bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring early- and mid-career academic work wellbeing challenges through a diversity and inclusion lens
Authors: Piano Marianne , Jarden Rebecca J. , Hastings-Ison Tandy , Lawford Belinda J. , Diemer Kristin , Hui Flora , Kefalianos Elaina , McKibbin Gemma 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Early- to mid-career academics (EMCAs) represent a core component of the Australian higher education workforce. These academics experience major challenges to their wellbeing, driving a strong desire to leave academia.

Objectives
Determine (1) EMCA awareness of, and engagement with, previous University- and Faculty-level diversity and inclusion events/initiatives and (2) opportunities and solutions to address previously reported diversity and inclusion issues experienced in the workplace.

Methods
114 EMCAs in medicine, dentistry and health sciences completed an electronic cross-sectional survey. The survey contained a list of University- and Faculty-provided diversity and inclusion initiatives and sought respondent ratings of interest, awareness (knowing/hearing about) and engagement (attending/applying/participating). Two in-person focus groups comprising participants who opted in during the survey or who responded to broader advertising were conducted. Both groups explored opportunities and solutions to address diversity and inclusion issues reported in an earlier organisation-wide survey.

Results
Whilst early- and mid-career academics reported high interest in diversity and inclusion events, they also reported limited awareness and engagement with these events, feeling unsupported to engage or perceiving consequences for workload. Focus groups identified five themes related to opportunities and solutions to address diversity and inclusion issues experienced in the workplace (1) enhanced relational support for career progression, (2) clear and transparent processes for efficient working, (3) reducing structural barriers to create opportunity, (4) improved financial renumeration, and (5) improved transitions and pathways.

Conclusion
Early- and mid-career academics often felt unable to engage with activities outside of their immediate work responsibilities, such as events about diversity and inclusion, due to feelings of high workload. A systems approach to deploying targeted strategies to address these wellbeing challenges is recommended to sustain and retain this critical workforce.
Benefits of using virtual reality in cariology teaching
Authors: Hamama Hamdi , Harrison Ka Yan , Murbay Sukhdeep 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Virtual Reality (VR) has been widely used as an useful educational tool in modern dentistry and is considered as an alternative training tool adjunct to conventional training methods.

Objective
This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of VR haptic-enhanced simulators for training undergraduate dental students during practical cariology pre-clinical caries excavation sessions.

Methods
A total number of 76 students were recruited for this study. Students were randomly divided into 2 groups (38 students each). The experimental group (VR-Start group), students performed caries removal at the VR haptic-enhanced simulator prior to practicing on natural extracted teeth. Conversely, the control group (Natural Tooth-Start Group), students exposed to VR simulation training after practicing on extracted natural teeth. An evaluation questionnaire was disseminated among students to evaluate their self-confidence, perceived clinical skills and their perception of providing better care to patients in the future. They were also invited to express their opinions on the usefulness of VR simulator in comparison with conventional learning methods.

Results
The outcome of Chi-square test showed no significant difference in students’ response among this study groups (p > 0.05). Moreover, the outcome of this study revealed that both student groups considered virtual reality as a useful learning tool. Majority of students (90%) superiorly ranked experience gained from practicing on natural carious teeth. They also clearly stated that virtual reality allowed them to practice more and improve their self-confidence level as well as eye-hand coordination.

Conclusions
Virtual reality simulator is a useful learning tool which can benefit undergraduate dental students at their pre-clinical stage; but, it cannot totally replace the conventional caries excavation.
MCQs in-training examination scores of the surgical residency program in Thailand: the relationship between medical school vs public health-based training institutions
Authors: Orrapin Saritphat , Homchan Ob-Uea , Chotirosniramit Narain , Jirapongcharoenlap Tidarat , Ditsatham Chagkrit 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aims at investigating and evaluating the categorical knowledge of residency using an internet-based examination.

Methods
All in-training examinees from 32 Thailand’s general surgery residency training institutions participating in the online examination. One hundred fifty Multiple Choice questions (MCQs) were selected for this examination from a pool of previous MCQs used for board certification examinations. Baseline chracteristic of the examinee including residency year, training institution (medical schools and public health-based training institutions), regional-based area of the institution, overall test score, scoring by subcategory, total time to complete the examination, and the length of accredited as a training centre time were collected and analysed.

Results
Total 613 examinees. The mean total score of 1st and 3rd year residency of a public health hospital institution differed from those with medical school-based training. On average, the scores in 4 out of 10 categories of residency from medical school training institutions were higher. However, residency from institutions with over 7 years of experience tended to score higher in the Liver, Biliary and Pancreas category.

Conclusions
The average scores of MCQs exams which reflect the medical knowledge for general surgical residency training at medical schools do not significantly differ from those of individuals undergoing public health training. Additionally, the mean scores of MCQs exams did not differ between high-experience training institutions and recent accredited training centers.
Lipoprotein(a) and risk-weighted apolipoprotein B: a novel metric for atherogenic risk
Authors: Rehman Michaela B. , Tudrej Benoit V. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Retention of apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins within the arterial wall plays a major causal role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). There is a single apoB molecule in all apoB-containing lipoproteins. Therefore, quantitation of apoB directly estimates the number of atherogenic particles in plasma. ApoB is the preferred measurement to refine the estimate of ASCVD risk. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles are by far the most abundant apoB-containing particles. In patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), apoB may considerably underestimate risk because Mendelian randomization studies have shown that the atherogenicity of Lp(a) is approximately 7-fold greater than that of LDL on a per apoB particle basis. In subjects with increased Lp(a), the association between LDL-cholesterol and incident CHD (coronary heart disease) is increased, but the association between apoB and incident CHD is diminished or even lost. Thus, there is a need to understand the mechanisms of Lp(a), LDL-cholesterol and apoB-related CHD risk and to provide clinicians with a simple practical tool to address these complex and variable relationships. How can we understand a patient’s overall lipid-driven atherogenic risk? What proportion of this risk does apoB capture? What proportion of this risk do Lp(a) particles carry? To answer these questions, we created a novel metric of atherogenic risk: risk-weighted apolipoprotein B.

Methods
In nmol/L: Risk-weighted apoB = apoB - Lp(a) + Lp(a) x 7 = apoB + Lp(a) x 6. Proportion of risk captured by apoB = apoB divided by risk-weighted apoB. Proportion of risk carried by Lp(a) = Lp(a) × 7 divided by risk-weighted apoB.

Results
Risk-weighted apoB agrees with risk estimation from large epidemiological studies and from several Mendelian randomization studies.

Conclusions
ApoB considerably underestimates risk in individuals with high Lp(a) levels. The association between apoB and incident CHD is diminished or even lost. These phenomena can be overcome and explained by risk-weighted apoB.
The link between gut microbiome, nutraceuticals, diet, and diabetes mellitus: a bibliometric and visual analysis of research and emerging trends from 2012 to 2022
Authors: Sarkar Aparajita , Khan Anfal Sher , Kaul Ridhima , Lee Surin , Kamal Ibtihal H. , Paul Pradipta , Laws Sa’ad , Chaari Ali 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) worldwide is a cause for global concern. Recent evidence suggests that the interaction between one’s diet and the gut microbiome are key modifiers of diabetes, highlighting the potential role of microbiome-modulating nutraceuticals. This bibliometric analysis examines literature published between 2012 and 2022 to explore trends in the latest research, with additional discussion on major takeaways and future directions.

Methods
We selected and analyzed 640 articles from an initial pool of 4,099 from Web of Science using Microsoft Excel 2016 and VOSviewer software (version 1.6.19).

Results
Our exploration uncovered the most commonly associated and influential journals, countries, study designs, experimental subjects, types of DM, organisms and nutraceuticals studied, and the most cited articles. We also noted the most cited publications across journals, organizations, and countries, along with the collaborative networks among authors, organizations and countries, and the co-occurrence of author keywords from the selection.

Conclusion
It is evident from the increasing number of publications each year that this field has attracted growing attention over the last decade. Nonetheless, continued research is essential to sustain this trend. Our overarching study of diabetes research marks steady progress in understanding the role—and potentially discovering applications—microbiome modulation to enhance metabolic pathways and health outcomes. Advancements in this field may lead to potential therapeutic applications for specific diets and nutraceuticals that modulate the gut microbiota in DM.
NX210c drug candidate peptide strengthens mouse and human blood-brain barriers
Authors: Greene Chris , Rebergue Nicolas , Fewell Gwen , Janigro Damir , Godfrin Yann , Campbell Matthew , Lemarchant Sighild 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Alterations of blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-spinal cord barrier have been documented in various animal models of neurodegenerative diseases and in patients. Correlations of these alterations with functional deficits suggest that repairing barriers integrity may represent a disease-modifying approach to prevent neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration induced by the extravasation of blood components into the parenchyma. Here, we screened the effect of a subcommissural organ-spondin-derived peptide (NX210c), known to promote functional recovery in several models of neurological disorders, on BBB integrity in vitro and in vivo.

Methods
In vitro, bEnd.3 endothelial cell (EC) monolayers and two different primary human BBB models containing EC, astrocytes and pericytes, in static and microfluidic conditions, were treated with NX210c (1-100 µM), or its vehicle, for 4 h and up to 5 days. Tight junction (TJ) protein levels, permeability to dextrans and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) were evaluated. In vivo, young and old mice (3- and 21-month-old, respectively) were treated daily intraperitoneally with NX210c at 10 mg/kg or its vehicle for 5 days and their brains collected at day 6 to measure TJ protein levels by immunohistochemistry.

Results
NX210c induced an increase in claudin-5 protein expression after 24-h and 72-h treatments in mouse EC. Occludin level was also increased after a 24-h treatment. Accordingly, NX210c decreased by half the permeability of EC to a 40-kDa FITC-dextran and increased TEER. In the human static BBB model, NX210c increased by ∼ 25% the TEER from 3 to 5 days. NX210c also increased TEER in the human 3D dynamic BBB model after 4 h, which was associated with a reduced permeability to a 4-kDa FITC-dextran. In line with in vitro results, after only 5 days of daily treatments in mice, NX210c restored aging-induced reduction of claudin-5 and occludin levels in the hippocampus, and also in the cortex for occludin.

Conclusions
In summary, we have gathered preclinical data showing the capacity of NX210c to strengthen BBB integrity. Through this property, NX210c holds great promises of being a disease-modifying treatment for several neurological disorders with high unmet medical needs.
A living critical interpretive synthesis to yield a framework on the production and dissemination of living evidence syntheses for decision-making
Authors: Mansilla Cristián , Wang Qi , Piggott Thomas , Bragge Peter , Waddell Kerry , Guyatt Gordon , Sweetman Arthur , Lavis John N. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact in the global research production and has also increased research waste. Living evidence syntheses (LESs) seek to regularly update a body of evidence addressing a specific question. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the production and dissemination of LESs emerged as a cornerstone of the evidence infrastructure. This critical interpretive synthesis answers the questions: What constitutes an LES to support decision-making?; when should one be produced, updated, and discontinued?; and how should one be disseminated?

Methods
Searches included the Cochrane Library, EMBASE (Ovid), Health Systems Evidence, MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, and Web of Science up to 23 April 2024 and included articles that provide any insights on addressing the compass questions on LESs. Articles were selected and appraised, and their insights extracted. An interpretive and iterative coding process was used to identify relevant thematic categories and create a conceptual framework.

Results
Among the 16,630 non-duplicate records identified, 208 publications proved eligible. Most were non-empirical articles, followed by actual LESs. Approximately one in three articles were published in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The conceptual framework addresses six thematic categories: (1) what is an LES; (2) what methodological approaches facilitate LESs production; (3) when to produce an LES; (4) when to update an LES; (5) how to make available the findings of an LES; and (6) when to discontinue LES updates.

Conclusion
LESs can play a critical role in reducing research waste and ensuring alignment with advisory and decision-making processes. This critical interpretive synthesis provides relevant insights on how to better organize the global evidence architecture to support their production.

Trial registration
PROSPERO registration: CRD42021241875.
Electroacupuncture inhibited carrageenan-induced pain aversion by activating GABAergic neurons in the ACC
Authors: Zhu Yichen , Sun Haiju , Xiao Siqi , Shen Zui , Zhu Xixiao , Wang Yifang , He Xiaofen , Liu Boyi , Jiang Yongliang , Liang Yi , Fang Janqiao , Shao Xiaomei 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPain aversion is an avoidance response to painful stimuli. Previous research has indicated that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is involved in pain aversion processing. However, as interneurons, the role of GABAergic neurons in the ACC (GABAACC neurons) in pain aversion is still unclear. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to ameliorate pain aversion, but the mechanism is not clarified. The present study provided evidence that inhibition of GABAACC neurons contributed to pain aversion. EA alleviated pain aversion by activating GABAACC neurons in an intensity-dependent manner. Specifically, 0.3 mA EA stimulation showed better effects on pain aversion than 0.1 mA stimulation, which could be reversed by chemical genetic inhibition of GABAACC neurons. These results provide a novel mechanism by which EA alleviates pain aversion by reversing GABAACC neurons.
The OBS UK Dashboard: an interactive tool for representative trial site selection to facilitate equality and diversity in maternity research
Authors: Elsmore Amy , Rai Tanvi , Pallmann Philip , Townson Julia , Kotecha Sarah , Black Mairead , Sanders Julia , Collis Rachel , Collins Peter , Karunakaran Bala , Wu Pensee , Bell Sarah , Parry-Smith William 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Obstetric Bleeding Study UK (OBS UK) (award ID: 152057) is a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial of a complex intervention for postpartum haemorrhage. This was developed in Wales and evaluated in a feasibility study, with improvements in maternal outcomes observed. Generalisability of the findings is limited by lack of control data and limited ethnic diversity in the Welsh obstetric patient population compared to the United Kingdom (UK): 94% of the Welsh population identifies as White, versus 82% in the UK. Non-White ethnicity and socioeconomic deprivation are linked to increased risk of adverse maternal outcomes. Traditionally, decisions regarding site selection are based on desire to complete trials on target in ‘tried and tested’ research active institutions. To ensure widespread applicability of the results and investigate the impact of ethnicity and social deprivation on trial outcomes, maternity units were recruited that represent the ethnic diversity and social deprivation profiles of the UK.

Method
Using routinely collected, publicly available data, an interactive dashboard was developed that demonstrates the demographics of the population served by each maternity unit in the UK, to inform site recruitment. Data on births per year, ethnic and socioeconomic group of the population for each maternity unit, across the UK, were integrated into the dashboard.

Results
The dashboard demonstrates that OBS UK trial sites reflect the ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of the UK (study vs UK population ethnicity: White 79.2% vs 81.7%, Asian 10.5% vs 9.3%, Black 4.7% vs 4.0%, Mixed 2.5% vs 2.9%, Other 3.0% vs 2.1%) with variation in site demography, size and location. Missing data varied across sites and nations and is presented.

Conclusion
The NIHR equality, diversity and inclusion strategy states studies must widen participation, facilitating individuals from all backgrounds to engage. The development of this novel interactive dashboard demonstrates an innovative way of achieving this. National Health Service (NHS) maternity researchers should consider using this tool to enhance diversity in research, address health disparities and improve generalisability of findings. This approach could be applied to healthcare settings beyond maternity care and across different global populations.

Trial registration
ISRCTN 17679951. Registered on August 30, 2023.
Mind the intention-behavior gap: a qualitative study of post-myocardial infarction patients’ beliefs and experiences with long-term supervised and self-monitored physical exercise
Authors: Svenningsen Alexander , Söderström Sylvia , Bucher Sandbakk Silvana , Gullestad Lars , Bønaa Kaare Harald , Wisløff Ulrik , Hollekim-Strand Siri Marte 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Many post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients struggle with physical activity behavior change (BC) for life-long secondary prevention. There is limited knowledge about factors influencing long-term physical activity BC among post-MI patients. This qualitative study aimed to explore the beliefs and experiences related to post-MI patients’ physical activity BC process following a year’s participation in a supervised and self-monitored exercise program: the Norwegian Trial of Physical Exercise After MI (NorEx).

Methods
We conducted a qualitative study, performing in-depth semi-structured interviews with a randomly selected sample of NorEx participants when they were scheduled for cardiopulmonary exercise testing after one year of participation. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data was analyzed by applying reflexive thematic analysis.

Results
Seventeen participants (n = 4 female [24%]; median age, 61 years; median time since index MI, 4 years) were recruited and interviewed once. Analysis resulted in four main themes (nine sub-themes): (1) Personal responsibility to exercise (Exercise is safe, Health benefits, Habitual exercise); (2) Peer social support for a sense of safety and belonging (Social exercise, Supervision is preferred); (3) Research participation transformed exercise beliefs (High-intensity exercise is superior, Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) promotes exercise adherence); and (4) Mind the intention-behavior gap (Initial anxiety, Lack of continued follow-up).

Conclusions
Several participants reported that they were able to maintain exercise BC during a year’s participation in NorEx. Nevertheless, a perceived lack of continued and individualized follow-up made some participants struggle with motivation and self-regulation, leading to an intention-behavior gap. Therefore, our findings suggest there is a need for individualized and continued social support and supervision from health and exercise professionals to maintain long-term exercise BC for secondary prevention among post-MI patients.

Trial registration
The NorEx study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04617639, registration date 2020-10-21).
Aerobic exercise and cognitive function in chronic severe traumatic brain injury survivors: a within-subject A-B-A intervention study
Authors: López Lidia Pérez , Coll-Andreu Margalida , Torras-Garcia Meritxell , Font-Farré Manel , Oviedo Guillermo R. , Capdevila Lluis , Guerra-Balic Myriam , Portell-Cortés Isabel , Costa-Miserachs David , Morris Timothy P. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Following acute and sub-acute rehabilitation from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), minimal to no efficacious interventions to treat ongoing cognitive deficits are available. Aerobic exercise is a non-invasive behavioral intervention with promise to treat cognitive deficits in TBI populations.

Methods
Six individuals, aged 24–62 years, with chronic (> 8 months since injury) severe (Glasgow Coma Scale of 3–8) TBI were recruited from two outpatient rehabilitation centers. In an A-B-A study design, 20-weeks of supervised aerobic exercise interventions were delivered three times per week (phase B) in addition to participants typical rehabilitation schedules (phases A). The effect of phase B was tested on a trail making test part B (primary outcome measure of executive function) as well as objective daily physical activity (PA), using both group level (linear mixed effect models) and single subject statistics.

Results
Five of six participants increased trail-making test part B by more than 10% pre-to-post phase B, with three of six making a clinically meaningful improvement (+ 1SD in normative scores). A significant main effect of time was seen with significant improvement in trail-making test part B pre-to-post exercise (phase B). No significant effects in other planned comparisons were found. Statistically significant increases in daily moderate-to-vigorous PA were also seen during phase B compared to phase A with three of six individuals making a significant behaviour change.

Conclusions
The addition of supervised aerobic exercise to typical rehabilitation strategies in chronic survivors of severe TBI can improve executive set shifting abilities and increase voluntary daily PA levels.

Trial registration
Retrospective trial registration on July 11 2024 with trial number: ISRCTN17487462.