bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taking Action to Support Nursing Home Resident Well-Being: Perspectives of U.S. Nursing Home Staff During COVID-19
Authors: Quigley Denise D , Chastain Ashley M , Ma Hsin S , Pogorzelska-Maziarz Monika , Stone Patricia W 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) negatively influenced resident well-being in nursing homes (NHs). We examine perceptions and experiences of U.S. NH staff during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding resident well-being.

Research Design and Methods
We sampled 68 NHs (out of 13,423) in strata defined by quality ratings, urban/rural location, and whether they served a resident population of &lt;70% White. We enrolled 10 NHs and interviewed 11 nursing staff (8 certified nursing assistants/aides, 3 registered or licensed practical/vocational nurses), 12 managerial staff (4 administrators, 8 directors of nursing), and 5 infection preventionists. Thematic analysis identified themes related to challenges of quarantine/isolation, attempted solutions, and lessons learned concerning resident well-being.

Results
Nursing home managerial, infection prevention, and nursing staff described how COVID-19 policies contributed to increased resident loneliness and declines in physical and cognitive well-being. Solutions/strategies employed across the United States and in low- and high-quality NHs included proactive mental health support, resident-centered family visitation, increased communication and care planning with families and efforts to maintain resident normalcy.

Discussion and Implications
Strategies to mitigate and alleviate concerns with resident well-being were both structural and made via staff choices. NH leadership needs to proactively plan how to adapt processes and structures that prioritize resident well-being along with resident care in times of crisis. Research is needed to outline the planning, implementation, and recommendations required to operationalize these strategies into practice. Determining the most effective ways to implement these structural changes within NH practices and workflows is critical to ensure that staff have sufficient time to spend with residents.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis of sulbactam against Acinetobacter baumannii pneumonia: establishing in vivo efficacy targets in the epithelial lining fluid
Authors: Abouelhassan Yasmeen , Kuti Joseph L , Nicolau David P , Abdelraouf Kamilia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Sulbactam is an effective therapy for Acinetobacter baumannii infections. Previous sulbactam pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) analyses established exposure efficacy targets in plasma against A. baumannii pneumonia. Herein, we established sulbactam efficacy targets in epithelial lining fluid (ELF). The PTA following clinical sulbactam regimens was estimated.

Methods
Sulbactam (dosed as ampicillin-sulbactam) bronchopulmonary PK was assessed in the neutropenic murine pneumonia model. The percentage of the dosing interval during which the free drug concentration remained above the MIC (%fT &gt; MIC) required to achieve different efficacy endpoints was estimated in 21 clinical A. baumannii isolates. PTA was assessed using Monte Carlo Simulations and utilizing previously published healthy volunteers sulbactam ELF pharmacokinetics.

Results
Median (IQR) %fT &gt; MIC required to achieve 1-log kill in isolates resistant to both sulbactam and meropenem was 47.51 (39.7–54.2). This target was much higher than isolates with other phenotypes (i.e. sulbactam-susceptible/intermediate and sulbactam-resistant but meropenem susceptible) that required 16.62 (5.3–22.0). The PTA following sulbactam 1 g q6h 0.5h infusion regimen was &gt;90% up to MIC of 2 mg/L while the PTA for MIC 4 mg/L (susceptibility breakpoint) was 81%. Conversely, previous assessment in plasma demonstrated the same regimen exceeded 90% PTA up to MIC of 4 mg/L. Sulbactam 3 g q8h 4h infusion provided PTA &gt;90% for MIC 8 mg/L (sulbactam-intermediate), similar to previous assessment in plasma.

Conclusion
Based on the ELF assessment, the maximum FDA approved dose of sulbactam (1 g q6h 0.5h infusion) provided &gt;90% PTA for isolates with sulbactam MIC only up to 2 mg/L. Nevertheless, sulbactam 3 g q8h for 4 hours of infusion achieved higher PTA and conferred additional benefit against sulbactam-susceptible/intermediate isolates.
An Ancient Arabian War (ḥarb al-Basūs) as Reflected in Classical Arabic Poetry
Authors: Hussein Ali Ahmad 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The war of al-Basūs is among the most renowned wars of pre-Islamic Arabia. It was said to have been fought between two sister-tribes, and to have lasted allegedly for forty years. Its story, especially since the eighteenth century ce, became rich material that nurtured epic and non-epic literary works. This article examines the influence of that war on early Arabic poetry, based on every reference in a corpus of some 27,000 poems, dating from the pre-Islamic era to the fifteenth century. The verses are identified using the Rhetorical Element Identifier database (REI), a web-based tool developed by Ali Ahmad Hussein et al. It considers how the theme of the war developed and compares the mark it made on the earlier poetry with its significant imprint on modern and pre-modern Arabic literature. The main conclusion is that the influence and/or importance of the war in the classical period differed from that of later times. It seems that in this early period it was no more than a local incident, its importance restricted to those involved, and its influence on the wider Arabian community minimal. This study emphasizes the hypothesis that a significant portion of this war is embedded in Arab folklore rather than Arab history.
Initial treatment and resource utilization among patients with metastatic-castration sensitive prostate cancer in Japan: a retrospective real-world study
Authors: Kimura Takahiro , Ito Takuma , Taguchi Tomoyuki , Hattori Kana , Matsuyama Rei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The introduction of novel drugs for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer has expanded treatment options for patients. Associated changes in healthcare resource utilization may have occurred in tandem, but nationwide information is limited. This study aimed to describe initial treatment patterns and healthcare resource utilization (including costs) for patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer in routine clinical practice in Japan.

Methods
This retrospective, longitudinal cohort study used a large-scale claims database covering acute care hospitals of various sizes. Included were men who received first medical treatment for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer between January 2015 and July 2021 (identification period). The primary endpoint was the initial treatment pattern for metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer.

Results
Among 7665 men with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer, the median (Q1, Q3) duration of first-line therapy was 8.2 (3.4, 17.3) months. During the overall period between 2015 and 2021, the most common initial pharmacotherapy (88.1% of treatment regimens) was ‘combined androgen blockade or androgen deprivation therapy only or first-generation anti-androgen only’. Use of androgen receptor signaling inhibitors increased following their introduction in 2018, reaching 26.6% of treatments started in 2021 (abiraterone + androgen deprivation therapy 9.4%, apalutamide + androgen deprivation therapy 9.2%, enzalutamide + androgen deprivation therapy 8.0%). Median total healthcare-related cost per person-year was JPY 244 479, with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer drugs accounting for approximately one-third of the cost (JPY 396 620).

Conclusions
Since androgen receptor signaling inhibitors were introduced, treatment patterns in patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer in Japan have shifted, with an increased trend toward prescription of these agents. However, the most frequently used regimen for first-line treatment continues to be ‘combined androgen blockade or androgen deprivation therapy only or first-generation anti-androgen only’.
Clinical outcomes of patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC developing interstitial lung disease during first-line osimertinib therapy: a sub-analysis of the Reiwa study
Authors: Kobayashi Takayuki , Watanabe Kageaki , Hosomi Yukio , Yoh Kiyotaka , Usui Kazuhiro , Kishi Kazuma , Naka Go , Tamano Shu , Uemura Kohei , Kunitoh Hideo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Osimertinib-induced interstitial lung disease in untreated EGFR-mutated, advanced non-small cell lung cancer is being reported at a higher rate in Japan than elsewhere. However, data on the interstitial lung disease incidence during first-line osimertinib therapy and the course of lung cancer treatments administered after interstitial lung disease onset in the real-world setting are scarce.

Materials and Methods
The present study reviewed the data from the Reiwa study, a multicentric, observational study examining the efficacy and safety of first-line osimertinib therapy in the clinical setting. Patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer who began osimertinib therapy between September 2018 and August 2020 were enrolled and followed until August 2022.

Results
Among 583 patients receiving first-line osimertinib therapy, 75 (12.8%) had interstitial lung disease development, and 18 (3.0%) had at least grade 3 interstitial lung disease. Fifty-nine patients (78%) received some form of treatment following interstitial lung disease onset. An epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor rechallenge was performed in 31 patients (41%), with 18 (24%) receiving osimertinib again. Interstitial lung disease recurred in five (28%) of these 18 patients, none of 13 patients receiving another type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and seven (25%) of 28 patients receiving chemotherapy and/or immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The median overall survival after the initial osimertinib therapy was 38.4 months and 12.2 months for patients with interstitial lung disease grade 1–2 and grade 3–4, respectively (hazard ratio: 0.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.20–0.70; P = 0.002).

Conclusion
Patients with interstitial lung disease grade 3–4 had poorer survival during the first-line osimertinib therapy. A substantial risk of interstitial lung disease recurrence was associated with post-osimertinib therapy.
Trial registration code: UMIN000038683.
A Provincial Mathematician and Friend of Isaac Newton: St John Hare and His Books
Authors: Feingold Mordechai 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This note attempts to shed light on the intellectual landscape of St John Hare, a provincial squire, who practised law while engaging in scientific pursuits, which brought him into the orbit of Isaac Newton. Also included is a catalogue of a portion of Hare’s library, found in a newly identified commonplace book.
Association Between the Need to Change Initial Antifungal Therapy and Treatment Costs in Patients With Invasive Aspergillosis
Authors: Alexander Barbara D , Johnson Melissa , Bresnik Mark , Anupindi Vamshi Ruthwik , Pizzicato Lia , DeKoven Mitchell , Lovelace Belinda , Coleman Craig I 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Early antifungal initiation in invasive aspergillosis (IA) is recommended. Changing antifungals occurs for a myriad of reasons but associated costs are unclear.

Methods
US claims data for adults admitted for IA were identified from 10/1/2015 to 11/30/2022. Patients were stratified by those who did and did not change antifungal therapy. Adjusted all-cause healthcare utilization and costs/patient during index hospitalization and at 1, 6, and 12-months after the index date between the cohorts that did and did not change antifungal therapy were compared.

Results
Among 1,192 IA patients, 707 (59.3%) changed their initial antifungal therapy over follow-up. The index hospital length of stay was longer (Δ = 6 days, P &lt; .001) and costs were higher (Δ = $65,149, P &lt; .001) in the change vs. no change cohort. Median 1, 6, and 12-months all-cause costs were higher in patients changing antifungal therapy vs. not (Δ = $90,938−$192,953).

Conclusions
Changing antifungals was associated with longer hospital stays and costs and higher all-cause costs over 12-months.
CALMODULIN-BINDING RECEPTOR-LIKE CYTOPLASMIC KINASE 3 regulates salt tolerance through CATALASE 2 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhuang Yufen , Zhang Yiyi , Shi Haifan , Pang Yanan , Feng Xixian , Fan Wenjuan , Chang Dan , Lin Honghui , Zhou Huapeng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Soil salinization threatens global crop production. Here, we report that a receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase, CALMODULIN-BINDING RECEPTOR-LIKE CYTOPLASMIC KINASE 3 (CRCK3), plays an essential role in plant salt tolerance via CATALASE 2 (CAT2), a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-scavenging enzyme in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). CRCK3 was induced by salt stress, and its knockout mutant displayed a salt-sensitive phenotype compared with wild-type plants. CRCK3 was activated by salt stress in a calcium-dependent manner, and its kinase activity was required for plant salt tolerance. CRCK3 physically interacted with CAT2, and CRCK3-mediated salt tolerance depended on CAT2. Salt treatment significantly induced CAT2 phosphorylation via the action of CRCK3, and this phosphorylation was required for CAT2-mediated H2O2 scavenging to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and oxidative damage in plants under saline conditions. CRCK3 phosphorylated CAT2 at the Thr209 residue, resulting in elevated catalase activity to reduce ROS accumulation under saline conditions. Therefore, the CRCK3-CAT2 module mediates plant salt tolerance by maintaining redox homeostasis. This study expands our knowledge of how plants respond to salt stress.
Design and fabrication of a parasite-inspired, millimeter-scale tissue anchoring mechanism
Authors: Maquignaz Gabriel , Zoll Rachel , Karpelson Michael , Weaver James C , Wood Robert J 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Optimizing mechanical adhesion to specific human tissue types is a field of research that has gained increasing attention over the past two decades due to its utility for diagnostics, therapeutics, and surgical device design. This is especially relevent for medical devices, which could benefit from the presence of attachment mechanisms in order to better target-specific regions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or other soft tissues for sensing, sample collection, and drug release. In this work, and inspired by the tissue anchoring adaptations found in diverse parasitic taxa, we present a design and manufacturing platform for the production of a nonintuitive bioinspired millimeter-scale articulated attachment mechanism using laminate fabrication techniques. The functional design closely mimics the geometry and motions of curved hooks employed by some species of tapeworms to attach to their host’s intestinal walls. Here, we show the feasibility of such a mechanism both in terms of attachment capabilities and manufacturability. Successful attachment of a prototype to tissue-simulating synthetic medical hydrogels is demonstrated with an adhesion force limited only by the ultimate strength of the tissue. These results demonstrate the efficacy of parasite-inspired deployable designs as an alternative to, or complement to, existing tissue attachment mechanisms. We also describe the design and manufacturing process workflow and provide insights for scaling the design for mass-production.
Radiance cascades: a novel high-resolution formal solution for multidimensional non-LTE radiative transfer
Authors: Osborne C M J , Sannikov A 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Non-LTE radiative transfer is a key tool for modern astrophysics: it is the means by which many key synthetic observables are produced, thus connecting simulations and observations. The default approach for computing the radiation field in multidimensional solar radiative transfer models has long remained the same: a short characteristics, discrete ordinates method, formal solver. In situations with complex atmospheric structure and multiple transitions between optically thick and thin regimes these solvers require prohibitively high angular resolution to correctly resolve the radiation field. Here, we present the theory of radiance cascades, a technique designed to exploit structure inherent to the radiation field, allowing for efficient reuse of calculated samples, thus providing a very high-resolution result at a fraction of the computational cost of existing methods. We additionally describe our implementation of this method in the DexRT code, and present initial results of the synthesis of a snapshot of a magnetohydrodynamic model of a solar prominence formed via levitation-condensation, along with comparison against short characteristics solutions. The approach presented here provides a credible route for routinely performing multidimensional radiative transfer calculations free from so-called ray effects, and scaling high-quality non-LTE models to next-generation high-performance computing systems with GPU accelerators.
CO-loaded hemoglobin/EGCG nanoparticles functional coatings for inflammation modulation of vascular implants
Authors: Wu Sui , Dong Ruichen , Xie Yinhong , Chen Wenhao , Liu Wei , Weng Yajun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
During the implantation process of cardiovascular implants, vascular damage caused by inflammation occurs, and the inflammatory process is accompanied by oxidative stress. Currently, carbon monoxide (CO) has been demonstrated to exhibit various biological effects including vasodilatation, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, apoptosis-inducing and antiproliferative properties. In this study, hemoglobin/epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) core-shell nanoparticle-containing coating on stainless steel was prepared for CO loading and inflammation modulation. Inspired by strong coordination ability with CO, hemoglobin nanoparticle was first prepared and encapsulated into EGCG metal-phenolic networks. A polydopamine (PDA) linking layer was then coated on 316 stainless steel, and the hemoglobin/EGCG nanoparticles were loaded with the subsequent PDA deposition. It showed that the maximum release amount of CO by the coating was 17.0 nmol/cm2 in 48 h. In vitro evaluations conducted in a simulated inflammatory environment revealed that the coating, which released CO from hemoglobin/EGCG nanoparticles, effectively mitigated the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in macrophages. Specifically, it decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, increased the expression of interleukin-10, suppressed the polarization of macrophages toward the M1 phenotype and reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, under simulated oxidative stress conditions, the coating decreased the apoptosis of endothelial cells induced by oxidative stress and down-regulated intracellular ROS levels. In vivo implantation results further confirmed that the coating, with its hemoglobin/EGCG nanoparticles and CO release capabilities, reduced macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses and modulated the polarization phenotype of macrophages.
Sex‐specific cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor signatures in T1D patients and progressors
Authors: Girdhar Khyati , Mine Keiichiro , DaCosta Jeffrey M. , Atkinson Mark A. , Ludvigsson Johnny , Altindis Emrah 
Published: December 2024

AbstractNumerous studies have reported altered cytokine levels in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients, yet findings remain inconsistent. In this pilot study, we tested the hypothesis that circulating immune markers exhibit sex‐based differences in T1D, both prior to and after disease onset. We analyzed 47–48 cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor levels in two cohorts. To assess post‐disease differences, we analyzed serum samples from 25 controls and 25 T1D patients. To examine pre‐disease progression, we utilized samples from 21 control children and 16 T1D progressors, collected at age 5 years before disease onset. Across all T1D patients and controls, only macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and interleukin (IL)‐6 showed significant differences. However, we identified notable alterations when comparing sex‐age‐matched controls and T1D samples. Female T1D patients exhibited lower levels of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1a), Th2 cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐13), and chemokines (macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α, regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted, MIP‐3) compared to female controls, differences that were not observed in males. Notably, IL‐22 was lower in female T1D patients compared to female controls, whereas it was higher in male T1D patients compared to male controls. Male T1D patients showed elevated levels of growth factors (epidermal growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor‐AB/BB) compared to male controls. In T1D progressors, growth‐regulated alpha was lower compared to controls in both sexes. Multiple regression analysis further revealed associations between cytokine levels and factors such as age, BMI, and breastfeeding duration. Overall, our findings serve as a proof of concept, highlighting the importance of sex‐specific differences in T1D pathogenesis. However, follow‐up studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate and generalize these results.
Advances in the management of posttraumatic stress disorder after critical illness: a narrative review
Authors: Asimakopoulou Evanthia , Theodosis-Nobelos Panagiotis , Triantis Charalampos 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Illness requiring critical care can lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a complex mental health condition resulting from exposure to traumatic events. In the intensive care unit (ICU), the nature of interventions often contributes to a high incidence of PTSD, which is a significant component of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). This article provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PTSD and explores various intervention strategies, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary and holistic approach. Although prevention remains the best therapy, pharmacotherapy is a key component in the management of PTSD symptoms. Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), have demonstrated efficiency in alleviating symptoms. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine–assisted therapy is the most promising approach, and the results of the clinical trials are encouraging. Furthermore, medications targeting specific neurotransmission systems involved in fear responses and emotional regulation are being explored, offering promising avenues for future treatment. Nonpharmacological interventions are integral to PTSD treatment. These are often employed alone or in conjunction with pharmacotherapy. Evidence-based psychotherapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapies, are effective in addressing maladaptive thought patterns and facilitating trauma processing. Beyond interventions, lifestyle modifications have emerged as significant contributors to resilience and recovery. Regular physical exercise, adequate sleep, and robust social support networks are integral to the overall well-being of patients who have developed PTSD after critical illness. By integrating pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches within a holistic framework, clinicians and researchers could better address the complex nature of PTSD and enhance the quality of care for individuals affected by this debilitating condition.