bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Indonesian version for quality of life among breast cancer patients
Authors: Solikhah Solikhah , Perwitasari Dyah Aryani , Rejeki Dwi Sarwani Sri 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundBreast cancer is one of the most important health problems worldwide. Quality of life (QoL) is an important indicator to evaluate symptoms in cancer patients, including those with breast cancer. Culturally suitable, valid, reliable, and appropriate instruments to measure the QoL of breast cancer patients are needed, which is still rare in Indonesia. This study aimed to translate the EORTC QLQ-BR45 instrument into Indonesian and evaluate its psychometrics.MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed on 635 patients conveniently selected from the oncology department in referral hospital. The first phase of this study involved translation of the existing EORTC QLQ-BR45 into Indonesian, and in the second phase, we evaluated its psychometric properties. Construct validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Criterion validity was examined according to the association between disease stage and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS).ResultsA total of 635 (99.00%) completed the EORTC QLQ-BR45 successfully. The instrument indicated good readability and high content validity. All Cronbach's alpha coefficients were satisfactory (overall value, 0.87). For construct validity, patients with KPS ≥80% did better than those with KPS ≤70% as did two multi-item scales in functional scales (body image and breast satisfaction) and five multi-item scales in symptom scales (systemic therapy side effects, endocrine therapy, and arm, breast, and endocrine sexual symptoms). Body image score of late-stage patients was significantly higher. CFA indicated that the nine-factor structure of the Indonesian EORTC QLQ-BR45 was a good fit for the data.ConclusionThe Indonesian EORTC QLQ-BR45 questionnaire is reliable and valid with good psychometric properties, thus can be used for breast cancer patients in Indonesia.
Early palliative care for solid and blood cancer patients and caregivers: Quantitative and qualitative results of a long-term experience as a case of value-based medicine
Authors: Bigi Sarah , Borelli Eleonora , Potenza Leonardo , Gilioli Fabio , Artioli Fabrizio , Porzio Giampiero , Luppi Mario , Bandieri Elena 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionCancer patients and their caregivers have substantial unmet needs, that negatively impact the clinical outcome and quality of life. However, interventions aimed to address such needs are still suboptimal, failing to answer the recent healthcare call for the adoption of value-based models of care. In the case of incurable oncologic and hematologic cancers, a value-based model of care should plan advanced care on patients' needs and include the quality of death as an outcome. The integration of early palliative care into standard oncologic care for patients with advanced cancers represents a recent innovative model of assistance whose benefits for patients and caregivers are now widely recognized. The key elements underlying the reasons behind these benefits are the multidisciplinary collaboration (teamwork), an honest and empathetic communication between the early palliative care team, the patient, and the caregiver (rapport building), and the ability to detect changes in the physical/psychosocial wellbeing of the patient, along the whole disease trajectory (constant monitoring).MethodsThis community case study documents the quantitative and qualitative results of a long term clinical and research experience in delivering early palliative care service to address both solid and blood cancer patients' and their primary caregivers' needs.ResultsData showed decreased use of chemotherapy, blood transfusions and referral to intensive care units near the end of life; increased life expectancy; improved symptom burden and mood; increased frequency of goals-of-care and advanced care planning conversations. Hope perception among bereaved caregivers was associated with resilience and realistic expectations raising from honest communication with the early palliative care team and appreciation toward the model. Patients and caregivers perceived the possibility of a good death as realistic and not as an unlikely event as it was for patients and caregivers on standard oncologic care only. Gratitude expressions toward the model and the team were frequently identified in their reports and positively associated with communication and spirituality.ConclusionsThese findings are discussed in the context of an updated literature review regarding value-based care and suggest that early palliative care integrated into standard oncology care may be considered as an effective model of value-based care.
The stake of informing patients of the risk of hypofertility after chemotherapy for breast cancer
Authors: Martinet-Kosinski Florian , Lamy Sébastien , Bauvin Eric , Dalenc Florence , Vaysse Charlotte , Grosclaude Pascale 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionToo few women with invasive breast cancer are informed of the risk of hypofertility after chemotherapy. However, this risk can be prevented by offering gamete preservation by a specialized team. We believe that if more women were informed about gamete preservation, more of them would accept it.ObjectivesThe primary objective is to describe each step of the oncofertility care pathway from provision of information to gamete preservation. The secondary objective is to estimate the impact of not receiving information by determining the proportion of women who would have undergone gamete preservation if they had been informed.Method575 women aged 18–40 years treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer between 2012 and 2017 in the Ouest-Occitanie region (~3 million inhabitants) were included. We first constructed a multivariate predictive model to determine the parameters influencing the uptake of the offer of gamete preservation among women who were informed and then applied it to the population of uninformed women.ResultsOnly 39% of women were informed of the risks of hypofertility related to chemotherapy and 11% ultimately received gamete preservation. If all had been informed of the risk, our model predicted an increase in gamete preservation of 15.35% in the youngest women (&lt;30 years), 22.88% in women aged between 30 and 35 years and zero in those aged ≥36 years. We did not find any association with the European Deprivation Index (EDI).ConclusionOncologists should be aware of the need to inform patients aged ≤ 35 years about gamete preservation. If all received such information, the impact in terms of gamete preservation would likely be major.
Gun violence in United States during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ssentongo Paddy , Ssentongo Anna , Heilbrunn Emily S. , Chinchilli Vernon M. 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveIn the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, gun violence (GV) rates in the United States (US) rose by 30%. We estimate the relative risk of GV in the US in the second year compared to the first year of the pandemic, in time and space.MethodsDaily police reports of gun-related injuries and deaths in the 50 states and the District of Columbia from March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2022, were obtained from the GV Archive. Generalized linear mixed-effects models in the form of Poisson regression analyses were utilized to estimate state-specific rates of GV.ResultsNationally, GV rates during the second year of the pandemic (March 1, 2021, through February 28, 2022) remained the same as that of the first year (March 1, 2020, through February 28, 2021) (Intensity Ratio = 0.996; 95% CI 0.98, 1.01; p = 0.53). Nevertheless, hotspots of GV were identified. Nine (18%) states registered a significantly higher risk of GV during the second year of the pandemic compared to the same period in the first year. In 10 (20%) states, the risk of GV during the second year of the pandemic was significantly lower compared to the same period in the first year.ConclusionGV risk in the US is heterogeneous. It continues to be a public health crisis, with 18% of the states demonstrating significantly higher GV rates during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same timeframe 1 year prior.
Metabolic engineering of B. subtilis 168 for increased precursor supply and poly-γ-glutamic acid production
Authors: Halmschlag Birthe , Völker Frederik , Hanke René , Putri Sastia P. , Fukusaki Eiichiro , Büchs Jochen , Blank Lars M. 
Published: March 2023

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is an emerging biopolymer produced by several Bacillus species. To improve γ-PGA synthesis, metabolic engineering of the production host B. subtilis poses great potential and is facilitated by the convenient genetical amenability of the organism. In this study, a 3.7-fold increase in γ-PGA production using a bdhA, alsSD, pta, yvmC, and cypX deletion mutant with blocked by-product synthesis pathways was obtained. A detailed analysis of intracellular metabolites for reference strains and the γ-PGA-producing deletion strain identified the accumulation of pyruvate and acetyl-CoA in deletion mutants, highlighting the citrate synthase activity as an important metabolic engineering target for further metabolic flux optimization towards γ-PGA synthesis. An in-depth analysis of growth and γ-PGA production with on-line measurement techniques revealed significant variations across cultivations with deletion mutants that are likely caused by culture acidification due to pyruvate accumulation. Despite the observed acidification, the by-product deletion mutants outperformed the reference strains independent of the promoter controlling the PGA synthetase expression. The constructed deletion strains exhibit high γ-PGA production in minimal medium with glucose as sole carbon source as well as in modified Medium E reaching γ-PGA concentrations of 0.57 gL-1 and 14.46 gL-1, respectively. The results presented in this work broaden the understanding of the microbial metabolism during γ-PGA production and will be useful to guide future metabolic engineering for improved γ-PGA production.
Assessment of fatigue and recovery in elite cheerleaders prior to and during the ICU World Championships
Authors: Gavanda Simon , von Andrian-Werburg Christoph , Wiewelhove Thimo 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionLittle is known about the demands of competitive cheerleading. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess fatigue and recovery during preparation for world championships.MethodsFifteen participants from the German senior “All-Girl” and “Coed” national teams (nine males and six women) were recruited. Data were collected during the final preparation (T1 -T7) and competition days (C1 -C2). Heart rate variability (HRV) and resting heart rate (HR) were measured every morning. Data on training load, recovery, and stress (Short Scale for Recovery and Stress) were surveyed after training. Countermovement jump height (CMJ), sit-and-reach, and exercise-induced muscle damage (EMID) scores were taken in the afternoon.ResultsThere was a practically relevant decrease in CMJ (T2, T6). A trend for HR to increase (T5–C2) and HRV to decrease (T4, T6–C2) was evident. Through training, recovery decreased and recovered as C1 approached (mental performance: T2–T4 p = 0.004; T2–C1 p = 0.029; T3–T4 p = 0.029; emotional balance: T3–T4 p = 0.023; T3–C1 p = 0.014; general recovery status T1–T3 p = 0.008; T3–T4 p = 0.024; T3–C1 p = 0.041), whereas stress increased during the first days and returned to normal before C1 (emotional dysbalance: T2–T4 p = 0.014; T2–C1 p = 0.009; T3–T4 p = 0.023; T3–C1 p = 0.014). EMID scores increased for the upper and lower body between T3, T5–T7 (p ≤ 0.036) and T3, T6–T7 (p ≤ 0.047), respectively.DiscussionPre-competition training led to substantial fatigue, and most markers indicate that athletes do not compete fully recovered. This could possibly be avoided by optimizing the training load or implementing recovery strategies.
Innovation capacity, food system development, and the size of the agricultural research system
Authors: Nin-Pratt Alejandro , Stads Gert-Jan 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionThis article contributes to a better understanding of the context in which agricultural R&amp;D investment takes place in low- and middle-income countries, and how innovation capacity, the development of the food system, and the size of the research system affect R&amp;D investment.MethodsA three-step methodology is proposed where the first step consists of creating an index of the development of a food system using indicators of the technological transformation of the food supply chain and the changes in diets on the demand side. The second step involves developing a measure of innovation capacity at the country level, while the final step consists of systematic comparisons of countries with large and small agricultural research systems to find the relationship between the size of a country's research system, the level of development of its food system, and its overall capacity to innovate.ResultsThe results reveal that there is a high and positive correlation between innovation capacity and the development of the food system and a negative correlation between these two indicators and the size of the agricultural research system in low- and middle-income countries. The lower overall quality and level of development of the education and scientific research systems in countries with small agricultural research systems are important factors contributing to reduced innovation capacity. In addition, countries with small agricultural research systems are challenged with a comparatively poor innovation environment, poor market development, a weak private sector, a lack of competition in domestic markets, and a largely rural population with poor links to markets.DiscussionThe results of the analysis stress the need to increase the efficiency and productivity of agricultural research by implementing policies that get the most out of available resources while minimizing the negative effect of small-scale research operations. Increased coordination and integration of agricultural research at the regional and global level can help avoid duplication, enhance the efficiency of small-scale organizations, and make research more cost-effective and impactful.
A modified oblique lumbar interbody fusion: A better way to establish an exposure under direct microscopic vision
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Xiangyu , Zhao Zirun , Chou Dean , Jian Fengzeng , Wu Hao 
Published: March 2023

Study designThis is a retrospective study.ObjectiveTo demonstrate a modified oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OILF) technique for L1–L5.MethodsThe modified technique splits anterior portion of psoas belly to access the oblique corridor (OC) anteroinferior to psoas, minimizing psoas manipulation and retraction and avoiding nerve injury while offering excellent microscopic visualization. Psoas weakness and neurovascular complication rates in patients treated with traditional OLIF (T-OLIF) or anteroinferior psoas OLIF (AP-OLIF) were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcomes were also reviewed.ResultsA total of 162 cases treated with T-OLIF (n = 73) and AP-OLIF (n = 89) for degenerative lumbar disease were included. The mean operative time and blood loss were less with AP-OLIF (P &lt; 0.01). Approach related complications were 14 (19.1%) with T-OLIF and 4 (4.5%) with AP-OLIF. Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores improved in both T-OIF and AP-OIF groups (P &lt; 0.01).ConclusionThe modified OLIF technique (AP-OLIF) is characterized by an easy exposure of the lumbar spine under direct microscopic vision, resulting in less psoas weakness and neurovascular injury.
Aspergillus terreus-Mediated Selenium Nanoparticles and Their Antimicrobial and Photocatalytic Activities
Authors: Saied Ebrahim , Mekky Alsayed E. , Al-Askar Abdulaziz A. , Hagag Abdelrahman F. , El-bana Abdullah A. , Ashraf Mohamed , Walid Abdelrahman , Nour Taha , Fawzi Mahmoud M. , Arishi Amr A. , Hashem Amr H. 
Published: March 2023

Selenium (Se) is a nutritional component necessary for animal and plant development and reproduction. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have a high absorption rate during routine supplementation. In the current study, a cell-free extract of Aspergillus terreus was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the synthesis of SeNPs using a green and eco-friendly method. The mycosynthesized SeNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results of the characterization process showed that the mycosynthesized SeNPs had spherical shapes and sizes less than 100 nm. Results showed that mycosynthesized SeNPs exhibited promising antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria where inhibition zones were 14, 20, 16, and 13 mm toward S. haemolyticus, S. aureus, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae, respectively. However, it had weak antifungal activity against C. albicans, where the inhibition zone was 12 mm. The efficacy of mycosynthesized SeNPs for the decolorization of malachite green dye was investigated. Results illustrated that SeNPs exhibited rapid biodegradation of malachite green dye, reaching up to 89% after 240 min. In conclusion, SeNPs were successfully biosynthesized using A. terreus and demonstrated both antimicrobial and photocatalytic activities.
Causal Association between Iritis or Uveitis and Glaucoma: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomisation Study
Authors: Seo Je Hyun , Lee Young 
Published: March 2023

Recent studies have suggested an association between iritis or uveitis and glaucoma. This study investigated the causal relationship between glaucoma and iritis and uveitis as exposures in a multi-ethnic population. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with exposures to iritis and uveitis from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of Biobank Japan (BBJ) and the meta-analysis data from BBJ and UK Biobank (UKB) were used as instrumental variables (IVs). The GWAS dataset for glaucoma was extracted from the meta-analysis data (n = 240,302) of Genetic Epidemiology Research in Adult Health and Aging and UKB. The casual estimates were assessed with a two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) test using the inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method, weighted median method, MR–Egger method, and MR-Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier test. The IVW method revealed a significant causal association between iritis and glaucoma using IVs (p < 5.0 × 10−8) from the East Asian population (n = 2) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01, p = 0.017), a significant association between iritis exposures (p < 5.0 × 10−8) in the multi-ethnic population (n = 11) (OR = 1.04, p = 0.001), and a significant causal association between uveitis exposures (n = 10 with p < 5.0 × 10−8) and glaucoma in the multi-ethnic population (OR = 1.04, p = 0.001). Iritis and uveitis had causal effects on glaucoma risk based on IVs from the multi-ethnic population. These findings imply that the current classifications of uveitic glaucoma and open-angle glaucoma overlap, indicating the need for further investigating these complex relationships.
Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Insect Properties of Boswellia carterii Essential Oil for Food Preservation Improvement
Authors: Borotová Petra , Čmiková Natália , Galovičová Lucia , Vukovic Nenad L. , Vukic Milena D. , Tvrdá Eva , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz , Kluz Maciej Ireneusz , Puchalski Czeslaw , Schwarzová Marianna , Bakay Ladislav , Kačániová Miroslava 
Published: March 2023

Boswellia carterii, known as frankincense, is a fragrant medicinal plant. The essential oil from this plant is often used in traditional medicine or aromatherapy. Due to its positive properties, it has potential applications as an antimicrobial agent in medicine and the food industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial, anti-insect, and antioxidant activities of frankincense essential oil (FEO). The composition of volatile compounds was determined by GC/MS, and the main components were found to be α-pinene (37.0%), α-limonene (19.8%), and p-cymene (6.3%). The antioxidant activity was evaluated with DPPH and ABTS methods with the resulting inhibition of 73.88 ± 0.35% of DPPH radical (6.27 ± 0.17 TEAC) and 97.09 ± 0.48% of ABTS radical cation (5.21 ± 0.07 TEAC). The antimicrobial activity was the strongest against Candida species with inhibition zones in the range of 38.00–44.00 mm and MIC 50 and MIC 90 values of 11.72 and 12.58 μL/mL, respectively. The inhibition activity of the vapor phase was the highest against G+ and G− bacteria growing on a carrot with inhibition ranging from 65.14 to 93.67%. The anti-insect activity against O. lavaterae was determined as 100% at 100% concentration and 50% at 25% concentration. The degradation of biofilm was tested with MALDI-TOF MS, and changes in the protein profile were observed.
Discovery of a New Lichtheimia (Lichtheimiaceae, Mucorales) from Invertebrate Niche and Its Phylogenetic Status and Physiological Characteristics
Authors: Nguyen Thuong T. T. , Santiago André Luiz Cabral Monteiro de Azevedo , Kirk Paul M. , Lee Hyang Burm 
Published: March 2023

Species of Lichtheimia are important opportunistic fungal pathogens in the order Mucorales that are isolated from various sources such as soil, indoor air, food products, feces, and decaying vegetables. In recent years, species of Lichtheimia have become an emerging causative agent of invasive mucormycosis. In Europe and USA, Lichtheimia are the second and third most common causal fungus of mucormycosis, respectively. Thus, the aim of this study was to survey the diversity of species of Lichtheimia hidden in poorly studied hosts, such as invertebrates, in Korea. Eight Lichtheimia strains were isolated from invertebrate samples. Based on morphology, physiology, and phylogenetic analyses of ITS and LSU rDNA sequence data, the strains were identified as L. hyalospora, L. ornata, L. ramosa, and a novel species, L. koreana sp. nov. Lichtheimia koreana is characterized by a variable columellae, sporangiophores arising solitarily or up to three at one place from stolons, and slow growth on MEA and PDA at all temperatures tested. The new species grows best at 30 and 35 °C and has a maximum growth temperature of 40 °C. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree are provided.
Critical Thinking Skills and Their Correlations with Science Process Skills for High School Students in Manggarai
Authors: Senisum Maria 
Published: March 2023

Critical thinking skills and science process skills are two variables that can be developed in the learning process, especially science learning. These two variables can support each other, especially in science learning but can also develop separately. This study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between these two variables for high school students in the mathematics and science specialization field in the Manggarai regency. The participants involved consisted of 232 students in grade XI from five high schools. The research instrument was designed in the form of a written test for each variable. The data of both variables were analyzed using Pearson correlation formula. The results showed that the two variables are correlated with one another, where the correlation value is 0.452. This value illustrates that critical thinking and science process skills are correlated at a moderate level. In addition, the two variables show a positive correlation, which means that if the critical thinking skills variable is increased, the science process skills variable will also develop. The results of this study recommend that in the process of learning science, the activities of discovering and developing knowledge can occur by empowering critical thinking skills which are supported by the application of science process skills so that both variables can develop simultaneously