bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient-reported symptoms before adjuvant locoregional radiotherapy for breast cancer: triple-negative histology impacts the symptom burden
Authors: Nieder Carsten , Johnsen Silje K. , Winther Annette M. , Mannsåker Bård 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Multimodal breast cancer treatment may cause side effects reflected in patient-reported outcomes and/or symptom scores at the time of treatment planning for adjuvant radiotherapy. In our department, all patients have been assessed with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS; a questionnaire addressing 11 major symptoms and wellbeing on a numeric scale of 0–10) at the time of treatment planning since 2016. In this study, we analyzed ESAS symptom severity before locoregional radiotherapy.

Patients and methods
Retrospective review of 132 patients treated between 2016 and 2021 (all comers in breast-conserving or post-mastectomy settings, different radiotherapy fractionations) was performed. All ESAS items and the ESAS point sum were analyzed to identify subgroups with higher symptom burden and thus need for additional care measures.

Results
The biggest patient-reported issues were fatigue, pain, and sleep problems. Patients with triple negative breast cancer reported a higher symptom burden (mean 30 versus 20, p = 0.038). Patients assigned to adjuvant endocrine therapy had the lowest point sum (mean 18), followed by those on Her-2-targeting agents without chemotherapy (mean 19), those on chemotherapy with or without other drugs (mean 26), and those without systemic therapy (mean 41), p = 0.007. Those with pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant treatment had significantly lower anxiety scores (mean 0.7 versus 1.8, p = 0.03) and a trend towards lower depression scores, p = 0.09.

Conclusion
Different surgical strategies, age, and body mass index did not impact on ESAS scores, while the type of adjuvant systemic therapy did. The effect of previous neoadjuvant treatment and unfavorable tumor biology (triple negative) emerged as important factors associated with symptom burden, albeit in different domains. ESAS data may facilitate identification of patients who should be considered for additional supportive measures to alleviate specific symptoms.
Two-field mixed hp-finite elements for time-dependent problems in the refined theories of thermodynamics
Authors: Tóth Balázs , Molnár Zsombor , Kovács Róbert 
Published: March 2024

AbstractModern manufacturing technologies allow heterogeneous materials with complex inner structures (e.g., foams) to be easily produced. However, their utilization is not straightforward, as the classical constitutive laws are not necessarily valid. According to various experimental observations, the Guyer–Krumhansl equation is a promising candidate for modeling such complex structures. However, practical applications need a reliable and efficient algorithm capable of handling both complex geometries and advanced heat equations. In the present paper, we derive new two-field variational formulations which treat the temperature and the heat flux as independent field variables, and we develop new, advanced hp-type mixed finite element methods, which can be reliably applied. We investigate their convergence properties for various situations, challenging in relation to stability and the treatment of fast propagation speeds. That algorithm is also proved to be outstandingly efficient, providing solutions four magnitudes faster than commercial algorithms.
Effects of process intensification on homogeneity of an IgG1:κ monoclonal antibody during perfusion culture
Authors: Liang George , Madhavarao Chikkathur N. , Morris Caitlin , O’Connor Thomas , Ashraf Muhammad , Yoon Seongkyu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The pharmaceutical industry employs various strategies to improve cell productivity. These strategies include process intensification, culture media improvement, clonal selection, media supplementation and genetic engineering of cells. However, improved cell productivity has inherent risk of impacting product quality attributes (PQA). PQAs may affect the products’ efficacy via stability, bioavailability, or in vivo bioactivity. Variations in manufacturing process may introduce heterogeneity in the products by altering the type and extent of N-glycosylation, which is a PQA of therapeutic proteins. We investigated the effect of different cell densities representing increasing process intensification in a perfusion cell culture on the production of an IgG1-κ monoclonal antibody from a CHO-K1 cell line. This antibody is glycosylated both on light chain and heavy chain. Our results showed that the contents of glycosylation of IgG1-κ mAb increased in G0F and fucosylated type glycans as a group, whereas sialylated type glycans decreased, for the mAb whole protein. Overall, significant differences were observed in amounts of G0F, G1F, G0, G2FS1, and G2FS2 type glycans across all process intensification levels. G2FS2 and G2 type N-glycans were predominantly quantifiable from light chain rather than heavy chain. It may be concluded that there is a potential impact to product quality attributes of therapeutic proteins during process intensification via perfusion cell culture that needs to be assessed. Since during perfusion cell culture the product is collected throughout the duration of the process, lot allocation needs careful attention to process parameters, as PQAs are affected by the critical process parameters (CPPs).

Key points
• Molecular integrity may suffer with increasing process intensity.
• Galactosylated and sialylated N-glycans may decrease.
• Perfusion culture appears to maintain protein charge structure.
Intramuscular endometriosis of the forearm: a case report
Authors: Smith Kira L. , He Lulu , Adhya Julie , Ercolano Lisa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEndometriosis is a disorder that commonly affects females of reproductive age and is defined as the presence of endometrial glands or stroma outside the uterine cavity. Patients typically present with cyclical pain during menses. Endometriosis can be characterized as endopelvic or extrapelvic depending on the sites involved. We report a case of a 40-year-old, right-hand-dominant, female who presented with a painful mass in her right proximal forearm. She was ultimately diagnosed with intramuscular endometriosis and underwent surgical excision.
The longitudinal follow-up of a newly proposed OCTA imaging finding (SSPiM) and the importance of it as a new biomarker for treatment response in diabetic macular edema
Authors: Genç Gülsüm , Yanık Özge , Demirel Sibel , Batioglu Figen , Özmert Emin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of SSPiM (suspended scattering particles in motion), systemic risk factors, ocular findings, progression characteristics, and treatment response in diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients.

Methods
In this prospective study, a total of 109 eyes of 109 patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) were included. Demographic characteristics and systemic data of the patients were recorded. In addition to a detailed ophthalmological examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) imaging were performed. According to the OCTA images, the patients were divided into two categories: SSPiM detected (SSPiM +) and undetected (SSPiM −). The patients were followed up at 0, 3, and 6 months. Treatment responses at 6 months in treatment-administered patients with and without SSPiM were examined.

Results
The frequency of SSPiM in DME cases was found to be 34.9%. No significant correlation was found between SSPiM and demographic characteristics, systemic, and biochemical parameters (p > 0.05). It was observed that SSPIM was most frequently localized in the outer nuclear layer adjacent to the outer plexiform (81.6%). SSPiM appearance disappeared in 7 (19.4%) of 36 patients with SSPiM who had regular follow-up for 6 months. In 4 (11.1%) of these seven patients, hard exudate plaques developed in the areas where SSPiM disappeared. Regarding treatment response at 6 months, the decrease in CMT was statistically significantly lower in the SSPiM group compared to cases without SSPiM.

Conclusion
SSPiM is a finding seen in approximately one-third of DME patients and may adversely affect the response to the treatment.
How beech provenance affects the structure of secondary xylem, leaf traits, and the ectomycorrhizal community under optimal growth conditions
Authors: Mrak Tanja , Gričar Jožica , Unuk Nahberger Tina , Božič Gregor , Krajnc Luka , Prislan Peter , Arnič Domen , Levanič Tom , Kraigher Hojka 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Key message
Provenance controls conductive area of stem secondary xylem, leaf area, and stable isotope (C, N, and O) ratios of beech leaves, while no significant effects were observed for ectomycorrhizal community composition.

Abstract
Beyond growth parameters and drought tolerance, comparatively little is known about the functioning of different beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) provenances. We investigated properties of leaves, stem secondary xylem, and ectomycorrhiza (ECM), and explored their interdependencies to identify the best performing beech provenance in optimal growth conditions. The study was conducted on 23-year-old trees in a provenance trial. The investigated provenances originated from Atlantic (Belgium—BE), Alpine (Italy—IT, Slovenia—SI), and continental climates (the Czech Republic—CZ). A significant effect of provenance was observed for stem vessel diameters and conductive area, as well as for foliar %C, δ13C, δ15N, and δ18O. δ13C as a proxy of intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) showed that the highest iWUE was achieved in BE provenance. Individuals with a better iWUE had wider growth rings regardless of provenance. Better iWUE was associated with lower specific leaf area (SLA). ECM community composition and diversity indices did not differ significantly among the provenances. Specific ECM taxa were associated with individuals with high SLA, δ13C, δ15N, and δ18O. In optimal growth conditions with no stress events, BE is a promising provenance due to an efficient water conducting system with high vessel diameters and conductive area, and high iWUE, while Alpine provenances showed an adaptation of their water conducting system to freezing conditions at their original locations. Integrating findings from different compartments improves our understanding of functioning of different beech provenances.
Balneotherapy using thermal mineral water baths and dermatological diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Protano Carmela , Vitali Matteo , De Giorgi Andrea , Marotta Daniela , Crucianelli Serena , Fontana Mario 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBalneotherapy includes practices and methods using medically and legally recognized mineral-medicinal waters, muds and natural gases from natural springs for therapeutic purposes. One of the most widely used method in balneotherapy is bathing with thermal mineral water. In the course of the years, scientific community has produced an increasing number of evidences that this practice is an effective method for treating signs and symptoms of several pathologies such as rheumatic, cardiovascular and dermatological diseases. This systematic review is aimed at evaluating the effect of balneotherapy with thermal water baths as a treatment to manage signs and symptoms of patients affected by all types of dermatological diseases. The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA Statement, and its protocol was registered on PROSPERO platform (CRD42022295913). The research was performed on the databases Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane. We included clinical trials evaluating the effects of balneotherapy using thermal mineral water baths for managing dermatological diseases in humans, published in English and Italian language. Eight studies were included, seven of them enrolled adults affected by psoriasis and one studied atopic dermatitis patients. The common result of all the articles included was a clear improvement of signs and symptoms of psoriasis and eczematous diseases after use of thermal mineral water baths. These effects seem to be strictly related to physical and chemical properties of thermal water used for balneotherapy. However, studies in this field are still limited to support robust evidence of the effectiveness of balneotherapy using thermal mineral water baths and often their quality is low. Thus, new clinical studies need to be carried out, using more correct methods for conducting the studies and for processing statistical data.
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to personalise follow-up care of ovarian cancer: what do patients think? A qualitative interview study
Authors: Seeratan Dachel D. , van Schuylenburch Robin G. , van Lonkhuijzen Luc R. C. W. , Aarts Johanna W. M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore ovarian cancer patients’ preferences regarding follow-up care and, in particular, the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) as an approach to personalise follow-up care.

Methods
Between May and June 2021, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ovarian cancer patients, who had finished their primary treatment at least 6 months prior and were receiving follow-up care at our centre. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. A thematic flow chart was created describing interacting themes.

Results
Seventeen patients were interviewed, of which 11 were familiar with PROMs. Two key themes emerged from the data: the need for reassurance and the wish for personalised care. A follow-up scheme using PROMs was identified as a separate theme with the potential to personalise care. Several barriers and facilitators of PROMs were mentioned.

Conclusions
Ovarian cancer patients have a desire for personalised follow-up care and seek reassurance. PROMs may be able to support both of these needs. Future research is needed to determine the most effective, patient-centred way to implement them.

Implications for cancer survivors
By understanding what patients’ preferences are regarding follow-up care, more initiatives can be set up to personalise follow-up care, through which patient anxiety and dissatisfaction can be reduced.
Even imprudent risk lovers may engage in precautionary saving
Authors: Sorge Marco M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRecent developments in dynamic consumption theory have shown that risk-loving agents, much like their risk-averse analogues, can exhibit downside risk aversion (prudence) and thus demand precautionary savings. I complement this finding by showing that risk-seeking preferences also magnify the role of natural borrowing limits in shaping consumers’ behavior, causing risk lovers to increase savings against income uncertainty in cases where risk averters would not: even imprudent risk lovers may engage in precautionary saving.
Development of a rimless wheel robot with telescopic legs for step adaptability
Authors: Hanazawa Yuta , Uchino Yuhi , Sagara Shinichi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, we developed a rimless wheel robot with elastic telescopic legs that can overcome steps. Numerical studies have shown that a rimless wheel robot with elastic telescopic legs has high adaptability to steps. However, rimless wheel robots that can walk in environments with steps have not yet been developed. To develop a rimless wheel robot that could overcome the steps, we initially developed a three-dimensional model of the robot through Unity software and simulated its walking on level ground and surfaces with steps. Then, we determined the optimal elasticity of the elastic telescopic legs through numerical simulation and constructed a model with optimized parameters. Finally, we conducted the walking experiments employing the developed robot. The robot can walk on level ground and surfaces with steps.
Factors affecting responsiveness of vadadustat in patients with anemia associated with chronic kidney disease: a post-hoc subgroup analysis of Japanese phase 3 randomized studies
Authors: Nangaku Masaomi , Ueta Kiichiro , Nishimura Kenichi , Sasaki Kazuyo , Hashimoto Takafumi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Vadadustat is an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor developed for treating anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this post-hoc analysis was to investigate the factors affecting the responsiveness to vadadustat in anemia patients with nondialysis-dependent (NDD) or hemodialysis-dependent (HDD) CKD in two Japanese phase 3 studies.

Methods
Of 151 and 162 patients enrolled in NDD-CKD and HDD-CKD studies, 136 and 140 patients, respectively, were included and divided into subgroups for the analysis. To assess vadadustat responsiveness, the resistance index was defined as the mean body weight-adjusted dose of vadadustat (mg/kg) at weeks 20–24 divided by the mean hemoglobin (g/dL) at weeks 20–24. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the variables affecting the resistance index.

Results
Independent factors identified as determinants for better response to vadadustat were as follows: high baseline hemoglobin, low baseline eGFR, high week-20–24 ferritin, and CKD not caused by autoimmune disease/glomerulonephritis/vasculitis in NDD-CKD; and male sex, high baseline C-reactive protein, and low baseline erythropoiesis-stimulating agent resistance index (ERI) in HDD-CKD.

Conclusions
In this post-hoc analysis, several factors were identified as affecting the response to vadadustat. These results may provide useful information leading to an appropriate dose modification for vadadustat.

Clinical trial registration
NCT03329196 (MT-6548-J01) and NCT03439137 (MT-6548-J03).
Mastering data privacy: leveraging K-anonymity for robust health data sharing
Authors: Karagiannis Stylianos , Ntantogian Christoforos , Magkos Emmanouil , Tsohou Aggeliki , Ribeiro Luís Landeiro 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn modern healthcare systems, data sources are highly integrated, and the privacy challenges are becoming a paramount concern. Despite the critical importance of privacy preservation in safeguarding sensitive and private information across various domains, there is a notable deficiency of learning and training material for privacy preservation. In this research, we present a k-anonymity algorithm explicitly for educational purposes. The development of the k-anonymity algorithm is complemented by seven validation tests, that have also been used as a basis for constructing five learning scenarios on privacy preservation. The outcomes of this research provide a practical understanding of a well-known privacy preservation technique and extends the familiarity of k-anonymity and the fundamental concepts of privacy protection to a broader audience.
Rüppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppelli): a new vulture species for Europe?
Authors: Onrubia Alejandro , Torralvo Carlos , Morandini Virginia , Ferrer Miguel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe Rüppell's Vulture, formerly restricted to a strictly African distribution, has recently been classified as a Critically Endangered species worldwide. However, in recent decades, observations of the species in Europe, particularly in the south of Spain, have been on the rise. In this study, we conduct a diagnosis of the situation of this species in southern Europe through the analysis of the Sahel Precipitation Index (SPI) and Griffon Vulture autumn migration counts as quantitative measures, with the aim of identifying possible drivers of these changes and population trends. The analyses demonstrated that a number of Griffon Vultures during autumn passage through the Strait of Gibraltar, together with Sahel precipitation anomalies from the previous year, are the best predictors of the number of Rüppell's Vultures during autumn passage through the same strait in the following year, explaining 68.7% of the variance. The proportion of Griffon Vultures in the Sahel has markedly increased as populations of other vultures have declined. Under these circumstances, it seems more than likely that Rüppell's Vultures would be prone to moving to Europe, following Griffon Vultures. This effect has also been favored by increases in number of raining days and floods in the Sahel due to climate change, which can lead to escapes of Rüppell's Vultures outside their usual ranges. Under these circumstances, it appears likely that the Rüppell's Vulture will soon become a new species among European vultures.
The ‘bIUreactor’: An Open-Source 3D Tissue Research Platform
Authors: Butch Elizabeth , Prideaux Matthew , Holland Mark , Phan Justin-Thuy , Trent Cole , Soon Victor , Hutchins Gary , Smith Lester 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe developed the open-source bIUreactor research platform for studying 3D structured tissues. The versatile and modular platform allows a researcher to generate 3D tissues, culture them with oxygenated perfusion, and provide cyclic loading, all in their own lab (in laboratorium) for an all in cost of $8,000 including 3D printer, printing resin, and electronics. We achieved this by applying a design philosophy that leverages 3D printing, open-source software and hardware, and practical techniques to produce the following: 1. perfusible 3D tissues, 2. a bioreactor chamber for tissue culture, 3. a module for applying cyclic compression, 4. a peristaltic pump for providing oxygenated perfusion to 3D tissues, 5. motor control units, and 6. open-source code for running the control units. By making it widely available for researchers to investigate 3D tissue models and easy for them to use, we intend for the bIUreactor to democratize 3D tissue research, therefore increasing the pace and scale of biomedical research discoveries using 3D tissue models.
The Lived Experiences of African American Women in Natural Recovery: Re-Envisioning the Role of Counselors
Authors: Blount Taheera N. , Prosek Elizabeth A. , King Kelly , Brookins Craig , Fitzpatrick David C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRecovery from substance misuse is complex and requires an individual’s desire and readiness for change. Specifically, for African Americans, additional factors such as social equity and access to culturally responsive treatments can complicate the recovery process. In this secondary analysis of a transcendental qualitative phenomenological study, researchers explored how eight African-American women navigated their change process in natural recovery. Researchers identified the following emergent themes: (a) focused on the drug; (b) engagement in risky behavior; (c) desire to be free; (d) Damascus Road experience; (e) plea to higher power; (d) geographical cure; (e) self-liberation in commitment; and (f) new associations. Findings are conceptualized through the Transtheoretical Model framework. Implications emphasize the importance of counselors’ outreach role in their communities.
The Lived Experience of Adult Women with Psychosocial Disability in Uganda
Authors: Isiko Jennifer , Singhani Sunder , Urkmez Bilal 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of women with psychosocial disability in Uganda. The findings from 11 in-depth interviews conducted highlighted three themes featuring risk factors, protective factors, and proposed interventions to respond to the needs of women with psychosocial disability from the perspective of the women with lived experience. There are two major implications of this study. The first implication is that people in the helping profession can integrate the voices of the people who are directly affected by psychosocial disability to design interventions that are tailored to suit their needs. The second implication regards advocacy. Mental health professionals can use the stories shared by the participants to reinforce advocacy initiatives to mitigate the negative impact of psychosocial disability. Additionally, the findings can support people in the mental health profession, educators, and mental health policy designers in making informed decisions regarding interventions for people with psychosocial disability in limited resource settings like Uganda.