bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental reporting in public sector organizations: A review of literature for the future paths of research
Authors: Cappellieri Francesca , Lombardi Rosa , Pizzo Michele , Vinciguerra Rosa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article aims to determine a comprehensive resume of environmental reporting (ER) in the public sector recognizing its role in achieving the environmental sustainable development goals (SDGs). A structured literature review was conducted by content and bibliometric analysis as well as applying the analytical framework by Manes Rossi et al. (2020) to draft the state‐of‐the‐art of ER in public sector organizations and link them to the environmental SDG targets. The analysis develops insights and critical reflections on emerging research areas related to biodiversity disclosure, climate change, and carbon emission disclosure, including ER from a general perspective in the public sector and identifies future research paths that deserve in‐depth‐investigation. The originality of our study derives from the proposal of a set of renewed streams of research addressed to academics and practical communities as well as to decision‐makers and policymakers in taking urgent action to be compliant with emerging legislative issues and to be accountable toward stakeholders in preventing climate change and combating environmental impacts.
The PATCH trial: 5% lidocaine‐medicated plaster for trigeminal neuralgia—Results of a multicentric, enriched enrollment, randomized withdrawal, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled, parallel‐group study
Authors: Zhao Chunmei , Shrestha Niti , Ren Hao , Zhang Baohui , Shen Ying , Meng Lan , Wu Dasheng , Wang Baoguo , Fan Bifa , Luo Fang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and safety of 5% lidocaine‐medicated plaster (LMP) in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN).BackgroundTN is an excruciatingly painful type of neuropathic facial pain. Anti‐epileptics are the first‐line treatment for TN; however, these oral drugs alone sometimes fail to achieve satisfactory analgesic effects. Two retrospective studies have shown that LMP can be an effective and safe treatment option for some patients with TN. No other high‐quality clinical studies have explored the effect and safety of LMP in patients with TN.MethodsThe PATCH trial is an enriched enrollment with randomized withdrawal, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled, parallel‐group trial performed at five study centers. Eligible patients with TN received LMP during a 3‐week initial open‐label phase. Patients who met the response criteria entered the double‐blind treatment phase and were randomly assigned for treatment with either LMP (LMP group) or vehicle patches (control group) at a 1:1 ratio. Patients who met the criteria for treatment failure were withdrawn from the double‐blind treatment phase, and treatment was continued in the remaining patients for up to 28 days. The primary outcome was the number of treatment failures. The secondary endpoints were the time to loss of therapeutic response (LTR) in the double‐blind phase and the weekly mean pain severity in both the open‐label phase and the double‐blind phase of the study.ResultsThe first patient was enrolled in this study on May 1, 2021, and the enrollment of the last patient was completed on August 26, 2022. A total of 307 patients were initially screened, 226 (74.0%) of whom entered the open‐label phase. Of the 226 respondents, 124 (55.0%) were randomized to the double‐blind phase. In the double‐blind phase, 62 patients were assigned to the LMP group, and 62 were assigned to the control group. For the primary endpoint, 16 (26.0%) patients with LMP and 36 (58.0%) patients with vehicle patches met the treatment failure criteria during the double‐blind phase (relative risk, 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31 to 0.75; p < 0.001). The survival curve of the LTR showed that the LTR of LMP was significantly longer than that of the vehicle patches (hazard ratio, 0.275; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.50; log‐rank p < 0.001). LMP also significantly reduced the weekly mean pain severity in the double‐blind phase of the study (p = 0.007).ConclusionsLMP produced partial relief of pain symptoms in some patients with TN. For responders, LMP may be used as an add‐on therapy in a multidrug treatment protocol.
Examining capillary ketone testing in hospitalised patients: indications and outcomes
Authors: Kent Thomas , Loughran Julie , Halim Bella , Fourlanos Spiros , Hayes Lachlan , Kyi Mervyn 
Published: August 2024

AbstractElevated blood ketone levels (ketosis) in inpatients with diabetes can herald diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). However, ketosis can also occur in individuals without diabetes in certain settings. It is unclear what proportion of inpatients with ketosis are in DKA and which patients are at the highest risk of DKA. This study determined that many ketone tests are performed in individuals at low risk of DKA, and a β‐hydroxybutyrate <1.0 mmol/L had a low incidence of DKA and less need for escalation in their management.
Prevalence of pulmonary nodules detected incidentally on noncancer‐related imaging: a review
Authors: Das Ankush , Bonney Asha , Manser Renee 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPulmonary nodules are common incidental findings requiring surveillance. Follow‐up recommendations vary depending on risk factors, size and solid or subsolid characteristics. This review aimed to evaluate the prevalence of clinically significant nodules detected on noncancer‐dedicated imaging and the prevalence of part‐solid and ground‐glass nodules. We conducted a systematic search of literature and screened texts for eligibility. Clinically significant nodules were noncalcified nodules >4–6 mm. Prevalence estimates were calculated for all studies and risk of bias was assessed by one reviewer. Twenty‐four studies were included, with a total of 30 887 participants, and 21 studies were cross‐sectional in design. Twenty‐two studies used computed tomography (CT) imaging with cardiac‐related CT being the most frequent. Prevalence of significant nodules was highest in studies with large field of view of the chest and low size thresholds for reporting nodules. The prevalence of part‐solid and ground‐glass nodules was only described in two cardiac‐related CT studies. The overall risk of bias was low in seven studies and moderate in 17 studies. While current literature frequently reports incidental nodules on cardiovascular‐related CT, there is minimal reporting of subsolid characteristics. Unclear quantification of smoking history and heterogeneity of imaging protocol also limits reliable evaluation of nodule prevalence in nonscreening cohorts.
Towards understanding the role of nanomedicine in targeting TNFR2 in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lambuk Fatmawati , Nordin Nor Asyikin , Mussa Ali , Lambuk Lidawani , Ahmad Suhana , Hassan Rosline , Kadir Ramlah , Mohamud Rohimah , Yahya Nurul Khaiza 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the synovium and progressive joint destruction which significantly affects both quality of life and socioeconomic status. Admittedly, various treatments are available, but they are usually accompanied by various side effects, from mild to severe, and potentially with adverse events. Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of RA. It promotes inflammatory, apoptosis and necroptosis via TNF receptor‐1 (TNFR1) but elicit anti‐inflammatory effects via TNFR2. Herein, targeting TNFR2 has gained attention in RA studies. Understanding the role of nanomedicine in modulating TNFR2 signalling may be the instrument in development of RA therapies. Nanotechnology has made a significant progress in treating various conditions of diseases since its inception. Due to this, nanomedicine has emerged as a promising therapeutics approach for RA. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of nanomedicine in RA theranostics, combining therapy and diagnostics for improved treatment outcomes. Owing to the challenges and advancements in the field of nanotechnology, nanoparticles are seen as an applicable candidate in the treatment of RA. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of nanomedicine in targeting TNFR2 for the treatment of RA and highlight the limitations of current therapies as well as the potential of nanocarriers with controlled drug release and active targeting abilities.
Introducing sectoral bargaining in the United Kingdom: Why it makes sense and how it might be done
Authors: Sisson Keith 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study argues that sectoral bargaining offers a flexible alternative to legal regulation in setting terms and conditions of employment, encourages participation and involvement, brings benefits to employers and improves productivity and performance. It also provides a platform for sector and cross‐sector social dialogue leading to improved policymaking and better macroeconomic outcomes. A statutory framework based on Wages Council‐type arrangements and Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service Codes of Practice is recommended for the United Kingdom, with sectors in the ‘foundational economy’ being prioritised. Sector agreements need to be about much more than pay, though, if they are to realise their potential.
Causal inference and GWAS: Rubin, Pearl, and Mendelian randomization
Authors: Cantet Rodolfo Juan Carlos , Jensen Just 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAlthough Genome Wide Analysis (GWAS) have been widely used to understand the genetic architecture of complex quantitative traits, interpreting their results in terms of the biological processes that determine those traits has been difficult or even lacking, because of the variability in responses to the tests of hypotheses within a trait, species, and breed or cross, and the lack of follow‐up studies. It is then essential employing appropriate statistical tests that point out to the causal genes responsible of the relevant fraction of the genetic variability observed. We briefly review the main theoretical aspects of the two schools of causal inference (Rubin's Causal Model, RCM, and Pearl's causal inference, PCI). RCM approachs the hypothesis testing from a randomization perspective by considering a wider space of the observation, i.e. the “potential outcomes”, rather than the narrower space that results from defining “treatment” effects after observing the data. Next, we discuss the assumptions involved to meet the requirements of randomization for RCM with observational data (non‐designed experiments) with special emphasis on the Stable Unit Treatment Analysis (SUTVA). Due to the presence of “confounders” (i.e. systematic fixed effects, environmental permanent effects, interaction among genes, etc.), causal average treatment effects are viewed through the familiar lens of normal linear (or mixed) models. To overcome the difficulties of association analyses, a tests of causal effects is introduced using independent predicted residual breeding values from animal models of genetic evaluation that avoids the effects of population structure and confounder effects. An independent section discusses the issue of whether the additive effects defined at the “gene” level by R. A. Fisher and popularized in D. S. Falconer's textbook of quantitative genetics can be termed causal from either RCM or PCI.
Mapping Corporate Investments Between China and Europe in an Era of Geoeconomic Competition
Authors: Babic Milan , Linsi Lukas 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe consolidation of geoeconomic competition puts core aspects of global economic interdependence, such as the mutual China‐EU investment relationship, under increased pressure. Headlines about ‘derisking’, ‘decoupling’ or ‘deglobalization’ dominate current debates but tend to be overly simplistic. To push the debate on China‐EU economic relations forward, we provide an empirically driven account of the first phase of the global geoeconomic turn between 2009 and 2021. By triangulating country‐level FDI data, firm‐level ownership information and firm‐level surveys, we find indications of geopolitical hedging by European and Chinese firms, but no clear move towards decoupling or deglobalization. Based on our findings, we advocate for an approach that takes the complexity of state‐firm interactions in global economic relations seriously and integrates different data sources and levels of analysis. With this, we hope to contribute to a more realistic and fine‐grained approach to the important question of China‐EU relations in the 21st century.
Lower hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease: Impact on treatment eligibility
Authors: Henry‐Blake Connor , Balachandrakumar Vinay , Kassab Mohamed , Devonport Joshua , Matthews Charmaine , Fox James , Baggus Elisabeth , Henney Alexander , Stern Nicholas , Cuthbertson Daniel J , Palmer Daniel , Johnson Philip J , Hughes David M , Hydes Theresa J , Cross Timothy J S 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and AimThis study aimed to compare the determinants and impact of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance rates for people with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) versus other chronic liver diseases.MethodsA dataset of HCC patients from a UK hospital (2007–2022) was analyzed. The Mann–Whitney U‐test compared continuous variables. The χ2 and two‐tailed Fisher exact tests compared categorical data. Regression modeling analyzed the impact of MASLD on the size and number of HCC nodules and curative treatment. The Cox proportional hazards model assessed the influence of MASLD on overall survival.ResultsA total of 176 of 687 (25.6%) HCC patients had MASLD. Fewer people with MASLD HCC were enrolled in HCC surveillance compared to non‐MASLD HCC (38 [21.6%] vs 215 [42.1%], P < 0.001). Patients with MASLD HCC were less likely to have been under secondary care (n = 57 [32.4%] vs 259 [50.7%], P < 0.001) and less likely to have cirrhosis (n = 113 [64.2%] vs 417 [81.6%], P < 0.001). MASLD was associated with a 12.3‐mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.8–14.0 mm) greater tumor diameter compared to people without MASLD (P = 0.002). Patients with MASLD HCC had 0.62 reduced odds (95% CI 0.43–0.91) of receiving curative treatment compared to non‐MASLD HCC (P = 0.014). Overall survival was similar for patients with MASLD HCC versus non‐MASLD HCC (hazard ratio 1.03, 95% CI 0.85–1.25, P = 0.748).ConclusionPatients with MASLD are less likely to have been enrolled in HCC surveillance due to undiagnosed cirrhosis or presenting with non‐cirrhotic HCC. Patients with MASLD HCC present with larger tumors and are less likely to receive curative treatment.
Hypothalamic obesity: Epidemiology in rare sellar/suprasellar tumors—A German claims database analysis
Authors: Witte Julian , Surmann Bastian , Batram Manuel , Weinert Markus , Flume Mathias , Touchot Nicolas , Beckhaus Julia , Friedrich Carsten , Müller Hermann L. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHypothalamic obesity (HO) is defined as abnormal weight gain resulting in severe persistent obesity due to physical, tumor‐ and/or treatment‐related damage to the hypothalamus. HO epidemiology is poorly understood. We developed a database algorithm supporting the standardized identification of tumor/treatment‐related HO (TTR‐HO) patients. The algorithm is used to estimate incidence rates of TTR‐HO patients in the German healthcare context from a representative claims database (n = 5.42 million) covering 2010–2020. Patients were identified based on surgery/radiotherapy procedures and HO‐associated tumor diagnoses (n = 3976). HO was defined by incident obesity and validated based on incident diabetes insipidus diagnoses and desmopressin prescription within a 12‐month period after surgery/radiotherapy. Uncertainty due to algorithm definitions is explored in sensitivity analyses. Estimated annual incidence of TTR‐HO in Germany is between 0.7 and 1.7 cases per 1,000,000 persons (2019 prevalence: n = 1262 patients). With observed cases in all age groups, two HO‐incidence peaks are identified: children/young adults aged 10–24 years and adults aged 40–44 years. Most frequent HO‐validated tumor diagnoses are benign sellar/suprasellar tumors (6.1/1,000,000 persons over 9 years), including tumors of the craniopharyngeal duct (1.3/1,000,000), neoplasms of the pituitary gland (4.1/1,000,000), and nonspecific brain tumors of endocrine glands (2.4/1,000,000). This is the first real‐world database analysis of TTR‐HO epidemiology, refining current estimates of HO epidemiology and early patient identification. A more comprehensive characterization of patients with HO as well as a better understanding of clinical implications will be crucial in developing optimal treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Einthoven's triangle adapted for horses: Proposal for the Delta configuration
Authors: Paulussen Ellen , Van Steenkiste Glenn , Hermans Ben J. M. , Decloedt Annelies , van Loon Gunther , Delhaas Tammo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundReliable ECGs are crucial for diagnosing arrhythmias, yet a lack of standardization impedes arrhythmia diagnosis and treatment in horses.ObjectivesTo objectively determine an optimal position of Einthoven's triangle for ECG recordings in horses at rest, which can form the basis for standardized ECG recording and improve diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias.AnimalsThe study involved 72 healthy, warmblood horses aged between 3 and 20 years.MethodsIn view of future 12‐lead studies and vectorcardiography, requiring an orthogonal system, Einthoven's triangle was positioned around the heart, in the transverse plane. Therefore, 11 electrodes were placed encircling the thorax behind the olecranon, to construct triangles with a horizontal base. Electrocardiogram recordings from different triangles were analyzed. Signal processing involved filtering, R peak detection, and median complex generation. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Euclidean distance measures were employed for data analysis.ResultsThe left mid‐thoracic and ventral regions had high PCA scores, indicating high information content. Base‐down triangles exhibited higher summed Euclidean distances, contributing to enhanced diagnostic capabilities. A base‐down triangle, called “Delta (Δ) configuration” emerged as most informative, while meeting all criteria.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe base‐down “Delta configuration” is the optimal Einthoven's triangle adapted for horses, providing large amplitudes and potential to provide basic insights into the mechanisms and origins of cardiac arrhythmias. Because the Delta configuration is positioned in the transverse plane, it forms the ideal basis for 12‐lead ECG recordings that provide vectorcardiograms in an orthogonal coordinate system. Standardizing electrode positioning could improve ECG data comparability in equine cardiology.
Viral diversity and co‐evolutionary dynamics across the ant phylogeny
Authors: Flynn Peter J. , Moreau Corrie S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractKnowledge of viral biodiversity within insects, particularly within ants, is extremely limited with only a few environmental viruses from invasive ant species identified to date. This study documents and explores the viral communities in ants. We comprehensively profile the metagenomes of a phylogenetically broad group of 35 ant species with varied ecological traits and report the discovery of 3710 novel and unique ant‐associated viral genomes. These previously unknown viruses discovered within this study constitute over 95% of all currently described ant viruses, significantly increasing our knowledge of the ant virosphere. The identified RNA and DNA viruses fill gaps in insect‐associated viral phylogenies and uncover evolutionary histories characterized by both frequent host switching and co‐divergence. Many ants also host diverse bacterial communities, and we discovered that approximately one‐third of these new ant‐associated viruses are bacteriophages. Two ecological categories, bacterial abundance in the host and habitat degradation are both correlated with ant viral diversity and help to structure viral communities within ants. These data demonstrate that the ant virosphere is remarkably diverse phylogenetically and genomically and provide a substantial foundation for studies in virus ecology and evolution within eukaryotes. We highlight the importance of studying insect‐associated viruses in natural ecosystems in order to more thoroughly and effectively understand host‐microbe evolutionary dynamics.
Spectacle correction may affect refractive progression in children with unilateral myopic anisometropia: A retrospective study
Authors: Wang Shuai , Zhang Beilei , Liu Qiming , Zhou Fan , Chen Yunyun , Xu Jingjing 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effect of spectacle correction on refractive progression in children with unilateral myopic anisometropia (UMA).MethodsIn this retrospective study, 153 children with UMA (aged 8–12 years) were recruited and classified into an uncorrected (UC) group (n = 47) and a spectacle (SP) group (n = 106). The spherical equivalent refraction (SER) of the myopic eyes ranged from −0.75 to −4.00 D; the SER of the emmetropic eyes ranged from +1.00 to −0.25 D; anisometropia was ≥1.00 D and the follow‐up duration was 1 year. Nineteen subjects from the SP group with follow‐up records spanning at least 6 months before and after wearing spectacles were selected as a subgroup. Changes in the SER and axial length (AL), the degree of anisometropia and interocular AL differences of the two groups and the subgroup were analysed.ResultsDuring the 1‐year follow‐up period, AL and SER changes in myopic eyes were significantly greater than those in emmetropic eyes in the UC group (p < 0.001). For the UC group, the degree of anisometropia and AL change increased (all p < 0.001). For the SP group, there were no significant differences in the degree of anisometropia or AL change (all p > 0.05). When comparing the groups, AL elongation of the myopic eyes in the UC group occurred significantly faster than in the SP group (p = 0.02), and AL elongation for the emmetropic eyes in the UC group occurred significantly slower than in the SP group (p = 0.04). For the subgroup, the AL and SER changes in the myopic eyes 6 months before wearing spectacles occurred significantly faster than those after correction (p < 0.001).ConclusionsSpectacle correction could prevent increased anisometropia in uncorrected children with UMA by slowing myopia progression in the myopic eyes and accelerating the myopic shift in the contralateral eye.