bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying quality and inequality in prehabilitation services before cancer surgery: a Delphi study informed by lived and professional experience
Authors: Wareing Laura , Hirst Yasemin , Shelton Cliff , Gaffney Christopher , Partridge Andrea , Rycroft-Malone Jo , Smith Andrew , Ashmore Lisa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Preoperative cancer prehabilitation interventions have been described as the practice of enhancing a patient’s functional capacity before surgery, aiming to improve postoperative outcomes. Internationally, it is increasingly recommended for implementation in clinical practice to improve patients’ functional and psychological wellbeing before cancer surgery. There is a gap in evidence on how and where it is delivered, what patients want from interventions and how inequalities in access and resources are addressed. In this study, both people with lived experience of cancer and healthcare professionals created criteria for quality and equitable preoperative cancer prehabilitation.
Methods
A modified Delphi technique was implemented over three rounds of online questionnaires with prehabilitation professionals (experts by profession) and people with lived experience of cancer (experts by experience). The criteria statements included in the first round of the questionnaire were suggested and developed in a series of co-design workshops. In each Delphi round, participants were asked to rank the statements on a 5-point Likert scale and make suggestions for refinement or additional statements. The consensus rate was defined as at least 75% of participants voting to indicate agreement on each statement.
Results
A total of 22 participants voted in Delphi questionnaire with a 76% response rate. 63.6% of the participants were ‘experts by experience’ and 36.4% were ‘experts by profession’. The questionnaire started with 54 statements and 60 statements reached consensus. The criteria cover seven themes including developing and delivering prehabilitation, (covering prehabilitation definitions, safety and evaluation processes and interactions with patients), emotional health, nutritional, physical and multi-modal interventions, integrating community-based care and addressing inequalities.
Conclusions
To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that has developed criteria to guide the evaluation and design of prehabilitation interventions before cancer surgery with an emphasis on addressing inequalities, which have been developed by both experts by experience and profession.
The criteria enhance the evidence base on patient and healthcare professional preferences for quality and equitable access to prehabilitation interventions. The results will be of interest to researchers, healthcare professionals and service providers interested in designing, evaluating and delivering prehabilitation before cancer surgery.
Facial expression associates with longitudinal multi-organ failure: an ICU cohort study
Authors: Cox Eline G.M. , Bussel Bas C.T. van , Llamazares Nerea Campillo , Sels Jan-Willem E.M. , Onrust Marisa , Horst Iwan C.C. van der , Koeze Jacqueline , Group SICS Study 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Facial expression, at least unconsciously, may affect clinical decisions and treatments in the ICU. However, the association between objective clinical measurement of facial expression and multi-organ failure remains unknown. The aim of this study was to examine whether facial expression at admission is associated with longitudinal measurement of multi-organ failure.
Methods
This was a sub-study of the Simple Intensive Care Studies-II, a prospective observational cohort study. All adult patients acutely admitted to the ICU between March 26, 2019, and July 10, 2019, were included. Facial expression was assessed within three hours of ICU admission using predefined pictograms. The SOFA score was serially measured each day for the first seven days after ICU admission. The association between eye opening and facial color with longitudinal Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were investigated using generalized estimation equations.
Results
SOFA scores were measured in 228 patients. Clinical gestalt scored by the degree of eye opening was associated with a higher SOFA score at admission and follow-up (unadjusted 0.7 points per step (95%CI 0.5 to 0.9)). Facial color was not associated with worse SOFA score over time. However, patients with slinked or closed eyes combined with blushed skin had a lower SOFA score than patients with a pale or normal skin color (P-interaction < 0.1).
Conclusions
The patient's face revealed integrated cues regarding the disease state of critically ill patients, as scored by the degree of eye opening and facial color. Incorporating clinical gestalt using more advanced facial recognition techniques is promising to support future intensive care.
Utilization of sperm cryopreservation in patients with testicular cancer
Authors: Menzel Viktoria , Richter Emilia , Helke Charlotte , Bürk Björn Thorben , Erb Holger H. H. , Leike Steffen , Borkowetz Angelika , Thomas Christian , Baunacke Martin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose Since 2021, the German health insurance covers sperm cryopreservation, impacting pre-chemotherapy decisions. We assessed sperm cryopreservation utilization before 2021, when patients covered expenses.Methods Between 2011 and 2021, testicular cancer survivors (TCS) at our clinic completed a questionnaire, including EORTC QLQ-TC26, covering sperm cryopreservation, sociodemographic details, post-treatment births, and artificial insemination.Results After 5.7 ± 3.0 years, 279 participants (64%) responded to the questionnaire. Among them, 33% (91/279) testicular cancer survivors (TCS) chose sperm cryopreservation prior treatment, with 11% (10/91) using it for insemination. Conversely, 2% (3/188) without cryopreservation reported unfulfilled desire to have children. Univariate analysis showed TCS with cryopreservation were younger (30.6 ± 7.1 (35 (21–59)) vs. 42.4 ± 10.9 (48 (22–81)) years; p = 0.001), had a lower BMI (24.2 ± 3.3 vs. 26.6 ± 4.6 kg/m²; p = 0.009) and a lower Charlson Score (> 3: 36% vs. 60%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed older age (≥ 37 years: OR 13.1 (5.5–31.2), p < 0.001) and lower education (middle school or less: OR 3.3 (1.6–6.9), p = 0.001) as independent factors associated with not undergoing cryopreservation. Regarding quality of life (EORTC QLQ-TC26), multivariate analysis identified a lower infertility anxiety score (OR 4.3 (2.0–9.0), p < 0.001) and higher age (≥ 44 years: OR 5.4 (2.6–11.3); p < 0.001) were predictors for absence of prior cryopreservation.Conclusions Age and education seem to impact the choice of undergoing paid sperm cryopreservation. Urologists should inform testicular cancer patients about costs and coverage. Importantly, the occurrence of unmet desires for parenthood is minimal among those who forego cryopreservation.
Identification and analysis of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants with potential therapeutic effects on Uterine fibroid using computational approaches
Authors: Fawibe O. O. , Adekoya V.O , Oyelakin A. S. , Uzor M.U , Akamo A.J. , Ojewumi A.W. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Uterine fibroids are gynaecological conditions in reproductive females, capable of growing in response to progesterone’s interaction with progesterone’s receptor protein (IA28). The use of surgery and hormone therapy for uterine fibroid treatment has limitations and side effects. Therefore, there is a need for an effective therapeutic approach to fibroid treatment. This study evaluated the inhibitory potential of phytocompounds present in some medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory properties (Vitex agnus castus, Curcuma longa, Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale, Trigonella foenum-graecum and Paeonia lactiflora) against IA28. Twenty-four (24) bioactive compounds were selected and screened while Ulipristal Acetate (UPA) was utilized as the control drug. The PubChem identification number and canonical SMILES of the phytocompounds and that of UPA were obtained using the PubChem online server. Drug-likeness screening and molecular docking analyses were carried out using web-based tools (SwissADME, AutoDock Vina, and Molinspiration). The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profiles of the ligands were evaluated using ADMETlab. Out of the total phytocompounds, eleven passed the drug-likeness screening. However, only Casticin, Curcumin, Demethoxycurcumin, Bisdemethoxycurcumin, Cyclocurcumin, and Gingerol had higher binding energy of -7.6, -7.0, -7.5, -7.4, -8.0, and − 7.0 kcal/mol, respectively than the control drug (-6.7 kcal/mol) while Shogaol, and Gingerdiol had similar binding energy with the UPA. ADMET profiling predicted that the lead ligands with higher binding energy except Casticin and Gingerol were non-carcinogenic. Our study revealed that eleven phytocompounds had the potential to be used as antifibroid agents; however, six lead ligands were predicted to be more effective than the control drug.
Comparison of ZIF-14 (qtz) and a One-pot Synthesized Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide/ZIF-14 (qtz) Composite for the Adsorption of Diclofenac
Authors: Ramírez Erick , Carmona-Pérez Daniela , Marco J. F. , Sanchez-Lievanos Karla R. , Sabinas-Hernández Sergio A. , Knowles Kathryn E. , Elizalde-González María P. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The global presence of pharmaceutical pollutants in water sources represents a burgeoning public health concern. Recent studies underscore the urgency of addressing this class of emerging contaminants. In this context, our work focuses on synthesizing a composite material, FexOy/ZIF-14 (qtz), through a streamlined one-pot reaction process, as an adsorbent for diclofenac, an emerging environmental contaminant frequently found in freshwater environments and linked to potential toxicity towards several organisms such as fish and mussels. A thorough characterization was performed to elucidate the structural composition of the composite. The material presents magnetic properties attributed to its superparamagnetic behavior, which facilitates the recovery efficiency of the composite post-diclofenac adsorption. Our study further involves a comparative analysis between the FexOy/ZIF-14 (qtz) and a non-magnetic counterpart, comprised solely of 2-ethylimidazolate zinc polymer. This comparison aims to discern the relative advantages and disadvantages of incorporating magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in the contaminant removal process facilitated by a coordination polymer. Our findings reveal that even a minimal incorporation of iron oxide nanoparticles substantially enhanced the composite’s overall performance in pollutant adsorption.
Investigating the neuroprotective effects of Telmisartan using the lipopolysaccharide rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: sudqi mohammad , Abuirmeileh Amjad N. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Neuroinflammation has been reported to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). The potential neuroprotective action of the Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) telmisartan was investigated in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) rat model of PD.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of telmisartan on the LPS rat model of PD.
Method: Using stereotaxic surgery, LPS was injected into the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Rats were assessed behaviorally by apomorphine rotation test, neurochemical tests to measure dopamine concentrations using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrochemical Detector (HPLC-ECD) and the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) concentrations.
Results: A reduction in apomorphine induced rotations following administration of telmisartan as compared to the untreated lesioned group was shown, striatal dopamine concentrations were markedly higher in LPS + telmisartan treated rats versus LPS group. Lesioned groups that was treated with telmisartan either before or after surgery displayed a significant reduction in BDNF and TNF-α levels in comparison to LPS only group.
Conclusion: Telmisartan has a neuroprotective properties which can protect dopaminergic neurons and has the ability to alleviate and delay the pathophysiological process of PD and to reduce the inflammatory response.
Concussions and Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Is there a correlation?
Authors: Hancock Mack , Sorrento Gianluca , Tang-Wai David , Tator Charles H , Tartaglia Carmela , Fasano Alfonso 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is an adult-onset communicating hydrocephalus characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Idiopathic NPH (iNPH) is often underdiagnosed, and clear causes are not identified. Few studies have explored the potential link between iNPH and concussions despite that these entities share many pathophysiological traits.
Methods.
56 consecutive iNPH patients were assessed by means of the Ohio State University TBI-ID and Brain Injury Screening Questionnaire designed by the Icahn School of Medicine and were compared to 40 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and 40 healthy controls (HC).
Results.
76.8% of iNPH patients reported at least one minor head trauma throughout their lifetime when compared to 47.5% and 25.0% of patients diagnosed with PD and HC, respectively.
Conclusions.
Our findings indicate a possible association between TBI/concussion and iNPH, an association that warrants further investigation.
1H NMR metabolomics analysis of leaf tissue from oil palms against Ganoderma boninense
Authors: Rahmadi Hernawan Yuli , Syukur Muhamad , Widodo Widodo , Suwarno Willy Bayuardi , Wening Sri , Nugroho Syarul , Simamora Arfan Nazhri 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Breeding for oil palm resistance against basal stem rot caused by Ganoderma boninense is challenging and lengthy. Advanced oil palm gene pools are very limited hence it is assumed that parental palms have experienced genetic drift and lost their resistance genes against Ganoderma. High-throughput selection criteria should be developed. Metabolomic analysis using 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is known to be easy to prepare and the produced metabolite could be used as a diagnostic tool for disease incidents in various host-pathogen combinations.
Objectives
The study objective is to identify metabolite variations of Dura (D) and Pisifera (P) parental palms with different resistance against Ganoderma and moderately resistant Tenera (DxP) using 1H NMR analysis
Methods
Leaf tissues of seven different oil palm categories consisting of: resistant, moderate, and susceptible Dura (D), moderate and susceptible Pisifera (P), resistant Tenera/Pisifera (T/P) progenies, and moderately resistant DxP variety progenies were sampled and determined their metabolites using NMR spectroscopy.
Results
Twenty-nine types of metabolites were identified and most of the metabolites fall in the monosaccharides, amino acid, and fatty acids compound classes. The PCA, PLS-DA, and heatmap multivariate analysis indicated that there were two identified groups of resistances based on their metabolites. The first group consisted of resistant T/P, moderate P, resistant D, and moderately resistant DxP. In contrast, the second group consisted of susceptible P, moderate D, and susceptible D. Glycerol and ascorbic acid were detected as a biomarker candidate by OPLS-DA to differentiate moderately resistant DxP against susceptible D and P. The pathway analysis suggested that the glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism were involved in the oil palm defense mechanism against Ganoderma.
Conclusion
Metabolomic study with 1H NMR was able to describe the metabolites composition that could differentiate the characteristics of oil palm resistance against basal stem rot caused by Ganoderma boninense. These metabolites revealed in this study had enormous potential to become support tools to breed new oil palm varieties with higher resistance against basal stem rot.
Physical and Thermomechanical Characterization of Unidirectional Helicteres isora fiber-reinforced Polylactic Acid Bio-composites
Authors: Acharya Prashantha , Pai Dayananda , Padmaraj N H , Mahesha G T 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Identifying novel cellulose fiber bio-composites has become a vital initiative in the exploration of sustainable materials due to increased global concern for the environment. This growing focus on eco-friendly materials has gathered significant attention in recent years. The current investigation deals with one such material, Helicteres isora reinforced Polylactic acid composites. Surface chemical treatment of fiber is one of the most effective methods to modify the hydrophilic fiber to increase its compatibility with the polymer matrix. Sodium hydroxide was used as a pre-treatment chemical to remove any impurities from the fiber surface. Pre-treated fibers were treated with Methacryl silane and Potassium permanganate solution to chemically modify the fiber surface. Density, void content and water absorption behavior of the composites were analyzed as per the standard procedure. Tensile and flexural tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical strength, modulus, and flexibility of the unidirectional composites. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses were performed to investigate the thermal stability, melting behavior and degradation profiles of prepared composites. A study of failure mechanisms and morphology of the fractured surface through photographs and SEM images revealed fiber splitting and delamination as the dominant reasons behind the failure of composites under tensile loading. Silane-treated Helicteres isora fiber-reinforced Polylactic acid composite exhibited lower water absorption and higher tensile strength than its counterparts. Untreated fiber composite showed maximum flexural strength among the tested composites. By collectively evaluating the results of the tests and properties of the composites, silane-treated fiber-reinforced Polylactic acid composites stands out as the most favorable choice.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus among clinically suspected patients visiting Guhalla Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Belete Debaka , Fekadie Engidayehu , Kassaw Melkamu , Fenta Melaku , Jegnie Azanu , Mulu Tigist , Assefa Muluneh , Adane Gashaw , Abebe Wondwossen , Amare Azanaw 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in countries with limited resources. The two hepatitropic viruses have common mode of transmission. Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C virus are the main causes of Cirrhosis, liver cancer and death.Therefore,the aim of this study was to determine the Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus among clinically suspected patients at Guhalla Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods
A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted at Guhalla Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. The study included serology registration logbook data from all patients who visited the hospital and were tested using a rapid test kit between September 1st, 2017 to August 30, 2021. Data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Bivariate analysis was computed and a multivariable analysis was conducted to provide an adjusted odds ratio (AOR). P-value < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.
Results
In this study, a total of 883(883 for HBV and 366 for HCV) study participants were included. The overall prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV were 124/883(14%) and 73/366 (19.9%), respectively. The prevalence of HBV and HCV among males from the total HBV and HCV screened was 70/410 (17.1%) and 53/366(14.4%) respectively. In this study, Being female (AOR = 1.53, 95%CI = 1.03–2.27, p = 0.003) and age group of 31–40 years (AOR:2.85;95% CI: 1.56,5.17, p = 0.001) were statistically significant factors to HBV infection. Similarly, being female (AOR = 1.97, 95%CI = 1.10–3.53, p = 0.02), age group of 21–30 years (AOR:2.71;95% CI: 1.15,6.40, p = 0.02) and age group greater than 40 years (AOR:3.13;95% CI: 1.31,7.44, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with HCV infection.
Conclusion and recommendation
: In our study, High seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection was detected among clinically suspected patients. Females and the age groups between 31–40 were more affected. Community awareness of the prevention and transmission of viral hepatitis infection should be strengthened through herd immunization and health education. The prospect study should be conducted in this area.
Innovative smart cards operating system for electronic identification applications – implementation in the Common Criteria regime
Authors: Bronk Krzysztof , Koncicki Patryk , Lipka Adam , Wereszko Kacper 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
As part of the work in the IDSoC project, an innovative framework, using a specialized integrated circuit and software, has been designed, to perform various cryptographic functions, particularly dedicated for use in electronic identification systems with a high level of confidence. All the activities have been carried out in the Common Criteria (CC) regime with the target EAL4+ level, which had a significant impact on the entire organization of work in the project. It is the authors’ goal that once the project’s outputs are finalized, they will successfully undergo the Common Criteria evaluation and certification.
This article describes in detail how software component of the dedicated framework was developed – with a particular attention paid to the aspects resulting from the CC requirements. The standards on which the simulator implementation process was based, as well as the assumptions necessary for its initial development phase, are discussed here. It also describes the entire communication process from the first exchange of messages between the card and the inspection system to the end of the message exchange procedure. The paper consists of five parts, starting with an overview of the Common Criteria requirements relevant to this work. After that, the requirements for the inspection system, which is a necessary element for card-terminal communication, have been specified. The implementation concept of the communication simulator was presented along with the discussion of its modules. The methodology of testing the simulator was also introduced. Finally, plans for further development of the project product are described.