Random Method Research Articles

The Impact Of Price And Brand Image On Consumer Loyalties Of Singkong Moro Crips On The Housing Industry In Sari Lampung East Sources Village

The research aims to find out the impact of packaging, price and brand image on loyalty. Supposed packaging, price and brand image. The study used quantitative research methods, with a total of 97 respondents. Sampling using non-probability sampling techniques with random sample methods. The data analysis techniques used are Data Quality Test, Classical Assumption Test, Double Linear Regression Analysis, Hypothesis Test and Determination Coefficient Test. Based on calculations with some of these techniques and tests, it is known that the packaging individually has no influence on consumer loyalty. While price and brand image have a positive and significant influence on consumer loyalty.

Effects of high-fat diet on the morphology and function of the thyroid gland and glycolipid metabolism in thyroid clock gene Bmal1 knockout mice

Objective: To investigate the changes in thyroid morphology and function in mice with thyroid-specific knockout of the clock gene Bmal1 under high-fat diet (HFD), and to examine its effects on glycolipid metabolism in mice. Methods: Construct a mouse model with specific knockout of the Bmal1 gene in the thyroid (T-Bmal1-/-) (knockout group, n=10), and use Bmal1flox/flox mice without thyroid peroxidase-cyclization recombination enzyme (T-Bmal1+/+) as the control group (non-knockout group, n=10). The mice were fed until 6 weeks (body weight 20-23 g), and then use the random number table method to evenly divide each group of mice into two subgroups. They were then fed either with normal diet (ND) or (HFD), resulting in four final groups: ND non-knockout group, HFD non-knockout group, ND knockout group, and HFD knockout group, with 5 mice in each group. From the 6th week onwards, the body weights of the mice were measured for 10 consecutive weeks. On the first day of the 14th week, the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was conducted, and on the first day of the 15th week, the intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT) was performed. On the first day of the 16th week after the mice were born, blood samples (0.2 ml) were taken from the eyes under anesthesia at 7∶00, 13:00, 19:00, and 1∶00 the next day, and the thyroid, liver, kidneys, spleen, inguinal white adipose tissue, and scapular brown adipose tissue were rapidly removed. Thyroid tissue morphology, thyroid function indexes, thyroid clock genes and thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion related genes expression, body weight, IPGTT and IPITT area under the curve (AUC) and lipid levels were detected and compared among all groups. Results: There was no significant difference in the number of thyroid follicles, the area of thyroid follicles and the height of thyroid follicle cavity between ND knockout group and ND non-knockout group (all P>0.05), but the height of thyroid follicle cavity in HFD knockout group was lower than that in HFD knockout group [(25.8±1.6) vs (54.4±9.5) μm, P=0.002]. The level of serum T4 in knockout group after ND or HFD feeding was higher than that in non-knockout group (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the mRNA expression level of sodium iodine transporter between ND knockout group and ND non-knockout group (P=0.550), but the mRNA expression level of sodium iodine transporter in HFD knockout group was higher than that in HFD non-knockout group [0.67±0.27 vs 0.20±0.09, P=0.006].There was no significant difference in weight gain and groin white fat weight between ND knockout group and ND non-knockout group (both P<0.05), but weight gain and groin white fat tissue weight in HFD knockout group were lower than those in HFD knockout group (both P<0.05). The IPGTT results showed no statistically significant difference in AUC between the ND knockout and ND non-knockout groups (P=0.226), but the HFD knockout group had a smaller AUC than the HFD non-knockout group (P=0.008). The IPITT revealed that the AUC of the ND knockout group was smaller than that of the ND non-knockout group (P=0.047). Lipid profiles were similar between the ND knockout and ND non-knockout groups (all P>0.05), but the HFD knockout group had lower levels of total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than the HFD non-knockout group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Thyroid-specific knockout of the clock gene Bmal1 can affect thyroid hormone levels and glycolipid metabolism in mice, with more pronounced effects after HFD feeding.

Osteopathic correction in the complex treatment of patients with panic disorder

Introduction. Panic disorder (PD) is most common in people of the most working age (25 to 64 years). The prevalence of this condition among the population varies from 2 to 5 %. Benzodiazepines and antidepressants, which are included in most international and national clinical guidelines, have proven clinical effi cacy in the treatment of panic disorder. However, the treatment regimens offered to date are far from always helpful in achieving the desired outcome. This necessitates the search for alternative treatment schemes, including the use of non-medication methods.The aim of the study: to substantiate the possibility of using osteopathic correction in the complex therapy of patients with panic disorders.Materials and methods. A controlled randomised study was conducted from December 2020 to December 2021 on the basis of the medical clinic «Anatomy of Health» (Bataysk). There were 32 female patients under observation, aged 25 to 55 years with a previous diagnosis of panic disorder. Depending on the applied treatment, all observed patients were divided into 2 groups using the method of simple randomisation: main group (16 patients) and control group (16 patients). All patients received conventional psychopharmacotherapy and psychotherapy selected according to an individual scheme. In addition to the described therapy scheme, the patients of the main group received three sessions of osteopathic correction lasting about 60 minutes each. The interval between the sessions was from 14 to 21 days. All patients were assessed for osteopathic status, the frequency and severity of panic attacks were investigated using the Panic Disorder Severity Rating Scale.Results. The average age of the examined patients was 38,1±8,7 years. All the patients had comorbid pathology: dorsopathies of nasal localisation (25 people, 80 %), pathology of gastrointestinal tract (17 people, 54 %), cephalgia (12 people, 38 %). Somatic dysfunctions (SD) of global level were less characteristic for the examined patients and were revealed in 7 people [3 (19 %) in the main group and 4 (25 %) in the control group]. All patients had a combination of global rhythmogenic disorder (impaired cranial rhythmic impulse production) and global neurodynamic disorder (psychoviscerosomatic). The patients were found to have regional level SD, with a combination of 2 or more regional biomechanical disorders, and the following regions were characterised by dysfunctions: thoracic [structural and visceral components — 32 (100 %) and 32 (100 %) respectively], pelvis [visceral component — 19 (59 %)], and head [13 (41 %)]. If before the treatment the patients of both groups did not differ statistically signifi cantly in the frequency of detected SDs, after the treatment a statistically signifi cant (p&lt;0,05) decrease in the frequency of detection of regional biomechanical disorders of the thoracic region (structural and visceral component) and pelvis (visceral component) in the patients of the main group was obtained. For the rest of the indicators the differences were not signifi cant. Most of the patients had mild (17 patients, 53 %) and moderate (8 patients, 25 %) panic attacks. The average number of points according to the questionnaire was 10,1±2,5. According to these indicators the groups did not differ statistically signifi cantly. After completion of the course of complex treatment in the patients of the main group in comparison with the control group there is a statistically signifi cant (p&lt;0,05) higher number of people with borderline values and mild panic attack severity, this corresponds to a statistically signifi cant (p&lt;0,05) lower number of scores on the self-questionnaire.Conclusion. The patients with PD are primarily characterised by SD of the thoracic region (structural and visceral components) and pelvis (visceral component). Inclusion of osteopathic correction in the complex therapy of PD patients allows to achieve statistically signifi cant more signifi cant positive dynamics of indicators characterising the severity of the disease (decrease in the number of patients with severe form and increase in mild and borderline forms of the disease). It is reasonable to recommend to profi le specialists to refer patients with PD for consultation to an osteopathic doctor with the purpose of potential inclusion of OC in treatment programmes for this group of patients.

Mendelian randomization analyses support causal relationships between HPV infection and colorectal cancer

BackgroundHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) infections leading to a variety of diseases are a global public health issue.Despite the well-established link between HPV infection and cervical and anogenital cancers, there is ongoing debate regarding the relationship between HPV infection and colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsWe evaluated the causal connection between HPV infection and CRC utilizing five Mendelian randomization (MR) methods. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets for HPV were obtained from the IEU Open GWAS project. A large summary of colorectal adenocarcinoma and colorectal cancer data from the FinnGen database was used as the outcome.ResultsOur analysis revealed a significant association between genetically predicted HPV-16 infection and the risk of paternal colorectal adenocarcinoma (HPV-16: OR 1.058, 95% CI 1.013–1.102; p = 0.011), as well as CRC (HPV-16: OR 1.045, 95% CI 1.005–1.085; p = 0.025).ConclusionThese findings provide compelling evidence for a causal effect of HPV infection on the development of CRC. Further investigations into the underlying mechanisms and elucidation of this association are necessary to identify viable interventions for the prevention and treatment of HPV-associated CRC.

Error Separation Method for Geometric Distribution Error Modeling of Precision Machining Surfaces Based on K-Space Spectrum

The geometric error distributed on components’ contact surfaces is a critical factor affecting assembly accuracy and precision instrument stability. Effective error separation methods can improve model accuracy, thereby aiding in performance prediction and process optimization. Here, an error separation method for geometric distribution error modeling for precision machining surfaces based on the K-space spectrum is proposed. To determine the boundary of systematical error and random error, we used a cruciform boundary line method based on the K-space spectrum, achieving the optimal separation of the two with frequency difference. The effectiveness of the method was experimentally verified using two sets of machined surfaces. By comparing with current common random error filtering methods, the outstanding role of the proposed error separation method in separating random error and preserving processing features has been verified.

Comprehensive Mendelian randomization analysis of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and multiple cancers

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and five cancers (breast, cervical, thyroid, prostate and colorectal) using the Mendelian Randomization (MR) method, with a view to revealing the potential role of LDL-C in the development of these cancers.MethodsWe used gene variant data and disease data from the Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) database to assess the causal relationship between LDL-C and each cancer by Mendelian randomisation analysis methods such as inverse variance weighting and MR-Egger. Specifically, we selected Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), genes associated with LDL-C levels, as instrumental variables, extracted the corresponding single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data and analysed the associations of these SNPs with five cancers.In addition, sensitivity analyses and heterogeneity tests were performed to ensure the reliability of the results.ResultsThe analyses showed that when using HMGCR gene, LDL-C were significantly and positively associated with breast (OR:1.200, 95% CI:1.082–1.329, p = 0.001), prostate (OR:1.198, 95% CI:1.050–1.366, p = 0.007), and thyroid cancers (OR:8.291, 95% CI:3.189- 21.555, p = 0.00001) were significantly positively correlated, whereas they were significantly negatively correlated with colorectal cancer (OR:0.641, 95% CI:0.442–0.928, p = 0.019); the results for cervical cancer were not significant (p = 0.050). When using the PCSK9 gene, LDL-C levels were significantly and positively associated with breast (OR:1.107, 95%:CI 1.031–1.187, p = 0.005) and prostate (OR:1.219, 95%:CI 1.101–1.349, p = 0.0001) cancers, but not with cervical (p = 0.294), thyroid cancer (p = 0.759) and colorectal cancer ( p = 0.572).ConclusionAnalyses using both the HMGCR and PCSK9 genes have shown that LDL-C may be a potential risk factor for breast and prostate cancer, while analyses of the HMGCR gene have also suggested that LDL-C may increase the risk of thyroid cancer and decrease the risk of colorectal cancer.

Spatial-temporal analysis of carbon benefit and land use for low-carbon development strategies in Shandong Province, China

Abstract Assessing the carbon sequestration capacity of regional ecosystems is essential for achieving carbon neutrality goals. However, existing research often fails to comprehensively evaluate the spatial-temporal dynamic changes of ecosystem carbon emissions and absorption. This study introduces a Carbon Benefit Index (CBI) to assess carbon neutrality potential and classifies Shandong's 16 cities into four regions based on their carbon storage and emissions profiles. We conducted an in-depth analysis of ecosystem carbon benefits in Shandong Province from 2000 to 2020 using the multimodel random forest ensemble method, which enhances the accuracy of carbon sink simulations across terrestrial ecosystems. Our results showed that from 2000 to 2020, Shandong’s carbon emissions increased by 1.45×10⁸ tons (a 203.8% rise), while carbon storage decreased by 3.40×10⁷ tons (a 2.05% decline). Compared to previous studies, our findings underscore the significance of both above-ground and below-ground carbon storage. Grey correlation analysis of land use, anthropogenic CO₂ emissions, and ecosystem carbon storage revealed that cultivated and forest lands were most significantly correlated with carbon storage, whereas built-up areas were most closely linked to carbon emissions. The CBI analysis and classification of the 16 cities into four categories highlights the spatial-temporal heterogeneous of the carbon efficiency, and diverse roles cities play in the province's overall carbon balance, informing city-specific, targeted carbon reduction strategies. The study emphasizes the need for spatially differentiated, comprehensive carbon accounting to improve carbon efficiency. Based on these findings, we propose tailored low-carbon improvement strategies for different regions. This research not only contributes to existing literature by incorporating below-ground carbon storage but also provides valuable insights for policy and land management, with practical implications for promoting sustainable development and advancing efforts toward carbon neutrality.

Nonparametric Estimation for Propensity Scores With Misclassified Treatments.

In the framework of causal inference, average treatment effect (ATE) is one of crucial concerns. To estimate it, the propensity score based estimation method and its variants have been widely adopted. However, most existing methods were developed by assuming that binary treatments are precisely measured. In addition, propensity scores are usually formulated as parametric models with respect to confounders. However, in the presence of measurement error in binary treatments and nonlinear relationship between treatments and confounders, existing methods are no longer valid and may yield biased inference results if these features are ignored. In this paper, we first analytically examine the impact of estimation of ATE and derive biases for the estimator of ATE when treatments are contaminated with measurement error. After that, we develop a valid method to address binary treatments with misclassification. Given the corrected treatments, we adopt the random forest method to estimate the propensity score with nonlinear confounders accommodated and then derive the estimator of ATE. Asymptotic properties of the error-eliminated estimator are established. Numerical studies are also conducted to assess the finite sample performance of the proposed estimator, and numerical results verify the importance of correcting for measurement error effects.

Investigating the Effect of Electronic Learning Through Social Media on the Knowledge and Performance of Nurses Regarding Tube Feeding In ICU

Background: Updating the knowledge and having the best performance of nurses in the ICUs, due to their heavy work shifts, requires choosing the appropriate educational method. Objectives: This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of e-learning through social media on the knowledge and performance of ICU nurses regarding tube feeding. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 76 ICU nurses who were eligible to enter the study and were divided into two intervention and control groups using the random allocation method. The data collection tools included demographic, knowledge level questionnaires, and nurses' performance checklist regarding tube feeding. The intervention group was given 8 sessions of group training using PowerPoint and Online questions and answers through WhatsApp social media. Before and two weeks after the training, the questionnaire and checklist of nurses' knowledge and performance were completed. Finally, the data was analyzed with SPSS 22 software. Results: The two groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic variables (P &gt; 0.05), except for gender. To compare the knowledge score after the intervention, by controlling the confounding effects and the possible effects of the knowledge score before the intervention, analysis of covariance was used. There was a significant difference between the knowledge score of the intervention and control groups after training on WhatsApp (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the mean performance scores before the intervention (P = 0.833). This difference was significant after the intervention (P &lt; 0.001), so that the performance scores of the intervention group were higher than the control group. Conclusions: Due to nurses' heavy work shifts, the possibility of face-to-face education program is less; learning using social media can lead to an increase in the knowledge and performance of nurses in ICU in the field of tube feeding.

Application of Mendelian randomized research method in oncology research: bibliometric analysis

BackgroundCancer has always been a difficult problem in the medical field, and with the gradual deepening of Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), Mendelian randomization methods have been increasingly used to study cancer pathogenesis. In this study, we examine the literature on Mendelian cancer, summarize the status of the research, and analyze the development trends in the field.MethodsPublications on “Mendelian Randomization - Cancer” were retrieved and downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace 6.2.R4, VOSviewer 1.6.19, Scimago Graphica 1.0.38, Bibliometrix R-package, and a bibliometric online analysis platform were used for data analysis and visualization. An in-depth analysis of country or region, authors, journals, keywords, and references was performed to provide insights into the content related to the field.ResultsA total of 836 articles were included in the analysis; 643 authors from 72 countries had published articles related to the field. China and Harvard University (among countries and institutions, respectively) had the highest number of articles. Martin, Richard M and Smith, George Davey were the largest contributors. A total of 27 cancers have been studied, with breast, colorectal, and liver cancers being the most studied.ConclusionThis study is the first to use bibliometric methods to visualize the application of Mendelian randomization analysis in the field of cancer, revealing research trends and research frontiers in the field. This information will provide a strong reference for cancer researchers and epidemiologic researchers.

A comparative study of dynamic versus static rehabilitation protocols after acute Achilles tendon rupture repair with channel assisted minimally invasive repair technique

To explore the difference in effectiveness between a dynamic rehabilitation protocol and a traditional static rehabilitation protocol after the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture with channel assisted minimally invasive repair (CAMIR) technique through a prospective comparative trial, aiming to provide a reference for clinically selecting a feasible treatment regimen. Patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture admitted between June 2021 and June 2022 were included in the study, with 60 patients meeting the selection criteria. They were randomly divided into a dynamic rehabilitation group ( n=30) and a static rehabilitation group ( n=30) using a computer-generated random number method. There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, body mass index, smoking history, injured side, cause of injury, and disease duration between the two groups ( P>0.05). After Achilles tendon anastomosis by using CAMIR technique, the dynamic rehabilitation group implemented early partial weight-bearing training with the assistance of an Achilles heel boot and controlled ankle joint exercises for 6 weeks, while the static rehabilitation group maintained a non-weight-bearing status during this period. Complications in both groups were recorded. At 3 and 6 months after operation, the Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) was used to evaluate the degree of functional limitation of the Achilles tendon in the affected limb, and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12 scale) was used to assess the patients' quality of life, including physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores. No sural nerve injury occurred during operation in both groups. All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14 months). The dynamic rehabilitation group had significantly higher ATRS scores at 3 and 6 months after operation compared to the static rehabilitation group ( P<0.05). At 3 months after operation, the dynamic rehabilitation group had significantly lower PCS, MCS, and SF-12 total scores compared to the static rehabilitation group ( P<0.05). At 6 months, all quality of life scores in the two groups were similar ( P>0.05). Two cases (6.6%) in the dynamic rehabilitation group and 5 cases (16.7%) in the static rehabilitation group developed complications, with no significant difference in incidence of complications ( P>0.05). For acute Achilles tendon rupture, the dynamic rehabilitation protocol after Achilles tendon anastomosis by using CAMIR technique can improve early functional recovery and maintains comparable safety and effectiveness compared to static rehabilitation.

Unveiling the skin microbial guardians and assailants in psoriasis subtypes: a Mendelian randomization study.

Previous studies have shown an association between skin microbiota and psoriasis, but the causal relationship between skin microbiota and different psoriasis subtypes remains unexplored. Our study employed the Mendelian randomization (MR) method, using summary statistics from Genome-Wide Association Studies, to investigate the causal relationships between skin microbiota and different subtypes of psoriasis. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method served as the primary method in our MR study. The MR-Egger intercept test, Cochran's Q test, MR-PRESSO test, and leave-one-out analysis were conducted for sensitive analyses. Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization (BWMR) method was conducted to enhance our results. For psoriasis vulgaris, our results showed that asv016 [Enhydrobacter (unc.)], alphaproteobacteria, and asv070 [Veillonella (unc.)] may serve as protective factors. Meanwhile, asv009 [D. nitroreducens], asv010 [Staphylococcus (unc.)], Neisseriaceae, and clostridiales were found to be risk factors. For guttate psoriasis, our findings suggested that asv023 [C. kroppenstedtii], asv039 [Acinetobacter (unc.)], bacteroidales, paracoccus, and betaproteobacteria may serve as protective factors, while asv008 [Staphylococcus (unc.)], asv061 [S. mitis], asv086 [A. johnsonii], finegoldia, and flavobacteriaceae emerged as potential risk factors. For generalized pustular psoriasis, our findings identified asv039 [Acinetobacter (unc.)], asv009 [D. nitroreducens], and Staphylococcus as potential protective factors, whereas asv016 [Enhydrobacter (unc.)], asv006 [S. hominis], bacteroidales, and bacteroides emerged as potential risk factors. For psoriatic arthropathies, our findings suggested that Propionibacterium, asv053 [Streptococcus (unc.)], asv093 [Staphylococcus (unc.)], rothia may serve as protective factors, while asv012 [S. hominis], corynebacterium, clostridiales, flavobacteriaceae, anaerococcus, asv013 [S. epidermidis] were associated with increased risk. Our findings suggest potential causal relationships between certain skin microbiota and different subtypes of psoriasis, highlighting their potential as novel biomarkers for diagnosing different subtypes of psoriasis, and offering promising avenues for developing microbiome-based diagnostics and targeted therapies for diverse psoriasis subtypes.

Machine learning in predicting heart failure survival: a review of current models and future prospects.

Heart failure is a complex and prevalent condition with significant implications for patient management and survival prediction. Traditional predictive models often fall short in accuracy due to their reliance on pre-specified predictors and assumptions of variable independence. This review aims to assess the role of machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting heart failure survival, comparing their performance with traditional statistical methods and identifying key predictive features. We conducted a review of studies utilizing ML algorithms for heart failure survival prediction. Data were sourced from PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Embase, DOAJ, and the Cochrane Library, covering studies published until July 2024. A total of 10 studies were reviewed, encompassing 468,171 patients with heart failure. ML algorithms, particularly random forests and gradient boosting methods, demonstrated superior performance compared to traditional statistical models. These algorithms effectively identified key risk factors and stratified patients into risk categories with high accuracy. Notably, extreme learning machine (ELM) and CatBoost models showed exceptional predictive capabilities, as indicated by metrics such as Harrell's concordance index (C-index) and area under the curve (AUC). Key predictive features included ejection fraction (EF), serum creatinine (S Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). ML algorithms offer significant advantages in predicting heart failure survival by uncovering complex patterns and improving risk stratification. Their integration into clinical practice could lead to more personalized treatment strategies and enhanced patient outcomes. However, challenges such as data quality, model interpretability, and integration into clinical workflows need to be addressed.

Roles of BMI in mediating the causal effect of obstructive sleep apnea on psoriasis: a two-step mendelian randomization study.

Observational studies have reported an association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and psoriasis. Nonetheless, the presence of a causal relationship within this observed association remains to be confirmed. Consequently, we utilized the Mendelian Randomization (MR) method to assess the causal effects between OSA on psoriasis.Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with OSA were extracted from the FinnGen study. statistics for psoriasis were obtained from the publicly available IEU GWAS database. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was chosen as the primary analysis, combined with several sensitivity analyses to evaluate the robustness of results. The study design included two-sample MR and two-step MR.Our primary MR analysis revealed that genetically predicted OSA was positively linked to psoriasis (OR = 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.42, p < 0.001), while no significant causal relationships were observed between psoriasis and OSA (p > 0.05). The two-step MR suggests that BMI might act as a mediating factor in the effect of OSA on psoriasis, with a mediated portion estimated at 23%.Our findings provide support for a causal relationship between genetically predicted OSA and psoriasis. Furthermore, our results suggest that BMI may play a role in mediating the influence of OSA on psoriasis.

Empowering Saudi EFL Learners Using ChatGPT: An Analysis of Challenges and Educational Opportunities

The study assessed Saudi students’ opinions, obstacles and difficulties, and the educational prospects and opportunities of ChatGPT usage in EFL classrooms. The simple random selection method was utilised to choose 235 respondents from the various stages of undergraduate programs at different colleges of two Saudi universities. A primarily self-designed questionnaire with refined items from earlier studies was sent to other groups for responses. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze the data quantitatively. The findings revealed that Saudi students had great excitement about ChatGPT as an important tool for language acquisition and instruction. They viewed it positively as it helped them overcome certain issues they experienced in a conventional mode of instruction. The study also found that ChatGPT usage posed certain obstacles and challenges such as inhibiting innovative and critical thinking, distorting content and quality, failing to replace EFL teachers, and failing to fully understand the social connotations embedded in idioms and phrases. It was revealed that the remarkable technological and digital infrastructure of Saudi Arabia offers substantial pedagogical and educational implications for the ChatGPT integration in Saudi EFL classes. The study suggests the incorporation of more regions and different from different disciplines to add to the study's reliability and validity.

Thyroid function and brain structure: insight from a Mendelian randomization study.

Thyroid hormones play a critical role in brain development. However, the precise causal associations between thyroid function and structural changes in specific brain regions remain uncertain. We applied the univariate Mendelian randomization (UVMR) method to assess the causal effects of thyroid function on brain structure. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on thyroid-related traits from the ThyroidOmics consortium, including free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), FT3/FT4 ratio, as well as dichotomized high and low TSH levels were used as exposures. GWAS data on cortical thickness, surface area, and volume of subcortical structures served as outcomes. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was the main estimate method. Subsequently, multivariable MR (MVMR) was conducted to validate significant causal associations identified in UVMR. UVMR analysis identified 1 significant and 13 nominal significant causal relationships (P<0.05). Genetically predicted FT4 showed a statistically significant inverse association with putamen volume (β= -71.91, 95% confidence interval: -112.11 to -31.71). These findings were robust in sensitivity analysis. MVMR analysis further confirmed a persistent causal relationship between FT4 and putamen volume after adjusting for FT3, TSH, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Functional enrichment analyses indicated the pathways by which FT4 influences putamen volume may be related to thyroid hormone signaling pathway, sodium-independent organic anion transport, and Rap1 signaling pathway. MR analysis provides evidence for causal relationships between thyroid function and brain structural alterations, particularly highlighting the impact of FT4 on putamen volume. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which thyroid hormones modulate brain structure.

واقع خصخصة التعليم من حيث الاحتياجات وجودة التعليم: المدارس العربيّة الأهلية في منطقة الجليل أنموذجًا

The study aimed to identify the reality of privatization of education in terms of needs and quality of education in Arab private schools in the Galilee region. The study relied on the descriptive analytical approach. The questionnaire was applied to the study sample members, numbering (304) teachers and (629) parents, who were selected using the stratified random cluster method. The study reached the following results: The arithmetic averages showed that the most important educational needs that private schools can meet are providing a good educational environment, and the level of quality of education in private schools was high. The results also showed that the private school has a good reputation, and the school principal has high administrative experience and a competent teaching staff. The results also showed that there are no statistically significant differences between the study sample members regarding the reality of privatization of public education in Arab schools, which can be attributed to the social status and monthly income of the family. While it showed the existence of statistically significant differences related to the educational level. The study recommended the necessity of establishing programs to enhance cooperation between private schools and government schools with the aim of improving Arab education.

Comprehensive Assessment of the Health Risk of Cadmium Exposure from Soil-wheat System in Wheat Fields in Northern China

Accurately assessing the health risks of cadmium （Cd） exposure in the soil-wheat system is of great importance for the formulation of regional health risk prevention measures. Based on regional large-scale survey and Monte Carlo simulation methods, a case study on the health risk of Cd exposure in a soil-wheat system in a wheat production area of North China Plain was conducted by constructing a comprehensive health risk assessment （CHRA） model. The results showed that 73% of the soil samples in the study area exceeded the screening value of Cd for farmland soil （GB 15618-2018） and 57.8% of the wheat samples exceeded the national standard （GB 2762-2017） for Cd. The hand-mouth ingestion pathway was the main route of soil Cd exposure for adults and children in the region, and under this pathway, 34.7% of adults and 57.4% of children had a cancer risk higher than the safe threshold recommended by USEPA （1E-06）. The comprehensive non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of cadmium exposure from the soil-wheat system in the region were higher than the safe domain values for both adults and children, with the probabilities of 26.4% and 100% for adults and 62.5% and 100% for children, respectively. The overall trends of the comprehensive risks showed that children had higher risks than those of adults. The combined application of the comprehensive health risk assessment model and the uncertainty random simulation method helps to improve the accuracy of risk decision-making.

Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, independent of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, increase thyroid cancer risk: Insights from genetic and clinical evidence.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder and thyroid cancer (TC) is the most prevalent endocrine malignancy. Recent debates have focused on whether HT increases the risk of developing TC. This study combined Mendelian randomization (MR) and observational methods to investigate the potential causal relationship between HT and TC risk. First, we performed two-sample MR and multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis using the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data from multiple databases, including European and East Asian populations, to estimate the effect of HT and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels on TC risk. Second, we conducted an observational study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database and evaluated the association between HT, TSH, and TC prevalence through logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline model. Our MR findings revealed no significant association between HT and TC risk in both populations. However, elevated TSH levels significantly increased TC and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) risk, while lower TSH levels were associated with reduced TC risk. Further MVMR analysis and an observational study confirmed this. Additionally, our observational study also indicated no significant relationship between HT and TC prevalence and abnormal TSH levels correlated with higher TC risk. HT was not a TC risk factor, but high TSH levels increased TC risk. Controlling TSH within normal ranges through thyroid hormone replacement was recommended to reduce TC risk in HT patients with elevated TSH levels, even those without symptoms.

Cost effective clinical methods to evaluate the efficacy of gait training devices: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Aim: This systematic review was aimed at identifying cost-effective outcome assessment metrics to perform clinical trials for assessing the efficacy of novel, low-cost gait training devices. Materials and methods: The search was conducted by the investigators through electronic databases, namely SCOPUS (91), Web of Science (93), PubMed (141) and Cochrane Library (164), from origination to 31st March 2024. The study design was a PRISMA style systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of robotic gait training devices (RGTDs) that treated stroke patients. Results: Based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 randomized controlled trials were studied to identify suitable outcome assessment measures. This involved 705 patients at different stages of stroke, who were treated with different intervention durations, devices, randomization and blinding methods. It was observed from the extensive clinical trials with the RGTDs that it was tested with a variety of assessment methods. Cost-effective outcome assessment measures that require commonly available materials are chosen and discussed in this review. It is identified that the most extensively used measures possess concurrent validity, sufficient inter-rater, intra-rater and test-retest reliability. Conclusion: Clinical trials with a sophisticated setup cannot be afforded by clinics in low-income countries. It is vital to identify assessment methods that require commonly available materials that do not incur huge material costs. The methods discussed in this review can be administered without special training. This can facilitate quantifying and comparing the efficacy of these devices through clinical trials and multi-centric investigations.