bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growing Income-Based Inequalities in Old-Age Life Expectancy in Sweden, 2006–2015
Authors: Fors Stefan , Wastesson Jonas W. , Morin Lucas 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSweden is known for high life expectancy and economic egalitarianism, yet in recent decades it has lost ground in both respects. This study tracked income inequality in old-age life expectancy and life span variation in Sweden between 2006 and 2015, and examined whether patterns varied across levels of neighborhood deprivation. Income inequality in remaining life expectancy at ages 65, 75, and 85 increased. The gap in life expectancy at age 65 grew by more than a year between the lowest and the highest income quartiles, for both men (from 3.4 years in 2006 to 4.5 years in 2015) and women (from 2.3 to 3.4 years). This widening income gap in old-age life expectancy was driven by different rates of mortality improvement: individuals with higher incomes increased their life expectancy at a faster rate than did those with lower incomes. Women with the lowest incomes experienced no improvement in old-age life expectancy. Furthermore, life span variation increased in the lowest income quartile, while it decreased slightly among those in the highest quartile. Income was found to be a stronger determinant of old-age life expectancy than neighborhood deprivation.
Orally administered branaplam does not impact neurogenesis in juvenile mice, rats, and dogs
Authors: Theil Diethilde , Valdez Reginald , Darribat Katy , Doelemeyer Arno , Sivasankaran Rajeev , Hartmann Andreas 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Branaplam is a therapeutic agent currently in clinical development for the treatment of infants with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Since preclinical studies showed that branaplam had cell-cycle arrest effects, we sought to determine whether branaplam may affect postnatal cerebellar development and brain neurogenesis. Here, we describe a novel approach for developmental neurotoxicity testing (DNT) of a central nervous system (CNS) active drug. The effects of orally administered branaplam were evaluated in the SMA neonatal mouse model (SMNΔ7), and in juvenile Wistar Hannover rats and Beagle dogs. Histopathological examination and complementary immunohistochemical studies focused on areas of neurogenesis in the cerebellum (mice, rats, and dogs), and the subventricular zone of the striatum and dentate gyrus (rats and dogs) using antibodies directed against Ki67, phosphorylated histone H3, cleaved caspase-3, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Additionally, image-analysis based quantification of calbindin-D28k and Ki67 was performed in rats and dogs. The patterns of cell proliferation and apoptosis, and neural migration and innervation in the cerebellum and other brain regions of active adult neurogenesis did not differ between branaplam- and control-treated animals. Quantitative image analysis did not reveal any changes in calbindin-D28k and Ki67 expression in rats and dogs. The data show that orally administered branaplam has no impact on neurogenesis in juvenile animals. Application of selected immunohistochemical stainings in combination with quantitative image analysis on a few critical areas of postnatal CNS development offer a reliable approach to assess DNT of CNS-active drug candidates in juvenile animal toxicity studies.
Metal-Organic Frameworks: From Ambient Green Synthesis to Applications
Authors: Dai Shan , Tissot Antoine , Serre Christian 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Studies of the room temperature synthesis of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are still scarce and mainly focused on divalent metals based MOFs. The development of room temperature synthesis of more chemically robust MOFs is still challenging and therefore lacks exploration. Here, we review the development of ambient conditions synthesis of MOFs, from the properties of the sole MOF to their related composites. Low temperature green synthesis can not only meet the standards of sustainable chemistry, but also help to achieve a series of property enhancements, including their applications in catalysis, biomedicine, and sensing. Finally, perspectives associated to the synthesis strategies and applications of room temperature methods are discussed.
Charge Manipulation in Metal–Organic Frameworks: Toward Designer Functional Molecular Materials
Authors: Miyasaka Hitoshi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Multi-dimensional coordination frameworks whose charge states are controllable by the sophisticated chemical modification of the components or by the application of stimuli are fascinating targets for the design of electronic/magnetic functional materials. A simple way to design such frameworks is to assemble electron donor (D) and electron acceptor (A) units in a DmAn ratio with electronically conjugated linkages; we call this type of framework a D/A metal–organic framework (D/A-MOF). In this account article, our previous studies on D/A-MOFs composed of carboxylate-bridged paddlewheel-type diruthenium units ([Ru2]) and polycyano organic molecules such as N,N′-dicyanoquinodiimine (DCNQI) and 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane (TCNQ) as the D and A subunits, respectively, are summarized. In this family of D/A-MOFs, the charge distribution between the internal D and A subunits can be precisely tuned by varying their electronic structure, i.e., depending on what kind of D and A we choose. Crucially, the diverse charge states, as well as anisotropic framework and often porous nature, of D/A-MOFs are well correlated with their bulk electronic and magnetic properties.
Helical Polymers with Dynamic and Static Macromolecular Helicity Memory: The Power of Helicity Memory for Helical Polymer Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Yashima Eiji , Maeda Katsuhiro 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In this Account, we describe the recent progress in the synthesis and unique features and functions of helical polymers with a controlled handedness based on the noncovalent helicity induction and subsequent memory of the helicity strategy that we have developed during the past two decades. Remarkable progress has been achieved in the emerging research area of helical polymers over the past decades, producing a number of helical polymers with various structures and functions. Nevertheless, the helical polymers with dynamic and static helicity memory have been proved to be exceptional and like no other among a huge number of helical polymers prepared so far because of their unique and exclusively outstanding features, such that an excess handed helicity, once induced by noncovalent weak chiral interactions, is immediately memorized accompanied by a significant amplification of the helical chirality, leading to a long-lasting helicity memory. This finding has a significant impact on the development of novel advanced chiral materials, such as switchable chiral stationary phases for separating enantiomers and asymmetric catalysts, which will also be described in this Account.
Impact of ascorbic acid in reducing the incidence of vancomycin associated nephrotoxicity in critically ill patients: A preliminary randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hesham El-Sherazy Nouran , Samir Bazan Naglaa , Mahmoud Shaheen Sara , A. Sabri Nagwa 
Published: September 2021

Background Antioxidants show nephroprotective effect against vancomycin associated nephrotoxicity (VAN) in animals. This study aimed to assess the ascorbic acid nephro-protective role against VAN clinically. Methods Forty-one critically ill patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: intervention group (vancomycin IV plus ascorbic acid, n=21) or control group (vancomycin IV only, n=20). Primary outcomes were the incidence of VAN and the absolute change in creatinine parameters, while mortality rate was the secondary outcome. Nephrotoxicity was defined as an increase in serum creatinine (S.cr) by at least 0.5 mg/dL or 50% of baseline for at least two successive measurements. This study is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03921099), April 2019. Results Mean absolute S.cr increase was significant when compared between both groups, P-value = 0.036, where S.cr increased by 0.05(0.12) and 0.34(0.55) mg/dL in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Mean absolute Cr.cl decline was significant when compared between both groups, P-value = 0.04, where Cr.cl was decreased by 5.9(17.8) and 22.3(30.4) ml/min in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Incidence of VAN was 1/21(4.7%) versus 5/20(25%) in the intervention and control groups, respectively (RR: 0.19; CI: 0.024–1.49; P-value = 0.093). Mortality was higher in the control group; however, it was not statistically significant, P-value = 0.141. Conclusion Co-administration of ascorbic acid with vancomycin preserved renal function and reduced the absolute risk of VAN by 20.3%, however, the reduction in VAN incidence didn’t reach statistical significance level. Further large multicenter prospective trials are recommended.
Living with long COVID
Authors: Duncan Debbie Louise 
Published: September 2021

Post-COVID syndrome, or long COVID, is an increasing problem. Debbie Duncan looks at the evidence for management in primary care One in five people have symptoms that persist after 5 weeks, and one in ten have symptoms for 12 weeks or longer after an acute COVID-19 infection ( Office for National Statistics [ONS], 2020 ). NICE ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2020 ) defines this condition as post-COVID syndrome or long COVID. Common symptoms vary from fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, insomnia and anxiety and depression and encompasses a plethora of debilitating symptoms ( Dani et al, 2021 ). The new guideline for NICE (2021) recommends that patients presenting with new or ongoing symptoms 4 weeks or later after an initial COVID infection should have the investigations done to rule out acute, life-threatening complications or identify any unrelated diagnosis ( NICE, 2021 ). Garg et al (2020) suggests that long COVID is a multisystem syndrome and needs a multifaceted approach to tackle the physical, cognitive, psychological, social, and vocational aspects of this condition. This article looks at the literature about long COVID and suggests there is a clear pathway for treatment in primary care. All physicians should be equipped to recognise long-COVID and provide supportive management ( Dani et al, 2021 ).
Polarization-insensitive dual-wideband fractal meta-absorber for terahertz applications
Authors: Naveed Muhammad Ashar , Bilal Rana Muhammad Hasan , Rahim Arbab Abdur , Baqir Muhammad Abuzar , Ali Muhammad Mahmood 
Published: September 2021

Terahertz (THz) metamaterial absorbers have realized a prodigious reputation due to the limitation of natural absorbing materials in this range. Getting wideband absorption characteristics is challenging and arduous, especially in the THz band. Self-similar repeated fractal elements offer a promising solution to attain broadband absorption response due to their inherent multiple resonance characteristics. Therefore, by captivating the advantage of fractal geometry, we proposed a dual and wideband meta-absorber operating in the THz regime. The metamaterial absorber design comprises the assembly of self-similar square-shaped blocks arranged in a specific pattern to construct the fractal geometry. The proposed THz absorber demonstrates 90% absorption under normal incident waves for two operating bands from 9.5–10.55 THz and 12.3–13.35 THz. The suggested metamaterial absorber also shows good and stable absorption responses under different oblique incidence angles for transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) wave polarization. Moreover, this absorber manifests over 85% absorptivity in its entire operating range (9–14 THz) under the incidence angle of 60° and 70° for TM mode. Furthermore, it gives a polarization-insensitive behavior under the effect of different polarization angles. This kind of wideband absorber catches fascinating applications in THz detection, imaging, cloaking, and optoelectronic devices.
Demonstration of contrast improvement and spectral broadening in thin solid plates
Authors: Lu Xiaoming , Leng Yuxin 
Published: September 2021

Here we demonstrate that the pulses in thin solid plates (TSPs) can simultaneously realize contrast improvement and spectral broadening. In a proof-of-principle experiment, we used nine thin fused silica plates to make the beam form a series of foci in sequence, by which the divergence of the beam of the main pulse was seriously changed. After the last plate, the intense center spot of the output beam was picked out, and the energy of about 129 µJ was obtained for the 400 µJ input pulses, corresponding to a total transmission efficiency of more than 30%. The contrast measurement showed that the contrast was improved by 2 orders of magnitude. Meanwhile, the cleaned pulses were broadened spectrally, spanning from 680 to 930 nm at the

−

23

d
B

intensity level and giving a compressed pulse of 11.3 fs. These characteristics make the TSP method suitable to generate broadband seed pulses for high-contrast, few-cycle intense lasers.
Top-down convergence of near-infrared photonics with silicon substrate-integrated electronics
Authors: Bernard Martino , Acerbi Fabio , Paternoster Giovanni , Piccoli Gioele , Gemma Luca , Brunelli Davide , Gola Alberto , Pucker Georg , Pancheri Lucio , Ghulinyan Mher 
Published: September 2021

On-chip direct coupling of dielectric waveguides to Si substrate-integrated photodetectors has been realized within a top-down approach. A first-run 44% external quantum efficiency at 850 nm is shown for an oxynitride photonic integrated circuit at room temperature.
Trends in the prevalence of microscopically-confirmed schistosomiasis in the South African public health sector, 2011–2018
Authors: De Boni Liesl , Msimang Veerle , De Voux Alex , Frean John 
Published: September 2021

Background
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a chronic parasitic blood fluke infection acquired through contact with contaminated surface water. The illness may be mild or can cause significant morbidity with potentially serious complications. Children and those living in rural areas with limited access to piped water and services for healthcare are the most commonly infected. To address the prevalence of the disease in parts of South Africa (SA) effective national control measures are planned, but have not yet been implemented. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and trends of public sector laboratory-confirmed schistosomiasis cases in SA over an eight-year (2011–2018) period, to inform future control measures.

Methodology & principal findings
This is a descriptive analysis of secondary data from the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). The study included all records of patients for whom microscopic examination detected Schistosoma species eggs in urine or stool specimens from January 2011 to December 2018. Crude estimates of the prevalence were calculated using national census mid-year provincial population estimates as denominators, and simple linear regression was used to analyse prevalence trends. A test rate ratio was developed to describe variations in testing volumes among different groups and to adjust prevalence estimates for testing variations.
A total number of 135 627 schistosomiasis cases was analysed with the highest prevalence observed among males and individuals aged 5–19 years. We describe ongoing endemicity in the Eastern Cape Province, and indicate important differences in the testing between population groups.

Conclusion
While there was no overall change in the prevalence of schistosomiasis during the analysis period, an average of 36 people per 100 000 was infected annually. As such, this represents an opportunity to control the disease and improve quality of life of affected people. Laboratory-based surveillance is a useful method for reporting occurrence and evaluating future intervention programs where resources to implement active surveillance are limited.
The potential impact of triage protocols on racial disparities in clinical outcomes among COVID-positive patients in a large academic healthcare system
Authors: Roy Shireen , Showstark Mary , Tolchin Benjamin , Kashyap Nitu , Bonito Jennifer , Salazar Michelle C. , Herbst Jennifer L. , Nash Katherine A. , Nguemeni Tiako Max Jordan , Jubanyik Karen , Kim Nancy , Galusha Deron , Wang Karen H. , Oladele Carol 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact in the United States, particularly for Black populations, and has heavily burdened the healthcare system. Hospitals have created protocols to allocate limited resources, but there is concern that these protocols will exacerbate disparities. The sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score is a tool often used in triage protocols. In these protocols, patients with higher SOFA scores are denied resources based on the assumption that they have worse clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess whether using SOFA score as a triage tool among COVID-positive patients would exacerbate racial disparities in clinical outcomes.MethodsWe analyzed data from a retrospective cohort of hospitalized COVID-positive patients in the Yale-New Haven Health System. We examined associations between race/ethnicity and peak overall/24-hour SOFA score, in-hospital mortality, and ICU admission. Other predictors of interest were age, sex, primary language, and insurance status. We used one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests to assess differences in SOFA score across racial/ethnic groups and linear and logistic regression to assess differences in clinical outcomes by sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsOur final sample included 2,554 patients. Black patients had higher SOFA scores compared to patients of other races. However, Black patients did not have significantly greater in-hospital mortality or ICU admission compared to patients of other races.ConclusionWhile Black patients in this sample of hospitalized COVID-positive patients had higher SOFA scores compared to patients of other races, this did not translate to higher in-hospital mortality or ICU admission. Results demonstrate that if SOFA score had been used to allocate care, Black COVID patients would have been denied care despite having similar clinical outcomes to white patients. Therefore, using SOFA score to allocate resources has the potential to exacerbate racial inequities by disproportionately denying care to Black patients and should not be used to determine access to care. Healthcare systems must develop and use COVID-19 triage protocols that prioritize equity.
Protocol for a longitudinal study investigating the role of anxiety on academic outcomes in children on the autism spectrum
Authors: Adams Dawn , Malone Stephanie , Simpson Kate , Tucker Madonna , Rapee Ron M. , Rodgers Jacqui , Keen Deb 
Published: September 2021

Background
Children on the autism spectrum are consistently reported to underachieve compared to ability. In typically developing children, anxiety is a strong predictor of poor school performance. Despite the high prevalence of anxiety disorders among children on the spectrum, the impact of their anxiety on academic achievement is under-researched. The main aim of this project is to determine the moderating role anxiety may have in the development of academic learning behaviours (academic enablers) in children on the spectrum. This project addresses a gap in knowledge about the possible associations between anxiety and academic achievement in children on the spectrum. Understanding these associations opens up the possibility of new intervention pathways to enhance academic outcomes through anxiety reduction/prevention.

Methods
This longitudinal study will aim to recruit 64 children on the spectrum aged 4–5 years and their parents. Information will be gathered from children, parents and teachers. Children will be randomly assigned to one of two conditions in order to experimentally manipulate anxiety levels in the sample: experimental (to receive an anxiety reduction/prevention program, N = 32) or control (no intervention/treatment as usual, N = 32). The primary outcome measures are child academic skills and enabling behaviours assessed using the Academic Competence Evaluation Scales and the WIAT-II. Anxiety will be assessed through parent and teacher report. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-experimental manipulation of anxiety, and within the first year of formal schooling. It is hypothesised that anxiety will moderate the relationship between autism characteristics and academic enablers.

Dissemination
Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations. Lay summaries will be provided to all participants and available on the research centre website.
Assessment of malaria infection among pregnant women and children below five years of age attending rural health facilities of Kenya: A cross-sectional survey in two counties of Kenya
Authors: Okoyo Collins , Githinji Edward , Muia Ruth W. , Masaku Janet , Mwai Judy , Nyandieka Lilian , Munga Stephen , Njenga Sammy M. , Kanyi Henry M. 
Published: September 2021

Background
In Kenya, health service delivery and access to health care remains a challenge for vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women and children below five years. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine the positivity rate of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in pregnant women and children below five years of age seeking healthcare services at the rural health facilities of Kwale and Siaya counties as well as their access and uptake of malaria control integrated services, like antenatal care (ANC), offered in those facilities.

Methods
Cluster random sampling method was used to select pregnant women and children below five years receiving maternal and child health services using two cross-sectional surveys conducted in eleven rural health facilities in two malaria endemic counties in western and coastal regions of Kenya. Each consenting participant provided single blood sample for determining malaria parasitaemia using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques.

Results
Using PCR technique, the overall malaria positivity rate was 27.9% (95%CI: 20.9–37.2), and was 34.1% (95%CI: 27.1–42.9) and 22.0% (95%CI: 13.3–36.3) in children below five years and pregnant women respectively. Additionally, using microscopy, the overall positivity rate was 39.0% (95%CI: 29.5–51.6), and was 50.4% (95%CI: 39.4–64.5) and 30.6% (95%CI: 22.4–41.7) in children below five years and pregnant women respectively. Siaya County in western Kenya showed higher malaria positivity rates for both children (36.4% and 54.9%) and pregnant women (27.8% and 38.5%) using both PCR and microscopy diagnosis techniques respectively, compared to Kwale County that showed positivity rates of 27.2% and 37.9% for children and 5.2% and 8.6% for pregnant women similarly using both PCR and microscopy techniques respectively. Pregnant women presenting themselves for their first ANC visit were up to five times at risk of malaria infection, (adjusted odds ratio = 5.40, 95%CI: 0.96–30.50, p = 0.046).

Conclusion
Despite evidence of ANC attendance and administration of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) dosage during these visits, malaria positivity rate was still high among pregnant women and children below five years in these two rural counties. These findings are important to the Kenyan National Malaria Control Programme and will help contribute to improvement of policies on integration of malaria control approaches in rural health facilities.