bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Hospital Data Breach on Healthcare Quality
Authors: Chen Dapeng , Chou Shin‐Yi , Peng Xiaosong (David)
Published: January 2025

Objective

To examine the effects of data breach incidents on healthcare quality and to explore potential mechanisms.

Data Source

Hospital‐level data breach reports from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and patient‐level hospitalization records from Florida State Inpatient Database during 2013–2017.

Study Design

We employ a propensity score matching difference‐in‐difference model to estimate changes in a patient's emergency department (ED) door‐to‐hospital admission hours, days to undergo principal procedure after admission, length of stay days, and in‐hospital mortality rates following data breaches. We compare the health information technology (HIT) functionalities of breached and non‐breached hospitals during both pre and post periods.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Our primary analysis covers 1,295,537 records of inpatients admitted through the EDs of 12 hospitals.

Principal Findings

Data breaches are associated with long‐term improvements in healthcare quality, particularly in the timeliness of patient care and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mortality. Over time, patients experience a reduction of 0.56 h in ED door‐to‐hospital admission time (95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.04 to −0.06 h) and a decrease of 0.18 days in time to undergo the principal procedure after hospital admission (95% CI: −0.23 to −0.13 days). Additionally, AMI patients experience a one percentage point reduction in in‐hospital mortality (95% CI: −2 to −0.06 percentage points), while mortality rates for other patient groups remain unchanged. Hospitals affected by data breaches show long‐term advancements in their HIT functionalities.

Conclusions

Hospital data breach incidents are associated with improved healthcare quality. This improvement may be attributed to hospitals' enhanced functionality of HIT.
Redaction as Cross‐Regulatory Disclosure Avoidance
Authors: FLOROS IOANNIS V. , JOHNSON SHANE A. , ZHAO WANJIA
Published: January 2025

We introduce the idea of cross‐regulatory disclosure avoidance, whereby firms attempt to counteract expansions of disclosure under one regulation through actions that reduce disclosure under a different one. We study whether firms redact information from material contracts when they face new rules to disclose segment information. Using SFAS No. 131 as a plausibly exogenous shock to segment disclosure, we find that firms increasing the number of reported segments after the rule change exhibit a greater increase in redaction than firms maintaining the same number of segments. Consistent with proprietary cost motives, the increases are concentrated among firms with greater divergence in profitability across segments, higher abnormal segment profitability, and more negative abnormal stock returns in response to the finalization of the rule. Also, treated firms that redact after the rule change have abnormally profitable segments that they previously did not disclose. Firms that observables predict would increase redaction but did not experience declines in sales growth and profit margin. We find no evidence that agency cost motives drive the increases in redaction or, more generally, nondisclosure of segment performance before SFAS No. 131.
The Impact of Democracy and Happiness on Environmental Degradation in OECD Countries
Authors: Barut Abdulkadir , Alofaysan Hind , Akpınar Esra Nur , Adıgüzel Selminaz , Magazzino Cosimo
Published: January 2025

The objective of this article is to investigate the impact of happiness on environmental degradation utilizing annual data for 36 OECD nations from 2005 to 2021. To achieve this goal, GMM, Driscoll–Kray, and MMQR methodologies were employed. According to the empirical findings, happiness serves as a crucial variable in mitigating environmental degradation. Moreover, the investigation probed into the impact of income, technological advances, democracy, population, and renewable energy consumption on environmental degradation. The outcomes indicate that the EKC hypothesis holds for OECD countries that technological innovations, democracy, and renewable energy consumption have a mitigating impact on environmental degradation. In contrast, population growth, a factor that exacerbates environmental degradation, should be a cause for concern.
Mortality and Survival Analysis in Patients With Cancer Occurrence After Sjögren's Syndrome: A Long‐Term Cohort Study in China
Authors: Peng Yezi , Chen Jiana , Ren Yafei , Yang Dan , Zhou Ziyue , Shen Xiangyi , Qian Junyan , Jiang Xu , Zhao Lidan , Fei Yunyun , Chen Hua , Li Mengtao , Yang Huaxia , Zhang Fengchun
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the mortality, survival rates, and prognostic indicators of cancer occurrence after Sjögren's syndrome (SS‐CA).

Methods

The medical records of patients with SS‐CA at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) between January 2010 and August 2022 were retrieved. Clinical data and survival outcomes were compared to controls. The standard mortality ratio (SMR) versus the general population was calculated, and the survival and predictive markers of prognosis were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression.

Results

In total, 114 SS‐CA patients were included, with a median follow‐up time of 105.1 (57.3–168.0) months. Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (32, 28.1%) was the most common cancer in patients with SS‐CA. The SMR of SS‐CA patients was 2.61 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.73–3.77). Patients with SS‐CA exhibited significantly inferior outcomes compared to controls (p = 0.010), with 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival rates of 91.2% and 83.2%, respectively. SS patients with a diagnostic interval between SS and cancer (SS‐CA diagnostic interval) ≤ 3 years or with hematological malignancies had poorer survival compared to those with a diagnostic interval > 3 years (p < 0.001) or with solid tumors (p = 0.019). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified the prognosis‐associated factors of SS‐CA as age at SS diagnosis > 50 years (HR 3.129, 95% CI 1.224–7.998; p = 0.017), SS‐CA diagnostic interval ≤ 3 years (HR 7.754, 95% CI 1.953–30.781; p = 0.004), and hematological malignancies (HR 2.648, 95% CI 1.201–5.838; p = 0.016).

Conclusion

Malignant comorbidities constituted a poor prognosis in patients with SS, wherein the SS‐CA diagnostic interval and the types of cancer were associated with survival.
Improvements in investment efficiency prior to a mandated accounting change: Evidence from ASC 842
Authors: Christensen Derek , Lynch Daniel P. , Partridge Clay
Published: January 2025

Prior literature on the relationship between financial reporting and investment efficiency generally overlooks the connection between firms' financial and managerial reporting systems. As a result, it is difficult to determine whether increases in the quality of firms' internal information environments (IIQ) and/or the quality of their external information environments (EIQ) explain improvements in investment efficiency following financial reporting changes. Leveraging the transition window to the new lease standard (Accounting Standards Codification [ASC] 842), we use a difference‐in‐differences design and find that firms that materially change their internal controls due to ASC 842 (treatment firms) significantly improve their investment efficiency in the final year of the transition window. Multiple falsification tests rule out that contemporaneous improvements in treatment firms' EIQ explain our finding. Additional channel analyses suggest the increases in IIQ for treatment firms predominantly alleviate moral hazard risk between central and divisional managers within the firm, leading to a reduction in empire building. Our findings extend the literature on the relationship between financial reporting and investment efficiency. They also contribute to the literature on the consequences of ASC 842 by answering the FASB's call for research on how ASC 842 affects firms' asset utilizations.
First out‐of‐bed mobilisation in adults with severe acquired brain injury in Scandinavian neurointensive care units: A survey of current clinical practice (FOOBScan)
Authors: Ghaziani Emma , Petersen Merete , Olsen Markus Harboe , Korshøj Anders Rosendal , Dyrskog Stig , Bernhardt Julie , Frisvold Shirin Kordasti , Sundstrøm Terje , Sandrød Oddrun , Møller Kirsten , Alvsåker Kristin , Godbolt Alison K. , Riberholt Christian Gunge
Published: January 2025

Background

The harm‐benefit balance for early out‐of‐bed mobilisation of patients with severe acquired brain injury (ABI) in neurointensive care units (neuro‐ICUs) is unclear, and there are no clinical guidelines. This study aimed to survey the current clinical practice and perceptions among clinicians involved in first out‐of‐bed mobilisation in Scandinavian neuro‐ICUs.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional, anonymous, web‐based survey; the reporting follows the recommended CROSS checklist. Clinicians involved in the first out‐of‐bed mobilisation in all 14 Scandinavian neuro‐ICUs were eligible to participate. The questionnaire was distributed to local contact persons. Respondents were asked about their clinical practice regarding the first out‐of‐bed mobilisation, and perceived harms and benefits of early mobilisation.

Results

One hundred eighty clinicians (53% nurses, 31% physicians, and 14% therapists) completed the questionnaire. Eighty‐one percent indicated that more than half of patients underwent their first out‐of‐bed mobilisation in the neuro‐ICU. More respondents from Denmark than the remaining countries indicated that both physicians, nurses and physiotherapists contributed to the decision on when to mobilise. Intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, sedation, presence of vasospasm and arterial blood pressure were the most used safety clinical indicators for deciding about mobilisation. Clinicians stated several positive effects of mobilisation, for example, improved bowel movements, level of consciousness, motor function, and reduced risk of pneumonia, contractures, delirium, and deep vein thrombosis.

Conclusions

Mobilisation out of bed is frequently performed in patients with severe ABI in Scandinavian neuro‐ICUs. The perceived clinical safety indicators for mobilisation were ICP, CPP, level of sedation, presence of vasospasms, and ABP.
Substance use and psychiatric outcomes following substance use disorder treatment: An 18‐month prospective cohort study in Chile
Authors: Bórquez Ignacio , Krawczyk Noa , Matthay Ellicott C. , Charris Rafael , Dupré Sofía , Mateo Mariel , Carvacho Pablo , Cerdá Magdalena , Castillo‐Carniglia Álvaro , Valenzuela Eduardo
Published: January 2025

Background and aims

Evidence from high‐income countries has linked duration and compliance with treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) with reductions in substance use and improvements in mental health. Generalizing these findings to other regions like South America, where opioid and injection drug use is uncommon, is not straightforward. We examined if length of time in treatment and compliance with treatment reduced subsequent substance use and presence of psychiatric comorbidities.

Design

Prospective cohort analysis (3 assessments, 18 months) using inverse probability weighting to account for confounding and loss to follow‐up.

Settings

Outpatient/inpatient programs in Región Metropolitana, Chile.

Participants

Individuals initiating publicly funded treatment (n = 399).

Measurements

Exposures included length of time in (0–3, 4–7, 8 + months, currently in) and compliance with treatment (not completed, completed, currently in) measured in the intermediate assessment (12 months). Primary outcomes were past‐month use of primary substance (most problematic) and current psychiatric comorbidities (major depressive episode, panic, anxiety or post‐traumatic stress disorders) measured 6 months later (18 months). Secondary outcomes included past month use of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine powder and cocaine paste.

Findings

18.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 14.7%–22.6%] of individuals participated for 3 or fewer months in treatment and 50.1% (95% CI = 45.2%–55.1%) did not complete their treatment plan at 12 months. Participating for 8 + months in treatment was associated with lower risk of past month use of primary substance at 18 months [vs. 0–3 months, risk ratio (RR) = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.38–1.00] and completion of treatment (vs. not completed, RR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.30–0.80). Neither participating 8 + months (vs. 0–3 months, RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.57–1.22) nor treatment completion (vs. not completed, RR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.72–1.46) were associated with lower risk of psychiatric comorbidity at 18 months.

Conclusions

Longer time in treatment and compliance with treatment for substance use disorders in Chile appears to be associated with lower risk of substance use but not current comorbid psychiatric conditions 18 months after treatment initiation.
Drought and Wildfire Legacies Highlight Vulnerability of a Mediterranean Climate‐Type Forest
Authors: Anderson Nathaniel S. , Fontaine Joseph B. , Lewandrowski Wolfgang , Walden Lewis , Ruthrof Katinka X.
Published: January 2025

Alongside gradual changes in climate, extreme events such as droughts and heatwaves have increased in frequency globally. Together, chronic change and extreme events have been linked to forest die‐off, as well as larger, more severe wildfires. Increased disturbance frequency inevitably increases the likelihood of compounding effects, highlighting the importance of understanding forest responses and recovery. This study investigated physiological characteristics of the dominant canopy tree species, Eucalyptus marginata, on sites affected by a drought/heatwave event (2011) and five years later by a wildfire (2016) in southwestern Australia. Using a factorial design of drought vulnerability (sites with high and low vulnerability to drought), and sites that had experienced moderate and high fire severity, physiological measurements including pre‐dawn leaf water potential, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf temperature, specific leaf area, and live foliar moisture content were quantified to reveal impacts and potential compound effects on tree function. Measurements were taken during a summer heatwave and typical wet‐winter conditions to span periods of high and low stress. High drought vulnerability/ high severity wildfire sites had significantly lower pre‐dawn leaf water potentials, and stomatal conductance. Although E. marginata is known to be drought and fire tolerant, this forest stand had visible tree death and canopy contractions (via leaf drop) between summer and winter measurements, suggesting low plant available water in summer approached E. marginata's threshold for survival in high severity fire sites. Trees on high drought vulnerability sites experienced significantly more stress, but fire severity effects primarily manifested within these sites, measured via decreased specific leaf area and chlorophyll fluorescence. These results reveal interactive, contingent nature of multiple disturbances and their implications for future forest recovery. Monitoring forest health and function is central to developing predictive capacity of forest dynamics and tree responses as extreme events increase in frequency, severity, and scale.
Is the Long‐Nosed Potoroo a Facultative Arboreal Species?
Authors: Stephenson David , Weston Michael A. , Rendall Anthony R.
Published: January 2025

Arboreality in macropods ranges from fully terrestrial to fully arboreal species, with some functionally arboreal species. Potoroos (Tribe Potoroini) are assumed to be fully terrestrial; however, we document sightings and images of climbing and tree use in long‐nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus trisulcatus) on French Island, Victoria. Ordination of body mass, head plus body length and tail length of macropods revealed some body forms occurred only in terrestrial species, that overlapped with a zone which also included facultatively arboreal macropods and potoroos, suggesting some degree of arboreality in potoroos could not be excluded based on body form. We conclude that long‐nosed potoroos may, in at least some circumstances, climb and forage in trees and propose this could be a foraging strategy, niche exploitation or a predator‐avoidance strategy.
Novel insights into sheep domestication in Southwest Asia based on genome‐wide sequencing
Authors: Fang Wenwen , Asadollahpour Nanaei Hojjat , Liu Yu , Zhang Huanhuan , Miao Lisheng , Cao Yang , Jin Haiguo , Cao Yang
Published: January 2025

The origin of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) can be traced back to the Asian mouflon (Ovis gmelini), in the Near East around 10 000 years ago. Genetic divergence within mouflon populations can occur due to factors such as geographical isolation, social structures, and environmental pressures, leading to different affinities with domestic sheep. However, few studies have reported the extent to which mouflon sheep contribute to domestic sheep in different regions. Here, we implemented the demographic analyses of sheep populations across the globe based on the whole genome resequencing data of 410 samples, Y chromosome genetic variation of 417 rams, and 396 complete mitogenomes of O. aries. This revealed genetic differentiation within Iranian mouflons and a close genetic affinity between northern Iranian mouflons and worldwide domestic populations. The result illustrates that domestic sheep in our study may have derived from the same mouflon populations. Furthermore, analyses of paternal and maternal genetic diversity showed that five Y chromosome haplogroups and seven mitochondrial haplogroups were identified, of which the lineages mtF and mtG were newly found and defined. A phylogeographic interpretation of our data reveals a cline of north to south Iranian mouflons, which may be largely explained by increasing urial introgression.
Morphometric and Morphological Study of Thoracic and Lumbar Intervertebral Discs in Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Asl Mohammad Mohsen Salari , Goodarzi Nader , Soroori Sarang
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the gross morphological and morphometric characteristics of thoracic and lumbar intervertebral discs (IVDs) in guinea pigs, utilising micro‐CT imaging and anatomical dissection. The findings reveal 13 thoracic and six lumbar IVDs were identified, with thoracic discs transitioning from rounded forms at T1–T3 to triangular and heart‐shaped structures at T4–T13, while lumbar IVDs exhibited a consistently flattened heart shape. Morphometric analysis revealed statistically significant differences, with lumbar IVDs being larger in lateral and dorsoventral width, disc area, annulus fibrosus (AF) area and nucleus pulposus (NP) area, and ventral height compared to thoracic discs. Specifically, significant increases in lateral width and disc area were observed in lumbar segments L5 and L6, while thoracic IVDs demonstrated fluctuating alterations in some parameters, such as dorsal and ventral height. Histologically, both thoracic and lumbar IVDs feature a well‐organised NP, AF and endplates (EP). The EP was composed of cartilaginous materials, including hyaline cartilage, fibrocartilage and calcified cartilage, and bony materials, including extensive secondary ossification centres with many large vascular channels and bone trabeculae. In conclusion, this study indicates that although thoracic and lumbar IVDs conserve key histological properties, their distinct morphological and morphometric characteristics in guinea pigs reflect their adaptations to biomechanical demands. However, due to some fundamental differences between human and guinea pig, use of this species as a model for human IVD research and interpreting the extracted data should be cautious.
The effects of regular exercise on cognitive and cardiometabolic health in testicular cancer survivors subjected to platinum‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Amiri Ali , Slobodová Lucia , Klepochová Radka , Schön Martin , Marček Malenovská Karin , Rerková Katarína , Pechancová Radka , Prievalský Martin , Litváková Viera , Oliva Viktor , Pluháček Tomáš , Sedliak Milan , Mego Michal , Krššák Martin , Chovanec Michal , Ukropcová Barbara , Ukropec Jozef
Published: January 2025

Background

Platinum‐based chemotherapy provides curative treatment to more than 95% of patients with testicular germ cell tumor but it has negative cardiometabolic and neurological effects. Regular exercise can alleviate late chemotherapy‐related toxicities. We examined the impact of a 6‐month supervised aerobic‐strength training on cognitive and cardiometabolic health and residual level of platinum in cancer survivors.

Methods

Twenty‐eight middle‐aged (42.1 ± 7.6 years) testicular germ cell tumor survivors subjected to platinum‐based chemotherapy (1–8 cycles, 0–24 years ago) were recruited into exercise (n = 20) and control (n = 8) groups. Effects of 6‐month exercise training on the whole‐body and muscle metabolism, cognitive functions, cardiopulmonary fitness, residual plasma platinum, and plasma adiponectin were examined.

Results

Exercise intervention improved cardiopulmonary fitness and cognitive functions, reduced residual plasma platinum, visceral adiposity and muscle lipids, improved glucose (glycosylated hemoglobin) and lipid (high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol) metabolism, and enhanced dynamics of muscle post‐exercise phosphocreatine recovery. Exercise‐related decline in plasma platinum was paralleled by decline of muscle glycerophosphocholines and by the enhanced metabolic flexibility during low‐intensity exercise, and predicted training‐induced increase in cognitive functions.

Conclusions

The 6‐month exercise intervention resulted in improved cognitive and cardiometabolic health in testicular germ cell tumor survivors, which was paralleled by reduced plasma platinum, providing evidence that structured supervised exercise brings multiple health benefits to testicular germ cell tumor survivors.
Blood Group B May Reduce Risk of Rebleeding in Patients With Upper Gastrointestinal Haemorrhage due to Peptic Ulcer Disease
Authors: Taylor Sarah , Chen Lynna , Dutt Krishneel , Boyapati Ray , Ye Bei , Ong Sim , Kruavit Anuk , Lee Nora , Apostolov Ross , Suleiman Mani , Tacey Mark , Ho Prahlad , Gibson Peter R. , Garg Mayur
Published: January 2025

Risk stratification tools for the prediction of complications in patients with upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage are crucial for appropriate management. Blood group status has been associated with the risk of bleeding, thrombosis and risk of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). We assessed the influence of blood group status on rebleeding and other complications in 699 patients with PUD bleeding. Blood group B was associated with reduced risk in the composite outcome of rebleeding, need for surgery or embolisation and mortality (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04–0.63, p = 0.009). Blood group B was protective against rebleeding compared to non‐blood group B (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05–0.84, p = 0.028).
Social network analysis in social psychological ressearch (1990–2020): A scoping review
Authors: Mehrpour Anahita , Widmer Eric D. , Staerklé Christian
Published: January 2025

Over the last two decades, Social Network Analysis (SNA) has become a standard tool in various social science disciplines. In social psychology, however, the use of SNA methodology remains scarce. This research identifies gaps in SNA use in Social Psychology and offers pathways for its further development. It reviews all empirical papers using SNA published in high‐ranking social psychology journals over the last three decades. Findings reveal that SNA has been used across striking diversity of fields and subdomains central to the discipline, confirming its relevance for any field in Social Psychology in which the role of interpersonal or intergroup relationships is central to understand psychological and behavioural outcomes. However, the use of SNA in Social Psychology has been mostly limited to non‐experimental and non‐longitudinal studies, using student samples and with a focus on basic measurements of network structures such as density and centrality. The contributions of SNA to the understanding of psychosocial mechanisms have therefore remained modest. We propose several strategies by which such gaps can be filled in future research and the full potential of SNA for social psychology realized.
AURKA/PLK1/CDC25C Axis as a Novel Therapeutic Target in INI1‐Deficient Epithelioid Sarcoma
Authors: Inoue Akitomo , Outani Hidetatsu , Imura Yoshinori , Nakai Sho , Takami Haruna , Kotani Yuki , Mae Hirokazu , Okada Seiji
Published: January 2025

Effective therapeutic strategies for epithelioid sarcoma (EpS), a high‐grade soft tissue sarcoma characterized by loss of integrase interactor 1 (INI1), have not yet been developed. The present study therefore investigated the association between INI1 loss and upregulation of the aurora kinase A (AURKA)/polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1)/cell division cycle 25C (CDC25C) axis, as well as the therapeutic relevance of this axis in EpS. Notably, our findings showed that the reintroduction of INI1 in VA‐ES‐BJ cells significantly reduced proliferation, mitigated tumorigenicity, and negatively regulated the expression of AURKA and its downstream effectors, as well as the activation of PLK1 and CDC25C. These results suggest that INI1 deficiency enhanced EpS growth by upregulating the AURKA/PLK1/CDC25C axis. AURKA silencing using siRNAs inhibited VA‐ES‐BJ and Asra‐EPS cell proliferation by inactivating PLK1 and CDC25C. Alisertib, a selective AURKA inhibitor, exerted markedly greater antiproliferative effects on EpS cells than on normal human dermal fibroblasts, and these effects were dependent on INI1 deficiency. Inhibition of AURKA activity by alisertib induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via the inactivation of AURKA downstream effectors in EpS cells. Alisertib also significantly decreased VA‐ES‐BJ xenograft tumor growth. Taken together, our findings revealed that INI1 loss in EpS cells enhances the expression of AURKA and its downstream effectors and persistently activates PLK1 and CDC25C mediated by AURKA, making the cells reliant on the AURKA/PLK1/CDC25C axis. Therefore, the AURKA/PLK1/CDC25C axis activated by INI1 deficiency could serve as a novel therapeutic target for this devastating disease.
Does Weekend Discharge Affect Readmission and Survival in Liver Transplant Patients? Insights From a Cohort Study
Authors: Obana Ayato , Akabane Miho , Chi Hannah , Ladd Nolan , Yoder Matthew , Kaufman Lily , Punjala Rithin , Shah Kejal , Hamilton Matthew , Limkemann Ashley , Schenk Austin , Singh Navdeep , Slyvester Black , Mumtaz Khalid , Washburn Kenneth , Alebrahim Musab
Published: January 2025

Background

Weekend hospital discharges are often associated with reduced staffing, potentially impacting the quality of patient care. We studied the effects of weekend discharge after liver transplantation (LT) on early readmission rates, overall survival (OS), and graft survival (GS).

Method

We analyzed data from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center database (January 2016 to December 2023). The study included initial LT recipients (LTRs) including donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after cardiac death (DCD). Primary outcomes encompassed early readmission rates, and secondary outcomes included OS and GS.

Results

The cohort comprised 915 LTRs (645 DBD, 270 DCD), with 156 (17.0%) weekend and 759 (83.0%) weekday discharges. Regarding discharge disposition, 681 (74.4%) patients were discharged home, 210 (22.9%) were discharged to healthcare facilities. No significant differences were identified in the length of hospital stay (8 days vs. 9 days, weekend vs. weekday, respectively, p = 0.22) or 30‐day readmission (29.5% vs. 32.5%, weekend vs. weekday, respectively, p = 0.75). There were no significant differences in OS (90.9% vs. 92.7% at 1‐year, 84.4% vs. 88.0% at 3‐year, weekend vs. weekday, p = 0.27) and GS (90.9% vs. 91.5% at 1‐year, 84.0% vs. 86.6% at 3‐year, weekend vs. weekday, p = 0.50). Multivariate logistic analysis showed no significant impact of weekend discharge (OR: 0.84 [0.57–1.22], p = 0.35) or discharge disposition (OR: 1.00 [0.75–1.33], p = 1.00) on 30‐day readmission. Multivariate Cox regression analysis found no significant impact of weekend discharge or discharge disposition on OS and GS (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Weekend discharge does not impact early readmission, OS, or GS in LTRs. These findings are a testament to our multidisciplinary team efforts and suggest that with appropriate discharge planning and follow‐up care, the timing of discharge may be less critical than previously assumed.
Adverse events of 20–22G second‐generation endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy needles for solid lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract and adjacent organs: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pan Cheng‐ye , Wang Shi‐min , Cai Dong‐hao , Ma Jia‐yi , Li Shi‐yu , Guo Yibin , Jing Sun , Zhendong Jin , Wang Kaixuan
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Previous research has conducted meta‐analyses on the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy (EUS‐FNB). However, studies on adverse events (AEs) have been limited and sporadic and have included a highly diverse group of patients (with upper and lower gastrointestinal tract issues) and needles of varying sizes (19‐22‐25G). The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to determine the incidence of AEs related to the utilization of 20–22G second‐generation EUS‐FNB needles subsequent to puncture of the upper gastrointestinal tract and adjacent organs.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase, and SCIE databases from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2023. The primary outcome was percentage of summary AEs. Subgroup analyses were based on needle type, needle size, and lesion site.

Results

A total of 99 studies were included in the analysis, with 9303 patients. The overall AE rate for 20–22G second generation EUS‐FNB needles in upper gastrointestinal EUS‐FNB was 1.8% (166/9303), with bleeding being the most common AE at 44.0%. The percentages of pancreatitis, abdominal pain, and other AEs were 24.1%, 21.1%, and 10.8%, respectively. Patients undergoing hepatic EUS‐FNB had the highest incidence of AEs at 14.0%, followed by submucosal lesions at 3.2% and pancreatic lesions at 2.6%.

Conclusion

EUS‐FNB is a safe procedure with a relatively low risk of upper gastrointestinal AEs (1.8%) and no associated deaths. Postoperative bleeding and pancreatitis are the most common complications of EUS‐FNB. Most AEs are mild and self‐limiting in severity, and serious complications are very rare.
Big Moves, Small Gains: Unpacking the Size Effect in Takeovers and Other Corporate Deals
Authors: Roma Antonio , Consolandi Costanza
Published: January 2025

This study explores the size effect in financial markets, focusing on how mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions influence the returns of small versus large stocks. Employing a comprehensive data set of US‐listed companies from 1992 to 2021, which includes 51,780 events, this research improves upon previous methodologies by integrating detailed timing information on deal announcements and completions with stock size and return data. Our analysis shows that small stocks are often the targets of transactions that significantly enhance their returns, not limited to takeovers. We find that pre‐announcement returns are consistently higher for small stocks, likely due to less analyst coverage, resulting in largely unanticipated deal news. The study deepens our understanding of the size effect, suggesting that deal‐related dynamics are essential for analyzing performance variations across different stock sizes and contributing to discussions on market efficiency and the valuation effects of corporate actions.
Soil Pore System Functionality in a Micro‐Watershed Formed by Wet Meadows (Vegas) in the Southernmost Chilean Patagonia
Authors: Ivelic‐Sáez J. , Cisternas P. , Clunes J. , Dörner J. , Arumí J. L. , Valle S. , Valenzuela J. , Muñoz E. , Dec D. , Horn R.
Published: January 2025

Wetlands occupy a small percentage of the Earth's surface but provide essential ecosystem services, such as water regulation, carbon cycling and habitat support. Patagonian “Vegas” are unique wetland ecosystems characterised by their groundwater recharge and hydrological dynamics, distinct from the surrounding steppe. These ecosystems play a critical role in supporting livestock with up to six times the forage productivity of the surrounding steppe and in storing over 69 g kg−1 of organic carbon. However, the influence of soil structure parameters (e.g., pore size distribution, bulk density) and soil shrinkage behaviour on soil moisture variability and ecosystem functions in Patagonian wetlands remains poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the physical capacity and intensity parameters of soils, including shrinkage properties, within a micro‐watershed in southern Patagonia. Our findings reveal significant spatial variability in soil properties, with bulk density (BD) ranging from 0.12 to 1.81 Mg m−3 across topographic positions. Mineral soils on summits and footslopes exhibited high macroporosity (up to 18.1% of total pore volume at 5 cm depth), which facilitates water movement, while organic soils in the Vega centre had a higher total porosity (up to 88.8%) that enhances water and air retention. The coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE) for organic soils reached a level of 0.078, indicating a high shrinkage capacity. This shrinkage influenced the functionality of the porous system, shifting pore roles between air conduction and water storage as larger pores contracted. These dynamics, driven by climate change and increased drying cycles, may lead to significant shifts in soil functionality and ecosystem resilience. Enhanced understanding of soil physical states and their response to environmental changes can support sustainable management strategies, benefiting local agriculture and preserving these critical ecosystems.
Factors influencing equine veterinarians' job satisfaction and retention: A focus group study
Authors: Whitaker Kristen , Burnette Audrey , Tan Jean‐Yin , Graves Meggan , Hunt Julie , Devine Elizabeth , Anderson Stacy , Kirkendall Katherine , Wisnieski Lauren
Published: January 2025

Background

There is a shortage of equine veterinarians. Understanding what factors are associated with job satisfaction in equine veterinarians can inform interventions to increase retention in equine medicine.

Objective

To explore the prominent factors causing work dissatisfaction and burnout in equine veterinarians.

Study design

Qualitative research study consisting of semi‐structured focus groups.

Methods

Thirty‐seven current and former equine veterinarians across the United States were recruited via snowball and convenience sampling to answer questions on work history, work–life balance, and perceptions of equine practice. Transcripts were analysed in Delve and coded in the context of the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory. A card sorting activity was used to rank the four types of resources in the COR theory (condition, object, energy, and personal).

Results

Condition resources were the most frequently mentioned reasons for work dissatisfaction. These included issues with discrimination or bias due to age, race/ethnicity, and gender, unpredictable and long hours, and heavy workloads. Object resources, such as equipment, were rarely mentioned. Energy resources, including pay and student loan debt, were influential, with most participants feeling that equine veterinarians are underpaid. Personal resources, such as problem‐solving skills and enjoyment in helping others, improved job satisfaction.

Main limitations

Although recruiting efforts prioritised perspectives of black, indigenous, and people of colour, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus identities, and members with disabilities, demographic information was not directly collected.

Conclusions

The main barriers to equine veterinary retention included a lack of work–life balance, long hours, lower‐than‐expected pay, and issues with discrimination and bias. This study highlights areas for intervention to improve the equine veterinary field, such as higher pay, rural practice incentives, and effective diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) efforts. A shift toward caseload‐sharing between veterinarians could help alleviate excessive emergency on‐call and burnout.
Emerging Ideas. How important is formal child support for family economic well‐being?
Authors: Cancian Maria , Costanzo Molly A. , Meyer Daniel R.
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study investigates the role of child support in family economic well‐being and how it has shifted over recent decades, considering differences by family characteristics.

Background

The formal child support program has wide reach and has historically been an important source of income for some. Recent critiques indicate the potential for negative impacts on families and decreasing efficacy.

Methods

Using data from the 1998, 2008, and 2018 Current Population Survey and the linked Child Support Supplement, this study compares proportions of total family income drawn from child support and other sources. Nonpoor and poor custodial families are considered as well as other relevant subgroups.

Results

For poor families, child support increased from 11% to 15% of family income in 1997–2007 then declined to 12% in 2017. For nonpoor families, it declined over the period, from 3.9% to 3.4% to 2.6%. For poor families with orders, almost 23% of income comes from child support; for those receiving payments, the proportion is 33%.

Conclusion

Across most subgroups, child support is no longer increasing in importance and, for some groups, is a declining share of income. Nonetheless, it remains an important source of income for many low‐income families.

Implications for Emerging Ideas

This study provides updated evidence about the changing importance of formal child support for families. Understanding the importance of formal support is important in weighing the benefits of income received relative to potential costs of enforcing payments on low‐income parents and any disruptions to their relationships with their children it may cause.
Consideration of culture in Canadian courtrooms: Before and after the Divorce Act amendments
Authors: Singh Terry , Bannister Traci , Massie Marc
Published: January 2025

In Canada, the federal Divorce Act was revised in 2021 to include enumerated best interests factors which include a child's linguistic, religious, cultural, and spiritual heritage and upbringing, including Indigenous heritage. In this study, the authors examine how Canadian courtrooms engaged in the consideration of cultural factors prior to the recent Divorce Act amendments and compare these findings to decisions published following the amendments that mandated this specific consideration. Specific manners in which the courts have considered culture are identified, and the resulting three ‘clusters’ of decisions—including those cases (a) prioritizing a child's established culture, (b) weighing the child's greater involvement with one culture versus increased bicultural competence, and (c) considering the effect on the child of the cultural interaction—are compared pre‐ and post‐ the recent Divorce Act amendments. Implications for family court professionals are discussed.
Fatigue Behavior and Inclusion‐Based Lifetime Prediction of 42CrMo4 Steel
Authors: Kirste Thomas , Schmiedel Alexander , Morgenstern Roman , Weidner Anja , Biermann Horst
Published: January 2025

Three variants of 42CrMo4 steel were investigated regarding the fatigue life at two test frequencies of 90 Hz and 20 kHz and temperatures up to 500°C. The materials varied in different levels of sulfur and oxygen content and steel cleanliness in terms of nonmetallic inclusions. The steels had a tempered martensitic microstructure with a hardness of 300 HV. A frequency dependence was observed only for the medium‐sulfur steel, whereas for low‐ and high‐sulfur levels, both test frequencies yielded in a common S‐N curve. The fracture surface analysis of the fatigue specimens was compared with the inclusion rating done on unloaded samples. A correlation of both methods was observed by introducing a size factor. Based on the distribution functions and by using Murakami's approach of a projected area of an inclusion, a method was developed to predict the S‐N curve. This offers the opportunity for an inclusion‐based lifetime prediction.
Workload and emotional exhaustion among older assistant care workers in Japan: Buffering effect of work resources
Authors: Ma Panpan , Sagara Tomoya , Takase Mai , Sugiura Keiko , Nakamoto Isuzu , Muto Yoko , Higashi Kentaro , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Murayama Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

Aim

Based on the Job Demands–Resources model, this study aimed to assess the predictive effect of workload on emotional exhaustion and test the buffering effect of three types of work resources (workplace cohesion, work control, and workplace support) on the relationship between workload and emotional exhaustion among older Japanese assistant care workers.

Methods

We analyzed data from a national survey on the work features and work‐related outcomes of 1601 older assistant care workers working in geriatric health services facilities in Japan. Demographic characteristics, workload, work resources, and emotional exhaustion were analyzed. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis and simple slope test were conducted.

Results

Workload had a significant main effect in predicting emotional exhaustion (β = 0.337, P < 0.001). Workplace cohesion buffered the negative effect of workload on emotional exhaustion (interaction between workload and workplace cohesion: β = −0.097, P = 0.002). Work control (interaction between workload and work control: β = −0.015, P = 0.585) and workplace support (interaction between workload and workplace support: β = 0.025, P = 0.391) had no buffering effect on the negative impact of workload on emotional exhaustion.

Conclusions

Regulating workload and promoting workplace cohesion might be effective strategies for preventing burnout among elderly workers. Investigations into the occupational stress of elderly workers from diverse cultures and work contexts are needed. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 273–278.
Single‐Cell RNA‐Sequencing of Zebrafish Olfactory Epithelium Identifies Odor‐Responsive Candidate Olfactory Receptors
Authors: Takaoka Misaki , Hiraki‐Kajiyama Towako , Miyasaka Nobuhiko , Hino Takahiro , Kondo Kenji , Yoshihara Yoshihiro
Published: January 2025

Single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq) is a powerful method to comprehensively overlook gene expression profiles of individual cells in various tissues, providing fundamental datasets for classification of cell types and further functional analyses. Here we adopted scRNA‐seq analysis for the zebrafish olfactory sensory neurons which respond to water‐borne odorants and pheromones to elicit various behaviors crucial for survival and species preservation. Firstly, a single‐cell dissociation procedure of the zebrafish olfactory rosettes was optimized by using cold‐active protease, minimizing artifactual neuronal activation. Secondly, various cell types were classified into distinct clusters, based on the expressions of well‐defined marker genes. Notably, we validated non‐overlapping expressions of different families of olfactory receptors among the clusters of olfactory sensory neurons. Lastly, we succeeded in estimating candidate olfactory receptors responding to a particular odor stimulus by carefully scrutinizing correlated expressions of immediate early genes. Thus, scRNA‐seq is a useful measure for the analysis of olfactory sensory neurons not only in classifying functional cell types but also in identifying olfactory receptor genes for given odorants and pheromones.
Who Has the Right to Express Frustration?: Uneven Emotion Labor Among Students in an EMI Classroom
Authors: Song Juyoung
Published: January 2025

This study explores college students’ emotional experiences in an English as a medium of instruction (EMI) course at a Korean university. The data include interviews and classroom observations conducted over a semester. The analysis reveals that students’ emotional experiences and management—referred to as emotion labor—are intricately connected with language ideologies that prioritize English within multilingual classrooms and beyond. The findings indicate that the hegemony of English and native speakerism positions native speakers in a superior role, leading to varied emotional experiences among students and differing levels of engagement in emotion labor. Specifically, these language ideologies prioritize native speakers’ emotional experiences, enabling them to express their frustration more freely. In contrast, non‐native English speakers often suppress their frustration, disappointment, and resentment related to perceived unfairness, instead of channeling these emotions into a desire for the symbolic and imaginative capital associated with English and the positive opportunities that EMI courses might offer. The study highlights how power dynamics and language hierarchies differentially influence students’ perceived “right to express” emotions and underscores the need for consistent language policies and more inclusive EMI environments to support students’ emotional well‐being and academic success.
Exploring the Artistic Identity of Elementary Art Teachers
Authors: Carpenter Estrada Tara , Neves Molly , Broadbent Connie , Aina Kara , Wadham Rachel
Published: January 2025

Art teachers straddle two identities those of a teacher and those of an artist. While these two identities may complement each other it is clear that, particularly for elementary art teachers, they are often in conflict. As art teachers look towards balancing this dichotomy, they must discover what is necessary to equalise and maintain both their teaching and artistic identities. This self‐study offers the practical reflections of three elementary art teachers to identify some trends and connections between developing teacher identities and the strategies they use to maintain an artistic identity. Discovering how elementary art teachers prioritise their own artistic practice shows us that as they balance both identities, they can gain energy and inspiration from their practice while at the same time allowing their students to benefit from their deeper understanding of the art world.
Where Does Insensitivity Lie? How IT Investment Decision Practices Shape Supply Chain Efficiency
Authors: Bradley Randy V. , Bichescu Bogdan C. , Cha Junwoo , Bell John E. , Esper Terry , Hazen Ben
Published: January 2025

Hospitals are searching for ways to improve supply chain efficiency. Drawing on the success of supply chain digitization in other industries, hospitals have increased their efforts to digitize supply chain operations via investments in IT to address pain points associated with supply disruptions and rising costs, including supply costs that account for more than 40% of operating expenses. Prior research fails to consider how IT investment decisions are justified concerning their impact on supply chain performance when the decision‐maker sits outside the supply chain function. We draw on the Practice‐Based Theory to explain how IT investment decision practices affect hospital supply chain efficiency (SCE). We use matched survey responses from hospital CIOs and IT managers and secondary data to examine the direct and indirect effects of various IT investment justification practices on SCE. We also investigate the role of moderated mediation effects. Leveraging PBT, we establish a different type of organizational practice in the supply chain management and logistics literature: IT investment justification practices. We extend the PBT and empirically challenge the implicit assumption that supply chain performance is not sensitive to IT investment decisions. Further, we demonstrate which IT investment justification practice is more beneficial to supply chain efficiency.