bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Holding cash for corruption? Evidence from China's anti‐corruption campaign
Authors: Chen Yulin , Wang Changyun , Yi Yang , Zeng Jianyu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractExploiting China's anti‐corruption campaign in 2012 as a quasi‐natural experiment, we find that firms with higher prior entertainment and travel costs (ETC), a proxy for corruption, decrease cash holdings more because of the campaign. We further observe a greater decline in cash values for more corrupt firms. Moreover, the baseline pattern is more pronounced in financially constrained, better‐governed, and private enterprises. We also rule out possible confounders concerning firms' financing conditions and investment decisions. Overall, the evidence favours the liquidity hypothesis that firms demand less cash as they anticipate fewer corrupt opportunities in the business environment in the post‐campaign era.
Rock outcrops as interglacial refugia for plants: Ecological evidence from the forest‐steppe transition of Patagonia
Authors: Dezzotti A. , Medina A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn the forest‐steppe transition of Patagonia from Argentina, the intense physical variability promotes the occurrence of contrasting vegetation units, among which is the saxicolous meadow developed on rock outcrops. In temperate and tropical regions, these geoforms of highly variable climate and topography, and poor soil development play an ecological and evolutionary role disproportionate to their reduced area. In Aguas Frías (38°46′S, 70°54′W), the range, diversity, density and adaptation of vascular plant species growing in the saxicolous meadow were compared to those of the surrounding steppe, forest and hygrophilous meadow. We hypothesize that rock outcrops exhibit a compositionally and functionally divergent, cold‐adapted flora of a previously more widespread distribution, allowing them to be categorized as refugia for species whose range retreated during the current interglacial. In comparison to the other units, the saxicolous meadow exhibited a small area, low plant cover, high total, native and rare species richness, high density and diversity of species, high richness of unique families and species and an exclusive presence of (rock) ferns. It also presented a high richness of endemic species with more extreme latitudinal and altitudinal distribution, particularly >46° S and >3000 m a.s.l. The similarity of species between the saxicolous meadow and the other units was low. Chamaephytes and nanophanerophytes were dominants, hemicryptophytes and geophytes were infrequent and mesophanerophytes and therophytes were absent. Equivalent results in terms of area of rock outcrops, and origin, strategy, composition, diversity and range of species were found in different regions. The biological and physical attributes would allow these outcrops to be characterized as reduced habitats of high diversity which could be acting as refugia for cold‐adapted plants. Conservation actions must prevent and mitigate the effects of fire, biological invasion and cattle grazing that represent the current threats to this ecosystem.
Health professionals' experiences and views on obstetric ultrasound in Victoria, Australia: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Xu Vicky X. , Mogren Ingrid , Bergström Cecilia , Edvardsson Kristina , Small Rhonda , Flood Margaret , Holmlund Sophia , Aldrich Rosemary , Brennecke Shaun , McDonald Susan , McEvoy Michael , Said Joanne M , Shembrey Michael , Yuen Nicola , East Christine E 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundObstetric ultrasound is an important tool, aiding in screening, diagnosis, and surveillance throughout pregnancy.AimsTo explore obstetric doctors', midwives', and sonographers' experiences and views of obstetric ultrasound in Victoria, Australia. To investigate the increasing role of obstetric ultrasound for clinical management, and the adequacy of resources and training for appropriate use of ultrasound in clinical management.Materials and MethodsThis cross‐sectional study forms part of a multi‐national CROss‐Country Ultrasound Study (CROCUS) exploring the views of consumers and health professionals from high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries. Qualitative studies conducted in several countries informed the construction of a quantitative survey. These quantitative surveys were distributed to 16 hospitals across regional and metropolitan Victoria, Australia. Descriptive statistics were analysed from the responses.ResultsThere were 354 questionnaires returned from 106 doctors, 222 midwives, and 26 sonographers. Overall, 72% of respondents held concerns about the potential loss of focus on clinical skills with increasing ultrasound use. Midwives were more concerned about the contribution of ultrasound to medicalisation of pregnancy than were doctors (P < 0.001). Many respondents noted that geographical factors (71%), rather than income levels (53%) influenced access to obstetric ultrasound. Over 90% of doctors and midwives believed additional training for their respective professions in ultrasound would enhance its reach and effectiveness.ConclusionsOur survey findings confirm that clinicians place high levels of trust in the diagnostic findings of obstetric ultrasound antenatal care in Australia. Access to routine ultrasound could be improved for women in rural and lower‐income areas.
The role of the play therapist in supporting children and families following a natural disaster: A scoping review
Authors: Nilsson Nicole , Hadiprodjo Natalie , Parson Judi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe predicted rise in weather‐related disasters indicates that many Australian children and their families will be affected by these events in the future. Play therapy, an emerging profession in Australia, may provide valuable support to children exposed to these events.MethodsA scoping review was designed to map the existing literature and the role of the play therapist in supporting children (aged 3–12 years) and families following natural disasters, and to formulate a model to guide play therapists in the future.ResultsA systematic search of the literature was performed and a total of 25 articles were identified as relevant to the role of the play therapist in response to natural disasters.ConclusionPlay therapists must be mindful of the different phases of natural disaster response and how their role may vary across these phases. In the early stages post‐disaster, a play therapist may be involved in psychoeducation, facilitating therapeutic play and community involvement. More formal clinical play therapy interventions that focus on the individual child or family are better suited to the latter stages of disaster response. There is a need for further research into the impact of natural disasters on children and families and interventions that aid mental health and well‐being, especially for children who may be more vulnerable and potentially overlooked in the wake of such disasters. Further research is also needed into the effectiveness of play therapy as a post‐disaster intervention for children.
Liposome‐encapsulated hemoglobin rescues hemorrhagic shock heart through anti‐ischemic and anti‐arrhythmogenic effects on myocardium in repetitive 65% bleeding rat model
Authors: Takase Bonpei , Higashimura Yuko , Masaki Nobuyuki , Kinoshita Manabu , Adachi Takeshi , Sakai Hiromi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundPhase I clinical trial of an artificial oxygen carrier (liposome‐encapsulated hemoglobin vesicles [HbVs]) is safely completed, considering the other clinical application. Herein, we aimed to investigate the resuscitation effects of HbVs in cases of lethal hemorrhage, including the mechanisms involved.MethodsOptical mapping analysis (OMP) and electrophysiological studies (EPS), immunostaining pathological examination for hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF1‐alpha) in the heart tissue, and blood troponin I (TnI) level measurements were performed in rats that underwent five rounds of spontaneous arterial bleeding with up to 65% hemorrhage.ResultsTen rats in each group were resuscitated by a transvenous infusion of 5% albumin (ALB), washed erythrocytes (wRBC), HbVs (HbV), 50% HbV diluted by 5% albumin (50% HbV), and 66% HbV diluted by 5% albumin (66% HbV). The rats in the ALB and 50% HbV groups died, whereas those in the other groups survived. OMP showed impaired action potential duration dispersion (APDd) in the left ventricle in the ALB and 50% HbV groups, which was attenuated in the other groups. Lethal arrhythmias were provoked by EPS in the ALB and 50% HbV groups but not in the other groups. HIF1‐alpha was positively stained only in the ALB and 50% HbV groups. TnI levels were elevated in the ALB and 50% HbV groups.ConclusionsAcute lethal hemorrhage causes myocardial ischemia with hypoxia and arrhythmias, which may be induced by impaired APDd and myocardial damage, reflected in the increased levels of HIF1‐alpha and TnI. HbVs could be useful for resuscitation and may help save patients with injuries such as gunshot wounds.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for prevention of barotrauma in patients with respiratory failure: A scoping review
Authors: Belletti Alessandro , D’Andria Ursoleo Jacopo , Piazza Enrica , Mongardini Edoardo , Paternoster Gianluca , Guarracino Fabio , Palumbo Diego , Monti Giacomo , Marmiere Marilena , Calabrò Maria Grazia , Landoni Giovanni , Zangrillo Alberto 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundBarotrauma is a frequent complication in patients with severe respiratory failure and is associated with poor outcomes. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) implantation allows to introduce lung‐protective ventilation strategies that limit barotrauma development or progression, but available data are scarce. We performed a scoping review to summarize current knowledge on this therapeutic approach.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies investigating ECMO as a strategy to prevent/limit barotrauma progression in patients with respiratory failure. Pediatric studies, studies on perioperative implantation of ECMO, and studies not reporting original data were excluded. The primary outcome was the rate of barotrauma development/progression.ResultsWe identified 21 manuscripts presenting data on a total of 45 ECMO patients. All patients underwent veno‐venous ECMO. Of these, 21 (46.7%) received ECMO before invasive mechanical ventilation. In most cases, ECMO implantation allowed to modify the respiratory support strategy (e.g., introduction of ultraprotective/low pressure ventilation in 12 patients, extubation while on ECMO in one case, and avoidance of invasive ventilation in 15 cases). Barotrauma development/progression occurred in <10% of patients. Overall mortality was 8/45 (17.8%).ConclusionECMO implantation to prevent barotrauma development/progression is a feasible strategy and may be a promising support option.
Electrification and specialist training associated with decreased neonatal mortality and increased admissions in Sierra Leone
Authors: Conroy Niall , Barr David Adam , Nalley Joy , Conteh Juliana Emilia Mamie , Mitchell Louise , Bury Gerard 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to describe the evolution of a regional neonatal service in Sierra Leone and changes in mortality and service use as it transitioned from a non‐specialist service to a dedicated special care baby unit (SCBU).MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study. Anonymised data were taken from the ward admissions books at Bo Government Hospital, and trends in admissions and mortality within the neonatal service were examined for each stage of the department's evolution.ResultsFour phases of the service's development were identified between November 2015 and October 2019. Records of 2377 admissions and 333 deaths were identified. The average number of admissions per month and deaths per month varied by service development phase. There was a trend towards reduced death rates and increased numbers of admissions as the unit evolved into a dedicated neonatal unit with a reliable electricity supply.ConclusionsThe development of an adequately sized SCBU with a reliable electricity supply and specially trained staff was associated with a reduction in the death rate and an increase in admissions.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in cirrhosis is linked to hepatic dysfunction and fibrogenesis and predicts liver‐related mortality
Authors: Hartl Lukas , Schwarz Michael , Simbrunner Benedikt , Jachs Mathias , Wolf Peter , Bauer David Josef Maria , Scheiner Bernhard , Balcar Lorenz , Semmler Georg , Hofer Benedikt Silvester , Dominik Nina , Marculescu Rodrig , Trauner Michael , Mandorfer Mattias , Reiberger Thomas 
Published: September 2024

SummaryBackground and AimsWe aimed to characterise insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) signalling in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD).MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] measurement were prospectively included. Clinical stages were defined as follows: probable ACLD (pACLD): liver stiffness ≥10 kPa and HVPG ≤5 mmHg, S0: mild PH (HVPG 6–9 mmHg), S1: clinically significant PH (CSPH), S2: CSPH with varices, S3: past variceal bleeding, S4: past/current non‐bleeding hepatic decompensation and S5: further decompensation.ResultsIn total, 269 patients were included; 105 were compensated (pACLD: n = 18; S0: n = 30; S1: n = 20; S2: n = 37), and 164 were decompensated (S3: n = 11; S4: n = 89; S5: n = 64). Median levels of IGF‐1 decreased with progressive cirrhosis (from pACLD: 88.5 ng/mL to S5: 51.0 ng/mL; p < 0.001). Patients with CSPH had significantly lower IGF‐1 levels (63.5 ng/mL vs. 81.0 ng/mL; p = 0.001). IGF‐1 showed an independent negative association with body mass index (BMI; aB: −1.56; p < 0.001), enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test (aB: −8.43; p < 0.001), MELD (aB: −1.13; p = 0.042) and age (per 10 years; aB: −6.87; p < 0.001). IGF‐1 exhibited an excellent AUROC (0.856) for the prediction of liver‐related death at 6 months of follow‐up. Lower IGF‐1 (per 10 ng/mL) was linked to higher risk of (further) decompensation (0.90; 95% CI: 0.83–0.98; p = 0.016), acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF; asHR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.68–0.93; p = 0.004) and liver‐related death (asHR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.63–0.91; p = 0.004).ConclusionDecreased levels of IGF‐1 reflect impaired hepatic function and fibrogenesis in patients with cirrhosis, which seems particularly relevant in obesity since low IGF‐1 was independently linked to high BMI. Lower IGF‐1 in cirrhosis predicts decompensation, ACLF and liver‐related death.
Workforce diversity in Cambodia: Does it make differences in employees' perceptions?
Authors: Cho Sangmi , An Soyoung , Sultana Razia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study explored the dynamics of workforce diversity and employees' perceptions of inclusion, fairness, organization support, and leader‐member exchange (LMX) in Cambodia. The survey was conducted with 90 participants in international non‐profit organizations. Data was analyzed using the nonparametric tests. Among diversity characteristics, gender and religion were associated with differences in interactional fairness and LMX. Marital status and educational level produced differences in LMX and distributive fairness, respectively. Further, higher job positions were found to be associated with positive inclusion and LMX. This study points to the necessity of establishing a culture of diversity and inclusion in Cambodian workplaces.
Calcium channel blocker overdose: Not all the same toxicity
Authors: Isbister Geoffrey K. , Jenkins Shane , Harris Keith , Downes Michael A. , Isoardi Katherine Z. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimsCalcium channel blocker (CCB) overdose remains an important poisoning, with increasing availability of dihydropyridines. We aimed to compare the severity and treatment of CCB overdoses.MethodsWe reviewed CCB overdoses presenting to two toxicology services from 2014 to 2023. We extracted prospectively collected data from a clinical database, including demographics, dose, co‐ingestants, complications, treatments and outcomes, to compare different CCBs.ResultsThere were 236 overdoses; median age 55 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 41–65 years); 130 (55%) were females. Dihydropyridine overdoses increased significantly: median of nine cases annually (IQR: 8.8–12.3) during the study compared to a median of three cases annually (IQR: 1–4.3; P < 0.001) in the 10 years prior. The commonest agent was amlodipine (147), then lercanidipine (28), diltiazem (27), verapamil (23) and felodipine (11). Median defined daily dose ingested was higher for dihydropyridines, and cardiac co‐ingestants were common except verapamil. Median length of stay was 21 h (IQR: 13–43 h), which was similar except longer for diltiazem (median, 39 h). Fifty‐six patients (24%) were admitted to intensive care, more often for diltiazem (14; 52%) and verapamil (7; 30%). Dysrhythmias occurred in 19 patients (diltiazem [9], verapamil [8], amlodipine [2]), and included 13 junctional dysrhythmias. Hypotension occurred in 91 patients (39%), 62 (26%) received inotropes/vasopressors (adrenaline 32 [52%], noradrenaline 48 [77%]), 21 (9%) high‐dose insulin and 44 (19%) calcium. Adrenaline and high‐dose insulin were more commonly given in diltiazem and verapamil overdoses, compared to vasopressors in dihydropyridine overdoses. Acute kidney injury occurred in 39 patients. Seven (3%) patients died.ConclusionsDihydropyridines were the commonest CCB overdoses, with amlodipine making up half. More severe toxicity occurred with diltiazem and verapamil.
The association between use of proton pump inhibitors and frailty index among middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Wu Rui , Hong Guojun , Cheng Xiankun , Zhu Yue 
Published: September 2024

AimsThis study aimed to investigate the association between use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and frailty index (FI), and to assess the causality relationship using Mendelian randomization (MR).MethodsA total of 9756 middle‐aged and older adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. The FI was evaluated using a previously validated 49‐item deficit model to assess frailty status, which is one of the common approaches to measure overall health burden. We performed weighted multivariable‐adjusted linear regression to assess the association between PPI use and FI, and conducted a two‐sample MR to evaluate causality, employing various sensitivity analyses for robustness. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary analysis.ResultsMultiple linear regression analysis revealed a positive association between PPI use and FI (β = 0.048, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.042–0.054, P < .001). This association was observed in both short‐term (≤ 1 year) and long‐term (> 1 year) PPI users (P for trend < 0.001). The MR study also revealed a positive association between PPI use and FI based on the IVW method (β = 1.183, 95% CI: 0.474–1.892, P = .001).ConclusionsWhile our findings suggest a potential link between PPI use and FI, they should be interpreted with caution due to the study's limitations. Although the MR analysis suggests a causal relationship, further research, particularly longitudinal studies, is needed to confirm these findings and better establish temporality.
Novel KIF26A variants associated with pediatric intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (PIPO) and brain developmental defects
Authors: Nosrati Mohammad Sadegh Shams , Doustmohammadi Alireza , Severino Mariasavina , Romano Ferruccio , Zafari Mahdi , Nemati Amir Hesam , Velmans Clara , Netzer Christian , Breuer Jonas , Broekaert Ilse Julia , Joachim Alexander , Almasri Nihad , Kruer Michael C. , Skidmore Peter , Bisarad Pritha , Hoque Jumana , Bakhtiari Somayeh , Torella Annalaura , Nigro Vincenzo , Buffelli Francesca , Fulcheri Ezio , Müller Annette , Zara Federico , Capra Valeria , Scala Marcello 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPediatric intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (PIPO) is a rare congenital disorder of the enteric nervous system with distal colon aganglionosis potentially leading to intestinal obstruction. Recently, biallelic variants in KIF26A, encoding a crucial motor protein for the migration and differentiation of enteric neural crest cells, have been associated with a neurodevelopmental condition featuring cortical defects and PIPO‐like features, though in absence of aganglionosis. So far, only 10 patients have been reported. In this study, we investigated three subjects with congenital hydrocephalus, neurodevelopmental impairment, and intestinal obstruction megacolon syndrome. Brain MRI revealed malformations within cortical dysplasia spectrum, including polymicrogyria and heterotopia. Pathology study of the intestine revealed aganglionosis and elevated acetylcholinesterase activity in parasympathetic nerve fibers. Through trio‐exome sequencing (ES), we detected four novel biallelic KIF26A variants, including two missense changes (#1) and two distinct homozygous truncating variants in (#2 and #3). All variants are rare and predicted to be deleterious according to in silico tools. To characterize the impact of the missense variants, we performed 3D protein modeling using Alphafold3 and YASARA. Mutants exhibited increased energy scores compared to wild‐type protein, supporting a significant structural destabilization of the protein. Our study expands the genotype and phenotype spectrum of the emerging KIF26A‐related disorder.
Factors Associated With Persisting Olfactory Dysfunction After COVID‐19
Authors: Prem Bernhard , Liu David T. , Boehme Katharina , Maurer Mia T. , Renner Bertold , Mueller Christian A. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundFortunately, the majority of COVID‐19 patients recover from olfactory dysfunction (OD) within the first couple of weeks. However, from approximately 5% up to 20% continue to suffer from OD even more than 1 year after the onset. Nonetheless, factors associated with long‐lasting OD are hardly known. The aim of this study was to identify favourable and disadvantageous markers of persisting OD in COVID‐19 patients.MethodologySixty‐six patients (46 female; mean age: 39.9 years) that suffer from OD longer than 6 months due to laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection have participated in this longitudinal study. Participants completed comprehensive psychophysical chemosensory tests (i.e., Sniffin' Sticks = TDI) and questionnaires twice at our department—on average 219 ± 80 (T‐1) and 489 ± 89 (T‐2) days after the onset of symptoms, respectively. Olfactory recovery rates were associated with demographic factors and questionnaires using linear regression analysis.ResultsPatients below 40 years of age improved better (TDI: 4.1 ± 4.3 vs. 0.7 ± 5.8; p = 0.008) and achieved statistically significant higher scores (TDI: 31.5 ± 4.0 vs. 27.3 ± 6.7; p = 0.033) regarding psychophysical chemosensory tests. Furthermore, linear regression analysis revealed that parosmia was associated with worse orthonasal smell function (T‐1: β = −0.346, p = 0.004; T‐2: β = −0.384, p = 0.001), especially concerning identification subtest (T‐1: β = −0.395, p = 0.001; T‐2: β = −0.398, p < 0.001). Moreover, increasing parosmia between T‐1and T‐2 led to worse orthonasal olfactory function (β = −0.294, p = 0.016).ConclusionsOlder age and parosmia seem to be unfavourable factors of persisting OD in COVID‐19 patients.