bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound‐guided selective supraclavicular nerve block for postoperative pain control in children receiving Hickman catheter or chemoport insertion: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Jung‐Bin , Song In‐Sun , Kang Pyo‐Yoon , Ji Sang‐Hwan , Jang Young‐Eun , Kim Eun‐Hee , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Kim Hee‐Soo , Kim Jin‐Tae 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundOptimal pain management after insertion of a central venous catheter in children remains unclear.AimThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of a selective supraclavicular nerve block on postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing hickman catheter or chemoport insertion.MethodsFifty patients aged 3–18 years scheduled for elective Hickman or chemoport insertion were randomized into two groups of 25 each: one group received an ultrasound‐guided selective supraclavicular nerve block with 0.1 mL/kg of 0.5% ropivacaine (SSCNB group), and the other group did not receive a nerve block (control group). The primary outcome was the postoperative Wong‐Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale score measured between 10 and 30 min after surgery. Secondary outcomes included pain scores at 1, 3, and 24 h after the surgery, block‐related complications, length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit, postoperative analgesic consumption, and time to first analgesic use 24 h after surgery.ResultsThe worst pain score within 30 min in the recovery room was significantly lower in the SSCNB group compared to the control group (6 [5–7] vs. 3 [2–4]; median difference, −3; 95% CI, −4 to −1; p < .001). Pain scores at 1, 3, and 24 h after surgery were also significantly lower in the SSCNB group. The need for both opioid and non‐opioid analgesics in the postoperative period was significantly lower in the SSCNB group (36.0% vs. 0%; p = .002 and 44.0% vs. 16.0%; mean difference, −28%; 95% CI, −56 to 0.19; p = .033, respectively), while other secondary outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionsUltrasound‐guided SSCNB is an effective method for managing postoperative pain in children undergoing Hickman catheter or chemoport insertion, reducing the need for analgesics within 24 h after surgery.
Skeptical Theism: A Panoramic Overview (Part II)
Authors: Oliveira Luis R. G. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSkeptical theism, broadly construed, is an attempt to leverage our limited cognitive powers, in some specified sense, against “evidential” and “explanatory” arguments from evil. Since there are different versions of these kinds of arguments, there are correspondingly different versions of skeptical theism. In this paper, I consider four challenges to three central versions of skeptical theism: (a) the problem of generalized skepticism, (b) the problem of moral skepticism, (c) the problem of unqualified modal skepticism, and (d) the challenge from Bayesian epistemology.
Libertarianism and agentive experience
Authors: Capes Justin A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLibertarianism about free will conjoins the thesis that free will requires indeterminism with the thesis that we have free will. Here the claim that we have experiential evidence for the libertarian position is assessed. It is argued that, on a straightforward reading, the claim is false, for our experiences as agents don't support the claim that free will requires indeterminism. However, our experiences as agents may still have a role to play in an overall case for libertarianism, insofar as they give us some (defeasible) reason to think that we have free will. This latter claim is defended against a pair of objections that have been leveled against it.
Flickering the W‐Defense
Authors: Robinson Michael 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOne way to defend the Principle of Alternative Possibilities (PAP) against Frankfurt‐style cases is to challenge the claim that agents in these scenarios are genuinely morally responsible for what they do. Alternatively, one can grant that agents are morally responsible for what they do in these cases but resist the idea that they could not have done otherwise. This latter strategy is known as the flicker defense of PAP. In an argument he calls the W‐Defense, David Widerker adopts the former approach. I argue that, while Widerker's argument does a poor job showing that these agents are not morally responsible for what they do, it does a very good job highlighting the alternative possibilities that remain open to agents in these cases and illustrating their moral significance (or robustness). In doing so, my aim is to co‐opt Widerker's argument to bolster the most promising versions of the flicker defense.
How people update their beliefs about climate change: An experimental investigation of the optimistic update bias and how to reduce it
Authors: Kube Tobias , Wullenkord Marlis , Rozenkrantz Liron , Kramer Peter , Lieb Sophia , Menzel Claudia 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPeople usually update their beliefs selectively in response to good news and disregard bad news. Here, we investigated in two preregistered experiments (N = 278 and N = 306) (1) whether such valence‐dependent belief updating also underlies information processing in the context of climate change and (2) whether it can be altered by interventions informing about different aspects of climate change. To this end, we adapted a well‐established belief update task to the context of climate change. In multiple trials, participants were asked about their beliefs about adverse consequences of climate change; subsequently, they were asked to update their beliefs in light of new information. Both studies provided evidence against the hypothesis that people integrate good news about climate change more than bad news. After half of the trials, participants were randomized to one of four video‐based interventions, each of which aimed at promoting a more accurate risk perception and increasing pro‐environmental intentions. After the interventions, participants showed a more accurate risk perception, and women rather than men increased their intentions for pro‐environmental behavior. The results provide implications for climate change communication, as they show that when facing the consequences of climate change, people adjust their risk perception accurately and increase their pro‐environmental intentions.
Accuracy of aspirin prophylaxis for preeclampsia prevention documentation within a large administrative dataset
Authors: Tailor Lauren S. , Fajardo Renee G. , Ray Joel G. , Malhamé Isabelle , Grandi Sonia M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundLow‐dose aspirin prophylaxis is recommended for women at risk of preeclampsia. Capturing aspirin prophylaxis within administrative databases can be challenging since it is an over‐the‐counter medication. The Better Outcome Registry and Network (BORN) database, a perinatal health registry in Ontario, Canada, includes a formal variable that captures aspirin prophylaxis for preeclampsia. This variable has not been formally validated.ObjectivesTo assess the accuracy of the aspirin prophylaxis variable in the BORN database against an electronic medical record (EMR).MethodsThis validation study comprised 200 randomly selected women who had a livebirth at St. Michael's Hospital (SMH) in Toronto, Ontario, from January 2018 to July 2022. Recorded aspirin prophylaxis in pregnancy and maternal sociodemographic characteristics were independently extracted by two abstractors. Accuracy of aspirin prophylaxis use in the BORN database was compared to that in the SMH EMR, expressed as sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV), Cohen's kappa (κ), and overall percent agreement, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Sensitivity analyses were performed to account for missing or unclear aspirin prophylaxis use.ResultsAmong 200 women, 24 (12.0%) received aspirin prophylaxis – 12.5% within the SMH EMR and 8.0% in the BORN database. Women using aspirin were older (37.0 vs 33.0 years) and had higher median gravidity (3 vs. 2). Sensitivity and specificity of the BORN aspirin prophylaxis variable were 62.5% (95% CI 40.6, 81.2) and 100.0% (95% CI 97.3, 100.0), respectively. The corresponding positive and negative predictive values were 100.0% (95% CI 78.2, 100.0), and 93.8% (95% CI 88.6, 97.1), respectively. Cohen's κ was 0.74 (95% CI 0.58, 0.90), and overall percent agreement was 94.4% (95% CI 87.1, 100.0).ConclusionsAspirin use within the BORN database, based on a standard variable field, appears accurate enough for the potential use in epidemiological studies of aspirin prophylaxis for preeclampsia or as a covariate in related studies.
Flow cytometric detection and identification of different leukocyte subpopulations in stallion semen
Authors: Köhne Martin , Kirch Franziska , Tönissen Anna , Martinsson Gunilla , Rabe Udo , Sieme Harald , Schuberth Hans‐Joachim 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTo improve accuracy in evaluating stallion ejaculates, an antibody‐based, flow cytometric assay for the detection and identification of leukocyte subpopulations (CD4‐, CD8‐, CD21‐, CD172a‐positive cells) in stallion semen (n = 12) was established. For establishment of the assay, native semen was supplemented with blood leukocytes (control: 20% leukocytes, 80% sperm cells) and analysed by flow cytometry. Adding antioxidants (ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluol) to semen immediately after collection inhibited rapid death of lymphoid cells in sperm leukocyte mixtures. In control set‐ups, 27.85 ± 5.7% of events were positive for CD4, CD8, CD21 or CD172a, while in native semen samples, leukocytes were scarce (0.114 ± 0.134%). The most abundant leukocyte subpopulation in semen was of lymphoid origin (CD4‐positive cells [0.015 ± 0.02%]), whereas CD21‐positive cells (B cells; 0.001 ± 0.001%) were virtually absent in ejaculates of fertile stallions. This presented flow cytometric assay for the detection and identification of different leukocyte population in equine antioxidant‐treated ejaculates can be used as an additional tool for spermatological examination in stallions.
Rotation of liquid‐preserved artificial insemination doses on roller benches affects sperm quality during storage in stallions
Authors: Dierberger H. , Pieper L. , Jung M. , Schulze M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAppropriate stallion semen handling is of great importance in equine artificial insemination (AI) industry. Optimal treatment of AI doses is aiming for best sperm preservation by excluding strong environmental influences and adding media that favour sperm survival. One method widely used in stallion sperm handling is the rotation of liquid‐preserved semen samples on roller benches during storage. As previous studies in boars give rise to the fact that rotation should not be considered beneficial for spermatozoa anymore, the present study investigated the influence of continuous rotation of diluted stallion AI portions on sperm quality. Ejaculates (n = 15) were collected at a German AI centre and diluted with the two extenders EquiPlus and Gent (Minitüb GmbH) to a final concentration of 50 × 106 sperm/mL. Afterwards, samples were placed separately on roller benches at 5°C in the dark, obtaining a rotation frequency of 5 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 36 rpm for four consecutive days following a split‐sample design. Both groups were analysed daily in comparison to a control group (0 rpm) with an extended spectrum of spermatological methods including computer‐assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry. Statistical analyses were based on the calculation of generalized linear mixed models for each sperm parameter. The research revealed a decrease in sperm quality parameters of rotated samples compared to non‐rotated control groups, visible in total sperm motility (p < .001), decreased thermo‐resistance (p < .01) and a drop in pH (p < .001). Interestingly, no differences (p > .05) were detected between rotation frequencies of 5 and 36 rpm. We conclude that the fertilizing capacity of stallion semen was negatively affected by rotation during storage in vitro, irrespective of the rotation frequency. Further studies need to investigate whether field fertility in horses is similarly affected by semen rotation on roller benches in vivo.
Auto‐adjusted versus fixed positive airway pressure in patients with severe OSA: A large randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bironneau Vanessa , Ingrand Pierre , Pontier Sandrine , Iamandi Carmen , Portel Laurent , Martin Francis , Mallart Anne , Lerousseau Lionel , Alfandary Didier , Levrat Virginie , Portier Florence , Tamisier Renaud , Goutorbe Frédéric , Rabec Claudio , Codron François , Auregan Guy , Mercy Magalie , Attali Valérie , Soyez Frank , Launois Claire , Recart Didier , Vecchierini Marie‐Françoise , Gagnadoux Frédéric , Meurice Jean‐Claude ,   the PREDIVARIUS group
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveContinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can be used in fixed CPAP or auto‐adjusted (APAP) mode. The aim of this prospective randomized controlled clinical study was to evaluate the 3 month‐efficacy of CPAP used either in fixed CPAP or APAP mode.MethodsEight hundred one patients with severe OSA were included in twenty‐two French centres. After 7 days during which all patients were treated with APAP to determine the effective pressure level and its variability, 353 and 351 patients were respectively randomized in the fixed CPAP group and APAP group. After 3 months of treatment, 308 patients in each group were analysed.ResultsThere was no difference between the two groups in terms of efficacy whatever the level of efficient pressure and pressure variability (p = 0.41). Exactly, 219 of 308 patients (71.1%) in the fixed CPAP group and 212 of 308 (68.8%) in the APAP group (p = 0.49) demonstrated residual apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) <10/h and Epworth Score <11. Tolerance and adherence were also identical with a similar effect on quality of life and blood pressure evaluation.ConclusionThe two CPAP modes, fixed CPAP and APAP, were equally effective and tolerated in severe OSA patients.
The impact of antenatal and postnatal indoor air pollution or tobacco smoke exposure on lung function at 3 years in an African birth cohort
Authors: Chaya S. , Vanker A. , Brittain K. , MacGinty R. , Jacobs C. , Hantos Z. , Zar H. J. , Gray D. M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveIndoor air pollution (IAP) and tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) are global health concerns contributing to the burden of childhood respiratory disease. Studies assessing the effects of IAP and ETS in preschool children are limited. We assessed the impact of antenatal and postnatal IAP and ETS exposure on lung function in a South African birth cohort, the Drakenstein Child Health Study.MethodsAntenatally enrolled mother–child pairs were followed from birth. Lung function measurements (oscillometry, multiple breath washout and tidal breathing) were performed at 6 weeks and 3 years. Quantitative antenatal and postnatal IAP (particulate matter [PM10], volatile organic compounds [VOC]) and ETS exposures were measured. Linear regression models explored the effects of antenatal and postnatal exposures on lung function at 3 years.ResultsFive hundred eighty‐four children had successful lung function testing, mean (SD) age of 37.3 (0.7) months. Exposure to antenatal PM10 was associated with a decreased lung clearance index (p < 0.01) and postnatally an increase in the difference between resistance at end expiration (ReE) and inspiration (p = 0.05) and decrease in tidal volume (p = 0.06). Exposure to antenatal VOC was associated with an increase in functional residual capacity (p = 0.04) and a decrease in time of expiration over total breath time (tE/tTOT) (p = 0.03) and postnatally an increase in respiratory rate (p = 0.05). High ETS exposure postnatally was associated with an increase in ReE (p = 0.03).ConclusionAntenatal and postnatal IAP and ETS exposures were associated with impairment in lung function at 3 years. Strengthened efforts to reduce IAP and ETS exposure are needed.
Effects of terrorism and economic policy uncertainty on economic complexity in Africa: A study of the moderating role of governance institutions
Authors: Ogbuabor Jonathan E. , Emeka Ekene ThankGod , Nwosu Emmanuel O. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractFollowing the paucity of empirical evidence on the effects of terrorism and uncertainty on economic complexity in Africa and the moderating role of governance institutions on these relationships, this study raised two important questions. First, how are terrorism and uncertainty impacting on economic complexity in Africa? Second, how are governance institutions moderating the effects of terrorism and uncertainty on economic complexity in Africa? To answer these questions, the study employed pooled ordinary least squares and dynamic system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimators, with a panel of 33 African countries over the period 2010–2021. We find that the unconditional effects of terrorism and uncertainty on economic complexity in Africa are predominantly negative and significant. We also find that governance institutions predominantly have unconditional positive and significant impact on economic complexity in Africa but failed to moderate the adverse effect of uncertainty on economic complexity. However, trade openness, international tourism and lagged economic complexity are potent factors promoting economic complexity in Africa, while physical capital stock remained a deterring factor. The study concluded that policymakers and leaders in Africa should engage in collaborative efforts at the African Union level to promote high‐quality institutions, while simultaneously addressing the detrimental effects of terrorism and uncertainty on the continent.
Miocene tectonic activity at the boundary between NE Pannonian and NW Transylvanian basins (Romania): Insight from new seismic data
Authors: Panea Ionelia , Munteanu Ioan , Gaina Carmen , Mocanu Victor , Roban Relu Dumitru , Bouaru Catalin Florin ,   Geysir‐BaiaMare Working Group
Published: August 2023

AbstractSituated at the junction between the Eastern Carpathians Mountains, the Pannonian and the Transylvanian basins, the Baia Mare region (Romania) has a complex geological history that witnessed the interaction among the three main tectonic provinces. Here, we report results from new seismic reflection measurements that provide modern information about the subsurface geological structure. The integrated analysis of the newly acquired and vintage seismic reflection data from the study area reveals details about the architecture of the Palaeogene and the Neogene deposits at the contact between the northeastern Pannonian and northwestern Transylvanian basins. In particular, it unveils a fault zone that most probably controlled the tectonic evolution of the eastern Pannonian and Transylvanian basins. A better understanding of the crustal structure and tectonic features in the study area is a first step into evaluating the geothermal potential of the region.
Asymmetric general oligopolistic equilibrium
Authors: Quint Ansgar F. , Rudsinske Jonas F. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe explore the effects of country asymmetries in a general oligopolistic equilibrium model with segmented markets. Firms' oligopolistic behaviour in segmented markets has macro‐level effects when countries' characteristics or policies are asymmetric. Due to their effect on strategic firm behaviour, country asymmetries can induce deviations from the law of one price, which gives rise to terms‐of‐trade based international shifts in consumption and welfare. We demonstrate that by studying the welfare and distributional effects of asymmetric labour market policies.
Patterns of metastatic progression and association with clinical outcomes in canine osteosarcoma: A necropsy study of 83 dogs
Authors: Silver K. I. , Patkar S. , Mazcko C. , Berger E. P. , Beck J. A. , LeBlanc A. K. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOsteosarcoma is a highly metastatic primary bone tumour that occurs spontaneously in both pet dogs and humans. Patterns of metastasis to organs beyond the most common site (lung) are poorly characterised and it is unknown whether specific associations between patterns of metastatic progression and patient features exist. This retrospective study characterised the necropsy findings of 83 dogs receiving standardised therapy and clinical monitoring in a prospective clinical trial setting to document patterns of metastasis and correlate outcomes with these patterns and other patient and tumour‐specific factors. A total of 20 different sites of metastasis were documented, with lung as the most common site, followed by bone, kidney, liver, and heart. Two distinct clusters of dogs were identified based on patterns of metastasis. There was no significant association between site of enrollment, trial arm, sex, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, or tumour location and clinical outcomes. A second cancer type was identified at necropsy in 10 dogs (10/83; 12%). These data showcase the extensive nature of osteosarcoma metastasis beyond the lung and provide a benchmark for clinical monitoring of the disease. Further, this study provides insight into transcriptional features of primary tumours that may relate to a propensity for osteosarcoma metastasis to specific organs and tissues.
Microorganism colonization of peripheral venous catheters in a small animal clinical setting
Authors: Matula Erica , Mastrocco Alicia , Prittie Jennifer , Weltman Joel , Keyserling Christine 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo compare the incidence of microorganism colonization of peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) placed in the Emergency Department (ED) to those placed in a routine preoperative setting. The relationship between catheter tip colonization and patient urgency (as assessed by triage priority) was also evaluated.DesignProspective, observational study from January 2021 to October 2021.SettingEmergency room and clinical areas of a large, urban, tertiary referral center.AnimalsThree hundred dogs and 94 cats with a PVC in place for a minimum of 24 hours were enrolled in the study.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsTwo hundred and eighty‐eight PVCs were placed in the ED and 106 were placed preoperatively. The overall colonization rate was 10.4% (41/394). Sixteen bacterial and 1 fungal genera were cultured. Eight of these bacterial genera (25/51 [49%] bacterial isolates) were resistant to at least 1 antimicrobial class. Twenty‐nine of 288 (10.1%) catheters positive for colonization were placed in the ED, whereas 12 of 106 (11.3%) were placed preoperatively. There was no association between microorganism growth on catheters and clinical area of catheter placement. There was also no association between ED patient urgency and positive catheter tip culture. No significant risk factors were identified predisposing to colonization of PVCs.ConclusionsThe overall incidence of microorganism colonization of PVCs in this study population was equivalent to, or lower than, previously reported in veterinary literature. There was no statistical difference between the catheters placed in the ED and those placed for routine surgical procedures. Patient urgency did not affect the incidence of positivity of peripheral catheter tip cultures.