bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rich for its creditors: is tax evasion in the natural resources sector helping to reduce Africa's external debt?
Authors: BIKOULA Séraphin Brice MINKOE , PONDIE Thierry MESSIE , BATE Adalbert Abraham Ghislain MELINGUI 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The massive drain on resources that tax evasion represents, is undermining the dynamic of optimal mobilisation of national resources. In particular, it is essential to recover the resources needed to finance the State's activities and ensure its external and internal solvency. The ability of economies to achieve sustainable development objectives depends essentially on the security of public finances. The mobilisation of both tax and non-tax revenues is a key element for many governments. This study therefore analyses the effect of tax evasion in the natural resources sector on the external debt of 14 African countries, over the period 2009-2022. The results of this analysis are revealing on two levels: firstly, the use of several estimation techniques, such as Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Pooled Least Squares (PLS), shows a positive and significant direct effect of tax evasion in the natural resources sector on external debt in Africa. This basic result is robust to alternative estimation techniques such as Instrumental Variable Least Squares (IV-2SLS) and System Generalized Least Squares (S-GMM). Second, the consideration of governance variables as transmission channels, shows negative and moderating effects on indebtedness. On the basis of these results, we suggest that good governance should be put in place to mobilise tax revenues and strengthen controls on international profit transfers.
Jel codes: H26, H61, P48, H63
Evaluation of nutritional knowledge and consequences of consuming dietary supplements among expert bodybuilders
Authors: Bajool Yasaman , Hemmatinafar Mohammad , Daryanoosh Farhad , Jahaniboushehri Nima , Jahan Zeinab , Suzuki Katsuhiko 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: of specific education programs from unreliable sources causes low nutrition knowledge and the use of many dietary supplements (DS) in bodybuilders. This study investigated the nutritional knowledge and prevalence of DS among Iranian bodybuilders.
Method: This cross-sectional research involved a sample of 648 bodybuilding clubs in Iran and a researcher who distributed questionnaires among clubs in different regions and analyzed categorical variables, DS, nutritional knowledge, and sports nutrition data from 160 bodybuilders aged 18 and above in Iran with the results of a quantitative questionnaire.
Results: There was a significant relationship between DS use and gender (p=0.000, r= 0.330), bodybuilding history (p=0.045; r=0.158), participation in nutrition courses (p=0.161, r=0.111), and exercise sessions per week (p=0.050, r=0.156). Whey protein (45.62%) and BCAA (33.75%), vitamin D (50%), Vitamin C (56.25%), caffeine (34.37%), and generally vitamin C (56.25%) were the most common DS used. The most information sources for bodybuilders regarding DS were trainers (35.62%) and nutritionists (34.37%), and regarding nutrition, registered dietitians/nutritionists (58.1%) and trainers (51.87%). Total nutritional knowledge (macronutrients, micronutrients, and sports nutrition) was 58.65%. There was a significant relationship between nutrition knowledge and bodybuilding history (p=0.001, r=0.264) and participation in nutrition courses (P=0.000, r= 0.384).
Conclusion: This study concluded that the most common information sources for bodybuilders were coaches and nutritionists and found poor nutrition knowledge among bodybuilders. The most common DS used by bodybuilders were vitamins C, D and Whey protein. Also, gender, bodybuilding history, and the number of weekly exercise sessions had a significant relationship with the prevalence of DS.
WISP1-β3 integrin pathway promotes early pulmonary fibrosis through EndMT induced by mechanical ventilation in an experimental sepsis model
Authors: Xu Hongjiao , Hong Jia , Liu Di , Wu Xinwan , Yang Xiaohu , Yu Zhuang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is an indispensable life support for patients with sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and is the only proven treatment for improving survival. Many ARDS patients survive sepsis but die of pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we investigated whether the WISP1-β3 integrin pathway is involved in early pulmonary fibrosis through EndMT, manifesting as accelerating deterioration in moderate mechanical ventilation (MTV) in an experimental sepsis model. To investigate our hypothesis, C57BL/6 mice and β3 integrin knockout mice (β3−/−) were used to perform the study. As expected, the EndMT markers, CD31 and CD34 for endothelial cells and vimentin and α-SMA for mesothelial cells, were markedly changed and collagen deposition increased significantly in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) after 12h later MTV (10 ml/kg; 4h) groups. The protective effects of anti-WISP1 or β3−/− were associated with decreased levels of collagen deposition and vimentin, α-SMA, whereas CD31 and CD34 were opposed in the complex model. Overall, this study demonstrated a new potential molecular mechanism by which the WISP1-β3 integrin pathway mediating EndMT facilitates positively regulates early pulmonary fibrosis induced by sepsis combined with MV.
The Impact of Early Norepinephrine Use on Outcomes in Patients with Septic Shock: A Retrospective Study Based on the MIMIC IV Database
Authors: Fan Zhao-kun , Shen Ying-ying , Yi Ru-qin , Feng Wen , Li Cheng-en , Chen Wei , Zhang Zhirong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that requires timely and effective hemodynamic support. Norepinephrine is a preferred vasopressor in the treatment of septic shock, but there is still controversy regarding the optimal timing of its use. This study aims to assess the impact of norepinephrine administration in the early management of septic shock on short-term and medium-term outcomes.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 3642 septic shock patients from the MIMIC IV 2.2 database. Patients were divided into four groups based on the timing of norepinephrine initiation (within 1 hour, within 3 hours, within 6 hours, and after 6 hours). Mortality rates at 28 days, 90 days, and 180 days, as well as secondary outcome measures such as ICU and hospital length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and urine output were compared among the groups. Survival analysis was employed to evaluate survival rates among different groups.
Results
Primary Outcome: Survival curves showed that the group receiving norepinephrine within 3 hours had the highest survival rate at 28 days, while the group receiving norepinephrine within 6 hours had the highest survival rates at 90 and 180 days (logrank chi2 25.51, p < 0.001). Secondary Outcome: The group receiving norepinephrine within 1 hour had the shortest ICU length of stay (P < 0.001) and hospital length of stay (P < 0.001). This group also had the shortest duration of mechanical ventilation (P < 0.001) and the least fluid administration (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in total norepinephrine usage among the groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Early norepinephrine use, especially within 3 hours, may be associated with lower short-term mortality in patients with septic shock, while initiation within 6 hours may be associated with improved medium-term survival. Early norepinephrine use may also contribute to reduced hospital length of stay, decreased fluid administration, and improved renal perfusion. These findings support considering norepinephrine use in the early management of septic shock, but further research is needed to optimize the timing of its administration.
Factors related to readiness for advance care planning in the general population: a cross sectional study in Iran
Authors: Askari Ali , Roshan Hosein Mohammadi , Abbaszadeh Nasim , Salesi Mahmood , Hosseini Seyed Morteza , Golmohammadi Mobina , Barasteh Salman 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Advanced Care Planning (ACP), as a process for expressing and recording patients' preferences about end-of-life care, has received increasing attention in recent years. However, implementing ACP has been challenging in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate factors related to readiness for ACP (RACP) in the general population of Iran.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on the general population of Iran in 2022. The data was collected using demographic information questionnaire and The RACP Scale. The purpose and methodology of the research was explained to all participants, and upon their agreement an informed consent was obtained. Participants were invited to fill out the questionnaires wherever is more convenient for them, either alone or if needed, with the help of the researcher to protect their privacy. The questionnaires were collected by the researcher. Chi-square, fisher exact test and multiple logistic Regression model were used to assess the effective factors on the RACP. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 26.
Results
A total of 641 people with an average age of 36.85 ± 12.05 years participated in this study. Of those, 377 (58.8%) had high RACP. The logistics model showed an association between the chance of readiness for receiving ACP with participants’ education level, such that the chance of readiness in those with Master's or Ph.D. degrees was three times higher than those with a diploma (p = 0.00, OR:3.178(1.672, 6.043)). However, the chances of readiness in those with bachelor’s degrees was not significantly different from those with a diploma (p = 0.936, OR: 0.984 (0.654, 1.479)). Moreover, the chance of readiness was 1.5 higher in participants over 40 years of age compared with participants under the age of 40 (P = 0.01, OR: 1.571(1.10, 2.23)).
Conclusion
According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that there is a RACP among people in Iranian society. Age and education level are influencing factors in the readiness of individuals for ACP. The readiness of individuals for ACP increases by their age and education level. Therefore, by holding appropriate training workshops and information sessions, we can increase the readiness of the public for ACP to improve their end-of-life outcome.
Isobavachalcone ameliorates Alzheimer disease pathology by autophagy-mediated clearance of amyloid beta and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome in 5XFAD mice
Authors: Kour Dilpreet , Khajuria Parul , Sharma Kuhu , Sharma Alpa , Sharma Ankita , Ali Syed Mudassir , Wazir Priya , Ramajayan P , Sawant Sanghapal D. , Nandi Utpal , Ahmed Zabeer , Kumar Ajay 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The complex pathology of Alzheimer disease (AD) has led to failure of multiple drugs in clinical trials. We hypothesized that targeting multiple aspects AD pathology may yield better results. Therefore, we identified isobavachalcone (IBC) as a natural compound with dual activity against AD pathology. IBC caused AMPK phosphorylation through CAMKK2 to induce autophagy and inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome in primary astrocytes. The inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by IBC was completely reversed when autophagy was inhibited by siAMPK or bafilomycin A1. Further, the primary astrocytes treated with IBC showed a significant intracellular clearance of amyloid beta, which was added externally to the culture. However, when autophagy was inhibited by siRNA-mediated downregulation of AMPK, the clearance of amyloid beta was significantly reduced. Moreover, the inflammatory phenotype of astrocytes also displayed a sharp decline, as indicated by the reduced levels of GFAP and IL-1β. We validated the anti-Alzheimer effect of IBC by treating transgenic 5XFAD mice for two months with IBC. The 5XFAD mice showed a significant improvement in brain health as indicated by improved memory behavior in the radial arm maze test, along with better performance in the open field and rotarod tests. The data revealed that IBC upregulated the autophagic proteins, which led to decreased levels of amyloid beta in the brain and plasma, which further led to reduced levels of neuroinflammation and improved brain health. This study highlights the importance of autophagy in the simultaneous clearance of amyloid beta and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome to ameliorate AD pathology.
An Evaluation of a Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Outbreak Due to Commercial Arterial Blood Gas Collection Kit
Authors: Kazak Esra , Önal Uğur , Tüzemen Ülkü , Aslan Funda , Çalışkan Gül , Şimşek Hüsniye , Bakkaloğlu Zekiye , Çevik Yasemin Numanoğlu , Heper Yasemin , Çelebi Solmaz , Yılmaz Emel , Hacımustafaoğlu Mustafa Kemal , Özakın Cüneyt , Akalın Emin Halis 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a gram-negative bacterium that can cause hospital infections and outbreaks within hospitals. This study aimed to evaluate an outbreak of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, caused by ready-to-use commercial syringes containing liquid lithium and heparin for arterial blood gas collection in a university hospital.
Methods
Upon detecting an increase in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia growth in blood cultures between 15.09.2021 and 19.11.2021, an outbreak analysis and a case-control study (52 patients for the case group, 56 patients for the control group) were performed considering risk factors for bacteraemia. Samples from possible foci for bacteraemia were also cultured. Growing bacteria were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The genetic linkage and clonal relationship isolates were investigated with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) in the reference laboratory.
Results
In the case-control study, the odds ratio for the central venous catheter [3.38 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.444, 8.705 ; p = 0.006)], for surgery [3.387 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.370, 8.373 ; p = 0.008)] and for arterial blood gas collection history [18.584 (95% confidence interval [CI]:4.086, 84.197; p < 0.001)] were identified as significant risk factors. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia growth was found in ready-to-use commercial syringes used for arterial blood gas collection. Molecular analysis showed that the growths in the samples taken from commercial syringes and the growths from blood cultures were the same. After discontinuing the use of the kits with this lot number, the outbreak was brought under control.
Conclusions
According to our results, disposable or sterile medical equipment should be included as a risk factor in outbreak analyses. The method by which injectors containing liquids, such as heparin, are sterilised should be reviewed. Our study also revealed the importance of the cooperation of the infection control team with the microbiology laboratory.
Decomposing the gaps in healthy and unhealthy life expectancies between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians: A burden of disease and injury study
Authors: Zhao Yuejen , Unnikrishnan Renu , Chondur Ramakrishna , Wright Jo , Green Danielle 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The gaps in healthy life expectancy (HLE) between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians are significant. Detailed and accurate information is required to develop strategies that will close these health disparities. This paper aims to quantify and compare the causes and their relative contributions to the life expectancy (LE) gaps between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous population in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia.
Methods
The age-cause decomposition was used to analyse the differences in HLE and unhealthy life expectancy (ULE), where LE = HLE + ULE. The data was sourced from the burden of disease and injury study in the NT between 2014 and 2018.
Results
In 2014–2018, the HLE at birth in the NT Indigenous population was estimated at 43.3 years in males and 41.4 years in females, 26.5 and 33.5 years shorter than the non-Indigenous population. This gap approximately doubled the LE gap (14.0 years in males, 16.6 years in females) at birth. In contrast to LE and HLE, ULE at birth was longer in the Indigenous than non-Indigenous population. The leading causes of the ULE gap at birth were endocrine conditions (explaining 2.9–4.4 years, 23–26%), followed by mental conditions in males and musculoskeletal conditions in females (1.9 years, 15% and 12% respectively), markedly different from the causes of the LE gap (cardiovascular disease, cancers and unintentional injury).
Conclusions
The ULE estimates offer valuable insights into the patterns of illness morbidity particularly in terms of primary and secondary prevention.
A prospective observational study of laparoscopic approaches for suspected gallbladder cancer in Yamaguchi (YPB-002 LAGBY)
Authors: Tokumitsu Yukio , Kawaoka Toru , Harada Eijiro , Suenaga Shigeyuki , Tanabe Masahiro , Shindo Yoshitaro , Matsui Hiroto , Nakajima Masao , Ioka Tatsuya , Takami Taro , Ito Katsuyoshi , Tanaka Hidekazu , Hamano Kimikazu , Nagano Hiroaki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: We have previously reported a novel laparoscopic approach for total biopsy of suspected gallbladder cancer (GBC). To evaluate the safety of this approach, the Laparoscopic Approaches for suspected GBC in Yamaguchi (YPB-002 LAGBY) study (UMIN ID 000035352) was conducted as a prospective observational study.
Methods:From August 2018 to September 2022, a laparoscopic approach was applied for 40 patients with suspected GBC based on preoperative imaging diagnosis. Laparoscopic whole-layer cholecystectomy (LWLC) was performed for early-stage or suspected malignant lesions without liver invasion and laparoscopic gallbladder bed resection (LGBR) was performed for lesions with an unclear border between the gallbladder and liver. The appropriate strategy could be selected postoperatively depending on the final pathological diagnosis according to examination of permanent sections of gallbladder. However, if preoperative imaging reveals enlarged lymph nodes (LNs) with possible metastases, LN sampling with intraoperative pathological diagnosis is performed prior to gallbladder removal to determine whether to introduce neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Results: We performed LWLC in 30 cases, LGBR in 8 cases, and LN sampling alone in 2 cases. Median operation time was 165 min and median blood loss was 5.5 ml. No bile leakage caused by intraoperative perforation of the gallbladder was observed. Histologically, GBC was diagnosed in 16 cases (pTis, n=2; pT1a, n=2; pT1b, n=2; pT2, n=6, pT3, n=4). Seven of the 10 pT2/3 cases underwent additional open lymphadenectomy.
Conclusions: Our laparoscopic approach for suspected GBC appears to represent a safe, useful procedure that could play an important role in the optimal treatment strategy.
Discrimination sensitivity of visual shapes sharpens in autistic adults but only after explicit category learning
Authors: Overwalle Jaana Van , Geusens Birte , Donck Stephanie Van der , Boets Bart , Wagemans Johan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background

Categorization and categorical perception (i.e., enhanced discrimination across the category boundary) are essential processes to organize information efficiently. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) are suggested to display enhanced discrimination on the one hand, but also to experience difficulties with generalization and ignoring irrelevant differences on the other, which underlie categorization. Studies on categorization and discrimination in ASC have mainly focused on one process at a time, however, and typically only used either behavioral or neural measures in isolation. Here, we aim to investigate the interrelationships between these perceptual processes using novel stimuli sampled from a well-controlled artificial stimulus space. In addition, we complement standard behavioral psychophysical tasks with frequency-tagging EEG (FT-EEG) to obtain a direct, non-task related neural index of discrimination and categorization.
Methods
The study was completed by 38 adults with ASC and 38 matched neurotypical (NT) individuals. First, we assessed baseline discrimination sensitivity by administering FT-EEG measures and a complementary behavioral task. Second, participants were trained to categorize the stimuli into two groups. Finally, participants again completed the neural and behavioral discrimination sensitivity measures.
Results
Before training, NT participants immediately revealed a categorical tuning of discrimination, unlike ASC participants who showed largely similar discrimination across the stimuli. During training, both autistic and non-autistic participants were able to categorize the stimuli into two groups. However, in the initial training phase, ASC participants were less accurate and showed more variability, as compared to their non-autistic peers. After training, ASC participants showed significantly enhanced neural and behavioral discrimination sensitivity across the category boundary. Behavioral indices of a reduced categorical processing and perception were related to the presence of more severe autistic traits. Bayesian analyses confirmed overall results.

Limitations

Data-collection occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions
Our behavioral and neural findings indicate that adults with and without ASC are able to categorize highly similar stimuli. However, while categorical perception was spontaneously present in the NT group, it only emerged in the autistic group after explicit categorization training. Additionally, during training, adults with autism were slower at category learning. Finally, this multi-level approach sheds light on the mechanisms underlying sensory and information processing issues in ASC.
Assessment of Faecal Microbiota Transplant Stability in Deep Freeze Conditions: A 12-month Ex Vivo Viability Analysis
Authors: Soukupova Hana , Rehorova Veronika , Cibulkova Ivana , Duska Frantisek 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an established treatment for Clostridioides difficile infection and is under investigation for other conditions. The availability of suitable donors and the logistics of fresh stool preparation present challenges, making frozen, biobanked stools an attractive alternative.
Aims: This study aims to evaluate the long-term viability of bacterial populations in fecal samples stored at -80°C for up to 12 months, supporting the feasibility of using frozen grafts for FMT.
Methods: Fifteen faecal samples from 9 healthy donors were processed, mixed with cryoprotectants, and stored at -80°C. Samples were assessed at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months using quantitative culturing methods to determine the concentration of live bacteria.
Results: Quantitative analysis showed no significant decrease in bacterial viability over the 12-month period for both aerobic and anaerobic cultures (p=0.09). At all timepoints the coefficients of variability in colony-forming unit (CFU) counts were greater between samples (102±21% and 100±13% for aerobic and anaerobic cultures, respectively) then the variability between measurements of the same sample (30±22% and 30±19%).
Conclusions: The study confirmed that faecal microbiota can be preserved with high viability in deep freeze storage for up to a year, making allogenic FMT from biobanked samples a viable and safer option for patients. However, a multi-donor approach may be beneficial to mitigate the risk of viability loss in any single donor sample.