bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dental hygiene and dental students’ patient communication skills: Is public speaking education relevant?
Authors: Hasan Omair I. , Inglehart Marita R. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeCommission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) Standards require graduates to be competent in patient–provider communication. The objectives were (a) to assess dental hygiene and dental students’ general communication‐related attitudes and self‐reported skills related to establishing rapport, utilizing facilitative listening, and summarizing, as well as having oral health literacy‐related expertise; (b) to evaluate students’ prior public speaking experiences, their motivation to learn more about public speaking and evaluations of the public speaking‐related educational intervention; (c) and explore the relationships between communication‐related attitudes and skills and public speaking‐related education.MethodsAnonymous web‐based survey data were collected from 43 dental hygiene and 206 dental students after they participated in a zoom‐based educational intervention entitled “Utilizing Public Speaking Principles in Patient–Dental Care Provider Communication: An Exploration.”ResultsOn average, dental hygiene and dental students had positive communication‐related attitudes and agreed that communication is important (5‐point answer scale: 5 = agree strongly: dental hygiene students: Mean = 4.00; dental students: Mean = 4.08; p = 0.487). Both groups agreed that they were comfortable with establishing rapport (3.98 vs. 4.08; p = 0.151), summarizing information (3.92 vs. 3.86; p = 0.309) and considering patients’ oral health literacy skills in their communication (3.69 vs. 3.81; p = 0.108). However, dental hygiene students agreed less than dental students that they had facilitative listening skills (3.84 vs. 4.00; p = 0.034), had prior public speaking experiences (2.84 vs. 3.18; p = 0.004) and were less motivated to learn more about public speaking (3.06 vs. 3.68; p < 0.001). They also rated the educational intervention less positively than dental students (4.12 vs. 4.54; p < 0.001). Patient communication skills correlated significantly with public speaking considerations.ConclusionsStudents’ communication‐related attitudes are positive, but they are not likely to have education about public speaking. Dental educators should realize that students are interested in learning about public speaking and that learning about public speaking principles can enrich their patient–provider communication skills.
Linitis Plastica in a Patient With Previous Breast Cancer: Primary Gastric Cancer or Breast Cancer Metastases?
Authors: Ho Ren Yi Jonas , Rajesh R , Wan Wei Keat , Cheah Chang Chuen Mark , Tan Yi Yuan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundLinitis plastica is a challenging diagnosis in the setting of a patient with previous breast cancer.Case presentationWe present a case of a 74‐year‐old Chinese Female with a history of breast cancer who presented with epigastric pain, nausea, early satiety, and weight loss of 5 kg in 3 months. Endoscopic diagnosis of linitis plastica was made, but subsequent management plans were dependent on accurate histological assessment in view of her oncological history.Discussion and conclusionOur case highlights the clinical conundrum confronting the endoscopist in evaluating suspected linitis plastica where the imaging, endoscopic, and macroscopic histological findings between primary gastric adenocarcinoma and metastatic breast cancer can be indistinguishable. Optimal deep tissue acquisition is required to differentiate the true diagnosis in such cases.
An evaluation of a checklist in musculoskeletal radiographic image interpretation when using artificial intelligence
Authors: McLaughlin Laura , McFadden Sonyia L , Villikudathil Angelina T , McConnell Jonathan , Hughes Ciara , Bond Raymond , Rainey Clare 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionArtificial intelligence (AI) is being used increasingly in image interpretation tasks. Human reliance on technology and bias can cause decision errors. A checklist, used with the AI to mitigate against such biases, may optimise the use of AI technologies and promote good decision hygiene. A checklist to aid radiographic image interpretation for radiographers using AI for image interpretation was formed. This study investigates the effect of a checklist for musculoskeletal (MSK) radiographic image assessment when using AI interpretive assistance.MethodsRadiographers were asked to interpret five MSK examinations with AI feedback. They were then provided with the checklist and asked to reinterpret the same five examinations with the AI feedback (n = 140 interpretations). During the interpretation sessions, participants were asked to provide a diagnosis and a confidence level on the diagnosis provided. Participants were then asked to complete a questionnaire to gain feedback on the use of the checklist.ResultsFourteen radiographers were recruited. Nine participants found the checklist alongside the AI most useful and five participants found the AI element to be most useful on its own. Five participants found the AI feedback to be useful as it helped to critique the radiographic image interpretation more closely and rethink their own initial diagnosis.ConclusionThe checklist for use with AI in MSK image interpretation contained useful elements to the user, but further developments can be made to enhance its use in clinical practice.
Molecular Epidemiology, Transmission, and Evolution of Rubella Virus Circulating in Tianjin, China, Between 2009 and 2020
Authors: Han Yanzhen , Lei Yue , Zhuang Zhichao , Guo Liru , Li Xiaoyan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTRubella is listed as a disease that needs to be eliminated worldwide by the World Health Organization. This study aimed to investigate rubella epidemiology and genetic characteristics based on data from 12 years of laboratory‐based surveillance (2009–2020) in Tianjin and to provide baseline genotype data for monitoring future rubella control efforts. We collected RV‐positive throat swab samples from confirmed rubella cases during 2009–2020 in Tianjin to isolate RV, amplify and sequence target gene fragments, construct phylogenetic trees, and analyze nucleotide homologies. Four rubella isolates were chosen for whole genome sequencing. The epidemiological data of rubella cases were collected to describe and analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the rubella outbreak. Most cases (87.6%) occurred between March and June, and the peak incidence was observed in May. The age of the reported rubella cases ranged from almost 1 month to 82 years, most were between 10 and 29 years old (83.3%). Almost half (48.3%) of the confirmed rubella cases were from just four districts (Beichen District, Binhai New Area, Hebei District, and Nankai District). A total of 211 rubella virus strains were obtained during 2009–2020, phylogenetic analyses identified four lineages, including 1E‐L1, 1E‐L2, 2B‐L1, and 2B‐L2c, with high homologies of nucleotide sequences compared with RV strains from other provinces of China. Recombination analysis indicated that strain RVi/Tianjin.CHN/37.19/1 a possible recombination strain by 7 analysis methods, with p‐values of 4.993 × 10−28–2.922 × 10−4. Our study provided comprehensive data on rubella epidemiology and the first information on rubella genotypes in Tianjin. Clear evidence of recombination was found, indicating that RV has the potential to continually mutate, so close monitoring of the genetic variations of wild‐type rubella virus strains is necessary. Rubella viruses were highly conserved at the genomic level, the incidence of rubella in Tianjin, as well as in China, has sustains at a low level, which gives us the idea that the rubella control and elimination goal could be achieved in the near future if strengthened RV surveillance continues and vaccine immunization coverage maintaining at the high level.
Rates and Factors Related to COVID‐19 Vaccine Uptake in Racialized and Indigenous Individuals in Canada: The Deleterious Effect of Experience of Racial Discrimination
Authors: Dalexis Rose Darly , Moshirian Farahi Seyed Mohammad Mahdi , Dort Junio , Beogo Idrissa , Clorméus Lewis A. , Caulley Lisa , Xu Yan , Cénat Jude Mary 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTRacialized and Indigenous communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID‐19 infections and mortality, driven by systemic socioeconomic inequalities. However, how these factors specifically influence COVID‐19 vaccine uptake is not documented among racialized individuals in Canada. The present study aims to examine COVID‐19 vaccine uptake rates and related factors among racialized and Indigenous communities compared to White people in Canada. In total, 41,931 individuals aged 16 and older, consisting mainly of Arab, Asian, Black, Indigenous, and White individuals, were randomly invited to participate from a panel of 420,000 Canadian households. A total of 4220 participants completed this cross‐sectional survey study in October 2023. In total, 89.60% of participants were vaccinated: 2.38% received one dose, 31.45% received two doses, 33.46% received three doses, 18.86% received four doses, and 13.86% received five doses and more. There were significant differences according to racial and ethnic background in vaccine uptake (χ2 = 57.45, p < 0.001), with Indigenous and Black individuals having lower vaccination rates (83.54%, OR = 1.98% and 84.76%, OR = 2.16, p < 0.01) compared to White individuals (91.66%). Confidence in health authorities was positively associated with vaccine uptake (B = 0.62, p < 0.001). Conspiracy beliefs partially mediated this association (B = −0.13, p < 0.001). Racial discrimination attenuated vaccine uptake, even if respondents had confidence in health authorities (B = −0.08, p < 0.001). Vaccine uptake was lowest amongst Indigenous and Black communities, placing them at higher risk of severe COVID‐19 infection. In addition to mistrust of public health authorities due to racism, racialized communities are affected by conspiracy beliefs that hinder COVID‐19 vaccine uptake. A whole‐of‐society approach to address barriers to vaccine uptake among racialized populations, including wage disparities, racial discrimination, is needed to eliminate racial health disparities and increase vaccination rates in racialized communities.
Rheology as a tool for identifying and characterizing optimal microemulsions formulations
Authors: Lemahieu Guillaume , Ontiveros Jesús F. , Molinier Valérie , Aubry Jean‐Marie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the use of rheology to detect phase inversion in surfactant–oil–water (SOW) systems, offering a rapid method for identifying “optimal formulations.” Phase inversion through temperature or salinity variation provides a faster alternative compared with equilibrium scans. Using well‐defined polyethoxylated surfactants (C8EO3, C10EO4, C12EO5), phase inversion was monitored through viscosity measurements at a constant shear rate, with temperature as formulation variable. Emulsion viscosity reaches a minimum at the phase inversion point, which corresponds to an ultra‐low interfacial tension condition. A strong correlation between the reported fish‐tail temperature (T*) and the phase inversion temperature (PIT) was observed. While identifying optimal conditions through a formulation scan in a series of test tubes is relatively quick, evaluating the surfactant system's ability to reduce interfacial tension can take several weeks due to the requirement of equilibrium. Formulation conditions at which minimal emulsion viscosity occurs are related to those where three‐phase systems are obtained, with the magnitude of interfacial tension inversely proportional to this value. An empirical approach linking the emulsion destabilization zone with the interfacial tensions is proposed. By measuring this interval, it is possible to roughly predict interfacial tension for model systems.
Soil Quality Index According to Diverse Land Use Systems Across the Europe
Authors: Shoumik Baig Abdullah Al , Błońska Ewa , Lasota Jarosław 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSoil quality index (SQI) can be an effective parameter to evaluate soil quality based on plant growth and ecosystem services at a large scale. According to the European Commission, around 60%–70% of the European soil is not healthy due to degradation and rapid conversion of land uses; however, detailed studies on soil quality according to different land uses in the entire Europe are very limited. We aimed to develop an SQI using the Land Use and Coverage Area Frame Survey (LUCAS) database for the existing croplands (230 samples), grasslands (53 samples), and woodlands (36 samples) to evaluate the overall soil quality across the continent. A total of five soil variables (sand, organic carbon, electrical conductivity, bacteria, and fungi) were selected for the minimum dataset based on principal component analysis from all 13 variables to avoid redundancy. The relationship between the developed SQI and climatic variables (precipitation and temperature) was also analyzed. We found that croplands had higher SQI (0.45 ± 0.09) than grasslands (0.44 ± 0.09) and woodlands (0.43 ± 0.1), with no significant differences among the land uses (p > 0.05). The spatial analysis revealed higher SQI (> 0.46) in the central part of the EU and lower (< 0.46) in the northern and southwestern EU. The sub‐categorical assessment of land uses showed that broadleaved and mixed woodland had better soil quality than the coniferous counterparts. The SQI showed a weak relationship with precipitation and temperature in all land uses, and it differs depending on climatic zones. Our findings also suggested that the agricultural management practices in cropland and better soil quality in grassland might buffer the influences of short‐term variations in temperature and precipitation. We conclude that this EU‐scale study of SQI provides a clear view of the soil quality status, which can also be effective for the policymakers to adopt sustainable management practices for improving soil quality.
Propagules go with the flow: Near‐field particle dispersion in reaches with different hydrodynamic conditions
Authors: Farrow Christopher R. , Lim Loong‐Tak , Ackerman Josef D. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWe examined the effects of riverbed roughness and turbulence (shear velocity, ) on propagule dispersion in the near‐field region (< 100 m) by releasing microbead models of larval and juvenile unionid mussels in tributaries of the Grand River (Ontario, Canada). The Conestogo River had the roughest bed and highest mean , followed by the Grand and Speed rivers. We predicted more downstream transport with higher velocities and that longitudinal dispersion coefficients (Kx) would match the patterns in roughness and . The Conestogo River had the highest downstream particle flux and Kx as predicted by simple empirical equations. Inconsistent with model predictions, however, the Grand River had the lowest particle flux and Kx. These differences were greater than expected based on the small differences in reach‐averaged mean velocities between the Grand and Conestogo rivers. This mismatch between Kx predicted by simple empirical models and those fit to an advection–diffusion model was related to the inertial properties of the flow in the advective zone (i.e., near field) of the reaches. Streamwise, lateral, and especially vertical velocities at drift nets were spatially heterogeneous within and among reaches, demonstrating the influence of the flow direction on particle flux. Although bulk fluid statistics provided a useful indication of how dispersal distances vary among rivers, our results suggest that near‐field dynamics can be complex, requiring high‐resolution bathymetry and velocity data for the development of improved advection–diffusion models. Care should be exercised in predicting the dispersal of particles at ecologically relevant spatial scales in rivers.
Discovery of a non‐nucleotide stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist with systemic antitumor effect
Authors: Wang Xiyuan , Zhan Zhengsheng , Wang Zhen , Zhang Yan , Zhao Kaiyan , Li Han , Zhou Xiaoqian , Guo Yuting , Fan Fengying , Ding Jian , Geng Meiyu , Yu Xuekui , Duan Wenhu , Xie Zuoquan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAgonists of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway are increasingly being recognized as a promising new approach in the treatment of cancer. Although progress in clinical trials for STING agonists in antitumor applications has been slow, there is still an urgent need for developing new potent STING agonists with versatile potential applications. Herein, we developed and identified a non‐nucleotide STING agonist called DW18343. DW18343 showed robust activation across different STING isoforms. Crystallography analysis revealed that DW18343 binds more deeply into the ligand binding domain (LBD) pocket of STING‐H232 compared to other agonists such as MSA‐2, SR‐717, or cGAMP, which likely contributes to its high potency. DW18343 triggered downstream p‐TBK1/p‐IRF3 signaling, leading to the production of multiple cytokines. Additionally, DW18343 displayed broad and long‐lasting antitumor effects in various syngeneic mouse tumor models, whether administered locally or systemically. Moreover, DW18343 induced immune memory to combat the growth of rechallenged tumors. Finally, DW18343 was shown to be an activator of both the innate and adaptive antitumor immunity in tumor tissue, potentially explaining its strong antitumor effects in vivo. In conclusion, DW18343 serves as a novel non‐nucleotide STING agonist with systemic antitumor effect through the activation of antitumor immunity.
A Posteriori Error Estimates for Exponential Midpoint Integrator Finite Element Method for Parabolic Equations
Authors: Hu Xianfa , Wang Wansheng , Fang Yonglei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a posteriori error estimates for the fully discrete approximation for linear and semilinear parabolic equations are established. The exponential midpoint method is used for the temporal discretization, and the spatial discretization takes the standard linear elements. By introducing a continuous piecewise quadratic reconstruction, the error of the temporal discretization is derived. The error of the spatial discretization is evaluated by the interpolation estimates. Using the energy technique, we derive residual‐based a posteriori lower and upper bounds for the fully discrete approximation. Our theoretical results are supported by extensive numerical experiments.
EPA/DHA but Not ALA Reduces Visceral Adiposity and Adipocyte Size in High Fat Diet‐Induced Obese Delta‐6 Desaturase Knockout Mice
Authors: Smorenburg James N. , Hodun Katarzyna , McTavish Patrick V. , Wang Chenxuan , Pinheiro Marina A. , Wells Kyle R. D. , Brunt Keith R. , Nakamura Manubu T. , Chabowski Adrian , Mutch David M. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe objective of this omega‐3 feeding study was to elucidate the independent effects of α‐linolenic acid (ALA) versus eicosapentaenoic (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on visceral adiposity and inflammatory signaling in diet‐induced obese delta‐6 desaturase (Fads2) knockout (KO) mice. Male wildtype (WT) and Fads2 KO mice were fed a high‐fat diet (45% kcal from fat) containing either lard (no omega‐3s), flaxseed (ALA), or menhaden (EPA/DHA) for 21 weeks. Epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) was analyzed for changes in tissue weight, adipocyte size, triacylglycerol (TAG) and fatty acid content, and inflammatory markers. Despite no differences in final body weight, menhaden‐fed mice had lower eWAT weight, smaller adipocytes, and lower TAG content compared to lard‐fed mice regardless of Fads2 genotype. The eWAT of flaxseed‐fed WT mice resembled menhaden‐fed mice, while the eWAT of flaxseed‐fed KO mice resembled lard‐fed mice. No differences were observed in the expression of genes regulating eWAT inflammatory signaling (Tnfα, Nfκb, Mapk14, Mcp1, Ccl5, Tlr4, Nlrp3, or Adipoq) or the abundance of select proteins (p38‐MAPK or MCP‐1). In conclusion, a high‐fat diet containing EPA/DHA, but not ALA, attenuates adipocyte hypertrophy and lowers TAG content but has no effect on eWAT inflammation in a mouse model of long‐term diet‐induced obesity.
What is the role of parenteral nutrition in the management of the patient with severe acute pancreatitis?
Authors: McClave Stephen A. , Martindale Robert G. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSevere acute pancreatitis often presents as a complex critical illness associated with a high rate of infectious morbidity, multiple organ failure, and in‐hospital mortality. Breakdown of gut barrier defenses, dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota, and exaggerated immune responses dictate that early enteral nutrition (EN) is preferred over parenteral nutrition (PN) as the primary route of nutrition therapy. EN, however, is not feasible in all cases because of intolerance, risk of complications, or a direct contraindication to enteral feeding. For these patients, PN can be provided in a manner that is safe, is metabolically appropriate, and follows the principles of modern critical care nutrition. Adherence to goal‐directed fluid resuscitation, provision of trophic doses of PN to meet 20%–25% of protein and/or calorie requirements through the acute phases of illness, use of less‐inflammatory intravenous lipid emulsions, and close monitoring of electrolytes, triglyceride levels, and signs of refeeding syndrome all serve to optimize the response to this route of nutrition support. For these reasons, prescribing PN remains an important strategy in the management of this difficult population of patients.
Exploring healthcare facilities' blenderized tube feeding policy trends: A survey of registered dietitian nutritionists
Authors: Spurlock Amy Y. , Bennett Katherine , Missbrenner Nicolette , Mecham Sharece , Thomas Noah , Johnson Teresa W. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundRecent surveys suggest that registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are increasingly supportive of blenderized tube feeding (BTF). However, its actual use in clinical practice continues to lag. This disconnect may be explained by a lack of comprehensive BTF policies. This study aimed to explore BTF policies in medical facilities in which RDNs are employed.MethodsAn electronic survey was disseminated to RDNs through enteral nutrition formula and supply company email databases. The survey collected participant demographics, medical facility type, barriers and contraindications for BTF use, and components of a comprehensive policy. Potential relationships between demographics and self‐assessed BTF skill level were also explored.ResultsOf the 123 RDNs completing the survey, 87% supported BTF and 76.4% used it in clinical practice. Commercial BTF products (cBTFs) were allowed in 63.4% of facilities, but policy‐related barriers hindered actual cBTF use. Home‐prepared BTF policies were available in 54.5% of facilities, but only 7% of these policies were complete. Inpatient facilities were particularly lacking in any BTF policies compared with outpatient settings (χ2 = 10.550, P = 0.005).ConclusionRDNs are increasingly supportive of BTF for their patients who want it. To provide optimal patient‐centered care, comprehensive BTF policies are needed for successful implementation in healthcare facilities.