bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perception, sentiments, and the level of awareness toward the dental implant among general population in Sulaimaniyah City, Iraq
Authors: Amin Nzar Abdulqadr Muhammed 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundEdentulism is one of the most commonly encountered conditions affecting the oral cavity. Dental implants have emerged as a widely accepted treatment option prosthodontically. However, lack of public awareness and the cost of the treatment act as barriers to limit their applicability.ObjectivesTo investigate the perception, sentiments, and level of awareness toward dental implants among the general population in Sulaimaniyah City, Iraq.Materials and methodsA questionnaire-based survey was conducted on 1132 participants in Sulaimaniyah City, Iraq, from February 15, 2023, till August 15, 2023, to collect their sociodemographic data, knowledge and attitudes toward dental implants for their missing tooth/teeth.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 41.3 ± 14.6 years, and most (30.7%) belong to the age group 31–44 years. Also, most of them were males (63.6%), married (75.3%), educated (91.3%), from rural areas (82.3%), and had > 1 missing tooth (75%). Regarding the participants’ knowledge of dental implants, most had information (78.4%)/heard about it (83.3%), mainly from dentists (43.6%); however, least of them (21.5%) /their family members (43%) had replaced missing teeth by dental implants. Additionally, the participant’s attitudes toward the dental implant indicated that most of them were interested in replacing their missing teeth (88.8%) but did not do it due to financial reasons (87%) and considered replacement as a significant (92.5%) and safe process (79.2%). Also, most of them thought there was no substantial difference between artificial and natural tooth appearance/function (47.9%), preferred the delayed implant for dental implant (47.7%), and would like to do an implant due to problems in dental appearance, speech, or dental function (81.5%). Finally, significant/highly significant differences were seen between each participant’s factor (age, gender, marital status, education level, and residency) with most items of attitude/awareness toward dental implants.ConclusionsMost participants were aware of the knowledge and attitude of dental implants for replacing missing tooth/teeth, especially males, married ones, educated individuals, and those from urban areas; however, financial problems are the main obstacle. Additionally, the delayed implant is preferable for replacing missing tooth/teeth using dental implants among studied individuals.
Psychometric evaluation of the endometriosis impact questionnaire (EIQ) in an Iranian population
Authors: Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Ghavami Vahid , Moradi Maryam , Najmabadi Khadijeh Mirzaii , Mollazadeh Sanaz 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Endometriosis is a benign and chronic gynecological estrogen-dependent disease. Considering the prevalence and the importance of measuring the long-term effects of endometriosis in affected women’s lives t the EIQ scale was designed and psychometrically analyzed in English in Australia, in three recall periods (last 12 months, 1 to 5 years ago and more than 5 years ago). It has never been used in Iran and its validity and reliability have not been assessed either. Therefore, the present study aimed to translate and investigate the psychometric properties of the EIQ.

Methods
In this study, 200 women were selected through random sampling in 2022. After forward and backward translation, the face validity, content validity, and construct validity of EIQ (through Corrected Item-Total Correlation) were examined. To assess the reliability of the scale, both internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test-retest stability methods were employed.

Results
Impact Score with a score above 1.5 was approved. CVI and CVR values of the EIQ tool were 0.97 and 0.94, respectively. The Item to total Correlation confirmed the construct validity of all seven dimensions of the tool, more than the cut-off (0.3) except lifestyle. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Intra Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were acceptable for all dimensions.

Conclusion
The Persian version of EIQ is a valid and reliable scale. This tool is valid and reliable for investigating the long-term impact of endometriosis in Iranian society.
E-learning in medical education: a perspective of pre-clinical medical students from a lower-middle income country
Authors: Abbas Uzair , Parveen Memoona , Sahito Falak Sehar , Hussain Niaz , Munir Sundas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundMany of the educational institutions in developed countries have shifted to online learning. While transition from traditional to electronic learning (e-learning) has remained a great challenge in low-middle income countries, where limited resources for teaching and learning are important factors. Medical education involves not only lecturing but also deep understanding through laboratories and patient exposure. The debate about the effectiveness of e-learning in medical education is still in contradiction due to its limitations. This cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess pre-clinical undergraduate medical students’ perception of their first online learning in a lower-middle income country.MethodologyThe survey was conducted among the students who had participated in online learning during COVID-19 for at least a year. A total of 824 preclinical medical students who completed the survey from public and private medical universities in Sindh, Pakistan were included in the study. We used a validated online-based questionnaire, distributed through E-mail and social media platforms to assess the perception of students regarding their first online learning experience.ResultsThe response rate of the survey was 87.9%. The mean age of students was 20.7 ± 3.8 years. 392/824 (47%) were males and 57% were females. Our study indicated that 613/824 (75%) of students were experiencing online learning for the very first time while 631/824 (77%) were facing technical issues like internet accessibility and lack of IT-related skills. 381/824 (46%) were not satisfied with the institute’s readiness for online teaching. However, 79% (654/824) of participants were of the idea that traditional learning is more effective in developing their practical skills as compared to e-learning. Of note, 668/824 (81%) showed overall dissatisfaction with e-learning.ConclusionBased on our study findings, we concluded that most students have a negative perception of e-learning. Difficulty in connectivity, electricity issues, less interaction with colleagues and teachers, and issues with the structure of online courses were the most frequently reported problems by the students.
Effect of digital based nursing intervention on knowledge of self-care behaviors and self-efficacy of adult clients with diabetes
Authors: Shaban Marwa Mamdouh , Sharaa Heba Magdy , Amer Fatma Gomaa Mohamed , Shaban Mostafa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of Digital Based Nursing Intervention to support diabetes management. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of digital based nursing intervention on knowledge of self-care behaviors and self-efficacy of clients with diabetes.

Methods
Employing a quasi-experimental design, a sample of 120 adult participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, aged more than 18 years with focus on older adults was drawn from outpatient clinics at Cairo University Hospital. The intervention was approved and registered by the ethical committee of the faculty of nursing with IRB number: RHDIRB2019041701. The intervention group (n = 60) received a digital-based nursing intervention, while the control group (n = 60) received standard care. Data were collected using adopted standardized tools including the Diabetes Knowledge Test, the Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities. Demographic characteristics were analyzed, and pre- and post-intervention scores were compared using paired t-tests were statistical methods.

Results
The digital-based nursing intervention resulted in significant enhancements in participants with diabetes knowledge and self-efficacy levels. Moreover, the intervention group demonstrated marked improvements in various self-care behaviors encompassing diet, exercise, medication adherence, blood glucose testing, and foot care. While the control group also exhibited some progress, the effects were less pronounced. Regression analyses highlighted age as a consistent factor associated with knowledge, self-efficacy, and specific self-care behaviors.

Conclusion
This study underscores the potential of tailored digital nursing interventions to complement traditional care approaches, empowering patients with type 2 diabetes to actively engage in self-management. The findings suggest that digital-based nursing interventions hold promise for enhancing patient knowledge, confidence, and proactive health behaviors. Nevertheless, limitations, including the relatively short intervention duration and a sample from a single clinic, warrant consideration. Future research should address these limitations to bolster the validity and applicability of the study’s conclusions.
Efficacy of interventions targeted at physician prescribers of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Peri Katya , Honeycutt Lucy , Wennberg Erica , Windle Sarah B. , Filion Kristian B. , Gore Genevieve , Kudrina Irina , Paraskevopoulos Elena , Moiz Areesha , Martel Marc O. , Eisenberg Mark J. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
To combat the opioid crisis, interventions targeting the opioid prescribing behaviour of physicians involved in the management of patients with chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) have been introduced in clinical settings. An integrative synthesis of systematic review evidence is required to better understand the effects of these interventions. Our objective was to synthesize the systematic review evidence on the effect of interventions targeting the behaviours of physician opioid prescribers for CNCP among adults on patient and population health and prescriber behaviour.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycInfo via Ovid; the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; and Epistemonikos. We included systematic reviews that evaluate any type of intervention aimed at impacting opioid prescriber behaviour for adult CNCP in an outpatient setting.

Results
We identified three full texts for our review that contained 68 unique primary studies. The main interventions we evaluated were structured prescriber education (one review) and prescription drug monitoring programmes (PDMPs) (two reviews). Due to the paucity of data available, we could not determine with certainty that education interventions improved outcomes in deprescribing. There is some evidence that PDMPs decrease the number of adverse opioid-related events, increase communication among healthcare workers and patients, modify healthcare practitioners’ approach towards their opioid prescribed patients, and offer more chances for education and counselling.

Conclusions
Our overview explores the possibility of PDMPs as an opioid deprescribing intervention and highlights the need for more high-quality primary research on this topic.
Characteristics and clinical treatment outcomes of chronic hepatitis B children with coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to HBsAg
Authors: Gu Yingping , Li Shuangjie , Yao Zhenzhen , Lai Xin , Yang Meng , Xu Yi , Peng Songxu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) represents an uncommon serological pattern observed in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and its underlying mechanism and clinical significance have not been well established. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between this serological profile and clinical treatment outcomes in children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 372 treatment-naïve CHB children from the Hunan Children’s Hospital. The participants were categorized into HBsAb-positive group and HBsAb-negative group. The associations between HBsAb positive status to clinical outcomes were assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression. Receiver operating characteristic curve was conducted to evaluate the prediction ability in HBsAg loss.

Results
The coexistence of HBsAg and HBsAb accounted for 23.39% (87/372) of the participants. The crude incidence rates of HBsAg loss, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) clearance, and HBV-DNA undetectability were higher in the HBsAb-positive group compared with the HBsAb-negative group (37.46 vs. 17.37, 49.51 vs. 28.66, 92.11 vs. 66.54 per 100 person-years, respectively, all P < 0.05). The Cox regression analysis revealed a significant association between this serological profile and an increased likelihood of HBsAg loss (HR = 1.78, P = 0.001), and HBeAg clearance (HR = 1.78, P = 0.001). In addition, a combination of HBsAb ≥ 0.84 log10 IU/L and age ≤ 5 years can help identify patients likely to achieve HBsAg loss after antiviral therapy, with an AUC of 0.71.

Conclusions
Children who are positive for both HBsAg and HBsAb demonstrate a higher probability of favorable outcomes after antiviral treatment. Thus, children with HBsAb-positive CHB should be actively treated to achieve functional cure.
Identification of functional genes in liver fibrosis based on bioinformatics analysis of a lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network
Authors: Zhang Feng , Pei Siya , Xiao Meifang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Liver fibrosis is a major global healths problem; nevertheless, its molecular mechanism are not completely clear. This study aimed to build a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, identify potentially related lncRNAs, and explore the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis.

Materials and methods
We used the Gene Expression Omnibus databases and bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between liver fibrosis and normal tissues. The ceRNA network was constructed according to the interactions between DElncRNA, miRNA, and DEmRNA. Then, these DEGs were identified using functional enrichment analysis, and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was established. The critical lncRNAs were verified using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results
The ceRNA network was composed of three lncRNAs, five miRNAs, and 93 mRNAs. Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis revealed significant enhancement in cell components, molecular function, and biological process. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed pathways associated with transcriptional misregulation in cancer, including the Rap1 signaling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer, mineral absorption, HTLV-l infection, and central carbon metabolism in cancer. According to the PPI network and the GSE84044 database, seven hub genes associated with liver fibrosis were identified. In addition, qRT-PCR revealed that lncRNA AC100861 (lncRNA TNFRSF10A-DT) was explicitly decreased in liver fibrosis tissues and activated hepatic stellate cells.

Conclusions
In summary, this study preliminarily found that lncRNA TNFRSF10A-DT may be a biomarker for the diagnosis and outcome of liver fibrosis. We uncovered a novel lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory mechanism in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis.
Associations of the triglyceride-glucose index and atherogenic index of plasma with the severity of new-onset coronary artery disease in different glucose metabolic states
Authors: Wu Xiaosheng , Qiu Weiping , Yang Huancheng , Chen Yan-Jun , Liu Jianling , Zhao Guojun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is considered a dependable biomarker for gauging insulin resistance. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) represents a marker reflecting atherosclerosis. However, there is currently no study specifically exploring the associations of these two biomarkers with the severity of new-onset coronary artery disease (CAD) under different glucose metabolic states. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the correlations of these two biomarkers with CAD severity in patients newly diagnosed with CAD under various glucose metabolism conditions.

Method
Totally 570 subjects first administered coronary angiography were enrolled, including 431 first diagnosed CAD patients and 139 non-CAD patients. CAD severity was gauged by the quantity of narrowed arteries (single-vessel and multi-vessel CAD). According to WHO diabetes guidelines, glucose metabolic states were divided into normal glucose regulation (NGR), pre-diabetes mellitus (Pre-DM), and diabetes mellitus (DM). The relationships of the TyG index and AIP with CAD severity were validated by logistic regression analysis, including adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk elements and medical treatments. Their predictive efficacy for CAD was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Result
The TyG index and AIP were independently correlated with CAD in accordance with logistic regression analysis (both P < 0.05). Regardless of the glucose metabolic states, there was no statistical correlation between the TyG index and CAD severity. However, AIP in NGR patients was significantly related to CAD severity (P < 0.05). The areas under the curve of the TyG index and AIP for predicting CAD were 0.682 and 0.642 (both P < 0.001), respectively, and their optimal cut-off values were 3.210 (Youden index: 0.305) and 0.095 (Youden index:0.246), respectively.

Conclusion
The TyG index and AIP have significant associations with CAD. The TyG index had no association with CAD severity, regardless of glucose metabolic states. AIP exhibited a discernible link with CAD severity in NGR patients, but not in the pre-DM or DM populations. The TyG index and AIP have similar predictive values for new-onset CAD.
Intelligent systems for sitting posture monitoring and anomaly detection: an overview
Authors: Vermander Patrick , Mancisidor Aitziber , Cabanes Itziar , Perez Nerea 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe number of people who need to use wheelchair for proper mobility is increasing. The integration of technology into these devices enables the simultaneous and objective assessment of posture, while also facilitating the concurrent monitoring of the functional status of wheelchair users. In this way, both the health personnel and the user can be provided with relevant information for the recovery process. This information can be used to carry out an early adaptation of the rehabilitation of patients, thus allowing to prevent further musculoskeletal problems, as well as risk situations such as ulcers or falls. Thus, a higher quality of life is promoted in affected individuals. As a result, this paper presents an orderly and organized analysis of the existing postural diagnosis systems for detecting sitting anomalies in the literature. This analysis can be divided into two parts that compose such postural diagnosis: on the one hand, the monitoring devices necessary for the collection of postural data and, on the other hand, the techniques used for anomaly detection. These anomaly detection techniques will be explained under two different approaches: the traditional generalized approach followed to date by most works, where anomalies are treated as incorrect postures, and a new individualized approach treating anomalies as changes with respect to the normal sitting pattern. In this way, the advantages, limitations and opportunities of the different techniques are analyzed. The main contribution of this overview paper is to synthesize and organize information, identify trends, and provide a comprehensive understanding of sitting posture diagnosis systems, offering researchers an accessible resource for navigating the current state of knowledge of this particular field.
Misfolded protein oligomers: mechanisms of formation, cytotoxic effects, and pharmacological approaches against protein misfolding diseases
Authors: Rinauro Dillon J. , Chiti Fabrizio , Vendruscolo Michele , Limbocker Ryan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe conversion of native peptides and proteins into amyloid aggregates is a hallmark of over 50 human disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Increasing evidence implicates misfolded protein oligomers produced during the amyloid formation process as the primary cytotoxic agents in many of these devastating conditions. In this review, we analyze the processes by which oligomers are formed, their structures, physicochemical properties, population dynamics, and the mechanisms of their cytotoxicity. We then focus on drug discovery strategies that target the formation of oligomers and their ability to disrupt cell physiology and trigger degenerative processes.
Diuresis and α-glucosidase inhibition by erythritol in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) and viability for efficacy against mosquitoes
Authors: Nelson Irvane E. , Baker Kobi A. , Faraji Ary , White Gregory S. , Bibbs Christopher S. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Sugar alcohols, such as erythritol, are low-impact candidates for attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSB) to kill mosquitoes. To determine whether erythritol has a viable future in ATSB formulations, a suite of assays was conducted to diagnose toxicity mechanisms and starvation effects on mortality in Aedes aegypti (L.) as a model system.

Methods
We measured general carbohydrate load, glucosidase levels, and free glucose in intoxicated adult mosquitoes to observe whether sugar digestion was impaired. We assayed the effects of sugar combinations with erythritol on larvae and adults. To measure erythritol effects when mosquitoes were not resource-deprived, additional assays manipulated the prior starvation status.

Results
Up to 50,000 ppm of erythritol in water had no effect on larvae within 72 h, but an ammonia spike indicated diuresis in larvae as early as 4 h (F8,44 = 22.50, P < 0.0001) after sucrose/erythritol combinations were added. Adult consumption of erythritol was diuretic regardless of the sugar pairing, while sucrose and erythritol together generated above 80% mortality (F2,273 = 33.30, P < 0.0001) alongside triple the normal excretion (F5,78 = 26.80, P < 0.0004). Glucose and fructose paired individually with erythritol had less mortality, but still double the fecal excretion. When ingesting erythritol-laced meals, less sugar was detected in mosquitoes as compared to after sucrose meals (χ2 = 12.54, df = 1, P = 0.0004).

Conclusions
Data showed that erythritol is a linear competitive inhibitor of α-glucosidase, marking it as a novel class of insecticide in the current research climate. However, the efficacy on larvae was null and not persistent in adult mosquitoes when compared across various starvation levels. Despite significant diuresis, the combined effects from erythritol are not acute enough for vector control programs considering ATSB against mosquitoes.

Graphical Abstract