bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How does corporate social responsibility have influence on firms' access to trade credit
Authors: Wei Yufen , Liu Qigui , Luo Jinbo 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study identifies and examines the channels through which corporate social responsibility (CSR) impacts firms' access to trade credit. Using a sample of Chinese firms, we identify two channels through which CSR impacts firms' access to trade credit: (i) better CSR performance reduces firms' systematic risk; and (ii) better CSR performance enhances trust from suppliers. We also document that the positive effect that CSR has on firms' access to trade credit is more pronounced in firms with limited access to formal financial resources, i.e., in non‐state‐controlled enterprises, especially those without political connections, and in firms located in regions with a lower level of social trust. Our findings are robust to a series of tests that address the endogeneity issue. Overall, we argue that CSR performance enhances firms' access to trade credit through the channels of systematic risk and trust enhancing.
Development of molecular diagnostic platform for α0‐thalassemia 44.6 kb (Chiang Rai, ‐‐CR) deletion in individuals with microcytic red blood cells across Thailand
Authors: Khamphikham Pinyaphat , Hanmanoviriya Oravee , Wongpalee Somsakul Pop , Munkongdee Thongperm , Paiboonsukwong Kittiphong , Jopang Yupin , Wangchauy Chaowanee , Sancharernsook Charan , Jinorose Nathawat , Pornprasert Sakorn 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe α0‐thalassemia 44.6 kb or Chiang Rai (‐‐CR) deletion has been reported in northern Thailand and is capable of causing hemoglobin (Hb) H disease and a lethal α‐thalassemia genotype, Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis, in this region. However, there are no current data regarding the frequency of ‐‐CR nationwide due to a lack of effective diagnostic assay. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a reliable platform for simultaneous genotyping of ‐‐CR and two common α0‐thalassemias in Thailand (‐‐SEA and ‐‐THAI) and investigate the frequency of ‐‐CR across Thailand.MethodsMultiplex gap‐PCR assay and five renewable plasmid DNA controls for ‐‐CR, ‐‐SEA, ‐‐THAI, α2‐globin (HBA2), and β‐actin (ACTB) were newly developed and validated with reference methods. The developed assay was further tested on 1046 unrelated individuals with a reduced mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of less than 75 fl for investigating genotypic and allelic spectrum of ‐‐CR.ResultsOur developed assay showed 100% concordance with reference methods. The results were valid and reproducible throughout hundreds of reactions. Comparison of the genotypic and allelic spectra revealed that heterozygous ‐‐SEA (‐‐SEA/αα) and ‐‐SEA alleles were dominant with the frequency of 22.85% (239/1046) and 13.34% (279/2092), respectively. Of these, ‐‐THAI and ‐‐CR were relatively rare in this population and comparable to each other with the allelic frequency of 0.14% (3/2092).ConclusionThis study successfully established a reliable molecular diagnostic platform for genotyping of ‐‐CR, ‐‐SEA, and ‐‐THAI in a single reaction. Additionally, we demonstrated the frequency of ‐‐CR in Thailand for the first time and provided knowledge basis for the planning of severe α‐thalassemia prevention and control programs in Thailand, where thalassemia is endemic.
How Patronage Delivers: Political Appointments, Bureaucratic Accountability, and Service Delivery in Brazil
Authors: Toral Guillermo 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe political appointment of bureaucrats is typically seen as jeopardizing development by selecting worse types into the bureaucracy or by depressing bureaucratic effort. I argue that political appointments also affect outcomes through a third, less studied channel, namely, by changing how bureaucrats work. Patronage provides connections between bureaucrats and politicians, and thereby grants access to material and nonmaterial resources, enhances monitoring, facilitates the application of sanctions and rewards, aligns priorities and incentives, and increases mutual trust. Political appointments can thus enhance bureaucrats’ accountability and effectiveness, not just for rent‐seeking purposes but also, in certain conditions, for public service delivery. I test this theory using data on Brazilian municipal governments, leveraging two quasi‐experiments, two original surveys of bureaucrats and politicians, and in‐depth interviews. The findings highlight the countervailing effects of connections on bureaucratic governance in the developing world.
Treatment of COVID‐19 patients with a SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific siRNA‐peptide dendrimer formulation
Authors: Khaitov Musa , Nikonova Alexandra , Kofiadi Ilya , Shilovskiy Igor , Smirnov Valeriy , Elisytina Olga , Maerle Artem , Shatilov Artem , Shatilova Anastasia , Andreev Sergey , Sergeev Ilya , Trofimov Dmitry , Latysheva Tatyana , Ilyna Natalia , Martynov Alexander , Rabdano Sevastyan , Ruzanova Ellina , Savelev Nikita , Pletiukhina Iuliia , Safi Ariana , Ratnikov Vyacheslav , Gorelov Viktor , Kaschenko Viktor , Kucherenko Natalya , Umarova Irina , Moskaleva Svetlana , Fabrichnikov Sergei , Zuev Oleg , Pavlov Nikolai , Kruchko Daria , Berzin Igor , Goryachev Dmitriy , Merkulov Vadim , Shipulin German , Udin Sergey , Trukhin Victor , Valenta Rudolf , Skvortsova Veronica 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection frequently causes severe and prolonged disease but only few specific treatments are available. We aimed to investigate safety and efficacy of a SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific siRNA‐peptide dendrimer formulation MIR 19® (siR‐7‐EM/KK‐46) targeting a conserved sequence in known SARS‐CoV‐2 variants for treatment of COVID‐19.MethodsWe conducted an open‐label, randomized, controlled multicenter phase II trial (NCT05184127) evaluating safety and efficacy of inhaled siR‐7‐EM/KK‐46 (3.7 mg and 11.1 mg/day: low and high dose, respectively) in comparison with standard etiotropic drug treatment (control group) in patients hospitalized with moderate COVID‐19 (N = 52 for each group). The primary endpoint was the time to clinical improvement according to predefined criteria within 14 days of randomization.ResultsPatients from the low‐dose group achieved the primary endpoint defined by simultaneous achievement of relief of fever, normalization of respiratory rate, reduction of coughing, and oxygen saturation of >95% for 48 h significantly earlier (median 6 days; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5–7, HR 1.75, p = .0005) than patients from the control group (8 days; 95% CI: 7–10). No significant clinical efficacy was observed for the high‐dose group. Adverse events were reported in 26 (50.00%), 25 (48.08%), and 28 (53.85%) patients from the low‐, high‐dose and control group, respectively. None of them were associated with siR‐7‐EM/KK‐46.ConclusionssiR‐7‐EM/KK‐46, a SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific siRNA‐peptide dendrimer formulation is safe, well tolerated and significantly reduces time to clinical improvement in patients hospitalized with moderate COVID‐19 compared to standard therapy in a randomized controlled trial.
The use of cerebral computed tomographic angiography as an ancillary investigation to support a clinical diagnosis of death using neurological criteria: a consensus guideline
Authors: Thomas E. O. , Manara A. , Dineen R. A. , Mortimer A. , Aziz O. , Dean P. , Elliott P. , Summers D. M. , Whitfield P. C. , Hutchinson P. J. , Gardiner D. 
Published: January 2023

SummaryThis multidisciplinary consensus statement was produced following a recommendation by the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine to develop a UK guideline for ancillary investigation, when one is required, to support the diagnosis of death using neurological criteria. A multidisciplinary panel reviewed the literature and UK practice in the diagnosis of death using neurological criteria and recommended cerebral CT angiography as the ancillary investigation of choice when death cannot be confirmed by clinical criteria alone. Cerebral CT angiography has been shown to have 100% specificity in supporting a diagnosis of death using neurological criteria and is an investigation available in all acute hospitals in the UK. A standardised technique for performing the investigation is described alongside a reporting template. The panel were unable to make recommendations for ancillary testing in children or patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Trend of change of sperm count and concentration over the last two decades: A systematic review and meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Cipriani Sonia , Ricci Elena , Chiaffarino Francesca , Esposito Giovanna , Dalmartello Michela , La Vecchia Carlo , Negri Eva , Parazzini Fabio 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundSince the 1970s, several studies found that sperm concentration (SC) and total sperm count (TSC) constantly worsened over time, mainly in high‐income countries.ObjectivesTo evaluate whether the decreasing trend in sperm count is continuing in Western European countries and USA, we performed a systematic review and meta‐regression analysis.Materials and methodsEmbase and Pubmed/Medline were searched papers published in English in the 2000–2020 period limiting the search to data collected in the USA and Western European countries.ResultsWe identified 62 articles and pooled information on 24,196 men (range 10–2,523), collected from 1993 to 2018. Considering all the studies, random‐effects meta‐regression analyses showed no significant trend for SC (slope per year −0.07 mil/mL, p‐value = 0.86). Negative trends of SC were detected in Scandinavian countries (slope per year −1.11 mil/mL, 95% CI: −2.40 to +0.19; p‐value = 0.09), but the findings were statistically not significant. No significant trends of SC were detected in Central Europe (slope per year +0.23, 95% CI −2.51 to +2.96; p‐value = 0.87), the USA (slope per year +1.08, 95% CI −0.42 to +2.57; p‐value = 0.16), and Southern Europe (slope per year +0.19, 95% CI −0.99 to +1.37; p‐value = 0.75).We have analyzed separately findings from studies including sperm donors, fertile men, young unselected men (unselected men, study mean age < 25 years) and unselected men (unselected men, study mean age ≥ 25 years). No significant trends of SC were observed among sperm donors (slope per year −2.80, 95% CI −6.76 to +1.17; p‐value 0.16), unselected men (slope per year −0.23, 95% CI −1.58 to +1.12; p‐value 0.73), young unselected men (slope per year −0.49, 95% CI −1.76 to +0.79; p‐value 0.45), fertile men (slope per year +0.29, 95% CI −1.09 to +1.67; p‐value 0.68).Discussion and conclusionThe results of this analysis show no significant trends in SC, in USA, and selected Western European countries.
Retinal vessel diameters and microvascular abnormalities in patients with carotid stenosis before and 6 months after carotid endarterectomy: A prospective study
Authors: Ala‐Kauhaluoma Marianne , Ijäs Petra , Koskinen Suvi M. , Nuotio Krista , Vikatmaa Pirkka , Silvennoinen Heli , Relander Kristiina , Lindsberg Perttu J. , Soinne Lauri , Summanen Paula A. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPurposeTo assess retinal findings in patients with severe carotid stenosis (CS) before and after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) compared to those in controls.MethodsThis study is based on 70 patients (male 81%, mean age 69) scheduled for CEA in Helsinki University Hospital and 41 healthy nonmedicated controls (male 76%, mean age 68). Our examinations included fundus photographs. Semi‐automated software (Vesselmap, Imedos) served for evaluation of central retinal arterial equivalent (CRAE) and venular equivalent (CRVE), and arterio‐venous ratio (AVR) in both eyes. We assessed fundus photographs to subjectively grade microvascular abnormalities in the ipsilateral eyes including focal arteriolar narrowing and irregularities, arteriolar wall reflex, arterio‐venous crossing signs and arteriolar and venular tortuosity in the macula.ResultsCRAE was similar in the ipsi‐and contralateral eyes of our patients, and similar to that of the controls both pre‐ and postoperatively. Preoperatively, we observed higher CRVE in the patients' ipsilateral than in their contralateral eyes (222 vs. 217 μm, p = 0.009), and likewise higher than in controls' eyes (222 vs. 214 μm, p = 0.024). CRVE decreased postoperatively in the patients' ipsilateral eyes (222 vs. 217 μm, p = 0.037). Among the microvascular abnormalities, arteriolar and venular tortuosity in the macula showed higher grades in the patients than in the controls preoperatively (p = 0.035 and p = 0.043), but not postoperatively (p = 0.15 and p = 0.10).ConclusionsCRVE decreased after CEA, showing that venules constrict after the mechanical hindrance of blood flow is removed. Higher grades in arteriolar and venular tortuosity in the macula, a potential ocular biomarker of CS, subsided after CEA.
Respecting relational agency in the context of vulnerability: What can research ethics learn from the social sciences?
Authors: Roest Jennifer , Nkosi Busisiwe , Seeley Janet , Molyneux Sassy , Kelley Maureen 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDespite advances in theory, often driven by feminist ethicists, research ethics struggles in practice to adequately account for and respond to the agency and autonomy of people considered vulnerable in the research context. We argue that shifts within feminist research ethics scholarship to better characterise and respond to autonomy and agency can be bolstered by further grounding in discourses from the social sciences, in work that confirms the complex nature of human agency in contexts of structural and other sources of vulnerability. We discuss some of the core concepts and critiques emerging from the literature on women and children's agency in under‐resourced settings, highlighting calls to move from individualistic to relational models of agency, and to recognise the ambiguous, value‐laden, and heterogeneous nature of the concept. We then draw out what these conceptual shifts might mean for research ethics obligations and guidance, illustrating our analysis using a case vignette based on research ethics work conducted in South Africa. We conclude that if research practices are to be supportive of agency, it will be crucial to scrutinise the moral judgements which underpin accounts of agency, derive more situated definitions of and responses to agency, and enable people and participants to influence these based on their own experiences and self‐perceptions.
Linking changes in quality of life to haematologic response and survival in systemic immunoglobulin light‐chain amyloidosis
Authors: Cohen Oliver , Rendas‐Baum Regina , McCausland Kristen , Foard Darren , Manwani Richa , Ravichandran Sriram , Lachmann Helen , Mahmood Shameem , Wisniowski Brendan , Hawkins Philip N. , Gillmore Julian , Hsu Kristen , Rebello Sabrina , Wechalekar Ashutosh 
Published: January 2023

SummaryThis study reports health‐related quality of life (HRQL) among newly‐diagnosed immunoglobulin light‐chain (AL) patients (n = 914) treated with a bortezomib‐based regimen and its association with response depth and survival. Haematologic response/HRQL were assessed over 24 months in an ongoing, prospective study. HRQL change was calculated across haematologic/cardiac response levels. The relationship between baseline HRQL and survival was evaluated by the Cox proportional‐hazard model (PH). Shared‐random‐effects models (SREMs) estimated time‐to‐death conditional on current HRQL/longitudinal HRQL trajectory. At 3 months, there was consistent decline in 5/8 HRQL domains across all haematologic response levels. By 12 months, 3/5 declining domains improved among complete response (CR) patients. In contrast, the mean change in less‐than‐CR patients did not indicate improvement. Under the Cox PH, having a baseline HRQL score five points higher than the sample mean was associated with 20% lower mortality risk. SREMs indicated a five‐point greater HRQL score at the event time correlated with an approximately 30% decrease in mortality risk. For each one‐point increase in HRQL score trajectory slope, mortality risk decreased by approximately 88%. Only CR patients had HRQL improvement, while partial response patients had less decline but no meaningful improvements. These data show the importance of HRQL serial assessments of AL patients and its importance as an end‐point.
Relapsed or refractory large B‐cell lymphoma after chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy: Current challenges and therapeutic options
Authors: Del Toro‐Mijares Raul , Oluwole Olalekan , Jayani Reena V. , Kassim Adetola A. , Savani Bipin N. , Dholaria Bhagirathbhai 
Published: January 2023

SummaryChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell (CAR‐T) therapy can provide durable remission in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) after failure of chemoimmunotherapy. However, patients who are refractory or relapsing after CAR‐T therapy have poor outcomes. Multiple mechanisms of CAR‐T therapy failure have been proposed but management of these patients remains a challenge. As CAR‐T therapy moves earlier in the treatment of DLBCL, we urgently need trials focused on patients with relapse after CAR‐T therapy. Recent advances in novel immunotherapies such as bispecific antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates and next‐generation CAR‐T therapies may provide avenues for treatment. Here we review the available data on using these drugs after failure of CAR‐T therapy and provide a framework for the ideal sequencing of these novel agents.
Adjuvant immunotherapy in renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Riveros Carlos , Huang Emily , Ranganathan Sanjana , Klaassen Zachary , Rini Brian , Wallis Christopher J.D. , Satkunasivam Raj 
Published: January 2023

ObjectivesTo synthesise available data regarding the disease‐free survival (DFS) benefit of adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and evaluate the overall safety profile of ICIs in this setting.Materials and MethodsWe utilised PubMed, Embase, and relevant conference proceedings to identify phase III randomised controlled trials comparing adjuvant ICIs vs placebo/observation for RCC. The primary outcome of interest was DFS. Variables for subgroup analyses were programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression, sarcomatoid features, nephrectomy type, and disease‐risk category. Secondary outcomes included Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs), immune‐related AEs, and treatment discontinuation due to AEs. All outcomes were analysed using random‐effects models owing to inter‐study heterogeneity.ResultsAmong the four included studies, one demonstrated a significant DFS benefit. There was considerable clinical and statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 64%) due to differences in inclusion criteria and interventions. While pooled results across the four studies did not demonstrate a significant benefit in DFS overall (hazard ratio [HR] 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69–1.04) there was significant benefit among patients with positive PD‐L1 expression (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.55–0.94) and sarcomatoid features (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38–0.91).ConclusionThe evidence base to date regarding ICIs as adjuvant therapy in RCC is mixed – conclusions are limited by considerable heterogeneity between studies. However, pooled analyses suggest that patients with positive PD‐L1 expression or sarcomatoid features are most likely to benefit from adjuvant immunotherapy.
Novel operational index reveals rapid recovery of genetic connectivity in freshwater fish species after riverine restoration
Authors: Prunier Jérôme G. , Loot Géraldine , Veyssiere Charlotte , Poulet Nicolas , Blanchet Simon 
Published: January 2023

AbstractHyperfragmentation of rivers by anthropogenic barriers is a major threat to biodiversity. Restoration policies are being adopted worldwide to mitigate these impacts, particularly those on fish connectivity. We assessed the utility of a novel genetic index of fragmentation, the FINDEX, by monitoring real‐time responses of two fish genera to restoration operations at 11 weirs in France. The FINDEX outperformed traditional genetic tools, detecting barriers more efficiently, and thereby improving estimates of recovery of connectivity following restoration. Most weirs had significant impacts on connectivity before restoration, especially the highest and steepest ones. Restoration actions systematically improved genetic connectivity, sometimes completely and in just a few months, with an overall halving of fragmentation levels. Our study demonstrates that current restoration policies are recovering genetic connectivity efficiently, and that practitioners may benefit from the FINDEX as a new operational tool to assess barrier strength for nonmigratory organisms and to plan and monitor riverine restoration.
Colony‐stimulating factor 1 positive (CSF1+) secretory epithelial cells induce excessive trophoblast invasion in tubal pregnancy rupture
Authors: Zhao Xiaoya , Yan Li , Ji Sifan , Zhang Yiqin , Ha Lisai , He Chuqing , Tian Yuan , Chen Luting , Zhu Qian , Li Mingqing , Zhang Jian 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP) occurs when an embryo aberrantly implants in the fallopian tube, leading to abortive or ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy (AEP or REP). Poor outcomes of REP include maternal infertility or mortality. Current studies on the prevention and treatment of ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy (REP) are unfortunately hampered by a lack of the cell spectrum and cell–cell communications in the maternal–foetal interface. Here, we investigate the mechanisms of tubal rupture through single‐cell transcriptome profiling of the fallopian tube‐trophoblast interface in REP, AEP and intrauterine pregnancy patients. In REP, extravillous trophoblast (EVTs) cells form a dominant cell population, displaying aggressive invasion and proliferation, with robust differentiation into three subsets. Cell communication analysis identified colony‐stimulating factor 1 (CSF1), overexpressed by fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells in REP, with CSF1R on EVTs and macrophages, as a ligand/receptor pair that stimulates EVT invasion and macrophage accumulation. CSF1+ secretory epithelial cells stimulate EVTs migration and invasion, leading to a tubal rupture in REP. These results provide a mechanistic context and cellular milieu leading to tubal rupture, facilitating further study and development of therapeutics for REP in early pregnancy.