bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prioritizing vulnerable populations and women on the frontlines: COVID-19 in humanitarian contexts
Authors: Sharma Vandana , Scott Jennifer , Kelly Jocelyn , VanRooyen Michael J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe COVID-19 outbreak has been declared a global pandemic and cases are being reported among displaced populations that are particularly vulnerable to infection. Humanitarian workers on the frontlines of the response are working in some of the most challenging contexts and also face elevated risk of contracting COVID-19 and potential stigmatization or violence in the community. Women humanitarians may be at even greater risk, but their protection is dependent on organization-specific policies and procedures. Without gender balance in leadership positions, the specific needs of women may not be prioritized and women may not be included in decision-making or design of responses. Ensuring gender equitable access to personal protective equipment and information is imperative, but additional measures must be put into place to ensure the protection of women on the frontlines while reducing COVID-19 deaths and adverse health effects among displaced populations.
Discovery of a novel third-generation EGFR inhibitor and identification of a potential combination strategy to overcome resistance
Authors: Zhang Tao , Qu Rong , Chan Shingpan , Lai Mengzhen , Tong Linjiang , Feng Fang , Chen Hongyu , Song Tingting , Song Peiran , Bai Gang , Liu Yingqiang , Wang Yanan , Li Yan , Su Yi , Shen Yanyan , Sun Yiming , Chen Yi , Geng Meiyu , Ding Ke , Ding Jian , Xie Hua 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with activating EGFR mutations initially respond to first-generation EGFR inhibitors; however, the efficacy of these drugs is limited by acquired resistance driven by the EGFRT790Mmutation. The discovery of third-generation EGFR inhibitors overcoming EGFRT790Mand their new resistance mechanisms have attracted much attention.MethodsWe examined the antitumor activities and potential resistance mechanism of a novel EGFR third-generation inhibitor in vitro and in vivo using ELISA, SRB assay, immunoblotting, flow cytometric analysis, kinase array, qRT-PCR and tumor xenograft models. The clinical effect on a patient was evaluated by computed tomography scan.ResultsWe identified compound ASK120067 as a novel inhibitor of EGFRT790M, with selectivity over EGFRWT. ASK120067 exhibited potent anti-proliferation activity in tumor cells harboring EGFRT790M(NCI-H1975) and sensitizing mutations (PC-9 and HCC827) while showed moderate or weak inhibition in cells expressing EGFRWT. Oral administration of ASK120067 induced tumor regression in NSCLC xenograft models and in a PDX model harboring EGFRT790M. The treatment of one patient with advanced EGFR T790M-positive NSCLC was described as proof of principle. Moreover, we found that hyperphosphorylation of Ack1 and the subsequent activation of antiapoptotic signaling via the AKT pathway contributed to ASK120067 resistance. Concomitant targeting of EGFR and Ack1 effectively overrode the acquired resistance of ASK120067 both in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionsOur results idenfity ASK120067 as a promising third-generation EGFR inhibitor and reveal for the first time that Ack1 activation as a novel resistance mechanism to EGFR inhibitors that guide to potential combination strategy.
COVID-19 and assisted reproductive technology services: repercussions for patients and proposal for individualized clinical management
Authors:   on behalf of the POSEIDON (Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number) group, Alviggi Carlo , Esteves Sandro C. , Orvieto Raoul , Conforti Alessandro , La Marca Antonio , Fischer Robert , Andersen Claus Y. , Bühler Klaus , Sunkara Sesh K. , Polyzos Nikolaos P. , Strina Ida , Carbone Luigi , Bento Fabiola C. , Galliano Daniela , Yarali Hakan , Vuong Lan N. , Grynberg Michael , Drakopoulos Panagiotis , Xavier Pedro , Llacer Joaquin , Neuspiller Fernando , Horton Marcos , Roque Matheus , Papanikolaou Evangelos , Banker Manish , Dahan Michael H. , Foong Shu , Tournaye Herman , Blockeel Christophe , Vaiarelli Alberto , Humaidan Peter , Ubaldi Filippo M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe prolonged lockdown of health services providing high-complexity fertility treatments –as currently recommended by many reproductive medicine entities– is detrimental for society as a whole, and infertility patients in particular. Globally, approximately 0.3% of all infants born every year are conceived using assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments. By contrast, the total number of COVID-19 deaths reported so far represents approximately 1.0% of the total deaths expected to occur worldwide over the first three months of the current year. It seems, therefore, that the number of infants expected to be conceived and born –but who will not be so due to the lockdown of infertility services– might be as significant as the total number of deaths attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. We herein propose remedies that include a prognostic-stratification of more vulnerable infertility cases in order to plan a progressive restart of worldwide fertility treatments. At a time when preventing complications and limiting burdens for national health systems represent relevant issues, our viewpoint might help competent authorities and health care providers to identify patients who should be prioritized for the continuation of fertility care in a safe environment.
Effect of mobile text messages on antiretroviral medication adherence and patient retention in early HIV care: an open-label, randomized, single center study in south Florida
Authors: Sherman Elizabeth M. , Niu Jianli , Elrod Shara , Clauson Kevin A. , Alkhateeb Fadi , Eckardt Paula 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
People with HIV (PHIV) with limited access to health services often experience suboptimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. We investigated whether a daily text messaging intervention improves ART adherence and retention in early HIV care in PHIV in a south Florida hospital-based clinic.

Methods
ART-naïve PHIV receiving care through the clinic’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program were enrolled and randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups with a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group received a 1-way text message daily and the control group received standard care without receiving text message reminders for 6 months. HIV RNA and CD4 cell count were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Adherence to ART was defined as a visual analog scale of ≥ 90%. Retention in care was defined as continued engagement at study end.

Results
94 ART-naïve patients were randomized and 83 (85.6%) completed the study, of which 44 were in the intervention group and 39 were in the control group. At the end of the 6-month study period, adherence to ART was 84.4% in the intervention group versus 73.5% in the control group (OR, 1.9; 95% CI 0.7–5.0; p = 0.194). Retention in care significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group with the odds of retention increasing by 20% (OR, 1.2; 95% CI 1.1–1.5; p = 0.006). Undetectable HIV RNA (< 50 copies/mL) was 86.7% in the intervention group versus 73.5% in the control group (OR, 2.3; 95% CI 0.8–6.9; p = 0.112). A significant increase in CD4 cell count and a decrease in HIV RNA were found at study end, with no differences between the two groups.

Conclusions
In this pilot study, a one-way daily text messaging intervention did not improve ART adherence over a 6-month study period, but significantly enhanced patient retention in early HIV care. Implementation of interventions to improve adherence in this population is required.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy in the treatment of ovarian cancer
Authors: Kowalchuk Roman O. , Waters Michael R. , Richardson K. Martin , Spencer Kelly , Larner James M. , Irvin William P. , Kersh Charles R. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
This study evaluates the outcomes and toxicity of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in ovarian cancer.

Methods
This retrospective analysis considered all patients treated with SBRT from 2009 to 2018 with a primary ovarian tumor. Follow-up included PET-CT and CT scans at 2–3 month intervals. Statistical analysis primarily consisted of univariate analysis, Cox proportional hazards analysis, and the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results
The study included 35 patients with 98 treatments for lymph nodes (51), local recurrence (21), and de novo solid metastases (26). Median biologically effective dose (BED), gross tumor volume, and planning target volume were 38.40 Gy, 10.41 cc, and 25.21 cc, respectively. 52 lesions showed complete radiographic response, and two-year local control was 80%. Median overall survival (OS) was 35.2 months, and two-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 12%. On univariate analysis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status > 0 was predictive of decreased OS (p = 0.0024) and PFS (p = 0.044). Factors predictive of local failure included lower BED (p = 0.016), treatment for recurrence (p = 0.029), and higher pre-treatment SUV (p = 0.026). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed BED ≤35 Gy (p < 0.005) and treatment for recurrence (p = 0.01) to be predictive of local failure. On Cox proportional hazards analysis, treatment of lymph nodes was predictive of complete radiographic response (hazard ratio (HR) = 4.95), as was higher BED (HR = 1.03). Toxicity included 27 cases of grade < 3 toxicity, and one grade 5 late toxicity of GI bleed from a radiation therapy-induced duodenal ulcer.

Conclusions
SBRT provides durable local control with minimal toxicity in ovarian cancer, especially with BED > 35 Gy and treatment for lymph nodes.
Cardiac operation under cardiopulmonary bypass during pregnancy
Authors: Liu Yanli , Han Fengzhen , Zhuang Jian , Liu Xiaoqing , Chen Jimei , Huang Huanlei , Wang Sheng , Zhou Chengbin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Certain pregnant women suffer from cardiac pathology,and a few of them need cardiac operations under cardiopulmonary bypass during pregnancy. Feto-neonatal and maternal outcomes have not been sufficiently described.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective review of 22 cases of women undergoing cardiac operations under cardiopulmonary bypass during pregnancy in our hospital from Jan.2014 to Mar.2019.

Results
All 22 patients were alive after treatment. The types of cardiac disorders included congenital heart defects, rheumatic heart disease,infective endocarditis,aortic dissection, obstruction and/or thrombosis of a prosthetic valve. Only one case was a twin pregnancy,and the other 21 cases were singletons. Four fetuses died in the utero after surgery. Three patients chose termination of the pregnancy after the cardiac operations: one fetus was detected abnormity of the brain and the other two patients abandoned pregnancy. Fourteen fetuses were alive and born without any abnormity. Two fetuses suffered from neonatal intracranial hemorrhage and died after birth.

Conclusions
Cardiac operation under cardiopulmonary bypass during pregnancy is a challenge for physicians in multidisciplinary teams. Strictly evaluating the indication is vital. On the other hand, some patients can benefit from this management.
Comparison of survival outcomes of locally advanced cervical cancer by histopathological types in the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Tian Tian , Gong Xing , Gao Xudong , Li Yanqing , Ju Wen , Ai Yiqin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
There has been limited research on the comparison of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) of cervical cancer and that lack of information may have significant bearing on the treatment of patients. We compared survival outcomes between squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma in locally advanced cervical cancer patients and examined factors related to the prognosis of cervical cancer.

Methods
We identified 4131 patients with stage IB2-IVA cervical cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 by using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Variables related to the prognosis of cervical cancer were compared using both univariate and multivariate Cox models and log-rank method before and after propensity score matching. We compared the efficacy of radiotherapy alone to radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy or/and surgery in overall survival of SCC and AC.

Results
Our sample included 3385 patients with SCC (81.9%) and 746 patients with AC (18.1%). The 5-year overall survival on comparing the squamous cell carcinoma group and adenocarcinoma group was not significant (P > 0.05). Using propensity score matching, 676 pairs of patients were selected. The 5-year overall survival of matched patients did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Histology was not independently associated with overall survival in multivariate Cox model (P > 0.05). Factors affecting overall survival included FIGO stage IVA (P < 0.05), chemotherapy (P < 0.05), and external radiation combined with brachytherapy (P < 0.05). Patients with SCC that were treated with radiation alone had significantly worse OS than AC patients receiving radiation only (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
The OS in AC of the cervix is similar to that SCC in when treated with radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and/or surgery but better when treated with radiation alone.
Conducting operational research in humanitarian settings: is there a shared path for humanitarians, national public health authorities and academics?
Authors: Leresche Enrica , Truppa Claudia , Martin Christophe , Marnicio Ariana , Rossi Rodolfo , Zmeter Carla , Harb Hilda , Hamadeh Randa Sami , Leaning Jennifer 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn humanitarian contexts, it is a difficult and multi-faceted task to enlist academics, humanitarian actors and health authorities in a collaborative research effort. The lack of research in such settings has been widely described in the past decade, but few have analysed the challenges in building strong and balanced research partnerships. The major issues include considering operational priorities, ethical imperatives and power differentials. This paper analyses in two steps a collaborative empirical endeavour to assess health service utilization by Syrian refugee and Lebanese women undertaken by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Harvard François-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) Center.First, based on challenges documented in the literature, we shed light on how we negotiated appropriate research questions, methodologies, bias analyses, resource availability, population specificities, security, logistics, funding, ethical issues and organizational cultures throughout the partnership.Second, we describe how the negotiations required each partner to go outside their comfort zones. For the academics, the drivers to engage included the intellectual value of the collaboration, the readiness of the operational partners to conduct an empirical investigation and the possibility that such work might lead to a better understanding in public health terms of how the response met population needs. For actors responding to the humanitarian crisis (the ICRC and the MOPH), participating in a technical collaboration permitted methodological issues to be worked through in the context of deliberations within the wider epistemic community.We find that when they collaborate, academics, humanitarian actors and health authorities deploy their respective complementarities to build a more comprehensive approach. Barriers such as the lack of uptake of research results or weak links to the existing literature were overcome by giving space to define research questions and develop a longer-term collaboration involving individual and institutional learning. There is the need ahead of time to create balanced decision-making mechanisms, allow for relative financial autonomy, and define organizational responsibilities. Ultimately, mutual respect, trust and the recognition of each other’s expertise formed the basis of an initiative that served to better understand populations affected by conflict and meet their needs.
Introducing the “Corona Curtain”: an innovative technique to prevent airborne COVID-19 exposure during emergent intubations
Authors: Hill Eric , Crockett Christopher , Circh Ryan W. , Lansville Frank , Stahel Philip F. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic places healthcare workers at risk of exposure to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Emergency department (ED) staff are particularly vulnerable when managing patients with acute respiratory distress due to the aerosolization of the virus during endotracheal intubation. A simple and innovative intubation tent was designed with the intent of decreasing the risk of accidental viral transmission from emergent intubations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presentation of technique
The materials and assembly process of the novel “Corona Curtain” are described in technical detail, with the intent of allowing other providers to template the concept at their respective facilities.

Results
A total of 36 intubation tents were mounted in the ED at the Medical Center of Aurora, Colorado, on April 7, 2020, and thereafter consistently used for all intubations during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The cost of raw materials and labor for the initial assembly averaged US $ 8.00 per construct. The price of the single-use plastic cover is variable depending on the vendor source.

Conclusion
The new “Corona Curtain” was designed to improve the safety of ED staff when performing urgent/emergent intubations during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The concept can easily be adopted to other patient care areas, including perioperative and intensive care units. Future validation studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of the intubation tents by quantifying the pre−/post-intubation exposure through “point-of-care” SARS-CoV-2 testing once these resources are more widely available.
Proteoglycan-4 regulates fibroblast to myofibroblast transition and expression of fibrotic genes in the synovium
Authors: Qadri Marwa , Jay Gregory D. , Zhang Ling X. , Richendrfer Holly , Schmidt Tannin A. , Elsaid Khaled A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundSynovial tissue fibrosis is common in advanced OA with features including the presence of stress fiber-positive myofibroblasts and deposition of cross-linked collagen type-I. Proteoglycan-4 (PRG4) is a mucinous glycoprotein secreted by synovial fibroblasts and is a major component of synovial fluid. PRG4 is a ligand of the CD44 receptor. Our objective was to examine the role of PRG4-CD44 interaction in regulating synovial tissue fibrosis in vitro and in vivo.MethodsOA synoviocytes were treated with TGF-β ± PRG4 for 24 h and α-SMA content was determined using immunofluorescence. Rhodamine-labeled rhPRG4 was incubated with OA synoviocytes ± anti-CD44 or isotype control antibodies and cellular uptake of rhPRG4 was determined following a 30-min incubation and α-SMA expression following a 24-h incubation. HEK-TGF-β cells were treated with TGF-β ± rhPRG4 and Smad3 phosphorylation was determined using immunofluorescence and TGF-β/Smad pathway activation was determined colorimetrically. We probed for stress fibers and focal adhesions (FAs) in TGF-β-treated murine fibroblasts and fibroblast migration was quantified ± rhPRG4. Synovial expression of fibrotic markers: α-SMA, collagen type-I, and PLOD2 inPrg4gene-trap (Prg4GT) and recombinedPrg4GTRanimals were studied at 2 and 9 months of age. Synovial expression of α-SMA and PLOD2 was determined in 2-month-oldPrg4GT/GT&Cd44−/−andPrg4GTR/GTR&Cd44−/−animals.ResultsPRG4 reduced α-SMA content in OA synoviocytes (p < 0.001). rhPRG4 was internalized by OA synoviocytes via CD44 and CD44 neutralization attenuated rhPRG4’s antifibrotic effect (p < 0.05). rhPRG4 reduced pSmad3 signal in HEK-TGF-β cells (p < 0.001) and TGF-β/Smad pathway activation (p < 0.001). rhPRG4 reduced the number of stress fiber-positive myofibroblasts, FAs mean size, and cell migration in TGF-β-treated NIH3T3 fibroblasts (p < 0.05). rhPRG4 inhibited fibroblast migration in a macrophage and fibroblast co-culture model without altering active or total TGF-β levels. Synovial tissues of 9-month-oldPrg4GT/GTanimals had higher α-SMA, collagen type-I, and PLOD2 (p < 0.001) content andPrg4re-expression reduced these markers (p < 0.01).Prg4re-expression also reduced α-SMA and PLOD2 staining in CD44-deficient mice.ConclusionPRG4 is an endogenous antifibrotic modulator in the joint and its effect on myofibroblast formation is partially mediated by CD44, but CD44 is not required to demonstrate an antifibrotic effect in vivo.
Hop tests and psychological PROs provide a demanding and clinician-friendly RTS assessment of patients after ACL reconstruction, a registry study
Authors: Piussi Ramana , Beischer Susanne , Thomeé Roland , Hamrin Senorski Eric 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is growing interest in assessing psychological well-being in patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. It is unknown whether an assessment of psychological outcome in addition to tests of muscle function can facilitate decisions on return to sport (RTS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate passing rates in different physical RTS test batteries, with and without the inclusion of psychological outcome measures 1 year after ACL reconstruction.MethodIn this cross-sectional cohort study a total of 320 patients (51% men) aged 18–65 years were included 1 year after ACL reconstruction.Passing rates on different muscle function (MF) test batteries (with results presented as Limb Symmetry Index (LSI)), consisting of knee extension and flexion strength tests, 3 hop tests, and 2 psychological patient-reported outcomes (PROs); Quality of Life subscale from the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS QoL) and ACL Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI), were evaluated 1 year after ACL reconstruction. Muscle function test batteries comprised: 2 MF tests (vertical hop and hop for distance; pass = 90% LSI); 2 MF tests and 2 PRO (pass = 90% LSI, 62.5 points on KOOS QoL and 76.6 points on ACL-RSI), 5 MF tests (2 strength and 3 hop tests, pass = 90% LSI), and 5 MF tests and 2 PRO (pass = 90% LSI, 62.5 points on KOOS QoL and 76.6 points on ACL-RSI).ResultsPassing rates in the different test batteries were 47% for 2 MF tests, 19% for 2 MF tests and 2 PROs, 29% for 5 MF tests and 13% for 5 MF tests and 2 PROs. The use of psychological PROs together with tests of muscle function gave the lowest passing rate (13%). There was a very strong correlation between passing 2 hop tests and 2 PROs and passing 5 MF tests (rφ = 0.41) as well as passing 5 MF tests and 2 PROs (rφ = 0.79).ConclusionThe use of hop tests together with psychological PROs provides a clinician-friendly RTS test battery for assessment 1 year after ACL reconstruction as the passing rate was 19% when using 2 hop-tests combined with 2 PROs, compared with 29% when using 5 tests of MF requiring advanced testing equipment.