bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adherence to Guideline-Concordant Care and Its Effect on Survival in Black Patients with Head and Neck Cancers: A SEER-Medicare Analysis
Authors: Vyfhuis Melissa A.L. , Suzuki Ikumi , Bentzen Soren M. , Cullen Kevin J. , Goloubeva Olga G. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), Black patients continue to have worse survival when compared with White patients. The cause of this disparity is multifaceted and cannot be explained by one etiology alone. To investigate this disparity, we used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database to examine adherence to guideline-concordant care (GCC) as defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Patients and Methods
In this retrospective study, Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with nonmetastatic HNSCC as their first cancer between 1992 and 2011 and a random sample of Medicare controls matched to cases (2:1) diagnosed between 2004 and 2011 (n = 16,378), were included in this analysis.

Results
Black patients were less likely to receive GCC in advanced-stage oropharyngeal (66% vs. 74%; p = .007) and oral cavity (56% vs. 71%; p = .002) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). On multivariate analysis, Black patients demonstrated an increased risk of death in advanced oropharyngeal (p &lt; .001), oral cavity (p = .01), and hypopharyngeal (p = .01) SCC.

Conclusion
Black patients did not consistently receive GCC across HNSCC subsites, contributing to the poorer outcomes seen when compared with White patients. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms behind the non-GCC given to Black patients with HNSCC and other factors that may contribute to this disparity such as tumor biology.

Implications for Practice
Black patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) continue to have worse survival than White patients. This study examined if the racial disparity in survival from curable HNC is affected by adherence to guideline-concordant care (GCC). It was discovered that Black patients were less likely to receive appropriate treatment in certain HNCs. Although adherence to proper therapy was associated with improved survival in patients with HNC, the difference in survival, where Black patients had inferior outcomes, remained. This analysis uncovered a major contributor to the disparity seen in patients with HNC. As such, cancer centers serving a predominantly Black population with HNC can design specific clinical interventions to ensure GCC for all patients, potentially improving outcomes for everyone.
Hydroxyurea in children with sickle cell disease in a resource‐poor setting: Monitoring and effects of therapy. A practical perspective
Authors: Nnebe‐Agumadu Uche , Adebayo Innocent , Erigbuem Ifeanyi , James Esther , Kumode Evelyn , Nnodu Obiageli , Adekile Adekunle 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlthough effectiveness of hydroxyurea (HU) in sickle cell disease is well established, unanswered questions persist about its use in African children. We determined real‐life issues of acceptability, availability, and monitoring of HU use in Nigeria.MethodsA retrospective longitudinal review of laboratory data of patients on HU was done from case files, followed by a cross‐sectional survey that captured families’ perception of medication and clinic adherence, laboratory tests, benefits, side effects, and acceptability.ResultsOne hundred sixteen patients (1.2–17 years) received HU (mean ± SD = 18.5 ± 4.3 mg/kg/day) in 33 months. Eighty‐nine had laboratory analysis. Dose escalation was the initial goal, but only 80% of patients had some form of it. Parents reported improvement in general well‐being and reduction in bone pain episodes, hospital admissions, and blood transfusion. While most parents (89.5%) reported satisfaction with HU, 61% reported dissatisfaction with daily drug use, and the frequency and cost of monitoring. Sixteen percent voluntarily stopped therapy. Adherence to daily HU was 88.8%, doctor's appointments 24.5%, hematology tests 18.9%, and organ function tests 37.4%. There were no significant toxicities. Significant increases in hemoglobin, hemoglobin F and mean corpuscular volume, and reduction in absolute neutrophil count occurred despite inconsistent dose escalation.ConclusionHU (10–15 mg/kg/day starting dose) is safe and seems effective and acceptable to parents. Parental commitment to therapy, pre‐HU education (that continues during therapy), provision of affordable HU, and subsidized laboratory tests are important considerations for initiating therapy. Special HU clinics may facilitate dose escalation and reduce frequency of monitoring. Studies are needed on feasibility of maximum tolerable dose HU protocols in sub‐Saharan Africa without compromising safety.
Cumulative burden of chronic health conditions among adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer: Identification of vulnerable groups at key medical transitions
Authors: Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Williams AnnaLynn M. , Liu Qi , Hudson Scholle Sarah , Bhakta Nickhill , Yasui Yutaka , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe cumulative burden of chronic health conditions as childhood cancer survivors transition to adult health care and insurance systems is unknown. We estimated the cumulative burden (N = 4612 survivors, 625 controls) in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort. At 18 and 26 years old, survivors experienced (per 100 individuals) an average of 22.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.2–27.4) and 40.3 (95% CI: 34.8–45.8) disabling conditions versus 3.5 (95% CI: 2.0–5.0) and 5.7 (95% CI: 3.7–7.7) in controls, and 128.7 (95% CI: 119.5–137.8) and 240.5 (95% CI: 229.9–251.0) lower severity conditions versus 12.4 (95% CI: 8.9–16.0) and 51.3 (95% CI: 43.1–59.4) in controls. Survivors experience a high cumulative burden at key health care transition ages, underscoring the need to optimize access to care.
Compositional variation of atranorin‐related components of lichen Myelochroa leucotyliza dependent on extraction solvent and their quantitative analysis by qHNMR
Authors: Ojha Manju , Kil Yun‐Seo , Youn Ui Joung , Ok Young Jun , Choi Hyukjae , Nam Joo‐Won 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionQuantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) is one of the effective and reliable quantification tools for natural product research. Myelochroa leucotyliza belongs to the genus Myelochroa, a common foliose lichen genus found in the Korean Peninsula, and has not been quantitatively analysed using NMR. Previous chemical studies on M. leucotyliza have been limited to the main components by traditional thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) experiments.ObjectiveWe explored the stability of atranorin, a major component of M. leucotyliza, in methanol and acetone using NMR and characterised the changes in the chemical profiles of the lichen extracts in methanol and acetone using qNMR.MethodologyAtranorin transformation in the presence of methanol was analysed using time‐dependent proton (1H)‐NMR analysis (600 MHz NMR spectrometer). A 1H qNMR (qHNMR) method was established using dimethyl sulfone as the internal standard for quantifying the selected components isolated from M. leucotyliza. Homogenous mixtures of the samples were dissolved in deuterated chloroform.ResultsTime‐dependent 1H‐NMR experiments revealed that atranorin (5) from lichen M. leucotyliza decomposed into atraric acid (1) and methyl haemmatommate (2) in methanol. Four components were identified from M. leucotyliza: 1, 2, usnic acid (4), and 5, and their respective contents were determined using qHNMR. The percentages (w/w) of 1, 2, and 4 in the methanol extract were calculated as 5.66%, 0.69%, and 0.90%, while those of 1, 4, and 5 in the acetone extract were 1.70%, 1.68%, and 19.11%, respectively.ConclusionWe used qHNMR to effectively analyse quantitative compositional variations in two different M. leucotyliza extracts and reliably determined the chemical conversion of the unstable compound atranorin.
Incidence and patterns of abnormal corpus callosum in fetuses with isolated spina bifida aperta
Authors: Kunpalin Yada , Deprest Jan , Papastefanou Ioannis , Bredaki Emma , Sacco Adalina , Russo Francesca , Richter Jute , Jansen Katrien , Ourselin Sebastien , De Coppi Paolo , David Anna L. , Ushakov Fred , De Catte Luc 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the incidence and characterise corpus callosum (CC) abnormalities in fetuses with spina bifida aperta (SBA) between 18 and 26 weeks of gestation.MethodsThis was a retrospective study on fetuses with isolated SBA and who were assessed for fetal surgery. Digitally stored ultrasound images of the brain were reviewed for the presence/absence of the CC, and the length and diameter of its constituent parts (rostrum, genu, body and splenium). We used regression analysis to determine the relationship between CC abnormalities and gestational age, head circumference, ventricle size, lesion level and lesion type.ResultsNearly three‐quarters of fetuses with isolated SBA had an abnormal CC (71.7%, 76/106). Partial agenesis was most common in the splenium (18.9%, 20/106) and the rostrum (13.2%, 14/106). The most common abnormal pattern was of a short CC with normal diameter throughout. Of note, 20.8% (22/106) had a hypoplastic genu and 28.3% (30/106) had a thick body part. Larger lateral ventricle size was associated with partial agenesis of the CC (odds ratio [OR]: 0.14, p < 0.001) and inversely associated with a shorter CC (OR: 2.60, p < 0.01).ConclusionAn abnormal CC is common in fetuses with isolated SBA who are referred for fetal surgery.
Risk of antibiotic treatment failure in premenopausal women with uncomplicated urinary tract infection
Authors: Butler Anne M. , Durkin Michael J. , Keller Matthew R. , Ma Yinjiao , Dharnidharka Vikas R. , Powderly William G. , Olsen Margaret A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeAcute uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common indications for antibiotic prescriptions in otherwise healthy women. We compared the risk of treatment failure of antibiotic regimens for outpatient treatment of UTI in real‐world practice.MethodsWe identified non‐pregnant, premenopausal women diagnosed with uncomplicated, lower tract UTI and prescribed an oral antibiotic with activity against common uropathogens. We used propensity score‐weighted Kaplan–Meier functions to estimate 30‐day risks and risk differences (RD) for pyelonephritis and UTI‐related antibiotic prescription switch.ResultsOf 1 140 602 patients, the distribution of index prescriptions was 44% fluoroquinolones (non‐first‐line), 28% trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) (first‐line), 24% nitrofurantoin (first‐line), 3% narrow‐spectrum β‐lactams (non‐first‐line), 1% broad‐spectrum β‐lactams (non‐first‐line), and 1% amoxicillin/ampicillin (non‐recommended). Compared to the risk of pyelonephritis for nitrofurantoin (0.3%), risks were higher for TMP/SMX (RD, 0.2%; 95% CI, 0.2%–0.2%) and broad‐spectrum β‐lactams (RD, 0.2%; 95% CI, 0.1%–0.4%). Compared to the risk of prescription switch for nitrofurantoin (12.7%), the risk was higher for TMP/SMX (RD 1.6%; 95% CI 1.3%–1.7%) but similar for broad‐spectrum β‐lactams (RD −0.7%; 95% CI −1.4%‐0.1%) and narrow‐spectrum β‐lactams (RD −0.3%; 95% CI −0.8%–0.2%). Subgroup analyses suggest TMP/SMX treatment failure may be due in part to increasing uropathogen resistance over time.ConclusionsThe risk of treatment failure differed by antibiotic agent, with higher risk associated with TMP/SMX versus nitrofurantoin, and lower or similar risk associated with broad‐ versus narrow‐spectrum β‐lactams. Given serious safety warnings for fluoroquinolones, these results suggest that nitrofurantoin may be preferable as the first‐line agent for outpatient treatment of uncomplicated UTI.
Increased photovoltaic utilisation from direct current distribution: Quantification of geographical location impact
Authors: Ollas Patrik , Thiringer Torbjörn , Chen Huijuan , Markusson Caroline 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this paper, the performance of a direct current (DC) distribution system is modelled for a single‐family residential building and compared with a conventional alternating current (AC) system to quantify the potential energy savings and gains in photovoltaic (PV) utilisation. The modelling is made for two different climates to quantify the impact of the geographical location. Results show that the system losses are reduced by 19–46% and the PV utilisation increased by 3.9–7.4% when using a DC distribution system compared to an AC equivalent, resulting in system efficiency gains in the range of 1.3–8.8%. Furthermore, it is shown that the geographical location has some effect on the system's performance and PV utilisation, but most importantly, the grid interaction is paramount for the performance of the DC topology.
Prokaryote toxin–antitoxin modules: Complex regulation of an unclear function
Authors: De Bruyn Pieter , Girardin Yana , Loris Remy 
Published: March 2021

AbstractToxin–antitoxin (TA) modules are small operons in bacteria and archaea that encode a metabolic inhibitor (toxin) and a matching regulatory protein (antitoxin). While their biochemical activities are often well defined, their biological functions remain unclear. In Type II TA modules, the most common class, both toxin and antitoxin are proteins, and the antitoxin inhibits the biochemical activity of the toxin via complex formation with the toxin. The different TA modules vary significantly regarding structure and biochemical activity. Both regulation of protein activity by the antitoxin and regulation of transcription can be highly complex and sometimes show striking parallels between otherwise unrelated TA modules. Interplay between the multiple levels of regulation in the broader context of the cell as a whole is most likely required for optimum fine‐tuning of these systems. Thus, TA modules can go through great lengths to prevent activation and to reverse accidental activation, in agreement with recent in vivo data. These complex mechanisms seem at odds with the lack of a clear biological function.
Trehalase inhibition by validamycin A may be a promising target to design new fungicides and insecticides
Authors: García María‐Dolores , Argüelles Juan‐Carlos 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe introduction of insecticides and fungicides in agriculture has improved crop yields and, consequently, the quality of life for many people, especially in what is widely considered as the ‘first world’. However, the indiscriminate use of dangerous chemical insecticides has led to pest resistance, human and animal poisoning and environmental pollution. Biochemical and genetic evidence concludes that the non‐reducing disaccharide trehalose plays an essential role in the pathobiology of many insects and fungi. Both organisms share identical pathway for trehalose biosynthesis (the TPS/TPP pathway), while a high degree of homology in their trehalose hydrolysis capacity (trehalase activities) has also been demonstrated. In the search for new, effective and environmentally sustainable compounds, a set of trehalase inhibitors has emerged as a potentially interesting antifungal and insecticidal target. In particular, the trehalose analogue, Validamycin A, which has a strong inhibitory effect on several trehalases, has been successfully introduced for the treatment of various diseases caused by insects and fungi. Herein, we review the main features of the specific interaction between Validamycin A and trehalase as well as the expected advantages of the applications based on trehalase inhibition as insecticides and fungicides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
An intelligent identification system combining image and DNA sequence methods for fruit flies with economic importance (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Wang Jiangning , Chen Yingying , Hou Xinwen , Wang Yong , Zhou Libing , Chen Xiaolin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDImages and DNA sequences are two important methods for identifying fruit fly species. In addition, the identification of insect species complexes is highly problematic when attempting to utilize automatic identification methods in an actual environment. We integrated the image and DNA sequence identification methods into a single system for the first time and explored an open interactive multi‐image comparison function for solving the problem of species complexes. The Automated Fruit Fly Identification System 1.0 (AFIS1.0) was updated to AFIS2.0 by employing different models and developing the system under a novel framework.RESULTSAFIS2.0 was developed using 83 species belonging to eight genera in the Tephritidae, which includes most pests of this family. The system applies the Mask Region Convolutional Neural Network (Mask R‐CNN) and discriminative deep metric learning (AlexNet based) methods for image identification, integrates Blast+ for DNA sequence comparison and specific weighting for the fusion result. At the species level, the best classification success rate for wing images (as the Top 1 species in the species list of outcomes) reached 90%, and the average classification success rate for wing, thorax, and abdomen images (as the Top 5 species in the species list of outcomes) was 94%.CONCLUSIONAFIS2.0 is more accurate and convenient than AFIS1.0 and can be beneficial for users with or without specific expertise regarding Tephritidae. It also provides a more compact and fluent computer system for fruit fly identification, and can be easily applied in practice. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Implementation of an enclosed ionization interface for the analysis of liquid sample streams with direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry
Authors: Kloth Ricarda , Khanipour Peyman , Mayrhofer Karl J. J. , Katsounaros Ioannis 
Published: March 2021

RationaleThe development of an interface to analyze liquid sample streams with direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART‐MS) is of great interest for coupling various analytical techniques, using non‐volatile salts, with MS. Therefore, we devised an enclosed ionization interface and a sample introduction system for the versatile analysis of liquid samples with DART‐MS.MethodsThe sample introduction system consists of a nebulizer, a spray chamber and a transfer line, while the confined ionization interface is created by implementing a cross‐shaped housing between ion source outlet and mass spectrometer inlet. Methodical studies of the effects of various setup parameters on signal intensity and peak shape were conducted, while its diverse applicability was demonstrated by coupling with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the analysis of alcohols, organic acids and furanic compounds.ResultsThe confinement of the ionization interface results in a robust setup design with a well‐defined ionization region for focusing of the sprayed sample mist. Thereby, an increase in analyte signal intensity by three orders of magnitude and improved signal stability and reproducibility were obtained in comparison with a similar open ionization interface configuration. Additionally, the successful quantification of alcohols could be demonstrated as well as the compatibility of the setup with HPLC gradient elution.ConclusionsA versatile setup design for the analysis of liquid sample streams with DART‐MS was devised for monitoring reactions or hyphenating analytics with MS. The design minimizes interferences from the laboratory surroundings as well as allows for safe handling of hazardous and toxic chemicals, which renders it suitable for a broad range of applications.
Seeking Safety and Humanity in the Harshest Immigration Climate in a Generation: A Review of the Literature on the Effects of Separation and Detention on Migrant and Asylum‐Seeking Children and Families in the United States during the Trump Administration
Authors: Edyburn Kelly L. , Meek Shantel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn recent years, families with children from the Northern Triangle countries of Central America constitute a large and growing proportion of migrants and overall filed asylum claims. In an effort to deter overall immigration through the U.S.–Mexico border, the executive branch under the Trump administration has made substantial changes to federal immigration and asylum policy in recent years. Given the sensitive nature of early development and the hardship and trauma that many migrant children have experienced, immigration policies that do not prioritize child wellbeing, and in fact, neglect or harm it, can have lifelong negative consequences on physical and psychological wellbeing. In light of the scope of children and families affected by these policies and potential magnitude of their effects, the present review aimed to: 1) outline federal immigration policies under the Trump administration that primarily impacted migrant children and families; 2) review the research base regarding the effects of these policies on physical safety and health, development, mental health, family wellbeing, and education; and 3) provide policy recommendations to prevent further harm, mitigate the great harm already done, and prioritize child wellness moving forward. Findings from the review indicate that even short experiences of detention, particularly when children are separated from parents and caregivers, are associated with serious, lasting negative effects across every domain of functioning. The practices of separation, detention, and removal to temporary encampments compound traumatic experiences that migrant families are often fleeing, which in turn may set up already vulnerable children for a trajectory of continued marginalization. Future directions for research and implications for policy and practice are discussed.
The late Oligocene xenarthran fauna of Quebrada Fiera (Mendoza, Argentina) and its implications for sloth origins and the diversity of Palaeogene cingulates
Authors: Pujos François , Ciancio Martin R. , Forasiepi Analía M. , Pujos Michel , Candela Adriana M. , Vera Bárbara , Reguero Marcelo A. , Combina Ana María , Cerdeño Esperanza 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe late Oligocene mammalian fauna of Quebrada Fiera is one of the most diverse of the Deseadan SALMA (South American Land Mammal Age). We describe its endemic xenarthran assemblage, represented by 13 species, consisting of 2 stem sloths and 11 armoured cingulates. The rare folivoran material confirms the presence of Octodontotherium, one of the early known mylodontids, and suggests the existence of a new, small, non‐megalonychid megatherioid, Similhapalops nivis. The lumbar vertebrae of Octodontotherium sp. provide the oldest evidence of xenarthry for the order. The presence at the knee joint of an ossified meniscus and cyamo‐fabella strongly suggests a plantigrade ancestral condition in Mylodontidae. Armoured xenarthrans are represented by the armadillos Eutatini (Meteutatus sp., M. lagenaformis, and Stenotatus ornatus), an undetermined Euphractinii, the ‘horned’ peltephilids Peltephilus sp. and P. undulatus, and the palaeopeltid Palaeopeltis inornatus; an undetermined Glyptodontidae, the glyptatelines Glyptatelus cf. tatusinus and Clypeotherium sp., and an undetermined propalaehoplophorine. The xenarthrans represent one‐third of the mammals of the Quebrada Fiera fauna, one of the most varied at the end of the Palaeogene in South America. This vertebrate fauna is represented by a mix of endemic taxa and other species of high latitude (Patagonian) origin, but few from low latitude faunas. A detailed study of this mammalian assemblage, complemented by detailed geological and petrographical studies, suggests the existence of strong volcanic activity, and the presence of braided rivers and lagoonal environments in open habitats under a temperate or hot climate, with savannas and/or grasslands and isolated forests during the late Oligocene at the foot of the proto‐Andes.