bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A qualitative study of dental internships in Saudi Arabia: moving beyond perceptions to the reality of the practices of dental interns
Authors: Sarhan Mohammed Mahmoud , Alwadi Maram Ali M. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Dental internships are a vital way for recent graduates of undergraduate dentistry courses to bridge the gap between study and clinical practice. Interns’ perceptions of dental internships have been explored in certain studies but the reality of the dental internship and dental interns’ practical performance has not been examined. Therefore, this study aims to explore the reality of the dental internship as a transitional stage after completion of an undergraduate course in dentistry.

Methods
This qualitative research recruited 23 dental interns from Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Province. To explore the reality of dental internships, the research relied on a performative knowledge approach to examine interns’ practices and performance. Diaries and semi-structured interviews conducted virtually were used to gather data across three months. The data was then subject to thematic analysis that applied an inductive strategy. The data analysis’s credibility and trustworthiness were verified using triangulation techniques, an audit trail and member-checking.

Results
Five key themes concerning dental interns’ practices were identified in this research: exploration, addressing knowledge gaps, responsibilities, decision-making and social connections. The most significant findings reveal that dental internships go beyond clinical work to include certain personal and social aspects that dental interns undertake during their internships.

Conclusion
The findings of this research indicate that more real-world, practical knowledge should be integrated into the curricula of undergraduate dentistry programmes. In sum, this work highlights the need for holistic dental education that encompasses not only the clinical development of interns and students but also other elements such as their personal and social growth. Moreover, this research reveals that a performative knowledge approach can help researchers to identify significant findings regarding the practical experiences of dental interns. This study has implications for dentistry and any other medical speciality education programme that involves an internship.
Knowledge of and attitudes towards medical research ethics among first year doctoral students in Slovenia at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana
Authors: Grosek S , Pleterski Rigler D , Podbregar M , Erčulj V 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Research ethics and attitudes should be the main concern of those who are conducting and publishing research in medicine.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire among first year postgraduate doctoral students in Biomedicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana during the academic year 2022/2023.

Results
There were 54 out of 57 doctoral students included in the study, with a mean age (SD) of 29.7 (4.7) years, with predominantly female doctoral students, 66.7%. The number of correct answers out of 39 considered to illustrate students’ knowledge of medical research ethics was 31, meaning that they gave correct answers to 80% of all the questions. The mean number (SD) of correct answers was 18.9 (5.8), which significantly differed from 31 (p < 0.001). The previous experience of the doctoral students in research was significantly correlated with their knowledge of medical research ethics, even when controlling for the age, gender and workplace of respondents.

Conclusion
This study clearly showed that insufficient knowledge and a poor level of attitudes exist about the main questions pertaining to medical research ethics. Overall knowledge is well below the expected positive answers. Further studies are needed to compare the knowledge of doctoral students with that of their tutors and what implications this might have for further teaching of research ethics.
The association between the volume of the gallbladder based on sonographic findings and demographical data in the PERSIAN Guilan cohort study (PGCS)
Authors: Joukar Farahnaz , Ashoobi Mohammad Taghi , Alizadeh Ahmad , Zeinali Tahereh , Faraji Niloofar , Tabatabaii Mohammadjavad , Mansour-Ghanaei Roya , Naghipour Mohammadreza , Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Ultrasound is an important method to determine the volume of the gallbladder and check its structure. Considering the variation in the size and volume of the gallbladder in disease and physiological conditions, determining the volume of the gallbladder is clinically valuable. This study was carried out to evaluate the gallbladder volume and its association with patients’ demographic data in the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies of Iranian Adults (PERSIAN) Guilan cohort study (PGCS) population.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 957 individuals aged 35–70 participated in determining the gallbladder volume by a radiologist based on the ultrasound method. The demographical data were collected using a questionnaire. After fasting for 12 h, the ultrasound was performed with an Ultrasonic device (Sonix SP series) with a 3.5 to 5 MHz probe.

Results
The total frequency of gallbladder lesions was 2.2%. The results showed a significant association between marriage and gender with the presence or absence of lesions in the studied participants (P < 0.05). Also, significant differences were reported between the volume of gallbladder and gender, body mass index (BMI), social and economic status (SES), metabolic equivalent of task (MET), history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and hypertension (P < 0.05). The results of a linear regression represented a significant association between gender, BMI, MET, and CVD and the mean volume of the gallbladder (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant association between the presence or absence of a lesion and the individuals’ average gallbladder volume (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
According to our results, gender, BMI, MET, and CVD were significantly associated with gallbladder volume.
Study on the influencing factors and evolution of loess bank collapse with physical modelling
Authors: Xuetong Ma , Tonglu Li , Qipeng Li , Changsheng Wang , Debin Gao , Hao Zhang , Changhu Li 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Reservoir bank collapse in loess areas may lead to the siltation of reservoir and bank retreat. Therefore, the study of reservoir bank collapse has practical significance. Almost of the bank collapse width prediction method were based on the classical graphical method which do not consider the process of bank collapse. But practice shows that this method can overestimate the width of bank collapse. Meanwhile, there are few studies specifically focused on the collapse of loess bank slopes.

Methods
To improve the prediction method of loss bank collapse width, the influence of water depth, dry density and bank slope angle on loess bank collapse was studied by physical modelling. The bank collapse width and the morphology of the bank slope were recorded during the experiment.

Results
The bank collapse width increases with the increase of water depth, increases with the increase of slope angle, and decreases with the increase of dry density. The modeling process shows that the loess bank collapse occurs firstly underwater, the erosion niche will be formed underwater, and then the above water slope is damaged. This process is repeated until the underwater accumulation slope reaches the stable state, and then bank collapse stops. After the bank collapse, the above water slope is polyline, while the underwater slope is curved. When the slope angle is less than 27°, the bank collapse will not occur, and when the slope angle is between 27° and 40°, the bank collapse type is abrasion type. When the slope angle is greater than 40°, the bank collapse type is dumping type or shear type. Based on this, the improved balanced alluvial accumulation approach was proposed, which considers the mechanical equilibrium of above water bank slope and the morphology of underwater slope. The new method can reflect the stage characteristics of loess bank collapse, which is more reasonable than the empirical graphical method.

Conclusions
The experimental results indicate that when predicting the width of loess bank collapse, it is necessary to combine the bank collapse width and process of bank collapse. The relevant conclusions have a certain role in exploring the mechanism of loess bank collapse and bank collapse prediction methods.
Plant-based dietary patterns and fasting insulin: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2017–2018
Authors: Curlin Dana , Hare Marion E. , Tolley Elizabeth A. , Gatwood Justin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have created plant-based diet indices to assess the health effects of specific dietary patterns.

Objective
To examine the association between the plant-based content of diet and fasting insulin in adults from the NHANES 2017–2018 database.

Methods
Demographic, dietary, lab and clinical data and fasting insulin were obtained from the NHANES 2017–2018 database. From two 24-h dietary recalls, we created a plant-based diet index (PDI) and a healthy plant-based diet index (hPDI). A high PDI score indicated more plants were consumed versus animal foods. A high hPDI score indicated healthier, plant materials (whole grains, whole fruits, vegetables, legumes, vegetable oils, seeds and nuts) were consumed. The relationships between the natural log of fasting insulin, PDI, and hPDI were analyzed using multiple linear regression adjusting for body mass index (BMI) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).

Results
Analyses were based on 1,714 participants, 897 women and 817 men with a median age of 52 years. In this sample, 610 (35.6%) were white, 407 (23.8%) were black, 231 (13.5%) were Mexican, 207 (12.1%) were Asian, 157 (9.2%) were other Hispanic, and 102 (6%) were other or mixed race. Median fasting insulin was 9.74 μU/mL (IQR: 6.2, 15.56). For every 1 unit increase in PDI, the natural log of fasting insulin decreased 0.0068 ± 0.003 μU/mL (CI: -0.00097, -0.013) (p = 0.02). After adjusting for BMI and ALT, the PDI did not significantly predict fasting insulin as the association was not robust due to multicollinearity. The hPDI was inversely and significantly associated with the natural log of fasting insulin (-0.0027 ± 0.00134, CI: -0.000087, -0.0053) (p = 0.043) in a multivariable model including BMI and ALT.

Conclusion
A healthy plant-based diet is associated with a decrease in fasting insulin levels. Healthfulness of the diet is an important factor when considering the benefit of a plant-based diet.
Determinant of Implanon discontinuation among women in southwest Ethiopia: unmatched case control study
Authors: Ejeta Chibsa Samuel , Bayisa Kenbon , Adem Hussen Mustefa , Tefera Kefeni Bilisumamulifna 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Over 4.5 million women worldwide have used Implanon. It plays an important role in reducing unwanted conceptions, lowering maternal mortality, and enhancing child survival. As a result, the availability of family planning programmes encourages women to begin using contraception and encourages women who are already using family planning to continue using it. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that lead to implanon cessation among women in southwest, Ethiopia.

Methods
A facility-based unmatched case–control study was conducted from February 01 to March 02, 2023. It included 348 participants, 174 cases, and 174 controls. The cases were selected consecutively, and the controls were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Data was collected through a structured, face-to-face interview and entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. The confidence interval (CI) of 95 and the strength of the association were measured using an adjusted odds ratio. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result
Women whose husbands have formal education [AOR = 0.33, 95% CI (0.121–0.0944)], women who have been counseled individually [AOR = 3.403 (1.390–8.3.32)], women who have been counseled for less than 5 min [AOR = 3.143, 95% CI (1.303–8.046)], and women who discuss Implanon insertion with their partner [AOR = 0.289, 95% CI (0.143–0.585)] were significantly associated with Implanon discontinuation.

Conclusion
Implanon discontinuation was predicted by the husband's education, the number of women counselled alone, the length of counselling, a conversation with the spouse, satisfaction with the service, and implanon side effects. The health care provider should increase counselling services, especially the length of implanon pregnancy, in accordance with the national family planning recommendations, to reduce early implanon removal.
Improving mortality forecasting using a hybrid of Lee–Carter and stacking ensemble model
Authors: Gyamerah Samuel Asante , Mensah Aaron Akyea , Asare Clement , Dzupire Nelson 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Mortality forecasting is a critical component in various fields, including public health, insurance, and pension planning, where accurate predictions are essential for informed decision-making. This study introduces an innovative hybrid approach that combines the classical Lee–Carter model with advanced machine learning techniques, particularly the stack ensemble model, to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of mortality forecasts.

Results
Through an extensive analysis of mortality data from Ghana, the hybrid model’s performance is assessed, showcasing its superiority over individual base models. The proposed hybrid Lee–Carter model with a stack ensemble emerges as a powerful tool for mortality forecasting based on the performance metrics utilized. Additionally, the study highlights the impact of incorporating additional base models within the stack ensemble framework to enhance predictive performance.

Conclusion
Through this innovative approach, the study provides valuable insights into enhancing mortality prediction accuracy. By bridging classic mortality modeling with advanced machine learning, the hybrid model offers a powerful tool for policymakers, actuaries, and healthcare practitioners to inform decisions and plan for the future. The findings of this research pave the way for further advancements and improvements in mortality forecasting methodologies, thus contributing to the broader understanding and management of mortality risks in various sectors.
Phosphopeptides P140 cause oxidative burst responses of pulmonary macrophages in an imiquimod-induced lupus model
Authors: Zhong Jianghong , Zheng Chanyu , Chen Zhongheng , Yue Hangqi , Gao Haiqiang , Jiang Yunfan , Hui Hui , Tian Jie 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRecent studies challenge the dogma that a 21-mer phosphopeptide P140 protects against direct cell damage in the phase-III clinical trial (NCT02504645) for lupus, involving reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent release of citrullinated histone H3 (H3cit)-linked neutrophil extracellular traps. An open question is the cellular location of ROS production and H3cit formation in lupus. In this study, we examined the effects of P140 peptides on ROS production and H3cit location in lupus with in vivo and situ fluorescence imaging with subcellular resolution. We developed a mouse model of the B6 strain harbouring a bioluminescent reporter under the control of the Lysozyme M promoter. Based on the imiquimod-induced disease model of B6 mice, we used bioluminescent imaging, flow cytometry analysis, and immunohistology staining to study the effects of P140 peptides in lupus. We found a profound accumulation of CX3CR1-positive macrophages in the lungs of lupus mice after the application of P140, accompanied by lung fibrosis formation. The defined P140-mediated macrophage responses were associated with an increase of H3cit in the cytosol, interleukin-1 receptor type 1 on the extracellular membrane, and intracellular production of ROS. Of interest, the disease of imiquimod-induced lupus was prevented with an antioxidant drug apocynin. This study shows that P140 peptides play a role in aggravated murine lupus in a manner dependent on ROS production and H3cit upregulation through pulmonary macrophages.
Etiology of Anthracnose Disease on Shallots Caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Amrullah Rizki Abi , Wiyono Suryo , Maharijaya Awang , Purwito Agus 
Published: November 2023

Etiology of Anthracnose Disease on Shallots Caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Anthracnose disease can occur in all growth phases of shallot plants (Allium cepa var. aggregatum); however, disease development and characteristics of the causal agent are not yet known. This research was conducted to study the etiology of anthracnose disease through in vivo and in vitro approach, which includes symptom development, incubation period, and pathogen characteristics. Early symptom of the disease is indicated by the appearance of white spots which then enlarge and finally caused the tissue dies. The typical symptom involves the presence of a concentric orange-brown pattern on the spots with incubation period of 2-4 days. The morphological characteristics of the pathogen colony are white, the conidium is cylindrical, the hyphae are septate. Other character includes the presence of acervulus and setae. Molecular identification of the pathogen showed 99.51% homology with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides accession KT390192.1 from China which originates from tobacco plants.
Characterization of amiodarone action on currents in hERG-T618 gain-of-function mutations
Authors: Lin Min , Li Cuiyun , Lin Chao , Xiong Shangquan , Xue Qiao , Li Yang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of amiodarone (Ami) on hERG-T618I currents in HEK293 cells. A transient transfection method was used to transfer hERG-T618I and hERG wild-type (WT) channel plasmids into HEK293 cells. An extracellular local perfusion method was used for administration. Currents were recorded using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. Ami (10 μM) had a greater retarding effect on the hERG-T618I channel than WT (P < 0.05). The half-inhibitory concentration for the mutant was approximately 1.82 times that of WT (P < 0.05). The WT current inhibition fraction against Ami was significantly greater than T618I in the same cell (P < 0.05). The STEP current of the mutant channel was larger than the WT channel, but the characteristic of inward rectification did not appear. Ami reduced the STEP current of the mutant channel, and the steady-state activation curve indicated that channel activation decreased (P > 0.05). Ami restored partial inactivation of the mutant channel. Ami effectively reduced the current in the phase 2 plateau (P < 0.05), but the phase 3 current did not exhibit the characteristics of a WT current. Ami inhibited hERG-T618I currents on HEK293 cells, but the effect was weaker than WT.
Separation of graphene oxides of different sizes by multi-layer dialysis and anti-friction and lubrication performance
Authors: Cui Chunna , Sun Yuemei , Huang Jitao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
As a 2D carbon material, graphene exhibits a unique structure and outstanding properties and has been widely applied in various fields. Because the properties of graphene are closely related to their structural parameters, graphene with different size distributions is suitable for different applications. However, current methods of fine-scale separation of graphene and its derivatives have certain limitations. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) size separation using multilayer dialysis was proposed. Multiple size separation in one step was achieved by customizing the dialysis size of each layer according to the actual requirements. In this way, GOs of different sizes were separated and large-scale synthesis can be achieved using this method. Meanwhile, the anti-friction and lubrication properties of aqueous dispersion solutions of GOs of different sizes were investigated. The results indicated significant improvements of the anti-friction and lubrication properties of GO samples prepared by the proposed method, as large-scale GOs can act as lubricants by relieving, if not preventing, friction between the two friction surfaces.
Analysis of the clinical characteristics and prognosis of adult de novo acute myeloid leukemia (none APL) with PTPN11 mutations
Authors: Sheng Li , Liu Yajiao , Zhu Yingying , Zhou Jingfen , Hua Haiying 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We discuss the clinical characteristics and prognostic significance of adult individuals with PTPN11 mutations who have developed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (none acute promyelocytic leukemia). Next generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to detect 51 gene mutations, and multiplex-PCR was used to detect 41 fusion genes from 232 de novo adult AML patients retrospectively. About 7.76% patients harbored PTPN11 mutations, 20 PTPN11 alterations were identified, all of which were missense mutations in the N-SH2 (n = 16) and PTP (n = 4) domains located in exon 3. Patients with PTPN11
mut had significantly higher platelet counts and hemoglobin levels (p < 0.001), which were mainly detected in M5 (n = 12, 66.67%, p < 0.001) subtype. Patients with MLL-AF6 positive showed a higher frequency of PTPN11
mut (p = 0.018) in the 118 AML cases. PTPN11
mut were accompanied by other mutations, which were NPM1 (44.44%), DNMT3A (38.89%), FLT3 (38.89%), and NRAS (17.2%). PTPN11
mut had a negative impact on the complete remission rate in M5 subtype patients (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant effect on overall survival (OS) with PTPN11
mut patients in the whole cohort and age group (p > 0.05) was observed. Further analysis revealed no significant difference in OS among NPM1
mut/PTPN11
mut, NPM1
mut/PTPN11
wt, DNMT3A
mut/PTPN11
mut, and DNMT3A
mut/PTPN11
wt patients (p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed the proportion of bone marrow blasts ≥65.4% was a factor significantly affecting OS in PTPN11
mut patients (p = 0.043).
Stress and Epilepsy: Towards Understanding of Neurobiological Mechanisms for Better Management
Authors: Jhaveri Dhanisha J. , McGonigal Aileen , Becker Christel , Benoliel Jean-Jacques , Nandam L. Sanjay , Soncin Lisa , Kotwas Iliana , Bernard Christophe , Bartolomei Fabrice 
Published: November 2023

AbstractStress has been identified as a major contributor to human disease and is postulated to play a substantial role in epileptogenesis. In a significant proportion of individuals with epilepsy, sensitivity to stressful events contributes to dynamic symptomatic burden, notably seizure occurrence and frequency, and presence and severity of psychiatric comorbidities [anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)]. Here, we review this complex relationship between stress and epilepsy using clinical data and highlight key neurobiological mechanisms including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, altered neuroplasticity within limbic system structures, and alterations in neurochemical pathways such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) linking epilepsy and stress. We discuss current clinical management approaches of stress that help optimize seizure control and prevention, as well as psychiatric comorbidities associated with epilepsy. We propose that various shared mechanisms of stress and epilepsy present multiple avenues for the development of new symptomatic and preventative treatments, including disease modifying therapies aimed at reducing epileptogenesis. This would require close collaborations between clinicians and basic scientists to integrate data across multiple scales, from genetics to systems biology, from clinical observations to fundamental mechanistic insights. In future, advances in machine learning approaches and neuromodulation strategies will enable personalized and targeted interventions to manage and ultimately treat stress-related epileptogenesis.