bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcium channel blockers are associated with lower gastric cancer risk: A territory‐wide study with propensity score analysis
Authors: Li Bofei , Cheung Ka Shing , Wong Ian Yu‐Hong , Leung Wai Keung , Law Simon 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPrior studies showed that calcium channel blockers (CCBs) could modify cancer risk, but data on gastric cancer (GC) are limited. We aimed to investigate whether CCBs could modify GC risk in Helicobacter pylori‐eradicated patients. H pylori‐infected patients with hypertension who are aged ≥50 and had received clarithromycin‐based triple therapy between 2003 and 2016 were identified from a territory‐wide healthcare database. Patients with eradication failure, GC diagnosed within 6 months after HP eradication, and gastric ulcer were excluded. Time‐fixed Cox model with one‐to‐one propensity score matching was used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) of GC with CCBs. Sensitivity analysis using time‐dependent multivariable Cox model in which CCB use was treated as time‐varying covariate was also performed to address immortal time bias. 17 622 (29.6%) H pylori‐eradicated patients with hypertension were included. During a median follow‐up of 8.6 years, 105 (0.6%) developed GC. After PS matching, CCBs were associated with a lower GC risk (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.32‐0.97). Time‐dependent analysis showed consistent result (aHR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.33‐0.75). A longer duration of CCB use was associated with even lower GC risk (adjusted HR [aHR]: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.61‐0.79 for every 1‐year increase in use). Long‐acting CCBs (aHR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.29‐0.76) and dihydropyridines (aHR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.32‐0.73) conferred greater benefit than short‐acting ones (aHR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.36‐1.03) and nondihydropyridines (aHR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.24‐2.48). The aHR was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.34‐0.97) for noncardia and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.27‐1.31) for cardia cancer. Use of CCBs was associated with lower risk of GC development in H pylori‐eradicated patients, in a duration‐ and dose‐response manner.
STAT3 activation in HER2‐positive breast cancers: Analysis of data from a large prospective trial
Authors: Sonnenblick Amir , Agbor‐tarh Dominique , de Azambuja Evandro , Hultsch Susanne , Izquierdo Miguel , Liu Minetta , Pruneri Giancarlo , Harbeck Nadia , Piccart Martine , Moreno‐Aspita Alvaro , Granit Roy Zvi , Rouas Ghizlane , Fahoum Ibrahim , Sotiriou Christos 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway may be aberrantly activated and have various and conflicting roles in breast cancer. The current study explored prognostic implications of activated STAT3 in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive primary breast cancers in the context of a large prospective study (ALTTO). Activated STAT3 was determined by immunohistochemical analysis of STAT3 phosphorylation (Y705) performed on the primary tumors. This analysis evaluated whether patients with activated STAT3 had disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) different from patients without activated STAT3. A total of 5694 patients out of the 8381 patients enrolled in ALTTO were included in this analysis (67.9%), and 2634 of them (46%) had evidence of STAT3 activation (minimum tumor Allred score ≥2). The median follow‐up was 6.93 years (6.85‐6.97 years), at the end of which 1035 (18.18%) and 520 (9.13%) patients experienced DFS and OS events, respectively. Patients with STAT3 activation experienced improved DFS compared to those without it (multivariable hazard ratio [HR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74‐0.95; P = .006). There were no group differences in OS (multivariable HR, 0.92; 95% CI 0.78‐1.10; P = .37). This effect was limited to ER‐positive tumors. In conclusion, these findings support the role of STAT3 activation as a marker of favorable outcome in ER‐positive/HER2‐positive breast cancer patients.
Determinants of financial stress in emerging market economies: Are spatial effects important?
Authors: Yurteri Kösedağlı Begüm , Önder A. Özlem 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study aims to analyse the determinants of financial stress and to show the impact of the spatial linkages between 13 emerging economies during 1996–2016. The 2007 Global Financial Crisis has once again showed that financial/economic turmoil of countries has negative effects on other economies. At this point, this study brings novelty to the existing literature by considering the effects of neighbour countries' macroeconomic variables on domestic financial stress and by focusing on financial stress interaction between emerging economies using spatial econometric methods. According to the estimation results, we find current account balance/GDP, economic growth, geopolitical risk and global risk are the most important determinants of financial stress. It is also observed that there is a strong interaction of financial stress among emerging market economies. While geographical linkage is the most important transmission channel of financial stress among those economies, financial and trade linkages also play an important role.
Label‐free optical antibody testing kit based on a self‐assembled whispering‐gallery‐mode microsphere
Authors: Yue Ying , Ding Hui , Chen Chen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe appearance of antibodies in blood is a critical signal to suggest the infection. A rapid and accurate detection method for the antibody is significant to the disease diagnosis, especially for the epidemic. To this end, a highly sensitive whispering‐gallery‐mode (WGM) optical testing kit is designed and fabricated for detecting the specific immunoglobulin antibodies. The key component of the kit is a silica self‐assembled microsphere decorated with the nucleocapsid proteins (N‐proteins) of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. After the N‐protein antibody immunoglobulin G (N‐IgG) and immunoglobulin M (N‐IgM) solutions being injected into the kit, the WGM red‐shifts due to the antigen–antibody reaction. The wavelength displacement rates are proportional to the concentrations of these two antibodies from 1 to 100 μg/mL. A good specificity of the kit is demonstrated by the nonspecific human immunoglobulin G (H‐IgG) and immunoglobulin M (H‐IgM).
Chitosan/zinc nitrate microneedles for bacterial biofilm eradication
Authors: Yi Xin , Wang Chengyong , Yu Xiao , Su Weiwei , Yuan Zhishan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractChronic wounds are greatly health threatening owing to the increasing morbidity, and bacterial biofilm is a major cause of chronic wounds. The critical for bacterial biofilm eradication is overcome the barrier of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by the bacteria, and promote the diffusion of drugs within the biofilm. In this article, composite microneedles (MNs) of chitosan and zinc nitrate (CS‐Zn[II] MNs) were investigated to eradicate bacterial biofilm. The CS‐Zn(II) MNs combined the structure characteristic of MNs with the antibacterial properties of CS and Zn2+. The MNs can pierce the EPS due to the needle‐like structure, and can transport directly the CS and Zn2+ into the bacterial biofilm. The needle‐like structure of MNs also increased the contact area between drug carrier and bacterial biofilm nearly 14–23% comparing with membrane without needle‐like structure, and facilitated the diffusion of drugs. What is more, the synergistic effect of CS and Zn2+ make the CS‐Zn(II) MNs obtain excellent antibiofilm properties. Counting the colony forming units and bacterial live/dead staining tests confirmed the fascinating antibacterial abilities (up to 100% inhibition) and biofilm eradication properties, respectively, of the CS‐Zn(II) MNs. The inhibition zone test shown that the antibiofilm effect of MNs was superior to membrane and the antibiofilm effect of MNs was become increasingly obvious along with the increase of the treatment time. Besides, the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays proved that the CS‐Zn(II) MNs possess brilliant cytocompatibility. These results indicate that the CS‐Zn(II) MNs are promising method for bacterial biofilm eradication.
Methionine selenium antagonizes LPS‐induced necroptosis in the chicken liver via the miR‐155/TRAF3/MAPK axis
Authors: Zhirong Zhao , Qiaojian Zhang , Chunjing Xu , Shengchen Wang , Jiahe Li , Zhaoyi Liu , Shu Li 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOrganic selenium has antioxidation and disease treatment effects. To explore the mechanisms of how methionine selenium alleviates necroptosis in the liver and whether this process is related to microRNA (miRNA) and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, an animal model of methionine selenium and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) interaction was established. The morphology, inflammatory factor (tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α]), necroptosis‐related genes (RIP1, RIP3, MLKL, and caspase 8), MAPK pathway‐related genes (JNK, ERK, and p38, p‐JNK, p‐ERK, and p‐p38), gga‐miR‐155, TRAF3 (predicted target of gga‐miR‐155), and oxidative stress‐related indicators (SOD, MDA, CAT, GSH, and GSH‐Px) were analyzed from the perspective of the miR‐155/TRAF3/MAPK axis to elucidate the mechanism of methionine selenium on the LPS‐induced necroptosis mechanism in the chicken liver. The current results suggested that methionine selenium antagonizes oxidative stress, inflammation, and the MAPK pathway, thereby antagonizing the occurrence of necroptosis through multiple mechanisms. At the same time, methionine selenium affects miR‐155/TRAF3/MAPK signaling, reduces miR‐155 expression, and upregulates TRAF3 expression to inhibit necroptosis. This information provided new ideas and a theoretical basis for the practical application of methionine selenium, and it also enriched the study of miRNAs in birds and provided a reference for comparative medicine.
Kidney involvement in COVID‐19 and its treatments
Authors: Han Xiucui , Ye Qing 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe lungs are the most commonly affected organ by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), but the kidneys are also frequently affected. Infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 can not only cause new kidney damage but also increase the difficulty of treatment and care as well as mortality for people with underlying kidney diseases. Kidney involvement in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection mainly manifests as kidney tubular injury. Proteinuria is the main clinical sign. To reduce patient mortality, kidney complications should be given increased attention in the diagnosis and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This study reviews the existing literature and discusses COVID‐19 infection in combination with kidney diseases in terms of kidney damage, pathogenesis, and treatment to guide clinical anti‐epidemic responses.
Optimal location and capacity of Unified Power Flow Controller based on chaotic krill herd blended runner root algorithm for dynamic stability improvement in power system
Authors: Vijay Kumar B. , Rajendar G. , Ramaiah Veerlapati 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this manuscript, the optimal location and capacity of Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) based on chaotic krill herd (CKH) with runner root algorithm (RRA) for dynamic stability improvement in power system is proposed. The proposed technique is the combined execution of CKH and RRA hence it is known as CKHRA technique. Here, CKH is utilized to optimal location of unified power flow controller when occurring generator fault. CKH chooses maximal power loss line as optimal location to keep UPFC according to the objective function. The minimal voltage deviation is improved using runner root algorithm from the unified power flow controller control parameters. The minimal voltage deviation is utilized to determine the optimal unified power flow controller capacity. The CKHRA technique is executed at MATLAB/Simulink and the performance is assessed by comparison with other techniques. The performance of CKHRA technique is linked with IEEE 14 bus, IEEE 30 bus, IEEE 57 bus bench mark system, whereas the efficiency is examined against various generator fault conditions. By then the statistical analysis, result accuracy percentage and loss sensitivity index are analyzed. The comparative results thus proven the greatness of CKHRA approach and corroborate its ability to improve the dynamic stability of power system.
Interproximal attachment gain: The challenge of periodontal regeneration
Authors: Rasperini Giulio , Tavelli Lorenzo , Barootchi Shayan , McGuire Michael K. , Zucchelli Giovanni , Pagni Giorgio , Stefanini Martina , Wang Hom‐Lay , Giannobile William V. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe new classification of periodontal diseases recognizes the key role of the interdental clinical attachment for defining the periodontal status and the extent of disease severity. Regenerating interdental clinical attachment not only improves the prognosis of the tooth, but it also lessens the severity of the disease condition. This manuscript provides a state‐of‐the‐art review on surgical reconstructive approaches for treating papillary deficiency associated with soft and hard tissue interproximal defects. Combination therapy of papilla preservation, connective tissue grafting, and coronally advanced flaps may result in regeneration of the intrabony defect coupled with root coverage. Future research highlighted here may have the potential, especially in combination approaches, to repair challenging interproximal soft and hard tissue deficiencies.
Chitosan coatings reduce fruit fly (Anastrepha obliqua) infestation and development of the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in Manila mangoes
Authors: Limon Tamara , Birke Andrea , Monribot‐Villanueva Juan Luis , Guerrero‐Analco José Antonio , Altúzar‐Molina Alma , Carrión Gloria , Goycoolea Francisco M , Moerschbacher Bruno M , Aluja Martín 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDMangoes are tropical fruits appreciated worldwide but are extremely perishable, being susceptible to decay, pest infestation and fungal diseases. Using the flavorful and highly valued ‘Manila’ cultivar, we examined the effect of second‐generation chitosan coatings on shelf‐life, phenolic compound variation, phytohormones, pest infestation by fruit flies (Anastrepha obliqua) and anthracnose disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.RESULTSWe observed almost total elimination of A. obliqua eggs with 10 and 20 g L−1 chitosan in diluted acetic acid and a five‐ to sixfold reduction in anthracnose damage. Treatment with 20 g L−1 chitosan also extended the shelf‐life. External (skin) and internal (pulp) discoloration processes were delayed. Fruit firmness was higher when compared with control and acetic acid treatments, and total soluble solids were lower in chitosan‐treated fruit. Targeted and non‐targeted metabolomics analyses on chitosan‐coated fruit identified some phenolic compounds related to the tannin pathway. In addition, abscisic acid and jasmonic acid in the peel were downregulated in chitosan‐coated mango peels. Both phytohormones and phenolic content may explain the reduced susceptibility of mangoes to anthracnose development and A. obliqua egg eclosion or larval development.CONCLUSIONSWe conclude that chitosan coatings represent an effective postharvest treatment that significantly reduces anthracnose disease, inhibits A. obliqua egg eclosion and significantly extends ‘Manila’ mango shelf‐life, a key factor currently inhibiting large‐scale commercialization of this valuable fruit. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A theoretical kinetic study on the reaction of atomic bromine with toluene
Authors: Giri Binod Raj , Roscoe John M. , Szőri Milán , Farooq Aamir 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe reaction of Br atoms with toluene was investigated by employing various quantum chemical methods and statistical rate theory calculations. Various composite methods such as CBS‐QB3, G3, and G4 were used to obtain the energy profiles of the Br + toluene reaction. Further single‐point calculations of the stationary points were performed at the CCSD(T)/cc‐pV(D,T)Z level of theory using B3LYP/cc‐pVTZ and MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ optimized geometries. Our calculations revealed several reaction pathways in the potential energy surface of the Br + toluene reaction. However, the reaction pathway that abstracts hydrogen atoms from the methyl site of toluene was found to be energetically the most favorable. This reaction pathway appears to proceed via a complex forming mechanism, similar to that seen in the reactions of cyclic ethers with Br atoms. Our calculations reveal that the reaction of a Br atom with toluene proceeds exclusively via intermediate complexes in an overall endothermic addition‐elimination mechanism. Based on the ab initio results, the standard enthalpies of formation of the product radicals and the rate coefficients for the relevant reaction pathways are computed. The calculated values of the enthalpy of formation are found to match excellently with the available literature data. Lowering the barrier height of hydrogen abstraction reaction at the methyl site by less than 4 kJ/mol, the calculated rate coefficients, kov(T) = 1.36 × 10–23 T3.687 exp(−4.57 K/T) cm3 molecule–1 s–1, reproduced the experimental data excellently from 200 to 500 K.
Predictors of Stricture and Swallowing Function Following Salvage Laryngectomy
Authors: Schuman Ari D. , Birkeland Andrew C. , Farlow Janice L. , Lyden Teresa , Blakely Anna , Spector Matthew E. , Rosko Andrew J. 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundLong‐term functional outcomes are poorly characterized for salvage laryngectomy. We identified predictors of esophageal stricture and swallowing function after salvage laryngectomy in a large cohort.MethodsA retrospective study of 233 patients who underwent salvage total laryngectomy for recurrent/persistent squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx or hypopharynx after radiation (XRT) or chemoradiation (CRT) was performed. Primary outcomes were esophageal dilation within 1 year, time to dilation, and gastrostomy tube dependence. Multivariate logistic and Cox regressions were used for statistical analysis.ResultsDilation was performed in 29.9% of patients. Dilation was twice as likely in patients with post‐operative fistula compared to those without (Hazard Ratio (HR) 2.10, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.06–4.13, P = .03). Every year between XRT/CRT and salvage was associated with 10% increase in dilation (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.17, P = .01). No factors were associated with dilation by 1 year. About 10% of patients were at least partially gastrostomy tube‐dependent 1 year post‐operatively. At last follow‐up (median 29 months), this rate was 13%. Patients with supraglottic recurrence had an increased risk of gastrostomy tube dependence at 1 year compared to glottic (OR 16.7, 95% CI 1.73–160, P = .02). For every 10 pack years pre‐salvage, the OR of requiring tube feeds at last follow‐up was 1.24 (95% CI 1.04–1.48, P = .02).ConclusionsFistula and pre‐salvage smoking were associated with stricture post‐salvage laryngectomy. No factors were associated with dilation by 1 year. Supraglottic recurrence and smoking were associated with gastrostomy tube dependence. These findings are important for pre‐operative counseling prior to salvage laryngectomy.Level of EvidenceLevel 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1229–1234, 2021
Detection of Respiratory Pathogens Does Not Predict Risks After Outpatient Adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Vickers Donald M. , Reddy Arundathi , Akmyradov Chary , Brown Kesley M. , Boyanton Bobby L. , Wright Heather D. , Taylor Jay A. , Childress Sherry H. , Hartzell Larry D. , Johnson Adam B. , Key James M. , Nolder Abby R. , Richter Gresham T. , Wineland Andre’ M. , Strub Graham M. 
Published: November 2020

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine whether the presence of detectable upper respiratory infections (URIs) at the time of adenoidectomy/adenotonsillectomy is associated with increased morbidity, complications, and unexpected admissions.Study DesignProspective double‐blinded cohort.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained intraoperatively from 164 pediatric patients undergoing outpatient adenoidectomy/tonsillectomy with or without pressure equalization tubes (PETs) and were analyzed with PCR for the presence of 22 known URIs, including SARS‐CoV‐2. Surgeons and families were blinded to the results. At the conclusion of the study, rates of detectable infection were determined and intraoperative and postoperative events (unexpected admissions, length of PACU stay, rates of laryngospasm/bronchospasm, oxygen desaturation, bradycardia, and postoperative presentation to an emergency department) were compared between infected and uninfected patients.ResultsOf the 164 patients (50% male, 50% female, ages 8 mo‐18 y), 136 patients (82.9%) tested positive for one or more URI at the time of surgery. Forty one patients (25.0%) tested positive for three or more URIs concurrently, and 11 (6.7%) tested positive for five or more URIs concurrently. There were no significant differences in admission rates, length of PACU stay, rates of laryngospasm/bronchospasm, oxygen desaturation, bradycardia, or postoperative presentation to an emergency department between positive and negative patients. No patients tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2.ConclusionsA recent positive URI test does not confer any additional intraoperative or postoperative risk in the setting of outpatient adenoidectomy/tonsillectomy in healthy patients. There is no utility in preoperative URI testing, and delaying surgery due to a recent positive URI test is not warranted in this population.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2074–E2079, 2021
Prioritization of critical source areas for soil and water conservation by using a one‐at‐a‐time removal approach in the upper Huaihe River basin
Authors: Yu Dan , Dong Xiaohua , Xie Ping , Wei Chong , Liu Ji , Hu Xiaonong , Wang Kai , Xu Shijin , Wan Hao , Su Zhongbo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAppropriate land use planning plays an active role in soil and water conservation. Considering the financial investment and grain security limitations, land use planning practices should be applied focusing on the critical source areas (CSAs) rather than the complete region. In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to identify CSAs for sediment control in the upper Huaihe River basin. A novel one‐at‐a‐time removal approach was proposed which involves individually removing the land use planning programme at sub‐basin level, after which the related runoff and sediment results were simulated by the validated SWAT model. Then, two influencing indexes (i.e., runoff yield and sediment yield) were used to evaluate the influences on runoff and sediment responses at the watershed outlet, caused by the removal of that land use planning programme. Finally, critical sub‐basins for land use planning were prioritized based on the weighted average of those influencing indexes. Calibration and validation results showed that the SWAT model well represented the monthly streamflow and sediment at the watershed outlet. The Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency values of monthly streamflow and sediment were generally greater than 0.75. Results of the integrated priorities revealed that the most CSAs affecting land use planning implementation were in sub‐basin 11, which was not the sub‐basin yielding the most sediment. The CSAs prioritization determined by the one‐at‐a‐time removal approach can achieve a better erosion control performance than that identified by the simulated sediment loads, which can be applied widely in targeting CSAs for implementation of watershed conservation practices with limited investment and disturbance.