bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of liposomal amphotericin B alone and in combination with flucytosine in the treatment of non‐HIV Cryptococcal meningitis: A nationwide observational study
Authors: Takazono Takahiro , Hidaka Yusuke , Morimoto Shimpei , Tashiro Masato , Ashizawa Nobuyuki , Hirayama Tatsuro , Takeda Kazuaki , Iwanaga Naoki , Hosogaya Naoki , Yamamoto Kazuko , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yanagihara Katsunori , Mukae Hiroshi , Izumikawa Koichi 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundCryptococcal meningitis (CM) is an opportunistic infectious disease that occurs in immunocompromised hosts, not only in patients living with HIV, but also in patients without HIV. The evidence regarding the treatment for CM in patients without HIV is mainly found in small retrospective studies and is extremely limited.ObjectivesIn the present study, we compared the efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B (L‐AMB) alone and in combination with flucytosine (5‐FC) for the induction treatment of CM in patients without HIV.Patients/MethodsData were gathered from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database obtained from hospitals throughout Japan. The study included 517 patients without HIV but having CM who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We analysed the average effect of adding 5‐FC to L‐AMB treatment using the survival time within 14 days of the diagnosis after adjustment of the baseline clinical characteristics with associations with both selections of the treatment and the prognosis.ResultsA total of 146 and 217 CM patients received L‐AMB and L‐AMB with 5‐FC, respectively, within 7 days of diagnosis. L‐AMB with 5‐FC showed better prognosis than L‐AMB on day 14 (mortality 6% vs. 11%, hazard ratio, 0.5775; 95% confidence interval, 0.2748–1.213; p = 0.1, Wald test).ConclusionsFrom the results of this real‐world database study, we revealed that the combination therapy of 5‐FC on L‐AMB for induction therapy might have an advantage on the survival time of NHNT patients with CM as well as PLHIV patients with CM.
The translatability of genetic networks from model to crop species: lessons from the past and perspectives for the future
Authors: Inzé Dirk , Nelissen Hilde 
Published: July 2022

SummaryComparative analyses of growth‐regulatory mechanisms between Arabidopsis and maize revealed that even when the gene space is conserved, the translation of knowledge from model species to crops is not trivial. Based on these insights, we formulate future opportunities to improve the interpretation of curiosity‐driven research towards crop improvement.
Association between maternal adiposity measures and infant health outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nguyen Giang , Hayes Louise , Ngongalah Lem , Bigirumurame Theophile , Gaudet Laura , Odeniyi Adefisayo , Flynn Angela , Crowe Lisa , Skidmore Becky , Simon Alexandre , Smith Vikki , Heslehurst Nicola 
Published: July 2022

SummaryMaternal obesity increases risks of adverse fetal and infant outcomes. Guidelines use body mass index to diagnose maternal obesity. Evidence suggests body fat distribution might better predict individual risk, but there is a lack of robust evidence during pregnancy. We explored associations between maternal adiposity and infant health. Searches included six databases, references, citations, and contacting authors. Screening and quality assessment were carried out by two authors independently. Random effects meta‐analysis and narrative synthesis were conducted. We included 34 studies (n = 40,143 pregnancies). Meta‐analysis showed a significant association between maternal fat‐free mass and birthweight (average effect [AE] 18.07 g, 95%CI 12.75, 23.38) but not fat mass (AE 8.76 g, 95%CI −4.84, 22.36). Women with macrosomic infants had higher waist circumference than controls (mean difference 4.93 cm, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05, 8.82). There was no significant association between subcutaneous fat and large for gestational age (odds ratio 1.06 95% CI 0.91, 1.25). Waist‐to‐hip ratio, neck circumference, skinfolds, and visceral fat were significantly associated with several infant outcomes including small for gestational age, preterm delivery, neonatal morbidity, and mortality, although meta‐analysis was not possible for these variables. Our findings suggest that some measures of maternal adiposity may be useful for risk prediction of infant outcomes. Individual participant data meta‐analysis could overcome some limitations in our ability to pool published data.
Breath biopsy, a novel technology to identify head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review
Authors: Kok Rachel , van Schaijik Bede , Johnson Newell W. , Malki Mohammed Imad , Frydrych Agnieszka , Kujan Omar 
Published: July 2022

AbstractHead and neck cancers are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, which together comprise the sixth most common cancer globally. Breath biopsies are a non‐invasive clinical investigation that detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath. This systematic review examines current applications of breath biopsy for the diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including data on efficacy and utility, and speculates on the future uses of this non‐invasive detection method. Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane and Scopus, as well as the grey literature were searched using a search strategy developed to identify relevant studies on the role of breath biopsy in the diagnosis of HNSCC. All included studies were subject to a thorough methodological quality assessment. The initial search generated a total of 1443 articles, 20 of which were eligible for review. A total of 660 HNSCC samples were investigated across the included studies. 3,7‐dimethylundecane and benzaldehyde were among several VOCs to be significantly correlated with the presence of HNSCC compared to healthy controls. We show that current breath biopsy methods have high accuracy, specificity and sensitivity for identifying HNSCC. However, further studies are needed given the reported poor quality of the included studies.
Alveolar bone and tibia responses to hormonal and mineral abnormalities in rats with chronic kidney disease: A pilot study
Authors: Kim Ae Ri , Lee Youn Soo , Kim Myeong‐A , Kang Dam‐Bi , Bak Eun‐Jung , Yoo Yun‐Jung 
Published: July 2022

AbstractObjectivesAs the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) severity on different bone types remains unclear, we induced increasing levels of CKD severity in a rat model and investigated hormone and mineral levels as well as alveolar and tibia bone histomorphology.MethodsRats were divided into sham operation (sham), 4/6 nephrectomy (4/6Nx), 5/6Nx, and 4/6Nx with hyperphosphorous (HP) diet (4/6NxHP). At week 20, BUN, FGF23, PTH, and P were estimated in plasma. Bone parameters were evaluated by microCT, and osteoclasts and osteoid areas were evaluated by TRAP and H&E stains, respectively.ResultsThe 4/6NxHP and 5/6Nx groups had elevated PTH, and the 4/6NxHP group alone had elevated P. Compared to the 4/6Nx group, the 4/6NxHP group demonstrated increased FGF23 and P. In the alveolar bone, the 4/6NxHP group had reduced bone volume and BMD compared to the sham and 4/6Nx groups. In the tibia cortical bone, bone surface density was higher in the 4/6NxHP group compared to the sham group. Tibia cortical bone volume was negatively correlated with FGF23 and P. Moreover, alveolar bone volume was negatively correlated with FGF23, PTH, and P.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that hormone and mineral levels vary with CKD severity, and alveolar bone loss strongly correlates with these hormone and mineral alterations.
Pediatric lung transplantation for COVID‐19: Unique clinical and psychosocial barriers
Authors: Kumar Anupam , Li Gloria W. , Segraves Justin M. , Mattar Aladdein , Ramineni Maheshwari , Loor Gabriel , Garcha Puneet S. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundSARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the age group of 0–17 years contributes to approximately 22% of all laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. Fortunately, this age group has a lower death rate (0.5 per 100 000) that accounts for only 4% of the total deaths due to COVID‐19. Despite the low mortality rate in the pediatric population, children of minority groups represented 78% of the deaths highlighting the existing disparities in access to health care.MethodsWith the emergence of the more contagious COVID‐19 variants and the relatively slow pace of vaccination among the pediatric population, it is possible to see more cases of significant lung injury and potential for transplantation for the younger age group.ResultsTo our knowledge, our patient is the youngest to have undergone lung transplantation for SARS‐CoV‐2.ConclusionThe case presented unique challenges, particularly in relation to timing for listing and psychosocial support for parents who were his decision makers.
Rationality: What difference does it make?
Authors: McLear Colin 
Published: July 2022

AbstractA variety of interpreters have argued that Kant construes the animality of human beings as ‘transformed’, in some sense, through the possession of rationality. I argue that this interpretation admits of multiple readings and that it is either wrong, or doesn't result in the conclusion for which its proponents argue. I also explain the sense in which rationality nevertheless significantly differentiates human beings from other animals.
Operations, risk, and small firms: Field results from irrigation equipment vendors in Senegal
Authors: Brennan Mark , Graves Stephen , Spielberg Jonars , Sanyal Bish 
Published: July 2022

What are supply chain management challenges in a lower‐income economy, and how do managers at smaller firms address them? This field study presents these challenges from the perspective of the 60 managers who run firms selling irrigation equipment in Senegal. By canvasing 35 cities, we gain unique visibility into how private supply chains, on which public officials and smallholder farmers in Africa rely, effectively deliver agricultural goods. The primary challenges for managers in this supply chain are day‐to‐day risks that are quality and contractual in nature and have financial implications. City size in combination with supplier type, firm size, and manager network determine risk exposure. Firms’ efforts to manage the chain are more reactive than proactive and more informal than formal, which reveals an opportunity for public agencies to support supplier and customer coordination. Public decision makers should tailor support to account for the differential risks that city size brings to supply chain management. This support should include not just financing the firms directly but should also entail giving loans to customers, certifying suppliers, and sharing inventory risk with public and nonprofit partners.
Reversal of right ventricular pressure loading improves biventricular function independent of fibrosis in a rabbit model of pulmonary artery banding
Authors: Fujioka Tao , Akazawa Yohei , Ide Haruki , Karur Gauri Rani , Bannan Badr , Grosse‐Wortmann Lars , Sun Mei , Hui Wei , Slorach Cameron , Honjo Osami , Friedberg Mark K. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractRight ventricular (RV) pressure loading leads to RV and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction through RV hypertrophy, dilatation and fibrosis. Relief of RV pressure load improves RV function. However, the impact and mechanisms on biventricular reverse‐remodelling and function are only partially characterized. We evaluated the impact of RV pressure overload relief on biventricular remodelling and function in a rabbit model of reversible pulmonary artery banding (PAB). Rabbits were randomized to three groups: (1) Sham‐operated controls (n = 7); (2) PAB (NDef, n = 7); (3) PAB followed by band deflation (Def, n = 5). Sham and NDef animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks after PAB surgery. Def animals underwent PAB deflation at 6 weeks and sacrifice at 9 weeks. Biventricular geometry, function, haemodynamics, hypertrophy and fibrosis were compared between groups using echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, high‐fidelity pressure‐tipped catheters and histology. RV pressure loading caused RV dilatation, systolic dysfunction, myocyte hypertrophy and LV compression which improved after PAB deflation. RV end‐diastolic pressure (RVEDP) decreased after PAB deflation, although remaining elevated vs. Sham. LV end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was unchanged following PAB deflation. RV and LV collagen volumes in the NDef and Def group were increased vs. Sham, whereas RV and LV collagen volumes were similar between NDef and Def groups. RV myocyte hypertrophy (r = 0.75, P < 0.001) but not collagen volume was related to RVEDP. LV myocyte hypertrophy (r = 0.58, P = 0.016) and collagen volume (r = 0.56, P = 0.031) correlated with LVEDP. In conclusion, relief of RV pressure overload improves RV and LV geometry, hypertrophy and function independent of fibrosis. The long‐term implications of persistent fibrosis and increased biventricular filling pressures, even after pressure load relief, need further study.
imageKey points
Right ventricular (RV) pressure loading in a pulmonary artery banding rabbit model is associated with RV dilatation, left ventricular (LV) compression; biventricular myocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis and dysfunction.
The mechanisms and impact of RV pressure load relief on biventricular remodelling and function has not been extensively studied.
Relief of RV pressure overload improves biventricular geometry in conjunction with improved RV myocyte hypertrophy and function independent of reduced fibrosis.
These findings raise questions as to the importance of fibrosis as a therapeutic target.
Multivariable Robust Proportional-Integral-Derivative Control for Linear Quadratic Compensation of a Class of Norm-Bounded Uncertain Systems
Authors: Pradhan Jatin Kumar , Ghosh Arun 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis paper is concerned with designing multi-input multi-output (MIMO) proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control having filtered derivative terms to achieve optimal linear quadratic performance for a class of linear uncertain MIMO systems with norm-bounded time-varying uncertainties. A necessary and sufficient condition for existence of the PID controller is obtained in terms of rank constrained linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Using an existing penalty-function-based approximation for matrix rank minimization, an algorithm is proposed to solve these rank constrained LMIs and find PID gains. A suitable numerical example is considered to show the efficacy of the proposed approach in ensuring robust performance as compared to the existing ones. The proposed algorithm is also tested on several benchmark examples and found to be computationally much more efficient than some well-known methods.
Adjoint Analysis of Plane Poiseuille Flow Global and Convective Stability
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhang Yuxin 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The adjoint analysis of plane Poiseuille flow is conducted for both global and convective stability problems. Receptivity and structural sensitivity are analyzed using a stabilized finite element method. In the global stability problem at high Reynolds numbers, the leading adjoint modes exhibit a boundary-layer-like structure at the inlet and near the channel walls. For convective stability problem, receptivity is highest in regions close to the walls similar to the global adjoint modes. Structural separation of direct and adjoint modes indicates high non-normality of the linear operators. Structural sensitivity analysis shows that both the global and convective stability are most sensitive to momentum perturbation near the wall and become increasingly sensitive to near-wall perturbations as Reynolds number increases. Slight variation of wall shape tends to affect the linear stability of plane Poiseuille flow significantly at high Reynolds numbers.
Perceptions and expectations of parents regarding their position in a French NICU: quantitative and qualitative approaches
Authors: Thébaud Véronique , Dargentas Magdalini , Sizun Jacques 
Published: July 2022

ObjectivesTo assess perceptions, expectations, and concerns of parents of preterm infants regarding their position during hospital admission in the neonatal intensive care unit.DesignData were analysed from two studies, using complementary methods (quantitative and qualitative). Study I surveyed parents via a questionnaire, and study II was a reanalysis of interviews with fathers, collected in a previous study.SettingNeonatology department in a French tertiary care university hospital that promotes the Newborn Individualised Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP).ParticipantsIn both studies, participants had a premature child admitted for any level of care in the neonatal intensive care unit.ResultsFor study I, about half (33) of eligible families participated in the questionnaire survey, and for study II, we reanalysed interviews with 20 fathers. In both analyses, parents were satisfied overall with their involvement in the care of their child. In both studies, however, they expressed that they had expected to be better informed about their child’s condition and more involved in medical decision-making. Parents also reported relational issues with some healthcare practitioners who made them feel judged, unheard or not competent to discuss their child’s case. These concerns were not reported for NIDCAP staff. Respondents in both studies also described insufficient contact with physicians and an inability to obtain rest in the room with their child.ConclusionProvision of training to healthcare practitioners regarding information that parents request and doing so respectfully might be keys to fulfilling parent-reported needs. Such improvements could facilitate parental empowerment and involvement.
Symptom patterns in patients newly sick listed for common mental disorders and associations with work-related and socioeconomic factors: a cross-sectional study in Swedish primary care
Authors: Svenningsson Irene , Björkelund Cecilia , Hange Dominique , Wiegner Lilian , Ariai Nashmil , Petersson Eva-Lisa 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveThe aim was to determine symptom patterns of depression, anxiety and stress-related mental disorders in newly sick listed due to common mental disorders in Swedish primary care patients and to examine associations with sick leave diagnosis, also in relation to socioeconomic, work-related and demographic factors.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingPrimary care in western Sweden.ParticipantsFrom a randomised controlled trial, patients aged 18–67, seeking primary care and on sick leave due to depression, anxiety and/or mental stress, in total 341 individuals, during 2018–2020.Primary outcome measuresPatterns of depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms measured via self-assessment questionnaires (Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale-Self (MADRS-S), General Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), Karolinska Exhaustion Disorder Scale (KEDS)), sick leave diagnosis, perception of Work Ability Index and job strain via the job strain model.ResultsA combination of high levels of depressive and stress-related symptoms was more frequent than single symptom clusters among persons with common mental disorders (CMD) on sick leave: 7% of the patients had scores above cut-off for one of the instruments MADRS-S, GAD-7 and KEDS, 12% above cut-off for two and 80% had above cut-off for all three instruments. There was no significant association between low socioeconomic status, high-job strain or working in healthcare/education and having scores above cut-off level for two or more of the instruments. Only perception of own poor work ability showed association with having scores above cut-off level for all three of the assessment instruments of CMD (OR 9.45, 95% CI 2.41 to 37.04).ConclusionThe diagnosis on the sick certificate is not always congruent with the dominating symptom score level. In patients sick-leaved for CMDs, possible negative factors such as low socioeconomic status, low social support, high-work strain or working in healthcare/education sector did not show significant associations with self-assessment instruments of anxiety, depression and stress. Only patient’s perception of own poor work ability was associated with high scores on all three domains.Trial registration numberNCT03250026.
Women’s hospital birth experiences in Harar, eastern Ethiopia: a qualitative study using Roy’s Adaptation Model
Authors: Tefera Maleda , Assefa Nega , Roba Kedir Teji , Gedefa Letta , Brewis Alex , Schuster Roseanne C 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to explore women's birth in public hospitals in the Harari Region of eastern Ethiopia.DesignAn exploratory phenomenological qualitative study design was used.SettingTwo public hospitals (Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital and Jugal General Hospital).Participants and methodsThe study enrolled women who gave birth at the selected hospitals through purposive sampling. We conducted in-depth interviews with 38 women who gave birth to singleton, full-term babies via vaginal delivery (47%; n=18) or caesarean section (53%; n=20) with no pregnancy-related complications. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed on the spot and the interviews were analysed using a deductive content analysis approach. Data were analysed using the four components of Roy’s Adaptation Model (RAM) as a guiding framework of women’s experiences: physiological, self-concept, role and function, and interdependence.ResultsVarious behaviours were identified: under physiological mode, common behaviours identified included labour pain, fatigue, surgical site pain and anaesthesia-related complication. The women’s major problems in self-concept mode were concern for future pregnancy, lack of privacy, newborn health status, relationship with healthcare providers and lack of family support. Due to the prolonged hospital stay and surgical site pain, the women who were unable to care for themselves, their newborn babies and their families adapted poorly to role and function mode. Finally, women who had no family support and who got less attention from healthcare providers reported ineffective adaption for interdependence mode.ConclusionsApplication of RAM principles could be used to improve care for Ethiopian women, providing an intervention framework that can gauge and respond to interacting factors that can make women vulnerable to negative birth experiences.
Association between perception of COVID-19 risk, confidence in health services and avoidance of emergency department visits: results from a community-based survey in Portugal
Authors: Lopes Sílvia , Soares Patrícia , Gama Ana , Pedro Ana Rita , Moniz Marta , Laires Pedro , Goes Ana Rita , Nunes Carla , Dias Sónia 
Published: July 2022

ObjectivesTo examine the association between the perception of COVID-19 risk, confidence in health services and avoidance of emergency department (ED) visits in Portugal during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignCommunity-based, cross-sectional survey.SettingVolunteer sample that completed the online survey between April 2020 and May 2021.Participants987 participants who perceived needing ED care. Of those, 242 reported avoiding ED visits.Outcome measuresLogistic regression models for ED avoidance were conducted to estimate the effect of risk perception and confidence in health services, adjusted for sociodemographics, health status and time.ResultsThe adjusted odds for ED avoidance were higher for participants lacking confidence in health service response to non-COVID-19 conditions (adjusted OR: 6.39; 95% CI 3.19 to 12.82) and COVID-19 (1.81; 1.19 to 2.77) and lower for those perceiving a low risk of being infected at a health provider (0.16; 0.07 to 0.38).ConclusionIn our sample, confidence in health services and risk perception of infection at a health provider were associated with the decision to avoid the ED. These results suggest that policymakers and care providers need to mitigate the negative consequences of delayed healthcare; be aware of the implications of distrust and fear from those in need of healthcare and provide equally distributed safe alternatives to ED care.