bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of domperidone supplementation on short‐term changes in C‐reactive protein and paraoxonase‐1 in dogs with leishmaniasis undergoing meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol therapy
Authors: Paltrinieri Saverio , Ibba Fabrizio , Barbè Federico , Rossi Gabriele 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundC‐reactive protein (CRP) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) might increase and decrease in canine leishmaniasis (CanL), , and both can rapidly normalize after therapy. Recently, supplementation of domperidone with conventional therapy , increasing the activity of cells involved in acute phase responses in vitro. This combined therapy has been recommended to treat mild forms of CanL; however, no studies have investigated the effects of domperidone supplementation on early CRP or PON1 changes in dogs with CanL.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether domperidone, added to conventional treatments, modifies CRP concentration and PON1 activity kinetics in CanL dogs responsive to conventional therapy.MethodsSerum CRP concentrations and PON1 activities were measured in dogs with mild CanL before (t‐0) and 3 (t‐1), 7 (t‐2), 14 (t‐3), and 21 (t‐4) days after treatment with N‐methylglucamine antimoniate and allopurinol alone (n = 18) or combined with domperidone (n = 18).ResultsC‐reactive protein concentrations increased at t‐1 in the domperidone group, especially when the CRP concentration at t‐0 was normal. However, the concentrations normalized at t‐4 in 18/18 dogs compared with 14/18 dogs not receiving domperidone. The median PON1 activity decreased at t‐1 in the domperidone group, and this decrease was more significant in dogs with normal PON1 activity at t‐0.ConclusionsBased on these results, transient increases in CRP concentrations or decreases in PON1 activities after domperidone administration should not be erroneously interpreted as signs of a worsening disease process.
Establishment of transfusion‐relevant bacteria reference strains for red blood cells
Authors: Prax Marcel , Spindler‐Raffel Eva , McDonald Carl Peter , Bearne Jennifer , Satake Masahiro , Kozakai Moe , Rojo Julieta , Hanschmann Kay‐Martin O. , Lambrecht Bernd , Grundmann Udo , O’Flaherty Niamh , Klimek Agata , Bekeredjian‐Ding Isabelle , Gathof Birgit S. , Störmer Melanie , Süßner Susanne , Renke Claudia , Lee Cheuk‐kwong , Knabbe Cornelius , Vollmer Tanja , Keil Shawn D. , Shipps Marley E. , Wagner Stephen J. , Jentsch Ute , Mpumlwana Xoliswa , Cloutier Marc , Bringmann Peter , Lu Thea , Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra , Kou Yuntong. , Krut Oleg ,   ISBT Transfusion‐Transmitted Infectious Diseases Working Party, Subgroup on Bacteria
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and objectivesRed blood cell concentrates (RBCC) are susceptible to bacterial contamination despite cold storage. A reliable evaluation of strategies to minimize the risk of RBCC‐associated bacterial transmission requires the use of suitable reference bacteria. Already existing Transfusion‐Relevant Bacteria Reference Strains (TRBRS) for platelet concentrates fail to grow in RBCC. Consequently, the ISBT TTID, Working Party, Bacterial Subgroup, conducted an international study on TRBRS for RBCC.Materials and methodsSix bacterial strains (Listeria monocytogenes PEI‐A‐199, Serratia liquefaciens PEI‐A‐184, Serratia marcescens PEI‐B‐P‐56, Pseudomonas fluorescens PEI‐B‐P‐77, Yersinia enterocolitica PEI‐A‐105, Yersinia enterocolitica PEI‐A‐176) were distributed to 15 laboratories worldwide for enumeration, identification, and determination of growth kinetics in RBCC at days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 of storage after low‐count spiking (10–25 CFU/RBCC).ResultsBacterial proliferation in RBCC was obtained for most strains, except for S. marcescens, which grew only at 4 of 15 laboratories. S. liquefaciens, S. marcescens, P. fluorescens and the two Y. enterocolitica strains reached the stationary phase between days 14 and 21 of RBCC storage with a bacterial concentration of approximately 109 CFU/ml. L. monocytogenes displayed slower growth kinetics reaching 106–107 CFU/ml after 42 days.ConclusionThe results illustrate the importance of conducting comprehensive studies to establish well‐characterized reference strains, which can be a tool to assess strategies and methods used to ameliorate blood safety. The WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization adopted the five successful strains as official RBCC reference strains. Our study also highlights the relevance of visual inspection to interdict contaminated RBC units.
A New Modified Class of SEPIC Converter Processors with PV and A/C Integrated Circuit Systems
Authors: Emar Walid 
Published: December 2020

Instead of boost/buck conversion processor, power supplies single-phase SEPIC conversion processor becomes widely used in computer motherboards and other integrated circuits as well as in photovoltaic solar cell systems. However, multiplier and multiphase interleaved conversion processors become preferred due to their identical advantages over traditional single-phase SEPIC from the possibility of current stress or ripple reduction in active or passive elements perspectives. This paper presents a new class of a double-phase SEPIC conversion processor that has a modified structure in order to maximize the dynamic performance of the previously mentioned topologies of SEPIC. An analytical comparative study was conducted for the multiplier and modified double-phase interleaved SEPIC processor with magnetically uncoupled inductive reactors to show the benefits of this new class of the double-phase connection of SEPIC when compared with the traditional and the multiplier connection. The proposed topologies of multiplier and modified SEPIC are simulated using the Simulink MATLAB, Excel and Simplorer 7. The experimental results and analysis have shown the improved characteristics of the proposed new class of the double-phase SEPIC, low harmonic distortion, sacredness to component tolerance, relief in overall current fluctuation reduction complexity, high power efficiency and a very high voltage gain.
Factors Affecting the Range of Motion of the Elbow after Open Reduction of Olecranon Fractures
Authors: Fujihara Yuki , Ota Hideyuki , Watanabe Kentaro 
Published: December 2020

Background: Although postoperative outcomes of olecranon fractures are relatively favorable, postoperative stiffness of the elbow joint occurs occasionally. We aimed to identify negative prognostic factors for unfavorable outcomes following olecranon fractures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 100 patients with olecranon fractures and collected data on the conducted procedures, age, fracture condition, postoperative reduced position, and postoperative active range of motion (AROM) of the elbow joint. The primary outcome was the regaining of an AROM of > 130° flexion and < −30° extension of the elbow joint at the final follow-up. We performed multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the negative prognostic factors. Results: The mean follow-up period was 11 months. All patients regained an average AROM of 121 degrees. Eighty-one patients regained a favorable AROM of the elbow joint. On univariate logistic regression analysis, diabetes mellitus (OR, 8.2; 95%CI, 1.6–41.7), comminution of the fractured site (OR, 23.1; 95% CI, 13.2–165.0), and utilization of the tension band wiring (TBW) technique (OR, 7.5; 95% CI, 1.16–48.2) were significant factors in aggravating the final result of elbow AROM. On multivariate analysis, patients with diabetes mellitus (OR, 10.9; 95% CI, 2.83–41.9), comminuted fractures (OR, 11.4; 95% CI, 2.61–50.2), or undergoing the tension band wiring technique (TBW) (OR, 5.5; 95% CI, 1.35–50.2) showed reduced postoperative AROM of the elbow joint; postoperative malreduction of the articular surface was not a negative prognostic factor. Seven of 51 patients treated with TBW underwent revision surgery because of non-union or postoperative displacement. Conclusions: TBW for olecranon fractures is a simple and cost-effective procedure; however, negative effects could develop when regaining sufficient postoperative AROM of the elbow joint. Therefore, rigid fixation without reoperation may lead to a favorable outcome. Postoperative malreduction does not always worsen the postoperative AROM of the elbow joint, at least not in the early postoperative period.
Faecal immunochemical testing in bowel cancer screening: Estimating outcomes for different diagnostic policies
Authors: Li Shuping J , Sharples Linda D , Benton Sally C , Blyuss Oleg , Mathews Christopher , Sasieni Peter , Duffy Stephen W 
Published: December 2020

Objectives The National Health Service Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NHS BCSP) in England has replaced guaiac faecal occult blood testing by faecal immunochemical testing (FIT). There is interest in fully exploiting FIT measures to improve bowel cancer (CRC) screening strategies. In this paper, we estimate the relationship of the quantitative haemoglobin concentration provided by FIT in faecal samples with underlying pathology. From this we estimate thresholds required for given levels of sensitivity to CRC and high-risk adenomas (HRA). Methods Data were collected from a pilot study of FIT in England in 2014, in which 27,238 participants completed a FIT. Those with a faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) of at least 20 µg/g were referred for further investigation, usually colonoscopy. Truncated regression models were used to explore the relationship between bowel pathology and FIT results. Regression results were applied to estimate sensitivity to different abnormalities for a number of thresholds. Results Participants with CRC and HRA had significantly higher f-Hb, and this remained unchanged after adjusting for age and sex. While a threshold of 20 μg/g was estimated to capture 82.2% of CRC and 64.0% of HRA, this would refer 7.8% of participants for colonoscopy. The current programme threshold used in England of 120 μg/g was estimated to identify 47.8% of CRC and 25.0% of HRA. Conclusions Under the current diagnostic policy of dichotomising FIT results, a very low threshold would be required to achieve high sensitivity to CRC and HRA, which would place further strain on colonoscopy resources. The NHS BCSP in England might benefit from a diagnostic policy that makes greater use of the quantitative nature of FIT.
Vaccine-hesitant parents' reasons for choosing alternative protection methods in Turkey
Authors: Sumengen Aylin Akca , Ozcevik Damla , Kursun Hulya Yaren , Ocakci Ayse Ferda 
Published: December 2020

Background Parents use alternative protective methods instead of having their children vaccinated because of their various concerns. Aims The aim of this study is to examine the processes by which the parents preferred alternative methods rather than the vaccines to strengthen their child's immune system. Methods Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 parents who had vaccine hesitancy. The study sample consisted of parents whose children were between the ages of 0 and 18 years and who experienced vaccine hesitancy and lived in Turkey. The interviews with individuals were conducted online and aimed to be representative of the population of Turkey. Results The factors that caused parental vaccine hesitancy were various, such as vaccine contents, distrust of healthcare workers and false information about vaccines. Because of these factors, parents resorted to natural nutrition, vitamin support and some other precautions, such as avoiding takeaway food or preparing homemade food, rather than having their children vaccinated. Conclusions In recent years, it is thought that parents need education about vaccination; outbreaks may be caused by immigrant children who cannot be registered, and therefore cannot be vaccinated, in Turkey, which has received immigration at a high rate.
Family constitution to manage family firms’ agency conflicts
Authors: Rodriguez-Garcia Pablo , Menéndez-Requejo Susana 
Published: December 2020

This research examines the effectiveness of Family Constitution or Family Protocol agreements in mitigating each type of agency conflict in family firms. We performed a qualitative analysis, through a case study, and found that the succession process is the main driver for implementing this family governance mechanism. Our findings also show that a family constitution is useful in reducing three of the four agency conflicts described in the literature, specifically between family owners and managers, between family shareholders, and with the family at large. Key agreements include training and experience terms for family members to join the firm, transfer clauses of shares inter-vivos and causa mortis, and the development of family governance bodies. However, creditors are generally unaware of the protocol’s existence, hindering its potential positive effects, which has important implications for practitioners. Creditors point out its potential usefulness as a hint of orderly and structured continuity of the business. JEL CLASSIFICATION G32, G34, L21, M10
A systematic review assessing the under-representation of elderly adults in COVID-19 trials
Authors:   on behalf of ESCMID Study Group for Infections in the Elderly (ESGIE), Prendki Virginie , Tau Noam , Avni Tomer , Falcone Marco , Huttner Angela , Kaiser Laurent , Paul Mical , Leibovici-Weissmann Yaara , Yahav Dafna 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused a pandemic threatening millions of people worldwide. Yet studies specifically assessing the geriatric population are scarce. We aimed to examine the participation of elderly patients in therapeutic or prophylactic trials on COVID-19.

Methods
In this review, randomized controlled trials (RCTs; n = 12) comparing therapeutic or prophylactic interventions registered on preprint repositories and/or published since December 2019 were analyzed. We searched in PubMed, leading journals websites, and preprint repositories for RCTs and large observational studies. We aimed to describe the age of included patients, the presence of an upper age limit and of adjusted analyses on age, any exclusion criteria that could limit participation of elderly adults such as comorbidities, cognitive impairment, limitation of life expectancy; and the assessment of long-term outcomes such as the need of rehabilitation or institutionalization. Mean participant ages were reported and compared with observational studies.

Results
Twelve RCTs assessing drug therapy for COVID-19 were included. Mean age of patients included in RCTs was 56.3 years. An upper age limit was applied in three published trials (25%) and in 200/650 (31%) trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov. One trial reported a subgroup analysis in patients ≥65. Patients were excluded for liver-function abnormalities in eight trials, renal disease in six, cardiac disease or risk of torsade de pointes in five, and four for cognitive or mental criteria, which are frequent comorbidities in the oldest patients. Only three trials allowed a family member to provide consent. Patients enrolled in RCTs were on average 20 years younger than those included in large (n ≥ 1000) observational studies. Seven studies had as their primary outcome a clinical endpoint, but none reported cognitive, functional or quality of life outcomes or need for rehabilitation or long-term care facility placement.

Conclusions
Elderly patients are clearly underrepresented in RCTs, although they comprise the population hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Long-term outcomes such as the need of rehabilitation or institutionalization were not reported. Future investigations should target specifically this vulnerable population.
Effects of adherence to pharmacological secondary prevention after acute myocardial infarction on health care costs – an analysis of real-world data
Authors: Kirsch Florian , Becker Christian , Kurz Christoph , Schwettmann Lars , Schramm Anja 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a major source of morbidity and mortality, is also associated with excess costs. Findings from previous studies were divergent regarding the effect on health care expenditure of adherence to guideline-recommended medication. However, gender-specific medication effectiveness, correlating the effectiveness of concomitant medication and variation in adherence over time, has not yet been considered.

Methods
We aim to measure the effect of adherence on health care expenditures stratified by gender from a third-party payer’s perspective in a sample of statutory insured Disease Management Program participants over a follow-up period of 3-years. In 3627 AMI patients, the proportion of days covered (PDC) for four guideline-recommended medications was calculated. A generalized additive mixed model was used, taking into account inter-individual effects (mean PDC rate) and intra-individual effects (deviation from the mean PDC rate).

Results
Regarding inter-individual effects, for both sexes only anti-platelet agents had a significant negative influence indicating that higher mean PDC rates lead to higher costs. With respect to intra-individual effects, for females higher deviations from the mean PDC rate for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, anti-platelet agents, and statins were associated with higher costs. Furthermore, for males, an increasing positive deviation from the PDC mean increases costs for β-blockers and a negative deviation decreases costs. For anti-platelet agents, an increasing deviation from the PDC-mean slightly increases costs.

Conclusion
Positive and negative deviation from the mean PDC rate, independent of how high the mean was, usually negatively affect health care expenditures. Therefore, continuity in intake of guideline-recommended medication is important to save costs.
Persistent symptoms after Covid-19: qualitative study of 114 “long Covid” patients and draft quality principles for services
Authors: Ladds Emma , Rushforth Alex , Wieringa Sietse , Taylor Sharon , Rayner Clare , Husain Laiba , Greenhalgh Trisha 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Approximately 10% of patients with Covid-19 experience symptoms beyond 3–4 weeks. Patients call this “long Covid”. We sought to document such patients’ lived experience, including accessing and receiving healthcare and ideas for improving services.

Methods
We held 55 individual interviews and 8 focus groups (n = 59) with people recruited from UK-based long Covid patient support groups, social media and snowballing. We restricted some focus groups to health professionals since they had already self-organised into online communities. Participants were invited to tell their stories and comment on others’ stories. Data were audiotaped, transcribed, anonymised and coded using NVIVO. Analysis incorporated sociological theories of illness, healing, peer support, clinical relationships, access, and service redesign.

Results
Of 114 participants aged 27–73 years, 80 were female. Eighty-four were White British, 13 Asian, 8 White Other, 5 Black, and 4 mixed ethnicity. Thirty-two were doctors and 19 other health professionals. Thirty-one had attended hospital, of whom 8 had been admitted. Analysis revealed a confusing illness with many, varied and often relapsing-remitting symptoms and uncertain prognosis; a heavy sense of loss and stigma; difficulty accessing and navigating services; difficulty being taken seriously and achieving a diagnosis; disjointed and siloed care (including inability to access specialist services); variation in standards (e.g. inconsistent criteria for seeing, investigating and referring patients); variable quality of the therapeutic relationship (some participants felt well supported while others felt “fobbed off”); and possible critical events (e.g. deterioration after being unable to access services). Emotionally significant aspects of participants’ experiences informed ideas for improving services.

Conclusion
Suggested quality principles for a long Covid service include ensuring access to care, reducing burden of illness, taking clinical responsibility and providing continuity of care, multi-disciplinary rehabilitation, evidence-based investigation and management, and further development of the knowledge base and clinical services.

Trial registration
NCT04435041.
Coronavirus vaccine development: from SARS and MERS to COVID-19
Authors: Li Yen-Der , Chi Wei-Yu , Su Jun-Han , Ferrall Louise , Hung Chien-Fu , Wu T.-C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new type of coronavirus that causes the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has been the most challenging pandemic in this century. Considering its high mortality and rapid spread, an effective vaccine is urgently needed to control this pandemic. As a result, the academia, industry, and government sectors are working tightly together to develop and test a variety of vaccines at an unprecedented pace. In this review, we outline the essential coronavirus biological characteristics that are important for vaccine design. In addition, we summarize key takeaways from previous vaccination studies of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), highlighting the pros and cons of each immunization strategy. Finally, based on these prior vaccination experiences, we discuss recent progress and potential challenges of COVID-19 vaccine development.
Prevalence of RECQL germline variants in Pakistani early-onset and familial breast cancer patients
Authors: Rashid Muhammad Usman , Muhammad Noor , Khan Faiz Ali , Shehzad Umara , Naeemi Humaira , Malkani Naila , Hamann Ute 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe RecQ Like Helicase (RECQL) gene has previously been shown to predispose to breast cancer mainly in European populations, in particular to estrogen receptor (ER) and/or progesterone receptor (PR) positive tumor. Here, we investigated the contribution of pathogenicRECQLgermline variants to hereditary breast cancer in early-onset and familial breast cancer patients from Pakistan.MethodsComprehensiveRECQLvariant analysis was performed in 302BRCA1andBRCA2negative patients with ER and/or PR positive breast tumors using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography followed by DNA sequencing. Novel variants were classified using Sherloc guidelines.ResultsOne novel pathogenic protein-truncating variant (p.W75*) was identified in a 37-year-old familial breast cancer patient. The pathogenic variant frequencies were 0.3% (1/302) in early-onset and familial breast cancer patients and 0.8% (1/133) in familial patients. Further, three novel variants of unknown significance, p.I141F, p.S182S, and p.C475C, were identified in familial breast cancer patients at the age of 47, 68, and 47 respectively. All variants were absent in 250 controls.ConclusionsOur data suggest that theRECQLgene plays a negligible role in breast cancer predisposition in Pakistan.