bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fibrosis improvement in patients with HCV treated with direct-acting antivirals
Authors: McPhail James , Sims Omar T. , Guo Yuqi , Wooten David , Herndon John S. , Massoud Omar I. 
Published: July 2020

Background and aim
More prospective studies are needed to characterize fibrosis improvement in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who are treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). The aims of this study were to assess changes in elastography scores from baseline to 1-year follow-up in patients with HCV, to identify factors that were independently associated with improvement in fibrosis staging in patients who receive treatment, and to identify factors that were independently associated with no improvement in fibrosis staging among patients who achieved sustained virologic responses (SVR).

Methods
Ultrasound elastography and laboratory tests were performed and collected at baseline and at 1-year follow-up for patients who received HCV treatment and for those who did not receive treatment (n = 240). Binomial logistic regression was used to examine factors that were independently associated with improvement in fibrosis staging.

Results
In patients who achieved SVR, the mean fibrosis score decreased significantly (−1.3) from 7.4 (2.3) before treatment to 6.1 (2.0) after treatment (P = 0.00). In multivariate analysis of patients who received treatment, higher pre-treatment fibrosis stages [odds ratio (OR) = 13.02, P < 0.00] were positively associated with improvement in fibrosis staging at 1-year follow-up. Higher BMI (OR = 0.93, P < 0.05) was negatively associated with improvement in fibrosis staging.

Discussion
This study supports the growing body of literature that suggests fibrosis regression is achievable in a significant number of patients who achieve SVR with all-oral DAA regimens. Equally important, fibrosis regression is more likely to occur in patients with advanced stages of fibrosis and less likely in patients who are obese.
Implementation of a Timed Barium Esophagram Protocol for Assessment of Esophageal Function in Children
Authors: Rosenwald Kent D. , Hayes Kari , Menard‐Katcher Calies , Belkind‐Gerson Jaime 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTObjectives:Timed barium esophagram (TBE) is a fluoroscopic study that is widely employed as an adjunctive tool for diagnosing esophageal emptying disorders in adults (eg, achalasia, esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction [EGJOO]) and for following response to treatment. We aimed to describe the characteristics and feasibility of a pediatric TBE protocol and provide a first report of the potential value of TBE for assessment of esophageal emptying in the pediatric population.Methods:Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients at a tertiary pediatric hospital who underwent TBE from October 2017 to October 2019. Patient and test characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results from patients who had both TBE and high‐resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) were used to generate ROC curves for TBE to identify esophageal emptying disorders.Results:Twenty‐two patients underwent 25 TBE. Fourteen of 23 (61%) received 150 mL barium volume per protocol. Nearly half (42%) of subjects could tolerate ingesting barium within 20 seconds. Nine individuals underwent HRM. The sensitivity of standard adult TBE criteria (1 cm barium column height at 5 minutes) to detect emptying disorder was 100%, specificity 40%. A modified diagnostic cutoff (1.6 cm height at 5 minutes) offered 100% sensitivity, 80% specificity.Conclusions:TBE is feasible and should be considered an adjunctive noninvasive screen for impaired esophageal emptying in children. There was heterogeneous adherence to protocol for timing and volume of barium; however, studies remained interpretable. This population may benefit from different diagnostic cutoffs than adults, and clinical judgment should be used until specific diagnostic cutoffs are determined in children.
A Randomized, Controlled Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamics Trial of Ambrisentan After Fontan Surgery
Authors: Hill Kevin D. , Maharaj Anil R. , Li Jennifer S. , Thompson Elizabeth , Barker Piers C. A. , Hornik Christoph P. 
Published: July 2020

Objectives:
To determine the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of the hepatically metabolized endothelin receptor antagonist, ambrisentan in children after Fontan surgery.

Design:
Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics and safety trial.

Setting:
Single-center, postoperative cardiac ICU.

Patients:
Children undergoing elective Fontan surgery.

Interventions:
Subjects randomized on postoperative day number 1 to short-term (3 d) treatment with oral ambrisentan (2.5 mg in suspension, daily) versus placebo (4:1 randomization).

Measurements and Main Results:
Plasma drug concentrations were measured at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 18–36 hours after the first dose. We developed a population pharmacokinetic model in NONMEM 7.2 (Icon Solutions, Ellicott City, MD) and applied the model to dose-exposure simulations. Pharmacodynamics endpoints were assessed at baseline and 3 hours after study drug administration, using postoperative hemodynamic monitoring lines. The analysis included 16 patients, 13 on ambrisentan (77 plasma samples); median age 36 months (range, 26–72 mo), weight 13.3 kg (11.1–17.6 kg), and nine males. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between ambrisentan and controls. A one-compartment model with first-order absorption and lag-time characterized the data well. Allometrically scaled weight was the only covariate retained in the final model. Typical values for clearance and volume of distribution were lower than previously reported in adults, 1 L/hr/70 kg and 13.7 L/70 kg, respectively. Simulated exposures with doses of 0.1–0.2 mg/kg approximated therapeutic exposures in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension receiving 5 mg or 10 mg doses. Ambrisentan lowered plasma brain natriuretic peptide concentrations (452 ± 479 to 413 ± 462; p = 0.046), Fontan pressures (16.8 ± 2.9 to 15.6 ± 2.9; p = 0.01), and indexed pulmonary vascular resistance (2.3 ± 0.9 to 1.8 ± 0.6; p = 0.01) with no drug-related adverse events.

Conclusions:
Ambrisentan clearance is reduced following Fontan surgery, perhaps reflecting abnormal hepatic metabolism in this population. The observed safety profile appears favorable and hemodynamic effects of ambrisentan may be beneficial for Fontan patients.
Bacteriophage therapy as a treatment option for transplant infections
Authors: Aslam Saima 
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review
Since initial description of the successful use of intravenous bacteriophage therapy in the United States in 2017, there is widespread interest in using bacteriophage therapy for multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections.

Recent findings
Recent published cases of bacteriophage therapy in transplant candidates and recipients are reviewed highlighting its safety and potential efficacy when used as an adjunct to systemic antibiotics for a variety of clinical indications. An overview of access to bacteriophage therapy in the United States is also provided.

Summary
The reviewed cases form the basis for ongoing compassionate use of bacteriophage therapy in transplant candidates and recipients with life-threatening MDR infections until data from clinical trials are available to guide therapy.
Prevention of Nasal Ala Pressure Injuries With Use of Hydroactive Dressings in Patients With Nasotracheal Intubation of Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Yang Guoyong , Gao Chunyan , Cai Juan 
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE:
To compare a hydroactive dressing to an adhesive tape standard of care in the prevention of nasal ala pressure injuries associated with nasotracheal intubation during orthognathic surgery.

DESIGN:
Randomized controlled trial.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:
The study took place in a tertiary hospital of stomatology in China. Patients undergoing general anesthesia with nasotracheal intubation during orthognathic surgical procedures were invited to participate.

METHODS:
Participants were divided into 2 groups: in the experimental group, a hydroactive dressing was applied to the nasal ala before the surgical procedures; the control group received standard prevention with a type of tape. Skin assessments were performed on the wards up to 72 hours after the procedures. Demographic information and potential contributing factors associated the development of nasal ala pressure injuries were collected from patients' electronic medical records. Pressure injury development was staged using National Pressure Injury Advisory staging guidelines. Pressure injury incidence was compared between groups using the χ2 test and odds ratio.

RESULTS:
The sample comprised 450 participants, 225 in each group. The incidence of nasal ala pressure injuries development was 14.222% and 4.444% in the 2 groups, respectively (P = .000). The odds ratio was 3.565 (95% confidence interval, 1.707-7.443).

CONCLUSIONS:
The study findings indicate that the incidence of pressure injuries of nasal ala skin protected by hydroactive dressings was lower than the standard preventive method. Hydroactive dressings should be considered as a prevention method to reduce device-related skin injuries associated with nasotracheal intubation.
Optimally Pooled Viral Testing
Authors: Ben-Amotz Dor 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIt has long been known that pooling samples may be used to minimize the total number of tests required in order to identify each infected individual in a population. Pooling is most advantageous in populations with low infection (positivity) rates, but is expected to remain better than non-pooled testing in populations with infection rates up to 30%. For populations with infection rates lower than 10%, additional testing efficiency may be realized by performing a second round of pooling to test all the samples in the positive first-round pools. The present predictions are validated by recent COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pooled testing and detection sensitivity measurements performed using non-optimal pool sizes, and quantify the additional improvement in testing efficiency that could have been obtained using optimal pooling. Although large pools are most advantageous for testing populations with very low infection rates, they are predicted to become highly non-optimal with increasing infection rate, while pool sizes smaller than 10 remain near-optimal over a broader range of infection rates.
The establishment of the first ex vivo whole organ model for human liver neoplasms
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Li Jingjing , Zhu Caihui , Chen Honghui , Ma Yihao , Luo Weixin , Xie Rongxing , Zhang Yixi , Wang Xiaobo , Wang Linhe , Zhang Zhiheng , Guo Zhiyong , He Xiaoshun 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThe incidence of liver neoplasms is on the leading rise worldwide due to lacking exact research model. Accordingly, the resected diseased liver within cancer during liver transplantation was the appropriated model, therefore the aim of this study was to establish the first ex vivo whole organ model for liver neoplasms by using normothermic perfusion system named Life-X system.Materials and MethodsFour diseased livers within cancer resected during liver transplantation were collected for research. The common hepatic artery and portal vein of the ex vivo liver were connected to the Life-X perfusion device that circulated Life-X perfusate providing continuous oxygen and nutrient supply. The flow and pressure of the perfusate was recorded and blood gas analysis was examined to analyze the function of the diseased liver. Liver tissues after perfusion were collected for histological analysis.ResultsExperiments showed that the artery and portal vein flow were stable 1h after perfusion and were kept within the physiological range. The results of blood gas analysis demonstrated restoration and maintenance of metabolism. Moreover, the bile production of diseased Case 4 liver represented its vivid functionality during the entire 47h of perfusion. Histology analysis shows little liver injury after the perfusion.ConclusionsTherefore, we have established a powerful tool to research liver neoplasms in vitro through Life-X perfusion system.
Spatial patterns of child mortality in Nanoro HDSS site, Burkina Faso
Authors: Noori Navideh , Derra Karim , Valea Innocent , Oron Assaf P. , Welgo Aminata , Rouamba Toussaint , Boua Palwende Romuald , Some Athanase , Rouamba Eli , Wenger Edward , Sorgho Hermann , Tinto Halidou , Ouédraogo Andre Lin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundHalf of global child deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding child mortality patterns and risk factors will help inform interventions to reduce this heavy toll. The Nanoro Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), Burkina Faso was described previously, but spatial patterns of child mortality in the district had not been studied. Similar studies in other districts indicated accessibility to health facilities as a risk factor, usually without distinction between facility types.MethodsUsing Nanoro HDSS data from 2009 to 2013, we estimated the association between under-5 mortality and accessibility to inpatient and outpatient health facilities, seasonality of death, and age group.ResultsLiving in homes 40-60 minutes and >60 minutes travel time from an inpatient facility was associated with 1.52 (95% CI: 1.13-2.06) and 1.74 (1.27-2.40) greater hazard of under-5 mortality, respectively, than living in homes <20 minutes from an inpatient facility. No such association was found for outpatient facilities. Seasonality of death was significantly associated with under-5 mortality, and the wet season (July-November) was associated with 1.28 (1.07, 1.53) higher under-5 mortality than the dry season (December-June), likely reflecting the malaria season.ConclusionsOur results emphasize the importance of geographical accessibility to health care, and also distinguish between inpatient and outpatient facilities.
Cycling in degradation of organic polymers and uptake of nutrients by a litter-degrading fungus
Authors: Vos Aurin M. , Bleichrodt Robert-Jan , Herman Koen C. , Ohm Robin A. , Scholtmeijer Karin , Schmitt Heike , Lugones Luis G. , Wösten Han A. B. 
Published: July 2020

SummaryWood and litter degrading fungi are the main decomposers of lignocellulose and thus play a key role in carbon cycling in nature. Here we provide evidence for a novel lignocellulose degradation strategy employed by the litter degrading fungusAgaricus bisporus(known as the white button mushroom). Fusion of hyphae allows this fungus to synchronize the activity of its mycelium over large distances (50 cm). The synchronized activity has an 13-hour interval that increases to 20 h before becoming irregular and is associated with a 3.5-fold increase in respiration while compost temperature increases up to 2 °C. Transcriptomic analysis of this burst-like phenomenon supports a cyclic degradation of lignin, deconstruction of (hemi-) cellulose and microbial cell wall polymers, and uptake of degradation products during vegetative growth ofA. bisporus. Cycling in expression of the ligninolytic system, enzymes involved in saccharification, and nutrient uptake is proposed to provide an efficient way for degradation of substrates such as litter.
How old are dragonflies and damselflies? Odonata (Insecta) transcriptomics resolve familial relationships
Authors: Kohli Manpreet , Letsch Harald , Greve Carola , Béthoux Olivier , Deregnaucourt Isabelle , Liu Shanlin , Zhou Xin , Donath Alexander , Mayer Christoph , Podsiadlowski Lars , Machida Ryuichiro , Niehuis Oliver , Rust Jes , Wappler Torsten , Yu Xin , Misof Bernhard , Ware Jessica 
Published: July 2020

SummaryDragonflies and damselflies, representing the insect order Odonata, are among the earliest flying insects with living (extant) representatives. However, unravelling details of their long evolutionary history, such as egg laying (oviposition) strategies, is impeded by unresolved phylogenetic relationships, an issue particularly prevalent in damselfly families and fossil lineages. Here we present the first transcriptome-based phylogenetic reconstruction of Odonata, analyzing 2,980 protein-coding genes in 105 species representing nearly all of the order’s families (except Austropetaliidae and Neopetaliidae). All damselfly families and most dragonfly families are recovered as monophyletic groups. Our Molecular clock estimates suggest that crown-Zygoptera (damselflies) and -Anisoptera (dragonflies) both arose during the late Triassic. Several of the observed long inner branches in our topology are indicative of the extinction of once flourishing lineages. We also find that exophytic egg laying behaviour with a reduced ovipositor evolved in certain dragonflies during the late Jurassic / early Cretaceous. Lastly, we find that certain fossils have an unexpected deterring impact in divergence dating analysis.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Rates of Children in Louisiana During the State Stay at Home Order
Authors: Dietrich Monika L. , Norton Elizabeth B. , Elliott Debra , Smira Ashley R. , Rouelle Julie A. , Bond Nell G. , Aime-Marcelin Kéren , Prystowsky Alisha , Kemnitz Rebecca , Sarma Arunava , Himmelfarb Sarah Talia , Sharma Neha , Stone Addison E. , Craver Randall , Lindrose Alyssa R. , Smitley Leslie A. , Uddo Robert B. , Myers Leann , Drury Stacy S. , Schieffelin John S. , Robinson James E. , Zwezdaryk Kevin J. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDChildren (≤18 years) account for ∼20% of the US population but currently represent <2% of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Because infected children often have few or no symptoms and may not be tested, the extent of infection in children is poorly understood.METHODSDuring the March 18th-May 15th2020 Louisiana Stay At Home Order, 1690 blood samples from 812 individuals from a Children’s Hospital were tested for antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein. Demographics, COVID-19 testing, and clinical presentation abstracted from medical records were compared with local COVID-19 cases.RESULTSIn total, 62 subjects (7.6%) were found to be seropositive. The median age was 11 years with 50.4% female. The presenting complaint of seropositive patients was chronic illness (43.5%). Only 18.2% had a previous positive COVID-19 PCR or antibody test. Seropositivity was significantly associated with parish (counties), race, and residence in a low-income area. Importantly, seropositivity was linearly correlated with cumulative COVID-19 case number for all ages by parish.CONCLUSIONIn a large retrospective study, the seropositivity prevalence for SARS-CoV-2 in children in Louisiana during the mandated Stay At Home Order was 7.6%. Residence location, race, and lower socioeconomic factors were linked to more frequent seropositivity in children and correlated to regional COVID-19 case rates. Thus, a significant number of children in Louisiana had SARS-CoV-2 infections that went undetected and unreported and may have contributed to virus transmission.
Novel SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody and neutralization assays reveal wide range of humoral immune response during COVID-19
Authors: Dogan Mikail , Kozhaya Lina , Placek Lindsey , Gunter Courtney L. , Yigit Mesut , Hardy Rachel , Plassmeyer Matt , Coatney Paige , Lillard Kimberleigh , Bukhari Zaheer , Kleinberg Michael , Hayes Chelsea , Arditi Moshe , Klappper Ellen , Merin Noah , Liang Bruce T , Gupta Raavi , Alpan Oral , Unutmaz Derya 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDevelopment of antibody protection during SARS-CoV-2 (CoV-2) infection is a pressing question for public health and for vaccine development. We developed highly sensitive CoV-2-specific antibody and neutralization assays. CoV-2 Spike protein or Nucleocapsid protein specific IgG antibodies at titers more than 1:100,000 were detectable in all PCR+ subjects (n=87) and were absent in the negative controls. Other isotype antibodies (IgA, IgG1-4) were also detected. CoV-2 neutralization was determined in COVID-19 and convalescent plasma up to 10,000-fold dilution, using Spike protein pseudotyped lentiviruses, which was also blocked by neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). Hospitalized patients had up to 3000-fold higher antibody and neutralization titers compared to outpatients or convalescent plasma donors. Further, subjects who donated plasma further out from the diagnosis of COVID-19 appeared to have lower titers. Interestingly, some COVID-19 patients also contained NAbs against SARS Spike protein pseudovirus. Together these results demonstrate the high specificity and sensitivity of our assays, which may impact understanding the quality or duration of the antibody response during COVID-19 and in determining the effectiveness of potential vaccines.
Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 Emergence Amidst Community-Acquired Respiratory Viruses
Authors: Leuzinger Karoline , Roloff Tim , Gosert Rainer , Sogaard Kirstin , Naegele Klaudia , Rentsch Katharina , Bingisser Roland , Nickel Christian H. , Pargger Hans , Bassetti Stefano , Bielicki Julia , Khanna Nina , Sutter Sarah Tschudin , Widmer Andreas , Hinic Vladimira , Battegay Manuel , Egli Adrian , Hirsch Hans H. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundSARS-CoV-2 emerged in China in December 2019 as new cause of severe viral pneumonia (CoVID-19) reaching Europe by late January 2020. We validated the WHO-recommended assay and describe the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and community-acquired respiratory viruses (CARVs).MethodsNaso-oropharyngeal swabs (NOPS) from 7663 individuals were prospectively tested by the Basel-S-gene and the WHO-based E-gene-assay (Roche) using Basel-N-gene-assay for confirmation. CARVs were tested in 2394 NOPS by multiplex-NAT, including 1816 together with SARS-CoV-2.ResultsBasel-S-gene and Roche-E-gene-assays were concordant in 7475 cases (97.5%) including 825 (11%) positive samples. In 188 (2.5%) discordant cases, SARS-CoV-2 loads were significantly lower than in concordant positive ones and confirmed in 105 NOPS. Adults were more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2, while children were more likely to test CARV-positive. CARV co-infections with SARS-CoV-2 occurred in 1.8%. SARS-CoV-2 replaced other CARVs within 3 weeks reaching 48% of all detected respiratory viruses followed by rhino/enterovirus (13%), influenzavirus (12%), coronavirus (9%), respiratory syncytial (6%) and metapneumovirus (6%).ConclusionsThe differential diagnosis for respiratory infections was broad during the early pandemic, affecting infection control and treatment decisions. We discuss the role of pre-existing immunity and competitive CARV replication for the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection among adults and children.
Brief self-efficacy interventions to increase healthy dietary behaviours: evidence from two randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bouwman Emily P. , Onwezen Marleen C. , Taufik Danny , de Buisonjé David , Ronteltap Amber 
Published: July 2020

PurposeSelf-efficacy has often been found to play a significant role in healthy dietary behaviours. However, self-efficacy interventions most often consist of intensive interventions. The authors aim to provide more insight into the effect of brief self-efficacy interventions on healthy dietary behaviours.Design/methodology/approachIn the present article, two randomized controlled trials are described. In study 1, a brief self-efficacy intervention with multiple self-efficacy techniques integrated on a flyer is tested, and in study 2, an online brief self-efficacy intervention with a single self-efficacy technique is tested.FindingsThe results show that a brief self-efficacy intervention can directly increase vegetable intake and indirectly improve compliance to a diet plan to eat healthier.Originality/valueThese findings suggest that self-efficacy interventions do not always have to be intensive to change dietary behaviours and that brief self-efficacy interventions can also lead to more healthy dietary behaviours.