bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Payment Method and Invoicing Currency: Evidence from Turkish Textile and Clothing Exports
Authors: Türkcan Kemal , Yoshida Yushi , Yoshimi Taiyo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study examines how the payment method affects the choice of invoicing currency. Focusing on Turkish textile and clothing exports, it finds that exporters using the open account method, where payment is made after goods are received, prefer to invoice in their home currency (Turkish lira) to mitigate exchange rate risks associated with foreign currencies. This preference is more pronounced among small and medium-sized enterprises. We also find that the euro, the predominant foreign currency in our Turkish sample, is less likely to be used under the OA method. Additionally, the Turkish lira is more likely chosen as the invoicing currency when its value is higher, when exporting to fewer countries, or by less productive exporters.
JEL Classification: F14 and L14
A neutralizing antibody potently prevents RSV A and B infections by targeting a conserved region of the prefusion F
Authors: Xia Ning-Shao , Sun Yong-Peng , Liu Liqin , Qiang Hong-Sheng , Sun Hui , Jiang Yi-Chao , Ren Luo , Jiang Ze-Min , Lei Si-Yu , Chen Li , Wang Yi-Zhen , Lin Xue , Wang Guosong , Huang Yang , Fu Yu-Hao , Shi Yu-Jin , Chen Xiuting , Yu Hai , Li Shaowei , Luo Wenxin , Enmei Liu , Zheng Qingbing , Zheng Zi-Zheng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses a significant public health challenge, especially among children. Although palivizumab and nirsevimab, neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) targeting the RSV F protein, have been used for prophylaxis, their limitations underscore the need for more effective alternatives. Here, we present a nAb 5B11 with exceptional potency against both RSV-A and RSV-B, outperforming the first FDA-approved nAb, palivizumab, and the long-acting nirsevimab. Cryo-electron microscopy study reveals 5B11’s mechanism of action by targeting a highly conserved epitope within site V, offering a promising strategy with lower risk of escape mutants. In vivo studies further confirm that low-dose 5B11 provides superior prophylactic efficacy, marking it as a potent candidate for broad RSV prevention.
Visualizing Cancer Resistance via Nano- quenching and Recovery Detector of CD44
Authors: Zeng Jialin , Zeng Lingke , Yang Lihua , Feng Chengyu , Yang Yuepeng , Ye Yingying , Zhang Wenxin , He Jian , Zhang Chao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Drug resistance to chemotherapy in cancers remains significant clinical challenges. CD44 modulates cellular adhesion, migration and growth, which plays a pivotal role in driving cancer resistance and even recurrence. Despite ongoing efforts, accurate, safe, and real-time dynamic monitoring techniques for CD44 expression remain inadequate in guiding the management of drug-resistant cancer treatment. In this study, we developed a nano-quenching and recovery detector of CD44 (Cy3-AptCD44@BPNSs) for visualizing cancer drug resistance. The fluorescence recovery of the detector is directly related to the CD44 expression level on cancer cells, which can be used to indicate the degree of drug resistance. It’s confirmed that downregulating CD44 expression on cancer cells results in a corresponding decrease in the fluorescence intensity of the detector, which enables precise and dynamic monitoring of CD44. In addition, the Cy3-AptCD44@BPNSs also exhibited specificity in detecting CD44. This visualizing strategy may open up a wide range of possibilities for rapid recognition to cancer drug resistance, which is more efficient and flexible.
Investigation of the preliminary compounds found in leaf extracts of Inula confertiflora and evaluation of their activities against antioxidant and in vitro antibacterial activities
Authors: Habtamu Abere , Meku Esubalew , Leshe Sintayehu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Medicinal plants, from those traditionally utilized by healers in underdeveloped nations to those employed in the manufacturing of contemporary synthetic medications worldwide, are essential in the treatment of a wide range of illnesses. Ethiopians have long utilized the leaves of Inula confertiflora plants to treat diseases pertaining to the skin and eyes. This encouraged us to look at the yield of crudes extracted using various polar index solvents, look at the existence of precursor compounds in the plant's leaf sections, and evaluate the ability of preliminary compounds to scavenge free radicals from DPPH and their antibacterial properties against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. Following the extraction processes of the plant soaking, filtering, and concentrating the crudes, the highest yield of crude was produced by ethanol in moderately polar solvents (3.64 gm), water with a higher polarity index (5.74 gm), and acetone in lower polar solvents (6.28 gm), which produced a relatively lower yield. The UV-Vis spectroscopic results of the ethanol extracts showed they contained a wide range of preliminary bioactive functional groups, like phenols and flavonoids, and their derivative compounds. Additionally, the ethanol extracts' inhibition zone was marginally higher than that of the water and acetone extracts', indicating that the preliminary compounds extracted in a higher polar solvent—water—and a moderate polar solvent—acetone—were obtained in the ethanol extracts. In conclusion, the presence of higher total content of the phenolic and flavonoids, higher radical scavenging efficiency in DPPH solution, and greater zone of inhibition in-vitro antibacterial activities displayed by the preliminary compounds extracted by ethanol and water extracted from the leaf of Inula confertiflora corroborate the traditional uses by the local people against various diseases.
3D-Printing and Biofunctionalization of PCL-Based Nanocomposite Scaffolds for Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Samavati Behnoush , Tamjid Elnaz , Khalili Mohammad Amin , Khajeh Khosro 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Three-dimensional printed porous scaffolds offer biophysical and biochemical support for surrounding cells, mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM) in bone tissue engineering. Bone tissue engineering scaffold is intended to provide hydrophilicity, cytocompatibility and delivery of diverse bioactive molecules such as growth factors and enzymes to exhibit cell attachment, proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and calcification. Alkaline phosphatase enzyme is an essential biomolecule due to its significant role in bone mineralization and cell differentiation. This study immobilizes alkaline phosphatase enzyme (ALP) and dopamine on a 3D-printed polycaprolactone/TiO2 nanocomposite via solvent soaking. Characterization includes contact angle, compressive strength test, EDX, ATR, and XRD analysis. In vitro cell studies on PCL, PCL/nTiO2, PCL/nTiO2/Dopamine, and PCL/nTiO2/dopamine/ALP 3D-printed scaffolds evaluate osteogenic differentiation and cell viability using ALP activity on rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MTT assay on the L929 cell line. FTIR confirms nanoparticle presence in the scaffold, while XRD and compressive tests show that the crystallinity degree and mechanical properties of the PCL scaffold are higher than nanocomposite scaffolds. Dopamine increases the hydrophilicity of PCL, enhancing biological behavior and expressing significant osteogenic effects. The PCL/nTiO2/Dopamine/ALP group shows the most ALP activity after 3 days. ALP assay exhibits acceptable differentiation in the absence of ALP for nanocomposite scaffolds after 7 days of incubation. TiO2 considerably increases osteogenic differentiation after 10 days, up to about 100%, compared to the sample containing osteogenic medium. This study highlights the potential for designing novel biofunctionalized 3D nanocomposite scaffolds with osteogenic properties for bone tissue engineering applications.
Associations of disability with incidence of heart disease in people with diabetes
Authors: Kim Kyusung , Lee Hwa-Young , Shin Dong Wook , Han Kyung‑Do , Jung Jin Hyung , Park Jae-hyun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study investigated associations of disability, including its severity and type, with incidence of heart disease in people with diabetes. Korean National Health Insurance data from 2009 to 2019 were used. This study sampled 50% of people with disability registered in 2009 and 2010 and matched them 1:1 by sex and age to obtain a control group. A longitudinal analysis was conducted to examine the incidence of heart disease by disability, including its severity and type, in 17,338 diabetics from 2010 to 2019. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Hazard ratio of disability for the incidence of heart disease in those with diabetes was statistically significantly increased in all adjusted models. By disability severity, it was higher in both mild and severe groups than in the non-disabled group. It was much higher in the severe group. By disability type, the hazard ratio for the incidence of heart disease was significantly increased in those with mobility, communication disability, and those classified as others, but not in those with a mental disability. In conclusion, disability was associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease among people with diabetes.
Lightweight signal recognition based on hybrid model in wireless networks
Authors: Gao Rui , Guo Lan , Tang Mingjun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

As a key technology in wireless networks, signal recognition is widely used in various military and civilian fields. By correctly recognizing the modulation scheme of the received unknown signal, the performance of the communication system can be improved. With the comprehensive digitization and intelligence of the world, the rapid development of wireless communication puts forward higher requirements for signal recognition: 1) Accurate and efficient recognition of various modulation modes and 2) Lightweight recognition of intelligent hardware. Therefore, through in-depth study of hybrid model and lightweight modulation recognition, this paper first designs a hybrid signal recognition model based on convolutional neural network and gating recursive unit (CnGr). By combining the spatial module with the temporal module, the multi-dimensional extraction of the original signal is promoted and the recognition accuracy is effectively improved. Further, a lightweight signal recognition method is given by combining pruning and depthwise separable convolution. The network can be reduced effectively on the premise of ensuring the recognition accuracy, which facilitates the deployment and implementation on edge devices. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively improve the recognition accuracy, and reduce the model significantly without reducing the accuracy.
The usability and usefulness of personal health records (PHRs) for supporting chronic disease management: A framework analysis approach
Authors: Salehi Fatemeh , Bastani Peivand , Ahmadian Leila , Sharifian Roxana , Samadi Katayoon , Yazdani Azita 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Personal health records (PHRs) are a major footstone for “improving the self-management of patients”. However, its effectiveness can be low if people do not find it beneficial to their management care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability and usefulness of a web-based PHR for self-management improvement in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Methods
The present study was conducted in 2021 as qualitative research using a framework analysis approach. The study population consisted of patients who had experienced using chronic kidney disease personal health records (CKDPHR) and were willing to participate in the study. Snowball sampling was used to select 12 participants for the semistructured interviews. The Guba and Lincoln criteria, including credibility, transferability, confirmability and dependability, were used to determine reliability and transparency, and finally, a five-step framework analysis method was used to analyze the data.
Results
Analysis of the data led to the identification of 2 main themes, 8 subthemes and 23 main categories. The first main theme was “practical worth”, which included personal health management, personal health adherence, personal decision support, personal information management and communication management, and the second main theme was “use free of effort”, which included error handling, the feasibility of recall and subjective pleasure.
Conclusion
The results of these studies highlight that chronic patients want PHRs to be made more personal and tailored according to their needs to improve their usefulness and encourage them to use such a system on a regular basis.
Deciphering Osteoarthritis Progression and Knee Replacement Biomarkers: A Digital Twin Analysis via qMRI
Authors: Hoyer Gabrielle , Hoyer Gabrielle , Gao Kenneth , Gassert Felix , Luitjens Johanna , Jiang Fei , Majumdar Sharmila , Pedoia Valentina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent and debilitating condition, poses substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Our study leverages advanced quantitative MRI to construct a sophisticated 100-dimensional space mapping known risk factors, unveiling unique imaging biomarkers for early detection and causal analysis in OA incidence and knee replacement (KR) cohorts. This methodological innovation enables a data-driven exploration of OA pathophysiology. We identified distinctive imaging features that differentiate between individuals at risk of OA and controls, elucidating protective factors and risk enhancers. Specifically, our analysis revealed that variations in cartilage thickness and T2 relaxation times are associated with reduced OA risk, whereas alterations in the medial meniscus shape increase susceptibility. Additionally, we pinpointed biomarkers for KR candidates, including tibial bone shape and cartilage characteristics, with significant implications for understanding OA’s progression. Our findings provide a promising foundation for future research, tailored clinical trials, and personalized therapeutic approaches, marking a significant stride toward combating OA.
The effect of loneliness on depressive symptoms in the 65+ European population: A longitudinal observational study using SHARE data
Authors: Smit Daniëlle , Rehnberg Johan , Fors Stefan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Loneliness has been found to be associated with an increased probability of depressive symptoms in various research studies. Yet, the relationship is complex, and it remains unclear whether loneliness is a cause for depressive symptomatology. This study aims to investigate the possible causal effect of loneliness in the loneliness-depressive symptoms relationship among 65+ older adults in Europe.
Method: This study analyzed two waves of observational data (2015–2017) from the Study of Health, Aging and Retirement Europe (SHARE) (n = 6808 individuals) and tried to identify a causal effect of direct and indirect loneliness on depressive symptomatology by accounting for confounding of potential unmeasured factors underlying the relationship using an endogenous treatment-effects model.
Results: This study showed that there was a substantial positive association between loneliness in 2015 and new depressive symptoms in 2017 in the sample. However, there was no support for the hypothesis that loneliness in 2015 was a cause of depressive symptoms among those adults in 2017. In addition, there was limited evidence for unmeasured factors confounding the relationship.
Discussion: Loneliness may not be a cause for depressive symptoms. This suggests that there might be other reasons why lonely individuals are at an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Therefore, a shift in focus when aiming to reduce depressive symptoms among lonely older adults may be warranted.
Inexperienced water users can “Float to Live” in realistic open water conditions
Authors: Eglin Clare , Massey Heather , Long Geoff , Mayhew Adrian , Tipton Michael 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The RNLI “Float to Live” campaign is based on research conducted in indoor pools with experienced open water swimmers. Study 1 investigated whether the RNLI “Float to Live” guidance would enable less experienced individuals to float in realistic open water conditions. Study 2 examined the separate effects of practice and coaching on floating competence.
Methods
Study 1: Inexperienced water users conducted floats in either still, open fresh (n = 22) or open sea water (n = 13), followed by moving sea (n = 6) or fresh water (n = 5). Participants undertook three 2-minute floats in still water wearing swimwear and one clothed float: 1) naïve; 2) following RNLI “Float to live” messaging; 3) individual float coaching; 4) simulated fall wearing summer clothing. In moving sea water, participants undertook two floats equivalent to Floats 3 and 4. In moving fresh water, participants undertook 3 floats: 1) naïve; 2) following “defensive floating” coaching; 3) simulated fall wearing summer clothing. Study 2: Two groups matched for skinfold thickness undertook three 2-minute floats in a flume wearing swimwear. PRAC group (n = 12): 1) naïve; 2) following float practice; 3) float coaching; COACH group (n = 11) coaching followed by practice. Floating difficulty, confidence, competence, “efficiency” and perceived exertion were analysed using either a Friedman test or mixed model ANOVA.
Results
In both fresh water and sea water, participants’ floating competence and confidence increased after viewing the RNLI messaging, it was further improved with individualised float coaching. The additional helpful instructions included: 1) “head back with ears submerged”; 2) “relax”; 3) “breathe normally”; 4) “it is OK if your legs sink”; 5) an accurate description of sculling for “active” floaters that needed it; 6) spread arms and legs for stability. The simulated fall with clothing did not impair floating competence. No difference in floating competence was seen between PRAC and COACH, though confidence may be increased sooner in COACH.
Conclusions
The RNLI float advice can be applied in realistic open water settings by less experienced water users. Additional content could be included to make the messaging even more effective.
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia with Normal Cytogenetics and NPM1-Mutation: Impact of Mutation Topography on Outcomes
Authors: Zhao Mingyue , Liao Mingyue , Gale Robert Peter , Zhang Meijie , Wu Lixin , Yan Nan , Liu Lixia , Qin Jiayue , Cao Shanbo , Chang Yingjun , Jiang Qian , Xu Lanping , Zhang Xiaohui , Huang Xiaojun , Jiang Hao , Ruan Guorui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
About one-half of adults with acute myeloid leukaemia with normal cytogenetics (CN-AML) have a nucleophosmin-1 (NPM1) mutation. There is controversy regarding their prognosis and best therapy.
Methods
We studied 150 consecutive subjects with these features using targeted regional sequencing. The co-variates in the multi-variable analyses including clinical baseline data and genetic mutations. Prognostic stratification based on identified risk factors was performed, and subjects were assigned to two post-remission therapies with and without a transplant. Subsequently, we evaluated the effect of post-remission therapy.
Results
In multi-variable analyses a positive MRD-test after the 2nd consolidation cycle (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 6.00; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] [3.31, 10.85]; P < 0.001), DNMT3A mutation (HR = 3.01 [1.57, 5.78]; P < 0.001), FLT3-ITD mutation with high variant allele frequency (VAF) (HR = 4.40 [1.89, 10.24]; P < 0.001) and DEAD/H-box helicase 11 (DDX11) mutations (HR = 4.38 [2.38, 8.04]; P < 0.001) were independently correlated with higher cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) and worse leukaemia-free survival (LFS) (HR = 5.76 [3.16, 10.48]; P < 0.001; HR = 3.32 [1.78, 6.20]; P < 0.001; HR = 4.03 [1.82, 8.94]; P < 0.001; HR = 4.24 [1.99, 9.01]; P < 0.001). Subjects with ≥ 1 high-risk co-variate who received an allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant had a lower CIR and better LFS compared with subjects not receiving a transplant. Allocation to a transplant was not random and our censoring was imperfect so this observation needs validation.
Conclusions
In conclusion, we identified co-variates associated with CIR and LFS in subjects of NPM1-mutated CN-AML.
Trial registration
The trial is registered at Clinicaltrials. gov (NCT01455272, NCT02185261) and in chictr.org (ChiCTR-OCH-10000940).
Risk factors associated with negative appendicectomy rates: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Donald Neil , Halliday Laura , Smith Gillian , Dighe Shwetal 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common emergency general surgical condition worldwide. Diagnosis is challenging and incorporates clinical, biochemical and radiological investigations. Our aim was to provide data from routine practice investigating widely utilised diagnostic methods from a single centre within the United Kingdom.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of patients who underwent a laparoscopic appendicectomy for AA between April 2022–March 2023. AA was defined as the presence of transmural polymorphonuclear leukocytes on histology. Subgroup analysis was performed on paediatric patients. Factors associated with AA were investigated and the diagnostic utility of biochemical and radiological investigations was examined.
Results
330 appendicectomies were analysed. We found an overall negative appendicectomy rate (NAR) of 38% and 48% in paediatric patients. Independent factors associated with AA on multivariate analysis included elevated neutrophil counts (> 7 × 109/L) (OR 4.04), elevated CRP (> 5mg/L) (OR 3.04) and a radiological diagnosis (OR 8.0). Computerised tomography (CT) and ultrasound had sensitivity/specificity of 98%/47% and 35%/86% respectively. The positive-predictive values were 85% for CT and 50% for ultrasound and negative-predictive values were 86% for CT and 77% for ultrasound.
Conclusion
Our study has highlighted the importance of utilising a combination of factors to improve the diagnostic certainty of AA. However, our routine practice data has shown different sensitivities and specificities of imaging in comparison to existing literature, resulting in a high NAR. Further real world data is needed to understand whether these differences from the existing data are seen in other clinical settings.
Bladder duplication in the male cat: The first case report in China
Authors: Li Mingyuan , Deng Yuqing , Liu Haoqian , Sun Jiaxu , Hong Shaokang , Lu Chen , Yu Feng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Bladder duplication is a rare and congenital lower urinary tract anomaly disease characterized by the presence of two bladders, possibly with duplication of the urethra. This disease is rarely reported in cats. The clinical symptoms are commonly occult, with increased difficulty in making a definite diagnosis, especially if there is no obvious urethral duplication. The diagnosis is typically based on radiographs and ultrasound, with computer tomography serving as a more advanced imaging diagnostic modality. Cases of duplicated bladders with accessory tubular tissues are even more scarce in both human medicine and veterinary medicine.
Case presentation
A 6-year-old male neutered cat was brought to the hospital because of vomiting and constipation. Cystography revealed increased soft tissue density of a fusiform structure in the lower middle abdomen. The purulent-filled cavitary structure and the accessory tubular structure were removed via surgery, and histopathological examination confirmed a double bladder with attached accessory tubular tissue. After antibiotic treatment, the cat recovered uneventfully.
Conclusion
This is the first case of bladder duplication in China and the first case of feline bladder duplication with tubular structure attachment in the world. This information will provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of similar cases in the future.