bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changing between representations of elementary functions: students’ competencies and differences with a specific perspective on school track and gender
Authors: Sproesser Ute , Vogel Markus , Dörfler Tobias , Eichler Andreas 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundFunctional thinking is characterized as a specific way of thinking in relationships, dependencies, and changes. Hence, beyond mathematics, it is also crucial for other (STEM) disciplines as well as for everyday situations. In particular, dealing with different representations of functions and changing between them are core function-related competencies, which are correspondingly needed for the formation of appropriate concepts and flexible problem-solving in various situations. Therefore, this study investigated students’ (N = 856) competencies related to representational changes of elementary functions and, in particular, assessed which changes are especially easy or difficult for students. Moreover, possible school track and gender differences were investigated by performing DIF analyses within the framework of Rasch modeling. The data were gathered using a paper–pencil test administered after the students had completed the teaching unit on linear functions in their mathematics lessons.ResultsAltogether, students were found to have limited competencies related to representational changes of elementary functions. There was no clear pattern regarding the types of representational change that were difficult or easy for them. Moreover, girls performed better on purely mathematical tasks, whereas boys did better at a complex modeling and problem-solving task. Classes from the academic track produced better results in tasks with a situational context compared to their peers from non-academic tracks, who performed relatively strongly on purely mathematical tasks.ConclusionsThese findings imply that various representations and representational changes should be included in lessons on functions to support students in building a rich concept of function and flexible problem-solving skills, thus fulfilling curricular requirements and responding to didactical considerations. In particular, the teaching of functions should be more balanced by mixing tasks with and without a situational context and the corresponding representational changes. These findings should motivate teachers, in particular those teaching non-academic tracks, to give a more prominent role to situational contexts in their lessons on functions in order to foster their students’ learning and build a bridge between mathematics and real-world situations.
Application of SPECT and PET / CT with computer-aided diagnosis in bone metastasis of prostate cancer: a review
Authors: Chen Zhao , Chen Xueqi , Wang Rongfu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBone metastasis has a significant influence on the prognosis of prostate cancer(PCa) patients. In this review, we discussed the current application of PCa bone metastasis diagnosis with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) computer-aided diagnosis(CAD) systems. A literature search identified articles concentrated on PCa bone metastasis and PET/CT or SPECT CAD systems using the PubMed database. We summarized the previous studies focused on CAD systems and manual quantitative markers calculation, and the coincidence rate was acceptable. We also analyzed the quantification methods, advantages, and disadvantages of CAD systems. CAD systems can detect abnormal lesions of PCa patients’ 99mTc-MDP-SPECT, 18F-FDG-PET/CT, 18F-NaF-PET/CT, and 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT images automated or semi-automated. CAD systems can also calculate the quantitative markers, which can quantify PCa patients’ whole-body bone metastasis tumor burden accurately and quickly and give a standardized and objective result. SPECT and PET/CT CAD systems are potential tools to monitor and quantify bone metastasis lesions of PCa patients simply and accurately, the future clinical application of CAD systems in diagnosing PCa bone metastasis lesions is necessary and feasible.
A quick evaluation of ecological restoration based on arthropod communities and trophic guilds in an urban ecological preserve in Mexico City
Authors: Farfán-Beltrán Manuel Edday , Chávez-Pesqueira Mariana , Hernández-Cumplido Johnattan , Cano-Santana Zenón 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Restoration practices usually emphasize on the structural part of the biodiversity; also, most studies have focused on plants and very few have been conducted on arthropods and its function after restoration. The Pedregal de San Angel Ecological Reserve (PSAER) is a protected area immersed in Mexico City and it has been drastically affected by different anthropogenic disturbances. The aim of this study was to compare the relative diversity, richness, and abundance of species level identification, but also the composition through an analysis of ordination of taxonomic (species, family, and order level) and functional (trophic guild) traits of arthropods in three sites subjected to ecological restoration within the PSAER. Restored sites were also compared to conserved and disturbed sites, to evaluate whether restoration efforts are effective at the reserve.

Methods
Arthropods were sampled using pan traps during September 2013 in 11 sites (three restored, four conserved and four disturbed) inside the PSAER. All sampled species were taxonomically identified at species of morphospecies (inside a family) and assigned to a trophic guild. Differences in diversity, richness and abundance were evaluated through effective number of species, comparisons of Chao’s1 estimated richness and a non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test, respectively. Both taxonomic and trophic guild composition were evaluated using a multivariate analysis and a post hoc test.

Results
We found some differences in richness, abundance, and diversity between sites, but not a clear pattern of differentiation between restored to disturbed sites. The NMDS showed differences at species and order level, and with trophic guilds, among site types. Families were not useful to differentiate types of sites. Regarding guilds, predators were more abundant in conserved sites, while phytophagous insects were more abundant in disturbed sites.

Conclusions
Species and order level were useful to identify differences in communities of arthropods in sites with different management. The trophic guild approach provides information about the functional state of the restored sites. Nevertheless, our quick evaluation shows that restoration efforts at PSAER have not been successful in differentiate restored to disturbed sites yet.
The Current State of Subjective Training Load Monitoring: Follow-Up and Future Directions
Authors: Coyne Joseph O. C. , Coutts Aaron J. , Newton Robert U. , Haff G. Gregory 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis article addresses several key issues that have been raised related to subjective training load (TL) monitoring. These key issues include how TL is calculated if subjective TL can be used to model sports performance and where subjective TL monitoring fits into an overall decision-making framework for practitioners. Regarding how TL is calculated, there is conjecture over the most appropriate (1) acute and chronic period lengths, (2) smoothing methods for TL data and (3) change in TL measures (e.g., training stress balance (TSB), differential load, acute-to-chronic workload ratio). Variable selection procedures with measures of model-fit, like the Akaike Information Criterion, are suggested as a potential answer to these calculation issues with examples provided using datasets from two different groups of elite athletes prior to and during competition at the 2016 Olympic Games. Regarding using subjective TL to model sports performance, further examples using linear mixed models and the previously mentioned datasets are provided to illustrate possible practical interpretations of model results for coaches (e.g., ensuring TSB increases during a taper for improved performance). An overall decision-making framework for determining training interventions is also provided with context given to where subjective TL measures may fit within this framework and the determination if subjective measures are needed with TL monitoring for different sporting situations. Lastly, relevant practical recommendations (e.g., using validated scales and training coaches and athletes in their use) are provided to ensure subjective TL monitoring is used as effectively as possible along with recommendations for future research.
Protocol for the pilot randomized trial of the CArdiovascular Risk assEssment for Rheumatoid Arthritis (CARE RA) intervention: a peer coach behavioral intervention
Authors: Weiner Joan , Lui Geyanne , Brown Mackenzie , Páez Yuliana Domínguez , Fritz Shelley , Sydnor-Campbell Tien , Allen Aberdeen , Jabri Assem , Venkatachalam Shilpa , Gavigan Kelly , Nowell William Benjamin , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Fraenkel Liana , Safford Monika , Navarro-Millán Iris 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death among people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with an estimated increased risk of 50–60% compared to the general population. Lipid-lowering strategies have been shown to lower CVD risk significantly in people with RA and hyperlipidemia. Thus, CVD risk assessment has an important role to play in reducing CVD among people with RA. Yet currently only 37 to 45% of this population are receiving primary lipids screening. This paper describes the CArdiovascular Risk assEssment for RA (CARE RA) intervention, which is designed to address this issue. CARE RA is a peer coach intervention, that is, an intervention in which a person with RA coaches another person with RA, which is designed to educate people with RA about the relation between RA and CVD risk and to help them obtain evidence-based CVD risk assessment and treatment.

Methods
This is an open-label pilot study that will test if the participants assigned to complete the CARE RA curriculum with a peer coach will receive a cardiovascular risk assessment more frequently compared to those that complete the CARE RA curriculum by themselves. The CARE RA intervention is guided by Social Cognitive Theory. Participants in the peer coach intervention arm will receive the assistance of a peer coach who will call the participants once a week for 5 weeks to go over the CARE RA curriculum and train them on how to obtain CVD risk assessment. The control arm will complete the CARE RA curriculum without any assistance. Participants will be randomized 1:1 either to the control arm or to the peer coach intervention arm. The primary outcome is a participant’s having a CVD risk assessment or initiating a statin, if indicated. Secondary outcomes include patient activation and RA medication adherence. The RE-AIM implementation framework guides the implementation and evaluation of the intervention.

Discussion
This pilot study will test the feasibility of the peer coach intervention in anticipation of a larger trial. CARE RA pioneers the use of peer coaches to facilitate the implementation of evidence-based treatment guidelines among people with RA.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04488497. Registered on July 28, 2020.
Effectiveness of renal denervation in the treatment of hypertension: a literature review
Authors: Shah Riya Tejas , Wang Brian Xiangzhi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundCatheter-based renal denervation has been studied as a potential therapeutic option to reduce high blood pressure (BP). Preclinical studies in some experimental models have demonstrated an antihypertensive effect of renal denervation but reports from clinical trials have been mixedMethodsWe performed a literature search using combinations of the key terms ‘Cardiovascular diseases, Clinical trial, Pre-clinical trials, Resistant hypertension, Renal denervation, Ablation technique, Radiofrequency ablation, Ultrasound ablation, RADIANCE SOLO, SYMPLICITY HTN, SYPRAL HTN’. The databases searched were PubMed and OVID Medline.ResultsThe initial SYMPLICITY HTN-1 AND HTN-2 clinical trials reported significant decreases in office BP but results from the more robustly designed SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial, which included sham controls and ambulatory BP monitoring, showed no significant antihypertensive effect. Interest in the use of renal denervation in hypertension was once again sparked by favourable results from the SPYRAL HTN-OFF Med trialConclusionWe provide a thorough, critical analysis of key preclinical and clinical studies investigating the efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation as a treatment for hypertension and highlight future areas for research to allow better translation into clinical practice
From ‘spectating’ to ‘spect-acting’: medical students’ lived experiences of online Forum Theatre training in consulting with domestic abuse victims
Authors: McGrath Daire , Gormley Gerard J. , Reid Helen , Murphy Paul 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Health care professionals, including general practitioners, have an important role in the care of those affected by domestic abuse. Therefore, it is important that healthcare professionals are adequately trained in recognising features of domestic abuse and supporting victims in disclosure. Founded by Augusto Boal, Forum Theatre is a drama methodology that can permit an experiential and immersive learning experience; lending itself well to a subject matter of oppressed individuals. In this study we aimed to gain a deep understanding of medical students’ lived experiences of training in consulting with individuals who experienced domestic abuse using an online format of forum theatre.

Methods
A multidisciplinary team developed an online forum theatre training exercise, which involved a simulated consultation between a general practitioner and domestic abuse victim. Our qualitative approach used hermeneutic phenomenology to explore the participants’ lived experiences of this training. Following the online forum theatre experience, we analysed 11 participant interviews using template analysis to structure the phenomenological interpretation.

Results
We developed five themes through our analytical process: 1) ‘Almost being there…but not quite’: the realistic experience of forum theatre; 2) ‘Taken on an emotional journey’ 3) ‘Opening and controlling a privileged space’; 4) ‘Small things matter…’: cultivating and maintaining rapport and 5) Critically reflecting on future professional self.

Discussion
This study offers fine-grained insights into medical students’ experiences of an online immersive forum theatre training exercise in consulting with individuals who have been affected by domestic abuse. Online forum theatre has the potential to provide a simulated and meaningful approach to train medical students about domestic abuse.
By providing students with a unique opportunity to step into a General Practitioner’s shoes in a domestic abuse consultation, students can practise how they manage a consultation with an impacted individual through a safe, guided, and experiential approach.
Efficacy of biopesticide Protecto (Bacillus thuringiensis) (BT) on certain biochemical activities and histological structures of land snail Monacha cartusiana (Muller, 1774)
Authors: Gaber Omhashim Abdelazeim , Asran Abd Elmawgoud Abdalla , Khider Fatma Kamel , El-Shahawy Gamal , Abdel-Tawab Heba , Elfayoumi Hoda M. K. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
The investigation aimed to show the effect of two concentrations of (Protecto 9.4%) commercial formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Bt) on some biochemical changes of the land snail Monacha cartusiana at three different experimental periods (24, 48 and 72 h). Also, some histobiological altrations of the snail at a lethal experimental period of 96 h were studied.

Results
Pathogenicity effect of two sub-lethal concentrations of biopesticide Protecto; LC20 (6.72 × 106 IU/mg) and LC40 (17.28 × 106 IU/mg) were studied on the land snail M. cartusiana at 3 different exposure periods (24, 48, and 72 h). Some biochemical parameters such as Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine amino transaminase (ALT), Aspartate amino transaminase (AST), and Total protein (TP) were investigated. These observations cleared that; a significant elevation of ALP, ALT, and AST increased with increasing the sub-lethal concentration of protecto (LC20 and LC40) against the exposed snail. Also, the activity of enzymes significantly increased with increasing the time of exposure (24, 48, and 72 h), respectively. Conversely, the level of TP in the snail was significantly decreased under pathogenic exposure for both (LC20 and LC40) concentrations of Protecto at the same three treated periods (24, 48 and 72 h). The histbiological examinations at LC20 and LC40 for the exposure period 96 h, showed that the digestive gland with vacuolated degenerated, ruptured digestive cells and hemocyte infiltration. Moreover, the foot was observed with necrotic changes, vacuolated connective tissue, as well as, deformation in muscle fiber, and rupture the outer layer.

Conclusions
Final results showed that protecto B. thuringiensis had a pathogenic effect on land snail enzymatic activities and histbiological structures of land snail.
Clinical and radiological assessment of hemiplegic shoulder pain in stroke patients
Authors: El-Sonbaty Hassan Abd-Elaty , Abou Elmaaty Ali Ahmed , Zarad Carmen Ali , El-Bahnasawy Amany Salama 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundHemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is one of the most common complications of stroke. This work aimed to evaluate and analyze the clinical and radiological features of painful shoulder in hemiplegic stroke patients with evaluating the diagnostic role of shoulder ultrasound and shoulder MR imaging in assessment of the causes of shoulder pain.Methods210 stroke patients with shoulder affection within 3 years of stroke development were enrolled. Clinical assessment including Medical Research Council scoring, The Brunnström motor recovery and Ashworth Scale. Shoulder ultrasound and MR imaging were done for 74 patients with painful hemiplegic shoulder.ResultsThe prevalence of HSP was 35.2% with statistically significantly higher proportion of shorter disease duration, lower muscle power, lower BMR stage with higher proportion of bicipital tendinitis and complex regional pain syndrome in major versus moderate dependence (P < 0.001,P < 0.001,P < 0.001,P = 0.011 andP = 0.001 respectively). On multivariate analysis only short disease duration was statistically significant independent predictor. Participants with disease duration ≤ 2 months have 21.9 times higher odds to exhibit major rather than moderate dependence. By imaging there was high prevalence of joint effusion (47.3%), bicipital tendinitis (44.6%), bursitis (31%) and adhesive capsulitis (29.7%) in painful hemiplegic shoulder with a very good agreement between MRI and US in diagnosis.ConclusionHSP has a high prevalence in stroke patient with increased morbidity due to various factors and US can be used as an alternative or a complementary to MRI for diagnosis of hemiplegic shoulder pain.
Screening of Manilkara zapota (L) P. Royen stem bark ethanolic extract for in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition, preliminary antidiabetic effects, and improvement of diabetes and its complications in alloxan-induced diabetes in Wistar rats
Authors: Karle Pravin P. , Dhawale Shashikant C. , Mandade Rajesh J. , Navghare Vijay V. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundA perusal of the literature suggested that Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen stem bark (MZSB) is enriched with several bioactive phytoconstituents but had not been yet screened for its in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic potentials. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of 70% ethanolic extract of Manilkara zapota (L) P. Royen stem bark (EMZSB) in DPPH- and H2O2-scavenging assay, in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition assay, ameliorating diabetes and its complications in alloxan-induced diabetes in Wistar rats.ResultsWith a maximum extractive yield of 9.16% w/w, EMZSB has shown the presence of various phytochemicals like flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, anthraquinone glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. EMZSB has elucidated a considerable in vitro free radical scavenging potential by DPPH and H2O2assays when compared with absolute ethanolic extract ofManilkara zapota (L) P. Royen stem bark (AEMZSB), while ascorbic acid was taken as the standard. Further, EMZSB demonstrated high in vitro α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition potential (IC50 = 119.79 ± 1.52 µg/mL) than AEMZSB (IC50 = 129.92 ± 2.29 µg/mL) with a significant difference (p < 0.01), when acarbose was taken as reference inhibitor (IC50 = 86.43 ± 1.26 µg/mL). During acute toxicity studies EMZSB was safe up to 2000 mg kg−1doses while, found causing moribund status followed by mortality in mice at 3000 mg kg−1and above doses. A preliminary antidiabetic study with EMZSB-250 mg kg−1 in normal rats showed no sign of hypoglycemia; however, a dose-dependent antihyperglycemic effects were observed in oral glucose tolerance test in glucose-loaded rats. In vivo assessment with EMZSB-250 mg kg−1 in alloxan-induced rats demonstrated significant blood glucose-lowering effects with perfection in serum lipid profile, body weight enhancement, cardiovascular risk indices, nephroprotective effects, augmentation in liver glycogen content, and histopathological evidence of normal architecture of kidneys with no marks for nephritis.ConclusionsEMZSB-250 showed significant antidiabetic effects and ameliorated diabetic complications by improving glycemic control and accompanying biochemical alteration.
In silico design and pharmacokinetics investigation of some novel hepatitis C virus NS5B inhibitors: pharmacoinformatics approach
Authors: Ejeh Stephen , Uzairu Adamu , Shallangwa Gideon A. , Abechi Stephen E. , Ibrahim Muhammad Tukur 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a contagious disease that damages the liver over time, eventually leading to cirrhosis and death. Chronic HCV infection is regarded as a serious health problem worldwide, impacting up to 3% of the populace and killing over 300,000 people annually. Quick reproduction driven by non-structural protein 5B (NS5B), which is a possible target spot for the development of anti-HCV vaccines, causes genomic diversity. Sofosbuvir, a new oral NS5B inhibitor, was recently licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration for the cure of HCV. Unfortunately, it has received a lot of attention due to its financial concerns and adverse effects. As a result, there is a pressing need to explore alternative HCV treatments that are both cost-effective and free of adverse effects. In this study, we used a Pharmacoinformatics-based strategy to identify and design bioactive molecules that are anti-HCV NS5B. The simulation outcomes are compared to Sofosbuvir simulation outcomes.

Results
Based on docking simulation, the proposed molecules have high-binding energies at the range of − 41.71 to − 39.90 kcal/mol against − 30.34 kcal/mol of Sofosbuvir. Furthermore, when compared to Sofosbuvir, which has a drug score of 0.31 (31% performance), the ADMET analysis of the lead compound demonstrates superior performance with a drug score of 0.88 (88% performance).

Conclusions
The findings revealed that alternative bioactive molecules vary substantially in docking rankings at a range of − 41.71 to − 39.90 kcal/mol against − 30.34 kcal/mol of Sofosbuvir, the FDA-approved NS5B enzyme inhibitor, and when compared to Sofosbuvir, which has a drug score of 0.31, the ADMET analysis of the chosen compound (1c) demonstrates superior performance with a drug score of 0.88.