bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care services and behavioral health outcomes
Authors: Maclean Johanna Catherine , McClellan Chandler , Pesko Michael F. , Polsky Daniel 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWe study the effects of changing Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care services on behavioral health outcomes—defined here as mental illness and substance use disorders. Medicaid enrollees are at elevated risk for these, and other, chronic conditions and are likely to have unmet treatment needs. We apply two‐way fixed‐effects regressions to survey data specifically designed to measure behavioral health outcomes over the period 2010–2016. We find that higher primary care reimbursement rates reduce mental illness and substance use disorders among non‐elderly adult Medicaid enrollees, although we interpret findings for substance use disorders with some caution as they may be vulnerable to differential pre‐trends. Overall, our findings suggest positive spillovers from a policy designed to target primary care services to behavioral health outcomes.
Diffusion of a new drug among ambulatory physicians—The impact of patient pathways
Authors: Flemming Ronja , Frölich Franziska , Donner‐Banzhoff Norbert , Sundmacher Leonie 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWhen drugs enter the market, physicians' prescribing behavior plays a crucial role in the diffusion process. Although regulations to foster economically efficient prescribing exist, physicians have some degree of freedom in choosing medication and are subject to various influencing factors. The aim of the present analysis is to investigate how interaction among patients and physicians affects the diffusion. We look at two different ways that patient pathways might influence physicians and examine these effects for Sacubitril/Valsartan (S/V), a new drug for patients with heart failure. Using administrative data from Germany, we identify physicians who prescribed S/V in the first 2 years of its availability. We apply survival models to estimate the impact of the patient‐physician interaction on the physicians' adoption time. To this end, we determine whether individual physicians treated patients that had been prescribed S/V, and how many other physicians already prescribing S/V were connected in patient‐sharing networks. Our main findings are that patients with a previous prescription seem to induce adoption by demanding repeat prescriptions. Moreover, patients establish connections between physicians that may lead to prescriptions for new patients. Our results therefore suggest that patient pathways play a significant role in the diffusion of a new drug.
Are Ecuadorian banks enough technically efficient for growth? A clinical study
Authors: Proaño‐Rivera Bladimir , Feria‐Dominguez José Manuel 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn this article, we estimate the technical efficiency ratio for a sample of 24 financial institutions in Ecuador over the period 2015–2019. To do so, we first apply a non‐parametric method such as the data envelopment analysis (DEA). Under variable returns to scale and output‐oriented “Interest Income”, the average technical efficiency for the 24 banks is 84.26% and, under output‐oriented “Other Operating Income”, the average technical efficiency is 73.22%. We find that the group of large banks has higher levels of efficiency and that there are still opportunities for improvement in the group of medium and small banks. We also estimate that 80% of Ecuadorian banks need to make potential improvements either by increasing their output or reducing their inputs, such as salary costs, to increase the efficiency. In addition, the growth of the banking sector is crucial to achieve the financial development in Ecuador, being significant the efficiency indices, which show that a 1% increase in banking efficiency could increase its size by USD 605 million. By using the random effects panel data econometric model, we demonstrate that the growth of the banking industry is mostly influenced by the concentration of deposits and taxes.
Testing random assignment to peer groups
Authors: Jochmans Koen 
Published: January 2023

SummaryIdentification of peer effects is complicated by the fact that the individuals under study may select their peers. Random assignment to peer groups has proven useful to sidestep such a concern. In the absence of a formal randomization mechanism, it needs to be argued that assignment is “as good as” random. This paper introduces a simple yet powerful test to do so. We provide theoretical results for this test. As a by‐product, we equally obtain such results for an approach popularized by Guryan et al. (2009). These results help to explain why this approach suffers from low power, as has been observed elsewhere.
Safety assessment of a solid lipid curcumin particle preparation: In vitro and in vivo genotoxicity studies
Authors: Phipps Kirt R. , Bali Victoria , Kukadia Dhaval , Patel Chintan , Muchhara Jayesh 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCurcumin, one of the three principal curcuminoids found within turmeric rhizomes, has long been associated with numerous physiologically beneficial effects; however, its efficacy is limited by its inherently low bioavailability. Several novel formulations of curcumin extracts have been prepared in recent years to increase the systemic availability of curcumin; Longvida®, a solid lipid curcumin particle preparation, is one such formulation that has shown enhanced bioavailability compared with standard curcuminoid extracts. As part of a safety assessment of Longvida® for use as a food ingredient, a bacterial reverse mutation test (OECD TG 471) and mammalian cell erythrocyte micronucleus test (OECD TG 474) were conducted to assess its genotoxic potential. In the bacterial reverse mutation test, Longvida® did not induce base‐pair or frame‐shift mutations at the histidine locus in the genome of Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA102, TA1535, and TA1537, in the presence or absence of exogenous metabolic activation. Additionally, two gavage doses (24 h apart) of Longvida® to Swiss albino mice at 500, 1000, or 2000‐mg/kg body weight/day did not cause structural or numerical chromosomal damage in somatic cells in the mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test. It was therefore concluded that Longvida® is non‐genotoxic.
The role of S477N mutation in the molecular behavior of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein: An in‐silico perspective
Authors: Mondeali Mozhgan , Etemadi Ali , Barkhordari Khabat , Mobini Kesheh Mina , Shavandi Sara , Bahavar Atefeh , Tabatabaie Fatemeh Hosseini , Mahmoudi Gomari Mohammad , Modarressi Mohammad H. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe attachment of SARA‐CoV‐2 happens between ACE2 and the receptor binding domain (RBD) on the spike protein. Mutations in this domain can affect the binding affinity of the spike protein for ACE2. S477N, one of the most common mutations reported in the recent variants, is located in the RBD. Today's computational approaches in biology, especially during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, assist researchers in predicting a protein's behavior in contact with other proteins in more detail. In this study, we investigated the interactions of the S477N‐hACE2 in silico to find the impact of this mutation on its binding affinity for ACE2 and immunity responses using dynamics simulation, protein–protein docking, and immunoinformatics methods. Our computational analysis revealed an increased binding affinity of N477 for ACE2. Four new hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds in the mutant RBD‐ACE2 were formed (with S19 and Q24 of ACE2), which do not exist in the wild type. Also, the protein spike structure in this mutation was associated with an increase in stabilization and a decrease in its fluctuations at the atomic level. N477 mutation can be considered as the cause of increased escape from the immune system through MHC‐II.
Mental health providers' perceptions of competency when working with autistic children with co‐occurring mental health diagnoses
Authors: Linsao Amy W. , McKiernan Patrick M. , Morgan Stephanie M. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPsychotherapy research has long focused on provider competence and treatment efficacy. Mental health providers treat diverse client populations with varying, complex needs. Though estimates vary, the rate of children diagnosed with autism and a co‐occurring psychiatric disorder is relatively high. While behavioral approaches to treatment have been established as the gold standard, talk‐based therapies are increasingly common, and a broader range of providers are treating this population. There are gaps in the literature regarding empirically supported, targeted approaches, and provider sense of competency in addressing complex needs. The aim of this secondary qualitative analysis was to gain further insights into mental health providers' experiences of psychotherapy with autistic children with a cooccurring diagnosis. Eleven licensed clinicians participated in semistructured interviews. The following themes emerged: perception of competency, complex needs, and family involvement. Recommendations for a collaborative approach, increased opportunities for training, and standardized, targeted assessments and treatment protocols were made.
The Role of the Mesencephalic Astrocyte‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Patients in Intensive Care Units Receiving Voriconazole Therapy
Authors: Cheng Lin , Liang Zaiming , You Xi , Jia Changsheng , Liu Zhirui , Sun Fengjun 
Published: January 2023

AbstractRecent publications regarding the role of mesencephalic astrocyte‐derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) in various metabolic and degenerative disorders suggest that MANF is both a marker of disease and a possible therapeutic agent. We investigate the role of plasma MANF levels in patients in intensive care units (ICUs) receiving voriconazole (VCZ) therapy while also comparing MANF levels in healthy individuals. A single‐center prospective study was conducted. The plasma MANF level in patients in ICU was found to have high interindividual variability and was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (P < .01). Compared with patients using VCZ only, patients using both VCZ and amikacin had 3‐fold lower MANF concentrations (P < .05). The MANF concentrations also decreased when alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum creatinine levels were above the upper limits of the normal range (P < .05) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was below the lower limit of the normal range (P < .01). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that low MANF levels were associated with high ALP levels, high creatinine levels, and low eGFR. The cut‐off value of MANF for ALP levels higher than 126 U/L was 0.35 ng/mL (area under curve, AUC = 0.62, 95%CI = 0.50–0.74, P = .044); for serum creatinine levels higher than 104 μmol/L, the cut‐off value was 0.41 ng/mL (AUC = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.62–0.87, P = .001); and for eGFR below 80 mL/min, the cut‐off value was 0.75 ng/mL (AUC = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.59–0.81, P = .002). Monitoring plasma MANF levels may be of value for clinical decision‐making regarding the choice of antibiotics and the prediction of impaired liver function and renal function in patients admitted to an ICU.
Comparison of the Treatment Persistence Among 4 Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: A 5‐Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Aigami Tomohiro , Ishigo Tomoyuki , Takada Ryo , Yano Toshiyuki , Koyama Masayuki , Katano Satoshi , Fujii Satoshi , Fukudo Masahide 
Published: January 2023

AbstractFour direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are used in Japan (edoxaban, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and dabigatran); however, few studies have examined the long‐term treatment persistence of these DOACs. Furthermore, the factors associated with persistence remain unclear. This single‐center, retrospective cohort study enrolled participants who were newly prescribed the 4 DOACs between January 1, 2012, and April 30, 2020. We assessed the treatment persistence rate by calculating the cumulative incidence rate of prescription switch or discontinuation for 5 years from the initial prescription. The factors associated with persistence were examined using multivariate analysis. The edoxaban was used as a reference for comparison with the other DOACs. The persistence rate at 5 years was 52.9% for all DOACs, including 67.0%, 51.6%, 50.2%, and 37.0% for edoxaban, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and dabigatran, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that age >65 years (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62 [95%CI, 0.41–0.93]), chronic kidney disease (HR, 1.63 [95%CI, 1.11–2.39]), baseline hemoglobin (HR, 0.85 [95%CI, 0.78–0.93]), diabetes mellitus (HR, 0.51 [95%CI, 0.29–0.93]), and type of DOACs (rivaroxaban: HR, 1.81 [95%CI, 1.03–3.18]; apixaban: HR, 2.00 [95%CI, 1.15–3.48]; and dabigatran: HR, 2.84 [95%CI, 1.66–4.86]) were significantly associated with nonpersistence at 1 year. At 5 years, diabetes mellitus (HR, 0.60 [95%CI, 0.37–0.97]) and type of DOAC were significantly associated with nonpersistence (rivaroxaban: HR, 1.79 [95%CI, 1.09–2.94]; apixaban: HR, 2.04 [95%CI, 1.26–3.31]; and dabigatran: HR, 2.76 [1.73–4.42]). Long‐term treatment persistence differed according to the type of DOAC, with edoxaban exhibiting the highest level of persistence. The factors associated with persistence may change over the treatment course, but larger studies are required to generalize our findings.
Executive function profiles of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Christoforou Marina , Jones Emily J. H. , White Philippa , Charman Tony 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are both associated with differences in Executive Functioning (EF). There is lack of clarity around the specificity or overlap of EF differences in early childhood when both disorders are first emerging.MethodThis systematic review aims to delineate preschool EF profiles by examining studies comparing the EF profiles of children with and without ASD or ADHD. Five electronic databases were systematically searched (last search in May 2022) to identify published, quantitative studies of global and specific EF (Inhibition, Shifting, Working Memory (WM), Planning and Attentional Control), comparing children aged 2‐6 with a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD to peers without ASD or ADHD.ResultsThirty‐one empirical studies (10 ADHD and 21 ASD studies) met criteria for inclusion. EF profiles in preschool ASD were characterised by consistent Shifting, and, in most cases, Inhibition impairments. ADHD studies consistently reported impairments in Inhibition and Planning, and in most cases WM. Findings with regards to sustained Attention and Shifting in ADHD and WM and Planning in ASD were mixed.ConclusionsOverall, current evidence indicates overlap but also some specificity in EF impairments in preschool ASD and ADHD. There were differences in the degree to which individual domains were impaired, with Shifting more consistently impaired in ASD, and Inhibition, WM and Planning in ADHD. Methodological issues and differences in methods of outcome measurement could potentially underlie mixed findings, as informant‐based measures revealed more robust EF impairments than laboratory‐based tasks.
Acute kidney injury in Jamaicans with sickle cell disease hospitalized with COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Fisher Lori‐Ann , Asnani Monika 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDespite a high occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) with COVID‐19 infection, there are no data on its incidence in sickle cell disease (SCD). We performed a single‐center retrospective chart review of persons aged >1 year with SCD, COVID‐19 infection and no prior dialysis requirement hospitalized from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2022. Demographics, clinical, laboratory characteristics and outcomes were abstracted. AKI was defined using Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Of 38 patients meeting study criteria (60.6% female, mean age ± SD 38.6 ± 15.9 years), 3 (7.9%) were COVID vaccinated. Fifty‐five percent (55%) developed AKI with 7.9% (n = 3) requiring dialysis. Participants with AKI were older (44.9 versus 30.8 years, p = 0.005), with a higher proportion having baseline chronic kidney disease (52% versus 0%, p = 0.001). Severe COVID infection [age‐adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 8.93, 95%CI: 1.73‐45.99, p = 0.033], red cell transfusion (aOR 7.92, 1.47‐42.69) and decrease in hemoglobin per unit from baseline (aOR 2.85, 1.24‐2.28) were associated with AKI. Five persons died in hospital, with AKI resulting in higher median length of stay (12 versus 5 days, p = 0.007). Targeted COVID‐19 preventative measures and multinational longitudinal studies to ascertain the impact of AKI and COVID‐19 infection in SCD are needed.
Severe dilated cardiomyopathy as an unusual clinical presentation in an infant with sialidosis type II
Authors: Eyskens Margot , Bruyndonckx Luc , Van Kuilenburg André B. P. , Eyskens François 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWe report a unique case of an infant with a severe dilated cardiomyopathy as the clinical presentation of sialidosis type II (OMIM 256550), a rare autosomal recessive inherited lysosomal storage disease that is characterized by partial or complete deficiency of α‐neuraminidase, following mutations in the gene neuraminidase 1 (NEU1), located on the short arm of chromosome 6 (6p21.3). Accumulation of metabolic intermediates leads to severe morbidity, especially myoclonus, gait disturbances, cherry‐red macules with secondary loss of visual acuity, impaired color vision and night blindness, and sometimes additional neurological findings such as seizures. Dilated cardiomyopathies are characterized by dilation and impaired contraction of the left or both ventricles, whereas most of the metabolic cardiomyopathies are hypertrophic forms appearing with diastolic dysfunction and, in case of lysosomal storage diseases, often associated with valvular thickening and prolapse. Cardiac manifestations in systemic storage disorders are common although rarely described in mucolipidoses. In mucolipidosis type 2 or I‐cell disease only three cases were presented with severe dilated cardiomyopathy and endocardial fibroelastosis in infancy, as opposed to sialidosis type II, by which to the best of our knowledge no presentation of dilated cardiomyopathy was previously reported in literature.
A New OATP‐Mediated Hepatobiliary‐Specific Mn(II)‐Based MRI Contrast Agent for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice: A Comparison With Gd‐EOB‐DTPA
Authors: Xue Yuan , Xiao Bin , Xia Zhiyang , Dai Lixiong , Xia Qian , Zhong Lei , Zhu Chunrong , Zhu Jiang 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundGrowing concerns about the safety of gadolinium (Gd)‐based contrast agents have reinforced the need for the development of Gd‐free MRI contrast agents (CAs) that are effective in imaging liver tumors.PurposeTo evaluate the ability of Mn‐BnO‐TyEDTA MRI CA to detect hepatocellular carcinoma in a mouse model of implanted liver tumor.Study TypeProspective.Animal ModelThirteen orthotopically implanted liver tumor mice.Field Strength/Sequence3.0 T/precontrast and postcontrast T1‐weighted fast spoiled gradient recalled echo and T2‐weighted fast recovery fast spin‐echo imaging with fat suppression.AssessmentThe relative enhancement ratio was calculated and statistically compared. Lesion detection in postcontrast images was analyzed by calculations of area under the curve (AUC, the increases in liver‐to‐tumor contrast‐to‐noise ratio [∆CNR] vs. time curve). Mn or Gd levels were measured in the liver and tumoral tissues by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. Tumor specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and the expression of organic anion transfer peptide (OATP)1B1 was evaluated by immunofluorescence (IF) staining and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was calculated.Statistical TestsUnpaired t‐test and two‐tailed paired t‐test. P < 0.05 was considered statistical significance.ResultsMn‐BnO‐TyEDTA and Gd‐EOB‐DTPA demonstrated nearly identical enhancement patterns in the liver, tumor, and psoas muscle and no difference in lesion detection (AUC10–30, Mn = 851 ∆CR·min, AUC10–30, Gd = 823 ∆CR·min). A Significant higher concentration of metal (Mn or Gd) was found in the liver compared to the tumor ([Mn]liver = 0.88 ± 0.07 μmmol/g, [Mn]tumor = 0.49 ± 0.05 μmmol/g, [Gd]liver = 0.65 ± 0.07 μmmol/g, [Gd]tumor = 0.27 ± 0.04 μmmol/g). IF staining showed significantly decreased expression of OATP1B1 in the tumor core compared to the liver (MFItumor = 5.28 ± 1.54, MFIliver = 25.49 ± 3.41).Data ConclusionMn‐BnO‐TyEDTA can provide comparable hepatobiliary tumor contrast enhancement to Gd‐EOB‐DTPA.Evidence Level1Technical EfficacyStage 1
Gastric ultrasound, citrulline, and intestinal fatty acid–binding protein as markers of gastrointestinal dysfunction in critically ill patients: A pilot prospective cohort study
Authors: Onuk Sevda , Ozer Nurhayat Tugra , Ozel Merve , Sipahioglu Hilal , Kahriman Güven , Baskol Gulden , Temel Sahin , Gundogan Kursat , Akin Aynur 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is common in the intensive care unit (ICU), although there is no consensus on biomarkers of GI dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate ultrasound‐based gastric antrum measurements and serum intestinal fatty acid–binding protein (IFABP) and citrulline levels in relation to GI dysfunction in critically ill patients.MethodsAdult critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition and stayed for in the ICU for ≥48 h was included. GI dysfunction was described using Gastrointestinal Dysfunction Score (GIDS). Gastric antrum measurements, including craniocaudal (CC) diameter, anteroposterior diameter, and antral–cross sectional area (CSA), as well as serum levels for IFABP and citrulline, were prospectively recorded at baseline and on day 3 and day 5 of enteral nutrition. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate gastric ultrasound parameters, serum IFABP, and citrulline concentrations in predicting GI dysfunction.ResultsThirty‐nine participants with a median age of 60 years were recruited and 46.2% of participants had GI dysfunction. ROC analysis revealed that the cutoff value of CSA score to predict GI dysfunction was 4.48 cm2, which provided 72.7% sensitivity and 77.2% specificity (area under the curve = 0.768, 95% CI: 0.555–0.980). At baseline, gastric residual volume was highly correlated with CC diameter and CSA (r = 0.764, P < 0.001 and r = 0.675, P < 0.001, respectively). Serum IFABP and citrulline levels had no correlation with GI dysfunction or gastric ultrasound parameters (P > 0.05).ConclusionCSA was associated with GI dysfunction in critically ill patients. Serum IFABP and citrulline concentrations were poor in predicting GI dysfunction.