bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loneliness in older adult mental health services during the COVID‐19 pandemic and before: Associations with disability, functioning and pharmacotherapy
Authors: Greig Flora , Perera Gayan , Tsamakis Konstantinos , Stewart Robert , Velayudhan Latha , Mueller Christoph 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesLoneliness is associated with psychiatric morbidity. Restrictions placed on the population during the first COVID‐19 lockdown may have disproportionately affected older adults, possibly through increasing loneliness. We sought to investigate this by examining loneliness in referrals to mental health of older adults (MHOA) services during the first UK COVID‐19 lockdown.MethodsReferrals to MHOA services from a large South London catchment area were identified for the 16‐week period of the UK lockdown starting in March 2020 and for the corresponding period in 2019. A natural language processing algorithm identified loneliness in the patients' records. We applied logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity and diagnosis, to examine associations of loneliness in the study population.Results1991 referrals were identified, 56.9% of whom were female, with a mean age of 77.9 years. Only 26.9% occurred during the 2020 lockdown, but with a higher prevalence of loneliness (22.0 vs. 17.7%, p = 0.028). In the whole sample, loneliness was associated with non‐accidental self‐injury (Odds ratio [OR]: 1.65), depressed mood (OR: 1.73), psychotic symptoms (OR: 1.65), relationship problems (OR: 1.49), problems with daytime activities (OR: 1.36), and antidepressant use (OR: 2.11). During lockdown, loneliness was associated with non‐accidental self‐injury (OR: 2.52), problem drinking or drug‐taking (OR 2.33), and antidepressant use (OR 2.10).ConclusionsLoneliness is associated with more severe symptoms of affective illness, worse functional problems and increased use of antidepressant medication in older adults. During lockdown, loneliness in referrals to MHOA services increased and was associated with increased risk‐taking behaviour. Loneliness is a potential modifiable risk factor for mental illness, and efforts to minimise it in older adults should be prioritised as we emerge from the pandemic.
Development of a Bayesian network for probabilistic risk assessment of pesticides
Authors: Mentzel Sophie , Grung Merete , Tollefsen Knut Erik , Stenrød Marianne , Petersen Karina , Moe S. Jannicke 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Conventional environmental risk assessment of chemicals is based on a calculated risk quotient, representing the ratio of exposure to effects of the chemical, in combination with assessment factors to account for uncertainty. Probabilistic risk assessment approaches can offer more transparency by using probability distributions for exposure and/or effects to account for variability and uncertainty. In this study, a probabilistic approach using Bayesian network modeling is explored as an alternative to traditional risk calculation. Bayesian networks can serve as meta-models that link information from several sources and offer a transparent way of incorporating the required characterization of uncertainty for environmental risk assessment. To this end, a Bayesian network has been developed and parameterized for the pesticides azoxystrobin, metribuzin, and imidacloprid. We illustrate the development from deterministic (traditional) risk calculation, via intermediate versions, to fully probabilistic risk characterization using azoxystrobin as an example. We also demonstrate the seasonal risk calculation for the three pesticides. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1072–1087. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
KEY POINTS
A Bayesian network (BN) was developed to carry out probabilistic risk calculation. The BN model is used to calculate risk of pesticides to freshwater ecosystems. The BN predicts probabilities of exceeding alternative levels of the risk quotient. The BN can incorporate uncertainties more transparently than traditional methods.
An Agile Systems Engineering Analysis of Socio‐technical Aspects of a University‐built CubeSat
Authors: Honoré‐Livermore Evelyn , Garrett Joseph L. , Lyells Ron , Angier Robert (Rock) , Epps Bob 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTSystem development teams often face challenges outside of pure technical problems. There are unpredictable circumstances in many areas including customer needs, personnel changes, and sociotechnical issues that can span across the development organization such as knowledge management and goal alignment. This paper presents the results of an exploratory case study on a university CubeSat team developing an Earth Observation satellite. Formal analysis of agile systems engineering helps improve success throughout the CubeSat lifecycle. We apply the INCOSE Agile systems engineering WG decision guidance method for applying agile system engineering method to identify areas in which the project organization can improve to become more agile in three specific problem spaces: customer problem space, solution space, and product development space. The analysis process led to valuable insights about how the project organization of an academic project differs from that of industry. Additionally, the results indicate that areas such as stakeholder management and support environment could be factors that would benefit more from agile responsiveness.
Bridge the Partisan Divide and Develop Effective Policies with Systems Engineering
Authors: Hartung Jim 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTThe United States is a divided country. This is sometimes a strength when we consider diverse viewpoints before deciding. However, it is often a weakness, when hyper‐partisan politics divides us and prevents us from addressing serious problems. In this article I discuss how lawmakers and policymakers can use systems engineering to bridge the partisan divide and develop practical, nonpartisan solutions for complex societal problems. First, I describe a simple six‐step systems engineering process for optimizing social, economic, and political systems. Second, I illustrate this process with two examples: (1) development of a nonpartisan tax reform proposal that balances the federal budget and addresses key societal problems without increasing the economic burden on taxpayers and (2) development of a nonpartisan plan for the United States to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and address other urgent problems. Third, I discuss how lawmakers and policymakers can incorporate systems engineering into the lawmaking process. Although this article uses the United States as an example, many of the ideas presented here also apply to other countries.
Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) gene c.1627A>G A/G and G/G genotypes are risk factors for lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Zeng Juanzi , Wu Heming , Huang Qingyan , Li Jiaquan , Yu Zhikang , Zhong Zhixiong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundDihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) acts as the key enzyme catabolizing pyrimidines, and may affect the tumor progression. DPYD gene mutations affect DPD activity. The relationship between DPYD IVS14+1G>A, c.1627A>G, c.85T>C and lymph node metastasis (LNM) and distant metastasis (DM) of colorectal cancer (CRC) was investigated.MethodsA total of 537 CRC patients were enrolled in this study. DPYD polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐Sanger sequencing. The relationship between DPYD genotypes and clinical features of patients, metastasis of CRC was analyzed.ResultsAbout DPYD c.1627A>G, A/A (57.7%) was the most common genotype, followed by A/G (35.6%), G/G (6.7%) genotypes. In c.85T>C, T/T, T/C, and C/C genotypes are accounted for 83.6%, 16.0%, and 0.4%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that DPYD c.1627A>G A/G and G/G genotypes in the dominant model (A/G + G/G vs. A/A) were significant risk factors for the LNM (p = 0.029, OR 1.506, 95% CI = 1.048–2.165) and DM (p = 0.039, OR 1.588, 95% CI = 1.041–2.423) of CRC. In addition, DPYD c.1627A>G polymorphism was more common in patients with abnormal serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (>5 ng/ml) (p = 0.003) or carbohydrate antigen 24–2 (CA24‐2) (>20 U/ml) level (p = 0.015).ConclusionsThe results suggested that DPYD c.1627A>G A/G, G/G genotypes are associated with increased risk of LNM and DM of CRC.
A randomized, feasibility trial of an exercise and nutrition‐based rehabilitation programme (ENeRgy) in people with cancer
Authors: Hall Charlie C. , Skipworth Richard J.E. , Blackwood Honor , Brown Duncan , Cook Jane , Diernberger Katharina , Dixon Elizabeth , Gibson Valerie , Graham Catriona , Hall Peter , Haraldsdottir Erna , Hopkinson Jane , Lloyd Anna , Maddocks Matthew , Norris Lucy , Tuck Sharon , Fallon Marie T. , Laird Barry J.A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite rehabilitation being increasingly advocated for people living with incurable cancer, there is limited evidence supporting efficacy or component parts. The progressive decline in function and nutritional in this population would support an approach that targets these factors. This trial aimed to assess the feasibility of an exercise and nutrition based rehabilitation programme in people with incurable cancer.MethodsWe randomized community dwelling adults with incurable cancer to either a personalized exercise and nutrition based programme (experimental arm) or standard care (control arm) for 8 weeks. Endpoints included feasibility, quality of life, physical activity (step count), and body weight. Qualitative and health economic analyses were also included.ResultsForty‐five patients were recruited (23 experimental arm, 22 control arm). There were 26 men (58%), and the median age was 78 years (IQR 69–84). At baseline, the median BMI was 26 kg/m2 (IQR: 22–29), and median weight loss in the previous 6 months was 5% (IQR: −12% to 0%). Adherence to the experimental arm was >80% in 16/21 (76%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the following between trial arms: step count − median % change from baseline to endpoint, per trial arm (experimental −18.5% [IQR: −61 to 65], control 5% [IQR: −32 to 50], P = 0.548); weight − median % change from baseline to endpoint, per trial arm (experimental 1%[IQR: −3 to 3], control −0.5% [IQR: −3 to 1], P = 0.184); overall quality of life − median % change from baseline to endpoint, per trial arm (experimental 0% [IQR: −20 to 19], control 0% [IQR: −23 to 33], P = 0.846). Qualitative findings observed themes of capability, opportunity, and motivation amongst patients in the experimental arm. The mean incremental cost of the experimental arm versus control was £‐319.51 [CI −7593.53 to 6581.91], suggesting the experimental arm was less costly.ConclusionsAn exercise and nutritional rehabilitation intervention is feasible and has potential benefits for people with incurable cancer. A larger trial is now warranted to test the efficacy of this approach.
Classifying intrinsically linked tournaments by score sequence
Authors: Fleming Thomas , Foisy Joel 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA tournament on 8 or more vertices may be intrinsically linked as a directed graph. We begin the classification of intrinsically linked tournaments by examining their score sequences. While many distinct tournaments may have the same score sequence, there exist score sequences such that any tournament with score sequence has an embedding with no nonsplit consistently oriented link. We call such score sequences linkless, and we show that the vast majority of score sequences for 8 vertex tournaments are linkless. We also extend these results to vertex tournaments and are able to classify many longer score sequences as well. We show that for any , there exist at least linkless score sequences, but we conjecture that the fraction of score sequences of length that are linkless goes to 0 as becomes large.
Retention in care and viral suppression after same‐day ART initiation: One‐year outcomes of the SLATE I and II individually randomized clinical trials in South Africa
Authors: Maskew Mhairi , Brennan Alana T. , Venter Willem D. F. , Fox Matthew P. , Vezi Lungisile , Rosen Sydney 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroductionSame‐day initiation (SDI) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV consistently increases ART uptake, but concerns remain about higher attrition from care after initiation. We analysed 12‐month retention in the SLATE SDI trials.MethodsSLATE I (Simplified Algorithms for Treatment Eligibility I, enrolment 06 March–28 July 2017) and SLATE II (enrolment 14 March–18 September 2018) were individually randomized trials at public outpatient clinics in Johannesburg that enrolled patients not yet on ART and administered the SLATE I or II algorithm. This included a symptom self‐report, medical history, brief physical examination and readiness questionnaire to assess the eligibility for SDI. The studies compared the offer of SDI using the SLATE algorithms to standard of care initiation procedures. ART uptake and early retention were previously reported. Using routine clinic records, we conducted a pooled analysis of retention in care and HIV viral suppression 14 months after study enrolment, a time point equivalent to 12 months potential on ART, with an additional month allowed on either end to initiate ART and to return for the 12‐month visit.Results and discussionWe enrolled 1193 study participants (standard arms, n = 599, 50%; intervention arms, n = 594, 50%) and analysed by originally assigned groups. By 14 months after enrolment, 50% of intervention arm patients and 46% of standard arm patients remained in care at the initiating site (crude risk difference 4% (95% confidence interval −1%‐10%); crude relative risk 1.10 (0.97–1.23), with similar viral suppression between arms. Observed attrition from care at site by 14 months was high in both study arms, but we found no evidence that the offer of SDI led to greater overall attrition or lower rates of viral suppression 1 year after starting ART and may have generated small improvements. SDI may have shifted some attrition from before to after dispensing of the first dose of medication.ConclusionsAn offer of SDI of ART, following a carefully designed protocol to identify patients who are eligible and ready to start treatment, is not inherently associated with an overall increase in patient attrition from care and leads to similar rates of viral suppression.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT02891135, registered 01 September 2016. First participant enrolled 06 March 2017 in South Africa. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03315013, registered 19 October 2017. First participant enrolled 14 March 2018.
Immunoregulation by type I interferons in the peritoneal cavity
Authors: Chuah Jasmine J M , Hertzog Paul J , Campbell Nicole K 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe peritoneal cavity, a fluid-containing potential space surrounding the abdominal and pelvic organs, is home to a rich network of immune cells that maintain tissue homeostasis and provide protection against infection. However, under pathological conditions such as peritonitis, endometriosis, and peritoneal carcinomatosis, the peritoneal immune system can become dysregulated, resulting in nonresolving inflammation and disease progression. An enhanced understanding of the factors that regulate peritoneal immune cells under both homeostatic conditions and in disease contexts is therefore required to identify new treatment strategies for these often life-limiting peritoneal pathologies. Type I interferons (T1IFNs) are a family of cytokines with broad immunoregulatory functions, which provide defense against viruses, bacteria, and cancer. There have been numerous reports of immunoregulation by T1IFNs within the peritoneal cavity, which can contribute to both the resolution or propagation of peritoneal disease states, depending on the specifics of the disease setting and local environment. In this review, we provide an overview of the major immune cell populations that reside in the peritoneal cavity (or infiltrate it under inflammatory conditions) and highlight their contribution to the initiation, progression, or resolution of peritoneal diseases. Additionally, we will discuss the role of T1IFNs in the regulation of peritoneal immune cells, and summarize the results of laboratory studies and clinical trials which have investigated T1IFNs in peritonitis/sepsis, endometriosis, and peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Measles outbreak, Montenegro January–July 2018: Lessons learned
Authors: Mugoša Boban , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Begić Senad , Vujošević Danijela , Zekovic Zeljka , Ciccozzi Massimo , Vratnica Zoran 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn 2017, the Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC) of the World Health Organization confirmed that measles elimination was sustained in Montenegro, and the previous endemic transmission remained interrupted. However, the RVC was extremely concerned over the continuing low vaccination coverage reported for this country. In this study, we describe the most recent measles epidemic in Montenegro using the epidemiological data collected from January 1 to July 31, 2018. The outbreak is largely attributable to a dangerous accumulation of susceptible subjects across the country and represents a high‐risk factor for re‐establishing endemic transmission in the Balkan area. This study showed how a vaccine‐preventable communicable disease outbreak can have a dramatic impact and severe consequences on regional public health system performance in terms of the sanitary spending point of view. A detailed update is provided on the epidemiological situation in this Central European area, not available until now.
SARS‐CoV‐2 rapid antigen test in comparison to RT‐PCR targeting different genes: A real‐life evaluation among unselected patients in a regional hospital of Italy
Authors: Treggiari Davide , Piubelli Chiara , Caldrer Sara , Mistretta Manuela , Ragusa Andrea , Orza Pierantonio , Pajola Barbara , Piccoli Donatella , Conti Antonio , Lorenzi Carlo , Serafini Valentina , Boni Marco , Perandin Francesca 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe assessed the performance of the Panbio rapid antigen detection (RAD) test for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and we compared it with the routine reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR)‐based molecular test in a population of 4167 unselected patients admitted to IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital. Analysis stratified by cycling threshold (Ct) value of SARS‐CoV‐2 gene targets indicated that antigen (Ag)‐positive Ct values were significantly lower compared to Ag‐negative values (p < 0.0001). Overall, we found discordance in 140, tested negative by RAD and positive by RT‐PCR, and in 4 resulted positive by RAD and negative by RT‐PCR. RAD test achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 66.82% and 99.89%, respectively. The positive predictive value was shown to be 97.87% while the negative predictive value was shown to be 97.62%. In our context, the RAD test showed a reliable diagnostic response in subjects that displayed high Ct values, corresponding to high viral load, while low ability was displayed to identify positive cases with medium‐low Ct values, thus presenting low viral load and where confirmatory RT‐PCR was needed. Our finding supports the use of the RAD test in real‐life settings where a high volume of swabs is being processed but with caution when interpreting a positive test result in a low prevalence setting.
Modulation of Covid‐19 cytokine storm by tocilizumab
Authors: Boretti Alberto , Banik Bimal 
Published: October 2021

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) is the illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, first identified in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared Covid‐19 a global pandemic. The objective of this study is to determine the role of interleukin (IL) inhibitors in the treatment of Covid‐19. By the majority of the reported clinical studies, the use of tocilizumab in Covid‐19 infection appears promising in specific cases of the cytokine storm. Conflicting results prevent the recommendation of IL inhibitors against Covid‐19 infection by many health organizations. However, many low‐case fatality rate countries, with more advanced therapeutic approaches, uniformly include the use of tocilizumab in case of cytokine storms in addition to the standard treatment for severe cases which includes antivirals. Neglecting the other components is likely an explanation for the contradictory results found in the literature.
Effects of social and climatic factors on building activity in the Czech lands between 1450 and 1950: a dendrochronological analysis
Authors: Kolář Tomáš , Dobrovolný Petr , Szabó Péter , Mikita Tomáš , Kyncl Tomáš , Kyncl Josef , Sochová Irena , Flídr Aleš , Merta David , Rybníček Michal 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTThe development of settlement and building activity is the result of socioeconomic, political and demographic changes in the past. However, accurate information on temporal variation in building activity is rather limited. Dendrochronological databases containing dated historical wooden constructions provide an important resource. We used 6514 tree‐felling dates to reconstruct building activity in the Czech lands for the period 1450–1950. Comparing felling dates with historical events demonstrated that building activity was negatively associated with intense wars, particularly during the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648). After the Peace of Westphalia (1648), socioeconomic renewal and demographic growth were reflected in an upsurge of building activity, especially ecclesiastical buildings. While the construction of ecclesiastical and noble buildings culminated around the 1720s, rural buildings peaked in the 1780s and the 1820s. Although no direct effect of climate was demonstrated, adverse climatic conditions leading to harvest failures and subsequent famines (e.g. the ‘Hunger Years’ 1770–1772) significantly contributed to declines in building activity. In contrast, a higher number of felling dates were detected when strong and/or frequent windstorms occurred. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of building activity in Central Europe and advocates the use of dendrochronological databases for the investigation of human activities in history.