bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Ethnic Differences in Breast Cancer Presentation and Prognosis in Singapore
Authors: Iqbal Jabed 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a significant health issue in Singapore, where it is the leading cancer among women. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), accounting for 10% to 15% of all breast cancers, is known to be aggressive and associated with poor prognosis. In a multi-ethnic nation such as Singapore, variations in incidences and prognosis of breast cancer and TNBC among Malays, Chinese and Indians have been found previously. This study aims to explore the ethnic differences in the presentation and prognosis of breast cancer, focusing on TNBC in Singapore and evaluate how variations in risk factors contribute to these differences.

METHOD: A retrospective study on breast cancer patients from 1960 to 2019 was conducted, using data from the Singapore Cancer Registry (SCR) 50th Monograph and the Joint Breast Cancer Registry (JBCR) Annual Report 2022.The independent variable chosen was ethnicity, whereby it was divided into 'Indian', 'Malay', and 'Chinese’. The following dependent variables were considered: incidence, relative risk, median age at diagnosis, mortality, survival and tumour characteristics. In addition, survival analysis of 289 TNBC patients at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) was conducted.

RESULTS: Despite having a lower ASIR, Malay had the lowest overall survival and highest ASMR than Chinese and Indians. Malays were diagnosed at a younger age (51.3 years), had the highest rate of grade 3 (56%), and advanced stage tumours (42%). Among TNBC patients in SGH, Indians were found to have lower OS compared to Malays and the Chinese.

CONCLUSION: Distinct ethnic differences in the presentation, biology, and prognosis of breast cancer patients in Singapore have been reported, with the Malay population predominantly experiencing poorer prognosis. Factors such as lifestyle, obesity, socioeconomic status, and genetic predispositions are considered as potential contributors to these disparities. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve outcomes for ethnic minorities, emphasizing the complexity of breast cancer disparities in Singapore.
Development of Microstructure on Titanium Implant Surface Using CO2 Laser Processing
Authors: N. Ahmed Hussein Ali , K. Jassim Raghdaa , W. Abdul-Razzaq Rola 
Published: July 2024

Background: Dental biomaterials made of titanium are commonly used. It depends on the implant surface texture to improve fixation and prevent the unwanted adhesion of bone cells. This study aimed to investigate whether continuous laser beam carbon dioxide (CNC - CO2) lasers produce specific textures on titanium surfaces with micrometer-sized indentations that influence cell behavior. Materials and method: (CNC - CO2) red laser device; with a fundamental wavelength of λ=10600 nm and power pulses of 34 W were applied, and textures on the surface of titanium discs were achieved. Results: Excellent degrees of uniformity and repeatability were achieved for the desired portions of the surface by creating different surface textures. The surface topography and chemical composition of the specimens were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and surface roughness measurements. Also, a laser power of 34 watts raised the surface roughness, Ra (1.71 nm), and Rz (1.99 nm). Conclusion: Titanium surface textures with unique qualities can be formed in response to an increased heat input. When excessive laser power was used, the measured roughness increased because of instantaneous re-melting. The use of a right continuous-wave (CNC - CO2) laser on titanium used in dental implants can form specific surface textures.
Fragments of the Ukrainian Book Collections in the Ossolineum’s Holdings of Early Printed Books in Wrocław
Authors: Tkachuk Olga 
Published: July 2024

The article describes fragments of book collections from five Ukrainian institutions – the Shevchenko Scientific Society, the “Studion” in Lviv, “Ridna Shkola” Ukrainian Pedagogical Society, the National Museum in Lviv, and the Greek Catholic Chapter in Przemyśl – which are currently housed in the Early Printed Books Department at the Ossolineum in Wrocław. In addition to the list of books from these collections, the publication provides a brief overview of their history and fortunes after World War II and the circumstances under which these books found their way to the collection of the Ossoliński National Institute in Wrocław.
Zamość Style Unification: Liturgicon and Euchologion in the Basilian Monasteries of the Lviv Eparchy in Second Half of the 18th Century
Authors: Almes Ivan 
Published: July 2024

The paper studies the problem of the unification of the liturgical books in the Basilian monasteries of the Lviv eparchy in the second half of the 18th century. Research concentrates on the problem of Zamość council resolution implementation by analyzing the “church books” in the monasteries of Basilians. Investigating the “book lists” from inventory descriptions and protocols of visitations allows to trace changes in the monasteries concerning the “church books” as it was fixed in the documents, a major part of which used for this research are from the Lviv archives. Among the main indicators of a certain liturgical tradition are the texts of the Liturgicon and the Euchologion. In the second half of the 18th century, the presence of Univ and Pochaiv Liturgicon and Euchologion was selective since we do not have data for all decades for all monasteries. At the same time, such an analysis allows tracing a clear tendency – the full-fledged unification of liturgical literature in Basilian monasteries can be noted at the start of the 1760s.
Analysis of consumers’ preference and willingness to pay for orange-fleshed sweet potato in Osun state, Nigeria
Authors: Kassali Rabirou , Kolapo Adetomiwa , Ige A O , Adebayo Kayode Emmanuel 
Published: July 2024

This study assesses the factors that influence consumers’ preference and willingness to pay (WTP) for orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), emphasizing the effects of information on its health benefits. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 180 respondents for study. Primary data were collected using a well-structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics, viz, the hedonic pricing and probit models. The results show that factors such as gender, root size, availability and storability influence consumers’ preference for OFSP. The results further revealed that the root size negatively influenced preference for OFSP, while availability positively influenced it. These results also indicate that preference for OFSP decreases with the length of storage. In terms of willingness to pay for OFSP, the result of the hedonic pricing model indicates that the age of the respondent and colours of the OFSP positively influence consumers’ willingness to pay for OFSP. There was a (17.1%) increase in consumers’ level of preference after information on the health benefit was provided to them and the result from comparing means (T-Test) of prices consumers are willing to pay before and after information was provided showed a negative co-efficient (-16.341), which was significant at 1% level of significance. We suggest that research should concentrate on identified OFSP characteristics to improve acceptance, while in the short run, there is a need to promote OFSP production to increase availability.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 53-61, June 2024
Association between METS-IR and heart failure: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Su Xiaozhou , Zhao Chunli , Zhang Xianwei 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundPrior research has indicated the importance of insulin resistance in the development of heart failure (HF). The metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR), a novel measure for assessing insulin resistance, has been found to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nevertheless, the relationship between METS-IR and heart failure remains uncertain.MethodsThis cross-sectional study collected data from the 2007–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Multivariable logistic regression analysis and smoothing curve fitting were performed to explore the relationship between METS-IR and the risk of heart failure. Subgroup analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were also conducted.ResultsA total of 14772 patients were included, of whom 485 (3.28%) had heart failure. We observed a significant positive association between METS-IR and the risk of heart failure in a fully adjusted model (per 1-unit increment in METS-IR: OR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.38, 4.32). Subgroup analysis and interaction tests revealed no significant influence on this relationship. A saturation effect and nonlinear relationship between METS-IR and heart failure risk were found using a smoothing curve fitting analysis. The relationship was represented by a J-shaped curve with an inflection point at 40.966.ConclusionsThe results of our study indicated a J-shaped association between METS-IR and HF in adults in the United States. METS-IR may be a promising novel index for predicting the risk of heart failure. More longitudinal studies are needed to further verify causal relationships and validate the results in different classifications of heart failure populations.
Development of the Huntington Support App (HD-eHelp study): a human-centered and co-design approach
Authors: van Lonkhuizen Pearl J. C. , Heemskerk Anne-Wil , Meijer Eline , van Duijn Erik , de Bot Susanne T. , Klempir Jiri , Landwehrmeyer G. Bernhard , Mühlbäck Alzbeta , Hoblyn Jennifer , Squitieri Ferdinando , Chavannes Niels H. , Vegt Niko J. H. ,   on behalf of the HEALTHE-RND consortium
Published: July 2024

IntroductioneHealth seems promising in addressing challenges in the provision of care for Huntington’s disease (HD) across Europe. By harnessing information and communication technologies, eHealth can partially relocate care from specialized centers to the patients’ home, thereby increasing the availability and accessibility of specialty care services beyond regional borders. Previous research on eHealth (development) in HD is however limited, especially when it comes to including eHealth services specifically designed together with HD gene expansion carriers (HDGECs) and their partners to fit their needs and expectations.MethodsThis article describes the qualitative human-centered design process and first evaluations of the Huntington Support App prototype: a web-app aimed to support the quality of life (QoL) of HDGECs and their partners in Europe. Prospective end-users, i.e., HDGECs, their partners, and healthcare providers (HCPs), from different countries were involved throughout the development process. Through interviews, we captured people’s experiences with the disease, quality of life (QoL), and eHealth. We translated their stories into design directions that were further co-designed and subsequently evaluated with the user groups.ResultsThe resulting prototype centralizes clear and reliable information on the disease, HD-related news and events, as well as direct contact possibilities with HCPs via an online walk-in hour or by scheduling an appointment. The app’s prototype was positively received and rated as (very) appealing, pleasant, easy to use and helpful by both HDGECs and partners.DiscussionBy involving end-users in every step, we developed a healthcare app that meets relevant needs of individuals affected by HD and therefore may lead to high adoption and retention rates. As a result, the app provides low-threshold access to reliable information and specialized care for HD in Europe. A description of the Huntington Support App as well as implications for further development of the app’s prototype are provided.
Clinically feasible automated MRI volumetry of the brain as a prognostic marker in subjective and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Amland Rachel , Selbæk Geir , Brækhus Anne , Edwin Trine H. , Engedal Knut , Knapskog Anne-Brita , Olsrud Ellen Regine , Persson Karin 
Published: July 2024

Background/aimsThe number of patients suffering from cognitive decline and dementia increases, and new possible treatments are being developed. Thus, the need for time efficient and cost-effective methods to facilitate an early diagnosis and prediction of future cognitive decline in patients with early cognitive symptoms is becoming increasingly important. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an MRI based software, NeuroQuant® (NQ), producing volumetry of the hippocampus and whole brain volume (WBV) could predict: (1) conversion from subjective cognitive decline (SCD) at baseline to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia at follow-up, and from MCI at baseline to dementia at follow-up and (2) progression of cognitive and functional decline defined as an annual increase in the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) score.MethodsMRI was performed in 156 patients with SCD or MCI from the memory clinic at Oslo University Hospital (OUH) that had been assessed with NQ and had a clinical follow-up examination. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed with hippocampus volume and WBV as independent variables, and conversion or progression as dependent variables, adjusting for demographic and other relevant covariates including Mini-Mental State Examination-Norwegian Revised Version score (MMSE-NR) and Apolipoprotein E ɛ4 (APOE ɛ4) carrier status.ResultsHippocampus volume, but not WBV, was associated with conversion to MCI or dementia, but neither were associated with conversion when adjusting for MMSE-NR. Both hippocampus volume and WBV were associated with progression as measured by the annual change in CDR-SB score in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses.ConclusionThe results indicate that automated regional MRI volumetry of the hippocampus and WBV can be useful in predicting further cognitive decline in patients with early cognitive symptoms.
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia with ring sideroblasts/SF3B1 mutation presents with low monocyte count and resembles myelodysplastic syndromes with-RS/SF3B1 mutation in terms of phenotype and prognosis
Authors: Xicoy Blanca , Pomares Helena , Morgades Mireia , Germing Ulrich , Arnan Montserrat , Tormo Mar , Palomo Laura , Orna Elisa , Della Porta Matteo , Schulz Felicitas , Díaz-Beya Marina , Esteban Ada , Molero Antonieta , Lanino Luca , Avendaño Alejandro , Hernández Francisca , Roldan Verónica , Ubezio Marta , Pineda Alberto , Díez-Campelo María , Zamora Lurdes 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionChronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with ring sideroblasts (RS) or SF3B1 mutation (MDS-RS/SF3B1) differ in many clinical features, but share others, such as anemia. RS and SF3B1 mutation can also be found in CMML.MethodsWe compared CMML with and without RS/SF3B1 and MDS-RS/SF3B1 considering the criteria established by the 2022 World Health Organization classification.ResultsA total of 815 patients were included (CMML, n=319, CMML-RS/SF3B1, n=172 and MDS-RS/SF3B1, n=324). The percentage of RS was ≥15% in almost all CMML-RS/SF3B1 patients (169, 98.3%) and most (125, 72.7%) showed peripheral blood monocyte counts between 0.5 and 0.9 x109/L and low risk prognostic categories. CMML-RS/SF3B1 differed significantly from classical CMML in the main clinical characteristics, whereas it resembled MDS-RS/SF3B1. At a molecular level, CMML and CMML-RS/SF3B1 had a significantly higher frequency of mutations in TET2 (mostly multi-hit) and ASXL1 (p=0.013) and CMML had a significantly lower frequency of DNMT3A and SF3B1 mutations compared to CMML/MDS-RS/SF3B1. Differences in the median overall survival among the three groups were statistically significant: 6.75 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.41-8.09) for CMML-RS/SF3B1 vs. 3.17 years (95% CI 2.56-3.79) for CMML vs. 16.47 years (NA) for MDS-RS/SF3B1, p&lt;0.001. Regarding patients with CMML and MDS, both with SF3B1 mutation, survival did not significantly differ. CMML had a higher risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (24% at 8 years, 95%CI 19%-30%).DiscussionCMML-RS/SF3B1 mutation resembles MDS-RS/SF3B1 in terms of phenotype and clearly differs from CMML. The presence of ≥15% RS and/or SF3B1 in CMML is associated with a low monocyte count. SF3B1 mutation clearly improves the prognosis of CMML.
Identification of a basement membrane-related gene signature for predicting prognosis, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity in colorectal cancer
Authors: Shengxiao Xiang , Xinxin Sun , Yunxiang Zhu , Zhijie Tang , Xiaofei Tang 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignancy affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Extensive research indicates that basement membranes (BMs) may play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of the disease.MethodsData on the RNA expression patterns and clinicopathological information of patients with CRC were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. A BM-linked risk signature for the prediction of overall survival (OS) was formulated using univariate Cox regression and combined machine learning techniques. Survival outcomes, functional pathways, the tumor microenvironment (TME), and responses to both immunotherapy and chemotherapy within varying risk classifications were also investigated. The expression trends of the model genes were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database.ResultsA nine-gene risk signature containing UNC5C, TINAG, TIMP1, SPOCK3, MMP1, AGRN, UNC5A, ADAMTS4, and ITGA7 was constructed for the prediction of outcomes in patients with CRC. The expression profiles of these candidate genes were verified using RT-PCR and the HPA database and were found to be consistent with the findings on differential gene expression in the TCGA dataset. The validity of the signature was confirmed using the GEO cohort. The patients were stratified into different risk groups according to differences in clinicopathological characteristics, TME features, enrichment functions, and drug sensitivities. Lastly, the prognostic nomogram model based on the risk score was found to be effective in identifying high-risk patients and predicting OS.ConclusionA basement membrane-related risk signature was constructed and found to be effective for predicting the prognosis of patients with CRC.
Working with the inner critic in patients with depression using chairwork: a pilot study
Authors: Kroener Julia , Mahler Jacqueline , Sosic-Vasic Zrinka 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionIndividuals diagnosed with depression frequently experience self-criticism, leading to considerable psychological distress. Despite the availability of cognitive-behavioral treatments, a notable proportion of patients indicate that they solely experience cognitive improvements, without the corresponding emotional changes, following therapy. As a result, their psychological symptoms persist. Interventions that specifically target emotional experiencing, such as the chairwork technique, are exclusively included within long-term therapeutic procedures. Hence, the objective of this study is to assess the efficacy as well as the acceptability, feasibility, and safety of a brief intervention utilizing emotion-focused chairwork to treat self-criticism in individuals diagnosed with depression.MethodsA pre-post A-B design with two post-treatment assessments (one week- and one month post-intervention) was implemented. Seven patients received three sessions of manualized emotion focused chairwork. Symptomatic change was evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), the emotion regulation questionnaire (SEK-27), the Forms of Self-Criticizing/Reassuring Scale (FSCRS), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-D), as well as the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a self-developed questionnaire. Safety was assessed by the Beck Suicidality Inventory (BSI).ResultsThere was a significant improvement in depressive symptoms and self-compassion at both follow-up assessment time-points. Moreover, emotion regulation as well as self-esteem improved significantly. Self-criticizing decreased significantly, while self-reassuring increased. Patients were very satisfied with the intervention. Intervention safety was given at all time-points. There were no drop-outs.ConclusionThe implemented chairwork short-intervention is a feasible and safe therapeutic technique. The treatment was highly accepted revealing significant symptomatic improvements. Large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to investigate the treatment’s effectiveness.
Short-term changes in chest CT images among individuals at low altitude after entering high-altitude environments
Authors: Wang Peng , Zuo Zhiwei , Wu Jie , Wang Jianxiong , Jiang Rui , Du Feizhou 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term changes in chest CT images of low-altitude populations after entering a high-altitude environment.MethodsChest CT images of 3,587 people from low-altitude areas were obtained within one month of entering a high-altitude environment. Abnormal CT features and clinical symptoms were analyzed.ResultsBesides acute high-altitude pulmonary edema, the incidence of soft tissue space pneumatosis was significantly higher than that in low-altitude areas. Pneumatosis was observed in the mediastinum, cervical muscle space, abdominal cavity, and spinal cord epidural space, especially the mediastinum.ConclusionIn addition to acute high-altitude pulmonary edema, spontaneous mediastinal emphysema often occurs when individuals in low-altitude areas adapt to the high-altitude environment of cold, low-pressure, and hypoxia. When the gas escapes to the abdominal cavity, it is easy to be misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal perforation. It is also not uncommon for gas accumulation to escape into the epidural space of the spinal cord. The phenomenon of gas diffusion into distant tissue space and the mechanism of gas escape needs to be further studied.
Perceived satisfaction and household fuel transition: evidence from Ugandan households
Authors: Elasu Joseph , Ntayi Joseph Mpeera , Adaramola Muyiwa S. , Buyinza Faisal , Atukunda Ronnette , Ngoma Muhamad 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThe dominance of biomass for cooking has implications for the country. For instance, biomass conversion using traditional technologies (three stone) in poorly ventilated kitchens produce smoke that influences the reproductive health outcomes for expectant mother. Beyond health outcomes, uncontrollable harvesting of biomass for cooking contributes to environmental degradation. Unfortunately, biomass in form of firewood, charcoal, plant and animal wastes is widely consumed by more than 94% of Ugandan households for cooking. This paper examined whether perceived satisfaction plays a significant role in household energy transition in Uganda.MethodsThe study adopted a panel data methodology employing an ordered logit model with random effects to estimate the effect of perceived satisfaction on household fuel transition from high to low pollutant cooking fuels in Uganda. The data used was obtained from Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBoS) which is mandated by an Act of parliament to develop and maintain a national statistics system to ensure collection, analysis and publication of integrated, relevant, reliable and timely statistical information.Findings and discussionOur findings demonstrate that perceived satisfaction influences household fuel transition decisions in Uganda. The study concluded by suggesting policy recommendations for government action.