bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different outcomes between downward and lateral peritoneal dialysis catheter exit-site directions
Authors: Treamtrakanpon Worapot , Phutrakool Phanupong , Pongpirul Krit 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis guidelines suggest lateral or downward exit positions for peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter. In cases with straight inter-cuff design (used in Thailand), downward exit may lead to more complications due to catheter memory force. We compared lateral (lateral group) and downward (downward group) exits in PD patients.

Methods
We retrospectively studied end-stage kidney disease patients with PD catheters from 2011 to 2021 at Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, Thailand. We analysed catheter malfunction, exit-site infection (ESI) and patient survival.

Results
A total of 425 patients, aged 11–87 years (57% female and 59% with diabetes mellitus). 326 had downward exits, and 99 had lateral exits. Both groups had similar 2-years patient survival (p = 0.592), 1-year survival catheter dysfunction requiring removal (p = 0.146) and First-year ESI (p = 0.432). In the lateral exit group, the percent of catheter dysfunction requiring removal was slightly lower (1.01 vs. 3.99, p = 0.204) while the percent of patient with ESI at first year was slightly higher (8.08 vs. 6.13, p = 0.494) compared to downward exit group.

Conclusions
Lateral exit and downward exit with a straight inter-cuff design have similar outcome of catheter survival/function, exit site infection and patient survival. Lateral exit site is a good option in context of a straight inter-cuff design.
Integrating agency and resource dependency theories: the moderating effect of board size on the relationship between dividends and firm value in Malaysia
Authors: Bakri Mohd Ashari , Ayub Nurjeehan , Gazali Haneffa Muchlis 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the moderating effects of board size on the relationship between dividends and firm value in Malaysian settings. The theoretical foundations of this research were the integration between agency and resources dependency theories.

Design/methodology/approach
Panel data are extracted from DataStream and the annual report for the period of 2012 to 2021, and pooled OLS, random effects, and fixed effects analyses were employed to examine the relationship. Breusch–Pagan Lagrange multiplier (LM) test and the Hausman test used to determine the most appropriate between these three analyses (OLS, random effects, and fixed effects). The results are valid even after calculating the robust standard error to mitigate the potential heteroskedasticity and serial correlation.

Findings
The empirical results show that board size positively moderates the relationship between dividends and firm value in all the models tested. The results indicate that a larger board of size can minimize the agency problem (agency theory) because a larger board size can more effectively monitor and control management's opportunistic behavior due to more set of skilled and talented individuals included in the boardroom (resources dependency theory). Additionally, effective monitoring can also lead to the increase in dividend payout to maintain a good reputation among investors and simultaneously increase firm value.

Practical implication
This study contributes to helping the regulators and industry players in Malaysia to improve existing guidelines for determining dividend and board size to increase firm value. The findings may also provide inputs to the policymakers in recommending the optimum dividend and board size that resulting an increase in valuation.

Originality/value
By incorporating agency and resources dependency theory, authors investigate the moderating effect of board size on dividend and firm value relationships in Malaysian markets.
Development and Characterization of Transdermal Patches Using Novel Thymoquinone-L-Arginine-Based Polyamide Nanocapsules for Potential Use in the Management of Psoriasis
Authors: Dahmash Eman Zmaily , Attiany Lama Murad , Ali Dalia , Assaf Shereen M. , Alkrad Jamal , Alyami Hamad 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThymoquinone (TQ) is a phytochemical compound present in Nigella sativa and has potential benefits for treating dermatological conditions such as psoriasis. However, its clinical use is limited due to its restricted bioavailability, caused mainly by its low solubility and permeability. To overcome this, a new transdermal drug delivery system is required. Nanoparticles are known to enhance material solubility and permeability, and hence, this study aimed to synthesize TQ-loaded L-arginine-based polyamide (TQ/Arg PA) nanocapsules incorporated into transdermal patches for prolonged delivery of TQ. To achieve this, Eudragit E polymer, plasticizers, and aloe vera as penetration enhancer were used to develop the transdermal patch. Furthermore, novel TQ/Arg-PA was synthesized via interfacial polymerization, and the resultant nanocapsules (NCs) were incorporated into the matrix transdermal patch. The Arg-PA NCs’ structure was confirmed via NMR and FTIR, and optimal TQ/Arg-PA NCs containing formulation showed high entrapment efficiency of TQ (99.60%). Molecular and thermal profiling of TQ/Arg-PA and the transdermal patch revealed the effective development of spherical NCs with an average particle size of 129.23 ± 18.22 nm. Using Franz diffusion cells and synthetic membrane (STRAT M®), the in vitro permeation profile of the prepared patches demonstrated an extended release of TQ over 24 h, with enhanced permeation by 42.64% when aloe vera was employed. In conclusion, the produced formulation has a potential substitute for corticosteroids and other drugs commonly used to treat psoriasis due to its effectiveness, safety, and lack of the side effects typically associated with other drugs.
Graphical Abstract
Energetics of a pulsed quantum battery
Authors: Downing Charles Andrew , Ukhtary Muhammad Shoufie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The challenge of storing energy efficiently and sustainably is highly prominent within modern scientific investigations. Due to the ongoing trend of miniaturization, the design of expressly quantum storage devices is itself a crucial task within current quantum technological research. Here we provide a transparent analytic model of a two-component quantum battery, composed of a charger and an energy holder, which is driven by a short laser pulse. We provide simple expressions for the energy stored in the battery, the maximum amount of work which can be extracted, both the instantaneous and the average powers, and the relevant charging times. This allows us to discuss explicitly the optimal design of the battery in terms of the driving strength of the pulse, the coupling between the charger and the holder, and the inevitable energy loss into the environment. We anticipate that our theory can act as a helpful guide for the nascent experimental work building and characterizing the first generation of truly quantum batteries.
Assessing the Interaction Effects of Mitochondrial DNA Polymorphisms and Lifestyle on Heel Bone Mineral Density
Authors: He Dan , Liu Huan , Zhao Yijing , Wei Wenming , Cai Qingqing , Shi Sirong , Chu Xiaoge , Zhang Na , Qin Xiaoyue , Jia Yumeng , Wen Yan , Cheng Bolun , Zhang Feng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Bone mineral density (BMD) is a major predictor of osteoporotic fractures, and previous studies have reported the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction and lifestyle on BMD, respectively. However, their interaction effects on BMD are still unclear.

Objective
We aimed to investigate the possible interaction of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and common lifestyles contributing to osteoporosis.

Methods
Our analysis included 119 120 white participants (Nfemale = 65 949 and Nmale = 53 171) from the UK Biobank with heel BMD phenotype data. A generalized linear regression model of PLINK was performed to assess the interaction effects of mtDNA and 5 life environmental factors on heel BMD, including smoking, drinking, physical activity, dietary diversity score, and vitamin D. In addition, we also performed linear regression analysis for total body BMD. Finally, we assessed the potential causal relationships between mtDNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) and life environmental factors using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Results
Our study identified 4 mtDNA loci showing suggestive evidence of heel BMD, such as m.16356T&gt;C (MT-DLOOP; P = 1.50 × 10−3) in total samples. Multiple candidate mtDNA × lifestyle interactions were also detected for heel BMD, such as MT-ND2 × physical activity (P = 2.88 × 10−3) in total samples and MT-ND1 × smoking (P = 8.54 × 10−4) in males. Notably, MT-CYB was a common candidate mtDNA loci for heel BMD to interact with 5 life environmental factors. Multivariable MR analysis indicated a causal effect of physical activity on heel BMD when mtDNA-CN was considered (P = 1.13 × 10−3).

Conclusion
Our study suggests the candidate interaction between mtDNA and lifestyles on heel BMD, providing novel clues for exploring the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.
Cx31.1 can selectively intermix with co-expressed connexins to facilitate its assembly into gap junctions
Authors: Leighton Stephanie E. , Wong Robert S. , Lucaciu Sergiu A. , Hauser Alexandra , Johnston Danielle , Stathopulos Peter B. , Bai Donglin , Penuela Silvia , Laird Dale W. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTConnexins are channel-forming proteins that function to facilitate gap junctional intercellular communication. Here, we use dual cell voltage clamp and dye transfer studies to corroborate past findings showing that Cx31.1 (encoded by GJB5) is defective in gap junction channel formation, illustrating that Cx31.1 alone does not form functional gap junction channels in connexin-deficient mammalian cells. Rather Cx31.1 transiently localizes to the secretory pathway with a subpopulation reaching the cell surface, which is rarely seen in puncta reminiscent of gap junctions. Intracellular retained Cx31.1 was subject to degradation as Cx31.1 accumulated in the presence of proteasomal inhibition, had a faster turnover when Cx43 was present and ultimately reached lysosomes. Although intracellularly retained Cx31.1 was found to interact with Cx43, this interaction did not rescue its delivery to the cell surface. Conversely, the co-expression of Cx31 dramatically rescued the assembly of Cx31.1 into gap junctions where gap junction-mediated dye transfer was enhanced. Collectively, our results indicate that the localization and functional status of Cx31.1 is altered through selective interplay with co-expressed connexins, perhaps suggesting Cx31.1 is a key regulator of intercellular signaling in keratinocytes.
A Randomized Trial of Healthy Weight Gain in Athletic Individuals
Authors: Sanchez Allison D. , Reynolds Jake C. , Marinik Elaina L. , Kolb Ryann D. , Lozano Alicia J. , Davy Brenda M. , Hunter Gary R. , Larson-Meyer D. Enette 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Many athletes desire weight gain, ideally as lean body mass (LBM), to improve athletic performance. These athletes are commonly encouraged to increase energy intake by ~500 kcal/day with emphasis on adequate protein, carbohydrate, and judicious inclusion of healthy fat-containing energy-dense foods, such as peanuts/peanut butter, along with rigorous resistance training (RT). These guidelines target gains of ~0.23 kg/week. However, little is known about the efficacy of such regimens.

Purpose
To evaluate the outcomes of a 10-week diet and exercise regimen designed to promote healthy weight gain with excess energy from peanut-containing or high-carbohydrate foods.

Methods
19 male and 13 female athletes were randomly assigned to receive 500 additional kcal/day above typical intake through provision of either peanut-based whole foods/snacks (PNT group) or a similar, high-carbohydrate, peanut-free snack (CHO group) along with supervised, whole-body RT (3 days/week for 60-120 minutes). Body composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and post-intervention. Results: Total body mass (TBM) increased 2.2 ± 1.3 kg with 1.5 ± 1.1 kg as LBM after week 10. The PNT group (N = 16; 27 ± 7 years; 10 men, 6 women) gained less TBM than the CHO group (N = 16; 23 ± 3 years; 9 men, 7 women) (1.6 ± 1.1 kg vs 2.7 ± 1.2 kg, respectively, P = 0.007) with no differences in LBM (1.2 ± 1.1 kg vs 1.9 ± 1.0 kg, P = 0.136).

Conclusions
These results suggest that the addition of 500 kcal/day from whole foods/snacks in combination with a rigorous RT program promotes a similar weight gain of ~0.22 kg/week, primarily as LBM, over 10 weeks in both male and female athletes. However, snack macronutrient content may impact the effectiveness of this regimen.
Slowly Varying Regression Under Sparsity
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Digalakis Vassilis , Li Michael Lingzhi , Lami Omar Skali 
Published: March 2024

Building Sparse and Temporally or Spatially Linked Regression ModelsThe framework of slowly varying regression under sparsity addresses many problems in machine learning where the underlying model is sparse and varies slowly and sparsely. This includes problems with temporally or spatially varying structures. For example, in the temporal case, the factors important in predicting the energy consumption in a building can vary depending on the hour of the day or the period of the year. In the spatial case, the factors that affect house prices can differ by neighborhood. Our paper rigorously formulates such models and proposes new theories, algorithms, and software for solving them. We thoroughly evaluate our framework on synthetic and real-world case studies and make our implementations available open-source to facilitate adoption by practitioners.
Autistic women's experiences of the antenatal, intrapartum and early postnatal periods
Authors: Stuart Vikki , Kitson-Reynolds Ellen 
Published: March 2024

Background/AimsAutism is a neurodevelopmental disability affecting interpersonal communication and interaction, and has a prevalence of more than 1% of the population. This review aimed to identify what midwives in England can learn from studies exploring the experiences of autistic women in the antenatal, intrapartum and early postnatal periods.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted using seven electronic databases. Thematic analysis was performed, based on Braun and Clarke.ResultsThree themes were found: autism diagnosis and disclosure, communication and interaction with healthcare professionals, babies and groups, and sensory difficulties.ConclusionsAutistic women experience many challenges during the antenatal, intrapartum and early postnatal periods, and it is clear that midwives in England should treat all women as an individual, asking about their specific needs and any adjustments that can be made to provide inclusive care.
Pubertal timing: A life course pathway linking early life risk to adulthood cardiometabolic health
Authors: Bleil Maria E. , Appelhans Bradley M. , Gregorich Steven E. , Hiatt Robert A. , Roisman Glenn I. , Booth-LaForce Cathryn 
Published: March 2024

Objective
To evaluate a series of prospective life course models testing whether the timing of pubertal development is a pathway through which prepubertal risk factors may influence adulthood cardiometabolic health.

Methods
Subjects were 655 female participants in the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD) and recent SECCYD 30-year follow-up, the Study of Health in Early and Adult Life (SHINE). Prepubertal risk factors included maternal menarcheal age, child race/ethnicity, child health status indicators, and child adversity indicators. Pubertal timing was indexed by breast development onset (Tanner stage [TS] II), pubic hair onset (TS II) and menarcheal age. Adulthood cardiometabolic risk (CMR) was indexed by a composite of waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, C-reactive protein, and high-density lipoprotein.

Results
Inspection of paths between the prepubertal risk factors, pubertal timing indicators, and adulthood CMR composite showed later breast development onset (-0.173, p < .01), later pubic hair onset (-0.182, p < .01), and later menarche (-0.145, p < .01) each predicted lower adulthood CMR, and each pubertal timing indicator mediated effects of prepubertal risk factors on adulthood CMR. Specifically, the timing of breast development onset and menarche mediated effects of maternal menarcheal age, Black (vs. White), Asian/PI (vs. White), child BMI percentile, and child SES on adulthood CMR (all ps < .05), and the timing of pubic hair onset mediated effects of maternal menarcheal age, Black (vs. White), and child BMI percentile on adulthood CMR (all ps < .10).

Conclusion
Findings in the current study contribute to the broader literature by identifying pubertal development and its timing as a potentially important pathway through which early life exposures may shape adulthood cardiometabolic health and disease. These findings have important implications for novel opportunities for increased surveillance and potential intervention focusing on pubertal development as a target to improve health more broadly.
Risk factors for catheter-associated bloodstream infection in hemodialysis patients: A meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Huajie , Zhang Ling , He Hua , Wang Lili 
Published: March 2024

Objective
This meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the risk factors contributing to catheter-associated bloodstream infection in hemodialysis patients.

Methods
Comprehensive literature searches were conducted in both English and Chinese databases, which encompassed PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP Database and China Biomedical Literature Database. The search timeframe extended from each database’s inception to March 8, 2023. Two independent researchers executed literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using RevMan 5.3 software, facilitating the identification of significant risk factors associated with catheter-related bloodstream infections in hemodialysis patients. This meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42023406223.

Results
Forty-nine studies were incorporated into this meta-analysis, from which 22 risk factors were examined. Through the analysis, 17 risk factors exhibited statistical significance (P < 0.05): age (OR = 1.52, 95% CI [0.49, 4.68]), diabetes (OR = 2.52, 95% CI [1.95, 3.25]), kidney disease (OR = 3.45, 95% CI [1.71, 6.96]), history of catheter-associated infection (OR = 2.79, 95% CI [1.96, 3.98]), hypertension (OR = 1.43, 95% CI [1.08, 1.91]), dialysis duration (OR = 3.06, 95% CI [1.70, 5.50]), catheter placement site (OR = 1.91, 95%CI [1.35, 2.70]), catheter duration (OR = 2.06, 95% CI [1.17, 3.60]), number of catheterizations (OR = 4.22, 95% CI [3.32, 5.37]), catheter types (OR = 3.83, 95% CI [2.13, 6.87]), CD4+ cells (OR = 0.33, 95% CI [0.18, 0.63]), albumin (ALB, OR = 2.12, 95% CI [1.15, 3.91]), C-reactive protein (CRP, OR = 1.73, 95% CI [1.47, 2.03]), hemoglobin (Hb, OR = 1.48, 95% CI [0.54, 4.07]), procalcitonin (PCT, OR = 1.05, 95% CI [1.03, 1.06]), inadequate hand hygiene (OR = 5.32, 95% CI [1.07, 26.37]), and APACHE II scores (OR = 2.41, 95% CI [1.33, 4.37]).

Conclusion
This meta-analysis suggests that age, diabetes, kidney disease, history of catheter-associated infection, hypertension, dialysis duration, catheter placement site, catheter duration, number of catheterizations, catheter type, CD4+ cells, albumin, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, procalcitonin, inadequate hand hygiene, and APACHE II scores significantly influence the incidence of catheter-associated bloodstream infection in hemodialysis patients.
Examining the longitudinal associations between activity limitations, instrumental supports and social participation in osteoarthritis: A CLSA population-based study
Authors: Perruccio Anthony V. , Yip Calvin , Power J. Denise , Canizares Mayilee , Badley Elizabeth M. 
Published: March 2024

Objective
In osteoarthritis (OA) research, disability is largely studied within the context of activities of daily living. Broader consequences for social participation are often overlooked. In prior work, instrumental supports received and their perceived availability were shown to play a role in the maintenance of social participation. Two indicators of social participation were identified, diversity and intensity. The current study extends the findings from this prior cross-sectional work by examining these relationships longitudinally.

Methods
Data are from the baseline and 3-year follow-up questionnaires of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, a population-based study of people ages 45–85 years at baseline. The sample was restricted to those who at baseline reported a doctor diagnosis of OA (n = 4104). Using structural equation modeling, latent variables were derived at each time point for activity limitations, instrumental supports perceived and received, and social participation diversity and intensity. Longitudinal factorial invariance was assessed. Model covariates included age, sex, education, income, marital status, smoking status, obesity, and number of chronic conditions.

Results
For all latent variables, strong factorial longitudinal invariance was found. Activity limitations increased over time. Greater baseline social participation intensity was associated with increases in later intensity and diversity. Increasing activity limitations were associated with decreases in social participation and with increasing receipt of instrumental supports; they were not associated with changes in perceived availability of supports. However, increasing perceived availability was positively associated with social participation intensity.

Conclusions
With a goal of increasing social participation, findings suggest a focus on interventions to reduce activity limitations in OA is necessary. Findings additionally highlight an important role for perceived availability of instrumental supports in maintaining or improving social participation in OA, in addition to current social participation, particularly intensity, for future social participation status.