bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and feasibility of continuous renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury in neonates weighing 3 kg or less: a two-centre, retrospective study
Authors: Sun Yifan , Xu Jinglin , Chu Xiaoyun , Zhang Weifeng , Gong Xiaohui , Chen Dongmei , Cai Cheng 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundContinuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is commonly used for the treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill neonates. This study investigated the effectiveness and feasibility of CRRT for AKI in neonates who weigh ≤3 kg.MethodsData from 19 neonates with a weight ≤3 kg and AKI who underwent CRRT at two centres between January 2015 and October 2021 were collected retrospectively. Kidney function, circulatory function, complications and clinical outcomes were recorded. Repeated-measures analyses of variance, t-tests and non-parametric tests were conducted.ResultsThe median patient age at CRRT initiation was 3 days (IQR: 1–7 days). The median patient weight at CRRT initiation was 2.67 kg (IQR: 2.20–2.85 kg). The median CCRT duration was 46 hours (IQR: 32–72 hours). The serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels decreased significantly, and the mean arterial pressure increased significantly after 12 hours of CRRT and at the end of CRRT. The urinary output was significantly increased at the end of CRRT. 11 patients had thrombocytopaenia, 6 had electrolyte disorders and 3 had blocked tubes. Five patients were discharged, six died after their parents chose to discontinue treatment and eight died after active treatment. Weight at CRRT initiation and urinary output at the end of CRRT were significantly lower among patients who died than among patients who survived.ConclusionsCRRT is feasible and effective for AKI in neonates who weigh ≤3 kg when accompanied by elaborate supportive care. Lower body weight and persistent oliguria may be correlated with an increased risk of poor clinical outcomes.
Sphincterotomy for biliary sphincter of Oddi disorder and idiopathic acute recurrent pancreatitis: the RESPOnD longitudinal cohort
Authors: Coté Gregory A , Elmunzer Badih Joseph , Nitchie Haley , Kwon Richard S , Willingham Field , Wani Sachin , Kushnir Vladimir , Chak Amitabh , Singh Vikesh , Papachristou Georgios I , Slivka Adam , Freeman Martin , Gaddam Srinivas , Jamidar Priya , Tarnasky Paul , Varadarajulu Shyam , Foster Lydia D , Cotton Peter 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveSphincter of Oddi disorders (SOD) are contentious conditions in patients whose abdominal pain, idiopathic acute pancreatitis (iAP) might arise from pressurisation at the sphincter of Oddi. The present study aimed to measure the benefit of sphincterotomy for suspected SOD.DesignProspective cohort conducted at 14 US centres with 12 months follow-up. Patients undergoing first-time endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy for suspected SOD were eligible: pancreatobiliary-type pain with or without iAP. The primary outcome was defined as the composite of improvement by Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), no new or increased opioids and no repeat intervention. Missing data were addressed by hierarchal, multiple imputation scheme.ResultsOf 316 screened, 213 were enrolled with 190 (89.2%) of these having a dilated bile duct, abnormal labs, iAP or some combination. By imputation, an average of 122/213 (57.4% (95% CI 50.4% to 64.4%)) improved; response rate was similar for those with complete follow-up (99/161, 61.5% (54.0% to 69.0%)); of these, 118 (73.3%) improved by PGIC alone. Duct size, elevated labs and patient characteristics were not associated with response. AP occurred in 37/213 (17.4%) at a median of 6 months post ERCP and was more likely in those with a history of AP (30.9% vs 2.9%, p<0.0001).ConclusionNearly 60% of patients undergoing ERCP for suspected SOD improve, although the contribution of a placebo response is unknown. Contrary to prevailing belief, duct size and labs are poor response predictors. AP recurrence was common and like observations from prior non-intervention cohorts, suggesting no benefit of sphincterotomy in mitigating future AP episodes.
Influence of Frailty Status on the Efficacy of Epidural Steroid Injections in Elderly Patients With Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Disease
Authors: Kim Hee Jung , Nam Ho Jae , Kim Shin Hyung 
Published: September 2024

Background: The global increase in the elderly population has led to a higher prevalence of degenerative lumbar spinal diseases. Epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a widely used procedure for managing lower back pain. This study investigated the association of preprocedural frailty status with the efficacy of ESI in elderly patients diagnosed with degenerative lumbar spinal diseases.Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients aged 65 years and older who underwent lumbar ESI. Frailty status (robust, prefrail, and frail) assessed via the Frailty Phenotype Questionnaire was collected along with demographic and clinical parameters. Good analgesia was defined as a ≥ 50% reduction in pain score at 4‐week follow‐up evaluation. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with poor analgesia.Results: We included 289 patients in this study. Frailty status correlated with analgesic outcomes, with worsening frailty status correlating with increasingly poor analgesia after the injection (robust = 34.5%, prefrail = 40.8%, and frail = 60.0%, p = 0.003), predominantly in female patients. After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, frail patients demonstrated much higher odds of poor analgesia than robust individuals (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.673, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.338–5.342, p = 0.005). Conversely, prefrail patients did not show a significant association with analgesic outcome (aOR = 1.293, 95% CI = 0.736–2.272, p = 0.372).Conclusions: Frailty, but not prefrailty, appeared to be an independent factor associated with poor analgesic efficacy of ESI in elderly patients with symptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal disease receiving conservative care.
Concurrent Eosinophilia Increases the Prevalence of Nail Abnormalities and Severity of Hair Loss in Patients With Alopecia Areata
Authors: Damiani Giovanni , Gironi Laura Cristina , Conic Rosalynn R. Z. , del Fabbro Massimo , Savoia Paola , Fiore Marco , Bergfeld Wilma F. 
Published: September 2024

Background: The potential link between alopecia areata (AA) and eosinophilia is unclear, as well as its clinical manifestations in these patients’ subsets.Methods: This is a monocentric retrospective observational study in which clinical and laboratory data were summarized and evaluated the AA subset with concurrent eosinophilia.Results: In a sample of 205 AA patients, 38 (18.5%) were classified as AA with eosinophilia. Interestingly, this subset of patients had a statistically higher prevalence of atopia and nail abnormalities (p < 0.05) than AA without eosinophilia. AA patients with eosinophilia had a 3.70 higher odds of more severe hair loss versus age‐ and gender‐matched AA without eosinophilia.Conclusions: AA patients with eosinophilia had distinctive clinical and laboratory characteristics, so future studies may potentially explore the use of IL‐5 inhibitors.
Understanding the Dynamics of the South Africa – Russia Relations through the Constructivist Concept of ‘State’s Identity’
Authors: Belousova Tatiana 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The paper analyses the Russia-South Africa bilateral relations, using the constructivist framework of states’ identities. This approach posits that states may have multiple identities, and thus, cannot be strictly categorized in international politics. In other words, the same state can be perceived as a friendly and coercive power, simultaneously. This article explores the important nuances of the Russia-South Africa bilateral ties, since 1990s, when two countries re-established their diplomatic relations. Their strong bilateral ties have successfully navigated through the past and present complexities of the international system. In recent years, they conducted several joint military exercises, and, on many occasions, their leaders expressed similar worldviews and shared stances towards the increasing global tensions.
Development and validation of interpretable machine learning models to predict glomerular filtration rate in chronic kidney disease Colombian patients
Authors: Rojas Luis H , Pereira-Morales Angela J , Amador William , Montenegro Albert , Buelvas Walberto , de la Espriella Víctor 
Published: September 2024

Background ML predictive models have shown their capability to improve risk prediction and assist medical decision‐making, nevertheless, there is a lack of accuracy systems to early identify future rapid CKD progressors in Colombia and even in South America. Objective The purpose of this study was to develop a series of interpretable machine learning models that predict GFR at 6-months, 9-months, and 12-months. Study Design and Setting Over 29,000 CKD patients stage 1 to 3b (estimated GFR, <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) with an average of 3-year follow-up data were included. We used the machine learning extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) to build three models to predict the next eGFR. Models were internally and externally validated. In addition, we included SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) values to offer interpretable global and local prediction models. Results All models showed a good performance in development and external validation. However, the 6-months XGBoost prediction model showed the best performance in internal (MAE average = 6.07; RSME = 78.87), and in external validation (MAE average = 6.45, RSME = 18.94). The top 3 most influential features that pushed the predicted eGFR value to lower values were the interpolated values for eGFR and creatinine, and eGFR at baseline. Conclusion In the current study we have developed and validated machine learning models to predict the next eGFR value at different intervals. Furthermore, we attempted to approach the need for prediction explanation by offering transparent predictions.
Enhanced mechanical, tribological and corrosion properties of graphite and carbon nanotube-reinforced copper-based hybrid composites
Authors: Kara Gamze Ispirlioglu , Sezek Sinan , Aksakal Bunyamin 
Published: September 2024

Copper (Cu)-based hybrid composites were fabricated by powder metallurgy, incorporating Graphite (Gr) and Carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcements at various fractions. The composites were formed using a cold pressing technique and subsequently sintered at various temperatures. The structural properties of the hybrid composites were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersion Spectrum (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Hardness, compression, wear and corrosion tests were performed to show the effect of the reinforcements. It was shown that the hardness of Gr and CNT reinforcements have significantly improved the properties of pure Cu. The Cu-Gr-2CNT hybrid composite, which was subjected to sintering at a temperature of 850°C, exhibited the highest level of hardness, showing a significant increase of 51.4% in comparison to the pure Cu sample. While the compressive stresses increased in the Cu matrix with the addition of Cu-Gr, it increased to 350 MPa with the addition of 2 wt% CNT. The hardness value exhibited a similar increase and was measured to be 122 HV in Cu-Gr-2CNT. During the wear tests, the coefficient of friction values fell by 9.2% for Cu-2CNT, by 3.88% for Cu-CNT, by 3.92% for Cu-Gr-2CNT, and by 5.27% for Cu-Gr-CNT, as compared to pure Cu. The comprehensive findings demonstrated that the tests and analyses yielded consistent results, and the utilization of various combinations of Gr and CNT reinforcements enhanced the mechanical, tribological, and corrosion resistance properties of the fabricated hybrid composites. Nevertheless, the combination of Cu-Gr-2CNT yielded the most advantageous outcomes.
Active Citizens and an Active State: Uncovering the ‘Positive’ Underpinnings of the Australian Constitution
Authors: Blayden Lynsey 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Australian Constitution was drafted, and the institutions of national government were established, during a period in which the atomism of laissez-faire liberalism was being rejected. Instead, progressive liberals of the era were searching for ways to encourage collective action and social ties, believing that this would, in turn, enhance personal wellbeing. This article contends that a clearer appreciation of the influence of the ‘social’ turn in liberalism upon Australia’s constitutional and institutional development might contribute to a fuller understanding of Australia’s distinctive constitutional and public law traditions.
Reframing Burnout: Measuring “Altruistic Execution” to Understand Nurse Burnout
Authors: Christianson Jacqueline , Bekhet Abir , Guttormson Jill , Singh Maharaj , Johnson Norah L. 
Published: September 2024

Background: Many nurses join the profession because they have altruistic intentions, but some nurses experience barriers to acting on altruistic intentions which may be a source of job dissatisfaction or burnout. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate construct validity, internal consistency, and convergence reliability of the Nursing Altruistic Execution Scale (NAES), a novel instrument assessing the perceived ability to help others through work. Methods: The NAES was developed based upon a literature review examining altruistic behavior as a motivator for nursing work, with expert feedback for instrument refinement. Participants completed the NAES, Copenhagen Burnout Inventory Work-Related Burnout Scale, and Satisfaction of Employees in Health Care Survey. Exploratory factor analysis examined construct validity and factor loadings. Confirmatory factor analysis verified consistency in factor structure. Linear regression assessed for convergence reliability with burnout and job satisfaction. Results: The sample included 843 acute care hospital nurses surveyed in January-March 2023. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor solution, named altruistic engagement with work and workplace barriers to altruism. Nine instrument items were retained and demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.79). There was a significant relationship between both factors of the NAES and both burnout and job satisfaction, demonstrating that greater altruistic execution is associated with lower burnout and greater job satisfaction. Conclusion: Preliminary findings support the use of the NAES as a valid and reliable scale. Findings show there is correlation between altruistic intentions and burnout. Interventions aimed at enhancing altruistic execution may reduce nurse burnout and thereby improve retention.
Dataset and Benchmark: Novel Sensors for Autonomous Vehicle Perception
Authors: Carmichael Spencer , Buchan Austin , Ramanagopal Mani , Ravi Radhika , Vasudevan Ram , Skinner Katherine A 
Published: September 2024

Conventional cameras employed in autonomous vehicle (AV) systems support many perception tasks but are challenged by low-light or high dynamic range scenes, adverse weather, and fast motion. Novel sensors, such as event and thermal cameras, offer capabilities with the potential to address these scenarios, but they remain to be fully exploited. This paper introduces the Novel Sensors for Autonomous Vehicle Perception (NSAVP) dataset to facilitate future research on this topic. The dataset was captured with a platform including stereo event, thermal, monochrome, and RGB cameras as well as a high precision navigation system providing ground truth poses. The data was collected by repeatedly driving two ∼8 km routes and includes varied lighting conditions and opposing viewpoint perspectives. We provide benchmarking experiments on the task of place recognition to demonstrate challenges and opportunities for novel sensors to enhance critical AV perception tasks. To our knowledge, the NSAVP dataset is the first to include stereo thermal cameras together with stereo event and monochrome cameras. The dataset and supporting software suite is available at https://umautobots.github.io/nsavp .
The geography of European financial centers: 1993–2020
Authors: Capelle-Blancard Gunther , Fromentin Vincent , Grabowski Jesse 
Published: September 2024

This paper examines the dynamics of employment in the financial sector in the European Union and the United Kingdom since the early 1990s. Using the EU Labor Force Survey at the national (NUTS0), regional (NUTS1), and subregional (NUTS2) levels, we document several stylized facts about the evolution of financial centers. Despite the global financial and sovereign debt crises, the total number of workers in the financial sector has increased from less than 5 million in 1993 to more than 6.5 million in 2020. At the same time, however, the share of employees in the financial sector has decreased from 3.5% to 2.8%. We find large regional differences in the degree of financial specialization, with Luxembourg at the top end (11% of their total workforce), followed by Ireland and the United Kingdom (4%), then France, Germany or Italy (around 3%). We also explore the dynamics of concentration. The main conclusion is that the degree of concentration depends on the scale of measurement employed. We show a contrasting concentration trend: centripetal at the national level and centrifugal at lower levels (regional or sub-regional). Furthermore, newer financial centers showed faster growth. JEL codes: E44, G2, R1
Entrepreneurial functions performed by women entrepreneurs: Do incubators make a difference?
Authors: Dixit Deepika , Sinha Anubha Shekhar 
Published: September 2024

Women entrepreneurs often face impoverished social networks, hindering opportunity recognition, resource mobilization, and innovation. Governments promote incubator to boost entrepreneurship, but these are often male dominated, perpetuating gender inequalities. This study examined whether incubation benefits women as much as men entrepreneurs. Data from 268 incubated (men and women) and 140 non-incubated women entrepreneurs showed significant differences in entrepreneurial functions between incubated and non-incubated women. Contrary to expectations, no significant differences were found between incubated men and women. Thus, incubators offer alternative affiliation by providing valuable networks for women beyond their familial connections. Furthermore, incubators create a level playing field for women entrepreneurs. JEL Classification: M13, L26, C83, 030
The effectiveness of brief workplace compassion-focussed training in improving wellbeing of stressed school employees
Authors: Healy Karyn L , Payne Kirsty , Kirby James N 
Published: September 2024

Australian teachers and school employees report high levels of stress-related mental health problems. Previous theory and research show that workplace training in strategies to manage stress can improve organisational productivity as well as employee wellbeing. Theory suggests that self-compassion strategies may produce better outcomes, than standard cognitive behavioural training interventions, due to activation of self-soothing. This pilot randomised controlled trial evaluated whether inclusion of a brief compassion-focussed therapy (CFT) training workshop was more effective in reducing stress-related mental health problems of school employees, than the standard professional development (PD) workshop that incorporated cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness strategies. School employees (103) were recruited and randomly allocated to either the standard PD alone or to also participate in a brief CFT workshop. There were very large reductions in burnout and clinically significant improvements in mental health problems under both conditions. The results provide preliminary evidence that CFT-enhanced training improves secondary traumatic stress and compassion satisfaction; further research needs to be conducted with a larger sample. These results may also be relevant to other occupations with a high emotional load. JEL Classification: I310
Nonoperative Management of High Ankle Sprains: A Case Series With ≥18-Year Follow-up
Authors: Nussbaum Eric D. , Silver Jeremy , Rozenberg Aleksandr , Mazzeferro Natale , Buckley Patrick S. , Gatt Charles J. 
Published: September 2024

Background: High ankle sprains are common athletic injuries and can be associated with long-term sequelae. Regardless of operative or nonoperative treatment, there is a paucity of data in the literature about the long-term outcomes of high ankle sprains. Hypothesis: Nonoperative treatment of high ankle sprains utilizing a standardized protocol will result in good long-term outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients who experienced a high ankle sprain without radiographic diastasis of the syndesmosis were identified from a previous study database and contacted for long-term follow-up. All patients were high school or National Collegiate Athletic Association Division IA athletes at initial injury and were treated nonoperatively with the same standardized protocol. Patients completed a questionnaire that included documentation of any interim ankle injuries, 2 different patient-reported outcome scores, and ankle radiographs to conduct Kellgren-Lawrence scoring for ankle osteoarthritis. Results: In total, 76 cases in 74 patients were identified in the database. A total of 40 patients were successfully contacted, and 31 patients (24 collegiate and 7 high school athletes) with 33 high ankle sprains completed the survey (31/40; 77.5%). The mean age at follow-up was 45 years (range, 34-50 years), with a mean time from injury to follow-up of 25 years. Overall, 93.5% (n = 29) of the respondents were male, and 42% (n = 13) of the respondents reported an ipsilateral ankle injury since their initial injury, with 16% (n = 5) having ankle or Achilles surgery. The mean Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-10 score was 53.4 (SD, 8.3; range, 37.4-67.7), PROMIS median (IQR), 54.1 (39.9, 68.3), and the mean Self-reported Foot and Ankle Score score was 42.7 (SD, 5.86). Follow-up ankle radiographs were obtained in 11 (35%) of the respondents; 27% had Kellgren-Lawrence grade >2 osteoarthritis, and 36% had signs of heterotopic ossification on imaging. The mean tibiofibular clear space was 4.5 mm, and the mean tibiofibular overlap was 7.15 mm, with 27% of patients demonstrating some tibiotalar narrowing. Conclusion: At long-term follow-up, nonoperative management of high ankle sprains without diastasis on imaging was associated with acceptable patient-reported functional outcomes and low rates of subsequent ankle injuries. There was a high incidence of arthritis, but most cases were not clinically significant. This case series shows the natural history of nonoperatively treated high ankle sprains and may serve as a comparison for different management techniques in the future.