bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate Payout Policy and Credit Risk: Evidence from Credit Default Swap Markets
Authors: Sun Chengzhu , Wang Shujing , Zhang Chu 
Published: December 2020

We examine whether and how payout policy affects credit risk using evidence from the credit default swap (CDS) market. CDS spreads increase substantially in response to announcements of dividend cuts, especially during recessions and among firms experiencing financial distress. CDS spreads also react more strongly to permanent and less anticipated dividend cuts. The size of the CDS reaction is more pronounced for financial firms, which are inherently more opaque. In contrast, CDS spreads react weakly to dividend raises and share repurchases. The results show that the information effect of dividend changes dominates the wealth-transfer effect. This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.
A review of Takotsubo (broken-heart) syndrome
Authors: Younger Holly 
Published: December 2020

Background/aims Approximately 2500 people each year in the UK are affected by Takotsubo syndrome. The syndrome is linked to stress and has a higher incidence in women. With a growing population, the number of cases is set to rise. This article examines risk factors and possible causes of Takotsubo syndrome, such as transient ischaemia, catecholamine levels, oestrogen levels and coronary artery spasm. Issues around accurate diagnosis and treatment options are also discussed. Methods A literature review was carried out using online databases such as CINAHL and BNI, incorporating international journals from the year 2000 onwards, to give a broad spectrum of information. Results It is clear from the literature review that Takotsubo syndrome is still widely misunderstood, which can lead to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment. There are many theories as to the cause of Takotsubo syndrome, but no definitive answer. Conclusions Further research around Takotsubo syndrome is needed to minimise misdiagnosis. Further studies into ECG and troponin changes associated with Takotsubo syndrome may make it possible for Takotsubo syndrome to be diagnosed on admission and not mistaken for acute coronary syndrome.
Improving employee engagement and distributed leadership through lean systems process mapping
Authors: Harris Joanne , Elliott Ian C 
Published: December 2020

Background/AimsEvidence of the impact and effectiveness of lean systems thinking in healthcare settings remains mixed. This study explores the impact of participation in a process mapping activity on employee engagement and distributed leadership in the NHS.MethodsA qualitative study was undertaken using semi-structured interviews with nine employees within an NHS trust in the north east of England. Questions explored participants' experiences of process mapping. A thematic analysis was then carried out.FindingsFollowing the implementation of process mapping, staff appeared more engaged and there was a closer relationship between teams and management. The end result of process mapping was increased employee engagement, greater team working, well-distributed leadership, increased job satisfaction and reduced stress levels.ConclusionsParticipation in process mapping can have a number of positive impacts, including improved team working, reduced staff stress levels and improved relationships between staff and management. Using process mapping could help NHS trusts to implement a more distributed method of leadership.
Transgender patients' experiences of health care
Authors: Hobster Kirk , McLuskey John 
Published: December 2020

Background: Transgender individuals can have complex health needs, in both trans and non-trans related health, experiencing higher levels of discrimination and disadvantages in accessing health care. The health needs of the transgender community are not consistent with the wider population, so individuals are often required to research services to meet their needs which can contribute to a reluctance in accessing health care. Aim: To analyse existing literature on transgender patients experiences of health care. Method: A search was performed of online databases (CINAHL, Medline, AMED, PubMed, ASSIA, PsychINFO, Web of Science and Scopus) and six studies were reviewed and analysed. Findings: Three main themes emerged: health professionals' knowledge and attitudes, navigating the system, and vulnerability and avoidance of health care. Conclusion: The literature suggests that few encounters with health professionals were positive and that a lack of healthcare knowledge on trans-related issues and discrimination were the leading causes for dissatisfaction when accessing health services.
Quality of life of family caregivers of patients with a stoma: a cross-sectional study from Iran
Authors: Rafiei Hossein , Rashvand Farnoosh , Malmir Sahar 
Published: December 2020

Aim: The family plays a key role in supporting and caring for patients who have a gastrointestinal stoma because of cancer. This study investigated the quality of life of family members caring for such patients. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in 2020 in Iran. The study sample consisted of 250 family members caring for cancer patients with an intestinal stoma. The Caregiver Quality of Life Index–Cancer scale was used to measure quality of life. This scale has 35 questions, which are categorised into four subscales: mental/emotional burden; lifestyle disruption; positive adaptation; and financial concerns. The highest possible total score is 140 (35 in each subscale), and a high score indicates a poor quality of life. Results: A total of 250 carers took part in the study. Of these, 143 (57.2%) were men and the average age was 35.1 years. Mean scores of mental/emotional burden, lifestyle disruption, positive adaptation, and financial concerns were 28.4±41, 17.3±3.2, 19.8±28, and 8.6±1.2 respectively. No significant relationship was found between participants' quality of life and demographic variables. Conclusion: Carers' quality of life is relatively poor. Carers' quality of life need to be improved and support programmes, devised and delivered by nurses, could have a role in this.
Coded-aperture broadband light field imaging using digital micromirror devices
Authors: Liu Jingdan , Zaouter Charlotte , Liu Xianglei , Patten Shunmoogum A. , Liang Jinyang 
Published: December 2020

Coded-aperture light field (CALF) imaging can record four-dimensional information of incident light rays with a high angular resolution while retaining a camera’s full pixel count. However, existing systems are limited by either imaging speeds and image contrasts of liquid-crystal spatial light modulators or by severe dispersion to broadband light of digital micromirror devices (DMDs), both of which hinder CALF’s widespread applications. Here, we overcome these limitations by developing dispersion-eliminated (DE) CALF imaging. Using a dual-DMD design to compensate for dispersion in the entire visible spectrum, the DECALF imaging system captures

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color light field images at 20 Hz. Using static and dynamic three-dimensional (3D) color scenes, we experimentally demonstrate multi-perspective viewing, digital refocusing, and 3D tracking of the DECALF imaging system. We also apply it to the imaging and analyses of escape behaviors of freely moving normal and disease-model zebrafish.
Hepatitis C (HCV) therapy for HCV mono-infected and HIV-HCV co-infected individuals living in Nepal
Authors: KC Sudhamshu , Murphy Holly , Dixit Sameer , Rai Apurva , Pradhan Bickram , Lagrange-Xelot Marie , Karki Niyanta , Dureault Amélie , Karmacharya Ujjwal , Panthi Santosh , Tulachan Nabin , KC Prawchan , KC Anjay , Rajbhandari Rajesh , Trotter Andrew B. , Gölz Jörg , Pradat Pierre , Trépo Christian , Creac'H Philippe 
Published: December 2020

Background
Despite direct-acting antivirals (DAA), aims to “eradicate” viral hepatitis by 2030 remain unlikely. In Nepal, an expert consortium was established to treat HCV through Nepal earthquakes aftermath offering a model for HCV treatment expansion in a resource-poor setting.

Methodology/Principal findings
In 2015, we established a network of hepatologists, laboratory experts, and community-based leaders at 6 Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) sites from 4 cities in Nepal screening 838 patients for a treatment cohort of 600 individuals with HCV infection and past or current drug use. During phase 1, patients were treated with interferon-based regimens (n = 46). During phase 2, 135 patients with optimal predictors (HIV controlled, without cirrhosis, low baseline HCV viral load) were treated with DAA-based regimens. During phase 3, IFN-free DAA treatment was expanded, regardless of HCV disease severity, HIV viremia or drug use. Sustained virologic response (SVR) was assessed at 12 weeks.
Median age was 37 years and 95.5% were males. HCV genotype was 3 (53.2%) or 1a (40.7%) and 32% had cirrhosis; 42.5% were HIV-HCV coinfected. The intention-to-treat (ITT) SVR rates in phase 2 and 3 were 97% and 81%, respectively. The overall per-protocol and ITT SVR rates were 97% and 85%, respectively. By multivariable analysis, treatment at the Kathmandu site was protective and substance use, treatment during phase 3 were associated with failure to achieve SVR.

Conclusions/Significance
Very high SVR rates may be achieved in a difficult-to-treat, low-income population whatever the patient’s profile and disease severity. The excellent treatment outcomes observed in this real-life community study should prompt further HCV treatment initiatives in Nepal.
Reporting and methodological quality of systematic reviews and meta-analysis with protocols in Diabetes Mellitus Type II: A systematic review
Authors: Rainkie Daniel Christopher , Abedini Zeinab Salman , Abdelkader Nada Nabil 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundSystematic reviews with or without meta-analyses (SR/MAs) are strongly encouraged to work from a protocol to facilitate high quality, transparent methodology. The completeness of reporting of a protocol (PRISMA-P) and manuscript (PRISMA) is essential to the quality appraisal (AMSTAR-2) and appropriate use of SR/MAs in making treatment decisions.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to describe the completeness of reporting and quality of SR/MAs, assess the correlations between PRISMA-P, PRISMA, and AMSTAR-2, and to identify reporting characteristics between similar items of PRISMA-P and PRISMA.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus SR/MAs of hypoglycemic agents with publicly available protocols. Cochrane reviews, guidelines, and specific types of MA were excluded. Two reviewers independently, (i) searched PubMed and Embase between 1/1/2015 to 20/3/2019; (ii) identified protocols of included studies by searching the manuscript bibliography, supplementary material, PROSPERO, and Google; (iii) completed PRISMA-P, PRISMA, and AMSTAR-2 tools. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multivariable linear regression.ResultsOf 357 relevant SR/MAs, 51 had available protocols and were included. The average score for PRISMA-P was 15.8±3.3 (66%; maximum 24) and 25.2±1.1 (93%; maximum 27) for PRISMA. The quality of SR/MAs assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool identified an overall poor quality (63% critically low, 18% low, 8% moderate, 12% high). The correlation between the PRISMA-P and PRISMA was not significant (r = 0.264; p = 0.06). Correlation was significant between PRISMA-P and AMSTAR-2 (r = 0.333; p = 0.02) and PRISMA and AMSTAR-2 (r = 0.555; p<0.01). Discrepancies in reporting were common between similar PRISMA-P and PRISMA items.ConclusionAdherence to protocol reporting guidance was poor while manuscript reporting was comprehensive. Protocol completeness is not associated with a completely reported manuscript. Independently, PRISMA-P and PRISMA scores were weakly associated with higher quality assessments but insufficient as a surrogate for quality. Critical areas for quality improvement include protocol description, investigating causes of heterogeneity, and the impact of risk of bias on the evidence synthesis.
Institutional delivery services utilization and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last year in Mandura district, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mitikie Kassahun Asres , Wassie Gizachew Tadesse , Beyene Melkamu Bedemo 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe risk of death from complications relating to pregnancy and childbirth for women’s lifetime is higher in developing countries. Improving maternal and child health through a well-organized institutional delivery service is central to achieving reduced maternal and child mortality. Despite the efforts that have been made to improve maternal health outcomes in Ethiopia, institutional delivery is still unacceptably low.ObjectiveThis study was conducted to assess institutional delivery service utilization and associated factors in the study area.MethodsA Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to employ a total of 546 women. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 23.0. for analysis. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with the outcome variable. Adjusted Odds ratios with 95% CI were computed to measure the strength of association and statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05.ResultsThe Prevalence of institutional delivery in the study area was 38% (34%-42%). Factors significantly associated with institutional delivery were ANC visit 1.80 (1.12–2.91), knowledge of danger sign during pregnancy 3.60 (2.25–5.76), urban residency 2.09 (1.15–3.81), Parity 0.49 (0.25–0.95) accessibility of health facility 4.60 (2.01–10.89), husbands educational level: primary 2.50 (1.27–4.91), secondary and above 2.36 (1.24–4.48), mothers occupation: governmental employee 2.05 (1.00–4.18), and Private employee 2.42 (1.09–5.35).ConclusionsThe prevalence of institutional delivery in the District was low. Antenatal visits, residency, knowledge of pregnancy danger signs, parity, and accessibility of health facilities, maternal occupation, and husband education were factors significantly associated with institutional delivery.
Effectiveness of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation in improving the survival and neurological recovery of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A nationwide patient cohort study
Authors: Lee Joongyub , Lee Woojoo , Lee Yu Jin , Sim Hyunman , Lee Won Kyung 
Published: December 2020

Introduction
Few studies have focused on enhancing causality and yielding unbiased estimates on the effectiveness of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) on the outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in a real-world setting. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of BCPR on the outcomes of OHCA and its differences according to the characteristics of OHCA.

Methods
This study enrolled all patients with OHCA of cardiac etiology treated by emergency medical services (EMS) in Korea from 2012 to 2015. The endpoints were survival and neurological recovery at discharge, and the main exposure was BCPR conducted by a layperson. The effect of BCPR was analyzed after adjusting for confounders, determined using a directed acyclic graph, by inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and model-based standardization (STR). Moreover, differences in subgroups and time trends were evaluated.

Results
Among 10,505 eligible patients after excluding those with missing data on BCPR, 7,721 patients received BCPR, accounting for 74.3% of EMS-treated OHCA patients. BCPR increased the odds of survival and good neurological recovery at discharge by 1.67- (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44–1.93) and 1.93- (95% CI: 1.56–2.39) fold, respectively, in the IPTW analysis. These findings were comparable to those obtained with STR. The odds ratios were 2.39 (95% CI: 1.91–2.94) and 2.70 (95% CI: 1.94–3.41), respectively, in the sensitivity analysis of the missing BCPR information considering confounders and the outcome variable. However, the effect of qualified BCPR was not evenly distributed, and it did not increase with time. BCPR was likely to be more effective in male patients aged <65 years, those who experienced an OHCA in a private place or non-capital region, and those with shockable rhythm at the scene.

Conclusion
Based on data from a nationwide registry, the estimated effect of BCPR on survival and neurological recovery was moderate and did not improve from 2012 to 2015.
Exploring the potential effect of paricalcitol on markers of inflammation in de novo renal transplant recipients
Authors: Pihlstrøm Hege Kampen , Ueland Thor , Michelsen Annika E. , Aukrust Pål , Gatti Franscesca , Hammarström Clara , Kasprzycka Monika , Wang Junbai , Haraldsen Guttorm , Mjøen Geir , Dahle Dag Olav , Midtvedt Karsten , Eide Ivar Anders , Hartmann Anders , Holdaas Hallvard 
Published: December 2020

Following a successful renal transplantation circulating markers of inflammation may remain elevated, and systemic inflammation is associated with worse clinical outcome in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Vitamin D-receptor (VDR) activation is postulated to modulate inflammation and endothelial function. We aimed to explore if a synthetic vitamin D, paricalcitol, could influence systemic inflammation and immune activation in RTRs. Newly transplanted RTRs were included in an open-label randomized controlled trial on the effect of paricalcitol on top of standard care over the first post-transplant year. Fourteen pre-defined circulating biomarkers reflecting leukocyte activation, endothelial activation, fibrosis and general inflammatory burden were analyzed in 74 RTRs at 8 weeks (baseline) and 1 year post-engraftment. Mean changes in plasma biomarker concentrations were compared by t-test. The expression of genes coding for the same biomarkers were investigated in 1-year surveillance graft biopsies (n = 60). In patients treated with paricalcitol circulating osteoprotegerin levels increased by 0.19 ng/ml, compared with a 0.05 ng/ml increase in controls (p = 0.030). In graft tissue, a 21% higher median gene expression level of TNFRSF11B coding for osteoprotegerin was found in paricalcitol-treated patients compared with controls (p = 0.026). Paricalcitol treatment did not significantly affect the blood- or tissue levels of any other investigated inflammatory marker. In RTRs, paricalcitol treatment might increase both circulating and tissue levels of osteoprotegerin, a modulator of calcification, but potential anti-inflammatory treatment effects in RTRs are likely very modest.
[NCT01694160 (2012/107D)]; [www.clinicaltrials.gov].
Response of human oral mucosal epithelial cells to different storage temperatures: A structural and transcriptional study
Authors: Yazdani Mazyar , Shahdadfar Aboulghassem , Reppe Sjur , Sapkota Dipak , Vallenari Evan M. , Lako Majlinda , Connon Che J. , Figueiredo Francisco C. , Utheim Tor Paaske 
Published: December 2020

PurposeSeeking to improve the access to regenerative medicine, this study investigated the structural and transcriptional effects of storage temperature on human oral mucosal epithelial cells (OMECs).MethodsCells were stored at four different temperatures (4°C, 12°C, 24°C and 37°C) for two weeks. Then, the morphology, cell viability and differential gene expression were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy, trypan blue exclusion test and TaqMan gene expression array cards, respectively.ResultsCells stored at 4°C had the most similar morphology to non-stored controls with the highest viability rate (58%), whereas the 37°C group was most dissimilar with no living cells. The genes involved in stress-induced growth arrest (GADD45B) and cell proliferation inhibition (TGFB2) were upregulated at 12°C and 24°C. Upregulation was also observed in multifunctional genes responsible for morphology, growth, adhesion and motility such asEFEMP1(12°C) andEPHA4(4°C–24°C). Among genes used as differentiation markers,PPARAandTP53(along with its associated geneCDKN1A) were downregulated in all temperature conditions, whereasKRT1andKRT10were either unchanged (4°C) or downregulated (24°C and 12°C; and 24°C, respectively), except for upregulation at 12°C forKRT1.ConclusionsCells stored at 12°C and 24°C were stressed, although the expression levels of some adhesion-, growth- and apoptosis-related genes were favourable. Collectively, this study suggests that 4°C is the optimal storage temperature for maintenance of structure, viability and function of OMECs after two weeks.
Validation and repurposing of the MSL-COVID-19 score for prediction of severe COVID-19 using simple clinical predictors in a triage setting: The Nutri-CoV score
Authors: Bello-Chavolla Omar Yaxmehen , Antonio-Villa Neftali E. , Ortiz-Brizuela Edgar , Vargas-Vázquez Arsenio , González-Lara María Fernanda , de Leon Alfredo Ponce , Sifuentes-Osornio José , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos A. 
Published: December 2020

Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, risk stratification has been used to decide patient eligibility for inpatient, critical and domiciliary care. Here, we sought to validate the MSL-COVID-19 score, originally developed to predict COVID-19 mortality in Mexicans. Also, an adaptation of the formula is proposed for the prediction of COVID-19 severity in a triage setting (Nutri-CoV).

Methods
We included patients evaluated from March 16th to August 17th, 2020 at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, defining severe COVID-19 as a composite of death, ICU admission or requirement for intubation (n = 3,007). We validated MSL-COVID-19 for prediction of mortality and severe disease. Using Elastic Net Cox regression, we trained (n = 1,831) and validated (n = 1,176) a model for prediction of severe COVID-19 using MSL-COVID-19 along with clinical assessments obtained at a triage setting.

Results
The variables included in MSL-COVID-19 are: pneumonia, early onset type 2 diabetes, age > 65 years, chronic kidney disease, any form of immunosuppression, COPD, obesity, diabetes, and age <40 years. MSL-COVID-19 had good performance to predict COVID-19 mortality (c-statistic = 0.722, 95%CI 0.690–0.753) and severity (c-statistic = 0.777, 95%CI 0.753–0.801). The Nutri-CoV score includes the MSL-COVID-19 plus respiratory rate, and pulse oximetry. This tool had better performance in both training (c-statistic = 0.797, 95%CI 0.765–0.826) and validation cohorts (c-statistic = 0.772, 95%CI 0.0.745–0.800) compared to other severity scores.

Conclusions
MSL-COVID-19 predicts inpatient COVID-19 lethality. The Nutri-CoV score is an adaptation of MSL-COVID-19 to be used in a triage environment. Both scores have been deployed as web-based tools for clinical use in a triage setting.