bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating introductory biology student perceptions surrounding the use of integrative cases related to human health for evolution education
Authors: Filice David C. S. , Riedy Joseph J. , Heidemann Merle K. , Smith James J. , White Peter J. T. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
In introductory biology classrooms, cell and molecular concepts are often taught separate from those related to evolution and ecology, and usually in completely different courses. Furthermore, many examples used to teach introductory concepts are difficult for students to relate to. To address these issues, we developed curricular materials focused on the topic of breast cancer that: (1) aim to teach students how to integrate the various sub-disciplines of biology, with evolution as the unifying theme, and (2) aim to present course materials using relatable examples such as human health and disease. To assess the potential value of these materials, we asked students to complete a pre-unit and post-unit assessment before and after completing the interactive course unit on breast cancer.

Results
We found that after learning about breast cancer, students reported that learning about biology in the context of human health made their learning experience easier, more interesting, and more relatable. After the unit, students also rated evolutionary concepts as being more important for understanding human health and disease.

Conclusions
These results have important implications for developing introductory biology curricula that have more personal appeal to students and may thus translate to better learning outcomes, as well as help students better understand the process of evolution as it occurs in humans.
Hyaluronated nanoparticles deliver raloxifene to CD44-expressed colon cancer cells and regulate lncRNAs/miRNAs epigenetic cascade
Authors: Abd-Rabou Ahmed A. , Abdelaziz Ahmed M. , Shaker Olfat G. , Ayeldeen Ghada 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Colorectal malignant cells (CRC) are one of the world’s main causes of cancer mortality and morbidity. Notwithstanding the plenty of anti-CRC therapeutics, its prognosis remains not selective owing to cancer resistance to these therapeutics. Raloxifene (RX), a medication firstly used to treat osteoporosis, was recently licenced for the prevention of CRC. Unfortunately, due to medication resistance, many RX-based therapies are likely to become ineffective. Recently, we identified a novel method of administration to lengthen the half-life of RX by mixing it with chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA). Thus, the rationale of the current study was to investigate how colon cancer cells were affected by RX-HA-CS nanoparticles (RX NPs) in terms of targetability, cytotoxicity, and epigenetic cascade alteration.

Results
RX NP had an entrapment efficiency (EE%) of 90.0 ± 8.12%. Compared to HCT 116 cells, Caco-2 cells were more susceptible to the cytotoxic effects of RX and its NP as well as they had a higher binding affinity to CD44 receptors compared to normal WI-38 cells. In comparison to the free RX, the RX NP’s cytotoxic fold changes in HCT 116 and Caco-2 cells were 2.16 and 2.52, respectively. Furthermore, the epigenetic cascade of some noncoding RNAs was examined. Moreover, particular protein concentrations were investigated in all tested cells after application of the proposed therapies. Our results showed that the RX NP recorded higher remarkable cytotoxic impact on CRC cells compared to the free RX. Intriguingly, it was hypothesized that RX nanoparticles attacked colon cancerous cells by up-regulating miR-944 and E-cadherin (ECN) expressions, while down-regulating the expressions of PPARγ, YKL-40, VEGF, H-19, LINC00641, HULC, HOTTIP, miR-92a, miR-200, and miR-21.

Conclusions
We may conclude that the RX NP effectively targets CRC cells in vitro via altering lncRNAs and miRNAs epigenetic cascade as well as cellular uptake through CD44-expressed CRC cells.
The effectiveness in preventing frailty of exercise intervention provided by community pharmacists to older persons with chronic conditions: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hirota Noritake , Okada Hiroshi , Okamura Noboru 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Once older persons become frail, the risk of falls, bone fractures, and other problems increases. Exercise intervention is a form of prevention that has a high degree of evidence.

Objective
We investigated the effectiveness of frailty prevention consisting of exercise intervention by community pharmacists at 11 pharmacies operated by Osaka Pharma Plan.

Methods
In total, 103 older persons between 70 and 79 years of age (53 males and 50 females) who were suffering from chronic conditions and who visited one of 11 pharmacies between January and March 2021 were enrolled. They were then randomly assigned to either the Intervention group (IG: 6 pharmacies, 61 patients) who were subjected to intervention by a pharmacist, or the Usual Care group (UG: 5 pharmacies, 42 patients) who were not subjected to intervention. At the beginning of the trial and 6 month after, their muscle mass, etc. were measured using a body composition meter, and their Five-Times Sit-To-Stand Test results were also measured. Patients in the IG were provided with information by way of leaflets during the time they were guided regarding taking their medication for a period of one to six months that encouraged exercising at home. Those in the UG were given the standard guidance related to taking their medication.

Results
The amount of change in muscle mass was 1.08 ± 7.83% (95%CI: -1.24-3.41) in IG and − 0.43 ± 2.73% (95%CI:-1.58-0.72) in UG, indicating that there was a trend toward an increase in IG. The percent change in the Five Times Sit-To-Stand Test times at + 6 M was − 0.002 ± 0.24% (95%CI: -0.09-0.05) in IG and − 0.04 ± 0.21% (95%CI:-0.13-0.07) in UG, but in cases in which the second measured time was faster than the first measured time, the results were 65.2% for IG and 29.2% for UG, indicating a significant difference (p = 0.00563).

Conclusion
Despite the fact that the amount of time community pharmacists can devote to providing guidance on taking medications is limited, it has been previously reported that providing information to patients causes a change in patient behavior. The results of the present study are highly significant as they suggest the possibility that this may hold true even when used to prevent frailty, based on the evidence obtained.

Trial registration
This trial was registered at UMIN-CRT on 1st of January, 2021. The registration number is UMIN000042571.
Mycoplasma infection mimicking a malignancy in a waldenstrom macroglobulinemia patient
Authors: Wu Junqing , He Donghua , Yu Fang , Huang Yue , Bian Meiru , Yu Chengxuan , Liu Jiao , Cai Zhen , Zhao Yi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Mycoplasma hominis infection is common in urinary tract. 18F-FDG-PET/CT is a valuable tool for tumor and infection diagnosis. Few studies have shown the 18F-FDG-PET/CT images after mycoplasma infection.

Case presentation
Here we described a case of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia with thickened bladder wall. The 18F-FDG-PET/CT showed the SUVmax up to 36.1 mimicking bladder cancer. The results of histopathological examination and metagenomic sequencing of the blood and urinary revealed the Mycoplasma hominis infection.

Conclusion
The full consideration should be given to the possibility of infection besides tumor in lesions with high SUV value in 18F-FDG-PET/CT, especially in immunodeficiency patients.
Clinical markers of immunotherapy outcomes in advanced sarcoma
Authors: Husain Marium , Quiroga Dionisia , Kim Han Gil , Lenobel Scott , Xu Menglin , Iwenofu Hans , Chen James L. , Verschraegen Claire , Liebner David , Tinoco Gabriel 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Despite immunotherapy’s promise in oncology, its use for sarcoma remains challenging. There are no sarcoma-specific biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Previously, we reported our institutional experience highlighting ICI activity in 29 patients with sarcoma. In this study, we explore responses to ICI based on ICI regimen and other covariates to identify significant clinical factors in advanced sarcoma outcomes.

Methods
Patients in The Ohio State University Sarcoma Clinics were enrolled in the Sarcoma Retrospective ICI database from January 1, 2015 through November 1, 2021. Data included treatment regimen (single-agent ICI or ICI + combination) along with clinical covariates. ICI + combination was further categorized into ICI + medication, ICI + radiation, ICI + surgery, or ICI + multiple (more than 2 modalities). Statistical analysis included log-rank tests and proportional hazard regression. The primary objective was to evaluate overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results
Of the patients in the database, 135 met inclusion criteria. We demonstrated improved OS in patients treated with ICI + combination (p = 0.014, median 64 weeks), but no effect on PFS (p = 0.471, median 31 weeks). Patients with a documented immune-related adverse event (irAE) of dermatitis had improved OS, but only in the ICI + combination cohort (p = 0.021). Patients who received single-agent ICI and whose change in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was less than 5 had an improved OS (p = 0.002); this was not seen in patients who received ICI + combination therapy (p = 0.441). There were no differences in OS based on age, gender, histology, or subcategories of ICI + combination. This was not the case for PFS; patients who received any ICI regimen and were younger than 70 had a worse PFS (p = 0.036) compared with their older counterparts in this dataset. Patients who developed an irAE, specifically colitis (p = 0.009), hepatitis (p = 0.048), or dermatitis (p = 0.003), had an improved PFS. There were no differences in PFS based on ICI regimen (or subcategories of ICI + combination), gender, histology, change in NLR, or grade of irAE.

Conclusions
This retrospective study demonstrates that ICI + combination therapy can improve OS in some patients with advanced sarcoma. This is consistent with our prior results of ICI in sarcoma.
Evaluation of a new Q-switched Nd:YAG laser on premacular hemorrhage
Authors: Su Zhaoan , Tong Luyao , He Jingliang , Wang Lijuan , Liu Jun , Fang Xiaoyun , Zhang Li 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Premacular hemorrhage is among the causes of sudden deterioration of visual acuity. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic outcomes of a new Q-switched Nd:YAG laser on premacular hemorrhage.

Methods
Retrospective, case series study of 16 eyes from 16 patients diagnosed with premacular hemorrhage, including 3 cases of Valsalva retinopathy, 8 cases of retinal macroaneurysm, 3 cases of diabetic retinopathy, 1 case of trauma-related hemorrhage and 1 case with leukemia. A 1064nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was performed to puncture the posterior hyaloid and inner limiting membrane to drain the hemorrhage.

Results
The success rate of 16 patients with premacular hemorrhage drainage was 100% in this study. Improved visual acuity was observed in each patient.

Conclusions
In this case series of 16 patients, the new Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was successful in draining premacular hemorrhage with no serious complications.
Comparative evaluation of internal fit and marginal gap of endocrowns using lithium disilicate and polyether ether ketone materials - an in vitro study
Authors: Nagi Nermeen , Fouda Ahmed Mahmoud , Bourauel Christoph 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of material and occlusal preparation design on the internal fit and marginal gap of endocrowns made of Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and lithium disilicate.

Methods
32 endocrowns were fabricated on prepared mandibular molars and divided into two groups (n = 16) according to the material. Group L: lithium disilicate and Group P: PEEK. Each group was further subdivided into two subgroups (n = 8) according to the occlusal preparation design: full occlusal coverage (LF and PF) and partial occlusal coverage (LP and PP). Samples were analyzed using microcomputed tomography (µCT) with a voxel size of 6 μm to evaluate internal fit, and an optical microscope was used to evaluate the marginal gap. Data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. Numerical data were described as mean and standard deviation and compared using the ANOVA test. The level of significance was set at α P ≤ 0.05.

Results
All groups’ internal fit and marginal gaps values were within the acceptable clinical range. However, the lithium disilicates group recorded statistically significantly higher mean internal gap values than the PEEK groups. Regardless of the material, the difference between the two occlusal designs was not statistically significant in both internal fit and marginal gap records.

Conclusion
Within the limitations of this study, PEEK endocrown restorations revealed better internal fit and marginal gap than lithium disilicate endocrown restorations. The marginal and internal fit of both lithium disilicate and PEEK endocrown restorations were within the clinically acceptable range. The occlusal preparation design had no influence on the internal fit and marginal gap of the endocrown restoration.
A national analysis of the medical schools of training for merit award-winning laboratory medical doctors working in Britain
Authors: Steele S. , Andrade G. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Aims
To inform the discussion regarding the origins of Laboratory Medical Consultant clinical merit award holders (LMC) whether the awards came from the Clinical Excellence Awards (CEA) or Distinction Awards (DA) schemes.

Methods
Setting - CEA is a scheme to financially reward senior doctors in England and Wales who are assessed to be working over and above the standard expected of their role. The DA scheme is the parallel and equivalent scheme in Scotland. Participants - All of the merit award holders in the 2019 round. Design - This involved a secondary analysis of the complete 2019 published dataset of award winners. Statistical analyses were performed with Chi-square tests set at p < 0.05 level for statistical significance.

Results
The top five medical schools (London University, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Oxford) were responsible for 68.4% of the LMC merit award holders in the 2019 round. 97.9% of the LMC merit award holders were from European medical schools, whereas 90.9% of the non-LMC award holders were from European medical schools. The LMCs with A plus or platinum awards came from only six medical schools: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, London University, Oxford, Sheffield and Southampton. In contrast, the B or silver/bronze LMC award holders came from a more diverse background of 13 medical schools.

Conclusions
The majority of LMC merit award holders originated from only five university medical schools. All the LMCs with A plus or platinum awards came from only six university medical schools. There is an apparent overrepresentation of a small number of medical schools of origin amongst those LMCs that hold national merit awards.
The relationship of online pre-recorded neurology mini-lectures to medical student assessment: a pilot study
Authors: Benamer Hani TS , Stanley Adrian G 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction
eLearning has become an essential part of medical education. However, there is a lack of published research on student engagement with online pre-recorded mini-lectures and its relation to assessment. The aim of this pilot study is to explore the relationship between newly introduced neurology pre-recorded mini-lectures and undergraduate medical students engagement and assessment. This may encourage the wider use of mini-lectures in undergraduate medical curricula.

Methods
The engagement of medical students with 48 online pre-recorded neurology mini-lectures was assessed through a Learning Management System. To measure engagement, data was stratified according to the number of watched/downloaded mini-lectures. A point system was used (out of 5): − 1 point = watching/downloading 0–10 mini-lectures, 2 points = watching/downloading 11–20 mini-lectures, 3 points = watching/downloading 21–30 mini-lectures, 4 points = watching/downloading 31–40 mini-lectures and, 5 points = watching/downloading 41–48 mini-lectures. The students’ engagement was correlated with their neurology assessments [Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), and knowledge-based assessment 10 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and one 10-mark Short Answer Question, (SAQ)], internal medicine grade and annual grade point average (GPA) using the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results
The mean engagement of 34, Year 5, medical students is 3.9/5. There is a significant positive correlation between engagement and internal medicine grade (r = 0.35, p = 0.044). There is a moderate correlation between engagement and neurology OSCE (r = 0.23), annual Year 5 GPA (r = 0.23), neurology knowledge-based score (r = 0.22) and composite neurology knowledge/OSCE (r = 0.27). The knowledge-based assessment included SAQ and MCQs: there was a moderate correlation with SAQ (r = 0.30), but a weak negative correlation with the MCQs (r =-0.11). Sub-groups analysis comparing the top- and low- or non- engaging students made these weaker correlations stronger.

Conclusion
This pilot study indicates a high rate of engagement with an online pre-recorded mini-lectures resource and evidence of moderate correlation between engagement and assessment. Online pre-recorded mini-lectures should be used more in delivering the curriculum contents of the clinical clerkships. Further studies are needed to evaluate the relation and the impact of the mini-lectures on assessment.
Whole sporozoite immunization with Plasmodium falciparum strain NF135 in a randomized trial
Authors: van der Boor Saskia C. , Alkema Manon , van Gemert Geert-Jan , Teelen Karina , van de Vegte-Bolmer Marga , Walk Jona , van Crevel Reinout , de Mast Quirijn , Ockenhouse Christian F. , Sauerwein Robert W. , McCall Matthew B. B. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Whole sporozoite immunization under chemoprophylaxis (CPS regime) induces long-lasting sterile homologous protection in the controlled human malaria infection model using Plasmodium falciparum strain NF54. The relative proficiency of liver-stage parasite development may be an important factor determining immunization efficacy. Previous studies show that Plasmodium falciparum strain NF135 produces relatively high numbers of large liver-stage schizonts in vitro. Here, we evaluate this strain for use in CPS immunization regimes.

Methods
In a partially randomized, open-label study conducted at the Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, healthy, malaria-naïve adults were immunized by three rounds of fifteen or five NF135-infected mosquito bites under mefloquine prophylaxis (cohort A) or fifteen NF135-infected mosquito bites and presumptive treatment with artemether/lumefantrine (cohort B). Cohort A participants were exposed to a homologous challenge 19 weeks after immunization. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of CPS immunizations with NF135.

Results
Relatively high liver-to-blood inocula were observed during immunization with NF135 in both cohorts. Eighteen of 30 (60%) high-dose participants and 3/10 (30%) low-dose participants experienced grade 3 adverse events 7 to 21 days following their first immunization. All cohort A participants and two participants in cohort B developed breakthrough blood-stage malaria infections during immunizations requiring rescue treatment. The resulting compromised immunizations induced modest sterile protection against homologous challenge in cohort A (5/17; 29%).

Conclusions
These CPS regimes using NF135 were relatively poorly tolerated and frequently required rescue treatment, thereby compromising immunization efficiency and protective efficacy. Consequently, the full potential of NF135 sporozoites for induction of immune protection remains inconclusive. Nonetheless, the high liver-stage burden achieved by this strain highlights it as an interesting potential candidate for novel whole sporozoite immunization approaches.

Trial registration
The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT03813108.
Malaria transmission pattern across the Sahelian, humid savanna, highland and forest eco-epidemiological settings in Cameroon
Authors: Chouakeu Nelly Armanda Kala , Tchuinkam Timoléon , Bamou Roland , Bindamu Mabu Maxim , Talipouo Abdou , Kopya Edmond , Awono-Ambene Parfait , Antonio-Nkondjio Christophe 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Malaria remains a major public health concern in Cameroon. Understanding vector distribution and malaria transmission dynamics is of paramount importance for evaluating the performance of control strategies. This study assesses patterns of malaria transmission in four eco-epidemiological settings in Cameroon.

Methods
Adult mosquitoes were collected using Human Landing Catches (HLC) once every 4 months from August 2019 to November 2021 in Kaélé, Tibati, Santchou and Bertoua. Mosquitoes were sorted by genus and Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) species complex were identified using PCR. The presence of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP) was measured by ELISA; the entomological inoculation rates (EIR) was estimated in each locality.

Results
A total of 23,536 mosquitoes were collected. Anophelesgambiae and/or Anophelescoluzzii were the main malaria vectors in all sites. Anophelesarabiensis was recorded in low frequency in Kaélé and Tibati. Other species collected included Anopheles funestus, Anophelespharoensis and Anopheles ziemmani. High anopheline biting rates were recorded outdoor in all sites except in Kaélé. Important differences in species biting dynamics were observed between sites. The sporozoite infection rate varied from 0.36 to 4%. The daily EIR was found to vary from 0.07 in Santchou to 0.26 infected bites/man/night (ib/m/n) in Kaélé).

Conclusion
The study suggests heterogeneous patterns of malaria transmission in different ecoepidemiological settings across the country. The findings stress the need to improve malaria vector control strategies.