bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local Public Health System Capabilities and COVID-19 Death Rates
Authors: Brosi Deena N. , Mays Glen P. 
Published: May 2022

Objectives: Efforts to contain the health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have achieved less success in the United States than in many comparable countries. Previous research documented wide variability in the capabilities of local public health systems to carry out core disease prevention and control activities, but it is unclear how this variability relates to COVID-19 control. Our study explored this relationship by using a nationally representative sample of 725 US communities. Methods: We used data collected from the National Longitudinal Survey of Public Health Systems to classify each community into 1 of 3 ordinal categories indicating limited, intermediate, or comprehensive public health system capabilities. We used 2-part generalized linear models to estimate the relationship between public health system capabilities and COVID-19 death rates while controlling population and community characteristics associated with COVID-19 risk. Results: Across 3 waves of the pandemic in 2020, we found a significant negative association between COVID-19 mortality and public health system capabilities. Compared with comprehensive public health systems, intermediate public health systems had an average of 4.97 to 19.02 more COVID-19 deaths per 100 000 residents, while limited public health systems had an average of 5.95 to 18.10 more COVID-19 deaths per 100 000 residents. Conclusion: Overall, communities with stronger public health capabilities had significantly fewer deaths. Future initiatives to strengthen pandemic preparedness and reduce health disparities in the United States should focus on local public health system capabilities.
Effect of alcohol coadministration on the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and safety of lemborexant: A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study
Authors: Landry Ishani , Hall Nancy , Aluri Jagadeesh , Filippov Gleb , Setnik Beatrice , Dayal Satish , Reyderman Larisa , Moline Margaret 
Published: May 2022

Background: Lemborexant is a dual orexin receptor antagonist approved to treat insomnia in adults in several countries including the USA, Canada, and Japan. Aims: This study was conducted to investigate effects of lemborexant and alcohol coadministration on postural stability, cognitive performance, and the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of lemborexant. Methods: This was a Phase 1, double-blind, placebo-controlled, four-period crossover study in 32 healthy adults. Individuals were randomized into one of four treatment sequences to receive single doses of placebo, lemborexant 10 mg (LEM10), alcohol (males, 0.7 g/kg; females, 0.6 g/kg), and LEM10 plus alcohol, each separated by a 14-day washout. Postural stability (body sway) was measured by ataxiameter and a cognitive performance assessment battery evaluated four domains of attention and memory. Results: Pharmacodynamic outcomes were analyzed for the 18 participants who completed all four treatments. Change from baseline in body sway showed no significant differences between lemborexant plus alcohol versus alcohol alone. Compared with alcohol alone, coadministration of lemborexant with alcohol showed additive negative effects on cognitive performance domains, corresponding approximately with peak plasma lemborexant concentrations (median = 1.5 h). Cognitive performance was also impaired with lemborexant alone at 0.5 and 2 h in this experimental paradigm with morning dosing. Alcohol increased plasma lemborexant exposure by 70% based on area under the curve to 72 h, and increased peak plasma lemborexant concentrations by 35%. The most commonly reported treatment–emergent adverse event was somnolence. Conclusion: Coadministration of lemborexant with alcohol showed additive negative effects on cognitive measures, but not on postural stability, compared with alcohol alone. Lemborexant exposure was increased with alcohol. Lemborexant alone or with alcohol was well tolerated. Patients are advised not to consume alcohol with lemborexant.
Levetiracetam in the prophylactic treatment of episodic migraine: A prospective open label study
Authors: Evers Stefan , Frese Achim , Summ Oliver , Husstedt Ingo W , Marziniak Martin 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe prophylactic treatment of migraine includes anticonvulsant drugs such as valproic acid and topiramate. However, these substances are often poorly tolerated by migraine patients. So far levetiracetam has hardly been studied as an episodic migraine prophylactic agent in adults.ObjectiveTo perform a prospective pilot study for the evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam in the prophylactic treatment of episodic migraine.MethodsFifty patients with episodic migraine were enrolled in this prospective, open label study. After a baseline period of four weeks, patients received 1,000 mg (starting dose 500 mg) bid levetiracetam for 12 weeks. Migraine frequency and accompanying symptoms were recorded in a headache diary. The primary endpoint was the comparison of attack frequency during the baseline with attack frequency during the last four weeks of treatment (treatment period 3).ResultsIn the Intent-To-Treat analysis, 46% of the patients had a migraine reduction of more than 50% in the third period as compared to the baseline period. The mean number of migraine attacks decreased from 5.2 +/− 2.1 (baseline) to 3.4 +/− 2.7 (period 3). The most frequently reported side effects were somnolence, nausea, and weight gain; all were mild and transient. In a post-hoc comparison, responders to levetiracetam had significantly less migraine attacks at baseline and had significantly more often migraine with aura.ConclusionThe data suggest that levetiracetam has some potential in the prophylactic treatment of episodic migraine which seems, however, to be not superior to that of other anticonvulsant drugs. Levetiracetam was well tolerated and showed better efficacy in patients with migraine with aura and in less affected migraine patients. A larger placebo-controlled, double-blind study in adults seems justified on the basis of these data.
Treatment experiences and clinical characteristics in migraine and tension-type headache patients before the first visit to a tertiary headache center
Authors: Mouaanaki Sarah Afif , Carlsen Louise Ninett , Bendtsen Lars , Jensen Rigmor Højland , Schytz Henrik Winther 
Published: May 2022

Objectives To investigate previous treatment and clinical characteristics in migraine and tension-type headache patients at their first visit to a tertiary headache center. Methods This was a cross-sectional study using data obtained from electronic questionnaires and medical charts. Migraine and tension-type headache patients were investigated at their first visit to the Danish Headache Center. Results Out of 382 patients the main diagnoses of primary headaches were: 36% with episodic migraine, 43% with chronic migraine, 3% with episodic tension-type headache and 17% with chronic tension-type headache. The majority had attempted non-pharmacological treatment options such as physiotherapy (episodic migraine: 53%, chronic migraine: 68%, episodic tension-type headache: 50%, chronic tension-type headache: 65%) and acupuncture: (episodic migraine: 45%, chronic migraine: 62%, episodic tension-type headache: 17%, chronic tension-type headache: 51%). The majority of migraine patients had tried no more than one triptan (episodic migraine: 71%, chronic migraine: 66%). In total, 35% of episodic migraine and 19% of chronic migraine patients as well as 50% of episodic tension-type headache and 41% of chronic tension-type headache patients had never tried preventive medication. The headache under-response to treatment (HURT) questionnaire score was higher in chronic migraine (score 15) and chronic tension-type headache (score 16) patients than the episodic forms ( P < 0.004). Conclusions Headache patients had attempted several non-pharmacological treatments prior to their first visit at a tertiary headache center in Denmark. The limited use of acute and preventive treatment before the first visit demonstrates a need for better treatment at the primary and secondary care level.
Robot assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy: Should this be the new standard?
Authors: Selvaraj Nivash , Pooleri Ginil Kumar , Addla Sanjai Kumar , Raghavan Deepak , Govindaswamy Thirumalai Ganesan , Balakrishnan Arun Kumar , Sivaraman Ananthakrishnan , Jain Nitesh , Kandasamy Shreedhar Gurunathan , Ragavan Narasimhan 
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Minimal invasive surgeries (MIS) for large size adrenal tumors are still debatable. The objective is to evaluate the contemporary peri- and post-operative outcomes of patients undergoing (open = OA, laparoscopic = LA, and robotic = RA) adrenalectomies in three institutions. Materials and methods: Retrospectively gathered peri- and post-operative data of 235 patients, underwent adrenalectomy at three Institutions over a 7-year period (2013–2020) were analyzed. All patients underwent thorough radiological and endocrine workup. Results: Two hundred and thirty five patients who underwent adrenalectomy (OA ( n = 29), LA ( n = 146), and RA ( n = 60)) were assessed. OA ( n = 29) versus Minimally invasive surgery ( n = 206) showed significant differences (median, p value) in larger tumour size, cm (9.4 vs 5, ( p = 0.0001)), longer operative time, mins (240 vs 100, ( p = 0.0001)), longer hospital stay, days (8 vs 3,( p = .0001)), Higher readmission rates (14% vs 1.9%), higher blood loss, ml (400 vs 100, ( p = 0.0001)) requiring blood transfusion (14% vs 4.3%) ( p = 0.03), higher intraoperative complication (21% vs 6%) ( p = 0.0004), and post op complications (17% vs 5.3%) ( p = 0.01). Amongst the MIS (RA vs LA), RA appeared be have better outcomes in terms of shorter operative time, less blood loss and less intra operative complications with a p value <0.05. These results were consistent for the assessment of patients who had ⩾6 cm tumor size. The postoperative complication rates were lowest with RA (3.3%) compared to OA (17%) and LA (6.1%). Conclusions: Contemporary practice of adrenalectomy shows that robotic adrenalectomy is safe and effective irrespective of the tumor size.
Exploring structure/property relationships to health and environmental hazards of polymeric polyisocyanate prepolymer substances—2. Dermal sensitization potential in the mouse local lymph node assay
Authors: West Robert J , Burleson Stefanie , Gulledge Travis , Miller Jason W , Chappelle Anne H , Krieger Shannon , Graham Cynthia , Snyder Stephanie , Simon Glenn , Plehiers Patrick M 
Published: May 2022

The sensitization potencies of twenty custom-designed monomer-depleted polymeric polyisocyanate prepolymer substances and their associated toluene diisocyanate (TDI), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) monomer precursors were investigated by means of the mouse Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA). These polymeric prepolymers were designed to represent the structural features and physical-chemical properties exhibited by a broad range of commercial polymeric polyisocyanate prepolymers that are produced from the reaction of aromatic and aliphatic diisocyanate monomers with aliphatic polyether and polyester polyols. The normalization of LLNA responses to the applied (15-45-135 mM) concentrations showed that the skin sensitization potency of polymeric polyisocyanate prepolymers is at least 300 times less than that of the diisocyanate monomers from which they are derived. The sensitization potency of the prepolymers was shown to be mainly governed by their hydrophobicity (as expressed by the calculated octanol-water partition coefficient, log Kow) and surfactant properties. Neither hydrophilic (log Kow <0) nor very hydrophobic (log Kow >25) prepolymers stimulated lymphocyte proliferation beyond that of the dosing vehicle control. The findings of this investigation challenge the generally held assumption that all isocyanate (-N=C=O) bearing substances are potential skin (and respiratory) sensitizers. Further, these findings can guide the future development of isocyanate chemistries and associated polyurethane applications toward reduced exposure and health hazard potentials.
Osteoblastic differentiation and bactericidal activity are enhanced by erythromycin released from PCL/PLGA-PVA coaxial nanofibers
Authors: Ren Weiping , Yu Xiaowei , Chen Liang , Shi Tong , Bou-Akl Therese , Markel David C 
Published: May 2022

Prosthesis with antibiotic-eluting nanofibrous (NF) coating represents coating alternative to prevent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). In this study, four formulas of erythromycin (EM)-embedded both in core and sheath components of coaxial PCL/PLGA-PVA NF coatings were developed: EM 0 (no EM), EM 100 (100 μg/mL), EM500 (500 μg/mL) and EM1000 (1000 μg/mL). EM doping altered the physicochemical and structural properties of NFs to some extent, including the increase of NF porosity and surface wettability. A sustained EM release from EM-NFs for >4 weeks was observed. Eluents collected from EM-NFs showed strong zone of inhibition (ZOI) to Staphylococcus aureus growth and the sizes of ZOI positively related to the amount of EM released. EM-NFs were nontoxic to rat bone marrow stem cells (rBMSCs). Cell growth was significantly enhanced when comparing rBMSCs cultured on EM-NFs (EM0 and EM 100) to those cultured on NF-free control. Cell differentiation (ALP activity) was notably enhanced by EM100, compared to control and EM0. Eluents from EM-NFs on rBMSCs were also investigated. The presence of 10% EM-NF eluents inhibited the growth of rBMSCs, which was proportional to the amount of EM doped. The ALP activity was notably enhanced by eluents from EM-NFs with the highest activity in EM100 compared to control and EM0. Our data indicate that EM-doped PCL/PLGA-PVA coaxial NF coatings have a great potential to be applied as a new implant coating matrices. Further in vivo testing in animal models is currently planned that should represent the first step in predicting the clinical outcomes of EM-eluting NF coating approach.
Predicting romantic interest during early relationship development: A preregistered investigation using machine learning
Authors: Eastwick Paul W , Joel Samantha , Carswell Kathleen L , Molden Daniel C , Finkel Eli J , Blozis Shelley A 
Published: May 2022

There are massive literatures on initial attraction and established relationships. But few studies capture early relationship development: the interstitial period in which people experience rising and falling romantic interest for partners who could—but often do not—become sexual or dating partners. In this study, 208 single participants reported on 1,065 potential romantic partners across 7,179 data points over 7 months. In stage 1, we used random forests (a type of machine learning) to estimate how well different classes of variables (e.g., individual differences vs. target-specific constructs) predicted participants’ romantic interest in these potential partners. We also tested (and found only modest support for) the perceiver × target moderation account of compatibility: the meta-theoretical perspective that some types of perceivers experience greater romantic interest for some types of targets. In stage 2, we used multilevel modeling to depict predictors retained by the random-forests models; robust (positive) main effects emerged for many variables, including sociosexuality, sex drive, perceptions of the partner’s positive attributes (e.g., attractive and exciting), attachment features (e.g., proximity seeking), and perceived interest. Finally, we found no support for ideal partner preference-matching effects on romantic interest. The discussion highlights the need for new models to explain the origin of romantic compatibility.
Successful Treatment of Tenofovir Alafenamide-Induced Lactic Acidosis: A Case Report
Authors: Arnouk Serena , Whitsett Maureen , Papadopoulos John , Stewart Lewis Zoe , Dagher Nabil N. , Feldman David M. , Park James S. 
Published: May 2022

Nucleoside or nucleotide analogues (NAs) have the potential to cause lactic acidosis by inhibiting DNA polymerase-γ of human mitochondria and impairing aerobic metabolism. Patients may be asymptomatic, have mild non-specific symptoms, or present in multisystem organ failure. There is a paucity of data to guide management of life-threatening lactic acidosis due to NA therapy. Here we describe a case of a 60-year old critically ill male with decompensated cirrhosis secondary to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection who developed severe lactic acidosis (13.8 mmol/L) 2 days after initiation of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). All other possible etiologies for the elevated lactate were ruled out. Lactic acidosis resolved rapidly with TAF discontinuation and supplementation with cofactors supporting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, including coenzyme Q10, levocarnitine, riboflavin, and thiamine. This case highlights the ability of TAF to cause lactic acidosis early after therapy initiation, especially in susceptible hosts, and reviews the potential role for cofactor supplementation for drug-induced mitochondrial injury.
Integrated control scheme for a large membrane diffractive space telescope
Authors: Tang Liang , Guo Zixi , Feng Xiao , Guan Xin , Zhang Kebei 
Published: May 2022

For higher resolution, next-generation space telescopes would be equipped with 10–20 m scale membrane diffractive primary lenses, and would have 100 m scale focal length. The large and flexible structure makes high-accuracy and high-stability control a great challenge. Specifically, both high-frequency and low-frequency disturbances must be attenuated, and the relative motion between the primary lens and the receiver (composed of the correcting optics and the imaging sensor) must be controlled. This paper presents a novel integrated control scheme to achieve the strict control goals. The dynamic model of a membrane diffractive space telescope is presented, where both high-frequency and low-frequency disturbances are considered. Nonlinear deformation of the flexible structure is also taken into account. The integrated control scheme consists of 3 parts: (1) an Agile Stable Precision platform (ASP), which can not only reduce the high-frequency vibrations for the receiver but also act as the actuator in the receiver control system; (2) a neural network controller for the spacecraft bus, which control the attitude of the spacecraft bus under uncertain low-frequency disturbances; (3) a finite-time neural network controller for the receiver to make the relative position and attitude of the receiver track on the expected state as fast as possible. Numerical simulations were carried out to verify the superiority of the integrated control scheme. Compared with traditional single stage spacecraft control (i.e., without the ASP), the accuracy and stability of the relative position and attitude are improved by at least one order of magnitude, and the settling time is greatly reduced.
Beyond the European Semester: The supranational evaluation cycle for pensions
Authors: Guardiancich Igor , Guidi Mattia , Terlizzi Andrea 
Published: May 2022

Pensions at the European level have been, since the sovereign debt crisis, affected by several decision-making innovations. Retirement policy has been embedded in the European Semester, which strengthened the hitherto inadequate European socioeconomic policy coordination mechanisms. Given that the additional powers bestowed upon the Commission were qualified, a supranational response followed. With the effect of strengthening its rational-legal authority, in line with neo-functionalist spillover assumptions, evidence-based standards have been progressively applied to EU retirement policy formation. This innovative turn warrants the employment of a policy analysis theoretical framework. In particular, the article applies the concepts underpinning policy evaluation to the study of pensions within the Semester. Using a mixed-methods approach, which combines case study with statistical analysis, and following a novel in-depth coding of country-specific recommendations and Country Reports, this article argues that member states’ pensions are now assessed within a structured, formal and polycentric evaluation cycle. This has been gradually constructed by increasing the coherence between the yearly interim ex post evaluations of pension policy output (the Country Reports) and the final ex post evaluations of pension policy outcomes (the Ageing and Pension Adequacy Reports) that are published every 3 years. The result is a streamlined, technocratic, knowledge-based approach to retirement policy at the supranational level. Even though the generation of technical knowledge is no substitute for toothless conditionality, greater reliance on evidence is aimed at socializing national decision-makers and may eventually influence their policy choices. The unconventional pension evaluation cycle that sprung up around the Semester may, hence, serve as a model applicable to other socioeconomic policy domains.
Benchmarks for Group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Tools for Social Work Professionals
Authors: Washburn Micki , Yu Miao , Rubin Allen 
Published: May 2022

Purpose This article provides within-group effect size benchmarks for RCTs of group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for adults with anxiety and/or depression. Methods A systematic literature search of RCTs of the group-based ACT intervention was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Articles were selected based on predetermined eligibility criteria. Pre/post within-group effect sizes were calculated using the Glass approach, adjusted using Hedges g, and aggregated to produce separate benchmarks for symptoms of depression and anxiety for ACT and the comparison/control group(s). Results Results indicate that the average within-group pre/post effect sizes for the group-based ACT intervention is .59 (95% CI 0.37–0.81) for anxiety and .73 (95% CI 0.56–0.89) for depression. Discussion These benchmarks may be used by social workers to evaluate the effectiveness of their group-based ACT intervention and to guide clinical decision making.
In Their Own Words, “Waiting Sucks:” A Qualitative Study of Medical Testing-Related Anxiety in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Mannion Samantha , Martin Nichole A. , O’Connor Jennifer , Wieland Jana , Jatoi Aminah 
Published: May 2022

Objective This qualitative study sought to learn from patients with cancer -- in their own words -- about anxiety associated with medical testing. Methods Patients with cancer or a history of cancer were recruited from an oncology clinic. After oral consent, each was interviewed in person. A semi-structured interview guide was used to help focus the interviews. Interviews were then recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with rigorous qualitative methods. Results Twenty patients are the focus of this report, which highlights 2 main themes from the data. The first is that anxiety related to medical testing is a real entity. Although not all patients experienced it, those who did described it as such (“I was a little apprehensive.” “It’s the anticipation.” “I don’t think it bothers me until I get near the time for testing.”). The second theme focused on coping. Patients offered insight on how to cope (“So I just deal with it and work.” “And don’t let myself sink into a pity pot ….” “See your scan as a tool instead of … instead of um … a death sentence, I suppose.”) Conclusion In patients with cancer, the anxiety from medical testing is real, could perhaps be mitigated by sharing coping methods from patient to patient, and merits further study.