bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of new Medicare enrollment on health, healthcare utilization, and cost: A scoping review
Authors: Yeung Kai , Dorsey Caitlin N. , Mettert Kayne 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundMore than three million Americans turn 65 each year and newly enroll in Medicare, making this one of the most common insurance transitions. Non‐Medicare insurance transitions are associated with changes in health, healthcare utilization and costs. In addition, older Americans have higher morbidity, mortality, healthcare utilization, and healthcare costs than the general population. However, the effect of new Medicare enrollment on these outcomes is unclear.DesignWe conducted a scoping review to rigorously identify the scope of evidence on the association between new Medicare enrollment and health, healthcare utilization and costs.SettingWe included English‐language, peer‐reviewed, studies cataloged in Medline (PubMed) and EconLit from 1998 to 2018.ParticipantsIndividuals newly enrolling in Medicare.MeasurementsWe measured health (e.g., self‐reported health), healthcare utilization (e.g., provider visits, preventive care, and hospitalizations) and costs (e.g., patient out‐of‐pocket and health plan spending).ResultsWe screened 5265 articles and included 20 articles. New Medicare enrollment was found to increase self‐reported health and healthcare utilization overall, as well as reduce disparities across racial and socioeconomic strata. Provider visits, preventive care and hospitalizations all increased. However, patient out‐of‐pocket spending decreased, and health plan spending also decreased, when Medicare's lower prices were accounted for. Few studies compared outcomes among new Medicare Advantage enrollees with new Medicare fee‐for‐service enrollees. None of the studies specifically evaluated the effect of new Medicare enrollment on adults with multiple chronic conditions.ConclusionNew Medicare enrollment improves access overall and reduces access disparities. However, the impact of new Medicare enrollment among subgroups defined by insurance coverage type and number of chronic conditions is less clear. Future work should also evaluate the mechanism for increases in hospitalizations.
The efficacy and safety of autologous stromal vascular fraction transplantation for infraorbital skin rejuvenation: A clinical prospective study
Authors: Pattayadeekul Teerasak , Pawcsuntorn Tanomkit , Nararatwanchai Thamthiwat 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe stromal vascular fraction of fat tissue contributes to its rejuvenation properties. The stromal vascular fraction is a minimal processed cell population. Therefore, it is purportedly a suitable cell therapy for skin rejuvenation.ObjectivesThis clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transplantation of autologous stromal vascular fraction to aging skin in the infraorbital region.Patients/Methods.Nineteen patients were candidates for stromal vascular fraction isolation and transplantation. They underwent lipoaspiration of the abdomen to obtain samples of fat tissue. The stromal vascular fraction was thereafter harvested and transplanted in each infraorbital area. The patients’ outcomes were measured and were based on surface evaluation of wrinkles, surface evaluation of scaliness, and melanin evaluation with a Mexameter. The red blood cell volume and skin elasticity were measured with an erythrometer and cutometer, respectively.ResultsThree months and 6 months after autologous stromal vascular fraction transplantation, the elasticity, wrinkle, and pigmentation of the infraorbital skin improved significantly, but not surface evaluation of scaliness and erythema. The phenotype also improved in the infraorbital skin area, as evaluated by physicians.ConclusionThe stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue represents an attractive cell source. In our study, preliminary data showed that clinical outcomes were also generally satisfactory with no serious adverse effects. Thus, stromal vascular fraction cells are safe for clinical rejuvenation use. We encourage future evidence‐based controlled studies to maintain a strong focus on the efficacy and safety profile of stromal vascular fraction therapy.
RETRACTED: Expert consensus on the facial rejuvenation using the Mint Lift® in Koreans: Perspectives of plastic surgeons
Authors: Kim Tae Seob , Kim Seung Soo , Jeong Cheol , Song Yu Kwan 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundIt would be mandatory for plastic surgeons to consider anthropometric and anatomical differences between Asians and Caucasians in performing facial rejuvenation procedures using absorbable threadlifts in Asians.MethodsA consensus meeting was convened to discuss indications, treatment procedures, possible combination treatments, clinical outcomes, and safety of an absorbable polydioxanone (PDO) monofilament threadlift (Mint Lift®; HansBiomed Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea), for which the “Mint Aesthetics Expert Group” was organized with four Korean board‐certified specialists in plastic and reconstructive surgery.ResultsOur recommendations are as follows: First, the entry and exit points should be determined considering anatomical characteristics of the face (Level of evidence III). Second, treatment procedures may vary depending on indications (Level of evidence III). Third, short‐term efficacy and safety of facial rejuvenation using the Mint Lift® have been well documented (Level of evidence I and III). Third, facial rejuvenation using the Mint Lift® may be combined with a liposuction (Level of evidence III).ConclusionsHere, we propose expert consensus on facial rejuvenation using a novel absorbable PDO monofilament threadlift in Koreans. Of note, this is the only expert consensus prepared by board‐certified specialists in plastic surgery in Korea. But more evidence‐based efforts should be made to update and to expand the current recommendations.
Ingestion of metallic foreign bodies: A Paediatric Emergency Research in the United Kingdom and Ireland survey of current practice and hand‐held metal detector use
Authors: Lafferty Max , Lyttle Mark D , Mullen Niall ,   PERUKI
Published: March 2021

AimTo describe variation in the initial management of children presenting to Emergency Departments (ED) with coins lodged in the oesophagus. To determine the usage of hand‐held metal detectors (HHMDs) in EDs, including their role in clinical decision‐making, and training in their use.MethodsOnline multicentre cross‐sectional survey of EDs in the UK and Ireland, with results described using descriptive statistics.ResultsFifty‐five (90%) of 61 sites responded. The two main strategies described for lodged oesophageal coins were endoscopic removal or observation with reassessment, dependent on location. For coins in the proximal third of the oesophagus 43/55 (78.2%) referred for endoscopic removal, 6/55 (10.9%) observed and the remaining 10.9% used a variety of methods, including: Foley catheter removal with fluoroscopy, blind Foley catheter removal, referral to paediatric surgery/ENT. Thirty (55%) of 55 used HHMDs, 21/30 (70%) had guidelines for their use, and 3/30 (10%) provided formal training. Twenty (67%) of 30 used the xiphisternum as the anatomical cut‐off for assuming safe passage of metallic foreign bodies (FB) beyond the lower oesophageal sphincter.ConclusionsThere is considerable variation in the management of oesophageal coins in children, though two dominant strategies were identified. As endoscopy is significantly more invasive than observation, future research should aim to determine whether either is more effective and safer in children. There is a clear division in departmental adoption of HHMDs. However, in those sites using HHMDs there was little formal training in their use, and there are large variations in techniques and their role in clinical decision‐making.
Assembly of species’ climatic niches of coastal communities does not shift after invasion
Authors: Saldaña‐López Asunción , Vilà Montserrat , Lloret Francisco , Manuel Herrera José , González‐Moreno Pablo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractQuestionDo invasions by invasive plant species with contrasting trait profiles (Arctotheca calendula, Carpobrotus spp., Conyza bonariensis, and Opuntia dillenii) change the climatic niche of coastal plant communities?LocationAtlantic coastal habitats in Huelva (Spain).MethodsWe identified the species composition of 216 paired (non‐invaded and invaded) 10 × 10 m plots along the coast. For each species, we calculated its climatic niche based on the two main axis of a PCA constructed with nine climatic variables. We defined the community ensemble niche by the union of the overall climate niches of co‐occurring species within a plot. We compared niche overlap metrics between non‐invaded and invaded paired communities.ResultsThere was an almost complete overlap in the community ensemble niches between non‐invaded and invaded plots for the four invaders. Plots invaded by Carpobrotus spp. presented the lowest niche stability and those invaded by A. calendula had the highest. Plots invaded by Carpobrotus spp. showed the highest values of niche unfilling and expansion. In contrast, plots invaded by O. dillenii exhibited the lowest niche unfilling. Species similarity between non‐invaded and invaded plots was on average 58%. The community ensemble niches differed depending on the invasive species and were related to differences in community species similarity between non‐invaded and invaded plots. Overall, there was a positive correlation between community species similarity and climatic niche stability, and a negative correlation between community difference in taxonomic richness and climatic niche stability.ConclusionsSpecies assemblages in coastal vegetation did not change their community ensemble climatic niches after invasion by plants with contrasted life forms. This pattern is likely the result of invasion which did not trigger major changes in species richness and composition, or alternatively, because the species that were locally displaced by invasion have been substituted by others with similar climatic requirements.
Interactions between organic compounds and olivine under aqueous conditions: A potential role for organic distribution in carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Muneishi Keisuke , Naraoka Hiroshi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOlivine is a principal anhydrous silicate mineral in chondritic meteorites. The structure of this mineral is composed of independent SiO4 tetrahedra linked by divalent cations (mainly Mg). Under hydrothermal conditions, olivine is transformed into serpentine, which is a major hydrated phyllosilicate in the matrix of carbonaceous chondrites. Although carbonaceous chondrites contain various types of organic matter, the interaction between organic compounds and olivine at low temperature has not been considered in the literature. We performed an experiment to test the adsorption of N‐containing organic compounds (i.e., alkylpyridines and alkylimidazoles) on olivine using liquid chromatography under aqueous conditions (pH = 2.5–10.5) at 20–40 °C. The N‐containing cyclic compounds were interacted with the SiO4 tetrahedra of olivine and their different adsorption abilities depended on the organic structures. Because alkylpyridines often occur at different locations than alkylimidazoles in carbonaceous chondrites, the results of this study suggest that olivine can separate the N‐containing compounds associated with aqueous fluid flows by asteroidal chromatography in the meteorite parent body. Liquid chromatography based on solid phase minerals may hence be a useful technique for simulating the behavior of organic compounds in carbonaceous asteroids under aqueous activity.
A knowledge‐enhanced deep reinforcement learning‐based shape optimizer for aerodynamic mitigation of wind‐sensitive structures
Authors: Li Shaopeng , Snaiki Reda , Wu Teng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractStructural shape optimization plays an important role in the design of wind‐sensitive structures. The numerical evaluation of aerodynamic performance for each shape search and update during the optimization process typically involves significant computational costs. Accordingly, an effective shape optimization algorithm is needed. In this study, the reinforcement learning (RL) method with deep neural network (DNN)‐based policy is utilized for the first time as a shape optimization scheme for aerodynamic mitigation of wind‐sensitive structures. In addition, “tacit” domain knowledge is leveraged to enhance the training efficiency. Both the specific direct‐domain knowledge and general cross‐domain knowledge are incorporated into the deep RL‐based aerodynamic shape optimizer via the transfer‐learning and meta‐learning techniques, respectively, to reduce the required datasets for learning an effective RL policy. Numerical examples for aerodynamic shape optimization of a tall building are used to demonstrate that the proposed knowledge‐enhanced deep RL‐based shape optimizer outperforms both gradient‐based and gradient‐free optimization algorithms.
Development of quality indicators for the diagnosis and management of achalasia
Authors: Kamal Afrin N. , Kathpalia Priya , Otaki Fouad , Bredenoord Albert J , Castell Donald O. , Clarke John O. , Falk Gary W. , Fass Ronnie , Prakash Gyawali C. , Kahrilas Peter J , Katz Philip O. , Katzka David A. , Pandolfino John E. , Penagini Roberto , Richter Joel E. , Roman Sabine , Savarino Edoardo , Triadafilopoulos George , Vaezi Michael F. , Vela Marcelo F. , Leiman David A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe management of achalasia has improved due to diagnostic and therapeutic innovations. However, variability in care delivery remains and no established measures defining quality of care for this population exist. We aimed to use formal methodology to establish quality indicators for achalasia patients.MethodsQuality indicator concepts were identified from the literature, consensus guidelines and clinical experts. Using RAND/University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Appropriateness Method, experts in achalasia independently ranked proposed concepts in a two‐round modified Delphi process based on 1) importance, 2) scientific acceptability, 3) usability, and 4) feasibility. Highly valid measures required strict agreement (≧ 80% of panelists) in the range of 7–9 for across all four categories.Key ResultsThere were 17 experts who rated 26 proposed quality indicator topics. In round one, 2 (8%) quality measures were rated valid. In round two, 19 measures were modified based on panel suggestions, and experts rated 10 (53%) of these measures as valid, resulting in a total of 12 quality indicators. Two measures pertained to patient education and five to diagnosis, including discussing treatment options with risk and benefits and using the most recent version of the Chicago Classification to define achalasia phenotypes, respectively. Other indicators pertained to treatment options, such as the use of botulinum toxin for those not considered surgical candidates and management of reflux following achalasia treatment.Conclusions & InferencesUsing a robust methodology, achalasia quality indicators were identified, which can form the basis for establishing quality gaps and generating fully specified quality measures.
ELISA detection of anti‐desmoglein 1 and anti‐desmoglein 3 and indirect immunofluorescence in oral pemphigus: A retrospective study
Authors: Petruzzi Massimo , Lucchese Alberta , Contaldo Maria , Tampoia Marilina , Frassanito Maria Antonia , Lauritano Dorina , della Vella Fedora 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to test the efficacy of autoantibodies to desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3 detected by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence in the diagnosis of oral pemphigus and to correlate the antibody titres with the severity of the disease.Materials and MethodsWe report a retrospective cohort study of 22 patients with oral pemphigus and 64 controls from a single tertiary centre. Data about histopathological examination, direct immunofluorescence, indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA were analysed. Global validation of ELISA and IIF both alone and combined was established by calculating sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and both positive predictive value and negative predictive value. The relationship between Oral Disease Severity Score values and ELISA titres was analysed using Pearson's coefficient.ResultsThe best diagnostic performance was observed for anti‐desmoglein 3 ELISA. The sensitivity was 75% and specificity 100% and positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 92.5% and accuracy 93.9%. The level of agreement with histopathology + direct immunofluorescence was substantial (k = .758). Anti‐desmoglein 3 titres showed a significant correlation with Oral Disease Severity Score (p < .05).ConclusionsSerological tests are commonly employed during clinical practice as adjunctive tools. Anti‐desmoglein 3 ELISA should be considered as a first‐instance diagnostic test for oral pemphigus early detection.
The multifaceted roles of antimicrobial peptides in oral diseases
Authors: Niu John Yun , Yin Iris Xiaoxue , Mei May Lei , Wu William Ka Kei , Li Quan‐Li , Chu Chun Hung 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAntimicrobial peptides are naturally occurring protein molecules with antibacterial, antiviral and/or antifungal activity. Some antimicrobial peptides kill microorganisms through direct binding with negatively charged microbial surfaces. This action disrupts the cytoplasmic membrane and leads to the leakage of the cytoplasm. In addition, they are involved in the innate immune response. Antimicrobial peptides play an important role in oral health, as natural antimicrobial peptides are the first line of host defence in response to microbial infection. The level of natural antimicrobial peptides increases during severe disease conditions and play a role in promoting the healing of oral tissues. However, they are insufficient for eliminating pathogenic micro‐organisms. The variability of the oral environment can markedly reduce the effect of natural antimicrobial peptides. Thus, researchers are developing synthetic antimicrobial peptides with promising stability and biocompatibility. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides are a potential alternative to traditional antimicrobial therapy. Pertinent to oral diseases, the deregulation of antimicrobial peptides is involved in the pathogenesis of dental caries, periodontal disease, mucosal disease and oral cancer, where they can kill pathogenic microorganisms, promote tissue healing, serve as biomarkers and inhibit tumor cells. This narrative review provides an overview of the multifaceted roles of antimicrobial peptides in oral diseases.
Snout shape and masticatory apparatus of the rodent‐like mesotheriid ungulates (Notoungulata, Typotheria): exploring evolutionary trends in dietary strategies through ancestral reconstructions
Authors: Ercoli Marcos D. , Armella Matías A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMesotheriidae were small to medium‐sized native South American ungulates. Mesotheriids radiated from the early Oligocene epoch to the early–middle Pleistocene, in two subfamilies: Trachytheriinae and Mesotheriinae. Beyond the conspicuous fossil record, little is known about mesotheriid palaeobiology, and particularly, the dietary habits. To date, different studies suggest grazing habits, similar to some extant ungulates, but recent contributions are challenging this vision. Here, we explore dietary preferences in mesotheriids, focusing on food intake and oral processing strategies. We performed a shape analysis of the snout and reconstructed ancestral shapes to assess evolutionary trends within the clade. Also, we considered other morphological variables of the masticatory apparatus to perform a functional characterization. We recognized three snout configurations: Trachytherus, ‘Intermediate’ and Mesotherium morphotypes that can be associated with different food intake capabilities and, considering other morphological proxies, with the consumption of different food items. Taking into account palaeoenvironmental conditions, the evolution of the masticatory apparatus is interpreted in the context of a consumption gradient from coarse and tough foods (roots, tubers, tough leaves) to grasses. We propose that during the ecomorphological evolution of mesotheriids, an initial phase took place during the late Oligocene and Miocene, consisting of diversification and specialization for consumption of hard‐to‐break food items. A second phase began incipiently during the late Miocene, and became well‐defined during the Pliocene and Pleistocene, characterized by an ecomorphological displacement towards grazing habits. Inferred dietary habits in Mesotheriidae could provide light on palaeoecological evolution and niche partitioning within South American herbivorous mammalian communities.
Secrecy and transparency in political philosophy
Authors: Kogelmann Brian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPolitical institutions can be transparent or secret. If they are transparent, then we have access to information about how agents act within them. If they are secret, then we do not have access to this information. The presence and extent of transparency has tremendous impact on how political institutions function. The purpose of this article is to offer a brief overview of what political philosophers have thus far had to say about transparency as it pertains to political institutions. In doing so, I hope to connect philosophical questions about transparency to relevant social scientific work and to highlight areas where more work needs to be done.
Taking stock of regularity theories of causation
Authors: Johansen Marc 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article takes stock of the regularity theory of causation. It considers three challenges to the theory: the problem of joint effects, the problems of redundant causation, and omission‐involving causation. The former is often cited as a special, and especially challenging, problem for regularity theories. But the force of this problem has been greatly overstated. The threat to regularity theories instead comes from the latter two.
Toward a Test Protocol for Surface Decontamination Using a Mobile Whole‐room UVGI Device†
Authors: Vincent Richard L. , Rudnick Stephen N. , McDevitt James J. , Wallach Frances R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMobile whole‐room UVGI devices are used in healthcare settings to control surface‐borne pathogens. Unfortunately, no standard method comparing the efficacy of these devices is available. We accessed the effect of shadows on UVC 254 nm inactivation. The evaluation of a mobile whole‐room UVGI device used spores of Bacillus atrophaeus as a surrogate for Clostridium difficile and Staphylococcus aureus as a surrogate for MSRA. Inactivation after 10 min of exposure varied significantly depending on whether the spores received direct UV exposure (4.3 log reduction), both direct and reflected UV exposure (3.0–4.0 log reduction) or reflected UV exposure alone (<1.0 log reduction). The susceptibility (z‐value) for inactivation of B. atrophaeus spores on a glass surface was estimated to be 0.00312 m2 J−1. Staphylococcus aureus microbial log reductions were approximately 5.5 for direct UV exposure, 3.6–5.2 for both direct and reflected UV exposure and approximately 2.75 for only reflected UV exposure. Our measurement of reflected dose ranged from 0.46% to 1.47%. Based on our findings, B. atrophaeus spores should be considered as a model organism for testing the impact of shadows on mobile whole‐room UVGI device inactivation. Optimizing the reflected component of whole‐room UVGI is important, especially for UVC‐resistant organisms.