bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outpatient antifungal prescribing patterns in the United States, 2018
Authors: Benedict Kaitlin , Tsay Sharon V. , Bartoces Monina G. , Vallabhaneni Snigdha , Jackson Brendan R. , Hicks Lauri A. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background:
Widespread inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is a major driver of resistance. Little is known about antifungal prescribing practices in the United States, which is concerning given emerging resistance in fungi, particularly to azole antifungal agents.

Objective:
We analyzed outpatient antifungal prescribing data in the United States to inform stewardship efforts.

Design:
Descriptive analysis of outpatient antifungal prescriptions dispensed during 2018 in the IQVIA Xponent database.

Methods:
Prescriptions were summarized by drug, sex, age, geography, and healthcare provider specialty. Census denominators were used to calculate prescribing rates among demographic groups.

Results:
Healthcare providers prescribed 22.4 million antifungal courses in 2018 (68 prescriptions per 1,000 persons). Fluconazole was the most commonly prescribed drug (75%), followed by terbinafine (11%) and nystatin (10%). Prescription rates were higher among females versus males (110 vs 25 per 1,000 population) and adults versus children (82 vs 27 per 1,000 population). Prescription rates were highest in the South (81 per 1,000 population) and lowest in the West (48 per 1,000 population). Nurse practitioners and family practitioners prescribed the most antifungals (43% of all prescriptions), but the highest prescribing rates were among obstetrician-gynecologists (84 per provider).

Conclusions:
Prescribing antifungal drugs in the outpatient setting is common, with enough courses dispensed for 1 in every 15 US residents in 2018. Fluconazole use patterns suggest vulvovaginal candidiasis as a common indication. Regional prescribing differences could reflect inappropriate use or variations in disease burden. Further study of higher antifungal use in the South could help target antifungal stewardship practices.
Increasing personal data contributions for the greater public good: a field experiment on an online education platform
Authors: Ackfeld Viola , Rohloff Tobias , Rzepka Sylvi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPersonal data increasingly serve as inputs to public goods. Like other types of contributions to public goods, personal data are likely to be underprovided. We investigate whether classical remedies to underprovision are also applicable to personal data and whether the privacy-sensitive nature of personal data must be additionally accounted for. In a randomized field experiment on a public online education platform, we prompt users to complete their profiles with personal information. Compared to a control message, we find that making public benefits salient increases the number of personal data contributions significantly. This effect is even stronger when additionally emphasizing privacy protection, especially for sensitive information. Our results further suggest that emphasis on both public benefits and privacy protection attracts personal data from a more diverse set of contributors.
How employee perceptions of HR practices in schools relate to employee work engagement and job performance
Authors: Van Beurden Jeske , Van Veldhoven Marc , Van De Voorde Karina 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study examines how employee perceptions of the availability and the (in)effectiveness of human resource (HR) practices in schools relate to employee performance via work engagement. Incorporating the views of 208 Dutch primary and secondary education teachers, this study's findings show that both the availability and effectiveness of HR practices are positively associated with teacher work engagement and in turn job performance. However, when employees perceive the available HR practices as effective, this has a stronger effect on teacher work engagement compared to when they only perceive the HR practices as available. Moreover, results show that HR practices that are mentioned as available, but considered ineffective, are negatively related to employee engagement and job performance. Finally, our results provide initial evidence for potential differential effects of ability-, motivation- and opportunity-enhancing HR bundles on work engagement and job performance, depending on whether the availability, ineffectiveness or effectiveness of HR practices is studied.
Upland rice intercropped with green manures and its impact on the succession with common bean
Authors: Meirelles F. C. , Cavalcante A. G. , Gonzaga A. R. , Filla V. A. , Roms R. Z. , Coelho A. P. , Arf O. , Lemos L. B. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe aim of this work was to verify the possibility of intercropping rice with green manures, as well as the impact of the dry biomass yield of these intercropping systems on common bean in succession, evaluating the agronomic and qualitative performance of grains from both crops. The experiment was conducted in Southeastern Brazil in the years 2018 and 2019, with succession of rice (spring/summer) and common bean (autumn/winter). The treatments were composed of cropping systems with rice as a sole crop and intercropped with forage peanut, calopo, Crotalaria breviflora, Crotalaria spectabilis, stylo, jack bean and dwarf pigeon pea. No intercropping increased the system's yield compared to sole-crop rice, but intercropping of rice with forage peanut and stylo promoted grain yield and quality similar to those of sole-crop rice. Intercropping with C. breviflora affected the agronomic and qualitative performance of rice. Common bean yield after rice intercropped with dwarf pigeon pea, C. spectabilis and C. breviflora was similar in yield after sole-crop rice, while the other intercrops reduced common bean yield. Common bean grain quality was not affected by the cultivation of rice as sole crop and intercropped with green manures. Although none of the intercropping systems increased yield compared to sole-crop rice (control), it can be concluded that the intercropping of upland rice is viable depending on the green manure species, allowing greater biomass production per area that can help long-term soil conservation and increase the system's yield.
Medicine characteristics affecting the time to guidance publication by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the single technology appraisal process
Authors: Takada Shunsuke , Narukawa Mamoru 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objective
In England, the time gap between marketing authorization (MA) and guidance publication by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) can limit patients’ access to new medicines. In this study, our aim was to identify medicine characteristics associated with the long time gap between MA and guidance publication and explore the influencing factors.

Methods
We identified 116 single technology appraisals from 2016 to 2020 using publicly available data, and extracted information on the year of appraisal completion, application type, experiences of similar appraisals, orphan medicinal products (OMPs), cancer medicines, and accelerated assessment. Multiple regression analyses were performed to analyze the associations between the medicine characteristics and key time periods related to health technology assessment and MA processes.

Results
OMPs were associated with a long period between MA and guidance publication. Specifically, OMPs and cancer medicines were associated with slow guidance publication after the final scope (FS) development. However, there was no association between OMPs and the period between validation of MA application and FS development. Non-double-blinded randomized clinical trials and the use of comparators not specified in the FS were associated with slow guidance publication after the FS development.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that OMPs are associated with a longer period between MA and guidance publication by the NICE than non-OMPs; this may be attributed to the slow guidance publication after the FS development. These findings indicate the necessity to shorten the appraisal process for OMPs.
Students’ perceptions of school sugar-free, food and exercise environments enhance healthy eating and physical activity
Authors: Liu Chieh-Hsing , Chang Fong-Ching , Niu Yu-Zhen , Liao Li-Ling , Chang Yen-Jung , Liao Yung , Shih Shu-Fang 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjective:The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between students’ perceptions of their school policies and environments (i.e. sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) free policy, plain water drinking, vegetables and fruit eating campaign, outdoor physical activity initiative, and the SH150 programme (exercise 150 min/week at school)) and their dietary behaviours and physical activity.Design:Cross-sectional study.Setting:Primary, middle and high schools in Taiwan.Participants:A nationally representative sample of 2433 primary school (5th–6th grade) students, 3212 middle school students and 2829 high school students completed the online survey in 2018.Results:Multivariate analysis results showed that after controlling for school level, gender and age, the students’ perceptions of school sugar-free policies were negatively associated with the consumption of SSB and positively associated with consumption of plain water. Schools’ campaigns promoting the eating of vegetables and fruit were positively associated with students’ consumption of vegetables. In addition, schools’ initiatives promoting outdoor physical activity and the SH150 programme were positively associated with students’ engagement in outdoor physical activities and daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.Conclusions:Students’ perceptions of healthy school policies and environments promote healthy eating and an increase in physical activity for students.
In search of James Croll: archives, genealogy, publications and other resources
Authors: EDWARDS Kevin J. 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTSource materials for investigating the life of James Croll are examined and collated. This is organised around the topics of: Croll's Autobiographical sketch and the Memoir of his life and work, both contained within the volume produced by James Campbell Irons; publications by Croll; aspects of his genealogy; manuscript sources in publicly accessible archives and in private ownership; and other published sources.
NFAT inhibitor 11R-VIVIT ameliorates mouse renal fibrosis after ischemia-reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Xie Zhi-yong , Dong Wei , Zhang Li , Wang Meng-jie , Xiao Zhen-meng , Zhang Yu-hua , Shi Wan-xin , Huang Ying , Yang Yan , Li Cui-li , Fu Lei , Zhao Xing-chen , Li Rui-zhao , Li Zhi-lian , Chen Yuan-han , Ye Zhi-ming , Liu Shuang-xin , Dong Zheng , Liang Xin-ling 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) with maladaptive tubular repair leads to renal fibrosis and progresses to chronic kidney disease (CKD). At present, there is no curative drug to interrupt AKI-to-CKD progression. The nuclear factor of the activated T cell (NFAT) family was initially identified as a transcription factor expressed in most immune cells and involved in the transcription of cytokine genes and other genes critical for the immune response. NFAT2 is also expressed in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) and podocytes and plays an important regulatory role in the kidney. In this study, we investigated the renoprotective effect of 11R-VIVIT, a peptide inhibitor of NFAT, on renal fibrosis in the AKI-to-CKD transition and the underlying mechanisms. We first examined human renal biopsy tissues and found that the expression of NFAT2 was significantly increased in RTECs in patients with severe renal fibrosis. We then established a mouse model of AKI-to-CKD transition using bilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (Bi-IRI). The mice were treated with 11R-VIVIT (5 mg/kg, i.p.) on Days 1, 3, 10, 17 and 24 after Bi-IRI. We showed that the expression of NFAT2 was markedly increased in RTECs in the AKI-to-CKD transition. 11R-VIVIT administration significantly inhibited the nuclear translocation of NFAT2 in RTECs, decreased the levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, and attenuated renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis but had no toxic side effects on the heart and liver. In addition, we showed that 11R-VIVIT administration alleviated RTEC apoptosis after Bi-IRI. Consistently, preapplication of 11R-VIVIT (100 nM) and transfection with NFAT2-targeted siRNA markedly suppressed TGFβ-induced HK-2 cell apoptosis in vitro. In conclusion, 11R-VIVIT administration inhibits IRI-induced NFAT2 activation and prevents AKI-to-CKD progression. Inhibiting NFAT2 may be a promising new therapeutic strategy for preventing renal fibrosis after IR-AKI.
An empirical study on quality of life and related factors of Pakistani breast cancer survivors
Authors: Azam Muhammad , Aslam Muhammad , Basharat Javeria , Mughal Muhammad Anwar , Nadeem Muhammad Shahid , Anwar Firoz 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA comprehensive understanding of the quality of life (QoL) is essential to establish long-term survivor care plans. The present study was aimed at the assessment of QoL of BC survivors with special emphasis on post-treatment physical, emotional, social, and spiritual challenges. We have assessed the QoL of 250 female BC survivors of all age groups through demographic factors. Volunteer BC survivors were registered in the present study who had got treatment from the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL) hospital and Mayo hospital Lahore. An informed consent form was signed by each participant. The physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being was evaluated by a questionnaire filled with the help of respondents. The average age of BC survivors was 52 ± 7.8 years. Most of them (83%) complained of fatigue during daily life activities, 75.1% body pain or headache, 77.1% had problems with appetite, 63.2% reported weight loss, 77.1% had sleep problems, and 90.5% were feeling general weakness. Only 16.2% were satisfied with their physical health and 2% were not satisfied with their medication. Psychologically, 74.4% were feeling different levels of anxiety, only 10% of them were hoping to achieve a desired life. Age group 21 to 40 years reported better physical health, those with 40–50 years of age and family history of BC have shown better mental strength. The physical and psychological health of survivors from rural areas was comparatively better than those from urban areas. The BC survivor women have to face several physical, psychological and social challenges. The majorities of them complain of anxiety, body pain, fatigue, sleep problems, general weakness, and fear about the future. Our findings suggest the need for psychological support, physical activity a comprehensive post-diagnosis and post-treatment physical and mental health assistance plan for all BC survivors. Implications for Cancer Survivors. Survivors of breast cancer experience various challenges including anxiety, sleep problems, body pain, fatigue, and fear about the future. The psychological, physical and social factors make a great difference in their quality of life.
The bacterial promoter spacer modulates promoter strength and timing by length, TG-motifs and DNA supercoiling sensitivity
Authors: Klein Carlo A. , Teufel Marc , Weile Carl J. , Sobetzko Patrick 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTranscription, the first step to gene expression, is a central coordination process in all living matter. Besides a plethora of regulatory mechanisms, the promoter architecture sets the foundation of expression strength, timing and the potential for further regulatory modulation. In this study, we investigate the effects of promoter spacer length and sequence composition on strength and supercoiling sensitivity in bacteria. Combining transcriptomics data analysis and standardized synthetic promoter libraries, we exclude effects of specific promoter sequence contexts. Analysis of promoter activity shows a strong variance with spacer length and spacer sequence composition. A detailed study of the spacer sequence composition under selective conditions reveals an extension to the -10 region that enhances RNAP binding but damps promoter activity. Using physiological changes in DNA supercoiling levels, we link promoter supercoiling sensitivity to overall spacer GC-content. Time-resolved promoter activity screens, only possible with a novel mild treatment approach, reveal strong promoter timing potentials solely based on DNA supercoiling sensitivity in the absence of regulatory sites or alternative sigma factors.
Identification of a glucose-insensitive variant of Gal2 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae exhibiting a high pentose transport capacity
Authors: Rojas Sebastian A. Tamayo , Schadeweg Virginia , Kirchner Ferdinand , Boles Eckhard , Oreb Mislav 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAs abundant carbohydrates in renewable feedstocks, such as pectin-rich and lignocellulosic hydrolysates, the pentoses arabinose and xylose are regarded as important substrates for production of biofuels and chemicals by engineered microbial hosts. Their efficient transport across the cellular membrane is a prerequisite for economically viable fermentation processes. Thus, there is a need for transporter variants exhibiting a high transport rate of pentoses, especially in the presence of glucose, another major constituent of biomass-based feedstocks. Here, we describe a variant of the galactose permease Gal2 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Gal2N376Y/M435I), which is fully insensitive to competitive inhibition by glucose, but, at the same time, exhibits an improved transport capacity for xylose compared to the wildtype protein. Due to this unique property, it significantly reduces the fermentation time of a diploid industrial yeast strain engineered for efficient xylose consumption in mixed glucose/xylose media. When the N376Y/M435I mutations are introduced into a Gal2 variant resistant to glucose-induced degradation, the time necessary for the complete consumption of xylose is reduced by approximately 40%. Moreover, Gal2N376Y/M435I confers improved growth of engineered yeast on arabinose. Therefore, it is a valuable addition to the toolbox necessary for valorization of complex carbohydrate mixtures.
Proteomic mapping of atrial and ventricular heart tissue in patients with aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Barbarics Boris , Eildermann Katja , Kaderali Lars , Cyganek Lukas , Plessmann Uwe , Bodemeyer Julius , Paul Thomas , Ströbel Philipp , Urlaub Henning , Tirilomis Theodorus , Lenz Christof , Bohnenberger Hanibal 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAortic valve stenosis (AVS) is one of the most common valve diseases in the world. However, detailed biological understanding of the myocardial changes in AVS hearts on the proteome level is still lacking. Proteomic studies using high-resolution mass spectrometry of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human myocardial tissue of AVS-patients are very rare due to methodical issues. To overcome these issues this study used high resolution mass spectrometry in combination with a stem cell-derived cardiac specific protein quantification-standard to profile the proteomes of 17 atrial and 29 left ventricular myocardial FFPE human myocardial tissue samples from AVS-patients. In our proteomic analysis we quantified a median of 1980 (range 1495–2281) proteins in every single sample and identified significant upregulation of 239 proteins in atrial and 54 proteins in ventricular myocardium. We compared the proteins with published data. Well studied proteins reflect disease-related changes in AVS, such as cardiac hypertrophy, development of fibrosis, impairment of mitochondria and downregulated blood supply. In summary, we provide both a workflow for quantitative proteomics of human FFPE heart tissue and a comprehensive proteomic resource for AVS induced changes in the human myocardium.
Correlation of ACE2 with RAS components after Losartan treatment in light of COVID-19
Authors: Zaheer Javeria , Kim Hyeongi , Kim Jin Su 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAngiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an important factor in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) interactions. Losartan (LOS) belongs to the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) family. Additionally, the protective role of ACE2 restored by LOS has been suggested and clinically examined in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, clinical trials with LOS have been conducted. However, the mechanism through which LOS enhances ACE2 expression remains unclear. In addition, the response of ACE2 to LOS differs among patients. Our LOS-treated patient data revealed a correlated mechanism of ACE2 with components of the renin-angiotensinogen system. We observed a significant positive regulation of MAS1 and ACE2 expression. In the context of LOS treatment of COVID-19, ACE2 expression could depend on LOS regulated MAS1. Thus, MAS1 expression could predict the COVID-19 treatment response of LOS.
Non‐resonant soft‐switching technique with linear current on switching cycle time‐scale for switched‐capacitor DC‐DC converters
Authors: Zeng Yangbin , Li Hong , Du Haitao , Zhang Bo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe switched‐capacitor DC‐DC converters have been widely applied to convert energy from low voltage to DC bus for the power generation systems with fuel cells, photovoltaic array, and so on. However, the large capacitance is generally selected to eliminate the high current spike of switched‐capacitors in the hard‐switching switched‐capacitor (SC) DC‐DC converters, which will lead to the large volume and weight of capacitors and of converters. To solve this problem, a non‐resonant soft‐switching (NRSS) technique with linear current on switching cycle time‐scale for switched‐capacitor DC‐DC converters is first proposed in this paper, which achieves zero‐current‐switching (ZCS) turn‐on of switches and ZCS turn‐off of diodes with linear current on switching cycle time‐scale. In detail, the NRSS technique is proposed based on the idea that the current of an auxiliary inductor on switching cycle time‐scale is considered as the linear parts for the resonant current of the auxiliary inductor on resonant cycle time‐scale. The proposed NRSS technique is utilized into SC DC‐DC converter and the current spikes of switches can be reduced to two third by using the same capacitance compared with the hard‐switching SC DC‐DC converters and be reduced to a third compared with the resonant soft‐switching SC DC‐DC converters. Further, nine new soft‐switching SC DC‐DC converters, with single switch and double switches, are built based on the proposed non‐resonant soft‐switching technique. Finally, the non‐resonant soft‐switching technique is verified theoretically and experimentally by three of the nine proposed SC DC‐DC converters. This paper provides a new way to realize soft‐switching during the non‐resonant interval on switching cycle time‐scale and a new method to significantly reduce the required capacitance in SC DC‐DC converters.