bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acoustic Performance of Flexible Polyurethane Composite Foams Filled with Melamine Particles
Authors: Yun Dongju , Kim Jung H 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
PU foams are widely used in the automobile industry for their lightweight properties, and as sound-absorbing and seat cushioning materials. The effects of additives on the sound absorption properties of PU composite foams were investigated. PU foams containing 3 wt% melamine particles showed excellent sound absorption properties. However, when the filler content exceeded 3 wt%, particle agglomeration occurred, leading to reduced sound absorption properties. A dispersant was added during the fabrication process to improve the interfacial compatibility between the PU matrix and melamine particles, resulting in a well-developed cavity and pore structure. The sound absorption characteristics of the PU composite foams were significantly improved in the frequency range below 2000 Hz. Our study highlights the importance of adjusting the concentration of additives and optimizing the cavity and pore structure of the material for achieving better sound absorption properties in PU composite foams.
Woven-like internal carotid artery anomaly associated with transient ischemic attack: A case report
Authors: Mei Yuexin , Chen Hongbing , Chen Xinran 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background: Woven-like arteries represent a rare congenital vascular variation with only a handful of cases documenting for coronary arteries. The standard diagnostic approach employs angiographic imaging. This vascular anomaly often mimics other vascular diseases, such as stenosis, dissection, or recanalization following a thrombotic occlusion. Accurate differential diagnosis of such woven-like lesions plays an important role in defining treatment strategies.
Case presentation: A 62-year-old female presented with intermittent numbness and weakness on her right side. She was diagnosed with transient ischemic attack, which was associated with woven-like changes in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery revealed by cerebral angiography. Following the diagnosis, the patient was started on secondary preventative strategy to mitigate the risk of an ischemic stroke. Over a follow-up period of 2 years, the patient showed no significant signs of a cerebrovascular event.
Conclusions: To our knowledge, this case presents the first recorded instance of a woven-like change in the internal carotid artery. Identification of this rare vascular anomaly is of great clinical significance. This case underscores the importance of including rare vascular variations in the differential diagnosis to help make effective and personalized patient management choices.
The self-assembly of L-histidine might be the cause of histidinemia
Authors: Narayanan Sunilkumar , Ajikumar Ajitha , Premkumar Anakha 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
L-histidine is an essential amino acid with unique biochemical and physiological properties. Histidinemia is a disease condition caused by the elevated level of L-histidine in our blood. Mutations in the histidase, an enzyme for the breakdown of histidine, is the cause of the rise in histidine concentration. To our knowledge, no research has been done on why a high concentration of histidine causes histidinemia. In this study, we provide a potential explanation why the elevated levels of histidine in the human body causes histidinemia. In this study we have found that L-histidine self-assembled in water to form nano sheet structures at physiological pH and temperature, using NMR spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope techniques. The kinetics of self-assembly has been studied using real time NMR spectroscopy. We observed that both the aromatic ring and aliphatic part are equally contributing to the self-assembly of L-histidine. The symptoms of histidinemia, neurological deficits and speech delays, are similar to that of the neurodegenerative diseases caused by the self-assembly of peptides and proteins. We speculate that the self-assembly of L-histidine might be the cause of histidinemia
Early intervention to prevent adverse child emotional and behavioural development following maternal depression in pregnancy: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Milgrom Jeannette , Hirshler Yafit , Holt Charlene , Skouteris Helen , Galbally Megan , East Christine , Glover Vivette , Reece John , O'Donnell Kieran J. , Walker Susan P. , Malloy Shannon , Gemmill Alan W. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background Substantial evidence indicates that maternal depression during pregnancy (i.e., antenatal depression) is associated not only with maternal wellbeing but also with child emotional and behavioural development. Children of antenatally depressed women are at risk of emotional and behavioural problems, including internalising problems (e.g., anxiety and depression) and externalising problems (e.g., attention problems), that may last at least to adolescence. These enduring effects also constitute an enormous economic cost. Despite the seriousness of this problem, until recently there existed very few controlled studies evaluating whether active psychological treatment for antenatal depression can prevent adverse child outcomes. Our previous pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) exploring the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for antenatal depression on child outcomes showed promising results. We aim to assess whether treating antenatal depression with an evidence-based 8-week structured CBT program can prevent or ameliorate adverse child developmental outcomes at 2 years of age.Methods Pregnant women ≤ 30 weeks gestation diagnosed with a depressive disorder are recruited and randomised to CBT or treatment as usual (TAU). The target sample size is 230 and the primary outcome measure is the infant Internalising scale of the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) at 24 months of age. Secondary infant outcome measures at 24 months are the Externalising scale of the CBCL and the motor and cognitive development subscales of the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3). Additional secondary outcome measures are subscales of the Revised Infant Behaviour Questionnaire (IBQ-R), ASQ-3 and the ASQ-Socio-Emotional (ASQ-SE) at 3 and 12 months of age and the quality of mother-infant interaction at 3 and 24 months. Maternal measures, including demographic data, depression diagnosis, depressive and anxiety symptoms, perceived stress and parenting stress, are collected across all time points.Discussion The trial is ongoing and recruitment was slowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If results suggest a beneficial effect of antenatal depression treatment on infant outcomes, the project could have repercussions for standard antenatal care, for maternal and infant health services and for preventing the intergenerational transmission of mental health disorders.Trial registration: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register: ACTRN12618001925235 Date Registered: 27 November 2018.
Effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage in intensive phase I therapy of breast cancer-related lymphedema
Authors: Kasseroller Renato G. , Brenner Erich 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: The standard therapy for lymphedema of any origin is complex physical decongestive therapy. It comprises manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression therapy, exercise therapy, skincare, and patient education. However, the contribution of MLD to decongestion is repeatedly questioned.
Patients and Methods: This study re-analyses a previous study during a three-week decongestion period comparing two different types of compression bandaging at the weekend. Sixty-one patients with unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema were included. The patients received the same therapy except for the different weekend compression bandaging. MLD was performed twice a day on weekdays. The volume of the affected arm was measured on days 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19 and 22. For the analysis, the data of both study groups were pooled.
Results: During the working day, the patients showed a significant volume reduction with a high effect size. On the weekends without MLD, they showed a slight increase with a medium effect size.
Conclusions: We showed a strong effect of MLD on volume reduction. Differences from other studies are the larger study population and the more intensive application of MLD. If applied intensively, MLD is strongly decongestive during a three-week decongestion therapy for breast cancer-related lymphedema.
Pharmacokinetics of Oral Spironolactone in Infants Up to 2 Years of Age
Authors: Lass Jana , Leroux Stephanie , Kõrgvee Lenne-Triin , Varendi Heili , Kipper Karin , Takkis Kalev , Aro Rudolf , Metsvaht Tuuli , Oselin Kersti , Pfister Marc , Soeorg Hiie , Anker Johannes van den , Lutsar Irja 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic used for decades. Until now, pharmacokinetic (PK) studies of spironolactone have not been conducted in infants and therefore pediatric dosing is based on expert opinion. We aimed to describe the PK profiles of spironolactone and its main metabolites (7 alpha- thiomethylspironolactone (TMS) and canrenone (CAN)) in infants up to two years of age.
Methods
The PK of spironolactone and its main metabolites were evaluated following an oral administration of spironolactone (1 mg/kg/dose) to pediatric patients with chronic heart failure, ascites and/or oedema. The plasma concentration of spironolactone and metabolites (TMS and CAN) was determined using an ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Based on rich sampling PK data, the estimation of population PK parameters was performed using nonlinear mixed-effects modelling software Monolix 2018R2. Clinical trial Registration Number 2013-001189-40.
Results
A total of 150 spironolactone, 158 TMS and 158 CAN concentrations from 23 patients (ages: 3 days – 21 months; median weight 4.3kg (2.2–12.6) were available for PK analysis. A one-compartment model for spironolactone, TMS and CAN best fitted the data. The median (range) of individual estimated apparent clearance values were 47.7 (11.9–138.1) L/h for spironolactone, 9.7 (1.5–66.9) L/h for TMS, and 1.0 (0.2–5.9) L/h for CAN. The disposition of spironolactone and metabolites was mainly affected by size (body weight) of the patient. None of the undesirable effects of spironolactone was documented during the study period.
Conclusion
Based on the findings of this study, the current practice of administering oral spironolactone according to body weight appears to be justified in infants less than 24 months of age.
Temporal Meta-optimiser based Sensitivity Analysis (TMSA) for Agent-Based Models: A Children’s Services Application
Authors: White Luke , Basurra Shadi , Alsewari AbdulRahman A. , Saeed Faisal , Addanki Sudhamshu Mohan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

With current and predicted economic pressures within English Children's Services in the UK, there is a growing discourse around the development of methods of analysis using existing data to make more effective interventions and policy decisions. Agent-Based modelling shows promise in aiding in this, with limitations that require novel methods to overcome. This can include challenges in managing model complexity, transparency, and validation; which may deter analysts from implementing such Agent-Based simulations. Children's Services specifically can gain from the expansion of modelling techniques available to them. Sensitivity Analysis is a common step when analysing models that currently has methods with limitations regarding Agent-Based Models. This paper outlines an improved method of conducting Sensitivity Analysis to enable better utilisation of Agent-Based models (ABMs) within Children's Services. By using machine learning based regression in conjunction with the Nomadic Peoples Optimiser (NPO) a method of conducting sensitivity analysis tailored for ABMs is achieved. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the approach by drawing comparisons with common existing methods of sensitivity analysis, followed by a demonstration of an improved ABM design in the target use case.
Height and risk of liver fibrosis progression: A multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: HUO Guangyuan , GAO Yueqiu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The relationship between liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and height has been an immensely controversial topic that is unclear. To accurately identify the causal relationship, Mendelian randomization research (MR) has been conducted. For the first time, we employed genome-wide significance (p < 5×10 − 8) levels of genetic variance for Standing height, and Sitting height (exposure) with liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis (outcome). A two-sample MR analysis of standing height, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis was performed. We discovered that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with standing and sitting height were both negatively causally related to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The ratio (OR) of 0.71 (p = 0.005**) was employed to determine the causal effect of elevated standing height level (per 1-SD) on the probability of liver fibrosis progression. A ratio (OR) of 0.70 (p = 0.012*) was calculated to represent the causative influence of elevated sitting height level (per 1-SD) on the probability of liver fibrosis progression. Our MR study hypothesized that the shorter the height, the higher the risk of liver fibrosis progression. These findings suggest early identification of short-stature populations and health education to prevent further development of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease.
Population Frequency of Repeat Expansions Indicates Increased Disease Prevalence Estimates Across Different Populations
Authors: Tucci Arianna , Ibáñez Kristina , Jadhav Bharati , Facchini Stefano , Garg Paras , Zanovello Matteo , Martin-Trujillo Alejandro , Gies Scott , Deforie Valentina Galassi , Gagliardi Delia , Moss Davina Hensman , Moutsianas Loukas , Shoai Maryam , Consortium GEL Genomics England Research , network EUROSCA , Caulfield Mark , Cortese Andrea , Escott-Price Valentina , Hardy John , Houlden Henry , Sharp Andrew 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Repeat expansion disorders (REDs) are a devastating group of predominantly neurological diseases. Together they are common, affecting 1 in 3,000 people worldwide with population-specific differences. However, prevalence estimates of REDs are hampered by heterogeneous clinical presentation, variable geographic distributions, and technological limitations leading to under-ascertainment. Here, leveraging whole genome sequencing data from 82,176 individuals from different populations we found an overall carrier frequency of REDs of 1 in 340 individuals. Modelling disease prevalence using genetic data, age at onset and survival, we show that REDs are up to 3-fold more prevalent than currently reported figures. While some REDs are population-specific, e.g. Huntington’s disease type 2, most REDs are represented in all broad genetic ancestries, including Africans and Asians, challenging the notion that some REDs are found only in European populations. These results have worldwide implications for local and global health communities in the diagnosis and management of REDs both at local and global levels.
A long non-coding RNA Leat1 mediates the hormone responsiveness of EfnB2 during male urogenital development
Authors: Pask Andrew , Mattiske Deidre , Bernard Pascal , Gradie Paul , Behringer Richard , Overbeek Paul , O'Neill Rachel , Phillips Tiffany , Tarulli Gerard 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Leat1 is extraordinarily conserved in both its location (syntenic with EfnB2, an essential gene in anogenital patterning) and sequence. Here we show that Leat1 is upregulated following the testosterone surge from the developing testis and directly interacts with EfnB2, positively regulating its expression. Leat1 expression is suppressed by estrogen, which in turn suppresses the expression of EfnB2. Moreover, the loss of Leat1 leads to reduced EfnB2, resulting in a severe hypospadias phenotype. The human LEAT1 gene is also co-expressed with EFNB2 in the developing human penis suggesting a conserved function for this gene in urethral closure. Together our data identify Leat1 as a novel molecular regulator of urethral closure and implicate it as a target of endocrine disruption in the etiology of hypospadias.
A Multisectoral and Multidisciplinary Endeavor: A Review of Diabetes Self-Management Apps in China
Authors: Chen Meifang , Weissglass Daniel , Li Chengyi , Li Di , Wu Zixuan , Zhang Li 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
While the use of self-management apps has considerable promise to efficiently reduce the diabetes burden that disproportionally affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and the multisectoral and multidisciplinary approaches have been encouraged to be used in diabetes management, little is known about the status of the integration of these approaches in the existing diabetes self-management apps. This review examines the diabetes apps in China as an indication of the current status of integrating multisectoral and multidisciplinary approaches in diabetes mHealth care in LMICs.
Methods
Eligible diabetes apps were searched on major Chinese app stores up to December 23, 2022. The app comprehensiveness index (ranging 0–80) regarding the app functions and diabetes management domains was created. The multisectoral and multidisciplinary features were summarized using indices derived from current guidance.
Results
Sixty-six apps were reviewed, all developed by private companies. The average comprehensiveness score was 16, with many major self-management domains and functions not represented among the reviewed apps. Forty apps (61%) involved multiple sectoral entities, with public/private and private/private collaborations being the most common collaborative combinations. Thirty-seven apps (56%) involved multiple disciplines, among which endocrinology/metabolism, nutrition, and cardiovascular medicine were the top three most common disciplines. Compared to non-multidisciplinary apps, multidisciplinary apps tended to provide more comprehensive services in apps (6.14 vs. 5.18, p = 0.0345). Different sectors and disciplines tended to work independently, without robust interactions, in providing diabetes management services in the reviewed apps.
Conclusion
Multisectoral and multidisciplinary features has presented in the current diabetes self-management apps in China; however, it is still in its infancy and significant limitations existed. More engagement of civil society organizations and community groups and innovative collaborations between sectors and disciplines are needed to provide comprehensive, continuous, and patient-centered mHealth care for patients with diabetes in LMICs like China. Clear guidance for integrating and evaluating the multisectoral and multidisciplinary efforts in self-management apps is necessary to ensure the effective use of mHealth solutions for diabetes management in LMICs.
Response of N2O emissions to different pH soils with biochar amendment
Authors: Lin Feng , Yang Bairen , Hu Zhiqiang , Song Juan , Zhang Yaojun 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Biochar application has the potential for mitigating N2O emissions from agriculture soils and has been suggested as a management practice to ameliorate soil fertility and increase crop productivity. Nevertheless, the influence of biochar addition on N2O emissions in different pH soils compared at same time is not reported well, which result in poorly understand of the mechanisms as regard to biochar application on soil N2O mitigation. A 40-day incubation experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of biochar on N2O emissions from different natural pH soils in the present study. Four treatments (control, nitrogen fertilizer application (N), biochar amendment, N plus biochar amendment) were set up in soils separately with three different natural pH levels (acidic vegetable soil, neutral rice soil and alkaline soil). Our results showed that the addition of biochar significantly decreased N2O emissions by 20.8% and 47.6% in acidic vegetable soil for both N and no N addition treatments, respectively. For neutral and alkaline soils, the reduction of N2O emissions by biochar amendment was only significantly for N addition treatments in alkaline soil. Soil pH and NO3−-N concentrations were significantly affected by biochar amendment (soil pH increased by 1.43–1.56, 0.57–0.70 and 0.29–0.37 units for acidic vegetable soil, neutral rice soil and alkaline soil, respectively). Overall, biochar amendment could be used as an effective management practice for mitigating N2O emissions from acidic and alkaline soils.
Short-Time Work, Labor Hoarding, and Curtailed Hiring: Establishment-Level Evidence from Japan
Authors: Kuo Chiu-Wei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

This study analyzes the mechanisms by which short-time work (STW) schemes affect firm’s employment adjustments, using establishment-level data during the Great Recession from Japan. The findings show that STW leads to a decrease in both hiring and separations, with no significant positive effect on net employment. The observed curtailed hiring can be attributed to STW’s function as a labor hoarding mechanism, stimulating firms to retain excess labor and hindering new hiring. Furthermore, through subsidizing labor hoarding, STW may exacerbate job security disparities between standard and non-standard workers, as firms generally lack the motivation to hoard non-standard workers. These findings have important implications for policy evaluation, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of STW effects on both separations and hiring.
JEL Classification: J08, J23, and J63