control, and children present higher abilities.
JEL Code: D31, D64, H23