bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Standardization of topical preparations for finger‐tip unit—Awareness and attitudes among pharmacists and dermatologists and suggestions to improve standardization of topical drug dosing—A two‐phase cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Asif Afzal Haq , Kaliyadan Feroze , Gite Vikas V. , Al‐Dhubiab Bandar E. , Nanjappa Shivakumar H. , Meravanige Girish , Sreeharsha Nagaraja 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundStandardization of topical therapy dosage is important to ensure optimum use and dosage of topical medications. One of the concepts frequently used in the standardization of topical treatment is the Finger‐tip unit (FTU). While practitioners, both dermatologists and pharmacists, are generally aware of FTU, practical use is less.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate views and practices related to FTU among both dermatology and pharmacy faculty and to elicit and validate suggestions for improving standardization.MethodsWe surveyed a group of Dermatologists and Pharmacists—in two phases—in phase 1 (n = 44), an electronic survey was used as a tool to understand their practices regarding FTU, and to obtain suggestions regarding standardization of topical medication delivery. In phase 2 (n = 40), the main suggestions for improvement were resent to the group to rate and validate the same.ResultsThe awareness of FTU was high among the experts, but practical use of the FTU for patient counselling was less frequent. The group gave suggestions to standardize applications. All these suggestions got high ratings on both feasibility and possible effectiveness in the second phase, with the highest rating being for the suggestion of “Placing QR codes on ointment/cream tubes which link to websites with educational materials/ videos on FTU/topical drug dosing.”ConclusionAwareness regarding FTU is high among both dermatologists and pharmacists, however practical use is less. Strategies to improve standardization of topical drug dosing can be formulated through collaboration involving both dermatologists and pharmacists.
Effect of Rhus coriaria L. methanolic fruit extract on wound healing in diabetic and non‐diabetic rats
Authors: Alsarayreh Ahmad Za’al , Oran Sawsan Atallah , Shakhanbeh Jumah Mutie 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimThis study assessed the effects of topical application of R. coriaria extract on the rate of wound closure. The rate of wound contraction was used to assess the wound healing efficacy of the R. coriaria fruit methanolic extract.MethodsUsing excision and burn model of wound repair in diabetic male Wistar rats. Also, hydroxyproline, collagen content, and proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines levels were determined in this study.ResultsDuring the early wound healing phase, interleukin 6 (IL‐6) levels were found to be decreased by R. coriaria treatment and increased the level of interleukin 10 (IL‐10). Increased wound contraction augmented with hydroxyproline and collagen content, supporting the early wound healing exhibited by R. coriaria. The epithelialization, neovascularization and enhanced hydroxyproline and collagen expression were strongly associated with the healing pattern.ConclusionThis study indicating that R. coriaria methanolic fruit extract has a potent wound healing capacity. And may be effective in the topical therapy of wound healing.
Prevalence of Suspected Concussions Among K‐12 Students in Utah: Findings From Utah's Student Injury Reporting System
Authors: Waltzman Dana , Daugherty Jill , Sarmiento Kelly , Haarbauer‐Krupa Juliet , Campbell Hillary , Ferrell Deanna 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDTo inform prevention strategies, this study provides incidence, factors, and actions taken when a suspected concussion occurred in K‐12 schools in Utah.METHODSData were collected using Utah's Student Injury Reporting System (SIRS) from the academic years 2011‐2012 to 2018‐2019. SIRS is a unique online system that tracks injuries that occur in the school setting among K‐12 students in Utah. Descriptive statistics were computed to characterize students with a suspected concussion. Chi‐square (χ2) analysis looking at characteristics by school level was also conducted.RESULTSOver 63,000 K‐12 students in Utah sustained an injury at school during the study period. Suspected concussions comprised 10% of all injuries. The prevalence of concussions was highest among males (60.6%) and elementary school students (42.6%) and most often occurred outdoors (57.6%) or on a playground/playfield (33.9%), and in sports‐ and recreation‐related activities (75.1%) (specifically contact sports, 24.0%). Most students with a suspected concussion were absent 1 day or less from school (71.4%) but about 68% were seen by a medical professional. Further, there were differences by school level. Females and students playing contact sports had a higher percentage of suspected concussions as school level increased, whereas males and concussions sustained during school hours had a lower percentage of suspected concussions as school level increased.CONCLUSIONSSIRS enables schools in Utah to identify groups at risk for concussion, as well as activities most commonly associated with these injuries, within the school environment. Using this information, schools may implement targeted prevention strategies to protect students.
Contrasting gene‐level signatures of selection with reproductive fitness
Authors: Bush Stephen J. , Murren Courtney J. , Urrutia Araxi O. , Kover Paula X. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSelection leaves signatures in the DNA sequence of genes, with many test statistics devised to detect its action. While these statistics are frequently used to support hypotheses about the adaptive significance of particular genes, the effect these genes have on reproductive fitness is rarely quantified experimentally. Consequently, it is unclear how gene‐level signatures of selection are associated with empirical estimates of gene effect on fitness. Eukaryotic data sets that permit this comparison are very limited. Using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, for which these resources are available, we calculated seven gene‐level substitution and polymorphism‐based statistics commonly used to infer selection (dN/dS, NI, DOS, Tajima's D, Fu and Li's D*, Fay and Wu's H, and Zeng's E) and, using knockout lines, compared these to gene‐level estimates of effect on fitness. We found that consistent with expectations, essential genes were more likely to be classified as negatively selected. By contrast, using 379 Arabidopsis genes for which data was available, we found no evidence that genes predicted to be positively selected had a significantly different effect on fitness than genes evolving more neutrally. We discuss these results in the context of the analytic challenges posed by Arabidopsis, one of the only systems in which this study could be conducted, and advocate for examination in additional systems. These results are relevant to the evaluation of genome‐wide studies across species where experimental fitness data is unavailable, as well as highlighting an increasing need for the latter.
Efficacy of behavioral interventions in managing gestational weight gain (GWG): A component network meta‐analysis
Authors: Ranasinha Sanjeeva , Hill Briony , Teede Helena J. , Enticott Joanne , Wang Rui , Harrison Cheryce L. 
Published: December 2021

SummaryObjectiveTo identify the most effective behavioral components within lifestyle interventions to optimize gestational weight gain (GWG) to inform guidelines, policy and translation into healthcare.MethodsBehavioral components were identified from study level data of randomized antenatal lifestyle interventions using a behavioral taxonomy framework and analyzed using component network meta‐analysis (NMA). The NMA ranked behavioral combinations hierarchically by efficacy of optimizing GWG. Direct and estimated indirect comparisons between study arms (i.e., control and intervention) and between different component combinations were estimated to evaluate component combinations associated with greater efficacy.ResultsOverall, 32 studies with 11,066 participants were included. Each intervention contained between 3 and 7 behavioral components with 26 different behavioral combinations identified. The majority (n = 24) of combinations were associated with optimizing GWG, with standard mean differences (SMD) ranging from −1.01 kg (95% CI −1.64 to −0.37) and −0.07 kg (−0.38 to 0.24), compared with controls. The behavioral cluster identified as most effective, included components of goals, feedback and monitoring, natural consequences, comparison of outcomes, and shaping knowledge (SMD −1.01 kg [95% CI −1.64 to −0.37]).ConclusionFindings support the application of goal setting, feedback and monitoring, natural consequences, comparison of outcomes, and shaping knowledge as essential, core components within lifestyle interventions to optimize gestational weight gain.
Why I'm not a Humean
Authors: Friend Toby 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThere is an inconsistency between the access we have to our conscious lives and the Humean thesis of causal generalism. This was first drawn attention to by John Hawthorne, whose argument withstands a number of objections. Nevertheless, it has weaknessess. The first premise must be weakened if Humeans are to be compelled to accept it, and consequently, the second premise will have to be stronger to retain validity. I shore up the case against Humeanism by providing revised premises along with new defences of them. I show why this also provides a lesson for non‐Humeans about the epistemology of causal relations.
Radial spiky steady states of a flux‐limited Keller–Segel model: Existence, asymptotics, and stability
Authors: Wang Zhi‐An , Xu Xin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the radial stationary problem of a flux‐limited Keller–Segel model derived in a multidimensional bounded domain with Neumann boundary conditions. With the global bifurcation theory and Helly compactness theorem by treating the chemotactic coefficient as a bifurcation parameter, we establish the existence of nonconstant monotone radial stationary solutions and further show that the radial stationary solution will tend to a Dirac delta mass as the chemotactic coefficient tends to infinity. By using the stability criterion of Crandall and Rabinnowitz, we prove the linearized stability of bifurcating stationary solutions near the bifurcation points.
The expression of histone lysine demethylase 2B in canine hemangiosarcoma is associated with disease progression
Authors: Gulay Kevin Christian M. , Aoshima Keisuke , Kim Sangho , Kitaguchi Ryusei , Kobayashi Atsushi , Kimura Takashi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCanine hemangiosarcoma (HSA), a highly fatal mesenchymal tumour of dogs, originates from the endothelial cells lining of blood vessels. It is characterized by a short survival time with a mean survival time of only 4 months. Recently, we showed that histone lysine demethylase 2B (KDM2B) was highly expressed in canine HSA and was important in HSA tumour cell survival by positively regulating DNA repair mechanisms. KDM2B has been reported to be related to disease progression and patient survival in several human cancers. Thus, in this study, we studied the relationship of KDM2B expression levels with several patient clinical profiles to investigate the role of KDM2B in clinical HSA tumours. We analysed 37 canine HSA cases and found that KDM2B is highly expressed in stage 3 HSA compared to stage 1 HSA. High KDM2B expression was also found in male dogs compared to female dogs. No correlation was observed between KDM2B expression and age. Classifying HSA patients into high and low KDM2B expression groups revealed that the high KDM2B group showed shorter overall survival than the low KDM2B group. Based on these results, we suggest that KDM2B expression is associated with disease progression in HSA.
Assessment of tear film osmolarity using the IPen®Vet osmometer in Pug and Shih‐Tzu dogs with and without keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Authors: Brito Fábio L. da C. , Voitena Jéssica N. , Marinho Tatiane O. C. , Moore Bret A. , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo establish tear film osmolarity (TFO) values in Pugs and Shih‐Tzus, with and without keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).Animals studiedA total of 82 adult dogs were evaluated.ProcedureThe inclusion criteria for the healthy group was a Schirmer tear test (STT‐1) ≥15 mm/min with no clinical signs of KCS, whereas those with KCS had clinical signs and a STT‐1 ≤10 mm/min. All animals underwent complete ophthalmological evaluation prior to STT‐1 and TFO. Student's t tests were used to compare STT‐1 and TFO in KCS and healthy eyes as well as possible differences in TFO between breeds. In addition, a linear regression to model the relationship between the two variables (STT‐1 and TFO) was performed. A P‐value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsSTT‐1 results were significantly lower (p = 0.0001) in the KCS group (4.46 ± 1.74) compared with the control group (18.80 ± 2.02). Mean TFO results were significantly higher in the KCS group (353.02 ± 16.58 mOsm/L) (p < 0.0001) compared with the control group (315.27 ± 6.15 mOsm/L). The formula Y = 365.059–2.625 * X significantly predicts (p < 0.001) the value of the variable Y (TFO mOsm/L) as a function of the variable X (STT‐1 mm/min), with a coefficient of determination of 0.71.ConclusionsThe results revealed differences in TFO and STT‐1 between KCS and healthy dogs. Additionally, STT‐1 and TFO values were correlated with the aim to use STT‐1 values to predict TFO values in brachycephalic breeds.
Switched Fractional Order Model Reference Adaptive Control for First Order Plants: A Simulation-Based Study
Authors: Aguila-Camacho Norelys , García-Bustos Jorge E. , Castillo-López Eduardo I. , Gallegos Javier A. , Travieso-Torres Juan C. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This paper presents the results and analysis of an exhaustive simulation study where switched fractional order model reference adaptive control (SFOMRAC) is used for first order plants, along with the analytical proof of boundedness and convergence of the scheme. The analysis is focused on the controlled system behavior through the integral of the time-weighted squared control error (ITSE) and on the control energy through the integral of the squared control signal (ISI). Controller parameters such as fractional order, adaptive gain, and switching time are varied along the simulation studies, as well as plant parameters and reference models. The results show that SFOMRAC controllers can be found for every plant and reference model used such that both system behavior and control energy can be improved, compared to equivalent nonswitched fractional order and integer order control strategies.
Worse outcomes and higher costs of care in fibrostenotic Crohn’s disease: a real-world propensity-matched analysis in the USA
Authors: Dehghan Melody , Wong Gabriel , Neuberger Edward , Kin Cindy , Rieder Florian , Park K T 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundPatients with Crohn’s disease (CD) may develop fibrostenotic strictures. No currently available therapies prevent or treat fibrostenotic CD (FCD), making this a critical unmet need.AimTo compare health outcomes and resource utilisation between CD patients with and without fibrostenotic disease.MethodsPatients aged ≥18 years with FCD and non-FCD between 30 October 2015 and 30 September 2018 were identified in the Truven MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database. We conducted 1:3 nearest neighbour propensity score matching on age, sex, malnutrition, payer type, anti-tumour necrosis factor use, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. Primary outcomes up to 1 year from the index claim were ≥1 hospitalisation, ≥1 procedure, ≥1 surgery, and steroid dependency (>100 day supply). Associations between FCD diagnosis and outcomes were estimated with a multivariable logistic regression model. This study was exempt from institutional review board approval.ResultsPropensity score matching yielded 11 022 patients. Compared with non-FCD, patients with FCD had increased likelihood of hospitalisations (17.1% vs 52.4%; p<0.001), endoscopic procedures (4.4% vs 8.6%; p<0.001), IBD-related surgeries (4.7% vs 9.1%; p<0.001), steroid dependency (10.0% vs 15.7%; p<0.001), and greater mean annual costs per patient ($47 575 vs $77 609; p<0.001). FCD was a significant risk factor for ≥1 hospitalisation (adjusted OR (aOR), 6.1), ≥1 procedure (aOR, 2.1), ≥1 surgery (aOR, 2.0), and steroid dependency (aOR, 1.7).ConclusionsFCD was associated with higher risk for hospitalisation, procedures, abdominal surgery, and steroid dependency. Patients with FCD had a greater mean annual cost per patient. FCD represents an ongoing unmet medical need.
Oxygen systems strengthening as an intervention to prevent childhood deaths due to pneumonia in low-resource settings: systematic review, meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness
Authors: Lam Felix , Stegmuller Angela , Chou Victoria B , Graham Hamish R 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesIncreasing access to oxygen services may improve outcomes among children with pneumonia living in low-resource settings. We conducted a systematic review to estimate the impact and cost-effectiveness of strengthening oxygen services in low-income and middle-income countries with the objective of including oxygen as an intervention in the Lives Saved Tool.DesignWe searched EMBASE and PubMed on 31 March 2021 using keywords and MeSH terms related to ‘oxygen’, ‘pneumonia’ and ‘child’ without restrictions on language or date. The risk of bias was assessed for all included studies using the quality assessment tool for quantitative studies, and we assessed the overall certainty of the evidence using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations. Meta-analysis methods using random effects with inverse-variance weights was used to calculate a pooled OR and 95% CIs. Programme cost data were extracted from full study reports and correspondence with study authors, and we estimated cost-effectiveness in US dollar per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted.ResultsOur search identified 665 studies. Four studies were included in the review involving 75 hospitals and 34 485 study participants. We calculated a pooled OR of 0.52 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.70) in favour of oxygen systems reducing childhood pneumonia mortality. The median cost-effectiveness of oxygen systems strengthening was $US62 per DALY averted (range: US$44–US$225). We graded the risk of bias as moderate and the overall certainty of the evidence as low due to the non-randomised design of the studies.ConclusionOur findings suggest that strengthening oxygen systems is likely to reduce hospital-based pneumonia mortality and may be cost-effective in low-resource settings. Additional implementation trials using more rigorous designs are needed to strengthen the certainty in the effect estimate.
Burden of chronic diseases associated with periodontal diseases: a retrospective cohort study using UK primary care data
Authors: Zemedikun Dawit T , Chandan Joht Singh , Raindi Devan , Rajgor Amarkumar Dhirajlal , Gokhale Krishna Margadhmane , Thomas Tom , Falahee Marie , De Pablo Paola , Lord Janet M , Raza Karim , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesTo identify the association between periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) and chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cardiometabolic disease, autoimmune disease and mental ill health.DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingIQVIA Medical Research Data-UK between 1 January 1995 and 1 January 2019.Participants64 379 adult patients with a general practitioner recorded diagnosis of periodontal disease (exposed patients) were matched to 251 161 unexposed patients by age, sex, deprivation and registration date.Main outcome measuresLogistic regression models accounting for covariates of clinical importance were undertaken to estimate the adjusted OR (aOR) of having chronic diseases at baseline in the exposed compared with the unexposed group. Incidence rates for each outcome of interest were then provided followed by the calculation of adjusted HRs using cox regression modelling to describe the risk of outcome development in each group.ResultsThe average age at cohort entry was 45 years and the median follow-up was 3.4 years. At study entry, the exposed cohort had an increased likelihood of having a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (aOR 1.43; 95% CI 1.38 to 1.48), cardiometabolic disease (aOR 1.16; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.19), autoimmune disease (aOR 1.33; 95% CI 1.28 to 1.37) and mental ill health (aOR 1.79; 95% CI 1.75 to 1.83) compared with the unexposed group. During the follow-up of individuals without pre-existing outcomes of interest, the exposed group had an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (HR 1.18; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.23), cardiometabolic disease (HR 1.07; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.10), autoimmune disease (HR 1.33; 95% CI 1.26 to 1.40) and mental ill health (HR 1.37; 95% CI 1.33 to 1.42) compared with the unexposed group.ConclusionsIn this cohort, periodontal diseases appeared to be associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular, cardiometabolic, autoimmune diseases and mental ill health. Periodontal diseases are very common; therefore, an increased risk of other chronic diseases represent a substantial public health burden.
Association between dementia parental family history and mid-life modifiable risk factors for dementia: a cross-sectional study using propensity score matching within the Lifelines cohort
Authors: Vrijsen Joyce , Abu-Hanna Ameen , de Rooij Sophia E , Smidt Nynke 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveIndividuals with a parental family history (PFH) of dementia have an increased risk to develop dementia, regardless of genetic risks. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between a PFH of dementia and currently known modifiable risk factors for dementia among middle-aged individuals using propensity score matching (PSM).DesignA cross-sectional study.Setting and participantsA subsample of Lifelines (35–65 years), a prospective population-based cohort study in the Netherlands was used.Outcome measuresFourteen modifiable risk factors for dementia and the overall Lifestyle for Brain Health (LIBRA) score, indicating someone’s potential for dementia risk reduction (DRR).ResultsThe study population included 89 869 participants of which 10 940 (12.2%) had a PFH of dementia (mean (SD) age=52.95 (7.2)) and 36 389 (40.5%) without a PFH of dementia (mean (SD) age=43.19 (5.5)). Of 42 540 participants (47.3%), PFH of dementia was imputed. After PSM, potential confounding variables were balanced between individuals with and without PFH of dementia. Individuals with a PFH of dementia had more often hypertension (OR=1.19; 95% CI 1.14 to 1.24), high cholesterol (OR=1.24; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.30), diabetes (OR=1.26; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.42), cardiovascular diseases (OR=1.49; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.88), depression (OR=1.23; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.41), obesity (OR=1.14; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.20) and overweight (OR=1.10; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.17), and were more often current smokers (OR=1.20; 95% CI 1.14 to 1.27) and ex-smokers (OR=1.21; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.27). However, they were less often low/moderate alcohol consumers (OR=0.87; 95% CI 0.83 to 0.91), excessive alcohol consumers (OR=0.93; 95% CI 0.89 to 0.98), socially inactive (OR=0.84; 95% CI 0.78 to 0.90) and physically inactive (OR=0.93; 95% CI 0.91 to 0.97). Having a PFH of dementia resulted in a higher LIBRA score (RC=0.15; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.19).ConclusionWe found that having a PFH of dementia was associated with several modifiable risk factors. This suggests that middle-aged individuals with a PFH of dementia are a group at risk and could benefit from DRR. Further research should explore their knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards DRR, and whether they are willing to assess their risk and change their lifestyle to reduce dementia risk.