bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Timing of social distancing policies and COVID-19 mortality: county-level evidence from the U.S.
Authors: Amuedo-Dorantes Catalina , Kaushal Neeraj , Muchow Ashley N. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUsing county-level data on COVID-19 mortality and infections, along with county-level information on the adoption of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), we examine how the speed of NPI adoption affected COVID-19 mortality in the United States. Our estimates suggest that adopting safer-at-home orders or non-essential business closures 1 day before infections double can curtail the COVID-19 death rate by 1.9%. This finding proves robust to alternative measures of NPI adoption speed, model specifications that control for testing, other NPIs, and mobility and across various samples (national, the Northeast, excluding New York, and excluding the Northeast). We also find that the adoption speed of NPIs is associated with lower infections and is unrelated to non-COVID deaths, suggesting these measures slowed contagion. Finally, NPI adoption speed appears to have been less effective in Republican counties, suggesting that political ideology might have compromised their efficacy.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the small organs in children
Authors: Piskunowicz Maciej , Back Susan J. , Darge Kassa , Humphries Paul D. , Jüngert Jörg , Ključevšek Damjana , Lorenz Norbert , Mentzel Hans-Joachim , Squires Judy H. , Huang Dean Y. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn pediatric and adult populations, intravenous contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) remains off-label for imaging of organs other than the liver and heart. This limited scope inhibits potential benefits of the new modality from a more widespread utilization. Yet, CEUS is potentially useful for imaging small organs such as the thyroid gland, lymph nodes, testes, ovaries and uterus, with all having locations and vasculature favorable for this type of examination. In the adult population, the utility of CEUS has been demonstrated in a growing number of studies for the evaluation of these small organs. The aim of this article is to present a review of pediatric CEUS of the thyroid gland, lymph nodes, testes, ovaries and uterus as well as to draw from the adult literature indications for possible applications in children.
The application of an allogeneic bone screw for osteosynthesis in hand and foot surgery: a case series
Authors: Pastl Klaus , Schimetta Wolfgang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Introduction
The allogeneic bone screw transplant is a new osteosynthesis device making the use of foreign fixation material obsolete for various kinds of indications. Moreover, it is integrated into the recipient bone by natural bone remodeling without harming the surrounding tissue. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of the transplant for osteotomy and arthrodesis in hand and foot surgery and to evaluate the clinical importance of the device.

Materials and methods
A single-surgeon case series of 32 patients who had undergone hand or foot surgery with the application of an allogeneic bone screw with an average follow-up time of 1 year is reported. Clinical data were reviewed to evaluate the pain levels and satisfaction of the patients and the frequency and type of complications occurring during the healing process. Routine radiography and computed tomography were reviewed to determine the fusion rate, the ingrowth behavior of the transplant and the possible occurrence of transplant failure.

Results
High patient satisfaction was paired with low postoperative pain levels and a low complication rate. 97% of the patients were free of pain at the timepoint of the second follow-up examination, the mean time of recovery of full mobility was 50.1 ± 26.1 days after surgery. Wound healing disturbance occurred only in two cases. Bony consolidation of the osteotomy or arthrodesis gap as well as osseointegration of the transplant was seen in all cases. No transplant failure or transplant loosening occurred.

Conclusions
The application of the allogeneic bone screw resulted in a 100% fusion rate while the patient burden was low. The transplant is safe and suited for various kinds of osteosynthesis in hand and foot surgery.
Evaluation of hearing preservation in adults with a slim perimodiolar electrode
Authors: Ludwig Sonja , Riemann Niklas , Hans Stefan , Christov Florian , Ludwig Johannes Maximilian , Saxe Judith , Arweiler-Harbeck Diana 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Numerous endeavors have been undertaken to preserve hearing in cochlear implant (CI) patients. Particularly, optimization of electrode array design aims at preservation of residual hearing (RH). This study examines whether a slim perimodiolar (PM) electrode array could bear the capability to preserve hearing.

Methods
A total of 47 patients underwent cochlear implantation receiving the PM electrode. (i) Patients with pure tone audiogram (PTA) thresholds better than 85 dB and/or hearing loss for Freiburg speech test numbers less than 60 dB and more than 50% maximum monosyllabic understanding were assigned to the RH group (n = 17), while all others belonged to the noRH group (n = 30). (ii) Another group implanted with a slim straight, lateral wall (LW) electrode was recruited for comparison.

Results
We compared 17 RH–30 noRH patients all receiving the PM electrode. RH in PM recipients decreased faster than in LW recipients. No significant differences were observed between both (RH v/s noRH) groups in NRT thresholds, Freiburg speech test and A§E® phonemes. Analogous satisfaction levels were indicated through the questionnaires in terms of sound quality, hearing in silence, noise and directional hearing in both groups.

Conclusions
The results suggest that hearing preservation is influenced not only by electrode shape but various factors. This study opens an avenue for further investigations to elucidate and enumerate the causes for progressive hearing loss.
Viral lower respiratory tract infections—strict admission guidelines for young children can safely reduce admissions
Authors: Havdal Lise Beier , Nakstad Britt , Fjærli Hans Olav , Ness Christian , Inchley Christopher 
Published: April 2021

AbstractViral lower respiratory tract infection (VLRTI) is the most common cause of hospital admission among small children in high-income countries. Guidelines to identify children in need of admission are lacking in the literature. In December 2012, our hospital introduced strict guidelines for admission. This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of the guidelines. We performed a single-center retrospective administrative database search and medical record review. ICD-10 codes identified children < 24 months assessed at the emergency department for VLRTI for a 10-year period. To identify adverse events related to admission guidelines implementation, we reviewed patient records for all those discharged on primary contact followed by readmission within 14 days. During the study period, 3227 children younger than 24 months old were assessed in the ED for VLRTI. The proportion of severe adverse events among children who were discharged on their initial emergency department contact was low both before (0.3%) and after the intervention (0.5%) (p=1.0). Admission rates before vs. after the intervention were for previously healthy children > 90 days 65.3% vs. 53.3% (p<0.001); for healthy children ≤ 90 days 85% vs. 68% (p<0.001); and for high-risk comorbidities 74% vs. 71% (p=0.5).Conclusion: After implementation of admission guidelines for VLRTI, there were few adverse events and a significant reduction in admissions to the hospital from the emergency department. Our admission guidelines may be a safe and helpful tool in the assessment of children with VLRTI.

What is Known:• Viral lower respiratory tract infection, including bronchiolitis, is the most common cause of hospitalization for young children in the developed world. Treatment is mainly supportive, and hospitalization should be limited to the cases in need of therapeutic intervention.• Many countries have guidelines for the management of the disease, but the decision on whom to admit for inpatient treatment is often subjective and may vary even between physicians in the same hospital.

What is New:• Implementation of admission criteria for viral lower respiratory tract infection may reduce the rate of hospital admissions without increasing adverse events.
Do uterine PTGS2, PGFS, and PTGFR expression play a role in canine uterine inertia?
Authors: Rempel Lea Magdalena , Lillevang Karina Tietgen Andresen , Straten Ann-Kirstine thor , Friðriksdóttir Sólrún Barbara , Körber Hanna , Wehrend Axel , Kowalewski Mariusz P. , Reichler Iris Margaret , Balogh Orsolya , Goericke-Pesch Sandra 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe aetiology of primary uterine inertia (PUI), which is the most common cause of canine dystocia, is still not elucidated. Prostaglandins (PGs) play a crucial role in parturition. We hypothesized that the expression of prostaglandin endoperoxidase synthase 2 (PTGS2), PGF2α synthase (PGFS), and corresponding receptor (PTGFR) is altered in PUI. We investigated PTGS2, PGFS, and PTGFR mRNA expression, and PTGS2 and PGFS protein expression in interplacental (IP) and uteroplacental sites (UP) in bitches with PUI, obstructive dystocia (OD), and prepartum (PC). PTGS2, PGFS, and PTGFR mRNA expression did not differ significantly between PUI and OD (IP/UP). PTGFR ratio in UP was higher in PC than in OD (p = 0.014). PTGS2 immunopositivity was noted in foetal trophoblasts, luminal and superficial glandular epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells of both myometrial layers, and weakly and sporadically in deep uterine glands. PGFS was localized in luminal epithelial cells and in the epithelium of superficial uterine glands. PTGS2 and PGFS staining was similar between PUI and OD, while PGFS protein expression differed between OD and PC (p = 0.0215). For PTGS2, the longitudinal myometrial layer of IP stained significantly stronger than the circular layer, independent of groups. These results do not support a role for PTGS2, PGFS, and PTGFR in PUI. Reduced PGFS expression in IP during parturition compared with PC and the overall lack of placental PGFS expression confirm that PGFS is not the main source of prepartal PGF2alpha increase. The difference in PTGS2 expression between IP myometrial layers warrants further investigation into its physiological relevance.
Assessing the biological reactivity of organic compounds on volcanic ash: implications for human health hazard
Authors: Tomašek Ines , Damby David E. , Andronico Daniele , Baxter Peter J. , Boonen Imke , Claeys Philippe , Denison Michael S. , Horwell Claire J. , Kervyn Matthieu , Kueppers Ulrich , Romanias Manolis N. , Elskens Marc 
Published: April 2021

AbstractExposure to volcanic ash is a long-standing health concern for people living near active volcanoes and in distal urban areas. During transport and deposition, ash is subjected to various physicochemical processes that may change its surface composition and, consequently, bioreactivity. One such process is the interaction with anthropogenic pollutants; however, the potential for adsorbed, deleterious organic compounds to directly impact human health is unknown. We use an in vitro bioanalytical approach to screen for the presence of organic compounds of toxicological concern on ash surfaces and assess their biological potency. These compounds include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dlPCBs). Analysis of ash collected in or near urbanised areas at five active volcanoes across the world (Etna, Italy; Fuego, Guatemala; Kelud, Indonesia; Sakurajima, Japan; Tungurahua, Ecuador) using the bioassay inferred the presence of such compounds on all samples. A relatively low response to PCDD/Fs and the absence of a dlPCBs response in the bioassay suggest that the measured activity is dominated by PAHs and PAH-like compounds. This study is the first to demonstrate a biological potency of organic pollutants associated with volcanic ash particles. According to our estimations, they are present in quantities below recommended exposure limits and likely pose a low direct concern for human health.
Transplantation outcomes in patients with primary hyperoxaluria: a systematic review
Authors: Metry Elisabeth L. , van Dijk Liza M. M. , Peters-Sengers Hessel , Oosterveld Michiel J.S. , Groothoff Jaap W. , Ploeg Rutger J. , Stel Vianda S. , Garrelfs Sander F. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is characterized by hepatic overproduction of oxalate and often results in kidney failure. Liver-kidney transplantation is recommended, either combined (CLKT) or sequentially performed (SLKT). The merits of SLKT and the place of an isolated kidney transplant (KT) in selected patients are unsettled. We systematically reviewed the literature focusing on patient and graft survival rates in relation to the chosen transplant strategy.

Methods
We searched MEDLINE and Embase using a broad search string, consisting of the terms ‘transplantation’ and ‘hyperoxaluria’. Studies reporting on at least four transplanted patients were selected for quality assessment and data extraction.

Results
We found 51 observational studies from 1975 to 2020, covering 756 CLKT, 405 KT and 89 SLKT, and 51 pre-emptive liver transplantations (PLT). Meta-analysis was impossible due to reported survival probabilities with varying follow-up. Two individual high-quality studies showed an evident kidney graft survival advantage for CLKT versus KT (87% vs. 14% at 15 years, p<0.05) with adjusted HR for graft failure of 0.14 (95% confidence interval: 0.05–0.41), while patient survival was similar. Three other high-quality studies reported 5-year kidney graft survival rates of 48–89% for CLKT and 14–45% for KT. PLT and SLKT yielded 1-year patient and graft survival rates up to 100% in small cohorts.

Conclusions
Our study suggests that CLKT leads to superior kidney graft survival compared to KT. However, evidence for merits of SLKT or for KT in pyridoxine-responsive patients was scarce, which warrants further studies, ideally using data from a large international registry.
The contribution of the English NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme to reductions in diabetes-related blindness, comparisons within Europe, and future challenges
Authors: Scanlon Peter. H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe aim of the English NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP) is to reduce the risk of sight loss amongst people with diabetes by the prompt identification and effective treatment if necessary of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy, at the appropriate stage during the disease process, with a long-term aim of preventing blindness in people with diabetes.For the year 2009–2010, diabetic retinopathy (DR) was no longer the leading cause of blindness in the working age group. There have been further reductions in DR certifications for WHO severe vision impairment and blindness from 1,334 (5.5% of all certifications) in 2009/2010 to 840 (3.5% of all certifications) in 2018/2019. NHS DESP is a major contributor to this further reduction, but one must also take into account improvements in glycaemic and blood pressure control, timely laser treatment and vitrectomy surgery, improved monitoring techniques for glycaemic control, and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor injections for control of diabetic macular oedema. The latter have had a particular impact since first introduced in the UK in 2013.Current plans for NHS DESP include extension of screening intervals in low-risk groups and the introduction of optical coherence tomography as a second line of screening for those with screen positive maculopathy with two dimensional markers. Future challenges include the introduction of automated analysis for grading and new camera technologies.
Association of parental-reported vitamin D supplementation with dental caries of 3-year-old children in Poland: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Olczak-Kowalczyk Dorota , Kaczmarek Urszula , Gozdowski Dariusz , Turska-Szybka Anna 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective
The study aimed to assess the association between parental-reported vitamin D supplementation and caries in a national sample of 3-year-olds in Poland.

Materials and methods
A total of 1900 children, representing all provinces of Poland, were invited. The questionnaires concerned vitamin D supplementation, socio-demographics, and oral health behaviours. Based on dental examination, caries scores (dmft/dmfs), prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and severe ECC (S-ECC) were calculated. The Spearman’s correlation, linear regression and logistic regression were used to assess the association between various factors and caries (p < 0.05).

Results
A total of 1638 children were tested. Of this number, 99.1% infants were supplemented with vitamin D. Supplementation had been continued seasonally in 55.2% children. ECC/S-ECC prevalence were significantly lower in children receiving vitamin D (ECC 38.3% vs. 44.7%, OR = 0.77; S-ECC 20.5% vs. 27.1%, OR = 0.69; p < 0.05). Mean dmft/dmfs were lower in those with supplementation (1.54 ± 2.72 vs. 2.24 ± 3.55; 2.40 ± 5.56 vs. 3.72 ± 7.56, respectively; p < 0.001). After controlling for confounding factors, supplementation was not significantly associated with caries; only dt/ds were still associated. Maternal education, sweetened beverages before bedtime, bottle use were significantly associated with S-ECC.

Conclusions
Lower caries prevalence was observed in those with vitamin D supplementation. The association between parental-reported vitamin D and ECC/S-ECC was not significant in Polish children. Decayed teeth and supplementation were still associated. Dietary habits can modify the association with caries.

Clinical relevance
There may be an association between vitamin D supplementation and lower caries in children. Parents should supplement their children during periods of significant growth and development.
Effectiveness of nivolumab affected by prior cetuximab use and neck dissection in Japanese patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer: results from a retrospective observational study in a real-world setting
Authors: Kariya Shin , Shimizu Yasushi , Hanai Nobuhiro , Yasumatsu Ryuji , Yokota Tomoya , Fujii Takashi , Tsukahara Kiyoaki , Yoshida Masafumi , Hanyu Kenji , Ueda Tsutomu , Hirakawa Hitoshi , Takahashi Shunji , Ono Takeharu , Sano Daisuke , Yamauchi Moriyasu , Watanabe Akihito , Omori Koichi , Yamazaki Tomoko , Monden Nobuya , Kudo Naomi , Arai Makoto , Yonekura Shuji , Asakage Takahiro , Fujiwara Akinori , Yamada Takayuki , Homma Akihiro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
To examine the effect of prior use of cetuximab and neck dissection on the effectiveness of nivolumab, we conducted a large-scale subgroup analysis in Japanese patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer.

Methods
Data on the effectiveness of nivolumab were extracted from patient medical records. All patients were analyzed for effectiveness by prior cetuximab use. In the analyses for prior neck dissection, only patients with locally advanced disease were included.

Results
Of 256 patients analyzed, 155 had received prior cetuximab. Nineteen of 50 patients with local recurrence underwent neck dissection. The objective response rate was 14.7 vs 17.2% (p = 0.6116), median progression-free survival was 2.0 vs 3.1 months (p = 0.0261), and median overall survival was 8.4 vs 12 months (p = 0.0548) with vs without prior cetuximab use, respectively. The objective response rate was 23.1 vs 25.9% (p = 0.8455), median progression-free survival was 1.8 vs 3.0 months (p = 0.6650), and median overall survival was 9.1 vs 9.9 months (p = 0.5289) with vs without neck dissection, respectively.

Conclusions
These findings support the use of nivolumab for patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer regardless of prior cetuximab use or neck dissection history.

Trial registration number
UMIN-CTR (UMIN000032600), Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03569436)
Verbena officinalis Verbenaceae (Lamiales): a new plant model system for phyllotaxis research
Authors: Zagórska-Marek Beata , Turzańska Magdalena , Chmiel Klaudia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPhyllotactic diversity and developmental transitions between phyllotactic patterns are not fully understood. The plants studied so far, such as Magnolia, Torreya or Abies, are not suitable for experimental work, and the most popular model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, does not show sufficient phyllotactic variability. It has been found that in common verbena (Verbena officinalis L.), a perennial, cosmopolitan plant, phyllotaxis differs not only between growth phases in primary transitions but also along the indeterminate inflorescence axis in a series of multiple secondary transitions. The latter are no longer associated with the change in lateral organ identity, and the sequence of phyllotactic patterns is puzzling from a theoretical point of view. Data from the experiments in silico, confronted with empirical observations, suggest that secondary transitions might be triggered by the cumulative effect of fluctuations in the continuously decreasing bract primordia size. The most important finding is that the changes in the primary vascular system, associated with phyllotactic transitions, precede those taking place at the apical meristem. This raises the question of the role of the vascular system in determining primordia initiation sites, and possibly challenges the autonomy of the apex. The results of this study highlight the complex relationships between various systems that have to coordinate their growth and differentiation in the developing plant shoot. Common verbena emerges from this research as a plant that may become a new model suitable for further studies on the causes of phyllotactic transitions.
Evaluation of field calibration methods and performance of AQMesh, a low-cost air quality monitor
Authors: Wahlborg Dan , Björling Mikael , Mattsson Magnus 
Published: April 2021

AbstractField calibrations of NO2, NO, and PM10 from AQMesh Air Quality Monitors (AQMs) were conducted during a summer and an autumn period in a busy street in a midsize Swedish city. All the three linear calibration procedures studied (postscaled, bisquare, and orthogonal data) significantly reduced the ranges and magnitudes of the performance indicators to yield more reliable results than the raw data. The improvements were sufficient to satisfy the European Union (EU) Data Quality Objective (DQO) for indicative measurements as compared to reference data only for NO2 (above 50 µg m−3) and NO (above 30 µg m−3) during the autumn calibration period. The relatively simple bisquare procedure had the best performance overall. The bisquare procedure improved the root mean square error by the same amount as other studies using complex multivariate calibration methods. Low concentrations of pollutants were measured, far below the EU Environmental Quality Standard thresholds and even satisfying the future goals for the Environmental Quality Objectives. Cleaning the raw data by removing data points in the reference data that were below the reference station limit of detections (and the synchronous data points in the AQM prescaled data) was found to improve the performances of the calibration procedures appreciably. Many NO2 and almost all PM10 data points in this study fell below the AQM limit of detection. These low concentrations will probably be a common problem in many field studies, at least in areas with relatively low air pollution. However, the relative errors were sufficiently low for these data points that they could be interpreted as accurately representing low concentrations and did not need to be removed from the datasets. For the NO2 measurements, a slight periodic error correlated with sunlight and increased ambient temperature was noted. NO measurements correlated strongly with increased traffic.