bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of the National Cancer Institute Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events to assess treatment tolerability in pulmonary arterial hypertension: qualitative patient research findings in current and former users of oral selexipag
Authors: Davis Stacy , Edwards Teresa , Norcross Lindsey , Fehnel Sheri , Beaudet Amélie , Eckart Marie , Fastenau John 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Understanding patients’ perspectives regarding drug tolerability, in addition to effectiveness, provides a complete picture of the patient experience and supports more informed therapeutic decision-making. The item library of the National Cancer Institute’s Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) was developed to measure patient-reported frequency, severity, and interference of adverse events (AEs) associated with cancer therapies. This qualitative interview study assessed the suitability of items selected from the PRO-CTCAE library for assessing tolerability of selexipag, a medication targeting the prostacyclin pathway for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Methods
Two rounds of 10 qualitative, web-assisted telephone interviews following a semi-structured guide were conducted in individuals with recent experience taking oral selexipag for PAH. Each interview included concept elicitation to gather participants’ perspectives on symptomatic AEs (type, frequency, severity, and interference) and cognitive debriefing of PRO-CTCAE items addressing the most frequently reported AEs of oral selexipag.

Results
Interviews were conducted with 20 participants with PAH (mean [range] age 50 [24–68] years; 75% female; 85% in World Health Organization Functional Class II–III), comprising different races/ethnicities, levels of education, and employment status. Fifteen participants were currently treated with selexipag; five had taken selexipag for ≥ 6 months before discontinuing. The most frequently reported AEs included headache, jaw pain, and nausea (n = 15, 12, and 10 participants, respectively). Diarrhea and headache were identified as the most bothersome AEs by 5 and 4 participants, respectively. Some AEs were transitory (e.g., jaw pain); others were long-lasting (e.g., muscle pain). Based on findings from Round 1 interviews, a flushing item was added and the PRO-CTCAE general pain item was modified to be specific to jaw pain for testing in Round 2. Interview findings identified the following AEs as relevant to assess in a PAH clinical trial: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flushing, jaw pain, headache, aching muscles, and aching joints.

Conclusions
The PRO-CTCAE items selected in this study and the additional symptomatic AEs identified as patient-relevant have the potential to be included in assessments capturing the patient perspective on tolerability in future studies of selexipag and possibly other PAH therapies.
Head-to-head comparison of 18F-FDG and 18F-FES PET/CT for initial staging of ER-positive breast cancer patients
Authors: Kiatkittikul Peerapon , Mayurasakorn Supanida , Promteangtrong Chetsadaporn , Kunawudhi Anchisa , Siripongsatian Dheeratama , Hirata Natdanai , Jantarato Attapon , Boonkawin Natphimol , Yaset Sukanya , Kongsakorn Pattanapong , Phewnual Warunya , Chotipanich Chanisa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To compare the diagnostic performance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) and 18F-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for initial staging of estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer.

Methods
Twenty-eight patients with ER-positive breast cancer underwent 18F-FDG and 18F-FES PET/CT for initial staging. Diagnostic performance and concordance rates were analyzed for both radiotracers. Semiquantitative parameters of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and tumor-to-normal ratio (T/N ratio) were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Factors potentially affecting the degree of radiotracer uptake were analyzed by multi-level linear regression analysis.

Results
The overall diagnostic performance of 18F-FES was comparable to 18F-FDG, except for higher specificity and NPV, with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 87.56%, 100%, 100%, 35.14%, and 88.35%, respectively, for 18F-FES and 83.94%, 30.77%, 94.74%, 11.43%, and 95.37%, respectively, for 18F-FDG. Diagnostic performance of strong ER expression was better in 18F-FES but worse for 18F-FDG. There was a correlation of mucinous cell type and Allred score 7–8 with 18F-FES uptake, with correlation coefficients of 26.65 (19.28, 34.02), 5.90 (− 0.005, 11.81), and p-value of < 0.001, 0.05, respectively. Meanwhile, luminal B and Ki-67 were related to 18F-FDG uptake, with correlation coefficients of 2.76 (1.10, 0.20), 0.11 (0.01, 0.2), and p-value of 0.018, 0.025, respectively.

Conclusion
Diagnostic performance of 18F-FES is comparable to 18F-FDG, but better for strongly ER-positive breast cancer. Combination of 18F-FES and 18F-FDG would potentially overcome the limitations of each tracer with more accurate staging.
Collagen-based biomaterials in organoid technology for reproductive medicine: composition, characteristics, and applications
Authors: Feng Bo , Yang Hao , Zhu Manman , Li Jinlin , Chang Hsun-Ming , Leung Peter C. K. , Guo Junling , Zhang Yaoyao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCollagen-based biomaterials (CBB) are highly esteemed by researchers in materials science and biomedicine due to their extensive applications across various biomedical disciplines. In recent years, owing to advancements in developmental biology techniques, this superior biomaterial has seen increasing utilization in 3D in vitro tissue culture. Three-dimensional cell cultures, often referred to as organoids, have emerged in response to technological advancements in biomaterials and the growing need in the field of medical research. They serve as important models for simulating normal physiological activities in vivo, addressing limitations in experimental material sources, and resolving ethical issues. In this review, we discuss the material characteristics of CBBs commonly used for organoid culture, integrating aspects such as Matrigel and decellularized ECM as culture matrices. We also analyzed the development prospects and directions of various materials in the context of biology, clinical medicine, and particularly reproductive medicine. Currently, despite the FDA approval and clinical research incorporating numerous CBBs, existing challenges in multiple studies indicate a significant unmet need in the development of key tissue models for both medical research and clinical applications. In summary, CBBs are swiftly broadening their applicability in the realms of organoid nature and medical research, serving as a versatile and high-performing material for 3D in vitro tissue culture.Graphical abstract
REC8 regulates neuroblastoma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis via STAT3/VEGF signaling
Authors: Wang Qiang , Fan Wei , Hao ZengHui , Liang Bingxue , Fan Meili , Zhao Zijian , Li Zhaozhu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Neuroblastoma, one of the most prevalent childhood cancers, is often treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, prognosis and survival are still dismal for children with neuroblastoma at high risk. Consequently, it is vital to identify new and effective treatment targets. As a component of the meiotic cohesion complex, REC8 is involved in a wide range of malignancies. The current work assessed the impact of REC8 knockdown on SH-SY5Y and SK-N-AS neuroblastoma cells and delved into the molecular mechanism behind this effect.

Methods
Knockdown of REC8 using the small interfering (si) RNA technology, and the results were verified by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to examine cell proliferation, while flow cytometry was used to examine cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Analyses of angiogenesis included tube formation experiments. Transwell tests were used to examine cell migration and invasion.

Results
The data showed that downregulation of the REC8 led to a substantial decrease in cell proliferation by stopping the cell cycle in the G1 phase. REC8 knockdown significantly reduced neuroblastoma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, induced cell cycle arrest, and enhanced apoptosis. We also discovered that repressing REC8 expression in neuroblastoma cell lines SH-SY5Y and SK-N-AS reduced their ability to activate the STAT3/VEGF signaling pathway.

Conclusions
Neuroblastoma therapy may benefit from targeting REC8 and its downstream targets.
Bedside test for estimating stiff index in mechanically ventilated ARDS patient: a pilot study
Authors: Fatma E. , Rahman Gamal A. , Algendy M. , Mahmoud M. , Mona A. , Yousra T. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractStiff index is defined as the proportion of lung tissue elasticity in relation to chest wall elasticity to pertain to its cyclic tidal volume. It is meant to reflect the risk of overloading lung pressure. Introducing the Stiff index into bedside management determines the pressure needed to keep the lung open with no risk of barotrauma.Aim of the work The primary endpoint was to highlight the stiff index in ARDS patients as a potential surrogate for detecting the changes in lung mechanics and the assumptions underlying the estimation of relevant respiratory parameters. Secondly, we aimed to assess intrathoracic pressure ITP in view of chest wall elastance Ecw in relation to respiratory system elastance Ers within the same population.Subjects and methods Data were collected from forty ARDS patients, diagnosed according to Berlin definition, who were admitted to ICUS Ain Shams University hospitals during the period between December 2022 and April 2023. These populations were patients’ purposive samples who underwent volume‐controlled ventilation at least 2 days prior to study enrollment. Their mean age was 64.68 ± 15.01 years with males (N = 22) to females (N = 18) ratio 55%. Measurements of peak airway pressure, plateau pressure, and delta airway pressure change ∆Paw measured three times on end-expiratory (ee) and on end-inspiratory (ei) occlusion tests, and the higher of the three readings were reported.Results The calculated mean Stiff index was (0.66 ± 0.159) which was correlated with Peak pressure (r =  − 0.377, P = 0.017) and with trans-pulmonary end inspiration TPPei (r = 0.312, P = 0.05). The stiff index was also found to be correlated with intra-thoracic pressure ITP (r = 0.769, P 0.001), but is not statistically significant with inspiratory tidal volume (r = 0.132, P 0.416).Conclusion Lung pressure loading in ARDS could be recognized by estimating an increase in stiff index. The cut point of stiff factor that limited the plateau at or below 30 cmH2o was 0.75 with 71% sensitivity and 0.63% specificity, respectively. The more the Stiff index the more was the ITP, and it had no relation to TV.
Associations of an individual's need for cognition with structural brain damage and cognitive functioning/impairment: cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Truin Lotte S. , Köhler Sebastian , Heger Irene S. , van Boxtel Martin P. J. , Schram Miranda T. , Backes Walter H. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , van Dongen Martien M. C. J. M. , de Vries Nanne K. , de Vries Hein , Eussen Simone J. P. M. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , de Vugt Marjolein E. , Deckers Kay 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundHigh cognitive activity possibly reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.AimsTo investigate associations between an individual's need to engage in cognitively stimulating activities (need for cognition, NFC) and structural brain damage and cognitive functioning in the Dutch general population with and without existing cognitive impairment.MethodCross-sectional data were used from the population-based cohort of the Maastricht Study. NFC was measured using the Need For Cognition Scale. Cognitive functioning was tested in three domains: verbal memory, information processing speed, and executive functioning and attention. Values 1.5 s.d. below the mean were defined as cognitive impairment. Standardised volumes of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and presence of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) were derived from 3T magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple linear and binary logistic regression analyses were used adjusted for demographic, somatic and lifestyle factors.ResultsParticipants (n = 4209; mean age 59.06 years, s.d. = 8.58; 50.1% women) with higher NFC scores had higher overall cognition scores (B = 0.21, 95% CI 0.17–0.26, P < 0.001) and lower odds for CSVD (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.60–0.91, P = 0.005) and cognitive impairment (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.48–0.76, P < 0.001) after adjustment for demographic, somatic and lifestyle factors. The association between NFC score and cognitive functioning was similar for individuals with and without prevalent cognitive impairment. We found no significant association between NFC and WMH or CSF volumes.ConclusionsA high need to engage in cognitively stimulating activities is associated with better cognitive functioning and less presence of CSVD and cognitive impairment. This suggests that, in middle-aged individuals, motivation to engage in cognitively stimulating activities may be an opportunity to improve brain health.
Factors Associated with Symptom Resolution after Aerobic Exercise Intervention in Adolescent and Young Adults with Concussion
Authors: Wingerson Mathew J. , Hunt Danielle L. , Wilson Julie C. , Mannix Rebekah C. , Meehan William P. , Howell David R. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundAerobic exercise facilitates post-concussion symptom resolution at the group-level, but patient-level characteristics may affect the likelihood of treatment efficacy.PurposeTo investigate demographic and clinical characteristics which differentiate post-concussion aerobic exercise treatment efficacy from non-efficacy in the intervention arm of a randomized clinical trial.MethodsAdolescent and young-adult participants initiated a standardized aerobic exercise intervention within 14 days of concussion, consisting of self-selected exercise for 100-minutes/week at an individualized heart rate (80% of heart rate induced symptom exacerbation during graded exercise testing). Treatment efficacy was defined as symptom resolution within 28-days post-concussion. Treatment efficacy and non-efficacy groups were compared on demographics, clinical characteristics, intervention adherence, and persistent symptom risk using the Predicting Persistent Post-Concussive Problems in Pediatrics (5P) clinical risk score.Results27 participants (16.1 ± 2.3 years old, range: 11-21 years; 52% female) began the intervention a mean of 9.5 ± 3.7 days after concussion; half (n = 13; 48%) demonstrated treatment efficacy (symptom resolution within 28 days post-concussion). Those whose symptoms resolved within 28 days had significantly lower pre-intervention Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory scores (21.2 ± 13.2 vs 41.4 ± 22.2; p < .01), greater adherence to the intervention (77% vs 36%; p = .05), and longer average exercise duration (49.7 [36.8, 68.6] vs 30.4 [20.7, 34.7] minutes; p < .01), than those whose symptoms lasted more than 28 days. Groups were similar in age, sex, timing of intervention, and pre-intervention 5P risk score.ConclusionsA standardized aerobic exercise intervention initiated within 14 days of concussion demonstrated efficacy for approximately half of participants, according to our definition of treatment efficacy. This multisite aerobic exercise intervention suggests that lower symptom severity, higher intervention adherence, and greater exercise duration are factors which increase the likelihood of symptoms resolving within 28 days of concussion.
Predictors of face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia: Application of the health belief model, psychological distress and health motivation
Authors: Wulandari Devi , Purba Fredrick Dermawan , Alfikalia Alfikalia , Kertamuda Fatchiah Ekowati , Rahmania Tia , Sabrina Olivia Ayu , Hidayah Kurnia Nurul , Fatimah Syarifah 
Published: December 2023

Background High infection rates of COVID-19 in Indonesia require attention, especially transmission and prevention behaviors. One way to lower infection rates is the use of face masks. However, people’s adherence to its usage when in public is still low. This necessitates the exploration of predictors of the use of masks to increase community compliance. This study further aims to investigate the predictors of face mask use by applying the Health Belief Model, anxiety, stress, depression, and health motivation. Methods A total of 255 respondents from Jakarta, Bandung, Tangerang, and Banten filled out an online questionnaire. Furthermore, hierarchical multiple regression was used to detect predictors associated with face mask use. Results The results showed that the high perceived benefits and health motivation were higher in individuals who used a face mask when in public, while those who have high perceived barriers likely do not use masks. The respondent’s level of psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress were not associated with face mask use. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of personal appraisal regarding COVID-19 and its prevention behaviors. Comfortable mask design, and emphasizing the benefits of using masks in the community improve compliance.
The inclusive leader and his role in creating employee teams
Authors: Bańkowski Paweł 
Published: December 2023

Cel pracyCelem artykułu jest ocena wpływu lidera inkluzywnego na kreowanie zespołu pracowników oraz wykazanie korzyści ze stworzenia inkluzywnego środowiska pracy. Zespoły kierowane przez lidera inkluzywnego charakteryzują się specyficznymi cechami, które mogą w pozytywny sposób wpłynąć na jakość ich pracy i tym samym sposób funkcjonowania organizacji.Materiał i metodyW artykule wykorzystano globalne badania dotyczące inkluzywności w organizacjach, pt.: „Building a True Culture of Inlusion”. Badania zostały opracowane przez agencję Kincentric. W procesie badawczym, autor wykorzystał metodę analizy literaturowej tematu i słów kluczowych oraz analizy badań wtórnych, a także opracował wnioski końcowe.WynikiWyniki badań pozwalają zidentyfikować korzyści związane z funkcjonowaniem lidera inkluzywnego w organizacji. Szereg rozpoznanych zalet z zastosowania inkluzji w przedsiębiorstwie pozwala stwierdzić, że zespoły funkcjonujące w inkluzywnym środowisku pracy są bardziej zaangażowane, zespolone i skuteczniejsze w swoich działaniach od innych zespołów.WnioskiOtoczenie w dzisiejszej rzeczywistości jest bardzo zróżnicowane, głównie ze względu na usprawnioną migrację ludności. Wymusza to na organizacjach i ich liderach coraz to większą zdolność do zarządzania różnorodnością w celu tworzenia skutecznych zespołów pracowniczych. Rozwiązaniem tego problemu może być wdrożenie w przedsiębiorstwie lidera inkluzywnego. Inkluzywność to cecha określająca osobę, która odnajduje się w wielu grupach społecznych i potrafi jednoczyć przedstawicieli poszczególnych grup.
Real estate investments as a form of personal finance management in Poland
Authors: Zalewska Aleksandra Maja , Zienkiewicz Tadeusz 
Published: December 2023

Cel pracyCelem artykułu jest analiza wybranych czynników wpływających na inwestycje w nieruchomości w Polsce w kontekście zarządzania finansami osobistymi. W rozważaniach omówiono przyjęte zasady prowadzenia badań, w tym plan badań i metodologię badań.Materiał i metodyZaobserwowana różnorodność decyzji inwestycyjnych na rynku nieruchomości wymagała przeprowadzenia badania. Zmiennymi objaśniającymi były poziom wykształcenia, aktualny stan posiadania nieruchomości oraz poziom dochodów. Badania ilościowe przeprowadzono na grupie 1000 respondentów metodą wywiadu osobistego wspomaganego komputerowo oraz wywiadu internetowego wspomaganego komputerowo. W badaniu wykorzystano metodę Likerta. Do zbadania zależności pomiędzy przyjętymi zmiennymi objaśniającymi a gotowością do inwestowania w nieruchomości w Polsce wykorzystano test niezależności Pearsona.WynikiBadanie wykazało związek pomiędzy zmiennymi objaśniającymi a zmienną objaśniającą. Oznacza to, że chętniej inwestują osoby z wyższym wykształceniem, osoby posiadające już nieruchomość oraz osoby o wyższych dochodachWnioskiWyniki badania wskazują deweloperom grupy docelowe na polskim rynku nieruchomości i mogą być przez nich praktycznie wykorzystywane. Gotowość polskiego społeczeństwa do inwestowania w nieruchomości, wyjaśniana zastosowanymi czynnikami, pozwoli zrozumieć zachowania poszczególnych grup społecznych, zwłaszcza w okresie pokryzysowym.
The capital of women's managerial careers in small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Rzepka Agnieszka , Dzieńdziora Joanna , Smolarek Małgorzata Katarzyna , Kmiotek Krystyna 
Published: December 2023

Cel pracyCelem artykułu jest przedstawienie problematyki kapitału kariery menedżerskiej kobiet w małych i średnich przedsiębiorstwach.Materiał i metodyKapitał kariery menedżerskiej kobiet przedstawiony został w kontekście małych i średnich przedsiębiorstw. Sformułowano następujące pytania badawcze: 1. Jakie rodzaje kapitału kariery mają znaczenie dla rozwoju kariery menedżerskiej kobiet?, 2. Jakie czynniki wpływają na osiąganie sukcesów w pracy zawodowej kobiecej kadry menedżerskiej? 3. Jakie są kluczowe kompetencje kobiet pełniących funkcje menedżerskie? Badanie zostało zrealizowane metodą sondażu diagnostycznego, techniką ankiety w środowisku kobiet zatrudnionych na stanowiskach menedżerskich w polskich MŚP. Próba badawcza stanowiła N=742 respondentów. Artykuł oparty jest na studiach literaturowych, zarówno krajowych, jak i międzynarodowych. Systematyczny przegląd literatury służył doprecyzowaniu luki poznawczej. Następnie przeprowadzono badanie własne z wykorzystaniem metody sondażu diagnostycznego.WynikiSukces zawodowy dla badanych kobiet łączy się z podnoszeniem kwalifikacji, równowagą pomiędzy wszystkimi sferami życia, uznaniem w grupie zawodowej, samorealizacją i skutecznością w działaniu. Jest on trudniejszy do osiągnięcia w przypadku kobiet niż mężczyzn, co jest wynikiem braku równych szans rozwoju zawodowego i takich samych perspektyw awansu w przypadku kobiet i mężczyzn na stanowiskach menedżerskich.WnioskiW wyniku krytycznej analizy literatury krajowej i międzynarodowej oraz badań własnych sformułowano następujące wnioski: kobiety są świadome, że kapitał edukacyjny, który determinował dotychczasową karierę zawodową nie gwarantuje dalszego sukcesu ich kariery menedżerskiej i należy go ciągle gromadzić i odnawiać, podobnie jak pozostałe formy kapitału kariery.
Optical 2-bit nanoscale multiplier using MIM waveguides
Authors: Nukhailawi Yousif Jawad Kadhim , Hussein Nashwan J. 
Published: December 2023

The plasmonic 2-bit multiplier is designed at a 1310 nm operating wavelength and a 65% transmission threshold (Tthreshold). Using the finite element method (FEM) with the COMSOL version 15 software, we simulated the suggested 2-bit multiplier, based on the principle of the constructive and destructive interferences between the input light waves. The results were delivered in graphs containing the transmission level (T) versus an operating wavelength range between 800 and 2000 nm, magnetic field distribution, modulation depth (MD), contrast ratio (CR), and insertion loss (IL). The modulation depth was 99.91%, the CR was 14.75 dB, and the IL was −1.2dB.