bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-catalyzed nanoscale ammonium perchlorate for advanced composite solid rocket propellant
Authors: Abdelhafiz Mahmoud , Yehia Mohamed , Mostafa Hosam E , Wafy Tamer 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Ammonium perchlorate (AP) is still one of the most important oxidizers used. Improving propellant output becomes an interesting source for many researchers. Due to its large surface area and high surface energy, nanomaterials have a wide range of applications in propellant formulations. High surface energy is responsible for the relatively low energy of activation and higher burning composition. This paper reports on a liquid-state method of synthesizing nanoscale AP. The resulting AP particles were characterized using electron scanning microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDX), x-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Kissinger and KAS techniques were used to measure the activation energy of nanoscale AP and microscale AP. The results showed that nanoscale AP possessed stronger catalytic activity than microscale AP where the temperature of decomposition fell from 452.8 °C to 388.1 °C and the heat released increased from 835.3 J g−1 to 3127 J g−1. The findings of the kinetics study showed that the nanoscale of the synthesized AP has a direct effect on the activation energy of AP, where the activation energy of AP decreased from 226.0. kJ.mol−1 to 52.0 kJ.mol−1.
Performance of a trigger tool for detecting drug-related hospital admissions in older people: analysis from the OPERAM trial
Authors: Zerah Lorène , Henrard Séverine , Thevelin Stefanie , Feller Martin , Meyer-Massetti Carla , Knol Wilma , Wilting Ingeborg , O’Mahony Denis , Crowley Erin , Dalleur Olivia , Spinewine Anne 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundidentifying drug-related hospital admissions (DRAs) in older people is difficult. A standardised chart review procedure has recently been developed. It includes an adjudication team (physician and pharmacist) screening using 26 triggers and then performing causality assessment to determine whether an adverse drug event (ADE) occurred (secondary to an adverse drug reaction, overuse, misuse or underuse) and whether the ADE contributed to hospital admission (DRA).Objectiveto assess the performance of those triggers in detecting DRA.Designretrospective study using data from the OPERAM (OPtimising thERapy to prevent Avoidable hospital admissions in Multimorbid older people) trial.Settingsfour European medical centres.Subjectsmultimorbid (≥ 3 chronic medical conditions) older (≥ 70 years) inpatients with polypharmacy (≥ 5 chronic medications) were enrolled in the OPERAM trial (N = 2,008) and followed for 12 months. We included patients with ≥1 adjudicated hospitalisation during the follow-up.Methodsthe positive predictive value (PPV; number of DRAs identified by trigger/number of triggers) was calculated for each trigger and for the tool as a whole.Resultsof 1,235 hospitalisations adjudicated for 832 patients, 716 (58%) had at least one trigger; an ADE was identified in 673 (54%) and 518 (42%) were adjudicated as DRAs. The overall PPV of the trigger tool for detecting DRAs was 0.66 [0.62–0.69].Conclusionsthis tool performs well for identifying DRAs in older people. Based on our results, a revised version of the tool was proposed but will require external validation before it can be incorporated into research and clinical practice.
High-dimensional semi-supervised learning: in search of optimal inference of the mean
Authors: Zhang Yuqian , Bradic Jelena 
Published: September 2021

SummaryA fundamental challenge in semi-supervised learning lies in the observed data’s disproportional size when compared with the size of the data collected with missing outcomes. An implicit understanding is that the dataset with missing outcomes, being significantly larger, ought to improve estimation and inference. However, it is unclear to what extent this is correct. We illustrate one clear benefit: root-$n$ inference of the outcome’s mean is possible while only requiring a consistent estimation of the outcome, possibly at a rate slower than root $n$. This is achieved by a novel $k$-fold, cross-fitted, double robust estimator. We discuss both linear and nonlinear outcomes. Such an estimator is particularly suited for models that naturally do not admit root-$n$ consistency, such as high-dimensional, nonparametric or semiparametric models. We apply our methods to estimating heterogeneous treatment effects.
Impact of nutritional status and body composition on postoperative outcomes after pelvic exenteration for locally advanced and locally recurrent rectal cancer
Authors: van Rees Jan M , Visser Eva , van Vugt Jeroen L A , Rothbarth Joost , Verhoef Cornelis , van Verschuer Victorien M T 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Pelvic exenteration for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and locally recurrent (LRRC) rectal cancer provides radical resection and local control, but is associated with considerable morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors, including nutritional status and body composition, for postoperative morbidity and survival after pelvic exenteration in patients with LARC or LRRC.

Methods
Patients with LARC or LRRC who underwent total or posterior pelvic exenteration in a tertiary referral centre from 2003 to 2018 were analysed retrospectively. Nutritional status was assessed using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST). Body composition was estimated using standard-of-care preoperative CT of the abdomen. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for complications with a Clavien–Dindo grade of III or higher. Risk factors for impaired overall survival were calculated using Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Results
In total, 227 patients who underwent total (111) or posterior (116) pelvic exenteration were analysed. Major complications (Clavien–Dindo grade at least III) occurred in 82 patients (36.1 per cent). High risk of malnutrition (MUST score 2 or higher) was the only risk factor for major complications (odds ratio 3.99, 95 per cent c.i. 1.76 to 9.02) in multivariable analysis. Mean follow-up was 44.6 months. LRRC (hazard ratio (HR) 1.61, 95 per cent c.i. 1.04 to 2.48) and lymphovascular invasion (HR 2.20, 1.38 to 3.51) were independent risk factors for impaired overall survival.

Conclusion
A high risk of malnutrition according to the MUST is a strong risk factor for major complications in patients with LARC or LRRC undergoing exenteration surgery.
Genetic basis to structural grey matter associations with chronic pain
Authors: Farrell Scott F , Campos Adrián I , Kho Pik-Fang , de Zoete Rutger M J , Sterling Michele , Rentería Miguel E , Ngo Trung Thanh , Cuéllar-Partida Gabriel 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Structural neuroimaging studies of individuals with chronic pain conditions have often observed decreased regional grey matter at a phenotypic level. However, it is not known if this association can be attributed to genetic factors.
Here we employed a novel integrative data-driven and hypothesis-testing approach to determine whether there is a genetic basis to grey matter morphology differences in chronic pain. Using publicly available genome-wide association study summary statistics for regional chronic pain conditions (n = 196 963) and structural neuroimaging measures (n = 19 629–34 000), we applied bivariate linkage disequilibrium-score regression and latent causal variable analyses to determine the genetic correlations (rG) and genetic causal proportion (GCP) between these complex traits, respectively. Five a priori brain regions (i.e. prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, insula, thalamus and superior temporal gyrus) were selected based on systematic reviews of grey matter morphology studies in chronic pain.
Across this evidence-based selection of five brain regions, 10 significant negative genetic correlations (out of 369) were found (false discovery rate &lt; 5%), suggesting a shared genetic basis to both reduced regional grey matter morphology and the presence of chronic pain. Specifically, negative genetic correlations were observed between reduced insula grey matter morphology and chronic pain in the abdomen (mean insula cortical thickness), hips (left insula volume) and neck/shoulders (left and right insula volume). Similarly, a shared genetic basis was found for reduced posterior cingulate cortex volume in chronic pain of the hip (left and right posterior cingulate), neck/shoulder (left posterior cingulate) and chronic pain at any site (left posterior cingulate); and for reduced pars triangularis volume in chronic neck/shoulder (left pars triangularis) and widespread pain (right pars triangularis). Across these negative genetic correlations, a significant genetic causal proportion was only found between mean insula thickness and chronic abdominal pain [rG (standard error, SE) = −0.25 (0.08), P = 1.06 × 10−3; GCP (SE) = −0.69 (0.20), P = 4.96 × 10−4]. This finding suggests that the genes underlying reduced cortical thickness of the insula causally contribute to an increased risk of chronic abdominal pain.
Altogether, these results provide independent corroborating evidence for observational reports of decreased grey matter of particular brain regions in chronic pain. Further, we show for the first time that this association is mediated (in part) by genetic factors. These novel findings warrant further investigation into the neurogenetic pathways that underlie the development and prolongation of chronic pain conditions.
Clinical management of chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus: current treatment options and future approaches
Authors: Lipman Zoe M , Paramasivam Vijayakumar , Yosipovitch Gil , Germain Michael J 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is an underdiagnosed yet severely distressing condition that impacts 60% of patients on dialysis and many nondialysis patients with Stages 3–5 CKD. However, despite its high prevalence, there are currently limited treatment options available for these patients and a lack of treatment guidelines for clinicians. In this manuscript, we reviewed the available literature in order to evaluate the current management and treatment options for CKD-aP, including dialysis management, topical treatments, gabapentinoids, opioids and alternative medicine. We also review the available data on CKD-aP treatments in development and propose new guidelines for managing patients with CKD-aP.
The Caenorhabditis elegans Patched domain protein PTR-4 is required for proper organization of the precuticular apical extracellular matrix
Authors: Cohen Jennifer D , Cadena del Castillo Carla E , Serra Nicholas D , Kaech Andres , Spang Anne , Sundaram Meera V 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The Patched-related superfamily of transmembrane proteins can transport lipids or other hydrophobic molecules across cell membranes. While the Hedgehog receptor Patched has been intensively studied, much less is known about the biological roles of other Patched-related family members. Caenorhabditis elegans has a large number of Patched-related proteins, despite lacking a canonical Hedgehog pathway. Here, we show that PTR-4 promotes the assembly of the precuticle apical extracellular matrix, a transient and molecularly distinct matrix that precedes and patterns the later collagenous cuticle or exoskeleton. ptr-4 mutants share many phenotypes with precuticle mutants, including defects in eggshell dissolution, tube shaping, alae (cuticle ridge) structure, molting, and cuticle barrier function. PTR-4 localizes to the apical side of a subset of outward-facing epithelia, in a cyclical manner that peaks when precuticle matrix is present. Finally, PTR-4 is required to limit the accumulation of the lipocalin LPR-3 and to properly localize the Zona Pellucida domain protein LET-653 within the precuticle. We propose that PTR-4 transports lipids or other hydrophobic components that help to organize the precuticle and that the cuticle and molting defects seen in ptr-4 mutants result at least in part from earlier disorganization of the precuticle.
Effect of a social media-based counselling intervention in countering fake news on COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria
Authors: Talabi Felix Olajide , Ugbor Ikechukwu Peter , Talabi Moyinoluwa Joseph , Ugwuoke Joel C , Oloyede David , Aiyesimoju Ayodeji Boluwatife , Ikechukwu-Ilomuanya Amaka B 
Published: September 2021

SummaryThe aim of this study was to understand the impact of counselling in countering fake news-related COVID-19 vaccine. We conducted two separate experiments. In the first experiment, we exposed the treatment group to fake news on COVID-19 vaccine through a WhatsApp group chat while the control group was not. We then tested the effectiveness of such fake news on their perception. In our second experiment, we exposed the treatment group to a social media-based counselling intervention wherein we attempted to counter the earlier fake news on COVID-19 vaccine which they were exposed to. We found that respondents who were exposed to fake news reported greater negative perception about COVID-19 vaccine than their counterparts in the control group. We also we found that as a result of the counselling intervention, the respondents in the treatment group reported more positive perception regarding COVID-19 vaccine while their counterparts in the control group who were earlier exposed to fake news on COVID-19 did not significantly change their perception. This study has highlighted the importance of counselling in countering fake news within the context of health promotion. This approach is yet to receive significant attention in literature, especially from developing countries.
Urban Forest Health Intervention Program to promote physical activity, healthy eating, self-efficacy and life satisfaction: impact on Israeli at-risk youth
Authors: Tesler Riki , Endevelt Ronit , Plaut Pnina 
Published: September 2021

Summary
The aim of this study was to evaluate an urban forest intervention program effect on physical activity, healthy eating habits, self-efficacy and life satisfaction (LS) among Israeli at-risk youth. The quasi-experimental study ran from September 2016 to June 2017; participants were randomly selected. There were 76 total study participants: 53 in the intervention and 23 in the control group. Participants ranged in age from 15 to 18 years. Questionnaires were administered to intervention and control groups before and after the intervention. Univariate and multivariable analyses evaluated the intervention effect. Repeated measures analyses of covariance were calculated to assess change in group differences. An increase was found in measures of physical activity in the intervention group (p &lt; 0.001), while no change was noted in the control group. Healthy eating increased in both groups (p = 0.007), with no significant difference between them (p = 0.165). Unhealthy eating decreased significantly in the intervention group (p = 0.002) and increased in the control group (p = 0.007). Self-efficacy increased in the intervention group (p &lt; 0.001), while no change was noted in the control group (p = 0.353). Likewise, LS increased in the intervention group (p &lt; 0.001), while no change was found in the control group (p = 0.657). Findings indicate that the intervention was efficacious in increasing physical activity, healthy eating habits, self-efficacy, and LS. The effectiveness of this intervention among larger samples is warranted in future prospective studies.
All you need to know about sperm RNAs
Authors: Santiago Joana , Silva Joana V , Howl John , Santos Manuel A S , Fardilha Margarida 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDSpermatogenesis generates a small and highly specialised type of cell that is apparently incapable of transcription and translation. For many years, this dogma was supported by the assumption that (i) the compact sperm nucleus, resulting from the substitution of histones by protamine during spermatogenesis, renders the genome inaccessible to the transcriptional machinery; and (ii) the loss of most organelles, including endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes, limits or prevents translational activity. Despite these observations, several types of coding and non-coding RNAs have been identified in human sperm. Their functional roles, particularly during fertilisation and embryonic development, are only now becoming apparent.OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALEThis review aimed to summarise current knowledge of the origin, types and functional roles of sperm RNAs, and to evaluate the clinical benefits of employing these transcripts as biomarkers of male fertility and reproductive outcomes. The possible contribution of sperm RNAs to intergenerational or transgenerational phenotypic inheritance is also addressed.SEARCH METHODSA comprehensive literature search on PubMed was conducted using the search terms ‘sperm’ AND ‘RNA’. Searches focussed upon articles written in English and published prior to August 2020.OUTCOMESThe development of more sensitive and accurate RNA technologies, including RNA sequencing, has enabled the identification and characterisation of numerous transcripts in human sperm. Though a majority of these RNAs likely arise during spermatogenesis, other data support an epididymal origin of RNA transmitted to maturing sperm by extracellular vesicles. A minority may also be synthesised by de novo transcription in mature sperm, since a small portion of the sperm genome remains packed by histones. This complex RNA population has important roles in paternal chromatin packaging, sperm maturation and capacitation, fertilisation, early embryogenesis and developmental maintenance. In recent years, additional lines of evidence from animal models support a role for sperm RNAs in intergenerational or transgenerational inheritance, modulating both the genotype and phenotype of progeny. Importantly, several reports indicate that the sperm RNA content of fertile and infertile men differs considerably and is strongly modulated by the environment, lifestyle and pathological states.WIDER IMPLICATIONSTranscriptional profiling has considerable potential for the discovery of fertility biomarkers. Understanding the role of sperm transcripts and comparing the sperm RNA fingerprint of fertile and infertile men could help to elucidate the regulatory pathways contributing to male factor infertility. Such data might also provide a molecular explanation for several causes of idiopathic male fertility. Ultimately, transcriptional profiling may be employed to optimise ART procedures and overcome some of the underlying causes of male infertility, ensuring the birth of healthy children.
Identifying impacts of air pollution on subacute asthma symptoms using digital medication sensors
Authors: Su Jason G , Barrett Meredith A , Combs Veronica , Henderson Kelly , Van Sickle David , Hogg Chris , Simrall Grace , Moyer Sarah S , Tarini Paul , Wojcik Oktawia , Sublett James , Smith Ted , Renda Andrew M , Balmes John , Gondalia Rahul , Kaye Leanne , Jerrett Michael 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Objective tracking of asthma medication use and exposure in real-time and space has not been feasible previously. Exposure assessments have typically been tied to residential locations, which ignore exposure within patterns of daily activities.

Methods
We investigated the associations of exposure to multiple air pollutants, derived from nearest air quality monitors, with space-time asthma rescue inhaler use captured by digital sensors, in Jefferson County, Kentucky. A generalized linear mixed model, capable of accounting for repeated measures, over-dispersion and excessive zeros, was used in our analysis. A secondary analysis was done through the random forest machine learning technique.

Results
The 1039 participants enrolled were 63.4% female, 77.3% adult (&gt;18) and 46.8% White. Digital sensors monitored the time and location of over 286 980 asthma rescue medication uses and associated air pollution exposures over 193 697 patient-days, creating a rich spatiotemporal dataset of over 10 905 240 data elements. In the generalized linear mixed model, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in pollutant exposure was associated with a mean rescue medication use increase per person per day of 0.201 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.189-0.214], 0.153 (95% CI: 0.136-0.171), 0.131 (95% CI: 0.115-0.147) and 0.113 (95% CI: 0.097-0.129), for sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3), respectively. Similar effect sizes were identified with the random forest model. Time-lagged exposure effects of 0–3 days were observed.

Conclusions
Daily exposure to multiple pollutants was associated with increases in daily asthma rescue medication use for same day and lagged exposures up to 3 days. Associations were consistent when evaluated with the random forest modelling approach.
Diaspora organizations, political settlements, and the migration-development nexus: the case of the Indonesian Diaspora Network
Authors: Rosser Andrew 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This article examines the Indonesian Diaspora Network (IDN), an organization that seeks to ‘facilitate’ and ‘empower’ Indonesia’s diaspora and enhance its contribution to the country’s development. IDN portrays itself as an expression of the collective will of a unified and coherent Indonesian diaspora that is working to promote development-for-all, while critics suggest it is the instrument of elite and professional elements within the diaspora pursuing narrower interests and agendas. By contrast, this article suggests that IDN is a political settlement between these and other elements within the diaspora, each of which has distinct interests and agendas with regard to Indonesia’s development. Its impact on Indonesia’s development is consequently much less clear-cut than existing analyses suggest while also being contingent on processes of political and social struggle. In theoretical terms, the article encourages an understanding of diaspora organizations in terms of political settlements analysis.