bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate social responsibility and financial performance of companies: The puzzle of concepts, definitions and assessment methods
Authors: Barauskaite Gerda , Streimikiene Dalia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe definition of corporate social responsibility (CSR) states that companies must not only pursue their main goal—to maximize profits, but also contribute to the well‐being of society through voluntary efforts. The importance of CSR in today's global world is growing. It is becoming mandatory for companies to engage in socially responsible activities to support the growth of their business. It is argued that companies pursuing CSR initiatives can gain a competitive advantage over other competitors due to creation of a good public image or reputation and generate higher profits and a return on investment however some authors disagree with this. The aim of this article is to analyse the benefits and drawbacks of CSR based on systematic literature review and to develop the conceptual framework for linking CSR with the financial performance of companies. The conducted analysis revealed that in most studies the positive or neutral relationship between CSR and financial results were claimed. Though the negative and alternative connections between these issues are less frequently identified in scientific articles, they cannot be excluded from the analysis and require certain attention and further consideration.
Response of patients with chest tightness variant asthma with routine asthma treatment regimen: A 1‐year multicenter, prospective, real‐world study
Authors: Yan Fugui , Li Wen , Guan Wei‐jie , Chen Min , Qiu Chen , Tang Wei , Liu Xiansheng , Xiang Xudong , Li Jing , Jin Meiling , Dai Yuanrong , Chen Ping , Wu Xiaohong , Qiu Zhongmin , Dong Liang , Zhao Limin , Lin Xiaoping , Wu Changgui , Wu Bin , Yuan Yalian , Shi Fei , Zhang Ting , Zhou Jun , Xie Min , Fang Xiaoyu , Zhang Hongliang , Xiao Bing , Xian Mo , Wang Jian , Qiu Zhangwei , Lin Jie , Ji Bingbing , Zhou Yong , Li Yu , Liu Chunhong , Chen Yiping , Zeng Yiming , Liu Lingli , Hua Wen , Huang Huaqiong , Zhou Jiesen , Hu Yue , Che Luanqing , Ying Songmin , Chen Zhihua , Zhong Nanshan , Shen Huahao 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundAsthmatic patients with chest tightness as their only presenting symptom (chest tightness variant asthma [CTVA]) have clinical characteristics of eosinophilic airway inflammation similar to those of classic asthma (CA); however, whether CTVA has similar response to antiasthma treatment as compared with CA remains unclear.ObjectiveThe response of 76 CTVA patients to standard asthma treatments with inhaled corticosteroids with long‐acting beta‐agonists was explored in a 52‐week multicenter, prospective, real‐world study.ResultsAfter 52 weeks of treatment with therapy regimens used for CA, the mean 5‐point Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ‐5) score decreased markedly from 1.38(first administration) to 0.71 (52 weeks, mean decrease: 0.674, 95%CI: 0.447‐0.900, P<.001).The mean asthma quality‐of‐life questionnaire (AQLQ) score increased from 5.77 (first administration) to 6.20 (52 weeks, mean increase: 0.441, 95% CI 0.258‐0.625, P<.001). Furthermore, at week 52, FVC, FEV1%, the diurnal variation in PEFand the PD20‐FEV1 were significantly improved. Subgroup analysis revealed that the patients at first administration in the responsive group had higher ACQ‐5 scores than those in the nonresponsive group (P < .05).ConclusionIn conclusion, patients with CTVA had a good therapeutic response to the guideline‐recommended routine treatment (containing inhaled corticosteroids). The association between the treatment response and the severity of CTVA suggested that CTVA patients with higher ACQ‐5 scores had better therapeutic effects.
An institutional experience: A retrospective analysis of the effect of transitioning from follicular lesion of undetermined significance to atypia of undetermined significance with subclassified atypia on interobserver concordance, rates of neoplasia, and rates of malignancy
Authors: Kroll‐Wheeler Lauren , Cantley Richard , Pang Judy C. , Soles Brian S. , Smola Brian , Jing Xin , Lew Madelyn 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe rate of malignancy (ROM) in thyroid fine needle aspirations (FNA) classified under “atypia of undetermined significance (AUS)/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS), including Hürthle cell type (HLUS)” category of The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (TBSRTC) in literature is highly variable. The 2018 TBSRTC was updated to note a preferred categorization of AUS cases into subcategories. This study evaluates the impact of AUS subclassification on rates of neoplasia (RON), rates of malignancy (ROM), and cytopathologist (CP) concordance.Methods93 thyroid FNAs previously diagnosed as FLUS or HLUS from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014 with subsequent surgical resection were identified. Four CPs reclassified these cases using TBSRTC AUS subcategories of follicular cells with architectural and/or cytologic atypia, predominantly Hürthle cells, and atypical lymphocytes. RON and ROM were calculated for each diagnostic subcategory for each CP.ResultsThe original RON and ROM for FLUS cases were 31.4% and 15.1% and were 77.8% and 22.2% for HLUS cases. 10.8% of cases showed diagnostic concordance amongst the four CPs. The most frequently utilized subcategory was architectural atypia. RON ranges for architectural atypia, cytologic atypia, architectural and cytologic atypia, and predominantly Hürthle cells were 28.1% to 35.7%, 0% to 33.3%, 35.3% to 66.7%, and 57.1% to 87.5%. The range of ROM was 13.9% to 16.7%, 0% to 33%, 0% to 42.9%, and 0% to 25%, respectively.ConclusionRON for AUS predominantly Hürthle cells subcategory was higher than previously reported, which may indicate use for tailored patient management pathways. AUS subclassification can result in significant interobserver variability. Therefore, institutions may consider consensus/quality control sessions to optimize diagnostic concordance.
Phosphosite T674A mutation in kinesin family member 3A fails to reproduce tissue and ciliary defects characteristic of CILK1 loss of function
Authors: Gailey Casey D. , Wang Eric J. , Jin Li , Ahmadi Sean , Brautigan David L. , Li Xudong , Xu Wenhao , Scott Michael M. , Fu Zheng 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundKinesin family member 3A (KIF3A) is a molecular motor protein in the heterotrimeric kinesin‐2 complex that drives anterograde intraflagellar transport. This process plays a pivotal role in both biogenesis and maintenance of the primary cilium that supports tissue development. Ciliogenesis associated kinase 1 (CILK1) phosphorylates human KIF3A at Thr672. CILK1 loss of function causes ciliopathies that manifest profound and multiplex developmental defects, including hydrocephalus, polydactyly, shortened and hypoplastic bones and alveoli airspace deficiency, leading to perinatal lethality. Prior studies have raised the hypothesis that CILK1 phosphorylation of KIF3A is critical for its regulation of organ development.ResultsWe produced a mouse model with phosphorylation site Thr674 in mouse Kif3a mutated to Ala. Kif3a T674A homozygotes are viable and exhibit no skeletal and brain abnormalities, and only mildly reduced airspace in alveoli. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts carrying Kif3a T674A mutation show a normal rate of ciliation and a moderate increase in cilia length.ConclusionThese results indicate that eliminating Kif3a Thr674 phosphorylation by Cilk1 is insufficient to reproduce the severe developmental defects in ciliopathies caused by Cilk1 loss of function. This suggests KIF3A‐Thr672 phosphorylation by CILK1 is not essential for tissue development and other substrates are involved in CILK1 ciliopathies.
Big Data, Biomedical Research, and Ethics Review: New Challenges for IRBs
Authors: Ferretti Agata , Ienca Marcello , Hurst Samia , Vayena Effy 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTThe increased use of big data in the medical field has shifted the way in which biomedical research is designed and carried out. The novelty of techniques and methods brought by big data research brings new challenges to institutional review boards (IRBs). Yet it is unclear if IRBs should be the responsible oversight bodies for big data research and, if so, which criteria they should use. A large but heterogenous set of ethics guidelines and normative responses have emerged to address these issues. In this study, we conducted a scoping review of soft‐law documents and guidelines with the aim of assessing ongoing normative efforts that are proliferating in this domain. We also synthesize a set of recurrent guidelines that could work as a baseline to create a harmonized process for big data research ethics.
Cardiovascular and renal effectiveness of empagliflozin in routine care in East Asia: Results from the EMPRISE East Asia study
Authors: Seino Yutaka , Kim Dae Jung , Yabe Daisuke , Tan Elise Chia‐Hui , Chung Wook‐Jin , Ha Kyoung Hwa , Nangaku Masaomi , Node Koichi , Klement Riho , Yasui Atsutaka , Lei Wei‐Yu , Lee Sunwoo , Kyaw Moe H. , Deruaz‐Luyet Anouk , Brodovicz Kimberly G. , H.‐H. Sheu Wayne ,   the EMPRISE East Asia study group
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effectiveness of empagliflozin in clinical practice in East Asia in the Empagliflozin Comparative Effectiveness and Safety (EMPRISE) East Asia study.Materials and methodsData were obtained from the Medical Data Vision database (Japan), National Health Insurance Service database (South Korea) and National Health Insurance database (Taiwan). Patients aged ≥ 18 years with type 2 diabetes initiating empagliflozin or a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor were 1:1 propensity score (PS) matched into sequentially built cohorts of new users naïve to both drug classes. This design reduces confounding due to switching treatments, time lag and immortal time biases. Outcomes included hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and all‐cause mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using Cox proportional models, controlling for > 130 baseline characteristics in each data source and pooled by random‐effects meta‐analysis.ResultsOverall, 28 712 pairs of PS‐matched patients were identified with mean follow‐up of 5.7‐6.8 months. Compared with DPP‐4 inhibitors, the risk of HHF was reduced by 18% and all‐cause mortality was reduced by 36% with empagliflozin (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.71‐0.94, and HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.50‐0.81, respectively). Reductions were consistent across countries, and in patients with and without baseline cardiovascular disease. ESRD was also significantly reduced with empagliflozin versus DPP‐4 inhibitors (HR 0.37; 95% CI 0.24‐0.58).ConclusionsEmpagliflozin treatment was associated with reduced risk for HHF, all‐cause mortality and ESRD compared with DPP‐4 inhibitors in routine clinical practice in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Increased Stability of Palladium‐Iridium‐Gold Electrocatalyst for the Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Allerston Laura K. , Hodgson David , Gibbs Christopher , Brett Dan J. L. , Rees Neil V. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe development of non‐Pt hydrogen oxidation reaction catalysts for hydrogen‐fuelled polymer electrolyte fuel cells allows for an overall reduction in electrode Pt content and therefore helps reduce the cost of devices, one of the biggest commercial challenges. Herein, a novel ternary alloy catalyst supported on carbon, PdIrAu/C, has been synthesised, characterised and compared to the binary PdIr/C to show how the addition of Au improves the stability of the catalyst. Transmission electron microscopy was utilised to analyse electrode structure as a function of the synthesis method, showing the optimum annealing temperature, of those tested, to be 400 °C, while inductively‐coupled plasma mass spectrometry provided analysis of the degradation of the two catalysts, confirming the PdIrAu/C catalyst is more stable at potentials similar to those at a fuel cell anode than PdIr/C.
Cyclic Voltammetric and DFT Analysis of the Reduction of Manganese(III) Complexes with 2‐Hydroxybenzophenones
Authors: Adeniyi Adebayo A. , Conradie Jeanet 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA comprehensive understanding of the redox behaviour of manganese complexes is significant for its use in different industrial applications, including as redox mediator in dye sensitized solar cells. This study presents the experimental reduction potential of derivatives of manganese(III) complexes coordinated to 2‐hydroxybenzophenones, showing that the first observed experimental reduction potential peak is located on the manganese atom, followed by a further ligand‐based reduction. A density functional theory study shows that Jahn‐Teller distortion has a larger impact on the theoretically determined reduction potential and molecular electrostatic potential at the manganese atom, than the impact of the isomeric forms (fac and mer) on the theoretically predicted reduction potential.
Calibration transfer for bioprocess Raman monitoring using Kennard Stone piecewise direct standardization and multivariate algorithms
Authors: Pétillot Laure , Pewny Fiona , Wolf Martin , Sanchez Célia , Thomas Fabrice , Sarrazin Johan , Fauland Katharina , Katinger Hermann , Javalet Charlotte , Bonneville Christophe 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn the biopharmaceutical industry, Raman spectroscopy is now a proven PAT tool that enables in‐line simultaneous monitoring of several CPPs and CQAs in real‐time. However, as Raman monitoring requires multivariate modeling, variabilities unknown by models can impact the monitoring prediction accuracy. With the widespread use of Raman PAT tools, it is necessary to fix instrumental variability impacts, encountered for instance during a device replacement. In this work, we investigated the impact of instrumental variability between probes inside a multi‐channel analyzer and between two analyzers, and explored solutions to correct them on model prediction errors in cell cultures. It is shown that the Kennard Stone piecewise direct standardization (KS PDS) method enables to lower model prediction errors between probes of a multi‐channel analyzer from 20% to 10% on the cell densities (TCD/VCD). Considering the integration of a new device or the replacement of a previous one, it has been determined that a first cell culture monitoring can be directly performed with the new analyzer calibrated by the KS PDS method based on the dataset from the previous analyzer, with an accuracy better than 10% on the main components of the culture like glucose, lactate, and the cell densities. Then, the new data obtained by the new analyzer can be inserted in a global calibration dataset to integrate instrumental variability in the chemometric model: it is shown that only one batch with the new device in a consistent and equilibrated calibration dataset was sufficient to correct the prediction gap induced by instrumental variability, allowing to exploit the data from previous analyzers considering optimized methods. This methodology provides good multivariate calibration model prediction errors throughout the instrumental changes which is a requirement for model maintenance.
Clinical evidence supporting cranberry as a complementary approach to Helicobacter pylori management
Authors: Howell Amy B. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis concise review summarizes results of the latest clinical trials that support the use of standardized cranberry juice intake as a complementary means of suppressing Helicobacter pylori infections. While not a replacement for antibiotic therapies, this tolerable and accessible dietary approach to help reduce inoculum levels in high‐risk populations could help curb infections and potentially reduce antibiotic use and subsequent stomach cancer prevalence.
Endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation is required for maintaining endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis and viability of mature Schwann cells in adults
Authors: Wu Shuangchan , Stone Sarrabeth , Yue Yuan , Lin Wensheng 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe integrated unfolded protein response (UPR) and endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation (ERAD) is the principle mechanisms that maintain endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis. Schwann cells (SCs) must produce an enormous amount of myelin proteins via the ER to assemble and maintain myelin structure; however, it is unclear how SCs maintain ER homeostasis. It is known that Suppressor/Enhancer of Lin‐12‐like (Sel1L) is necessary for the ERAD activity of the Sel1L‐ hydroxymethylglutaryl reductase degradation protein 1(Hrd1) complex. Herein, we showed that Sel1L deficiency in SCs impaired the ERAD activity of the Sel1L‐Hrd1 complex and led to ER stress and activation of the UPR. Interestingly, Sel1L deficiency had no effect on actively myelinating SCs during development, but led to later‐onset mature SC apoptosis and demyelination in the adult PNS. Moreover, inactivation of the pancreatic ER kinase (PERK) branch of the UPR did not influence the viability and function of actively myelinating SCs, but resulted in exacerbation of ER stress and apoptosis of mature SCs in SC‐specific Sel1L deficient mice. These findings suggest that the integrated UPR and ERAD is dispensable to actively myelinating SCs during development, but is necessary for maintaining ER homeostasis and the viability and function of mature SCs in adults.
A 10 year retrospective cohort study of inpatients with younger‐onset dementia
Authors: Loi Samantha M. , Eratne Dhamidhu , Goh Anita M. Y. , Wibawa Pierre , Farrand Sarah , Kelso Wendy , Evans Andrew , Watson Rosie , Walterfang Mark , Velakoulis Dennis 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesYounger‐onset dementia (YOD) refers to a dementia where symptom onset occurs when the patient is less than 65 years of age. YOD is far less common than late‐onset dementia (occurring when patients are over 65 years old) and more challenging to diagnose due to its heterogeneous presentation. There have been relatively few studies describing demographic and diagnostic characteristics of patients with YOD in the community, particularly with follow‐up information.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed of inpatients admitted to a tertiary neuropsychiatry service, located in metropolitan Victoria, Australia, from 2009 to 2019. Inpatients with a YOD diagnosis were identified and data regarding diagnosis, demographics and investigations were obtained.ResultsThere were 849 individual inpatients who were admitted to the service in the 10‐year period and received comprehensive assessment. There were 306 individuals who received a YOD diagnosis, using contemporaneous diagnostic criteria (frequency 36%). The most common diagnoses were Alzheimer's disease (24.2%), frontotemporal dementia (23.1%), Huntington's disease (16.7%) and vascular dementia (7.8%). More than half of these inpatients were followed up and 6.5% had a diagnostic change when reviewed.ConclusionsThis study reports on the largest cohort of YOD to date, with diagnostic breakdown similar to previous retrospective file reviews. The neuropsychiatry service is funded to follow‐up its patients, thus allowing re‐assessment and continuity of care. While there are limitations in this study such as the lack of neuropathological outcomes, the findings emphasise the strengths of follow‐up and appropriate service provision for these patients.
The effect of Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion on hospital revenue
Authors: Moghtaderi Ali , Pines Jesse , Zocchi Mark , Black Bernard 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPrior research has found that in states which expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, hospital Medicaid revenue rose sharply, and uncompensated care costs fell sharply, relative to hospitals in nonexpansion states. This suggests that Medicaid expansion may have been a boon for hospital revenue. We conduct a difference‐in‐differences analysis covering the first four expansion years (2014–2017) and confirm prior results for Medicaid revenue and uncompensated care cost, over this longer period. However, we find that hospitals in expansion states showed no significant relative gains in either total patient revenue or operating margins. Instead, the relative rise in Medicaid revenue was offset by relative declines in commercial insurance revenue. In subsample analyses, we find higher revenue and margins for rural hospitals in expansion states, little change for small urban hospitals, and a revenue decline for large urban hospitals.
Impact of greater auricular nerve sacrifice during parotidectomy on quality of life
Authors: Yan Flora , Desiato Vincent M. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Lentsch Eric J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundGreater auricular nerve (GAN) sacrifice can alter sensation; however, the impact on quality of life (QoL) is unclear.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate patients' QoL following GAN sacrifice versus preservation.MethodsPatients who underwent parotidectomy from 2010 to 2019 at a single institution completed two QoL surveys. Results between GAN‐sacrificed versus preserved cohorts and short (≤ 1 year) versus long‐term (> 1 year) follow‐up were compared.ResultsOf 404 patients, 67 with known GAN status completed the surveys. GAN‐sacrificed patients more frequently experienced sensation loss of the lobule and concha than GAN‐preserved patients (P = .042 and P = .041, respectively). Interference with daily activities or amount of regained sensation was not different based on GAN status. Short‐term follow‐up patients had a higher number of symptoms and affected areas than long‐term follow‐up patients (P = .014 and P = .002, respectively).ConclusionGAN sacrifice leads to sensation loss of the lobule and concha; however, it does not significantly impair QoL.
Early fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallow in transoral robotic surgery: Description of swallow function and recovery in the acute postoperative period for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Charters Emma K. , Bogaardt Hans , Freeman‐Sanderson Amy L. , Ballard Kirrie J. , Davies Sarah , Oates Justine , Clark Jonathan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundTransoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer. The effects on swallowing and speech need to be comprehensively evaluated to understand the associated morbidity.MethodsA prospective cohort of 21 patients was recruited to undergo pre‐TORS and post‐TORS swallowing and communication assessment. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was used in the first postoperative week.ResultsSixteen participants (76.2%) had penetration‐aspiration scores ≥3 or higher, seven (33.3%) aspirated on thin liquids, three (14.3%) did so silently. Prolonged recovery trajectory occurred for the majority of the cohort, particularly if TORS was followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Swallowing and communication scores were significantly worse in base of tongue primary tumors and with advanced age.ConclusionEarly FEES demonstrates a significant decline in swallowing function, including increased secretion load, pharyngeal residue, laryngeal penetration, and aspiration. Silent aspiration occurred in 14% and thus highlights the necessity for instrumental assessment to ascertain aspiration risk.