bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The polymorphic variant of SerpinB3 (SerpinB3‐PD) is associated with faster cirrhosis decompensation
Authors: Martini Andrea , Turato Cristian , Cannito Stefania , Quarta Santina , Biasiolo Alessandra , Ruvoletto Mariagrazia , Novo Erica , Marafatto Filippo , Guerra Pietro , Tonon Marta , Clemente Nausicaa , Bocca Claudia , Piano Salvatore Silvio , Guido Maria , Gregori Dario , Parola Maurizio , Angeli Paolo , Pontisso Patrizia 
Published: November 2023

SummaryBackgroundSerpinB3 is a cysteine protease inhibitor involved in liver disease progression due to its proinflammatory and profibrogenic properties. The polymorphic variant SerpinB3‐PD (SB3‐PD), presents a substitution in its reactive centre loop, determining the gain of function.AimsTo disclose the clinical characteristics of a cohort of patients with cirrhosis in relation to the presence of SB3‐PD and to assess the effect of this genetic variant on fibrogenic and inflammatory cytokines in vitro.MethodsWe assessed SB3 polymorphism in 90 patients with cirrhosis, prospectively followed up in our referral centre. We used HepG2 and HuH‐7 cells transfected to overexpress either wild‐type SB3 (SB3‐WT) or SB3‐PD to assess their endogenous effect, while LX2 and THP‐1 cells were treated with exogenous SB3‐WT or SB3‐PD proteins.ResultsPatients carrying SB3‐PD had more severe portal hypertension and higher MELD scores, than patients carrying SB3‐WT. In multivariate analysis, SB3‐PD was an independent predictor of cirrhosis complications. Patients with SB3‐PD polymorphism presented with more severe liver fibrosis and inflammatory features. Hepatoma cells overexpressing SB3‐PD showed higher TGF‐β1 expression than controls. The addition of recombinant SB3‐PD induced an up‐regulation of TGF‐β1 in LX2 cells and a more prominent inflammatory profile in THP‐1 cells, compared to the effect of SB3‐WT protein.ConclusionsThe polymorphic variant SB3‐PD is highly effective in determining activation of TGF‐β1 and inflammation in vitro. Patients with cirrhosis who carry SB3‐PD polymorphism may be more prone to develop severe liver disease progression. However, further validation studies are warranted to support the in vivo relevance of this polymorphism.
Haemochromatosis in children: A national retrospective cohort promoted by the A.I.E.O.P. (Associazione Italiana Emato‐Oncologia Pediatrica) study group
Authors: Corti Paola , Ferrari Giulia Maria , Faraguna Martha Caterina , Capitoli Giulia , Longo Filomena , Corradini Elena , Casini Tommaso , Boscarol Gianluca , Pinto Valeria Maria , Ghilardi Roberta , Russo Giovanna , Colombatti Raffaella , Mariani Raffaella , Piperno Alberto 
Published: November 2023

SummaryHaemochromatosis (HC) encompasses a range of genetic disorders. HFE‐HC is by far the most common in adults, while non‐HFE types are rare due to mutations of HJV, HAMP, TFR2 and gain‐of‐function mutations of SLC40A1. HC is often unknown to paediatricians as it is usually asymptomatic in childhood. We report clinical and biochemical data from 24 paediatric cases of HC (10 cases of HFE‐, 5 TFR2‐, 9 HJV‐HC), with a median follow‐up of 9.6 years. Unlike in the adult population, non‐HFE‐HC constitutes 58% (14/24) of the population in our series. Transferrin saturation was significantly higher in TFR2‐ and HJV‐HC compared to HFE‐HC, and serum ferritin and LIC were higher in HJV‐HC compared to TFR2‐ and HFE‐HC. Most HFE‐HC subjects had relatively low ferritin and LIC at the time of diagnosis, so therapy could be postponed for most of them after the age of 18. Our results confirm that HJV‐HC is a severe form already in childhood, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to avoid the development of organ damage and reduce morbidity and mortality. Although phlebotomies were tolerated by most patients, oral iron chelators could be a valid option in early‐onset HC.
Demographics, characteristics and medical treatment among adults with hand eczema in Denmark. A cross‐sectional validation and registry‐based study
Authors: Christensen Maria Oberländer , Yüksel Yasemin Topal , Vittrup Ida , Nymand Lea Krog , Thein David , Nørreslet Line Brok , Toft‐Hansen Jakob Maarbjerg , Janstrup Anne Klose , Zachariae Claus , Sommerlund Mette , Bregnhøj Anne , Egeberg Alexander , Agner Tove , Thomsen Simon Francis , Thyssen Jacob Pontoppidan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe international classification of diseases, 10th revision (ICD‐10) includes several unvalidated diagnostic codes for hand eczema (HE). Knowledge is sparse on HE patient characteristics.ObjectivesTo validate selected HE ICD‐10 codes in the Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR) and describe disease characteristics, lifestyle factors and medication use in adult HE patients.MethodsNineteen HE ICD‐10 codes were selected and validated based on patient charts. Five cohorts were constructed based on the diagnostic code, DL30.8H (HE unspecified), in the DNPR: (i) patients with DL30.8H code (n = 8386), (ii) patients with DL30.8H code, but without atopic dermatitis (AD) (n = 7406), (iii) sex‐ and age‐matched general population (n = 8386) without HE. Two additional cohorts nested in the DNPR included participants from the Danish Skin Cohort, (iv) patients with DL30.8H code but without AD (n = 1340) and (v) general population cohort (n = 9876).ResultsICD‐10 codes revealed positive predictive values ≥90% except irritant contact dermatitis (unspecified) (79.7%) and hyperkeratotic hand and foot eczema (84.1%). HE patients were most often women, middle‐aged or older, of Danish ethnicity, had an atopic medical history and were smokers. Topical corticosteroid prescriptions were almost doubled in HE cohorts compared to general populations.ConclusionWe validated several HE ICD‐10 codes and identified important HE patient characteristics.
Earnings Management of Chinese Listed Multinational Corporations
Authors: Lu Xingyu , Qi Tong , Xie Wenjing 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis study evaluates the quality of accounting information provided by Chinese multinational corporations (MNCs) in relation to the issue of earnings management. Using a combined dataset of outward foreign direct investment and financial statements by Chinese firms publicly listed on A‐share markets between 2012 and 2017, we investigate whether Chinese MNCs are more inclined to manage earnings. We discover that these firms exhibited significant earnings management behavior and typically adjusted their earnings downward. We demonstrate that these effects were more pronounced among private MNCs than state‐owned firms, and in host countries with weaker institutional quality. Further research reveals that after delaying the confirmation of current earnings, Chinese MNCs received higher government subsidies, and this pattern was particularly prevalent among private MNCs. We find no evidence that Chinese MNCs manipulated earnings to avoid paying taxes.
Does development aid reach politically excluded groups? A Disaggregated Study of the Location of Aid in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Rustad Siri Aas , Hoelscher Kristian , Kotsadam Andreas , Østby Gudrun , Urdal Henrik 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMotivationDespite an increased focus on inclusive development, we know little about the extent to which development aid reaches politically excluded groups or how this varies across different donors.PurposeAddressing this knowledge gap, we develop and test a framework arguing that (1) areas where politically excluded groups live are less likely to receive development aid, and (2) there are differences between donor countries and organizations in how they instrumentally address inclusive development.Methods and approachUsing a geographically disaggregated panel dataset of aid projects covering sub‐Saharan African countries from 1996 to 2013, we combine sub‐national data on the location of aid by donor and type, and data on politically excluded ethnic groups.FindingsFor World Bank aid projects, we do not find evidence that areas with excluded groups are generally prioritized. However, when disaggregating by sector, we find that aid projects related to health and water access are significantly more likely to be allocated to areas with excluded groups. Furthermore, we see little indication that Chinese aid is targeted towards areas of political exclusion. Conversely, aid allocations made by donor countries whose development strategies emphasize inclusive and needs‐based approaches are more likely to be established in areas with politically excluded groups.Policy implicationsWe argue that these results indicate diverse underlying political motivations behind the provision of development aid by various donors. These motivations become evident when examining aid allocation by sector and type of donor.
Non‐farm activity reduces migration: Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Iqbal Kazi , Pabon Md Nahid Ferdous , Hoque Mohammad Rezoanul , Shashi Nahian Azad 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMotivationAnecdotal evidence suggests that local non‐farm opportunities slow down rural–urban migration. However, there is hardly any empirical evidence on the relation between household non‐farm income and migration. Understanding this relation is essential for rural development strategies, sustainable urban development, and policies that influence domestic migrations.PurposeWe examine whether households' decision to send a member to urban areas for employment depends on the extent of their non‐farm income and, in turn, on local non‐farm opportunities. We also study how this impact is dependent on household income, education of the household head, and land holdings.Methods and approachHouseholds' decision to migrate or to choose non‐farm employment is endogenous, likely to be influenced by unobserved characteristics. We construct local measures of non‐farm opportunities at the Union (lowest administrative) level using Economic Census data. Local opportunities are exogenous to household decisions and are used to instrument household‐level non‐farm income.FindingsRegression results using instrumental variables show that a greater share of non‐farm income reduces the probability that members of the household will migrate to other districts. This effect is most pronounced for semi‐rural areas such as municipalities. We find similar results when we use areas with small and medium enterprise (SME) clusters to instrument household‐level non‐farm income. We also observe substantial heterogeneity of impact: a higher share of non‐farm income deters migration more for income‐rich, land‐poor and educated households.Policy implicationsOur results suggest that creating non‐farm opportunities curbs migration to urban areas. Developing rural growth centres, secondary towns, may reduce migration to larger cities and reduce poverty.
An automated face mask detection system using transfer learning based neural network to preventing viral infection
Authors: Verma Sonia , Rani Preeti , Gupta Shelly , Sharma Richa , Yadav Kusum , Aledaily Arwa N. , Alharbi Meshal 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAs the “Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)” grows, healthcare systems can collect and process data. It is also challenging to study public health prevention requirements. Virus transmission can be prevented by wearing a mask. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends wearing a facemask to protect against the COVID‐19 pandemic—the levels of a pandemic rise across almost all regions of the world. By following the WHO rules, we support the development of face mask‐detecting technologies and determine whether or not people are using masks in public locations. The proposed paradigm in this paper will work in three stages. Firstly, we use an Image data generator to import the images. In addition to using a Haar cascade (HC) classifier for detecting faces, residual learning (ResNet152V2) trains a model that detects whether someone is wearing a face mask. Detection and classification are carried out in real‐time with high precision. Compared with other recently proposed methods, the model achieved 99.65% accuracy during training and 99.63% during validation.
People with HIV and healthcare workers views on screening for cognitive impairment in people with HIV: A qualitative study
Authors: Alford Kate , Sidat Shiraaz , Bristowe Katherine , St. Clair‐Sullivan Natalie , Parteger Gary , Matthew Maddocks , Yi Deokhee , Harding Richard , Levett Tom , Bremner Stephen , Vera Jaime H. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesPeople with HIV are an ageing population with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Although cognitive impairment is dependent upon assessment, the acceptability of screening for cognitive impairment is unclear. This study aimed to explore the views of people with HIV and healthcare workers regarding routine screening for cognitive impairment.MethodsIn‐depth individual qualitative interviews were conducted with purposively sampled people with HIV and focus groups of healthcare workers from a UK HIV service. Verbatim pseudonymized transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis supported by NVivo.ResultsTwenty people with HIV were interviewed and 12 healthcare workers participated in three focus groups. People with HIV were concerned about developing cognitive issues and were receptive to routine screening. Screening was seen as relevant and an important part of managing health in older age. Healthcare workers expressed concerns regarding the capacity of HIV services to implement routine screening and questioned the validity of screening measures used. People with HIV felt that screening and subsequent detection of cognitive impairment, if present, may help them to prepare for future issues and promote active management strategies and care pathways that would support cognitive health. People with HIV felt that screening should be brief and delivered by the HIV service and that they should be given a choice of administration method. Indications of cognitive impairment detected by a brief screening assessment should be discussed face to face and followed up with a comprehensive assessment.ConclusionsPeople with HIV are concerned about cognitive impairment and would welcome regular screening for this as part of the holistic care provided by the HIV team. Both people with HIV and healthcare workers would like more information on cognitive impairment, its screening and ways to support cognitive health.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and effects of age, sex, comorbidity, and vaccination among older individuals: A national cohort study
Authors: Mahmoud Mai A. , Ayoub Houssein H. , Coyle Peter , Tang Patrick , Hasan Mohammad R. , Yassine Hadi M. , Al Thani Asmaa A. , Al‐Kanaani Zaina , Al‐Kuwari Einas , Jeremijenko Andrew , Kaleeckal Anvar Hassan , Latif Ali Nizar , Shaik Riyazuddin Mohammad , Abdul‐Rahim Hanan F. , Nasrallah Gheyath K. , Al‐Kuwari Mohamed Ghaith , Butt Adeel A. , Al‐Romaihi Hamad Eid , Al‐Thani Mohamed H. , Al‐Khal Abdullatif , Bertollini Roberto , Abu‐Raddad Laith J. , Chemaitelly Hiam 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated the contribution of age, coexisting medical conditions, sex, and vaccination to incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and of severe, critical, or fatal COVID‐19 in older adults since pandemic onset.MethodsA national retrospective cohort study was conducted in the population of Qatar aged ≥50 years between February 5, 2020 and June 15, 2023. Adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) for infection and for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outcomes were estimated through Cox regression models.ResultsCumulative incidence was 25.01% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.86–25.15%) for infection and 1.59% (95% CI: 1.55–1.64%) for severe, critical, or fatal COVID‐19 after a follow‐up duration of 40.9 months. Risk of infection varied minimally by age and sex but increased significantly with coexisting conditions. Risk of infection was reduced with primary‐series vaccination (AHR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.90–0.93) and further with first booster vaccination (AHR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.74–0.77). Risk of severe, critical, or fatal COVID‐19 increased exponentially with age and linearly with coexisting conditions. AHRs for severe, critical, or fatal COVID‐19 were 0.86 (95% CI: 0.7–0.97) for one dose, 0.15 (95% CI: 0.13–0.17) for primary‐series vaccination, and 0.11 (95% CI: 0.08–0.14) for first booster vaccination. Sensitivity analysis restricted to only Qataris yielded similar results.ConclusionIncidence of severe COVID‐19 in older adults followed a dynamic pattern shaped by infection incidence, variant severity, and population immunity. Age, sex, and coexisting conditions were strong determinants of infection severity. Vaccine protection against severe outcomes showed a dose–response relationship, highlighting the importance of booster vaccination for older adults.
Efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of diabetic foot ulcers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tao Lihua , Yuan Xiao 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDiabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) represent a major health concern for diabetic patients, often leading to debilitating complications. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been posited as an adjunctive therapeutic strategy to augment the healing rates of these ulcers. This systematic review and meta‐analysis sought to critically evaluate the efficacy and safety of HBOT in the context of DFUs management. A rigorous search, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, was conducted across multiple electronic databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of HBOT on DFUs were included. Outcome measures were complete ulcer healing, major and minor amputation rates and adverse reactions. The analysis employed both fixed and random‐effects models, contingent on the heterogeneity levels detected. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. HBOT was found to significantly improve the complete healing rates of DFUs with a risk ratio (RR) of 3.59 (95% CI: 1.56–8.29, p < 0.001). However, HBOT's impact on both major and minor amputation rates did not yield statistically significant results. The sensitivity analysis underscored the robustness of the principal outcomes, and the publication bias assessment suggested the absence of any significant bias. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy stands out as a potent therapeutic tool in promoting the complete healing of diabetic foot ulcers, offering a promising adjunct to standard care protocols, while ensuring patient safety.
Effect of particle size of associated rare earth kaolin powder on the sintering and properties of synthetic mullite
Authors: Gao Xiong , Zhang Deng , Feng Xueru , Zhang Jiamin , Yuqing Peng , Zhicheng Pan , Zongming Dai 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe objective of this work is to synthesize mullite from associated rare‐earth kaolin. The effects of 300 mesh (48 μm) and 400 mesh (38 μm) associated rare earth kaolin and sintering temperature on the phase composition, microstructure, sintering behavior, and mechanical properties of mullite were studied. The study showed that the relative mullite content, average aspect ratio, relative density, micro Vickers hardness, and flexural strength of mullite synthesized by using 400‐mesh calcined associated rare earth kaolin as raw material and sintered at 1500°C for 4 h were 76.6%, 5.55 μm, 90.19%, 12.05 GPa, and 166.35 MPa, respectively. Compared with mullite synthesized from 300‐mesh calcined associated rare earth kaolin, the use of 400‐mesh associated rare earth kaolin can reduce the mullitization temperature by about 100°C, increase the average aspect ratio and relative density of mullite by 5.23% and 9.47%, and increase the microscopic Vickers hardness and flexural strength by 6.09% and 17.04%, respectively. This provides new ideas for the comprehensive utilization of associated rare earth kaolin mineral resources and new ways for the high value‐added utilization of associated rare earth kaolin, which has great economic value.
First‐principles investigation of structural, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of Hf2AX (A═Al, Si and X═C, N) MAX phases
Authors: Ali Mubashar , Bibi Zunaira , Younis Muhammad Wasim , Majeed Kashif , Iqbal Muhammad Asif 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this work, we have employed the first‐principles calculations to investigate the phase stability and mechanical and optoelectronic characteristics of Hf2AX (A═Al, Si and X═C, N) MAX phases. Phase stabilities of Hf2AX compounds have been evaluated by the formation enthalpy computations and phonon dispersion curves, which indicate that all studied compounds are structurally and dynamically stable. The mechanical stability has been determined by elastic stiffness constants, which confirms that the studied MAX phases are mechanically stable. The computed results for Pugh's and Poisson ratios indicate the brittle nature of Hf2AX MAX phases. It is interesting to note that Si‐based MAX phases possess high values of B/G, indicating that they are harder than Al‐based compounds. The obtained band structures and partial density of states indicate the metallic character of all Hf2AX compounds. The strong hybridization of d‐orbitals of Hf with p‐orbitals of N and the comparatively weaker hybridization of p‐orbitals (Hf) with Al/Si p‐orbitals is observed. The presence of pseudogaps near the Fermi energy level emerges due to the orbital hybridization involving Hf, Al/Si, and C/N atoms. The analysis of charge density difference maps reveals the presence of a strong covalent bond between the Hf and C/N atoms, whereas a relatively weaker covalent bond is seen between the Hf and Al/Si atoms. Furthermore, numerous optical characteristics have been investigated to account for the behavior of the Hf2AX compounds to those of impinging electromagnetic rays. The highest absorptivity is noticed within the energy range of 7.5–12.5 eV. The optical spectra in the range of 1.7 eV (IR) to 9 eV ultraviolet (UV) have been observed for the investigated MAX phases, predicting their suitability as proficient energy absorbers within the UV region. The Intriguing properties of Hf2AX compounds are anticipated to be appropriate materials for a variety of applications.
The Know‐How of Virtue
Authors: Murphy‐Hollies Kathleen 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTIt is widely accepted that virtuous behaviour ought to be motivated in the right way, done for the right reasons, and an appropriate response to the values manifested in a situation. In this article I describe how cases of individuals having poor understanding of the reasons for their behaviour, can nevertheless be conducive to the development of virtue. One way in which giving reasons for one's own behaviour can be inaccurate is when the reasons given are confabulatory. In confabulation, the reasons given for behaviour are post hoc, do not capture factors which actually brought the behaviour in question about, and are not well supported by evidence. Confabulations protect an individual's positive self‐representations at the expense of more accurate appraisals of themselves and the circumstances. However, I argue that engaging in the construction of a positive self‐narrative can be efficacious in making it a reality. Importantly, this is only possible when agents have the know‐how of certain self‐relational skills and attitudes, which are captured in a meta‐virtue of self‐regulation. When individuals can regulate their values and their behaviour effectively, such that they are in keeping, they can ultimately consistently embody virtues. Confabulation can be, and probably often is, part of this process.