bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Care in the Community: A COVID‐19 initiative to reduce hospital re‐presentations among community‐dwelling people
Authors: Ling Tammy , Basic David , Tcharkhedian Elise , Campisi Josephine , Pringle Bernadette , Khoo Angela 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe COVID‐19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the utilisation of hospital and emergency department (ED) services. We examined the effect of a rapid response service on hospital re‐presentations among people discharged from the ED and short‐stay wards at a tertiary referral hospital.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study compared 112 patients who completed the Care in the Community program with 112 randomly selected controls. Both cases and controls were discharged from hospital between September 2020 and June 2021. Intervention patients were evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, who implemented a goal‐directed program of up to 4‐weeks duration. Logistic regression, negative binomial regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to evaluate outcomes at 28 days and at 6 months.ResultsThe median time between referral and the first home visit was 3.9 days. In adjusted analyses, the intervention reduced hospital re‐presentations at 28 days (odds ratio: .40, 95% confidence interval (CI): .17–.94) and lengthened the time to the first hospital re‐presentation (hazard ratio: .59, 95% CI: .38–.92). Although the intervention did not reduce the total number of hospital re‐presentations at 6 months (adjusted incidence rate ratio: .73, 95% CI: .49–1.08), it reduced total time spent in hospital by 303 days (582 vs. 885).ConclusionsThis study is among the first to investigate the effect of a community‐based intervention on hospital re‐presentations during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It provides evidence that a sustainable 4‐week intervention is associated with reduced hospital re‐presentations and time spent in hospital.
Tax revenue instability in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Does institutional quality matter?
Authors: Nikiema Roukiatou , Zore Mahamoudou 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSub‐Saharan African (SSA) nations face a dual fiscal challenge: the need to increase tax revenue mobilization and to manage revenue instability. This paper examines the causal impact of institutional quality on tax revenue stability in SSA from 2000 to 2020. Using UNU‐WIDER data and the System GMM technique, the study finds that institutional quality reduces tax revenue instability, with a stronger effect on indirect tax revenues than on direct taxes. This result is robust to changes in the measure of tax revenue instability, the measure of quality of institutions, the sample, and the time horizon. The effect is particularly pronounced in resource‐rich countries and in countries experiencing economic growth. The article's results are relevant to tax policy, specifically the necessary adjustments to improve tax revenue stability through institutional quality.
Does Geopolitical Risk Matter for Cross‐Industry Risk Contagion: The Roles of Real Linkage and Information Channels*
Authors: Deng Yuanyue , Wu Ying 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUsing data from 34 Chinese industries from January 2007 to February 2024, we examine risk spillover in the economic system and the channels through which geopolitical risk (GPR) influences contagion effects. Risk spillover measurements are calculated for both the short and long term by combining variational mode decomposition with the variance decomposition of vector autoregression. Our findings provide evidence of significant and time‐varying spillovers among industries over time. The results on densities and assortativity coefficients indicate the presence of structural changes in the risk network during geopolitical crises. Furthermore, we find that the real linkage (input–output nexus) is an important determinant of long‐term spillovers during periods of high GPR, and the information channel (market sentiment) is associated with risk contagion caused by GPR in both the short and long term. Overall, this paper offers valuable insights to prevent and mitigate the negative consequences triggered by geopolitical events on the stability of the economic system.
Adoption of vaginally assisted natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for hysterectomy: A single tertiary experience
Authors: Kapurubandara Supuni , Baekelandt Jan , Laws Patrick , King Jenny 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundVaginal hysterectomy (VH) rate is declining despite being considered as the optimal minimally invasive option for hysterectomy with reduced operative time and length of stay compared with laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). Vaginal assisted natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery hysterectomy (VANH) combines the advantages of both vaginal and endoscopic approach to surgery.AimsTo report feasibility and early experience of a single surgeon adopting VANH at a tertiary Australian hospital.Materials and MethodsProspective review of the first 20 VANH cases with complete data set collected retrospectively including patient demographics, indication for surgery and perioperative outcomes.ResultsThe median age of the first 20 participants was 51.5 years (47–57 years of age) and the median body mass index was 33.5 kg/m2 (27.8–38.3 kg/m2). The predominant indication was complex hyperplasia with atypia (12/20, 60%). The median parity was two (1–3) where four patients were nulliparous. The median blood loss was 125 mL (100–200 mL) with an operative time of 149 min (138–198 min) and median weight of the specimen of 181.5 g (66.5–219 g). The mean length of stay was 1.4 days (1–2 days). Five cases had conversion to laparoscopy and the majority (80%) occurred within the first ten cases.ConclusionsVANH is feasible but there is a learning curve to achieve competence in this technique, which requires adequate training in the early stages of adoption with careful case selection. Until further robust data is available to determine the clinical benefit and safety profile of VANH, patients should be carefully counselled and the decision on mode of hysterectomy be individualised.
Allergenic potency of various foods of mammalian origin in patients with α‐Gal syndrome
Authors: Perusko Marija , Grundström Jeanette , Eldh Maria , Reinhardt Annika , Fuhrmann Verena , Düzakin Meltem , Hamsten Carl , Starkhammar Maria , Apostolovic Danijela , van Hage Marianne 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe α‐Gal syndrome (AGS) is an emerging allergy to mammalian food caused by IgE‐mediated reactions to the carbohydrate galactose‐α‐1,3‐galactose (α‐Gal). Mammalian food sources contain α‐Gal, but the amount differs. The objective of this study was to investigate the allergenic potency of various foods of mammalian origin among AGS patients.MethodsTwenty‐six AGS patients were included. Food extracts from innards, lean meats, processed meat products, milk, and whey were analyzed. Immunoblot, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and basophil activation test were used to determine the α‐Gal content, characterize IgE binding, and assess foods' allergenicity.ResultsThe determined amount of α‐Gal, IgE reactivity to food extracts, and food extract potencies to activate patients' basophils correlated well with each other. Pork and beef kidney showed the highest allergenicity. Beef liver and bacon showed allergenicity comparable to that of lean meats. Game meat seemed to have a higher allergenic potency than meats from farm‐raised animals. The processed meat products liver pâté and black pudding, despite lower α‐Gal content, demonstrated moderate allergenicity. Milk showed the lowest allergenicity. IgE reactivity to food extracts was highly similar for all patients and strongly dominated by the α‐Gal epitope.ConclusionsThe allergenic potency of mammalian meat depends on the origin of the meat, the different cuts, and type of processing, with innards posing the greatest risk to AGS patients. Even processed mammalian meat constitutes a risk. Dairy products show the lowest risk. This study highlights the importance of analyzing even more foods to improve the management of AGS.
Improvements and challenges in intraperitoneal laparoscopic para‐aortic lymphadenectomy: The novel “tent‐pitching” antegrade approach and vascular anatomical variations in the para‐aortic region
Authors: Chai Xiaoshan , Zhu Tianyu , Chen Zhaoying , Zhang Hongwen , Wu Xianqing 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionThis study introduces and compares a new intraperitoneal laparoscopic para‐aortic lymphadenectomy method to reach the level of the renal vein, the “tent‐pitching” antegrade approach with the retrograde approach in gynecological malignancy surgeries in terms of success rate, complication incidence, and the number of lymph nodes removed. It focuses on the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness. Meanwhile, this article reports on the vascular anatomical variations discovered in the para‐aortic region to enhance surgical safety.Material and MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study including patients undergone laparoscopic para‐aortic lymphadenectomy at a single center from January 2020 to December 2023 for high‐risk endometrial and early‐stage ovarian cancer. Patient charts were reviewed for mode of operation, perioperative complications, operative details, and histopathology. The patients were divided into anterograde group and retrograde group according to the operation mode. The two groups were further compared based on the success rate of lymph node clearance at the renal vein level, perioperative complications, and the number of removed lymph nodes. Quantitative data were analyzed using the t‐test, non‐normally distributed data using the rank‐sum test, and categorical data using Fisher's exact test and the chi‐square test, with statistical significance defined as P < 0.05.ResultsAmong 173 patients, the antegrade group showed higher surgery success (97.5% vs 68.82%), more lymph nodes removed (median 14 vs 7), and less median blood loss. The operation time was shorter in the antegrade group. Postoperative complications like lymphocele and venous thrombosis were lower in the antegrade group. Vascular abnormalities were found in 28.9% of patients, with accessory lumbar vein routing anomaly and accessory renal arteries being most common.ConclusionsThe antegrade approach is feasible, safe, and effective, improving surgical exposure, reducing difficulty without additional instruments or puncture sites, and minimizing organ damage risk. It is effective in achieving better access to the renal vein and removing more para‐aortic lymph nodes than the retrograde method. Recognizing and carefully managing the diverse vascular abnormalities in the para‐aortic area, including variations in renal arteries, veins, and the inferior vena cava, is essential to reduce intraoperative bleeding and the likelihood of converting to open surgery.
Increased water intake dilutes protective uromodulin levels in urine and results in increased rates of pyelonephritis in a murine model
Authors: Hamilton Aimi D. K. , Sparsoe Laura V. , Skov Mathias , Johnsen Nanna , Chreistensen Mette H. , Corydon Thomas J. , Praetorius Helle 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimUrinary tract infections (UTIs) rank among the most prevalent infections in humans, carrying substantial implications for public health. Women experiencing recurrent UTIs are often advised to boost their fluid intake to help eliminate bacteria. In this study, we explored the impact of elevated fluid consumption during UTIs using a mouse model of pyelonephritis.MethodsUTI was induced in 8–10 w female BALB/cJ‐mice by surgically injecting Escherichia coli (O6:K13:H1) into the bladder whereafter mice were randomized to gel food (GF) or regular chow. Immune response and infection severity were determined 24‐h post‐infection. In vitro bacterial growth (OD600) was determined in urine from mice or from human volunteers.ResultsGel feeding increased urine output (1.40 ± 0.77 μL min−1, p < 0.01) and diluted the urine (668.7 ± 177 mOsmol kg−1, p < 0.0001) compared to controls on regular chow (urine output: 0.34 ± 0.27 μL min−1, osmolality: 1439 ± 473.5 mOsmol kg−1). Mice on GF had a higher risk of pyelonephritis (87.5%) and more severe infections (26.22 ± 9.88 CFU mg−1 tissue) compared to controls (43.75%; 3.87 ± 3.56 CFU mg−1, p < 0.01). Correspondingly, the growth of E. coli was markedly reduced at osmolalities above 1200 mOsmol kg−1 compared to 600 mOsmol kg−1 and GF mice had lower urine levels of uromodulin (13.70 ± 1.89 μg mL−1, p < 0.01) compared to controls (24.65 ± 2.70 μg mL−1).ConclusionIncreased water intake and urine flow in mice will markedly increase the risk of pyelonephritis. The increased risk may reflect reduced urine uromodulin combined with optimized growth conditions for E. coli. The study does not immediately support the notion that established UTIs can be eliminated by increased water intake.
Fire and grazing interaction in a subhumid grassland: Effects on a dominant tussock grass
Authors: López‐Mársico Luis , Lezama Felipe , Altesor Alice 
Published: July 2024

AbstractQuestionsHerbivory and fire are the main disturbance drivers in open ecosystems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fire, cattle grazing, and their interaction on structural traits and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of the tussock grass Saccharum angustifolium, and its temporal dynamics in a subhumid grassland.LocationGrasslands of the Eastern Hills, Uruguay.MethodsWe set three blocks (four plots of 300 m2 each) in a homogeneous grazed area dominated by S. angustifolium within a protected area. Each block presented the combinations that emerged from the two levels of cattle grazing (grazed/ungrazed) and burning (burned/unburned) factors. The experimental burning was carried out in the spring. Clump volume, number of flowering culms, NDVI of S. angustifolium, and soil variables were measured for 2 years.ResultsBurning efficiency (plant biomass burned of the total available) was 82%, burn intensity ranged from 178–610 kW m−1, and the soil temperature increased 40% compared with pre‐fire measurements. The volume of S. angustifolium clumps decreased with fire, and the difference between burned–unburned plots decreased with time. The burned–ungrazed treatment increased the number of S. angustifolium flowering culms. NDVI of S. angustifolium clumps increased 50% with fire, and then decreased with time. Soil temperature was higher in burned treatments, and moisture was higher in unburned treatments on some dates. Bulk density, for the 0–5‐cm depth, was 9% higher in burned than in unburned plots irrespective of grazing.ConclusionsOur results provide new data in favor of the management practice carried out by ranchers in Uruguayan grasslands dominated by S. angustifolium. Our data complement the evidence that a fire–grazing interaction can maintain grasslands in different phases of a stable state. Our results constitute a useful contribution for the managers/authorities of the protected area, and can be extrapolated to other tussock grass‐dominated grassland areas.
Miocene sequences and depocentres in the Roer Valley Rift System
Authors: Siebels Alexandra , ten Veen Johan , Munsterman Dirk , Deckers Jef , Kasse Cornelis , van Balen Ronald 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Miocene sequence in the Roer Valley Rift System consists of alternating open‐to‐shallow marine, coastal and fluvio‐deltaic deposits. In this study, well logs, bio‐chronostratigraphy and seismostratigraphy are used to characterize major units and their bounding unconformities and to infer sediment dispersal patterns. Three major unconformities occur in the sequence: the early, middle and late Miocene unconformities (EMU, MMU and LMU). The EMU formed due to tectonic motions related to the Savian phase. After formation of the EMU, a broad depocentre developed in the south‐eastern part of the Roer Valley Graben (RVG). Sediment accumulation increased during this period and peaked in the middle Langhian, after which it diminished again to a low level during the late Serravallian. The decrease in sediment accumulation coincided with a period of tectonic subsidence along the major bounding fault zones (i.e. the Peel Boundary Fault System, the Feldbiss Fault System and the Veldhoven Fault System). The resulting transgression caused sediment starvation in the central RVG. Subsequently, global sea‐level fall during the early Tortonian caused large‐scale erosion, and formation of incised valleys on the highs adjacent to the RVG (Peel Block and Campine Block), as well as the south‐eastern RVG, forming the MMU. However, sedimentation continued during this period in the central part of the RVG where no erosional hiatus developed. From the Tortonian onwards, accumulation rates increased again. The depocentre shifted towards the north‐west and clinoforms developed in the RVG. During the latest Miocene, the depocentre was concentrated along the south‐western margin of the RVG. Meanwhile, the depositional environment of the entire RVRS gradually shallowed as the LMU was formed.
Nucleocytoplasmic β‐catenin expression contributes to neuroendocrine differentiation in muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Akman Burcu , Bursalı Ahmet , Gürses Mustafa , Suner Aslı , Karakülah Gökhan , Mungan Uğur , Yörükoğlu Kutsal , Erkek‐Ozhan Serap 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBladder cancers are heterogeneous in nature, showing diverse molecular profiles and histopathological characteristics, which pose challenges for diagnosis and treatment. However, understanding the molecular basis of such heterogeneity has remained elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular landscape of neuroendocrine‐like bladder tumors, focusing on the involvement of β‐catenin localization. Analyzing the transcriptome data and benefiting from the molecular classification tool, we undertook an in‐depth analysis of muscle‐invasive bladder cancers to uncover the molecular characteristics of the neuroendocrine‐like differentiation. The study explored the contribution of transcription factors and chromatin remodeling complexes to neuroendocrine differentiation in bladder cancer. The study revealed a significant correlation between β‐catenin localization and neuroendocrine differentiation in muscle‐invasive bladder tumors, highlighting the molecular complexity of neuroendocrine‐like tumors. Enrichment of YY1 transcription factor, E2F family members, and Polycomb repressive complex components in β‐catenin‐positive tumors suggest their potential contribution to neuroendocrine phenotypes. Our findings contribute valuable insights into the molecular complexity of neuroendocrine‐like bladder tumors. By identifying potential therapeutic targets and refining diagnostic strategies, this study advances our understanding of endocrinology in the context of bladder cancer. Further investigations into the functional implications of these molecular relationships are warranted to enhance our knowledge and guide future therapeutic interventions.
Modifications to consent documentation with adults with communication disorders following brain injury: An exploratory study
Authors: Watermeyer Jennifer , Aylward Chiara 
Published: July 2024

AbstractConsent documentation for research studies is often inaccessible to people with neurogenic communication disorders following brain injury and there is limited literature on specific modifications for informed consent. This exploratory study aimed to identify effective strategies and modifications to consent processes for adults with brain injury. Using a fictitious research study, we developed a set of Participant Information Sheets (PISs) varying in complexity, presentation format, and communication modality. Evaluations were conducted with eight participants. Findings indicated diverse participant preferences for PIS modifications, suggesting simplified vocabulary, reduced text, carefully selected images, and an interactive presentation modality as helpful strategies. Building on previous literature, we present refined guidelines for consent modifications for adults with neurogenic communication disorder after brain injury. These guidelines can promote more appropriate inclusion of communicatively impaired populations in research and assist ethics committees and researchers in preparing modified consent documents.
Diagnostic accuracy and radiological validation of intracerebral hemorrhage diagnosis in the Swedish Stroke Register (Riksstroke)
Authors: Sultani Gabriella , Hillal Amir , Ramgren Birgitta , Apostolaki‐Hansson Trine , Norrving Bo , Wasselius Johan , Ullberg Teresa 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeNational quality registries for stroke care operate under the assumption that the included patients are correctly diagnosed. We aimed to validate the clinical diagnosis of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in Riksstroke (RS) by evaluating radiological data from a large, unselected ICH population.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, multicenter study including all ICH patients registered in RS between 2016 and 2020 residing in Skåne County in Sweden (1.41 million inhabitants). Radiological data from first imaging were evaluated for the presence of spontaneous ICH. Other types of bleeds were registered if a spontaneous ICH was not identified on imaging. The radiological evaluation was independently performed by one radiology fellow and one senior neuroradiologist.ResultsBetween 2016 and 2020, 1784 ICH cases were registered in RS, of which 1655 (92.8%) had a radiological diagnosis consistent with spontaneous ICH. In the 129 (7.2%) remaining cases, the radiological diagnosis was instead traumatic bleed (n = 80), subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 15), brain tumor bleed (n = 14), ischemic lesion with hemorrhagic transformation (n = 14), ischemic lesion (n = 3), or no bleed at all (n = 3). There was a higher degree of incorrect coding in the older age groups.ConclusionAt radiological evaluation, 92.8% of ICH diagnoses in RS were consistent with spontaneous ICH, yielding a high rate of agreement that strengthens the validity of the diagnostic accuracy in the register, justifying the use of high coverage quality register data for epidemiological purposes. The most common coding error was traumatic bleeds that were classified as spontaneous ICH.