bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of supply chain finance on firm capital structure adjustment: Evidence from China
Authors: Pan Ailing , Xu Lei , Li Bin , Ling Runze , Zheng Luyan 
Published: May 2022

We establish a link between supply chain finance (SCF) and capital structure adjustment by core firms through a data set of listed firms on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. We find that SCF can significantly speed up capital structure adjustment, especially for the under-leveraged firms. Enhanced financial strengths and competitive advantages underlie this impact. Comprehensive examinations also suggest that SCF may speed up cash turnovers, lower financing costs, and improve firm values. In addition, the impact is more substantial on firms of smaller sizes, located in better-developed regions, those without bank–firm connections, and those with higher environmental dynamism. However, the impact seems similar on private firms and state-owned enterprises (SOEs), or across industries of various degrees of competition. Our findings bear such policy implications that SCF can accelerate capital structure adjustment and contribute to the quality economic growth in emerging markets.JEL Classification: G31, G32, O33
Participation and cancer detection after reminders versus ordinary invitations in BreastScreen Norway
Authors: Thy Jonas E , Vigeland Einar , Larsen Marthe , Hofvind Solveig 
Published: May 2022

Objectives To compare attendance, recall and cancer detection as well as histopathological tumor characteristics among women attending BreastScreen Norway after a reminder versus an ordinary invitation. Setting This study was conducted on data from a population-based screening program inviting women aged 50–69 to biennial two-view mammography. Methods We used de-identified data from 883,020 women invited to BreastScreen Norway, 2004–2020, to analyze invitations, participation, recalls, biopsies, cancer detection, and histopathological tumor characteristics. All results were stratified by reminders and ordinary invitations. Early screening outcomes after reminders versus ordinary invitations were compared using bivariate tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results Reminders increased overall participation rate by 5.0%. The recall rate was 4.3% for reminded women and 3.3% for the ordinary invited. For reminded women, the rate of screen-detected cancer was 7.3 per 1000 screening examinations compared to 5.8 per 1000 for ordinary attenders. The interval cancer rates were 1.9 and 1.7 per 1000 for reminded and ordinary invited women, respectively. Median tumor diameter was 14 mm (interquartile range (IQR): 10–16) for screen-detected cancers (SDC) among reminded women and 13 mm (IQR: 10–16) for ordinary invited. A higher percentage of histological grade III cancers was observed among the reminded: 25.2% versus 21.7% for the ordinary invited. We also found a higher proportion of lymph node positive cases in those reminded: 23.6% versus 20.9%. Conclusions Postponing screening examinations affects early screening outcomes, including cancer detection and histopathological tumor characteristics. Women should be encouraged to attend screening at regularly intervals to avoid delays in diagnosis.
Changes in Electroencephalography Alpha Associated With Childhood Neglect and Adolescent Alcohol Use
Authors: Nooner Kate B. , Meiers Gloria , Treadwell Tamera , Butler Laine B. 
Published: May 2022

The present pilot study is interested in the relationship between childhood neglect, brain function, and alcohol use in adolescence. The goal is to guide future prevention and intervention efforts related to alcohol use following childhood neglect. This pilot study comprised 53 adolescents (12-14 years at baseline) recruited from the Department of Social Services (DSS). Self- and DSS-reported neglect, electroencephalography (EEG) alpha power, and alcohol use behaviors were measured over 1 year. Higher DSS neglect severity in year 1 was related to lower self-efficacy to alcohol use temptation in year 2. Lower EEG alpha power in the parietal region in year 1 was linked to lower self-efficacy to the temptation of alcohol use in year 2. This pilot project has value for using tools, such as EEG, in child maltreatment and alcohol use studies, including with underrepresented adolescents, to better understand brain-related mechanisms in home-based research.
The psychological implications and health risks of cystic fibrosis pre- and post- CFTR modulator therapy
Authors: Keyte Rebecca , Kauser Sophia , Mantzios Michail , Egan Helen 
Published: May 2022

Objectives Cystic Fibrosis (CF) care is entering a period of personalised medicine with the emergence of CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies. Anecdotally individuals are reporting life-changing effects of modulator therapies, proposing an important area of study. Methods Twenty adult participants (males: 8, age range: 22–51 years, average FEV1: 53.45%) were recruited via social media to participate in a semi-structured interview; 17 participants were currently taking Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (Kaftrio). Results An appreciation of a “normal life” post-modulator therapy is paramount, with improvements in symptoms and quality-of-life bringing a more urgent imperative for the provision of effective support to encourage positive health and lifestyle choices. Discussion In this new era of CF care, there remains many challenges present for the CF community, with participants suggesting that proactive psychological support is required along with proactive awareness regarding health risk behaviours for the current and future CF generations.
Driving resumption after critical illness:A survey and framework analysis of patient experience and process
Authors: Meyer Joel , Pattison Natalie , Apps Chloe , Gager Melanie , Waldmann Carl 
Published: May 2022

Background: Adverse sequelae are common in survivors of critical illness. Physical, psychological and cognitive impairments can affect quality of life for years after the original insult. Driving is an advanced task reliant on complex physical and cognitive functioning. Driving represents a positive recovery milestone. Little is currently known about the driving habits of critical care survivors. The aim of this study was to explore the driving practices of individuals after critical illness. Methods: A purpose-designed questionnaire was distributed to driving licence holders attending critical care recovery clinic. Results: A response rate of 90% was achieved. 43 respondents declared their intention to resume driving. Two respondents had surrendered their licence on medical grounds. 68% had resumed driving by 3 months, 77% by 6 months, and 84% by 1 year. The median interval (range) between critical care discharge and resumption of driving was 8 weeks (1–52 weeks). Psychological, physical and cognitive barriers were cited by respondents as barriers to driving resumption. Eight themes regarding driving resumption were identified from the framework analysis under three core domains and included: psychological/cognitive impact on ability to drive (Emotional readiness and anxiety; Confidence; Intrinsic motivation; Concentration), physical ability to drive (Weakness and fatigue; Physical recovery), and supportive care and information needs to resume driving (Information/advice; Timescales). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that resumption of driving following critical illness is substantially delayed. Qualitative analysis identified potentially modifiable barriers to driving resumption.
A dorsalis pedis venous flap containing a U-shaped venous arch for the reconstruction of fingertip defects
Authors: Ling Li , Li Xueyuan 
Published: May 2022

In small-area soft tissue defects of the fingers, venous flaps have the advantages of easy design and harvesting, and also a thin and flexible texture. Although the artery–vein–vein (A–V–V) pattern is the safest pattern, the tiny veins in the finger pulp make anastomosis difficult. We have designed a modified blood flow pattern flap using the dorsum of the foot as the donor site and anastomosing the U-shaped blood vessels in the venous flap with the two digital arteries in an artery–vein–artery (A–V–A) pattern to reconstruct the digital arterial arch without the need for venous anastomosis. Our study included 22 patients with 23 fingertip defects. In the 23 fingers, 18 flaps survived completely and four had only partial marginal necrosis. The donor site healed well without significant scar hyperplasia. Level of evidence: IV
A Review of Habitat and Distribution of Common Stingless Bees and Honeybees Species in African Savanna Ecosystems
Authors: Chakuya Jeremiah , Gandiwa Edson , Muboko Never , Muposhi Victor K. 
Published: May 2022

Background and Research Aims Globally, concerns over a decline in insect pollinator abundance have been raised. Although bees were noted to be key pollinating agents for approximately 52 of the leading 115 global food commodities, they are currently exposed to risks ranging from a variety of diseases and environmental threats emanating from changes in land use, farming practices and climate change. The study reviewed the habitat and distribution of common stingless bees and honeybees species in African savanna ecosystems. The review focused mainly on (i) profiling stingless bee and honeybee species, habitat and distribution within African savanna ecosystems and (ii) assessing factors affecting stingless bees and honeybees in habitat selection within the savanna ecosystem. Methods A meta-synthesis of existing literature with a qualitative orientation was used for the review process and 90 published documents were consulted between 1970 and 2021. Results The review findings indicated that there are 19 stingless bee species and 13 subspecies of Apis mellifera found in Africa. The A. mellifera scutellata and A. mellifera adansonii were reported to be widely distributed across the African savanna ecosystem. Conclusion The migration and swarming of bees play a pivotal role in the general stingless bees and honey bees distribution within the savanna ecosystem. Implications for Conservation The persistence of stingless bees and honeybees within savanna ecosystems depends on the adoption of the best conservation policies derived from economic and ecological services associated with bee conservation.
Increased Knee and Meniscal Injury Incidence in Professional Baseball Pitchers With Wider, Positive Stride Width
Authors: Manzi Joseph E. , Trauger Nicolas , Quan Theodore , Ciccotti Michael C. , Ruzbarsky Joseph J. , Dines Joshua S. 
Published: May 2022

Background: Professional baseball pitchers sustain 75% of knee injuries while at the pitcher’s mound, yet no pitching motion has been associated directly with such injuries. Stride width is a potential, modifiable risk factor worth investigating. Hypothesis: Increased stride width in both the positive and negative directions (deviations from neutral stride width) would correlate with increased incidence of knee injury in pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory. Level of Evidence: Level 5. Methods: Professional pitchers (n = 199) were evaluated with motion capture (480 Hz) while pitching. Injury history over 10 years was recorded at face-to-face interviews with pitchers. Players were subsequently grouped into stride width tertiles, compared for previous injury incidence of the lower extremities. Regressions were performed to observe performance benefits of stride width with ball velocity, accuracy, or consistency in pitch location as secondary outcomes. Results: Of the 40 lower extremity injuries reported, meniscal injury (27.5%) was the most common, followed by foot stress fracture (20.0%). Significant differences in injury incidence were noted between the least and most positive stride width tertiles: lower extremity (10.4% vs 25.8%, respectively; P = 0.03), knee (3.0% vs 15.2%, respectively; P = 0.02), and meniscal (0.0% vs 12.1%; P = 0.00). Stride width of pitchers with meniscal injury in the lead (32.6 ± 7.1 cm, n = 5; P = 0.02) and stance leg (33.5 ± 10.6 cm, n = 5; P = 0.03) was significantly more positive than that of uninjured pitchers (21.1 ± 11.5 cm, n = 164). No significant relationships were established between stride width and ball velocity ( P = 0.54) or pitch location metrics ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: Pitchers with increased positive, stride width had significantly higher incidence of lower extremity injury (knee and meniscus). Wider, positive stride width may increase the degree of external rotation on the lead knee in a loaded state, which can place the medial side of the knee (and meniscus) at higher risk of injury. Clinical Relevance: Decreasing stride width may be beneficial for professional pitchers to reduce the rate of lower extremity injury, while also preserving performance metric outcomes.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on neuroimaging volume in New York City
Authors: Widemon Reginald Scott , Huang Sophia , Capaccione Kathleen M , Mitchell Ryan P , Salvatore Mary M , Lignelli Angela , Nguyen Pamela 
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic acutely disrupted all facets of healthcare, with future implications that are expected to resonate for many years. We investigated the effect of the pandemic on neuroimaging volume, hypothesizing that all representative studies would experience a reduction in volume, with those typically performed in the inpatient setting (noncontrast enhanced CT head and CTA head/neck) taking longer to recover to pre-pandemic volumes compared to studies typically performed in the outpatient setting (MR brain with and without and MR lumbar spine without). Materials and Methods We retrospectively queried our institution’s radiology reporting system to collect weekly data for 1 year following the World Health Organization declaration of a pandemic (11 March 2020–9 March 2021) and compared them to imaging volumes from the previous year (11 March 2019–9 March 2020). We subsequently analyzed quarterly data (e.g., first quarter comparison: 3/11/2020–6/9/2020 was compared to 3/11/2019–6/9/2019). Results All studies experienced decreased volume during the first quarter of the year following onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with noncontrast enhanced CT head failing to recover to pre-pandemic volumes. CTA head/neck actually surpassed pre-pandemic volume by the second quarter of the year. MRI brain w/wo and MRI lumbar spine without recovered to baseline volume by the second quarter. Conclusion Noncontrast enhanced CT head did not recover pre-pandemic imaging volume. CTA head/neck volume initially decreased, however volume increased above pre-pandemic levels during the second quarter; this finding may be attributable to a prothrombotic state in COVID-19 patients.
Q-uestioning the Diagnosis: An Educational Case Report
Authors: Thanamayooran Aran , Tennankore Karthik , Geldenhuys Laurette , Murphy Elana , More Keigan 
Published: May 2022

Rationale: Q fever is a zoonotic infection that may lead to acute or long-term renal injury. Given its rare incidence, Q fever is not often considered on the initial differential diagnosis for glomerular disease which can lead to delays in treatment. This case highlights the importance of avoiding early diagnostic closure and revisiting the differential diagnosis in the setting of an atypical clinical presentation or response to treatment. Presenting Concerns: A 52-year-old female was referred for assessment of possible glomerulonephritis. She described a 3-month history of bilateral lower extremity rash, intermittent knee pain with swelling, and a 2-year history of subjective fevers. Urinalysis showed persistent microscopic hematuria, and her creatinine was elevated at 94 umol/L (baseline 59 umol/L). Her initial investigations included an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor with a weakly positive anti nuclear antibody (ANA). Diagnoses: Kidney biopsy was consistent with an immune complex mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. Light microscopy showed diffuse global mesangial hypercellularity. Immunofluorescence was positive for trace mesangial IgG and kappa, 1+ IgM, lambda and C1q, and 2+ C3. Electron microscopy showed mesangial electron dense deposits. These findings were felt to be most in keeping with mesangial proliferative lupus nephritis; however, it was acknowledged that clinical and laboratory findings supporting this diagnosis were lacking. Interventions: Following treatment with oral prednisone her symptoms resolved, and renal function improved. However, she was unable to taper off prednisone completely without her symptoms returning. Additional immunosuppressive therapies were trialed, but she remained steroid dependent with disease flares related to prednisone tapers. Her atypical response to treatment led to consideration of alternative diagnoses, and further investigation revealed positive Q fever serology (phase-I IgG 1:1892, phase II IgG 1:8192, phase-I and -II IgM < 1:16). She was diagnosed with long-term Q fever and was treated with doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine. Outcomes: She remained on treatment for 2 years. During this time, her symptoms resolved, hematuria disappeared, and her creatinine returned to baseline. Following cessation of therapy, her Q fever IgM titres rose, and she was restarted on doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine indefinitely. Teaching Points: (1) Keeping a broad differential diagnosis in the setting of atypical clinical features or unexpected response to therapy is important for ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. (2) Clinical improvement in relation to immunosuppressive therapy does not preclude an infectious cause of glomerular disease.
Technology-based interventions to improve adherence to antihypertensive medications – An evidence-based review
Authors: Chun-Yun Kang Gary 
Published: May 2022

Background Poor adherence to anti-hypertensive medications leads to poorly controlled blood pressure which is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. Emerging technologies may be utilised advantageously in interventions to improve adherence and reduce morbidity and mortality from poorly controlled hypertension. Objective To determine the efficacy of technology-based interventions in improving adherence to antihypertensive medications. Methods PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched using keywords and MeSH terms. Included studies met the following criteria: randomized controlled trial (RCT); adults ≥ 18 years old taking anti-hypertensives; intervention delivered by or accessed using a technological device or process; intervention designed to improve adherence. Results 12 papers met inclusion criteria for the current review: 5 studies significantly improved adherence when compared to usual care; of these 5 studies, 2 had corresponding significant improvement in blood pressure. Successful interventions were: electronic medication bottle cap with audio-visual reminder; short message service (SMS) containing educational information (2 studies); reporting of self-measured blood pressure to a telephone-linked computer system; sending a video of every drug ingestion to obtain monetary rewards. Conclusion RCTs on technological interventions to improve adherence and those showing significant effect are rare. Some of the interventions show potential to be applied to other populations, especially if targeted at patients with poor adherence at baseline.
Assessing the performances of a chatbot to collect real-life data of patients suffering from primary headache disorders
Authors: Chaix Benjamin , Bibault Jean-Emmanuel , Romain Rolland , Guillemassé Arthur , Neeral Mikaël , Delamon Guillaume , Moussalli Julien , Brouard Benoît 
Published: May 2022

Background There are many scales for screening the impact of a disease. These scales are generally used to diagnose or assess the type and severity of a disease and are carried out by doctors. The chatbot helps patients suffering from primary headache disorders through personalized text messages. It could be used to collect patient-reported outcomes. Objective The aims of this study were (1) to study whether the collection and analysis of remote scores, without prior medical intervention, are possible by a chatbot, (2) to perform suggested diagnosis and define the type of headaches, and (3) to assess the patient satisfaction and engagement with the chatbot. Method Voluntary users of the chatbot were recruited online. They had to be over 18 and have a personal history of headaches. A questionnaire was presented (1) by text messages to the participants to evaluate migraines (2) based on the criteria of the International Headache Society. Then, the Likert scale (3) was used to assess overall satisfaction with the use of the chatbot. Results We included 610 participants with primary headache disorders. A total of 89.94% (572/610) participants had fully completed the questionnaire (eight items), 4.72% (30/610) had partially completed it, and 5.41% (33) had refused to complete it. Statistical analysis was performed on 86.01% (547/610) of participants. Auto diagnostic showed that 14.26% (78/547) participants had a tension headache, and 85.74% (469/547) had a probable migraine. In this population, 15.78% (74/469) suffered from migraine without probable aura, and 84.22% (395/469) had migraine without aura. The patient’s age had a significant incidence regarding the auto diagnosis ( P = .008<.05). The evaluation of overall satisfaction shows that a total of 93.9% (599/610) of users were satisfied or very satisfied regarding the timeliness of responses the chatbot provides. Conclusion The study confirmed that it was possible to obtain such a collection remotely, and quickly (average time of 3.24 min) with a high success rate (89.67% (547/610) participants who had fully completed the IHS questionnaire). Users were strongly engaged through chatbot: out of the total number of participants, we observed a very low number of uncompleted questionnaires (6.23% (38/610)). Conversational agents can be used to remotely collect data on the nature of the symptoms of patients suffering from primary headache disorders. These results are promising regarding patient engagement and trust in the chatbot.
Effect of temperature on color changes and mechanical properties of poplar/bismuth oxide wood alloy during warm-press forming
Authors: Yan Jin , Zhang Liqiang , Li Xianjun , Wu Qingding , Liu Jianan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBinderless poplar/bismuth oxide wood alloy is prepared using the warm-press forming technology. The effect of the forming temperatures on color changes and mechanical properties of the poplar/bismuth oxide wood alloy is studied. The results show that the surface color of the specimen gradually darkened as the forming temperature increased. There is the most obvious change from 140 to 160 °C. The CIE lightness color coordinate L* and chroma coordinate b* decrease with the increase of the forming temperature, while chroma coordinate a* decreases initially, but later increases with treatment severity. The static bending strength (MOR), the elastic modulus (MOE) and the surface hardness (HV) increase first and then decrease with the increase of the forming temperature. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that the wood underwent carbonization at 180 °C, resulting in a decrease in the density and mechanical properties of poplar/bismuth oxide wood alloy, and a deepening of the surface color. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis reveals that the pyrolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose, as well as the pyrolysis and condensation of lignin led to the color of poplar/bismuth oxide wood alloy deepening. The hydroxyl groups between the cellulose molecular chains are reduced and hydrogen bonds are formed at 140 °C, which improve the mechanical properties of poplar/bismuth oxide wood alloy. However, the massive degradation of hemicellulose weakens binding strength with cellulose and lignin at 160 °C above. It greatly reduces the mechanical properties of specimen.