bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimated projection of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer deaths in Spain to 2044
Authors: Infante-Cossio Pedro , Duran-Romero Antonio-Jose , Castaño-Seiquer Antonio , Martinez-De-Fuentes Rafael , Pereyra-Rodriguez Jose-Juan 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Oral cavity cancer (OCC) and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) are two common malignancies whose mortality is worryingly increasing worldwide. However, few studies have estimated the mortality trends for these cancers in the coming years. This study analysed the mortality rates for OCC and OPC observed between 1980 and 2019 to generate a predictive model for the next 25 years in Spain.

Methods
Mid-year population data and death certificates for the period 1980–2019 were obtained from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics. The Nordpred program (Norwegian Cancer Registry, Oslo, Norway) was used to calculate adjusted mortality rates as well as estimated mortality projections with an age-period-cohort model for the period 2020–2044.

Results
The specific mortality rate per 100,000 inhabitants for OCC decreased from 2.36 (1980–1984) to 2.17 (2015–2019) and is expected to decline to 1.68 (2040–2044), particularly in males. For OPC, mortality rates rose from 0.67 (1980–1984) to 1.23 (2015–2019) and are projected to drop to 0.71 (2040–2044). In the group of females > 65 years predictions showed rising mortality rates for both OCC and OPC. The predictive model projects more deaths in females than in males for OCC in the period 2040–2044, while deaths for OPC will decrease in males and gradually increase in females.

Conclusions
Although OCC mortality rates have been found to decrease in males in the last observed decades, there is still room to improve them in females > 65 years in the future by promoting campaigns against smoking and alcohol consumption. OPC mortality will become a growing health problem. Vaccination campaigns for the prevention of human papillomavirus-associated cancers may have a long-term impact on the mortality of these cancers, which should be evaluated in upcoming studies.

Clinical relevance
Our findings highlighted the importance of closely monitoring OCC and OPC mortality rates in the coming years by age group and sex, and the need to continue preventive measures against the main known risk factors, such as tobacco, alcohol, and human papillomavirus infection.
Is progress being made on Canada’s palliative care framework and action plan? A survey of stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Pesut Barbara , Thorne Sally , Huisken Anne , Wright David Kenneth , Chambaere Kenneth , Tishelman Carol , Ghosh Sunita 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
The legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada in 2016 provided new impetus for improving palliative care. This commitment to improvement included the development of a National Palliative Care Framework and Action Plan. The purpose of this study was to understand the progress made in palliative care since 2016 from the perspective of persons working and volunteering in palliative care and compare geographic differences.

Methods
A digital survey was developed from goals identified in Canada’s Palliative Care Framework and Action Plan and administered online using Qualtrics. Participants were recruited through national palliative care organizations. The survey included both quantitative survey items designed to evaluate improvements across 5 domains and 29 items and included open-ended questions about impacts, innovations, and ongoing challenges. Descriptive statistics were generated for survey domains, items, and demographic variables. Geographic differences were compared using Independent-Samples Kruskal–Wallis test. Qualitative data was analyzed inductively into themes.

Results
One hundred fifty surveys met inclusion criteria and were analysed. Overall, the most improvement was reported in palliative care education and the least improvement was reported in support for family caregivers. Items on which respondents reported the most improvement included healthcare provider education in palliative care, advance care planning, and use of technology. Items on which respondents reported the least improvement were respite for family caregivers, access to bereavement services, and in-home support for family caregivers. Notably, rural participants reported more statistically significant improvements in the domains of education, access, and research and data collection than their urban counterparts. However, rural participants reported less improvement in places to die when home is not preferable. The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant contributor to these perceived improvements and ongoing challenges.

Conclusion
Canada’s Framework and Action Plan sets out a roadmap for improving palliative care in Canada. Participants in this survey noted significant improvements in key areas, a notable accomplishment amidst the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some improvements were a result of greater use of distance technology. Further leveraging these improvements will make an important contribution to solving some of the rural and remote palliative care issues that have arisen from Canada’s unique geography.
Evaluation of a competency based medical curriculum in a Sub-Saharan African medical school
Authors: McKenzie-White Jane , Mubuuke Aloysius G. , Westergaard Sara , Munabi Ian G , Bollinger Robert C , Opoka Robert , Mbalinda Scovia N , Katete David , Manabe Yukari C , Kiguli Sarah 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Medical schools in Sub-Saharan Africa have adopted competency based medical education (CBME) to improve the quality of graduates trained. In 2015, Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MaKCHS) implemented CBME for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme in order to produce doctors with the required attributes to address community health needs. However, no formal evaluation of the curriculum has been conducted to determine whether all established competencies are being assessed.

Objective
To evaluate whether assessment methods within the MBChB curriculum address the stated competencies.

Methods
The evaluation adopted a cross-sectional study design in which the MBChB curriculum was evaluated using an Essential Course Evidence Form (ECEF) that was developed to collect information about each assessment used for each course. Information was collected on: (1) Assessment title, (2) Description, (3) Competency domain (4) Sub-competency addressed, (5) Student instructions, and (6) Grading method/details. Data were entered into a structured Access data base. In addition, face-to-face interviews were conducted with faculty course coordinators.

Results
The MBChB curriculum consisted of 62 courses over 5 years, focusing on preclinical skills in years 1–2 and clinical skills in years 3–5. Fifty-nine competencies were identified and aggregated into 9 domains. Fifty-eight competencies were assessed at least one time in the curriculum. Faculty cited limited training in assessment as well as large student numbers as hindrances to designing robust assessments for the competencies.

Conclusion
CBME was successfully implemented evidenced by all but one of the 59 competencies within the nine domains established being assessed within the MBChB curriculum at MaKCHS. Faculty interviewed were largely aware of it, however indicated the need for more training in competency-based assessment to improve the implementation of CBME.
Implications of introducing case based radiological images in anatomy on teaching, learning and assessment of medical students: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Rathan Ramya , Hamdy Hossam , Kassab Salah Eldin , Salama Miral Nagy F. , Sreejith Anusha , Gopakumar Aji 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundIntroducing radiological anatomy in the preclinical curriculum can increase the understanding of Anatomy. Regardless of the integration when teaching anatomy, it is essential to maintain oversight as to what and how much is being taught. In addition, the knowledge requirements for preclinical students should be considered. The purpose of this kind of integration is that the student should be able to apply the knowledge which can help them better understand anatomy and not to make the course more challenging. This study aimed to understand whether adding radiological images would increase the difficulty level of the questions.MethodsWe introduced radiological images, including X Rays, CT scans and MRIs, when teaching anatomy in the preclinical curriculum. A class of 99 students were tested using A-type MCQs (n = 84). All 84 questions were categorized on whether they were case-based with or without a radiological image. The item analysis of both groups of test questions was then compared based on their difficulty and discrimination index. A qualitative student perception regarding the inclusion of radiological images in anatomy was also measured using a questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale.ResultsThe results showed that the performance level of the students was similar when comparing the test questions in both groups. The item analysis of the MCQs in the two groups revealed that by integrating radiological images when teaching anatomy, the various parameters in both groups of test questions were in the same range. More than 80% of the students felt that radiological images facilitate the achievement of learning outcomes and help to apply their knowledge in clinical contexts. The study's findings reported that the rate of satisfaction by including radiological images when teaching anatomy is high.ConclusionRecognition and interpretation of images are essential in an undergraduate medical program. Students found it helpful when radiological images were introduced to them when teaching anatomy. Since the students' performance in summative exams in both groups of questions was in the same range, the findings also point out that adding radiological images when teaching anatomy does not increase the difficulty of the subject.
Non-invasive assessment of HFpEF in mouse models: current gaps and future directions
Authors: Villalba-Orero María , Garcia-Pavia Pablo , Lara-Pezzi Enrique 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) prevalence is increasing, and large clinical trials have failed to reduce mortality. A major reason for this outcome is the failure to translate results from basic research to the clinics. Evaluation of HFpEF in mouse models requires assessing three major key features defining this complex syndrome: the presence of a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), diastolic dysfunction, and the development of HF. In addition, HFpEF is associated with multiple comorbidities such as systemic arterial hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, diabetes, and obesity; thus, non-cardiac disorders assessment is crucial for a complete phenotype characterization. Non-invasive procedures present unquestionable advantages to maintain animal welfare and enable longitudinal analyses. However, unequivocally determining the presence of HFpEF using these methods remains challenging.

Main text
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) represents an invaluable tool in HFpEF diagnosis, allowing evaluation of LVEF, diastolic dysfunction, and lung congestion in mice. Since conventional parameters used to evaluate an abnormal diastole like E/A ratio, isovolumic relaxation time, and E/e′ may pose limitations in mice, including advanced TTE techniques to characterize cardiac motion, including an assessment under stress, will improve diagnosis. Patients with HFpEF also show electrical cardiac remodelling and therefore electrocardiography may add valuable information in mouse models to assess chronotropic incompetence and sinoatrial node dysfunction, which are major contributors to exercise intolerance. To complete the non-invasive diagnosis of HF, low aerobic exercise capacity and fatigue using exercise tests, impaired oxygen exchange using metabolic cages, and determination of blood biomarkers can be determined. Finally, since HFpEF patients commonly present non-cardiac pathological conditions, acquisition of systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures, blood glucose levels, and performing glucose tolerance and insulin resistance tests are required for a complete phenotyping.

Conclusion
Identification of reliable models of HFpEF in mice by using proper diagnosis tools is necessary to translate basic research results to the clinics. Determining the presence of several HFpEF indicators and a higher number of abnormal parameters will lead to more reliable evidence of HFpEF.
Active human full-length CDKL5 produced in the Antarctic bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125
Authors: Colarusso Andrea , Lauro Concetta , Calvanese Marzia , Parrilli Ermenegilda , Tutino Maria Luisa 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
A significant fraction of the human proteome is still inaccessible to in vitro studies since the recombinant production of several proteins failed in conventional cell factories. Eukaryotic protein kinases are difficult-to-express in heterologous hosts due to folding issues both related to their catalytic and regulatory domains. Human CDKL5 belongs to this category. It is a serine/threonine protein kinase whose mutations are involved in CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD), a severe neurodevelopmental pathology still lacking a therapeutic intervention. The lack of successful CDKL5 manufacture hampered the exploitation of the otherwise highly promising enzyme replacement therapy. As almost two-thirds of the enzyme sequence is predicted to be intrinsically disordered, the recombinant product is either subjected to a massive proteolytic attack by host-encoded proteases or tends to form aggregates. Therefore, the use of an unconventional expression system can constitute a valid alternative to solve these issues.

Results
Using a multiparametric approach we managed to optimize the transcription of the CDKL5 gene and the synthesis of the recombinant protein in the Antarctic bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125 applying a bicistronic expression strategy, whose generalization for recombinant expression in the cold has been here confirmed with the use of a fluorescent reporter. The recombinant protein largely accumulated as a full-length product in the soluble cell lysate. We also demonstrated for the first time that full-length CDKL5 produced in Antarctic bacteria is catalytically active by using two independent assays, making feasible its recovery in native conditions from bacterial lysates as an active product, a result unmet in other bacteria so far. Finally, the setup of an in cellulo kinase assay allowed us to measure the impact of several CDD missense mutations on the kinase activity, providing new information towards a better understanding of CDD pathophysiology.

Conclusions
Collectively, our data indicate that P. haloplanktis TAC125 can be a valuable platform for both the preparation of soluble active human CDKL5 and the study of structural–functional relationships in wild type and mutant CDKL5 forms. Furthermore, this paper further confirms the more general potentialities of exploitation of Antarctic bacteria to produce “intractable” proteins, especially those containing large intrinsically disordered regions.
Validity and reliability of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire in groups at high risk for cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Yan Ni , Li Nan , Liu Wanlu , Li Xiaoxia , Liu Xiuying , Zhang Pengju , Liu Can , Li Juan , Qiu Jiangwei , Zhang Yuhong , Zhao Yi 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Diet is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), but there is still a lack of tools to assess dietary intakes of this high-risk population in Ningxia, China.

Objective
We aim to evaluate the validity and reliability of the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SFFQ) in the groups in Ningxia using a 24-hour dietary recall method.

Method
Two hundred five participants were included in the analysis. The two FFQs were 6 months apart, and during this time two 24-hour dietary recalls (24HDRs) were completed. Statistical methods were compared using inter-class correlation coefficient, unadjusted, energy-adjusted, de-attenuated correlation coefficient, quartile classification, weighted K values, and 95% limits of agreement (LOA).

Results
The inter-class correlation coefficients between FFQ1 and FFQ2 ranged from 0.25 to 0.73. The number of subjects classified as identical or adjacent was 72.2 to 85.9%. The crude correlation coefficient between FFQs and 24HDRs was 0.30 ~ 0.81, the energy-adjusted correlation coefficient was 0.16 ~ 0.83, and the de-attenuated correlation coefficient was 0.19 ~ 0.98. Weighted k statistics and Bland-Altman plots showed acceptable agreement between FFQs and 24HDRs.

Conclusion
The FFQ developed for the population at high risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in areas of Ningxia can be used to measure the dietary intake of nutrients and food groups reliably and validly.
Viability of ex-vivo myography as a diagnostic tool for rectus abdominis muscle electrical activity collected at Cesarean section within a diamater cohort study
Authors: Reyes David R. A. , Barbosa Angelica M. P. , Juliana Floriano F. , Sofia Quiroz B. C. V. , Costa Sarah M. B. , Hallur Raghavendra L. S. , Enriquez Eusebio M. A. , Oliveira Rafael G. , de Souza Rossignolli Patricia , Pedroni Cristiane Rodrigues , Alves Fernanda C. B. , Garcia Gabriela A. , Abbade Joelcio F. , Carvalho Carolina N. F. , Sobrevia Luis , Rudge Marilza V. C. , Calderon Iracema I. M. P. ,   The Diamater Study Group, Souza F. P. , Lehana T. , Graeff C. F. O. , Magalhães C. G. , Costa R. A. A. , Lima S. A. M. , Rodrigues M. R. K. , Felisbino S. L. , Barbosa W. F. , Campos F. J. , Bossolan G. , Corrente J. E. , Nunes H. R. C. , Rossignoli P. S. , Atallah Á. N. , Jármy-Di Bella Z. I. , Uchôa S. M. M. , Duarte M. A. H. , Mareco E. A. , Sakalem M. E. , Martinho N. M. , Bussaneli D. G. , Orlandi M. I. G. , Pascon C. , Dangió T. D. , Piculo F. , Prata G. M. , Avramidis R. E. , Magyori A. B. M. , Nava G. T. A. , Caldeirão T. C. D. , Shetty R. H. L. , Marcondes J. P. C. , Takemoto M. L. S. , Prudencio C. B. , Pinheiro F. A. , Sartorao Filho C. I. , Quiroz S. B. C. V. , Pascon T. , Nunes S. K. , Catinelli B. B. , Reis F. V. D. S. , Menezes M. O. , Santos N. J. , Takano L. , Carr A. M. , Iamundo L. F. , Bassin H. C. M. , Barbosa V. P. , Jacomin M. , Silva A. J. B. , Lourenço I. O. , Marosticadesá J. , Caruso I. P. , Rasmussen L. T. , Nogueira V. K. C. , Ribeiro-Paes J. T. , França D. C. H. , Bastos H. V. M. , Heliodoro M. L. A. , Kuroda M. N. , Carvalho H. L. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Ex-vivo myography enables the assessment of muscle electrical activity response. This study explored the viability of determining the physiological responses in muscles without tendon, as rectus abdominis muscle (RAM), through ex-vivo myography to assess its potential as a diagnostic tool.

Results
All tested RAM samples (five different samples) show patterns of electrical activity. A positive response was observed in 100% of the programmed stimulation. RAM 3 showed greater weight (0.47 g), length (1.66 cm), and width (0.77 cm) compared to RAM 1, RAM 2, RAM 4 and RAM 5 with more sustained electrical activity over time, a higher percentage of fatigue was analyzed at half the time of the electrical activity. The order of electrical activity (Mn) was RAM 3 > RAM 5 > RAM 1 > RAM 4 > RAM 2. No electrical activity was recorded in the Sham group.

Conclusions
This study shows that it is feasible to assess the physiological responses of striated muscle without tendon as RAM, obtained at C-section, under ex vivo myography. These results could be recorded, properly analyzed, and demonstrated its potential as a diagnostic tool for rectus abdominis muscle electrical activity.
Cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles: emerging biomarkers and therapies for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma diagnosis/prognosis and treatment
Authors: Zhang Wei , Campbell Douglas H. , Walsh Bradley J. , Packer Nicolle H. , Liu Dingbin , Wang Yuling 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most fatal cancers worldwide with high mortality, which is mainly due to the lack of reliable biomarkers for PDAC diagnosis/prognosis in the early stages and effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment. Cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), which carry various messages and signal biomolecules (e.g. RNAs, DNAs, proteins, lipids, and glycans) to constitute the key features (e.g. genetic and phenotypic status) of cancer cells, are regarded as highly competitive non-invasive biomarkers for PDAC diagnosis/prognosis. Additionally, new insights on the biogenesis and molecular functions of cancer-derived sEVs pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies based on cancer-derived sEVs for PDAC treatment such as inhibition of the formation or secretion of cancer-derived sEVs, using cancer-derived sEVs as drug carriers and for immunotherapy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent scientific and clinical research on the discovery and involvement of key molecules in cancer-derived sEVs for PDAC diagnosis/prognosis and strategies using cancer-derived sEVs for PDAC treatment. The current limitations and emerging trends toward clinical application of cancer-derived sEVs in PDAC diagnosis/prognosis and treatment have also been discussed.
Tannin coordinated nanozyme composite-based hybrid hydrogel eye drops for prophylactic treatment of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Song Fangying , Feng Jing , Qi Xia , Ma Li , Xie Lixin , Shi Weiyun , Zhou Qingjun 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosa infection is a severe acute suppurative ulcer that engulfs virtually the entire tissue in a short period and leads to devastating destruction. Antibiotic therapy is a common approach for the prophylaxis and treatment of P. aeruginosa infection. However, it is often associated with serious side effects, complications, and multidrug resistance. Therefore, it has been a long-standing challenge to explore safe and effective methods for controlling P. aeruginosa infection. Herein, tannin-coordinated nanozyme composite-based hybrid hydrogels (TCNH) are developed and characterized for the prophylactic treatment of P. aeruginosa and multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa infections using mouse keratitis as the animal model. The TCNH eye drops are constructed by photoinitiated free radical polymerization of acetylated gelatin solution containing self-synthesized tannin-coordinated Co3O4/Ag nanozyme composite. The as-prepared TCNH displays good dispersibility, peroxidase-like activity and in vitro/in vivo biocompatibility. The nanozyme composite in TCNH seems to penetrate the interior of bacteria and exhibited significant broad-spectrum antibacterial activity owing to its intrinsic and nanozymic catalytic properties. Furthermore, TCNH eye drops can be successfully applied to treat P. aeruginosa and multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa keratitis. The findings of this study reveal the potential of tannin-coordinated nanozyme composite-based hybrid hydrogel eye drops for treating infectious diseases.
Graphical Abstract