bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epoprostenol (Prostacyclin Analog) as a Sole Anticoagulant in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy for Critically Ill Children With Liver Disease: Single-Center Retrospective Study, 2010–2019*
Authors: Deep Akash , Alexander Emma C. , Khatri Anuj , Kumari Nisha , Sudheendhra Kalyan , Patel Prithvi , Joarder Amina , Elghuwael Ismail 
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVES:
Despite deranged coagulation, children with liver disease undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are prone to circuit clotting. Commonly used anticoagulants (i.e., heparin and citrate) can have side effects. The aim of this study was to describe our experience of using epoprostenol (a synthetic prostacyclin analog) as a sole anticoagulant during CRRT in children with liver disease.

DESIGN:
Single-center, retrospective study, 2010–2019.

SETTING:
Sixteen-bedded PICU within a United Kingdom supra-regional center for pediatric hepatology.

PATIENTS:
Children with liver disease admitted to PICU who underwent CRRT anticoagulation with epoprostenol.

INTERVENTIONS:
None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
Regarding CRRT, we assessed filter life duration, effective 60-hour filter survival, and effective solute clearance. We also assessed the frequency of major or minor bleeding episodes per 1,000 hours of CRRT, the use of platelet and RBC transfusions, and the frequency of hypotensive episodes per 1,000 hours of CRRT. In the 10 years 2010–2019, we used epoprostenol anticoagulation during 353 filter episodes of CRRT, lasting 18,508 hours, in 96 patients (over 108 admissions). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) filter life was 48 (IQR 32–72) hours, and 22.9% of filters clotted. Effective 60-hour filter survival was 60.5%.We identified that 5.9% of filters were complicated by major bleeding (1.13 episodes per 1,000 hr of CRRT), 5.1% (0.97 per 1,000 hr) by minor bleeding, and 11.6% (2.22 per 1,000 hr) by hypotension. There were no differences in filter life or clotting between patients with acute liver failure and other liver diseases; there were no differences in rates of bleeding, hypotension, or transfusion when comparing patients with initial platelets of ≤ 50 × 109 per liter to those with a higher initial count.

CONCLUSIONS:
Epoprostenol, or prostacyclin, as the sole anticoagulant for children with liver disease receiving CRRT in PICU, results in a good circuit life, and complications such as bleeding and hypotension are similar to reports using other anticoagulants, despite concerns about coagulopathy in this cohort.
The association of changes in depression severity after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and viral nonsuppression among people with HIV
Authors: Verinumbe Tarfa , Lesko Catherine R. , Moore Richard D. , Fojo Anthony T. , Keruly Jeanne , Snow LaQuita N. , Hutton Heidi , Chander Geetanjali , Pytell Jarratt D. , Falade-Nwulia Oluwaseun 
Published: January 2024

Objective:
This study sought to characterize changes in depressive symptom severity during the COVID-19 pandemic and the association of these changes with HIV viral nonsuppression among people with HIV (PWH).

Design:
A clinical cohort study.

Methods:
We included PWH in the Johns Hopkins HIV Clinical Cohort who completed the Patient Health Questionnaire 8 (PHQ-8) prepandemic (1 March 2018 to 28 February 2020) and during the COVID-era (1 September 2020 to 28 February 2022). PWH were classified according to depression severity categories prepandemic and during the COVID-era as: consistently depressed (prepandemic PHQ-8 >4 and no change in severity category); consistently nondepressed (prepandemic PHQ-8 ≤4 and no change in severity category); worsened (changed to a higher severity category) and; improved (change to a lower severity category). The association between changes in depressive symptom severity and viral nonsuppression (HIV RNA >200 copies/ml on the earliest viral load measured 7 days before to 12 months after the COVID-era PHQ-8 survey) was assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results:
Of 793 PWH, mean age was 56 (SD 10) years, 60% were male individuals and 88% were Black. After the onset of the pandemic, 60% were consistently nondepressed, 9% were consistently depressed, 15% worsened and 16% improved. PWH who worsened had 2.47 times the odds of viral nonsuppression (95% CI: 1.09–5.55) compared with the nondepressed group. Associations among other groups were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:
Worsening depression during the COVID-era was associated with HIV viral nonsuppression. Strategies to monitor and address depression among PWH may contribute to reduced risk of viral nonsuppression.
Nerve Decompression in the Lower Leg Results in an Improvement in Symptoms in Patients With Both Diabetic and Idiopathic Polyneuropathy
Authors: Meyer-Marcotty Max V. , Attabit Abduasalam , März Vincent , Vogt Peter M. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients suffering from polyneuropathy often complain of pain, tingling, and numbness sensations, as well as an increased risk of falling with the corresponding subsequent complications. If symptoms persist after conservative treatment options have been exhausted, nerve decompression in the lower extremity, as described by Dellon, can bring about an improvement in symptoms in many patients. Dellon originally reported that this surgery led to very successful outcomes in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. In this study, we compare our postsurgical results in patients with diabetic versus idiopathic polyneuropathy.

Methods
Thirty-three patients with idiopathic or diabetic polyneuropathy who had undergone Dellon nerve decompression in the lower extremity between 2011 and 2013 were included in the retrospective study. Pain (numeric rating scale [NRS] 0–10; 0, no pain; 10, worst imaginable pain), tingling, numbness, Hoffmann-Tinel sign, and Semes-Weinstein monofilament were assessed in 20 patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and in 13 patients with idiopathic polyneuropathy.

Results
Three months after surgery, a significant reduction in pain was evident in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy, from a preoperative level of NRS 4.9 (minimum, 0; maximum, 10) to 2 (minimum, 0; maximum, 8; P = 0.005). Ninety percent of patients complained of tingling (P = 0.000) before surgery and 18% after surgery, whereas 100% complained of numbness before surgery and 41% (P = 0.000) after surgery. One hundred percent of patients had no measurable surface sensitivity before surgery (measured with the Semes-Weinstein monofilament), whereas 3 months after surgery, only 24% of patients still had no measurable surface sensitivity (P = 0.000). A positive Hoffmann-Tinel sign was recorded in 85% of patients before surgery and only in 11% 3 months after surgery (P = 0.000). In the case of patients with idiopathic polyneuropathy, a reduction in pain was evident 3 months after surgery, from a preoperative level of NRS 3.9 (minimum, 0; maximum, 9) to 2.2 (minimum, 0; maximum, 9; P = 0.058). Seventy-seven percent of patients complained of tingling before surgery and 42% after surgery (P = 0.111), whereas 92% complained of numbness before surgery and 50% after surgery (P = 0.030). Seventy-seven percent of patients had no measurable surface sensitivity before surgery (measured with the Semes-Weinstein monofilament), whereas 3 months after surgery, only 33% of patients still had no measurable surface sensitivity (P = 0.047). A positive Hoffmann-Tinel sign was recorded in 62% of patients before surgery and only in 17% 3 months after surgery (P = 0.041).

Conclusions
Not only patients with diabetic polyneuropathy but also those with idiopathic polyneuropathy benefit from Dellon nerve decompression surgery in the lower extremities.
Thirty-day mortality as a metric for palliative radiotherapy in pediatric patients
Authors: Keit Emily , Nanda Ronica , Johnstone Peter A.S. 
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review
Thirty-day mortality (30DM) is an emerging consideration for determining whether terminally ill adult patients may benefit from palliative radiotherapy (RT). However, the efficacy and ethics of delivering palliative RT at the end of life (EOL) in children are seldom discussed and not well-established.

Recent findings
Palliative RT is perhaps underutilized among patients ≤21 years old with rates as low as 11%. While effective when delivered early, clinical benefit decreases when administered within the last 30 days of life. Pediatric 30DM rates vary widely between institutions (0.7–30%), highlighting the need for standardized practices. Accurate prognosis estimation remains challenging and prognostic models specific to palliative pediatric patients are limited. Discordance between provider and patient/parent perceptions of prognosis further complicates decision-making.

Summary
RT offers effective symptom control in pediatric patients when administered early. However, delivering RT within the last 30 days of life may provide limited clinical benefit and hinder optimal EOL planning and care. Early referral for palliative RT, preferably with fewer fractions (five or fewer), along with multidisciplinary supportive care, optimizes the likelihood of maintaining patients’ quality of life. Prognosis estimation remains difficult, and improving patient and family understanding is crucial. Further research is needed to refine prognostic models and enhance patient-centered care.
Bridging research gaps in geriatric oncology: unraveling the potential of pragmatic clinical trials
Authors: Carmona-Gonzalez Carlos A. , Cunha Mateus T. , Menjak Ines B. 
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review
This review examines the role of pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) in addressing the underrepresentation of older adults with cancer (OAC) in clinical trials. Focusing on real-world evidence (RWE), it aims to provide a comprehensive overview of PCT utilization, emphasizing their potential to enhance treatment decisions and patient outcomes. Existing knowledge gaps in PCT implementation are also discussed.

Recent findings
PCTs are identified as effective tools to include OACs with comorbidities and complex conditions in research, bridging the representation gap. Despite their proven value in healthcare provision, their application in OAC contexts remains limited, hindering comprehensive understanding and inclusivity in clinical trials.

Summary
While randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard in oncology research, OACs have historically been excluded, perpetuating underrepresentation. Furthermore, even in current oncology clinical development trials, this demographic continues to be underrepresented. PCTs offer a valuable avenue for the identification and evaluation of therapies within authentic RW contexts, encompassing various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and physician practices. RCTs and PCTs complement one another, and the utilization of PCTs has the potential to inform clinical decision-making across the OACs entire treatment trajectory.
Extremely large magnetoresistance and anisotropic transport in the multipolar Kondo system
PrTi2Al20
Authors: Isomae Takachika , Sakai Akito , Fu Mingxuan , Taniguchi Takanori , Takigawa Masashi , Nakatsuji Satoru 
Published: January 2024

Multipolar Kondo systems offer unprecedented opportunities to design astonishing quantum phases and functionalities beyond spin-only descriptions. A model material platform of this kind is the cubic heavy fermion system PrT2Al20 (T=Ti, V), which hosts a nonmagnetic crystal-electric-field ground state and substantial Kondo entanglement of the local quadrupolar and octopolar moments with the conduction electron sea. Here, we explore the magnetoresistance (MR) and Hall effect of PrTi2Al20, which develops ferroquadrupolar (FQ) order below TQ∼2 K, and compare their behavior with that of the MR and Hall effect of the non-4f analog, LaTi2Al20. In the FQ ordered phase, PrTi2Al20 displays extremely large magnetoresistance (XMR) of ∼103%. The unsaturated, quasilinear field (B) dependence of the XMR violates Kohler's scaling and defies description based on carrier compensation alone. By comparing the MR and the Hall effect observed in PrTi2Al20 and LaTi2Al20, we conclude that the open-orbit topology on the electron-type Fermi surface sheet is key for the observed XMR. The low-temperature MR and the Hall resistivity in PrTi2Al20 display pronounced anisotropy in the [111] and [001] magnetic fields, which is absent in LaTi2Al20, suggesting that the transport anisotropy ties in with the anisotropic magnetic field response of the quadrupolar order parameter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
CEO power and stock price crash risk in India: the moderating effect of insider trades
Authors: Kalia Ankita 
Published: January 2024

PurposeThis study aims to explore the relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) power and stock price crash risk in India. Furthermore, it seeks to analyse how insider trades may moderate the impact of CEO power on stock price crash risk.Design/methodology/approachA study of 236 companies from the S&P BSE 500 Index (2014–2023) have been analysed through pooled ordinary least square (OLS) regression in the baseline analysis. To enhance the results' reliability, robustness checks include alternative methodologies, such as panel data regression with fixed-effects, binary logistic regression and Bayesian regression. Additional control variables and alternative crash risk measure have also been utilised. To address potential endogeneity, instrumental variable techniques such as two-stage least squares (IV-2SLS) and difference-in-difference (DiD) methodologies are utilised.FindingsStakeholder theory is supported by results revealing that CEO power proxies like CEO duality, status and directorship reduce one-year ahead stock price crash risk and vice versa. Insider trades are found to moderate the link between select dimensions of CEO power and stock price crash risk. These findings persist after addressing potential endogeneity concerns, and the results remain consistent across alternative methodologies and variable inclusions.Originality/valueThis study significantly advances research on stock price crash risk, especially in emerging economies like India. The implications of these findings are crucial for investors aiming to mitigate crash risk, for corporations seeking enhanced governance measures and for policymakers considering the economic and welfare consequences associated with this phenomenon.
From risk to reward: the strategic advantages of diversifying grape varietals
Authors: Masset Philippe , Weisskopf Jean-Philippe 
Published: January 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a diversification by grape varieties may help wine producers reduce uncertainty in quantity and quality variations due to increasingly erratic climate conditions.

Design/methodology/approach
This study hand-collects granular quantity and quality data from wine harvest reports for vintages 2003 to 2017 for the Valais region in Switzerland. The data allows us to obtain detailed data on harvested kilograms/liters and Oechsle/Brix degrees. It is then merged with precise meteorological data over the same sample period. The authors use this data set to capture weather conditions and their impact on harvested quantities and quality. Finally, they build portfolios including different grape varieties to evaluate whether this reduces variations in quality and quantity over vintages.

Findings
The findings highlight that the weather varies relatively strongly over the sample period and that climate hazards such as hail, frost or ensuing vine diseases effectively occur. These strongly impact the harvested quantities but less the quality of the wine. The authors further show that planting different grape varieties allows for a significant reduction in the variation of harvested quantities over time and thus acts as a good solution against climate risk.

Originality/value
The effect of climate change on viticulture is becoming increasingly important and felt and bears real economic and social consequences. This study transposes portfolio diversification which is central to reducing risk in the finance industry, into the wine industry and shows that the same principle holds. The authors thus propose a novel idea on how to mitigate climate risk.
Labor unions, pay disparity and financial statement comparability
Authors: Jo Eun Hye , Lee Jung Wha 
Published: January 2024

PurposeThis study examines how the presence of labor unions affects a firm’s pay disparity between executives and employees and its financial statement comparability.Design/methodology/approachIt uses firm-level labor union data in Korea and applies regression analyses to a sample of 1,776 firm-year observations from 2004 to 2008.FindingsThe authors find that unionized firms have a smaller pay disparity between executives and employees than non-unionized firms, suggesting that labor unions place pressure on the pay structure. Unionization also lowers financial statement comparability, which helps managers of unionized firms maintain information asymmetry. Further, this negative relationship between unionization and financial statement comparability is stronger in non-chaebol firms, implying that they are more motivated than chaebol firms to reduce their financial statement comparability in response to the presence of labor unions. In addition, the negative relationship between unionization and financial statement comparability is pronounced in profit-making firms, firms with less analyst following, firms with fewer foreign investors and firms in more competitive product markets.Research limitations/implicationsThe finding that firms adjust comparability in response to labor unions interests regulators and policymakers, who emphasize the role of comparability in providing usefulness to information users.Originality/valueThe findings add to the existing literature on the effect of labor unions on firms' pay structures and accounting choices.
Non-financial sustainability reporting and firm reputation. Evidence from Chinese listed companies
Authors: Ul Abideen Zain , Fuling Han 
Published: January 2024

PurposeThis study highlights the influence of non-financial sustainability reporting and firm reputation (FR) on the China Stock Exchange. The study is based on the components of sustainability reporting that influence FR.Design/methodology/approachA simple ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model is initially run to test the hypotheses. Advanced econometric methods are used to detect the presence of heteroskedasticity. The study utilizes fixed-effect, two-stage least squares (2SLS) and two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) regression models to address endogeneity issues.FindingsFindings suggest that NFSR has a negative influence on FR. Conversely, environmental, social and governance (ESG) sustainability reporting exhibited positive associations with a FR in fixed-effect, 2SLS and GMM results.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has limitations, and data collection is restricted to the period from January 2018 to June 2023, limiting the scope of findings due to data constraints. Brand equity measurement is considered only one aspect of a company's activities, and other methods can also be considered for measuring brand equity. Another limitation is a standardized method for measuring NFSR. While this study used the Arianpoor and Salehi (2021) model to measure sustainability reporting in the Chinese market, future research could explore different methods.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study have important practical implications for corporate management, highlighting reputation challenges and the strategic importance of sustainability. Managers are encouraged to use NFSR strategically to enhance their reputation and corporate strategy.Social implicationsThe social implications highlight ownership and regulatory structures, promoting enhanced sustainability reporting in China's business culture. This insight informs policymakers, businesses and stakeholders regarding the importance of sustainability reporting, guiding decisions on corporate reputation and sustainability regulations.Originality/valueThe research indicates the importance of context-specific sustainability reporting for enhancing reputation. It provides insights into sustainability's impact on a company's reputation, promoting responsible practices for a sustainable global economy. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first research that utilizes the NFSR frameworks and a sample of firms in China to discuss sustainability reporting with different guidelines.
Comparative approach to the financing of agricultural enterprises in the Republic of Kosovo and EU countries
Authors: Kllokoqi Arbenita , Parduzi Ardi , Mazllami Jeton 
Published: January 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the financial challenges faced by agricultural enterprises in the Republic of Kosovo. It aims to compare the various forms of financing used in Kosovo with those in European Union (EU) countries. The study seeks to highlight opportunities and challenges with a focus on how they can learn from the experiences of EU countries.

Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on responses from agricultural enterprises in both the EU and Kosovo. Data was gathered through a survey conducted with 50 agricultural enterprises in Kosovo, whereas for EU context, information from the 2020 Survey on the Financial Needs and Access to Finance of EU Agricultural Enterprises (provided by EAFRD). Statistical data were processed using the Stata and SPSS programs.

Findings
In agriculture sector, loan is the primary form of financing to expand their activities and capacities, whereas financing for agricultural enterprises exhibits a negative relationship with the bureaucratic procedures associated with financing.

Research limitations/implications
The main research’s limitations include the unavailability of official data from the relevant institutions in Kosovo.

Practical implications
A possible implication arising from this research is the reliance of the development of agriculture enterprises on debt.

Social implications
Due to the lack of comprehensive data in this regard, is unable to analyze the specific impact of gender in financing patterns of these enterprises.

Originality/value
This study provides real data on the current situation of agricultural enterprises in Kosovo. Considering Kosovo’s goal to integrate with the EU, this comparative approach adds significant value to the study.
Prepaid cards and the unbanked in the U.S.: financial innovations and financial inclusion
Authors: Hikkaduwa Epa Liyanage Kumuditha , Hartarska Valentina , Nadolnyak Denis 
Published: January 2024

PurposeFinancial inclusion is measured by the number of people who use the formal financial system and banks in particular. Limited access to formal banking services and the existence of unbanked households is a main policy concern. The authors evaluate how the use of prepaid (reloadable) debit cards by unbanked households affects financial inclusion and specifically the potential for these households to participate in the formal financial system and open a bank account.Design/methodology/approachThe authors apply matching models to analyze survey data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation National Survey of the Unbanked and Underbanked Households from 2009 to 2019 and evaluate how prepaid cards use affects plans to open a bank account.FindingsUnbanked households who use prepaid cards are 5% less likely to open a bank account compared to the matched nonusers of prepaid cards. In addition, prepaid card users are 12% more likely to use nonbanks to transfer money/transact online and 18% more likely to have obtained loans from alternative financial services providers compared to the matched unbanked nonusers of prepaid debit cards.Originality/valueNo previous work has estimated the causal impact of use of prepaid cards on financial inclusion.