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Background: The rapid advancement of digital technology and information has revolutionized teaching approaches, and evidence retrieval in medical academic settings, highlighting the necessity for adequate digital literacy (DL) among students. This research assessed DL and its components within the medical science student population. Methods: Comprehensive searching was done using the Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and PubMed databases. Meta-analysis was conducted using CMA V.3.3. Results: Out of the 6773 identified articles, 54 studies were selected for the final synthesis. DL in medical science students has improved over the past two decades. However, there were differences in the components of DL, with computer literacy ranking the highest and search literacy ranking the lowest. Results of the meta-analysis showed that most students were skilled in using Word Processing (78%) and Presentation (68%) software, while fewer were skilled in using Spreadsheets (49%) and Email (34%). Conclusion: Medical science students have made progress in DL but there is still a gap in achieving expected competency. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the adoption of digital technologies for online learning, benefiting DL. This experience should guide educational practices, emphasizing online and blended learning, and integrating ICT courses into the medical science curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cation and anion transport in the colonocyte apical membrane is highly spatially organized along the cryptal axis. Because of lack of experimental accessibility, information about the functionality of ion transporters in the colonocyte apical membrane in the lower part of the crypt is scarce. The aim of this study was to establish an in vitro model of the colonic lower crypt compartment, which expresses the transit amplifying/progenitor (TA/PE) cells, with accessibility of the apical membrane for functional study of lower crypt-expressed Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs). Colonic crypts and myofibroblasts were isolated from human transverse colonic biopsies, expanded as three-dimensional (3D) colonoids and myofibroblast monolayers, and characterized. Filter-grown colonic myofibroblast–colonic epithelial cell (CM-CE) cocultures (myofibroblasts on the bottom of the transwell and colonocytes on the filter) were established. The expression pattern for ion transport/junctional/stem cell markers of the CM-CE monolayers was compared with that of nondifferentiated (EM) and differentiated (DM) colonoid monolayers. Fluorometric pHi measurements were performed to characterize apical NHEs. CM-CE cocultures displayed a rapid increase in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), paralleled by downregulation of claudin-2. They maintained proliferative activity and an expression pattern resembling TA/PE cells. The CM-CE monolayers displayed high apical Na+/H+ exchange activity, mediated to >80% by NHE2. Human colonoid–myofibroblast cocultures allow the study of ion transporters that are expressed in the apical membrane of the nondifferentiated colonocytes of the cryptal neck region. The NHE2 isoform is the predominant apical Na+/H+ exchanger in this epithelial compartment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal NaCl, HCO3-, and fluid absorption are strongly dependent on apical Na+/H+ exchange. The intestine expresses three presumably apical sodium-hydrogen exchanger (NHE) isoforms: NHE2, NHE3, and NHE8. We addressed the role of NHE8 [solute carrier 9A8 (SLC9A8)] and its interplay with NHE2 (SLC9A2) in luminal proton extrusion during acute and chronic enterocyte acidosis and studied the differential effects of NHE8 and NHE2 on enterocyte proliferation. In contrast to NHE3, which was upregulated in differentiated versus undifferentiated colonoids, the expression of NHE2 and NHE8 remained constant during differentiation of colonoids and Caco2Bbe cells. Heterogeneously expressed Flag-tagged rat (r)Nhe8 and human (h)NHE8 translocated to the apical membrane of Caco2Bbe cells. rNhe8 and hNHE8, when expressed in NHE-deficient PS120 fibroblasts showed higher sensitivity to HOE642 compared to NHE2. Lentiviral shRNA knockdown of endogenous NHE2 in Caco2Bbe cells (C2Bbe/shNHE2) resulted in a decreased steady-state intracellular pH (pHi), an increased NHE8 mRNA expression, and augmented NHE8-mediated apical NHE activity. Lentiviral shRNA knockdown of endogenous NHE8 in Caco2Bbe cells (C2Bbe/shNHE8) resulted in a decreased steady-state pHi as well, accompanied by decreased NHE2 mRNA expression and activity, which together contributed to reduced apical NHE activity in the NHE8-knockdown cells. Chronic acidosis increased NHE8 but not NHE2 mRNA expression. Alterations in NHE2 and NHE8 expression/activity affected proliferation, with C2Bbe/shNHE2 cells having lower and C2Bbe/shNHE8 having higher proliferative capacity, accompanied by amplified ERK1/2 signaling pathway and increased EGFR expression in the latter cell line. Thus, both Na+/H+ exchangers have distinct functions during cellular homeostasis by triggering different signaling pathways to regulate cellular proliferation and pHi control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Considering the increasing prevalence of substance abuse disorder and its accompanying violence and aggression among adolescents and youth in recent years, issues such as self-control and emotional regulation in people with substance abuse disorder is imperative. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated matrix therapy on self-control and emotional regulation in methamphetamine abusers. Materials and Methods: The statistical population of this clinical trial included all patients with methamphetamine abuse who referred to Mashhad Substance Abuse Clinics in winter 2016. Thirty cases were selected by convenience sampling method. Research tools include Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ; Garnefski, Kraaij, Spinhoven, 2001) and Tangney's Self-Control Scale (SCS) (2004). After pre-test, the experimental group received integrated matrix therapy in 24 forty-five minute sessions (two sessions per week). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of covariance, ANCOVA and SPSS software. Results: Integrated matrix therapy increased self-control and emotional regulation in the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Also, the effect of integrated matrix therapy on emotional regulation in methamphetamine abusers is about 36%. Conclusion: It seems that integrated matrix therapy has a positive effect on self-control and emotional regulation in methamphetamine abusers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Enterocytes express a number of NHE isoforms with presumed localization in the apical (NHE2, 3 and 8) or basolateral (NHE1) membrane. Functional activity and localization of enterocyte NHE isoforms were assessed using fully differentiated Caco-2BBe cells, whose genetic expression profile closely resembles mature enterocytes. Methods: The activity of the different NHEs was analyzed by fluorometric pHi-metry in a perfusion chamber with separate apical and basolateral perfusion, using specific inhibitors and shRNA knockdown of NHE2. The expression of the NHEs and of other relevant acid extrusion transporters was quantified by qPCR. Results: Quantitative comparison of the mRNA expression levels of the different NHE isoforms in 14 day-differentiated Caco-2BBe cells showed the following order: NHE2>NHE8>NHE3>NHE1. Acid-activated NHE exchange rates in the basolateral membrane were >6-fold higher than in the apical membrane. 79 ± 3 % of the acid-activated basolateral Na+/H+ exchange rate displayed a NHE1-typical inhibitor profile, and no NHE2/3/8 typical activity could be observed. Analysis of the apical Na+/H+ exchange rates revealed that approximately 51 ± 3 % of the total apical activity displayed a NHE2/8-typical inhibitor profile and 31 ± 6 % a NHE3-typical inhibitor profile. Because no selective NHE2 inhibitor is available, a stable NHE2 knockdown cell line (C2NHE2KD) was generated. C2NHE2KD displayed a reduced NHE2-typical apical Na+/H+ exchange rate and maintained a lower steady-state pHi, despite high expression levels of other acid extruders, in particular NBCn1 (Slc4a7). Conclusion: Differentiated Caco-2BBe cells display particularly high mRNA expression levels of NHE2, which can be functionally identified in the apical membrane. Although at low intracellular pH, NHE2 transport rate was far lower than that of NHE1. NHE2 activity was nevertheless essential for the maintenance of the steady-state pHi of these cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching cognitive skills based on stress reduction on students' night homework anxiety. Materials and Methods: The statistical population of this study included all elementary students of the second period of Khorasan Razavi province who had homework anxiety. 24 of them (experimental and control groups) were selected by purposeful method. For data collection, the problem scale of the homework for children at the ANCCO and colleagues (HPC) was used. After performing the pre-test, the intervention of cognitive skills training was presented to the experimental group in format of eight 45 minute- sessions. At the end of the intervention, two groups were evaluated in post-test phase. Covariance analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The results show that after controlling the pre-test, the difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of the two groups was significant for homework anxiety, and the mean scores of the experimental group was significantly less than the control group (0.45, ETA, P<0.05, F=17.26). The effect of this intervention on night homework anxiety is 0.45. Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that the training of cognitive skills based on stress reduction is effective on students´ night homework anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed analysis of visual, auditory and structural contents in war zones during holy defense (Iran-Iraq war) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Materials and Methods: This research has the librarian content analysis method and it intended all contents are related to south warfronts. So, 39 holy defense movies were chosen and analyzed through convenient sampling and Delphi method. Research instrument were the researcher made checklists of visual, auditory and structural components which evaluated and approved by 24 warriors. All of acquired data analyzed by statistical qualitative methods and content analysis. Results: The content analysis of holy defense movies showed that wide and various components in each fields of visual, aural and structural contexts developing stress disorder in warriors. Conclusion: Based on the results, different visual, auditory and structural components can impact on stress disorder in warriors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Regarding to the importance of appropriate treatment for social anxiety, the present study aimed to assess the efficacy of group behavioral activation on social anxiety, avoidance and negative evaluations among individuals whit social anxiety. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial in 2016, 30 cases with symptoms of social anxiety and other inclusion criteria entered to the research through convenient method of sampling and divided into two groups randomly. The experimental group received 8 weekly (ninety minutes) sessions of behavioral activation while control group received no treatment. The research instrument concluded social anxiety scale, cognitive-behavioral avoidance scale and questionnaire of negative social events fulfilled before and after intervention. Data analyzed through descriptive and explanatory statistics. Results: Behavioral activation can impact significantly on symptoms of social anxiety, cognitive-behavioral avoidance and negative evaluations (P<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that group behavioral activation is effective in social anxiety and it may be applied in prevention and treatment of social anxiety disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The present study investigates the effectiveness of group reality therapy on symptoms of social anxiety, interpretation bias and interpersonal relationships in adolescents. Materials and Methods: The research population of this clinical research consisted of all students in ninth grade female Sabzevar city in academic year of 2016-2017 that this number based on social anxiety scale score teens, a negative interpretation consequences social and interpersonal relationships in the pre-test were 24 persons who were selected via convenient method and they randomly divided into two groups of experimental and control. The experimental group received group reality therapy and the controls received no treatment. Data analyzed through covariance analysis and SPSS software version 21. Results: The results showed that social anxiety scores and interpretation bias and interpersonal relationships in adolescents who participated in the experimental group than in the control group have been replaced teens that had a significant change (P<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that group reality therapy is effective on social anxiety, interpretation bias and interpersonal relationships in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this research was to study the predictive model of symptoms of social anxiety based on behavioral inhibition and cognitive factors. The research hypothesis is that behavioral inhibition, as a temperamental factor, along with cognitive factors lead to social anxiety symptoms. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study (2012-13). Number of 408 students were selected through random sampling. They completed the following questionnaires: Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), Behavioral Inhibition Scales (AMBI and RMBI), Focus of Attention Questionnaire (FAQ), and Consequences of Negative Social Events Questionnaire (CNSEQ). Data were analyzed through multiple regression method by SPSS software version 16. Results: All of the variables were correlated with social anxiety significantly (P<0.05). Behavioral inhibition and cognitive factors have a significant effect on the development social anxiety. Also, the predictive model that behavioral inhibition along with cognitive factors creates social anxiety is confirmed. Conclusion: These results may be used as a tool for screening and prediction of social anxiety in students. Also, according to the effect of cognitive factors on the development of social anxiety, we can train the children in cognitive skills in order to prevent social anxiety. In addition, we can use these skills in treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare of group behavioral activation treatment and group cognitive therapy in reducing Social anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and negative attributions and improving general functioning. Materials and Methods: The sample of this clinical research consisted of 23 university students who were selected on the base of diagnosis of social anxiety disorder through the structured clinical interview for DSM disorders and being concurrently under psychotherapy or medication. All participants also completed the social phobic inventory, Beck depression inventory, interpretation of negative social events and the work and social adjustment scale. They were randomly assigned to two groups. The first group received 8 sessions of group behavioral activation treatment and the second group received 8 sessions of group cognitive therapy. The data analyzed by descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance and SPSS software. Results: Findings showed a statistically significant superiority of group behavioral activation treatment over group cognitive therapy in reducing depressive symptoms (P<0.05) and a statistically significant superiority of group cognitive treatment over group behavioral activation therapy in reducing interpretation of negative social events (P<0.05). But there were no statistically significant difference between two interventions in social anxiety and functional impairment (P>0.05). The findings of follow-up also showed the effects of both treatments have been continued in overall. Conclusion: According to the results of the present research, both treatments have positive effect on treatment of social anxiety disorder but cognitive therapy has more effect on negative cognitions and behavioral activation has more effect on depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel algorithm for matching image interest points. Potential interest points are identified by searching for local peaks in Difference-of-Gaussian (DoG) images. We refine and assign rotation, scale and location for each keypoint by using the SIFT algorithm refid="ref1"/. Pseudo log-polar sampling grid is then applied to properly scaled image patches around each keypoint, and a weighted adaptive lifting scheme transform is designed for each ring of the log-polar grid. The designed adaptive transform for a ring in the reference keypoint and the general non-adaptive transform are applied to the corresponding ring in a test keypoint. Similarity measure is calculated by comparing the corresponding transform domain coefficients of the adaptive and non-adaptive transforms. We refer to the proposed versatile system of Rotation And Scale Invariant Matching as RASIM. Our experiments show that the accuracy of RASIM is more than SIFT, which is the most widely used interest point matching algorithm in the literature. RASIM is also more robust to image deformations while its computation time is comparable to SIFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the maturation of intestinal epithelial cells along the crypt/surface axis, a multitude of acid/base transporters are differentially expressed in their apical and basolateral membranes, enabling processes of electrolyte, macromolecule, nutrient, acid/base and fluid secretion, and absorption. An intracellular pH (pH i )-gradient is generated along the epithelial crypt/surface axis, either as a consequence of the sum of the ion transport activities or as a distinctly regulated entity. While the role of pH i on proliferation, migration, and tumorigenesis has been explored in cancer cells for some time, emerging evidence suggests an important role of the pH i in the intestinal stem cells (ISCs) proliferative rate under physiological conditions. The present review highlights the current state of knowledge about the potential regulatory role of pH i on intestinal proliferation and differentiation., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Amiri, Seidler and Nikolovska.)

The molecular basis of gastrointestinal intolerances in a severe case of Niemann-Pick type C disease was analyzed in an intestinal biopsy specimen. The enzyme activities of intestinal sucrase-isomaltase and maltase-glucoamylase are reduced in the patient, while that of lactase is comparable to the control. The association of SI with lipid rafts is reduced in the patient's biopsy as a consequence of altered composition of membrane microdomains. As association with lipid rafts influences the intracellular transport and the enzyme activities of sucrase-isomaltase and maltase-glucoamylase, these data explain reduced carbohydrate digestion in the intestinal lumen and delineate the effect of deficient cholesterol and sphingolipid homeostasis in development of gastrointestinal symptoms in NPC patients.