bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal cancer
Authors: de Campos Silva Elen Farinelli , Baima Julio Pinheiro , de Barros Jaqueline Ribeiro , Tanni Suzana Erico , Schreck Thomas , Saad-Hossne Rogerio , Sassaki Ligia Yukie 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The study aims to identify the risk factors for ulcerative colitis-colorectal cancer and to perform a survival curve analysis of the outcome.
This retrospective cohort study included 254 patients from March 2016 to October 2017. Age, age at diagnosis, follow-up time, smoking status, and family history of colorectal cancer were analyzed as risk factors for colorectal cancer.
The mean patient age was 46.6 ± 16.9 years; 5.5% of the patients were smokers and 49.6% had pancolitis. Six patients (2.36%) had colorectal cancer, which was associated with age at diagnosis (odds/hazard ratio 1.059 [95% confidence interval: 1.001–1.121]; P = .04), family history of colorectal cancer (12.992 [1.611–104.7]; P = .02), and follow-up time (0.665 [0.513–0.864]; P = .002). Active smoking was the main identified risk factor, after both logistic (8.477 [1.350–53.232]; P = .02) and Cox proportional-hazards (32.484 [2.465–428.1]; P = .008) regression analysis. The risk of colorectal cancer was 3.17% at 10 years and 4.26% at 20 years of follow-up.
Active smoking and family history were identified as risk factors for colorectal cancer. These findings should aid the early identification of patients who require vigorous surveillance, and prevent exposure to risk factors.
Clinical and radiological outcomes of hemivertebra resection for congenital scoliosis in children under age 10 years
Authors: Yang Jae Hyuk , Chang Dong-Gune , Suh Seung Woo , Kim Woon , Park Jewel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The surgical treatment of congenital scoliosis under 10 years is difficult as it involves resecting vertebrae. Moreover, patient follow-up after surgery is extremely important because the patient is a child whose growth has not been completed. However, there are very few long-term follow-up studies after surgical treatment of congenital scoliosis. Therefore, this study is designed to evaluate surgical outcomes after posterior hemivertebra resection in children under 10 years and its long-term effects.
Twenty-one patients with congenital scoliosis who were younger than 10 years at the time of the surgery and received posterior hemivertebra resection and fusion using pedicle screw fixation were included in this study.
There were significant improvements in the main curve, coronal balance, sagittal vertical axis, thoracic kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis after surgery (P < .001, .021, .047, .043, .006, respectively). Coronal balance, sagittal vertical axis, thoracic kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis remained within the normal range during the follow-up period; however, main curve deteriorated significantly (P = .005). Trunk appearance of perception scale improved significantly after surgery (P = .031) and was maintained during the follow-up period (P = .078).
In conclusion, posterior hemivertebra resection and fusion using pedicle screw fixation in patients under 10 years old with congenital scoliosis is a safe and effective procedure that can achieve rigid fixation and deformity correction. Complete resection of the hemivertebra is important for deformity correction and prevention of curve progression, and careful long-term follow-up is necessary.
Piloting the Clinical Value of Wearable Cardiorespiratory Monitoring for People with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Vandendriessche Benjamin , Van den Bergh Bertold , Storms Valerie , Chmiel James F. , Roesch Erica A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionCystic Fibrosis (CF) is a disease without a primary cure that requires lifelong care and is characterized by pulmonary exacerbations (PEx). Wearable devices could provide a way for long-term monitoring of disease progression and early signs of PEx to intervene as early as possible, thereby improving long-term outcomes.MethodsIn-hospital feasibility study (n = 26) to 1) assess the ability of Byteflies Sensor Dot to collect relevant cardiorespiratory data in people with CF and its compatibility with clinical workflows, 2) identify candidate digital biomarkers, and 3) collect user feedback from patients and healthcare providers.ResultsCollected sample-level biopotential, bioimpedance and actigraphy data were of high quality. Sensor Dot heart rate (HR) correlated with hospital HR, whereas respiratory rate (RR) did not. HR and RR were associated with CF severity, and HR and coughing with PEx. Willingness to use the device was very high with CF patients and study coordinators considered the device easy-to-use.ConclusionDetermining if a wearable is fit-for-purpose is a long and multidisciplinary process that requires involvement from all stakeholders as early as possible in the development process. Our pilot identified interesting correlations between cardiorespiratory parameters as measured by the wearable, and CF severity and PEx. Together with the usability data, this will inform the next steps in the clinical development process.
Ultrasound measures of intrinsic foot muscle size and motor activation following lateral ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Fraser John J. , Koldenhoven Rachel , Hertel Jay 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the effects of ankle injury status on intrinsic foot muscle (IFM) size at rest and during contraction in young adults with and without a history of lateral ankle sprain (LAS) and chronic ankle instability (CAI).MethodsFoot Posture Index (FPI), Foot Mobility Magnitude (FMM), and ultrasonographic cross-sectional area of the abductor hallucis (AbdH), flexor digitorum brevis (FDB), quadratus plantae (QP), and flexor hallucis brevis (FHB) were assessed at rest, and during non-resisted and resisted contraction in 22 healthy (13 females, BMI: 22.5±3.2, FPI: 4.2±3.9, FMM: 2.5±1.8), 17 LAS (9 females, BMI: 24.1±3.7, FPI: 2.5±3.4, FMM: 2.7±1.7), 21 Copers (13 females, BMI: 23.7±2.9, FPI: 3.6±4.1, FMM: 1.8±1.3), and 20 CAI (15 females, BMI: 25.1±4.5, FPI: 4.4±3.6., FMM: 2.3±1.1).ResultsA multiple linear regression analysis assessing group, sex, BMI, FPI, and FMM on resting and contracted IFM size found sex (p<.001), BMI (p=.01), FPI (p=.05), and FMM*FPI interaction (p=.008) accounted for 19% of the variance (p=.002) in resting AbdH measures. Sex (p<.001) and BMI (p=.02) explained 24% of resting FDB measures (p<.001). Having a recent LAS (p=.03) and FMM (p=.02) predicted 11% of non-resisted QP contraction measures (p=.04), with sex (p<.001) explaining 13% of resting QP measures (p=.02). Both sex (p=.01) and FMM (p=.03) predicted 16% of resting FDB measures (p=.01). There were no other statistically significant findings.ConclusionsIFM resting ultrasound measures were primarily determined by sex, BMI, and foot phenotype and not injury status. The clinical utility of these IFM ultrasonographic assessments in young adults with LAS and CAI may be limited.DisclosuresThis study was funded in part by the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education Foundation and the Navy Medicine Professional Development Center, US Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. The views expressed in this manuscript reflect the results of research conducted by the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, nor the U.S. Government. Lieutenant Commander John J. Fraser is a military service member and this work was prepared as part of his official duties. Title 17, USC, §105 provides that ‘Copyright protection under this title is not available for any work of the U.S. Government.’ Title 17, USC, §101 defines a U.S. Government work as a work prepared by a military service member or employee of the U.S. Government as part of that person’s official duties. All participants provided informed consent and this study was approved by the Institutional Review Board for Health Sciences Research at the University of Virginia in compliance with all applicable Federal regulations governing the protection of human subjects.
Clearing the fog: Is HCQ effective in reducing COVID-19 progression: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kamran Sultan Mehmood , Mirza Zill e Humayun , Naseem Brig Arshad , Saeed Farrukh , Azam Rizwan , Ullah Naqeeb , Ahmad Wazir , Saleem Salman 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) plus standard of care (SOC) compared with SOC alone in reducing disease progression in Mild COVID-19DesignA single centre, open label randomized controlled trialPlace and DurationPulmonology department, Pak emirates Military Hospital (PEMH) from 10 April 2020 to 31 May 2020.MethodologyFive hundred patients of both genders having age between 18-50 years who were PCR positive and had Mild COVID-19 were selected. Patients assigned to standard dose of HCQ (400mg 12 hourly day 1 then 200mg 12 hrly for next 4 days) plus SOC were 349 while 151 patients received SOC comprising of Vit C, Vit D, and Zinc only (control group). Primary outcome was progression of disease while secondary outcome was PCR negativity on day 7 and 14. The results were analyzed on SPSS version 23. P value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsMedian age of intervention group (34 ± 11.778 years) and control group (34 ± 9.813 years). Disease progressed in 16 patients, 11 (3.15%) were in intervention group as compared to 5 (3.35%) in control group, (p value = 0.865). PCR negativity in intervention and control groups were (day 7, 182 (52.1%) vs. 54 (35.7%) (p value = 0.001), (day 14, 244 (69.9%) vs. 110 (72.8%) (p value = 0.508). Consecutive PCR negativity at day 7 and 14 was observed in 240 (68.8%) in intervention group compared to 108 (71.5%) in control group. (p value = 0.231).ConclusionAddition of HCQ to standard of care treatment in Mild COVID-19 neither prevents disease progression nor is it significantly associated with successive PCR negativity on day 7 and 14.Trial registrationNCT04491994Ethical review of research projectThe research project titled “Clearing the fog: Is HCQ effective in reducing COVID-19 progression” has been reviewed by ethical review committee of Pak Emirates Military Hospital (PEMH) Rawalpindi and got legal and ethical approvals prior to initiation of the research work carried out on subject. All experiments were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulation. Grant of approval is attached as separate file.
Making cotton face masks extra-protective by use of impervious cloth as the front layer to restrict flow of aerosols and droplets
Authors: Shahane-Kapse Priyanka L. , Shende M R , Kar Sumit , Deshmukh Pradeep , Bhandari Dhiraj , Narang Rahul 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionOne of the important measures to prevent spread of COVID-19 in community is use of face mask. Though the debate is going on regarding the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 it makes reasonable point for universal use of face masks. A large variety of face masks are available in the market or people can make their own using household items. The efficacy of masks depends upon the type of cloth and number of layers of the cloth.Material and methodsWe have created an innovative mask with two layers of cotton and an impervious layer. The impervious layer made from polypropylene coated with polyurethane was applied on the outer side in the middle half of the mask in front of mouth and nose. The efficacy of this test mask was measured against N95FFR (reference standard), triple layer surgical masks and single layer cotton mask. A manikin was used wearing these masks/respirator and aerosols/droplets of diluted red coloured carbol fuchsin and fluorescent Auramine O were sprayed from distance of 1m and 2m. We also tested use of face shield. Both macroscopic and microscopic examination of the dissected masks and respirator was performed.ResultsThe N95FFR was able to block the aerosols/droplets by its front layer. One triple layer surgical mask showed microscopic presence of stain in its innermost layer while the other blocked it with middle layer. The single layer cotton mask was not able to protect as we observed stain on the face itself. The test mask blocked most of the stain on impervious layer and also on the front cotton layer on lateral sides, where impervious layer was absent. When fluorescent stain was used, ultraviolet examination demonstrated that the whole area covered by test mask was clean while the other non covered area was fluorescent.ConclusionWe believe that our innovation can be used in the community as well as in general areas of the hospital like, offices, labs, etc. and can be a better alternative to single use triple layer surgical masks. Further testing may be done by other organizations to rule out bias in our study.
False Negative Mitigation in Group Testing for COVID-19 Screening
Authors: Alizad-Rahvar A. R. , Vafadar S. , Totonchi M. , Sadeghi M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAfter lifting the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and opening businesses, screening is essential to prevent the spread of the virus. Group testing could be a promising candidate for screening to save time and resources. However, due to the high false-negative rate (FNR) of the RT-PCR diagnostic test, we should be cautious about using group testing because a group’s false-negative result identifies all the individuals in a group as uninfected. Repeating the test is the best solution to reduce the FNR, and repeats should be integrated with the group-testing method to increase the sensitivity of the test. The simplest way is to replicate the test twice for each group (the 2Rgt method). In this paper, we present a new method for group testing (the groupMix method), which integrates two repeats in the test. Then we introduce the 2-stage sequential version of both the groupMix and the 2Rgt methods. We compare these methods analytically regarding the sensitivity and the average number of tests. The tradeoff between the sensitivity and the average number of tests should be considered when choosing the best method for the screening strategy. We applied the groupMix method to screening 263 people and identified 2 infected individuals by performing 98 tests. This method achieved a 63% saving in the number of tests compared to individual testing. Our experimental results show that in COVID-19 screening, the viral load can be low, and the group size should not be more than 6; otherwise, the FNR increases significantly. A web interface of the groupMix method is publicly available for laboratories to implement this method.
A throughput serological Western blot system using whole virus lysate for the concomitant detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and human endemic Coronaviridae
Authors: Fink Simon , Ruoff Felix , Stahl Aaron , Becker Matthias , Kaiser Philipp , Traenkle Bjoern , Junker Daniel , Weise Frank , Ruetalo Natalia , Hörber Sebastian , Peter Andreas , Nelde Annika , Walz Juliane , Krause Gérard , Schenke-Layland Katja , Joos Thomas , Rothbauer Ulrich , Schneiderhan-Marra Nicole , Schindler Michael , Templin Markus F. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundSeroreactivity against human endemic coronaviruses has been linked to disease severity after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Assays that are capable of concomitantly detecting antibodies against endemic coronaviridae such as OC43, 229E, NL63, and SARS-CoV-2 may help to elucidate this question. We set up a platform for serum-screening and developed a bead-based Western blot system, namely DigiWest, capable of running hundreds of assays using microgram amounts of protein prepared directly from different viruses.MethodsThe parallelized and miniaturised DigiWest assay was adapted for detecting antibodies using whole protein extract prepared from isolated SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. After characterisation and optimization of the newly established test, whole virus lysates of OC43, 229E, and NL63 were integrated into the system.ResultsThe DigiWest-based immunoassay system for detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies shows a sensitivity of 87.2 % and diagnostic specificity of 100 %. Concordance analysis with the SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays available by Roche, Siemens, and Euroimmun indicates a comparable assay performance (Cohen’s Kappa ranging from 0.8799-0.9429). In the multiplexed assay, antibodies against the endemic coronaviruses OC43, 229E, and NL63 were detected, displaying a high incidence of seroreactivity against these coronaviruses.ConclusionThe DigiWest-based immunoassay, which uses authentic antigens from isolated virus particles, is capable of detecting individual serum responses against SARS-CoV-2 with high specificity and sensitivity in one multiplexed assay. It shows high concordance with other commercially available serologic assays. The DigiWest approach enables a concomitant detection of antibodies against different endemic coronaviruses and will help to elucidate the role of these possibly cross-reactive antibodies.
A longitudinal survey for genome-based identification of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage water in selected lockdown areas of Lahore city, Pakistan; a potential approach for future smart lockdown strategy
Authors: Yaqub Tahir , Nawaz Muhammad , Shabbir Muhammad Zubair , Ali Muhammad Asad , Altaf Imran , Raza Sohail , Shabbir Muhammad Abu Bakr , Ashraf Muhammad Adnan , Aziz Syed Zahid , Cheema Sohail Qadir , Shah Muhammad Bilal , Rafique Saira , Hassan Sohail , Sardar Nageen , Mehmood Adnan , Aziz Muhammad Waqar , Fazal Sehar , Khan Nadir , Khan Muhammad Tahir , Attique Muhammad Moavia , Asif Ali , Anwar Muhammad , Awan Nabeel Ahmad , Younis Muhammad Usman , Bhatti Muhammad Ajmal , Tahir Zarfishan , Mukhtar Nadia , Sarwar Huda , Rana Maaz Sohail 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections has affected more than 15 million people and, as of 22 July 2019, caused deaths of more than 0.6 million individuals globally. With the excretion of SARS-CoV-2 in the stool of symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients, its genome detection in the sewage water can be used as a powerful epidemiological tool to predict the number of positive cases in a population. This study was conducted to detect SARS-CoV-2 genome in sewage water during the lockdown. Sewage samples, from 28 pre-selected sites, were collected on alternate days from 13-25 July, 2020 from two selected areas [Johar Town (n = 05) and Township (n = 23)], where smart lockdown were implemented by the government authorities on 9th July, 2020. Genomic RNA was extracted and the SARS-CoV-2 was detected and quantified using commercially available kit through Real-Time PCR. Out of 28, sixteen samples were positive on day one while 19, 17, 23, 17, 05 and 09 samples were positive on day 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13, respectively. Results revealed a decreased positivity rate and SARS CoV-2 genome copies in sewage towards the end of lockdown however few sampling sites did not follow a clear pattern indicating the complexities in sewage water based surveillance i.e time of sampling etc. Hourly sampling from two sites for 24 hours also revealed the impact of sampling time on detection of SARS-CoV-2 genome in sewage. Results of current study insinuate a possible role of sewage-based COVID-19 surveillance in monitoring and execution of smart lockdowns.
Paradoxical Case Fatality Rate dichotomy of Covid-19 among rich and poor nations points to the “hygiene hypothesis”
Authors: Chatterjee Bithika , Karandikar Rajeeva Laxman , Mande Shekhar C. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn the first six months of its deadly spread across the world, the Covid-19 incidence has exhibited interesting dichotomy between the rich and the poor countries. Surprisingly, the incidence and the Case Fatality Rate has been much higher in the richer countries compared with the poorer countries. However, the reasons behind this dichotomy have not been explained based on data or evidence, although some of the factors for the susceptibility of populations to SARS-CoV-2 infections have been proposed. We have taken into consideration all publicly available data and mined for the possible explanations in order to understand the reasons for this phenomenon. The data included many parameters including demography of nations, prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, sanitation parameters etc. Results of our analyses suggest that demography, improved sanitation and hygiene, and higher incidence of autoimmune disorders as the most plausible factors to explain higher death rates in the richer countries Thus, the much debated “hygiene hypothesis” appears to lend credence to the Case Fatality Rate dichotomy between the rich and the poor countries.SignificanceThe current COVID-19 epidemic has emerged as one of the deadliest of all infectious diseases in recent times and has affected all nations, especially the developed ones. In such times it is imperative to understand the most significant factor contributing towards higher mortality. Our analysis shows a higher association of demography, sanitation & autoimmunity to COVID-19 mortality as compared to the developmental parameters such as the GDP and the HDI globally. The dependence of sanitation parameters as well as autoimmunity upon the mortality gives direct evidences in support of the lower deaths in nations whose population do not confer to higher standards of hygiene practices and have lower prevalence of autoimmune diseases. This study calls attention to immune training and strengthening through various therapeutic interventions across populations.