bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Potential Patients Deem Important for Decision-Making in High-Risk Surgical Scenarios
Authors: Dellen Matthew , Flanagan Mindy , Pfafman Rachel , Drouin Michelle , Pater Jessica , Pei Kevin Y 
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND:Surgical futility and shared decision-making to proceed with high-risk surgery are challenging for patients and surgeons alike. It is unknown which factors contribute to a patient’s decision to undergo high-risk and potentially futile surgery. The clinical perspective, founded in statistical probabilities of survival, could be misaligned with a patient’s determination of worthwhile surgery. This study assesses factors most important to patients in pursuing high-risk surgery.STUDY DESIGN:Via anonymous survey, lay participants recruited through Amazon’s Mturk were presented high-risk scenarios necessitating emergency surgery. They rated factors (objective risk and quality-of-life domains) in surgical decision-making (0 = not at all, 4 = extremely) and made the decision to pursue surgery based on clinical scenarios. Repeated observations were accounted for via a generalized mixed-effects model and estimated effects of respondent characteristics, scenario factors, and likelihood to recommend surgery.RESULTS:Two hundred thirty-six participants completed the survey. Chance of survival to justify surgery averaged 69.3% (SD = 21.3), ranking as the highest determining factor in electing for surgery. Other factors were also considered important in electing for surgery, including the average number of days the patient lived if surgery were and were not completed, functional and pain status after surgery, family member approval, and surgery cost. Postoperative independence was associated with proceeding with surgery (p < 0.001). Recommendations by patient age was moderated by respondent age (p = 0.002).CONCLUSION:Patients highly value likelihood of survival and postoperative independence in shared decision-making for high-risk surgery. It is important to improve the understanding of surgical futility from a patient’s perspective.
Lower Omega-3 Status Associated with Higher Erythrocyte Distribution Width and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in UK Biobank Cohort
Authors: McBurney Michael I. , Tintle Nathan L. , Harris William S. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractHigh red blood distribution width (RDW) is associated with decreased red blood cell deformability, and high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a biomarker of systemic inflammation and innate-adaptive immune system imbalance. Both RDW and NLR are predictors of chronic disease risk and mortality. Omega-3 index (O3I) values have previously been shown to be inversely associated with RDW and NLR levels. Our objective was to determine if total plasma long chain omega-3 fatty acids (Omega3%) measured in the UK Biobank cohort were associated with RDW and NLR values. RDW- and NLR-relationships with Omega3% were characterized in 109,191 adults (58.4% female). RDW- and NLR-Omega3% relationships were inversely associated with Omega3% (both p<0.0001). These cross-sectional associations confirm previous findings that increasing RDW and NLR values are associated with low O3I. The hypothesis that RDW and/or NLR values can be reduced in individuals with less-than optimal long chain omega 3 values need to be tested in randomized controlled intervention trials using EPA and/or DHA.
The survival of the fastest: Reproductive behavior of the Brazilian three-banded armadillo in the wild
Authors: Attias Nina , Araújo Valquíria Cabral , Fragoso Carlos Eduardo , de Melo Amanda , Mourão Guilherme 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe Brazilian three-banded armadillo,Tolypeutes tricinctusis endemic to Northeastern Brazil and is classified as a “Vulnerable” (A2cd) species according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. During a study of wild carnivores at Fazenda Trijunção, located at the intersection of the Minas Gerais, Goiás and Bahia states, in Cerrado biome, one of our camera traps recorded three individuals ofT. tricinctuschasing a fourth one in an area of savanna woodland. This seems to be the record of multiple males competing for access to a receptive female, as a similar behavior is known to occur in some armadillo species. This is the first video record of the chasing behavior for this species, being an indicative that multiple males physically compete to mate with a single female, benefitting fastest males. Information aboutin situreproductive behavior is essential to contribute to the efficient species conservation planning.
Stress, Genetics and Mood: Impact of COVID-19 on a College Freshman Sample
Authors: Turner Cortney A , Khalil Huzefa , Murphy-Weinberg Virginia , Hagenauer Megan H , Gates Linda , Tang Yu , Weinberg Lauren , Grysko Robert , Floran-Garduno Leonor , Dokas Thomas , Samaniego Catherine , Zhao Zhuo , Fang Yu , Sen ijan , Lopez Juan F , Watson Stanley J , Akil Huda 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACTUsing a longitudinal approach, we sought to define the interplay between genetic and non-genetic factors in shaping vulnerability or resilience to COVID-19 pandemic stress, as indexed by the emergence of symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. University of Michigan freshmen were characterized at baseline using multiple psychological instruments. Subjects were genotyped and a polygenic risk score for depression (MDD-PRS) was calculated. Daily physical activity and sleep were captured. Subjects were sampled at multiple time points throughout the freshman year on clinical rating scales, including GAD-7 and PHQ-9 for anxiety and depression, respectively. Two cohorts (2019-2021) were compared to a pre-COVID-19 cohort to assess the impact of the pandemic. Across cohorts, 26%-40% of freshmen developed symptoms of anxiety or depression (N=331). Depression symptoms significantly increased in the pandemic years, especially in females. Physical activity was reduced and sleep was increased by the pandemic, and this correlated with the emergence of mood symptoms. While Low MDD-PRS predicted lower risk for depression during a typical freshman year, this apparent genetic advantage was no longer evident during the pandemic. Indeed, females with lower genetic risk accounted for the majority of the pandemic-induced rise in depression. We developed a model that explained approximately half of the variance in follow-up depression scores based on psychological trait and state characteristics at baseline and contributed to resilience in genetically vulnerable subjects. We discuss the concept of multiple types of resilience, and the interplay between genetic, sex and psychological factors in shaping the affective response to different types of stressors.Significance StatementBiological and psychological factors that propelled the great rise in mood disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic remain unknown. We used a longitudinal design in three cohorts of college freshmen to parse the variables that contributed to susceptibility vs. resilience to pandemic stress. Low genetic risk (based on a depression polygenic risk score) was protective prior to the pandemic but this “genetic resilience” lost its effectiveness during the pandemic. Paradoxically, female students with low genetic risk showed enhanced vulnerability to depression during the pandemic across two cohorts. By contrast, we defined a baseline Affect Score (AS) comprising psychological variables that were predictive of future stress susceptibility or “psychological resilience” to stress even in the genetically vulnerable subjects.
Polyacrylamide-based Hydrogel Coatings Improve Biocompatibility of Implanted Pump Devices
Authors: Chan Doreen , Maikawa Caitlin L. , d’Aquino Andrea , Raghavan Shyam S. , Troxell Megan L. , Appel Eric A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe introduction of transcutaneous and subcutaneous implants and devices into the human body instigates fouling and foreign body responses that limit their functional lifetimes. Polymer coatings are a promising solution to improve the biocompatibility of such implants, with potential to enhancein vivodevice performance and prolong device lifetime. In this work we sought to develop novel materials that can be used as coatings on devices. We first synthesized a library of polyacrylamide-based copolymer hydrogels and implanted them into the subcutaneous space of mice to evaluate their biocompatibility. We sought to discover copolymer hydrogel formulations eliciting less fibrous capsule formation and lower overall inflammation than gold standard materials such as PEG and polyzwitterions. The top performing copolymer hydrogel materials were then shown to improve the biocompatibility of a commonly used medical material, PDMS. Lastly, we applied the leading hydrogel coating to the catheter tips of insulin pumps. In a rat model of insulin deficient diabetes, the functional lifetime of hydrogel-coated devices was extended over uncoated pumps. These polyacrylamide-based copolymer hydrogel coatings have the potential to improve device function and lifetime, thereby reducing the burden of disease management for people regularly using implanted devices, such as those with diabetes.
Trends in inequalities in avoidable hospitalisations across the COVID-19 pandemic: A cohort study of 23.5 million people in England
Authors: Green Mark A. , McKee Martin , Massey Jon , MacKenna Brian , Mehrkar Amir , Bacon Sebastian , Macleod John , Sheikh Aziz , Shah Syed Ahmar ,   The OpenSAFELY Consortium,   The LH&W NCS Collaborative, Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic and associated national lockdowns created unprecedented disruption to healthcare, with reduced access to services and planned clinical encounters postponed or cancelled. It was widely anticipated that failure to obtain timely treatment would cause progression of illness and increased hospital admissions. Additional concerns were that social and spatial inequalities would widen given the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 directly. The aim of our study is to determine whether this was observable in England.MethodsWith the approval of NHS England we utilised individual-level electronic health records from OpenSAFELY, which covered ∼40% of general practices in England (mean monthly population size 23.5 million people). We estimated crude and directly age-standardised rates for potentially preventable unplanned hospital admissions: ambulatory care sensitive conditions and urgent emergency sensitive conditions. We considered how trends in these outcomes varied by three measures of social and spatial inequality: neighbourhood socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity, and geographical region.FindingsThere were large declines in avoidable hospitalisations during the first national lockdown, which then reversed post-lockdown albeit never reaching pre-pandemic levels. While trends were consistent by each measure of inequality, absolute levels of inequalities narrowed throughout 2020 (especially during the first national lockdown) and remained lower than pre-pandemic trends. While the scale of inequalities remained similar into 2021 for deprivation and ethnicity, we found evidence of widening absolute and relative inequalities by geographic region in 2021 and 2022.InterpretationThe anticipation that healthcare disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns would result in more (avoidable) hospitalisations and widening social inequalities was wrong. However, the recent growing gap between geographic regions suggests that the effects of the pandemic has reinforced spatial inequalities.
Rapid detection of DNA and RNA shrimp viruses using CRISPR-based diagnostics
Authors: Major Samuel R. , Harke Matthew J. , Cruz-Flores Roberto , Dhar Arun K. , Bodnar Andrea G. , Wanamaker Shelly A. 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACTTimely detection of persistent and emerging pathogens is critical to controlling disease spread, particularly in high-density populations with increased contact between individuals and limited-to-no ability to quarantine. Standard molecular diagnostic tests for surveying pathogenic microbes have provided the sensitivity needed for early detection, but lag in time-to-result leading to delayed action. On-site diagnostics alleviate this lag, but current technologies are less sensitive and adaptable than lab-based molecular methods. Towards the development of improved on-site diagnostics, we demonstrated the adaptability of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification-CRISPR coupled technology for detecting DNA and RNA viruses that have greatly impacted shrimp populations worldwide; White Spot Syndrome Virus and Taura Syndrome Virus. Both CRISPR-based fluorescent assays we developed showed similar sensitivity and accuracy for viral detection and load quantification to real-time PCR. Additionally, both assays specifically targeted their respective virus with no false positives detected in animals infected with other common pathogens or in certified specific pathogen-free animals.IMPORTANCEThe Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) is one of the most valuable aquaculture species in the world but has suffered major economic losses from outbreaks of White Spot Syndrome Virus and Taura Syndrome Virus. Rapid detection of these viruses can improve aquaculture practices by enabling more timely action to be taken to combat disease outbreaks. Highly sensitive, specific, and robust CRISPR-based diagnostic assays such as those developed here have the potential to revolutionize disease management in agriculture and aquaculture helping to promote global food security.
The structure of tick-borne encephalitis virus determined at X-ray free-electron lasers. Simulations
Authors: Assalauova Dameli , Vartanyants Ivan A. 
Published: December 2022

The study of virus structures by X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has attracted increased attention in recent decades. Such experiments are based on the collection of 2D diffraction patterns measured at the detector following the application of femtosecond X-ray pulses to biological samples. To prepare an experiment at the European XFEL, the diffraction data for the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was simulated with different parameters and the optimal values were identified. Following the necessary steps of a well established data-processing pipeline, the structure of TBEV was obtained. In the structure determination presented,a prioriknowledge of the simulated virus orientations was used. The efficiency of the proposed pipeline was demonstrated.
Does institutional quality affect the relationship between income inequality and entrepreneurial activity?
Authors: Haini Hazwan , Abdullahi Abubakar Yazid , Wei Loon Pang 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThis study examines whether institutional quality affects the relationship between income inequality and entrepreneurial activity. The authors specifically examine whether the greasing or sanding effect holds for the relationship between income inequality and entrepreneurship, while moderating for institutional quality. The greasing effects suggest that income inequality can promote entrepreneurial activity, while the sanding effects disincentivise it.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examine this relationship using a sample of 100 advanced and developing countries from 2006 to 2018 using a dynamic panel estimator to control endogeneity and simultaneity. Additionally, the authors include an interaction term to estimate the marginal effects of income inequality, while moderating for institutional quality. Furthermore, the authors differentiate between six measures of institutional quality.FindingsOverall, the authors find that institutional quality and income inequality have a positive and significant impact on entrepreneurial activity. However, when moderating for institutional quality, the findings show that the marginal impact of income inequality is negative for countries with low levels of institutional quality. The authors show that the rule of law and government effectiveness are effective moderators in terms of magnitude. Furthermore, the authors find that the sanding effect of income inequality is observed in developing economies, even when moderating for institutional quality.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation lies in the estimation of entrepreneurial activity, which is measured using new business formation. While this is commonly used, it focuses on formal entrepreneurial activities and overlooks the informal economy.Originality/valueThis study provides new empirical evidence on whether institutional quality can moderate and explain the puzzling link between entrepreneurial activity and income inequality.
Corporate derivatives use and firm value: conditional role of corporate governance
Authors: Butt Affaf Asghar , Rizavi Sayyid Salman , Nazir Mian Sajid , Shahzad Aamer 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThis study aims to examine the effect of corporate derivatives use on firm value and how the corporate governance index modifies this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe sample consists of 219 nonfinancial firms on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) from 2011 to 2019. The study used ordinary least square regression with year and industry dummies for estimations. Multiple estimation models such as fixed/random effect, Fama–MacBeth and two-stage least squares (2SLS) are used for robustness. Finally, the PROCESS macro tool is used to estimate the effect of moderating the role of corporate governance (CG) as robustness.FindingsThe findings show that derivatives use has an inverse influence on firm value. The firms did not use derivatives as a risk management tool but for speculation motives. However, the corporate governance index significantly weakens this relationship. However, strong governance forces the managers to use derivatives for hedging purposes. The firm-specific factors, including size, age, leverage, cash, financial distress cost, dividend and growth opportunities, also significantly influence firm value. The findings are robust to the other estimation models.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings indicate that emerging economies like Pakistan are more prone to agency problems. The strong corporate governance structure helps firms turn the speculative motive of derivatives use into hedging purposes and mitigate the agency issues.Practical implicationsThis empirical evidence suggests that good governance structures can help improve the impact of derivative usage on firm value.Originality/valueTo the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study that examines the conditional role of corporate governance on the derivatives–value relationship from the viewpoint of agency problem/speculative motive.
Exploring industrialization and environmental sustainability dynamics in Ghana: a fully modified least squares approach
Authors: Musah Alhassan , Yakubu Ibrahim Nandom 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide empirical insight into how industrialization and technology affect environmental quality in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachUsing Ecological Footprint (ECF) as a measure of environmental degradation, the authors employ annual data from World Development Indicators of the World Bank and the Global Footprint Network spanning from 1970 to 2017 and apply the fully modified least squares (FMOLS) technique.FindingsThe results reveal that industrialization has a negative significant influence on ECF, suggesting that industrialization contributes to environmental sustainability in Ghana. The authors find that technology is harmful to the environment as it has a positive significant effect on ECF. The study also documents that while education and financial development improve environmental sustainability, fossil fuel consumption exacerbates environmental degradation in Ghana.Originality/valueThe environmental impact of industrialization is still being debated, with very scanty empirical evidence in the African context. Based on a detailed review of the literature, this paper provides an initial attempt to investigate the industrialization–environmental sustainability nexus in Ghana. Besides, whereas most extant studies have employed CO2 emission as a proxy of environmental degradation, the authors use ECF to gauge the level of environmental degradation which is regarded as a more inclusive metric.
Psychological safety and emergency department team performance: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Purdy Eve , Borchert Laura , El‐Bitar Anthony , Isaacson Warwick , Jones Cindy , Bills Lucy , Brazil Victoria 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectivesTeam culture underpins team performance. Psychological safety – ‘a shared belief held by members of a team that the team is safe for interpersonal risk taking’ – is a critical component of team culture for high‐performing teams across contexts. However, psychological safety in ED teams has not been well explored. We aimed to explore this core teamwork concept in the ED.MethodsThis was a sequential mixed‐methods study of nursing and medical staff at a large tertiary care ED in Australia from October 2020 to March 2021. First, participants completed the ‘Team Learning and Psychological Safety Survey’ and a narrative questionnaire. These findings informed semi‐structured interviews. We determined median psychological safety and compared results across role and length of time working in the department. Qualitative results were analysed using a deductive thematic analysis using a previously generated framework for enablers of psychological safety at the individual, team and organisational levels.ResultsThe survey was completed by 72/410 participants and 19 interviews were conducted. The median psychological safety score was 37/49 (IQR 13). Psychological safety was not experienced universally, with nurses and new staff experiencing lower levels. Individual, team and organisational factors impacted psychological safety. The primary force shaping psychological safety was familiarity with colleagues and leaders.ConclusionFamiliarity of team members and leaders was critical to the development of psychological safety within the ED. Fostering familiarity should be a focus for frontline leadership each shift and a priority in broader departmental decisions for those seeking to enhance the psychological safety of their teams.
Management of tenosynovial giant cell tumour of the temporomandibular joint: a systematic review
Authors: Kanbour Abdullah , Hurrell Michael , Ricciardo Peter 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDiffuse type tenosynovial giant cell tumour of the temporomandibular joint (D‐TGCT‐TMJ) is a rare proliferative disorder. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to summarize D‐TGCT‐TMJ management regimes and recurrence rates with at least 12 months of follow‐up. Our secondary aim was to propose a minimum period of post‐operative follow‐up. A medline search for any D‐TGCT‐TMJ case detailing treatment, follow‐up of at least 12 months, and presence of recurrence was undertaken. The following variables were extracted from the studies: patient's age and sex, presence of middle cranial fossa invasion, treatment undertaken, total length of follow‐up, and presence of recurrence. All studies were assessed for bias as per the Joanna Briggs Institute systematic reviews appraisal tool. There were 63 cases reviewed and were predominantly managed with total resection (60.3%). Other modalities included: arthroplasty, subtotal resection with or without postoperative radiotherapy, medical therapy and surveillance. The recurrence rate was 9.52% and the longest follow‐up period where recurrence was observed was at 60 months. Total resection and arthroplasty are common D‐TGCT‐TMJ management regimes. Patients with D‐TGCT‐TMJ should be followed up annually for at least 5 years postoperatively to assess for recurrence.