bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences across race and ethnicity in the quality of antidepressant medication management
Authors: Harris Alex H. S. , Liu Pingyang , Breland Jessica Y. , Nieser Kenneth J. , Schmidt Eric M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo illustrate the importance of a multidimensional view of disparities in quality of antidepressant medication management (AMM), as well as discriminating “within‐facility” disparities from disparities that exist between facilities.Data Sources and Study SettingWe used data from the Veterans Health Administration's (VA) Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW) which contains clinical and administrative data from VA facilities nationally.Study DesignCDW data were used to measure five indicators of AMM quality, including the HEDIS Effective Acute‐Phase and Effective Continuation‐Phase measures. Mixed effects regression models were used to examine differences in quality indicators between racial/ethnic groups, controlling for other demographic and clinical factors. An adaptation of the Kitagawa‐Blinder‐Oaxaca (KBO) method was used to decompose mean differences in treatment quality between racial and ethnic groups into within‐ and between‐facility effects.Data Extraction MethodsDemographic, clinical, and health service utilization data were extracted for patients in fiscal year 2017 with a diagnosis of depression and a new start of an antidepressant medication.Principal FindingsThe decomposition of the overall differences between White and Black patients on receiving an initial 90‐day prescription (46.7% vs. 32.7%), Effective Acute‐Phase (79.7% vs. 66.8%), and Effective Continuation‐Phase (64.0% vs. 49.6%) HEDIS measures revealed that most of the overall effects were “within‐facility,” meaning that Black patients are less likely to meet these measures regardless of where they are treated. Although the overall magnitude of disparities between White and Hispanic patients on these three measures was very similar (46.7% vs. 32.7%; 79.7% vs. 69.2%; 64.0% vs. 53.6%), the differences were more attributable to Hispanic patients being treated in facilities with overall lower performance on these measures.ConclusionsDiscriminating within‐ and between‐facility disparities and taking a multidimensional view of quality are essential to informing efforts to address disparities in AMM quality.
Real‐world impacts from a decade of Quality Enhancement Research Initiative‐partnered projects to translate the Diabetes Prevention Program in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Damschroder Laura J. , Hamilton Alison , Farmer Melissa M. , Bean‐Mayberry Bevanne , Richardson Caroline , Chanfreau Catherine , Oberman Rebecca S. , Lesser Rachel , Lewis Jackie , Raffa Sue D. , Goldstein Micheal G. , Haskell Sally , Finley Erin , Moin Tannaz 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the impacts of four Veterans Health Administration (VA) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) projects implementing an evidence‐based lifestyle intervention known as the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).Data Sources and Study Setting2012–2024 VA administrative and survey data.Study DesignThis is a summary of findings and impacts from four effectiveness‐implementation projects focused on in‐person and/or online DPP across VA sites.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsPatient demographics, participation data, and key findings and impacts were summarized across reports from the VA Diabetes‐Mellitus Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI‐DM) Diabetes Prevention Program (VA DPP) Trial, QUERI‐DM Online DPP Trial, the Enhancing Mental and Physical Health of Women through Engagement and Retention (EMPOWER) QUERI DPP Project, and EMPOWER 2.0 QUERI Program.Principal FindingsBetween 2012 and 2024, four VA QUERI studies enrolled 963 Veterans in DPP across 16 VA sites. All participants had overweight/obesity with one additional risk factor for type 2 diabetes (i.e., prediabetes, elevated risk score, or history of gestational diabetes) and 56% (N = 536) were women. In addition to enhancing the reach of and engagement in diabetes prevention services among Veterans, these projects resulted in three key impacts as follows: (1) informing the national redesign of VA MOVE! including recommendations to increase the number of MOVE! sessions and revise guidelines across 150+ VA sites, (2) enhancing the national evidence base to support online DPP delivery options with citations in national care guidelines outside VA, and (3) demonstrating the importance of gender‐tailoring of preventive care services by and for women Veterans to enhance engagement in preventive services.ConclusionsOver the past decade, the evolution of VA QUERI DPP projects increased the reach of and engagement in diabetes prevention services among Veterans, including women Veterans who have been harder to engage in lifestyle change programs in VA, and resulted in three key impacts informing type 2 diabetes and obesity prevention efforts within and outside of VA.
Impact of innovation in hybrid electric vehicles‐related technologies on carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector in Japan
Authors: Chen Qiuying , Khattak Shoukat Iqbal , Ahmad Manzoor 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHybrid electric vehicles are increasingly recognized as a promising solution for reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the transportation sector. The current study examines the nexus between innovation in hybrid electric vehicle‐related technologies and transportation sector‐based carbon dioxide emissions from 1990 to 2019 using a variety of econometric techniques such as the structural breaks unit root test, Maki cointegration test, fully modified ordinary least squares, and dynamic ordinary least squares. The results show that innovation in hybrid electric vehicle‐related technologies, renewable energy consumption, information and communication technologies, and international collaboration in technology development could help reduce transportation sector‐based carbon emissions levels. By contrast, the findings indicate that gross domestic product, trade openness, and financial development have a positive nexus with transportation sector‐based carbon emissions. Higher trade openness encourages economic expansion, and foreign trade may lead to more manufacturing, shipping, and transportation sector‐based carbon emissions. Similarly, when gross domestic product and financial development rise, the need for highly energy‐intensive items and services increases transportation sector‐based carbon emissions. To minimize Japan's transportation sector‐based carbon emissions, governments should emphasize innovation and adoption of hybrid electric vehicle‐related technologies, boost renewable energy consumption, and prohibit emissions‐intensive imports and exports.
The nature of nonduality: The epistemic implications of meditative and psychedelic experiences
Authors: Tempone‐Wiltshire Julien , Matthews Floren 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn Jylkkä's (Philosophy and Psychedelics: Frameworks for Exceptional Experience, Bloomsbury Academic, New York, 2022) Mary on Acid: Experiences of unity and the epistemic gap, the author contends that psychedelic experience, by inducing unitary—nondual—experiences of subject–object dissolution, brings to light the epistemic gap between unitary knowledge, constituted by experience, and relational knowledge, distinct from experience. Jylkkä draws a connection between the nondual experience as occasioned through psychedelic usage, and Buddhist contemplative practices. While Jylkkä's attempt to establish a dialogue between analytic philosophy, Buddhism and the science of psychedelics is laudable, we contend that more rigorous attention is required to characterizing nondual experience, the forms of experience occasioned by psychedelic use, and whether they truly constitute parallel to states cultivated through Buddhist practice traditions. While such parallelism may speak to a deeper unification, such a claim requires substantiation to avoid the perennialist eliding of the varied and rich engagement with nonduality across completive traditions. This article highlights the internal tensions that exist surrounding the nature of the nondual as elucidated across Indo‐Tibetan traditions, dangers of decontextualizing states induced through culturally embedded contemplative practices including the underrecognized epistemic function of ceremonial ethnomedicine usage in generating Indigenous metaphysics; and the under acknowledged potential of psychedelic substances for attenuating introspective bias in first‐person phenomenological inquiry.
Pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic modelling and simulation of methotrexate dosing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tan Jiun Ming , Upton Richard N. , Foster David J. R. , Proudman Susanna M. , Dhir Varun , Wiese Michael D. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimsTo develop a non‐linear mixed‐effects population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) model describing the change in the concentration of methotrexate polyglutamates in erythrocytes (ery‐MTX‐PGn with “n” number of glutamate, representing PK component) and how this relates to modified 28‐joint Disease Activity Score incorporating erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS‐28‐3) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), representing PD component.MethodsAn existing PK model was fitted to data from a study consisting of 117 RA patients. The estimation of population PK‐PD parameters was performed using stochastic approximation expectation maximisation algorithm in Monolix 2021R2. The model was used to perform Monte Carlo simulations of a loading dose regimen (50mg subcutaneous methotrexate as loading doses, then 20mg weekly oral methotrexate) compared to a standard dosing regimen (10mg weekly oral methotrexate for 2 weeks, then 20mg weekly oral methotrexate).ResultsEvery 40 nmol/L increase in ery‐MTX‐PG3‐5 total concentration correlated with 1‐unit reduction in DAS‐28‐3. Significant covariate effects on the therapeutic response of methotrexate included the use of prednisolone in the first 4 weeks (positive use correlated with 25% reduction in DAS‐28‐3 when other variables were constant) and patient age (every 10‐year increase in age correlated with 3.4% increase in DAS‐28‐3 when other variables were constant). 4 methotrexate loading doses led to a higher percentage of patients achieving a good/moderate response compared to the standard regimen (Week 4: 87.6% vs. 39.8%; Week 10: 64.7% vs. 57.0%).ConclusionsA loading dose regimen was more likely to achieve higher ery‐MTX‐PG concentration and better therapeutic response after 4 weeks of methotrexate treatment.
Sex differences among patients with intentional poisoning presenting to the emergency Department at a Tertiary Care Centre in Beirut, Lebanon
Authors: El Zahran Tharwat , Hammoud Lina , Salam Rana , Salam Youssef , Kazzi Ziad , Tamim Hani , Hitti Eveline 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPoisoning poses a worldwide public health challenge and recent data from Lebanon in 2020 revealed that over half patients presenting with acute toxicological exposure intentionally poisoned themselves, primarily with suspected suicidal intent. This study aims to assess sex disparities in intentional toxicological exposures among patients presenting to the Emergency Department, at a tertiary care centre in Lebanon. This was a secondary analysis of an existing toxicological database, including patients aged 6 years and older admitted due to acute overdose from March 2015 to August 2022. A total of 444 cases of intentional poisoning were analysed, with 302 (68.0%) women. The primary cause of intentional poisoning was suspected suicide in both sexes, significantly more common in women (85.1%versus65.5%,P < 0.001). Specific agents exposed to patients varied by sex; sedatives/hypnotics/antipsychotics, antihistamines, and melitracen/flupentixol were significantly more prevalent in women (P < 0.001) while men showed higher prevalence for ethanol (P = 0.02), stimulants, street drugs and opioids (P < 0.001). Our study underscores substantial sex differences in intentional poisoning cases in Lebanon. Women exhibited a higher likelihood of exposures to sedatives/hypnotics/antipsychotics, antihistamines and melitracen/flupentixol, while stimulant drugs, ethanol, and opioids were prevalent in men. Developing proper and effective sex‐specific measures may mitigate potential physical and psychological consequences.
Combination therapy enhances efficacy and overcomes toxicity of metal‐based anti‐diabetic agent
Authors: Shang Bing , Dong Yaqiong , Feng Bo , Zhao Jingyan , Wang Zhi , Crans Debbie C. , Yang Xiaoda 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeMetal‐based therapeutic agents are limited by the required concentration of metal‐based agents. Hereby, we determined if combination with 17β‐oestradiol (E2) could reduce such levels and the therapy still be effective in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Experimental ApproachThe metal‐based agent (vanadyl acetylacetonate [VAC])– 17β‐oestradiol (E2) combination is administered using the membrane‐permeable graphene quantum dots (GQD), the vehicle, to form the active GQD–E2–VAC complexes, which was characterized by fluorescence spectra, infrared spectra and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In db/db type 2 diabetic mice, the anti‐diabetic effects of GQD–E2–VAC complexes were evaluated using blood glucose levels, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), serum insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA‐IR] and homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function [HOMA‐β]), histochemical assays and western blot.Key ResultsIn diabetic mice, GQD–E2–VAC complex had comprehensive anti‐diabetic effects, including control of hyperglycaemia, improved insulin sensitivity, correction of hyperinsulinaemia and prevention of β‐cell loss. Co‐regulation of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) activation by the combination of metal complex and 17β‐oestradiol contributed to the enhanced anti‐diabetic effects. Furthermore, a potent mitochondrial protective antioxidant, coniferaldehyde, significantly potentiates the protective effects of GQD–E2–VAC complexes.Conclusion and ImplicationsA metal complex–E2 combinatorial approach achieved simultaneously the protection of β cells and insulin enhancement at an unprecedented low dose, similar to the daily intake of dietary metals in vitamin supplements. This study demonstrates the positive effects of combination and multi‐modal therapies towards type 2 diabetes treatment.
Guests in nests: A parallel between social plants and animals?
Authors: De Bock Katrijn , Hutton Ian , Burns Kevin C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study explores the relationship observed between ‘guests’—foreign inhabitants of social colonies—and the density and fecundity of eusocial‐like staghorn ferns (Platycerium bifurcatum, Polypodiaceae). Our observations suggest that guests in staghorn colonies have a range of commensal and negative relationships, paralleling those seen in eusocial animal species.
Pepea Pamoja:† Applying the Ecological Validity Framework to co‐develop a wellbeing and behavioural training program for caregivers of young children with autism in low‐resource settings of Kenya and the United States
Authors: McNally Keehn Rebecca , Rispoli Mandy , Saina Chelagat , Nafiseh Amira , Oyungu Eren , Omari Felicita Wangechi , Kigen Barnabas , Hassinger Tonia , Stewart Laurel , Gross Judith , McHenry Megan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundAutism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability with global prevalence of one in 100 individuals. Poor access to interventions in both under‐resourced regions of high‐income countries and low‐ and middle‐income countries has deleterious effects on the health and wellbeing of individuals with autism and their families. Our objective was to utilize a reciprocal innovation framework and participatory methods to adapt and co‐develop a culturally grounded group‐based wellbeing and naturalistic developmental behavioural intervention (NDBI) training program for caregivers of young children with autism to be implemented in Kenya and rural Indiana.MethodsThis study was conducted within the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) program. An evidence‐informed Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) previously utilized in Indiana was adapted and iteratively refined using the Ecological Validity Framework (EVF) by a team of US and Kenyan disability experts. Key adaptations to the program were made across the EVF domains of language, persons, metaphors/content, concepts, goals, methods, and context.ResultsSubstantial cultural adaptations were made to the NDBI following the EVF model, including the addition of traditional Kenyan cultural practices, use of narrative principles, and focus on daily routines over play. Pepea, the adapted program, involves 10 group sessions covering content in basic education on autism, positive caregiver coping strategies, and behavioural skills training to promote child communication and reduce challenging behaviour. Key adaptations for Pepea were integrated back into a US NDBI caregiver training program.ConclusionsThis study fills a critical gap by detailing the adaptation process of a caregiver wellbeing and naturalistic developmental behavioural training program for caregivers of children with autism in low‐resource settings. Our next steps are to report on mixed‐methods outcomes from pilot implementation. Our long‐term goal is to apply these insights to advance sustainable and scalable autism intervention services across the globe.
Towards structurally new cyanine dyes—investigating the photophysical and potential antifungal properties of linear substituted heptamethine dyes
Authors: Okoh Okoh Adeyi , Lawrence Clare L. , Bisby Roger H. , Brennan Sarah L. , Smith Robert B. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of a range of new linear substituted heptamethine dyes has been designed and described. The photophysical properties of all the dyes were investigated, with many exhibiting improved fluorescent quantum yields when compared with indocyanine green. Finally, growth inhibition studies were performed in the fission yeast Saccharomyces pombe, which suggests potential antifungals activity in the μM range.
Palliative care in dermatooncology – Current practice in German dermatooncological centers and specialist offices
Authors: Volberg Christian , Schönfeld Philip Niklas , Krönig Lisa , Hertl Michael , Gschnell Martin 
Published: July 2024

SummaryBackgroundDermato‐oncology patients are often treated in certified skin cancer centers or dermato‐oncological specialist offices. Especially in higher tumor stages, patients develop symptoms, either disease‐related or due to therapy‐related side effects, requiring treatment. Despite a markedly improved prognosis since the introduction of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, advance care planning is required in progressive disease. It is unclear how palliative care of skin cancer patients is currently organized in dermato‐oncology.Patients and methodsIn a nationwide survey, all certified skin cancer centers and dermato‐oncological specialist offices in Germany were contacted and asked to participate in this anonymized survey.ResultsOverall, 45 responses (42%) were received. The majority (98%) of the respondents screen the patients on a regular basis for distressing symptoms, and all centers are connected to palliative medical care providers. Only 5% of the medical staff members have the additional qualification “palliative medicine”. In 68% of the participating institutions, the opportunity for care planning is offered to patients. For 89%, palliative care is relevant for everyday work, and 82% desire more research opportunities on this topic.ConclusionsThis survey has shown that palliative care plays a major role in dermato‐oncological work. Given that only a small proportion of the staff have received specialized training in palliative care, however, an increase of this proportion would be desirable for comprehensive care.
More evolvable bacteriophages better suppress their host
Authors: Horwitz Elijah K. , Strobel Hannah M. , Haiso Jason , Meyer Justin R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe number of multidrug‐resistant strains of bacteria is increasing rapidly, while the number of new antibiotic discoveries has stagnated. This trend has caused a surge in interest in bacteriophages as anti‐bacterial therapeutics, in part because there is near limitless diversity of phages to harness. While this diversity provides an opportunity, it also creates the dilemma of having to decide which criteria to use to select phages. Here we test whether a phage's ability to coevolve with its host (evolvability) should be considered and how this property compares to two previously proposed criteria: fast reproduction and thermostability. To do this, we compared the suppressiveness of three phages that vary by a single amino acid yet differ in these traits such that each strain maximized two of three characteristics. Our studies revealed that both evolvability and reproductive rate are independently important. The phage most able to suppress bacterial populations was the strain with high evolvability and reproductive rate, yet this phage was unstable. Phages varied due to differences in the types of resistance evolved against them and their ability to counteract resistance. When conditions were shifted to exaggerate the importance of thermostability, one of the stable phages was most suppressive in the short‐term, but not over the long‐term. Our results demonstrate the utility of biological therapeutics' capacities to evolve and adjust in action to resolve complications like resistance evolution. Furthermore, evolvability is a property that can be engineered into phage therapeutics to enhance their effectiveness.