bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal‐fetal attachment, parenting stress during infancy, and child outcomes at age 3 years
Authors: Hruschak Jessica L. , Palopoli Ava C. , Thomason Moriah E. , Trentacosta Christopher J. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMaternal‐fetal attachment (MFA), a woman's relationship with and affiliative behaviors toward her unborn child, has been linked to near‐term infant physical and developmental outcomes. However, further longitudinal research is needed to understand whether the impact of MFA extends past the earliest years of life. The current study explored relationships between MFA and child socioemotional competence and behavior problems at age 3 and whether parenting stress mediated the association between MFA and child outcomes. Data were collected from 221 primarily Black/African‐American mothers who completed a scale of MFA during pregnancy. Mothers reported on parenting stress at infant age 7 months and reported on child socioemotional competence and problem behaviors at child age 3 years. In path analyses, MFA was directly associated with child socioemotional competence at age 3 years, but an indirect association between MFA and socioemotional competence via parenting stress was not significant. We also observed a significant indirect association between lower MFA and child internalizing behavior problems via parenting stress that was related to maternal dissatisfaction regarding interactions with her child. Findings suggest that assessing MFA may serve as a means to identify dyads who would benefit from support to promote individual health outcomes.
Hydraulic characteristics of the Parshall flume entrance wingwall: Numerical simulation and test
Authors: Xu Hu , Li Ziming , Wu Wenyong , Liu Tiantian , Hu Yaqi , Ma Meng 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe Parshall flume is a common open channel water‐measuring facility that is widely used in hydrological monitoring, agricultural irrigation and municipal water supply. In engineering applications, there is no clear requirement for the form of the wingwalls connecting the channel and Parshall flume. Therefore, it has different effects on flow measurement accuracy, flow velocity distribution and hydraulic characteristics. To standardize its construction requirements, a wingwall form with high flow measurement accuracy is evaluated. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations and hydraulic experiments have shown the influence of different wingwalls on hydraulic characteristics. The governing test parameters include wingwall forms, incoming flow and degree of submergence. By measuring water surface fluctuation, streamline distribution and flow measurement error, the effects of different wingwall forms on flow measurement accuracy and hydraulic characteristics were evaluated. The results showed that the fluctuation of the water surface is affected by the boundary conditions. Layout I has the highest flow measurement accuracy and has an arc‐shaped wingwall with a radius of 1.5 m. By comparing the results of the tests and simulations, the average error is 3%. The results showed that the hydrodynamic model of the Parshall flume can provide a theoretical basis for the design and development of the measurement structure in the future.
Reproductive toxicity of maternal exposure to di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate and butyl paraben (alone or in association) on both male and female Wistar offspring
Authors: Guerra Marina Trevizan , Erthal Rafaela Pires , Punhagui‐Umbelino Ana Paula Franco , Trinque Camila Moreira , Torres de Bari Maria Antônia , Nunes Thamires D'Alexandre Mendonça , Costa Wagner Ferrari , Cleto Pedro Horácio , Fernandes Glaura Scantamburlo Alves 
Published: August 2022

AbstractParabens and phthalates are commonly found as contaminants in human fluids and are able to provoke reproductive toxicity, being considered endocrine disruptors. To evaluate the effects of phthalate and paraben, alone or in combination, on reproductive development of the offspring, female pregnant Wistar rats were allocated in six experimental groups: Three control groups (gavage [CG], subcutaneous [CS], and gavage + subcutaneous) received corn oil as vehicle, and the remaining groups were exposed to di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) (500 mg/kg, gavage), butyl paraben (BP) (100 mg/kg, subcutaneously), or MIX (DEHP + BP), from Gestational Day 12 until Postnatal Day (PND) 21. The following parameters were assessed on the offspring: anogenital distance and weight at PND 1, nipple counting at PND 13, puberty onset, estrous cycle, weights of reproductive and detoxifying organs, histological evaluation of reproductive organs, and sperm evaluations (counts, morphology, and motility). Female pups from MIX group presented reduced body weight at PND 1, lower AGD, and decreased endometrium thickness. Male animals showed decreased body weight at PND 1 and lower number of Sertoli cells on DEHP and MIX groups, MIX group revealed increase of abnormal seminiferous tubules, DEHP animals presented delayed preputial separation and higher percentage of immotile sperms, and BP males presented diminished number of Leydig cells. In conclusion, the male offspring was more susceptible to DEHP toxicity; even when mixed to paraben, the main negative effects observed seem to be due to antiandrogenic phthalate action. On the other hand, DEHP seems to be necessary to improve the effects of BP on reducing estrogen‐dependent and increasing androgen‐dependent events.
Development and validation of diagnostic algorithms for the laboratory diagnosis of porphyrias
Authors: Lefever Stefanie , Peersman Nele , Meersseman Wouter , Cassiman David , Vermeersch Pieter 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPorphyrias are rare metabolic disorders of the haem synthesis. They can present with acute neurovisceral attacks, cutaneous symptoms, or a combination of both. As they present with a wide variety of clinical symptoms, diagnosis is often delayed and correct interpretation of porphyria‐related tests remains a challenge for many physicians. We developed and validated two algorithms for the laboratory diagnosis of porphyrias based on presenting symptoms. Based on a literature search and clinical/laboratory expertise, we developed algorithms for acute and cutaneous porphyrias. We validated these algorithms using all porphyria related laboratory test requests between January 1st 2000 and September 30th 2020 in UZ Leuven. In addition, we also evaluated our algorithm using samples from the European porphyria network (EPNET) external quality assessment scheme (2010–2021). Sensitivity of the algorithm for acute porphyria was 100.0% [74.9%–100.0%] (13 acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) and 1 variegate porphyria [VP]) with a specificity of 98.5% [91.0%–100.0%] (65 patients). Sensitivity of the algorithm for cutaneous porphyria was 100% [95.1%–100.0%] (7 VP, 59 porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), 23 erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), 2 X‐linked erythropoietic protoporphyria [XLEPP]) with a specificity of 93.9% [82.9%–98.5%]. There were no diagnostic samples of other types of porphyria. The algorithms correctly identified 18 of the 19 EPNET porphyria cases. One of the two hereditary coproporphyria cases was missed. The algorithms for acute and cutaneous porphyria showed high sensitivity and specificity and can be used to aid the clinician in correctly interpreting the laboratory findings of porphyria‐related tests.
A short note on the use of daily climate data to calculate Humidex heat‐stress indices
Authors: Diaconescu Emilia , Sankare Housseyni , Chow Kenneth , Murdock Trevor Q. , Cannon Alex J. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe projected increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events due to climate change means an associated increase in risk of heat‐related illnesses and mortality. Public health systems need to be prepared to identify and reduce the susceptibility of vulnerable populations to increased occurrence of heat‐related illness and stress. To facilitate this, climate services have begun developing climate change projections for heat‐stress indices based on exceedances of thresholds used operationally in meteorological heat warning systems. This task is complicated by the fact that heat‐stress indices are generally computed using hourly data whereas climate model outputs are often archived at daily or longer time steps. This study focuses on Humidex, a heat‐stress index used in heat alerts issued by the Meteorological Service of Canada. Several potential solutions for computing robust Humidex indices using daily data are examined, including a new approximation method. Indices obtained with the new method are compared with indices obtained using the classic method based on hourly data as well as with other two methods based on average daily values. The new approximation gives good estimations for humidex indices, while the daily‐average‐value methods present biases with respect to the hourly‐value method.
Micronutrient and amino acid profile of breakfast cereal flakes from germinated brown rice (Oryza sativa), aerial yam (Dioscorea bulbifera) and germinated black turtle bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Chima Judith Uchenna , David‐Abraham Folusho Morenike , Okpala Laura Chioma 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundBreakfast cereal flakes are currently one of the main components of a breakfast meal in many households and are gaining much research attention due to their convenience, good taste, and ease‐in‐preparation. Flakes production from germinated brown rice ([GBR] Oryza sativa), aerial yam (Dioscorea bulbifera), and germinated black turtle bean ([GTB] Phaseolus vulgaris) flour blends could optimize the use of these local food ingredients; and could serve as a cheap source of nutrients and functional food for disease prevention. This study aimed to produce breakfast flakes from flour blends of GBR, aerial yam, and GTB and to evaluate the micronutrients, antioxidant activity, and protein quality of the flakes produced.ResultsThe results showed that calcium content ranged from 2.20 to 24.93 mg/100 g, phosphorus (11.05–42.34 mg/100 g), iron (0.11–0.18 mg/100 g), copper (0.82–1.19 mg/100 g), potassium (550.58–1037.10 mg/100 g), zinc (3.87–4.39 mg/100 g) and magnesium (104.16–122.90 mg/100 g). The vitamin contents of the flakes showed that pro‐vitamin A ranged from 2.07 to 4.30 mg/100 g, vitamin B1 (2.00–3.95 mg/100 g), B3 (1.56–3.98 mg/100 g), and B6 (1.40–3.85 mg/100 g), essential amino acid index (72%–90%), protein efficiency ratio (1.74–3.07), and biological value (71%–86%). The flakes had a good yield of amino acids, with leucine being the highest (5.80–8.55 g/100 g) concentrated essential amino acid; while glutamic acid was the highest (10.38–13.59 g/100 g) concentrated among non‐essential amino acids.ConclusionProduction of breakfast cereal flakes from GBR, aerial yam, and GTB composite flours could serve as a cheap source of micronutrients and functional food.
In Situ Synthesized Porous Bacterial Cellulose/Poly(vinyl alcohol)‐Based Silk Sericin and Azithromycin Release System for Treating Chronic Wound Biofilm
Authors: Bakadia Bianza Moise , Boni Biaou Oscar Ode , Ahmed Abeer Ahmed Qaed , Zheng Ruizhu , Shi Zhijun , Ullah Muhammad Wajid , Lamboni Lallepak , Yang Guang 
Published: August 2022

AbstractChronic wounds are associated with infectious microbial complex communities called biofilms. The management of chronic wound infection is limited by the complexity of selecting an appropriate antimicrobial dressing with antibiofilm activity due to antimicrobial resistance in biofilms. Herein, the in situ developed bacterial cellulose/poly(vinyl alcohol) (BC–PVA) composite is ex situ modified with genipin‐crosslinked silk sericin (SS) and azithromycin (AZM) (SSga). The composite is evaluated as a wound dressing material for preventing the development, dispersion, and/or eradication of microbial biofilm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the intermolecular interactions between the components of BC–PVA@SSga scaffolds. The addition of PVA during BC production significantly increases the porosity from 53.5% ± 2.3% to 83.5% ± 2.9%, the pore size from 2.3 ± 1.9 to 16.8 ± 4.5 µm, the fiber diameter from 35.5 ± 10 to 120 ± 27.4 nm, and improves the thermal stability and flexibility. Studies using bacteria and fungi indicate high inhibition and disruption of biofilms upon AZM addition. In vitro biocompatibility analysis confirms the nontoxic nature of BC–PVA@SSga toward HaCaT and NIH3T3 cells, whereas the addition of SS enhances cell proliferation. The developed BC–PVA@SSga accelerates wound healing in the infected mouse model, thus can be a promising wound dressing biomaterial.
Wide Bandgap Conjugated Polymers Based on Difluorobenzoxadiazole for Efficient Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Pan Langheng , Zhan Tao , Zhang Yue , Li Junyu , Wu Yifan , He Zhicai , Cai Ping , Duan Chunhui , Huang Fei , Cao Yong 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWide bandgap polymers with a donor–acceptor alternating structure play a key role in constructing high‐efficiency organic solar cells (OSCs). However, only a handful of high‐performance polymers are available owing to the limited choices of acceptor units. 5,6‐Difluorobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole (ffBX) is a promising acceptor unit with high ionization potential, and can afford high charge carrier mobility and strong aggregation for the resulting polymers. Historically, ffBX is successfully used in constructing high‐performance polymer donors for fullerene‐based OSCs. However, this unit is far less been explored in non‐fullerene OSCs. In this work, three ffBX‐based wide bandgap polymers (Oc00, Oc25, and Oc50) with varied solubilizing side chain content for application in non‐fullerene OSCs are reported. The polymers show matched energy levels and complementary optical absorption with the state‐of‐the‐art non‐fullerene acceptor Y6. Moreover, the polymer solubility, solid state packing, and bulk‐heterojunction morphology are finely tuned via side chain engineering. Encouragingly, a decent efficiency of 14.25% is realized by the polymer Oc25 when blended with Y6 due to the efficient charge transport and favorable active layer morphology. These results suggest the promising prospect of ffBX in constructing high‐performance polymer donors for non‐fullerene OSCs.
Comparative analysis of data‐driven methods for daily reference evapotranspiration estimation of Southern Caspian Sea
Authors: Bakhtiari Bahram , Mohebbi‐Dehaghani Alireza , Qaderi Kourosh 
Published: August 2022

AbstractReference evapotranspiration (ETo) as a component in the hydrological cycle is calculated using many methods. In this study, the capability of four data‐driven methods including artificial neural network (ANN), adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), support vector machine (SVM), and M5 tree model has been evaluated for daily ETo estimation at the south of the Caspian Sea. Different combinations of climatic data, solar radiation (Rs), mean air temperature (Tmean), mean relative humidity (RHmean), and wind speed (U) during 1991–2020 were used as input variables. The data were divided into training and test data. The values generated from the methods were compared with those of the FAO‐56 Penman‐Monteith as a standard method. The results indicated that the accuracy of ANFIS was increased for estimating ETo, especially in validation phase, when all climatic variables were used as inputs in the synoptic stations. Totally, based on the evaluation of the performances, it was created that the ANFIS with Tmean, RHmean, Rs, and U variables had the best accuracy, while the ANN, SVM, and M5 with only one input of U had the worst performance. The ANFIS with Tmean and Rs was recommended for modelling ETo if there are fewer climatic variables in these regions.
A homozygous variant of WDR45B results in global developmental delay: Additional case and literature review
Authors: Zhang Jinhong , Lu Yan , Tian Xiaoyu , Men Xinyi , Zhang Yange , Yan Huifang , Yang Fan , Yang Zuozhen , Wang Xiuxia 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundGlobal developmental delay (GDD) has a heterogeneous clinical profile among patients, accounting for approximately 1%–3% of cases in children. An increasing number of gene defects have been demonstrated to be associated with GDD; up to now, only limited studies have reported developmental disorders driven by WDR45B.MethodsTrio‐whole exome sequencing (Trio‐WES) was performed for the patient and her family. All variants with a minor allele frequency <0.01 were selected for further interpretation according to the ACMG guidelines. Candidate pathogenic variants were validated by Sanger sequencing in her family.ResultsA homozygous nonsynonymous variant in WDR45B [NM_019613.4: c.677G>C (p. Arg226Thr)] was identified from the proband. The variant was absent in published databases such as gnomAD and Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC). The variant was predicted to be damaging for proteins and classified as VUS according to the ACMG guidelines. We reviewed the literature, and the development delay level in our case was less severe than the other reported cases.ConclusionWe reported another case with a novel homozygous variant of WDR45B and showed the heterogeneity of clinical features.
Construction of a digital fetus library for radiation dosimetry
Authors: Qu Shuiyin , Xie Tianwu , Giger Maryellen L. , Mao Xianqing , Zaidi Habib 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPurposeAccurate estimations of fetal absorbed dose and radiation risks are crucial for radiation protection and important for radiological imaging research owing to the high radiosensitivity of the fetus. Computational anthropomorphic models have been widely used in patient‐specific radiation dosimetry calculations. In this work, we aim to build the first digital fetal library for more reliable and accurate radiation dosimetry studies.Acquisition and validation methodsComputed tomography (CT) images of abdominal and pelvic regions of 46 pregnant females were segmented by experienced medical physicists. The segmented tissues/organs include the body contour, skeleton, uterus, liver, kidney, intestine, stomach, lung, bladder, gall bladder, spleen, and pancreas for maternal body, and placenta, amniotic fluid, fetal body, fetal brain, and fetal skeleton. Nonuniform rational B‐spline (NURBS) surfaces of each identified region was constructed manually using 3D modeling software. The Hounsfield unit values of each identified organs were gathered from CT images of pregnant patients and converted to tissue density. Organ volumes were further adjusted according to reference measurements for the developing fetus recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Commission on Radiological Protection. A series of anatomical parameters, including femur length, humerus length, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference (FAC), and head circumference, were measured and compared with WHO recommendations.Data format and usage notesThe first fetal patient‐specific model library was developed with the anatomical characteristics of each model derived from the corresponding patient whose gestational age varies between 8 and 35 weeks. Voxelized models are represented in the form of MCNP matrix input files representing the three‐dimensional model of the fetus. The size distributions of each model are also provided in text files. All data are stored on Zenodo and are publicly accessible on the following link: https://zenodo.org/record/6471884.Potential applicationsThe constructed fetal models and maternal anatomical characteristics are consistent with the corresponding patients. The resulting computational fetus could be used in radiation dosimetry studies to improve the reliability of fetal dosimetry and radiation risks assessment. The advantages of NURBS surfaces in terms of adapting fetal postures and positions enable us to adequately assess their impact on radiation dosimetry calculations.
The feasibility study of XACT imaging for characterizing osteoporosis
Authors: Li Yizhou , Samant Pratik , Cochran Christian , zhao Yue , Keyak Joyce H. , Hu Xiang , Yu Aixi , Xiang Liangzhong 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundOsteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and the deterioration in bone microarchitecture, which might be related to age and space travel. An unmet need exists for the development of novel imaging technologies to characterize osteoporosis.PurposeThe purpose of our study is to investigate the feasibility of X‐ray‐induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) imaging for osteoporosis detection.MethodsAn in‐house simulation workflow was developed to assess the ability of XACT for osteoporosis detection. To evaluate this simulation workflow, a three‐dimensional digital bone phantom for XACT imaging was created by a series of two‐dimensional micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) slices of normal and osteoporotic bones in mice. In XACT imaging, the initial acoustic pressure rise caused by the X‐ray induce acoustic (XA) effect is proportional to bone density. First, region growing was deployed for image segmentation of different materials inside the bone. Then k‐wave simulations were deployed to model XA wave propagation, attenuation, and detection. Finally, the time‐varying pressure signals detected at each transducer location were used to reconstruct the XACT image with a time‐reversal reconstruction algorithm.ResultsThrough the simulated XACT images, cortical porosity has been calculated, and XA signal spectra slopes have been analyzed for the detection of osteoporosis. The results have demonstrated that osteoporotic bones have lower bone mineral density and higher spectra slopes. These findings from XACT images were in good agreement with porosity calculation from micro‐CT images.ConclusionThis work explores the feasibility of using XACT imaging as a new imaging tool for Osteoporosis detection. Considering that acoustic signals are generated by X‐ray absorption, XACT imaging can be combined with traditional X‐ray imaging that holds potential for clinical management of osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
Was the impact of COVID‐19 on a spinal triage service as significant as expected? A retrospective service evaluation: Results and evaluation
Authors: Wood Lianne , Eveleigh Carla , Dixon Matthew , Dunstan Eleanor , Salem Khalid 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this evaluation was to review service outcomes for a spinal advanced practitioner physiotherapy (APP) triage service during COVID‐19. The evaluation compares outcomes gathered against pre‐pandemic data and evaluates the impact of the pandemic on service delivery.DesignService‐level data were extracted between 2019 and 2021 including: total referrals, new and follow‐up appointments, telehealth consultation rates, discharges at first appointment, magnetic resonance imaging and injection request rates. Multidisciplinary‐team (MDT) meeting notes with Spinal Surgeons were reviewed and surgical conversion calculated. Patient satisfaction data were collated using: Friends and Family test, specific questionnaires, individual and formal complaints and compliments, and telephone surveys. Analysis was performed by the lead author and results were compared between years using analysis of variance, as well as with previously reported data.Setting‘Nottingham University Hospitals’ National Health Services Trust is a secondary care spinal unit, using APPs to triage, assess and manage spinal conditions.ResultsIn 2020, 407 (22%; p = 0.02) less patients were referred to the service, however, there was a significant increase in the number of telehealth attendances (mean = 50% in 2020 from 2019, p = 0.005). Only 13% (n = 1342) patients were discussed at MDT, of which 8% (n = 808) were discussed for surgical consideration, and 36% (n = 268) were directly listed. High levels of patient satisfaction were reported by 89% (n = 1028 of 1160) patients.ConclusionThis service evaluation demonstrates a statistically significant change in numbers of patients referred and telehealth attendances in the year of the pandemic (2020). Surgical conversion declined during the pandemic, and did not recover post‐pandemic.