bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive “real need” assessment, a step toward improving the quality of faculty development programs: A survey‐based study in Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Barzegar Marziyeh , Miri Hamidreza , Abedini Samirerh , Kamali Farahnaz , Boushehri Elham 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsDeveloping a framework to identify the “real” needs of faculty members, the gap between the current and desired conditions, would lead to an effective faculty development program (FDP) and improve higher education quality and health system promotion. For the first time in Iran, instead of needs assessment based on faculty members preferences or assessing needs only in a few areas, this study aimed to assess the difference between “self‐rated level of skill” as the current condition and “perceived importance” as the expected condition, regarding all faculty roles and levels at Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences (HUMS).MethodsThis study used a research‐made questionnaire that included 73 items within nine domains. The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient ranged from 0.86 to 0.96 for domains. The census method was applied. Participants rated their current skill level and perceived importance for professional development of each item on a 10‐anchor scale. Statistical software, SPSS 19, analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and analytic tests.ResultsSignificant differences existed among participants' ratings of skills and the importance of further training in various areas. Priority professional development domains were e‐learning, curriculum development, personal development, program evaluation, leadership and management, student assessment, learning theories and teaching strategies, research and scholarship, and ethics and communication.ConclusionAdditional formal training is required, especially in e‐learning and curriculum development, for most faculty members at HUMS to enhance their academic performance. This study is the first needs assessment in Iran based on gaps between current and desired conditions. Conducting a “real needs” assessment before initiating an FDP is necessary for its feasibility.
Cancer incidence, stage shift and survival during the 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic: A population‐based study in Belgium
Authors: Peacock Hanna M. , Van Meensel Mira , Van Gool Bart , Silversmit Geert , Dekoninck Kris , Brierley James D. , Van Eycken Liesbet 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with a profound decline in cancer diagnoses in 2020 in Belgium. Disruption in diagnostic and screening services and patient reluctance to visit health facilities led to fewer new cases and concerns that cancers may be diagnosed at more advanced stages and hence have poorer prognosis. Using data from mandatory cancer registration covering all of Belgium, we predicted cancer incidence, stage distribution and 1‐year relative survival for 2020 using a Poisson count model over the preceding years, extrapolated to 2020 for 11 common cancer types. We compared these expected values to the observed values in 2020 to specifically quantify the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic, accounting for background trends. A significantly lower incidence was observed for cervical, prostate, head and neck, colorectal, bladder and breast cancer, with limited or no recovery of diagnoses in the second half of 2020 for these cancer types. Changes in stage distribution were observed for cervical, prostate, bladder and ovarian and fallopian tube tumours. Generally, changes in stage distribution mainly represented decline in early‐stage than in late‐stage tumours. One‐year relative survival was lower than predicted for lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Stage shifts are hypothesised to result from alterations in access to diagnosis, potentially due to prioritisation of symptomatic patients, and patient reluctance to contact a physician. Since there were over 5000 fewer cancer diagnoses than expected by the end of 2020, it is critical to monitor incidence, stage distribution and survival for these cancers in the coming years.
Oxidative DNA damage contributes to usnic acid‐induced toxicity in human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived hepatocytes
Authors: Gao Xiugong , Campasino Kayla , Yourick Miranda R. , Cao Yu , Yourick Jeffrey J. , Sprando Robert L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDietary supplements containing usnic acid have been increasingly marketed for weight loss over the past decades, even though incidences of severe hepatotoxicity and acute liver failure due to their overuse have been reported. To date, the toxic mechanism of usnic acid‐induced liver injury at the molecular level still remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we conducted a transcriptomic study on usnic acid using a novel in vitro hepatotoxicity model employing human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐derived hepatocytes. Treatment with 20 μM usnic acid for 24 h caused 4272 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the cells. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) based on the DEGs and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) using the whole transcriptome expression data concordantly revealed several signaling pathways and biological processes that, when taken together, suggest that usnic acid caused oxidative stress and DNA damage in the cells, which further led to cell cycle arrest and eventually resulted in cell death through apoptosis. These transcriptomic findings were subsequently corroborated by a variety of cellular assays, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and glutathione (GSH) depletion, DNA damage (pH2AX detection and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine [8‐OH‐dg] assay), cell cycle analysis, and caspase 3/7 activity. Collectively, the results of the current study accord with previous in vivo and in vitro findings, provide further evidence that oxidative stress‐caused DNA damage contributes to usnic acid‐induced hepatotoxicity, shed new light on molecular mechanisms of usnic acid‐induced hepatotoxicity, and demonstrate the usefulness of iPSC‐derived hepatocytes as an in vitro model for hepatotoxicity testing and prediction.
Belonging in engineering: Exploring the predictive relevance of social interaction and individual factors on undergraduate students' belonging in engineering
Authors: Polmear Madeline , Hunsu Nathaniel J. , Simmons Denise R. , Olaogun Olanrewaju P. , Lu Laura 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundBelonging in their academic discipline affects students' participation and retention in engineering. While prior studies have conceptualized belonging as a predictor of outcomes, this study examines belonging as an outcome that depends on interpersonal and intrapersonal variables.PurposeThis quantitative study tested a conceptual model of academic belonging for undergraduate engineering students that hypothesized how intrapersonal and interpersonal variables predict belonging in engineering. The model proposed that engineering students' satisfaction with and valuing of their academic discipline mediate these predictors' effects on belonging.Design/MethodsThis study sampled undergraduate engineering students (n = 849) across six universities and used structural equation modeling to examine the direct and indirect effects of four exogenous variables (achievement striving, grit, peer interaction, faculty interaction) on one endogenous variable (academic belonging). The model included satisfaction with and valuing of their academic discipline as mediator variables.ResultsThe direct effects of peer interaction, faculty interaction, as well as passion and perseverance (sub‐constructs of grit) on academic belonging were significant. The direct effects of achievement striving on predicting academic belonging were not significant. Satisfaction mediated the effects of the predictors on students' sense of belonging in engineering.ConclusionsPeer interaction was the most robust contributor to belonging, while faculty interaction and the value that students ascribe to their academic discipline predicted their sense of belonging in engineering. This work provides a novel model of belonging in engineering and its interpersonal and intrapersonal antecedents with educational, policy, and research implications to improve engineering students' belonging within their academic discipline.
Synthesis of cyclopentane annulated δ‐lactams via diazomethane‐mediated CC bond cleavage of α‐ketoN,O‐hemiaminals
Authors: Gorle Hari Mangeswara Rao , Marok Satwinder Singh 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDiazomethane‐mediated C‐C bond cleavage of α‐keto N,O‐hemiaminals was investigated for the first time. Diazomethane as a reagent result C‐C bond cleavage of norbornyl α‐keto N,O‐hemiaminals, Grob‐like fragmentation, lead to the formation of cyclopentane annulated δ‐lactams in excellent yields. We have synthesized the precursor norbornyl α‐keto N,O‐hemiaminal by the nucleophilic displacement of halogen of norbornyl α‐diketone with the various amines.
Transient response to high‐dose niacin therapy in a patient with NAXE deficiency
Authors: Al‐Amrani Fatema , Al‐Thihli Khalid , Al‐Ajmi Eiman , Al‐Futaisi Amna , Al‐Murshedi Fathiya 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundNAXE‐encephalopathy or early‐onset progressive encephalopathy with brain edema and/or leukoencephalopathy‐1 (PEBEL‐1) and NAXD‐encephalopathy (PEBEL‐2) have been described recently as mitochondrial disorders causing psychomotor regression, hypotonia, ataxia, quadriparesis, ophthalmoparesis, respiratory insufficiency, encephalopathy, and seizures with the onset being usually within the first three years of life. It usually leads to rapid disease progression and death in early childhood. Anecdotal reports suggest that niacin, through its role in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotinde (NAD) de novo synthesis, corrects biochemical derangement, and slows down disease progression. Reports so far have supported this observation.MethodsWe describe a patient with a confirmed PEBEL‐1 diagnosis and report his clinical response to niacin therapy. Moreover, we systematically searched the literature for PEBEL‐1 and PEBEL‐2 patients treated with niacin and details about response to treatment and clinical data were reviewed. Furthermore, we are describing off‐label use of a COX2 inhibitor to treat niacin‐related urticaria in NAXE‐encephalopathy.ResultsSo far, seven patients with PEBEL‐1 and PEBEL‐2 treated with niacin were reported, and all patients showed a good response for therapy or stabilization of symptoms. We report a patient exhibiting PEBEL‐1 with an unfavorable outcome despite showing initial stabilization and receiving the highest dose of niacin reported to date. Niacin therapy failed to halt disease progression or attain stabilization of the disease in this patient.ConclusionDespite previous positive results for niacin supplementation in patients with PEBEL‐1 and PEBEL‐2, this is the first report of a patient with PEBEL‐1 who deteriorated to fatal outcome despite being started on the highest dose of niacin therapy reported to date.
Remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic devices using smart device interface versus radiofrequency‐based interface: A systematic review
Authors: Tan Vern Hsen , See Tow Hui Xin , Fong Khi Yung , Wang Yue , Yeo Colin , Ching Chi Keong , Lim Toon Wei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundGuidelines recommended remote monitoring (RM) in managing patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices. In recent years, smart device (phone or tablet) monitoring‐based RM (SM‐RM) was introduced. This study aims to systematically review SM‐RM versus bedside monitor RM (BM‐RM) using radiofrequency in terms of compliance, connectivity, and episode transmission time.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review, searching three international databases from inception until July 2023 for studies comparing SM‐RM (intervention group) versus BM‐RM (control group).ResultsTwo matched studies (21 978 patients) were retrieved (SM‐RM arm: 9642 patients, BM‐RM arm: 12 336 patients). There is significantly higher compliance among SM‐RM patients compared with BM‐RM patients in both pacemaker and defibrillator patients. Manyam et al. found that more SM‐RM patients than BM‐RM patients transmitted at least once (98.1% vs. 94.3%, p < .001), and Tarakji et al. showed that SM‐RM patients have higher success rates of scheduled transmissions than traditional BM‐RM methods (SM‐RM: 94.6%, pacemaker manual: 56.3%, pacemaker wireless: 77.0%, defibrillator wireless: 87.1%). There were higher enrolment rates, completed scheduled and patient‐initiated transmissions, shorter episode transmission time, and higher connectivity among SM‐RM patients compared to BM‐RM patients. Younger patients (aged <75) had more patient‐initiated transmissions, and a higher proportion had ≥10 transmissions compared with older patients (aged ≥75) in both SM‐RM and BM‐RM groups.ConclusionSM‐RM is a step in the right direction, with good compliance, connectivity, and shorter episode transmission time, empowering patients to be in control of their health. Further research on cost‐effectiveness and long‐term clinical outcomes can be carried out.
Can fertilization of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) with potassium sulfate cause oxidative stress in the plants?
Authors: Hütsch Birgit W. , Heid Annabelle , Keipp Katrin , Schubert Sven 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPotatoes are regarded very prone to chloride toxicity, and the application of sulfate‐based potassium fertilizers is therefore recommended. However, in several studies, no significant differences between KCl and K2SO4 on tuber yield and starch concentration were found. In addition, plant shoots occasionally showed more pronounced stress symptoms after sulfate compared to chloride treatment.AimsThis study aimed to identify reasons for enhanced stress occurrence of potato plants after K2SO4 instead of KCl fertilization.MethodsWe conducted a pot experiment with the potato cultivar Marabel, which showed to be chloride‐resistant in our previous study, and applied 1 g K or 2 g K either as K2SO4 or KCl. Plant shoots were analyzed for nutrients, sugars, and antioxidative capacity shortly before start of flowering (intermediate harvest), and tubers were harvested at physiological maturity and their starch concentration and yield were determined.ResultsWith sulfate‐based K fertilization, the start of flowering and ripening as well as the achievement of physiological maturity occurred earlier than with KCl supply. However, the accelerated development of K2SO4‐treated plants did not affect shoot fresh and dry mass shortly before flowering and at maturity, showing similar values as in the KCl treatment. With 2 g K as K2SO4, the potato plants produced much larger and less than half the number of tubers compared to 2 g K as KCl, resulting in a significantly reduced tuber fresh mass. Tuber starch concentration as well as starch yield per plant were not significantly affected by the kind of K fertilization. In plant shoots shortly before flowering, calcium and magnesium concentrations were significantly decreased, combined with a significant increase in antioxidative capacity after application of 2 g K as K2SO4 compared to KCl. Sugar concentrations and contents in potato shoots at flowering were mostly unaffected by the kind of K fertilizer.ConclusionsStronger toxicity symptoms and growth inhibition after sulfate compared to chloride application, combined with a significant increase in antioxidative capacity, provide evidence for sulfate‐induced oxidative stress. A higher production of organic anions such as succinate may be involved in the stress reaction. This needs to be investigated in more detail in further studies.
The use of fixed study main effects in arm‐based network meta‐analysis
Authors: Piepho Hans‐Peter , Madden Laurence V. , Williams Emlyn R. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMethods of network meta‐analysis (NMA) can be classified as arm‐based and contrast‐based approaches. There are several arm‐based approaches, and some of these have been criticized because they recover inter‐study information and hence do not obey the principle of concurrent control. Here, we point out that recovery of inter‐study information in arm‐based NMA can be prevented by fitting a fixed main effect for studies. Advantages of arm‐based NMA are discussed.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved disease‐free survival in pancreatic cancer patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy with vascular resection
Authors: Dillon Dustin L. , Park Joon Y. , Mederos Michael A. , Seo Young‐Ji , King Jonathan , Hines Joe , Donahue Timothy , Girgis Mark D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesNeoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is becoming favored for all pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Patients with seemingly resectable disease infrequently still display vascular involvement intraoperatively. Outcomes following NAC versus upfront surgery in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with vascular resection are unknown.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of PDAC patients who underwent PD with vascular resection between January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2020, within a single academic center. Clinicopathologic characteristics and disease‐free survival (DFS) were compared between NAC versus upfront surgery cohorts using the Kaplan–Meier estimate and Cox proportional‐hazards regression model.ResultsEighty‐one patients who underwent PD with vascular resection for PDAC were included. Forty‐six patients (56%) received NAC. The NAC cohort more often had pathologic N0 status (47.8% vs. 8.6%, p < 0.001), had decreased vascular invasion (11% vs. 40%, p = 0.002), and completed chemotherapy (80% vs. 40%, p < 0.01). The NAC cohort demonstrated improved DFS (40.5 vs. 14.3 months, p = 0.007). In multivariable analysis, NAC remained independently associated with increased DFS (HR = 0.48, p = 0.02).ConclusionsNAC was associated with improved clinicopathologic outcomes and DFS in PD with vascular resection. These findings demonstrate the advantage of NAC in PDAC patients undergoing PD with vascular resection.
Triheptanoin Did Not Show Benefit versus Placebo for the Treatment of Paroxysmal Movement Disorders in Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome: Results of a Randomized Phase 3 Study
Authors: De Giorgis Valentina , Bhatia Kailash P. , Boespflug‐Tanguy Odile , Gras Domitille , Marina Adela Della , Desurkar Archana , Toledo Manuel , Miller Ian , Rotstein Michael , Schneider Susanne A. , Tarquinio Daniel C. , Weber Yvonne , Brandabur Melanie , Mayhew Jill , Koutsoukos Tony , De Vivo Darryl C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundParoxysmal movement disorders are common in Glut1 deficiency syndrome (Glut1DS). Not all patients respond to or tolerate ketogenic diets.ObjectivesThe objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of triheptanoin in reducing the frequency of disabling movement disorders in patients with Glut1DS not receiving a ketogenic diet.MethodsUX007G‐CL301 was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 crossover study. After a 6‐week run‐in, eligible patients were randomized 1:1 to the first sequence (triheptanoin/placebo or placebo/triheptanoin) titration plus maintenance, followed by washout and the opposite sequence titration plus maintenance. The placebo (safflower oil) matched the appearance, taste, and smell of triheptanoin. Open‐label triheptanoin was administered in the extension. The frequency of disabling paroxysmal movement disorder events per 4 weeks (recorded by diary during maintenance; primary endpoint) was assessed by Wilcoxon rank‐sum test.ResultsForty‐three patients (children, n = 16; adults, n = 27) were randomized and treated. There was no difference between triheptanoin and placebo in the mean (interquartile range) number of disabling paroxysmal movement disorder events (14.3 [4.7–38.3] vs. 11.8; [3.2–28.7]; Hodges‐Lehmann estimated median difference: 1.46; 95% confidence interval, −1.12 to 4.36; P = 0.2684). Treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild/moderate in severity and included diarrhea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, headache, and nausea. Two patients discontinued the study because of non‐serious adverse events that were predominantly gastrointestinal. The study was closed early during the open‐label extension because of lack of effectiveness. Seven patients continued to receive triheptanoin compassionately.ConclusionThere were no significant differences between the triheptanoin and placebo groups in the frequency of disabling movement disorder events during the double‐blind maintenance period. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Qatar's National Mental Health Survey—The World Mental Health Qatar: Sampling design, instrument adaptation, quality control, and fielding procedures
Authors: Khaled Salma M. , Amro Iman , Bader Lina , Lee Holmes John , Le Trung Kien , Diop Abdoulaye 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe World Mental Health Qatar (WMHQ) study, the first national general population mental health survey in Qatar, was conducted as part of the World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative. It was one of the few WMH survey conducted during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This paper presents the methodological advances and challenges encountered while conducting the survey by telephone during the pandemic.MethodsDisproportionate stratified sampling using a national‐level cellular telephone frame selected a representative sample of Arabic‐speaking adults. Participants were initially contacted via Short Message Service text, followed by telephone interviews. WMH training materials supported a comprehensive training program, and data quality was ensured through a quality control indicator system and extensive monitoring.ResultsOver 234 days, 5195 interviews in Arabic were completed, averaging 77 min each. In line with Qatar's population, the majority of participants were non‐Qatari residents living in Qatar (72.2%).ConclusionsA distributed remote Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing system facilitated centralized quality monitoring and data security. However, the pandemic intensified challenges such as remote management of interviewer productivity, low response rates, and rising survey costs. The findings will inform Qatar's mental health policymakers, and the strategies used to address these challenges offer valuable insights for researchers worldwide.