bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low-dielectric polyimide resins with improved processability and thermal properties
Authors: Hong Guoqing , Meng Xiangsheng , Chen Aimin , Yan Jingling , Wang Zhen 
Published: February 2025

In this work, a series of fluorene-based polyimide resins with pendent and endmost phenylethynyl groups were synthesized using 9,9-Di[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]-4,5-diazafluorene dianhydride (BPF-PA) and aromatic diamines ((3,5-diaminophenyl) (4-(phenylethynyl)phenyl)methanone (DPEB), 4,4′-oxydianiline (4,4′-ODA)), 4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride (4-PEPA) as the end-capping reagent. The chemical structure, thermal properties, solubility, and melt flow behavior of the imide oligomers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), solubility test, and rheological measurement. The imide oligomers showed high solubility in the low-boiling solvents and low melt viscosity due to their flexible, sterically hindered side-chain and cardo architectures. The thermal properties, mechanical properties, and dielectric properties of the thermosets derived from the imide oligomers were studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), mechanical testing, and dielectric performance testing. The cured resins exhibited outstanding dielectric property in the range of 18–40 GHz involving a dielectric constant (Dk) as low as 2.99 and a dielectric loss (Df) as low as 0.0017 while possessing high thermal decomposition temperature up to 569°C and glass transition temperature up to 345°C. Additionally, the thermosets displayed good mechanical properties, dimensional stability and low water absorption. The obtained polyimide resins exhibited exceptional comprehensive properties, indicating their great potential as matrix resins in the applications of heat resistant, wave transparent composites for the aerospace industry.
The acute and sub-chronic toxicological effects of 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole (AEC) on zebrafish
Authors: Vásárhelyi Erna , Rácz Gergely , Urbányi Béla , Szabó Balázs P. , Szepesi-Bencsik Dóra , Szabó István , Bock Illés , Volner Cintia , Griffitts Jeffrey Daniel , Kriszt Balázs , Bakos Katalin , Csenki Zsolt 
Published: February 2025

Introduction In this study, we sought to determine the sub-chronic toxicological effects of AEC on zebrafish embryos. Methods We utilized fish early life stage (FELS) and fish embryo toxicity (FET) tests, vascular, neurological, and renal transgenic zebrafish lines, and gene expression anal-ysis of the zebrafish tissue. Results In the FET tests, AEC caused several abnormalities in the larvae, with the LC50 at 24 hpf being 4.076 ± 0.221 mg/L and 3.296 ± 0.127 mg/L at 96 hpf. In the FELS test, AEC was shown to be lethal following 16 days of exposure at 0.5 mg/L, 1 mg/L and 2 mg/L. Some of the transgenic zebrafish lines exhibited slight changes in fluorescent signaling pat-terns after exposure to AEC at 1 mg/L and 2 mg/L. Notable results of the gene expression analysis revealed: gpx4b and got2 were downregulated in the liver; HIF1a was downregulated at 0.25 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L concentrations, NOTCH1a and fli-1 genes were downregulated at all concentrations, and A2b was upregulated in the vasculature; a1T, ngn1, elavl3, syn2a, mbp, gap43 were down-regulated in the nervous system; and wt1b was downregulated in the kidney. Discuccion Altogether, the results of our study indicate the potential for AEC to cause harm to organisms.
Aptima HPV E6/E7 mRNA and cytology cross-sectional performance as primary screening tests for detection of high-grade cervical lesions in HIV positive and negative women in South Africa
Authors: Richter Karin Louise , Snyman Leon Cornelius , Dreyer Greta , Van der Merwe Frederick Haynes , Dreyer Gerrit Jan , Visser Cathy , Botha Matthys Hendrik 
Published: February 2025

Objective To assess the performance of APTIMA® HPV E6/E7 mRNA assay (AHPV) with HPV 16 and 18/45 genotyping (AHPV-GT) and cytology in detecting cervical cancer and precancer in HIV positive and negative women in South Africa. Methods A multicentre cross-sectional study was performed in women aged 25–64 (n = 992) with cytology and AHPV with AHPV-GT reflex testing. All screen-positive and a random subset of screen-negative women were referred for colposcopy and biopsy. Results On cytology, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) or higher was found in 9.7% of HIV negative and 35.8% of HIV positive women. HPV mRNA positivity was 19.5% (4.4% HPV 16, 2.8% HPV 18/45, and 6.9% other high-risk HPV) in HIV negative women, compared to 45.8% (9.4% HPV 16, 9.7% HPV 18/45, and 27.6% other high-risk HPV) in HIV positive women . The prevalence of histological abnormalities in HIV negative vs HIV positive women was 24.3 vs 46.0% for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2+, 10.2 vs 24.1% for CIN3+, and 1.4 vs 2.4% for invasive squamous cell carcinoma. AHPV sensitivity for detection of CIN3 + performed the best: 69.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 56.8–81.1) in HIV negative vs 81.4% (95% CI 73.7–89.0) in HIV positive women, followed by ASCUS + (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) cytology: 58.6% (95% CI 45.7–71.6) vs 76.5% (95% CI 68.1–84.8). The best positive predictive value for CIN2 + was for AHPV-GT16, followed by AHPV-GT16,18/45 and cytology LSIL+: HIV-negative women 84.0% (95% CI 68.9–99.1); 76.9% (95% CI 63.3–90.6); 75.0% (95 CI% 61.2–88.9) and HIV-positive women 92.5% (95% CI 84.1–100); 86.8% (95% CI 79.1–94.6); 84.0% (95% CI 77.6–90.3). Conclusion Significantly more HPV infection and cytological/histological abnormalities and advanced disease were seen in HIV positive women. The lower than expected clinical sensitivities of all screening tests are comparable to HPV DNA sensitivities reported in similar populations. AHPV with AHPV-GT performed better than cytology as a screening and triage test.
Firm-level Climate Change Exposure and Corporate Cash Holdings: Evidence from Asian Countries
Authors: Le Huong , Nguyen Oanh Thi Kim , Tran Thuy Anh Thi , Phan Trung Bao , Tran Nguyen Trong 
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the correlation between climate change exposure and corporate cash holdings. Using climate change data exposed at the firm level of 804 unique firms between 2002 and 2022 in six Asian countries (Japan, Korea, China, Singapore, India, and Hong Kong), this study provides empirical evidence that firms reserve more cash in response to their exposure to climate change. Additionally, we discover that firms with greater financial restrictions have a stronger positive link between cash hoarding and climate change risk. The evidence offered holds up well against different climate change dimensions and the sample before the COVID-19 pandemic. JEL Code: G32
Outcomes for the shoulder and elbow following surgical reconstruction for traumatic brachial plexus injury in patients over 60 years
Authors: Hayashi Kota , Lu Johnny Chuieng-Yi , Chang Tommy Nai-Jen , Chuang David Chwei-Chin 
Published: February 2025

This study aims to investigate surgical outcomes in elderly patients aged over 60 years old, with brachial plexus injury, undergoing nerve reconstruction using nerve grafts and/or nerve transfers for shoulder and elbow function. Twenty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Postoperative median shoulder abduction was 35° in the single nerve transfer group ( n = 12) and less than 20° in the single nerve grafting group ( n = 2). Patients over 65 tended to have poorer outcomes. For elbow flexion strength, a higher proportion of patients in the nerve transfer group (11/12 cases) achieved M3 or greater elbow flexion compared with the nerve grafting group (3/7 cases). Elbow extension also improved in the reconstructive group (9/13 cases). Given these findings, elbow flexion reconstruction is the first priority, while shoulder abduction, showing poor results, should not consume excessive neurotizers. Elbow extension is the second priority, achievable through nerve reconstruction. Level of evidence: IV
Sustained-release oral dalfampridine appears to have no impact on upper extremity function in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Menascu Shay , Frid Lior , Kalron Alon 
Published: February 2025

Background: Upper limb dysfunction is common in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), significantly affecting daily activities and quality of life. While dalfampridine has shown efficacy in improving gait in pwMS, its impact on upper extremity function remains unclear. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of sustained-release oral dalfampridine on upper extremity function in pwMS. Design: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Methods: In all, 30 pwMS were randomized to receive either dalfampridine (10 mg twice daily) or a placebo for 2 weeks. Upper extremity function was assessed at baseline, after 1 week, after 2 weeks of treatment, and 2 weeks post-treatment using clinical tests (9-Hole Peg Test, Box, and Block Test, peak isometric grip force, 2-point discrimination) and self-reported questionnaires (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand, ability measure of the hand, Manual Ability Measurement 36). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance to evaluate group × time interactions. Results: No significant group × time interactions were observed across clinical or self-reported outcomes. Both groups exhibited similar trends over time, with no measurable improvements in upper extremity dexterity, strength, or perceived function attributable to dalfampridine. Conclusion: Sustained-release dalfampridine does not appear to improve upper extremity function in pwMS, highlighting its limitations beyond gait-related benefits. These findings underscore the need for further research to explore alternative treatments targeting upper limb dysfunction in this population. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02259361.
Management of Anterior Epistaxis in the Emergency Department Using Rapid Rhino and Merocel: A Cost Analysis
Authors: Shukla Dhatri , Fowler James , Rocha Taciano , Sarma Sisira , Sowerby Leigh 
Published: February 2025

Importance Epistaxis affects approximately 60% of the population over their lifetime. When conservative attempts fail, nasal tampons are often required to stop anterior bleeding. Health economics is critical in our publicly funded system. Determination of cost-effective interventions is crucial. Objective To compare the total cost of Merocel and Rapid Rhino from the perspective of a provincial payer and an academic hospital for the management of anterior epistaxis. Design Retrospective review. Setting London Health Sciences Centre emergency department (Victoria and University campus). Participants Patients ≥18 years of age presenting with anterior epistaxis. The participants were 67% men and 33% women. Approximately, 63% were on anticoagulant medication, and 35% used an ambulance to arrive at the hospital. Intervention Rapid Rhino or Merocele, which was dependent on the site of presentation. Main Outcome Measures Rebleed rate. Results The rate of rebleeds with Merocel was 42% (26/62), whereas it was 24% (4/17) with Rapid Rhino. The inverse probability weighted regression adjustment results show that patients receiving Rapid Rhino did not have a statistically significant difference in costs per patient ($62.40, 95% CI: −$25.75 to $150.55) from the hospital perspective or the provincial health care payer perspective ($78.25, 95% CI: −$18.38 to $174.89). Conclusion and Relevance There was no significant difference in cost between Rapid Rhino and Merocel for anterior epistaxis from a hospital or provincial payer perspective.
Plantar Thermogram Analysis Using Deep Learning for Diabetic Foot Risk Classification
Authors: Panamonta Vipawee , Jerawatana Ratanaporn , Ariyaprayoon Prapai , Looareesuwan Panu , Ongphiphadhanakul Benyapa , Sriphrapradang Chutintorn , Chailurkit Laor , Ongphiphadhanakul Boonsong 
Published: February 2025

Aims: Thermography is a noninvasive method to identify patients at risk of diabetic foot ulcers. In this study, we employed thermography and deep learning to stratify patients with diabetes at risk of developing foot ulcers. Methods: We prospectively recorded clinical data and plantar thermograms for adult patients with diabetes who underwent diabetic foot screening. A total of 153 thermal images were analyzed using a deep learning algorithm to determine the risk of diabetic foot ulcers. The neural network was trained using a balanced dataset consisting of 98 thermal images (49 normal and 49 abnormal), with 80% allocated for training and 20% for validation. The trained model was then validated on a separate testing dataset consisting of 55 thermal images (42 normal and 13 abnormal). The neural network was trained to prioritize higher sensitivity in identifying at-risk feet for screening purposes. Results: Participants had a mean age of 63.1 ± 12.6 years (52.3% female), and 62.1% had been diagnosed with diabetes for more than 10 years. The average body mass index was 27.5 ± 5.6 kg/m2. Of the thermal images, 91 were classified as category 0 and 62 as categories 1 to 3, according to the diabetic foot risk classification system of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot. Using five-fold cross-validation, the neural network model achieved an overall accuracy of 71.8 ± 4.9%, a sensitivity of 81.2 ± 10.0%, and a specificity of 64.0 ± 7.4%. Additionally, the Matthews correlation coefficient was 0.46 ± 0.08% Conclusions: These results suggest that thermography combined with deep learning could be developed for screening purposes to stratify patients at risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers.
Literacy of human papillomavirus, uptake and acceptability for its vaccination among young adults: A cross-sectional study in an Asian urban community
Authors: Ng Ding Xuan , Leow Mabel Qi He , Tan Cheryl Xin Ying , Chee Amelie Rui Kit , Kon Zi Ting , Tan Ngiap Chuan 
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to assess the literacy of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and its vaccine between genders in young adults in an Asian urban community. The secondary aim was to identify factors associated with the acceptability of HPV vaccine among unvaccinated males. A self-administered e-survey was distributed via convenience sampling over 3 months in 2022 in Singapore. Demographic data and literacy on HPV and HPV vaccine were collected from young adults aged 15–24 years through a secured electronic platform. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to examine the association between acceptability of vaccine uptake and literacy of HPV and HPV vaccine. 591 youths comprising of 236 (40%) males and 355 (60%) females completed the survey. HPV vaccination uptake rate was low in males (11.4%) but high in females (80%). Both genders had low awareness on the ability of HPV to infect males (50%) and majority (80%) were unaware of the benefits of HPV vaccine to males. Among unvaccinated males, 82.5% accepted the recommendation of providing males with HPV vaccination, and 72.7% were acceptable towards taking up the vaccine. The main barriers to vaccination were cost (78.9%) and inconvenience (52.2%), while lifelong immunity (67.5%) and government health policies (67%) were identified as enablers. Young adults had low literacy on HPV’s ability to infect males and the benefits of HPV vaccine to both genders. Its uptake in males would depend on their acceptance of the HPV vaccine, cost, administration convenience and duration of its immunity post-vaccination.
Clinical and Pathological Characteristics of Non-AL Amyloidosis MGRS: A Single-Center Experience Over 10 Years
Authors: Nie Chunpeng , Lee Holly , Cheema Kim , Duggan Peter , McCulloch Sylvia , Tay Jason , Neri Paola , Bahlis Nizar J. , Jimenez-Zepeda Victor H. 
Published: February 2025

Objective: Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) is a heterogeneous and relatively recently defined disorder that encompasses many kidney and hematologic pathologies. MGRS remains a rare disease and there is a need for more literature regarding its treatment and outcomes. In this study, we share our center’s experience with MGRS including incidence of different kidney pathologies, clone type, kidney and hematologic response, and progression-free survival. Methods: Data from 35 patients diagnosed with MGRS excluding light-chain amyloidosis between 2013 and 2022 at a single Canadian tertiary care center were retrospectively analyzed. All cases required kidney biopsy. Initial treatment included regimens containing bortezomib, rituximab, or cyclosporine, or steroids only. Parameters studied included incidence of different kidney pathologies, clone type, depth of hematologic response, kidney survival (KS), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Out of 35 patients, there were 10 cases of monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease, 8 of proliferative glomerulonephritis with immune deposits, 5 of microtubular immune deposits including immunotactoid and types 1 and 2 cryoglobulinemic nephropathy, 3 of C3 glomerulonephritis, and 9 of other diagnoses. There were 21 cases with a plasma cell clone identified in bone marrow, 2 each of B cell and low-grade lymphoma, 1 atypical T cell clone, and 9 cases without an expanded clone on bone marrow biopsy. A total of 6 patients required kidney replacement therapy and 4 patients died; the median PFS was 59.3 months. Very good partial hematologic response or better was significantly associated with decreased proteinuria but not preserved eGFR. There was a non-significant trend toward better PFS with hematologic response. Conclusion: Our experience confirms that MGRS is a heterogeneous disease and adds to the literature concerning the diagnosis and treatment of MGRS. Successful treatment of the underlying hematologic disorder with targeted therapy is more likely to lead to an improvement in kidney function.
Rural Residents’ Digital Payment: The Use and Its Impact on Credit Availability – Evidence Using Extended UTAUT2
Authors: Ding Shujuan , Ruan Ying , Dou Lei 
Published: February 2025

In recent years, the essential roles of digital payment have gradually emerged. However, current research on digital payment adoption models rarely incorporates the outcomes of digital payment, and it also gives less consideration to rural residents. Considering these two issues as a research gap, this article establishes a unified digital payment use and credit availability model by extending the UTAUT2 framework in two aspects and applying it to China’s rural residents. The first extension is to add credit availability as an outcome variable of digital payment use. The second is to add two factors important to farmers, perceived riskiness and innovativeness, as constructs. Structural equation modeling is employed to analyze data collected from nearly 500 Chinese rural residents. The results show that almost 90% of rural residents have used digital payment. However, only a low proportion use it for many purposes or frequently. Rural residents’ digital payment use can increase credit availability. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, price value, and innovativeness significantly and positively affect digital payment intention and behavior, thereby indirectly improving credit availability. However, the perceived risk does not influence digital payment adoption, possibly due to effective protective behaviors. In addition to the indirect effect, the results show that innovativeness also has a direct impact on credit availability. JEL Classification: M15, G21.
Predicting Surgical and Non-surgical Curvature Correction by Radiographic Spinal Flexibility Assessments for Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Luo Yu-Yan , Hung Tim-Mei , Zheng Qian , Wu Hui-Dong , Wong Man-Sang , Bai Zi-Qian , Ma Christina Zong-Hao 
Published: February 2025

Study Design Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Objectives This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to: (1) synthesize the prevalent application ratios of 2 radiographic spinal flexibility assessment methods in AIS patients treated with PSF or bracing; and (2) quantitatively evaluate the accuracy of these methods in predicting post-intervention correction outcomes. Methods A systematic search was conducted across 5 electronic databases: CINAHL, Embase, Ovid, PubMed, and Web of Science. Meta-analyses were performed to investigate the accuracy of the spinal flexibility rate in predicting the post-intervention correction rate in AIS patients treated with PSF surgery or bracing, using RevMan 5.4.1 software. Results The results of 31 studies, involving 1868 AIS patients, showed that the side-bending method was utilized more frequently than the fulcrum-bending method in both treatments. Meanwhile, the spinal flexibility evaluated by the fulcrum-bending method may provide a more accurate prediction of post-surgical correction compared to the side-bending approach, particularly for main curves. For the bracing treatment, only a few studies have preliminarily reported good capability of the side-bending method in predicting the initial in-brace correction. Conclusions This review quantitatively assessed the clinical application ratio and effectiveness of side-bending and fulcrum-bending radiographs in predicting post-intervention curve corrections in AIS patients undergoing surgical or bracing treatments. The results of the current review supported to adopt the fulcrum-bending approach for AIS patients undergoing PSF surgery with main thoracic curves, and the side-bending approach for those with thoracolumbar/lumbar curves. For patients receiving bracing treatment, further research is still needed to confirm the clinical value of the side-bending method.
Factors in the Determination of India’s Nominal Exchange Rate Behaviour
Authors: Das Suman , Roy Saikat Sinha 
Published: February 2025

This article investigates into the factors that determine the rupee–US dollar spot exchange rate particularly after the global financial crisis in 2008. In particular, the role of market fundamentals is looked into. To achieve this, an eclectic empirical model is estimated not paying heed to any particular theoretical framework. As empirical strategy, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Error Correction (ECM) models are estimated using monthly data ranging from 2008:04 to 2023:03. The model suits the data well. Cointegration and error correction are found to exist. The empirical results suggest the presence of a long-run relationship between the exchange rate and the macroeconomic variables. The results further emphasize that in the event of any short-run disequilibrium, the errors correct to reach the long-run equilibrium exchange value. The empirical results, so obtained, have policy implications in an episode of misalignment in the exchange rate leading to sharp appreciation or depreciation. JEL Classification: F31, F41, C32