bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green finance for soft power: An analysis of China's green policy signals and investments in the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Nedopil Christoph 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this paper, I study why and how China uses green overseas finance in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to build soft power. I apply Miskimmon et al.’s framework, which postulates that soft power is built on ‘signals' and ‘action’: I study eleven relevant Chinese BRI government and sector‐led signals in green BRI development and analyze Chinese green versus non‐green energy investments as actions. I find that Chinese regulators and financial institutions have provided multiple signals for greening finance in the BRI, while green finance action is insufficient with continued sponsoring of non‐green investments. The paper concludes that green finance is a tool for China to build soft power in the BRI, but it is applied insufficiently due to a lack of green finance action. The paper also finds that insufficient strength of soft power signals can lead to a dichotomy between soft power signals and action with possible negative consequences for soft power.
Mortality risk in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chadalawada Sindhu , Rassi Anis , Samara Omar , Monzon Anthony , Gudapati Deepika , Vargas Barahona Lilian , Hyson Peter , Sillau Stefan , Mestroni Luisa , Taylor Matthew , da Consolação Vieira Moreira Maria , DeSanto Kristen , Agudelo Higuita Nelson I. , Franco‐Paredes Carlos , Henao‐Martínez Andrés F. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to estimate the annual mortality risk and its determinants in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy.Methods and resultsWe conducted a systematic search in MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, Cochrane Library, and LILACS. Longitudinal studies published between 1 January 1946 and 24 October 2018 were included. A random‐effects meta‐analysis using the death rate over the mean follow‐up period in years was used to obtain pooled estimated annual mortality rates. Main outcomes were defined as all‐cause mortality, including cardiovascular, non‐cardiovascular, heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac deaths. A total of 5005 studies were screened for eligibility. A total of 52 longitudinal studies for chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy including 9569 patients and 2250 deaths were selected. The meta‐analysis revealed an annual all‐cause mortality rate of 7.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.3–10.1; I2 = 97.74%; T2 = 0.70] among patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy. The pooled estimated annual cardiovascular death rate was 6.3% (95% CI: 4.9–8.0; I2 = 96.32%; T2 = 0.52). The annual mortality rates for heart failure, sudden death, and stroke were 3.5%, 2.6%, and 0.4%, respectively. Meta‐regression showed that low left ventricular ejection fraction (coefficient = −0.04; 95% CI: −0.07, −0.02; P = 0.001) was associated with an increased mortality risk. Subgroup analysis based on American Heart Association (AHA) classification revealed pooled estimate rates of 4.8%, 8.7%, 13.9%, and 22.4% (P < 0.001) for B1/B2, B2/C, C, and C/D stages of cardiomyopathy, respectively.ConclusionsThe annual mortality risk in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy is substantial and primarily attributable to cardiovascular causes. This risk significantly increases in patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction and those classified as AHA stages C and C/D.
Levosimendan‐induced venodilation is mediated by opening of potassium channels
Authors: Burkhoff Daniel , Rich Stuart , Pollesello Piero , Papp Zoltán 
Published: October 2021

AbstractUnique vascular responses adhere to the cardiovascular efficacy of the inodilator levosimendan. In particular, selective venodilation appears to explain its clinical benefit during pulmonary hypertension complicated by heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Vasodilators increase vessel diameter in various parts of the vascular system to different degrees and thereby influence blood pressure, its distribution, and organ perfusion depending on their mechanisms of action. Levosimendan and its long‐lived active metabolite OR‐1896 mobilize a set of vasodilatory mechanisms, that is, the opening of the ATP‐sensitive K+ channels and other K+ channels on top of a highly selective inhibition of the phosphodiesterase III enzyme. A vessel‐specific combination of the above vasodilator mechanisms—in concert with cardiac effects and cardiovascular reflex regulations—illustrates the pharmacological profile of levosimendan in various cardiovascular disorders. While levosimendan has been known to be an inotrope, its properties as an activator of ATP‐sensitive K+ channels have gone largely ignored with respect to clinical applications. Here, we provide a summary of what is known about the ATP‐sensitive K+ channel properties in preclinical studies and now for the first time, its ATP‐sensitive K+ channel properties in a clinical trial.
Efficacy and safety of intermittent repeated levosimendan infusions in advanced heart failure patients: the LAICA study
Authors: García‐González Martín J. , Aldea Perona Ana , Lara Padron Antonio , Morales Rull José Luis , Martínez‐Sellés Manuel , de Mora Martin Manuel , López Díaz Javier , López Fernandez Silvia , Ortiz Oficialdegui Pilar , Jiménez Sosa Alejandro 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimsThe aim of the LAICA study was to evaluate the long‐term effectiveness and safety of intermittent levosimendan infusion in patients with advanced heart failure (AdHF).Methods and resultsThis was a multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of intermittent levosimendan 0.1 μg/kg/min as a continuous 24‐h intravenous infusion administered once monthly for 1 year in patients with AdHF. The primary endpoint [incidence of rehospitalization (admission to the emergency department or hospital ward for >12 h) for acute decompensated HF or clinical deterioration of the underlying HF] occurred in 23/70 (33%) of the levosimendan group (Group I) and 12/27 (44%) of the placebo group (Group II) (P = 0.286). The incidence of hospital readmissions for acute decompensated HF (Group I vs. Group II) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was 4.2% vs. 18.2% (P = 0.036); 12.8% vs. 33.3% (P = 0.02); 25.7% vs. 40.7% (P = 0.147); 32.8% vs. 44.4% (P = 0.28), respectively. In a secondary pre‐specified time‐to‐event analysis no differences were observed in admission for acute decompensated HF between patients treated with levosimendan compared with placebo (hazard ratio 0.66; 95% CI, 0.32–1.32; P = 0.24). Cumulative incidence for the aggregated endpoint of acute decompensation of HF and/or death at 1 and 3 months were significatively lower in the levosimendan group than in placebo group [5.7% vs. 25.9% (P = 0.004) and 17.1% vs. 48.1% (P = 0.001), respectively], but not at 6 and 12 months [34.2% vs. 59.2% (P = 0.025); 41.4% vs. 66.6% (P = 0.022), respectively]. Survival probability was significantly higher in patients who received levosimendan compared with those who received placebo (log rank: 4.06; P = 0.044). There were no clinically relevant differences in tolerability between levosimendan and placebo and no new safety signals were observed.ConclusionsIn our study, intermittent levosimendan in patients with AdHF produced a statistically non‐significant reduction in the incidence of hospital readmissions for acute decompensated HF, a significantly lower cumulative incidence of acute decompensation of HF and/or death at 1 and 3 month of treatment and a significant improvement in survival during 12 months of treatment.
The benefits of sacubitril–valsartan in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xiong Bo , Nie Dan , Qian Jun , Yao Yuanqing , Yang Gang , Rong Shunkang , Zhu Que , Du Yun , Jiang Yonghong , Huang Jing 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimsWe aimed to investigate whether sacubitril–valsartan could further improve the prognosis, cardiac function, and left ventricular (LV) remodelling in patients following acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods and resultsWe searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from inception to 10 May 2021 to identify potential articles. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the inclusion criteria were included and analysed. Thirteen RCTs, covering 1358 patients, were analysed. Compared with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), sacubitril–valsartan did not significantly reduced the cardiovascular mortality [risk ratio (RR) 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22 to 1.93, P = 0.434] and the rate of myocardial reinfarction (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.46, P = 0.295) of patients following AMI, but the rate of hospitalization for heart failure (HF) (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.66, P < 0.001) and the change of LV ejection fraction (LVEF) [weighted mean difference (WMD) 5.49, 95% CI 3.62 to 7.36, P < 0.001] were obviously improved. The N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐ProBNP) level (WMD −310.23, 95% CI −385.89 to −234.57, P < 0.001) and the LV end‐diastolic dimension (LVEDD) (WMD −3.16, 95% CI −4.59 to −1.73, P < 0.001) were also significantly lower in sacubitril–valsartan group than in ACEI/ARB group. Regarding safety, sacubitril–valsartan did not increase the risk of hypotension, hyperkalaemia, angioedema, and cough.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis suggests that early administration of sacubitril–valsartan may be superior to conventional ACEI/ARB to decrease the risk of hospitalization for HF, improve the cardiac function, and reverse the LV remodelling in patients following AMI.
The National Comprehensive Governance for epilepsy prevention and control in China
Authors: Li Shichuo , Wang Yuping , Wang Wenzhi , Zhou Dong , Zhang Hui , Duan Lirong , Ding Ding , Jiang Yuwu , Wang Yi , Liu Xiaoyan , Hong Zhen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis article describes “the national comprehensive governance for epilepsy prevention and control in China” as an example of a strategic working program for the prevention and control of epilepsy at a national level. The comprehensive governance includes 10 key elements: epilepsy centers' consortium and three tier diagnosis/treatment network; rural and urban community projects on epilepsy care; awareness, publicity, and education; big data platform; development of telemedicine; team and capacity building; strengthening epilepsy research; developing and strengthening partnership; coordination with government; and international collaboration.
Biomaterials and nanomedicine for bone regeneration: Progress and future prospects
Authors: Zhou Jun , Zhang Zhongyang , Joseph John , Zhang Xingcai , Ferdows Bijan Emiliano , Patel Dylan Neal , Chen Wei , Banfi Giuseppe , Molinaro Roberto , Cosco Donato , Kong Na , Joshi Nitin , Farokhzad Omid C. , Corbo Claudia , Tao Wei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBone defects pose a heavy burden on patients, orthopedic surgeons, and public health resources. Various pathological conditions cause bone defects including trauma, tumors, inflammation, osteoporosis, and so forth. Auto‐ and allograft transplantation have been developed as the most commonly used clinic treatment methods, among which autologous bone grafts are the golden standard. Yet the repair of bone defects, especially large‐volume defects in the geriatric population or those complicated with systemic disease, is still a challenge for regenerative medicine from the clinical perspective. The fast development of biomaterials and nanomedicine favors the emergence and promotion of efficient bone regeneration therapies. In this review, we briefly summarize the progress of novel biomaterial and nanomedical approaches to bone regeneration and then discuss the current challenges that still hinder their clinical applications in treating bone defects.
Rational ion transport management mediated through membrane structures
Authors: Chen Yupeng , Zhu Zhongpeng , Tian Ye , Jiang Lei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractUnique membrane structures endow membranes with controlled ion transport properties in both biological and artificial systems, and they have shown broad application prospects from industrial production to biological interfaces. Herein, current advances in nanochannel‐structured membranes for manipulating ion transport are reviewed from the perspective of membrane structures. First, the controllability of ion transport through ion selectivity, ion gating, ion rectification, and ion storage is introduced. Second, nanochannel‐structured membranes are highlighted according to the nanochannel dimensions, including single‐dimensional nanochannels (i.e., 1D, 2D, and 3D) functioning by the controllable geometrical parameters of 1D nanochannels, the adjustable interlayer spacing of 2D nanochannels, and the interconnected ion diffusion pathways of 3D nanochannels, and mixed‐dimensional nanochannels (i.e., 1D/1D, 1D/2D, 1D/3D, 2D/2D, 2D/3D, and 3D/3D) tuned through asymmetric factors (e.g., components, geometric parameters, and interface properties). Then, ultrathin membranes with short ion transport distances and sandwich‐like membranes with more delicate nanochannels and combination structures are reviewed, and stimulus‐responsive nanochannels are discussed. Construction methods for nanochannel‐structured membranes are briefly introduced, and a variety of applications of these membranes are summarized. Finally, future perspectives to developing nanochannel‐structured membranes with unique structures (e.g., combinations of external macro/micro/nanostructures and the internal nanochannel arrangement) for mediating ion transport are presented.
Visuomotor brain network activation and functional connectivity among individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Lepping Rebecca J. , McKinney Walker S. , Magnon Grant C. , Keedy Sarah K. , Wang Zheng , Coombes Stephen A. , Vaillancourt David E. , Sweeney John A. , Mosconi Matthew W. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSensorimotor abnormalities are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and predictive of functional outcomes, though their neural underpinnings remain poorly understood. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined both brain activation and functional connectivity during visuomotor behavior in 27 individuals with ASD and 30 typically developing (TD) controls (ages 9–35 years). Participants maintained a constant grip force while receiving visual feedback at three different visual gain levels. Relative to controls, ASD participants showed increased force variability, especially at high gain, and reduced entropy. Brain activation was greater in individuals with ASD than controls in supplementary motor area, bilateral superior parietal lobules, and contralateral middle frontal gyrus at high gain. During motor action, functional connectivity was reduced between parietal‐premotor and parietal‐putamen in individuals with ASD compared to controls. Individuals with ASD also showed greater age‐associated increases in functional connectivity between cerebellum and visual, motor, and prefrontal cortical areas relative to controls. These results indicate that visuomotor deficits in ASD are associated with atypical activation and functional connectivity of posterior parietal, premotor, and striatal circuits involved in translating sensory feedback information into precision motor behaviors, and that functional connectivity of cerebellar–cortical sensorimotor and nonsensorimotor networks show delayed maturation.
The use of noninvasive brain stimulation techniques to improve reading difficulties in dyslexia: A systematic review
Authors: Turker Sabrina , Hartwigsen Gesa 
Published: October 2021

AbstractNoninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) allows to actively and noninvasively modulate brain function. Aside from inhibiting specific processes, NIBS may also enhance cognitive functions, which might be used for the prevention and intervention of learning disabilities such as dyslexia. However, despite the growing interest in modulating learning abilities, a comprehensive, up‐to‐date review synthesizing NIBS studies with dyslexics is missing. Here, we fill this gap and elucidate the potential of NIBS as treatment option in dyslexia. The findings of the 15 included studies suggest that repeated sessions of reading training combined with different NIBS protocols may induce long‐lasting improvements of reading performance in child and adult dyslexics, opening promising avenues for future research. In particular, the “classical” reading areas seem to be most successfully modulated through NIBS, and facilitatory protocols can improve various reading‐related subprocesses. Moreover, we emphasize the need to further explore the potential to modulate auditory cortex function as a preintervention and intervention approach for affected children, for example, to avoid the development of auditory and phonological difficulties at the core of dyslexia. Finally, we outline how future studies may increase our understanding of the neurobiological basis of NIBS‐induced improvements in dyslexia.
Social acceptability of standard and behavioral economic inspired policies designed to reduce and prevent obesity
Authors: Lancsar Emily , Ride Jemimah , Black Nicole , Burgess Leonie , Peeters Anna 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe obesity epidemic is a significant public policy issue facing the international community, resulting in substantial costs to individuals and society. Various policies have been suggested to reduce and prevent obesity, including those informed by standard economics (a key feature of which is the assumption that individuals are rational) and behavioral economics (which identifies and harness deviations from rationality). It is not known which policy interventions taxpayers find acceptable and would prefer to fund via taxation. We provide evidence from a discrete choice experiment on an Australian sample of 996 individuals to investigate social acceptability of eight policies: mass media campaign; traffic light nutritional labeling; taxing sugar sweetened beverages; prepaid cards to purchase healthy food; financial incentives to exercise; improved built environment for physical activity; bans on advertising unhealthy food and drink to children; and improved nutritional quality of food sold in public institutions. Latent class analysis revealed three classes differing in preferences and key respondent characteristics including capacity to benefit. Social acceptability of the eight policies at realistic levels of tax increases was explored using post‐estimation analysis. Overall, 78% of the sample were predicted to choose a new policy, varying from 99% in those most likely to benefit from obesity interventions to 19% of those least likely to benefit. A policy informed by standard economics, traffic light labeling was the most popular policy, followed by policies involving regulation: bans on junk food advertising to children and improvement of food quality in public institutions. The least popular policies were behaviorally informed: prepaid cards for the purchase of only healthy foods, and financial incentives to exercise.
Vision, future, cycle and effect: A community life course approach to prevent prenatal alcohol exposure in central Australia
Authors: Lemon Donna , Swan‐Castine Justine , Connor Elizabeth , van Dooren Fleur , Pauli Jenna , Boffa John , Fitzpatrick James , Pedruzzi Rebecca Anne 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIssue addressedPrevention approaches specific to prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have been identified as urgently needed in Australia, including in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. However, very little work has aimed to describe and evaluate health promotion initiatives, especially those developed in rural and remote areas.MethodsA series of television commercial scripts (scripts) were developed with health promotion staff at an aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service and piloted with 35 community members across six yarning sessions.ResultsScripts evoked responses in line with two predominant themes: “Strength” and “Community resonance.” This process led to the development of a four‐part television and radio campaign focusing on a life course approach to prevent prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) – “Vision,” “Future,” “Cycle” and “Effect.”ConclusionsIntergenerational influences on PAE were key elements of scripts positively received by community members. Strengths of this work included a flexible approach to development, local aboriginal men and women coordinating the yarning sessions, and the use of local actors and familiar settings.So what?Preventing PAE is extraordinarily complex. Initiatives that are culturally responsive and focus on collective responsibility and community action may be crucial to shifting prominent alcohol norms. Future work is necessary to determine the impact of this campaign.
Cervical cancer screening status and implementation challenges: Report from selected states of India
Authors: Dsouza Jyoshma Preema , Van den Broucke Stephan , Pattanshetty Sanjay , Dhoore William 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundCervical cancer contributes to 6%–29% of the cancers in India. Although the Government of India in 2010 integrated cancer screening within the National Programme for the prevention of Non‐communicable Diseases, only 22% of women aged 15–45 years had undergone examination of the cervix by 2016. This prompts the question regarding the organisation of the program's implementation and service delivery and regarding challenges that may explain poor screening uptake.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were held with program managers and implementers in seven districts of three selected States of India. The data analysis looked at program content, the organisation of screening delivery, and the challenges to the implementation of the program, considering six theoretically derived dimensions of public health capacity: leadership and governance, organisational structure, financial resources, workforce, partnerships, and knowledge development.ResultsParticipants perceive the existing capacities across the six domains as insufficient to implement the CCS program nationwide. A context specific implementation, a better coordination between the program and district health facilities, timely remuneration, better maintenance of data and a strong monitoring system are possible solutions to remove health system related barriers.ConclusionThe study provides evidence on the practical challenges and provides recommendations for strengthening the capacities of the health system.