bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A phenomenological study on East and Southeast Asian dental educators: perceived importance, challenges, and strategies in teaching dental materials science
Authors: Lin Galvin Sim Siang , Tan Wen Wu , Foong Chan Choong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Effective teaching of dental materials science is crucial for dental students to develop a comprehensive understanding of materials used in clinical practice. However, literature on educators’ views on teaching this subject is still scarce. This qualitative study aimed to explore the lived experiences of dental educators in teaching dental materials science subjects, thereby addressing potential gaps and enhancing teaching practices.

Methods
Thirteen dental educators from East and Southeast Asian countries (Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan) participated in the present study. The present study adopted a transcendental phenomenological approach. One-to-one semi-structured online interviews were conducted. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns in the educators’ experiences.

Results
Three themes emerged from the present study. First, perceptions of the importance of dental materials science, highlighting its relevance in clinical practice, patient care, and lifelong learning. Second, the challenges faced in teaching dental materials science include limited instructional time, complex content, and insufficient resources. Third, specific strategies, such as applying interactive teaching methods, integrating clinical scenarios, and promoting critical thinking skills have been suggested to enhance teaching and learning.

Conclusion
Understanding dental educators’ experiences can improve dental materials science education, curriculum development, teaching methods, and faculty training programmes, ultimately enhancing the knowledge and skills of dental students in this field.
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the functional assessment of chronic illness therapy–fatigue (FACIT–F) among patients with breast cancer
Authors: Cai Tingting , Chen Jialin , Ni Feixia , Zhu Rui , Wu Fulei , Huang Qingmei , Zhou Tingting , Yang Yang , Yuan Changrong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Fatigue is the most frequent and distressing symptom affecting the physical, cognitive, and affective domains of breast cancer patients. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT–F) has been widely used in patients with chronic diseases and has shown satisfactory reliability and validity. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the FACIT–F among Chinese patients with breast cancer.

Methods
Using a convenience sampling method, a cross–sectional survey (January 2020 and September 2022) was used with patients recruited from two tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, Mainland China, and a total of 597 patients completed a demographic information questionnaire, the FACIT–F and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for Breast Cancer (FACT–B). Convergent validity was estimated by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient of the FACIT–F with the FACT–B. Measurement invariance across age was performed by examining differential item functioning (DIF) across age groups (≤ 60 and > 60 years). The internal consistency and split–half reliability were performed for reliability analysis. Unidimensionality of the scale was evaluated by the principal component analysis by Rasch analysis. Additionally, Rasch analysis was performed for item difficulty levels, and an item–person map was used.

Results
No floor/ceiling effects were observed for the FACIT–F. Moderate correlations were found between FACIT–F and FACT–B (r = − 0.342, p < 0.01). Most items showed an absence of DIF regarding age, except for one item. In addition, the FACIT–F showed acceptable internal consistency. Principal component analysis of Rasch residuals showed that the proportion of variance explained by the FACIT–F was 53.3%, and the outfit mean square statistics for the items ranged from 0.68 to 1.90 and the infit MNSQ from 0.63 to 1.73. Additionally, an acceptable response between items and persons was found.

Conclusions
The findings indicate that the Chinese version of the FACIT–F is a valid tool for the measurement of fatigue in breast cancer patients.
Long-term efficacy of sialendoscopy in treating childhood Sjögren’s disease with chronological monitoring by salivary gland ultrasonography: A novel approach
Authors: Drew Kristin , Kronlage René , Cha Seunghee , Thatayatikom Akaluck , Schrepfer Thomas 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Childhood Sjögren’s Disease (cSjD) is an underdiagnosed phenomenon with clinical and pathophysiological nuances in contrast to Sjögren’s Disease (SjD) in the adult population. While adults typically experience sicca symptoms, children with cSjD often present with recurrent parotitis, diverse autoantibody profiles, and renal and neurological manifestations. Diagnosis and classification in pediatric rheumatology remain controversial due to the reliance on adult-focused diagnostic criteria and the lack of standardized treatment and understanding of outcomes. The purpose of the paper is to propose a multimodal treatment plan and demonstrate the effectiveness of sialendoscopy in the management of cSjD.

Case Presentation
We present the case of a twelve-year-old female diagnosed with cSjD using the 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) diagnostic criteria for SjD. In addition to medical management, she underwent sialendoscopy with triamcinolone irrigation under sedation and was monitored for progress via salivary gland ultrasonography (SGUS). Over the course of one year, she demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms, with serial SGUS scores gradually decreasing by five points.

Conclusions
This paper proposes a multimodal treatment plan involving sialendoscopy and medical management as a non-invasive and potentially more effective approach for cSjD. Standardized monitoring through SGUS scoring allows objective and quantifiable measurement of treatment progress, enabling better assessment of glandular tissue status. Recurrence is possible, and each cSjD patient may present differently. Nevertheless, our year-long observation of a patient with cSjD demonstrates that sialendoscopy, as seen in adults, can promote remission of recurrent parotitis in children as well.
Characterization of choroid plexus in the preterm rabbit pup following subcutaneous administration of recombinant human IGF-1/IGFBP-3
Authors: Ortenlöf Niklas , Vallius Suvi , Karlsson Helena , Ekström Claes , Kristiansson Amanda , Holmqvist Bo , Göransson Olga , Vaváková Magdaléna , Rydén Martin , Carey Galen , Barton Norman , Ley David , Gram Magnus 
Published: August 2023

AbstractInsulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is essential for normal brain development and regulates essential processes of vascular maturation and stabilization. Importantly, preterm birth is associated with reduced serum levels of IGF-1 as compared to in utero levels. Using a preterm rabbit pup model, we investigated the uptake of systemic recombinant human (rh) IGF-1 in complex with its main binding protein IGF-binding protein 3 (BP-3) to the brain parenchyma via the choroid plexus. Five hours after subcutaneous administration, labeled rhIGF-1/rhIGFBP-3 displayed a widespread presence in the choroid plexus of the lateral and third ventricle, however, to a less degree in the fourth, as well as in the perivascular and subarachnoid space. We found a time-dependent uptake of IGF-1 in cerebrospinal fluid, decreasing with postnatal age, and a translocation of IGF-1 through the choroid plexus. The impact of systemic rhIGF-1/rhIGFBP-3 on IGF-1 receptor activation in the choroid plexus decreased with postnatal age, correlating with IGF-1 uptake in cerebrospinal fluid. In addition, choroid plexus gene expression was observed to increase with postnatal age. Moreover, using choroid plexus in vitro cell cultures, gene expression and protein synthesis were further investigated upon rhIGF-1/rhIGFBP-3 stimulation as compared to rhIGF-1 alone, and found not to be differently altered. Here, we characterize the uptake of systemic rhIGF-1/rhIGFBP-3 to the preterm brain, and show that the interaction between systemic rhIGF-1/rhIGFBP-3 and choroid plexus varies over time.
Spinal intradural extramedullary tumors: microscopic keyhole resection with the focus on intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and long-term outcome
Authors: Yu Bofei , Xiao Yuhua , Dai Hanhao , Yu Yunlong , Lin Yuan , Xu Jie 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective
Spinal schwannomas (SS) and spinal meningiomas (SM) account for most intradural extramedullary (IDEM) tumors. These tumors are usually benign lesions, which generally respond favorably to surgical excision. Few studies up to now tried to determine the long-term outcome after minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with multimodal intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) for IDEM tumors. The aim of this study was to present one of the largest case series with special regard to IONM findings and long-term outcome after MIS-keyhole surgery with a tubular retractor system.

Methods
Between January 2013 and August 2018, 87 patients with IDEM tumors who underwent tumor removal surgery via MIS-keyhole approach under multimodal IONM were retrospectively reviewed. The neurological status was assessed using a modified McCormick grading scale pre- and postoperatively. Multimodal IONM consisted of motor evoked potentials (MEP), somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP), and electromyography (EMG). Both short-term and long-term clinical evaluations as well as patients’ medical files were retrospectively analyzed.

Results
Surgeries were performed for resection of SS in 49 patients and SM in 38 patients. Tumor locations were cervical in 16.1%, thoracic in 48.3%, thoracolumbar in 4.6%, lumbar 31%. Critical IONM changes were detected in 9 operations (10.3%) in which there were 2 SEPs, 5 MEPs, and 2 EMG events. Three IONM changes (2 MEPs, 1 EMG) were turned out to be transient change in nature since they were resolved in a short time when immediate corrective actions were initiated. Six patients with permanent IONM changes (2SEPs, 3MEPs, 1EMG event), all deficits had resolved during hospitalization or on short -term follow-up evaluation. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predicted values of IONM were 100, 96, 67, and 100%, respectively. Gross total resection rate was 100%, and a stable or improved McCormick grade exhibited in all patients. No tumor recurrence and no spinal instability were found in the long-term follow-up evaluation (mean 5.2 ± 2.9 years postoperatively). Overall, 94% of patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with their operation, and 93% patients reported excellent or good general clinical outcome according to Odom’s criteria.

Conclusion
MIS-keyhole surgery with multimodal IONM for IDEM tumors enables a high level of satisfaction and a satisfying long-term clinical and surgical outcome.
Testing pathways to scale: study protocol for a three-arm randomized controlled trial of a centralized and a decentralized (“Train the Trainers”) dissemination of a mental health program for Kenyan adolescents
Authors: Ochuku Brenda , Osborn Tom L. , Nerima Daisy , van der Markt Afra , Rusch Thomas , Omune Herman , Akello Solace , Ndetei David M. , Venturo-Conerly Katherine E. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Providing care in Kenya to all youth in need is difficult because of a shortage of professional providers and societal stigma. Previous trials of the Anansi model, which involves delivering low-touch mental health interventions through a tiered caregiving model (including lay-providers, supervisors, and clinical experts), have shown its effectiveness for reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in school-going Kenyan adolescents. In this trial, we aim to assess two different scale-up strategies by comparing centralized implementation (i.e., by the organization that designed the Anansi model) against implementation through an implementing partner.

Methods
In this three-arm trial, 1600 adolescents aged 13 to 20 years will be randomized to receive the Shamiri intervention from either the Shamiri Institute or an implementation partner or to be placed in the treatment as usual (TAU) control group. The implementation partner will be trained and supplied with protocols to ensure that the same procedures are followed by both implementors. Implementation activities will run concurrently for both implementors. The Shamiri intervention will be delivered by trained lay providers to groups of 10–15 adolescents over four weekly sessions which will take place in secondary schools in Machakos and Makueni counties in Kenya. The TAU group will receive the usual care offered by their respective schools. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, midpoint (2 weeks), endpoint (4 weeks), and 1 month follow-up. The analysis will be based on an intent-to-treat approach. Mixed effects models will be used to assess trajectories over time of the primary outcomes (anxiety and depressive symptoms, mental well-being, perceived social support, and academic performance) and secondary outcomes for the intervention groups and the control group. Effect sizes will be computed for the mean differences of the intervention and control arms at midpoint, endpoint, and follow-up.

Discussion
This trial will provide insight into the comparative effectiveness of different strategies for scaling a school-based mental health care model. Findings will also indicate areas for improved efficiency of the model to enhance its replicability by other implementors.

Trial registration
Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR) (ID: PACTR202305589854478, Approved: 02/05/2023).
A pragmatic, open-label, multi-center, randomized controlled clinical trial on the rotational use of interfaces vs standard of care in patients treated with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure: the ROTAtional-USE of interface STUDY (ROTA-USE STUDY)
Authors: Vaschetto Rosanna , Gregoretti Cesare , Scotti Lorenza , De Vita Nello , Carlucci Annalisa , Cortegiani Andrea , Crimi Claudia , Mattei Alessio , Scala Raffaele , Rocca Eduardo , Longhini Federico , Cammarota Gianmaria , Misseri Giovanni , Dal Molin Alberto , Scolletta Sabino , Nava Stefano , Maggiore Salvatore Maurizio , Navalesi Paolo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn the last decades, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been increasingly used to support patients with hypercapnic and hypoxemic acute respiratory failure. Pressure ulcers are a frequently observed NIV-related adverse effect, directly related to interface type and exposure time. Switching to a different interface has been proposed as a solution to improve patient comfort. However, large studies investigating the benefit of this strategy are not available. Thus, the aim of the ROTAtional-USE of interface STUDY (ROTA-USE STUDY) is to investigate whether a protocolized rotational use of interfaces during NIV is effective in reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers.MethodsThe ROTA-USE STUDY is a pragmatic, parallel arm, open-label, multicenter, spontaneous, non-profit, randomized controlled trial requiring non-significant risk medical devices, with the aim to determine whether a rotational strategy of NIV interfaces is associated with a lower incidence of pressure ulcers compared to the standard of care. In the intervention group, NIV mask will be randomly chosen and rotated every 6 h. In the control group, mask will be chosen according to the standard of care of the participating centers and changed in case of discomfort or in the presence of new pressure sores. In both groups, the skin underneath the mask will be inspected every 12 h for any possible damage by blinded assessors. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients developing new pressure sores at 36 h from randomization. The secondary outcomes are (i) onset of pressure sores measured at different time points, i.e., 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96 h; (ii) number and stage of pressure sores and comfort measured at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96 h; and (iii) the economic impact of the protocolized rotational use of interfaces. A sample size of 239 subjects per group (intervention and control) is estimated to detect a 10% absolute difference in the proportion of patients developing pressure sores at 36 h.DiscussionThe development of pressure ulcers is a common side effect of NIV that negatively affects the patients’ comfort and tolerance, often leading to NIV failure and adverse outcomes. The ROTA-USE STUDY will determine whether a protocolized rotational approach can reduce the incidence, number, and severity of pressure ulcers in NIV-treated patients.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05513508. Registered on August 24, 2022.
A response to Al et al. Trials 2023;24:233
Authors: Merz Jon F. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn their recent paper, Al and colleagues (Trials 2023;24:233) argue that manipulation of the methods of recruitment using well-known techniques in order to increase enrollment can be ethically acceptable. This brief response challenges that notion as an affront to voluntariness and a devolution of the ethics of human subjects research to the “ethics” of the marketplace.
6-Year trajectory of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and mortality risk among individuals with normal FPG at baseline: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Wanlu , Wen Chi Pang , Li Wenyuan , Ying Zhijun , Pan Sai , Li Yizhan , Zhu Zecheng , Yang Min , Tu Huakang , Guo Yi , Song Zhenya , Chu David Ta-Wei , Wu Xifeng 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Higher fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality; however, the associations between long-term FPG trajectory groups and mortality were unclear, especially among individuals with a normal FPG level at the beginning. The aims of this study were to examine the associations of FPG trajectories with the risk of mortality and identify modifiable lifestyle factors related to these trajectories.

Methods
We enrolled 50,919 individuals aged ≥ 20 years old, who were free of diabetes at baseline, in the prospective MJ cohort. All participants completed at least four FPG measurements within 6 years after enrollment and were followed until December 2011. FPG trajectories were identified by group-based trajectory modeling. We used Cox proportional hazards models to examine the associations of FPG trajectories with mortality, adjusting for age, sex, marital status, education level, occupation, smoking, drinking, physical activity, body mass index, baseline FPG, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease or stroke, and cancer. Associations between baseline lifestyle factors and FPG trajectories were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression.

Results
We identified three FPG trajectories as stable (n = 32,481), low-increasing (n = 17,164), and high-increasing (n = 1274). Compared to the stable group, both the low-increasing and high-increasing groups had higher risks of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.18 (95% CI 0.99–1.40) and 1.52 (95% CI 1.09–2.13), respectively), especially among those with hypertension. Compared to participants with 0 to 1 healthy lifestyle factor, those with 6 healthy lifestyle factors were more likely to be in the stable group (ORlow-increasing = 0.61, 95% CI 0.51–0.73; ORhigh-increasing = 0.20, 95% CI 0.13–0.32).

Conclusions
Individuals with longitudinally increasing FPG had a higher risk of mortality even if they had a normal FPG at baseline. Adopting healthy lifestyles may prevent individuals from transitioning into increasing trajectories.
Salmonella typhimurium necrotizing fasciitis: a case report
Authors: Othman Radwan El , Allaw Fatima , Kharsa Antoine , Hallit Souheil 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Necrotizing fasciitis is an aggressive disease that causes necrosis in the muscular fascia and subcutaneous tissues. The infection spreads rapidly along the fascia and perifascial planes, followed by extension of the infection to nearby soft tissues and muscles. Necrotizing fasciitis can be attributed to different pathogens, namely Staphylococcus aureus, group A streptococci, and Clostridium perfringes. Only a few cases of skin and soft tissue infections from Salmonella species have been reported to date. Herein we report a case of Salmonella non-typhi necrotizing fasciitis, an exceedingly rare entity. This case report may serve as a potential management plan in similar cases in light of the scarcity of evidence.

Case presentation
A 20-year-old Caucasian male patient with congenital cardiac anomaly presented with diarrhea and unilateral lower extremity cellulitis causing septic shock. Cultures from blood and the bullae associated with the lower extremity cellulitis grew Salmonella typhimurium. Surgical debridement was performed. Intraoperative tissue cultures were positive for Salmonella typhimurium, and surgical pathology confirmed the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. After a total of 6 weeks of appropriate antimicrobial therapy, another surgical debridement was executed for poor wound healing. New intraoperative cultures grew Fusarium species, and the patient received voriconazole with an adequate response. Immunologic studies showed humoral and cellular immunodeficiency.

Conclusion
It is important to maintain a high index of suspicion for rare entities that can cause skin and soft tissue infections, such as Salmonella non-typhi, in particular in immunosuppressed patients where a delay in diagnosis and management may have significant morbidity and mortality.