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This paper investigates how investments in automation affect the gender pay gap. The evidence of the effects of automation on the labor market is growing; however, little is known about the implications of automation for the gender pay gap. The data used in this paper are from a matched employer–employee dataset incorporating detailed information on firms, their imports, and employee–level data for Estonian manufacturing and service employers for the period of 2006–2018. Through the use of the imports of automation goods as a proxy for the introduction of automation at the firm level, this paper estimates the effect of automation using simple Mincerian wage equations. The causality of the effect is further validated using propensity score matching (PSM). We find that introducing automation enlarges the gender pay gap, and PSM confirms that this also has a higher causal effect on the wages of male employees than female employees. The results imply that a higher representation of women in higher-paid positions does not guarantee a reduction in the gender pay gap in the presence of automation, and appropriate measures in education and retraining are needed to tackle the effect of automation on gender inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the prevalence of teams in research, there is a lack of a good understanding of how their size and diversity affects their performance. We develop a theoretical framework that distinguishes two dimensions of research performance for an academic paper: impact (i.e., subsequent citations) and prestige (i.e., ranking of the journal where research is published). We propose that, while larger teams will enhance linearly the impact of research, they will affect its prestige in a nonlinear fashion. We further contend that these effects will be moderated by knowledge and international diversity of the teams. We test these hypotheses using bibliometric data between 1990 and 2020 on more than 1.4 million papers and 18 million citation counts across 22 subfields in management. Our results confirm significant benefits for research impact from both team size and diversity, but also highlight drawbacks when teams become very large and heterogeneous. Moreover, we find a nonlinear positive effect of team size on research prestige that can be offset only by high levels of knowledge diversity. These findings are robust to a variety of proxies, controls, and estimation techniques, including instrumental variables and propensity score matching. We discuss practical implications for stimulating research performance in business schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between corporate site visits (CSVs) and firms' real earnings management. Using a unique dataset of site visits to Chinese firms listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2009 to 2016, we find that such visits are negatively associated with firms' real earnings management. The results are robust to using alternative CSV measures, controlling for alternative communication channels, and using the propensity score matching method. In cross-sectional analyses, we find that the negative association between site visits and real earnings management is stronger for more complex firms and firms with greater information asymmetry. In addition, we find that CSVs are negatively associated with both management and corporate misconduct but not with accrual-based earnings management or restatements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objectives: Patients with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to massive prostate enlargement have several surgical treatment options, such as robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Postoperative outcomes may differ between those undergoing RASP and HoLEP. RASP has been associated with a lower incidence of transient stress urinary incontinence (SUI), while HoLEP allows for shorter catheterization times. Here, we report on our experience with both surgical modalities. Methods: Data were collected from prospectively maintained databases for 37 RASP patients and 181 HoLEP patients treated from July 2021 to November 2023. To control for selection bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized based on age and prostate size. We compared patients preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative outcomes both before and after applying PSM. Results: Before the PSM, the median prostate size was significantly lower in the HoLEP group (p < 0.001). The HoLEP group also had significantly shorter operative times (p ≤ 0.001) and lower weights of resected adenoma (p ≤ 0.001). After the PSM of 31 RASP and 31 HoLEP patients, all baseline patient characteristics were comparable. No significant differences were observed in operation time (p = 0.140) or in the weight of resected adenoma (p = 0.394) between the modalities. The median (IQR) length of catheterization was significantly shorter in the HoLEP group (1 [1-4] days) compared to the RASP group (7 [7-8] days), in both pre- and post-matching analyses (p ≤ 0.001 for both), reflecting the standard of practice. In contrast, in both pre- and post-PSM analyses, the average hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RASP cohort, as same-day discharge is standard in our center, whereas the HoLEP cohort required overnight stays due to routine continuous bladder irrigation before discharge (p < 0.001 for all). Notably, the SUI rates and American Urological Association (AUA) symptom scores were comparable at 3 months within both matched and unmatched cohorts (pre-PSM: p = 0.668, p = 0.083; post-PSM: p = 1, p = 0.152, respectively). Conclusions: Our comparative analysis indicates that both RASP and HoLEP yield similar outcomes, including SUI rates, at 3 months. While HoLEP provided shorter durations of postoperative catheterization, RASP offered shorter hospital stays.

Background: Creating activity-friendly communities (AFCs) is an important strategy to increase physical activity (PA). While cross-sectional links between community environments and PA are well documented, their causal relationships remain insufficiently explored. Methods: Using the accelerometer and survey data collected from adults who moved to an AFC (cases) and similar non-AFC-residing adults who did not move (comparisons), this pre–post, case-comparison study examines if moving to an AFC increases PA. Data came from 115 participants (cases = 37, comparisons = 78) from Austin, Texas, who completed 2 waves of 1-weeklong data collection. Difference-in-difference analyses and fixed-effect models were used to test the significance of the pre–post differences in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) between cases and comparisons, for the full sample and the subsample of 37 pairs matched in key covariates using the Propensity Score Matching method. Results: Average treatment effect generated based on Propensity Score Matching and difference-in-difference showed that moving to this AFC led to an average of 10.88 additional minutes of daily MVPA (76.16 weekly minutes, P =.015). Fixed-effect models echoed the result with an increase of 10.39 minutes of daily MVPA after moving to the AFC. We also found that case participants who were less active at baseline and had higher income increased their MVPA more than their counterparts. Conclusions: This study showed that, among our study sample, moving to an AFC increased residents' PA significantly when compared to their premove level and the comparison group. This causal evidence suggests the potential of AFCs as sustainable interventions for PA promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has documented the impact of internal governance risks and external litigation risks on the demand for D&O insurance. However, the role played by media coverage in this context remains unclear. This study examines the relationship between media coverage and D&O insurance demand using a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2005 to 2019. Our research findings indicate that an increase in media coverage in the previous year significantly enhances the D&O insurance demand for companies in the current year. To mitigate potential selection bias and omitted variable issues, we employ propensity score matching and instrumental variable regression, and the conclusions remain robust. Mechanism analysis suggests that media coverage primarily affects D&O insurance demand through two channels: alleviating information asymmetry and reputation pressure. Further analysis reveals that in companies with more independent directors, greater institutional ownership, and in highly marketized, legally developed regions, the impact of media coverage on D&O insurance demand is more pronounced. However, the CEO's political affiliation significantly diminishes this effect. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of D&O insurance demand in emerging markets and provides valuable insights for regulatory authorities in recognizing the role of media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to present a comprehensive theoretical framework that seeks to explore the impact of cultural, legal and social factors within the external environment on the relationship between women on corporate boards and firm performance. By investigating these boundary conditions, the paper aims to shed light on how these pressures influence the aforementioned relationship. Design/methodology/approach: To build the sample of companies, the authors selected companies listed on the stock exchanges of countries that represent a diverse range of institutional contexts. These contexts encompass countries with individualistic cultures, collectivist cultures, environments with mandatory gender quotas, environments without gender quotas, contexts with substantial progress toward gender equality and contexts with limited progress in achieving gender equality. To test the hypotheses, the authors used linear regression analysis as a primary analytical approach. Furthermore, they used the propensity score matching technique to address potential issues of reverse causality and unobserved heterogeneity. Findings: The findings indicate that the positive influence of a critical mass of women on corporate boards on firm performance is contingent upon the institutional context. Specifically, the authors observed that this relationship is strengthened in institutional contexts characterized by an individualistic culture, whereas it is not as pronounced in collectivist cultural contexts. Furthermore, this research provides compelling evidence that the presence of a critical mass of women on boards leads to enhanced firm performance in institutional settings where gender quotas are not binding, as opposed to settings where such quotas are enforced. Lastly, the results demonstrate that the presence of a critical mass of women on boards is associated with improved firm performance in institutional settings characterized by low progress in achieving gender equality. However, the authors did not observe the same effect in institutional contexts that have made significant strides toward gender equality. Originality/value: This research offers a unique perspective by investigating the relationship between women's presence on corporate boards and firm performance across different institutional contexts. In this investigation, the authors recognize that gender diversity on corporate boards is not a one-size-fits-all solution and that its effects can be shaped by the unique institutional contexts in which companies operate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the dosimetric, radiobiological, and toxicity differences between different cylinder diameters (d) in high-dose-rate three-dimensional computed-tomography-guided vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) for early-stage endometrial cancer (EC). Methods: From January 2019 to January 2024, postoperative EC patients treated with exclusive VBT using cylinders were classified by the cylinder diameter (d ≤ 2.6 cm: small-size; d ≥ 3.0 cm: large-size) and matched according to 1:2 propensity score matching. Vaginal clinical target volume (CTV) was a 3-mm expansion around the cylinder surface. Dosimetric parameters in equivalent dose in 2 Gy (EQD2) (α/β = 3 Gy) and equivalent uniform dose (EUD) of vaginal_CTV and organs at risk (OARs) were evaluated. Urinary, gastrointestinal, and vaginal toxicities were assessed using CTCAE v5.0. Results: After matching, 132 patients (small-size: 44; large-size: 88) were analyzed. For vaginal_CTV, the small-size group had higher doses to 2%, 5%, 0.1 cc, 1 cc, and 2 cc of the volume (D2, D5, D0.1 cc, D1cc, and D2cc) than the large-size group while lower doses to the 95%, 98%, and 100% volume (D95, D98, and D100). The D2cc and D5cc of bladder and all dosimetric parameters of rectum were smaller in the small-size group. The EUD of vaginal_CTV, bladder, and rectum showed no significant differences. No significant differences in toxicities were found within the median follow-up of 26.8 months. Conclusion: Cylinders with smaller diameters produced more nonuniform dose distributions in the target and delivered lower doses to bladder and rectum than large-size cylinders. However, the dosimetric differences did not translate into significant differences of radiobiological parameters or outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the backdrop of global transformations in university admission systems, the quest for an enrolment paradigm that efficiently identifies and selects high-quality students has gained paramount significance. With the help of propensity score matching (PSM), this study controlled students' backgrounds and compared the performance of students admitted to the university by comprehensive evaluation and by unified examination. The results of this investigation find that there was no significant difference in professional identity, academic performance, and career competence between the two groups of students. However, compared with students admitted by comprehensive evaluation, students who were admitted by unified examination were more inclined to use deep learning strategies. Based on these findings, this research suggested that countries and universities around the world should pay more attention to unified examination when selecting students, and the reform of university enrolment should fully consider the national conditions and seek progress while maintaining stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute cholecystitis is a common general surgical emergency, accounting for 3–10 % of all patients attending with acute abdominal pain. International guidelines suggest that emergency cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for uncomplicated acute cholecystitis where feasible. There is a paucity of published data on the uptake of emergency cholecystectomy in Ireland. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management of acute cholecystitis in Ireland and to establish the rate of emergency cholecystectomy performed. All patients with acute cholecystitis presenting to public hospitals in Ireland between January 2017 and July 2023 were identified using the National Quality Assurance and Improvement System (NQAIS). Data were collected on patient demographics, co-morbidities, length of stay, operative intervention, endoscopic intervention, critical care admissions, in-patient mortality, and readmissions. Propensity score matched analysis and logistic regression were performed to account for selection bias in comparing patients managed with cholecystectomy and those managed conservatively. 20,886 admission episodes were identified involving 17,958 patients. 3585 (20 %) patients underwent emergency cholecystectomy in total. 3436 (96 %) of these were performed laparoscopically, with 140 (4 %) requiring conversion to an open procedure, and common bile duct injuries occurring in 4 (0.1 %) of patients. In comparison to patients treated conservatively, patients who underwent cholecystectomy were younger (median 50 v 60 years, p < 0.001) and more likely to be female (64 % v 55 % p < 0.001). Following propensity score matched analysis, those who had an emergency cholecystectomy had reduced length of stay (LOS) (median 5 days (IQR 3–8) v 6 days (interquartile range (IQR) 3–10), p < 0.001) and fewer readmissions to hospital (282 (8 %) v 492 (14 %), p < 0.001). On logistic regression, age >65 (OR 1.526), CCI >3 (OR 2.281) and non-operative management (OR 1.136) were significant risk factors for adverse outcome. Uptake of emergency cholecystectomy in Ireland remains low, and is carried out on a younger, fitter cohort of patients. In those patients, however, it is associated with improved outcomes for cholecystitis compared to conservative management, including shorter LOS and reduced readmission rates for matched cohorts. • National registry study involving 17,958 patients with cholecystitis. • 3585 (20 %) of patients underwent emergency cholecystectomy. • Older age and increased co-morbidities were risk factors for mortality. • Cholecystectomy was associated with shorter in hospital stay and less readmissions. • A low incidence of iatrogenic bile duct injury was seen (0.1 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conflict-induced displacement is associated with loss of human and physical capital as well as psychological trauma. Households and social structures that produce and reproduce gender norms are disrupted. This paper investigates the extent to which gender norms relax in situations of displacement using predetermined indicators in the Colombia Demographic and Health Survey. Results of a two-step estimation involving kernel-based propensity score matching and multilevel linear regression models show that gender norms condoning violence against women relaxed with displacement, while those that limit women's economic opportunities became more rigid. Findings also reveal a misalignment between attitudes and behaviors in specific domains of gender norms. Displaced women expressed lower support for patriarchy than non-displaced women, but they had less ability to make independent decisions over the use of contraceptives and over their own earnings. This implies that attitudes and behaviors do not always shift together, and, in displacement settings, do not always progress towards greater gender equality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Day hospital interdisciplinary multimodal pain treatment can be an effective, less costly alternative to inpatient treatment and may even be the better treatment option for less afflicted patients While interdisciplinary multimodal pain treatment (IMPT) is an effective treatment option for chronic low back pain, it is usually accomplished as an inpatient treatment incurring substantial healthcare costs. Day hospital IMPT could be a resource-saving alternative approach, but whether treatment setting is associated with differences in treatment outcomes has not yet been studied. In a retrospective matched cohort study including data from N = 595 patients diagnosed with chronic back pain and undergoing IMPT at the back pain center in Essen, Germany, we investigated the association between treatment setting (ie, inpatient or day patient of an otherwise identical IMPT) and pain intensity, disability, and self-efficacy after treatment. Outcomes were assessed by questionnaires used in clinical routine, collected at pre-IMPT, post-IMPT, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. The results indicate that day patients showed greater improvements in pain-related disability at 3-month post-IMPT (d = 0.74) and in pain intensity at 6-month post-IMPT (d = 0.79), compared to a matched sample of inpatients. Moreover, day patients achieved higher scores in pain-related self-efficacy at discharge, 3- and 6-month post-IMPT (d = 0.62, 0.99, and 1.21, respectively) and reported fewer incapacity-for-work days than inpatients at 6-month post-IMPT (d = 0.45). These data suggest that day hospital IMPT can be as effective as inpatient treatment and might even be more effective for the less afflicted patients. Further research regarding treatment setting and indication could guide optimized and cost-efficient treatments that are more closely tailored to the individual patient's needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of insulin secretory capacity is essential to understand the pathophysiologic condition of individuals with diabetes and assess the efficacy of drugs used in the treatment of this disease. The 1-mg i.v. glucagon stimulation test (GST) is widely used to evaluate residual β-cell function; we previously reported that GST assessment of insulin secretory capacity is useful in assessing the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs). However, recent reports have indicated that pharmacologic concentrations of glucagon stimulate insulin secretion through GLP-1 receptors, confounding the issue. The current studies were undertaken to reassess the reliability of the GST for evaluation of insulin secretory capacity under GLP-1RAs and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4is). Our first study included individuals receiving GLP-1RA treatment, evaluated by the GST before and after treatment. Although the fasting C-peptide response (CPR) levels were elevated after treatment, the induction of insulin secretion by glucagon was significantly reduced. Our second study compared glucagon-induced insulin secretion between DPP-4i users and nonusers, assessed by the GST after propensity score matching. Although the fasting CPR levels were similar in the two investigations, glucagon-induced insulin secretion was significantly lower with DPP-4i use. These results suggest that the GST might underestimate insulin secretory capacity under incretin-based therapy. Article Highlights: The current studies were undertaken to reassess the reliability of the 1-mg i.v. glucagon stimulation test (GST) for evaluation of insulin secretory capacity under glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4is). We aimed to determine whether the amount of insulin secretion induced by pharmacologic glucagon stimulation is reduced under these incretin-based therapies, because they both act through GLP-1 receptors. We found that GLP-1RA and DPP-4i treatments significantly reduced insulin secretion on the GST. The GST underestimates insulin secretory capacity under incretin-based therapy by a novel regulatory system of glucagon and GLP-1 signaling in β-cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (HD-QIV) was introduced during the 2021/2022 influenza season in France for adults aged ≥65 years as an alternative to standard-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (SD-QIV). The aim of this study is to estimate the relative vaccine effectiveness of HD-QIV vs. SD-QIV against influenza-related hospitalizations in France. Community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years with reimbursed influenza vaccine claims during the 2021/2022 influenza season were included in the French national health insurance database. Individuals were followed up from vaccination day to 30 June 2022, nursing home admission or death date. Baseline socio-demographic and health characteristics were identified from medical records over the five previous years. Hospitalizations for influenza and other causes were recorded from 14 days after vaccination until the end of follow-up. HD-QIV and SD-QIV vaccinees were matched using 1:4 propensity score matching with an exact constraint on age group, sex, week of vaccination, and region. Incidence rate ratios were estimated using zero-inflated Poisson or zero-inflated negative binomial regression models. We matched 405 385 HD-QIV to 1 621 540 SD-QIV vaccinees. HD-QIV was associated with a 23.3% (95% CI, 8.4–35.8) lower rate of influenza hospitalizations compared with SD-QIV (69.5/100 000 person years vs. 90.5/100 000 person years). Post-matching, we observed higher rates in the HD-QIV group for hospitalizations non-specific to influenza and negative control outcomes, suggesting residual confounding by indication. HD-QIV was associated with lower influenza-related hospitalization rates vs. SD-QIV, consistent with existing evidence, in the context of high SARS-CoV-2 circulation in France and likely prioritization of HD-QIV for older/more comorbid individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate posaconazole (POS) gastro-resistant tablets for preventing invasive fungal disease (IFD) in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients and analyse POS plasma concentrations. A single-arm trial was designed with a historical cohort as a control. Patients aged 13 years and older undergoing HSCT at the HSCT Center of Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between December 2020 and May 2022 were enrolled, prospectively taking POS gastro-resistant tablets orally from day 1 to day 90 post-transplant and monitoring plasma concentrations. We also identified a retrospective cohort treated with alternative antifungal prophylaxis between January 2018 and December 2020, matched using propensity score methods. The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence of IFD at day 90 post-transplant. The prospective study involved 144 patients receiving POS gastro-resistant tablets for IFD prevention, contrasting with 287 patients receiving non-POS tablets. By day 90 post-transplant, the POS tablet group exhibited a significantly lower cumulative incidence of IFD (2.81%; 95% CI, 0.09–5.50% vs. 7.69%; 95% CI, 4.60–10.78%; p 0.044). Adverse events were comparable between the groups with liver changes in 33/144 (22.92%) vs. 84/287 (29.27%) (p 0.162), and renal injuries in 15/144 (10.41%) vs. 37/287 (12.89%) (p 0.457). Mean POS plasma concentrations on days 4, 8, 15, and 22 post-administration were 930.97 ng/mL, 1143.97 ng/mL, 1569.8 ng/mL, and 1652.57 ng/mL, respectively. Patients administered POS gastro-resistant tablets for antifungal prophylaxis experienced a lower cumulative incidence of IFD. POS plasma concentrations in HSCT patients stabilized by day 15 of medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the causal effects of China's Minimum Living Standard Guarantee (MLSG , also called Dibao) subsidy on household transportation expenditures. Utilizing data from the Chinese Social Survey, we employ a combination of the propensity score matching (PSM), causal forest (CF) and marginal treatment effect model (MTE) methodologies to rigorously estimate the subsidy's effects. The PSM allows us to mitigate selection bias by matching MLSG recipients with comparable non-recipients. While the causal forest captures the heterogeneity of treatment effects across various household profiles. The result of MTE indicate that observable and essential heterogeneity are present to influence the effect of their subsidies, which present the consistent with PSM and CF. The causal mediation analysis indicates the mediating mechanism that MLSG impacts on household transportation expenditures, while also revealing significant variations among different regions. The study not only refines our understanding of the MLSG 's effects on household spending but also offers novel insights into applicational advancements by incorporating machine-learning techniques for policy evaluation. These results have important implications for policy formulation and refinement, particularly in the urban-rural differences. • The CF employed to show the MLSG impact on household transportation expenditures. • Results show the transport policy should be determined by regional characteristics. • The machine learning reveals heterogeneity of MLSG across urban-rural differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluates the impact of returnee remittances (RRs) on the well-being of migrant households in Bangladesh using survey data collected from two migrant-intensive districts using multi-stage stratified random sampling. Our findings reveal that RRs have a positive and significant impact on subjective, objective, and relational dimensions of well-being. The pre-post analysis suggests that sensible investments in human capital and positive agreement on improved social status by migrants confirm their subjective well-being. Increased participation of migrant families in regular social ceremonies ensures relational well-being. Moreover, the findings for objective well-being employing the propensity score matching (PSM) technique indicate that compared to non-migrants, remittances contribute to returnee migrants' land possession, income, expenditure, savings, and investment base. Hence, RRs proved to be an effective medium for ensuring migrant households' welfare in Bangladesh by contributing substantially to income generation, upgrading living standards, and improving the social recognition level. Policies aiming at launching intervention programs of financial literacy including digital finance for safe money transfer and creating a conducive atmosphere for investment are essential to maintain remittance inflows and to foster RR's positive impact more sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The impact of bridging thrombolysis prior to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) compared to EVT alone on intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), and death in anticoagulated atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is not well defined. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using data from a federated research network (TriNetX) including 114 health care organisations in the United States. Anticoagulated AF patients with AIS who received either bridging thrombolysis (BT) or EVT alone from September 2018 to November 2023 were included. Following propensity score matching, Cox regression analyses examined the risk of ICH, SAH, and death within 30 and 90 days, comparing anticoagulated AF patients receiving BT versus EVT only. Results: A total of 3156 patients with AIS were treated with BT or EVT alone. Following 1:1 propensity score matching, the cohort included 766 patients in each group. ICH occurred within 30 and 90 days in 6.9% and 8.0% in the BT group compared with 7.4% and 7.7% in the EVT‐only group (hazard ratios [HR] = 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63–1.33 and HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.71–1.45, respectively). SAH occurred within 30 and 90 days in 4.2% and 4.4% of patients in the BT compared to 3.0% and 3.4% in the EVT‐only group (HR = 1.38, 95% CI = 0.81–2.38 and HR = 1.29, 95% CI = 0.77–2.14, respectively). Death occurred within 30 and 90 days in 17.8% and 19.8% of patients in the BT compared to 22.2% and 27.3% in the EVT‐only group (HR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.62–0.97 and HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.56–0.86, respectively). Conclusions: In anticoagulated AF patients with AIS, BT was associated with a significantly lower risk of death, with no difference in ICH or SAH risk within 30 and 90 days compared to EVT only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare weight and glucometabolic outcomes of semaglutide and metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) for patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Materials and Methods: Patients treated with either semaglutide for a duration of ≥2 years or MBS in Sweden were identified within the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry and the National Diabetes Registry and matched in a 1:1–2 ratio using a propensity score matching with a generalized linear model, including age, sex, glycated haemoglobin before treatment, duration of type 2 diabetes, use of insulin, presence of comorbidities and history of cancer, with good matching results but with a remaining imbalance for glomerular filtration rate and body mass index, which were then adjusted for in the following analyses. Main outcomes were weight loss and glycaemic control. Results: The study included 606 patients in the surgical group matched to 997 controls who started their treatment from 2018 until 2020. Both groups improved in weight and glucometabolic control. At 2 years after the intervention, mean glycated haemoglobin was 42.3 ± 11.18 after MBS compared with 50.7 ± 12.48 after semaglutide treatment (p < 0.001) with 382 patients (63.0%) and 139 (13.9%), respectively, reaching complete remission without other treatment than the intervention (p < 0.001). Mean total weight loss reached 26.4% ± 8.83% after MBS compared with 5.2% ± 7.87% after semaglutide (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Semaglutide and MBS were both associated with improvements in weight and improved glycaemic control at 2 years after the start of the intervention, but MBS was associated with better weight loss and glucometabolic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Diabetes increases the risk of Parkinson disease (PD). Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, a new glucose‐lowering therapeutic class, have shown neuroprotective effects in mechanistic studies. However, the association between SGLT2 inhibitors and PD risk in real‐world populations with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear. Objective: The aim was to assess the association between SGLT2 inhibitors and the risk of PD in older populations with T2D. Design, Setting and Participants: This retrospective cohort analysis used Medicare claims data from 2016 to 2020 to identify fee‐for‐service beneficiaries ≥65 years diagnosed with T2D and without pre‐existing PD. Exposures: The initiation of an SGLT2 inhibitor was compared with that of a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4) inhibitor. Main Outcomes and Measures: The outcome was the first incident PD ever since the date initiating either an SGLT2 inhibitor or a DPP4 inhibitor. We employed a 1:1 propensity score matching to balance the baseline covariates between treatment groups, including sociodemographics, comorbidities and co‐medications. We applied Cox regression models to assess the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors versus DPP4 inhibitors on incident PD. Results: Of 89 330 eligible Medicare beneficiaries (mean age: 75 ± 7 years, 52% women), 0.6% (n = 537) had incident PD over the follow‐up. After 1:1 propensity matching, the PD incidence was 2.5 and 3.5 events per 1000 person‐years in the SGLT2 inhibitor group and DPP4 inhibitor group, respectively. The SGLT2 inhibitor group was associated with a significantly lower risk of incident PD than the DPP4 inhibitor group (hazard ratio: 0.70 [95% confidence interval: 0.55–0.89]). There is a potential trend that the risk reduction in incident PD was profound in non‐Hispanic Black individuals and insulin users. Conclusion and Relevance: Compared to DPP4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a significantly lower risk of incident PD in older populations with T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is challenging sustainable agrifood production and food security, and encouraging farmers' climate change adaptation can help promote sustainable agrifood production and ensure food security. This study investigates farmers' climate change adaptation and its impact on agrifood production. We employ the propensity score matching (PSM) model to address the selection bias issue of climate change adaptation and estimate the survey data collected from 415 rice-producing households in rural China. We also estimate the inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) model for robustness check. The empirical results show that farmers' decisions on climate change adaptation are influenced by household heads' age, education level, life satisfaction, temperature perception, and transportation conditions. The treatment effect estimations of the PSM model reveal that climate change adaptation significantly increases land productivity by 41.24–44.29% and labor productivity by 55.06–63.72% in rice production. The IPWRA model estimation largely confirms the robustness of the PSM model estimation. We also find that climate change adaptation significantly increases the net returns of rice production. These findings have significant global implications. By understanding the factors influencing farmers' decisions to adapt to climate change, policymakers worldwide can design targeted interventions to encourage similar practices in other regions. Promoting farmers' climate change adaptation to increase farm productivity is crucial for ensuring global food security in the face of ongoing climate challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In an era where telehealth is gaining traction within healthcare systems, its integration into preoperative assessment protocols presents both challenges and opportunities. Preoperative assessments have an important role in determining the best plan of action for each patient. Recent studies have reported adequate operative outcomes after telemedicine preoperative consultations. This study examines telehealth's efficacy relative to traditional in-person evaluations in the context of preoperative consultations for inguinal hernia repairs and provides a deeper insight into how telemedicine might be utilized for pre-surgical assessments. Methods: We analyzed a prospectively maintained single-center database at a tertiary referral hospital with a dedicated hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction center for pre, intra and postoperative variables comparing patients that received telemedicine (phone or video) preoperative consultations versus in-person clinic visits only. Secondary analysis with propensity score matching was employed to adjust for possible confounders. Results: 265 patients that underwent inguinal hernia repair were included, with 60 encounters being telemedicine only and the rest in-person. This analysis found no difference in rates of postoperative complications between the telemedicine and in-person groups. The telemedicine group required less preoperative encounters with their surgeon (P < 0.001). In the preoperative in-person group, 41% switched to virtual follow-ups, while in the virtual group, only 18% chose in-person follow-ups (P = 0.003). Conclusions: Based on our analysis, the use of telemedicine for preoperative assessments in inguinal hernia repairs as a feasible and safe choice for patients opting for this approach, potentially reshaping the preoperative paradigm in surgical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release (TAR) is considered to be the optimal technique for large incisional ventral hernia repair. Endoscopic TAR (eTAR) that gets all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) gives a possibility to enhance results of the treatment. The aim of our study was to make the comparison between open and endoscopic TAR procedures with an emphasis on frequency and severity of postoperative complications in comparable groups. Materials and methods: All patients had midline incisional hernia and underwent either open (open TAR group) or endoscopic (eTAR group) Rives-Stoppa repair in combination with bilateral transversus abdominis release in Moscow City Hospital №1 from January 2018 to December 2022. A propensity score matching (PSM) was used to make groups comparable. Postoperative complications were classified according to Clavien-Dindo Classification, and Comprehensive complication index was calculated. Results: We performed 133 open and endoscopic TAR separation for midline incisional hernia. After PSM analysis 51 patients were matched to each group. Overall surgical morbidity in the open TAR group (56.9%) was statistically significantly higher than in the eTAR group (29.4%) (p = 0.009). There were more severe complications (Clavien IIIa-V) in the open TAR group (11.8% vs. 0%, p = 0.027). Length of hospital stay after surgery was shorter in eTAR group (p < 0.001). The Comprehensive complication index in the open TAR group was significantly higher than in eTAR group, 8.7 (0–20.9) vs. 0 (0–8.7) (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Based on the data from our study, the entire MIS procedure including endoscopic TAR is a safe and optimal technique for surgery of midline incisional ventral hernia, requiring TAR separation in terms of reducing the rate of postoperative complications, their severity and hospital length of stay, compared to open TAR procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the employment outcomes of liberal arts graduates from Dutch university colleges with those of their peers who pursued conventional, subject-specific bachelor's degrees. Using data from the Dutch National Alumni Survey, the analysis includes 14,933 respondents who completed a master's programme at a research university, with 210 of them holding a university college degree. Logistic, multinomial, and OLS regression analyses were performed on six labour market outcomes: employment status, time to first paid job, vertical match, horizontal match, vertical and horizontal match combination, and hourly wage from regular work. Propensity score matching was used as a robustness check. The results show that holding a university college degree is not associated with any distinct advantages or disadvantages in the job market. While a liberal arts bachelor's degree has a negative effect on obtaining employment in STEM professions, no statistically significant differences, neither negative nor positive, were found in other outcomes. This suggests that university colleges do not lack the capacity to prepare students for the labour market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has consistently demonstrated lower patient satisfaction compared to total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, prior investigations failed to account for the patients' demographic characteristics. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of patient-reported outcomes between TKA and THA while adjusting for patient background. Methods: A total of 326 primary TKAs and 259 THAs conducted at a single center were assessed using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores preoperatively and at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Notably, TKA patients exhibited advanced age and higher body mass index (BMI) than their THA counterparts. To mitigate the impact of these differences, we employed propensity score-matched data, adjusting for background characteristics such as age, gender, BMI, and diagnosis. Results: THA consistently demonstrated significantly superior WOMAC total, pain, and stiffness scores compared to TKA at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Nevertheless, no statistically significant disparity in WOMAC physical function scores was observed between the two groups at 3 months and 1 year postoperatively in the matched data (3 months, p = 0.131; 1 year, p = 0.269). Conclusion: In contrast to earlier findings, our analysis of propensity score-matched data revealed no significant differences in WOMAC physical function scores between the TKA and THA groups at 3 months and 1 year postoperatively. The distinctive background factors observed in patients undergoing TKA and THA, notably advanced age and higher BMI, coupled with the delayed improvement timeline in TKA's WOMAC scores compared to that of THA, have the potential to impact patient-reported outcomes. Consequently, clinicians should be mindful of the potential impact of patient background on variations in patient-reported outcome measures following total joint arthroplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the causal impact of small businesses on street theft and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The "Cleanup Holes in the Wall" campaign in Beijing, China, provides a rare opportunity for a natural experiment. Drawing on street view images processed by deep learning algorithms and other big data sources such as court judgments and location-based service (LBS) population, we use difference-in-difference (DID) models to investigate how the disappearance of small businesses leads to changes in the occurrence of theft. We further examine the mechanisms by introducing mediators, including ambient population and social activity. Results: The treatment units that experienced a mass loss of small businesses showed a significant reduction in street theft compared to the control units that were less affected by the cleanup campaign. Ambient population and social activity played a mediating role in promoting and deterring crime, respectively, with the former dominating. The results remain robust after including covariates in the models, balancing covariates using the propensity score matching method, and adopting alternative thresholds to classify the treatment group. Conclusions: There are two competing yet coexisting mechanisms through which small businesses influence street theft. On the one hand, commercial premises provide large numbers of criminal opportunities for potential offenders; on the other hand, they are central to local social control and order. While small businesses exercise a certain amount of natural surveillance power, as a whole, they function primarily as crime generators. Implications for implementing targeted policies tailored to the nature of small businesses are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) often require treatment with open lower extremity revascularization (LER). Patients with PAD often have other comorbidities and associated conditions that affect procedural outcomes, including abdominal stomas. The aim of this work is to investigate the impact that stomas may have on postoperative outcomes and complications. Methods: We performed a 5-year (2016-2020) analysis of the Nationwide Readmission Database. We identified all adult patients undergoing open LER. These patients were categorized into 2 groups: stoma and no-stoma. Propensity score matching (1:1) was used to control for demographics and comorbidities. Index admission outcomes and readmission rate were examined. Results: 212,275 open LER patients were identified. A matched cohort of 3088 patients (1:1 stoma vs no-stoma) was obtained. Patients with stomas had higher rates of several postoperative complications: acute posthemorrhagic anemia (29.1%, P < 0.01), acute kidney injury (21.4%, P < 0.001), index sepsis (10.3%, P < 0.001), and index SSI (2.8%, P < 0.001). There were no significant statistical differences between the 2 groups for acute myocardial infarction. Those with stomas had worse outcomes: greater in-hospital mortality (4.7%, P < 0.05), length of stays (median 7 days, P < 0.001), total charges (median 108,037 dollars, P < 0.001), discharges to long-term care facilities (30.8%, P < 0.001), discharges to their own homes needing home health care (30.1%, P < 0.001), 30-day readmission rates (23.2%, P < 0.01), and 30-day readmission mortality (6.1%, P < 0.01). Conclusions: Concurrent abdominal stoma is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality after open LER. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing early academic momentum via credit accumulation is strongly associated with community college student success. Using data from one of the nation's largest and most racially diverse community college systems, our quasi-experimental study examined how different first-semester credit loads influenced persistence. For part-time students (less than 12 semester credit hours), enrolling in one additional course (3 more credits) significantly improved their chances of persistence to the subsequent term and next academic year. For part-time students, an increased credit load was significantly and positively related to persistence. However, for full-time students, an increase from 12 to 15 credits was not related to persistence. These patterns were consistent across subgroups by students' level of academic preparation (developmental education status) and degree objective (workforce credential or transfer associate degree). Moreover, the increased course load did not significantly hinder students' early academic performance as measured by GPA for any group and in some cases was related to increased GPA. We discuss the implications of these findings for academic advising, course scheduling, and completion initiatives at community colleges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behaviour change communication (BCC) remains a central component of the interventions used in the fight against malaria in Ghana. However, there is limited evidence of its effectiveness. This study evaluated the effects of BCC strategies on knowledge (symptoms, causes and prevention) and overall knowledge of malaria among Ghanaian women aged 15–49 years. The propensity score matching (PSM) approach and logistic regression were used to analyse data from the 2016 edition of the Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS). Women who participated in community-level education or heard/saw media messages on malaria, or both, had significantly more knowledge of the disease than women who lacked access to any of these mediums of communication. The effect of these strategies on women's overall knowledge of malaria is about 2% to 4% and is higher on their knowledge of the symptoms (3% to 6%) and prevention (2% to 4%) than the causes (2%). The combined effects of both mediums of communication are relatively higher than the effect of either of them as a single medium of communication. Further analysis showed that improved knowledge of the disease is associated with higher preventive measures taken by women for themselves and for their children. The results are more significant in rural and poor households than in urban and non-poor households. These findings underscore the need for the Ministry of Health and its partner institutions to adopt an innovative approach which combines the two strategies in intensively educating Ghanaians, and women in particular, on the symptoms and prevention of malaria, giving due cognisance to households' socioeconomic status and geographical location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), secondary to cardiovascular disease and sepsis, is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Although studies have examined cardiovascular disease and sepsis in AKI, the association between AKI and hepatic functional impairment remains unclear. We hypothesized that hepatic function markers would predict mortality in patients undergoing CRRT. We included 1,899 CRRT patients from a multi-centre database. In Phase 1, participants were classified according to the total bilirubin (T-Bil) levels on the day of, and 3 days after, CRRT initiation: T-Bil < 1.2, 1.2 ≤ T-Bil < 2, and T-Bil ≥ 2 mg/dL. In Phase 2, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to examine the effect of a T-Bil cutoff of 1.2 mg/dL (supported by the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score); creating two groups based on a T-Bil cutoff of 1.2 mg/dL 3 days after CRRT initiation. The primary endpoint was total mortality 90 days after CRRT initiation, which was 34.7% (n = 571). In Phase 1, the T-Bil, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and AST/ALT (De Ritis ratio) levels at CRRT initiation were not associated with the prognosis, while T-Bil, AST, and the De Ritis ratio 3 days after CRRT initiation were independent factors. In Phase 2, T-Bil ≥1.2 mg/dL on day 3 was a significant independent prognostic factor, even after PSM [hazard ratio: 2.41 (95% CI; 1.84-3.17), p < 0.001]. T-Bil ≥1.2 mg/dL 3 days after CRRT initiation predicted 90-day mortality. Changes in hepatic function markers in acute renal failure may enable stratification of high-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elderly hemodialysis (HD) patients have a high risk of death. The effect of different types of HD membranes on survival is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the use of low-flux or high-flux membranes and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in elderly hemodialysis patients. This was a retrospective clinical study involving maintenance hemodialysis patients which were categorized into low-flux and high-flux groups according to the dialyzer they were using. Propensity score matching was used to balance the baseline data of the two groups. Survival rates were compared between the two groups, and the risk factors for death were analyzed by multivariate Cox regression. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed no significant difference in all-cause mortality between the low-flux group and the high-flux group (log-rank test, p = 0.559). Cardiovascular mortality was significantly greater in the low-flux group than in the high-flux group (log-rank test, p = 0.049). After adjustment through three different multivariate models, we detected no significant difference in all-cause mortality. Patients in the high-flux group had a lower risk of cardiovascular death than did those in the low-flux group (HR = 0.79, 95% CI, 0.54–1.16, p = 0.222; HR = 0.58, 95% CI, 0.37–0.91, p = 0.019). High-flux hemodialysis was associated with a lower relative risk of cardiovascular mortality in elderly MHD patients. High-flux hemodialysis did not improve all-cause mortality rate. Differences in urea distribution volume, blood flow, and systemic differences in solute clearance by dialyzers were not further analyzed, which are the limitations of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal exposure can cause impaired or reduced pathology in the kidneys, lungs, liver, and other vital organs. However, the relationship between heavy metal exposure and kidney stones has not been determined. The goal of this research was to determine the association between heavy metal exposure and kidney stones in a population of American adults in general. We evaluated 29,201 individuals (≥20 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The association between heavy metal exposure and kidney stones was verified by multiple logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression. Dose–response curves were generated to analyze the relationship between heavy metal concentrations and the occurrence of kidney stones. Moreover, we used propensity score matching (PSM) to exclude the effect of confounding variables. After a rigorous enrollment screening process, we included 8518 participants. Logistic regression showed that urinary cadmium (U-Cd) and urinary cobalt (U-Co) concentrations were significantly different in the kidney stone group before PSM (p < 0.001). Dose–response curves revealed that the occurrence of kidney stones increased significantly with increasing U-Cd and U-Co concentrations. After adjustment for covariates, only biomarkers of U-Co were linked to the occurrence of kidney stones. When the lowest quartile was used as a reference, the 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for kidney stones across the other quartiles were 1.015 (0.767–1.344), 1.409 (1.059–1.875), and 2.013 (1.505–2.693) for U-Cos (p < 0.001). In the U.S. population, high U-Co levels are positively correlated with the potential risk of kidney stones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, most of the patients who underwent kidney transplants have unknown causes of end-stage renal disease (uESRD). However, little is known regarding the incidence of graft glomerulonephritis (GN) and graft survival in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with uESRD. In this retrospective cohort study, 473 of the 565 KTRs who underwent kidney transplantation (KTx) from 2015 to 2020 were included. We mainly observed the occurrence of graft GN between uESRD group and definitively diagnosed GN group, and repeatedly compared after propensity score matching (PSM). The median follow-up was 50 months in 473 KTRs, and about 75% of KTRs of native kidney disease of unknown etiology. The total cumulative incidence of graft GN was 17%, and no difference was observed between the definitively diagnosed GN group and the uESRD group (p = 0.76). Further, PSM analysis also showed no difference in the incidence of graft GN between the 2 groups. Multivariable analysis disclosed males (p = 0.001), younger age (p = 0.03), and anti-endothelial cell anti-body (AECA) positive pre-KTx (p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for graft GN. The incidence of graft GN was similar between uESRD and definitively diagnosed GN group. The allograft survival was also similar between two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) are effective ways to treat end-stage renal disease (ERSD). This study aimed to investigate the differences in survival and the factors that influence it in patients with end-stage renal disease treated with HD or PD. We retrospectively analyzed factors related to all-cause death with renal replacement therapy and compared the long-term mortality between HD and PD strategies in patients with ESRD who started HD or PD treatment in our renal HD center between January 1, 2008, and December 1, 2021. Overall, 1,319 patients were included, comprising 690 and 629 patients in the HD and PD groups, respectively, according to the inclusion criteria. After propensity matching, 922 patients remained, with 461 (50%) patients each in the two groups. There were no significant differences in the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year mortality rates between the HD and PD groups (all p >.05). However, the 5- and 10-year mortality rates of the matched patients were 15.8%. 17.6% in the HD group and 21.0%. 27.3% in the PD group, respectively. The 5- and 10-year mortality rates were significantly lower in the HD group (all p <.05) as compared to the PD group. After matching, Kaplan–Meier curve analysis with log-rank test was performed, which showed a significant difference in the survival rates between the two groups (p =.001). Logistic multifactor regression analysis revealed that age, weight, hypertension, serum creatinine, and combined neoplasms influenced the survival rate of patients with ESRD (p <.05). In contrast, age, hypertension, parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum creatinine, and peripheral vascular diseases (PVD) influenced the survival rate of patients in the HD group (p <.05), and age and weight influenced the survival rate of patients in the PD group (p <.05). This study found that long-term mortality rates were higher in the PD group than that in the HD group, indicating that HD may be superior to PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major complication in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that platelet distribution width (PDW) is associated with cardiovascular events in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In this study, we hypothesized that elevated PDW can predict all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in PD patients. We recruited PD patients for a single-center retrospective cohort study from 1 January 2007, to 30 June 2020. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were made to determine the PDW cutoff value for predicting all-cause mortality. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to improve the equilibrium between groups. The relation of PDW with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards models. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to determine whether there was a linear relationship between PDW and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. A total of 720 PD patients were screened, and 426 PD patients were enrolled after PSM. After adjusting for confounders, Cox proportional hazards models showed that the PDW value was positively correlated with the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.162, 95% CI 1.057–1.278, p = 0.002 and HR = 1.200, 95% CI 1.041–1.382, p = 0.012). The adjusted RCS analysis further showed that the relationship of PDW with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was linear (p for nonlinearly = 0.143 and 0.062). Elevated PDW is independently associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension and rising serum uric acid (sUA) played a pivotal role in the development of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). This study investigates the interactive effect of sUA and hypertension on CKD and identifies the optimal threshold of sUA among individuals with and without hypertension in the Chinese community population. The study included 4180 individuals aged 45–85 years, derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) between 2011 and 2015. Additionally, a hospital-based study enrolled subjects in the Department of Nephrology at Zhongshan Hospital, China from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. The interaction effect analysis were used to assess the impact of sUA and hypertension on CKD. We also compared the distribution of sUA and the CKD risk in community populations, distinguishing between those with and without hypertension. For the hospital-based population, kidney injury was marked by a KIM-1 positive area. Our results indicate a higher prevalence of CKD in the community population with hypertension (10.2% vs. 3.9%, p <.001). A significant additive synergistic effects of the sUA and hypertension on the CKD risk were found. When the sUA level was < 4.55 mg/dL in the hypertensive population and < 5.58 mg/dL in the non-hypertensive population, the risk of CKD was comparable (p =.809). In the propensity score matched (PSM) population, the result remained roughly constant. Therefore, even moderate levels of sUA was associated with a higher risk of CKD in middle-aged hypertensive patients, who warrant stricter sUA control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biologics have revolutionized psoriasis treatment; however, relapse of psoriasis after discontinuation of biologics remains unresolved. Objective: To assess the impact of adjunctive Chinese medicine (CM) therapy on relapse of psoriasis vulgaris (PV) after discontinuation of biologics. Methods: We constructed a prospective cohort study through a psoriasis case registry platform that enrolled patients treated with biologics (in combination with or without CM). The endpoint event was relapse, defined as loss of psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) 75. Results: A total of 391 patients completed the study and were included in the analysis, of whom 169 (43.2%) experienced relapse during follow-up. To minimize the bias, a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed, generating matched cohorts of 156 individuals per group. Adjuvant CM therapy significantly associated with reduced incidence of relapse (HR =0.418, 95% CI = 0.289~0.604, p<0.001), and the protective effect of CM in the subgroup analysis was significant. In addition, PASI 90 response and disease duration were associated with relapse (p<0.05). Conclusion: Adjunctive CM therapy is associated with reduced relapse incidence in PV after discontinuation of biologics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the relationship between dietary zinc intake and stroke. Methods: Subjects from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (2015 to 2020) were included. Zinc intake was determined using two 24-h dietary recall interviews, and stroke was determined using the Medical Condition Questionnaire (MCQ). Logistic analysis was used to analyze the association between zinc intake and stroke risk. 1:1 nearest neighbor propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce selection bias. Results: 4705 subjects were included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis before and after matching showed that increased zinc intake was associated with a reduced risk of stroke. And as zinc intake increases, the risk of stroke shows a gradually decreasing trend. Compared with the Q1 group, the risk of stroke in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups was reduced by approximately 0.27 times, 0.29 times, and 0.31 times respectively. And there is no interaction between dietary zinc intake and gender in stroke patients. Conclusion: Dietary zinc intake may be a protective factor against stroke, and increasing its intake may prevent or reduce the symptoms of stroke and related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that a 1-week extension of the waiting period to perform surgery for ankle fracture might affect postoperative results and complications. Methods: We used our multicenter database named TRON (Trauma Research Group of Nagoya). In all, 779 patients who underwent surgery for ankle fracture, who had no comorbidities were eligible. After exclusion, we analyzed 596 patients. We divided the patients into 2 groups according to whether they were operated on within 7 days after the injury with propensity score matching. Results: The operative time of the delayed operation group (DO group) was significantly longer than that of the early operation group (EO group) (115.87 ± 56.59 vs 85.93 ± 34.58 minutes; P <.001). The rate of infection in the DO group was significantly higher than that of the EO group (16 patients [6.5%] vs 4 patients [1.6%]; P =.016). Conclusion: Waiting for more than a week to perform ankle surgery may lead to longer operative times and increased infection rates. Levels of Evidence: III [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of firm-level research and innovation on the productivity of Sub-Saharan African firms in 2014–2018. This study utilizes World Bank Enterprise Surveys on 2,867 manufacturing and service firms conducted in SSA in 2018/19. Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) was used as the primary estimation methodology. The results indicated that Research and Development spending positively and significantly impacts manufacturing firms' productivity. In addition, service innovation has a positive and significant effect on the productivity of service firms. In contrast, product innovation is insignificant to manufacturing firms' productivity. Lastly, process innovation is significant only to the manufacturing firms and not the service firms. These results suggest that Sub-Saharan African firms did not realize maximum innovation productivity gains during the study period. Nonetheless, the results imply that other than the conventional factor-driven production, Sub-Saharan African firms have the potential to drive their productivity through semi-endogenous firm-level innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Business and skills training programmes have been a popular social policy intervention to increase productivity of the self-employed in developing countries. We study the Small Business of the Family Economy programme, a government business training programme designed to assist Nicaraguan self-employed workers. Using data from three rounds of the Nicaragua Living Standards Measurement Survey, we employ a difference-in-differences strategy to exploit variation in eligibility for the programme across time and economic activity. Our estimates indicate that the programme does not increase self-employed workers' earnings overall. However, we find heterogeneous treatment effects for female self-employed workers with low educational attainment, which could be explained by increased working months and having a second job. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the impact of unconditional cash transfers (UCT) on the indicators of food accessibility in the urban and rural areas of Pakistan. Previous empirical evidences show poor food security in the country; however, there is lack of literature on this investigation in the context of UCT specifically the highest coverage providing social assistance programme that is the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Examining the impact on calorie intake can help policy makers understand how households spend this additional source of income and address effectively concerns regarding food security. Propensity score matching (PSM) technique is used to analyse the latest nationally representative data. Being a recipient of the UCT is found to be significant in explaining the outcome indicator of food accessibility. Disaggregation into food groups show that recipient households increase their consumption of calories from cereals and pulses, vegetables and sugary products. Although there is evidence to support the positive and significant effects of being a recipient, the effects are small. The results indicate that the households remain vulnerable due to the small amount of transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation intermediaries for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that correct innovation system failures prevail globally. They help SMEs improve productivity through diffusion, creation and intermediation of knowledge. Empirical studies in the UK and the US matched comprehensive data of clients of innovation intermediaries with census data, performed causal inference after controlling for unobserved heterogeneity and selection bias, and confirmed their positive effects. Taking an example of the world's largest innovation intermediaries for SMEs, Kohsetsushi, this study established unbalanced panel data (2017–2022) from online questionnaire surveys and assessed productivity effects of Kohsetsushi by estimating the difference-in-differences model combined with propensity score matching. The results confirmed the overall productivity effect of Kohsetsushi services and heterogeneous treatment effects in terms of firm size, industries and spillover channels. Research and policy implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cefoperazone/sulbactam is commonly prescribed for the treatment of infected patients with cirrhosis. Aim: To investigate the effect of cefoperazone/sulbactam on coagulation in cirrhotic patients and assess the effectiveness of vitamin K1 supplementation in preventing cefoperazone/sulbactam-induced coagulation disorders. Method: This retrospective cohort study compared coagulation function in 217 cirrhotic patients who received cefoperazone/sulbactam with and without vitamin K1 supplementation (vitamin K1 group, n = 108; non-vitamin K1 group, n = 109). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to to reduce confounders' influence, the SHapley additive exPlanations (SHAP) model to explore the importance of each variable in coagulation disorders. Results: In the non-vitamin K1 group, the post-treatment prothrombin time (PT) was 16.5 ± 6.5 s and the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was 34.8 ± 9.4 s. These were significantly higher than pre-treatment values (PT: 14.6 ± 2.4 s, p = 0.005; aPTT: 30.4 ± 5.9 s, p < 0.001). In the vitamin K1 group, no differences were observed in PT, thrombin time, or platelet count, except for a slightly elevated post-treatment aPTT (37.0 ± 10.4 s) compared to that of pre-treatment (34.4 ± 7.2 s, p = 0.033). The vitamin K1 group exhibited a lower risk of PT prolongation (OR: 0.211, 95% CI: 0.047–0.678) and coagulation disorders (OR: 0.257, 95% CI: 0.126–0.499) compared to that of the non-vitamin K1 group. Propensity score matching analysis confirmed a reduced risk in the vitamin K1 group for prolonged PT (OR: 0.128, 95% CI: 0.007–0.754) and coagulation disorders (OR: 0.222, 95% CI: 0.076–0.575). Additionally, the vitamin K1 group exhibited lower incidences of PT prolongation, aPTT prolongation, bleeding, and coagulation dysfunction compared to the non-vitamin K1 group. Conclusion: Cefoperazone/sulbactam use may be linked to a higher risk of PT prolongation and coagulation disorders in cirrhotic patients. Prophylactic use of vitamin K1 can effectively reduce the risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relative occurrence of infection in patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs and molecularly targeted drugs is unclear. Aim: To compare the occurrence of respiratory and urinary tract infections in patients treated for lung cancer with docetaxel versus afatinib and to predict the occurrence of the respiratory and urinary tract infections. Method: Data on patients who received docetaxel or afatinib were obtained from a health insurance claims database. After propensity score matching, the occurrence of respiratory and urinary tract infections in each group was compared. Factors associated with respiratory and urinary tract infections were evaluated using multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis. Results: Each group included 855 patients. The occurrence of respiratory infections was significantly higher in the docetaxel group than in the afatinib group (22.6% [193/855] vs. 13.9% [119/855]; p < 0.01). The occurrence of urinary tract infections did not differ significantly by group. Docetaxel was independently associated with a significantly increased risk of respiratory infections (adjusted odds ratio: 1.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.23–2.29), but not urinary tract infections. Conclusion: Patients with lung cancer treated with docetaxel should be closely monitored for the occurrence of respiratory infection in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological accountability reform is an emerging environmental regulatory tool used by transition economies to correct failures and deviations in the traditional central-local environmental governance mode. This paper applies the propensity score matching with difference-in-differences method to test the impact of the central environmental inspection, an ecological accountability mechanism, on the investment efficiency of enterprises. The results reveal that the central environmental inspection can improve the corporate investment efficiency by resisting the urge to over-investment. Furthermore, this policy can improve corporate investment efficiency by dual functions of the incentive effect of increasing R&D investment and the pushback effect of financial risk. After a series of robustness checks, the results remained reliable. Heterogeneity tests show that the effect gradually appears in regions that implemented policy lately or with re-inspection, indicating the necessity of establishing a long-term mechanism. What's more, the positive effect of the central environmental inspection on corporate investment efficiency will be more significant in SOEs, large companies, and companies in provinces with weak environmental regulations. To achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, this paper provides implications for improving collaborative governance system of local environmental protection and strengthening the linkage of environmental regulation and enterprise investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore the association between mastitis and subsequent breast cancer. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included women aged ≥ 18 years with an initial mastitis diagnosis from 315 office-based gynecologists in Germany between January 2005 and December 2021. Women without mastitis were matched to women with mastitis using propensity score matching based on age, index year, average yearly consultation frequency during the follow-up period, and coexisting diseases such as obesity, benign mammary dysplasia, hypertrophy of the breast, unspecified lump of breast, and other disorders of the breast. The 10-year cumulative incidence of breast cancer for the mastitis-cohort and non-mastitis-cohort was studied with Kaplan–Meier curves using the log-rank test. The association between mastitis and breast cancer was studied separately for four age groups with univariable Cox regression analyses. Results: In the follow-up period of 7 months to 10 years after the index date, 2.9% of mastitis patients and 2.4% of matched non-mastitis patients were diagnosed with breast cancer. A Cox regression analysis revealed a significant association between mastitis and subsequent breast cancer (HR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.11–1.70). According to the age-stratified analyses, a strong and significant association was only observed in the age group > 50 years (HR: 1.73; 95% 1.25–2.40). Conclusion: The findings of our retrospective cohort study support an association between mastitis and subsequent breast cancer diagnoses in women aged > 50 years. The pathophysiological basis and possibility of confounders however requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]