bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LSPR‐based colorimetric biosensing for food quality and safety
Authors: Wang Weizheng , You Youngsang , Gunasekaran Sundaram 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEnsuring consistently high quality and safety is paramount to food producers and consumers alike. Wet chemistry and microbiological methods provide accurate results, but those methods are not conducive to rapid, onsite testing needs. Hence, many efforts have focused on rapid testing for food quality and safety, including the development of various biosensors. Herein, we focus on a group of biosensors, which provide visually recognizable colorimetric signals within minutes and can be used onsite. Although there are different ways to achieve visual color‐change signals, we restrict our focus on sensors that exploit the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) phenomenon of metal nanoparticles, primarily gold and silver nanoparticles. The typical approach in the design of LSPR biosensors is to conjugate biorecognition ligands on the surface of metal nanoparticles and allow the ligands to specifically recognize and bind the target analyte. This ligand–target binding reaction leads to a change in color of the test sample and a concomitant shift in the ultraviolet‐visual absorption peak. Various designs applying this and other signal generation schemes are reviewed with an emphasis on those applied for evaluating factors that compromise the quality and safety of food and agricultural products. The LSPR‐based colorimetric biosensing platform is a promising technology for enhancing food quality and safety. Aided by the advances in nanotechnology, this sensing technique lends itself easily for further development on field‐deployable platforms such as smartphones for onsite and end‐user applications.
Assessment of non‐target toxicity effects of synthetic estradiol, quinestrol, in chickens
Authors: HE Siyuan , ZHOU Xunjun , WANG Yong , ZHANG Meiwen , WU Kangjuan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFertility control agents for the management of rodent populations are developing and maturing. Investigating the impacts on non‐target species of consumption of these agents is essential. The present study assessed the non‐target toxicity effects of quinestrol, a synthetic estrogen‐based antifertility agent for managing rodent populations. Various quinestrol doses administered to male and female (n = 60 each) chickens through single oral gavage were 0 (A), 10 (B), 50 (C), and 150 (D) mg/kg body weight. Chickens were assessed for effect on body weight, weight of vital and reproductive organs, reproductive hormones, histology of reproductive organs and egg laying rates after 15, 30, and 135 days of treatment. Quinestrol did not induce mortality in chickens and its effects were time and dose dependent. The 90% egg‐laying rates were delayed by 30, 60 for groups B and C compared with the control group, and group D did not reach the 90% egg‐laying rate by 135 days. Reproductive organs in males and females returned to normal levels within 30 and 135 days, respectively. With the exception of the FSH concentration in group D, reproductive hormones of both sexes were similar to controls by 30 days. No other significant effects were found. The present research demonstrated the safety of quinestrol on non‐target species and facilitates recommendations for the general administration of quinestrol for rodent pest management.
The power of crowds: can minority shareholder activism promote management earnings forecast accuracy
Authors: Nie Yinju , Jia Ming 
Published: October 2021

AbstractNovel online activism of minority shareholders could be a new governance mechanism but has received little academic attention. This study examines the impact of such minority shareholder activism on management earnings forecast accuracy. Based on a sample of publicly listed firms in the Chinese Shenzhen Stock Exchange between 2010 and 2018, we find that online activism promotes earnings forecast accuracy. The effect is stronger with more negative media coverage and higher manager response quality. Overall, our results indicate that minority shareholders in China could play a monitoring role when they are empowered with voice in the information age.
A review of key cytokines based on gene polymorphism in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Guan Chengcheng , Zhao Fei , Yang Zhencui , Tang Qian , Wang Ling , Li Xueli , Zhang Lixia , Deng Ziwen , Hou Huabin , Wang Jingli , Xu Yinglei , Zhang Ru , Lin Yan , Tan Ping , Zhang Yan , Liu Shiguo , Zhang Lu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAlthough a number of theories have been suggested, including roles for oxidative stress, an abnormal maternal‐fetal interface, and genetic and environmental factors, the etiopathology of pre‐eclampsia (PE) remains unclear. Maternal immune tolerance is important for maintaining pregnancy, and researchers have increasingly focused on the critical roles of cytokines in the pathogenesis of PE in recent years. The assessment of candidate genetic polymorphisms in PE could partially elucidate the mechanisms of susceptibility to disease, and contribute to seeking for new diagnosis and treatment methods of PE. PE can lead to severe complications, and even the death of both mother and fetus. Although the complex pathology is not yet clear, some evidence suggested that the occurrence of PE is related to inflammatory factors. We reviewed the current understandings of roles of cytokines in PE, and provided an extensive overview of the role of single nucleotide chain polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes potentially underlying the pathophysiology of PE.
A three‐stage design for allergen immunotherapy trials
Authors: Tang Xinyu , Rabin Ronald L. , Yan Lihan K. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundClinical trials of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) may require up to 5 years to complete. These lengthy trials may be complicated by high and potentially differential dropouts, especially among participants who perceive that they are receiving placebo. We propose a three‐stage design in which the placebo group in Stage 1 crosses over to receive active treatment in Stage 2. In Stage 3, AIT is discontinued to determine whether benefit is maintained post‐treatment. We apply inferential statistics to support the three‐stage design for clinical trials to determine clinical efficacy, treatment response over time, and sustained response to AIT.MethodsThe proposed framework constitutes a series of hypothesis tests for comparing treatment responses at the end of each stage. A simulation study was performed to illustrate the statistical properties under varying statistical missing mechanisms and effect sizes.ResultsThe statistical properties in terms of bias and statistical power were consistent with what are expected from conventional analyses. Specifically, the extent of bias depended on the missing mechanism and magnitude. The statistical powers were largely driven by effect and sample sizes as well as prespecified success margins. As an illustration, assuming relative treatment differences of 25% and stagewise dropout rate of 15%, a sample size of 200 per group may achieve 93% power to demonstrate a treatment effect and 60% power to demonstrate a maintained response post‐treatment.ConclusionsInferential statistics support our proposed study design for evaluating benefits of AIT over time and inform clinical understanding and decisions.
Glutamine deficiency shifts the asthmatic state toward neutrophilic airway inflammation
Authors: Kim June‐Mo , Im Yoo Na , Chung Yun‐Jo , Youm Jung‐ho , Im Suhn Young , Han Myung Kwan , Lee Hern Ku 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe administration of L‐glutamine (Gln) suppresses allergic airway inflammation via the rapid upregulation of MAPK phosphatase (MKP)‐1, which functions as a negative regulator of inflammation by deactivating p38 and JNK mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs). However, the role of endogenous Gln remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism by which endogenous Gln regulates MKP‐1 induction and allergic airway inflammation in an ovalbumin‐based murine asthma model.MethodsWe depleted endogenous Gln levels using L‐γ‐glutamyl‐p‐nitroanilide (GPNA), an inhibitor of the Gln transporter ASCT2 and glutamine synthetase small interfering siRNA. Lentivirus expressing MKP‐1 was injected to achieve overexpression of MKP‐1. Asthmatic phenotypes were assessed using our previously developed ovalbumin‐based murine model, which is suitable for examining sequential asthmatic events, including neutrophil infiltration. Gln levels were analyzed using a Gln assay kit.ResultsGPNA or glutamine synthetase siRNA successfully depleted endogenous Gln levels. Importantly, homeostatic MKP‐1 induction did not occur at all, which resulted in prolonged p38 MAPK and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) phosphorylation in Gln‐deficient mice. Gln deficiency augmented all examined asthmatic reactions, but it exhibited a strong bias toward increasing the neutrophil count, which was not observed in MKP‐1‐overexpressing lungs. This neutrophilia was inhibited by a cPLA2 inhibitor and a leukotriene B4 inhibitor but not by dexamethasone.ConclusionGln deficiency leads to the impairment of MKP‐1 induction and activation of p38 MAPK and cPLA2, resulting in the augmentation of neutrophilic, more so than eosinophilic, airway inflammation.
Use of a point‐of‐care web‐based application to enhance adherence to the CANMAT and ISBD 2018 guidelines for the management of bipolar disorder
Authors: Kozicky Jan‐Marie , Schaffer Ayal , Beaulieu Serge , McIntosh Diane , Yatham Lakshmi N. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesWhile clinical guidelines exist for the management of bipolar disorder (BD), there are significant challenges to their widespread dissemination and implementation in clinical practice. The Canadian Network of Mood and Anxiety Treatment Improving Patient Care and Outcomes in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder (C‐IMPACT BD) web‐based application was developed for use at the point‐of‐care to improve adherence to guidelines for evidence‐based pharmacological management of BD.MethodsC‐IMPACT BD uses a point‐of‐care practice assessment which, via adaptive questioning of patient‐specific information, text/video descriptions of the guidelines, and pop‐up prompts delivers personalized, evidence‐based treatment recommendations for patients with BD. In order to inform quality improvement of the newly developed tool, a sample of Canadian physicians were invited to use the application and record its influence on their prescribing behavior.ResultsOf 375 patients with bipolar I (BD‐I) or bipolar II (BD‐II) disorder for whom a point‐of‐care practice assessment was completed, a change in therapy was considered for 225 (60.0%). Prior to completing the assessment, 59.6% of these patients were receiving first‐line therapy recommended for their phase of illness. Following the assessment, the overall number of patients for whom a first‐line recommended therapy was being considered increased significantly to 76.9% (p = 0.0001).ConclusionsOutcomes suggest that the C‐IMPACT BD web‐based application has the potential to improve physician adherence to clinical treatment guidelines. Formal research investigations are warranted to explore the impact of this tool on physician prescribing behavior and patient outcomes.
Metabolic positron emission tomography/CT response after induction chemotherapy and chemo(re)irradiation is associated with higher negative resection margin rate in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer
Authors: van Zoggel Desley M. G. I. , Voogt Eva L. K. , van Lijnschoten Ineke G. , Cnossen Jeltsje S. , Creemers Geert‐Jan , Nederend Joost , Bloemen Johanne G. , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A. P. , Burger Pim J. W. A. , Lardenoije Sabine G. G. F. , Rutten Harm J. T. , Roef Mark J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimPositron emission tomography (PET)/CT can be used to monitor the metabolic changes that occur after intensified treatment with induction chemotherapy and chemo(re)irradiation for locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). This study aimed to analyse the correlation between the PET/CT response and final histopathological outcomes.MethodsAll LRRC patients who underwent induction chemotherapy prior to surgery between January 2010 and July 2020 and were monitored with pretreatment and post‐treatment PET/CT were included. Visual qualitative analysis was performed, and patients were scored as having achieved a complete metabolic response (CMR), partial metabolic response (PMR) or no response (NR). The histopathological response was assessed according to the Mandard tumour regression (TRG) score and categorized as major (TRG 1–2), partial (TRG 3) or poor (TRG 4–5). The PET/CT and TRG categories were compared, and possible confounders were analysed.ResultsA total of 106 patients were eligible for analysis; 24 (23%) had a CMR, 54 (51%) had a PMR and 28 (26%) had NR. PET/CT response was a significant predictor of the negative resection margin rate, achieving 96% for CMR, 69% for PMR and 50% for NR. The overall accuracy between PET score and pathological TRG was 45%, and the positive predictive value for CMR was 63%. A longer interval between post‐treatment PET/CT and surgery negatively influenced the predictive value.ConclusionMetabolic PET/CT response evaluation after neoadjuvant treatment proves to be a complementary diagnostic tool to standard MRI in assessing tumour response, and may play a role for treatment planning in LRRC patients.
Do income tax breaks for the elderly affect economic growth?
Authors: Brewer Ben , Conway Karen Smith , Rork Jonathan C. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIncome tax breaks for elderly taxpayers are sizable, widespread, and potentially affect growth through migration and other behaviors. We provide the first investigation into the growth effects of differential tax policy by age, taking a multi‐pronged empirical approach to US state‐level data since 1977. Some analyses include panel error‐correction models combined with variation in state‐level policies over time. Alternative analyses use how changes in federal tax law manifest at the state‐level. Results suggest that taxes on lower income taxpayers, of any age, decrease growth the most, while taxing the high income elderly—those targeted recently—has little effect.
Access to transportation, residential segregation, and economic opportunity
Authors: Yılmaz Kuzey , Yeşilırmak Muharrem 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe Housing Choice Voucher Program assists low‐income families to afford decent housing and provide them with better economic opportunities. There is growing evidence that public transportation plays an important role in shaping the residential location choices of low‐income households. However, transportation has not been a major focus of the research related to housing voucher programs. We develop a general equilibrium model of a city with multiple districts, decentralized employment, multiple commuting modes, and locally financed education. We compare housing vouchers with transportation vouchers with respect to poverty deconcentration, educational quality in each district, unskilled employment in the suburbs, and welfare.
Removal of the Black race coefficient from the estimated glomerular filtration equation improves transplant eligibility for Black patients at a single center
Authors: Hoenig Melanie P. , Mann Alison , Pavlakis Martha 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRace is a social construct that cannot be measured, can be used imprecisely and may contribute to disparities in kidney transplant access for Black patients. At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, we dropped the Black race coefficient in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) report in 2017. We conducted a quality improvement project to examine the impact of this change. Before the change, only 26% of our Black patients were listed for preemptive transplant compared to 70% of White patients. Since the change, we found a steady increase in the percentage of Black patients listed before starting dialysis. The average eGFR at listing prior to 2017 was significantly lower in Black patients but after, there was no longer a significant difference. Nine patients “gained” an average of 457 days of wait time directly related to discarding the Black race coefficient. Increased time on the list prior to dialysis initiation allows for evaluation of potential live donors and improves the possibility of a pre‐emptive live or deceased donor transplant and allows for a shorter period on dialysis before transplant. In this single center initiative, we demonstrate the benefit of discarding race from the eGFR report for Black patients awaiting kidney transplantation.
Beyond ‘drinking occasions’: Examining complex changes in drinking practices during COVID‐19
Authors: Caluzzi Gabriel , Pennay Amy , Laslett Anne‐Marie , Callinan Sarah , Room Robin , Dwyer Robyn 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroduction‘Drinking occasions’ are commonly used to capture quantities of alcohol consumed. Yet this standardised terminology brings with it numerous assumptions and epistemological limitations. We suggest that social changes brought on by COVID‐19 restrictions have influenced routines, patterns of time use and drinking practices, highlighting the need to re‐examine how we conceptualise drinking and ‘drinking occasions’ in alcohol research.MethodsThis analysis draws on data gathered from 59 qualitative interviews conducted during the second half of 2020 with Australian drinkers aged 18 and over. The interviews explored how COVID‐19 restrictions impacted daily practices and alcohol consumption patterns.FindingsParticipants spoke about their work, study and social routines changing, which influenced the times, timing and contexts of their drinking practices. We separated these shifts into four overarching themes: shifting of structures shaping drinking; the permeability of drinking boundaries; the extension of drinking occasions; and new contexts for drinking.Discussion and ConclusionCOVID‐19 restrictions have led to shifts in the temporal boundaries and contexts that would otherwise shape people's drinking, meaning drinking practices may be less bound by structures, norms, settings and rituals. The drinking occasions concept, although a simple tool for measuring how much people drink, has not been able to capture these complex developments. This is a timely consideration given that COVID‐19 may have enduring effects on people's lifestyles, work and drinking practices. It may be useful to examine drinking as practice, rather than just an occasion, in order to better contextualise epidemiological studies going forward.
Positive predictive value of the clinical diagnosis of T1a‐epithelial/lamina propria esophageal cancer depends on lesion size
Authors: Tajiri Ayaka , Ishihara Ryu , Sakurai Hirohisa , Nakamura Takahiko , Tani Yasuhiro , Inoue Takahiro , Matsueda Katsunori , Miyake Muneaki , Waki Kotaro , Fukuda Hiromu , Shichijo Satoki , Maekawa Akira , Kanesaka Takashi , Yamamoto Sachiko , Takeuchi Yoji , Higashino Koji , Uedo Noriya , Michida Tomoki , Kitamura Masanori , Honma Keiichiro 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesEndoscopic resection (ER) is a minimally invasive treatment for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, stricture may develop after ER for widespread lesions. Application of ER is justified if these cancers are pathological T1a‐epithelial/lamina propria (pEP/LPM) cancers that can be cured by ER. We conducted a study to clarify the association between pathological invasion depth and lesion size or circumference in clinical (c) EP/LPM cancers.MethodsFrom our database, we identified patients diagnosed with cEP/LPM ESCC via endoscopic examination who underwent endoscopic or surgical tumor resection. The accuracy of the cEP/LPM ESCC diagnosis was determined by histologically diagnosing cancer invasion depth as a reference standard.ResultsBetween January 2015 and December 2019, 1271 cancer patients were diagnosed with cEP/LPM ESCC, of which 1195 (94.0%) were correctly diagnosed with pEP/LPM cancer. The positive predictive value (PPV) classified according to lesion sizes of ≤25, 26–49, and ≥50 mm was 95.8% (981/1024 lesions), 89.7% (191/213 lesions), and 67.6% (23/34 lesions), respectively. PPV according to the circumferential extent of <3/4, ≥3/4, and <1, and whole was 94.6% (1164/1230 lesions), 75.0% (24/32 lesions), and 77.8% (7/9 lesions), respectively. In multivariate analysis, the PPV of cEP/LPM ESCC was significantly associated with lesion size (P < 0.001) and male sex.ConclusionsBetween January 2015 and December 2019, 1271 cancer patients were diagnosed with cEP/LPM ESCC, of which 1195 (94.0%) were correctly diagnosed with pEP/LPM cancer. The PPV of cEP/LPM ESCC was related to lesion size. Treatment should be determined considering the high risk of cancer invasion into the muscularis mucosa or deeper in cEP/LPM cancers with a lesion size of ≥50 mm.
Long‐term outcomes of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with invasion depth of pathological T1a‐muscularis mucosae and T1b‐submucosa by endoscopic resection followed by appropriate additional treatment
Authors: Naito Sakiko , Yoshio Toshiyuki , Ishiyama Akiyoshi , Tsuchida Tomohiro , Tokura Junki , Namikawa Ken , Tokai Yoshitaka , Yoshimizu Shoichi , Horiuchi Yusuke , Hirasawa Toshiaki , Asari Takao , Mine Shinji , Watanabe Masayuki , Ogura Mariko , Chin Keisho , Fukuzawa Masakatsu , Itoi Takao , Fujisaki Junko 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesEndoscopic resection (ER) is indicated for a wide range of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs). We examined the long‐term outcomes in patients with pathological (p) invasion of ESCC into the T1a‐muscularis mucosae (MM) and T1b‐submucosa (SM) after ER, for which data on prognosis are limited.MethodsOf the 1217 patients with superficial ESCC who underwent ER, 225 patients with a pathological diagnosis of ESCC invasion into the MM, minute submucosal invasion ≤200 µm (SM1), or massive submucosal invasion (SM2) were included. In patients with lymphovascular invasion, droplet infiltration, or SM2 invasion, additional treatments, including chemoradiation (CRT) or esophagectomy with two‐ to three‐field lymph node dissection, were recommended. The median observation period was 66 months (interquartile range 48–91 months).ResultsIn total, there were 151, 28, and 46 pT1a‐MM, pT1b‐SM1, and pT1b‐SM2 cases, respectively. Metastatic recurrence was observed in 1.3%, 10.7%, and 6.5% patients with pT1a‐MM, pT1b‐SM1, and pT1b‐SM2 ESCCs, respectively. Of the eight patients with metastatic recurrence, six were successfully treated, and two died of ESCC. The 5‐year overall survival rates were 84.1%, 71.4%, and 67.4%, the 5‐year relapse‐free survival rates were 82.8%, 64.3%, and 65.2%, and the 5‐year disease‐specific survival rates were 100%, 96.4%, and 99.1% in patients with pT1a‐MM, pT1b‐SM1, and pT1b‐SM2 ESCCs, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that additional CRT and esophagectomy, and T1b‐SM2 were positively and negatively associated with overall survival, respectively.ConclusionsEndoscopic resection preceding appropriate additional treatments resulted in favorable outcomes. Many cases of metastatic recurrence in this cohort could be successfully treated.