bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elucidating the role of EPPK1 in lung adenocarcinoma development
Authors: Arimura Ken , Kammer Michael , Rahman S. M. Jamshedur , Sheau-Chiann Chen , Zhao Shilin , Heidi Chen , Eisenberg Rosana , Zou Yong , Antic Sanja , Richmond Bradley , Tagaya Etsuko , Grogan Eric , Massion Pierre , Maldonado Fabien 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
We recently found that epiplakin 1 (EPPK1) alterations were present in 12% of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cases and were associated with a poor prognosis in early-stage LUAD when combined with other molecular alterations. This study aimed to identify a probable crucial role for EPPK1 in cancer development.

Methods
EPPK1 mRNA and protein expression was analyzed with clinical variables. Normal bronchial epithelial cell lines were exposed to cigarette smoke for 16 weeks to determine whether EPPK1 protein expression was altered after exposure. Further, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out (KO) EPPK1 in LUAD cell lines and observed how the cancer cells were altered functionally and genetically.

Results
EPPK1 protein expression was associated with smoking and poor prognosis in early-stage LUAD. Moreover, a consequential mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition was observed, subsequently resulting in diminished cell proliferation and invasion after EPPK1 KO. RNA sequencing revealed that EPPK1 KO induced downregulation of 11 oncogenes, 75 anti-apoptosis, and 22 angiogenesis genes while upregulating 8 tumor suppressors and 12 anti-cell growth genes. We also observed the downregulation of MYC and upregulation of p53 expression at both protein and RNA levels following EPPK1 KO. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of molecular functions highlighted the correlation of EPPK1 with the regulation of mesenchymal cell proliferation, mesenchymal differentiation, angiogenesis, and cell growth after EPPK1 KO.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that EPPK1 is linked to smoking, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and the regulation of cancer progression, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target for LUAD.
Bilateral multifocal chorioretinitis as the only presentation of acute West Nile virus infection: a case report
Authors: Valsecchi Nicola , Veronese Chiara , Roda Matilde , Ciardella Antonio Pasquale , Fontana Luigi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
To describe a case of bilateral multifocal chorioretinitis as the only presentation of acute West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the absence of neurological involvement.

Case presentation
A 78-year-old Italian woman was admitted to our emergency department because she noticed blurry vision in both eyes. She did not report fever, fatigue, or neurological symptoms in the last few days. Multimodal imaging showed the presence of bilateral hyperfluorescent lesions with a linear distribution, that corresponded to hypocyanescent spots on indocyanine green angiography. Antibody serology showed the presence of IgM antibodies, IgG antibodies, and ribonucleic acid (RNA) for WNV. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain ruled out central nervous system involvement. Three months later, the patient reported spontaneous resolution of her symptoms and remission of the chorioretinal infiltrates.

Conclusions
In endemic areas, it is important to think of acute WNV infection as an explanatory etiology in cases of multifocal chorioretinitis, even without neurological involvement.
Decomposition analysis on the equity of health examination utilization for the middle-aged and elderly people in China: based on longitudinal CHARLS data from 2011 to 2018
Authors: Su Min , Zhang Tianjiao , Zhang Weile , Li Zhengrong , Fan Xiaojing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate the utilization rate and equity of health examination service among the middle-aged and elderly population in China from 2011 to 2018. The contribution of various determinants to the inequity in health examination service utilization was also examined.

Methods
Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) were analyzed to assess the health examination service utilization rate among the middle-aged and elderly population. A concentration curve and concentration index were employed to measure the equity of health examination service utilization and decomposed into its determining factors. Horizontal inequity index was applied to evaluate the trends in equity of health examination service.

Results
The health examination service utilization rates among the middle-aged and elderly population were 29.45%, 20.69%, 25.40%, and 32.05% in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018, respectively. The concentration indexes for health examination service utilization were 0.0080 (95% CI: − 0.0084, 0.0244), 0.0155 (95% CI: − 0.0054, 0.0363), 0.0095 (95% CI: − 0.0088, 0.0277), and − 0.0100 (95% CI: − 0.0254, 0.0054) from 2011 to 2018, respectively. The horizontal inequity index was positive from 2011 to 2018, evidencing a pro-rich inequity trend. Age, residence, education, region, and economic status were the major identified contributors influencing the equity of health examination service utilization.

Conclusions
A pro-rich inequity existed in health examination service utilization among the middle-aged and elderly population in China. Reducing the wealth and regional gap, providing equal educational opportunities, and strengthening the capacity for chronic disease prevention and control are crucial for reducing the inequity in health examination service utilization.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of hybrid vs. cemented stems – which method is more optimal for revision total knee arthroplasty?
Authors: Thever Yogen , James Loh Sir Young , Raghavan Raghuraman , Toh Rong Chuin , Moo Ing How 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The number of primary and revision Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) cases are expected to increase in future. There are various advantages and disadvantage to employing either of the two main types of stem fixation methods – cemented or hybrid technique. This review aimed to study the most optimal fixation method for revision TKAs by comparing radiological outcomes and re-revision rates.

Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using PubMed and Cochrane Library from 2010 to identify studies explicitly comparing outcomes between cemented against hybrid fixation revision TKA techniques, with a minimum follow up of at least 24 months. A total of 8 studies was included in this review. Egger’s test and visual inspection of the funnel plot did not reveal publication bias.

Results
There was no statistically significant difference in radiological failure and loosening (OR 0.79, CI 0.37–1.66, I2 = 29%, p = 0.22), all causes of re-revision (OR 1.03, CI 0.73–1.44, I2 = 0%, p = 0.56) and aseptic revision (OR 0.74, CI 0.27–2.02, I2 = 0%, p = 0.41) between cemented and hybrid techniques. Functional and pain outcomes compared between the two fixation techniques were largely similar across the studies included in this meta-analysis.

Conclusion
Despite a trend favouring hybrid stems in revision TKA, current evidence revealed that radiological outcomes and re-revision rates are largely similar between cemented and hybrid fixation techniques.
Assessment of oral hypofunction and its association with age among Korean community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Park Hye-Jin , Jung Eun-Ha , Kim Soo-Min , Park Seong-Chan , Jo Min-Ji , Lee Yun-Seon , Kim Sung-Hoon , Han Sun-Young 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundDue to the increasing proportion of older adults in Korea and growing interest in aging, the concepts of oral aging and oral hypofunction have recently been introduced. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the age-specific oral function levels of Korean older adults and develop expert intervention methods for healthy aging.MethodsDysphagia, independence of daily living, and oral hypofunction were assessed in 206 older adults living in Wonju, Gangwon State, South Korea. Subjective dysphagia was assessed through self-report questionnaires using the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI), the Korean version of Eating Assessment Tool-10, and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index. In addition, the oral hypofunction assessment items included decreased chewing ability, occlusal pressure, tongue pressure, oral dryness, and oral cleanliness.ResultsDHI increased significantly with age, with those in their 80 s reporting the most difficulty swallowing. Oral function in terms of chewing ability (maximum occlusal pressure and number of remaining teeth), maximum occlusal pressure, and maximum tongue pressure also declined with increasing age. While there was no significant difference in oral dryness by age, those in their 80 s had dry mouth according to the criteria of the oral moisture checking device.ConclusionsIn an assessment of oral function in community-dwelling, independent Korean older adults, the number of items that were assessed as oral hypofunction increased with age. The findings can be used to standardize the oral hypofunction assessment item and develop age-based individualized intervention plans for the early management of oral health and individual oral myofunctional rehabilitation in Korean community-dwelling older adults.
Dynamics of caste and early childbearing in India: a perspective of three decades
Authors: Pradhan Manas Ranjan , Mondal Sourav , Saikia Daisy , Mudi Prasanna Kumar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundEarly childbearing disrupts girls’ otherwise healthy growth into adulthood and adversely affects their education, livelihood, and health. Individual, sociocultural, economic, environmental, and health service-related factors contribute to childbearing among young females. In India, caste affects health outcomes despite several affirmative policies aimed at improving the health and welfare of the backward castes/tribes. However, there is a dearth of empirical evidence about the impact of caste on early childbearing, more specifically, regarding the trajectory of inter-caste disparities in early childbearing.MethodThis study used data from all five rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) in India to assess the association between caste and early childbearing over the last three decades. All women aged 20–24 [NFHS-1 (n = 17,218), NFHS-2 (n = 15,973), NFHS-3 (n = 22,807), NFHS-4 (n = 122,955) and NFHS-5 (n = 118,700)] were considered to create a pooled data set (n = 297,653) for analysis. Bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression were conducted using Stata (v17). ArcMap (v10.8) presented the caste-wise prevalence of early childbearing among the states and Union Territories (UTs).ResultsMany women continue to have early childbearing despite a considerable reduction over the last three decades from 47% in 1992-93 to 15% in 2019-21. Compared to NFHS-1, the odds of early childbearing increased by 15% in NFHS-2 and, after that, declined by 42% in NFHS-3 and 64% in NFHS-4 and NFHS-5. The inter-caste disparity in early childbearing persists, albeit with a narrowing gap, with the Scheduled castes (SC) remaining the most vulnerable group. Adjusting the effects of socio-demographic and economic characteristics, SC women had significantly higher odds of early childbearing (OR = 1.07, CI = 1.04–1.11) than those from the General caste.ConclusionTo decrease early childbirth, a focus on adolescent marriage prevention and increasing contraceptive use among young SC women is necessary. Strengthening ongoing programs and policies targeting educational and economic empowerment of the socially weaker castes/tribes will help in reducing early childbearing. Efforts to prevent early childbearing will accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-especially those related to health, poverty, nutrition, education, and general wellbeing, in addition to protecting women’s reproductive rights.
A systematic scoping review of group reflection in medical education
Authors: Phua Gillian Li Gek , Owyong Jasmine Lerk Juan , Leong Ian Tze Yong , Goh Suzanne , Somasundaram Nagavalli , Poon Eileen Yi Ling , Chowdhury Anupama Roy , Ong Simon Yew Kuang , Lim Crystal , Murugam Vengadasalam , Ong Eng Koon , Mason Stephen , Hill Ruaridh , Krishna Lalit Kumar Radha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Reviewing experiences and recognizing the impact of personal and professional views and emotions upon conduct shapes a physician’s professional and personal development, molding their professional identity formation (PIF). Poor appreciation on the role of reflection, shortages in trained tutors and inadequate ‘protected time’ for reflections in packed medical curricula has hindered its integration into medical education. Group reflection could be a viable alternative to individual reflections; however, this nascent practice requires further study.

Methods
A Systematic Evidence Based Approach guided Systematic Scoping Review (SSR in SEBA) was adopted to guide and structure a review of group reflections in medical education. Independent searches of articles published between 1st January 2000 and 30th June 2022 in bibliographic and grey literature databases were carried out. Included articles were analysed separately using thematic and content analysis, and combined into categories and themes. The themes/categories created were compared with the tabulated summaries of included articles to create domains that framed the synthesis of the discussion.

Results
1141 abstracts were reviewed, 193 full-text articles were appraised and 66 articles were included and the domains identified were theories; indications; types; structure; and benefits and challenges of group reflections.

Conclusions
Scaffolded by current approaches to individual reflections and theories and inculcated with nuanced adaptations from other medical practices, this SSR in SEBA suggests that structured group reflections may fill current gaps in training. However, design and assessment of the evidence-based structuring of group reflections proposed here must be the focus of future study.
Sociocultural adjustment and social support as predictors for international medical sciences students’ anxiety during COVID-19
Authors: Razgulin Jevgenij , Argustaitė-Zailskienė Gita , Petrolienė Raimonda , Šmigelskas Kastytis 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of anxiety is high among international medical sciences students and it increased even more during the COVID-19 pandemic due to different restrictions and social isolation. Successful sociocultural adjustment and social support could be important factors in overcoming those challenges, however, there is a lack of studies which would investigate the role of those factors among inter- national medical students. This study aimed to assess the role of sociocultural adjustment and social support as predictors for international medical students’ anxiety during COVID-19.

Methods
Two measurements were conducted via self-reported questionnaires which consisted of three scales - SCAS, MSPSS and GAD-7. In total, 82 international medical students participated in both measurements in this longitudinal study.

Results
The findings indicated that 37% of international students had symptoms of moderate or severe anxiety during their first year of studies at university. In the second year, during the COVID-19 pandemic and an official lockdown, 35% of international students had symptoms of moderate or severe anxiety. In addition, this study showed that gender and sociocultural adjustment did not play a role as predictors of students’ anxiety during the second year of studies. However, this study revealed that social support provided by family during the first year of studies, as well as having friends or family members who had been ill with COVID-19 predicted higher levels of anxiety at second measurement, while sociocultural adjustment was an even stronger predictor of anxiety in the second year of studies of international medical students.

Conclusions
This knowledge can help to better understand how international medical students felt during the COVID-19 pandemic and what role the above- mentioned factors played in the students’ anxiety. As the anxiety level is quite high among international medical students, universities and mental health service providers should take it into consideration and help them to overcome those challenges.
Development of a validated assessment tool for medical students using simulated patients: an 8-year panel survey
Authors: Haruta Junji , Nakajima Rika , Monkawa Toshiaki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The use of simulated patients (SPs) to assess medical students’ clinical performance is gaining prominence, underscored by patient safety perspective. However, few reports have investigated the validity of such assessment. Here, we examined the validity and reliability of an assessment tool that serves as a standardized tool for SPs to assess medical students’ medical interview.

Methods
This longitudinal survey was conducted at Keio University School of Medicine in Japan from 2014 to 2021. To establish content validity, the simulated patient assessment tool (SPAT) was developed by several medical education specialists from 2008 to 2013. A cohort of 36 SPs assessed the performance of 831 medical students in clinical practice medical interview sessions from April 2014 to December 2021. The assessment’s internal structure was analyzed using descriptive statistics (maximum, minimum, median, mean, and standard deviation) for the SPAT’s 13 item total scores. Structural validity was examined with exploratory factor analysis, and internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. The mean SPAT total scores across different SPs and scenarios were compared using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Convergent validity was determined by correlating SPAT with the post-clinical clerkship obstructive structured clinical examination (post-CC OSCE) total scores using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results
Of the 831 assessment sheets, 36 with missing values were excluded, leaving 795 for analysis. Thirty-five SPs, excluding one SP who quit in 2014, completed 795 assessments, for a response rate of 95.6%. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors, communication and physician performance. The overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.929. Significant differences in SPAT total scores were observed across SPs and scenarios via one-way ANOVA. A moderate correlation (r =.212, p <.05) was found between SPAT and post-CC OSCE total scores, indicating convergent validity.

Conclusions
Evidence for the validity of SPAT was examined. These findings may be useful in the standardization of SP assessment of the scenario-based clinical performance of medical students.
Factors influencing hospitalization or emergency department visits and mortality in type 2 diabetes following the onset of new cardiovascular diagnoses in a population-based study
Authors: Agvall Björn , Jonasson Junmei Miao , Galozy Alexander , Halling Anders 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) which necessitates monitoring of risk factors and appropriate pharmacotherapy. This study aimed to identify factors predicting emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and mortality among T2D patients after being newly diagnosed with CVD.

Methods
In a retrospective observational study conducted in Region Halland, individuals aged > 40 years with T2D diagnosed between 2011 and 2019, and a new diagnosis of CVD between 2016 and 2019, were followed for one year from the date of CVD diagnosis. The first encounter for CVD diagnosis was categorized as inpatient-, outpatient-, primary-, or emergency department care. Follow-up included laboratory tests, blood pressure, pharmacotherapies, and healthcare utilization. Hazard ratios (HR) in two Cox regression analyses determined relative risks for emergency visits/hospitalization and mortality, adjusting for age, sex, glucose regulation, lipid levels, kidney function, blood pressure, pharmacotherapy, and healthcare utilization.

Results
The study included a total of 1759 T2D individuals who received a new CVD diagnosis, with 67% diagnosed during inpatient care. The average hospitalization stay was 6.5 days, and primary care follow-up averaged 10.1 visits. Patients with CVD diagnosed in primary care had a HR 0.52 (confidence interval [CI] 0.35–0.77) for emergency department visits/hospitalization, but age had a HR 1.02 (CI 1.00-1.03). Pharmacotherapy with insulin, DPP4-inhibitors, aldosterone antagonists, and beta-blockers had a raised HR. Highest mortality risk was observed when CVD was diagnosed inpatient care, systolic blood pressure < 100 mm Hg and elevated HbA1c. Age had a HR 1.05 (CI 1.03–1.08), eGFR < 30 ml/min HR 1.46 (CI 1.01–2.11), and LDL-Cholesterol > 2,5 h 1.46 (CI 1.01–2.11) and associated with increased mortality risk. Pharmacotherapy with metformin had a HR 0.41 (CI 0.28–0.62), statins a HR 0.39 (CI 0.27–0.57), and a primary care follow-up < 30 days a HR 0.53 (CI 0.37–0.77) and associated with lower mortality risk.

Conclusions
T2D individuals who had a new diagnosis of CVD were predominantly diagnosed when hospitalized, while follow-up typically occurred in primary care. Identifying factors that predict risks of mortality and hospitalization should be a focus of follow-up care, underscoring the critical role of primary care in the effective management of T2D and CVD.