bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Policy Brief 14: Targeting unexplained wealth: Implications of the EU’s 2024 Directive on asset recovery
Authors: Dornbierer Andrew 
Published: February 2025

The European Union’s 2024 Directive on Asset Recovery and Confiscation obliges Member States to, among other things, introduce legislative measures to enable the confiscation of “unexplained wealth”.
This policy paper examines Article 16, which contains this obligation, and the powers and restrictions that Member States will need to include in such “unexplained wealth” measures to ensure compliance with the Directive.
In brief, the Directive gives legislators in EU Member States flexibility to decide the scope of their own unexplained wealth measures. At a minimum, they must introduce measures that can be used to target unexplained wealth linked to organised crime.
Member States could, however, adopt broader measures that target unexplained wealth relating to all criminal activity, including corruption.
About this Policy Brief
This publication is part of the Basel Institute on Governance Policy Brief series, ISSN 2624-9669.
You may freely share or republish it under a Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence. Suggested citation: Dornbierer, Andrew. 2024. ‘Targeting unexplained wealth: Implications of the EU’s 2024 Directive on asset recovery.’ Policy Brief 14, Basel Institute on Governance. Available at: baselgovernance.org/pb-14.
This is a publication of the International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR) at the Basel Institute on Governance. ICAR receives core funding from the Governments of Jersey, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the UK.
Pre-injury frailty and clinical care trajectory of older adults with trauma injuries: A retrospective cohort analysis of A large level I US trauma center
Authors: Adeyemi Oluwaseun , Grudzen Corita , DiMaggio Charles , Wittman Ian , Velez-Rosborough Ana , Arcila-Mesa Mauricio , Cuthel Allison , Poracky Helen , Meyman Polina , Chodosh Joshua 
Published: February 2025

Background
Pre-injury frailty among older adults with trauma injuries is a predictor of increased morbidity and mortality.

Objectives
We sought to determine the relationship between frailty status and the care trajectories of older adult patients who underwent frailty screening in the emergency department (ED).

Methods
Using a retrospective cohort design, we pooled trauma data from a single institutional trauma database from August 2020 to June 2023. We limited the data to adults 65 years and older, who had trauma injuries and frailty screening at ED presentation (N = 2,862). The predictor variable was frailty status, measured as either robust (score 0), pre-frail (score 1–2), or frail (score 3–5) using the FRAIL index. The outcome variables were measures of clinical care trajectory: trauma team activation, inpatient admission, ED discharge, length of hospital stay, in-hospital death, home discharge, and discharge to rehabilitation. We controlled for age, sex, race/ethnicity, health insurance type, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, injury type and severity, and Glasgow Coma Scale score. We performed multivariable logistic and quantile regressions to measure the influence of frailty on post-trauma care trajectories.

Results
The mean (SD) age of the study population was 80 (8.9) years, and the population was predominantly female (64%) and non-Hispanic White (60%). Compared to those classified as robust, those categorized as frail had 2.5 (95% CI: 1.86–3.23), 3.1 (95% CI: 2.28–4.12), and 0.3 (95% CI: 0.23–0.42) times the adjusted odds of trauma team activation, inpatient admission, and ED discharge, respectively. Also, those classified as frail had significantly longer lengths of hospital stay as well as 3.7 (1.07–12.62), 0.4 (0.28–0.47), and 2.2 (95% CI: 1.71–2.91) times the odds of in-hospital death, home discharge, and discharge to rehabilitation, respectively.

Conclusion
Pre-injury frailty is a predictor of clinical care trajectories for older adults with trauma injuries.
Unveiling the hidden burden: Exploring the psychosocial impact of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions and scars in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Merdekios Behailu , Shewangizaw Misgun , Sappo Abebayehu , Ewunetu Eshetu , van Griensven Johan , van geertruyden Jean-Pierre , Ceuterick Melissa , Bastiaens Hilde 
Published: February 2025

Background
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) poses a major public health concern in Ethiopia, with lesions and scars commonly affecting exposed body parts, resulting in physical, social, and psychological consequences. This study aims to assess the psychosocial impacts of CL, shedding light on the experiences and perceptions of affected individuals, thus contributing to the knowledge on Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ethiopia and informing public health interventions to address its psychosocial effects.

Methods
Using a descriptive phenomenological design, the study explored the lived experiences of individuals with Cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions and scars. Participants were purposively selected, and data was collected through open-ended in-depth interviews. The analysis combined inductive and deductive approaches through an iterative process, developing a coding framework with seven themes (lesion & CL scar each) and subthemes, resulting in giving important insights in the psychosocial impacts of CL. NVivo 12v supported the analysis process.

Result
The study unveiled negative views and misconceptions surrounding CL and its impact. Application of traditional herbal medicine for CL lesions often leads to pus formation and a foul odour, triggering negative attitudes from others, resulting in embarrassment, pain, and anxiety, leading to discomfort and isolation. The negative psychosocial attitudes associated with CL scars deeply impacted affected individuals, influencing their behaviour. This included isolation and absenteeism from school. CL scars served as unique identifiers, shaping the affected individuals’ identity and self-perception. The unreceptive environment affected the participant’s self-esteem and coping mechanisms. The negative impact of CL scars extended to role performance, marriage prospects, and overall happiness, particularly for females facing additional societal pressure and stigma.

Conclusion
The study highlights the need for improved education and awareness about CL to reduce misconceptions and negative attitudes towards affected individuals. Additionally, more effective treatment options and integrated preventive ways should be explored to minimize the physical and psychological impact of CL on affected individuals.
Potential improvement in spatial accessibility of methadone treatment with integration into other outpatient substance use disorder treatment programs, New York City, 2024
Authors: Bachhuber Marcus A. , Cunningham Chinazo O. , Jordan Ashly E. 
Published: February 2025

Background
Methadone is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder; however, its provision in the US is limited to federally-regulated opioid treatment programs (OTP). Expansion of methadone treatment into non-OTP substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs (‘expanded methadone treatment access’) is a promising intervention to increase access.

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional geospatial analysis of public transit times to OTPs, expanded methadone treatment access, and other healthcare facilities as of March, 2024 in New York City (NYC). We estimated one-way public transit travel time and compared travel times using population weighted paired t-tests.

Results
For OTPs, 38.2% (95% CI: 38.0, 38.4) of the NYC population was within 15 minutes and 79.7% (95% CI: 79.5, 79.9) was within 30 minutes. For expanded methadone treatment access, 72.1% (95% CI: 71.9, 72.2) of the NYC population was within 15 minutes and 97.5% (95% CI: 97.5, 97.6) was within 30 minutes. The mean travel time was 20.4 minutes (SD: 10.9) for OTPs and 12.1 minutes (SD: 7.1) for expanded methadone treatment access (difference: -8.3 minutes [95% CI: -8.5, -8.1]; P < 0.001). The mean travel time for expanded methadone treatment access was slightly longer than the mean travel time for dialysis facilities (difference: 0.22 minutes [95% CI: 0.06, 0.39]; P = 0.009]), not significantly different than Federally Qualified Health Centers (difference: -0.06 minutes [95% CI: -0.22, 0.11]; P = 0.51), and significantly shorter than the mean travel time to ambulatory surgical centers (difference: -6.3 [95% CI: -6.5, -6.0]; P < 0.001) and hospitals (difference: -8.1 [95% CI: -8.3, -7.9]; P < 0.001).

Conclusion
Efforts to increase access to methadone treatment in the US should promote expansion to additional non-OTP outpatient SUD treatment programs. Such integration is anticipated to increase spatial accessibility of methadone treatment substantially, greatly enhancing the potential for patient access.
Effectiveness of a Social Cognitive Theory-based health education intervention on depression (SCODESS) among mothers of children with cancer in Klang Valley, Selangor, Malaysia—A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Wan Ghazali Wan Syahirah , Minhat Halimatus Sakdiah , Mohd Sidik Sherina , Mohd Nazan Iqmer Nashriq 
Published: February 2025

Background
Mothers caring for children with cancer often experience depression, affecting maternal and family well-being. Prior studies suggest that theory-based health education can significantly reduce this depression.

Objectives
This study aimed to develop, validate, implement, and evaluate the effects of a Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)-based health education intervention on depression (SCODESS), as well as cancer-related knowledge, self-efficacy, perceived stress, coping skills, and social support among mothers of children with cancer at University Hospitals in Klang Valley.

Methods
A quasi-experimental study was conducted with mothers from two University Hospitals in Klang Valley, Selangor. The intervention group is Hospital Pakar Kanak-Kanak Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HPKK UKM) and the control group is the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). A total of 95 participants were included (50 intervention, 45 control). The intervention comprised online health education videos delivered over one week, and the control group received a poster. Data were collected at baseline (T1), immediately post-intervention (T2), and at two months post-intervention (T3). The effects of SCODESS intervention were analysed using Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis.

Results
The baseline response rate was 60.53% with a 2.17% loss to follow-up at T2 and 7.60% at T3. The GEE analysis showed no significant effects of SCODESS intervention on depression scores at T2 (p = 0.909) and T3 (p = 0.622) compared to the control group at baseline. However, statistically significant increases were observed in cancer-related knowledge scores at T2 (β = 0.66, 95%CI: 0.21, 9.20, p = 0.002) and T3 (β = 1.18, 95%CI: 0.65, 1.70, p<0.001), and in the problem-focused coping scores at T2 (β = 2.50, 95% CI 0.42, 4.58, p-value = 0.018), and T3 (β = 2.42, 95% CI 0.13, 4.72, p-value = 0.038) in the intervention group compared to the control group at baseline. No significant intervention effects were observed on other outcomes.

Discussion
This study validated the applicability of SCT-based intervention on depression scores among mothers of children with cancer. The SCODESS intervention did not significantly reduce depression scores but significantly increased cancer-related knowledge and problem-focused coping scores. As a potential preventive strategy for depression, the content of the SCODESS intervention should be revisited, emphasizing cancer-related knowledge and problem-focused coping as crucial components. It is recommended that tailored interventions focusing on these areas be offered to every mother of children with cancer, whether they are in the ward, clinic, or daycare.
PREVALENCE AND PATTERNS OF OPIOID USE IN CHRONIC PANCREATITIS
Authors: Phillips Anna Evans , Conwell Darwin L. , Li Shuang , Saloman Jami L. , Hart Phil A. , Fogel Evan L. , Vege Santhi Swaroop , Andersen Dana K. , Fisher William E. , Forsmark Christopher E. , Pandol Stephen , Park Walter G. , Topazian Mark D. , Van Den Eeden Stephen K. , Serrano Jose , Li Liang , Yadav Dhiraj ,   On behalf of the Consortium for the Study of Chronic Pancreatitis, Diabetes, and Pancreatic Cancer (CPDPC)
Published: February 2025

Background:

Opioids are used to treat pain in chronic pancreatitis (CP), but little is known about current use patterns. The aims of this study were to characterize the utilization of opioids, and associations with clinical characteristics in adult patients with CP.

Methods:
This cross-sectional analysis utilized baseline data from participants with definite CP enrolled in a cohort study in the US (PROCEED). Data on demographics, pain medication use, health care utilization, disability, and pain patterns were systematically collected in case report forms while quality of life (QOL) was assessed with patient-reported outcome instruments. Opioid use was classified according to strength (weak or strong) and frequency (scheduled or as-needed).

Results:
A total of 681 participants (n=364, 53% male) were included: 299 (44%) were current opioid users (22% only weak opioids and 22% at least one strong opioid). Increasing frequency and severity of pain was associated with increase of weak, strong, as-needed, or scheduled opioids. Neuromodulators were used by ∼40% of participants; increasing use was associated with increasing frequency and severity of pain. On multivariate analysis, independent predictors associated with strength and frequency of current opioid use were pain patterns (ORs 1.84-8.32 and ORs 1.92-8.52, respectively, p<0.001) and prior celiac plexus block (OR 3.54, 95% CI 1.82-6.87) and (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.76-6.64), respectively. Participants using opioids had higher prevalence of disability, healthcare utilization and poorer QOL.

Conclusions:
Opioid use in CP is common and associated with increased pain severity and constancy. These data provide foundational estimates for future trials that can elucidate the complex interactions between patient factors, pain, and interventions.
Integration of a “cardiovascular system” curriculum into an eight-year medical education program: exploration and the experience in China
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zheng Xinglong , Li Dongmin , Meng Liesu , Wang Yuan , He Xi , Liu Jinjun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
The traditional, subject-based medical teaching mode has gradually transitioned to a system-based integration mode. This study aims to provide the experience of design and implementation of a pilot program to integrate a “cardiovascular system” curriculum into an eight-year medical education in Xi’an Jiaotong University in China.

Methods
We launched a curriculum integration project that includes study of the cardiovascular system in the eight-year medical education course. Curriculum integration was carefully designed. An integrated curriculum team was formed and the integration objectives clearly defined. The content to be integrated was identified and various tasks were assigned. The perceptions of students and teachers were evaluated using a questionnaire survey.

Results
We first integrated pharmacology into the new curriculum. This progressed from physiology through pathology to pathophysiology, and finally, to the principal therapeutic drugs. The “cardiovascular system” curriculum was divided into six functional parts: morphological structure; cardiac electrophysiology and relevant drugs; coronary circulation and relevant drugs; cardiovascular function, diseases, and relevant drugs; heart failure and therapeutic drugs; and other cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusions
An integrated curriculum centered on organ systems has been successfully established using the cardiovascular system as a pilot. Both students and teachers perceived that all cardiovascular system blocks were well-integrated.
A comprehensive assessment on recent advancements in spent fuel reprocessing and waste management: pioneering technologies for a sustainable nuclear future
Authors: Sakthimurugan Veeraraghavan , Yuvarajan Devarajan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This work analyzes advancements in nuclear energy, focusing on spent fuel reprocessing and waste disposal. Key technologies such as pyroprocessing, aqueous reprocessing, and the DUPIC (Direct Use of Spent PWR Fuel in CANDU) process are examined for their effectiveness in reducing environmental and safety risks. Pyroprocessing is highlighted for its ability to enhance actinide recovery and reduce waste volume, while the PUREX process demonstrates high recovery efficiencies for uranium and plutonium. The integration of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and chemical kinetics modeling optimizes process parameters, improving reprocessing outcomes. The DUPIC method shows potential in improving reactor performance and minimizing waste. Long-term waste management strategies, such as dry cask storage and geological disposal, are also explored, with advancements in safety and heat dissipation technologies. Innovations like autonomous passive cooling and antineutrino monitoring are promising for spent fuel management security. Additionally, the study highlights Generation IV reactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as critical to minimizing nuclear energy’s environmental impact. The work emphasizes continued progress in reprocessing and waste management to address technical, economic, and environmental challenges, ensuring the viability of nuclear energy.
Neurons of the central nucleus of the amygdala that express angiotensin type 2 receptors couple lowered blood pressure with anxiolysis in male mice.
Authors: Elsaafien Khalid , Kirchner Matthew K. , Scott Karen A. , Spector Eliot A. , Mowry Francesca E. , Sumners Colin , Stern Javier E. , de Kloet Annette D. , Krause Eric G. 
Published: February 2025

Relief from psychological stress confers cardio-protection by altering brain activity and lowering blood pressure; however, the neuronal circuits orchestrating these effects are unknown. Here, we used male mice to discern neuronal circuits conferring stress relief and reduced blood pressure. We found that neurons residing in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) expressing angiotensin type 2 receptors (AT2R), deemed CeAAT2R, innervate brain nuclei regulating stress responding. In vivo optogenetic excitation of CeAAT2Rlowered blood pressure and this effect was abrogated by systemic hexamethonium or antagonism of GABA receptors within the CeA. Intriguingly, in vivo optogenetic excitation of CeAAT2Rwas also potently anxiolytic. Delivery of an AT2R agonist into the CeA recapitulated the hypotensive and anxiolytic effects, but ablating AT2R(s) from the CeA was anxiogenic. The results suggest that the excitation of CeAAT2Rcouples lowered blood pressure with anxiolysis. The implication is that therapeutics targeting CeAAT2Rmay provide stress relief and protection against cardiovascular disease.Significance statementThere is increasing appreciation that brain-to-body communication promotes susceptibility or resiliency to cardiovascular disease. Here, we present preclinical research that discerns a neural circuit that orchestrates brain-to-body communication and provides relief from mental stress. We discover that neurons within the central nucleus of the amygdala that express angiotensin type 2 receptors (hereafter referred to as CeAAT2R) are potent mediators of blood pressure and anxiolysis. The implication is that CeAAT2Ror their angiotensin type 2 receptors can be targeted to protect against stress-induced cardiovascular disease.
Cost Analysis of a Scalable Clinician Communication Intervention to Increase HPV Vaccine Initiation
Authors: Seixas Brayan V. , Szilagyi Peter G. , Kominski Gerald F. , Humiston Sharon G. , Stephens-Shields Alisa J. , Localio Russell , Breck Abigail , Kelly Mary Kate , Grundmeier Robert W. , Albertin Christina S. , Shone Laura P. , Steffes Jennifer , Rand Cynthia M. , Hannan Chloe , Abney Dianna E. , McFarland Greta , Kadiyala Srikanth , Fiks Alexander G. 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
For a previous longitudinal cluster randomized controlled trial (2018–2019), we randomized 48 primary care pediatric practices to online communication training vs usual care. Online communication training reduced missed opportunities (MOs) for initial human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination at well-child care (WCC) visits by 6.8 percentage points among children aged 11–17 years. The current study estimated implementation costs of the communication training intervention at WCC visits.

METHODS
We analyzed monthly surveys completed by intervention practice lead clinicians to track clinician plus office staff personnel hours devoted to implementing the intervention. We converted personnel time into 2019 US dollars using national median hourly wages for physicians and other health care workers; we tracked nonpersonnel costs. We calculated costs per practice (overall and by practice size) and estimated costs per averted MO for HPV vaccine initiation using an effectiveness estimate determined by grouped logistic regression at the practice level.

RESULTS
Practices varied from 1 to 24 clinicians (mean = 7.5) and from 241 to 8866 visits (mean = 2353) during the 6-month intervention. Total intervention costs varied substantially across the 24 intervention practices from $370 to $6653, with a mean of $2003 (95% CI, $1377-$2762) and median of $1305. The incremental cost per averted MO for HPV vaccine initiation at WCC visits averaged $110 ($212 in practices with 1 or 2 physicians and $94 in practices with 3 or more physicians).

CONCLUSIONS
The implementation cost per averted MO for HPV vaccine initiation at WCC visits of this online communication training intervention was modest, particularly among larger pediatric practices.
EVALUATING THE NUCLEAR PROPERTIES OF 120–130Xe ISOTOPES
Authors: Kassim Yasir Y. , Alkhayat Rabee B. , Kassim Huda H. , Sharrad Fadhil I. 
Published: February 2025

Positive-parity states of 120–130Xe isotopes were calculated based on the interacting boson model 1 (IBM-1), Semi-Experimental Formula (SEF), and New Empirical Equation (NEE). The calculated results are compared to experimental energy levels, specifically GS, β, and γ bands, in addition to reduced B(E2) transition probabilities. IBM-1, SEF, and NEE accurately represent the comparable energy levels of the GS, γ, and β bands for 120–130Xe. However, IBM-1 exhibits greater deviations at higher energy levels. The present calculations replicate the experimental results of 120–130Xe. The potential energy surface (PES) is a nuclear property that determines the ultimate form of nuclei. PES plotting reveals that the 120–130Xe isotopes are deformed and have a γ–unstable limit.
NUCLEAR STRUCTURE OF 182,184Hg ISOTOPES BY IBM-1 AND IBM-2 MODELS
Authors: Al Musawi Mahdi J. S. , Alkhayat Rabee B. , Kassim Huda H. , Elbndag Asmaa A. , Al-Jubbori Mushtaq A. , Hossain I. , Sharrad Fadhil I. , Aldahan N. 
Published: February 2025

The potential energy surface (PES), reduced transition strength B(E2), and three types of bands (g-band, γ-band, and β-band) were computed for the 182Hg and 184Hg nuclei employing the IBM-1 and IBM-2 models. The computed energy levels of these nuclei exhibit certain points of agreement with the data that were previously measured. An examination of experimental data reveals that the precision of the calculations performed by IBM-1 is preferable to that of IBM-2, specifically with regard to low energy levels of ground and γ-states. On the contrary, IBM-2 calculations depict the higher states of ground and other states in comparison to IBM-1. The strengths of quadruple electromagnetic transitions in these nuclei were established by the IBM-1 and IBM-2 models and compared with prior measured data. The experimental value of B(E2) is reproduced by IBM-2 more accurately than IBM-1. IBM-1 is used to analyze the potential energy surfaces (PES) of 182,184Hg nuclei, which exhibit SU(3)-O(6) dynamical symmetry.