bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Medicare advantage on patterns of end‐of‐life care among Medicare decedents
Authors: Park Sungchul , Teno Joan M. , White Lindsay , Coe Norma B. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effects of Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment on patterns of end‐of‐life care.Data sourcesWe used data from the Master Beneficiary Summary File, the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review, hospice claims, the Minimum Data Set, the Outcome and Assessment Information Set, the Area Health Resources File, and Geographic Variation Public Use File for 2012–2014.Study designTo address selective enrollment into MA, we exploited a discontinuity in payment rates by county population (urban floor payments) as an instrument.Data collection/extraction methodsWe identified Medicare beneficiaries continuously enrolled in MA or TM during their last year of life between 2012 and 2014 using Medicare administrative data.Principal findingsWe did not find evidence that MA enrollment led to a change in hospital admissions in the last 30 days of life, but MA enrollment decreased hospital as the site of death by 11.0 (95% CI: −13.9 to −8.1) percentage points. Once hospitalized, however, MA enrollment increased use of intensive care by 6.7 (95% CI: 0.3 to 13.1) percentage points and non‐invasive mechanical ventilation by 9.2 (95% CI: 5.5 to 12.9) percentage points. MA enrollment increased hospice use by 6.2 (95% CI: 2.3 to 10.1) percentage points at time of death and 7.7 (95% CI: 3.8 to 11.6) percentage points in the last 30 days of life. Particularly, MA enrollment increased hospice admissions among those who were admitted to the hospital within 30 days prior to hospice admission by 18.8 (95% CI: 13.8 to 23.8) percentage points. However, MA enrollment decreased hospice admissions among those who were admitted to home health within 30 days prior to hospice admission by 18.6 (95% CI: −21.9 to −15.2) percentage points.ConclusionsMA plans may improve end‐of‐life care by reducing hospital death while also improving access to hospice, especially among recently hospitalized persons.
Nanoencapsulation of saffron crocin into chitosan/alginate interpolyelectrolyte complexes for oral delivery: A Taguchi approach to design optimization
Authors: Nasrpour Samira , Yousefi Gholamhossein , Niakosari Mehrdad , Aminlari Mahmoud 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCrocin, as a nutraceutical component of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), possesses numerous therapeutic effects. In the current study, a crocin‐loaded chitosan/alginate (CS/ALG) nanocarrier was developed for oral delivery. The influence of preparation variables including pH and the concentrations of CS, ALG, and calcium chloride (CaCl2) on encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and loading efficiency (LE%) of CS/ALG nanoparticles (NPs) was evaluated by L9 Taguchi orthogonal array (OA). The results showed that at 0.25% w/v CS, 0.1% w/v ALG, pH 4.5, and absence of CaCl2, crocin was loaded into CS/ALG NPs with EE% and LE% of 91.5% and 27.4%, respectively. Ultrasonication reduced the particle sizes (PSs) up to 100 nm, and freeze‐dried NPs reproduced the particles with average size of 90 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was successfully used to characterize the structure and morphology of freeze‐dried NPs, confirming very fine NPs having sizes less than 100 nm. Crocin loaded into NPs showed higher stability in simulated gastric pH 2 compared to free crocin (2.1% and 7.5% degradation at 60 min, respectively). Furthermore, a pH‐dependent sustained crocin release was observed with faster release at pH 2. Overall, the very small PS along with high encapsulation efficiency and stability can enhance crocin oral bioavailability making CS/ALG nanovehicles promising as an effective delivery system.Practical ApplicationCrocin as a functional component of Saffron is not sufficiently stable in gastrointestinal tract and its absorption is not complete. Chitosan/Alginate nanoparticles can encapsulate it efficiently, protect it and enhance its absorption orally. The availability and simplicity of the materials and equipments employed in current research provide the possibility to industrial scale up of the Crocin nanoparticles.
Identification of anthocyanic profile and determination of antioxidant activity of Dahlia pinnata petals: A potential source of anthocyanins
Authors: Granados‐Balbuena Sulem Yali , Santacruz‐Juárez Ericka , Canseco‐González Daniel , Aztatzi‐Rugerio Lucía , Sánchez‐Minutti Lilia , Ramírez‐López Carolina , Ocaranza‐Sánchez Erik 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn recent decades, the food industry has focused on the search for potential sources of anthocyanins that are able to provide color to replace synthetic dyes and at the same time provide health benefits through food products. Thus, in the present work, we propose the Dahlia pinnata flower as a potential source of anthocyanins. The dahlia is a native, annual flower from Mexico with a wide diversity of shapes and colors. The ancestral use of the flower in several dishes, its abundance, and the intense color of the flowers known as black make the D. pinnata flower a suitable candidate to be considered as a potential source of anthocyanins. Thus, the aim of this research is the determination of its nutritional composition, anthocyanin profile, and antioxidant activity. For this purpose, proximate composition of petals was determined by the AOAC standard methods. Anthocyanins were extracted from the dried petals of the flower with 0.1% HCl in methanol and 70% aqueous acetone solution and purified through Amberlite‐XAD7‐HP resin. Then, the purified extracts were analyzed for antioxidant activity by the DPPH method and the anthocyanin profile was characterized by HPLC and UPLC‐MS/MS. Results showed that D. pinnata flowers have a proximate composition similar to other important edible flowers with a high level of moisture (87%–92%) and fiber (6%–7%). The antioxidant activity of both purified extracts was considerable (2.6–12 g/ml) compared to other sources of anthocyanins. The anthocyanin profile of the purified extracts contains four main anthocyanins: delphinidin‐3‐glucoside, delphinidin‐3‐rutinoside, pelargonidin‐3‐sambubioside‐5‐glucoside, and peonidin‐3‐sambubioside‐5‐glucoside, the last two being uncommon as major anthocyanin components in other plant sources.Practical ApplicationWe present a potential and novel source of anthocyanins based on anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of Dahlia pinnata petals. On the basis of UPLC‐MS/MS studies, we identified four main anthocyanins, so this information provides the opportunity to study the source in many areas such as natural pigment stabilization, food additives, and antioxidants.
Disease burden of primary gallbladder and biliary tract cancers associated with body mass index in 195 countries and territories, 1990‐2017: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Authors: Wu Shan , Zhao Ran , Zhuang Qian , Li Meng Ting , Qian Yue Qin , Ye Xin , Jiang Yu , Zhu Hui Yao , Dong Zhi Xia , Wan Xin Jian 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence of primary gallbladder and biliary tract cancer, mortality and disability‐adjusted life years (DALY) of the global burden from 1990 to 2017.MethodsData of 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2017 were extracted from the Global Health Data Exchange. The age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) were employed to quantify trends in the incidence of primary gallbladder and biliary tract cancer. The age‐standardized death rate (ASDR), age‐standardized DALY and their corresponding EAPC were used to evaluate mortality trends.ResultsThe global incidence of primary gallbladder and biliary tract cancer rose by 75.9% from 119 900 cases in 1990 to 210 900 cases in 2017. The highest ASIR was observed in Chile (10.8 per 100 000 in 2017), followed by Japan and South Korea. Regions with the highest social development index (SDI) quintile also had the highest death cases associated with primary gallbladder and biliary tract cancer in 2017 (60 100, 95% UI 55 800‐62 700). A high body mass index (BMI) was found to be closely related to age‐standardized deaths and age‐standardized DALY in most of the regions analyzed.ConclusionsPrimary gallbladder and biliary tract cancer remains a serious threat to global public health, especially in high‐SDI countries. The ASDR and age‐standardized DALY decreased from 1990 to 2017. A high BMI may be associated with this cancer burden.
Climate effect on Avena fatua field emergence dynamics: A 38‐year experiment in the semiarid Pampean region of Argentina
Authors: Renzi Juan P. , Traversa Guadalupe , Vigna Mario R. , Chantre Guillermo R. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractClimate events modulate weed population dynamics mainly by influencing field seedling emergence patterns. Field experiments aiming to study the influence of climate on the early‐stage establishment of weeds are of utmost importance from a practical and strategic decision‐making management point of view. The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of climate variations on the field emergence dynamics of Avena fatua in the southwest area of the semiarid Pampean region of Argentina. Field emergence patterns of A. fatua were monitored from 1977 to 2015. Seedling counts were destructively sampled at weekly intervals. Three quadrats (1 m2 each) were randomly distributed on a 5 ha experimental field with a high natural population density of A. fatua in the absence of a crop. Results show that the emergence strategy of this species is highly plastic with a striking variation in response to year‐to‐year climate signals. Avena fatua field emergence strategies were classified as staggered, early, medium and late based on both chronological and hydrothermal‐time parameters. In the short‐term, precipitation regimes during both the after‐ripening and emergence phases largely explained the resulting emergence strategy. In the long‐term, the combined effect of a reduction in both the precipitation frequency and the mean minimum temperature correlated with an increase in the staggered emergence pattern. Results also point out the adaptability of A. fatua in the area under study, further suggesting a bet‐hedging fitness strategy that could diminish the risk of population decline under changing climate scenarios. From an agronomic perspective, the occurrence of staggered emergence patterns with an extended emergence window would complicate the definition of the optimal time for weed control. Thus, tailoring decisions based on the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) episodes (neutral, negative or positive) forecast plus the implementation of weed emergence models could lead to more accurate and sustainable weed management decisions.
Paradoxical eczema in patients with psoriasis receiving biologics: a case series
Authors: Al-Janabi Ali , Foulkes Amy Charlotte , Griffiths Christopher Ernest Maitland , Warren Richard Bruce 
Published: February 2022

SummaryAtopic eczema and psoriasis are chronic, inflammatory dermatoses that can significantly affect the quality of life of those affected. Although both diseases are common, they rarely occur together. Severe psoriasis can be treated with biologic therapies targeting specific cytokine pathways involved in disease pathogenesis. There are reports of paradoxical eczema developing in biologic-treated patients with psoriasis, sometimes necessitating treatment discontinuation and thus leading to poor disease control. This retrospective case series identified 36 such events occurring in 23 patients. All currently available biologic classes were implicated. Eosinophilia (n = 19) and elevated serum IgE (n = 3) were identified in some cases. Treatment strategies included no treatment, topical corticosteroids, broad-acting systemic agents, and discontinuation or switch of biologic therapy. Two patients had persistent eczema and psoriasis despite discontinuation of all biologic therapies.
Diurnal salivary androstenedione and 17‐hydroxyprogesterone levels in healthy volunteers for monitoring treatment efficacy of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Adriaansen Bas P. H. , Kamphuis Johannes S. , Schröder Mariska A. M. , Olthaar André J. , Bock Carina , Brandt André , Stikkelbroeck Nike M. M. L. , Lentjes Eef G. W. M. , Span Paul N. , Sweep Fred C. G. J. , Claahsen‐van der Grinten Hedi L. , van Herwaarden Antonius E. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveTreatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients with glucocorticoids is often challenging since there is a delicate balance between over‐ and undertreatment. Treatment can be monitored noninvasively by measuring salivary androstenedione (A4) and 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (17‐OHP). Optimal treatment monitoring requires the establishment of reference values in saliva.DesignA descriptive study.PatientsFor this study saliva of 255 healthy paediatric and adult volunteers with an age range of 4–75 years old was used.MeasurementsWe developed a sensitive liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method, assessed salivary A4 and 17‐OHP stability, and measured A4 and 17‐OHP concentrations in saliva collected in the morning, afternoon, and evening.ResultsWe quantified A4 and 17‐OHP concentrations in the morning, afternoon, and evening and demonstrated that there is a significant rhythm with the highest levels in the morning and decreasing levels over the day. A4 and 17‐OHP concentrations display an age‐dependent pattern. These steroids remain stable in saliva at ambient temperature for up to 5 days.ConclusionsGood stability of the steroids in saliva enables saliva collection by the patient at home. Since salivary A4 and 17‐OHP display a diurnal rhythm and age‐dependent pattern, we established reference values for both children and adults at three time points during the day. These reference values support treatment monitoring of children and adults with CAH.
Airflow for initial nonsurgical treatment of peri‐implantitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Atieh Momen A. , Almatrooshi Aisha , Shah Maanas , Hannawi Haifa , Tawse‐Smith Andrew , Alsabeeha Nabeel H. M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundNonsurgical treatment of peri‐implantitis may help in reducing microbial load and inflammatory parameters. The potential clinical benefits of using different treatment approaches, in the initial nonsurgical treatment phase, particularly the airflow, are still not clear. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analyses was to evaluate the outcomes of nonsurgical treatment of peri‐implantitis using airflow method in terms of changes in periodontal parameters, peri‐implant marginal bone level, postoperative pain/discomfort, and patient satisfaction.MethodsElectronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared airflow with mechanical debridement using ultrasonic/curettes. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. Data were analyzed using a statistical software program.ResultsA total of 316 studies were identified, of which, five RCTs with 288 dental implants in 174 participants were included. Overall meta‐analysis showed more reduction in probing pocket depths at 1–3 months (mean difference [MD] −0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.50–0.05; p = 0.10) and 6 months (MD −0.04; 95% CI −0.34 to 0.27; p = 0.80) in favor of airflow, but the difference was not statistically significant. The use of airflow was associated with significant reduction in bleeding on probing and increase in peri‐implant mucosal recession. The differences in plaque score, peri‐implant marginal bone level changes, and patient reported outcomes between airflow and mechanical debridement were not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe short‐term clinical and radiographic outcomes following nonsurgical treatment of peri‐implantitis using airflow or mechanical debridement were comparable. The airflow has short‐term positive effects on reducing bleeding on probing. Further evidence from RCTs are still required to substantiate the current findings.
Inhibition of phosphodiesterase‐4 in the spinal dorsal horn ameliorates neuropathic pain via cAMP‐cytokine‐Cx43 signaling in mice
Authors: Zhang Fang‐fang , Wang Hao , Zhou Yan‐meng , Yu Hai‐yang , Zhang Melanie , Du Xian , Wang Dong , Zhang Feng , Xu Ying , Zhang Ji‐guo , Zhang Han‐Ting 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe spinal phosphodiesterase‐4 (PDE4) plays an important role in chronic pain. Inhibition of PDE4, an enzyme catalyzing the hydrolysis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate AMP (cAMP), produces potent antinociceptive activity. However, the antinociceptive mechanism remains largely unknown. Connexin43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein, has been shown to be involved in controlling pain transduction at the spinal level; restoration of Cx43 expression in spinal astrocytes to the normal levels reduces nerve injury‐induced pain. Here, we evaluate the novel mechanisms involving spinal cAMP‐Cx43 signaling by which PDE4 inhibitors produce antinociceptive activity.MethodsFirst, we determined the effect of PDE4 inhibitors rolipram and roflumilast on partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL)‐induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Next, we observed the role of cAMP‐Cx43 signaling in the effect of PDE4 inhibitors on PSNL‐induced mechanical hypersensitivity.ResultsSingle or repeated, intraperitoneal or intrathecal administration of rolipram or roflumilast significantly reduced mechanical hypersensitivity in mice following PSNL. In addition, repeated intrathecal treatment with either of PDE4 inhibitors reduced PSNL‐induced downregulation of cAMP and Cx43, and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β. Furthermore, the antinociceptive effects of PDE4 inhibitors were attenuated by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89, TNF‐α, or Cx43 antagonist carbenoxolone. Finally, PSNL‐induced upregulation of PDE4B and PDE4D, especially the PDE4B subtype, was reduced by treatment with either of the PDE4 inhibitors.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the antinociceptive effect of PDE4 inhibitors is contributed by increasing Cx43 expression via cAMP‐PKA‐cytokine signaling in the spinal dorsal horn.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis: Associations between metabolic syndrome and colorectal neoplasia outcomes
Authors: Lu Liya , Koo Sara , McPherson Stuart , Hull Mark A. , Rees Colin J. , Sharp Linda 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of factors including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidaemia. It has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia. This systematic review and meta‐analysis assessed the association between MetS and (i) recurrence of adenomas or occurrence of CRC in patients with prior adenomas, and (ii) survival in patients with CRC.MethodMEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were searched up to 22 November 2019. Two authors independently conducted title and abstract screening; full text of eligible studies was evaluated. Where ≥3 studies reported effect measures for a specific outcome, meta‐analysis using random effects model was conducted. I2 was used to assess between‐study heterogeneity. Quality appraisal was undertaken with the Newcastle‐Ottawa Score.ResultsThe search identified 1,764 articles, 55 underwent full text screening, resulting in a total of 15 eligible studies. Five studies reported on metachronous neoplasia, with differing outcomes precluded a meta‐analysis. No consistent relationship between MetS and metachronous neoplasia was found. Ten studies reported on survival outcomes. MetS was associated with poorer CRC‐specific survival (HR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.04–3.12, I2 = 92.7%, n = 3). Progression‐free survival was also worse but this did not reach statistical significance (HR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.89–1.42, I2 = 85.6%, n = 3). There was no association with overall survival (HR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.94–1.15, I2 = 43.7%, n = 7). Significant heterogeneity was present but subgroup analysis did not account for this.ConclusionMetS is associated with poorer CRC‐specific survival, but evidence is inconsistent on metachronous neoplasia. Further research is warranted to better understand the impact of MetS on the adenoma‐carcinoma pathway.
Whole‐room ultraviolet sanitization as a method for the site‐level treatment ofPseudogymnoascus destructans
Authors: Kwait Robert , Kerwin Kathleen , Herzog Carl , Bennett Joan , Padhi Sally , Zoccolo Isabelle , Maslo Brooke 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWhite‐nose syndrome (WNS), a catastrophic fungal disease of hibernating bats, is perpetuated by environmental reservoirs of the fungal pathogen,Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Surviving bats clear infection each summer but are re‐infected upon return to the hibernaculum. Therefore, addressing environmental reservoirs is critical for managing WNS. Ultraviolet (UV) light is known to killP. destructansin the lab, and whole‐room UV sanitization is a common practice in many commercial settings. However, effective UV treatment at the hibernaculum scale has yet to be confirmed. Importantly, existing standard practices likely require modification for implementation in hibernation sites. Prior to field testing, confirming the ability of UV sanitizers to treat the complex topography of hibernacula, as well as quantifying the effects of such topography on effective treatment times is necessary. Here we use a laboratory setting to investigate the feasibility of whole‐room UV‐C sanitization in treating environmental reservoirs ofP. destructans. All trials resulted in mean fungal reductions of 97.3% (range: 91.9‐99.7%) relative to controls. To prepare for future implementation within a hibernaculum, we quantified the effect of distance, emission angle, and incidence angle on UV‐C irradiance delivered to target locations. From these data, we calculated treatment times required for killingP. destructansat the scale of a natural setting. Measurable UV‐C irradiance extended to a maximum distance of 21.3 m. Angles of emission and incidence both reduced irradiance; however, we conclude that ~325 m3of surface volume could be treated in <2 h. Taken together, UV‐C sanitization may provide a feasible, scalable, and relatively ecologically benign method of reducingP. destructanspopulations.
Revisiting Phyllactinia species on Broussonetia spp. in China
Authors: Tang Shu‐Rong , Liu Shu‐Yan , Feng Jing , Guan Guan‐Xiu , Liu Xin‐Qiang , Jiang Ren‐Jing , Liu Li , Jin Dan‐Ni , Zhang Zhao‐Yang , Wang Xi‐Yu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBroussonetia comprises four species in China, of which three species are known to be infected by Phyllactinia spp. Between 2018 and 2021, five new Phyllactinia samples on B. papyrifera were collected, and two already existing specimens on B. kaempferi and B. kazinoki were re‐examined. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses showed that two species, Ph. broussonetiae‐kaempferi and Ph. broussonetiae‐papyriferae, are involved on Broussonetia spp. in China. The asexual stage of Ph. broussonetiae‐kaempferi and the sexual stage of Ph. broussonetiae‐papyriferae have been found on B. papyrifera. They are described in detail and illustrated. As far as we are aware, this is the first description of the characteristics of the sexual morph (chasmothecia) of Ph. broussonetiae‐papyriferae.