Difference In Group Research Articles

Effect of Training Based on Travelbee's Human-to-Human Relationship Model on Prenatal Attachment, Fear of Childbirth, and Anxiety in Pregnant Women With Fear of Childbirth: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To investigate the effects of education provided to pregnant women with fear of childbirth according to Travelbee's Human-to-Human Relationship Model on fear of birth, prenatal attachment, and anxiety. This prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted between June and August 2023. Participants included 62 pregnant women divided into intervention and control groups. Pregnant primiparous women who had fear of childbirth were selected for the intervention group, receiving an eight-session educational program based on Travelbee's model. At the end of the educational program, decreased fear of childbirth, lower anxiety, and higher prenatal attachment were detected in the intervention group. Results showed a statistically significant difference in the intervention group compared to the control group. Birth preparation education prepared according to Travelbee's model is an effective method for reducing pregnant women's fear of childbirth and anxiety and increasing prenatal attachment level. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

Generative Artificial Intelligence, With Constrained Information, Outperforms Pre-Doctoral Student Average on Oral Pathology Differential Diagnosis Questions.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have seen rapid advancement and are increasingly used in healthcare fields, including clinical diagnostics and dental education. Despite their growing prominence, their effectiveness in assisting clinical decision-making in dental education remains under-explored. This study examined the performance of Generative AI in generating a clinical impression for oral pathology cases relative to dental students. The aim of this experiment was to assess the diagnostic accuracy and potential difference of Generative AI in clinical oral pathology compared to that of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) students. A clinical oral pathology differential diagnosis exam was administered to both an AI model and DDS students. The AI model received limited information about each case, while the DDS students were provided with standard case details and a multiple-choice selection. The accuracy and statistical significance between both groups were compared and evaluated. The AI model displayed higher diagnostic accuracy compared to the students, 95.65% to 78.92%, respectively, and the difference in groups was statistically significant. The findings suggest that Generative AI has the potential to be a valuable tool in clinical oral pathology, even when provided with minimal case information. Its superior diagnostic performance compared to DDS students highlights prospective benefits of incorporating AI into dental education and specifically in helping students formulate clinical impressions.

Single-cell transcriptomics and machine learning unveil ferroptosis features in tumor-associated macrophages: Prognostic model and therapeutic strategies for lung adenocarcinoma

BackgroundLung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment (TME), influencing tumor progression and immune response. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, has been implicated in tumor biology, but its role within TAMs in LUAD remains unclear.AimThis study aimed to screen key genes associated with ferroptosis in macrophages and construct a prognostic risk model for LUAD based on these genes.MethodsIntegrating the TCGA-LUAD, GSE131907, and GSE13213 datasets, macrophage heterogeneity was analyzed through single-cell dimensionality reduction clustering, pseudotime analysis, and cell-cell communication. Using the GeneCards ferroptosis gene set (1515 genes), ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes in macrophages were screened. Eight machine learning algorithms (LASSO, SVM, XGBoost, etc.) were leveraged to identify prognostic genes and build a Cox regression risk model. The functional roles of key genes were validated through immune infiltration analysis, drug sensitivity prediction, and Western blot analysis.ResultsSingle-cell analysis revealed that macrophages in LUAD lead intercellular communication through the MIF (CD74+CXCR4) ligand-receptor interaction, with ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) highly expressed in macrophages. 73 macrophage FRGs were identified, and through multi-algorithm cross-validation, HLF, HPCAL1, and NUPR1 were determined as core genes. The risk model (Risk Score = HLF × (−0.153) + HPCAL1 × 0.261 + NUPR1 × (−0.21)) demonstrated robust predictive performance in both the TCGA and GSE13213 cohorts, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year AUC values of 0.756, 0.753, and 0.705. The high-risk group was enriched in tumor progression pathways (like epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell cycle checkpoints), exhibited low expression of immune checkpoint genes (BTLA, CD47), and showed increased sensitivity to cyclophosphamide and crizotinib. Western blotting confirmed the expression levels of HLF, HPCAL1, and NUPR1 were remarkably lower in LUAD cell lines compared to normal bronchial epithelial cells (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe research is the first to build a LUAD prognostic model based on macrophage ferroptosis-related genes (HLF, HPCAL1, NUPR1), revealing the immune microenvironment characteristics and drug sensitivity differences in the high-risk group. These findings provide new strategies for precision therapy targeting ferroptosis in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs).

COMPARISON OF FISTULECTOMY VS LIFT PROCEDURE FOR ANAL FISTULA MANAGEMENT

Background: Although anal fistulae are benign, the condition can still negatively influence a patient’s quality of life. Despite its long history and prevalence, anal fistula management remains one of the most challenging and controversial topics in colorectal surgery today. This study aimed to compare the management of anal fistula with LIFT procedure and Fistulectomy. Methodology: A RCT was conducted in a single surgical unit of a tertiary teaching medical college hospital in Karachi from September 2010 through April 2016. A total of 1188 patients with anal fistula were included out of taken sample, Group A (LIFT): 610 patients (70.5% male, 29.5% female); Group B (Fistulectomy): 578 patients (64.9% male, 36.1% female). All patients were followed up for a total duration of twelve weeks during the postoperative period. Patients were followed up at weekly intervals for the initial 6 weeks and at 4-week intervals for another 6 months, and then 6 months for another 5 years. During each follow-up visit, the patient was assessed for postoperative pain, wound complication, and anal incontinence. Results: The mean age of the patients in group A was 41.11 ±7.49 while the mean age of the patients in group B was 45.03 ±7.07 (p-value 0.005). There were 70.5% males and 29.5% Females in group A, whereas 64.9% males and 36.1% female patients were in group B. Comparison of mean pain score showed statistically significant difference in group A and B (p-value <0.05) with higher frequency of anal incontinence was in group B as compared to group A 1 (p-value 0.352). Conclusion: LIFT is an inexpensive and safe procedure that provided primary healing of anal fistula better than fistulectomy.

- Diagnostic value of CRP, PCT, NC and NLR in peripheral blood for bacterial infections in Non-small cell lung cancer patients after chemotherapy

Objective: We attempted to clarify and compare diagnostic value of CRP, PCT, NC and NLR in peripheral blood for bacterial infections of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after chemotherapy. Methods: The 122 NSCLC patients under treatment in our hospital from October 2021 to October 2024 received selection as research cohort; among them, 50 NSCLC patients with bacterial infections after chemotherapy received selection as infection group and 50 NSCLC patients without bacterial infection after chemotherapy received selection as non-infection group. The general data, overall survival as well as CRP, PCT, NC and NLR levels in both groups received comparison. Results: The CRP, PCT, NC and NLR levels in infection group demonstrated elevation in comparison to those in non-infection group (P < 0.05). The overall survival demonstrated no difference in infection group in comparison to that in non-infection group (P = 0.749). The AUC values of CRP, PCT, NC and NLR for diagnosing bacterial infections in NSCLC patients after chemotherapy received comparison, illustrating statistical significance (P < 0.05); among them, PCT had the highest AUC value of 1.000, and next was AUC value of NLR (0.981). Conclusion: Application value of novel indicators such as PCT and NLR in diagnosing bacterial infections in advanced NSCLC patients after chemotherapy should be paid more attention to. The combination of the two may elevate efficacy of early diagnosis of bacterial infections.

Cordia Myxa Fruit Extract Antibacterial Efficacy and Its Effect on the Surface Roughness of Heat-Cured Acrylic Denture Base Material

Background/Objectives: Using chemical disinfectants to clean the base of heat-cured acrylic dentures has several negative effects, including toxicity. On the other hand, therapeutic herbs have fewer adverse effects. This study intended to determine how the antibacterial efficacy and the surface roughness of the heat-cured acrylic material used to fabricate dentures were affected by the use of Cordia myxa fruit (CMF) extract as a disinfection solution for dentures using the immersion technique. Methods: Heat-cured acrylic specimens were prepared (N = 110; 55 specimens) for each test; each group contained five specimens. Three CMF extract concentrations (50, 100, and 150 mg/mL) were made and examined for three immersion times (5, 10, and 15 min). The results were compared to the first control group, which used distilled water, and the second group, which used 2% glutaraldehyde for ten minutes, in accordance with the guidelines. One way analysis of variance ANOVA and Games–Howell post hoc test were employed in SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) program for statistical analysis. Results: The results for the antibacterial test revealed that CMF solutions had a statistically significant difference in all test groups in comparison with the first control group and non-significant differences with (H p = 0.92; J p = 0.278; K p = 0.303) groups in comparison with the second control group (Glutaraldehyde 2%). For the surface roughness test, the effect was not statistically significant for all groups compared to the first and second control groups. Conclusions: It can be concluded that immersing the heat-cure acrylic samples in a solution of 100 mg/mL CMF extract for 15 min, and 150 mg/mL for 10 and 15 min, has an antibacterial effect similar to that of the Glutaraldehyde 2% antiseptic and no negative effect on surface roughness.

Drawing the mind: assessing cognitive decline through self-figure drawings

BackgroundDrawing requires the integration of visual perception, spatial processing, motor planning, and executive functions, but few studies have explored the potential connection between drawings, cognitive decline and dementia.AimThis study compared self-figure drawings of elderly individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to those with normative cognitive functioning.MethodA total of 496 older adults from Thailand and Israel (Mage = 73.97, 70% women) participated in this study. Participants completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-5) and then engaged in a self-figure drawing task. The drawings were categorized into eight groups based on their graphic characteristics. MANCOVA was used to examine differences between the drawing groups, t-tests were used to examine cultural differences, and Chi-square tests were used to examine differences and associations between the drawing groups and the MoCA-5 scores or categories.ResultsWe found that normative cognitive performance was associated with adapted portraits, whereas moderate to severe impairment correlated with schematic, disorganized, and unusual portraits. Cultural differences were also observed: the Thai participants had higher MoCA-5 scores than their Israeli counterparts and fewer differences in drawing group distribution.ConclusionThese findings suggest that self-figure drawings may reflect the cognitive status of older adults, with more detailed and adapted drawings indicating better cognitive functioning.Implications for practiceSelf-figure drawings can be used as a complementary tool for assessing cognitive decline in diverse populations. However, cultural differences in drawing styles and cognitive test performance underscore the need for culturally sensitive approaches to dementia assessment and research.

The effect of pending feedback on the IELTS speaking test result: grammatical range and accuracy in focus

Providing feedback on EFL Learners’ speaking errors has been extensively researched, with numerous studies highlighting its benefits. This study investigates the impact of "pending feedback”, a type of feedback where students are required to independently discover the correct answer. Sixty IELTS learners, 30 learners in the experimental group and 30 learners in the control group, were recruited and divided into experimental and control groups, both of which exhibited similar results in the pre-test. The experimental group received pending feedback, while the control group received other types of feedback methods preferred by the teacher but not pending feedback. To find any possible significant difference in group’s performance, and to detect the relation between pending feedback frequency of occurrence and the increased speaking scores in the experimental group, an Independent Sample T-tests and R-Square correlation were conducted on two groups of participants. It was found experimental group demonstrated an improvement in IELTS speaking scores, indicating a strong correlation between pending feedback and better speaking performance. Additionally, the frequency of pending feedback was examined within the experimental group, further confirming that students who received more frequent pending feedback opportunities indicated enhanced performance.

Whole-body vibration training reduces erector spinae stiffness by ultrasound shear-wave elastography: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundEfficient methods to reduce erector spinae stiffness are important for solving lumbar spine problems, however, the trunk training positions effective for reducing erector spinae stiffness are unclear. Furthermore, it unclear whether whole-body vibration and trunk training are synergistic. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the differences in the immediate effects on reducing erector spinae stiffness among three types of training: simple spinal flexion training, spinal neutral position training, and spinal flexion training combined with whole-body vibration.MethodsThis single-blind randomized controlled trial included 36 healthy university students who were assigned to either the spinal neutral position training group, spinal flexion training group, or whole-body vibration (vibration conditions: 35 Hz, 4 mm) + spinal flexion training group. Training consisted of only one session of the assigned exercise in each group (20 s × 8 sets, rest 15 s). The outcomes measured were erector spinae stiffness, tenderness threshold of the erector spinae, lumbar proprioception, and maximum lumbar forward bending angle. All statistical analyses were performed using a split-plot design analysis of variance.ResultsThere were no significant group × period interactions for erector spinae stiffness; however, a significant main effect of time was observed (p < 0.01). Comparison of pre- and post-intervention stiffness indicated no significant differences in the spinal flexion training group. In contrast, both the spinal neutral position (p < 0.01, pre-intervention: 49.0 [10.6], post-intervention: 47.1 [6.4]) and whole-body vibration + spinal flexion training groups (p = 0.02, pre-intervention: 49.8 [12.6], post-intervention: 47.9 [9.4]) showed significantly less stiffness post-intervention compared to pre-intervention.ConclusionsTrunk training performed in the spinal neutral position or spinal flexion position combined with whole-body vibration reduces erector spinae stiffness more effectively than simple spinal flexion training.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials as a clinical trial (ID: jRCT1042240153; registration date: 20/12/2024).

The effect of endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with early gastrointestinal cancer and precancerous lesion

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in patients with early gastrointestinal (GI) cancer and precancerous lesion. Methods: A total of 132 patients with early GI cancer or precancerous lesion who underwent surgery at Zunhua People’s Hospital between March 2021 and June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 65 patients underwent endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) (Control group), and 67 underwent ESD (ESD group). Perioperative information, treatment outcomes, stress response indicators, miR-146a and miR-199a levels, and incidence of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results: Surgery duration in the ESD group was significantly longer than that in the Control group. However, the intraoperative blood loss in the ESD group was lower, and the duration of anal ventilation and hospitalization was longer than in the Control group (P&lt;0.05). Total treatment efficacy of the ESD group was significantly higher compared to the Control group (P&lt;0.05). After the surgery, levels of serum cortisol (Cor), norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and aldosterone (ALD) in both groups significantly increased compared to those before the surgery, and were significantly lower in the ESD group compared to the Control group (P&lt;0.05). After the surgery, expression levels of miR-146a in both groups significantly decreased, while miR-199a levels significantly increased compared to the preoperative levels, and the difference in the ESD group was more significant than in the Control group (P&lt;0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P&gt;0.05). Conclusions: In patients with early GI cancer or precancerous lesion, ESD can reduce surgical trauma, improve the expression of miR-146a and miR-199a, and alleviate the degree of surgical stress response. ESD is safe and is associated with improved treatment effectiveness and reduce occurrence of complications. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.5.11678 How to cite this: Cao N, Zhao Y, Ma Y, Cao C, Zhang H. The effect of endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with early gastrointestinal cancer and precancerous lesion. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(5):1417-1422. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.5.11678 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Designing a PCR-Based Genotyping Technique for the LEP A19G Polymorphism: Method Development and Optimization

The LEP gene is a protein-encoding gene for the satiety hormone called leptin, which stimulates appetite, impeding food intake and anorexigenic peptide upregulation. This research aims to develop a genotyping method to detect the LEP gene variant A19G, known for its association with appetite and eating preference. Convenience random sampling was performed by disseminating the subject's recruitment on social media among the students of Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA. A total of 51 undergraduates (mean age, 23.20 (Standard Deviation, SD 1.56) years old; 41 females, 10 males) from the faculty were recruited. Questionnaires have been provided to assess the subjects' meal preferences and food intake frequency. A19G genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequent agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). The analysis confirmed the successful development of the A19G genotyping method. The variant allele frequency (VAF) for A19G was 0.13. This approach provides a reliable genotyping tool for LEP A19G in future investigations despite data suggesting that A19G may not be a marker for appetite differences in this subject group. Further research with a larger, more diverse population is warranted to confirm these results and explore the influence of other LEP gene variants on appetite and eating preferences.

Validation of the PANAMA Score for Survival and Benefit of Adjuvant Therapy in Patients With Resected Pancreatic Cancer after Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX.

To validate the prognostic value of the PAncreatic NeoAdjuvant MAssachusetts (PANAMA) score and to determine its predictive ability for survival benefit derived from adjuvant treatment in patients after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) following neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX. The PANAMA score was developed to guide prognostication in patients after neoadjuvant therapy and resection for PDAC. As this score focuses on the risk for residual disease after resection, it might also be able to select patients who benefit from adjuvant after neoadjuvant therapy. This retrospective international multicenter study is endorsed by the European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association. Patients with PDAC who underwent resection after neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX were included. Mantel-Cox regression with interaction analysis was performed to assess the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy. Overall, 383 patients after resection of PDAC following neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX were included of whom 187 (49%), 137 (36%), and 59 (15%) had a low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk PANAMA-score, respectively. Discrimination in median overall survival (OS) was observed stratified by risk groups (48.5, 27.6, and 22.3 months, log-rank Plow-intermediate = 0.004, log-rank Pintermediate-high = 0.027). Adjuvant therapy was not associated with an OS difference in the low-risk group [hazard ratio (HR): 1.50, 95% CI: 0.92-2.50], whereas improved OS was observed in the intermediate (HR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.34-0.97) and high-risk groups (HR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24-0.94; P interaction = 0.008). The PANAMA 3-tier risk groups (low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk, available through pancreascalculator.com) correspond with differential survival in patients with resected PDAC following neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX. The risk groups also differentiate between survival benefits associated with adjuvant treatment, with only the intermediate- and high-risk groups associated with improved OS.

Has the Centralization of Vascular Services changed the 30-day mortality in Elective Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) repairs in North Wales?

Has the Centralization of Vascular Services changed the 30-day mortality in Elective Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) repairs in North Wales?

예비 유아교사 대상 비교과를 연계한 메타버스 적용 교과목의 효과성 연구

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of metaverse-applied courses supported by non-curricular programs on perceived sacrifices, benefits, the value of the metaverse, and digital learning competency. Methods To this end, the study was conducted with 17 pre-service early childhood teachers from the Department of Early Childhood Education at University A in the Chungcheong region. Among them, 8 pre-service teachers who were enrolled in the K-Project course that applies the metaverse formed the experimental group, while the remaining 9 pre-service teachers constituted the control group. Using SPSS 23.0, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, both non-parametric statistical methods, were employed to verify the statistical significance of differences between the groups. Results The results of this study are as follows. To begin, descriptive statistics were used to analyze the measured variables. The experimental group's post-test mean score for perceived sacrifice related to the metaverse and its sub-factors was lower than its pre-test mean score. Conversely, the post-test mean scores for perceived benefits, value, and digital learning competency related to the metaverse, along with their sub-factors, increased compared to the pre-test mean scores. In the control group, the post-test mean score for perceived sacrifice related to the metaverse and its sub-factors increased compared to the pre-test mean score. In contrast, the post-test mean scores for perceived benefits, value, and digital learning competency, along with some sub-factors, decreased compared to the pre-test mean scores, indicating that positive effectiveness related to the metaverse was not found. The analysis of pre-test mean score differences between the experimental group and the control group showed no statistically significant differences, confirming the homogeneity of the groups. Second, the analysis of the pre-test and post-test differences in the experimental group revealed that the overall perceived sacrifice related to the metaverse and its sub-factors, such as content quality and technical effort, showed statistically significant results, validating the effectiveness of the course that applies the metaverse. In contrast, the lack of statistical significance in resistance to innovation suggests that the effectiveness of the course that applies the metaverse was not demonstrated. The overall perceived benefits related to the metaverse and its sub-factors (usefulness, ease of access to information, social identity), the perceived value of the metaverse, and the overall digital learning competency along with its sub-factors (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, information, and problem-solving) were found to be statistically significant, validating the effectiveness of the course that applies the metaverse. The analysis of pre-test and post-test differences in the control group showed no statistically significant differences across all research variables. The results of the post-test difference analysis between the experimental group and the control group showed statistically significant differences across all research variables, confirming the effectiveness of the course that applies the metaverse in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that education utilizing the metaverse through the support of extracurricular programs can positively impact learners' digital learning competencies and promote their engagement in learning. This provides important evidence for the practical applicability of innovative digital learning tools, such as the metaverse, in the field of early childhood education.

Uncovering the complex interactions of mental health symptoms in Chinese college students: insights from network analysis

Mental health problems are prevalent among Chinese college students, with gender differences in symptom presentation. Network analysis provides a novel approach to investigate the complex interactions between symptoms and identify gender differences in the structure and dynamics of mental health problems. Psychological assessment data were collected from 18,629 freshmen at a university in Chengdu, China, between 2020 and 2023. Gaussian Graphical Models and centrality indices were used to estimate and visualize symptom networks. Network comparison tests, accuracy and stability tests, and community detection were performed using R packages to examine gender differences. Mental health symptom networks differed across psychological distress levels. In the severe distress group, male and female students’ networks exhibited significant differences in 10 edges and overall strength. Inferiority, depression, and anxiety emerged as central symptoms, and revealed by community detection. The single-university setting may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations or cultural contexts. The cross-sectional design precludes causal inferences about symptom relationships. Network analysis offers valuable insights into the complex interactions of mental health symptoms among Chinese college students, highlighting gender differences in the severe distress group. The findings reveal central symptoms and distinct symptom clusters, underscoring the importance of developing targeted, personalized interventions that address these specific patterns of psychological distress. By illuminating the intricate structure of mental health networks, this research provides a foundation for more effective, tailored approaches to support student well-being in higher education settings.

Efficacy of curcumin supplementation for the treatment and prevention of pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a randomized controlled trial.

Pouchitis is the most common complication after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis. Induction and maintenance of remission is a crucial therapeutic goal. We investigated curcumin's efficacy in treatment of pouchitis. The double-blind trial included an induction cohort of refractory pouchitis patients and a maintenance cohort of patients without pouchitis after IPAA. Patients received either placebo or curcumin for 8 weeks. The pouchitis activity were assessed before and after and was compared between cohorts or groups. Laboratory inflammation indicators, nutritional status and quality of life were also appraised. 52 patients were included, with 39 and 13 patients entering the maintenance cohort and induction cohort, respectively. In maintenance cohort, the proportion of clinical remission elevated from 11 to 89% in curcumin group (p = 0.005), whereas there was no significant difference in placebo group (10% vs 5%, p = 1).In induction cohort, 67% (4/6) patients achieved clinical response after 8 weeks' intervention of curcumin, whereas none treated with placebo (p = 0.021). Patients treated with curcumin appeared less inflammation and there was no significant difference in indicators changes between two cohorts. Curcumin has preventive and therapeutic effects on pouchitis. Curcumin supplementation can reduce the disease activity and improve the nutritional status of patients with after IPAA. ChiCTR, ChiCTR1900022243. Registered 31 March 2019, https://www.chictr.org.cn/historyversionpub.aspx?regno=ChiCTR1900022243.

Monitoring Amphetamine and Methamphetamine Mixtures Based on Deep Learning Involves Colorimetric Sensing.

Precise recognition and discrimination of highly similar analytes (either in structure or property) with distinguishable sensing responses are challenging but significant in the practical application of drug seizing, food additive inspection, environmental monitoring, etc. Here, a colorimetric differentiation strategy was proposed by modulating the probe structure to influence the aggregate behaviors of the reaction products; thus, amphetamine (AMP) and methamphetamine (MA) with the sole structural difference of a methyl group were successfully discriminated. Specifically, upon recognition of the furan ring-opening reaction, the probe was screened out from a series of furan-based probes with different electron-withdrawing groups, which further facilitated the aggregate state difference of reaction products and then amplified the difference in colorimetric responses. In addition, the probe-embedded porous polymer substrate was fabricated to accelerate the response for trace AMP and MA, and the judgment of doping ratios of AMP and MA in the mixtures was realized for the first time by further combining with the self-developed Drugs Analyst as well as deep learning algorithms. Hence, we envisage that this structural-modulation-enabled colorimetric differentiation strategy will shine light on the multianalyte discrimination from aspects of optical sensing development and multidisciplinary fusion.

THE IMPACT OF SCENARIO-BASED LEARNING ON THE SCIENTIFIC CREATIVITY AND REFLECTIVE THINKING SKILLS OF FOURTH-GRADE STUDENTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL

The current study examines the impacts of scenario-based science activities on the scientific creativity and reflective thinking skills of fourth-grade students in primary school. Therefore, it was carried out in a primary school in Yozgat city center during the 2023-2024 Academic Year. An experimental group (24 students [13 girls, 11 boys]) and a control group (22 students [12 girls, 10 boys]) were formed from the fourth grade of the school in question. Science Scientific Creativity Questionnaire and Science Reflective Thinking Scale were utilized as data collection tools during the experimental process, which lasted ten weeks with three hours each week. The data obtained via the research were analyzed through independent samples t-tests along with dependent samples t-tests. The results obtained through the analysis exhibited a significant difference in the experimental group’s favor with regard to understanding, reflection, and total score of reflective thinking in all sub-dimensions of scientific creativity. Based on these results, it is thought that using scenario-based learning activities would be beneficial in primary school science courses. Keywords: primary school, reflective thinking, science education, scientific creativity

The Harmful Effect of a Slimming Drug Compared to a Mix of Some Plants Extract on Rats

Background: Xenical drug impact was used for studying losing weight by testing some physiological parameters in male rats compared to (Hatra herbs®) plants extract used for slimming. Methods: ALT,AST,ALP,B.UREA Creatinine, lipids profile, TSH, T4 and T3 were examined. male rats separated into 3 groups: control group, a Xenical group (120 mg\kg b.wt) and a mix plants extract group (200 mg\kg b.wt). Result: Results showed that body weight, cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDLand LDL had a significant drop in plants extract group compared to control, whilst ALTandAST showed a substantial rise in Xenical group compared to control also a significant surge in ALP in both treated groups compared to control . on other hand had, T3 and TSH had a significant reduced in Xenical group, while T3 showed non significant differences in plants extract group compared to control ,in the meantime T4 exhibited increased significance in Xenical group and non significant differences in plants extract group compared to control. B.urea showed a significant escalation in Xenical group compared to plants extract group and control, while creatinine noted no significant differences in all treated groups compared to control group.

Hormonal balance, anovulatory cycles and luteal phase deficiency: exploring relationships between hematological variables, sex hormones and V̇O2max in athletes.

The impact of the menstrual cycle on physical fitness in athletes remains controversial in the scientific literature. Notable fluctuations in sex hormones occur at three key phases of the menstrual cycle, during which estrogen and progesterone levels vary significantly. In addition, the presence of regular bleeding does not ensure ovulation; therefore many women may not be aware that they have anovulatory cycles. These sex hormones can influence the physiology of women and can affect their level of cardiorespiratory performance depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle they are in. Method: Twenty-seven women aged 18-40 years with regular cycles were recruited. All participants had to be athletes classified as level II-III of the McKay et al. 2022 proposal based on training volume/physical activity metrics, among other variables. Cardiorespiratory fitness was indirectly assessed using V̇O2max measurements. Blood samples were collected on three occasions to determine the phase of the menstrual cycle by analyzing sex hormone levels. In addition, urine analyses were performed to detect ovulation, which was positive in all participants. To classify a cycle as ovulatory, progesterone levels must reach 16 nmol/L during the mid-luteal phase. However, it was observed that 26% of the sample did not reach this threshold, exhibiting anovulatory cycles or cycles with deficient luteal phases. Thus, two study groups were created: the ovulatory menstrual cycle group (n = 20) and the menstrual cycle group with deficient/anovulatory luteal phases (n = 7). These groups did not show statistically significant differences in age, weight, body mass index or V̇O2max during the bleeding phase (phase I). Female sex hormones did not show significant differences in the anovulatory cycle group, whereas they did show significant differences in the ovulatory cycle group. A high prevalence of female athletes with anovulatory menstrual cycles was observed. Women with ovulatory cycles experienced changes in their V̇O2max (P = 3.78E-4), in contrast to women with anovulatory cycles, who exhibited stable V̇O2max levels throughout their cycle (P = 0.638). Women with anovulatory menstrual cycles exhibit linear patterns of sex hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, which could lead to the maintenance of physical fitness throughout the cycle. In ovulatory cycles, it would be possible to polarize the training load according to the phase of the menstrual cycle. Monitoring ovulation, in addition to menstrual bleeding, is necessary to enhance knowledge about women's reproductive health. The menstrual cycle may affect physical fitness in female athletes, but the evidence remains unclear. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone fluctuate during different phases of the menstrual cycle and can influence performance. However, menstrual bleeding does not always indicate ovulation, and many women may not realize they are not ovulating or producing eggs. In our study, we analyzed 27 female athletes aged 18-40 with regular cycles, measuring cardiorespiratory fitness V̇O2max and hormone levels across the menstrual cycle. We found that 26% of participants were either not producing eggs or their womb lining was not thick enough to support a healthy cycle. These women showed consistent V̇O2max levels throughout the cycle, while those with ovulatory cycles** - where an egg is released - **exhibited variations in performance. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring ovulation, not just bleeding, to understand how the menstrual cycle impacts fitness and health. Tailoring training to menstrual phases could optimize performance for women with ovulatory cycles.