bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selective Use of Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Papillary Thyroid Cancers With Low or Lower-Intermediate Recurrence Risk
Authors: Grani Giorgio , Lamartina Livia , Alfò Marco , Ramundo Valeria , Falcone Rosa , Giacomelli Laura , Biffoni Marco , Filetti Sebastiano , Durante Cosimo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Context
Current guidelines recommend a selective use of radioiodine treatment (RAI) for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

Objective
This work aimed to determine how policy changes affect the use of RAI and the short-term outcomes of patients.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of longitudinal data was conducted in an academic referral center of patients with nonaggressive PTC variants; no extrathyroidal invasion or limited to soft tissues, no distant metastases, and 5 or fewer central-compartment cervical lymph node metastases. In cohort 1, standard treatments were total thyroidectomy and RAI (May 2005-June 2011); in cohort 2 decisions on RAI were deferred for approximately 12 months after surgery (July 2011-December 2018). Propensity score matching was used to adjust for sex, age, tumor size, lymph node status, and extrathyroidal extension. Intervention included immediate RAI or deferred choice. Main outcome measures were responses to initial treatment during 3 or more years of follow-up.

Results
In cohort 1, RAI was performed in 50 of 116 patients (51.7%), whereas in cohort 2, it was far less frequent: immediately in 10 of 156 (6.4%), and in 3 more patients after the first follow-up data. The frequencies of structural incomplete response were low (1%-3%), and there were no differences between the 2 cohorts at any follow-up visit. Cohort 2 patients had higher rates of “gray-zone responses” (biochemical incomplete or indeterminate response).

Conclusion
Selective use of RAI increases the rate of patients with “uncertain” status during early follow-up. The rate of structural incomplete responses remains low regardless of whether RAI is used immediately. Patients should be made aware of the advantages and drawbacks of omitting RAI.
The Bitter and the Sweet: Relationship of Lactate, Glucose, and Mortality After Severe Blunt Trauma
Authors: Richards Justin E. , Mazzeffi Michael A. , Massey Michael S. , Rock Peter , Galvagno Samuel M. , Scalea Thomas M. 
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND:
Hyperglycemia is associated with mortality after trauma; however, few studies have simultaneously investigated the association of depth of shock and acute hyperglycemia. We evaluated lactate, as a surrogate measure for depth of shock, and glucose levels on mortality following severe blunt trauma. We hypothesize that measurements of both lactate and glucose are associated with mortality when considered simultaneously.

METHODS:
This is a retrospective cohort study at a single academic trauma center. Inclusion criteria are age 18–89 years, blunt trauma, injury severity score (ISS) ≥15, and transferred from the scene of injury. All serum blood glucose and lactate values were analyzed within the first 24 hours of admission. Multiple metrics of glucose and lactate were calculated: first glucose (Glucadm) and lactate (Lacadm) at hospital admission, mean 24-hour after hospital admission glucose (Gluc24-h
Mean) and lactate (Lac24-h
Mean), maximum 24-hour after hospital admission glucose (Gluc24-h
Max) and lactate (Lac24-h
Max), and time-weighted 24-hour after hospital admission glucose (Gluc24-h
TW) and lactate (Lac24-h
TW). Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression modeling assessed the odds ratio (OR) of mortality, after adjusting for confounding variables.

RESULTS:
A total of 1439 trauma patients were included. When metrics of both glucose and lactate were analyzed, after adjusting for age, ISS, and admission shock index, only lactate remained significantly associated with mortality: Lacadm (OR, 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.44); Lac24-h
Mean (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.52-2.28); Lac24-h
Max (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.23-1.56); and Lac24-h
TW (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.53-2.26).

CONCLUSIONS:
Lactate is associated with mortality in severely injured blunt trauma patients, after adjusting for injury severity, age, and shock index. However, we did not find evidence for an association of glucose with mortality after adjusting for lactate.
Optimal Positive Capital Taxes at Interior Steady States
Authors: Benhabib Jess , Szoőke Bálint 
Published: December 2020

We generalize recent results of Bassetto and Benhabib (2006) and Straub and Werning (2019) in a neoclassical model with endogenous labor-leisure choice where all agents are allowed to save and accumulate capital. We provide a sufficient condition under which optimal redistributive capital taxes remain at their allowed upper bound forever, even if the resulting equilibrium trajectory converges to a unique steady state with positive and finite consumption, capital, and labor. We then provide an interpretation of our sufficient condition. Using recent evidence on wealth distribution in the United States, we argue that our sufficient condition is empirically plausible. (JEL D31, E21, H21, H23, H25, J22)
Ratings, Reviews, and the Marketing of New Products
Authors: Fainmesser Itay P. , Olié Lauga Dominique , Ofek Elie 
Published: December 2020

We study how user-generated content (UGC) about new products impacts a firm's advertising and pricing decisions and the effect on profits and market dynamics. We construct a two-period model where consumers value quality and are heterogeneous in their taste for the new product's positioning and examine three information-transfer structures across generations: no information (benchmark), average rating (AR), and the joint distribution of ratings and taste locations (reviews). First, we show that in the AR case, the firm advertises to a smaller set of consumers and prices higher relative to the other cases. This occurs because the firm has an incentive to use advertising strategically to bump up the first-generation average rating in order to increase second-generation quality perceptions. The firm charges a higher first-period price as consumers who are relatively close to the product's location are advertised to. Second, we find that as more information is transferred across generations, there is a greater likelihood that average ratings will exhibit an increasing pattern over time. This happens because with reviews, second-generation consumers are able to base purchase decisions on the product's positioning in addition to its quality. Interestingly, because of the firm's narrower advertising strategy in the AR case and the richer UGC in the reviews case, average ratings will exhibit a reversal over time: higher in the AR case in the first period but higher in the reviews case in the second period. Third, a firm's expected profits can exhibit a nonmonotonic relationship with respect to the amount of UGC transferred: highest in the AR case if the marginal return on advertising is high (e.g., when advertising is cheap to execute, consumers are insensitive to product fit or consumers greatly value quality) but highest in the reviews case when the return on advertising is low. We then examine a setup whereby second-generation consumers become aware of the product through social interaction with first-generation buyers. We find that advertising and social contagion interact: the firm generally has a greater incentive to advertise as homophily increases, that is, as social interactions occur between consumers who more likely share similar preferences. However, this pattern can reverse with reviews. This paper discusses several robustness checks and model extensions and concludes by highlighting the managerial implications of the results. This paper was accepted by Matthew Shum, marketing.
Schreibcoaching und Schreibberatung – der Versuch einer Abgrenzung
Authors: Kuntschner Eva 
Published: December 2020

ZusammenfassungKlickt man sich durch die Websiten von Kolleg*innen „aus der Schreibszene“, findet man viele unterschiedliche Namen für deren Angebote: Schreibtraining, Schreibwerkstätten, Schreibworkshops, Schreibberatung, Schreibcoaching … Dabei wirkt es so, also ob sich Schreibtraining, Schreibwerkstätten und Schreibworkshops eher auf die Arbeit mit Gruppen beziehen, während Schreibberatung und Schreibcoaching für Einzelsettings gebräuchlicher zu sein scheinen. Der Unterschied bzw. die Ähnlichkeit von Schreibcoaching und Schreibberatung bleibt dabei oftmals unklar, was nicht zuletzt bei den Ratsuchenden (aber auch bei den Anbieter*innen selbst) für Verwirrung sorgen kann.Der vorliegende Artikel beschäftigt sich mit den beiden letztgenannten Begriffen „Schreibcoaching“ und „Schreibberatung“ und versucht diese einer näheren Begriffsbestimmung und –abgrenzung zuzuführen. Dies soll dazu beitragen, Unklarheiten in diesem Bereich zu beseitigen und Schreibberater*innen und Schreibcoaches in der begrifflichen Verortung ihrer Angebote mehr Sicherheit zu bieten.
Global health security and universal health coverage: Understanding convergences and divergences for a synergistic response
Authors: Assefa Yibeltal , Hill Peter S. , Gilks Charles F. , Damme Wim Van , Pas Remco van de , Woldeyohannes Solomon , Reid Simon 
Published: December 2020

Background
Global health security (GHS) and universal health coverage (UHC) are key global health agendas which aspire for a healthier and safer world. However, there are tensions between GHS and UHC strategy and implementation. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between GHS and UHC using two recent quantitative indices.

Methods
We conducted a macro-analysis to determine the presence of relationship between GHS index (GHSI) and UHC index (UHCI). We calculated Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the coefficient of determination. Analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 25 with a 95% level of confidence.

Findings
There is a moderate and significant relationship between GHSI and UHCI (r = 0.662, p<0.001) and individual indices of UHCI (maternal and child health and infectious diseases: r = 0.623 (p<0.001) and 0.594 (p<0.001), respectively). However, there is no relationship between GHSI and the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) index (r = 0.063, p>0.05). The risk of GHS threats a significant and negative correlation with the capacity for GHS (r = -0.604, p<0.001) and the capacity for UHC (r = -0.792, p<0.001).

Conclusion
The aspiration for GHS will not be realized without UHC; hence, the tension between these two global health agendas should be transformed into a synergistic solution. We argue that strengthening the health systems, in tandem with the principles of primary health care, and implementing a “One Health” approach will progressively enable countries to achieve both UHC and GHS towards a healthier and safer world that everyone aspires to live in.
DACH1 mutation frequency in endometrial cancer is associated with high tumor mutation burden
Authors: Riggs McKayla J. , Lin Nan , Wang Chi , Piecoro Dava W. , Miller Rachel W. , Hampton Oliver A. , Rao Mahadev , Ueland Frederick R. , Kolesar Jill M. 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveDACH1is a transcriptional repressor and tumor suppressor gene frequently mutated in melanoma, bladder, and prostate cancer. Loss ofDACH1expression is associated with poor prognostic features and reduced overall survival in uterine cancer. In this study, we utilized the Oncology Research Information Exchange Network (ORIEN) Avatar database to determine the frequency ofDACH1mutations in patients with endometrial cancer in our Kentucky population.MethodsWe obtained clinical and genomic data for 65 patients with endometrial cancer from the Markey Cancer Center (MCC). We examined the clinical attributes of the cancers byDACH1status by comparing whole-exome sequencing (WES), RNA Sequencing (RNASeq), microsatellite instability (MSI), and tumor mutational burden (TMB).ResultsKentucky women with endometrial cancer had an increased frequency ofDACH1mutations (12/65 patients, 18.5%) compared to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) endometrial cancer population (25/586 patients, 3.8%) with p-value = 1.04E-05.DACH1mutations were associated with increased tumor mutation count in both TCGA (median 65 vs. 8972, p-value = 7.35E-09) and our Kentucky population (490 vs. 2160, p-value = 6.0E-04).DACH1mutated patients have a higher tumor mutation burden compared toDACH1wild-type (24 vs. 6.02, p-value = 4.29E-05).DACH1mutations showed significant gene co-occurrence patterns withPOLE,MLH1, andPMS2.DACH1mutations were not associated with an increase in microsatellite instability at MCC (MSI-H) (p-value = 0.1342).ConclusionsDACH1mutations are prevalent in Kentucky patients with endometrial cancer. These mutations are associated with high tumor mutational burden and co-occur with genome destabilizing gene mutations. These findings suggestDACH1may be a candidate biomarker for future trials with immunotherapy, particularly in endometrial cancers.
Antibiotic prescribing practices of dentists for endodontic infections; a cross-sectional study
Authors: B. Abraham Sheela , Abdulla Nizam , Himratul-Aznita Wan Harun , Awad Manal , Samaranayake Lakshman Perera , Ahmed Hany Mohamed Aly 
Published: December 2020

Objective
The indiscriminate prescription of antibiotics has led to the emergence of resistance microbes worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic prescribing practices amongst general dental practitioners and specialists in managing endodontic infections in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design
General dental practitioners and specialists in the UAE were invited to participate in an online questionnaire survey which included questions on socio-demographics, practitioner’s antibiotic prescribing preferences for various pulpal and periapical diseases, and their choice, in terms of the type, dose and duration of the antibiotic. The link to the survey questionnaire was sent to 250 invited dentists. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for independence and level of significance was set at 0.05.

Results
A total of 174 respondents participated in the survey (response rate = 70%). The respondents who prescribed antibiotics at least once a month were 38.5% while 17.2% did so, more than three times a week; amoxicillin 500 mg was the antibiotic of choice for patients not allergic to penicillin (43.7%), and in cases of penicillin allergies, erythromycin 500 mg (21.3%). There was a significant difference in the antibiotic prescribing practices of GDPs compared to endodontists and other specialties especially in clinical cases such as acute apical abscesses with swelling and moderate to severe pre-operative symptoms and retreatment of endodontic cases (p<0.05). Approximately, three quarters of the respondents (78.7%) did not prescribe a loading dose when prescribing antibiotics. About 15% respondents prescribed antibiotics to their patients if they were not accessible to patients due to a holiday/weekend.

Conclusions
In general, the antibiotic prescribing practices of UAE dentists are congruent with the international norms. However, there were occasions of inappropriate prescriptions such as in patients with irreversible pulpitis, necrotic pulps with no systemic involvement and/or with sinus tracts.
Comparing the effectiveness of group-based exercise to other non-pharmacological interventions for chronic low back pain: A systematic review
Authors: Lemieux James , Abdollah Vahid , Powelske Brandyn , Kawchuk Greg 
Published: December 2020

Background
Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide with a substantial financial burden on individuals and health care systems. To address this, clinical practice guidelines often recommend non-pharmacological, non-invasive management approaches. One management approach that has been recommended and widely implemented for chronic LBP is group-based exercise programs, however, their clinical value compared with other non-pharmacological interventions has not been investigated systematically.

Objective
To compare the effectiveness of group-based exercise with other non-pharmacological interventions in people with chronic LBP.

Methods
Four electronic databases were searched by two independent reviewers. Only randomized controlled trials that compared group-based exercise with other non-pharmacological interventions for chronic LBP were eligible. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews of Interventions by two independent reviewers.

Results
Eleven studies were eligible. We identified strong evidence of no difference between group exercise and other non-pharmacologic interventions for disability level and pain scores 3-month post-intervention in people with chronic LBP. We could not find any strong or moderate evidence for or against the use of group-based exercise in the rehabilitation of people with chronic LBP for other time-points and health measurement outcomes. We found no statistically significant differences in disability and quality of life and pain between the group and individual non-pharmacological interventions that included exercise.

Conclusion
With this equivocal finding, group-based exercise may be a preferred choice given potential advantages in other domains not reviewed here such as motivation and cost. Further research in this area is needed to evaluate this possibility.
Progression of coronary artery calcification in conventional hemodialysis, nocturnal hemodialysis, and kidney transplantation
Authors: Jansz Thijs T. , Özyilmaz Akin , van Reekum Franka E. , Boereboom Franciscus T. J. , de Jong Pim A. , Verhaar Marianne C. , van Jaarsveld Brigit C. 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and is strongly associated with vascular calcification. An important driver of vascular calcification is high phosphate levels, but these become lower when patients initiate nocturnal hemodialysis or receive a kidney transplant. However, it is unknown whether nocturnal hemodialysis or kidney transplantation mitigate vascular calcification. Therefore, we compared progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) between patients treated with conventional hemodialysis, nocturnal hemodialysis, and kidney transplant recipients.MethodsWe measured CAC annually up to 3 years in 114 patients with ESRD that were transplantation candidates: 32 that continued conventional hemodialysis, 34 that initiated nocturnal hemodialysis (≥4x 8 hours/week), and 48 that received a kidney transplant. We compared CAC progression between groups as the difference in square root transformed volume scores per year (ΔCAC SQRV) using linear mixed models. Reference category was conventional hemodialysis.ResultsThe mean age of the study population was 53 ±13 years, 75 (66%) were male, and median dialysis duration was 28 (IQR 12–56) months. Median CAC score at enrollment was 171 (IQR 10–647), which did not differ significantly between treatment groups (P = 0.83). Compared to conventional hemodialysis, CAC progression was non-significantly different in nocturnal hemodialysis -0.10 (95% CI -0.77 to 0.57) and kidney transplantation -0.33 (95% CI -0.96 to 0.29) in adjusted models.ConclusionsNocturnal hemodialysis and kidney transplantation are not associated with significantly less CAC progression compared to conventional hemodialysis during up to 3 years follow-up. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings, to determine which type of calcification is measured with CAC in end-stage renal disease, and whether that reflects cardiovascular risk.
Potency of Tokishakuyakusan in treating preeclampsia: Drug repositioning method by in vitro screening of the Kampo library
Authors: Yagi Kazunobu , Mimura Kazuya , Tomimatsu Takuji , Matsuyama Tatsuya , Kawanishi Yoko , Kakigano Aiko , Nakamura Hitomi , Endo Masayuki , Kimura Tadashi 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionPreeclampsia therapy has not been established, except for the termination of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to identify a potential therapeutic agent from traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo) using the drug repositioning method.Materials and methodsWe screened a library of 74 Kampo to identify potential drugs for the treatment of preeclampsia. We investigated the angiogenic effects of these drugs using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to measure the levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) in conditioned media treated with 100 μg/mL of each drug. We assessed whether the screened drugs affected cell viability. We performed tube formation assays to evaluate the angiogenic effects of PlGF-inducing drugs. PlGF was measured after administering 10, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL of the candidate drug in the dose correlation experiment, and at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h in the time course experiment. We also performed tube formation assays with the candidate drug and 100 ng/mL of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1). PlGF production by the candidate drug was measured in trophoblastic cells (BeWo and HTR-8/SVneo). The Mann-Whitney U test or one-way analyses of variance followed by the Newman-Keuls post-hoc test were performed. P–values < 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsOf the 7 drugs that induced PlGF, Tokishakuyakusan (TS), Shoseiryuto, and Shofusan did not reduce cell viability. TS significantly facilitated tube formation (P = 0.017). TS administration increased PlGF expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. TS significantly improved tube formation, which was inhibited by sFlt1 (P = 0.033). TS also increased PlGF production in BeWo (P = 0.001) but not HTR-8/SVneo cells (P = 0.33).ConclusionsBy using the drug repositioning method in thein vitroscreening of the Kampo library, we identified that TS may have a therapeutic potential for preeclampsia. Its newly found mechanisms involve the increase in PlGF production, and improvement of the antiangiogenic state.