bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a quality of life questionnaire for transgender individuals during hormone therapy (iTransQol)
Authors: Feil Katharina , Riedl David , Gschwentner Lisa , Vomstein Kilian , Wegscheider Julia , arnold emanuela , Toth Bettina 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Quality of life (QoL) is a complex term, including mental, physical and social health, and everyone’s individual environment. While transgender individuals still often report lower QoL than other individuals, they can benefit substantially from gender affirming therapy. The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire to determine QoL in transgender individuals during gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). Methods: A multi-step questionnaire development process was performed. In phase 1, a list of key issues was established by reviewing relevant literature. In Phase 2, n = 38 transgender individuals as well as n = 6 practitioners evaluated the questionnaire (iTransQoL) in terms of relevance, meaning, comprehensibility and redundancy. Psychometric testing of the questionnaire was performed in phase 3 with n = 40 transgender individuals. The external validity of the iTransQoL was tested by comparison with three validated health questionnaires. Results: The exploratory factor analysis indicated an underlying four-factor solution. Psychometric testing showed acceptable to good overall reliability (α=0.73-0.83) for the total score and the four subscales as well as good validity indices. Based on the results a final version of the iTransQoL was established. Conclusion: The iTransQoL is a reliable and valid tool to evaluate QoL of transgender individuals during GAHT.
Dosimetric comparison of AcurosBV with AAPM TG43 dose calculation formalism in cervical intraductal high-dose-rate brachytherapy using three different applicators
Authors: Bi Su-yan , Chen Zhi-jian , Sun Xing-ru , Dai Zhitao 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To compare the dosimetric effects of American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) TG43 dose formalism and AcurosBV ( grid-based Boltzmann solver ,GBBS) formalism on High-dose-rate(HDR) brachytherapy planning for cervical cancer patients irradiated using three different applicators.
Methods
A TG43 plan and a AcurosBV plan were generated for each of the 30 patients. twenty patients who had undergone whole pelvic radiotherapy followed by cervical HDR brachytherapy and the remaining 10 patients who underwent total hysterectomy only gave HDR brachytherapy also were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into three groups according to the types of applicators used: tandem and ovoid (T&O), tandem and ring (T&R), and Cylinder. To compare the dosimetric parameters, the cumulative dose-volume histograms (DVHs) were measured. We also compared the doses at 90% of the volume (D90%), the volume receiving 100% and 150% of the prescribed dose (V100% and V150%) for the clinical target volume (CTV-HR) and the doses of point A, the dose receiving 0.1 cc and 2 cc of the volume (D0.1cc and D2cc) for the organs-at-risk (OARs).
Results
In this study, compared with the AcurosBV plans, TG43 plans predicted higher D90%, V100%, and V150% of CTV-HR, dose of point A and D0.1cc and D2cc of OARs in three types of applicators. Except D2cc of sigmoid in T&R and Cylinder applicators, the D90%, V100%, and V150% of CTV-HR; the Dose of point A and the D0.1cc and D2cc of bladder, recutum and small bowel exhibited significant discrepancies (P > 0.05). The effects of the three types of applicators on the dose distribution were quite different due to the difference of the materials: The dose difference of CTV-HR and OARs was greatest (around 10%) for T&O applicators but only 1%-5% for T&R and Cylinder applicators.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that AcurosBV was more accurate in calculating the doses in the air cavity and high-density substance than TG43. In the clinical setting, the AcurosBV exhibited different dosimetric distributions in the cervix plans for HDR brachytherapy, especially in treatment planning when using T&O applicators. The AcurosBV algorithm should be considered when using T&O applicators or some other materials with a much higher or lower density (metal or air) than soft tissue. Howevere, If the density is close to the soft tissue, considering AcurosBV algorithm requires more calculation time, TG43 could still be selected when using applicators in clinical.
“I was never one of those people who just jumped right in for me”: Patient perspectives on self-advocacy training for women with advanced cancer
Authors: Thomas Teresa Hagan , Murray Patty Jo , Rosenzweig Margaret , Taylor Sarah , Brufsky Adam , Bender Catherine , Larkin Mikayla , Schenker Yael 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Patients with advanced cancer experience many complicated situations which can make self-advocacy (defined as the ability speak up for yourself in the face of a challenge) difficult. Few self-advocacy interventions exist, and most are atheoretical with minimal patient engagement. The purpose of this study is to describe participant perspectives of a novel, self-advocacy intervention Strong Together.
Methods
This was a qualitative cross-sectional descriptive among women receiving cancer care at an academic cancer center within three months of an advanced gynecologic or breast cancer diagnosis. Participants randomized to receive the intervention completed one-on-one interviews after the three-month intervention and had the option to share voice journals about their experiences. Inductive qualitative approaches were used to descriptively analyze interview transcripts and notes and voice journals. Descriptive content analysis approaches were used to group similar codes together into themes summarizing participants' experiences engaging with the serious game intervention.
Results
Participants (N = 40) reported that the Strong Together serious game was acceptable, noting that it was realistic and reflective of their personal experiences. Overarching themes included: seeing myself in most scenarios and wanting more content; giving me the go ahead to expect more; offering ideas for how to stand up for myself; reinforcing what I am already doing; and reminding me of what I have. Participants suggested adding additional content including diverse characters.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that women with advanced cancer were receptive to a self-advocacy skills-building intervention. Future research should explore the mechanisms linking serious games to learning and health outcomes.
A novel hybrid machine learning model for flood hazard zoning assessments
Authors: Wang Jhih-Huang , Lin Gwo-Fong , Huang Yun-Ru , Huang I-Hang , Chen Chieh-Lin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Developing flood hazard risk assessments is vital in early warning systems to mitigate the damages resulting from floods. In this paper, a new type of flood hazard zoning model is proposed by integrating the random forest (RF) and self-organizing map (SOM) methods. The model has two steps. First, the RF is used to construct a flood susceptibility analysis module to yield the flood susceptibility values. Second, according to the results of the flood susceptibility analysis, the flood susceptibility values are classified to obtain the flood hazard zones by using the flood hazard zoning module based on the SOM. Moreover, two different inputs for the SOM are considered: (i) only the flood susceptibility value of the self-pixel is used as one input, and (ii) flood susceptibility values of self-pixel and surrounding pixels are used as another input. To examine the efficiency of the improved proposed model for flood hazard zoning, we compared the proposed model with the existing model based on the natural break (NB) method. The proposed model was applied to the Lanyang Plain in the Yilan County, Taiwan, to demonstrate its advantages. The results indicated that the proposed model with the flood susceptibility values of the self-pixel and surrounding pixels does improve the assessment performance. The proposed model also performed better than the conventional model, and it could provide optimal flood hazard zoning maps. In conclusion, the proposed model is expected to be useful in supporting the formulation of adequate disaster mitigation strategies.
Continuous infusion versus intermittent infusion of vancomycin in critically ill patients undergoing continuous venovenous hemofiltration: A prospective interventional study
Authors: Xu Jinhui , Duan Lufen , Li Jiahui , Chen Fang , Xu Xiaowen , Lu Jian , Zhuang Zhiwei , Cao Yifei , Yuan Yunlong , Liu Xin , Sun Jiantong , Zhou Qin , Shi Lu , Tang Lian 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: A prospective interventional study comparing outcomes in critically ill patients receiving intermittent infusion (II) or continuous infusion (CI) of vancomycin during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) is lacking. The objective of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) target attainment, therapeutic efficacy and safety among critically ill patients who received CI or II of vancomycin in a prospective interventional trial and to explore the correlations of effluent flow rate (EFR), daily dose with PK/PD indices.Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted in twoindependent intensive care units (ICUs) from February 2021 to January 2022.Patients in one ICU were assigned to receive CI (intervention group) of vancomycin, whereas patients in the other ICU were assigned to receive II regimen (control group). The primary outcome was to compare the PK/PD target attainment, including target concentration and target area under the curve over 24 hours to minimum inhibitory concentration(AUC24/MIC).Results: Overall target attainment of PK/PD indices was higher with CI compared with II, irrespective of target concentration (78.72% vs. 40.48%; P<0.001）or AUC24/MIC (53.19% vs. 23.81%; P = 0.005). There were no significant differences in clinical success (72.22% vs. 50.00%; P = 0.183) and microbiological success (83.33% vs. 75.00%, P = 0.681) between the patients treated with CI or II of vancomycin. Adverse reactions occurred at similar rates (8.70% vs. 7.14%; P> 0.999), and mortality between the two modalities was also not significant different (21.74% vs. 17.86%; P=0.728). Correlation analysis showed an inverse correlation of EFR with target concentration (r= -0.4057, P < 0.001) and AUC24/MIC (r= -0.4183, P < 0.001), whereas a significant positive association of daily dose was found with target concentration (r = 0.4962, P < 0.001) and AUC24/MIC (r = 0.6551, P < 0.001).Conclusion: As compared to II, CI of vancomycin in critically ill patients undergoing CVVH was associated with improved attainment of PK/PD indices. Furthermore, an inverse correlation of PK/PD indices was found with EFR,and a positive association with daily dose. Trial registration: The trial was registered in the Chinese clinical trial registration center (21/01/2021-No. ChiCTR2100042393)
Targeting neuronal lysosomal dysfunction caused by β-glucocerebrosidase deficiency with an enzyme-based Brain Shuttle construct
Authors: Gehrlein Alexandra , Udayar Vinod , Anastasi Nadia , Morella Martino , Ruf Iris , Pfahler Nina , Brugger Doris , Mark Sophia von der , Zhu Yanping , Deen Matthew , Shan Xiaoyang , Jochner Anton , Niewoehner Jens , Thoma Ralf , Rufer Arne , Wolf Luise , Villaseñor Roberto , Fueth Matthias , Ebeling Martin , Ehsaei Zahra , Taylor Verdon , Sidransky Ellen , Vocadlo David , Freskgård Per-Ola , Jagasia Ravi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Biallelic mutations in GBA1 that lead to reduced β-glucocerebrosidase (GCase) activity result in the monogenic lysosomal storage disease Gaucher disease (GD). Variants in one GBA1 allele are the most common genetic risk factor for multiple synucleinopathies including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Therapies to increase GCase activity in the brain hold great promise for the treatment of these diseases. To this end, we have developed blood-brain barrier penetrant therapeutic molecules by fusing antibody moieties that bind the transferrin receptor (TfR) to murine or human GCase (referred to as mGCase-mBS or hGCase-hBS, respectively). We demonstrate that these fusion proteins maintain full enzymatic activity and, while their total cellular uptake is only marginally increased compared to the enzyme alone, they have up to 100-fold better lysosomal uptake and function. Uptake and efficacy of GCase-BS relies primarily on binding to the TfR, rather than to mannose phosphate receptors (M6PRs) as conventional enzyme replacement therapy. In a GD cellular model, GCase-BS rapidly rescues the lysosomal proteome and lipid accumulations beyond known GCase substrates. Intravenous injection of mGCase-mBS leads to significant reduction of brain lysosomal membrane lipids in a GD mouse model which is sustained for four weeks. Monthly dosing over six months shows sustained efficacy and reduces neurofilament-light chain (NFL) plasma levels. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the great potential of TfR-targeted GCase for treating GBA1-associated neurodegeneration, provide insight into candidate biomarkers of GD lysosomal dysfunction, and ultimately may open a new treatment paradigm for lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) extending beyond the central nervous system (CNS).
Work: Saviour or struggle? A qualitative study examining employment and finances in colorectal cancer survivors living with advanced cancer
Authors: Lim Chloe Yi Shing , Laidsaar-Powell Rebekah C , Young Jane M , Steffens Daniel , Koczwara Bogda , Zhang Yuehan , Butow Phyllis 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
PurposeContinuing employment or returning to work (RTW) as a cancer survivor can be meaningful and financially necessary, yet challenging. However, there is a lack of qualitative research on RTW experiences and financial wellbeing of people with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC-A). This study aimed to fill this gap.MethodsAdults treated for CRC-A were recruited 0.5-2 years post-surgery (or post-diagnosis of CRC-A for palliative chemotherapy participants). Semi-structured telephone interviews, exploring RTW and finances, were subjected to framework analysis. Demographic, clinical, and quality of life data (FACT-C, Distress Thermometer, COST measure) were collected to characterise the sample and inform the framework analysis.ResultsAnalysis of 38 interviews revealed five overarching themes: work as a struggle; work as my identity; work as my saviour; work as a financial necessity; and employer and colleague response. Many survivors with CRC-A desired to, and had the capacity to, continue work or RTW, yet faced unique challenges from compounded stigma of both cancer and toileting issues. Inability to RTW negatively impacted financial and psychosocial wellbeing. Workplace support was an important facilitator of RTW.ConclusionFor survivors with CRC-A, continuing or RTW is fraught with challenges, including physical functioning challenges, financial anxiety, and unsupportive workplace environments. Survivors require psychosocial, financial, and employer support to manage these difficulties. This paper recommends a multiprong approach, including education programs (facilitated through workers’ union groups, human resource institutions, and/or large consumer CRC groups) and policies, to support workers and for employers to understand the unique challenges of employees with CRC-A.
Exploring the dynamic nexus between urbanization and economic growth with carbon emissions in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from panel PMG-ARDL estimation
Authors: AFRIYIE DENNIS , Zhong Wang , Shougeng Hu , Ampofo Gideon Minua Kwaku , Asante Daniel Akwasi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa, though not a 'big emitter,' is disproportionately affected by the enormous impact of climate change. With urbanization and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa having undergone dramatic changes in recent decades, this study, with panel data from 37 sub-Saharan countries between the time period of 1995 to 2017, employs panel cointegration tests and pooled mean group ARDL (PMG-ARDL) techniques to empirically examine the impact of urbanization, economic growth, energy consumption, and industrialization on carbon emissions. Results confirm that (1) There is no significant impact of urbanization on carbon emissions in both the long-run and short-run. (2) energy consumption was found to have significantly impacted carbon emissions, thereby reducing environmental quality in the long-run and short-run. (3) Further findings revealed a significantly negative relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions as well as industrialization and carbon emissions with 1% growth in GDP per capita and industrialization reducing carbon emissions by 0.11% and 0.06% respectively in the long-run. (4) Additionally, our causality test shows a feedback relationship between urbanization and carbon emissions. Policymakers are advised to develop rural areas and plan urban centres, pay attention to sustainable energy sources and waste recycling, and educate the populace in order to improve environmental quality.
Dietary carbon loaded with nano-ZnO alters gut microbiota community to mediate bile acid metabolism and potentiate intestinal immune function of cattle
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Guan Weikun , Li Lizhi , Guo Dongsheng , Zhang Xiangfei , Guan Jiuqiang , Luo Runxiao , Zheng Siying , Fu Jiangwen , Cheng Yingying , He Qin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: To our knowledge, carbon loaded with nano-ZnO (NZnOC) represent a new nutritional additive for the food and animal husbandry industry. However, the mechanism by which NZnOC mediates cattle growth and intestinal health are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of carbon loaded with nano-ZnO (NZnOC) supplementation on gut microbiota, BA metabolism and intestinal immunity in fattening cattle. Twenty cattle were randomly assigned to two dietary groups: control diet (CON) without Zn supplement and CON diet supplemented with NZnOC. The trial lasted for 60 d.

Results: The results showed that the NZnOC-supplemented cattle had greater final weight, average daily gain and lower feed conversion ratio than those in the CON group. Cattle fed the NZnOC diet had significantly higher relative abundance of secondary BA synthesizing phyla Firmicutes, Tenericutes and Actinobacteria than those fed the CON diet. Dietary supplementation with NZnOC significantly increased the relative abundance of secondary BA synthesis microbiota genus Clostridium, Ruminococcus, Eubacterium, Lachnospira, Collinsella, Fusobacterium and Brevibacillus in colon digesta. Cattle fed the NZnOC diet had markedly increased the activities of 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (EC:1.1.1.52) and bile acid-CoA ligase BaiB (EC:6.2.1.7) in the colon digesta compared with those fed the CON diet. The primary BA of taurocholic acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid and taurodeoxycholate acid were significantly decreased by dietary NZnOC supplementation, while secondary BA of deoxycholic acid, taurolithocholic acid, beta-muricholic acid, 12-ketolithocholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid were significantly increased. Dietary supplementation of NZnOC increased the mRNA abundance of Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5, phosphorylation of protein kinase A, cyclic-AMP response element binding protein and interleukin (IL)-10 in the colon mucosa of cattle, while the mRNA abundance of nuclear factor kappa-B, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β were significantly decreased. Compared with the CON group, cattle in the NZnOC group had higher mucosal IL-10 content and lower TNF-α and IL-1β contents.

Conclusions: These results not only suggest a beneficial effect of NZnOC on growth performance and intestinal immune function, but provides insight into potential mechanisms underlying NZnOC-facilitated intestinal secondary BA synthesis microbiota growth and secondary BA synthesis in cattle.
Highly efficient ion sieving through angstrom-scale channels embedded with supramolecular coordination complexes
Authors: Sun Yue , Li Runhao , Cheng Shi-Qi , Chen Zhao , Xu Yao , Yi Fan , Qin Huan , Liang Xiao-Cui , Liu Yi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Artificial channels that mimic biological systems are of significant interest but their fabrication remains challenging. The well-defined platinum(II) based supramolecular coordination complexes 1 was prepared via the directional bonding of supramolecular coordination complexes. These were attached to the inner walls of a solid polyethylene terephthalate channel having a bullet-like morphology based on self-assembled interfacial growth. The resulting channels allowed the rapid transport of monovalent metal ions (K+, Na+ and Li+) from tip to base while inhibiting the migration of divalent ions (Mg2+ and Ca2+). These channels efficiently separated monovalent from divalent metal ions on this basis, with an ultrahigh K+/Mg2+ selectivity ratio of 1015.5. Theoretical simulations demonstrated that this selectivity resulted from the high dehydration energy of the divalent ions and their strong interactions with porphyrin groups on the supramolecular coordination complexes. The present work is expected to assist in the future design of functionalized ion channels as well as the development of separation membrane materials.
Race profiling and phylogenetic analysis of the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita presages the possible emergence of virulence towards cotton in Central India
Authors: Gokte-Narkhedkar Nandini , Siddiqui Sameera , Nagrale Dipak T. , Gawande Shailesh P. , Chakrabarty# P. K. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
With a host range spanning vegetables, pulses, grains, fruits, and cash crops such as cotton, the polyphagous root knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita is known globally as the most economically destructive genus of plant parasitic nematodes. During sampling efforts, severe root galling from RKN infestation was observed on cotton as well as several other vegetable crops in Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, Jalgaon, Aurangabad and Yavatmal districts of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra in Central India. M. incognita has been reported as the predominant nematode species in irrigated cotton growing regions of Northwestern India, but in the surveyed regions, the reniform nematode Rotylenchulus reniformis has been reported instead on cotton as the predominant species. As well, the sampled RKN populations were found in areas with soil characteristics not matching previously reported habitat conditions, pointing to the ability of RKN populations to tolerate and adapt to a wider variety of soil conditions than expected. Race profiling from differential host studies indicated all six populations to belong to race 3. Maximum likelihood analysis between the sampled populations and catalogued populations of M. incognita from other Indian states, based on the rDNA Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region showed the populations to form a phylogenetic grouping, thus indicating the potential of Indian populations to exhibit increased pathogenicity towards cotton. As it stands, with cotton as the dominant crop of the region alongside other vegetable crops, the found results underscore the need for proactive surveillance of nematode infestations of cotton.