bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of faecal calprotectin in the identification of colorectal neoplasia in patients attending for screening colonoscopy
Authors: Ross Fiona A. , Park James H. , Mansouri David , Little Cariss , Di Rollo Domenic G. , Combet Emilie , Van Wyk Hester , Horgan Paul G. , McMillan Donald C. , Roxburgh Campbell S. D. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimAlthough the relationship between colorectal neoplasia and inflammation is well described, the role of faecal calprotectin (FC) in clinical practice to diagnose or screen patients for colorectal neoplasia is less defined. This prospective study characterizes the relationship between FC and colorectal neoplasia in patients within the faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) positive patients in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme.MethodsAll FOBT positive patients attending for colonoscopy between February 2016 and July 2017 were invited to participate. Patients provided a stool sample for FC before commencing bowel preparation. All demographics and endoscopic findings were collected prospectively.ResultsIn all, 352 patients were included. 210 patients had FC > 50 µg. Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients had a higher median FC (138.5 μg/g, P < 0.05), in comparison to those without CRC, and 13/14 had an FC > 50 µg/g (93%). FC had a high sensitivity (92.8%) and negative predictive value (99.3%) for CRC, but with a low specificity (41.7%) and positive predictive value (6.2%). FC sensitivity increased sequentially as neoplasms progressed from non‐advanced to malignant neoplasia (48.6% non‐advanced adenoma vs. 92.9% CRC). However, no significant relationship was observed between FC and non‐cancer neoplasia.ConclusionIn an FOBT positive screening population, FC was strongly associated with CRC (sensitivity 92.8%, specificity 41.7% for CRC, at 50 µg/g). However, although sensitive for the detection of CRC, FC failed to show sufficient sensitivity or specificity for the detection of non‐cancer neoplasia. Based on these results we cannot recommend routine use of FC in a bowel screening population to detect cancer per se, but it is apparent that, with further optimization, faecal assessments including quantification of haemoglobin and inflammation could form part of a risk assessment tool aimed at refining the selection of patients for colonoscopy in both symptomatic and screening populations.
Japan's productivity stagnation: Using dynamic Hsieh–Klenow decomposition
Authors: Hosono Kaoru , Takizawa Miho 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study provides a new perspective on Japan's stagnant aggregate productivity by extending the Hsieh and Klenow (2009) framework to account for productivity growth, entry and exit, and product variety change. We measure the technical efficiency (TE) and allocative efficiency (AE) by the aggregate production possibility frontier and the distance from the frontier, respectively. We apply our approach to establishment‐ and firm‐level data sets from Japan and find that the AE among survivors declined during the banking crisis period, while the TE declined during the global financial crisis period.
Local industrial policy and productivity: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Feng Han , Zhou Hong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSubnational governments played key roles in China's past rapid growth, and local industrial policy was among their most frequently used tools. Using a plausible comprehensive local industrial policies variable constructed using local Five‐Year Plans and a comprehensive dataset of all medium and large firms in China between 1998 and 2013, this paper attempts to understand whether such interventions are helpful for China's growth. Our results indicate that although local industrial policies attract more low productivity firms, they do achieve their purpose of improving the productivity of the targeted sectors, at firm and city levels, especially in the long run.
Clinical characteristics of patients with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia in a Chinese tertiary‐care hospital: A 6‐year retrospective study
Authors: Xu Yang , Wang Zhanbo , Li Wenchao , Zhu Qiang , Liang Zhixin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroductionChronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is a rare disease with unknown etiology. Due to lack of specificity of CEP symptoms, clinicians are not experienced in establishing its diagnosis.ObjectivesTo summarize the clinical data of CEP patients to improve the understanding of CEP and reduce misdiagnosis.MethodsData of patients pathologically diagnosed with CEP in the PLA General Hospital between May 2013 and May 2019 were collected, and clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, pathological features, and treatment were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsTwenty patients, including 6 males and 14 females, were diagnosed with CEP. The average age was 47.0 ± 10.2 years. The main clinical manifestations were cough and dyspnea. The average duration of CEP was 15.5 ± 11.5 months. The average proportion of eosinophils in the peripheral blood was 18.9 ± 17.8%, and the average proportion of eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was 41.5 ± 19.4%. The main imaging features were patchy shadows and consolidation shadows. The most common manifestations on bronchoscopic examination were congestion and edema of the bronchial mucosa. Two patients had granular protrusions of the endotracheal membrane. Histological examination indicated infiltration of numerous eosinophils. All patients improved after prednisone therapy.ConclusionCEP onset is insidious, and clinical manifestations lack specificity. Typical imaging features are peripheral and subpleural distribution of lung infiltrates. Some patients have a normal proportion of eosinophils in the peripheral blood, but most have an increased number of eosinophils in the BALF, which contributes to CEP diagnosis. A biopsy is necessary when differential diagnosis is difficult. A systemic glucocorticoid is effective.
The effects of financial crisis on income inequality
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Cong 
Published: October 2021

SummaryMotivationDo financial crises affect everyone equally? Despite the growing concern about income inequality recently, mixed empirical findings have resulted in a long‐standing debate about the distribution of income in the aftermath of financial crises.PurposeThe study examines how different types of financial crises affect the distribution of income.Methods and approachIn this study we used a two‐step system Generalized method of moments (GMM) model to explore the effects of financial crisis on income inequality.FindingsAny type of financial crisis results in a larger income gap between the rich and the poor. Although little attention has been given to debt and twin and triple crises, they are associated with higher income inequality than banking and currency crises. We also show that the effects of banking crises on income inequality in low‐income, lower‐middle income and upper‐middle income countries (LICs, LMICs and UMICs respectively) are more pronounced than in high‐income countries (HICs).Policy implicationsLong‐ and medium‐term plans for social assistance programmes in LICS, LMICs and UMICs are needed and should be flexible so that social safety nets can be rapidly adjusted to protect vulnerable groups. Maintaining a high level of fiscal balance during tranquil periods is critical to implementing welfare state expansion policies in times of crisis. Top marginal income and estate taxes should be raised to avoid very high concentrations of income in the aftermath of financial crises. The minimum wage should also be raised to protect low‐income workers.
A plant–pollinator metanetwork along a habitat fragmentation gradient
Authors: Librán‐Embid Felipe , Grass Ingo , Emer Carine , Ganuza Cristina , Tscharntke Teja 
Published: October 2021

AbstractTo understand how plant–pollinator interactions respond to habitat fragmentation, we need novel approaches that can capture properties that emerge at broad scales, where multiple communities engage in metanetworks. Here we studied plant–pollinator interactions over 2 years on 29 calcareous grassland fragments selected along independent gradients of habitat size and surrounding landscape diversity of cover types. We associated network centrality of plant–pollinator interactions and grassland fragments with their ecological and landscape traits, respectively. Interactions involving habitat specialist plants and large‐bodied pollinators were the most central, implying that species with these traits form the metanetwork core. Large fragments embedded in landscapes with high land cover diversity exhibited the highest centrality; however, small fragments harboured many unique interactions not found on larger fragments. Intensively managed landscapes have reached a point in which all remaining fragments matter, meaning that losing any further areas may vanish unique interactions with unknown consequences for ecosystem functioning.
The role of contemporary digital tools and technologies in COVID‐19 crisis: An exploratory analysis
Authors: Subramanian Malliga , Shanmuga Vadivel Kogilavani , Hatamleh Wesam Atef , Alnuaim Abeer Ali , Abdelhady Mohamed , V E Sathishkumar 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFollowing the COVID‐19 pandemic, there has been an increase in interest in using digital resources to contain pandemics. To avoid, detect, monitor, regulate, track, and manage diseases, predict outbreaks and conduct data analysis and decision‐making processes, a variety of digital technologies are used, ranging from artificial intelligence (AI)‐powered machine learning (ML) or deep learning (DL) focused applications to blockchain technology and big data analytics enabled by cloud computing and the internet of things (IoT). In this paper, we look at how emerging technologies such as the IoT and sensors, AI, ML, DL, blockchain, augmented reality, virtual reality, cloud computing, big data, robots and drones, intelligent mobile apps, and 5G are advancing health care and paving the way to combat the COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim of this research is to look at possible technologies, processes, and tools for addressing COVID‐19 issues such as pre‐screening, early detection, monitoring infected/quarantined individuals, forecasting future infection rates, and more. We also look at the research possibilities that have arisen as a result of the use of emerging technology to handle the COVID‐19 crisis.
COVID‐19 pandemic stresses and relationships in college students
Authors: Gallegos Martin I. , Zaring‐Hinkle Brittany , Bray James H. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe goal of this study was to understand how intergenerational intimacy and individuation associate with COVID‐19 pandemic‐related stresses and changes to relationship qualities, and consequentially, with substance use indicators, happiness, and life satisfaction.BackgroundIntergenerational family systems theory suggests that dysfunctional relationship patterns in one's family of origin contribute to greater stress, and consequentially, to poorer health outcomes. We examined how these patterns emerge for young adults during a pandemic.MethodA sample (N = 501) of young adults at a large university in Texas completed an online questionnaire about health and happiness.ResultsMore intergenerational intimacy was associated with more positive COVID‐19 pandemic‐related changes in relationship quality with family and friends, and with more happiness and life satisfaction. More intergenerational individuation was associated with less COVID‐19 pandemic‐related stress, fewer coping motives for alcohol use, and with more happiness and life satisfaction. Less COVID‐19 pandemic‐related stress and more positive COVID‐19 pandemic‐related changes in relationship qualities with family and friends were associated with more positive outcomes.ConclusionMore positive intergenerational relationships are associated with more positive outcomes in regards to COVID‐19 pandemic‐related stress and relationship changes.ImplicationsPromoting positive intergenerational relational qualities between young adults and their parents can buffer against pandemic‐related consequences in health and happiness. Family health practitioners should promote these intergenerational qualities in families, which in turn should increase positive psychosocial and health outcomes in the context of a pandemic.
A simple optical tissue clearing pipeline for 3D vasculature imaging of the mediastinal organs in mice
Authors: Sun Quanchao , Tiziana Picascia , Khan Arif ul Maula , Heuveline Vincent , Gretz Norbert 
Published: October 2021

AbstractOptical tissue clearing (OTC) methods render tissue transparent by matching the refractive index within a sample to enable three‐dimensional (3D) imaging with advanced microscopes. The application of OTC method in mediastinal organs in mice remains poorly understand. Our aim was to establish a simple protocol pipeline for 3D imaging of the mediastinal organs in mice. Trachea, oesophagus, thymus and heart were harvested from mice after retrograde perfusion via the abdominal aorta. We combined and optimized antibody labelling of thick tissue samples, OTC with cheap and non‐toxic solvent ethyl cinnamate (ECi), and light‐sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) or laser confocal fluorescence microscopy (LCFM) to visualize the vasculature of those tissues. A high degree of optical transparency of trachea, oesophagus, thymus and heart was achieved after ECi‐based OTC. With anti‐CD31 antibody immunofluorescence labelling before ECi‐based OTC, the vasculature of these tissues with their natural morphology, location and organizational network was imaged using LSFM or LCFM. This simple protocol pipeline provides an easy‐to‐setup and comprehensive way to study the vasculature of mediastinal organs in 3D without any special equipment. We anticipate that it will facilitate diverse applications in biomedical research of thoracic diseases and even other organs.
Gender differences in financial knowledge overconfidence among older adults
Authors: Kim Kyoung Tae , Lee Sunwoo , Kim Hohyun 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study explores gender differences in financial knowledge overconfidence among older adults using the 2016 Health and Retirement Study. We find that older females have relatively lower objective financial knowledge than do older males, while they evaluate themselves to be as financially knowledgeable as older males. Further, several measures of overconfidence in financial knowledge are higher in older females than older males. A number of robustness checks, including a propensity score matching method, use of a polygenic risk scores, and a test of reproduction using the Survey of Consumer Finances corroborate these gender differences. Results from decomposition analyses of overconfidence indices show that relatively lower crystallized intelligence of older females is one of the main reasons that widens the gender gap among older adults. Lower likelihoods of attaining a college education degree and being in a relationship are additional contributing factors that explain the gender gap. This study provides insights into understanding the gender gap in financial knowledge and its implications for government education or intervention programs to support older adults' wellbeing in retirement.
COVID‐19 and the global need for knowledge on nurses' health
Authors: Llop‐Gironés Alba , Santillan‐Garcia Azucena , Cash‐Gibson Lucinda , Benach Joan , Zabalegui Adelaida 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimTo emphasize that nurses need to be fully protected to carry out their vital role, particularly during pandemics, yet the lack of a standardized and systematic collection of high‐quality disaggregated data on nurses health inhibits our ability to assess this within and across countries.BackgroundNurses are the largest workforce group in the health sector, yet only 59 countries worldwide report on nurse COVID‐19 infections and related deaths, and the standardized, systematic collection of disaggregated health data is not yet in place.Sources of evidenceMedline, International Council of Nurses, World Health Organization, Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the experiences of the authors.DiscussionInconsistent recording and definitions of nurses, precarious and informal employment conditions, limited transparent and reliable data, lack of mass testing and long‐standing structural issues and biases have affected nursing for too long.ConclusionsThese issues are reflected in the limited capacity of many national public health information systems to collect, monitor and report on the health of the largest group of health workers. Political will, accountability and public data transparency at different levels are essential to adequately protect nurses at work.Implications for nursing practice, and nursing and health policyBuilding on current momentum in the nursing field, immediate political action is required to strengthen existing nursing and midwifery policies, standards and regulatory capacity, as well as existing public health services and information and surveillance systems. The generation of up‐to‐date, context‐specific knowledge is needed to inform and monitor political decisions related to the protection of nurses, and the improvement of their employment conditions, as well as to strengthen accountability for these areas at various levels.
A comparative analysis of deferoxamine treatment modalities for dermal radiation‐induced fibrosis
Authors: Lavin Christopher V. , Abbas Darren B. , Fahy Evan J. , Lee Daniel K. , Griffin Michelle , Diaz Deleon Nestor M. , Mascharak Shamik , Chen Kellen , Momeni Arash , Gurtner Geoffrey C. , Longaker Michael T. , Wan Derrick C. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe iron chelator, deferoxamine (DFO), has been shown to potentially improve dermal radiation‐induced fibrosis (RIF) in mice through increased angiogenesis and reduced oxidative damage. This preclinical study evaluated the efficacy of two DFO administration modalities, transdermal delivery and direct injection, as well as temporal treatment strategies in relation to radiation therapy to address collateral soft tissue fibrosis. The dorsum of CD‐1 nude mice received 30 Gy radiation, and DFO (3 mg) was administered daily via patch or injection. Treatment regimens were prophylactic, during acute recovery, post‐recovery, or continuously throughout the experiment (n = 5 per condition). Measures included ROS‐detection, histology, biomechanics and vascularity changes. Compared with irradiated control skin, DFO treatment decreased oxidative damage, dermal thickness and collagen content, and increased skin elasticity and vascularity. Metrics of improvement in irradiated skin were most pronounced with continuous transdermal delivery of DFO. In summary, DFO administration reduces dermal fibrosis induced by radiation. Although both treatment modalities were efficacious, the transdermal delivery showed greater effect than injection for each temporal treatment strategy. Interestingly, the continuous patch group was more similar to normal skin than to irradiated control skin by most measures, highlighting a promising approach to address detrimental collateral soft tissue injury following radiation therapy.
Association of hepatic and systemic inflammation with localized stage II/III periodontitis in young males: The CHIEF oral health study
Authors: Tsai Kun‐Zhe , Su Fang‐Ying , Cheng Wan‐Chien , Lin Yen‐Po , Lin Gen‐Min 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimTo clarify the association between systemic and hepatic inflammation and localized periodontitis which has been reported to vary among races.Materials and MethodsThe study included 1112 military males, aged 18–40 years, in Taiwan. Participants were classified as periodontally healthy/stage I (n = 796) or stage II/III periodontitis (n = 316), according to the 2017 world workshop criteria. Systemic and hepatic inflammation were defined by the highest tertiles of blood leukocyte counts (7.51 × 103/μl) and alanine aminotransferase (30 U/L), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis with adjustments for age, metabolic syndrome, betel nut consumption and smoking was carried out.ResultsThere was a significant association between high systemic inflammation, irrespective of hepatic inflammation severity, and localized stage II/III periodontitis (odds ratio [OR], 1.62 [1.09–2.42] and 1.47 [1.00–2.15], respectively, in the presence of high or no hepatic inflammation. However, no significant association was found among participants with low systemic inflammation, irrespective of the severity of hepatic inflammation (OR, 1.31 [0.91–1.91]).ConclusionsAn association between hepatic inflammation and localized periodontitis in Taiwanese was observed only if systemic inflammation coexisted, possibly accounting for the reported differences in the association between Japanese and non‐Asian populations in prior studies.
CRISPR‐based platform for rapid, sensitive and field‐deployable detection of scale drop disease virus in Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer)
Authors: Sukonta Thanwarat , Senapin Saengchan , Meemetta Watcharachai , Chaijarasphong Thawatchai 
Published: October 2021

AbstractScale drop disease virus (SDDV) is a major pathogen of Asian sea bass that has emerged in many countries across the Asia Pacific since 1992 and carries the potential to cause drastic economic losses to the aquaculture sector. The lack of an approved vaccine for SDDV necessitates timely prevention as the first line of defence against the disease, but current diagnostic platforms still face challenges that render them incompatible with field applications, particularly in resource‐limited settings. Here, we developed a novel detection platform for SDDV based on a CRISPR‐Cas12a‐based nucleic acid detection technology combined with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA‐Cas12a). Using the viral adenosine triphosphatase (SDDV‐ATPase) gene as a target, we achieved the detection limit of 40 copies per reaction and high specificity for SDDV. The coupling with fluorescence and lateral flow readouts enables naked‐eye visualization and straightforward data interpretation requiring minimal scientific background. Compared with semi‐nested PCR in field sample evaluation, our RPA‐Cas12a assay is more sensitive and capable of detecting SDDV in asymptomatic fish. Importantly, the entire workflow can be carried out at a constant temperature of 37°C within an hour from start to finish, thus removing the need for an expensive thermal cycling apparatus and long turnaround times associated with PCR‐based methods. Therefore, owing to its high accuracy, rapidity and user‐friendliness, the developed RPA‐Cas12a platform shows the potential for diagnosis of SDDV at point of need and could be a valuable tool to help protect fish farming communities from large‐scale epidemics.