bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A global assessment of kidney care workforce
Authors: Okpechi Ikechi G , Tummalapalli Sri Lekha , Chothia Mogamat-Yazied , Sozio Stephen M , Tungsanga Somkanya , Caskey Fergus J , Riaz Parnian , Ameh Oluwatoyin I , Arruebo Silvia , Damster Sandrine , Donner Jo-Ann , Jha Vivekanand , Levin Adeera , Nangaku Masaomi , Saad Syed , Tonelli Marcello , Ye Feng , Bello Aminu K , Johnson David W 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
An adequate workforce is needed to guarantee optimal kidney care. We used the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) to provide an assessment of the global kidney care workforce.

Methods
We conducted a multinational cross-sectional survey to evaluate the global capacity of kidney care and assessed data on the number of adult and paediatric nephrologists, the number of trainees in nephrology and shortages of various cadres of the workforce for kidney care. Data are presented according to the ISN region and World Bank income categories.

Results
Overall, stakeholders from 167 countries responded to the survey. The median global prevalence of nephrologists was 11.75 per million population (pmp) (interquartile range [IQR] 1.78–24.76). Four regions had median nephrologist prevalences below the global median: Africa (1.12 pmp), South Asia (1.81 pmp), Oceania and Southeast Asia (3.18 pmp) and newly independent states and Russia (9.78 pmp). The overall prevalence of paediatric nephrologists was 0.69 pmp (IQR 0.03–1.78), while overall nephrology trainee prevalence was 1.15 pmp (IQR 0.18–3.81), with significant variations across both regions and World Bank income groups. More than half of the countries reported shortages of transplant surgeons (65%), nephrologists (64%), vascular access coordinators (59%), dialysis nurses (58%) and interventional radiologists (54%), with severe shortages reported in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Conclusions
There are significant limitations in the available kidney care workforce in large parts of the world. To ensure the delivery of optimal kidney care worldwide, it is essential to develop national and international strategies and training capacity to address workforce shortages.
Global structures, practices, and tools for provision of hemodialysis
Authors: Htay Htay , Cho Yeoungjee , Jha Vivekanand , See Emily , Arruebo Silvia , Caskey Fergus J , Damster Sandrine , Donner Jo-Ann , Levin Adeera , Nangaku Masaomi , Saad Syed , Tonelli Marcello , Ye Feng , Okpechi Ikechi G , Bello Aminu K , Johnson David W 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Hemodialysis (HD) is the most commonly utilized modality for kidney replacement therapy worldwide. This study assesses the organizational structures, availability, accessibility, affordability and quality of HD care worldwide.

Methods
This cross-sectional study relied on desk research data as well as survey data from stakeholders (clinicians, policymakers and patient advocates) from countries affiliated with the International Society of Nephrology from July to September 2022.

Results
Overall, 167 countries or jurisdictions participated in the survey. In-center HD was available in 98% of countries with a median global prevalence of 322.7 [interquartile range (IQR) 76.3–648.8] per million population (pmp), ranging from 12.2 (IQR 3.9–103.0) pmp in Africa to 1575 (IQR 282.2–2106.8) pmp in North and East Asia. Overall, home HD was available in 30% of countries, mostly in countries of Western Europe (82%). In 74% of countries, more than half of people with kidney failure were able to access HD. HD centers increased with increasing country income levels from 0.31 pmp in low-income countries to 9.31 pmp in high-income countries. Overall, the annual cost of in-center HD was US$19 380.3 (IQR 11 817.6–38 005.4), and was highest in North America and the Caribbean (US$39 825.9) and lowest in South Asia (US$4310.2). In 19% of countries, HD services could not be accessed by children.

Conclusions
This study shows significant variations that have remained consistent over the years in availability, access and affordability of HD across countries with severe limitations in lower-resourced countries.
Effects of Nicotine Doses and Administration Frequencies on Mouse Body Weight and Adipose Tissues
Authors: Qin Runwen , Zhang Yi , Xu Shihua , Mei Yingwu , Jin Ge , Mi Yang , Zhang Haifeng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction
This study investigates the effects of varying nicotine doses and administration frequencies on mouse body weight, adipose tissues, and liver.

Aims and Methods
Male C57BL6/J mice received subcutaneous nicotine doses (0.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg) once daily (qd), twice daily (bid), or four times daily (qid) for 4 weeks. Body weight, inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT), epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT) weight and size, and UCP1 expression were assessed, along with liver fat deposition and morphology.

Results
Nicotine administration reduced body weight and decreased the weight and size of iWAT and eWAT compared to controls. The frequency of nicotine administration had a more significant impact on body weight and fat tissues than the dosage itself, with 2 mg/kg bid being optimal for weight reduction. Nicotine increased BAT cell numbers and amplified UCP1 expression in iWAT and BAT. It had minor effects on eWAT UCP1 expression and no substantial impact on liver fat deposition or morphology, except for a reduction in liver weight with doses exceeding 4 mg/kg.

Conclusions
Nicotine-induced weight reduction is frequency-dependent, with 2 mg/kg bid being the optimal regimen. The mechanisms may include reductions in iWAT and eWAT weights and cell sizes, induction of browning in iWAT, increased BAT quantity and UCP1 expression, and heightened energy expenditure in iWAT and BAT. Nicotine’s ability to induce eWAT browning is relatively weak, indicating diverse mechanisms of action across different adipose tissue types. These findings provide a foundation for further exploration of nicotine’s multifaceted functions and underlying mechanisms.

Implications
This study examines how different nicotine doses and administration frequencies affect mouse body weight and adipose tissues. It finds that administering nicotine bid (twice daily) at 2 mg/kg leads to optimal weight reduction. Nicotine induces browning in white adipose tissue, increases BAT quantity and UCP1 expression, and affects energy expenditure. The findings underscore nicotine’s nuanced effects across different adipose tissue types and lay the groundwork for further exploration of its mechanisms and therapeutic potential in weight management.
Dietary plasticity in small Arctic copepods as revealed with prey metabarcoding
Authors: Flo Snorre , Svensen Camilla , Præbel Kim , Bluhm Bodil Annikki , Vader Anna 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Small copepods (&lt;2 mm) compose an important constituent of the Arctic marine food web, but their trophic interactions remain largely unexplored, partly due to methodological limitations.

Methods
We here characterize the prey of the abundant cyclopoid Oithona similis, harpacticoid Microsetella norvegica and calanoid Microcalanus spp. from the Arctic Barents Sea and Nansen Basin during four seasons using brute force prey metabarcoding of the 18S rRNA gene.

Key findings
Chaetognaths were unexpectedly the most consistently identified taxa and composed 47% of all prey reads. Some taxa were seasonally important, including diatoms in April–May (43%), dinoflagellates in December (15%) and March (17%), and urochordates in August (20%). Compositional differences among species were also discernible, and the M. norvegica diet was significantly different from both O. similis and Microcalanus spp. The diets varied nevertheless more with season than species despite the inherent trophic traits that distinguish the ambush-predator O. similis, chemosensoric particle-chaser M. norvegica and current-feeding Microcalanus spp.

Conclusions
Our results thus indicate that dietary plasticity is common in small Arctic copepods, regardless of their behaviors or strategies for finding sustenance. We further hypothesize that such plasticity is an important adaptation in systems where prey availability is highly seasonal.
R2C2 + UMI: Combining concatemeric and unique molecular identifier–based consensus sequencing enables ultra-accurate sequencing of amplicons on Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencers
Authors: Deng Dori Z Q , Verhage Jack , Neudorf Celine , Corbett-Detig Russell , Mekonen Honey , Castaldi Peter J , Vollmers Christopher 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The sequencing of PCR amplicons is a core application of high-throughput sequencing technology. Using unique molecular identifiers (UMIs), individual amplified molecules can be sequenced to very high accuracy on an Illumina sequencer. However, Illumina sequencers have limited read length and are therefore restricted to sequencing amplicons shorter than 600 bp unless using inefficient synthetic long-read approaches. Native long-read sequencers from Pacific Biosciences and Oxford Nanopore Technologies can, using consensus read approaches, match or exceed Illumina quality while achieving much longer read lengths. Using a circularization-based concatemeric consensus sequencing approach (R2C2) paired with UMIs (R2C2 + UMI), we show that we can sequence an ∼550-nt antibody heavy chain (Immunoglobulin heavy chain - IGH) and an ∼1,500-nt 16S amplicons at accuracies up to and exceeding Q50 (&lt;1 error in 100,000 sequenced bases), which exceeds accuracies of UMI-supported Illumina-paired sequencing as well as synthetic long-read approaches.
Proxy Advisory Firms and Corporate Shareholder Engagement
Authors: Dey Aiyesha , Starkweather Austin , White Joshua T 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
We study how Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) affect firms’ engagement with shareholders. Our analyses exploit a quasi-natural experiment using say-on-pay voting outcomes near a threshold that triggers ISS to review engagement activities. Firms receiving ISS treatment exhibit swift and substantive increases in extensive and intensive margins of engagement, especially when their boards have higher agency conflicts and directors are more likely to lose voting support from ISS. Increases in engagement persist over time, and shareholders appear to value the increased engagement. Collectively, we shed light on an unexplored channel through which ISS positively influences firms’ governance and information environments.
Circuit breakers and market runs
Authors: Bongaerts Dion , De Luca Sarah D , Van Achter Mark 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Traders may run on financial markets merely out of fear of future liquidity shocks. We present a model that shows that adequately calibrated circuit breakers can prevent such coordination failures by curbing excessive trading. It suggests a novel, forward-looking circuit breaker that becomes most restrictive in cases when expected welfare losses of inefficient market runs are largest. The probabilities of current and future liquidity shortages are important determinants for such welfare-optimized circuit breakers. We empirically illustrate how to calibrate these parameters. We also determine under which economic conditions circuit breakers damage welfare and should not be implemented.
The Effectiveness of Growth Modulation Using Tension Band Plates in Children With Achondroplasia in Comparison to Children With Idiopathic Frontal Axial Deformities of the Knee
Authors: Hösl Matthias , Afifi Faik Kamel , Thamm Antonia , Göttling Lara , Holzapfel Boris M. , Wagner Ferdinand , Mohnike Klaus , Nader Sean 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Achondroplasia is the most common form of rhizomelic dwarfism. Aside from disproportionally short extremities, frontal knee malalignments are common. We assessed the effectiveness of guided growth via tension band plates in children with achondroplasia in comparison to patients with idiopathic knee deformities using radiography.

Methods:
Twenty children with achondroplasia (8 valgus/31 varus knees) and 35 children with idiopathic knee malalignments (53 valgus/12 varus knees) which underwent temporary hemiepiphysiodesis at the distal femur and/or proximal tibia were retrospectively compared. Radiographic outcomes (mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle, and mechanical axis deviation) were compared before surgery and plate removal. Correction rates according to plate location were compared as change per implant duration and per growth in leg length.

Results:
Achondroplasia patients were younger (9±2 vs.12±2 y), femoral and tibial growth rate was 43.3% and 48.5% lower and implant duration lasted longer: 36.9±8.9 months in valgus knees and 23.0±14.3 months in varus knees versus 13.4±7.9 months in idiopathic valgus and 11.7±4.6 months in idiopathic varus knees. Significant improvements in joint orientation angles and mechanical axis deviation were achieved but femoral and tibial plates achieved slower correction per months in achondroplasia (P≤0.031). When normalized to bone growth, the rate of correction in joint orientation angles was no longer significantly different for the femur (P=0.241), with a trend for slower correction in the tibia (P=0.066). The corrections in MAD per leg growth (mm/mm) remained smaller (P=0.001). In achondroplasia, older age correlated with slower MAD correction (r=−0.36, P=0.022), femoral plates corrected faster than tibial (P=0.024) and treatment of valgus was less successful than varus involving longer treatments (P=0.009). More complications occurred in achondroplastic knees (P=0.012).

Conclusions:
Skeletally immature patients with achondroplasia can benefit from growth modulations, but they need longer treatments and face more complications. Their slower growth does not solely determine the more tenacious success.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III—case-control study.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Assessment of Valganciclovir in Infants With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Itohara Kotaro , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Fujinaka Shunsuke , Hashimoto Mari , Tamura Naoki , Kitahiro Yumi , Omura Tomohiro , Fujioka Kazumichi , Yano Ikuko 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Valganciclovir (VGCV) is administered at a dose of 16 mg/kg 2 times daily for 6 months to treat symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. During the treatment period, approximately 20% of the patients developed grade 3 or higher neutropenia. Currently, information on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ganciclovir, an active metabolite of VGCV, in infants is limited. In the current study, the relationship between ganciclovir concentration and neutropenia was investigated, and a population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model of ganciclovir in infants with symptomatic congenital CMV infection was developed.

Methods:
Japanese infants who were prescribed oral VGCV for symptomatic congenital CMV infections between July 2017 and January 2021 were included. The relationship between the observed trough ganciclovir concentrations and neutrophil counts was examined. PPK analysis was performed to evaluate the covariates affecting the pharmacokinetics of ganciclovir.

Results:
Twenty-seven ganciclovir serum samples from 8 patients were analyzed. A moderate negative correlation was observed between the observed trough ganciclovir concentration and neutrophil count. PPK model analysis showed that postmenstrual age (PMA) affected the total body clearance of ganciclovir after correcting for the empirical allometric scaling of body weight. Based on PMA and body weight, a nomogram to achieve the target area under the concentration–time curve from 0 to 24 hours of 40–60 mcg·h·mL−1 of ganciclovir was calculated.

Conclusions:
The relationship between neutrophil count and ganciclovir trough concentration in infants was clarified. The PPK model showed that the dose of VGCV should be reduced in patients with a low PMA to achieve target exposure.
Let’s Twist Again: Nasolabial Turnover Flap for Full-thickness Aesthetical Nasal Ala Reconstruction
Authors: Schonauer Fabrizio , D’Alessio Matteo , Cavaliere Annachiara , Razzano Sergio , D’Angelo Dario 
Published: September 2024

Background:
The nasal ala has always been considered a difficult anatomical structure to restore, particularly when full-thickness reconstruction is needed. Although the forehead flap is considered the flap of choice, the nasolabial turnover flap, despite being a one-step surgical procedure, has been largely ignored for nasal ala reconstruction. We present our experience performing nasal ala full-thickness reconstruction with the nasolabial turnover flap, reporting on its advantages and comparing it with the most commonly used alternative techniques.

Methods:
Between 2017 and 2022, 48 patients presenting full-thickness defects of the nasal ala after skin cancer resection underwent reconstruction with a nasolabial turnover flap at two large regional plastic surgery units. Surgical technique was presented in detail, with particular attention in describing the complex three-dimensional movement of the flap.

Results:
All patients healed uneventfully, with good functional and cosmetic outcomes. No major complications were observed.

Conclusions:
The nasolabial turnover flap is a reliable and valuable option for achieving full-thickness nasal ala reconstruction. Satisfactory results in terms of function and cosmetic appearance can be obtained in a one-stage operation. Based upon our experience, the nasal turnover flap could be considered a viable reconstruction option, even for less-experienced surgeons.
Corneal Clarity and Tomographic Patterns in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome: A Severity-Based Investigation
Authors: Yilmaz Yusuf Cem , Hayat Serife Ciloglu , Ipek Sefik Can 
Published: September 2024

Purpose:
The aim of the study was to investigate the corneal and anterior segment characteristics in pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS), depending on the severity of the disease.

Materials and methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, in the ophthalmology department, in Turkey. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome group was classified into three groups. Pseudoexfoliative material on the part of the pupillary border was classified as group 1, on the entire pupillary border was classified as group 2, and pseudoexfoliative material on the entire pupillary border and iris surface was classified as group 3. The control group was composed of age and gender-matched individuals who had undergone a completely normal ophthalmologic examination. Scheimpflug tomography was performed to record tomographical data.

Results:
The PXS groups 1, 2, and 3, along with the control group, consist of 29, 32, 33, and 42 participants, respectively. There was no significant difference in age–gender distribution between patients and the control group (P>0.05). Group 3 showed significant differences in central corneal thickness compared with the control group (P=0.001). In addition, anterior chamber angle was found to be significantly lower in group 3 than the control group (P<0.001). In corneal densitometry (CD) values, significant increases compared with the control group were observed in groups 2 and 3 across all anterior annuli (P<0.001). In group 1, significant increases observed in the anterior 6-10 mm and 10-12 mm annuli (P<0.001). In the middle 6-10 mm annuluses, only group 3 showed a significant increase compared with the control group (P<0.001). In the posterior 0-2, 2-6, and 6-10 mm annuli, significant increases compared with the control were observed only in groups 2 and 3 (P=0.001, P=0.001, P<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions:
Corneal densitometry values, even without an increase in intraocular pressure, have a tendency to increase in PXS depending on the severity of the disease. While minimal changes were observed in the middle layer, it was particularly noted that the effects of the disease were more prominent in the peripheral cornea.
Occupational Exposure to 50 ppm Isoflurane Impairs Sperm Parameters in Mice
Authors: Zanin Marina , Varela Junior Antonio Sergio , Bonel Acosta Izani , Anastacio da Silva Edenara , Bicca Dode Maria Eduarda , Gehrcke Martielo Ivan , Gobbo Braz Mariana , Dahl Corcini Carine 
Published: September 2024

Objectives
The aims of the study are to assess the effect of occupational exposure to isoflurane on the sperm quality of mice and to investigate whether cessation of exposure can restore seminal quality.

Methods
Mice were exposed to 50 ppm of isoflurane for 5 hours per day over a 30-day period. Following this exposure, they were euthanized at predetermined postexposure intervals, and their sperm samples were analyzed for kinetics and viability parameters.

Results
Occupational exposure to isoflurane can adversely affect sperm at 50 ppm, a concentration deemed safe by international occupational health conventions in some countries. These effects are marked by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and genomic damage, alongside alterations in sperm kinetics and acrosomal integrity. Furthermore, cessation of exposure does not guarantee restoration of cellular quality.

Conclusions
Isoflurane at 50 ppm, previously deemed safe by some countries, impairs sperm kinetics and viability, potentially directing the spermatogenic process toward infertility and apoptosis.
Firefighter- and Fire Department–Level Barriers and Promoters of Physical Activity and Fitness Among Volunteer Firefighters
Authors: Shah Nimit N. , Wackowski Olivia A. , Jahnke Sara A. , Roy Jason , Hollerbach Brittany S. , Edwards Derrick L. , Caban-Martinez Alberto J. , Calkins Miriam M. , Austin Elena , Black Taylor M. , Awadalla Josephine , Grant Casey C. , Kubiel Brian S. , Graber Judith M. 
Published: September 2024

Objective
To describe volunteer firefighters’ perspectives on how firefighter- and fire department–level factors influence their physical activity and fitness.

Methods
Firefighters (n = 28) were interviewed, stratified by their years of firefighting, using an interview guide. Thematic analysis and systematic coding were used to analyze the interview transcripts.

Results
Five themes were identified: (1) health and firefighting performance, (2) firefighter time and availability, (3) responsibility of the fire department to support volunteer members’ physical fitness, (4) fire training drills as a form of functional physical activity, and (5) fitness initiatives at the department. Interviewing by years of experience showed varied perspectives that converged toward similar conclusions.

Conclusions
Incorporating fitness discussions into department meetings and trainings and identifying fitness advocates within the department may contribute to overcoming barriers to physical fitness among volunteer firefighters.
Association Between Lifestyle Behavior and Health-Related Productivity Loss Among Korean Employees
Authors: Kang Young Joong , Kang Mo-Yeol 
Published: September 2024

Objectives
To investigate factors associated with individual lifestyle influencing productivity reduction.

Methods
Data were collected using a Web-based questionnaire from January 6, 2020, to February 18, 2020. The study included 3890 wage workers across South Korea. Data on drinking, smoking, physical activity, and sleep were collected. This study measured health-related productivity loss (HRPL), using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: General Health version.

Results
Only nonoptimal sleep time was significantly associated with higher HRPL after adjusting for age, gender, education level, marital status, employment status, income level, weekly working hours, and occupation. This result was most derived from presenteeism than absenteeism. If the sleep disorder was diagnosed by a physician, the HRPL was even greater.

Conclusions
This study suggested that sleep is significantly associated with HRPL, particularly in men and manual workers.