bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Awareness and Knowledge of Proton Pump Inhibitors Among the General Population in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Kalsoom Nimra , Riaz Hamza , Ajmal Washma , Ali Zain , Akram Urooj , Baig Mirza Rafi , Ahmad Shaaf , Khan Tahir Mehmood , Bukhsh Allah 
Published: October 2024

Background Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used for various conditions and are generally considered safe drugs; however, there has been a surge in their usage over time, partially related to their safety and overprescription. Purpose This study is aimed to assess how much the public of Lahore knows about PPI, and how they use it, and if they follow their physician’s instructions or not. Methods A cross-sectional study was planned to attain the objective of the study. Respondents visiting various community pharmacies were inquired about their willingness to participate in this study. Chi-square was used to find the association between sociodemographic parameters and awareness of PPIs. p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results There were mostly university students (73.7%), with 82.2% having heard of PPIs. Prevalent use (86.85%) is observed, often after a medical condition. Notably, 60.1% use PPIs as needed, but only 52.3% complete the prescribed course. PPIs were taken before meals only by 69.3% of participants. Associations exist between having heard of PPIs, and age with younger participants ( p < 0.001) exhibiting less awareness. Females also have heard lesser of PPIs ( p = 0.011). Education correlates with unawareness ( p < 0.001), and many participants are unaware of PPI side effects (51.04%). Conclusion The study contributes valuable insights to the understanding of PPI usage perspectives, offering implications for healthcare practices and public health awareness campaigns. Overall, the public shows signs of awareness but those are not enough to eliminate the misuse of PPIs in Lahore.
Health and Well-being of Family (ʻOhana) Caregivers of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Adults Living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: Jackson Alexandra Malia , Muller Clemma Jacobsen , Okamoto Scott K. , Weaver Raven H. , Kim Steffi M. , Haakenstad Magdalena , Pfeaster Cortney , Cachola Zowey , Oshiro Ashley , Ideue Kacyn , Schoenberg Nancy , Sinclair Ka’imi 
Published: October 2024

Introduction: We aimed to describe the health and well-being of family caregivers of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), explore cultural values related to caregiving, and characterize barriers and facilitators to their health and well-being. Methodology: Caregivers of NHPIs living with ADRD were recruited from across the United States to complete a multimethod study including a survey followed by an interview about their health and well-being. Results: Eleven participants completed surveys, six of whom completed an interview. Themes included caring as a community, lōkahi (balance), and the importance of sleep, food, and physical activity. Cultural values included connection to cultural practices, kūpuna (elders) as cultural knowledge holders, and the kuleana (responsibility) of caregiving. Discussion: Caregiving for an NHPI adult living with ADRD occurs beyond the dyad, and is a matter of family and community. Culturally-based interventions offered through community and healthcare organizations may be critical to promoting caregiver health.
Medical Students’ Impression of Surgical Pathology as a Career in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hanbazazh Mehenaz , Altoukhi Samar M. , Aldawsari Lama S. , Alghamdi Maysaa A. , Ameen Nada K. , Khashab Raneem M. , Samargandy Saad , Zakariyah Abeer 
Published: October 2024

Background and objectives Surgical/anatomical pathologists study diseases to provide accurate diagnoses, identify pathogens, and participate in treatment. However, there is a need for more surgical pathologists worldwide due to low recruitment rates. One contributing factor is the medical students’ interest and knowledge about surgical pathology as a career option. Understanding medical students’ knowledge and perceptions about surgical pathologist jobs is crucial for future physicians, as it influences collaboration with pathologists and impacts patient care outcomes. This study aims to evaluate medical students’ knowledge of surgical pathologists’ jobs in Saudi Arabian medical colleges, which will help identify gaps in knowledge and develop targeted interventions to promote interest in surgical pathology as a career. For simplicity, in this study, we refer to anatomical/surgical pathology as “pathology”. Methods and results A cross-sectional study was done in Saudi Arabia with a total of 478 medical students examining their perception of pathologist's job using a validated questionnaire distributed through social media platforms. The study revealed that 322 (67%) had no interest and did not consider becoming pathologists in the future, and 194 (40%) chose lack of patient contact as the main reason for not joining this field. However, 15% of the students think that pathologists have flexible lifestyle. Conclusion Our study shows that many students are not interested in pathology as a career, with varied responses revealing uncertainty about pathologists’ roles. To spark interest, universities should involve students in laboratories and decision-making processes, prioritize understanding pathologists’ roles, and emphasize their impact on patients’ lives.
Health care providers’ perceptions of burnout and moral distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study from Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Alhassan Jacob Albin Korem , Rohatinsky Noelle , Peru Taylor , Levandoski Carmen , Kendel Dennis , Dmytrowich Jeff , Lafontaine Tenille , Cardinal Matthew , Peña-Sánchez Juan Nicolás 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesThis study sought to describe feelings and perceptions of burnout and moral distress experienced by health care providers in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis study was part of a larger mixed methods project, and we here report on the qualitative results relating to burnout and moral distress experienced by medical doctors, registered nurses and respiratory therapists. We used an exploratory, qualitative descriptive design involving one-one-one interviews with 24 health care providers. Interview data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.ResultsWe identified three overarching themes each for health care provider burnout and moral distress. Interviews revealed that providers experienced burnout through (i) increased expectations and (ii) unfavourable work environments, which led most of them to recognise (iii) a need to step back. Regarding moral distress, key themes were: (i) a sense of compromised care, (ii) feelings of bumping heads with authorities and patient families, and (iii) seeing patients make difficult decisions.ConclusionOur study found that medical doctors, registered nurses and respiratory therapists working during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced and continue to experience significant burnout and moral distress. This was often driven by both institution- and system-level factors. There is a need for sustained investment to build and support a motivated health care workforce to prepare for future pandemics and health emergencies.
Assessment of anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents: Italian validation of the short version of the spence children’s anxiety scale for parents
Authors: De Caro Elide Francesca , Delvecchio Elisa , Garofalo Carlo , Mazzeschi Claudia 
Published: October 2024

The assessment of anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents requires a valid and reliable single instrument able to detect various anxiety symptoms early and systematically collect data from other informant such as parents. The present study aimed to test the one-factor structure of the SCAS-P-8 and to examine its psychometric properties and invariance across sex and age in an Italian sample of 769 parents of children and adolescents aged 3–18 years (50.8% females). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the one-factor structure of the SCAS-P-8, which showed good reliability and invariance by sex and age. When examining mean differences by sex and age, results showed that female schoolchildren had higher anxiety scores than males and other age groups. A strong correlation with emotional problems demonstrated convergent validity, while discriminant validity resulted from the weak correlations with externalizing symptoms and relationship problems with peers. Overall, findings support the SCAS-P-8 as a valid brief instrument to assess anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents for clinical and research purposes and demonstrate its invariance across sex and age.
Compatibilisation of Polymer Blends
Authors: Ajji Abdellah , Utracki L.A. 
Published: October 2024

Polymer blends are mixtures of two or more polymers and/or copolymers, containing at least two weight percent of the macromolecular species. Most blends are immiscible and need to be compatibilised. The compatibilisation must: (1) ascertain the optimum degree of dispersion, (2) stabilize the morphology against the possible damage during the subsequent processing stage, and (3) secure good interfacial interactions between phases in the solid state. Block copolymers, especially the di-block type, play a special role as model substances to study the mechanisms of compatibilisation. For this reason, their types, properties, and structure are discussed from the theoretical and experimental points of view. Next, blends of a copolymer with one, then two homopolymers are presented. Properties such as the interfacial tension, morphology, mechanical, and rheological properties are considered. Then, compatibilisation of polymer blends by either addition of a third component or by reactive blending, as well as the resulting properties, are reviewed. Finally, to provide illustration to the discussed principles, several commercial blends are described.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an integrated digital psychological intervention (EmoEase) in Chinese chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Simiao , Chen Wenjin , Li Yanfei , Yu Yiwen , Chen Qiushi , Jiao Lirui , Huang Ke , Tong Xunliang , Geldsetzer Pascal , Bunker Aditi , Fang Xingyuan , Jing Shu , Liu Yuhao , Li Yanming , He Liu , Wang Chao , Wang Weiyu , Zheng Zhoutao , Zhang Shiyu , Zhao Jinghan , Yang Ting , Bärnighausen Till , Wang Chen 
Published: October 2024

Background Mental health problems in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common and frequently neglected. Digital psychological interventions may reduce mental health problems, but their effectiveness has not been evaluated in the Chinese COPD population. In this study, we will develop an integrated digital psychological intervention ( EmoEase) and evaluate its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in enhancing the mental wellbeing of patients with COPD in China. Methods This study is a multicenter, two-arm, randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a parallel-group design to enroll at least 420 patients with COPD with age over 35 years. Participants will be assigned to receive either usual care (control group) or usual care + EmoEase (intervention group). Assessments will take place at baseline (T0) and 4 weeks (T1), 8 weeks (T2), and 16 weeks (T3) after baseline, and participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and physical measurements. The primary outcome measure will assess mental wellbeing using the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS). Secondary outcome measures will assess mental health, physical health, COPD symptoms, health risk behaviors, socioeconomic indicators, and healthcare utilization and expenditure. Analyses will utilize an intention-to-treat approach. Discussion This is the first RCT to examine the value of EmoEase, a novel digital psychological intervention for patients with COPD. If this intervention is effective and cost-effective, it could be rapidly scaled up to provide mental healthcare for patients with COPD in China. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06026709. Date of first submission: 30 August 2023. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06026709
Computed tomography patterns and clinical outcomes of radiation pneumonitis in non–small-cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Choi Ji Hoon , Kang Hee , Lim Ji Su , Lee Ki-Nam 
Published: October 2024

Background Radiation pneumonitis (RP) is not an uncommon complication in lung cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) and symptomatic RP can affect their quality of life. Purpose To investigate the CT findings of RP in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and their relationship with clinical outcomes. Materials and methods We reviewed data from 240 NSCLC patients who underwent RT between 2014 and 2022. CT findings of RP were evaluated for parenchymal abnormalities and distribution, which were then classified into three patterns: localized pneumonia (LP), cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), and acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP). Clinical outcomes of RP were evaluated based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade. Results Of the 153 patients, 135 developed RP. The most common pattern was LP ( n = 78), followed by COP ( n = 30) and AIP ( n = 25). Among the three CT patterns, CTCAE grade and days between the start of RT and the onset of RP (RT-RP days) were statistically significantly different ( p < 0.05). The patients with AIP patterns exhibited higher CTCAE grade, and fewer RT-RP days compared to those with non-AIP patterns ( p < 0.05). In these patients, lung-to-lung metastasis and underlying interstitial lung abnormality were observed more frequently ( p < 0.05). Underlying pulmonary fibrosis, the AIP pattern, and higher CT extent scores were more frequently observed in higher CTCAE grade group ( p < 0.001). In multiple regression analysis, age, bilateral distribution, RT-RP days, and CT extent score ≥3 were independent predicting factors for higher CTCAE grade. Conclusions RP in NSCLC patients can be classified into LP, COP, and AIP patterns and they exhibit different severities in clinical outcomes.
The Effect of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis on Screw Loosening in MIS-TLIF and Dynamic Stabilization
Authors: Chang Hsuan-Kan , Chang Chih-Chang , Cheng Yu-Wen , Wu Ching-Lan , Tu Tsung-Hsi , Wu Jau-Ching , Huang Wen-Cheng 
Published: October 2024

Study Design Retrospective series. Objective Screw loosening in the surgical treatment of lumbar spine disease is a major complication of osteopenia or osteoporosis. This study investigated the risk of screw loosening following either MIS-TLIF or pedicle screw-based dynamic stabilization (DS) in patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis. Methods We retrospectively enrolled patients receiving 1- or 2-level MIS-TLIF or DS in a single institute. All patients were diagnosed as having lumbar spondylosis without concurrent spondylolisthesis and found by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to have osteopenia or osteoporosis. Screw loosening was identified by X-ray and CT. Clinical outcomes were also assessed. Results A total of 103 patients (50 MIS-TLIF and 53 DS) were confirmed to have osteopenia (−2.5<T-score < −1.0) or osteoporosis (T-score≦-2.5). The two groups, which were followed for 33.6 ± 24.7 and 52 ± 34.5 months, had similar T-scores (−1.97 ± 0.7 and −1.97 ± 0.6, respectively, P = 0.960). While both groups had significant improvements in back and leg pain assessed by VAS, ODI, and JOA scores, there was a significant difference in overall screw loosening rates between the MIS-TLIF and DS groups analyzed by percent of patients 38% and 18.9% ( P = 0.039*) and by percent of screws 16.9% and 8% ( P = 0.002*), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed a significant difference in screw loosening rate in osteopenia patients ( P = 0.039* by person; P = 0.002* by screw), but no difference in osteoporosis patients. Conclusion The screw loosening rate was higher in the MIS-TLIF group in the entire cohort. Osteopenia patients receiving MIS-TLIF were at significantly higher risk of screw loosening, while that risk was not different for osteoporosis patients, compared to DS.
Comparison of a Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation Method and the Banff Patella Instability Instrument 2.0 for Patients With Patellofemoral Instability
Authors: Gebhardt Sebastian , Flügel Julian , Wassilew Georgi I. , Balcarek Peter 
Published: October 2024

Background: The concept of Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) has been introduced for several clinical entities; however, a validated SANE focusing on patients with patellofemoral instability has not been described. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to investigate the expressiveness of SANE questions (SQs) for the assessment of patients experiencing patellofemoral instability. It was hypothesized that the complexity of patellofemoral instability cannot be demonstrated by a single question. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Between October 2022 and March 2023, 120 consecutive patients (male/female, 50/70; mean age, 23.9 ± 8.0 years; mean body mass index, 25.3 ± 5.1 kg/m2) with patellofemoral instability were assessed with the Banff Patella Instability Instrument 2.0 (BPII 2.0). Patients were randomized into 3 groups (40 patients each) and asked to answer 1 of 3 SQs: “How do you rate your knee joint if a completely stable kneecap means 100%?” (SQ 1), “How do you rate your knee joint if complete satisfaction means 100%?” (SQ 2), and “How do you rate your knee joint if complete normal function means 100%?” (SQ 3). Means ± standard deviations were compared using 1-way analysis of variance, the correlation between BPII 2.0 and each SQ was assessed by Pearson correlation, and Bland-Altmann analysis was performed to investigate biases of each SQ in comparison with BPII 2.0. Results: The mean BPII 2.0 score was 40.5 ± 16.8 points, and the mean results of SQ 1, SQ 2, and SQ 3 were 44.2% ± 26.0%, 42.6% ± 25.4%, and 44.2% ± 18.9%, respectively, without significant differences between the groups (all P > .05). The correlations between BPII 2.0 and SQ 1, SQ 2, and SQ 3 were high ( r = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.86; P < .0001), low ( r = 0.35; 95% CI, –0.05 to 0.6; P = .02), and low ( r = 0.31; 95% CI, –0.002 to 0.56; P = .051), respectively. Bland-Altman analysis between BPII 2.0 and SQ 1, SQ 2, and SQ 3 revealed biases of −0.12 (SD, 17.1), –1.45 (SD, 24.4), and −8.0 (SD, 19.4), respectively. Conclusion: The SQ “How do you rate your knee joint if a completely stable kneecap means 100%?” demonstrated concurrent validity with the BPII 2.0 and may serve as a helpful tool to quickly assess patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability in a preoperative setting.
SimplySmart_v1, a new tool for the analysis of DNA damage optimized in primary neuronal cultures
Authors: Koirala Sushma , Sharma Harman , Chew Yee Lian , Konopka Anna 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
The increased interest in research on DNA damage in neurodegeneration has created a need for the development of tools dedicated to the analysis of DNA damage in neurons. Double-stranded breaks (DSBs) are among the most detrimental types of DNA damage and have become a subject of intensive research. DSBs result in DNA damage foci, which are detectable with the marker γH2AX. Manual counting of DNA damage foci is challenging and biased, and there is a lack of open-source programs optimized specifically in neurons. Thus, we developed a new, fully automated application, SimplySmart_v1, for DNA damage quantification and optimized its performance specifically in primary neurons cultured in vitro.

Results
Compared with control neurons, SimplySmart_v1 accurately identifies the induction of DNA damage with etoposide in primary neurons. It also accurately quantifies DNA damage in the desired fraction of cells and processes a batch of images within a few seconds. SimplySmart_v1 was also capable of quantifying DNA damage effectively regardless of the cell type (neuron or NSC-34). The comparative analysis of SimplySmart_v1 with other open-source tools, such as Fiji, CellProfiler and a focinator, revealed that SimplySmart_v1 is the most ‘user-friendly’ and the quickest tool among others and provides highly accurate results free of variability between measurements. In the context of neurodegenerative research, SimplySmart_v1 revealed an increase in DNA damage in primary neurons expressing abnormal TAR DNA/RNA binding protein (TDP-43).

Conclusions
These findings showed that SimplySmart_v1 is a new and effective tool for research on DNA damage and can successfully replace other available software.
Transcriptome analysis reveals biosynthesis and regulation of flavonoid in common bean seeds during grain filling
Authors: Tapia Gerardo , Gonzalez Máximo , Méndez José , Schmeda-Hirschmann Guillermo , Arrey Oscar , Carrasco Basilio , Nina Nélida , Salas-Burgos Alexis , Jimenéz-Aspee Felipe , Arevalo Barbara 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe Andean domesticated common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are significant sources of phenolic compounds associated with health benefits. However, the regulation of biosynthesis of these compounds during bean seed development remains unclear. To elucidate the gene expression patterns involved in the regulation of the flavonoid pathway, we conducted a transcriptome analysis of two contrasting Chilean varieties, Negro Argel (black bean) and Coscorron (white bean), at three developmental stages associated with seed color change, as well as different flavonoid compound accumulations. Our study reveals that phenolic compound synthesis initiates during seed filling, although it exhibits desynchronization between both varieties. We identified 10,153 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) across all comparisons. The KEGG pathway ‘Flavonoid biosynthesis’ showed enrichment of induced DEGs in Negro Argel (PV172), consistent with the accumulation of delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin hexosides in their seeds, while catechin glucoside, procyanidin and kaempferol derivatives were predominantly detected in Coscorrón (PV24). Furthermore, while the flavonoid pathway was active in both varieties, our results suggest that enzymes involved in the final steps, such as ANS and UGT, were crucial, inducing anthocyanin formation in Negro Argel. Additionally, during active anthocyanin biosynthesis, the accumulation of reserve proteins or those related to seed protection and germination was induced. These findings provide valuable insights and serve as a guide for plant breeding aimed at enhancing the health and nutritional properties of common beans.