bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cautionary tale on the effects of different covariance structures in linear mixed effects modeling of fMRI data
Authors: van der Horn Harm Jan , Erhardt Erik B. , Dodd Andrew B. , Nathaniel Upasana , Wick Tracey V. , McQuaid Jessica R. , Ryman Sephira G. , Vakhtin Andrei A. , Meier Timothy B. , Mayer Andrew R. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWith the steadily increasing abundance of longitudinal neuroimaging studies with large sample sizes and multiple repeated measures, questions arise regarding the appropriate modeling of variance and covariance. The current study examined the influence of standard classes of variance–covariance structures in linear mixed effects (LME) modeling of fMRI data from patients with pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (pmTBI; N = 181) and healthy controls (N = 162). During two visits, participants performed a cognitive control fMRI paradigm that compared congruent and incongruent stimuli. The hemodynamic response function was parsed into peak and late peak phases. Data were analyzed with a 4‐way (GROUP×VISIT×CONGRUENCY×PHASE) LME using AFNI's 3dLME and compound symmetry (CS), autoregressive process of order 1 (AR1), and unstructured (UN) variance–covariance matrices. Voxel‐wise results dramatically varied both within the cognitive control network (UN>CS for CONGRUENCY effect) and broader brain regions (CS>UN for GROUP:VISIT) depending on the variance–covariance matrix that was selected. Additional testing indicated that both model fit and estimated standard error were superior for the UN matrix, likely as a result of the modeling of individual terms. In summary, current findings suggest that the interpretation of results from complex designs is highly dependent on the selection of the variance–covariance structure using LME modeling.
Association between receiving Covid‐19 vaccine and menstrual cycle patterns among childbearing women: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: AlRawi Halah Z. , AlQurashi Alaa , AlDahan Doaa , Alkhudhayri Maha , Alsharidah Amani R. , Wani Tariq , AlJaroudi Dania 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsMany women reported experiencing abnormalities in their cycle after being vaccinated with Covid‐19 vaccination. To understand this issue further, our study aimed to evaluate the menstrual cycle patterns among women of childbearing age after receiving COVID‐19 vaccinations.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted to investigate the impact of COVID‐19 vaccine on women aged 18 years and above in Saudi Arabia. A self‐administered online questionnaire was distributed among participants who had received at least one dose of COVID‐19 vaccine. The questionnaire included questions about the participants' demographic characteristics, medical history, and vaccine‐related adverse events.ResultsThe study included 383 female participants with an average age of 30.8 ± 8.1 years. The majority of participants, 92.7%, were Saudi, and more than half, 51.4%, were single. Of the participants, 78.9% were disease‐free, and a majority of 67.9% had no history of Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection. A significant proportion of participants reported postvaccination changes in the menstrual cycle. Specifically, 43.1% reported changes after the first dose, and 38.4% reported changes after the second dose (p = 0.044). The severity of premenstrual symptoms increased from 44 (11.5%) to 113 (29.5%) after the first dose. Reported pain on the (WONG‐BAKER) scale was also significantly elevated from 34 (8.9%) to 87 (22.7%) (p < 0.001) after the first dose.ConclusionA relatively high prevalence of menstrual cycle irregularities was reported by Saudi vaccinated women, particularly young adults. These findings suggest the need to further research and explore the underlying causes of these irregularities and develop interventions that may help mitigate their impact on women's health. It is also recommended that women who observe long‐term changes in their menstrual cycles seek follow‐up and consultation with healthcare providers to ensure that any potential health concerns are addressed promptly.
Association between knowledge and use of contraceptive among women of reproductive age in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Donkoh Irene Esi , Okyere Joshua , Seidu Abdul‐Aziz , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Yaya Sanni 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThe use of contraceptives has been considered relevant in reducing unintended pregnancies in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). However, despite evidence of knowledge of contraceptives, their use remains low in SSA. This study examined the association between knowledge of contraceptive methods and the use of contraceptives in SSA.MethodsData for the study were extracted from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 21 countries in SSA spanning from 2015 to 2021. A weighted sample of 200,498 sexually active women of reproductive age were included in the final analysis. We presented the results on the utilization of contraceptives using percentages with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). We examined the association between knowledge of contraceptive methods and the use of contraceptives using multilevel binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsOverall, 24.32% (95% CI: 24.15–24.50) of women in SSA used contraceptives. Chad had the lowest prevalence of contraceptive use (5.07%) while Zimbabwe had the highest prevalence (66.81%). The odds of using any method of contraception were significantly higher for women with medium [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.80–1.98] and high [AOR = 2.22; 95% CI = 2.10–2.33] knowledge of contraceptive methods compared to those with low knowledge, after adjusting for all covariates.ConclusionOur study has shown that the use of contraceptives among women in SSA is low. Women's knowledge of any contraception method increases their likelihood of using contraceptives in SSA. To improve contraceptive use in SSA, targeted interventions and programmes should increase awareness creation and sensitization, which can improve women's knowledge on methods of contraception. Also, programmes implemented to address the low uptake of contraceptives should consider the factors identified in this study. In addition, specific subregional strategies could be implemented to narrow the subregional disparities.
Comparison of the effect of heparin, reteplase, and taurolock in the prevention of thrombosis in hemodialysis catheters
Authors: Azadbakht Morteza , Razian Azadeh , Pooria Ali , Hadian Babak 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground and AimOne of the complications of using catheters is the occurrence of thrombosis, which can be dangerous for patients. The main objective of this study is to compare the effect of heparin, reteplase, and taurolock in the prevention of thrombosis in hemodialysis catheters.MethodsThe present study is a clinical trial, in which the effect of three drugs, heparin, reteplase, and taurolock, in the prevention of thrombosis in hemodialysis catheters, has been investigated. The research units were studied in two intervention and control groups. The stratified random allocation method was used to assign patients to five groups (control, Heparin 50, Heparin 1000, reteplase, and taurolock), with strata based on the patient's age (20–70 years), gender, and duration of dialysis. Within each stratum, patients were also assigned to groups using the randomized block permutation method and a random number table tool. To prevent bias, this study is triple‐blinded. This means that the patient, the thrombosis assessor, and the statistical analyst are unaware of the type of intervention received by the patient.ResultsGender (p < 0.999), age distribution (p = 0.774), and duration of dialysis (p = 0.875) showed no statistically significant relationship with thrombosis. However, significant differences were observed among the five groups regarding thrombosis incidence. The relative risk of thrombosis in the Heparin 50, Heparin 1000, reteplase, and taurolock groups compared to the control group was 92.5%, 92.2%, 98.2%, and 89% lower, respectively.ConclusionOur study underscores the efficacy of heparin, reteplase, and taurolock in preventing thrombosis in hemodialysis catheters. While all three drugs demonstrated efficacy, the Heparin 50 group exhibited the highest relative risk reduction. These findings suggest that heparin, particularly at a low dose, should be considered a standard prophylactic treatment in hemodialysis patients.
An impact of Richardson number on the inclined MHD mixed convective flow with heat and mass transfer
Authors: Mahabaleshwar U. S. , Anusha T. , Sachhin S. M. , Zeidan Dia , Joo Sang Woo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe two‐dimensional mixed convective MHD flow with heat and mass transfer is investigated for its behavior with Dufour and Soret mechanisms over the porous sheet. The copper–alumina (Cu–Al2O3) hybrid nanoparticles are used in the base fluid water. The governing system of partial differential equations is converted into a system of ordinary differential equations via similarity transformations, obtaining the solution for velocity, temperature, and concentration fields in exponential form. The problem is demonstrated in the Darcy–Brinkman model, the impact of included parameters such as Richardson number, magnetic field, and Dufour numbers are studied for the obtained solution with the help of graphs. Increasing the magnetic field decreases both transverse and axial velocity profiles. Increasing the magnetic field and Richardson's number decreases the solution (Al2O3–H2O). Increasing the values magnetic field and Richardson's number decreases both transverse and axial velocity profiles. Increasing the values of the Dufour effect increases the axial and transverse velocity boundary layer. The magnetohydrodynamic hybrid nanofluid flow over porous media works efficiently in liquid cooling and, therefore, has significant applications in industrial heating and cooling systems, solar energy, magnetohydrodynamic flow meters and pumps, manufacturing, regenerative heat exchange, thermal energy storage, solar power collectors, geothermal recovery, and chemical catalytic reactors.
Intertidal spring dynamics and coastal nutrient loading revealed through geophysics, drone surveys, and in‐situ monitoring
Authors: Oliver Alexandra C. , Jamieson Rob C. , Smith Kathryn A. , Cantelon Julia A. , Kurylyk Barret L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCoastal eutrophication poses an increasing risk to ecosystem health due to enhanced nutrient loading to the global coastline. Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) represents a significant pathway for nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) transport to the coast, but diffusive SGD transport is difficult to monitor directly, given the low flux rates and expansive discharge areas. In contrast, focused SGD from intertidal springs can potentially be sampled and directly gauged, providing unique insight into SGD and associated contaminant transport. Basin Head is a coastal lagoon in Prince Edward Island, Canada that is a federally protected ecosystem. Nitrate‐nitrogen is conveyed from agricultural fields in the contributing watershed to the eutrophic lagoon via intertidal groundwater springs and groundwater‐dominated tributaries. We used several field methods to characterize groundwater discharge, nutrient loading, and in‐channel mixing associated with intertidal springs. The tributaries and intertidal springs were gauged and sampled to estimate a representative summer nitrate load to the lagoon. Our analysis revealed that NO3‐N export to the lagoon through tributaries and springs throughout summer 2023 was on average 401 kg N/month, with the combined spring loading comparable in magnitude to the combined tributary loading. We collected thermal infrared and visual imagery using drone surveys and found spatial overlap between cold‐water plumes from the spring discharge and macroalgae blooms, indicating the local thermal and ecosystem impacts of the focused SGD. We also mapped the electrical resistivity (salinity) distribution in the water column around one large spring with electromagnetic geophysics at different tidal stages to reveal the three‐dimensional spring plume dynamics. Results showed that the fresher spring water floated above the saline lagoon water with the brackish plume oriented in the direction of the tidal current. Collectively, our multi‐pronged field investigations help elucidate the hydrologic, thermal, and nutrient dynamics of intertidal springs and the cascading ecosystem impacts.
The importance of collaboration in maternal medicine: A retrospective descriptive study of a maternal multidisciplinary team meeting
Authors: McCarthy Claire M. , Geoghegan Tony , Ni Ainle Fionnuala , Donnelly Jennifer C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveIn the present study we aimed to review the evolution and function of the maternal medicine multidisciplinary team (MMMDT) meeting of a maternal medicine service of a tertiary level stand‐alone maternity hospital.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective descriptive study of all minutes of MMMDT meetings from 2014 to 2020, with the aim of evaluating meeting characteristics and patient demographics.ResultsThere were 575 multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussions of 486 women during 43 meetings in the 7 year period. On average, 13 (range 3–23; SD = 5.28) women were discussed at each meeting, attended by 17 (range: 11–27; SD = 4.26) attendees. There were 18 women discussed during successive pregnancies. When analyzing the 2017–2020 data, preconceptual discussions made up 7.3% (n = 42) of patients discussed, with 5.7% (n = 33) being postnatal. The mean maternal age was 32.5 years (range 15–48 years) and women were most likely to be discussed in the mid‐trimester period (21–24 weeks gestation). The top five primary specialities involved were hematology, neurology, rheumatology, neurosurgery and gastroenterology; however, 22 specialities were represented overall when classified by the primary medical condition. When examining the MDT input, hematology input was required in 144 patients (25.0%), radiology in 161 (28.0%) patients, and 117 in anesthesiology (20.3%). When examining the number of teams required to manage the patient, 80 women required the input of three specialities, with 16 women requiring the input of four specialities.ConclusionWe demonstrate the value and role of the MDT in the management of complex patients, providing a forum to discuss care in all phases of the obstetric journey.
Ecosystem services of irrigated and controlled drainage agricultural systems: A contemporary global perspective
Authors: van der Laan Michael , Virtanen Seija , Matsuno Yutaka , Castelli Giulio , Fayrap Aynur , Cresswell Richard , Hsieh M.K. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIrrigated agriculture provides 40% of the world's crop‐based foods but often with a negative impact on the environment. It is important to recognize that in addition to providing food and fibre, irrigation and controlled drainage systems can be optimized to provide additional ecosystem services and mitigate climate change by using resources in a more efficient way. Contemporary case studies were identified from around the world, including flood control by paddy fields in Japan, water quality enhancement and wastewater reuse in South Africa and Taiwan, micro‐/meso‐climate regulation in Ethiopia and Japan, controlled drainage and sub‐irrigation to maximize carbon sequestration and minimize leaching in Finland, and groundwater table management to reduce irrigation water and pumping requirements in Turkey. Irrigation infrastructure, such as rice paddy terraced landscapes (Japan) and large dams and canals (Australia), have also achieved notable additional ecotourism job creation. Case studies were analysed in terms of funding opportunities and compared using the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services system. It is recommended that planning frameworks be developed that seek to optimize ecosystem services such as the ones discussed above. Policy should be updated to recognize these services and provide incentives to irrigators and water management entities accordingly.
Investigation of morphology and structure of drug‐loaded PLA‐b‐PEO‐b‐PLA polymeric micelle: A dissipative particle dynamics simulations study
Authors: Liu Dongmei , Lin Ye , Wang Danping , Jin Yongchao , Gong Kai 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation was used to study the morphologies and structures of the paclitaxel‐loaded PLA‐b‐PEO‐b‐PLA polymeric micelle. We focused on the influences of PLA block length, PLA‐b‐PEO‐b‐PLA copolymer concentration, paclitaxel drug content on morphologies and structures of the micelle. Our simulations show that: (i) with the PLA block length increase, the self‐assemble structure of PLA‐b‐PEO‐b‐PLA copolymers with paclitaxel vary between onion‐like structure (core‐middle layer‐shell) to spherical core‐shell structure. The PEO shell thins and the size of the PLA core increases. The onionlike structures are comprised of the PEO hydrophilic core, the PLA hydrophobic middle layer, and the PEO hydrophilic shell, the distribution of the paclitaxel drug predominantly occurs within the hydrophobic intermediate layer; (ii) The system forms a spherical core‐shell structure when a small amount of the drug is added, and within a certain range, the size of the spherical structure increases as the drug amount increases. When the drug contents (volume fraction) cdrug = 10%, it can be observed that the PLA4‐b‐PEO19‐b‐PLA4 spherical structures connect to form rod‐shaped structures. With the length of PLA block NPLA = 8, as the paclitaxel drug concentrations cdrug = 4%, PEO has been insufficient to completely encapsulate the PLA and paclitaxel drug beads. To enhance drug loading capacity while maintaining stability of the system in aqueous solution, the optimal composition for loading paclitaxel is PLA4‐b‐PEO19‐b‐PLA4; the drug content is not higher than 4%; (iii) The paclitaxel‐loaded PLA4‐b‐PEO19‐b‐PLA4 micelle undergo the transition from onionlike (core‐middle layer‐shell) to spherical (core‐shell) to rod‐shaped and lamellar structure as the PLA4‐b‐PEO19‐b‐PLA4 copolymer concentration increases from ccp = 10% to 40%.
Principles versus rules based standards: Differential impact on accounting quality and relevance
Authors: Cabán David 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis research explores the transition from rules‐based to principles‐based accounting standards, particularly focusing on the implementation of ASC 606, and its impact on the quality and value relevance of financial reporting. The study draws on the debate between the detailed, prescriptive nature of rules‐based standards versus the flexible, judgment‐reliant principles‐based standards. Through a comprehensive empirical analysis, it finds that the adoption of ASC 606 has led to a significant improvement in accounting quality, supporting the theory that principles‐based standards, which emphasize reflecting the economic substance of transactions, result in more accurate and informative financial statements. Additionally, the paper reveals that this transition has varied effects across different industries, with the most pronounced improvements in sectors characterized by complex customer contracts and multiple performance obligations. The research further indicates an increase in the value relevance of financial reporting post‐ASC 606 adoption, suggesting that financial statements now provide more relevant information for investors, thereby enhancing market efficiency. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the optimal approach to financial reporting standards, highlighting the benefits of principles‐based standards while also acknowledging the need for strong regulatory frameworks and professional judgment to mitigate the risks of earnings management and ensure high‐quality financial reporting.
ZNF469 is a profibrotic regulator of extracellular matrix in hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Ariyachet Chaiyaboot , Nokkeaw Archittapon , Boonkaew Bootsakorn , Tangkijvanich Pisit 
Published: May 2024

AbstractActivation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into proliferative myofibroblasts drives extracellular cellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and liver fibrosis; nevertheless, the transcriptional network that promotes such a process is not completely understood. ZNF469 is a putative C2H2 zinc finger protein that may bind to specific genome sequences. It is found to be upregulated upon HSC activation; however, the molecular function of ZNF469 is completely unknown. Here, we show that knockdown of ZNF469 in primary human HSCs impaired proliferation, migration, and collagen production. Conversely, overexpression of ZNF469 in HSCs yielded the opposite results. Transforming growth factor‐β 1 promoted expression of ZNF469 in a Smad3‐dependent manner, where the binding of Smad3 was confirmed at the ZNF469 promoter. RNA sequencing data of ZNF469‐knockdown HSCs revealed the ECM‐receptor interaction, which provides structural and signaling support to cells, was the most affected pathway, and significant downregulation of various collagen and proteoglycan genes was observed. To investigate the function of ZNF469, we cloned a full‐length open reading frame of ZNF469 with an epitope tag and identified a nuclear localization of the protein. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed the presence of ZNF469 at the promoter of ECM genes, supporting its function as a transcription factor. Analysis of human fibrotic and cirrhotic tissues showed increased expression of ZNF469 and a positive correlation between expression levels of ZNF469 and ECM genes. Moreover, this observation was similar in other fibrotic organs, including the heart, lung, and skin, suggesting that myofibroblasts from various origins generally require ZNF469 to promote ECM production. Together, this study is the first to reveal the role of ZNF469 as a profibrotic factor in HSCs and suggests ZNF469 as a novel target for antifibrotic therapy.
Does the liver facilitate aging‐related cognitive impairment: Conversation between liver and brain during exercise?
Authors: Wei Changling , Li Xue , Jin Yu , Zhang Yuanting , Yuan Qiongjia 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLiver, an important regulator of metabolic homeostasis, is critical for healthy brain function. In particular, age‐related neurodegenerative diseases seriously reduce the quality of life for the elderly. As population aging progresses rapidly, unraveling the mechanisms that effectively delay aging has become critical. Appropriate exercise is reported to improve aging‐related cognitive impairment. Whereas current studies focused on exploring the effect of exercise on the aging brain itself, ignoring the persistent effects of peripheral organs on the brain through the blood circulation. The aim of this paper is to summarize the communication and aging processes of the liver and brain and to emphasize the metabolic mechanisms of the liver–brain axis about exercise ameliorating aging‐related neurodegenerative diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the potential mechanisms about exercise ameliorating aging is critical for improving adaptation to age‐related brain changes and formulating effective interventions against age‐related cognitive decline.
On induced subgraph of Cartesian product of paths
Authors: Zeng Jiasheng , Hou Xinmin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractChung et al. constructed an induced subgraph of the hypercube with vertices and with maximum degree smaller than . Subsequently, Huang proved the Sensitivity Conjecture by demonstrating that the maximum degree of such an induced subgraph of hypercube is at least , and posed the question: Given a graph , let be the minimum of the maximum degree of an induced subgraph of on vertices, what can we say about ? In this paper, we investigate this question for Cartesian product of paths , denoted by . We determine the exact values of when by showing that for and , and give a nontrivial lower bound of when by showing that . In particular, when , we have , which is Huang's result. The lower bounds of and are given by using the spectral method provided by Huang.