bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of the award of public service contracts on the performance and payroll of winning firms
Authors: Ravenda Diego , Valencia-Silva Maika Melina , Argiles-Bosch Josep Maria , García-Blandón Josep 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe investigate the effects of an exogenous demand shock arising from the award of public service contracts by Italian public administrations in 2015 on a sample of 1782 winning small and medium firms that were not awarded any contract during the previous 3 years. Using a difference-in-differences model with continuous treatments estimated on a propensity score matched sample, our results reveal that higher awarded values enhance various performance dimensions of the winning firms as well as their average payroll per employee. Nonetheless, higher winning rebates moderate the positive effects of the award on payroll by inducing the winning firms to downward manage both salaries and social security contributions per employee to maintain their desired level of performance. The effects are mostly significant for smaller microenterprises. In addition, winning rebates negatively affect the performance of firms in the construction industry by leading these firms to downward manage the payroll of their employees more aggressively than firms in other industries. Our findings provide novel insights for the implementation of industrial policies aimed at achieving sustainable macroeconomic and social goals, within the business fabric, through the effective management of public service procurement.
Surface habitat modification through industrial tuna fishery practices
Authors: Dupaix Amaël , Capello Manuela , Lett Christophe , Andrello Marco , Barrier Nicolas , Viennois Gaëlle , Dagorn Laurent 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Natural floating objects (FOBs) have always been a major component of the habitat of pelagic species. Since the 1990s, the number of FOBs in the open ocean has increased greatly as a result of the introduction of fish aggregating devices (FADs) by the industrial tropical tuna purse seine vessels. These changes, and their potential impacts on the species that associate with FOBs, remain poorly understood. Using fisheries observer data, data from satellite-linked tracking buoys attached to FOBs and Lagrangian simulations, this study quantifies the temporal changes in the density and spatial distribution of FOBs due to the use of FADs in the Indian Ocean (IO) between 2006 and 2018. From 2012 to 2018, the entire western IO is impacted, with FADs representing more than 85% of the overall FOBs, natural FOBs less than 10%, and objects originating from pollution 5%. Results also suggest that both FADs and natural FOBs densities are lower in the eastern IO, but this initial investigation highlights the need for further studies. Our study confirms that FADs have greatly modified the density and spatial distribution of FOBs, which highlights the need to investigate potential consequences on the ecology of associated species.
Extended, virtual and augmented reality in thoracic surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Arjomandi Rad Arian , Vardanyan Robert , Thavarajasingam Santhosh G , Zubarevich Alina , Van den Eynde Jef , Sá Michel Pompeu B O , Zhigalov Konstantin , Sardiari Nia Peyman , Ruhparwar Arjang , Weymann Alexander 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Extended reality (XR), encompassing both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality, allows the user to interact with a computer-generated environment based on reality. In essence, the immersive nature of VR and augmented reality technology has been warmly welcomed in all aspects of medicine, gradually becoming increasingly feasible to incorporate into everyday practice. In recent years, XR has become increasingly adopted in thoracic surgery, although the extent of its applications is unclear. Here, we aim to review the current applications of XR in thoracic surgery.

METHODS
A systematic database search was conducted of original articles that explored the use of VR and/or augmented reality in thoracic surgery in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane database and Google Scholar, from inception to December 2020.

RESULTS
Our search yielded 1494 citations, of which 21 studies published from 2007 to 2019 were included in this review. Three main areas were identified: (i) the application of XR in thoracic surgery training; (ii) preoperative planning of thoracic procedures; and (iii) intraoperative assistance. Overall, XR could produce progression along the learning curve, enabling trainees to reach acceptable standards before performing in the operating theatre. Preoperatively, through the generation of 3D-renderings of the thoracic cavity and lung anatomy, VR increases procedural accuracy and surgical confidence through familiarization of the patient’s anatomy. XR-assisted surgery may have therapeutic use particularly for complex cases, where conventional methods would yield inadequate outcomes due to inferior accuracy.

CONCLUSION
XR represents a salient step towards improving thoracic surgical training, as well as enhancing preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance.
Impact of coronary calcification assessed by coronary CT angiography on treatment decision in patients with three-vessel CAD: insights from SYNTAX III trial
Authors: Andreini Daniele , Takahashi Kuniaki , Mushtaq Saima , Conte Edoardo , Modolo Rodrigo , Sonck Jeroen , De Mey Johan , Ravagnani Paolo , Schoors Danny , Maisano Francesco , Kaufmann Philipp , Lindeboom Wietze , Morel Marie-angele , Doenst Torsten , Teichgräber Ulf , Pontone Gianluca , Pompilio Giulio , Bartorelli Antonio , Onuma Yoshinobu , Serruys Patrick W ,   the Syntax III Revolution Investigators
Published: September 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to determine Syntax scores based on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and to assess whether heavy coronary calcification significantly limits the CCTA evaluation and the impact of severe calcification on heart team’s treatment decision and procedural planning in patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) with or without left main disease.

METHODS
SYNTAX III was a multicentre, international study that included patients with three-vessel CAD with or without left main disease. The heart teams were randomized to either assess coronary arteries with coronary CCTA or ICA. We stratified the patients based on the presence of at least 1 lesion with heavy calcification defined as arc of calcium &gt;180° within the lesion using CCTA. Agreement on the anatomical SYNTAX score and treatment decision was compared between patients with and without heavy calcifications.

RESULTS
Overall, 222 patients with available CCTA and ICA were included in this trial subanalysis (104 with heavy calcification, 118 without heavy calcification). The mean difference in the anatomical SYNTAX score (CCTA derived—ICA derived) was lower in patients without heavy calcifications [mean (−1.96 SD; +1.96 SD) = 1.5 (−19.3; 22.4) vs 5.9 (−17.5; +29.3), P = 0.004]. The agreement on treatment decision did not differ between patients with (Cohen’s kappa 0.79) or without coronary calcifications (Cohen’s kappa 0.84). The agreement on the treatment planning did not differ between patients with (concordance 80.3%) or without coronary calcifications (concordance 82.8%).

CONCLUSIONS
An overall good correlation between CCTA- and ICA-derived Syntax score was found. The presence of heavy coronary calcification moderately influenced the agreement between CCTA and ICA on the anatomical SYNTAX score. However, agreement on the treatment decision and planning was high and irrespective of the presence of calcified lesions.
Independent effects of adiposity measures on risk of atrial fibrillation in men and women: a study of 0.5 million individuals
Authors: Camm C Fielder , Lacey Ben , Massa M Sofia , Von Ende Adam , Gajendragadkar Parag , Stiby Alexander , Valdes-Marquez Elsa , Lewington Sarah , Wijesurendra Rohan , Parish Sarah , Casadei Barbara , Hopewell Jemma C 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) has a higher prevalence in men than in women and is associated with measures of adiposity and lean mass (LM). However, it remains uncertain whether the risks of AF associated with these measures vary by sex.

Methods
Among 477 904 UK Biobank participants aged 40–69 without prior AF, 23 134 incident AF cases were identified (14 400 men, 8734 women; median follow-up 11.1 years). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the covariate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) describing the association of AF with weight, measures of adiposity [fat mass (FM), waist circumference (WC)] and LM, and their independent relevance, by sex.

Results
Weight and WC were independently associated with risk of AF [HR: 1.25 (1.23–1.27) per 10 kg, HR: 1.11 (1.09–1.14) per 10 cm, respectively], with comparable effects in both sexes. The association with weight was principally driven by LM, which, per 5 kg, conferred double the risk of AF compared with FM when mutually adjusted [HR: 1.20 (1.19–1.21), HR: 1.10 (1.09–1.11), respectively]; however, the effect of LM was weaker in men than in women (p-interaction = 4.3 x 10−9). Comparing the relative effects of LM, FM and WC identified different patterns within each sex; LM was the strongest predictor for both, whereas WC was stronger than FM in men but not in women.

Conclusions
LM and FM (as constituents of weight) and WC are risk factors for AF. However, the independent relevance of general adiposity for AF was more limited in men than in women. The relevance of both WC and LM suggests a potentially important role for visceral adiposity and muscle mass in AF development.
Attributable risks of hospitalizations for urologic diseases due to heat exposure in Queensland, Australia, 1995–2016
Authors: Lu Peng , Xia Guoxin , Zhao Qi , Green Donna , Lim Youn-Hee , Li Shanshan , Guo Yuming 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundHeat exposure is a risk factor for urologic diseases. However, there are limited existing studies that have examined the relationship between high temperatures and urologic disease. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between heat exposure and hospitalizations for urologic diseases in Queensland, Australia, during the hot seasons of 1995–2016 and to quantify the attributable risks.MethodsWe obtained 238 427 hospitalized cases with urologic diseases from Queensland Health between 1 December 1995 and 31 December 2016. Meteorological data were collected from the Scientific Information for Land Owners—a publicly accessible database of Australian climate data that provides daily data sets for a range of climate variables. A time-stratified, case-crossover design fitted with the conditional quasi-Poisson regression model was used to estimate the associations between temperature and hospitalizations for urologic diseases at the postcode level during each hot season (December–March). Attributable rates of hospitalizations for urologic disease due to heat exposure were calculated. Stratified analyses were performed by age, sex, climate zone, socio-economic factors and cause-specific urologic diseases.ResultsWe found that a 1°C increase in temperature was associated with a 3.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.9%, 3.7%] increase in hospitalization for the selected urologic diseases during the hot season. Hospitalizations for renal failure showed the strongest increase 5.88% (95% CI: 5.25%, 6.51%) among the specific causes of hospital admissions considered. Males and the elderly (≥60 years old) showed stronger associations with heat exposure than females and younger groups. The sex- and age-specific associations with heat exposure were similar across specific causes of urologic diseases. Overall, nearly one-fifth of hospitalizations for urologic diseases were attributable to heat exposure in Queensland.ConclusionsHeat exposure is associated with increased hospitalizations for urologic disease in Queensland during the hot season. This finding reinforces the pressing need for dedicated public health-promotion campaigns that target susceptible populations, especially for those more predisposed to renal failure. Given that short-term climate projections identify an increase in the frequency, duration and intensity of heatwaves, this public health advisory will be of increasing urgency in coming years.
Maternal exposure to fine particulate matter over the first trimester and umbilical cord insertion abnormalities
Authors: Michikawa Takehiro , Morokuma Seiichi , Takeda Yuki , Yamazaki Shin , Nakahara Kazushige , Takami Akinori , Yoshino Ayako , Sugata Seiji , Saito Shinji , Hoshi Junya , Kato Kiyoko , Nitta Hiroshi , Nishiwaki Yuji 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Our hypothesis was that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is related to abnormal cord insertion, which is categorized as a form of placental implantation abnormality. We investigated the association between exposure to total PM2.5 and its chemical components over the first trimester and abnormal cord insertion, which contributes to the occurrence of adverse birth outcomes.

Methods
From the Japan Perinatal Registry Network database, we used data on 83 708 women who delivered singleton births at 39 cooperating hospitals in 23 Tokyo wards (2013–2015). We collected PM2.5 on a filter and measured daily concentrations of carbon and ion components. Then, we calculated the average concentrations over the first trimester (0–13 weeks of gestation) for each woman. A multilevel logistic-regression model with the hospital as a random effect was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of abnormal cord insertion.

Results
Among the 83 708 women (mean age at delivery = 33.7 years), the frequency of abnormal cord insertion was 4.5%, the median concentration [interquartile range (IQR)] of total PM2.5 was 16.1 (3.61) μg/m3 and the OR per IQR for total PM2.5 was 1.14 (95% confidence interval = 1.06–1.23). In the total PM2.5-adjusted models, total carbon, organic carbon, nitrate, ammonium and chloride were positively associated with abnormal insertion. Organic carbon was consistently, and nitrate tended to be, associated with specific types of abnormal insertion (marginal or velamentous cord insertion).

Conclusions
Exposure to total PM2.5 and some of its components over the first trimester increased the likelihood of abnormal cord insertion.
Impact of paternal education on epigenetic ageing in adolescence and mid-adulthood: a multi-cohort study in the USA and Mexico
Authors: Joyce Brian T , Gao Tao , Koss Kalsea , Zheng Yinan , Cardenas Andres , Heiss Jonathan , Just Allan , Zhang Kai , van Horn Linda , Allen Norrina Bai , Greenland Philip , Cohen Sheldon , Gordon-Larsen Penny , Mitchell Colter , McLanahan Sara , Schneper Lisa , Notterman Daniel , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L , Oken Emily , Hivert Marie-France , Wright Robert , Baccarelli Andrea , Lloyd-Jones Donald , Hou Lifang 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Both parental and neighbourhood socio-economic status (SES) are linked to poorer health independently of personal SES measures, but the biological mechanisms are unclear. Our objective was to examine these influences via epigenetic age acceleration (EAA)—the discrepancy between chronological and epigenetic ages.

Methods
We examined three USA-based [Coronary Artery Risk Disease in Adults (CARDIA) study, Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) and Programming Research in Obesity, Growth, Environment and Social Stressors (PROGRESS)] and one Mexico-based (Project Viva) cohort. DNA methylation was measured using Illumina arrays, personal/parental SES by questionnaire and neighbourhood disadvantage from geocoded address. In CARDIA, we examined the most strongly associated personal, parental and neighbourhood SES measures with EAA (Hannum’s method) at study years 15 and 20 separately and combined using a generalized estimating equation (GEE) and compared with other EAA measures (Horvath’s EAA, PhenoAge and GrimAge calculators, and DunedinPoAm).

Results
EAA was associated with paternal education in CARDIA [GEEs: βsome college = −1.01 years (−1.91, −0.11) and β&lt;high school = 1.05 (0.09, 2.01) vs college graduates] and FFCWS [GEEs: β&lt;high school = 0.62 (0.00, 1.24)]. We found stronger associations for some paternal education categories among White adults (for GEE, βsome college = −1.39 (−2.41, −0.38)], men (βsome college = −1.76 (−3.16, −0.35)] and women [β&lt;high school = 1.77 (0.42, 3.11)].

Conclusions
These findings suggest that EAA captures epigenetic impacts of paternal education independently of personal SES later in life. Longitudinal studies should explore these associations at different life stages and link them to health outcomes. EAA could be a useful biomarker of SES-associated health and provide important insight into the pathogenesis and prevention of chronic disease.
Azithromycin distribution and childhood mortality in compliance-related subgroups in Niger: complier average causal effect and spillovers in a cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: O’Brien Kieran S , Arzika Ahmed M , Maliki Ramatou , Amza Abdou , Manzo Farouk , Mankara Alio Karamba , Lebas Elodie , Cook Catherine , Oldenburg Catherine E , Porco Travis C , Arnold Benjamin F , Bertozzi Stefano , Keenan Jeremy D , Lietman Thomas M 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Biannual azithromycin distribution to children 1–59 months old reduced all-cause mortality by 18% [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74, 0.90] in an intention-to-treat analysis of a randomized controlled trial in Niger. Estimation of the effect in compliance-related subgroups can support decision making around implementation of this intervention in programmatic settings.

Methods
The cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled design of the original trial enabled unbiased estimation of the effect of azithromycin on mortality rates in two subgroups: (i) treated children (complier average causal effect analysis); and (ii) untreated children (spillover effect analysis), using negative binomial regression.

Results
In Niger, 594 eligible communities were randomized to biannual azithromycin or placebo distribution and were followed from December 2014 to August 2017, with a mean treatment coverage of 90% [standard deviation (SD) 10%] in both arms. Subgroup analyses included 2581 deaths among treated children and 245 deaths among untreated children. Among treated children, the incidence rate ratio comparing mortality in azithromycin communities to placebo communities was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.72, 0.88), with mortality rates (deaths per 1000 person-years at risk) of 16.6 in azithromycin communities and 20.9 in placebo communities. Among untreated children, the incidence rate ratio was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.69, 1.21), with rates of 33.6 in azithromycin communities and 34.4 in placebo communities.

Conclusions
As expected, this analysis suggested similar efficacy among treated children compared with the intention-to-treat analysis. Though the results were consistent with a small spillover benefit to untreated children, this trial was underpowered to detect spillovers.
Reflection on modern methods: combining weights for confounding and missing data
Authors: Ross Rachael K , Breskin Alexander , Breger Tiffany L , Westreich Daniel 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Inverse probability weights are increasingly used in epidemiological analysis, and estimation and application of weights to address a single bias are well discussed in the literature. Weights to address multiple biases simultaneously (i.e. a combination of weights) have almost exclusively been discussed related to marginal structural models in longitudinal settings where treatment weights (estimated first) are combined with censoring weights (estimated second). In this work, we examine two examples of combined weights for confounding and missingness in a time-fixed setting in which outcome or confounder data are missing, and the estimand is the marginal expectation of the outcome under a time-fixed treatment. We discuss the identification conditions, construction of combined weights and how assumptions of the missing data mechanisms affect this construction. We use a simulation to illustrate the estimation and application of the weights in the two examples. Notably, when only outcome data are missing, construction of combined weights is straightforward; however, when confounder data are missing, we show that in general we must follow a specific estimation procedure which entails first estimating missingness weights and then estimating treatment probabilities from data with missingness weights applied. However, if treatment and missingness are conditionally independent, then treatment probabilities can be estimated among the complete cases.
Respiratory and cardiovascular condition-related physician visits associated with wildfire smoke exposure in Calgary, Canada, in 2015: a population-based study
Authors: Mahsin M D , Cabaj Jason , Saini Vineet 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
We studied the impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure due to a remote wildfire event in the Pacific Northwest on daily outpatient respiratory and cardiovascular physician visits during wildfire (24-31 August, 2015) and post-wildfire period (1-30 September, 2015) relative to the pre-wildfire period (1-23 August, 2015) in the city of Calgary, Canada.

Methods
A quasi-Poisson regression model was used for modelling daily counts of physician visits due to PM2.5 while adjusting for day of the week (weekday versus weekend or public holiday), wildfire exposure period (before, during, after), methane, relative humidity, and wind direction. A subgroup analysis of those with pre-existing diabetes or hypertension was performed.

Results
An elevated risk of respiratory disease morbidity of 33% (relative risk: RR) [95% confidence interval (CI): 10%–59%] and 55% (95% CI: 42%–69%) was observed per 10µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 level during and after wildfire, respectively, relative to the pre-wildfire time period. Increased risk was observed for children aged 0–9 years during (RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.21–2.02) and after the wildfire (RR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.86–2.40) especially for asthma, acute bronchitis and acute respiratory infection. The risk of physician visits among seniors increased by 11% (95% CI: 3%–21%), and 19% (95% CI: 7%–33%) post-wildfire for congestive heart failure and ischaemic heart disease, respectively. Individuals with pre-existing diabetes had an increased risk of both respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity in the post-wildfire period (RR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09–1.67; RR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01–1.46, respectively).

Conclusions
Wildfire-related PM2.5 exposure led to increased respiratory condition-related outpatient physician visits during and after wildfires, particularly for children. An increased risk of physician visits for congestive heart failure and ischaemic heart disease among seniors in the post-wildfire period was also observed.