bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiotherapy service provision in a specialist adult cystic fibrosis service: a pre-post design study with the inclusion of an allied health assistant
Authors: Hall Kathleen , Maxwell Lyndal , Cobb Robyn , Steele Michael , Chambers Rebecca , Roll Mark , Bell Scott C , Kuys Suzanne 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTQuestion(s)What is the impact of including an allied health assistant (AHA) role on physiotherapy service delivery in terms of service provision, scope of practice and skill mix changes in an acute respiratory service?DesignA pragmatic pre-post design study examined physiotherapy services across two three-month periods: current service delivery [P1] and current service delivery plus AHA [P2].Outcome measuresClinical and non-clinical activity contributing to physiotherapy services delivery quantified as number, type and duration (per day) of all staff activity, and categorised for skill level (AHA, junior, senior).ResultsOverall physiotherapy service delivery increased in P2 compared to P1 (n=4730 vs n=3048). Physiotherapists undertook fewer respiratory (p < 0.001) and exercise treatments (p < 0.001) but increased patient reviews for inpatients (p < 0.001) and at multidisciplinary clinics in P2 (56% vs 76%, p < 0.01). The AHA accounted for 20% of all service provision. AHA activity comprised mainly non-direct clinical care including oversight of respiratory equipment use (e.g. supply, set-up, cleaning, loan audits) and other patient related administrative tasks associated with delegation handovers, supervision and clinical documentation (72%) and delegated supervision of established respiratory (5%) and exercise treatments (10%) and delegated exercise tests (3%). The AHA completed most of the exercise tests (n = 25). AHA non-direct clinical tasks included departmental management activities such as statistics and ongoing training (11%). No adverse events were reported.ConclusionInclusion of an AHA in an acute respiratory care service changed physiotherapy service provision. The AHA completed delegated routine clinical and non-clinical tasks. Physiotherapists increased clinic activity and annual reviews. Including an AHA role offers safe and sustainable options for enhancing physiotherapy service provision in acute respiratory care services.
Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on population level interest in Skincare: Evidence from a google trends-based Infodemiology study
Authors: Symum Hasan , Islam Md. F. , Hiya Habsa K. , Ali Sagor Kh M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented disruption of daily life including the pattern of skin related treatments in healthcare settings by issuing stay-at-home orders and newly coronaphobia around the world.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate whether there are any significant changes in population interest for skincare during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsFor the skincare, weekly RSV data were extracted for worldwide and 23 counties between August 1, 2016, and August 31, 2020. Interrupted time-series analysis was conducted as the quasi-experimental approach to evaluate the longitudinal effects of COVID-19 skincare related search queries. For each country, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model relative search volume (RSV) time series and then testing multiple periods simultaneously to examine the magnitude of the interruption. Multivariate linear regression was used to estimate the correlation between countries’ relative changes in RSV with COVID-19 confirmed cases/ per 10000 patients and lockdown measures.ResultsOut of 23 included countries in our study, 17 showed significantly increased (p<0.01) RSVs during the lockdown period compared with the ARIMA forecasted data. The highest percentage of increments occurs in May and June 2020 in most countries. There was also a significant correlation between lockdown measures and the number of COVID-19 cases with relatives changes in population interests for skincare.ConclusionUnderstanding the trend and changes in skincare public interest during COVID-19 may assist health authorities to promote accessible educational information and preventive initiatives regarding skin problems.
Comparative efficacy and safety of current drugs against COVID-19: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yi , He Wei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe rapid spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has greatly disrupted the livelihood of many people around the world. To date, more than 35.16 million COVID-19 cases with 1.037million total deaths have been reported worldwide. Compared with China, where the disease was first reported, cases of COVID-19, the number of confirmed cases for the disease in the rest of the world have been incredibly high. Even though several dugs have been suggested to be used against the disease, the said interventions should be backed by empirical clinical evidence. Therefore, this paper provides a systematic review and a meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of different COVID-19 drugs.Research in contextEvidence before this studyCurrently, Covid-19 is one of the most urgent and significant health challenge, globally. However, so far there is no specific and effective treatment strategy against the disease. Nonetheless, there are numerous debates over the effectiveness and potential adverse effects of different COVID-19 antivirals. In general, there is invaluable need to continually report on new advances and successes against COVID-19, apparently to aid in managing the pandemic.Added value of this studyThis study provides a comprehensive, evidence-based guide on the management of multiple COVID-19 symptoms. In particular, we provide a review of 14 drugs, placebos and standard treatments against COVID 19. Meanwhile, we also performed a meta-analysis based on four clinical outcome indicators, to measure and compare the efficacy and safety of current interventions.Implications of all the available evidenceFindings of this research will guide clinical decision in COVID-19 patients. It will also provide a basis for predicting clinical outcomes such as efficacy, mortality and safety of interventions against the disease.
WEVar: a novel statistical learning framework for predicting noncoding regulatory variants
Authors: Wang Ye , Jiang Yuchao , Yao Bing , Huang Kun , Liu Yunlong , Wang Yue , Qin Xiao , Saykin Andrew J. , Chen Li 
Published: November 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the functional consequence of noncoding variants is of great interest. Though genome-wide association studies (GWAS) or quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses have identified variants associated with traits or molecular phenotypes, most of them are located in the noncoding regions, making the identification of causal variants a particular challenge. Existing computational approaches developed for for prioritizing non-coding variants produce inconsistent and even conflicting results. To address these challenges, we propose a novel statistical learning framework, which directly integrates the precomputed functional scores from representative scoring methods. It will maximize the usage of integrated methods by automatically learning the relative contribution of each method and produce an ensemble score as the final prediction. The framework consists of two modes. The first “context-free” mode is trained using curated causal regulatory variants from a wide range of context and is applicable to predict noncoding variants of unknown and diverse context. The second “context-dependent” mode further improves the prediction when the training and testing variants are from the same context. By evaluating the framework via both simulation and empirical studies, we demonstrate that it outperforms integrated scoring methods and the ensemble score successfully prioritizes experimentally validated regulatory variants in multiple risk loci.
Using A Socio-Ecological System (SES) Framework to Explain Factors Influencing Countries’ Success Level in Curbing COVID-19
Authors: Suhud Nur Amiera , Ling Gabriel Hoh Teck , Leng Pau Chung , Matusin AK Muhamad Rafiq AK 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTLittle attention has been paid to interactions between institutional-human-environment dimensions, which are believed to impact the outcome of COVID-19 abatement. Thus, through the diagnostic SES framework analysis, this paper aims to investigate what and how the multifaceted social, physical, and governance factors affect the success level of 7 selected Asia-Pacific countries (namely South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, and New Zealand) in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on secondary data from February 2020 to June 2020, the success or severity level of a country was measured by cumulative positive cases, average daily increase, and the mortality rate. A qualitative content analysis, covering code assignation, i.e., Present (P), Partially Present (PP), Absent (A) for each SES attribute, as well as rank ordering (from 1stto 7th) and score calculation (from 3 to 21) for the success level between the countries, was undertaken. Attributes (design principles) of SES factors, such as past experiences facing similar diseases, facilities mobility, lockdown measures, penalty, and standard of procedures in public spaces are deemed significant in determining the abatement outcome or severity of a country. The findings show that Vietnam (1st) and New Zealand (2nd) adopting most of the design principles of governance (with the scores of 15 and above) had successfully eliminated the virus, while Indonesia (7th) and Japan (6th) were deemed least successful (scoring between 3-9), likely due to the low presence frequency of design principles. Not only does the study validate SES framework adaptability in a health-related (non-commons) setting, where some design principles used in resource/commons governance are also relevant in explaining the COVID-19 outcome, the critical attributes of institutional-social-ecological factors are highlighted, ultimately helping policymakers devise more strategic measures to address the crisis.
Delayed Stroke Treatment during COVID-19 Pandemic in China
Authors: Gu Shiyuan , Dai Zhengze , Shen Huachao , Bai Yongjie , Zhang Xiaohao , Liu Xinfeng , Xu Gelin 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundSocial distance, quarantine, pathogen testing and other preventive strategies implemented during COVID-19 pandemic may negatively influence the management of acute stroke.ObjectiveThe current study aimed to evaluate the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on treatment delay of acute stroke in China.MethodsThis study included patients with acute stroke admitted in two hospitals in Jiangsu, China. Patients admitted before and after the COVID-19 epidemic outbreak (January 31, 2020, as officially announced by Chinese government) were compared for pre- (measured as onset-to-door time) and post-hospital delay (measured as door-to-needle time). The influence factors for delayed treatment (indicated as onset-to-needle time >4.5 hours) were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsOnset-to-door time increased from 202 min (IQR 65-492) before to 317 min (IQR 75-790) after the COVID-19 pandemic (P=0.001). Door-to-needle time increased from 50min (IQR 40-75) before to 65 min (IQR 48-84) after the COVID-19 pandemic (P=0.048). The proportion of patients with intravenous thrombolysis in those with acute ischemic stroke was decreased significantly after the pandemic (15.4% vs 20.1%; P=0.030). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that patients after COVID-19 pandemic, lower educational level, rural residency, mild symptoms and transported by other means than ambulance were associated with delayed treatment.ConclusionsCOVID-19 pandemic has remarkable impacts on the management of acute ischemic stroke. Both pre- and post-hospital delays were prolonged significantly, and proportion of patient arrived within the 4.5-hour time window for intravenous thrombolysis treatment was decreased. Given that anti-COVID-19 measures are becoming medical routines, efforts are warranted to shorten the delay so that the outcomes of stroke could be improved.
Meta-analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 serial interval and the impact of parameter uncertainty on the COVID-19 reproduction number
Authors: Challen Robert , Brooks-Pollock Ellen , Tsaneva-Atanasova Krasimira , Danon Leon 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe serial interval of an infectious disease, commonly interpreted as the time between onset of symptoms in sequentially infected individuals within a chain of transmission, is a key epidemiological quantity involved in estimating the reproduction number. The serial interval is closely related to other key quantities, including the incubation period, the generation interval (the time between sequential infections) and time delays between infection and the observations associated with monitoring an outbreak such as confirmed cases, hospital admissions and deaths. Estimates of these quantities are often based on small data sets from early contact tracing and are subject to considerable uncertainty, which is especially true for early COVID-19 data. In this paper we estimate these key quantities in the context of COVID-19 for the UK, including a meta-analysis of early estimates of the serial interval. We estimate distributions for the serial interval with a mean 5.6 (95% CrI 5.1–6.2) and SD 4.2 (95% CrI 3.9–4.6) days (empirical distribution), the generation interval with a mean 4.8 (95% CrI 4.3–5.41) and SD 1.7 (95% CrI 1.0–2.6) days (fitted gamma distribution), and the incubation period with a mean 5.5 (95% CrI 5.1–5.8) and SD 4.9 (95% CrI 4.5–5.3) days (fitted log normal distribution). We quantify the impact of the uncertainty surrounding the serial interval, generation interval, incubation period and time delays, on the subsequent estimation of the reproduction number, when pragmatic and more formal approaches are taken. These estimates place empirical bounds on the estimates of most relevant model parameters and are expected to contribute to modelling COVID-19 transmission.
Interaction of intestinal bacteria with human rotavirus during infection in children
Authors: Gozalbo-Rovira Roberto , Rubio-del-Campo Antonio , Santiso-Bellón Cristina , Vila-Vicent Susana , Buesa Javier , Delgado Susana , Molinero Natalia , Margolles Abelardo , Yebra María Jesús , Collado María Carmen , Monedero Vicente , Rodríguez-Díaz Jesús 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe gut microbiota has emerged as a key factor in the pathogenesis of intestinal viruses, including enteroviruses, noroviruses and rotaviruses (RV), where stimulatory and inhibitory effects on infectivity have been reported. With the aim of determining whether members of the microbiota interact with RV during infection, a combination of anti-RV antibody labelling, fluorescence-activated cell sorting and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was used to characterize the interaction between specific bacteria and RV in stool samples of children suffering diarrhea produced by G1P[8] RV. The genera Ruminococcus and Oxalobacter were identified as RV binders in stools, displaying enrichments between 4.8 to 5.4-fold compared to samples non-labelled with anti-RV antibodies. In vitro binding of the G1P[8] Wa human RV strain to two Ruminococcus gauvreauii human isolates was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. Analysis in R. gauvreauii with antibodies directed to several histo-blood group antigens (HBGA) indicated that these bacteria express HBGA-like substances at their surfaces that can be the target for RV binding. Furthermore, in vitro infection of Wa strain in differentiated Caco-2 cells was significantly reduced by incubation with R. gauvreauii. These data, together with previous findings that had shown a negative correlation between Ruminococcus levels and antibody titers to RV in healthy individuals, suggest a pivotal interaction between this bacterial group and human RV. These results reveal likely mechanisms on how specific bacterial taxa of the intestinal microbiota could negatively affect RV infection and open new possibilities for anti-viral strategies.
A comparison of clinical outcomes, service satisfaction, and well-being in people using Acute Day Units and Crisis Resolution Teams: a cohort study in England
Authors: Lamb Danielle , Steare Thomas , Marston Louise , Canaway Alastair , Johnson Sonia , Kirkbride James B. , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Morant Nicola , Pinfold Vanessa , Smith Deb , Weich Scott , Osborn David 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundFor people in mental health crisis, Acute Day Units (ADUs) provide daily structured sessions and peer support in non-residential settings, often as an addition or alternative to Crisis Resolution Teams (CRTs). There is little recent evidence about outcomes for those using ADUs, particularly in comparison to those receiving CRT care alone.AimsTo investigate readmission rates, satisfaction, and wellbeing outcomes for ADU and CRT service users.MethodsA cohort study comparing readmission to acute mental health care during a six-month period for ADU and CRT participants. Secondary outcomes included satisfaction (CSQ), wellbeing (SWEMWBS), and depression (CES-D).ResultsWe recruited 744 participants (ADU: 431, 58%; CRT 312, 42%) across 4 NHS Trusts/health regions. There was no statistically significant overall difference in readmissions; 21% of ADU participants (versus 23% CRT) were readmitted over 6 months (adjusted HR 0.78, 95%CI 0.54, 1.14). However, readmission results varied substantially by setting. At follow-up, ADU participants had significantly higher Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ) scores (2.5, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.5, p<0.001) and wellbeing scores (1.3, 95%CI 0.4 to 2.1, p=0.004), and lower depression scores (−1.7, 95%CI −2.7 to −0.8, p<0.001) than CRT participants.ConclusionsService users who accessed ADUs demonstrated better outcomes for satisfaction, wellbeing, and depression, and no significant differences in risk of readmission compared to those who only used CRTs. Given the positive outcomes for service users, and the fact that ADUs are inconsistently provided across the country, their value and place in the acute care pathway needs further consideration and research.
Glutathione as a molecular marker of functional impairment in patients with at-risk mental state: 7-Tesla 1H-MRS study
Authors: Jeon Peter , Limongi Roberto , Ford Sabrina D. , Branco Cassandra , Mackinley Michael , Gupta Maya , Powe Laura , Théberge Jean , Palaniyappan Lena 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA substantial number of individuals with clinical high-risk (CHR) mental state do not transition to psychosis. However, regardless of future diagnostic trajectories, many of these individuals develop poor social and occupational functional outcomes. The levels of glutathione, a crucial cortical antioxidant, may track variations in functional outcomes in early psychosis and prodromal states.Thirteen clinical high-risk and 30 healthy control volunteers were recruited for a 7-Tesla magnetic resonance spectroscopy scan with voxel positioned within the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Clinical assessment scores were collected to determine if any association was observable with glutathione levels.Bayesian Spearman test revealed a positive association between the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) and the glutathione concentration in the clinical high-risk group but not in the healthy control group. After accounting for variations in SOFAS, CHR group had higher GSH levels than the healthy subjects.This study is the first to use 7-Tesla magnetic resonance spectroscopy to test whether ACC glutathione levels related to social and occupational functioning in a clinically high-risk group and offers preliminary support for glutathione levels as a clinically actionable marker of prognosis in emerging adults presenting with risk features for various severe mental illnesses.
An assessment of efficacy of Iodine complex (Renessans) against SARS-CoV-2 in non-human primates (Rhesus macaque)
Authors: Nawaz Muhammad , Ali Muhammad Asad , Ashraf Muhammad Adnan , Shabbir Muhammad Zubair , Shabbir Muhammad Abu Bakr , Altaf Imran , Raza Sohail , Rafique Saira , Hassan Sohail , Sardar Nageen , Mehmood Adnan , Aziz Muhammad Waqar , Fazal Sehar , Khan Muhammad Tahir , Attique Muhammad Moavia , Asif Ali , Ullah Zia , Iqbal Mubashir , Imtiaz Talha , Anwar Muhammad , Mukhtar Nadia , Yaqub Tahir 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTRenessans is an iodine complex which has provenin vitroantiviral activity including Anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. The present study was designed to determine its efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in monkeys (Rhesus macaque). A total of 14 monkeys were divided into four groups: A) Prophylactic group (n=03), (B) Treatment group (n=03), (C) infection control group (n=04) and (D) negative control group (n=04) and were housed in BSL-3 Animal facility while group D was housed at another animal house. Group A was administered with Renessans @ 2.85 mg/7 kg from 5 days prior to the infection to 08 days post infections (DPI). Group B was administered with Renessans from 03-08 DPI @ 2.85 mg/7 kg. Group C was administered with WIF only. The infection @ 2 × 106TCID of SARS-CoV-2 was given to all group monkeys through intranasal and oral route under anesthesia. Nasal swab samples (at different times) and fecal matter on daily basis were collected for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 through real-time quantitative PCR. Three monkeys (one from each of group A, B and C) were euthanized at 07 DPI to determine the gross pathological lesions and SARS-CoV-2 detection from internal tissues. Nasal swabs from all the monkeys from group A, B and C were positive for SARS-CoV-2 at 02 and 07 DPI (Day 05 of treatment). At 14 DPI, all (100%) nasal swabs from group A were negative for SARS-CoV-2 while 50% and 100% were positive from group B and C, respectively. At 21 DPI, monkeys from group B were negative and all in group C were still positive for SARS-CoV-2. Similarly, fecal matter of monkeys in group A and B was returned negative in significantly lesser time as compared to monkeys from infection control group. Based on these research findings it is concluded that the Renessans hasin-vivoSARS-CoV-2 activity and may result in early clearance of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, a clinical trial of the drug in COVID-19 patients may reveal its anti-COVID-19 potential.
A comprehensive map of genetic interactions in childhood cancer reveals multiple underlying biological mechanisms
Authors: Daub Josephine T. , Amini Saman , Kersjes Denise J.E. , Ma Xiaotu , Jäger Natalie , Zhang Jinghui , Pfister Stefan M. , Holstege Frank C.P. , Kemmeren Patrick 
Published: November 2020

AbstractChildhood cancer is a major cause of child death in developed countries. Genetic interactions between mutated genes play an important role in cancer development. They can be detected by searching for pairs of mutated genes that co-occur more (or less) often than expected. Co-occurrence suggests a cooperative role in cancer development, while mutual exclusivity points to synthetic lethality, a phenomenon of interest in cancer treatment research. Little is known about genetic interactions in childhood cancer. We apply a statistical pipeline to detect genetic interactions in a combined dataset comprising over 2,500 tumors from 23 cancer types. The resulting genetic interaction map of childhood cancers comprises 15 co-occurring and 27 mutually exclusive candidates. The biological mechanisms underlying most candidates are either tumor subtype, pathway epistasis or cooperation while synthetic lethality plays a much smaller role. Thus, other explanations beyond synthetic lethality should be considered when interpreting results of genetic interaction tests.