bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating equity of access and predictors of minimally invasive hysterectomy for endometrial and cervical cancer from 2000 to 2017 in Ontario, Canada: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: McGinnis Justin M. , Pond Gregory R. , Reade Clare J. , Schnarr Kara L. , Simunovic Marko , Elit Lorraine M. , Seow Hsien‐Yeang , Helpman Limor 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionWe sought to assess the uptake of minimally invasive hysterectomy among patients with endometrial and cervical cancer in Ontario, Canada, and assess the equity of access to minimally invasive surgery (MIS) by evaluating associations with patient, disease, institutional, and provider factors.MethodsThis is a retrospective population‐based cohort study of hysterectomy for endometrial and cervical cancer in Ontario (2000–2017). Surgical approach, clinicopathologic, sociodemographic, institutional, and provider factors were identified through administrative databases. Fisher's exact, χ2, Wilcoxon rank sum, logistic regression, and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to explore factors associated with MIS.ResultsA total of 27 652 patients were included. In total, 6199/24 264 (26%) endometrial and 842/3388 (25%) cervical cancer patients received MIS. The proportion of MIS to open surgeries increased from <0.1% in 2000 to over 55% in 2017 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.31, confidence interval [CI] = 1.28–1.34). Low‐income quintile, rurality, low hospital volume, nonacademic hospital, nongynecologic oncology surgeon, and earlier year of surgeon graduation were associated with reduced odds of MIS (OR < 1).ConclusionsThe uptake of MIS hysterectomy increased steadily over the time period. Receipt of MIS is dependent upon multiple social determinants, provider variables, and systems factors. These disparities raise concern for health equity in Ontario and have significant implications for health systems planning and resource allocation.
The Role of Bilateral Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block in Managing Refractory Chronic Cough
Authors: Quinton Brooke A. , Tierney William S. , Benninger Michael S. , Nelson Rebecca C. , Gau Victoria L. , Hrelec Candace M. , Bryson Paul C. 
Published: September 2023

Objective(s)The aim was to investigate the utilization and efficacy of bilateral superior laryngeal nerve block in patients with refractory chronic cough.MethodsA retrospective chart review of 164 patients with refractory chronic cough who underwent bilateral SLN block at a single institution between November 2018 and September 2022 was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, and patient‐reported outcomes including pre‐ and postinjection Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) scores were collected and analyzed.ResultsThe cohort underwent an average of 2.97 bilateral injections (range 1–22), containing either corticosteroid and local anesthetic or corticosteroid alone. Notably, 116 of 164 of patients reported an average of 67.3% reduction in their symptoms, with the treatment effect lasting 7.60 weeks on average. The average pre‐ and postinjection LCQ scores were 9.70 and 13.82, respectively. A lower LCQ score represents a greater impairment of health status due to cough, and the minimum important change is 1.3 points between questionnaires. The average improvement on LCQ following bilateral SLN block was 4.11 points for this cohort.ConclusionThe use of in‐office bilateral SLN block is an effective treatment that can be used alone or in conjunction with oral medications for the treatment of refractory chronic cough.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:1773–1777, 2024
A healthy lifestyle is a social lifestyle: The vital link between social connection and health outcomes
Authors: Proctor Andrew S. , Barth Abigail , Holt‐Lunstad Julianne 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSocial connection impacts physical health in a variety of ways, including longevity. A diverse and robust body of evidence demonstrates the importance of social connection as a key element of lifestyle relevant to health. Among this evidence, data illustrate the mechanisms linking social connection to health, emphasizing how aspects of social connection impact traditional behavioral lifestyle‐related activities directly and indirectly. The evolving landscape of social engagement through digital technologies further suggests important implications for one's social lifestyle on population health. This evidence points to the importance of considering how social connection impacts health across the lifespan and the need for policy, programming, and other strategies as part of prevention and mitigation efforts to improve social health.
Enablers for end‐user entrepreneurship: An investigation on Italian food bloggers
Authors: Cuomo Maria Teresa , Tortora Debora , Festa Giuseppe , Giordano Alex , Metallo Gerardino 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis article examines unconventional entrepreneurship (accidental or end‐user entrepreneurs) to determine whether the decision‐making phase of the entrepreneurial process is collective. The analysis identified a virtuous circle that links knowledge, innovation, judgment, and decision making to collective interactions built on passion, experience, and sharing. To study food bloggers as unconventional user entrepreneurs, data were collected and analyzed using netnographic analysis. A supplementary online survey of food bloggers and their followers was also performed. Three groups of food bloggers are identified: amusing, functional, and fervent. Only fervent food bloggers, thanks to the virtuous circle built on passion, experience, and sharing as enablers, can be considered accidental or end‐user entrepreneurs.
Comprehensive evaluation of serum circHAS2 as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer
Authors: Ma Shuo , Yao Yuming , Xu Yanhua , Zou Mingyuan , Zhou Meiling , Abudushalamu Gulinaizhaer , Chen Yaya , Cai Shijie , Zhang Chen , Wu Guoqiu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe diagnosis and screening indicators for gastric cancer (GC) are not satisfactory, resulting in a large number of GC patients being missed and missing the best treatment time. Due to the special structure of circular RNAs (circRNAs), they have a more accurate and powerful ability to detect tumor occurrence. In addition, circHAS2 has been found to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells. Therefore, this study explored the potential of circHAS2 as a biomarker for GC. The expression level of circHAS2 in the specimens was detected by real‐time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The molecular characteristics of circHAS2 were verified by agarose gel electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing. The feasibility of the circHAS2 detection method was verified by room temperature placement and repeated freezing and thawing. The diagnostic effect of circHAS2 on GC was evaluated by receiver‐operating curve analysis. The correlation between circHAS2 expression level and clinical pathological parameters was analyzed using the χ2‐test. Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis was used to analyze the survival situation of the circHAS2 high‐ and low‐expression group. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the influencing factors of prognosis in GC patients. CircHAS2 in cells can be secreted into the blood, and its expression level is significantly upregulated in the serum of patients with GC. The expression level of circHAS2 is correlated with the tissue differentiation, tumor node metastasis staging, classification, and lymph node metastasis of GC patients. CircHAS2 can effectively identify GC and even early GC. In addition, the expression levels of circHAS2 in postoperative GC patients significantly decreased and returned to normal after the second stage of chemotherapy. Finally, the circHAS2 low‐expression group had better survival. The upregulated expression of circHAS2 in the serum of GC patients can effectively identify GC and early GC and can be used for effective monitoring of the prognosis of GC patients. In summary, circHAS2 can be used as an effective diagnostic and prognostic marker for GC.
Organ‐aware CBCT enhancement via dual path learning for prostate cancer treatment
Authors: Chen Xu , Pang Yunkui , Ahmad Sahar , Royce Trevor , Wang Andrew , Lian Jun , Yap Pew‐Thian 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundCone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) plays a crucial role in the intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) of prostate cancer. However, poor image contrast and fuzzy organ boundaries pose challenges to precise targeting for dose delivery and plan reoptimization for adaptive therapy.PurposeIn this work, we aim to enhance pelvic CBCT images by translating them to high‐quality CT images with a particular focus on the anatomical structures important for radiotherapy.MethodsWe develop a novel dual‐path learning framework, covering both global and local information, for organ‐aware enhancement of the prostate, bladder and rectum. The global path learns coarse inter‐modality translation at the image level. The local path learns organ‐aware translation at the regional level. This dual‐path learning architecture can serve as a plug‐and‐play module adaptable to other medical image‐to‐image translation frameworks.ResultsWe evaluated the performance of the proposed method both quantitatively and qualitatively. The training dataset consists of unpaired 40 CBCT and 40 CT scans, the validation dataset consists of 5 paired CBCT‐CT scans, and the testing dataset consists of 10 paired CBCT‐CT scans. The peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) between enhanced CBCT and reference CT images is 27.22 ± 1.79, and the structural similarity (SSIM) between enhanced CBCT and the reference CT images is 0.71 ± 0.03. We also compared our method with state‐of‐the‐art image‐to‐image translation methods, where our method achieves the best performance. Moreover, the statistical analysis confirms that the improvements achieved by our method are statistically significant.ConclusionsThe proposed method demonstrates its superiority in enhancing pelvic CBCT images, especially at the organ level, compared to relevant methods.
Mechanical properties and oxidative ablation behaviors of polysilazane‐modified phenolic resin aerogel/carbon fiber fabric composites
Authors: You Qi , Liu Gang , Zhong Ya , Xu Huanhuan , Zhang Xuanfeng , Shang Sisi , Yuan Man , Cui Sheng , Shen Xiaodong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractNanoporous composites have been extensively applied in aerospace applications for their outstanding thermal insulation and ablation resistance. A ceramizable polysilazane (PSZ)‐modified phenolic resin (PSZ‐PR)/carbon fiber fabric (PSZ‐PR/CF) aerogel composite was synthesized through ambient pressure drying (APD). The homogeneous nanopore structure and improved thermal stability of the PSZ‐PR aerogel matrix provided the composites with good performance (thermal conductivity as low as 0.126 W/(m·K)). The PSZ‐PR/CF composites achieved high compressive strength (up to 43.75 MPa), tensile strength (59.22–124.75 MPa), and bending strength (23.35–97.94 MPa). Furthermore, the generation of ceramization products during the oxyacetylene flame ablation process, specifically SiC and Si3N4, enhanced the ablation resistance of PSZ‐PR/CF composites: the linear ablation rates are as low as 0.112 and 0.018 mm/s at 4.18 MW/m2 (20 s) and 1.20 MW/m2 (120 s) of oxyacetylene heat flow, respectively. The corresponding maximum back temperatures are only 51.0°C and 60.3°C. Notably, the carbon/ceramic network is still present in the ablation layer to protect the carbon fibers from oxidation. This ceramizable PSZ‐PR/CF composite has good potential for application in the field of thermal protection.Highlights
PSZ improves thermal stability and ablation properties of PSZ‐PR/CF.
The PSZ‐PR/CF composites exhibit excellent mechanical and ablation properties.
The ceramic products improve the scouring resistance of aerogel matrixes.
The ceramizable PSZ‐PR/CF was prepared by low‐cost ambient pressure drying.
Changes in molecular relaxations and network properties of a triaromatic liquid crystal epoxy resin with nonterminal functional groups
Authors: Włodarska Magdalena , Mossety‐Leszczak Beata , Kisiel Maciej , Zając Weronika , Okrasa Lidia 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTwo types of liquid crystal epoxy precursors and corresponding epoxy‐amine networks are investigated in this paper. The epoxy groups are non‐terminal in one of the monomers (NTEM) and terminal in the other one (MU22). Both monomers contain the same mesogen and exhibit liquid crystal properties. Structural differences between the carbon chains affect physical properties of the monomers and the products of curing, which involves a typical diamine—DDM (4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane). Phase transition temperatures, conditions of the curing reaction and glass transition temperatures in the cured products are determined through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical observations (POM) and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS). The modification of the carbon chains affects the phase transition temperatures, dielectric response, and the glass transition in the cured products. The dielectric response of NTEM monomer reveals two relaxation processes (β and γ) associated with molecular motions of polar groups in the mesogen (β‐process) and in the carbon chains (γ‐process). In contrast, MU22 only displays a similar β‐process. A segmental α‐process related to structural reorientation (connected with glass transition) appears in both cured products, but in NTEM the glass transition temperature is significantly lower. Local relaxations in the epoxy networks match the corresponding processes in their respective precursors.
Psychosocial care for cancer survivors: A global review of national cancer control plans
Authors: Mullen Louise , Signorelli Christina , Nekhlyudov Larissa , Jacobsen Paul B. , Gitonga Isaiah , Estapé Tania , Lim Høeg Beverley , Miles Anne , Sade Cristina , Mazariego Carolyn , Degi Csaba L. , Howard Fuchsia , Manne Sharon , Travado Luzia , Jefford Michael ,   International Psycho‐Oncology Society Survivorship Special Interest Group
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveNational Cancer Control Plans (NCCPs) are high‐level policy documents that prioritise actions to be taken to improve cancer control activities. As the number of cancer survivors grows globally, there is an urgent need to assess whether and how psychosocial care across the cancer care continuum is included in NCCPs. This review aimed to ascertain the extent to which NCCPs referenced psycho‐oncology care for cancer survivors in the post‐treatment phase.MethodsNCCPs were obtained from the International Cancer Control Partnership (ICCP) portal (in November 2021) and reviewed in two phases. In Phase 1, all available NCCPs were screened to determine whether they mentioned psycho‐oncology or survivorship. In Phase 2, reviewers extracted data from the NCCPs identified in Phase 1 on the degree that each plan articulated objectives/goals to improve psychosocial care in the post‐treatment survivorship phase.ResultsWe screened 237 NCCPs. Of these, initial potential reference to psycho‐oncology and survivorship content were identified in 97 plans (41%). In Phase 1, 57/97 (59%) had reference to psycho‐oncology or survivorship content within defined criteria. In Phase 2, 27/97 (28%) had little mention of psycho‐oncology specifically in survivorship, 47/97 (48%) had some (general or brief) mention, and the remaining 23/97 (24%) had substantial content/specific sections and clearly articulated goals and/or objectives. Common goals for improving psychosocial care in the post‐treatment period included building capacity of healthcare professionals, implementing rehabilitation models, and increasing the utilisation of community services.ConclusionsMost NCCPs did not reference psycho‐oncology and only one‐quarter contained clear objectives specifically in the post‐treatment survivorship phase.
Clinical determinants for State–Trait Anxiety Inventory of the parents of children with respiratory problems
Authors: Boonjindasup Wicharn , Marchant Julie M. , McElrea Margaret S. , Yerkovich Stephanie T. , Newcombe Peter A. , Chang Anne B. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundsUnderstanding factors associated with anxiety of parents/carers of children with respiratory problems is clinically important yet there is relative paucity of data. In 106 children seen in the respiratory clinic of a pediatric hospital, we evaluated (a) the determinants for parental anxiety and (b) whether the anxiety scores correlate with quality‐of‐life (QoL) scores in the subset with chronic cough.MethodsWe opportunistically re‐analyzed data of our main study that examined the benefits of using spirometry for pediatric respiratory consultation where parents completed an anxiety questionnaire (State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI) pre‐ and postconsultation. A subset (children with chronic cough) also completed the parent‐proxy quality‐of‐life (PC‐QoL) tool. We computed the association between clinical characteristics and anxiety scores using multivariable regression and between the two patient‐reported outcome measures using Spearman's correlation.ResultsThe majority of parents/carers were women (n = 89, 84%). Most children (mean age = 10.9 years, SD = 3.7 years) were previously seen at the clinic (n = 67, 63.2%). In multivariate regression, parental anxiety score was significantly associated with reported presence of cough [coefficient β = 17.31 (95% confidence interval 9.62, 25.1)] and lower forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) [−3.88 (−7.05, −0.71)] at preconsultation, but associated with cough only [coefficient β = 12.04 (5.24, 18.84)] at postconsultation, all p < .05. STAI strongly correlated with PC‐QoL scores at pre‐ but only modestly at postconsultation (rs = −.63 and −.39, respectively, p < .05).ConclusionParental anxiety levels of children attending respiratory clinics are influenced by the presence of cough and low FEV1/FVC of their child and are associated with poorer QoL. These highlight the need for on‐going research to reduce parental anxiety focusing on cough and lung function indices.
Empathy in group musical performance: A review of the literature
Authors: Davila‐Barrio Pablo , Arriaga Cristina , Cabedo‐Mas Alberto 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEmpathy plays a fundamental role in the prosocial development of young people today as an essential skill for interacting with other human beings. Music, particularly in a small group set up, offers a fitting context for its development. This article presents a review of the different studies and investigations that examine the effects that the development of empathic capacity can produce in small group instrumental practice, the capacity of empathy to induce modifications in the final result of a small group musical interpretation, and empathy and its relationship with small group musical interpretation from the field of education. The aim of this article is to review and analyse literature on how empathy is researched in the context of small group (between 2 and 10 individuals) music performance in order to enquire if the empathic ability constitutes a basic and decisive foundation in the development of multiple actions executed jointly with other individuals. For that purpose, different aspects are analysed: (1) definition of empathy and how it is measured; (2) the instruments used for its measurement; (3) the characteristics of the participants in the studies and their level of music experience; and (4) the type of activities undertaken. The analysis of the results indicates that defining empathy in this context is an ongoing process, and the concept is measured by standardised and ad hoc tests. It also shows that the type of studies and activities are related to the discipline in which they are carried out. Notably, there is a lack of studies regarding the field of study and the age and the level of musical experience of the performers.
Context and implicationsRationale for this studyEmpathy is considered a fundamental social ability to communicate. This review aims to analyse how empathy is researched in the context of a small music group set up in order to explore the state of empathy in group music performance and its benefits of developing social and emotional abilities in music students.Why the new findings matterThis review provides details of research that reports the benefits of promoting empathy in a small music group set up and presents evidence that there are no standard ways of researching empathy in this sphere.Implications for researchers and music educatorsThe emerging findings of this review affirm that promoting empathy in the context of a small music group set up affects students' social and emotional abilities. However, there is still no consensus of a standardised way to research empathy. The implications extend to researchers, who need to do more investigations on empathy not only in the sphere of music performance or music education but also in other spheres in order to narrow a way of standardising methods to research empathy. Moreover, this review is a call for all music educators, to implement and develop empathy through their daily educational strategies.
Environmental commitment, sustainable development, and regional efficiency in waste collection activities
Authors: Alberca Pilar , Parte Laura 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWaste management industry is key to achieve environmental commitment, clean production, and Circular business models; as well as to promote sustainable development. The aim of this study is to contribute to the Circular Economy measuring business performance and firm efficiency of waste collection activities and their determinants, with emphasis on sustainable development and environmental challenges. The main research goals of this study are as follows: first, to examine firm efficiency scores in waste collection activity (dangerous and non‐dangerous waste); second, to analyze the main fluctuation patterns of business efficiency; third, to evaluate the differences in the average efficiency according to region; finally, to examine the relationship between efficiency score and environmental challenges (investment in environmental protection and COVID‐19 pandemic impact). The efficiency of firms is estimated using non‐parametric production frontiers in a sample of 5441 observations for the period 2010–2020. We used several non‐parametric tests, such as the Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal–Wallis test; as well as several regression models (Tobit and bootstrapping regressions) to test the relationship between efficiency scores and environmental variables. The main findings of this study provide new empirical evidence and go a step further, not only at the firm level, but also at the regional level.
Smaller Gold Nanoparticles Release DNA More Efficiently During fs Laser Pulsed Optical Heating
Authors: Hastman David A. , Oh Eunkeu , Melinger Joseph S. , Green Christopher M. , Thielemann Aaron J. P. , Medintz Igor L. , Díaz Sebastián A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis work investigates the effect of plasmonic gold nanoparticle (AuNP) size on the rate of thermal release of single‐stranded oligonucleotides under femtosecond (fs)‐pulsed laser irradiation sources. Contrary to the theoretical predictions that larger AuNPs (50–60 nm diameter) would produce the most solution heating and fastest DNA release, it is found that smaller AuNP diameters (25 nm) lead to faster dsDNA denaturation rates. Controlling for the pulse energy fluence, AuNP concentration, DNA loading density, and the distance from the AuNP surface finds the same result. These results imply that the solution temperature increases around the AuNP during fs laser pulse optical heating may not be the only significant influence on dsDNA denaturation, suggesting that direct energy transfer from the AuNP to the DNA (phonon–phonon coupling), which is increased as AuNPs decrease in size, may play a significant role.