bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing optometric care delivered by telehealth during the COVID-19 public health emergency
Authors: Pidgeon Justine H. , Bhardwaj Mahesh K. , Titterington Patrick , Latulippe Karen , Roh Shiyoung , Ramsey David J. 
Published: September 2022

Background: The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced many eye care providers to implement telehealth services while in-person visits were reserved for essential and/or emergency eye care. Objective: This study documents how an optometry group successfully implemented telehealth to care for patients during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Design: Retrospective, comparative case series. Methods: Records were reviewed for patients seen in an academic optometry clinic from 23 March through 7 April 2020, the period of the Massachusetts stay-at-home advisory issued in response to COVID-19. Patients who completed telehealth visits were compared with those who received in-person care. Services delivered by telehealth included a check of symptoms, medication refills, health education, and assurance of future follow up. The study took into account the reason for each visit, as well as the rate of scheduled and completed follow-up appointments. Patient satisfaction with in-person care was evaluated by Press Ganey patient experience surveys. Results: Out of 855 patients scheduled, 421 patients completed telehealth encounters (49%), and 46 patients completed in-clinic visits (5.4%). A further 272 patients canceled appointments (32%), 123 patients were unable to be contacted (14%), and 8 patients declined care offered by telehealth (0.94%). Most patients who were cared for by telehealth returned to see optometrists (88%). By contrast, most patients who required in-person visits during this period were subsequently seen by ophthalmologists (58%, p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction remained high for in-person visits that took place during the COVID-19-related emergency, with improvements noted in patient satisfaction regarding ‘information about delays’ (47 % versus 100%, p = 0.007) and ‘concern for questions or worries’ (76% versus 100%, p = 0.037) compared with the same period 1 year prior. Conclusion: Optometrists rapidly embraced telehealth to deliver eye care to their patients during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Most eye issues were able to be addressed through telehealth; urgent eye problems were triaged and referred to the optometry clinic, when appropriate.
Development of highly efficient niosomal systems for co-delivery of drugs and genes to treat breast cancer in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Abtahi Najmeh Alsadat , Naghib Seyed Morteza , Haghiralsadat Fatemeh , Akbari Edgahi Mohammadmahdi 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we step forward in optimizing the efficiency of niosomal systems for carrying curcumin and miR-34a as single-/co-delivery to treat breast cancer. Curcumin, via regulation of p53 protein, affects the molecular signaling pathways and leads to cell death. Likewise, miRNAs, via alternation of the expression of genes, can suppress the development of tumor activities. To conquer and optimize the delivery limitation of curcumin and miRNA, niosomal systems with certain compositions (seven formulations) of Tween-80:Tween-60:cholesterol:DOTAP:PEG are introduced, which enhances the carrier size, surface charge, entrapment efficiency, transfection, and drug release. The results showed that Tween-60 has a significant influence on the entrapment efficiency of the composition. By including the PEG and DOTAP, high enhancements in the overall characteristics of the delivery system were observed. To assess the biological activity of samples, with/without the niosomal delivery system, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, in-vitro, and in-vivo cellular uptake were studied. The recorded data revealed better results from niosomal carriers than their free forms. The best result in single delivery was achieved by miRNA in F6, which had the highest apoptosis, uptake, and smallest tumor volumes under a controlled release. In conclusion, we successfully designed a nanoscale niosomal system to carry drugs and genes to the tumor site to treat cancer cells and provided remarkable data for the scientific society.
Does exclosure restore woody species regeneration in degraded lands? The case of Loma Bosa District of Dawuro zone, Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Ambushe Assefa Ataro , Gebre Girma Gezimu , Mamo Getahun Shanko 
Published: September 2022

AbstractExclosure becomes popular as a naming of the practice of excluding degrading agents from degraded lands for natural rehabilitation. However, its role on woody species regeneration in the Loma Bosa District of the southwestern Ethiopia has not been investigated. Therefore, this study examines the role of exclosure on woody species regeneration by comparing exclosure, open woodland, and degraded land areas. A systematic transect sampling method was employed to collect vegetation data in sampling quadrats, each with a size of 20 × 20 m, evenly distributed along parallel transect lines. All the woody plant species in each plot were identified and measured for DBH and height. Twenty-six woody species, representing 16 plant families, were recorded at the study area, of which only eight were recorded all in the exclosure, open woodland and open degraded land. Species Diversity Index (H′) was 2.62, 2.38, and 1.56 for woody species in exclosure, open woodland area, and open degraded land area. Wood species density were 2225 ha−1, 1642 ha−1, and 297 ha−1 for exclosure, open woodland area, and open degraded land area, respectively. The distribution of the height and DBH of the recorded species in exclosure exhibited an inverted “J” shape pattern suggesting a healthy regeneration status of the important species, while others revealed irregular and less interpretable pattern. Overall results from this study indicated that exclosure is important for improvement of woody species regeneration in degraded lands in the study area.
A conserved transcriptional fingerprint of multi-neurotransmitter neurons necessary for social behavior
Authors: Ncube Denver , Tallafuss Alexandra , Serafin Jen , Bruckner Joseph , Farnsworth Dylan R. , Miller Adam C. , Eisen Judith S. , Washbourne Philip 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
An essential determinant of a neuron’s functionality is its neurotransmitter phenotype. We previously identified a defined subpopulation of cholinergic neurons required for social orienting behavior in zebrafish.

Results
We transcriptionally profiled these neurons and discovered that they are capable of synthesizing both acetylcholine and GABA. We also established a constellation of transcription factors and neurotransmitter markers that can be used as a “transcriptomic fingerprint” to recognize a homologous neuronal population in another vertebrate.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that this transcriptomic fingerprint and the cholinergic-GABAergic neuronal subtype that it defines are evolutionarily conserved.
An uncommon case of complete AV block
Authors: Valente Federica , Rozen Lionel , Carlier Stéphane , Godart Pascal 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by vasculitis of the small vessels, as well as necrotizing granulomatous lesions, affecting mainly upper and lower respiratory tracts, lungs and kidneys. Cardiac involvement has traditionally been a rare manifestation of GPA, with misleading clinical presentation until late stages. Cardiac conducting tissue involvement is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication.

Case presentation
We report the case of a 45-year-old man diagnosed with GPA with typical symptoms, but also complete atrioventricular (AV) block at the onset of the disease. The echocardiogram was unremarkable but the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) showed evidence of inflammation of the basal and septal ventricle walls. Despite effective immunosuppressive therapy, a permanent pacemaker was required for recurring complete AV block.

Discussion
Conduction system abnormalities are a rare manifestation of GPA, due to granulomatous lesions within the conduction system, or arteritis of the atrioventricular nodal artery. Patients are often asymptomatic, so careful and regular screening for cardiac involvement in this multi-system condition is required, often with echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring and CMR. Early immunosuppressive treatment may reverse a complete AV block but a pacemaker implantation may sometimes be necessary.
Case-only approach applied in environmental epidemiology: 2 examples of interaction effect using the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) datasets
Authors: Moon Jinyoung , Kim Hwan-Cheol 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Introduction
By substituting the general ‘susceptibility factor’ concept for the conventional ‘gene’ concept in the case-only approach for gene-environment interaction, the case-only approach can also be used in environmental epidemiology. Under the independence between the susceptibility factor and environmental exposure, the case-only approach can provide a more precise estimate of an interaction effect.

Methods
Two analysis examples of the case-only approach in environmental epidemiology are provided using the 2015–2016 and 2017–2018 US National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES): (i) the negative interaction effect between blood chromium level and glycohemoglobin level on albuminuria and (ii) the positive interaction effect between blood cobalt level and old age on albuminuria. The second part of the methods (theoretical backgrounds) summarized the logic and equations provided in previous studies about the case-only approach.

Results
(i) When a 1 μg/L difference of both blood chromium level (mcg/L) and a 1% difference in blood glycohemoglobin level coincide, the multiplicative interaction contrast ratio (ICRc/nc) was 0.72 (95% CI 0.35–1.60), with no statistical significance. However, when only the cases were analyzed, the case-only ICR (ICRCO) was 0.59 (95% CI 0.28–0.95), with a statistical significance (a negative interaction effect). (ii) When a 1 μg/L difference of both blood cobalt levels and a 1-year difference in age coincide, the multiplicative interaction contrast ratio (ICRc/nc) was 1.13 (95% CI 0.99–1.37), with no statistical significance. However, when only the cases were analyzed, the case-only ICR (ICRCO) was 1.21 (95% CI 1.06–1.51), with a statistical significance (a positive interaction effect).

Discussion
The discussion suggested the theoretical background and previous literature about the possible protective interaction effect between blood chromium levels and blood glycohemoglobin levels on the incidence of albuminuria and the possible aggravating interaction effect between blood cobalt levels and increasing ages on the incidence of albuminuria. If the independence assumption between a susceptibility factor and environmental exposure in a study with cases and non-cases is kept, the case-only approach can provide a more precise interaction effect estimate than conventional approaches with both cases and non-cases.
Patient perception of doctor communication skills and patient trust in rural primary health care: the mediating role of health service quality
Authors: Gu Linni , Tian Bo , Xin Yujia , Zhang Shengfa , Li Jing , Sun Zhijun 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to explore the relationship between communication skills, health service quality, and patient trust in primary health services.

Method
This study was conducted in village clinics in rural China. A simple random sampling method was used to select volunteer village clinics and patients. In total, 574 participants from 25 village clinics were selected with the help of local health officers and village doctors. The response rate was 90%. Statistical analyses (hierarchical linear regression analysis and a structural equation model) were performed to analyze the data.

Results
Patient trust in doctors in rural primary health was influenced by patient perceptions of doctors’ communication skills and health service quality. However, health service quality fully mediated the relationship between doctors’ communication skills and patient trust in village clinics. In other words, doctors’ communication skills indirectly influence patients’ trust in doctors.

Conclusions
This study found a link between doctors’ communication skills and patient trust. The findings suggest that health managers and doctors should attach great value to communication skills and health service quality in promoting the rural doctor-patient relationship. Moreover, the relationship between doctors and patients should be considered when reforming the primary health system.
Challenges with international medical graduate selection: finding positive attributes predictive of success in family medicine residency
Authors: Nazerali-Maitland Alasdair , Douglas Christina 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Criteria to select residents most likely to succeed, other than proficiency of their medical knowledge, is a challenge facing preceptors. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) play an integral role in mitigating the high demand for family medicine physicians across Canada. Thus, selecting IMG candidates that have a high probability of succeeding in Canadian educational settings is important. The purpose of this study is to elucidate qualitative attributes that positively correspond to success in residency, to ultimately assist in the selection of IMG residents most likely to achieve family medicine residency.

Methods
Interviews of 13 family medicine preceptors from some of the largest IMG training sites in Canada were performed to collect original data. The data was coded in tandem sequences using standardized coding techniques to increase robustness of results.

Results
The identified positive predictors of an IMG residents’ success are: presence of a positive attitude, proficient communication skills, high level of clinical knowledge, trainability.

Conclusions
The results provide adequate guidelines to assist in selection of IMG residents. Canada is a unique sociocultural setting where standardized selection methods of IMGs have not been employed. By selecting IMG residents who possess these attributes upon inception of residency, benefits of instruction will be maximized and result in residents developing increased aptitudes for patient care.
Assessment of sexual dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis: a perspective from neurologist
Authors: Gaviria- Carrillo Mariana , Bueno-Florez Silvia Juliana , Ortiz-Salas Paola Andrea 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common comorbidity in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). It affects the quality of life and remains an overlooked condition. The objective of this study was to describe how Colombian neurologists assess and treat SD and explore the barriers during sexual function evaluation.

Methods
In this observational cross-sectional study we developed a questionnaire for neurologists with 4 sections (demographic data, evaluation and treatment of SD, and possible reasons for not discussing sexual dysfunction.) It was sent via email to 326 Colombian neurologists. We grouped the answers according to the type of consultation (neurologists from a MS program or no MS program). We described through absolute frequencies and proportions.

Results
Fifty neurologists answered the survey. 64% stated that they usually study sexual dysfunction in neurological disorders. The main methods employed were private reading (86%) and attending conferences (14%). 5/50 participants have never attend pwMS; the Sect. 2–4 was not answered by them. 29% work in a MS program, all of them asked their patients about sexual function, but 18.75% of physicians working outside an MS program have never asked about it. Main reasons for not talking about sexual dysfunction were lack of knowledge (65.1%), presence of a companion (65.1%) and lack of time (55.8%). 91% of the neurologists reported that their patients usually and frequently ask about sexual function. Neurologists use informal questions to assess sexual function (80%), although 64.4% said that they are aware of SD questionnaires. When sexual dysfunction is detected, 91% of neurologists refer patients to another specialist and 87% do not start any treatment.

Conclusions
Colombian neurologists are concerned with sexual function in pwMS, however it remains an underdiagnosed an undertreated condition. It is necessary to strengthen knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction in pwMS, for neurologists and patients. It is also imperative to eliminate barriers around the topic and include sexual function evaluation and treatment as the routine care of pwMS.
Comprehensive analysis of alternative polyadenylation regulators concerning CD276 and immune infiltration in bladder cancer
Authors: Xiong Ming , Li Wencheng , Wang Longwang , Chen Liang , Chen Zhaohui , Wei Chengcheng , Zhang Futian , Chen Jiawei , Kazobinka Gallina , Zhao Jun , Hou Teng 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAlternative polyadenylation (APA) is emerging as a crucial regulatory mechanism in bladder cancer (BC), while it remains elusive whether APA influences the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in BC. We identified two distinct subtypes of BC by APA-related regulatory genes expression profiles. The two subtypes have different pathological grades, prognostic outcomes, tumor immune infiltration characteristics, and pathway enrichment. Subsequently, CPSF3 was identified as a potential immune infiltration-related gene in BC. Highly expressed CPSF3 was positively correlated with unfavorable prognosis and high CD276 expression in BC. Moreover, we verified the expression of CPSF3 in BC tissues and cell lines by qRT-PCR. In conclusion, the study indicates that APA regulatory factors play an important role in immune infiltration of BC, and that CPSF3 was a potentially prognostic marker and immunotherapy target for BC.
Metformin regulates multiple signaling pathways within castration-resistant human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Olokpa Emuejevoke , Mandape Sammed N. , Pratap Siddharth , Stewart La Monica V. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
The biguanide metformin has been shown to not only reduce circulating glucose levels but also suppress in vitro and in vivo growth of prostate cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effects of metformin in advanced prostate cancers are not fully understood. The goal of the present study was to define the signaling pathways regulated by metformin in androgen-receptor (AR) positive, castration-resistant prostate cancers.

Methods
Our group used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to examine genes regulated by metformin within the C4–2 human prostate cancer cell line. Western blot analysis and quantitative RT-PCR were used to confirm alterations in gene expression and further explore regulation of protein expression by metformin.

Results
Data from the RNA-seq analysis revealed that metformin alters the expression of genes products involved in metabolic pathways, the spliceosome, RNA transport, and protein processing within the endoplasmic reticulum. Gene products involved in ErbB, insulin, mTOR, TGF-β, MAPK, and Wnt signaling pathways are also regulated by metformin. A subset of metformin-regulated gene products were genes known to be direct transcriptional targets of p53 or AR. Western blot analyses and quantitative RT-PCR indicated these alterations in gene expression are due in part to metformin-induced reductions in AR mRNA and protein levels.

Conclusions
Together, our results suggest metformin regulates multiple pathways linked to tumor growth and progression within advanced prostate cancer cells.
Characteristics of new users of recent antidiabetic drugs in Canada and the United Kingdom
Authors: Brunetti Vanessa C. , St-Jean Audray , Dell’Aniello Sophie , Fisher Anat , Yu Oriana H. Y. , Bugden Shawn C. , Daigle Jean-Marc , Hu Nianping , Alessi-Severini Silvia , Shah Baiju R. , Ronksley Paul E. , Lix Lisa M. , Ernst Pierre , Filion Kristian B. ,   for the Canadian Network for Observational Drug Effect Studies (CNODES) Investigators, Suissa Samy , Dormuth Colin R. , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Quail Jacqueline , Chateau Dan , Paterson J. Michael , LeLorier Jacques , Levy Adrian R. , Ernst Pierre , Filion Kristian B. , Platt Robert W. , Sketris Ingrid S. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Characteristics of patients using newer 2nd and 3rd line antidiabetic drugs in a real-world setting are poorly understood. We described the characteristics of new users of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i), and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) in Canada and the United Kingdom (UK) between 2016 and 2018.

Methods
We conducted a multi-database cohort study using administrative health databases from 7 Canadian provinces and the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. We assembled a base cohort of antidiabetic drug users between 2006 and 2018, from which we constructed 3 cohorts of new users of SGLT-2i, DPP-4i, and GLP-1 RA between 2016 and 2018.

Results
Our cohorts included 194,070 new users of DPP-4i, 166,722 new users of SGLT-2i, and 27,719 new users of GLP-1 RA. New users of GLP-1 RA were more likely to be younger (mean ± SD: 56.7 ± 12.2 years) than new users of DPP-4i (67.8 ± 12.3 years) or SGLT-2i (64.4 ± 11.1 years). In Canada, new users of DPP-4i were more likely to have a history of coronary artery disease (22%) than new users of SGLT-2i (20%) or GLP-1 RA (15%).

Conclusion
Although SGLT-2i, DPP-4i, and GLP-1 RAs are recommended as 2nd or 3rd line therapy for type 2 diabetes, important differences exist in the characteristics of users of these drugs. Contrary to existing guidelines, new users of DPP-4i had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease at baseline than new users of SGLT2i or GLP-1RA.