bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The barriers, motives, perceptions, and attitudes toward research among radiology practitioners and interns in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alshamrani Khalid M. , Alkenawi Abdulkader A. , Kaifi Reham E. , Alhulil Khaled A. , Munshi Wael M. , Alqurayqiri Abdulaziz F. , Alshehri Faisal A. , Abdulmannan Hawazen I. , Ghulam Enas M. , Tasslaq Sameer E. , Aldhebaib Ali M. 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundResearch and the use of evidence-based practices are imperative to the advancement of diagnostic imaging modalities. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions and attitudes of radiology practitioners (i.e., Technicians, Technologists or Specialists, and Senior Specialists) and interns in King Abdulaziz Medical Cities (KAMCs), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, toward research, and to explore the various barriers and obstacles that hinder their research efforts.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive investigation was carried out from December 2022 to March 2023 among 112-KAMCs’ radiology practitioners and interns, using previously developed and validated questionnaire comprised of five distinct sections, each serving a specific purpose, and with a non-probability convenient sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were generated for participants’ demographics, and chi-square and fisher’s exact tests were used to examine the association between participants’ demographics and their involvement in research.ResultsAmong the 137 KAMCs’ radiology practitioners and interns who were invited to participate, 112 responded and completed the questionnaire, resulting in an overall response rate of 81.75%. Radiology practitioners and interns from various medical imaging subspecialties were found to be involved in research to the extent of 83%, with nearly half (40.9%) of them have had publications, and 53.3% of these publications being either cross-sectional studies or retrospective clinical studies. A lack of time (66.1%), a lack of a professional supervisor support program (50.9%), and deficiency in research skills (45.5%) were common obstacles that may impede the participants’ ability to conduct research. The most common motives for participants to conduct research were the desire to improve their resumes (69.6%), get accepted into postgraduate radiology programs (58%), and improve their research skills (52.7%).ConclusionKAMCs’ radiology practitioners and interns have a positive attitude toward performing research. Despite the high percentage (83%) of those involved in research, the number of publications remains low. A crucial step to advancing the profession’s evidence base is engaging radiology practitioners and interns in research and encouraging radiology practitioner-led research. The study findings can serve as a valuable basis for designing developmental programs aimed at overcoming research obstacles among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia.
Synaptic and intrinsic plasticity within overlapping lateral amygdala ensembles following fear conditioning
Authors: Sehgal Megha , Ehlers Vanessa E. , Moyer James R. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionNew learning results in modulation of intrinsic plasticity in the underlying brain regions. Such changes in intrinsic plasticity can influence allocation and encoding of future memories such that new memories encoded during the period of enhanced excitability are linked to the original memory. The temporal window during which the two memories interact depends upon the time course of intrinsic plasticity following new learning.MethodsUsing the well-characterized lateral amygdala-dependent auditory fear conditioning as a behavioral paradigm, we investigated the time course of changes in intrinsic excitability within lateral amygdala neurons.ResultsWe found transient changes in the intrinsic excitability of amygdala neurons. Neuronal excitability was increased immediately following fear conditioning and persisted for up to 4 days post-learning but was back to naïve levels 10 days following fear conditioning. We also determined the relationship between learning-induced intrinsic and synaptic plasticity. Synaptic plasticity following fear conditioning was evident for up to 24 h but not 4 days later. Importantly, we demonstrated that the enhanced neuronal intrinsic excitability was evident in many of the same neurons that had undergone synaptic plasticity immediately following fear conditioning. Interestingly, such a correlation between synaptic and intrinsic plasticity following fear conditioning was no longer present 24 h post-learning.DiscussionThese data demonstrate that intrinsic and synaptic changes following fear conditioning are transient and co-localized to the same neurons. Since intrinsic plasticity following fear conditioning is an important determinant for the allocation and consolidation of future amygdala-dependent memories, these findings establish a time course during which fear memories may influence each other.
Cochlear implantation in unilateral hearing loss: impact of short- to medium-term auditory deprivation
Authors: Ullah Mohammed N. , Cevallos Ashley , Shen Sarek , Carver Courtney , Dunham Rachel , Marsiglia Dawn , Yeagle Jennifer , Della Santina Charles C. , Bowditch Steve , Sun Daniel Q. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionSingle sided deafness (SSD) results in profound cortical reorganization that presents clinically with a significant impact on sound localization and speech comprehension. Cochlear implantation (CI) has been approved for two manufacturers’ devices in the United States to restore bilateral function in SSD patients with up to 10 years of auditory deprivation. However, there is great variability in auditory performance and it remains unclear how auditory deprivation affects CI benefits within this 10-year window. This prospective study explores how measured auditory performance relates to real-world experience and device use in a cohort of SSD-CI subjects who have between 0 and 10 years of auditory deprivation.MethodsSubjects were assessed before implantation and 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-CI activation via Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) word recognition and Arizona Biomedical Institute (AzBio) sentence recognition in varying spatial speech and noise presentations that simulate head shadow, squelch, and summation effects (S0N0, SSSDNNH, SNHNSSD; 0 = front, SSD = impacted ear, NH = normal hearing ear). Patient-centered assessments were performed using Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Spatial Hearing Questionnaire (SHQ), and Health Utility Index Mark 3 (HUI3). Device use data was acquired from manufacturer software. Further subgroup analysis was performed on data stratified by &lt;5 years and 5–10 years duration of deafness.ResultsIn the SSD ear, median (IQR) CNC word scores pre-implant and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-implant were 0% (0–0%), 24% (8–44%), 28% (4–44%), and 18% (7–33%), respectively. At 6 months post-activation, AzBio scores in S0N0 and SSSDNNH configurations (n = 25) demonstrated statistically significant increases in performance by 5% (p = 0.03) and 20% (p = 0.005), respectively. The median HUI3 score was 0.56 pre-implant, lower than scores for common conditions such as anxiety (0.68) and diabetes (0.77), and comparable to stroke (0.58). Scores improved to 0.83 (0.71–0.91) by 3  months post-activation. These audiologic and subjective benefits were observed even in patients with longer durations of deafness.DiscussionBy merging CI-associated changes in objective and patient-centered measures of auditory function, our findings implicate central mechanisms of auditory compensation and adaptation critical in auditory performance after SSD-CI and quantify the extent to which they affect the real-world experience reported by individuals.
Peripheral vascular access as exclusive access mode in pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Armstrong Sonya Hayes , Gangu Shantaveer , West Alina Nico , Spentzas Thomas 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionThe type of vascular access (central or peripheral) in pediatric critical care depends on several factors, including the duration of treatment, the properties of the medication (osmolarity or vesicant), and the need for central pressure monitoring. The utilization of peripheral intravascular catheters (PIVCs) has shown a notable increase in the number of patients being treated. Extended dwell or midline catheters are another peripheral access option in addition to PIVCs. However, there are currently no established guidelines on their placement.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to estimate the duration of dwell time for PIVCs, analyze the specific parameters affecting it, and develop recommendations for switching to extended dwell and midline catheter placement as an alternative to peripheral access.MethodsThe study enrolled patients aged 0–18 years admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for over 24 h and managed with peripheral access only over 2 years (2019–2021).Measurements and main resultsA total of 484 patients met the specified criteria. Patients who had peripheral access exhibited a lower PRISM score and a shorter length of stay in the PICU, with mean values of 18 (SD: 8.5) and 9.5 (SD: 6.4) days, respectively, compared with patients who had central access with mean values of 8.9 (SD: 5.9) and 5.7 (SD: 3.6) days, respectively. The PIVC dwell time was found to be 50.1 h (SD: 65.3) and required an average of 1.6 insertion attempts. Patients with three or more insertions exhibited an increased odds ratio of 5.2 (95% CI: 3.1–8.5) for receiving an extended dwell or midline insertion. Increased dwell time was associated with female gender, 59.5 h (P &lt; 0.001), first attempt insertion, 53.5 h (P &lt; 0.001), use of 24 Ga bore, 56.3 h (P = 0.04), left-sided insertions, 54.9 (P = 0.07), less agitation, 54.8 h (P = 0.02), and less edema, 61.6 (P &lt; 0.001). Decreased dwell time was associated with the use of vancomycin infusion at 24.2 h (P &lt; 0.001) and blood transfusions at 29.3 h (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsExtended catheters last longer than PIVCs in PICU patients. Extended catheter placement requires consideration of the length of treatment, as well as the overall body edema, the level of the patient's restlessness, and the need for vancomycin infusion or blood transfusions, as these factors reduce PIVC dwell time and expose the patients to painful insertions. For such cases, an extended dwell catheter may be a better option, even if the projected treatment time is less than 6 days.
The efficacy of statins for improving cognitive impairments in pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1): a meta-analysis
Authors: Gan Lutong , Zhu Weiwen , Fu Pengqing 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundGiven the considerable discrepancies in the evidence concerning the efficacy of statins in ameliorating cognitive impairments in pediatric patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1), this study conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis to consolidate existing evidence to evaluate the efficacy of statins on cognitive impairments in children with NF-1.MethodsThis study adhered to the PRISMA statement, and the research protocol was pre-registered on PROSPERO (#CRD: 42022369072). Comprehensive searches of databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were performed up to March 31, 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of statins on cognitive impairments in children with NF-1. Statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1. A fixed- or random-effects model was employed according to the I2 statistic. As all data were continuous, MD [95% CI] was used as the pooled estimate.ResultsThe final analysis included five RCTs with a total of 364 patients. The meta-analysis indicated that aside from a statistically significant improvement in internalizing problems (MD [95%CI] = 3.61[0.11, 7.10], p = 0.04), Object assembly Test (MD [95%CI] = 0.53[0.12, 0.93], p = 0.01), Cancellation Test (MD [95%CI] = 3.61[0.11, 7.10], p &lt; 0.0001), statins did not exhibit significant efficacy in improving other cognitive aspects in children with NF-1 (p &gt; 0.05). An additional descriptive analysis on indices that cannot be meta-analyzed revealed considerable inconsistency in the therapeutic effect of statins across different studies.ConclusionCurrent evidence suggests that statins may not be effective for cognitive performance in children with NF-1.
Modulation of the hippo-YAP pathway by cyclic stretch in rat type 2 alveolar epithelial cells—a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Ran Xi , Müller Sabine , Brunssen Coy , Huhle Robert , Scharffenberg Martin , Schnabel Christian , Koch Thea , Gama de Abreu Marcelo , Morawietz Henning , Ferreira Jorge M. C. , Wittenstein Jakob 
Published: October 2023

Background: Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a life supporting therapy but may also cause lung damage. This phenomenon is known as ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). A potential pathomechanisms of ventilator-induced lung injury may be the stretch-induced production and release of cytokines and pro-inflammatory molecules from the alveolar epithelium. Yes-associated protein (YAP) might be regulated by mechanical forces and involved in the inflammation cascade. However, its role in stretch-induced damage of alveolar cells remains poorly understood. In this study, we explored the role of YAP in the response of alveolar epithelial type II cells (AEC II) to elevated cyclic stretch in vitro. We hypothesize that Yes-associated protein activates its downstream targets and regulates the interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in response to 30% cyclic stretch in AEC II.Methods: The rat lung L2 cell line was exposed to 30% cyclic equibiaxial stretch for 1 or 4 h. Non-stretched conditions served as controls. The cytoskeleton remodeling and cell junction integrity were evaluated by F-actin and Pan-cadherin immunofluorescence, respectively. The gene expression and protein levels of IL-6, Yes-associated protein, Cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61/CCN1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) were studied by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot, respectively. Verteporfin (VP) was used to inhibit Yes-associated protein activation. The effects of 30% cyclic stretch were assessed by two-way ANOVA. Statistical significance as accepted at p &lt; 0.05.Results: Cyclic stretch of 30% induced YAP nuclear accumulation, activated the transcription of Yes-associated protein downstream targets Cyr61/CCN1 and CTGF/CCN2 and elevated IL-6 expression in AEC II after 1 hour, compared to static control. VP (2 µM) inhibited Yes-associated protein activation in response to 30% cyclic stretch and reduced IL-6 protein levels.Conclusion: In rat lung L2 AEC II, 30% cyclic stretch activated YAP, and its downstream targets Cyr61/CCN1 and CTGF/CCN2 and proinflammatory IL-6 expression. Target activation was blocked by a Yes-associated protein inhibitor. This novel YAP-dependent pathway could be involved in stretch-induced damage of alveolar cells.
Effects of brain–Computer interface combined with mindfulness therapy on rehabilitation of hemiplegic patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Pei , Liu Jinyu , Wang Lili , Ma Huifang , Mei Xingyan , Zhang Aihua 
Published: October 2023

AimTo explore the effects of brain–computer interface training combined with mindfulness therapy on Hemiplegic Patients with Stroke.BackgroundThe prevention and treatment of stroke still faces great challenges. Maximizing the improvement of patients’ ability to perform activities of daily living, limb motor function, and reducing anxiety, depression, and other social and psychological problems to improve patients’ overall quality of life is the focus and difficulty of clinical rehabilitation work.MethodsPatients were recruited from December 2021 to November 2022, and assigned to either the intervention or control group following a simple randomization procedure (computer-generated random numbers). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation treatment, while patients in the intervention group additionally received brain–computer interface training and mindfulness therapy. The continuous treatment duration was 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Limb motor function, activities of daily living, mindfulness attention awareness level, sleep quality, and quality of life of the patients were measured (in T0, T1, and T2). Generalized estimated equation (GEE) were used to evaluate the effects. The trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300070382).ResultsA total of 128 participants were randomized and 64 each were assigned to the intervention and control groups (of these, eight patients were lost to follow-up). At 6 months, compared with the control group, intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in limb motor function, mindful attention awareness, activities of daily living, sleep quality, and quality of life.ConclusionBrain–computer interface combined with mindfulness therapy training can improve limb motor function, activities of daily living, mindful attention awareness, sleep quality, and quality of life in hemiplegic patients with stroke.ImpactThis study provides valuable insights into post-stroke care. It may help improve the effect of rehabilitation nursing to improve the comprehensive ability and quality of life of patients after stroke.Clinical review registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2300070382.
Does fear of infection affect people’s dental attendance during COVID-19? A Chinese example to examine the association between COVID anxiety and dental anxiety
Authors: Yuan Siyang , Zheng Yuanna , Sun Zhe , Humphris Gerry 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionLittle is known about the psychological and behavioural effect of COVID-19 pandemic on patients and their reaction to dental visiting. Patients may delay attendance due to fears of contracting the corona virus at the dentist. The study aims to confirm the psychometric properties of the two COVID-19 scales and then use dental patient responses to assess the associations between the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (CAS), dental anxiety (MDAS) and the clinical care COVID-19 Anxiety (CCAS).MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 503 patients visiting a polyclinic of a stomatological hospital in East China in 2020. Patients completed a survey consisting of demographical information, dental attendance, COVID-19 Anxiety Scale, Clinical Care COVID-19 Anxiety Scale and Modified Dental Anxiety Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to determine the psychometric characteristics. A further structural model was tested with the combined measurement model and a path analysis was calculated.ResultsThe sample (n = 503) consisted of more women than men (63% vs. 37%). A fifth of the sample (21%) claimed regular dental attendance and just over a third (35%) reported delaying their dental visit due to the pandemic. Our analysis showed that both CAS and CCAS possessed a unidimensional structure. The MDAS was divided into anticipatory and treatment components as separate latent variables. The anticipatory component (MDAS_A) had some association to CCAS through its expression on treatment dental anxiety (MDAS_T). General anxiety about COVID (CAS) had a direct effect on CCAS. The fit statistics were acceptable [Chi-square = 183.27, df = 68, p &lt; .001; CFI = 0.973; RMSEA = 0.058 (95%CIs: 0.048–0.068)] and the Standardised Root Mean Square Residuals (SRMR) index was 0.041.DiscussionThe Clinical Care COVID-19 Anxiety has shown satisfactory psychometric properties. Both dental anxiety and general anxiety about the pandemic have strong associations to patients’ fear of contracting corona virus when using dental facilities. Our study has practical implications to help healthcare providers better understand how environmental stressors influence patients’ overall concerns on infection risks and appropriate dental treatments during the pandemic.
Is laparoscope surgery feasible for upper gastrointestinal cancer patients with a history of abdominal surgery?
Authors: Li Feng , Zhang Fan , Liu Weixin , Zheng Qingfeng , Zhang Moyan , Wang Zhen , Zhang Xuefeng , Qi Ling , Li Yong 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of laparoscopic abdominal mobilization in patients with cancers of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction who have a history of abdominal surgery.MethodsA total of 132 patients who underwent resection for cancers of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction from August 2018 to March 2022 in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, were selected (66 patients with a history of abdominal surgery (observation group) and 66 patients without a history of abdominal surgery (control group)). All patients were treated with preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, based on the clinical stage. Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic resection was performed under general anesthesia. The intraoperative and postoperative conditions and surgical complications were compared between the two groups.ResultsNo significant differences were found in baseline data between the observation group and the control group (p &gt; 0.05). Laparoscopic abdominal mobilization was completed in both groups, and there were no significant differences between the two groups in the total operation time [(272.50 ± 86.45) min vs. (257.55 ± 67.96) min], abdominal mobilization time [(25.03 ± 9.82) min vs. (22.53 ± 3.88) min], blood loss [(119.09 ± 72.17) ml vs. (104.39 ± 43.82) ml], and postoperative time to first flatus [(3.44 ± 0.73) d vs. (3.29 ± 0.60) d] (p &gt; 0.05). The abdominal mobilization time was longer in observation group than that in control group (p = 0.057). After excluding the patients (31/66) with a history of simple appendectomy from the observation group, the abdominal mobilization time was significantly longer in observation group than that in control group [(27.97 ± 12.16) min vs. (22.53 ± 3.88) min] (p &lt; 0.05). There were significantly fewer dissected abdominal lymph nodes in the observation group than in the control group [(18.44 ± 10.87) vs. (23.09 ± 10.95), p &lt; 0.05]. After excluding the patients (15/66) with a history of abdominal tumor surgery from the observation group, there was no significant difference in the number of dissected abdominal lymph nodes between the two groups [(20.62 ± 10.81) vs. (23.09 ± 10.95)] (p &gt; 0.05).In addition, no postoperative complications, such as intestinal obstruction, abdominal infection and bleeding, occurred in either group.ConclusionPatients with cancers of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction who have a history of abdominal surgery are suitable for minimally invasive laparoscopic mobilization.
Aplikasi Kompos Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit (TKKS) terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Melon (Cucumis melo. L)
Authors: Qolby Friskia Hanatul , Sebayang Hary Ardian 
Published: October 2023

One of the fruits favored by the community is melon (Cucumis melo. L), which is classified as a horticultural commodity. Melon has prospects for cultivation because it contains many vitamins and benefits. This research was carried out in August - December 2019 in Limau Manis Village, Pauh District, Padang City. The research method is an experimental method using a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatment levels and 5 replications. The level of treatment given was the dose of OPEFB compost 10, 20, 30, 40 tons/ha. Observational data were analyzed statistically with the F test at the 5% level. The results of the analysis of variance were continued with Duncan's New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at the 5% level. The results showed that the application of oil palm empty fruit bunches compost at a dose of 30 tons/ha had the best effect on the growth of height and stem diameter of melon plants. However, the application of oil palm empty fruit bunches compost at doses of 10, 20, 30, and 40 tons/ha has not been able to have a significant effect on melon crop production.