bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and abundance of selected genes conferring macrolide resistance genes in COPD patients during maintenance treatment with azithromycin
Authors: Talman Sander , Djamin Remco S. , Schrauwen Eefje J.A. , von Wintersdorff Christian J.H. , Wolffs Petra F. , Savelkoul Paul H.M. , Uzun Sevim , Kerstens René , Eerden Menno M. van der , Kluytmans Jan A.J.W. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
ObjectivesMaintenance treatment with macrolide antibiotics has shown to be effective in reducing exacerbations in COPD patients. A major concern with prolonged treatment with antibiotics is the development of bacterial resistance. In this study we determined the effect of azithromycin on the development and acquisition of resistance to macrolides in the nasopharyngeal flora in COPD patients.MethodsThis study was part of the COLUMBUS trial, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to measure the effect of maintenance treatment with azithromycin in 92 COPD patients on the exacerbation rates during a 12-month period. In order to determine resistance to macrolides, we used a targeted metagenomic approach to measure the presence and relative abundance of specific macrolide resistance genes ermB, ermF and mefA in throat samples collected at different time-points during this 12-month period.ResultsThere was no increased risk for acquisition of macrolide resistance genes in the azithromycin group compared to the placebo group in COPD patients. However, loss of the macrolide resistance gene ermB was increased overtime in the placebo treated group compared to the azithromycin group (n = 5 for the placebo group versus n = 0 for the azithromycin group at 12 months; p = 0.012). The change in relative abundance of the three macrolide-resistance genes showed that all but one (ermF) increased during treatment with azithromycin.ConclusionsThe acquisition rate of macrolide resistance genes in COPD patients treated with azithromycin maintenance therapy was limited, but the relative abundance of macrolide resistance genes increased significantly over time compared to placebo.This study was part of the COLUMBUS trial (Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00985244),
Risk factors associated with renal crescentic formation in pediatric Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: SONG Yongrui , GUO Wanliang , SHENG Mao , LIN Qiang , ZHU Xueming , LI Xiao-Zhong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The long-term prognosis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) depends on the severity of renal involvement, crescentic formation is considered to be an important risk factor for poor prognosis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN). The objective of this study was to evaluate factors affecting crescent formation in children with HSPN.
Methods
Demographic factors, clinical characteristics, and laboratory data of children with HSPN with or without crescents were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors of crescent formation in HSPN.
Results
A total of 191 children with HSPN were enrolled in the study. There were 107 (56%) males and 84 (44%) females, with a median age of 7 years (range: 2 years–15 years). International Study of Kidney Disease in Children (ISKDC) grading was used to divide subjects into two groups: those without glomerular crescent formation (ISKDC grades I–II, n = 146 cases) and those with glomerular crescentic formation (ISKDC grades III–V, n = 45 cases). Logistic regression analysis showed that higher urinary white blood cell (WBC) count (OR = 3.300; 95% CI, 1.119–9.739; P = 0.0306) and higher urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) (OR = 25.053; 95% CI, 1.354–463.708; P = 0.0305) were independent risk factors for the formation of crescents in HSPN. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of urinary WBC and ACR were 0.753 and 0.698 respectively, with the Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (P = 0.0669, P > 0.05).
Conclusion
These results suggest that higher urinary WBC count and ACR should be strictly monitored for children with HSPN. Adequate clinical intervention for these risk factors may limit or prevent renal crescent formation.
The Role of Fever Clinic During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of 1034 Febrile Patients
Authors: Tang Li , He Yanxia , Bai Fangjing , Luo Bin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Since winter of 2019, when coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) emerged in China and rapidly spread throughout the entire world, many fever clinics were rearranged and enlarged to triage febrile patients in China.Methods This study included fever clinic visits of Sichuan Provincial Peoples’ Hospital to summarize the characteristics of these febrile patients retrospectively.Results From 24th January to 31th March, 1034 fever clinic visits with 530 male and 504 female, were triaged, treated and recorded. About 64.9% of them were checked with body temperature higher than 37.3℃. Cough (25.0%) and sore throat (19.2%) were the most common symptoms in addition to fever. Chest CT scan was ordered for 900 patients, and 172 cases (16.6%) were found ground grass opacity, 134 (13.0%) found local patchy shadowing, and 26 (2.5%) found bilateral patchy shadowing. At last 851 patients (82.3%) were excluded for COVID-19 or other severe diseases. Eighty patients (7.7%) were admitted to hospitalization for other conditions. One hundred and three (9.9%) patients were suspected or confirmed of COVID-19 at fever clinic, and then admitted to isolation ward.Conclusions The result of this study again verified the extraordinary role of fever clinics in pandemics. When confronted with a mass of unknown febrile patients, a well organized fever clinic may avoid the frustration of all medical staffs.
Antifungal Effect of Thymus Vulgaris Essential Oil and Chlorhexidine on Candida Albicans Colonies Accumulated on Removable Orthodontic Appliances: A Double- blinded Clinical Trial.
Authors: khandani Arefe Kalantari , Baherimoghadam Tahereh , Naseri Navid , khandani Azade Kalantari , Nouripour-Sisakht Sadegh , Safaeian Roja 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives: To assess the efficacy of Thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris) essential oil to decrease the count of Candida albicans (C. albicans) accumulated on removal orthodontic appliances.Methods: In this 2 arm parallel controlled clinical trial, Forty-four patients whose removable orthodontic appliances contaminated with C. albicans were randomly divided into two groups for use of T. vulgaris essential oil and 0.2% Chlorhexidine (CHX) by electronic random sampling. The C. albicans colony count was measured at baseline (T0) and at 2 (T1) and 5 (T2) days after the intervention. Microbial samples were collected by a sterile swab from 3 spots on the internal surface of orthodontic appliances. The Friedman test was used for within-group comparisons while the Mann Whitney test was applied to compare the efficacy of T. vulgaris essential oil and CHX.Results: No significant difference was noted in the efficacy of 2% T. vulgaris essential oil and 0.2% CHX in decreasing the C. albicans colony count on removable orthodontic appliances.Conclusion: T. vulgaris essential oil has favorable antimicrobial activity against C. albicans.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anemia Among Adolescent Girls and Boys at 10-14 Years in Rural Western China
Authors: Zhu Zhonghai , Sudfeld Christopher R. , Cheng Yue , Qi Qi , Li Shaoru , Elhoumed Mohamed , Yang Wenfang , Chang Suying , Dibley Michael J , Zeng Lingxia , Fawzi Wafaie W. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background:Evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among young adolescentgirls and boys in rural western Chinais limited.Methods: We used data from a follow-up study of adolescents (10-14 years) born to women who participated in a randomized trial of antenatal micronutrient supplementation in western China. Anemia was defined by World Health Organization standards. Logistic regression was used to examine the riskfactors for anemia.Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 11.7% (178/1517). Female adolescents were 1.73 (95% CI 1.21, 2.48) times more likely to have anemia as compared to males. Adolescents whose mothers had completed high school were 65% (95%CI 7%, 87%) less likely to be anemic, compared with those of whom had <3 years. Household wealth was also inversely associated with anemia. The association of puberty status with anemia was modified by adolescent sex (p-value for interaction was 0.04): males with greater than mild puberty development had 65% (95% CI 17%, 85%) reduced odds of anemia while there was no association among females (OR:0.72, 95% CI 0.29, 1.78). Consumption of flesh foods, eggs,and having a meal frequency of three times or more per day wereassociated with 42% (95% CI 11%, 62%), 40% (95% CI 7%, 62%) and 32% (95% CI 4%, 52%) reduced odds of anemia, respectively.Conclusions: Anemia is a public health problem among adolescents in rural western China. Nutritional and social determinants were identified as predictors, warranting interventions to reduce the risk of anemia among this critical age group.
Acute Generalized Peritonitis in a Peripheral Hospital Centre in Benin: Can It Be Managed by a Local General Practitioner?
Authors: TOBOME Semevo Romaric , HODONOU Adrien Montcho , WAHIDE Anifa , BOUKARI Kadiri Alassan , KPONOU Moïse , BANKOLE’ Christelle Hermione Elvire , CARONNA Roberto 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute generalized peritonitis is a highly lethal and unfortunately common disease in developing countries. Moreover, lack of specialists and their concentration in main towns, expose the patients to a high but avoidable risk of complications or death. We report the experience of a peripheral hospital in Benin not equipped with specialized surgeons.Methods: This is a descriptive study including patients operated for acute generalized peritonitis from March 1st 2018 to November 30th 2019 at the Atacora Departmental Hospital Centre, Benin. This hospital lacks a CT scan and an intensive care unit. Most of the surgical activity is performed by a General Practitioner with previous surgical training (but no surgical specialization). For the purpose of the study, we evaluated the following patients’ data: age, gender, cause of peritonitis, surgical procedures, postoperative outcome and hospital stay. Results: A total of 63 patients were selected, with a mean age of 23.2 yrs and a sex ratio of 1.5. The mean operative delay was 26 hours (range 6 - 92 hours). An ileal “typhic” perforation was found in 40 patients (63.5%) and 35 of them (87.5%) could benefit of primary repair without bowel resection. 73% of surgical procedures were performed by the general practitioner. Morbidity was 34.9%, mainly represented by surgical site infections. The overall mortality was 14.3%. The average postoperative hospital stay was 12 days (range 11 - 82 days). Patients operated by the General Practitioner were in line with the overall results (morbidity 32.6%, mortality 13.0% and average postoperative hospital stay 11 days, range 1 - 58 days). Conclusion: Acute generalized peritonitis requires urgent management and can be effectively carried out, in a limited resources context, by a general practitioner with surgical skills. The respect of hygiene rules, the availability of qualified human and structural resources as well as the effectiveness of the care costs coverage by the Government are essential to reduce the peritonitis burden in Benin.
Predictors of postoperative complication and prolonged intensive care unit stay after complete pericardiectomy in tuberculous constrictive pericarditis
Authors: Fang Likui , Yu Guocan , Huang Jinpeng , Zhao Wuchen , Ye Bo 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The risk factors of postoperative outcomes after pericardiectomy in tuberculous constrictive pericarditis have still been unclear. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of postoperative complication and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay in the patients with tuberculous constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy.
Methods
A total of 88 patients with tuberculous constrictive pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy were retrospectively enrolled. Logistic regression and Cox regression analysis were performed to identify the predictors of postoperative complication and prolonged ICU stay, respectively.
Results
All patients underwent complete pericardiectomy and 35 (39.8%) had postoperative complications with no mortality within 30 days after surgery. Postoperative complication delayed postoperative ICU stay (P < 0.001), duration of chest drainage (P < 0.001) and postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.001). Preoperative NYHA functional class (P = 0.004, OR 4.051, 95%CI 1.558–10.533) and preoperative central venous pressure (CVP) (P = 0.031, OR 1.151, 95%CI 1.013–1.309) were independent risk factors of postoperative complication. Postoperative complication (P < 0.001, HR 4.132, 95%CI 2.217–7.692) was the independent risk factor for prolonged ICU stay.
Conclusion
Complete pericardiectomy was associated with high risk of postoperative complication in tuberculous constrictive pericarditis. Poor preoperative NYHA functional class and high preoperative CVP were shown to predict postoperative complication which was the predictor of prolonged ICU stay.
Good response to methotrexate is associated with a decrease in the gene expression of the drug transporter ABCG2 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Muto Satoshi , Minamitani Nana , Ogura Takehisa , Nakajima Arata , Nakagawa Koichi , Masaka Toru , Hiura Sumiko , Kobayashi Hideki , Kato Hiroyoshi , Kameda Hideto 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Methotrexate (MTX) is an anchor drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We previously performed a cross-sectional, observational study and reported an association between the gene expression level of the drug transporter ABCG2/BCRP (breast cancer resistance protein) and RA disease control in patients receiving MTX. Methods We designed a prospective study in two medical centers in Japan to confirm the association of ABCG2 gene expression level with the clinical response to MTX in MTX-naive patients with RA. The primary endpoint of this study was good response based on the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria by Disease Activity Score using 28-joint count (DAS28). We evaluated the association between the baseline expression of six genes involved in the intracellular pharmacokinetics of MTX, including ABCG2, as well as their temporal changes, and the clinical response at week 12 from the initiation of MTX. Results Based on the clinical response at 12 weeks after the initiation of MTX, a total of 24 patients were classified into the good responders (n = 9) and non-good responders (n = 15; 10 moderate responders and 5 non-responders) groups. A univariate logistic regression analysis of baseline gene expression levels for the prediction of the EULAR good response at week 12 showed a significant association with ABCG2 alone, and the rate of baseline expression of ABCG2 mRNA above the cut-off value determined by a receiver operating characteristic curve was higher in good responders than in non-good responders (p = 0.012). Moreover, ABCG2 expression decreased in almost all good responders, but not in non-good responders, after MTX treatment for 12 weeks (median -76% versus +41% from baseline, respectively; p = 0.011). The ABCG2 gene expression level did not correlate with DAS28 at baseline or at week 12, and neither did the rate of change in ABCG2 gene expression level. Conclusions We have confirmed the association between the gene expression level of the drug transporter ABCG2 and the clinical response to MTX in patients with RA.
Unusual lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum and coronavirus infectious disease-19
Authors: Agarwal Nivedita , Martini Rosella , Pedrotti Giovanni , Sala Sabino Walter Della 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Coronavirus infectious diseases (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease that has taken a strong grip on the entire global community. The diagnosis per se is straightforward; however, the disease seems to affect multiple organs. Cytokine-storm, increased thromboembolic state, deranged overall homeostasis and aggressive medical treatment can cause a variety of lesions in the central nervous system. Interpretation of brain imaging findings will require a thorough understanding of the clinical status of the patient and treatment being offered, keeping in mind the several ways in which the viral pathogen, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) may interact with brain tissue. We present differential diagnosis of a magnetic resonance imaging identified solitary lesion in the splenium of the corpus callosum, in a COVID-19 positive patient with altered mental status.
Self-reported loss of smell and taste in SARS-CoV-2 patients: primary care data to guide future early detection strategies
Authors: Tudrej Benoit , Sebo Paul , Lourdaux Julie , Cuzin Clara , Floquet Martin , Haller Dagmar M , Maisonneuve Hubert 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The early identification of new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in primary care is of outmost importance in the current pandemia. We conducted a preliminary study involving 816 primary care patients undergoing RT-PCR testing for a suspicion of COVID-19. We examined the association between smell or taste disorders and a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, and computed the performance of these symptoms in predicting a positive test. Smell or taste disorders were significantly associated with positive RT-PCR with an adjusted OR=6.3 (95%CI 5.2-7.5). Once confinement measures are lifted, our data could further inform triage and early identification of new clusters of cases through primary care.
Model Based Approach for Estimating the Dosage Regimen of Indomethacin a Potential Antiviral Treatment of Patients Infected with SARS CoV-2
Authors: Gomeni Roberto , Xu Tianhong , Gao Xuejuan , Bressolle-Gomeni Françoise 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
To face SARS-CoV-2 pandemic various attempts are made to identify potential effective treatments by repurposing available drugs. Among them, indomethacin, an anti-inflammatory drug, was shown to have potent in-vitro antiviral properties on human SARS-CoV-1, canine CCoV, and more recently on human SARS-CoV-2 at low micromolar range. Our objective was to show that indomethacin could be considered as a promising candidate for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and to provide criteria for comparing benefits of alternative dosage regimens using a model-based approach.A multi-stage model-based approach was developed to characterize % of recovery and viral load in CCoV-infected dogs, to estimate the PK of indomethacin in dog and human using published data after administration of immediate (IR) and sustained-release (SR) formulations, and to estimate the expected antiviral activity as a function of different assumptions on the effective exposure in human. Different dosage regimens were evaluated for IR formulation (25 mg and 50 mg three-times-a-day, and 25 mg four-times-a-day), and SR formulation (75 mg once and twice-a-day). The best performing dosing regimens were: 50 mg three-times-a-day for the IR formulation, and 75 mg twice-a-day for the SR formulation. The treatment with the SR formulation at the dose of 75 mg twice-a-day is expected to achieve a complete response in three days for the treatment in patients infected by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. These results suggest that indomethacin could be considered as a promising candidate for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 whose potential therapeutic effect needs to be further assessed in a prospective clinical trial.
Knowledge and perception of COVID-19 pandemic: Before-and-after online community survey.
Authors: Nazar Wojciech , Leszkowicz Julia , Pieńkowska Agata , Brzeziński Michał , Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz Agnieszka , Plata-Nazar Katarzyna 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background COVID-19 pandemic impacts many communities worldwide. In this study the Poles' knowledge about COVID-19 as well as people’s behaviours, attitudes and fears during the pandemic were assessed. Changes in these between the outset of the pandemic and the imposition of the strictest lockdown measures in Poland were investigated.Methods Physicians, nurses, students of medicine-oriented faculties, non-medical professionals, students of non-medicine-oriented faculties and secondary school students were surveyed by an anonymous online questionnaire two times: at the onset of the pandemic and in the second week of the strictest lockdown. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests - Chi square Persons, Kruskal-Wallis tests.Results In total 2618 responses were collected. At the beginning people knew that the respiratory system was attacked (97.9%); correctly identified the major symptoms of COVID-19 (95.0%) and ways to prevent infection: hand washing (99.8%), covering mouth (85.9%) and the need to call sanitary-epidemiological services if one experienced COVID-19-like symptoms (92.1%). The biggest changes between the first and second phase of the study concerned behaviours: more people wearing facial masks (+37.5%) and staying at home (+66.1%). Respondents in the second wave of the survey were also more scared of the pandemic (+19.6%), economic crisis (+64.1%), and worried about their families (+26.5%). However, they were less afraid of the quarantine (lockdown) (-18.2%). Nurses and physicians were the most worried groups.Conclusions The study showed that even at the outset of the pandemic Polish population had a good initial knowledge about symptoms, transmission, and preventive behaviours regarding COVID-19. People revealed more short-term concerns, such as the worries about coping with quarantine and isolation. After a month, the knowledge and the concerns among the respondents changed. A shift towards long-term pandemic management issues was observed. Respondents reported to experience more fears concerning the pandemic in general, as well as economic and healthcare crises. Medical professionals reported higher level of fear of the pandemic than other groups included in this study. This study uses before-and-after approach which highlights the changes in people’s knowledge and perception of the COVID-19 pandemic during the pandemic’s progression.
The Effects of Storage on Platelet Proteome Assessed by Protein Expression Changes and Lysine Modification Changes Using Tmt Isobaric Labeling
Authors: Wang Li , Yan Kexiang , Fan Zhijia , Yang Jie , Liang Wei , Wu Qiang , Xie Rufeng , Ishii Momoko , Lu Yuan , Wang Zhicheng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose:To provide the first insight into the proteomic dynamics during platelet storage.Experiment design: In this study, based on TMT-labeled LC-MS/MS analysis, combined with antibody-affinity enrichment and purification for acetylated and succinylated peptides, we performed quantification of global proteomics, acetylome and succinylome.Simultaneously, dynamic molecular changes and functional transformation of platelet were also characterized under proper conditions stored for 1, 3, 5, 7 days, respectively.Results:3,100 proteins are quantified from a total of 3,609 proteins identified from platelets. Out of 1,308 acetylated sites identified in 648 proteins, 790 sites in 396 proteinsare quantifiable. There are 1,947 succinylated sites in 959 proteins in which 1,279 sites in 661 proteins are quantifiable.We screened the differential expression changes of global proteins, acetyl- and succinyl- proteins, and systematically interpreted their molecular functions, biological processes, cellular components, pathways and motif characters to fully investigate the molecular dynamics and biological functions of platelets. Conclusions and clinical relevance:This paper is the first systematic exploration of proteomes and modified proteomes of platelet dynamics during storage in the aim to improve our understanding of platelet biology, which may be a valuable reference for further research and clinical application.