bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Prevalence and Correlates of Diabetes Distress among South Asians Living in New York City (NYC): Baseline Results from a Randomized Trial
Authors: Mohsin Farhan , Wyatt Laura , Belli Hayley , Ali Shahmir , Onakomaiya Deborah , Misra Supriya , Yusuf Yousra , Mammen Shinu , Zanowiak Jennifer , Hussain Sarah , Zafar Haroon , Lim Sahnah , Islam Nadia , Ahmed Naheed 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) disproportionately affects South Asians in the United States (US). Living with T2D can be challenging due to the distress it can create for an individual. Distress associated with diabetes, commonly known as diabetes distress (DD), may lead to complications and challenges with the management of diabetes. This study aims to describe the prevalence of DD among a sample of South Asians in New York City (NYC) seeking care in community-based primary care settings and its association with sociodemographic characteristics and clinical measures.
Methods: This study utilized baseline data from the Diabetes Research, Education, and Action for Minorities (DREAM) Initiative, an intervention designed to reduce hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) among South Asians with uncontrolled T2D in NYC. DD was measured using the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS). First, descriptive statistics were used to analyze sociodemographic variables. Chi-square tests assessed categorical variables and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests assessed continuous variables using a Type I error rate of 0.05. Logistic regression was performed to determine if HbA1c and mental health, along with other covariates, were associated with dichotomized DDS subscales.
Results: Overall, 415 participants completed the DDS at baseline. Median age was 56 years (IQR: 48-62). A total of 25.9% had high emotional burden distress, 6.6% had high physician-related distress, and 22.2% had high regimen-related distress based on subscales. In adjusted analyses, individuals with any days of poor mental health had significantly higher odds of overall distress (OR:3.7, p=0.014), emotional burden distress (OR:4.9, p<0.001), and physician-related distress (OR:5.0, p=0.002) compared to individuals with no days of poor mental health. Individuals with higher HbA1c had significantly higher odds of regimen-related distress (OR:1.31, p=0.007).
Conclusions: Findings suggest that DD is prevalent among this sample of South Asians with diagnosed T2D in NYC. Screening for DD in patients with prediabetes/diabetes should be considered by providers to help provide mental and physical health services during primary care visits. Future research can also benefit from a longitudinal analysis of the impact of DD on diabetes self-management, medication adherence, and mental and physical health.
Trial registration: This study uses baseline data from “Diabetes Management Intervention For South Asians” (NCT03333044), which was registered with clinicaltrials.gov on 6/11/2017.
Regional nodal irradiation for breast cancer using volumetric modulated arc therapy: Echocardiographic functional outcomes
Authors: Yu Anthony , White Charlie , Zhang Zhigang , Liu Jennifer , Gillespie Erin , McCormick Beryl , Khan Atif , Steingart Richard , Powell Simon , Cahlon Oren , Braunstein Lior 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Introduction Regional nodal irradiation (RNI) for breast cancer yields improvements in disease outcomes, yet comprehensive target coverage often increases cardiac radiation (RT) dose. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) may mitigate high-dose cardiac exposure, although often increases the volume of low-dose exposure. The cardiac implications of this dosimetric configuration (in contrast to historic 3D conformal techniques) remains uncertain.
Methods Eligible patients receiving adjuvant RNI using VMAT for locoregional breast cancer were prospectively enrolled on an IRB-approved study. Echocardiograms were performed prior to RT, at the conclusion of RT, and 6-months following RT. Echocardiographic parameters were measured by a single reader (AY) and measures were compared pre- and post-RT via the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Changes in echocardiographic parameters over time were compared to mean and max heart doses via the Spearman correlation test.
Results Among 19 evaluable patients (median age 38), 89% (n=17) received doxorubicin and 37% (n=7) received trastuzumab/pertuzumab combination therapy. All patients received VMAT-based whole-breast/chest-wall and regional nodal irradiation. Average mean heart dose was 456cGy (range 187–697cGy) and average max heart dose was 3001cGy (1560-4793cGy). Among salient echocardiographic parameters, no significant decrement in cardiac function was observed when comparing pre-RT to 6-months post-RT: mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 61.8 (SD 4.4) pre-RT and 62.7 (SD 3.8) 6-months post-RT (p=0.493); mean global longitudinal strain (GLS) was -19.3 (SD 2.2) pre-RT and -19.6 (SD 1.8) 6-months post-RT (p=0.627). No individual patient exhibited reduced LVEF or sustained decrement in GLS. No correlations were observed for changes in LVEF or GLS when compared to mean or maximum heart doses (p>0.1 for all).
Conclusions VMAT for left-sided RNI yielded no significant early decrement in echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function, including LVEF and GLS. No patient exhibited significant LVEF changes, and none exhibited sustained decrements in GLS. VMAT may be a reasonable approach to cardiac avoidance in patients requiring RNI, including those receiving anthracyclines and HER2-directed therapy. Larger cohorts with longer follow-up will be needed to validate these findings.
Characterization of Firmiana danxiaensis chloroplast genomes and comparative analysis of Firmiana: insight into its adaptive evolution and phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Li Ya-li , Nie Li-yun , Deng Shuang-wen , Duan Lei , Wang Zheng-feng , Charboneau Joseph L.M. , Ho Boon-Chuan , Chen Hong-feng 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Firmiana danxiaensis is a critically endangered and ecologically important tree currently only found in four locations in Danxia or Karst habitats in northern Guangdong Province, China. The specialized habitat preference makes it an ideal model species for study of adaptive evolution. Therefore, we sequenced its complete chloroplast (cp) genome from four locations and conducted comparative genomics analyses at both interspecific and intrageneric levels.
Results
The F. danxiaensis cp genomes are about 160,972 bp in size, with 112 unique genes encoded. The genomes revealed higher biased codon preferences in Karst habitat than those in Danxia habitats. Eighteen and 11 divergent hotpots were identified at interspecific and intrageneric levels, respectively. Selection pressure analysis revealed that Ka/Ks values of F. danxiaensis cp genomes were less than one at the interspecific level. Seven (clpP, accD, ccsA, ndhH, rpl20, rpoC2, and rps4) positively selected genes were identified when comparing F. danxiaensis cp genomes to Sterculia monosperma and other Firmiana species, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that F. danxiaensis is sister to F. major and F. simplex. However, our cp genomes did not cluster phylogenetically according to their habitat types.
Conclusions
The F. danxiaensis cp genomes reveal both possible environmental associated adaptation and random genetic effects in the species, which encourages further integration of geographical distances, environmental factors, and SNPs on the adaptive evolution study of F. danxiaensis.
Detection of Environmental Toxins in Mixed Matrices of Tap Water, Soil, Food Waste, Serum and Milk using Hememics Biosensor
Authors: Aithal Srivatsa , Gupta Sujasha , Duong Khanh , Kumar Ankit , Ho Nathan , Liu Dong Dong , Warden John , Ho David Huy 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Exposure to toxins can lead to a wide range of adverse health effects, including respiratory problems, neurological disorders, cancer, and reproductive issues. Toxins can come from various sources, such as industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and household chemicals. Therefore, detecting and monitoring toxins in the environment is crucial for protecting human health and the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of Hememics biosensor system in detecting environmental toxins such as Ricin and Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in mixed matrixes. When Ricin and SEB are spiked into soil, chopped lettuce, tap water, milk and serum, the biosensor was able to detect these toxins, without sample processing, at a level of detection comparable to lab testing with high sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, Hememics biosensor system is designed to be network-enabled, which means that results can be transmitted to relevant agencies for quick decisions. This feature is crucial in cases where quick action is needed to prevent further contamination or exposure to harmful toxins.
Using eye movement sequences and hidden Markov model to explore strategy blending in metadata-supported image search
Authors: Lin Yi-Ling , Chan Yao-Cheng 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This study explores users’ search strategies associated with different information aids in an image search context. We investigate "strategy blending", i.e., the mixture of different strategies (tag-based and header-based) in a display with both possibilities. Using eye-movement-recordings, supported by Hidden Markov Model (HMM) modeling, we attempt to reveal strategies and tactics as well as the blending of different strategies. The findings make theoretical contributions to the literature on strategy blending and information seeking behavior and provide practitioners with guidelines on metadata support for website design to enhance the user experience and meet user needs. In our understanding of this domain, we are the first to bridge strategies in decision making to search strategies with actual users instead of using mere simulation. Strategy blending can be explained by investigating user search behavior in an image search context. HMMs can be used to discover latent search tactics, and user eye movement sequences reveal different types of strategy blending. For practical design in the context of image search, metadata is indeed useful to assist image search as a navigation support, and represents a better chance to fulfill the information needs of users. Responding to the emerging digital environment and the new paradigm of people’s search behavior with various devices, these results can be generalized to other research fields, such as mobile system design or user modeling, to satisfy various users with different needs.
Encephalartos villosus associated bacterial communities and extracellular enzymes improve soil nutrition in rhizosphere soils in forest ecosystem soils
Authors: Motsomane Nqobile , Suinyuy Terence N. , Magadlela Anathi 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose

Cycads are the only known gymnosperms associated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria housed in coralloid roots. Plant-associated bacteria, soil bacteria, and extracellular enzymes play a significant role in nutrient cycling. This study isolated and identified culturable bacteria in Encephalartos villosus coralloid roots, rhizosphere, and non-rhizosphere soils and investigated the role of soil bacteria and associated enzyme activities on soil nutrition in forest ecosystem soils in Rhebu and Oceanview, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Methods

Encephalartos villosus coralloid roots were collected from mature cycad individuals for bacterial extraction and identification. Soil samples from E. villosus rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils were collected for bacterial identification, extracellular enzyme activity analysis, and soil characteristics (nutrient concentrations, pH, total cation, and exchange acidity).

Results

The bacteria isolated from the coralloid roots of E. villosus growing in Rhebu and Oceanview belonged to the Bacillus, Enterobacter, Peribacillus, Lysinibacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Rhizobium, and Paenibacillus genera. The Pseudomonas, Paraburkholderia, Burkholderia, Variovorax, Caballeronia, Stenotrophomonas, Novosphingobium, Caulobacter, Olivibacter, Cupriavidus, Arthrobacter, Gottfrieder, Dyella, Lysobacter, Xanthomonas, Neobacillus, Bradyrhizobium, Rhizobium, Enisfer, Chitinophaga, Paenarthrobacter, and Paenibacillus genera were isolated from rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils in Rhebu and Ocean View farm. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of soil macronutrients (N, P, K), alkaline and acid phosphatase, glucosaminidase, and nitrate reductase activity of E. villosus rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils in both localities, this may be attributed to dung and urine deposited by grazing cattle.

Conclusion

Our results show that soil bacterial communities with nutrient cycling and fixing functions may be linked to nutrient bioavailability contributing to nutrient enrichments in E. villosus rhizosphere soils.
Cross-Country Validation of the Arabic version of the WHO-5 Well-Being Index in non- clinical young adults from six Arab countries
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Cherif Wissal , Alhuwailah Amthal , Fawaz Mirna , Shuwiekh Hanaa Ahmed Mohamed , Helmy Mai , Hassan Ibrahim Hassan Mohammed , Naser Abdallah Y , Zarrouq Btissame , Chebly Marianne , El-Frenn Yara , Yazbeck Gabriella , Salameh Gaelle , Hamdan-Mansour Ayman , Radwan Eqbal , Hakiri Abir , Obeid Sahar , Cheour Majda , Hallit Souheil 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background:Subjective well-being (SWB) is a culturally-dependent and context-driven concept; It thus varies widely across- and within cultures. Therefore, cross-cultural validation studies are crucial to prove that the well-being measure covers transcultural components of the construct subjective, and can be used for cross-cultural comparison purposes in international multicenter research. In this regard, we aimed to perform a cross-country validation of the Arabic version of the WHO 5-item Well-Being Index (WHO-5) in terms of factor structure, composite reliability, cross-gender measurement invariance, and concurrent validity by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients between the WHO-5 and measures of depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal ideation and insomnia.Method:We carried-out a cross-sectional, web-based study among a total of 3247 young adults (aged 18-35 years) fromsix Arab countries (i.e., Tunisia, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Kuwait).Results:We found that WHO-5 mean scores varied significantly across countries, ranging from 32.2 ± 22.72 in Egypt to 44.2 ± 26.84 in Morocco. Confirmatory Factor Analyses showed that the fit of a one-factor model to the data proved to be acceptable in all six countries. In addition, the Arabic WHO-5 yielded high reliability coefficients in samples from each of the six countries (McDonald’s ω = 0.92-0.96) and both genders. Results from multi-group analyses demonstrated that configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported across gender in the total sample and by country. As for concurrent validity, WHO-5 scores showed a strong significant inverse correlation with depression scores. Negative correlations have also been demonstrated between WHO-5 scores and different symptoms of mental health problems (anxiety, stress, suicidal ideation, insomnia) in our sample.Conclusion:By verifying the cross-country validity of the Arabic WHO-5, our study opens its wider application to epidemiologically explore SWB among Arabic-speaking community young adults from broad geographic areas.
Health literacy as mediator between perception of illness and self-medication behaviour among outpatients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Implication to Primary Healthcare Nursing
Authors: Pasay-an Eddieson , Saguban Reynita , Cabansag Dolores , Alkubati Sameer 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

IntroductionPerception of illness (PI) and self-medication (SM) have been thoroughly explored in the existing literature. However, there is a lack of understanding about the mediating effect of health literacy on PI and SM in a non-homogenous population like Saudi Arabia. As such, primary healthcare nurses who have constant interaction with the outpatients have difficulty addressing self-medication. This study aimed to investigate health literacy as mediator between PI and SM among outpatients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional approach and was conducted at 10 major primary healthcare (PHC) clinics serving 30 million individuals in 13 different regions of KSA. The 424 outpatients who participated in this study were selected through convenience sampling. Data collection started in November 2022 and concluded in February 2023.ResultsThe mean of the BRIEF (health literacy), self-medication scale (SMS), and PI scores were 13.01 ± 3.32, 27.46 ± 7.01, and 45.56 ± 7.69, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the age and BRIEF scores (p = 0.039), and the level of education was significantly related to all variables, as were nationality and BRIEF scores (p = 0.001). Finally, occupation was significantly related to BRIEF and SMS scores (p = 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). Completing college and being non-Saudi had positively significant effects on health literacy (p < 0.01). The structural equation model (SEM) found no effect of PI on health literacy or SM behaviour (p = 0.263 and 0.84, respectively), but health literacy did have an effect on SM behaviour (p˂0.001).ConclusionOne of the most effective ways to decrease the prevalence of SM and the associated risks is for primary healthcare nurses to promote public health literacy alongside the control of other conditions.
The effect of COVID-19: To what extent does food delivery substitute eating out trips in Yogyakarta, Indonesia?
Authors: Muchlisin Muchlis , Ettema Dick 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

In Indonesia, food delivery services are dominated by ride-hailing companies that has evolved into a super-app, called ride-hailing food delivery (RHFD). Food delivery has gained increased attention during the pandemic, particularly as an alternative to eating out. The study aims to assess the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on travel and out-of-home activity by analyzing primary data collected from ride-hailing app users in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. The data was analyzed using a random effect ordered logistic panel model. The results indicate a complementary relationship between food delivery and eating out. Individuals who frequently use food delivery services are more likely to also engage in eating out activities, and vice versa. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on these behaviors. Eating out experienced a substantial decrease during the pandemic, while food delivery remained stable. The findings highlight that food delivery cannot easily replace the experience of eating out, even under lockdown conditions. Overall, this study provides insights into the dynamics between food delivery and eating out, emphasizing the complexities and limitations of substituting one with the other.
Rate dependent tack behavior of silicone-based pressure sensitive adhesives for transdermal therapeutic systems
Authors: Meurer Michael , Fogain Gatien Kamsu , Dorp Esther Ramakers van , Dresbach Christian , Möginger Bernhard , Hausnerova Berenika 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS) represent an up-to-day medication applied to human skin, which consists of a drug-containing pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) and a flexible backing layer. The development of a reliable TTS requires precise knowledge of the viscoelastic tack behavior of PSA in terms of adhesion and detaching. Tailoring of a PSA can be achieved by altering the resin content or modifying the chemical properties of the macromolecules. In this study, three different resin content of two silicone-based PSA – non-amine compatible, and less tack, amine-compatible – were investigated with the help of recently developed RheoTack method to characterize the retraction speed dependent tack behavior for various geometries of the testing rods. The obtained force-retraction displacement-curves clearly depict the effect of the chemical structure as well as the resin content. Decreasing the resin content shifts the start of fibril fracture to larger deformations states and significantly enhances the stretchability of the fibrils. To compare various rod geometries precisely, the force-retraction displacement curves were normalized to account for effective contact areas. The flat and spherical rods led to completely different failure and tack behaviors. Furthermore, the adhesion formation between TTS with flexible backing layers and rods during the dwell phase happens in a different manner compared to rigid plates, in particular for flat rods, where maximum compression stresses occur at the edges and not uniformly over the cross-section. Thus, the approach to follow ASTM D2949 has to be reconsidered for tests of these materials.
Application of Portable X-ray fluorescence in the in-situ Testing of Heavy Metals in Historic Lead-Zinc Smelting Area in Yungui Plateau of China
Authors: PU Wanqing , LI Bo , WANG Bao , REHMAN Zia , ZHANG Jiansheng , ZHAO Jixia , XIA Yunsheng , CHEN Wen , YIN Shidan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose Which kind of elements could be determined by the portable X-ray Fluorescence (PXRF) analyzer in field conditions? How about the accuracy of the results? It is necessary to conduct some researches in order to well understand the application of PXRF which is regarded as a new kind of in-situ measurement method.
Methods A set of 221 farmland soil samples were collected within a basin once it has been a lead-zinc smelting base. PXRF was used for field detection at all sample sites, then the soil samples were brought back to the laboratory to be analyzed again by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), paired T test and linear regression were conducted to analyze the difference and correlation between the result of PXRF and AAS methods.
Results There was little difference and high correlation between PXRF and AAS methods, indicating that in field conditions PXRF can effectively predict the concentrations of Pb and Zn in soil. Although there were some differences in the determinationresults of Cu, the pollution level of Cu in this study area still could be predicted. Unfortunately, PXRF method had large errors in the determination of Cd and Cr, so it was not suitable for the in-situ determination of Cd and Cr in this study area.
Conclusion The concentrations of Pb and Zn in the soil of lead-zinc smelting area can be accurately monitored by PXRF, while concentrations of Cu in soil can also be predicted by PXRF in the less accuracy level, Cd and Cr should not be monitored by PXRF.