bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial Reporting Quality and Investors' Divergence of Opinion*
Authors: Silva Diogo , Cerqueira António 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTThe main purpose of this study is to analyze the association of financial reporting quality and investors' divergence of opinion. We focus on UK firms listed on the London Stock Exchange. Divergence of opinion is measured by two proxies based on unexpected trading volume and by dispersion in analysts' forecasts made one and two years ahead. Previous literature shows that the amount of firms' disclosure is negatively associated with the dispersion in analysts' forecasts. The results obtained in our study show that the quality of the disclosure is negatively associated with divergence of opinion, whether it is proxied by measures of unexpected trading volume or dispersion in analysts' forecasts. Financial reporting quality affects divergence of opinion not only in the months that immediately follow the disclosure of the reports but in the whole year that follows.
Self‐obtained vaginal swabs are not inferior to provider‐performed endocervical sampling for emergency department diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Chinnock Brian , Yore Mackensie , Mason Jessica , Kremer Mallory , Farshidpour Leyla , Lopez Diana , Castaneda Jannet 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveProvider‐performed endocervical sampling (PPES) in the diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) may be difficult to perform in a busy emergency department (ED) due to patient preference, availability of the pelvic examination room, or provider availability. Our objective was to assess if self‐obtained vaginal swabs (SOVS) were noninferior to PPES in the ED diagnosis of NG/CT using a rapid nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational cohort study in a single ED. Participants were adult female English‐ and Spanish‐speaking patients in whom the ED provider felt that NG/CT testing was warranted. Each patient had SOVS and PPES performed. For SOVS, a research associate reviewed a one‐page handout describing the procedure but gave no other assistance. Patients answered survey questions regarding acceptability of SOVS and symptomatology. We established a minimum sensitivity of 90% for SOVS to be considered clinically noninferior to standard PPES.ResultsA total of 533 patients completed enrollment and answered survey questions, 515 of whom had laboratory results for both SOVS and PPES. There were 86 patients with a positive result: 29 with NG, 47 with CT, and 10 with coinfection. SOVS had a sensitivity of 95% (95% confidence interval = 88% to 99%) for the detection of NG/CT when compared to PPES. SOVS were felt to be an acceptable collection method in 93% of patients and 75% preferred SOVS to PPES.ConclusionSOVS are noninferior to PPES in NG/CT diagnosis using a rapid NAAT in ED patients and surveys indicate high patient acceptability.
Physiological and psychological effects of ambient noise in operating room on medical staff
Authors: Gülşen Muaz , Aydıngülü Nursevim , Arslan Sevban 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe study was conducted to assess operating room noise levels and to investigate its effects on medical staff.MethodsSingle‐blind study. This study was conducted with 92 medical staff working in 11 operating rooms of a university hospital. Data was collected using a personal information form and sound level measuring devices. Sound measurements were made 3 days a week in the morning and in the afternoon, twice a day and lasted 15 min each. Mean values of the measurements in each room were collected and recommended maximum values for operating rooms (35 dB during daytime) by the World Health Organization were set as a reference point.ResultsThe highest noise level was measured in orthopaedic (67.5 dB), and the lowest in gynaecology room (55.5 dB). Daily mean noise level of all operating rooms was 60.90 dB. Noise disturbance score measured with Visual Analogue Scale was 6.66 ± 1.84. Of the medical staff, 84.8% were physiologically, 93.5% psychologically, and 82.6% both physiologically and psychologically affected. Of those affected physiologically, 51.1% experienced fatigue, and 33.7% headache, and of those affected psychologically, 43.5% experienced inattentiveness, 34.8% agitation and 15.2% restlessness. Only 4.34% reported not being affected by the noise.ConclusionOperating room noise levels were higher than normal limits set by the World Health Organization, which affected the medical staff both physiologically and psychologically. Since experienced negativities may reduce medical staff's motivation and increase error making, making arrangements to control noise levels is recommended.
Is abdominal hysterectomy still the surgery of choice in sub‐Saharan Africa?
Authors: Rudnicki Martin , Shayo Benjamin C. , Mchome Bariki 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA trend toward minimally invasive surgery is increasing worldwide. However, reports on the extent and the role of vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy in benign gynecologic surgery in sub‐Saharan Africa are scarce. Our commentary aims to highlight the existing gaps and potential barriers to implementation of vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy and suggests how to introduce and expand minimally invasive gynecologic surgery in this region. Little documentation exists in the literature to account for the role of minimally invasive surgery in the sub‐Saharan Africa. Hysterectomy for benign reasons is commonly performed by the abdominal approach. This approach is accompanied by significant complications, prolonged hospitalization, and longer recovery duration. Our commentary highlights the importance of investigating region‐specific barriers to the practice of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery in sub‐Saharan Africa.
The structural and comparative analysis of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) and anti‐VEGF injection in branched retinal vein occlusion patients by optical coherence tomography angiography images quantitation
Authors: Park JinHeung 
Published: January 2021

PurposeTo evaluate and compare the structural changes of retinal vasculature after intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) and anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) injection in branched retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) patients by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images quantitation.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed thirty‐nine patients with unilateral BRVO. Subjects were divided into two groups according to treatment agent, Ozurdex (n = 18) and anti‐VEGF (n = 21). Swept Source (SS) OCT and OCTA were performed, and images were analyzed quantitatively by using ImageJ software. Intravitreal implant and injections were performed following a pro re nata (PRN) regimen. Anti‐VEGF agent was chosen between bevacizumab, ranibizumab and aflibercept.ResultsIn independent two‐sample t‐test, the vessel reperfusion was more significant in intravitreal Ozurdex implant group than anti‐VEGF injection group in choriocapillaris slab of angiography mode (p = 0.013). Positive change of particles number was more prominent in intravitreal anti‐VEGF injection group than intravitreal Ozurdex implant group in outer retina slab of En‐face mode (p = 0.039). ETDRS density map (p = 0.632) and other angiography slabs; superficial (p = 0.200), deep (p = 0.199) and outer retina (p = 0.210) showed no significant difference in two treatment groups.ConclusionsQuantitative analysis of OCTA images using ImageJ software showed that intravitreal Ozurdex implant seems to be better treatment than anti‐VAGF injection for BRVO in the aspect of retinal vascular reperfusion.
Macular changes after silicone oil or gas tamponade for uncomplicated retinal detachment using swept source OCT and OCT‐Angiography
Authors: Braham Imene Zhioua , El Amri Hatem , Boukari Mejdi , Ammous Imen , Zhioua Raja 
Published: January 2021

PurposeTo evaluate and compare the effect of silicone oil and gas tamponade on the macular area using swept source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A).MethodsIn this retrospective study, we included patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil or gas tamponade for uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). The thickness of retinal layers was measured automatically with the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid on SS‐OCT. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was analyzed in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and in the deep capillary plexus (DCP). The retinal vessel density (VD) was automatically assessed in the SCP.ResultsEyes in the silicone oil group (n = 23) had a statistically significant decreased parafoveal retinal thickness compared to the gas group (n = 23) with a mean of 279.61 ± 31.15 µm vs 308.42 ± 32.06 µm, respectively (p = 0.003) and compared to the fellow eyes (p = 0.03). Eyes in the silicone oil group had a larger FAZ in the SCP and the DCP compared to the gas group (p = 0.021 and p = 0.002, respectively) and a larger FAZ only in the DCP compared to the fellow eyes (p < 0.001). No significant difference in central and parafoveal VD was found between silicone oil group and gas group. Postoperatively, the best‐corrected visual acuity in the silicone oil group was significantly worse than that in the gas group (p = 0.032).ConclusionsSilicone oil tamponade probably induces a significant reduction of retinal thickness and enlargement of the FAZ area compared to gas tamponade in the repair of uncomplicated RRD. However, macular vessel density seems not to be affected.
Secondary immune thrombocytopenia in children: Characteristics and outcome of a large cohort from two Spanish centres
Authors: Berrueco Rubén , Sebastián Elena , Solsona María , González de Pablo Jesús , Ruiz‐Llobet Anna , Mesegué Montse , Gálvez Eva , Sevilla Julián 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate the incidence and outcome of secondary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in a large cohort of paediatric Spanish patients.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted in two paediatric University hospitals in Spain between 2009 and 2019, which included children from 4 months to 18 years old diagnosed with ITP. Data were recorded from clinical charts: gender, age at diagnosis, coexisting condition and associated characteristics, outcome and treatment.ResultsSecondary ITP was diagnosed in 87 out of 442 patients (19.6%). Post‐immunisation ITP was seen in younger children. The onset of secondary ITP to autoimmune diseases (AD) and immunodeficiencies (ID) was at an older age and had more tendency to be insidious, and platelet level was higher than primary ITP. Mean time from ITP onset to AD diseases or ID diagnosis was 1.2 and 2.6 years, respectively. Whereas the cumulative incidence of remission was significantly higher in post‐immunisation and post‐viral infection (compared with primary ITP patients), it was worse in AD and ID patients.ConclusionsIdentification of secondary ITP is important as it predicts outcome. Most of them are diagnosed at ITP onset, but AD diseases and ID should be ruled out periodically as they are usually identified later.
Outcomes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding are similar between direct oral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists
Authors: Gouriou Claire , Bouguen Guillaume , Lahmek Pierre , Pelaquier Agnes , Arotcarena Ramuntxo , Garioud Armand , De Montigny‐Lenhardt Stephanie , Pauwels Arnaud , Zanditenas David , Charpignon Claire , Combes Remi , Nahon Stephane , Quentin Vincent 
Published: January 2021

SummaryBackgroundThe increased risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) related to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) as compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) remains debated.AimsTo describe the epidemiology and outcomes of UGIB in patients treated with oral anticoagulants.MethodsA prospective, multicentre study in French general hospitals enrolled all consecutive patients with UGIB during one year. Patients treated with oral anticoagulants were retrieved from the cohort. Main outcomes were mortality and rebleeding during the first 6 weeks and need for non‐endoscopic treatment (surgery or interventional radiology).ResultsAmong the 2498 patients included, 475 (19%) had an oral anticoagulant, mostly with VKA (267 patients [56.2%]). Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups except for renal failure and cirrhosis that were more prevalent in the VKA group. Gastroscopy was normal in 73 patients (15.3%); peptic lesions were the main cause of UGIB (n = 233, 49%). Endoscopic treatment was performed in 128 patients (26.9%), leading to bleeding resolution in 74% (n = 95). Mortality rate at 6 weeks was 12.4% (59 patients), and was higher in the VKA group compared to DOACs (16.1% vs 7.8%, P < 0.01). By multivariate analysis, only the Charlson index ≥ 5 and UGIB occurrring in in‐patients were independently associated with mortality. Rebleeding (56 patients [11.8%]) and need for non‐endoscopic treatment (18 patients [3.8%]) were not associated with the type of anticoagulant.ConclusionDOACs do not alter outcomes of UGIB as compared to VKA. Comorbidities and associated treatment are the most important factors worsening the prognosis of UGIB.
Genomic imprinting variances of beef carcass traits and physiochemical characteristics in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Inoue Keiichi , Inoue Yoshinobu , Oe Toshiaki , Nishimura Masami 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe objective of this study was to estimate variance components related to imprinting for carcass traits and physiochemical characteristics in Japanese Black cattle. The carcass records obtained from 4,220 Japanese Black feedlot cattle included carcass weight (CW), rib eye area (REA), rib thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness, and beef marbling score (BMS), and the physiochemical characteristics were fat, moisture, glycogen per proportion of moisture content, oleic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). To detect gametic effects, an imprinting model was fitted. High additive heritabilities were estimated for all traits (from 0.516 for glycogen to 0.853 for fat) and were reduced in Mendelian heritability. The range of the differences was from 0.002 (CW) to 0.331 (fat and moisture), and the reductions were due to their imprinting variances. The ratio of the imprinting variance to the total additive genetic variance for REA (0.374), BMS (0.291), fat (0.387), moisture (0.388), and MUFA (0.337) were large (p < 0.05). These imprinting variances were due to the maternal contribution and suggested the existence of maternally expressed genomic imprinting effects on the traits in Japanese Black cattle. Therefore, maternal gametic effects should be considered in breeding programs for Japanese Black cattle.
The Early‐life Political Event Experience of the Chair of the Board and the Firm's Innovation Decision
Authors: Zhou Donghua , Bai Min , Liang Xiaoqin , Qin Yafeng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEarly life experience may influence an executive's psychology and behaviour, which affects the company's financial policy. Using a unique early life political event, this paper finds that the ‘Down to the Countryside’ experience of board chairs in China increases their risk aversion and reduces the firms’ innovation investments. Such an effect is robust to a series of alternative tests. Further analysis shows that this impact is not weakened by chairs’ higher education, and their increased risk aversion results in the chairs being more prudent and making more efficient investment decisions.
Confident championing: A grounded theory of parental adjustment following a child’s diagnosis of developmental disability
Authors: O' Connor Anne B. , Carpenter Barry , Coughlan Barry 
Published: January 2021

Accessible summary

This paper is about how parents adjust to parenting their child who has a developmental disability.

We spoke to parents about their experiences and developed a theory to help explain how parents adjust when their child has a developmental challenge.

As well as describing the stress, that parents experience, this theory also captures the fulfilment and sense of purpose that parents experience as they parent their child.

This research is important because it helps explain what happens for parents after their child's diagnosis and provides suggestions on how services can improve to help families.

AbstractThis paper describes a study exploring the parental response to the diagnosis of their child's developmental disability. A classic grounded theory methodology was used to analyse data comprising 19 interviews and 11 memoirs written by parents. The theory explains how parents adjust to champion their child, who has been identified as having a developmental challenge. At the heart of becoming a champion is a psychological process in which parents refine their perspectives on disability awareness, their aspirations and parenting capacity as they develop their championing skills. Refining perspectives and championing are influenced by two factors: the nature of the child's challenges and service factors. The theory of Confident Championing offers a multivariant model that explains the dynamic nature of the adjustment process, capturing both the stress and the fulfilment and sense of purpose that parents experience.
A novel palmitic acid hydroxy stearic acid (5‐PAHSA) plays a neuroprotective role by inhibiting phosphorylation of the m‐TOR‐ULK1 pathway and regulating autophagy
Authors: Wang Jian‐tao , Yu Zhong‐yu , Tao Ying‐hong , Liu Ying‐chao , Wang Yan‐mei , Guo Qi‐lin , Xue Jian‐zhong , Wen Xiao‐hong , Zhang Qian , Xu Xiao‐die , He Cheng‐feng , Xue Wen‐jiao , Guo Jing‐chun , Zhou Hou‐guang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can lead to brain dysfunction and a series of neurological complications. Previous research demonstrated that a novel palmitic acid (5‐PAHSA) exerts effect on glucose tolerance and chronic inflammation. Autophagy was important in diabetic‐related neurodegeneration. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether 5‐PAHSA has specific therapeutic effects on neurological dysfunction in diabetics, particularly with regard to autophagy.Methods5‐PAHSA was successfully synthesized according to a previously described protocol. We then carried out a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments using PC12 cells under diabetic conditions, and DB/DB mice, respectively. PC12 cells were treated with 5‐PAHSA for 24 h, while mice were administered with 5‐PAHSA for 30 days. At the end of each experiment, we analyzed glucolipid metabolism, autophagy, apoptosis, oxidative stress, cognition, and a range of inflammatory factors.ResultsAlthough there was no significant improvement in glucose metabolism in mice administered with 5‐PAHSA, ox‐LDL decreased significantly following the administration of 5‐PAHSA in serum of DB/DB mice (p < 0.0001). We also found that the phosphorylation of m‐TOR and ULK‐1 was suppressed in both PC12 cells and DB/DB mice following the administration of 5‐PAHSA (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), although increased levels of autophagy were only observed in vitro (p < 0.05). Following the administration of 5‐PAHSA, the concentration of ROS decreased in PC12 cells and the levels of CRP increased in high‐dose group of 5‐PAHSA (p < 0.01). There were no significant changes in terms of apoptosis, other inflammatory factors, or cognition in DB/DB mice following the administration of 5‐PAHSA.ConclusionWe found that 5‐PAHSA can enhance autophagy in PC12 cells under diabetic conditions. Our data demonstrated that 5‐PAHSA inhibits phosphorylation of the m‐TOR‐ULK1 pathway and suppressed oxidative stress in PC12 cells, and exerted influence on lipid metabolism in DB/DB mice.
Regulation of temozolomide resistance in glioma cells via the RIP2/NF‐κB/MGMT pathway
Authors: Hu Yu‐Hua , Jiao Bao‐Hua , Wang Cheng‐Ye , Wu Jian‐Liang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundTemozolomide (TMZ) is a first‐line chemotherapy drug for the treatment of malignant glioma and resistance to it poses a major challenge. Receptor‐interacting protein 2 (RIP2) is associated with the malignant character of cancer cells. However, it remains unclear whether RIP2 is involved in TMZ resistance in glioma.MethodsRIP2 expression was inhibited in TMZ‐resistant glioma cells and normal glioma cells by using small interfering RNA (siRNA) against RIP2. Plasmid transfection method was used to overexpress RIP2. Cell counting kit‐8 assays were performed to evaluate cell viability. Western blotting or immunofluorescence was performed to determine RIP2, NF‐κB, and MGMT expression in cells. Flow cytometry was used to investigate cell apoptosis. TMZ‐resistant glioma xenograft models were established to evaluate the role of the RIP2/NF‐κB/MGMT signaling pathway in drug resistance.ResultsWe observed that RIP2 expression was upregulated in TMZ‐resistant glioma cells, whereas silencing of RIP2 expression enhanced cellular sensitivity to TMZ. Similarly, upon the induction of RIP2 overexpression, glioma cells developed resistance to TMZ. The molecular mechanism underlying the process indicated that RIP2 can activate the NF‐κB signaling pathway and upregulate the expression of O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), following which the glioma cells develop drug resistance. In the TMZ‐resistant glioma xenograft model, treatment with JSH‐23 (an NF‐κB inhibitor) and lomeguatrib (an MGMT inhibitor) could enhance the sensitivity of the transplanted tumor to TMZ.ConclusionWe report that the RIP2/NF‐κB/MGMT signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of TMZ resistance. Interference with NF‐κB or MGMT activity could constitute a novel strategy for the treatment of RIP2‐positive TMZ‐resistant glioma.
Circ_SMAD4 promotes gastric carcinogenesis by activating wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Wang Liyan , Li Bin , Yi Xiaoyuan , Xiao Xuhua , Zheng Qinghua , Ma Lei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectivesCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are essential participants in tumour progression. This study focused on investigating the mechanism of a novel functional circRNA in gastric cancer (GC).MethodsGene expression was detected by qRT‐PCR or Western blot. Survival curves were generated via Kaplan‐Meier method. In vitro and in vivo assays were used to investigate the impact of circ_SMAD4 on GC cell growth and tumorigenesis. Agarose gel electrophoresis assay, RNase R treatment and Sanger sequencing were utilized for confirming the circular structure of circ_SMAD4. Relationship between molecules was monitored by a series of mechanical experiments, as needed.ResultsCirc_SMAD4 expression was potentiated in GC. Circ_SMAD4 depletion impeded GC cell growth in vitro and restrained tumorigenesis in vivo. Mechanically, nuclear circ_SMAD4 recruited TCF4 to facilitate CTNNB1 transcription, while cytoplasmic circ_SMAD4 sequestered miR‐1276 to prevent the silence of CTNNB1 mRNA, leading to activation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Rescue experiments validated that circ_SMAD4 depended on miR‐1276/TCF4‐regulated CTNNB1 to elicit accelerating effects on GC cell growth.ConclusionCirc_SMAD4 facilitated GC tumorigenesis by activating CTNNB1‐dependent Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Hopefully, the findings could provide new clues for improving GC prognosis and treatment.