bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of ultra‐low‐dose CT with tin filter for craniosynostosis
Authors: Tao Wilson , Goetti Robert 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionCT has replaced skull radiography as the gold standard for assessment of craniosynostosis in children. To minimise the risks of ionising radiation in this radiosensitive population, low‐dose CT protocols are increasingly being adopted. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an ultra‐low‐dose CT protocol with a tin filter in reducing radiation exposure whilst maintaining diagnostic quality for craniosynostosis, and its utility in the evaluation of other findings not appreciable on skull radiography.MethodsTwenty‐seven patients who underwent ultra‐low‐dose CT for craniosynostosis were compared with an age‐matched control group who received standard‐dose CT for indications other than craniosynostosis. Differences in radiation dosimetry and quantitative image quality parameters were analysed using independent two‐tailed t‐tests. Radiologist reports were also examined for the frequency of other incidental radiological findings.ResultsMean effective dose for the 27 ultra‐low‐dose CT scans was 0.14 mSv, a 92% reduction compared with the control group. Image quality, measured by contrast‐to‐noise ratio, was significantly lower in the ultra‐low‐dose scans compared with the standard‐dose scans; however, all scans were diagnostic for detecting or excluding craniosynostosis. Hydrocephalus was able to be ruled out in all 27 ultra‐low‐dose scans.ConclusionUltra‐low‐dose CT with a tin filter allows for the diagnosis of craniosynostosis with a 92% dose reduction compared with the standard CT protocol. Despite lower image quality with the ultra‐low‐dose protocol when compared to standard CT, all 27 scans were adequate for craniosynostosis diagnosis. Additionally, it allowed for the assessment of other relevant findings not appreciable with skull radiography, highlighting its advantages as the new clinical standard for craniosynostosis assessment.
The sustainability impacts of a web‐based outpatient booking application
Authors: Yeo Melissa , Nicholls Kane , Shum Pey Ling , Asadi Hamed , Yang Natalie 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundClimate change is a critical global issue, impacting ecosystems, economies and communities worldwide. The shift from paper‐based to digital systems is becoming increasingly prevalent across industries, with downstream positive impacts on sustainability. In 2020, Austin Health, a public tertiary hospital in Victoria, Australia, adopted a web‐based outpatient booking application, which succeeded the prior paper‐based system. The application served as an integrated platform for administrative staff to access various Austin Information Technology platforms and replaced previous mail‐based outpatient appointment notifications with Short Message Service‐based notifications. This study aimed to assess the environmental impact and organisation‐wide economic cost of a web‐based outpatient booking application compared to the prior paper‐based system across the same time period.MethodsA retrospective environmental and economic assessment was conducted for both the web‐based booking application and the paper‐based system. The evaluation covered 36,925 outpatient diagnostic imaging studies – including CT, MRI, ultrasound and mammography – performed at Austin Health from 1st July 2023 until 30th June 2024. The environmental impact was assessed by calculating the expected carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions produced by each system. The economic cost analysis was conducted from the perspective of the hospital and included the direct costs of labour and materials/consumables.ResultsCO2e emissions were significantly reduced using the web‐based outpatient booking application compared to the prior paper‐based system (38.5 tonnes compared to 0.002 tonnes), predominantly attributable to the elimination of postage‐related fuel emissions (27.7 tonnes). The estimated net operating cost savings across the year was at least AUD 175,000 (in 2024 Australian Dollars, adjusted for inflation). This was primarily due to labour savings from the elimination of workflow inefficiencies (at least 2342 h saved) amounting to at least AUD 85,272 in salary, followed by savings from eliminated pathology tests (AUD 57,422) and postage costs (AUD 55,193).ConclusionThe adoption of the web‐based outpatient booking application led to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions and operating costs, alongside enhanced operational efficiency and productivity. These benefits are anticipated to be enduring, especially in the face of an ever‐increasing demand for medical imaging services.
LuLIPLEX: A Fast, Highly Sensitive, and Multiplexed Method for the Detection of IgE Against Major Allergens
Authors: Leveque Edouard , Pecalvel Cyprien , Casanovas Natacha , Goyard Sophie , Janin Yves L. , Rose Thierry , Trouche‐Estival Benjamin , Apoil Pol André , Michelet Marine , Guilleminault Laurent , Reber Laurent L. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundDiagnosis of allergies is mostly based on the patient's clinical history and allergen provocation tests. Determination of specific IgE (sIgE) profiles can be performed to support allergy diagnosis. This is commonly done in vivo by the skin prick test or in vitro with automated systems. Several platforms exist to quantify sIgE levels, but all these methods require access to specific instruments, often delaying the test's results. The IgE luciferase‐linked immunosorbent assay (LuLISA) allows bioluminescent quantification of IgE against peanut in microliter samples, but this method awaits extension to other allergens. This study aimed to validate a new method, named LuLIPLEX, for multiplexed bioluminescent detection of sIgE against 20 major molecular allergens.MethodsQuantification of sIgE against 12 recombinant or purified food allergens and eight aeroallergens was performed by LuLIPLEX versus standard IgE detection methods (ImmunoCAP, ISAC, ALEX, or NOVEOS). Multiplexed detection of IgE against these 20 allergens was performed within 45 min using 50 μL of serum, plasma, or whole blood samples.ResultsA head‐to‐head comparison between LuLIPLEX and standard IgE detection methods showed a high correlation among all allergens tested. sIgE profiles in polysensitized subjects could be determined within 45 min in serum and plasma samples, as well as using a single drop of capillary blood.ConclusionsLuLIPLEX is a rapid and sensitive method to quantify sIgE levels against multiple allergens. Given that the test is very fast and can be performed on small and inexpensive luminometers, the IgE LuLIPLEX could allow point‐of‐care testing of sIgE profiles in allergic subjects.
Human Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cells Respond to House Dust Mite Extract With PAR‐1 Dependent Release of CGRP
Authors: Mann‐Nüttel Ritu , Mandal Shivani , Armbruster Marie , Puttagunta Lakshmi , Forsythe Paul 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNEC) are rare airway epithelial cells that have recently gained attention as potential amplifiers of allergic asthma. However, studying PNEC function in humans has been challenging due to a lack of cell isolation methods, and little is known about human PNEC function in response to asthma‐relevant stimuli. Here we developed and characterized an in vitro human PNEC model and investigated the neuroendocrine response to extracts of the common aeroallergen house dust mite (HDM).MethodsPNEC‐enriched cultures were generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPNEC) and primary bronchial epithelial cells (ePNEC). Characterized PNEC cultures were exposed to HDM extract, a volatile chemical odorant (Bergamot oil), or the bacterial membrane component, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and neuroendocrine gene expression and neuropeptide release determined.ResultsBoth iPNEC and ePNEC models demonstrated similar baseline neuroendocrine characteristics and a stimuli‐specific modulation of gene expression. Most notably, exposure to HDM but not Bergamot oil or LPS, leads to dose‐dependent induction of the CGRP encoding gene, CALCB, and corresponding release of the neuropeptide. HDM‐induced CALCB expression and CGRP release could be inhibited by a protease‐activated receptor 1 (PAR1) antagonist or protease inhibitors and was mimicked by a PAR1 agonist.ConclusionsWe have characterized a novel model of PNEC‐enriched human airway epithelium and utilized this model to demonstrate a previously unrecognized role for human PNEC in mediating a direct neuroendocrine response to aeroallergen exposure.
Artificial intelligence measured 3D lumbosacral body composition and clinical outcomes in rectal cancer patients
Authors: Wei Matthew , Hong Wei , Cao Ke , Loft Matthew , Gibbs Peter , Yeung Justin M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionPatient body composition (BC) has been shown to help predict clinical outcomes in rectal cancer patients. Artificial intelligence algorithms have allowed for easier acquisition of BC measurements, creating a comprehensive BC profile in patients using data from an entire three‐dimensional (3D) region of the body. This study has utilized AI technology to measure BC from the entire lumbosacral (L1‐S5) region and assessed the associations between BC and clinical outcomes in rectal cancer patients who have undergone neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery.MethodsA retrospective, cross sectional analysis was performed on locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients treated with neoadjuvant long‐course chemoradiotherapy followed by curative resection with total mesorectal excision at a tertiary referral centre, Western Health, Melbourne, Australia. A pre‐trained and validated in‐house AI segmentation model was used to automatically segment and measure intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and skeletal muscle (SM) from CT slices across the entire L1–S5 level of each patient. Multivariate analysis between patient BC and clinical outcomes was performed.ResultsTwo hundred and fourteen patients were included in the study. One hundred and fifty‐one (70.6%) patients were male and 63 (29.4%) patients were female. The average age at diagnosis was 62.4 (±12.7) years. SM density, but not volume, was associated with better overall survival (OS) (HR 0.24, P = 0.029), recurrence‐free survival (RFS) (HR 0.45, P = 0.048) and decreased length of stay (LoS) (HR 1.58, P = 0.036). Both IMAT volume (HR 0.13, P = 0.008) and density (HR 0.26, P = 0.006) were associated with better OS.ConclusionThis study measured 3D BC from the entire lumbosacral region of rectal cancer patients. SM density was the most significant BC parameter, and was associated with improved OS, RFS and LoS. This adds to growing evidence that SM is a key component of BC in cancer patients and should be optimized prior to treatment. IMAT was also a prognostic factor, giving rise to avenues of future research into the role of adiposity on nutrition and tumour immunology.
Does the Productivity of SMEs Affect Poverty Within the EU27? An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Bertsatos Georgios , Missos Vlassis , Rizos Anastasios 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTWe examine the relationship between small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs’) productivity and the living standards of low‐income groups in the EU27. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that tries to shed light on the link between SMEs’ productivity and poverty in a group of developed economies. Our results from panel estimators suggest a robust positive link between the income—in purchasing power standards (PPS) terms—of the poor population and the productivity (gap) of very small firms, small firms, and SMEs. Such effect also appears to hold true, especially for SMEs, during Covid19. Finally, we explore the same link for the high‐tech, knowledge‐intensive SMEs and confirm a strong positive relationship before Covid19.
Why does GLP‐1 agonist combined with GIP and/or GCG agonist have greater weight loss effect than GLP‐1 agonist alone in obese adults without type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Jiang Yuchen , Zhu Huijuan , Gong Fengying 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObesity is a chronic condition demanding effective treatment strategies, among which pharmacotherapy plays a critical role. As glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonist approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long‐term weight management in adults with obesity, liraglutide and semaglutide have great weight loss effect through reducing food intake and delaying gastric emptying. The emergence of unimolecular polypharmacology, which utilizes single molecules to simultaneously target multiple receptors or pathways, marked a revolutionary improvement in GLP‐1‐based obesity pharmacotherapy. The dual agonist tirzepatide activates both GLP‐1 and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors and has shown enhanced potency for weight loss compared to conventional GLP‐1 mono agonist. Furthermore, emerging data suggests that unimolecular GLP‐1/glucagon (GCG) dual agonist, as well as GLP‐1/GIP/GCG triple agonist, may offer superior weight loss efficacy over GLP‐1 agonist. This review summarizes the comprehensive mechanisms underlying the pronounced advantages of GLP‐1/GIP dual agonist, GLP‐1/GCG dual agonist and GLP‐1/GIP/GCG triple agonist over GLP‐1 mono agonist in weight reduction in obese adults without type 2 diabetes. A deeper understanding of these unimolecular multitargeting GLP‐1‐based agonists will provide insights for their clinical application and guide the development of new drugs for obesity treatment.
Evaluation of diagnostic criteria for mild‐to‐advanced stages of Fontan‐associated liver disease: A nationwide epidemiological survey in Japan
Authors: Kogiso Tomomi , Tokuhara Daisuke , Ohfuji Satoko , Tanaka Atsushi , Kanto Tatsuya 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimFontan‐associated liver disease (FALD) is a complication after Fontan surgery, and a common cause of liver tumors and cirrhosis. However, no diagnostic criteria for FALD have been established, leading to an underestimation of its prevalence.MethodsWe conducted a national survey to elucidate the characteristics of FALD by collecting data from high‐volume centers managing patients who had undergone the Fontan surgery in Japan. In total, 1168 patients were enrolled in the study. First, we examined typical liver findings on ultrasonography after the Fontan surgery. Next, we proposed diagnostic criteria for FALD and advanced FALD based on blood tests, imaging, liver tumors, and pathological examinations. We investigated the sensitivity of histologically diagnosed FALD and advanced FALD based on criteria for blood or imaging tests.ResultsHepatomegaly, hepatic venous dilatation, caudate lobe enlargement, splenomegaly, liver atrophy, ascites, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatic tumors other than hepatocellular carcinoma were observed in 37.7%, 29.9%, 18.4%, 33.2%, 3.2%, 6.0%, 0.85%, and 10.0% of patients, respectively. Typical ultrasound findings of FALD included hepatomegaly, hepatic vein dilatation, and splenomegaly, reflecting liver congestion. With the progression of fibrosis, caudate lobe enlargement and splenomegaly became more prominent. Based on these findings, we proposed diagnostic criteria for FALD. Using these criteria, FALD was diagnosed in 1014 (86.8%) of the patients, and all patients with a pathological diagnosis of FALD were successfully identified. Eight patients were found to have pathological cirrhosis, and all were diagnosed with advanced FALD using our criteria based on blood tests or imaging.ConclusionOur diagnostic criteria facilitate detection of FALD or advanced FALD after the Fontan surgery. The accuracy of these criteria should be further evaluated.
How large is the output cost of disinflation?
Authors: Tetlow Robert J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis paper examines estimates of, and drivers for, the sacrifice ratio, defined as the cumulative sum of foregone annualised output accruing from a disinflation of one percentage point. Three approaches are employed. The first reviews the literature on what sacrifice ratio might be expected. The second studies a generic disinflation experiment using 40 estimated macro models of the U.S. economy, calculating a distribution of sacrifice ratios. Those sacrifice ratios are high by historical standards and the paper discusses some stories for why this is so. The role of expectations formation and the credibility of policy is emphasised. The third approach investigates more closely some drivers of the output cost of disinflation by carrying out a selection of disinflation experiments using the FRB/US model, varying certain characteristics of the model's expectations formation mechanism. Pinning down a precise measure for the output cost of disinflation is challenging. However, the literature and policy experiments do offer some guidance on how the sacrifice ratio can be reduced.
Does a Customer Focus Influence Firms’ Climate‐Change Reporting Decisions? The Role of Market‐Driven Corporate Culture
Authors: Bose Sudipta , Cahan Steven F. , Dhole Sandip , Mishra Sagarika 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTWhile there is increasing investor demand for climate‐change disclosures, less is known about how a firm's culture influences its decision to provide these disclosures. In this study, we focus on market‐driven or customer‐focused culture. We expect that firms with a market‐driven culture (MDC) will be more likely to provide climate‐change disclosures because such firms are more customer‐oriented. Our results are consistent with this expectation. We also find that the level of carbon emissions is negatively associated with MDC, suggesting that the climate‐change disclosures are not merely greenwash. Further, we find firm value is higher for MDC firms that provide climate‐change disclosures. Overall, we contribute to the literature by identifying MDC as an important determinant of climate‐change disclosure.
Measurement of Physical Activity Divided Into Inside and Outside the Home in People With Parkinson's Disease: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Hirakawa Yuichi , Sakurai Hiroaki , Takeda Kazuya , Koyama Soichiro , Iwai Masanobu , Motoya Ikuo , Kanada Yoshikiyo , Kawamura Nobutoshi , Kawamura Mami , Tanabe Shigeo 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTRationaleIn people with Parkinson's disease (PD), quantitative assessment of activities inside and outside the home is crucial for planning effective rehabilitation tailored to a person's living conditions and characteristics.Aims and ObjectivesWe examined the feasibility of combining a physical activity metre and a daily activity diary for people with PD.MethodsPhysical activity was evaluated using a triaxial accelerometer and recorded in a daily activity diary by the participant. The feasibility outcome was the data adoption rate, which was the physical activity rate calculated from the activity metre wearing time and the missing times from the daily activity diary.Results and ConclusionOf the 10 participants, nine had a complete data set (adoption rate 90%). The mean physical activity metre wearing time was 14.12 ± 2.26 h/day, with a mean missing time of 25.7 ± 18.1 min/day in the daily activity diary. Combining a physical activity metre and a daily activity diary is feasible in people with PD, particularly when planning rehabilitation protocols to enhance daily physical activity.
What, When, and How of Responsible Leadership: Taking Stock of Eighteen Years of Research and a Future Agenda
Authors: Javed Muzhar , Pless Nicola , Waldman David A. , Garavan Thomas , Gull Ammar Ali , Akhtar Muhammad Waheed , Mouri Nacef , Sengupta Atri , Maak Thomas 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBecause research on responsible leadership has grown significantly in recent years, we conducted a systematic review of research on responsible leadership. Our overall goal was to establish a comprehensive understanding of alternative definitions of responsible leadership, its theoretical foundations, and distinctions from other moral leadership constructs. Drawing from 194 studies, we first clarify the conceptual underpinnings of responsible leadership, and how it differs from other constructs in the moral leadership domain, thus highlighting its value as a construct. Second, we identify and evaluate the prominent theoretical frameworks that underpin responsible leadership. Third, we conceptualize the antecedents, mediating factors, contingency variables and outcomes of responsible leadership. Fourth, we offer important recommendations for future research that will move the field forward. Overall, our review provides insights to advance an understanding of responsible leadership.
Heterogeneity in pediatric resting EEG data processing and analysis: A state of the field
Authors: Troller‐Renfree Sonya V. , Morales Santiago , Buzzell George A. , Sandre Aislinn 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDevelopmental, resting electroencephalography (EEG) is gaining rapid popularity with implementation in large‐scale studies as well as a recent WHO report naming resting EEG as a gold standard measure of brain health. With an increased interest in resting EEG as a potential biomarker for neurocognition, it is paramount that resting EEG findings are reliable and reproducible. One of the major threats to replicability and reproducibility stems from variations in preprocessing and analysis. One of the primary challenges facing the field of developmental EEG is that it can be challenging to acquire data from infants and children, which commonly makes data cleaning and analysis difficult and unstandardized. The goal of the present manuscript is to take a state of the field of the methods experts in resting EEG report they would use to clean and analyze a hypothetical data set. Here we report on the responses of 66 self‐identified experts in developmental psychophysiology, none of which submitted identical preregistrations. As expected, there were areas of more and less consensus, but ultimately, we believe our findings highlight opportunities for core methodological work and field‐level efforts to establish consensus.
A Case Report on Management of Liver Cirrhosis Using Ayurveda and Integrative Approach of Treatment
Authors: Shankar Prasan , Vijay Bhavya , Bhargavi  , Rahman Mahima , Anand Kimi , Nampoothiri Vasudevan , Prashanth  
Published: November 2024

Background: Liver cirrhosis is an advanced stage of abnormal fibrogenesis of tissues that causes liver injuries. Though cirrhosis can be managed by etiological parameters, its long‐term reversal is still a question. Ayurveda system of medicine diagnoses liver disease under “Kamala” and “Udara” with promising outcomes of treatment. This case series discusses three cases of liver cirrhosis where internal Ayurvedic medications and external therapies including “Panchakarma” (a treatment approach of detoxifying and rejuvenating) resulted in effective management of the disease.Case Presentation: Three cases of decompensated liver cirrhosis were treated at an Ayurveda hospital. Relevant examinations and investigations were done, and patients were monitored at regular intervals. Patients were treated with Ayurvedic therapies and were monitored for changes using standardized tools of assessment.Conclusion: In all three patients, there was an improvement in quality of life and a reduction in symptoms such as abdominal pain, transpyloric diameter, pedal oedema, and fatigue, as well as a significant reduction in liver function test parameters. Decompensated liver cirrhosis can be managed with an Ayurvedic treatment regimen that includes Ayurvedic medications, Panchakarma, along with a proper diet regimen with salt and fluid restrictions. This case series concludes that while cirrhosis is not completely reversible, fibrosis could be reversed. The support of modern medicine for monitoring and emergency care remains paramount. Furthermore, proper documentation of all the observations can help in assessing the outcomes of Ayurveda therapies and aid in developing integrative protocols for the management of liver cirrhosis in the future.