bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health-related quality of life after Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Norlander Louise , Sundqvist Ann-Sofie , Anderzén-Carlsson Agneta , Dreifaldt Mats , Andreasson Jesper , Vidlund Mårten 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Pectus excavatum (PE) can cause both physical and psychosocial symptoms and affect patients’ health-related quality of life. Previous international studies have shown that the Nuss procedure increases both self-esteem and body image. The aim of the study was to evaluate the health-related quality of life in patients who have undergone the Nuss procedure for PE.

METHODS
The study had a cross-sectional multicentre design. All patients (N = 420) who underwent the Nuss procedure for PE in 3 cardiothoracic departments in Sweden from 2000 to 2019 were invited to answer the RAND-36 and Nuss Questionnaire modified for adults. Genders were compared using the Mann–Whitney U-test. Patients were divided into groups based on age at time of surgery (&lt;20, 20–30 or &gt;30 years) and analysed by the Kruskal–Wallis H-test with post-hoc analyses.

RESULTS
A total of 236 patients returned the questionnaires; 82.2% were males. Men scored significantly better on the modified Nuss Questionnaire total (P = 0.01) and psychosocial (P = 0.02) subscales. Patients who had surgery at &lt;20 years of age had significantly better scores on the same scales (P = 0.007 and 0.006, respectively) compared to patients aged 20–30 years at the time of surgery. However, no significant difference was seen in comparison with patients &gt;30 years. Patients who had their bar removed had significantly better values on both scales.

CONCLUSIONS
Male gender, young age at surgery and bar removal seem to be associated with better health-related quality of life after the Nuss procedure for PE.
SARS-CoV-2 infection fatality rate after the first epidemic wave in Mexico
Authors: Torres-Ibarra Leticia , Basto-Abreu Ana , Carnalla Martha , Torres-Alvarez Rossana , Reyes-Sanchez Francisco , Hernández-Ávila Juan E , Palacio-Mejia Lina S , Alpuche-Aranda Celia , Shamah-Levy Teresa , Rivera Juan A , Barrientos-Gutierrez Tonatiuh 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background
Estimates of SARS-CoV-2 infection fatality rates (IFRs) in developing countries remain poorly characterized. Mexico has one of the highest reported COVID-19 case-fatality rates worldwide, although available estimates do not consider serologic assessment of prior exposure nor all SARS-CoV-2-related deaths. We aimed to estimate sex- and age-specific IFRs for SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico.

Methods
The total number of people in Mexico with evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection was derived from National Survey of Health and Nutrition-COVID-19 (ENSANUT 2020 Covid-19)—a nationally representative serosurvey conducted from August to November 2020. COVID-19 mortality data matched to ENSANUT’s dates were retrieved from the death-certificate registry, which captures the majority of COVID-19 deaths in Mexico, and from the national surveillance system, which covers the subset of COVID-19 deaths that were identified by the health system and were confirmed through a positive polymerase chain reaction test. We analysed differences in IFRs by urbanization and region.

Results
The national SARS-CoV-2 IFR was 0.47% (95% CI 0.44, 0.50) using death certificates and 0.30% (95% CI 0.28, 0.33) using surveillance-based deaths. The IFR increased with age, being close to zero at age &lt;30 years, but increasing to 1% at ages 50–59 years in men and 60–69 years in women, and being the highest at ≥80 years for men (5.88%) and women (6.23%). Across Mexico's nine regions, Mexico City (0.99%) had the highest and the Peninsula (0.26%) the lowest certificate-based IFRs. Metropolitan areas had higher certificate-based IFR (0.63%) than rural areas (0.17%).

Conclusion
After the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall IFR in Mexico was comparable with those of European countries. The IFR in Mexico increased with age and was higher in men than in women. The variations in IFRs across regions and places of residence within the country suggest that structural factors related to population characteristics, pandemic containment and healthcare capabilities could have influenced lethality at the local level.
Comparative bactericidal activity of representative β-lactams against Enterobacterales, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Noel Alan R , Attwood Marie , Bowker Karen E , MacGowan Alasdair P , Albur Maha 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background
There is surprisingly little comparative published data on the bactericidal action of different sub-classes of β-lactams against aerobic Gram-negative rods, and the assumption is that all behave in the same way.

Objectives
To describe a systematic investigation of a representative penicillin, cephalosporin, monobactam and carbapenem against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Methods
Concentration-time-kill curves (TKC) were determined for three strains each of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa. All strains were susceptible to the agents used. The antibiotics were piperacillin/tazobactam, ceftazidime, aztreonam and meropenem. The initial inoculum was 106 cfu/mL and TKC were determined over 48 h. The area-under-the-bacterial-kill curve to 24 h (AUBKC 24 log cfu·h/mL) and 48 h (AUBKC 48) were used to measure antibacterial effect (ABE). Population profiles before and after antibiotic exposure were recorded.

Results
Against E. coli and K. pneumoniae meropenem had a maximal ABE at ≥MIC × 1 concentrations while piperacillin/tazobactam and ceftazidime had maximal effect at ≥MIC × 4 and aztreonam at ≥MIC × 8 concentrations. Ceftazidime, aztreonam and meropenem had less ABE against K. pneumoniae than E. coli. Against P. aeruginosa, meropenem was most bactericidal, with a maximum ABE at 8×/16 × MIC. Other β-lactams had notably less ABE. In contrast, against A. baumannii, ceftazidime and meropenem had the greatest ABE, with a maximal effect at ≥MIC × 4, concentration changes in population profiles were least apparent with E. coli.

Conclusions
β-Lactam sub-classes (penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams and carbapenems) have different antibacterial effects against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa. Extrapolation of in vitro pharmacodynamic findings from one species to another or one sub-class of β-lactam to another is not justified.
Enteral feeding tube administration with therapeutic drug monitoring of crushed posaconazole tablets and opened isavuconazonium sulfate capsules
Authors: Dieringer Thomas D , Schaenman Joanna M , Davis Matthew R. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background
Isavuconazole and posaconazole are commonly used for both prophylaxis and treatment of invasive fungal infections. These agents are formulated for oral administration as a capsule and delayed release (DR) tablet or suspension, respectively. In patients unable to swallow, alternative means of administration, such as crushing posaconazole DR tablets and opening isavuconazole capsules, may be used to avoid IV administration or use of posaconazole suspension, which often produces subtherapeutic concentrations.

Objectives
To assess the feasibility of achieving target plasma drug concentrations with enteral feeding tube (EFT) administration of crushed posaconazole DR tablets and opened isavuconazole capsules.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed pharmacy records to identify patients receiving EFT administration of posaconazole or isavuconazole with concurrent therapeutic drug monitoring from October 2019 to June 2021. Plasma concentrations of either agent as well as clinical outcomes were documented.

Results
We identified 37 patients receiving 38 courses of EFT isavuconazole or posaconazole. The majority of patients received primary prophylaxis following lung transplantation (64.9%). Plasma concentrations upon first assessment were therapeutic in the majority of patients (posaconazole 71.5%, isavuconazole 83.3%) with a mean level of 1.61 ± 0.77 mg/L for posaconazole and 2.07 ± 1.1 mg/L for isavuconazole. Of those that were subtherapeutic on initial assessment, all but one subsequently achieved target levels upon dose titration. Standard maintenance doses were used in all isavuconazole and most posaconazole patients.

Conclusions
Our case series demonstrates that isavuconazole and posaconazole can be administered via EFT with concurrent therapeutic drug monitoring to achieve target plasma concentrations in the majority of patients.
Genome survey sequencing of the long-legged spiny lobsterPanulirus longipes(A. Milne-Edwards, 1868) (Decapoda: Achelata: Palinuridae): improved mitochondrial genome annotation, nuclear repetitive elements classification, and SSR marker discovery
Authors: Baeza J Antonio , Baker A M , Liu Hongtao 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe long-legged spiny lobster Panulirus longipes (A. Milne-Edwards, 1868) inhabits shallow water rock and coral reefs in the Indo-West Pacific region and is currently targeted by local fisheries along most of its range of distribution. This study conducted, for the first time, a genome survey in P. longipes. Using low coverage short Illumina 150 bp pair-end reads sequencing, we assembled, annotated, and manually curated the mitochondrial genome, described nuclear repetitive elements, and discovered microsatellites (SRR). The pipeline NOVOPlasty assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of P. longipes (coverage = 551×). The mitochondrial genome of P. longipes is 15,739 bp in length and comprised of 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. A single 804 bp long intergenic space is assumed to be the control region. The secondary structures of the tRNA genes exhibit a standard “cloverleaf” structure, with the exception of trnS1 that is missing the DHU arm. A large portion of repetitive sequences (~56%) was detected in the nuclear genome of P. longipes and many repetitive elements could not be assigned to known families. Taking into account only annotated repetitive elements, the most common belong to Class I-Long Interspersed Nuclear Element (LINE) and Satellite DNA which are considerably more abundant than Class I-Penelope and Class I-LTR Ty3-gypsy elements. Three clusters were classified as 45S rDNA. A total of 18 SSRs were identified. These newly developed genomic resources will contribute to clarifying the putative existence of cryptic species or subspecies, developing conservation plans, and managing the fishery of the long-legged spiny lobster Panulirus longipes.
Early Stimulation and Nutrition: The Impacts of a Scalable Intervention
Authors: Attanasio Orazio , Baker-Henningham Helen , Bernal Raquel , Meghir Costas , Pineda Diana , Rubio-Codina Marta 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Early childhood development is becoming the focus of policy worldwide. However, the evidence on the effectiveness of scalable models is scant, particularly when it comes to infants in developing countries. In this paper, we describe and evaluate with a cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial an intervention designed to improve the quality of child stimulation within the context of an existing parenting program in Colombia, known as FAMI. The intervention improved children’s development by 0.16 of a standard deviation (SD) and children’s nutritional status, as reflected in a reduction of 5.8 percentage points of children whose height-for-age is below -1 SD.
Pulse width research on half-sine excitation signal for bending vibrator
Authors: Zhang Kai , Li Fengbo , Wu Jinping , Tan Baohai , Liu Lei 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Acoustic well logging adopts bending vibrators to transform high-voltage electric signals into acoustic signals. Excited acoustic signals have been proven best when the pulse widths are $0.5/{f_0}$ (${f_0}$ refers to the resonance frequencies of the bending vibrator). However, acoustic logging uses transformers to improve the excitation power, and these transformers change the rectangular excitation signals into similar half-sine signals. We study the relationships between the pulse widths of the similar half-sine excitation signals and the characteristics of the excited acoustic signals. Finite element analyses are performed to investigate the displacements of the center node on the surface of the piezoelectric ceramics that are excited by the pulse signals of different widths. Then, we design a circuit to realise the rectangular and half-sine excitation signals. Subsequently, acoustic experiments are carried out in our sound-deadening water tank to certify the simulation results. Results indicate that the best pulse width is $0.75/{f_0}$.
Designing monitoring networks for local earthquakes
Authors: Nolte Keith A , Tsoflias George P , Holubnyak Yevhen , Raney Jennifer , Wreath Dana 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Seismic networks are essential for monitoring local earthquakes in connection to industrial activities, including wastewater injection and CO2 sequestration. Because these networks are typically deployed for short periods of time at specific sites, it is beneficial to develop best practices for efficient and effective installation and monitoring. Such standards are available for regional earthquake and microseismic monitoring, but not readily available for local scale (tens of kilometer scale) monitoring. Once the region of interest has been determined, the key parameters for establishing a network are available monitoring station locations, site noise, and site utility. Networks should be designed based on the project monitoring goals for earthquake magnitude and density. Herein, a network was established at the Patterson and Hartland Oil Fields in western Kansas in association with a US Department of Energy CarbonSAFE carbon capture and sequestration research project. We employed observations from an analog local network, the Wellington Earthquake Monitoring Network in south-central Kansas, to assess site noise and estimate earthquake detection thresholds for the Patterson and Hartland fields. Noise from oil production facilities was evaluated, concluding that oil lease sites are suitable for monitoring small local earthquakes (M1-M3). The network was designed to have a magnitude of completeness of M1 while using station locations on existing field operator leases. Fifteen months of continuous network operation demonstrates reliable and efficient local earthquake monitoring and provides best practices recommendations for similar operations.
Assessment of Age, Gender, Mating Status, and Size on Single and Repeat Flight Capabilities of Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Hoddle Mark S , Hoddle Christina D , Milosavljević Ivan , Estrada-Venegas Edith G , Equihua-Martínez Armando 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a specialist pest of avocado fruit and is considered an incursion risk for U.S. avocado producers. At the time work reported here was undertaken the flight capabilities of H. lauri were unknown. Consequently, proactive studies were undertaken to quantify aspects of this pest’s flight capabilities to inform potential future control efforts. Flight mill studies were conducted in a quarantine laboratory to measure the dispersal capacity of H. lauri with respect to gender, mating status, and size on the single and repeat flight capabilities of weevils. Gender, mating status, and size did not significantly affect measured flight parameters. Average total distances flown and flight velocity, and mean maximum flight bout distances and durations significantly declined as weevil age increased and when weevils engaged in repeat flights. Survivorship rates were significantly reduced as the number of successive flights undertaken increased. The distribution of total average flight distances flown and total cumulative flight distances flown was platykurtic. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of developing incursion management plans.
First-line therapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients with EGFR activating mutations: a consideration of the clinical position of osimertinib based on the subset of Japanese patients in the FLAURA study
Authors: Tsukita Yoko , Inoue Akira 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have been established as the standard first-line treatment for patients with previously untreated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with an EGFR activating mutation. In the FLAURA study, osimertinib, third-generation EGFR-TKI, resulted in significantly longer progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) than first-generation EGFR-TKIs (gefitinib or erlotinib) in patients with previously untreated advanced NSCLC with an EGFR activating mutation. Osimertinib is now widely used as first-line therapy for those patients. In Japanese subset analysis of the FLAURA study, the median progression-free survival was prolonged by osimertinib (19.1 months) relative to gefitinib (13.8 months). However, there was no apparent OS benefit, albeit at the level of an exploratory post-hoc analysis. Although the safety profile in the Japanese subset was generally consistent with the overall population, the incidence of liver enzyme increases in the gefitinib group and that of interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis in the osimertinib group was higher among Japanese patients. There is now an increasing number of first-line treatment options for NSCLC with EGFR mutations, including EGFR-TKIs in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy or anti-angiogenic drugs. These combinations show progression-free survival benefits similar to osimertinib regardless of the mutation type. Therefore, a first-line combination regimen followed by osimertinib remains an attractive strategy. We review data from the randomized clinical trials of first-line EGFR-TKIs including a subset of Japanese patients and discuss first-line therapies for patients with NSCLC harbouring EGFR mutations.
Thematic Analysis of Organizational Characteristics in NCI Community Oncology Research Program Cancer Care Delivery Research
Authors: Weaver Sallie J , Verhoeven Dana C , Castro Kathleen M , Adjei Brenda A , Geiger Ann M 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Organizational characteristics, including organizational structures and processes, are important to understanding care delivery and health outcomes. However, organizational-level constructs present measurement challenges in care delivery research. This analysis aims to understand if, when, and how organizational characteristics are examined in a National Cancer Institute (NCI) research network conducting cancer care delivery research (CCDR). The NCI Community Oncology Research Program encourages consideration of organizational variables in CCDR studies. We conducted a cross-sectional thematic analysis to identify organizational characteristics examined in this portfolio of research. Organizational characteristics targeted, related measures, and analytic approach were abstracted by 2 study investigators using a coding framework adapted from 2 existing frameworks. A total of 78.9% of eligible study protocols included organizational characteristics. Structural characteristics were the most common, collected in all 15 included protocols, 14 examined at least 1 organizational process, and 12 examined organizational-level outcomes. Most studies proposed descriptive practice-level analyses or multilevel analyses using random effects to account for clustering of patients and staff within practices. Few (n = 5) specified that organizational variables would be modeled as effects of interest (vs covaried out) or proposed analytic approaches that could more robustly examine effects of targeted organizational characteristics on primary outcomes. Inclusion of organizational variables is common in CCDR conducted through the NCI Community Oncology Research Program, NCI’s national network charged with bringing cancer clinical trials to people in their communities. Nonetheless, opportunities remain to improve the use of theory to guide organizational construct selection, operationalization, measurement, and incorporation into study hypotheses and analyses.
Integrating Telehealth Into Neurodevelopmental Assessment: A Model From the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative
Authors: Cox Stephany M , Butcher Jennifer L , Sadhwani Anjali , Sananes Renee , Sanz Jacqueline H , Blumenfeld Elizabeth , Cassidy Adam R , Cowin Jessica C , Ilardi Dawn , Kasparian Nadine A , Kenowitz Joslyn , Kroll Kristin , Miller Thomas A , Wolfe Kelly R ,   from the Telehealth Task Force of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Objective
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, psychologists were pushed to look beyond traditional in-person models of neurodevelopmental assessment to maintain continuity of care. A wealth of data demonstrates that telehealth is efficacious for pediatric behavioral intervention; however, best practices for incorporating telehealth into neurodevelopmental assessment are yet to be developed. In this topical review, we propose a conceptual model to demonstrate how telehealth can be incorporated into various components of neurodevelopmental assessment.

Methods
Harnessing existing literature and expertise from a multidisciplinary task force comprised of clinicians, researchers, and patient/parent representatives from the subspecialty of cardiac neurodevelopmental care, a conceptual framework for telehealth neurodevelopmental assessment was developed. Considerations for health equity and access to care are discussed, as well as general guidelines for clinical implementation and gaps in existing literature.

Results
There are opportunities to integrate telehealth within each stage of neurodevelopmental assessment, from intake to testing, through to follow-up care. Further research is needed to determine whether telehealth mitigates or exacerbates disparities in access to care for vulnerable populations as well as to provide evidence of validity for a wider range of neurodevelopmental measures to be administered via telehealth.

Conclusions
While many practices are returning to traditional, face-to-face neurodevelopmental assessment services, psychologists have a unique opportunity to harness the momentum for telehealth care initiated during the pandemic to optimize the use of clinical resources, broaden service delivery, and increase access to care for pediatric neurodevelopmental assessment.
Micronutrient homeostasis in plants for more sustainable agriculture and healthier human nutrition
Authors: Assunção Ana G L , Cakmak Ismail , Clemens Stephan , González-Guerrero Manuel , Nawrocki Adam , Thomine Sébastien 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe provision of sustainable, sufficient, and nutritious food to the growing population is a major challenge for agriculture and the plant research community. In this respect, the mineral micronutrient content of food crops deserves particular attention. Micronutrient deficiencies in cultivated soils and plants are a global problem that adversely affects crop production and plant nutritional value, as well as human health and well-being. In this review, we call for awareness of the importance and relevance of micronutrients in crop production and quality. We stress the need for better micronutrient nutrition in human populations, not only in developing but also in developed nations, and describe strategies to identify and characterize new varieties with high micronutrient content. Furthermore, we explain how adequate nutrition of plants with micronutrients impacts metabolic functions and the capacity of plants to express tolerance mechanisms against abiotic and biotic constraints. Finally, we provide a brief overview and a critical discussion on current knowledge, future challenges, and specific technological needs for research on plant micronutrient homeostasis. Research in this area is expected to foster the sustainable development of nutritious and healthy food crops for human consumption.