bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
State Aid Causing Distinct Incentives? Quasi-Experimental Measurement of the Effects of Grants on Private Enterprises in North Macedonia
Authors: Petreski Marjan 
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study is to measure the effects of state aid distributed to private enterprises in North Macedonia on the enterprises’ efficiency. We examine the governmental Plan for Economic Growth (PEG) pursued through the Financial Support of Investment Law (FSIL) and the Fund for Innovation and Technological Development (FITD). We rely on a rigorous impact evaluation method, whereby comparison groups are sourced from the pool of rejected applicants for the two programs. We pursue conditional matching on firms’ observables and then apply the difference-in-differences method to isolate the effect of the subsidy. FSIL State Aid showed largely ineffective, with producing hardly any difference in sales, investment, wages, or profits among recipients, except employment. These results demonstrate the absence of the incentive effect as it relates to FSIL state aid. On the other hand, the FITD State Aid showed to be considerably effective, as the recipients were found to have increased their sales revenue and their investment in technology and profits, corroborating the presence of the incentive effect as it relates to FITD state aid. Notwithstanding the legitimacy of the policy objective to equalize domestic and foreign firms in terms of their access to state aid, these findings document partial failure of the PEG to do so due to its structural problems. JEL classification: H25, C90
Use of a novel Likert scale instrument to assess patient satisfaction following endovascular and surgical treatment of pelvic venous disorders
Authors: Gavrilov Sergey G , Grishenkova Anastasiya S , Mishakina Nadezhda Yu , Krasavin Gennady V 
Published: March 2022

Objective The study was aimed at assessing satisfaction with endovascular and surgical treatment, using a novel Likert scale procedure satisfaction instrument, in patients with pelvic venous disorder (PeVD) caused by the gonadal vein reflux. Methods This prospective cohort study included 100 women with PeVD who underwent gonadal veins embolization with coils (GVE group, n = 71) or gonadal veins endoscopic resection (GVR group, n = 29) in 2012–2020. The GVE was performed under local anesthesia and sedation, and was left-sided in 61, right-sided in three, and bilateral in seven patients. The GVR was performed under general anesthesia through transperitoneal ( n = 19) or retroperitoneal ( n = 10) access with three access ports in both cases. The GVR was left-sided in 19, right-sided in one, and bilateral in nine patients. To assess satisfaction with GVE and GVR treatment of PeVD, patients were asked to evaluate statements related to their experience using a new Likert scale instrument. The responses for each item were compared between the groups at Day 7 (D7) and at Month 6 (M6) after the procedure, as was a summary score of all the responses at both time points. The summary score allowed categorization on a spectrum from “completely satisfied” to “completely dissatisfied.” Results The comparison between GVЕ and GVR groups at D7 showed that 80% and 100% of patients, accordingly, reported the overall summary satisfaction, 49% and 79% agreed with a complete pelvic pain relief by D7, 79% and 0% agreed with the absence of a significant discomfort during the first postoperative day, 71% and 100% reported no need for analgesics to relief pain in the assess area, 80% and 100% reported fast return to daily activity, and 19.7% and 100% still experienced pelvic pain at D7 (pain in the GVR group was more severe and required the use of analgesics) (all p < .05). At the same time, 94% and 96% patients were satisfied with the aesthetic result of the procedure at D7 ( p = n.s.). The comparison between GVЕ and GVR groups at M6 showed that 100% of patients in both groups reported overall satisfaction with treatment ( p = n.s.), 96% and 100% confirmed a complete pelvic pain relief by M6, 79% and 65% agreed with the absence of a significant discomfort after the procedure, 79% and 65% reported no need for analgesics, 83% and 100% reported about the return to daily activity (all p < .05), and 100% in both groups were satisfied with the aesthetic result of the procedure ( p = n.s.). Conclusions In patients with PeVD, both GVE and GVR are associated with a high, although not significantly different, overall treatment satisfaction in the long term and have advantages and disadvantages. GVE is associated with less severe post-procedural pain, while GVR provides faster relief of pelvic pain and a return to usual daily activity.
Comparison of tissue biomarkers in arterial and vein (arteriovenous fistula) aneurysms
Authors: Shahri Jamal J , Saberianpour Shirin , Bayegi Saeed N 
Published: March 2022

Introduction and objectives Aneurysms are distinguished by inflammation, matrix degradation, and apoptosis of smooth muscle cells. In this study, specialized aneurysms tissue markers including venous and arterial aneurysms were studied. Material and methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted throughout January–September 2021. Tissue samples were collected during surgery. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains, have been utilized to identify different aneurysm types and the morphologic alterations that serve as the foundation for aneurysm diagnosis. Measurement of collagen type III, IV, CCR2, metalloproteinase (2 and 13), and granzyme K was done by ELISA method. Results were presented as the mean  ±  standard deviation and analyzed by t tests (Graph Pad Prism 8.4.3.686) Results During the period from January to September 2021, 14 patients with peripheral venous and arterial aneurysms were referred to Alavi Vascular Surgery Hospital and underwent surgery. Of these, 10 patients were matched and remained available for study. The level of type 3 collagen was significantly reduced in arterial aneurysm compared to venous aneurysm ( p < 0.05). Granzyme K in arterial aneurysm showed increase compared to venous aneurysm ( p < 0.05). Metalloproteinase 2 in arterial aneurysms higher than venous aneurysm ( p < 0.001). Metalloproteinase 13 in arterial aneurysm also showed increase compared to venous aneurysm ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Results of this study shows differences in the level of tissue biomarkers in arterial and vein (arteriovenous fistula) aneurysms.
Effects of leg compression and calf muscle contraction by active ankle motion on venous hemodynamics in sitting individuals
Authors: Suehiro Kotaro , Morikage Noriyasu , Harada Takasuke , Samura Makoto , Nagase Takashi , Takeuchi Yuriko , Mizoguchi Takahiro , Ike Soichi , Suzuki Ryo , Hamano Kimikazu 
Published: March 2022

Objectives To clarify the effects of compression and active ankle motion on venous hemodynamics in healthy sitting individuals. Methods In the sitting position, 14 participants performed plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle for 3 s each without compression. Changes in the calf volume were recorded using air plethysmography. Subsequently, the process was repeated with the application of tubular elastic bandage (TEB), followed by anti-thrombotic stocking (ATS). Results The median interface pressure at the calf was 16 mmHg with TEB and 21 mmHg with ATS. Without compression ( N), the median venous volume was 76 mL. This was reduced to 58 mL with TEB and 56 mL with ATS ( p < .01 vs. N for both). On the other hand, ejection volume by plantar flexion in N (27 mL) was not significantly changed with TEB (31 mL) or ATS (31 mL). Also, ejection volume by dorsiflexion in N (53 mL, p < .001 vs. plantar flexion) was not significantly changed with TEB (53 mL, p < .01 vs. plantar flexion) or ATS (41 mL, p < .05 vs. plantar flexion). Conclusions The venous volume, which is defined as the change in enclosed calf volume from elevation to dependency, in the sitting position reduced similarly with TEB and ATS; however, the ejection volumes did not change significantly. Dorsiflexion exerted a larger ejection volume than plantar flexion in the sitting position.
Psychometric properties of the Brazilian short-version of the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire
Authors: Almeida Mariana Quixabeira Guimarães , Dibai-Filho Almir Vieira , Guirro Rinaldo Roberto de Jesus , Guirro Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira , Fonseca Marisa de Cássia Registro , Avila Mariana Arias 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo translate, cross-culturally adapt and assess measurement properties of the translated version of the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingsUniversity healthcare facility and online.ParticipantsPeople with chronic neck pain (n = 178).InterventionsNot applicable.Main outcome measuresParticipants answered the translated version of Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire, the Neck Disability Index, the Numerical Rating Scale for pain, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Seven to ten days after that, a subset of 84 participants answered the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire again. The structural (exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses) and construct validities, internal consistency, reliability and concordance were assessed. Level of significance was set at 5%.ResultsParticipants’ (35.6 ± 13.5 years old) with symptoms duration of 54.4 ± 60.4 months scored 25.5 ± 14.0 on the Brazilian Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire and 11.9 ± 5.8 on the Neck Disability Index. The structural analysis showed that the short version of the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire has an adequate structure to measure disability due to neck pain. Correlations with other questionnaires were between 0.268 and 0.678, Cronbach's alfa was 0.76, intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.96, standard error of measurement was 2.74 and minimal detectable change was 7.60.ConclusionThe short version of the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire is valid and reliable to be used in patients with chronic neck pain, as it presented adequate measurement properties of structural and construct validity, reliability and concordance.
Early Adolescents’ Gender Typicality and Depressive Symptoms: The Moderating Role of Parental Acceptance
Authors: Xiao Sonya Xinyue , Hoffer Aubrey , Martin Carol Lynn , Jenkins Diana L. 
Published: March 2022

In a school sample of early adolescents, we expanded the view of gender typicality to include adolescents who varied in the extent of felt similarity to own- and other-gender peers, and examined how their felt own- and other-gender similarity, are related to depression. Further, we examined the moderating role of parental acceptance of gender atypicality. Participants were 504 ethnically/racially diverse sixth graders ( Mage = 11 years, SD = 0.56, 51.6% boys) and their parents. Path analyses showed that adolescents’ felt own-gender similarity, but not felt other-gender similarity, was negatively related to depression. Further, when parental acceptance was high, adolescent depression was low, even for adolescents who had cross-gender tendencies or low own-gender tendencies. Tendencies of atypicality were only related to risk for depression when parental acceptance was low. These findings support previous research that many variations of gender typicality exist, and highlighted the importance of parental acceptance of gender atypicality.
Profiles of Community Violence Exposure, Moral Disengagement, and Bullying Perpetration: Evidence from a Sample of Italian Adolescents
Authors: Esposito Concetta , Spadari Eleonora M. , Caravita Simona C. S. , Bacchini Dario 
Published: March 2022

According to the Pathologic Adaptation Model of community violence exposure, repeated experiences of violence within the community lead youth to accept violence as a normative and legitimate strategy to cope with conflict, thus increasing their involvement in aggressive behaviors. This hypothesis has been under-investigated with reference to bullying at school. Using a person-centered analytical approach (latent profile analysis), this study examines the mediating role of moral disengagement as a type of normalizing cognition about violence, in the relationship between profiles of community violence exposure and perpetration of bullying. Eight hundred and two adolescents (11–18 years; 43.4% girls) from two different urban and societal contexts in Italy (Milan vs. Naples) participated in the study. Four profiles of exposure to community violence emerged. Context site and age influenced belonging to the four profiles. Being moderately exposed to violence, both as a victim and as a witness, was significantly associated with higher levels of moral disengagement and bullying perpetration. Being exposed as a witness and as a victim, and being exposed only as a witness were associated with bullying perpetration via the increase of moral disengagement. These findings support the Pathologic Adaptation Model and indicate that adolescents who experience higher levels of community violence, as a witness or both as a witness and a victim, are more likely to develop morally disengaged beliefs about violence, which in turn would increase the likelihood to perpetrate bullying. Results are also discussed in the context of social diversity.
Recurrent brachial plexopathy as initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: El-Dokla Ahmed M , Bonilla Eduardo , Ali Sara , Perl Andras 
Published: March 2022

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects many organs of the body including the peripheral nervous system (PNS) which has potential significant impact. Plexopathy is rare but one of the serious PNS manifestations of lupus. Case A 41-year-old female presented with recurrent attacks of painful brachial plexopathy and right hemi-diaphragmatic paralysis. After extensive workup, she was diagnosed with SLE and started on hydroxychloroquine and mycophenolate mofetil. The frequency and severity of the attacks of plexopathy has significantly improved after starting the immune suppressive therapy for SLE. Whole exome sequencing unveiled previously unreported mutations encoding non-synonymous amino acids in titin and minichromosome maintenance 3-associated protein. Conclusion Recurrent attacks of painful brachial plexopathy may warrant careful evaluation for underlying SLE with a premise of therapeutic benefit.
Multi-marker risk-based screening for prostate cancer
Authors: Wald Nicholas J , Bestwick Jonathan P , Morris Joan K 
Published: March 2022

Objective To determine prostate cancer screening performance using prostate specific antigen (PSA) along with other markers, expressing markers in age-specific multiples of the median (MoM), and age. Methods A prospective nested case-control study used stored serum from 571 men who died of, or with history of, prostate cancer (cases), and 2169 matched controls. Total, free and intact PSA, human kallikrein-related peptidase 2 (hK2), and microseminoprotein were measured and converted into MoM values. Screening marker distribution parameters were estimated in cases and controls. Monte Carlo simulation used these in a risk-based algorithm to estimate screening performance (detection rates [DRs] and false-positive rates [FPRs]). Results Almost all (99%) cases occurred aged ≥55. Marker values were similar in cases who did and did not die of prostate cancer. Combining age, total PSA and hK2 MoM values (other markers added little or no discrimination) yielded a 1.2% FPR (95% CI 0.2–4.8%) for a 90% DR (59–98%) in men who died of or with a prostate cancer diagnosis within 5 years of blood collection (risk cut-off 1 in 20), two-thirds less than the 4.5% FPR using total PSA alone measured in ng/ml for the same 90% DR (cut-off 3.1 ng/ml). Screening performance over 10 years yielded a 33% (22–46%) FPR for a 90% DR. Conclusion Screening performed up to every 5 years from age 55 using the multi-marker risk-based screening algorithm for future prostate cancer achieves a high DR and a much lower FPR than using PSA alone, resulting in reductions in overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
An Endless Bargain: A Participatory Approach to Understanding Intra-household Finance
Authors: Gupta Shriyam , Yagnaraman Dhwani , Jagati Aditya 
Published: March 2022

While factors influencing intra-household dynamics, preferences of individual members, and their impact on household financial decision-making have been studied, the actual process of bargaining, and decision-making process remain uncaptured. We take a qualitative approach to address this gap and do so in two distinct ways. We first conduct a photo elicitation session (n = 55) to understand gender differences in financial responsibility, dynamics in purchase and saving decisions, and conflict resolution. Then, using findings from the photo elicitation, we develop a gamified instrument to observe financial decision-making in real-time between couples (n = 32). We find that husbands and wives have separate spheres of responsibility within the household, which determine their financial decision-making ability. Further, we find that income, investment and children motivate “big” financial expenditures, while savings is understood as an act of cutting expenses. Finally, we discuss the opportunities to employ new qualitative methods to study and capture behavioral dynamics. JEL Codes: D130, G510, G59
Efficacy of Continuous Performance Testing in Adult ADHD in a Clinical Sample Using QbTest+
Authors: Adamou Marios , Jones Sarah L. , Marks Laura , Lowe Deborah 
Published: March 2022

Objective: Continuous performance tests are widely used to aid diagnostic decision making and measure symptom reduction in adult ADHD clinical populations. The diagnostic accuracy of the Quantified Behavior Test plus (QbTest+), developed to identify ADHD populations as an objective measure of ADHD symptoms, was explored. Methods: The utility of the QbTest+ was investigated in a clinical cohort of 69 adult patients referred to a specialist ADHD clinic in the UK. Results: Scores from the QbTest+ failed to differentiate between patients diagnosed with ADHD and those who did not receive a diagnosis after full clinical assessment. Conclusions: Based on our findings, we recommend clinicians are cautious when interpreting results of the QbTest+ in clinical populations. This study highlights the need for investigation into the lack of validation of commonly used objective measures in ADHD populations.
Investigation of Experimental Endovascular Air Embolisms Using a New Model for the Generation and Detection of Highly Calibrated Micro Air Bubbles
Authors: C. Schaefer Tabea , Greive Svenja , Heiland Sabine , Kramer Martin , Bendszus Martin , Vollherbst Dominik F. 
Published: March 2022

Background: Air embolism (AE), especially when affecting the brain, is an underrated and potentially life-threatening complication in various endovascular interventions. This study aims to investigate experimental AEs using a new model to generate micro air bubbles (MAB), to assess the impact of a catheter on these MAB, and to demonstrate the applicability of this model in vivo. Materials and Methods: Micro air bubbles were created using a system based on microfluidic channels. The MAB were detected and analyzed automatically. Micro air bubbles, with a target size of 85 µm, were generated and injected through a microcatheter. The MAB diameters proximal and distal to the catheter were assessed and compared. In a subsequent in vivo application, 2000 MAB were injected into the aorta (at the aortic valve) and into the common carotid artery (CCA) of a rat, respectively, using a microcatheter, resembling AE occurring during cardiovascular interventions. Results: Micro air bubbles with a highly calibrated size could be successfully generated (median: 85.5 µm, SD 1.9 µm). After passage of the microcatheter, the MAB were similar in diameter (median: 86.6 µm) but at a lower number (60.1% of the injected MAB) and a substantially higher scattering of diameters (SD 29.6 µm). In vivo injection of MAB into the aorta resulted in cerebral microinfarctions in both hemispheres, whereas injection into the CCA caused exclusively ipsilateral microinfarctions. Conclusion: Using this new AE model, MAB can be generated precisely and reproducibly, resulting in cerebral microinfarctions. This model is feasible for further studies on the pathophysiology and prevention of AE in cardiovascular procedures.
Design and analysis of group-sequential clinical trials based on a modestly weighted log-rank test in anticipation of a delayed separation of survival curves: A practical guidance
Authors: Magirr Dominic , Jiménez José L 
Published: March 2022

Background: A common feature of many recent trials evaluating the effects of immunotherapy on survival is that non-proportional hazards can be anticipated at the design stage. This raises the possibility to use a statistical method tailored towards testing the purported long-term benefit, rather than applying the more standard log-rank test and/or Cox model. Many such proposals have been made in recent years, but there remains a lack of practical guidance on implementation, particularly in the context of group-sequential designs. In this article, we aim to fill this gap. Methods: We illustrate how the POPLAR trial, which compared immunotherapy versus chemotherapy in non-small-cell lung cancer, might have been re-designed to be more robust to the presence of a delayed effect using the modestly-weighted log-rank test in a group-sequential setting. Conclusion: We provide step-by-step instructions on how to analyse a hypothetical realization of the trial, based on this new design. Basic theory on weighted log-rank tests and group-sequential methods is covered, and an accompanying R package (including vignette) is provided.