bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differentiated service delivery for people using second‐line antiretroviral therapy: clinical outcomes from a retrospective cohort study in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
Authors: Lewis Lara , Sookrajh Yukteshwar , Gate Kelly , Khubone Thokozani , Maraj Munthra , Mkhize Siyabonga , Hermans Lucas E. , Ngobese Hope , Garrett Nigel , Dorward Jienchi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroductionEvidence is needed to guide the inclusion of broader groups of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in differentiated service delivery (DSD) programmes. We assessed treatment outcomes among PLHIV on second‐line regimens in a community antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery programme, compared to those who remained at clinics.MethodsUsing data from 61 public clinics, we did a retrospective cohort study among PLHIV receiving second‐line ART following rollout of the Centralized Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) programme in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. We included PLHIV from the timepoint when they were first eligible, though not necessarily referred, for community ART within CCMDD and followed them for 18 months. We used multivariable logistic regression to compare 12‐month attrition and viraemia between clients referred for community ART and those remaining in clinic care.ResultsAmong 209,744 PLHIV aged ≥ 18 years who collected ART between October 2016 and December 2018, 7511 (3.6%) received second‐line ART. Of these, 2575 (34.3%) were eligible for community ART. The median age was 39.0 years (interquartile range 34.0–45.0) and 1670 (64.9%) were women. Five hundred and eighty‐four (22.7%) were referred for community ART within 6 months of meeting eligibility criteria. Overall, 4.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.0–6.6%] in community ART and 4.4% (95% CI 3.5–5.4%) in clinic care experienced attrition at 12 months post eligibility for community ART. Two thousand one hundred and thirty‐eight (83.0%) had a viral load recorded 6–18 months after becoming eligible, and of these, 10.3% (95% CI 7.7–13.3%) in community ART and 11.3% (95% CI 9.8–12.9%) in clinic care had viraemia > 200 copies/ml. In separate regressions adjusted for age, gender, district, time on second‐line ART, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor backbone and year of eligibility, no differences in the odds of attrition [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.02, 95% CI 0.71–1.47] or viraemia (aOR 0.91, 95% CI 0.64–1.29) were observed between those in community ART and those remaining in clinic care.ConclusionsWe found good outcomes among PLHIV who were stable on second‐line regimens and referred for community ART. Efforts to expand DSD access among this group should be prioritized.
HIV care using differentiated service delivery during the COVID‐19 pandemic: a nationwide cohort study in the US Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: McGinnis Kathleen A. , Skanderson Melissa , Justice Amy C. , Akgün Kathleen M. , Tate Janet P. , King Joseph T. , Rentsch Christopher T. , Marconi Vincent C. , Hsieh Evelyn , Ruser Christopher , Kidwai‐Khan Farah , Yousefzadeh Roozbeh , Erdos Joseph , Park Lesley S. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest provider of HIV care in the United States. Changes in healthcare delivery became necessary with the COVID‐19 pandemic. We compared HIV healthcare delivery during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic to a prior similar calendar period.MethodsWe included 27,674 people with HIV (PWH) enrolled in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study prior to 1 March 2019, with ≥1 healthcare encounter from 1 March 2019 to 29 February 2020 (2019) and/or 1 March 2020 to 28 February 2021 (2020). We counted monthly general medicine/infectious disease (GM/ID) clinic visits and HIV‐1 RNA viral load (VL) tests. We determined the percentage with ≥1 clinic visit (in‐person vs. telephone/video [virtual]) and ≥1 VL test (detectable vs. suppressed) for 2019 and 2020. Using pharmacy records, we summarized antiretroviral (ARV) medication refill length (<90 vs. ≥90 days) and monthly ARV coverage.ResultsMost patients had ≥1 GM/ID visit in 2019 (96%) and 2020 (95%). For 2019, 27% of visits were virtual compared to 64% in 2020. In 2019, 82% had VL measured compared to 74% in 2020. Of those with VL measured, 92% and 91% had suppressed VL in 2019 and 2020. ARV refills for ≥90 days increased from 39% in 2019 to 51% in 2020. ARV coverage was similar for all months of 2019 and 2020 ranging from 76% to 80% except for March 2019 (72%). Women were less likely than men to be on ARVs or to have a VL test in both years.ConclusionsDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, the VA increased the use of virtual visits and longer ARV refills, while maintaining a high percentage of patients with suppressed VL among those with VL measured. Despite decreased in‐person services during the pandemic, access to ARVs was not disrupted. More follow‐up time is needed to determine whether overall health was impacted by the use of differentiated service delivery and to evaluate whether a long‐term shift to increased virtual healthcare could be beneficial, particularly for PWH in rural areas or with transportation barriers. Programmes to increase ARV use and VL testing for women are needed.
Faim knockout leads to gliosis and late‐onset neurodegeneration of photoreceptors in the mouse retina
Authors: Sirés Anna , Turch‐Anguera Mireia , Bogdanov Patricia , Sampedro Joel , Ramos Hugo , Ruíz Lasa Agustín , Huo Jianxin , Xu Shengli , Lam Kong‐Peng , López‐Soriano Joaquín , Pérez‐García M. Jose , Hernández Cristina , Simó Rafael , Solé Montse , Comella Joan X. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFas Apoptotic Inhibitory Molecule protein (FAIM) is a death receptor antagonist and an apoptosis regulator. It encodes two isoforms, namely FAIM‐S (short) and FAIM‐L (long), both with significant neuronal functions. FAIM‐S, which is ubiquitously expressed, is involved in neurite outgrowth. In contrast, FAIM‐L is expressed only in neurons and it protects them from cell death. Interestingly, FAIM‐L is downregulated in patients and mouse models of Alzheimer's disease before the onset of neurodegeneration, and Faim transcript levels are decreased in mouse models of retinal degeneration. However, few studies have addressed the role of FAIM in the central nervous system, yet alone the retina. The retina is a highly specialized tissue, and its degeneration has proved to precede pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. Here we describe that Faim depletion in mice damages the retina persistently and leads to late‐onset photoreceptor death in older mice. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that Faim knockout (Faim−/−) mice present ubiquitinated aggregates throughout the retina from early ages. Moreover, retinal cells released stress signals that can signal to Müller cells, as shown by immunofluorescence and qRT‐PCR. Müller cells monitor retinal homeostasis and trigger a gliotic response in Faim−/− mice that becomes pathogenic when sustained. In this regard, we observed pronounced vascular leakage at later ages, which may be caused by persistent inflammation. These results suggest that FAIM is an important player in the maintenance of retinal homeostasis, and they support the premise that FAIM is a plausible early marker for late photoreceptor and neuronal degeneration.
Envisioning the role of inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channel in epilepsy
Authors: Akyuz Enes , Koklu Betul , Uner Arda , Angelopoulou Efthalia , Paudel Yam Nath 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEpilepsy is a devastating neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures attributed to the disruption of the dynamic excitatory and inhibitory balance in the brain. Epilepsy has emerged as a global health concern affecting about 70 million people worldwide. Despite recent advances in pre‐clinical and clinical research, its etiopathogenesis remains obscure, and there are still no treatment strategies modifying disease progression. Although the precise molecular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis have not been clarified yet, the role of ion channels as regulators of cellular excitability has increasingly gained attention. In this regard, emerging evidence highlights the potential implication of inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels in epileptogenesis. Kir channels consist of seven different subfamilies (Kir1–Kir7), and they are highly expressed in both neuronal and glial cells in the central nervous system. These channels control the cell volume and excitability. In this review, we discuss preclinical and clinical evidence on the role of the several subfamilies of Kir channels in epileptogenesis, aiming to shed more light on the pathogenesis of this disorder and pave the way for future novel therapeutic approaches.
Knowledge of chronic intestinal failure among US gastroenterologists: Cause for concern and learning opportunity
Authors: Iyer Kishore R. , Winkler Marion , Zubizarreta Nicole , Nisenholtz Marjorie , Lucero Katie , Lubarda Jovana 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundChronic intestinal failure (CIF) is an ultrarare disease, with an estimated national prevalence of ∼25,000 cases. There is a suspicion of widespread lack of expertise in CIF care, but no formal assessment tool or data exist. We developed and validated a knowledge test in CIF and now report our preliminary results from testing CIF knowledge in a cohort of US gastroenterologists.MethodWe developed a 20‐question knowledge test in CIF, covering four key components of IF. After internal testing, refinement, and revision, we administered the test to a convenience sample of experts and nonexperts in IF. We then deployed the validated test to a cohort of 100 US gastroenterologists.ResultsThe test had a Cronbach alpha of 0.74, suggesting a reliable test, with a threshold score to discriminate experts and nonexperts of 13.4 (maximum 20) and with a sensitivity of 81.3% and specificity of 86.4%. The overall mean score of 8.2 for the 100 US gastroenterologists was at the level of nonexperts in our convenience sample.ConclusionThe preliminary results of our validated knowledge test in IF among a broad group of US gastroenterologists demonstrate lack of knowledge in IF.
Near‐infrared‐to‐vacuum‐ultraviolet high‐harmonic Raman and plasma emission spectroscopy with ultrashort mid‐infrared laser pulses
Authors: Mitrofanov Alexander V. , Rozhko Mikhail V. , Sidorov‐Biryukov Dmitry A. , Voronin Alexander A. , Fedotov Andrei B. , Zheltikov Aleksei M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe demonstrate a new modality of ultrafast laser spectroscopy based on high‐harmonic‐driven stimulated Raman scattering (hi‐SRS) and incoherent laser‐plasma emission (iLPE). The spectra of high‐order harmonics driven by sub‐100‐fs pulses in the mid‐infrared are shown to display well‐resolved Raman‐gain, Raman‐loss, and iLPE features, enabling a chemically specific, single‐beam, single‐shot spectroscopy of gases and plasmas within a spectral range stretching from the near‐infrared to vacuum ultraviolet. We present a theoretical framework based on a suitably adapted nonlinear evolution equation that enables a closed‐form description of hi‐SRS as an ultrafast nonlinear‐optical phenomenon. We show that the content of hi‐SRS as a physical process and as a method of spectroscopy goes well beyond standard SRS, offering a powerful resource for spectroscopy, remote sensing, and ultrafast optical science. Standing out as particularly relevant for nitrogen‐containing gas systems, including atmospheric air, is a multimodal spectroscopic probe that combines ultrafast hi‐SRS via the second positive system of molecular nitrogen with iLPE via the γ band of nitrogen monoxide.
Selective Fetal Growth Restriction Type III
Authors: Chmait Sami R. , Monson Martha A. , Korst Lisa M. , Llanes Arlyn , Chon Andrew H. 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesPer a recent expert definition, diagnosis of selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) in monochorionic diamniotic twins is based on an estimated fetal weight (EFW) <3% as sole criterion and/or combinations of 4 contributory criteria (1 twin EFW <10%; 1 twin abdominal circumference <10%; EFW discordance ≥25%; and smaller twin umbilical artery [UA] pulsatility index >95th percentile). We assessed these criteria in sFGR Type III (intermittent absent or reversed end‐diastolic flow of the UA [iAREDF]) patients to test whether meeting the more stringent parameters of the consensus definition had worse outcomes, that is, progression to sFGR Type II (persistent AREDF) or twin‐twin transfusion syndrome; or secondarily, decreased dual survivorship.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of referred sFGR Type III patients (2006–2017). Patients were retrospectively categorized using consensus criteria for 2 comparisons: 1) EFW <3% versus remaining cohort; 2) EFW <3% or met all 4 contributory criteria versus remaining cohort.ResultsForty‐eight patients were studied. Comparison 1: EFW <3% patients (58.3%) were not more likely to demonstrate disease progression (46.4% versus 65.0%, P = .2489) or worse dual survivorship (78.6% versus 85.0%, P = .7161). Comparison 2: EFW <3% or met all 4 contributory criteria (75.0%) patients were not more likely than the others to demonstrate progression (44.4% versus 83.3%, P = .0235) or worse dual survivorship (80.6% versus 83.3%, P = 1.0000).ConclusionsIn a referred cohort of sFGR Type III patients, there was no evidence that meeting more stringent parameters of the consensus definition was associated with disease progression or dual survivorship.
Noninvasive Respiratory Support as an Alternative to Tracheostomy in Severe Laryngomalacia
Authors: Veroul Elina , Amaddeo Alessandro , Leboulanger Nicolas , Gelin Matthieu , Denoyelle Françoise , Thierry Briac , Fauroux Brigitte , Luscan Romain 
Published: October 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTo analyze the role of noninvasive respiratory support (NRS) as an alternative to tracheostomy in the management of severe laryngomalacia.Study DesignWe conducted a monocentric retrospective study in a tertiary pediatric care center.MethodsAll children under the age of 3 years with severe laryngomalacia, treated between January 2014 and December 2019, were included. Patient demographics, medical history, nutrition, surgery, NRS, and outcome were reviewed. Predictors for NRS were analyzed.ResultsOne hundred and eighty‐eight patients were included. Mean age was 4 ± 5 months and mean weight was 4,925 ± 1,933 g. An endoscopic bilateral supraglottoplasty was performed in 183 (97%) patients and successful in 159 (87%). NRS was initiated in 29 (15%) patients at a mean age of 3 ± 2 months (1–11 months): 15 (52%) patients were treated with NRS after surgical failure, 9 (31%) were treated with NRS initiated prior to surgery because of abnormal overnight gas exchange, and 5 (17%) were treated exclusively with NRS due to comorbidities contraindicating an endoscopic procedure. NRS was successfully performed in all patients with a mean duration of 6 ± 11 months. No patient required a tracheostomy. Univariate analysis identified the following predictors of NRS: neonatal respiratory distress (P = .003), neurological comorbidity (P < .001), associated laryngeal abnormality (P < .001), cardiac surgery (P = .039), surgical endoscopic revision (P = .007), and nutritional support (P < .001).ConclusionNRS is a safe procedure, which may avoid a tracheostomy in severe laryngomalacia, in particular, in case of endoscopic surgery failure, respiratory failure before surgery, and/or severe co‐morbidity.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 132:1861–1868, 2022
Succession of aquatic and littoral vegetation in disused sandpits
Authors: Müllerová Anna , Řehounková Klára , Prach Karel 
Published: October 2021

AbstractVegetation succession in aquatic and littoral environments has received much less attention compared to terrestrial habitats. We sampled differently aged successional stages in 63 sandpits across the Czech Republic, Central Europe. They ranged in age since abandonment from 1 to 64 years. The chronosequence approach was adopted. Besides species identity itself, basic life‐history species traits were considered to describe the succession. Based on the location (elevation) of plots, two geographical regions were delimited based on temperature and precipitation. Alongside the vegetation data, several environmental variables were recorded: age, water depth, substratum type (i.e., proportion of sand, clay, gravel and organic material), pH, conductivity, elevation and additional disturbances. Altogether, 249 vascular plant species were determined. Individual successional series in aquatic and littoral habitats differed between the altitudinal regions. As generally expected, water table was one of the main driving factors alongside age and water conductivity. Moreover, the vegetation pattern was significantly affected by substrate composition and pH. The species composition at aquatic sites was most likely mainly driven by the accumulation of organic material. Hydrophytes dominated throughout these sites. In littoral vegetation, several distinct groups of life forms could be distinguished along the successional gradient. The young sites typically included stress‐tolerant therophytes and hemicryptophytes. With age, woody species started to dominate at littoral sites at higher elevations, while perennial graminoids dominated at lowland sites. Spontaneous succession at aquatic and littoral sites leads to valuable semi‐natural stages and is recommended as a passive restoration option in disused sandpits.
Ultra‐Sensitive and Highly Stretchable Strain Sensors for Monitoring of Human Physiology
Authors: Verma Ravi Prakash , Sahu Prateekshya Suman , Rathod Mitesh , Mohapatra Soumya Sanjeeb , Lee Junghoon , Saha Biswajit 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe flexible strain sensors have potential applications in advanced electronics, health monitoring systems, wearable sensors, robotics, and human–machine interfaces. The development of highly sensitive, stretchable, and durable strain sensors is a challenging task for researchers. However, the sensors with a detection range from large strain to minute deflection are imperative for human‐interactive applications. This work has demonstrated a facile method of sensor fabrication, which use reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as sensing material and silicone sealant as a flexible substrate. Few‐layer rGO is synthesized by electrochemical exfoliation of pencil lead. The fabricated sensors have a gauge factor higher than 4000 and durability longer than 1600 cycles at 100% strain. At the same time, developed strain sensors exhibit detection capability over a wide range of strain (0–120%), which is an essential requirement of wearable sensors. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, fewer works have reported strain sensors that have ultra‐high gauge factor (≥4000) in combination with high stretchability (>100%). Utilizing the ultra‐sensitivity and sub‐second response time of the rGO‐sealants, these wearable sensors are used to monitor physical activities, heartbeats, and finger touches.
An equilibrium‐based formulation with nonlinear configuration dependent interpolation for geometrically exact 3D beams
Authors: Santana Murillo V. B. , Sansour Carlo , Hjiaj Mohammed , Somja Hugues 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis article describes a novel equilibrium‐based geometrically exact beam finite element formulation. First, the spatial position and rotation fields are interpolated by nonlinear configuration‐dependent functions that enforce constant strains along the element axis, completely eliminating locking phenomena. Then, the resulting kinematic fields are used to interpolate the spatial sections force and moment fields in order to fulfill equilibrium exactly in the deformed configuration. The internal variables are explicitly solved at the element level and closed‐form expressions for the internal force vector and tangent stiffness matrix are obtained, allowing for explicit computation, without numerical integration. The objectivity and absence of locking are verified and some important numerical and theoretical aspects leading to a computationally efficient strategy are highlighted and discussed. The proposed formulation is successfully tested in several numerical application examples.
Nurse and case manager views on improving access and use of healthcare for adults living in permanent supportive housing
Authors: Schneiderman Janet U. , Nedjat‐Haiem Frances , Rivera Dean , Pérez Jolles Mónica 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHousing is one of the social determinants of health, and homelessness is associated with health inequalities including increased morbidity and decreased life expectancy. Services to improve access to and use of primary healthcare are provided to formerly homeless individuals (hereafter residents) who live in permanent supportive housing (PSH). Residents do not always utilize services, nor receive adequate healthcare, and often have poor health outcomes. The study aims were to explore nurse and case manager (hereafter participants) views on the challenges of providing healthcare to residents, and strategies to address challenges. This descriptive, qualitative study used thematic analysis. Five nurses and eight case managers working with residents of PSH agencies were interviewed using semistructured interviews. Five main themes emerged. The first theme of context of healthcare use included how the residents' history of homelessness, trauma, and survival affected using services. The second theme was how aspects of relationships (communication issues and mistrust) were barriers to care. The third theme was how residents' health issues (physical chronic diseases, mental health, and substance dependency) affected care. Community level barriers (insurance, financial hardship, and transportation) was the fourth theme. The final theme highlighted recommendations to improve access and use of healthcare by building rapport, addressing mistrust, and using effective communication techniques. Participants noted that barriers to healthcare use were often influenced by residents' previous homeless experience. Nurses noted that chronic physical health issues were problematic for residents. Participants expressed the need to take time to form an authentic relationship to increase trust with residents.