bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Choice of Participation Method in Setting International Accounting Standards: Evidence from EFRAG as an Intermediary for Indirect Participation
Authors: Gäumann Martin , Dobler Michael 
Published: December 2023

Synopsis The research problem Prior empirical research on constituents’ participation in setting international accounting standards has focused on their decision whether or not to participate directly in the standard setter’s due process. However, because that focus neglects constituents’ choice between direct participation and indirect participation via an intermediary, we investigated the determinants of using an indirect method of participation as a substitute for, or in complement to, direct participation. Institutional setting We exploited the European institutional setting, where the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) serves as an intermediary for indirect participation in the due process of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The test hypotheses Based on rational choice theory, we hypothesized that constituents from EFRAG’s inner circle and from countries with smaller capital markets, lower English-language proficiency, and/or an accounting value profile more different from that embodied in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) have a higher probability of choosing to use indirect participation. Adopted methodology Using a sample of 7,766 comment letters (CLs) from 2005–2017, we focused on individual constituents and traced their use of indirect participation (i.e., sending CLs to EFRAG) versus direct participation (i.e., sending CLs to the IASB). We employed logistic regression models using the methods of participation as dependent variable to test our hypotheses. Controlling for factors used in prior research on direct participation, we estimated a primary model for the full sample of constituents and a secondary model with firm-specific variables for the subsample of constituents classified as corporate preparers. Findings and implications We found strong evidence that the constituents’ membership in EFRAG’s inner circle is positively related, and capital market size in the constituents’ home countries is negatively related, to choosing to use indirect participation. Country-level English-language proficiency and differences in the accounting value profile in relation to IFRS also determine the choice of participation method. Our findings suggest that a preference for indirect participation relates to the barriers to using direct participation. We provide initial evidence of a neglected aspect of Sutton’ s ( 1984 ) rational choice model and implications for EFRAG’s role as an intermediary.
Integrative Multi-omics Analysis Reveals Different Metabolic Phenotypes Based on Molecular Characteristics in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Kim Yoo Hyung , Yoon Sang Jun , Kim Mina , Kim Hwan Hee , Song Young Shin , Jung Jin Woo , Han Dohyun , Cho Sun Wook , Kwon Sung Won , Park Young Joo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose:
Thyroid cancer metabolic characteristics vary depending on the molecular subtype determined by mutational status. We aimed to investigate the molecular subtype-specific metabolic characteristics of thyroid cancers.

Experimental Design:
An integrative multi-omics analysis was conducted, incorporating transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics data obtained from human tissues representing distinct molecular characteristics of thyroid cancers: BRAF-like (papillary thyroid cancer with BRAFV600E mutation; PTC-B), RAS-like (follicular thyroid cancer with RAS mutation; FTC-R), and ATC-like (anaplastic thyroid cancer with BRAFV600E or RAS mutation; ATC-B or ATC-R). To validate our findings, we employed tissue microarray of human thyroid cancer tissues and performed in vitro analyses of cancer cell phenotypes and metabolomic assays after inducing genetic knockdown.

Results:
Metabolic properties differed between differentiated thyroid cancers of PTC-B and FTC-R, but were similar in dedifferentiated thyroid cancers of ATC-B/R, regardless of their mutational status. Tricarboxylic acid (TCA) intermediates and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) were enriched with the activation of TCA cycle only in FTC-R, whereas one-carbon metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism increased in both PTC-B and FTC-R and to a great extent in ATC-B/R. However, the protein expression levels of the BCAA transporter (SLC7A5) and a key enzyme in one-carbon metabolism (SHMT2) increased in all thyroid cancers and were particularly high in ATC-B/R. Knockdown of SLC7A5 or SHMT2 inhibited the migration and proliferation of thyroid cancer cell lines differently, depending on the mutational status.

Conclusions:
These findings define the metabolic properties of each molecular subtype of thyroid cancers and identify metabolic vulnerabilities, providing a rationale for therapies targeting its altered metabolic pathways in advanced thyroid cancer.
Breaking the Vicious Circle between Discrimination and Homelessness
Authors: Fragkou Roxani , Tsadiras Alexandros 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Homelessness is without a doubt a global phenomenon, constantly increasing at an alarming rate. Although discourse about homelessness is predominantly linked to discourse about inadequate housing, homelessness does not only amount to a breach of the right to housing, but furthermore constitutes a violation of a broad range of human rights, including non-discrimination. This article discusses how homelessness and discrimination mutually exacerbate and magnify one another, creating a vicious circle. The article places homelessness in a human rights framework, arguing that enhancing the anti-discrimination legislation is an essential component of breaking this vicious circle. In particular, the article suggests acknowledging homelessness as a protected ground under anti-discrimination law, illustrating how expanding the list of protected grounds in anti-discrimination law in Europe is expected to reinforce the effectiveness and coherence of the anti-discrimination legal framework and encourage its implementation, by remedying some of its shortcomings vis-à-vis people experiencing homelessness.
Impossible Representations: Fantasy, Mimesis, and Heteroglossia in Louisiana French Fiction
Authors: Cooper R. Paul 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Modern Louisiana French fiction remains in scant supply. Modern Louisiana French fiction remains in scant supply, largely as a result of the dwindling number of French speakers. Even during the nineteenth century, French writers faced the same problems Louisiana French writers face today, how to model artistically a fading linguistic reality. This article argues that mimesis in Louisiana French fiction is impossible because there no longer exists a rich linguistic reality to use as a model. Despite this, Louisiana French fiction uses techniques from fantasy literature to bring that reality to life.
Interview: Faust in Three Languages, or How to Translate Goethe without Knowing German
Authors: Wanner Adrian , Astrakhan Vadim 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Vadim Astrakhan is a Russian immigrant to the United States who has made a name for himself as a translator and performer of songs by Soviet bard Vladimir Vysotsky. While his previous translations were all from Russian, Astrakhan’s latest project is an English verse rendition of Goethe’s Faust. Astrakhan does not know German. He begins by running Goethe’s original text through Google Translate. He then collates the result with various existing English-language versions of Faust as well as the canonical Russian verse translation by Boris Pasternak (published 1953), which was his main inspiration for putting Faust into rhymed English verse. Adrian Wanner, a professor of Russian and comparative literature at Penn State and a native speaker of German, discusses with Astrakhan what prompted him to translate Goethe’s tragedy. The conversation touches on Astrakhan’s use of English and Russian sources and his methodology and goals as a translator, including the crucial importance he ascribes to bringing to life the music and humor of Goethe’s original for a contemporary American theatrical audience.
Blocking Events in East Antarctica: Impact on Precipitation and their Association with Large-Scale Atmospheric Circulation Modes
Authors: Wang Sai , Ding Minghu , Liu Ge , Li Guancheng , Chen Wen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study, utilizing ERA5 data from 1979 to 2021, identifies a prevalent occurrence of blocking events in East Antarctica, particularly in the region extending from Wilkes Land to Dronning Maud Land. The genesis of these blocking highs is typically facilitated by the intensification of Rossby waves within the circumpolar westerlies. By classifying the circulation patterns causing the blocking events, the blocking events in East Antarctica are divided into five categories. On the western flank of the blocking high, we observe the transportation of warm and humid air into inland Antarctica, instigating regional snowfall. High precipitation levels are observed in different regions based on the specific location of the blocking high. We also demonstrate that the contribution of atmospheric blockings to total annual precipitation and extreme precipitation events increases from coastal to inland. Over the East Antarctic plateau, the blockings are responsible for at least 15% of total accumulated snowfall and 30% of extreme precipitation events. Finally, we find a significant relationship between the interannual variability in East Antarctic blocking frequency and the phase variability of the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). A positive phase of the SAM inhibits an increase in blocking frequency, while a negative phase favors an increase. However, the two Pacific–South American patterns (PSA-1 and PSA-2), characterized by wave trains originating in the tropical Pacific that extend across the Southern Hemisphere extratropics, do not significantly influence the interannual variability in East Antarctic blocking frequency.
Inflammatory bowel disease patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty have higher odds of implant-related complications
Authors: Magruder Matthew L , Parsa Shabnam , Gordon Adam M , Ng Mitchell , Wong Che Hang J 
Published: December 2023

Purpose: This study evaluates whether IBD patients are at increased risk of implant-related complications after THA. Materials and methods: A retrospective study from 01 January 2010 to 31 October 31 2020 using an administrative claims database was performed. IBD patients undergoing THA ( n = 11,025), without corticosteroid treatment, were propensity score matched to controls in a 1:5 ratio ( n = 55,121) based on age, sex, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Outcomes evaluated included periprosthetic fracture, aseptic loosening, prosthetic joint infection, and THA revision within 2 years of index procedure. Chi-square analyses were used to compare the matched cohorts. The association of IBD and implant-related complications was evaluated using logistical regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and p-values. A p-value < 0.001 was used as the significance threshold. Results: Patients with IBD had a greater incidence and odds of total implant complications (7.03% vs. 3.98%; OR 1.76; p < 0.001) compared with matched controls. IBD patients had significantly higher incidence and odds of developing periprosthetic fracture (0.50% vs. 0.20%; OR 2.46; p < 0.001), THA revisions (2.21% vs. 1.17%; OR 1.91; p < 0.001), aseptic loosening (1.45% vs. 0.84%; OR 1.75; p < 0.001), and prosthetic joint infection (2.87% vs. 1.77%; OR 1.64; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with IBD who underwent primary THA had a significantly higher risk of implant-related complications compared to matched controls. Providers should use this study to appropriately assess post-complication risk factors for their patients with IBD.
Moderate to Severe Osteoarthritis: What is the Economic Burden for Patients and the Health Care System? Insights from the “PONOS” Study
Authors: Savvari P. , Skiadas I. , Barmpouni M. , Papadakis S. A , Psychogios V. , Pastroudis A.P. , Skarpas G.A. , Tsoutsanis A. , Garofalakis A. , Katsifis G. , Argyropoulou O.D. , Boumpas D. , Menegas D. 
Published: December 2023

Objective To assess the economic burden of moderate to severe osteoarthritis (OA) management for patients and the health care system in Greece. Design A noninterventional, cross-sectional, prospective, epidemiological analysis of data from the medical records of patients with moderate to severe OA, recruited in a single visit from 9 sites in Greece. Outcomes included health care resource use (direct/indirect costs) associated with this patient population. Results A total of 164 patients were included in the analysis: mean age was 70.5 years, and the majority of participants were females (78.7%). The presence of comorbidities was reported by 87.2% of patients, with hypertension being the most frequently reported (53.7%). Paracetamol was the most commonly used analgesic treatment (96%), followed by systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (75%) and opioids (50%). The mean overall annual direct costs per patient was estimated at 1,675.3€, with approximately half incurred by the National Health Insurance Fund, whereas the mean overall annual indirect cost (absenteeism of patients and informal caregivers) was estimated at 3,501.4€. Joint replacement (JR) procedures and paid care were the major drivers of annual direct costs in this patient population (4,326.3€ and 9,360.0€, respectively). Conclusions This real-world analysis of direct and indirect costs confirmed the substantial economic burden imposed by moderate to severe OA to the health care system and the patients. Our findings emphasize the need for interventions to enhance disease management, to improve patients’ health outcomes and reduce the global burden of OA on society.
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with a tantalum cage: lumbar lordosis redistribution and sacral slope restoration with a modified posterior technique
Authors: Ferraro Marcello , Puglia Francesco , Della Valle Andrea , Cerbone Vincenzo , Cicatelli Alfonso , Peroni Donata Rita , Cecconi Davide , Misaggi Bernardo , La Maida Giovanni Andrea 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), a commonly used procedure in spine surgery, has the advantage of a lower incidence of nerve lesions compared to the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) technique. The intersomatic arthrodesis has always been carried out with a single tantalum cage normally used for PLIF. Tantalum is a metal that is particularly used in orthopedic surgery. It has a modulus of elasticity similar to marrow and leads to high primary stability of the implant.

Materials and methods
Our study was a retrospective monocentric observational study evaluating clinical and radiological outcomes of tantalum cages in a modified TLIF technique with posterior instrumentation and autologous and/or homologous posterolateral bone grafting. The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and the increase in or redistribution of lumbar lordosis. The intersomatic arthrodesis was always carried out with a single tantalum cage normally used for PLIF to reduce the neurological risk. We retrospectively studied 105 patients who were treated with a modified unilateral TLIF approach by two surgeons between 2013 and 2018. We evaluated the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back pain, global lumbar lordosis, lordosis of L4–sacrum, segmental lordosis of functional motion units that underwent arthrodesis, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, and the sacral slope in 77 patients. All patients were suffering from grade III or IV Pfirrmann, instability, or foraminal post-laminectomy stenosis and/or grade I–II degenerative spondylolisthesis or low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. They had no significant sagittal imbalance, with a sagittal vertical axis (SVA) of < 5 mm. The average follow-up duration was 30 months.

Results
We achieved excellent clinical results, with only four cases of failure (5.2%). Moreover, we noticed a statistically significant redistribution of lumbar lordosis, with an average percentage increase in L4–S1 lordosis equal to 19.9% (P < 0.001), an average increase in the L4–S1/Lumbar lordosis (LL) ratio from 0.53 to 0.63 (P < 0.001), and a mean percentage increase in sacral slope equal to 7.6% (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
Thanks to the properties of tantalum, our modified single-portal TLIF technique is a valid surgical solution to obtain a solid arthrodesis and restore the correct lumbar lordosis distribution while reducing neurological complications and the number of failures.
Level of evidence: 4
Trial registration statement: retrospective observational study, no trial registration.
Analysing cluster randomised controlled trials using GLMM, GEE1, GEE2, and QIF: results from four case studies
Authors: Offorha Bright C. , Walters Stephen J. , Jacques Richard M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Using four case studies, we aim to provide practical guidance and recommendations for the analysis of cluster randomised controlled trials.

Methods
Four modelling approaches (Generalized Linear Mixed Models with parameters estimated by maximum likelihood/restricted maximum likelihood; Generalized Linear Models with parameters estimated by Generalized Estimating Equations (1st order or second order) and Quadratic Inference Function, for analysing correlated individual participant level outcomes in cluster randomised controlled trials were identified after we reviewed the literature. We systematically searched the online bibliography databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO (via OVID), CINAHL (via EBSCO), and SCOPUS. We identified the above-mentioned four statistical analytical approaches and applied them to four case studies of cluster randomised controlled trials with the number of clusters ranging from 10 to 100, and individual participants ranging from 748 to 9,207. Results were obtained for both continuous and binary outcomes using R and SAS statistical packages.

Results
The intracluster correlation coefficient (ICC) estimates for the case studies were less than 0.05 and are consistent with the observed ICC values commonly reported in primary care and community-based cluster randomised controlled trials. In most cases, the four methods produced similar results. However, in a few analyses, quadratic inference function produced different results compared to the generalized linear mixed model, first-order generalized estimating equations, and second-order generalized estimating equations, especially in trials with small to moderate numbers of clusters.

Conclusion
This paper demonstrates the analysis of cluster randomised controlled trials with four modelling approaches. The results obtained were similar in most cases, however, for trials with few clusters we do recommend that the quadratic inference function should be used with caution, and where possible a small sample correction should be used. The generalisability of our results is limited to studies with similar features to our case studies, for example, studies with a similar-sized ICC. It is important to conduct simulation studies to comprehensively evaluate the performance of the four modelling approaches.
Anti-hepatitis C antibody carriage and risk of liver impairment in rural-Cameroon: adapting the control of hepatocellular carcinoma for resource-limited settings
Authors: Kamga Wouambo Rodrigue , Panka Tchinda Gaelle , Kagoue Simeni Luc Aime , Djouela Djoulako Paule Dana , Yateu Wouambo Clarisse Irene , Tamko Mella Ghislaine Flore , Tchoumi Leuwat Eric Pascal , Bello Djoda , Fokam Joseph 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The Viral hepatitis elimination by 2030 is uncertain in resource-limited settings (RLS), due to high burdens and poor diagnostic coverage. This sounds more challenging for hepatitis C virus (HCV) given that antibody (HCVAb) sero-positivity still lacks wide access to HCV RNA molecular testing. This warrants context-specific strategies for appropriate management of liver impairment in RLS. We herein determine the association between anti-HCV positivity and liver impairment in an African RLS.

Methods
A facility-based observational study was conducted from July-August 2021 among individuals attending the “St Monique” Health Center at Ottou, a rural community of Yaounde,Cameroon. Following a consecutive sampling, consenting individuals were tested for anti-HCV antibodies, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HIV antibodies (HIVAb) as per the national guidelines. After excluding positive cases for HBsAg and/or HIVAb, liver function tests (ALT/AST) were performed on eligible participants (HBsAg and HIVAb negative) and outcomes were compared according to HCVAb status; with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results
Out of 306 eligible participants (negative for HBsAg and HIVAb) enrolled, the mean age was 34.35 ± 3.67 years. 252(82.35%) were female and 129 (42.17%) were single. The overall HCVAb sero-positivity was 15.68%(48/306), with 17.86% (45/252) among women vs. 5.55%(3/54) among men [OR (95%CI) = 3.69(2.11-9.29),p = 0.04]. HCVAb Carriage was greater among participants aged > 50 years compared to younger ones [38.46%(15/39) versus 12.36% (33/267) respectively, OR(95%CI) = 4.43(2.11-9.29), p < 0.000] and in multipartnership [26.67%(12/45)vs.13.79%(36/261) monopartnership, OR (95%CI) = 2.27(1.07-4.80),p = 0.03]. The liver impairment rate (abnormal ALT+AST levels) was 30.39%(93/306), with 40.19%(123/306) of abnormal ALT alone. Moreover, the burden of Liver impairment was significantly with aged> 50 versus younger ones [69.23% (27/39) versus 24.72%(66/267) respectively, p < 0.000). Interestingly, the burden of liver impairment (abnormal AST + ALAT) was significantly higher in HCVAb positive (62.5%, 30/48) versus HCVAb negative (24.42%, 63/258) participants, OR: 3.90 [1.96; 7.79], p = 0.0001.

Conclusions
In this rural health facility, HCVAb is highly endemic and the burden of liver impairment is concerning. Interestingly, HCVAb carriage is associated with abnormal liver levels of enzyme (ALT/AST), especially among the elderly populations. Hence, in the absence of nuclei acid testing, ALT/AST are relevant sentinel markers to screen HCVAb carriers who require monitoring/care for HCV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma in RLS.