bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of social capital in private placement: evidence from Rule 144A debt issuances
Authors: Wang Jianrong , Wang Haizhi , Yin Desheng , Zhu Yun 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of social capital in the issuances of Rule 144A debt. Using a sample of 1,378 debt offerings from 1997 to 2015 in the US, this paper provides empirical evidence on whether and to what extent social capital affects the cost of Rule 144A debt.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs a county-level measure of social capital and links social capital to the yield spreads of Rule 144A debt. A Heckman selection model is sued to address the sample selection bias, and an instrumental variable approach and propensity score matching methodology are implemented to deal with the potential endogeneity issue. The authors check for robustness using an alternative measure of social capital.FindingsThe results of the analysis provide evidence that issuers headquartered in the counties with higher levels of social capital experience lower yield spreads in their Rule 144A debt offerings. The findings are robust to a Heckman selection model, an instrumental variable approach and propensity score matching. Furthermore, the analysis reveals the marginal effect of social capital that the effect of social capital is more pronounced for the issuing firms with higher agency cost of debt and lower institutional ownership. The effect of social capital is more prominent after financial crisis.Originality/valueThis paper provides novel evidence of the effect of social capital on the cost of privately placed debt. The issuances of Rule 144A debt are subject to significant information asymmetry and are targeted at sophisticated institutional investors. This paper sheds further light on how institutional investors incorporate the regional social capital in their pricing scheme of private placement of Rule 144A debt.
What’s next for the Renewable Energy Target – resolving Australia’s integration of energy and climate change policy?*
Authors: Nelson Tim , Nolan Tahlia , Gilmore Joel 
Published: November 2021

Australian climate change policy and its integration with Australia’s electricity markets have been fraught for at least two decades. The only enduring policy has been the Commonwealth Renewable Energy Target (RET). Despite the relative success of the RET in driving investment and reducing emissions, state governments have now pivoted towards contracts‐for‐difference (Cfds). In this article, we outline the issues associated with policy discontinuity and the large‐scale RET and review its effectiveness as an emissions reduction tool and driver of electricity sector abatement. We find that the RET has been relatively successful across the key criteria of cost and emissions reductions and is a better policy instrument than contracts‐for‐difference, which are increasingly being adopted by state governments. Building on the work of Nelson et al. (2020), we propose a new approach, which would allow for continued use of Cfds but utilising the RET’s policy architecture.
A venom protein of ectoparasitoid Pachycrepoideus vindemiae, PvG6PDH, contributes to parasitism by inhibiting host glucose‐6‐phosphate metabolism
Authors: Yang Lei , Qiu Liming , Fang Qi , Wu Shaoying , Ye Gongyin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTo achieve successful development, female parasitoids, while laying eggs, introduce various virulence factors, mainly venoms, into host insects to manipulate their physiology. Although numerous studies have been conducted to characterize the components of venoms that regulate host immune responses, few systematic investigations have been conducted on the roles of venom proteins in host metabolic regulation. In this investigation, we characterized a novel venom protein in Pachycrepoideus vindemiae called glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (PvG6PDH) and showed it has a vital role in regulating host carbohydrate metabolism. PvG6PDH encodes 510 amino acids and features a signal peptide and two conserved “G6PDH” domains. Multiple sequence alignment showed it has high amino acid identity with G6PDH from other pteromalids, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunofluorescent staining demonstrated a significantly higher expression of PvG6PDH in the venom apparatus compared with the carcass. We report that PvG6PDH contributes to parasitism by inhibiting the glucose‐6‐phosphate (G6P) metabolism of host Drosophila melanogaster, as demonstrated by PvG6PDH injection and RNA interference analysis. Further tests revealed that the accumulation of host G6P was caused by the transcriptional inhibition of G6P‐metabolism‐related genes. These findings greatly contribute to our understanding of venom‐mediated host metabolic regulation, further laying the foundation for the development of venom proteins as biological agents for pest control.
Improvement in epistaxis management: the experience of a dedicated hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia clinic
Authors: Anning Rebecca , Huang Johnson , Ronan Anne , de Malmanche Jillian , Asher Rebecca , Low Tsu‐Hui (Hubert) 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundHereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare genetic vascular disorder which is characterised by the development of arteriovenous malformations and telangiectasias. A key clinical manifestation is recurrent epistaxis. This study examined the impact of a dedicated HHT clinic in a major Australian tertiary hospital on epistaxis symptoms and subjective quality of life.MethodsA multidisciplinary HHT clinic was established in 2015. All patients satisfied either genetic diagnosis or fulfilled Curacao criteria. A protocol based clinical assessment was performed and a standardised treatment regimen was implemented. Patients completed quality of life and epistaxis severity score (ESS) questionnaires at each review.ResultsParticipants of the dedicated clinic included 21 females (58.3%) and 15 males (41.7%), with a mean age of 49.0 ± 24.0 years. The ACVRL1 variant was the most common (n = 20, 55.6%). A statistically significant reduction in epistaxis severity was noted between the baseline and second review (P = 0.02) and was maintained to the third visit (P = 0.015). Patients older than 50 years demonstrate a consistently higher ESS than those less than 50 years old (P = 0.03). This trend is noted throughout the follow up period with the dedicated clinic.ConclusionThe introduction of a multidisciplinary, dedicated HHT clinic to provide enhanced assessment, monitored treatment regimen and greater access to care, resulted in improvement in the management of epistaxis and quality of life in these patients.
Do we need to change empiric antibiotic use following natural disasters? A reflection on the Townsville flood
Authors: Jenkin Ashley , Mantha Pranay , Palamuthusingam Pranavan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionSkin and soft tissue infections have the potential to affect every patient admitted to a surgical service. Changes to the microbiota colonizing wounds during natural disasters, such as the Townsville floods of 2019, could impact empiric antibiotic choice and need for return to theatre.MethodsThis retrospective observational cohort study reviews culture data and demographics for patients undergoing surgical debridement of infected wounds over a six‐month period starting in November 2018 to May 2019 at the Townsville Hospital.ResultsOf the 408 patients requiring operative intervention, only 61 patients met the inclusion criteria. The groups were comparative in terms of age and gender, but a greater proportion of patients (40.5% versus 29.1%, P = 0.368) in the post‐flood group were diabetic. Common skin commensals, such as Staphylococcus aureus, were the most common pathogen in both groups, however the post‐flood group had a higher proportion of atypical organisms (14 versus 8 patients), and an increased need for repeated debridement for infection control (24 versus 14 patients).ConclusionWound swabs and tissue culture are imperative during surgical debridement and may guide the use of more broad‐spectrum coverage following a significant flooding event.
Can the alcohol withdrawal scale be applied to post‐operative patients?
Authors: Underwood Kirk , Stupart Douglas , Morgan Frederick Hamish , Scott Benjamin , Moxham‐Smith Ryan , Moore Eileen Mary , Friedman Deborah 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundsAssessment scales are commonly used to diagnose and treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in acute hospitals, although they have only been validated for use in detoxification facilities. There is a significant overlap between the symptoms and signs of AWS and other clinical presentations, including systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and the physiological response to surgery. This may lead to both over‐diagnosis and inappropriate treatment of AWS. This study sought to determine the false‐positive rate for the commonly used Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol–Revised (CIWA‐Ar) among post‐operative patients.MethodsThis was a prospective study of patients undergoing major abdominal surgery at University Hospital Geelong. Patients were recruited who were NOT at risk of alcohol dependency (using the World Health Organisation Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test). Patients were assessed for AWS using the CIWA‐Ar day one post‐operatively with a false positive measured as a CIWA‐Ar > 7.ResultsA total of 67 patients were included in the study. There were 31 (46%) men and 36 women. Their median age was 52 years (range 27–85). Thirty‐six (52%) of patients underwent elective procedures, and 32 were emergencies. Twelve of the 67 patients (18%) had CIWA‐Ar scores >seven.ConclusionIn the early post‐operative period, the CIWA‐Ar tool over‐diagnoses AWS in 18% of patients. These false‐positives could lead to delayed treatment of serious underlying conditions. We call for caution in the use of alcohol withdrawal scales in the acute hospital setting.
Unions and hazard pay for COVID‐19: Evidence from the Canadian Labour Force Survey
Authors: Lamb Danielle , Gomez Rafael , Moghaddas Milad 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this article, we examine whether (and by how much) workers in Canada have been compensated for the ‘novel’ risks associated with COVID‐19. We create a unique dataset from a system that scores occupations in the US O*NET database for COVID‐19 exposure. We then combine those COVID exposure scores with Canadian occupational data contained in the Public Use Microdata File of the Labour Force Survey. This allows us to categorize Canadian occupations based on COVID‐19 exposure risk. We find a long‐tailed distribution of COVID‐19 risk scores across occupations, with most jobs at the lower end of the risk spectrum and relatively few occupations accounting for most of the high COVID‐19 exposure risk. We find that workers who are already more vulnerable in the labour market (i.e. youth, women and immigrants) are also more likely to be employed in occupations with high COVID‐19 exposure risk. When we look at the relationship between high‐COVID exposure risks in occupation and wages, we find negative compensating differentials both at the mean (negative 8%) and across the earnings distribution. However, when workers are covered by a union, they enjoy a sizeable hazard pay premium (11.7% on average) as compared to their non‐union counterparts. Furthermore, we find that the moderating effects of unionization for workers at high risk of COVID exposure to be largest at the bottom of the earnings distribution (i.e. the 10th percentile of unionized earners receives a 12.3% risk premium for high‐COVID exposure, whereas the 90th percentile receives only a 2%).
Alemtuzumab‐induced autoimmune thyroid events in patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis: A real‐life and monocentric experience at a tertiary‐level centre
Authors: Manso Jacopo , Zhu Yi Hang , Margoni Monica , Rinaldi Francesca , Censi Simona , Carducci Sofia , Cosma Chiara , Plebani Mario , Gallo Paolo , Mian Caterina 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveAlemtuzumab‐induced autoimmune thyroid events (AIATEs) are the most common adverse effects observed in relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. This study aims to explore the clinical and biochemical characteristics of such AIATEs, and to examine the risk factors for their occurrence, particularly for the worst clinical phenotype of fluctuating Graves' disease (GD).Design, Patients, MeasurementsWe retrospectively analysed a real‐life single‐centre consecutive series of 57 RRMS patients treated with alemtuzumab whose clinical and biochemical parameters were collected before starting the treatment and then monthly during their follow‐up.ResultsAIATEs developed in 39% of patients a mean 17 months ± 11 after the first cycle of alemtuzumab. The most common AIATEs were GD (64%), followed by Hashimoto's thyroiditis with hypothyroidism (23%), TSH‐receptor‐antibody (TRAb)‐positive hypothyroidism (9%), and silent thyroiditis (4%). GD showed a fluctuating course in 57% of cases. Baseline positivity for anti‐thyroperoxidase antibodies, and higher absolute titers of anti‐thyroglobulin and anti‐thyroperoxidase antibodies correlated significantly with the risk of developing AIATEs, but TRAb positivity did not. Higher TRAb titers at the time of GD being diagnosed correlated strongly with a greater risk of the fluctuating GD phenotype. On ROC curve analysis, we found that a cut‐off of 7.3 IU/L could be used to predict the risk of developing a fluctuating GD, with a positive predictive value of 100%.ConclusionsTRAb levels measured with commercial automatic methods at the time of a patient being diagnosed with alemtuzumab‐induced GD emerged as a novel biomarker for predicting a fluctuating disease phenotype, with an influence on subsequent therapeutic decisions and patients' follow‐up.
Natural history and surgical outcome of Rathke's cleft cysts—A study from the Swedish Pituitary Registry
Authors: Petersson Maria , Berinder Katarina , Eden Engström Britt , Tsatsaris Erika , Ekman Bertil , Wahlberg Jeanette , Burman Pia , Borg Henrik , Siesjö Peter , Dahlqvist Per , Åkerman Anna‐Karin , Ragnarsson Oskar , Olsson Martin , Förander Petter , Bensing Sophie , Höybye Charlotte 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveRathke's cleft cysts are benign, embryological remnants in the pituitary gland. The majority of them are small and asymptomatic but a few may become large, and cause mass effects, pituitary hormone deficiencies and visual impairment. Recommendations for the follow‐up of Rathke's cleft cysts vary since data on the natural history are sparse.Patients and DesignData at diagnosis and at 1, 5 and 10 years for patients with a Rathke's cleft cyst (434 at diagnosis, 317 females) were retrieved from the Swedish Pituitary Registry. Cysts ≤3 mm in diameter were excluded from the study.MeasurementsData included demographics, cyst size, pituitary function, visual defects and surgery.ResultsThe mean age at diagnosis was 45 years. In patients with cysts <10 mm in diameter (n = 204) 2.9% had pituitary hormone deficiencies and 2% had visual field impairments. Cyst size did not progress during the 5 years. Cysts with a diameter of ≥10 mm that were not operated (n = 174) decreased in size over the years (p < .01). Pituitary hormone deficiencies and visual impairments were more frequent (18% and 5.7%, respectively) but were stable over time. Transphenoidal surgery was performed in 56 patients of whom 51 underwent surgery before the 1‐year follow‐up. The mean cyst diameter at diagnosis was 18 mm (range: 9─30 mm), 36% had pituitary hormone deficiency, 45% had visual field defects and 20% had impaired visual acuity. One year after surgery 60% had no cyst remnants, 50% had a pituitary deficiency, 26% had visual field defects and 12% had impaired visual acuity. No major changes were observed after 5 years. Twelve of the operated patients had a follow‐up at 10 years, in eight the cyst remnants or recurrences increased in size over time (p < .05).ConclusionsRathke's cleft cysts with a size less than 10 mm rarely grow and our results indicate that radiological follow‐up can be restricted to 5 years. In contrast, progression of postoperative remnants or recurrent cysts is more likely and require long‐term follow‐up.
Evidence in peroneal nerve entrapment: A scoping review
Authors: Oosterbos Christophe , Decramer Thomas , Rummens Sofie , Weyns Frank , Dubuisson Annie , Ceuppens Jeroen , Schuind Sophie , Groen Justus , van Loon Johannes , Rasulic Lukas , Lemmens Robin , Theys Tom 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeDaily management of patients with foot drop due to peroneal nerve entrapment varies between a purely conservative treatment and early surgery, with no high‐quality evidence to guide current practice. Electrodiagnostic (EDX) prognostic features and the value of imaging in establishing and supplementing the diagnosis have not been clearly established.MethodsWe performed a literature search in the online databases MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Of the 42 unique articles meeting the eligibility criteria, 10 discussed diagnostic performance of imaging, 11 reported EDX limits for abnormal values and/or the value of EDX in prognostication, and 26 focused on treatment outcome.ResultsStudies report high sensitivity and specificity of both ultrasound (varying respectively from 47.1% to 91% and from 53% to 100%) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; varying respectively from 31% to 100% and from 73% to 100%). One comparative trial favoured ultrasound over MRI. Variable criteria for a conduction block (>20%–≥50) were reported. A motor conduction block and any baseline compound motor action potential response were identified as predictors of good outcome. Based predominantly on case series, the percentage of patients with good outcome ranged 0%–100% after conservative treatment and 40%−100% after neurolysis. No study compared both treatments.ConclusionsUltrasound and MRI have good accuracy, and introducing imaging in the standard diagnostic workup should be considered. Further research should focus on the role of EDX in prognostication. No recommendation on the optimal treatment strategy of peroneal nerve entrapment can be made, warranting future randomized controlled trials.
Functional relevance and health benefits of soymilk fermented by lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Kumari Manorama , Kokkiligadda Anusha , Dasriya Vaishali , Naithani Harshita 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe growing interest of consumers towards nutritionally enriched, and health promoting foods, provoke interest in the eventual development of fermented functional foods. Soymilk is a growing trend that can serve as a low-cost non-dairy alternative with improved functional and nutritional properties. Soymilk acts as a good nutrition media for the growth and proliferation of the micro-organism as well as for their bioactivities. The bioactive compounds produced by fermentation of soymilk with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) exhibit enhanced nutritional values, and several improved health benefits including antihypertensive, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer and hypocholesterolaemic effects. The fermented soymilk is acquiring a significant position in the functional food industry due to its increased techno-functional qualities as well as ensuring the survivability of probiotic bacteria producing diverse metabolites. This review covers the important benefits conferred by the consumption of soymilk fermented by LAB producing bioactive compounds. It provides a holistic approach to obtain existing knowledge on the biofunctional attributes of fermented soymilk, with a focus on the functionality of soymilk fermented by LAB.
Resistance properties and the role of the inner membrane and coat of Bacillus subtilis spores with extreme wet heat resistance
Authors: Kanaan Julia , Murray Jillian , Higgins Ryan , Nana Mishil , DeMarco Angela M. , Korza George , Setlow Peter 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Aims
A protein termed 2Duf greatly increases wet heat resistance of Bacillus subtilis spores. The current work examines the effects of 2Duf on spore resistance to other sporicides, including chemicals that act on or must cross spores’ inner membrane (IM), where 2Duf is likely present. The overall aim was to gain a deeper understanding of how 2Duf affects spore resistance, and of spore resistance itself.

Methods and Results
2Duf's presence increased spore resistance to chemicals that damage or must cross the IM to kill spores. Spore coat removal decreased 2Duf-spore resistance to chemicals and wet heat, and 2Duf-spores made at higher temperatures were more resistant to wet heat and chemicals. 2Duf-less spores lacking coats and Ca-dipicolinic acid were also extremely sensitive to wet heat and chemicals that transit the IM to kill spores.

Conclusions
The new work plus previous results lead to a number of important conclusions as follows. (1) 2Duf may influence spore resistance by decreasing the permeability of and lipid mobility in spores’ IM. (2) Since wet heat-killed spores that germinate do not accumulate ATP, wet heat may inactivate some spore IM protein essential in ATP production which is stabilized in a more rigid IM. (3) Both Ca-dipicolinic acid and the spore coat play an important role in the permeability of the spore IM, and thus in many spore resistance properties.

Significance and Impact of the Study
The work in this manuscript gives a new insight into mechanisms of spore resistance to chemicals and wet heat, to the understanding of spore wet heat killing, and the role of Ca-dipicolinic acid and the coat in spore resistance.
Effects of microabrasion association to at‐home bleaching on hydrogen peroxide penetration and color change
Authors: Bernardi Laís Giacomini , Favoreto Michael Willian , de Souza Carneiro Taynara , Borges Christiane Philippini Ferreira , Pulido Camilo , Loguercio Alessandro D. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to quantify the penetration of hydrogen peroxide (HP) inside the pulp cavity and color change with two different concentrations of HP to at‐home bleaching associated or not with enamel microabrasion (MA).MethodsForty healthy premolars were randomly divided in four groups (n = 10): only HP4%, MA + HP4%, only HP10%, MA + HP10%. The concentration (μg/ml) of HP was assessed using UV–Vis spectrophotometry. The color change (ΔEab, ΔE00 and WID) was evaluated before and one‐week after bleaching. Data were evaluated for a two‐way ANOVA and the Tukey's test (α = 0.05).ResultsThe application of MA increased the amounts of HP inside the pulp chamber when compared to without MA, as well as PH10% when compared to PH4% (p < 0.0001). PH10% showed higher WID when compared to PH4%. No significant difference was observed when ΔEab, and ΔE00 were used.ConclusionsThe enamel MA before at‐home bleaching promotes greater penetration of HP, although this procedure did not significantly affect the color change.Clinical SignificanceSince greater penetration of HP into the pulp chamber was detected when home bleaching was applied immediately after MA, the clinician should not apply home bleaching gels in the same session when MA was performed.