bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and blood concentrations of benzodiazepines and opioids in opioid‐positive death investigations in Ontario, Canada, from 2017 to 2021
Authors: Mocanu Cora , Woodall Karen L. , Solbeck Patricia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of benzodiazepines in opioid‐positive death investigations, including trends in frequency and combination of drugs, as well as demographic data and blood concentrations, where available. Additionally, naloxone concentrations in polysubstance compared to opioid‐only cases were analyzed. This was a retrospective study that consisted of all post‐mortem toxicology cases in Ontario, Canada, from January 01, 2017, to December 31, 2021, with an opioid finding in any analyzed autopsy specimen. There were 11,033 death investigations identified. The overall rate of benzodiazepine co‐involvement was 54.5%. Males accounted for the majority of cases (71%), and the most affected age group was 30‐ to 39‐year‐olds. The most frequently detected opioid was fentanyl and the most frequently detected benzodiazepine was etizolam, which was also the most frequently observed opioid/benzodiazepine combination. Findings related to differences in concentrations of opioids when naloxone was also present were mostly non‐significant, except for methadone. The rate of benzodiazepine detection with opioids grew faster than opioid detections overall, potentially due to the increasingly toxic drug supply. Detection of novel psychoactive drugs fluctuated more unpredictably than opioids and benzodiazepines associated with clinical use. These findings can help inform policy decisions by public health agencies in exploring harm reduction efforts, for example, education and drug‐checking services.
The relevance of current forensic firearms examination techniques when applied to 3D printed firearms
Authors: Wenzinger Zara Ellen , Wetzel Stephanie , Bernarding Benjamin , Viator John , Kohlhepp Brian , Marshall Pamela 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis research project had two major objectives. The first was to successfully print and fire the Liberator, a 3D‐printed firearm, to assess its feasibility as a lethal weapon. The second objective was to identify any individual characteristics that might be deposited during the firing process by the firearm. The Liberator was printed using unchanged files downloaded from the internet using PLA and ABS filament. The Liberator was fired remotely into newspapers at the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office. The printing of the Liberator was both inexpensive and relatively quick with only minor hand modifications made after printing. The Liberator fractured beyond repair after firing but successfully fired and penetrated three newspapers. Neither the bullet nor the cartridge case exhibited any individual characteristics that could be used for identification purposes. Suspected thermoplastic deposits were identified on both the bullet and cartridge case, but additional testing must be done for confirmation purposes. In conclusion, the Liberator can be used reliably for one shot and will not yield any evidence for Firearms and Toolmark Examination.
Evidence of active oviposition avoidance to systemically applied imidacloprid in the Colorado potato beetle
Authors: Edison Alitha , Michelbach Anja , Sowade Dominique , Kertzel Hanna , Schmidt Luise , Schäfer Martin , Hackhausen Maximilian , Nauen Ralf , Duchen Pablo , Xu Shuqing 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAgricultural pests can develop behavioral resistance to insecticides by choosing to feed or oviposit on insecticide‐free hosts. As young larvae have relatively low mobility, oviposition preferences from female adults may play a critical role in shaping the evolutionary trajectory of pest populations. While oviposition avoidance of insecticide‐treated hosts was found in different agriculture pests, it remains unclear whether female adults actively choose to occupy insecticide‐free hosts. To address this question, we investigated feeding and oviposition preferences between imidacloprid‐treated and imidacloprid‐free plants in the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, a major potato pest. We performed behavioral choice assays on two strains that differed in both fecundity and insecticide resistance. We found that one strain preferred to feed on the insecticide‐free plants and that this preference is not innate. Meanwhile, the other strain chose plants for feeding and oviposition randomly. Further analyses of the moving patterns of the beetles suggested that the oviposition preference in the first strain is likely due to active learning.
Effect of constant and variable temperature drying processes on drying characteristics, quality, and volatile profile of rose petals in infrared‐assisted spouted bed drying
Authors: Li Linlin , Bao Yunfei , Guo Fuzhen , Chen Junliang , Zhao Mengyue , Cao Weiwei , Liu Wenchao , Duan Xu , Ren Guangyue 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe edible rose (Rosa Crimson Glory) petals were dried using infrared‐assisted spouted bed drying technology. The effects of different drying temperature conditions (30, 35, 40, 45, and 50°C, as well as stepped heating drying [SHD] and stepped cooling drying) on the drying characteristics, physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and changes in volatile flavor compounds of the rose petals were investigated. The results showed that the drying time was shortened with increasing drying temperature. Both variable temperature drying processes gave the shortest drying times. Optimal color retention of rose petals was achieved at a constant temperature of 40°C and SHD. Increased drying temperature resulted in higher water‐soluble polysaccharide content in the dried rose petals, whereas lower temperatures facilitated anthocyanin preservation. The variable temperature drying processes favored the retention of water‐soluble polysaccharides in rose petals, but not anthocyanins. Regarding antioxidant capacity, the samples dried at 40°C and those subjected to the two variable temperature drying processes performed better. This study also analyzed the differences in volatile flavor compounds of rose petals dried under different drying conditions. It was found that the majority of volatile flavor compounds in the rose petals dried by SHD exhibited higher content levels than the other drying conditions. Therefore, considering a thorough evaluation of all relevant factors, it was clear that utilizing the SHD process was the most efficient method for obtaining the best quality rose petals overall.
Expression and characterization of β‐1,3‐1,4‐glucanase of Aspergillus usamii in Escherichia coli and its application in sourdough bread making
Authors: Huang Jing , Zhang Dong , Lin Wenqian , Omedi Jacob Ojobi , Wu Minchen , Huang Weining 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA β‐1,3‐1,4‐glucanase gene (Auglu12A) from Aspergillus usamii was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The recombinant enzyme, reAuglu12A was efficiently purified using the one‐step nickel‐nitrilotriacetic acid affinity chromatography. The specific activity of reAuglu12A was 694.8 U/mg, with an optimal temperature of 55°C and pH of 5.0. The reAuglu12A exhibited stability at temperatures up to 60°C and within the pH range of 4.0–5.5. The reAuglu12A hydrolytic activity was increased in the presence of metal ions, especially K+ and Na+, whereas it exhibited a Km and Vmax of 8.35 mg/mL and 1254.02 µmol/min/mg, respectively, toward barley β‐glucan at pH 5.0 and 55°C. The addition of reAuglu12A significantly increased the specific volume (p < 0.05) and reduced crumb firmness and chewiness (p < 0.05) of wheat–barley sourdough bread during a 7‐day storage period compared to the control. Overall, the quality of wheat–barley sourdough bread was improved after incorporation of reAuglu12A (especially at 3000 U/300 g). These changes were attributed to the synergistic effect of acidification by sourdough and its metabolites which provided a conducive environment for the optimal action of reAuglu12A in the degradation of β‐glucans of barley flour in sourdough. This stabilized the dough structure, thereby enhancing the quality, texture, and shelf life of the bread. These findings suggest that reAuglu12A holds promise as a candidate for β‐glucanase application in the baking industry.
Evaluation of assessable telemedicine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review
Authors: Safikhani Morteza , Rezaieyazdi Zahra , Khodashahi Mandana 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveNowadays, the use of telemedicine diagnosis and treatment of various diseases has been considered by physicians, especially in such diseases as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), where patients have more weakness and inability to move. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the extent of measurable and nonmeasurable factors in patients with RA and their satisfaction with this method of care.MethodsThe articles published by March 3, 2022, were searched in four databases, including Web of Sciences, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus. This research was conducted using the seven steps of the Cochrane Handbook as a guide. The searched keywords included telemedicine, tele‐rheumatoid, rheumatoid arthritis, and immune diseases.ResultsA total of 18 articles were included in the present study. In most of these studies, physicians and patients were satisfied with this approach. Nonetheless, there was a dearth of studies on the measurement of evaluable and nonevaluable factors.ConclusionStudies on the benefits of telemedicine for rheumatology are still limited. The effectiveness of this new healthcare approach in diagnosing and evaluating disease activity is still unclear. Some studies demonstrated patient and physician satisfaction with this treatment. In some cases, there is a tendency to show a high risk of bias. In addition, it is unclear to what extent the use of rheumatology traps affects the establishment of medical relationships. It is recommended that more clinical trials be conducted to examine this relationship.
When Buffett meets Bollinger: An integrated approach to fundamental and technical analysis
Authors: Zhu Zhaobo , Sun Licheng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMotivated by the implication of return extrapolation models that a joint consideration of past price changes and firm fundamentals could efficiently identify stock mispricing, we propose an integrated approach that combines fundamental and technical information. This integrated approach generates substantial economic gains, which are comparable to those of strategies double‐sorted on characteristics related to high turnover and trading costs and state‐of‐the‐art machine learning strategies in existing studies. The performance net of transaction costs is still attractive. Simple transaction cost mitigation approaches could further enhance the performance of the integrated approach by reducing portfolio turnover. Consistent with behavioural models, limits to arbitrage and information asymmetry play a significant role in explaining the super performance of this integrated approach.
Pregnancy complications in wild vervet monkeys in an urban mosaic landscape
Authors: Pillay Kerushka R. , Downs Colleen T. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractVervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) are a widespread, typically seasonally breeding African primate. We report pregnancy complications in wild females in the urban mosaic landscape of Durban, South Africa, that required admittance to a wildlife rehabilitation centre. We found pregnancy complications in 13 female vervet monkey adults and subadults, with most cases (69.2%) in spring. Dystocia (difficult or obstructed labour) was the main cause of admission (46.2%), and in 69.2% of cases, a veterinarian attended to the animal. However, most pregnancy complications resulted in death (86.6%). Concerns about increased anthropogenic food causing increased birth size need further investigation.
Global prevalence of perinatal depression and anxiety during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An umbrella review and meta‐analytic synthesis
Authors: Caffieri Alessia , Gómez‐Gómez Irene , Barquero‐Jimenez Carlos , De‐Juan‐Iglesias Paula , Margherita Giorgia , Motrico Emma 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID‐19 pandemic was assessed by several systematic reviews (SRs) and meta‐analyses which provided contrasting and different results. We aimed to summarize the evidence relating to the global prevalence of anxiety and depression among pregnant and postpartum women during the COVID‐19 pandemic.Material and methodsAn umbrella review of SRs and meta‐analyses was performed. Searches were conducted in electronic databases up to April 2023. SRs and meta‐analyses reporting the prevalence of perinatal anxiety and depression during the COVID‐19 pandemic were selected for eligibility. Primary studies extracted from eligible meta‐analyses were included in the quantitative synthesis. The research protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020173125).ResultsA total of 25 SRs (198 primary studies) and 12 meta‐analyses (129 primary studies) were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis, respectively. Studies involved data from five continents and 45 countries. The pooled prevalence of antenatal and postpartum depression was 29% (n = 55; 95% CI: 25%–33%) and 26% (n = 54; 95% CI: 23%–30%), respectively. In the case of anxiety, the pooled antenatal and postnatal prevalence was 31% (n = 44; 95% CI: 26%–37%; n = 16; 95% CI: 24%–39%). Differences emerged between continents, with Africa having the highest prevalence of perinatal depression and Oceania and Europe having the highest prevalence of antenatal and postnatal anxiety. The prevalence also varied depending on the assessment tools, especially for antenatal anxiety. A medium‐high quality of the studies was observed. One SR assessed strength‐of‐evidence, reporting very low strength.ConclusionsDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, depression and anxiety were common, affecting almost one in three perinatal women globally. A high heterogeneity and a risk of publication bias were found, partially due to the variety of assessment tools and cut‐offs. The results may not be generalized to minorities. Studies on the prevalence of clinical diagnoses are needed. Based on our results it is not possible to firmly affirm that the COVID‐19 pandemic was the main factor that directly increased perinatal depression and anxiety during the past few years. Future studies should study other factors' impact.
Routing of Kv7.1 to endoplasmic reticulum plasma membrane junctions
Authors: Serrano‐Novillo Clara , Estadella Irene , Navarro‐Pérez María , Oliveras Anna , de Benito‐Bueno Angela , Socuéllamos Paula G. , Bosch Manel , Coronado María José , Sastre Daniel , Valenzuela Carmen , Soeller Christian , Felipe Antonio 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimThe voltage‐gated Kv7.1 channel, in association with the regulatory subunit KCNE1, contributes to the IKs current in the heart. However, both proteins travel to the plasma membrane using different routes. While KCNE1 follows a classical Golgi‐mediated anterograde pathway, Kv7.1 is located in endoplasmic reticulum‐plasma membrane junctions (ER‐PMjs), where it associates with KCNE1 before being delivered to the plasma membrane.MethodsTo characterize the channel routing to these spots we used a wide repertoire of methodologies, such as protein expression analysis (i.e. protein association and biotin labeling), confocal (i.e. immunocytochemistry, FRET, and FRAP), and dSTORM microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, proteomics, and electrophysiology.ResultsWe demonstrated that Kv7.1 targeted ER‐PMjs regardless of the origin or architecture of these structures. Kv2.1, a neuronal channel that also contributes to a cardiac action potential, and JPHs, involved in cardiac dyads, increased the number of ER‐PMjs in nonexcitable cells, driving and increasing the level of Kv7.1 at the cell surface. Both ER‐PMj inducers influenced channel function and dynamics, suggesting that different protein structures are formed. Although exhibiting no physical interaction, Kv7.1 resided in more condensed clusters (ring‐shaped) with Kv2.1 than with JPH4. Moreover, we found that VAMPs and AMIGO, which are Kv2.1 ancillary proteins also associated with Kv7.1. Specially, VAP B, showed higher interaction with the channel when ER‐PMjs were stimulated by Kv2.1.ConclusionOur results indicated that Kv7.1 may bind to different structures of ER‐PMjs that are induced by different mechanisms. This variable architecture can differentially affect the fate of cardiac Kv7.1 channels.
Exploring the role of oxidative stress and the effect of N‐acetylcysteine in thiopurine‐induced liver injury in inflammatory bowel disease: A randomized crossover pilot study
Authors: van Asseldonk Dirk P. , Crouwel Femke , Seinen Margien L. , Scheffer Peter G. , Veldkamp Agnes I. , de Boer Nanne K. , Lissenberg‐Witte Birgit , Peters Godefridus J. , van Bodegraven Adriaan A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThiopurine treatment is regularly complicated by drug‐induced liver injury. It has been suggested that oxidative stress may play a synergistic role. To assess whether thiopurine‐induced liver injury coincides with increased oxidative stress and whether co‐administration with N‐acetylcysteine is protective, we performed a randomized open label crossover pilot study in inflammatory bowel disease patients with thiopurine‐induced increased serum liver tests. The study comprised four stages of 4 weeks. Patients received no additional therapy followed by N‐acetylcysteine 1200 mg twice a day, or the other way around, alongside ongoing thiopurine treatment. The third and fourth stages comprised a washout period and thiopurine reintroduction period. Nine patients completed the study, and the addition of N‐acetylcysteine decreased myeloperoxidase concentrations (33.6–24.5 pmol/L, p = 0.038). The other biomarkers remained unchanged, including thiopurine metabolites, xanthine oxidase activity, thiopurine S‐methyltransferase activity and serum liver enzyme activity tests. Reintroduction of thiopurines led to an increase of F2‐isoprostanes (101–157 ng/mmol, p = 0.038), but not of serum liver enzyme activity tests. Results suggests that thiopurines may increase oxidative stress and although the addition of N‐acetylcysteine led to a decrease in plasma myeloperoxidase concentrations, it does not protect from thiopurine‐induced increase of serum liver tests.
Fentanyl overdose: Temporal effects and prognostic factors in SKH1 mice
Authors: Newman Mackenzie , Lynch Cayla , Connery Heather , Goldsmith William , Nurkiewicz Timothy , Raylman Raymond , Boyd Jonathan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFentanyl exposure and overdose are growing concerns in public health and occupational safety. This study aimed to establish parameters of fentanyl lethality in SKH1 mice for future overdose research. Lethality was determined using the up‐down procedure, with subjects monitored post‐administration using pulse oximetry (5 min) and then whole‐body plethysmography (40 min). Following the determination of subcutaneous dose–response, [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET) was performed after LD10 fentanyl at 40 min, 6 h, 24 h or 7 days post‐dose. LD10 and LD50 were observed to be 110 and 135 mg/kg, respectively, and consistent with four‐parameter logistic fit values of 111.2 and 134.6 mg/kg (r2 = 0.9996). Overdose (LD10 or greater) yielded three distinct cardiovascular groups: survival, non‐survival with blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) minimum ≥37% and non‐survival with SpO2 <37%. Breaths per minute, minute volume and inspiratory quotient were significantly different between surviving and non‐surviving animals for up to 40 min post‐injection. 18F‐FDG PET revealed decreased glucose uptake in the heart, lungs and brain for up to 24 h. These findings provide critical insights into fentanyl lethality in SKH1 mice, including non‐invasive respiratory effects and organ‐specific impacts that are invaluable for future translational studies investigating the temporal effects of fentanyl overdose.
Strategic capital taxation, tradable emission permits and global pollution
Authors: Tsakiris Nikos , Hatzipanayotou Panos , Michael Michael S. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe paper considers a two‐country model with international capital mobility and production‐generated cross‐border pollution. It examines the effectiveness of alternative policy combinations consisting of capital taxes and nationally or internationally tradable emissions permits in reducing global pollution. The internationally mobile capital is taxed according to three different rules, namely, capital tax exemptions, capital tax credits and capital tax deductions. Our key result is that, under certain conditions, the lowest Nash equilibrium level of global pollution is achieved with a policy mix combining either capital tax exemptions or capital tax credits with internationally, rather than nationally, tradable emission permits.
Effects of the Resident Basic Medical Insurance Reform on Household Consumption in China
Authors: Yu Shuheng , Ma Xinxin , Zhan Peng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the causal relationship between the Urban and Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI) reform and household consumption in urban China using data from the Chinese Household Income Project survey and employing combination of the propensity score matching and difference‐in‐differences methods. The results yield three conclusions. First, the reform affected both the amount and share of household consumption. Specifically, the reform led to an increase in total household consumption, encompassing both medical and nonmedical expenditures. Among these, the proportion of medical consumption increased, while the proportion of nonmedical consumption reduced. Second, the impact of the URRBMI reform varied across consumption categories within nonmedical expenditure. Specifically, consumption for education and entertainment industries are positively impacted by the URRBMI reform in terms of both quantity and proportion. Third, low‐income households benefit more from the URRBMI reform compared to middle‐ and high‐income households. The main channels through which the URRBMI reform affects household consumption were the price effect and the crowding out effect on precautionary savings.
Import Policy Uncertainty and Innovation
Authors: Chen Lingshan , Li Yunong , Xie Qian , Zhou Mao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Chinese government has emphasized innovation as the primary driving force for economic development in the new era. This paper studies the effect of import policy uncertainty (IPU) on the innovation activity of Chinese manufacturing firms. It establishes a simple model to show that the presence of IPU encourages innovation and that a reduction in IPU discourages innovation. It distinguishes the almost unnoticed IPU reduction from tariff reduction on China's WTO accession and develops a novel difference‐in‐differences specification that identifies the negative effect of IPU reduction on innovation using updated data for Chinese manufacturing and patent filings. The result holds after a battery of identification assumptions and robustness checks are considered. The import channel explains about two thirds of the effect of IPU on innovation, but not all of the effect. Finally, this paper examines the effect across firms of different levels of productivity and ownership types and patents of different categories.