bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fibrinogen‐to‐Albumin Ratio and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Large Artery Atherosclerosis Stroke
Authors: Wang Yafei , Bai Lin , Li Xiaohui , Yi Fei , Hou Huiqing 
Published: December 2023

Background
A high fibrinogen‐to‐albumin ratio (FAR), a novel inflammatory marker, is considered to be a prognostic marker in vascular diseases. However, the association of FAR with large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) stroke is still unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate the association between FAR levels and clinical outcomes in patients with acute LAA stroke.

Methods and Results
A total of 809 patients within 72 hours of LAA stroke were included and followed up to 1 year. FAR was calculated as fibrinogen (g/L)/albumin (g/L). The associations of FAR with clinical outcomes were assessed by multivariate Cox regression or logistic regression analysis. Clinical outcomes included stroke recurrence, all‐cause death, poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 3–6), and dependence (modified Rankin Scale score 3–5). Among the 809 patients with acute LAA stroke, the median FAR was 0.075 (interquartile range, 0.064–0.087). At 1 year, 103 (12.7%) patients had stroke recurrence, 105 (13.0%) had poor functional outcome, 76 (9.8%) had dependence, and 29 (3.6%) had died. After adjusting for all confounding risk factors, a high FAR level was associated with stroke recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.57 [95% CI, 1.32–5.02]), poor functional outcome (odds ratio, 3.30 [95% CI, 1.57–6.94]), and dependence (odds ratio, 3.49 [95% CI, 1.49–8.19]).

Conclusions
A high FAR level was associated with an increased risk of stroke recurrence, poor functional outcome, and dependence in patients with acute LAA stroke.
Immune Activation Mediates the Association of Advanced Hepatic Fibrosis With Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Jain Vardhmaan , Mehta Anurag , Lee Terence B. , Liu Chang , Chew Nicholas W. S. , Ko Yi‐An , Gold Matthew E. , Gold Daniel A. , Vatsa Nishant , Desai Shivang R. , Kim Jonathan H. , Rahbar Alireza , Haroun Yazan , Ejaz Kiran , Hayek Salim S. , Siddiqui Mohammad S. , Salloum Fadi N. , Sperling Laurence S. , Sanyal Arun J. , Quyyumi Arshed A. 
Published: December 2023

Background
Literature suggests a bidirectional association between advanced hepatic fibrosis (AHF) and coronary artery disease (CAD). We evaluated the association of AHF with immune activation, systemic inflammation, and adverse outcomes in patients with CAD.

Methods and Results

A fibrosis‐4 index cutoff value ≥2.67 was used to define AHF. Circulating levels of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor and hsCRP (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein) were measured as markers for immune activation and systemic inflammation, respectively. The relationship of AHF with soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, hsCRP, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes was evaluated. Among 3406 participants with CAD, 479 had AHF. Participants with AHF were older; were less likely to be Black individuals; and had a lower body mass index, worse renal function, and a prior history of heart failure. In multivariable linear regression models adjusted for clinical and demographic confounders, participants with AHF had 15.6% higher soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor and 24.0% higher hsCRP levels. They were more likely to experience the following adverse outcomes: all‐cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.57 ([95% CI, 1.29–1.92];
P
<0.001) and cardiovascular death: (subdistribution HR, 1.50 [95% CI, 1.14–1.95];
P
=0.003). Mediation analysis showed that 47.0% (95% CI, 13.6%–81.2%];
P
=0.006) of the indirect effect of AHF on cardiovascular death was mediated by circulating soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor levels.

Conclusions
AHF is independently associated with immune activation, systemic inflammation, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CAD. The association of AHF with adverse outcomes is partly mediated by immune activation, and targeting this pathway may help reduce the residual risk in patients with CAD.
Aortic Arch Plaques and the Long-Term Risk of Stroke and Cardiovascular Events in the Statin Era
Authors: Yoshida Yuriko , Jin Zhezhen , Mannina Carlo , Homma Shunichi , Nakanishi Koki , Leibowitz David , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Rundek Tatjana , Di Tullio Marco R. 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:
Aortic arch plaques are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in patients with cryptogenic stroke or prior embolic events. However, this relationship is unclear in the community. We investigated (1) the long-term risk of stroke and cardiovascular events associated with arch plaques and (2) whether statin therapy prescribed for any indication modified the association.

METHODS:
A total of 934 stroke-free participants (72±9 years; 37% men) from the CABL study (Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesion) were evaluated. Arch plaques were assessed by suprasternal transthoracic echocardiography; plaques ≥4 mm in thickness were classified as large plaques. The primary outcome was ischemic stroke; the secondary outcome was combined cardiovascular events (ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death). The plaque-related risk of outcomes was also analyzed according to the presence of statin treatment. No plaque was used as a reference.

RESULTS:
Aortic arch plaques were present in 645 participants (69.1%), with large plaques in 114 (12.2%). During a mean follow-up of 11.3±3.6 years, 236 (25.3%) cardiovascular events occurred (76 ischemic strokes, 27 myocardial infarctions, and 133 cardiovascular deaths). Large arch plaques were independently associated with combined events (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.40–3.43]) but not stroke alone (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.50–2.38]). The association between large plaques and cardiovascular events was significant in participants receiving statins (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.57 [95% CI, 1.52–4.37]) but not in others; however, participants on statin treatment also had a worse risk profile (higher body mass index, greater frequencies of hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease).

CONCLUSIONS:
Aortic arch plaques may be a marker of cardiovascular risk rather than a direct embolic stroke source in older adults without prior stroke. The efficacy of broader cardiovascular risk factors control, beyond cholesterol levels alone, for primary prevention of cardiovascular events in individuals with aortic arch plaques may require further investigation.
National- and State-Level Trends in Medicare Hospice Beneficiaries for Stroke During 2013 to 2019 in the United States
Authors: de Havenon Adam , Skolarus Lesli E. , Mac Grory Brian , Bangad Aaron , Sheth Kevin N. , Burke James F. , Creutzfeldt Claire J. 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, one of the leading contributors to Medicare cost, including through Medicare hospice benefits, and the rate of stroke mortality has been increasing since 2013. We hypothesized that hospice utilization among Medicare beneficiaries with stroke has increased over time and that the increase is associated with trends in stroke death rate.

METHODS:
Using Medicare Part A claims data and Centers for Disease Control mortality data at a national and state level from 2013 to 2019, we report the proportion and count of Medicare hospice beneficiaries with stroke as well as the stroke death rate (per 100 000) in Medicare-eligible individuals aged ≥65 years.

RESULTS:

From 2013 to 2019, the number of Medicare hospice beneficiaries with stroke as their primary diagnosis increased 104.1% from 78 812 to 160 884. The number of stroke deaths in the United States in individuals aged ≥65 years also increased from 109 602 in 2013 to 129 193 in 2019 (17.9% increase). In 2013, stroke was the sixth most common primary diagnosis for Medicare hospice, while in 2019 it was the third most common, surpassed only by cancer and dementia. The correlation between the change from 2013 to 2019 in state-level Medicare hospice for stroke and stroke death rate for Medicare-eligible adults was significant (Spearman ρ=0.5;
P
<0.001). In a mixed-effects model, the variance in the state-level proportion of Medicare hospice for stroke explained by the state-level stroke death rate was 48.2%.

CONCLUSIONS:
From 2013 to 2019, the number of Medicare hospice beneficiaries with a primary diagnosis of stroke more than doubled and stroke jumped from the sixth most common indication for hospice to the third most common. While increases in stroke mortality in the Medicare-eligible population accounts for some of the increase of Medicare hospice beneficiaries, over half the variance remains unexplained and requires additional research.
Clearance of Neutrophils From ICH-Affected Brain by Macrophages Is Beneficial and Is Assisted by Lactoferrin and CD91
Authors: Zhao Xiurong , Ting Shun-Ming , Sun Guanghua , Bautista Garrido Jesus , Obertas Lidiya , Aronowski Jaroslaw 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:
Within hours after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) onset, masses of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) infiltrate the ICH-affected brain. After degranulation involving controlled release of many toxic antimicrobial molecules, the PMNs undergo rapid apoptosis and then are removed by phagocytic microglia/macrophages (MΦ) through a process called efferocytosis. Effective removal of PMNs may limit secondary brain damage and inflammation; however, the molecular mechanisms governing these cleanup activities are not well understood. We propose that scavenger receptor CD91 on myeloid phagocytes especially in presence of CD91 ligand, LTF (lactoferrin, protein abundant in PMNs), plays an important role in clearance of dead apoptotic PMNs (ANs).

METHODS:
Mice/rats were subjected to an autologous blood injection model of ICH. Primary cultured microglia were used to assess phagocytosis of ANs. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess CD91 expression and PMN infiltration. CD91 knockout mice selectively in myeloid phagocytes (Mac-CD91-KO) were used to establish the CD91/LTF function in phagocytosis and in reducing ICH-induced injury, as assessed using behavioral tests, hematoma resolution, and oxidative stress.

RESULTS:
Masses of PMNs are found in ICH-affected brain, and they contain LTF. MΦ at the outer border of hematoma are densely packed, expressing CD91 and phagocytosing ANs. Microglia deficient in CD91 demonstrate defective phagocytosis of ANs, and mice deficient in CD91 (Mac-CD91-KO) subjected to ICH injury have increased neurological dysfunction that is associated with impaired hematoma resolution (hemoglobin and iron clearance) and elevated oxidative stress. LTF that normally ameliorates ICH injury in CD91-proficient control mice shows reduced therapeutic effects in Mac-CD91-KO mice.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our study suggests that CD91 plays a beneficial role in improving ANs phagocytosis and ultimately post-ICH outcome and that the beneficial effect of LTF in ICH is in part dependent on presence of CD91 on MΦ.
Functional Cerebral Venous Anatomy from the Viewpoint of Venous Collaterals Part I, Supratentorial Superficial and Deep Venous System
Authors: Ota Takahiro 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Supratentorial veins are divided into superficial and deep venous systems. Most superficial veins drain into the superior sagittal sinus, cavernous sinus, transverse sinus, and inferior sagittal sinuses. Most deep veins drain into the internal cerebral vein, and some drain into the basal vein of Rosenthal, which head toward the great cerebral vein of Galen. The functional anatomy of the supratentorial cerebral veins can be explained by dividing them into (1) veins on the lateral surface of the cerebral hemisphere, (2) the basal vein of Rosenthal system, and (3) the internal cerebral vein system. Many anastomotic channels exist between the superficial venous systems, veins at the base of the brain, and transcerebral veins. To understand and prevent adverse neurointerventional effects, in this study, we review the cerebral venous anatomy from the viewpoint of venous collaterals.
Cloud Computing and Firm Growth
Authors: DeStefano Timothy , Kneller Richard , Timmis Jonathan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Cloud computing has shifted how firms access IT away from investment in fixed capital to pay-on-demand services that facilitate remote and simultaneous use. Using firm-level data we examine the impact of cloud adoption on firm performance and organizational geography with an IV approach that exploits cross-section and time-series variation in fiber broadband speeds as instruments. Cloud leads younger firms to increase revenue, employment, and productivity, whereas incumbent firms experience no scale effects and weaker productivity gains. Incumbents however undergo restructuring through establishment deaths and fewer births, while both types of firms experience geographic reorganization shifting farther from the headquarters.
Too Lucky To Be True: Fairness Views under the Shadow of Cheating
Authors: Bortolotti Stefania , Soraperra Ivan , Sutter Matthias , Zoller Claudia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Income inequalities within societies are often associated with evidence that the rich are more likely to behave unethically and evade more taxes. We study how fairness views and preferences for redistribution are affected when cheating may, but need not, be the cause of income inequalities. In our experiment, we let third parties redistribute income between a rich and a poor stakeholder. In one treatment, income inequality was only due to luck, while in two others rich stakeholders might have cheated. The mere suspicion of cheating changes third parties' fairness views considerably and leads to a strong polarization that is even more pronounced when cheating generates negative externalities.
Access to Guns in the Heat of the Moment: More Restrictive Gun Laws Mitigate the Effect of Temperature on Violence
Authors: Colmer Jonathan , Doleac Jennifer L. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Gun violence is a major problem in the United States, and extensive prior work has shown that higher temperatures increase violent behavior. We consider whether restricting the concealed carry of firearms mitigates or exacerbates the effect of temperature on violence. We use two identification strategies that exploit daily variation in temperature and variation in gun control policies between and within states. We provide evidence that more prohibitive concealed-carry laws attenuate the temperature–homicide relationship. Our findings are consistent with more-prohibitive policy regimes reducing the lethality of altercations.
Critical Humanism and the Study of Religion: A Statement and Defense
Authors: Miller Richard B. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This essay offers a statement and defense of four core claims of my work, Why Study Religion? Those are: (1) the field of religious studies is preoccupied by procedural methods for studying religion to the neglect of values and purposes that can justify its intellectual practices; (2) this preoccupation operates under a “regime of truth” that is anti-normative; (3) this regime of truth buckles under the pressure of repressed values and smuggles in crypto-normative judgments and commitments; and (4) this preoccupation with method can be remedied by attending to purposes that can justify the study of religion, which I call Critical Humanism. Critical Humanism aims to expand the moral imagination and comprises four values: post-critical reasoning, social criticism, cross-cultural fluency, and environmental responsibility. After describing the book’s main claims, I take up critiques expressed by Michael Stausberg, et al. in their essay, “A Normative Turn in Religious Studies?”
Debatable Renderings of Demonstrative Pronouns in Qurʾanic Translations
Authors: Jabali Oqab 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Translation of the Qurʾan poses many complexities due to its multifaceted and its divine origin. The holy Qurʾan is idiosyncratic in terms of word choice, meaning, syntax, and style. The translator is required to produce a text that is void of distortions; otherwise, a lot of debate may arise and the translation might be lacking. The present study aims at addressing a number of debatable renderings of one discourse deictic demonstrative pronoun (Dhālika) in the second chapter, i.e., The Heifer of the Holy Qurʾan. The researcher meant to compare and critically test four popular Qurʾanic translations to evaluate their renderings of the demonstrative pronoun (Dhālika) and highlight possible defects and shortcomings in the translation. The study results show that four translation strategies are used at various frequencies. The current study postulates that it is beyond all translators’ potentials to attain a finished product of a translation of certain Qurʾanic terms.
Modified Frailty Index Helps Predict Mortality and Ambulation Differences Between Genders and Racial Differences Following Major Lower Extremity Amputation
Authors: Som Maria N. , Chao Natalie T. , Karwoski Allison , Pitsenbarger Luke T. , Dunlap Eleanor , Nagarsheth Khanjan H. 
Published: December 2023

Background Major lower extremity amputation (LEA) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The modified frailty index (mFI-5) has been used to predict outcomes including ambulation and mortality after LEA. It remains unknown for which patient demographics the mFI-5 is a reliable predictor. Methods This was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent a first-time major LEA at our institution from 2015 to 2022. Patients were stratified into 2 risk groups based on their mFI-5 score: non-frail (mFI<3) and frail (mFI≥3) and assessed on outcomes. Results Our sample consisted of 687 patients of whom 134 (19.6%) were considered frail and 551 (80.4%) were considered non-frail. A higher mFI-5 is associated with decreased ambulation rates (OR: 0.565, P = .004), increased hospital readmission (OR: 1.657, P = .021), and increased mortality (OR: 2.101, P = .001) following major LEA. In African American patients, frail and non-frail patients differed on readmission at 90 days ( P = .008), mortality at 1 year ( P = .001), ambulatory status ( P < .001), and prosthesis use ( P = .023). In male patients, frail and non-frail patients differed on readmission at 90 days ( P = .019), death at 1 year ( P = .001), and ambulatory status ( P = .002). In Caucasian patients and female patients, frail and non-frail patients did not differ significantly on outcomes. Discussion The mFI-5 is a valuable predictor of outcomes following major LEA, specifically in males and African American patients. Moreover, surgeons should consider using frailty status to risk stratify patients and inform treatment plans.
Advances in the Use of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator in Adolescents With Down Syndrome and Persistent Obstructive Sleep Apnea—A Systematic Review
Authors: Rodriguez Lara Frances , Carnino Jonathan M. , Cohen Michael B. , Levi Jessica R. 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator (HNS) is a novel therapy that has been extensively studied in adults and more recently, it has been incorporated in children with Down Syndrome (DS) with persistent obstructive sleep apnea after adenotonsillectomy and trial of continuous positive airway pressure treatment. This systematic review article aims to examine the existing literature on HNS use in children to explore the benefits, efficacy, and parental experiences. Methods: MEDLINE, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched to include all studies published up to March 2nd, 2023, on the topic of HNS use in pediatric population under 21 years old. Results: A total of 179 studies were initially identified from which 10 articles were consistent with the inclusion criteria. Nine articles addressed outcomes after implantation of the HNS device in children with DS and 1 article explored the parental experiences. Findings were similar across studies where after implantation of HNS, there was marked improvement in polysomnographic outcomes and quality of life scores with high level of compliance. Conclusions: HNS holds promise as an effective treatment option for pediatric patients with DS and persistent OSA after AT and CPAP trials. It significantly improves sleep-disordered breathing, quality of life, and neurocognitive measures, leading to substantial and sustained benefits for these children. While the findings are encouraging, further research is needed to explore the potential of HNS in other pediatric populations without DS and to raise awareness among healthcare providers about this treatment option. Overall, HNS may offer significant long-term benefits for the overall well-being and health of pediatric patients with DS and persistent OSA.
A Bibliographic Review of Illusion of Knowledge in the Financial Field
Authors: Moreno César Alexander Franco , Rodríguez-Priego Nuria , Valdivieso Federico Galán 
Published: December 2023

People tend to believe that more information will improve the accuracy of predicting outcomes in highly uncertain situations. This behaviour, known as ‘illusion of knowledge,’ is related to overconfidence in multiple areas of study, and attracts scientific attention. The aim of this research is to determine the academic evolution of the illusion of knowledge within the financial field. For this purpose, two different methodologies have been used to generate a more solid contribution. The first part is based on the ReSiste-CSH bibliographic framework raised for the study of social sciences, and the second part uses the Bibliometrix software to measure the performance of the subject over time. The Web of Science academic database was used as a reference source for the period 1987–2021, resulting in a sample of 1,202 papers in highly impactful academic journals. The results show a positive evolution over time in the number of publications, as well as a geographical concentration in journals of the Q1 category from the United States and the United Kingdom, together with a close relationship with areas of study such as psychology, business and economics, among others. JEL Code: G41
Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Simple Prostatectomy for large prostatic adenomas: A single-centre experience on 14 patients with significant lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Sharma Amit , Biswal Deepak , Roy Kishor , RT Raghavendra , Yadav Pradhuman 
Published: December 2023

Introduction and objectives: There are various approaches available for surgical management of large prostatic adenomas – open, laparoscopic as well as laser enucleation – but there are no available clear cut consensus or guidelines. We present our experience in Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Simple Prostatectomy on 14 patients with large prostatic adenoma (>100 g). Materials and methods: This is a retrospective analysis on 14 patients with large prostatic adenoma who underwent extraperitoneal laparoscopic prostatectomy (LSP) over a period of 2 years (2021–2023). All selected patients underwent extraperitoneal LSP. The case records were retrospectively reviewed and data were collected regarding age, clinical presentation, prostate size, median surgical time, intra-operative and post-operative events, pre-operative and post-operative assessment of IPSS score, Uroflowmetry and PVR values and duration of hospital stay. Results: A total of 14 patients underwent LSP. The median age was 64.2 years and the median prostatic size was 123.25 g. Median operative time was 150 min. None of the patients required blood transfusion; mean Post-operative day (POD) for drain removal was 2.5 days. The mean duration of hospital stay was 3.5 days. Only one patient had urinary leak and vesico-cutaneous fistula which was managed conservatively by prolonged catheterisation. At 3 months follow-up, there was significant improvement in IPSS Score (mean 7.8 vs 21.3 pre-operatively), uroflow values (mean Qmax of 27.3 vs 6.8 pre-operatively) and PVR (mean 30.5 vs 350 ml pre-operatively). Conclusion: Laparoscopic Simple Prostatectomy is a safe and feasible approach for large prostatic adenomas with lesser morbidity and complications and satisfactory outcome.