bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a longitudinal, near-peer ECG didactic curriculum in an internal medicine residency program and impact on ECG interpretation skills
Authors: Kaye Matthew G. , Khan Hassan A. , Gudleski Gregory D. , Yatsynovich Yan , Graham Susan P. , Kwiatkowski Alysia V. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
To determine the impact of a longitudinal, near-peer, dedicated ECG didactic curriculum on internal medicine resident ability to accurately interpret ECGs.

Methods
This study employs a prospective cohort design. Internal medicine residents at University at Buffalo participated in monthly ECG didactic sessions over a 7-month period. Residents were invited to complete pre- and post-curriculum questionnaires. Responses were anonymous and participation voluntary. Data collected included basic demographics, career interest, exposure to clinical cardiology, and number of sessions attended. Residents were asked to interpret sixteen unique ECGs, divided evenly among eight common rhythms into both questionnaires. Pre- and post-curriculum cohorts were compared using t-tests and chi-square analyses. Associations between attendance, comfort level in interpretation, and number of correct interpretations were analyzed using Pearson correlations. Multivariate linear regression determined the strongest predictor of the number of correct ECG interpretations.

Results
The post-curriculum cohort correctly interpreted a significantly greater percentage of ECGs compared to pre-curriculum cohort (74.5% vs. 60.9%, p < .001). Didactic attendance was significantly associated with comfort level in interpreting ECGs (r = .328, p = .018) and trended towards an increased number of correct interpretations (r = .248, p = .077). Residents who attended three or more sessions demonstrated increased ECG interpretation skills compared to those who attended two or fewer sessions (80.0% vs. 71.1%, p = .048). Number of clinical cardiology rotations attended was significantly associated with correct interpretations (r = .310, p < .001) and was the strongest predictor of accurately interpreting ECGs (β = 0.29, p = .037).

Conclusions
Participation in a longitudinal, near-peer ECG didactic curriculum improved resident ability to interpret ECGs. A curriculum which contains both didactic sessions and clinical exposure may offer the greatest benefit in improving ECG interpretation skills.
Psychometric evaluation of Persian version of medical artificial intelligence readiness scale for medical students
Authors: Rezazadeh Hossein , Ahmadipour Habibeh , Salajegheh Mahla 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Artificial intelligence’s advancement in medicine and its worldwide implementation will be one of the main elements of medical education in the coming years. This study aimed to translate and psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of the medical artificial intelligence readiness scale for medical students.

Methods
The questionnaire was translated according to a backward-forward translation procedure. Reliability was assessed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted on 302 medical students. Content validity was evaluated using the Content Validity Index and Content Validity Ratio.

Results
The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the whole scale was found to be 0.94. The Content Validity Index was 0.92 and the Content Validity Ratio was 0.75. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a fair fit for four factors: cognition, ability, vision, and ethics.

Conclusion
The Persian version of the medical artificial intelligence readiness scale for medical students consisting of four factors including cognition, ability, vision, and ethics appears to be an almost valid and reliable instrument for the evaluation of medical artificial intelligence readiness.
Medical imaging consultation practices and challenges at public hospitals in the Amhara regional state, Northwest Ethiopia: a descriptive phenomenological study
Authors: Nigatu Araya Mesfin , Yilma Tesfahun Melese , Gezie Lemma Derseh , Gebrewold Yonathan , Gullslett Monika Knudsen , Mengiste Shegaw Anagaw , Tilahun Binyam 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Medical imaging plays a vital role in the accurate diagnosis, treatment and outcome prediction of many diseases and injuries. However, in many African countries, deserving populations do not have access to the proper medical imaging specialists’ services. As a result, clinicians continue to struggle to provide medical imaging via consultation. However, little is known about conventional referral consultation practices and their challenges. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the practice and challenges of medical imaging service consultation among health professionals and patients in the context of the Ethiopian public healthcare delivery system.

Methods
Descriptive phenomenological study was employed to explore the practice of medical imaging service consultation among health professionals and patients in public hospitals of Amhara region from October 12, 2021 to December 29, 2021. Semi-structured interview guides were prepared separately for key-informant and in-depth interviews. A total of 21 participants (6 hospital managers, 4 medical directors, 4 department heads, 3 medical imaging coordinators and 4 patients) were selected using the maximum variation sampling technique. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and subjected to inductive thematic analysis using Open Code 4.02 software.

Results
Six major themes emerged following the thematic analysis: (1) medical image service delivery practices; (2) medical imaging consultation modalities; (3) benefits and drawbacks of the consultation modalities; (4) challenges; (5) challenge mitigation strategies; and (6) future recommendations. Image films, compact disks, and telegram apps were the consultation modalities used by the referring clinicians to send the medical images to radiologists. Frequent failure of imaging machines, delayed equipment maintenance, inadequate infrastructure, shortage of budget, lack of radiologists, and low-quality of printed image films were among the challenges influencing the medical imaging consultation service.

Conclusions
This research explored onsite and referral imaging consultation practices. However, there are many challenges encountered by the referring clinicians and the radiologists during the consultation process. These challenges could potentially affect clinicians’ ability to provide timely diagnosis and treatment services which would ultimately affects patient health status and service delivery. Virtual consultation via teleradiology and enhancing clinicians’ competence through long-term and short-term trainings are recommended to improve the referral consultation practice.
Financing surgical, obstetric, anaesthesia, and trauma care in the Asia–Pacific region: proceedings
Authors: Qin Rennie X. , Yoon Sangchul , Fowler Zachary G. , Jayaram Anusha , Stankey Makela , Samad Lubna , Maoate Kiki , Park Kee B. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSurgical, obstetric, and anaesthesia care saves lives, prevents disability, promotes economic prosperity, and is a fundamental human right. Session two of the three-part virtual meeting series on Strategic Planning to Improve Surgical, Obstetric, Anaesthesia, and Trauma Care in the Asia–Pacific Region discussed financing strategies for surgical care. During this session, participants made a robust case for investing in surgical care given its cost-effectiveness, macroeconomic benefits, and contribution to health security and pandemic preparedness. Funding for surgical system strengthening could arise from both domestic and international sources. Numerous strategies are available for mobilising funding for surgical care, including conducive macroeconomic growth, reprioritisation of health within government budgets, sector-specific domestic revenue, international financing, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of health budgets, and innovative financing. A wide range of funders recognised the importance of investing in surgical care and shared their currently funded projects in surgical, obstetric, anaesthesia, and trauma care as well as their funding priorities. Advocacy efforts to mobilise funding for surgical care to align with the existing funder priorities, such as primary health care, maternal and child health, health security, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has constricted the fiscal space for surgical care, it has also brought unprecedented attention to health. Short-term investment in critical care, medical oxygen, and infection prevention and control as a part of the COVID-19 response must be leveraged to generate sustained strengthening of surgical systems beyond the pandemic.
Characteristics of retinal image associated with premature ovarian insufficiency: a case- control study
Authors: Wu Jiaman , Tan Liya , Ning Yan , Yuan Weiqu , Lee Zuowei , Ma Fei , Wang Erfeng , Zhuo Yuanyuan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To establish an early clinical diagnosis model based on the retinal vascular features associated with POI, supplying a non-invasive way for accurately and early predicted the risk of POI.

Methods
A total of 78 women with spontaneous POI and 48 healthy women were recruited from the Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital in the study. Retinal characteristics were analyzed using an automated retinal image analysis system. Binary logistic regression was used to identify POI cases and develop predictive models.

Results
Compared to the normal group, the POI group had larger central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) (P = 0.006), central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) (P = 0.001), index of venules asymmetry (Vasym) (P = 0.000); larger bifurcation angles of arterioles (Aangle) (P = 0.001), bifurcation coefficient of venule (BCV) (P = 0.001) and more obvious arteriovenous nipping (Nipping) (P = 0.005), but lower arteriole-to-venule ratio (AVR) (P = 0.012). In the POI group, the odds ratio (OR) of Vasym was 6.72e-32 (95% C.I. 4.62e-49–9.79e-15, P = 0.000), the OR of BCV was 5.66e-20 (95% C.I. 1.93e-34–.0000, P = 5.66e-20) and the OR of Nipping was 6.65e-06 (95% C.I. 6.33e-10–.0698, P = 0.012). Moreover, the area under the ROC curve for the binary logistic regression with retinal characteristics was 0.8582, and the fitting degree of regression models was 60.48% (Prob > chi-square = 0.6048).

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that retinal image analysis can provide useful information for POI identification and certain characteristics may help with early clinical diagnosis of POI.
Role of cellulose response transporter-like protein CRT2 in cellulase induction in Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Yan Su , Xu Yan , Yu Xiao-Wei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Induction of cellulase in cellulolytic fungi Trichoderma reesei is strongly activated by cellulosic carbon sources. The transport of cellulosic inducer and the perception of inducing signal is generally considered as the critical process for cellulase induction, that the inducing signal would be perceived by a sugar transporter/transceptor in T. reesei. Several sugar transporters are coexpressed during the induction stage, but which function they serve and how they work collaboratively are still difficult to elucidate.

Results
In this study, we found that the constitutive expression of the cellulose response transporter-like protein CRT2 (previously identified as putative lactose permease TRE77517) improves cellulase induction on a cellulose, cellobiose or lactose medium. Functional studies indicate that the membrane-bound CRT2 is not a transporter of cellobiose, lactose or glucose in a yeast system, and it also does not affect cellobiose and lactose utilization in T. reesei. Further study reveals that CRT2 has a slightly similar function to the cellobiose transporter CRT1 in cellulase induction. Overexpression of CRT2 led to upregulation of CRT1 and the key transcription factor XYR1. Moreover, overexpression of CRT2 could partially compensate for the function loss of CRT1 on cellulase induction.

Conclusions
Our study uncovers the novel function of CRT2 in cellulase induction collaborated with CRT1 and XYR1, possibly as a signal transductor. These results deepen the understanding of the influence of sugar transporters in cellulase production.
Prioritizing genes associated with brain disorders by leveraging enhancer-promoter interactions in diverse neural cells and tissues
Authors: Zhao Xingzhong , Song Liting , Yang Anyi , Zhang Zichao , Zhang Jinglong , Yang Yucheng T. , Zhao Xing-Ming 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Prioritizing genes that underlie complex brain disorders poses a considerable challenge. Despite previous studies have found that they shared symptoms and heterogeneity, it remained difficult to systematically identify the risk genes associated with them.

Methods
By using the CAGE (Cap Analysis of Gene Expression) read alignment files for 439 human cell and tissue types (including primary cells, tissues and cell lines) from FANTOM5 project, we predicted enhancer-promoter interactions (EPIs) of 439 cell and tissue types in human, and examined their reliability. Then we evaluated the genetic heritability of 17 diverse brain disorders and behavioral-cognitive phenotypes in each neural cell type, brain region, and developmental stage. Furthermore, we prioritized genes associated with brain disorders and phenotypes by leveraging the EPIs in each neural cell and tissue type, and analyzed their pleiotropy and functionality for different categories of disorders and phenotypes. Finally, we characterized the spatiotemporal expression dynamics of these associated genes in cells and tissues.

Results
We found that identified EPIs showed activity specificity and network aggregation in cell and tissue types, and enriched TF binding in neural cells played key roles in synaptic plasticity and nerve cell development, i.e., EGR1 and SOX family. We also discovered that most neurological disorders exhibit heritability enrichment in neural stem cells and astrocytes, while psychiatric disorders and behavioral-cognitive phenotypes exhibit enrichment in neurons. Furthermore, our identified genes recapitulated well-known risk genes, which exhibited widespread pleiotropy between psychiatric disorders and behavioral-cognitive phenotypes (i.e., FOXP2), and indicated expression specificity in neural cell types, brain regions, and developmental stages associated with disorders and phenotypes. Importantly, we showed the potential associations of brain disorders with brain regions and developmental stages that have not been well studied.

Conclusions
Overall, our study characterized the gene-enhancer regulatory networks and genetic mechanisms in the human neural cells and tissues, and illustrated the value of reanalysis of publicly available genomic datasets.
Variations in diversity, composition, and species interactions of soil microbial community in response to increased N deposition and precipitation intensity in a temperate grassland
Authors: Cui Shuyan , Xiao Yushan , Zhou Yu , Wu Pengfeng , Cui Liqiang , Zheng Guo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Global climate change has resulted in precipitation regimes exhibiting an increasing trend in rainfall intensity but a reduction in frequency. In addition, nitrogen (N) deposition occurs simultaneously in arid and semi-arid regions. Microbial biomass, diversity, composition, and species interactions are key determinants of ecological functions. We examined the effects of changes in precipitation intensity and N addition on the soil bacterial and fungal communities in a semi-arid grassland in Inner Mongolia, China.

Methods
The microbial biomass (bacterial PLFAs and fungal PLFAs) was determined through phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, and microbial diversity (Shannon index and evenness index) was determined with high-throughput sequencing (16S and ITS). Species interactions were determined using a molecular ecological network analysis. The relationships between microbial community (bacterial community and fungal community) and environmental variables were examined by Mantel tests.

Results
We found that N addition decreased fungal PLFA under moderate, high, and extreme precipitation intensity treatments and increased fungal community complexity under the high precipitation intensity treatment. Furthermore, N addition increased bacterial diversity under moderate and high precipitation intensity treatments. N addition caused greater environmental stress to the fungal community, which was dominated by deterministic processes.

Conclusions
The effects of N deposition on soil bacterial and fungal communities were altered by precipitation intensity. The changes in soil bacterial and fungal communities were different, implying that composition and functional traits adapt differently to projected global changes at a regional scale.
Automatic diagnosis of keratitis using object localization combined with cost-sensitive deep attention convolutional neural network
Authors: Jiang Jiewei , Liu Wei , Pei Mengjie , Guo Liufei , Yang Jingshi , Wu Chengchao , Lu Jiaojiao , Gao Ruijie , Chen Wei , Gong Jiamin , Zhu Mingmin , Li Zhongwen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractKeratitis is a major cause of corneal blindness worldwide. Early identification and timely treatment of keratitis can deter the disease progression, reaching a better prognosis. The diagnosis of keratitis often requires professional ophthalmologists. However, ophthalmologists are relatively scarce and unevenly distributed, especially in underserved and remote regions, making the early diagnosis of keratitis challenging. In this study, an object localization method combined with cost-sensitive deep attention convolutional neural network (OL-CDACNN) was proposed for the automated diagnosis of keratitis. First, the single shot multibox detector (SSD) algorithm was employed to automatically locate the region of conjunctiva and cornea (Conj_Cor) on the original slit-lamp image. Then, the region of Conj_Cor was classified using a cost-sensitive deep attention convolutional network (CDACNN) to identify keratitis, other cornea abnormalities, and normal cornea. A total of 12,407 slit-lamp images collected from four clinical institutions were used to develop and evaluate the OL-CDACNN. For detecting keratitis, other cornea abnormalities, and normal cornea, the OL-CDACNN model achieved area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of 0.998, 0.997, and 1.000, respectively, in an internal test dataset. The comparable performance (AUCs ranged from 0.981 to 0.998) was observed in three external test datasets, further verifying its effectiveness and generalizability. Due to reliable performance, our model has a high potential to provide an accurate diagnosis and prompt referral for a patient with keratitis in an automated fashion.
Backbone assignment and inhibitor binding studies of IL-33 mutants by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Kang Minhee , Kim Soyun , Heo Chan Haeng , Son Sang-Hyun , Byun Youngjoo , Jeon Young Ho 
Published: July 2023

AbstractInterleukin-33 (IL-33) is an IL-1 family protein that induces a type-2 immune response. IL-33 is constitutively expressed in epithelial cells and released in response to the cell damage or stimulation by an allergen. The secreted protein is activated when the N-terminal domain is cleaved by a protease, and the active form signals downstream immune cells, such as eosinophils, by binding to the heterodimeric ST2:IL-1RAcP receptor complex on the cell surface. The binding stimulates an inflammatory response, and the abnormal inflammatory response can cause allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis and asthma. Inhibition of the interaction between IL-33 and ST2 is an attractive target to control the inflammatory disease at the upstream of the signaling. However, discovering the chemical moieties that bind to the protein–protein interaction interface is a challenging task due to the relatively wide and shallow binding pocket compared to the enzyme’s active site. For the IL-33-specific binder discovery, a series of IL-33 mutants were designed, and an electrophile chemical library was screened. Herein, we described the backbone 1H, 15N, and 13C resonance assignments of three IL-33 (117–270) mutants. Based on the assignments, the binding site of a selected compound by this approach was determined by 2D NMR. These results provide valuable information for further studies in drug discovery targeting the IL-33 and ST2 interaction.
Teachers’ prospective attitudes towards the adoption of extended reality technologies in the classroom: interests and concerns
Authors: Meccawy Maram 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRecent international empirical studies have demonstrated positive results when applying extended reality (XR) technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, or mixed reality in teaching and learning. Thus, the preconditions and challenges of use must be investigated from teachers’ perspectives prior to implementing these technologies in Saudi schools and higher educational institutes. Therefore, this study examines the feasibility of applying XR tools and platforms in the classroom by understanding teachers’ opinions, especially regarding creating or acquiring XR educational content. A qualitative study is conducted using semi-structured interviews with ten educators in Saudi Arabia. As a result, several themes are identified: (1) an XR level of awareness among teachers, (2) an XR-learning content-acquiring approach, (3) teachers’ readiness for XR, (4) students’ readiness for XR, and (5) XR challenges for schools, including social aspects that are often overlooked. These themes highlight teachers’ interest in immersive technologies with their concerns about their possible use in the classroom. Hence, the study provides greater insights for exploration and application for future studies in this area. Moreover, it draws a realistic picture for policymakers and administrators, aiding them in creating an achievable adoption strategy for XR applications in the educational sector.
Genomic analysis and prediction of genomic values for distichiasis in Staffordshire bull terriers
Authors: Jørgensen Dina , Ropstad Ernst-Otto , Meuwissen Theodorus , Lingaas Frode 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Distichiasis is a condition characterized by aberrant hairs along the eyelid margins. The symptoms are usually mild but can lead to ulcerations and lesions of the cornea in severe cases. It is the most frequently noted ocular disorder in Norwegian Staffordshire bull terriers (SBT), with a prevalence above 18% in the adult population. A complex inheritance is assumed, but there is sparse knowledge about the genetic background of distichiasis in dogs. We have performed a genome-wide association study of distichiasis in SBT and used genomic data in an attempt to predict genomic values for the disorder.

Results
We identified four genetic regions on CFA1, CFA18, CFA32 and CFA34 using a mixed linear model association analysis and a Bayesian mixed model analysis. Genomic values were predicted using GBLUP and a Bayesian approach, BayesR. The genomic prediction showed that the 1/4 of dogs with predicted values most likely to acquire distichiasis had a 3.9 -4.0 times higher risk of developing distichiasis compared to the quarter (1/4) of dogs least likely to acquire the disease. There was no significant difference between the two methods used.

Conclusion
Four genomic regions associated with distichiasis were discovered in the association analysis, suggesting that distichiasis in SBT is a complex trait involving numerous loci. The four associated regions need to be confirmed in an independent sample. We also used all 95 K SNPs for genomic prediction and showed that genomic prediction can be a helpful tool in selective breeding schemes at breed level aiming at reducing the prevalence of distichiasis in SBTs in the future, even if the predictive value of single dogs may be low.