bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of enuresis: a large number of children at risk of low regard
Authors: Ferrara Pietro , Franceschini Giulia , Bianchi Di Castelbianco Federico , Bombace Rachele , Villani Alberto , Corsello Giovanni 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Aim
To describe the epidemiological aspects of nocturnal enuresis (NE). In this study we identify the prevalence and the familial conditions in a large, representative sample of children with monosymptomatic NE (MNE) and nonmonosyptomatic NE (NMNE).

Material and methods
In this descriptive-analytic study the Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP) promoted a prevalence study of NE using a questionnaire involved 320 primary care Pediatricians from Northern, Central and Southern Italy, from January 2019 to July 2019, with a total of 130,000 children analyzed by questionnaire related to epidemiology and type of NE, familiarity, quality of sleep, eating and drinking habits, pharmacological and psychological/behavioural interventions and family involvement.

Results
270/320 (84.4%) Paediatrician replied to our questionnaire. We enrolled a total of 9307/130,000 (7.2%) children with NE, aged between 5 and 14 years: 2141 diagnosed with MNE and 7176 qualified as NMNE. Poor quality of sleep were reported in 7064 patients; 90% of children did not consider a dietary and drinking recommendation. Pediatrician reported a total of 54.1% of parents who declared to have a negative reaction to their children because of the bedwetting. A percentage of 71.4% of parents declared to use or to have used alternative therapies and not to prefer, at first, a pharmacological intervention.

Conclusion
The choice of treatment should include psychological/behavioural interventions in all cases to improve the therapeutic outcome. All primary care Pediatricians should be aware of the all aspects of NE to choose the best way to treat every patient.
Merqury: reference-free quality, completeness, and phasing assessment for genome assemblies
Authors: Rhie Arang , Walenz Brian P. , Koren Sergey , Phillippy Adam M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRecent long-read assemblies often exceed the quality and completeness of available reference genomes, making validation challenging. Here we present Merqury, a novel tool for reference-free assembly evaluation based on efficient k-mer set operations. By comparing k-mers in a de novo assembly to those found in unassembled high-accuracy reads, Merqury estimates base-level accuracy and completeness. For trios, Merqury can also evaluate haplotype-specific accuracy, completeness, phase block continuity, and switch errors. Multiple visualizations, such as k-mer spectrum plots, can be generated for evaluation. We demonstrate on both human and plant genomes that Merqury is a fast and robust method for assembly validation.
Variation around the dominant viral genome sequence contributes to viral load and outcome in patients with Ebola virus disease
Authors: Dong Xiaofeng , Munoz-Basagoiti Jordana , Rickett Natasha Y. , Pollakis Georgios , Paxton William A. , Günther Stephan , Kerber Romy , Ng Lisa F. P. , Elmore Michael J. , Magassouba N’faly , Carroll Miles W. , Matthews David A. , Hiscox Julian A. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Viral load is a major contributor to outcome in patients with Ebola virus disease (EVD), with high values leading to a fatal outcome. Evidence from the 2013–2016 Ebola virus (EBOV) outbreak indicated that different genotypes of the virus can have different phenotypes in patients. Additionally, due to the error-prone nature of viral RNA synthesis in an individual patient, the EBOV genome exists around a dominant viral genome sequence. The minor variants within a patient may contribute to the overall phenotype in terms of viral protein function. To investigate the effects of these minor variants, blood samples from patients with acute EVD were deeply sequenced.

Results
We examine the minor variant frequency between patients with acute EVD who survived infection with those who died. Non-synonymous differences in viral proteins were identified that have implications for viral protein function. The greatest frequency of substitution was identified at three codon sites in the L gene—which encodes the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Recapitulating this in an assay for virus replication, these substitutions result in aberrant viral RNA synthesis and correlate with patient outcome.

Conclusions
Together, these findings support the notion that in patients who survived EVD, in some cases, the genetic variability of the virus resulted in deleterious mutations that affected viral protein function, leading to reduced viral load. Such mutations may also lead to persistent strains of the virus and be associated with recrudescent infections.
Efficacy of mistletoe extract as a complement to standard treatment in advanced pancreatic cancer: study protocol for a multicentre, parallel group, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial (MISTRAL)
Authors: Wode Kathrin , Hök Nordberg Johanna , Kienle Gunver S. , Elander Nils O. , Bernhardson Britt-Marie , Sunde Berit , Sharp Lena , Henriksson Roger , Fransson Per 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Most pancreatic cancer patients present with advanced stage at diagnosis with extremely short expected survival and few treatment options. A multimodal palliative approach is necessary for symptom relief and optimisation of health-related quality of life. In a recent open-label trial of mistletoe extract for advanced pancreatic cancer patients not eligible for chemotherapy, promising results on improved overall survival and better health-related quality of life were reported.
The objective of the present study is to assess the value of mistletoe extract as a complement to standard treatment (palliative chemotherapy or best supportive care) in advanced pancreatic cancer patients with regard to overall survival and health-related quality of life.

Methods
The trial is prospective, randomised, double-blind, multicentre, parallel group and placebo-controlled. In total, 290 participants are randomly assigned to placebo or mistletoe extract given subcutaneously in increasing dosage from 0.01 to 20 mg three times per week for 9 months. Stratification is performed for site and palliative chemotherapy. Main inclusion criteria are advanced pancreatic cancer and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 2; main exclusion criteria are life expectancy less than 4 weeks and neuroendocrine tumour of the pancreas. Two ancillary studies on sub-sets of participants are nested in the trial: a biomarker study collecting blood samples and a cross-sectional qualitative study with semi-structured face-to-face interviews.

Discussion
To our knowledge, this is the first placebo-controlled randomised trial assessing the impact of mistletoe extract as a complement to standard treatment on overall survival and health-related quality of life in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The presented trial with its two nested ancillary studies exploring biomarkers and patient experiences is expected to give new insights into the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.

Trial registration
EU Clinical Trial Register, EudraCT Number 2014-004552-64. Registered on 19 January 2016.
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02948309. Registered on 28 October 2016.
High-dose N-acetylcysteine for long-term, regular treatment of early-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (GOLD I–II): study protocol for a multicenter, double-blinded, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial in China
Authors: Tian Heshen , Zhou Yumin , Tang Longhui , Wu Fan , Deng Zhishan , Lin Bijia , Huang Peiyu , Wei Shaodan , Zhao Dongxing , Zheng Jingping , Zhong Nanshan , Ran Pixin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe presence of increased oxidative stress and airway inflammation has been proven in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Several studies have demonstrated that drugs with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties such asN-acetylcysteine (NAC) can reduce the rate of exacerbations in patients with COPD. However, the beneficial effects of NAC in early-stage COPD are minimally discussed. We are investigating whether high-dose NAC has therapeutic effects in Chinese patients with early-stage COPD.Method and analysisA randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter clinical trial is evaluating the efficacy and safety of NAC for the long-term treatment of patients with early-stage COPD at 24 centers in China. Subjects aged 40–80 years and recruited by physicians or researchers with special training will be randomized to either NAC 600 mg twice daily group or matching placebo group for 2 years. Measurements will include forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), the number of COPD exacerbations, health-related quality, and pharmacoeconomic analysis.DiscussionCurrently, there are no randomized controlled trials with high-doseN-acetylcysteine (600 mg twice daily) for patients with mild-to-moderate COPD (GOLD I–II). We designed this multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of long-term treatment with high-doseN-acetylcysteine. The results of this trial may guide clinical practice and change the standard of early COPD management.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial RegistryChiCTR-IIR-17012604. Registered on 07 September 2017.
High-resolution habitat suitability model for Phlebotomus pedifer, the vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Pareyn Myrthe , Rutten Anneleen , Merdekios Behailu , Wedegärtner Ronja E. M. , Girma Nigatu , Regelbrugge Leo , Shibru Simon , Leirs Herwig 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundPhlebotomus pediferis the vector forLeishmania aethiopicacausing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in southwestern Ethiopia. Previous research on the transmission dynamics of CL resulted in recommendations for vector control. In order to target these interventions towards affected areas, a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution ofP. pediferat high spatial resolution is required. Therefore, this study determined the environmental predictors that facilitate the distribution ofP. pediferand created a map indicating the areas where conditions are suitable for survival of the vector in southwestern Ethiopia with high spatial resolution.MethodsPhlebotomus pediferpresence points were collected during two entomological surveys. Climate, vegetation and topographic variables were assembled. Climate variables were interpolated with variables derived from high-resolution digital elevation models to generate topoclimatic layers representing the climate conditions in the highlands. A Maximum Entropy model was run with the presence points, predicting variables and background points, which were selected based on a bias file.ResultsPhlebotomus pediferwas the only capturedPhlebotomusspecies in the study area and was collected at altitudes ranging between 1685 and 2892 m. Model projections indicated areas with suitable conditions in a ‘belt’ surrounding the high mountain peaks. Model performance was high, with train and test AUC values being 0.93 and 0.90, respectively. A multivariate environmental similarity surface (MESS) analysis showed that the model projection was only slightly extrapolated for some of the variables. The mean annual temperature was the environmental variable, which contributed most to the model predictions (60.0%) followed by the seasonality in rainfall (13.2%). Variables representing steep slopes showed very low importance to model predictions.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the suitable habitats forP. pedifercorrespond well with the altitudes at which CL was reported previously, but the predictions are more widely distributed, in contrast with the description of CL to occur in particular foci. Moreover, we confirm that vector distribution is driven by climate factors, suggesting inclusion of topoclimate in sand fly distribution models. Overall, our model provides a map with a high spatial resolution that can be used to target sand fly control measures in southwestern Ethiopia.
Role for ovarian hormones in purinoceptor-dependent natriuresis
Authors: Gohar Eman Y. , Kasztan Malgorzata , Zhang Shali , Inscho Edward W. , Pollock David M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Premenopausal women have a lower risk of hypertension compared to age-matched men and postmenopausal women. P2Y2 and P2Y4 purinoceptor can be considered potential contributors to hypertension due to their emerging roles in regulating renal tubular Na+ transport. Activation of these receptors inhibits epithelial Na+ channel activity (ENaC) via a phospholipase C (PLC)-dependent pathway resulting in natriuresis. We recently reported that activation of P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors in the renal medulla by UTP promotes natriuresis in male and ovariectomized (OVX) rats, but not in ovary-intact females. This led us to hypothesize that ovary-intact females have greater basal renal medullary activity of P2 (P2Y2 and P2Y4) receptors regulating Na+ excretion compared to male and OVX rats.

Methods
To test our hypothesis, we determined (i) the effect of inhibiting medullary P2 receptors by suramin (750 μg/kg/min) on urinary Na+ excretion in anesthetized male, ovary-intact female, and OVX Sprague Dawley rats, (ii) mRNA expression and protein abundance of P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors, and (iii) mRNA expression of their downstream effectors (PLC-1δ and ENaCα) in renal inner medullary tissues obtained from these three groups. We also subjected cultured mouse inner medullary collecting duct cells (segment 3, mIMCD3) to different concentrations of 17ß-estradiol (E2, 0, 10, 100, and 1000 nM) to test whether E2 increases mRNA expression of P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors.

Results
Acute P2 inhibition attenuated urinary Na+ excretion in ovary-intact females, but not in male or OVX rats. We found that P2Y2 and P2Y4 mRNA expression was higher in the inner medulla from females compared to males or OVX. Inner medullary lysates showed that ovary-intact females have higher P2Y2 receptor protein abundance, compared to males; however, OVX did not eliminate this sex difference. We also found that E2 dose-dependently upregulated P2Y2 and P2Y4 mRNA expression in mIMCD3.

Conclusion
These data suggest that ovary-intact females have enhanced P2Y2 and P2Y4-dependent regulation of Na+ handling in the renal medulla, compared to male and OVX rats. We speculate that the P2 pathway contributes to facilitated renal Na+ handling in premenopausal females.
A study on the AH1N1/09 influenza transmission model with the fractional Caputo–Fabrizio derivative
Authors: Rezapour Shahram , Mohammadi Hakimeh 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe study the SEIR epidemic model for the spread of AH1N1 influenza using the Caputo–Fabrizio fractional-order derivative. The reproduction number of system and equilibrium points are calculated, and the stability of the disease-free equilibrium point is investigated. We prove the existence of solution for the model by using fixed point theory. Using the fractional Euler method, we get an approximate solution to the model. In the numerical section, we present a simulation to examine the system, in which we calculate equilibrium points of the system and examine the behavior of the resulting functions at the equilibrium points. By calculating the results of the model for different fractional order, we examine the effect of the derivative order on the behavior of the resulting functions and obtained numerical values. We also calculate the results of the integer-order model and examine their differences with the results of the fractional-order model.
Moonlight is a key entrainer of lunar clock in the brain of the tropical grouper with full moon preference
Authors: Fukunaga Kodai , Yamashina Fumika , Takeuchi Yuki , Yamauchi Chihiro , Takemura Akihiro 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Many animals in coral reefs exhibit lunar cycles in their reproduction, showing synchronous gametogenesis and spawning at a particular moon phase. How these lunar reproductive cycles are endogenously regulated remains unknown, although changes in moonlight between the new moon and full moon are likely involved in this rhythmic event.

Results
This study evaluated the possible role of cryptochrome (cry1, cry2, cry3) in phase shifting and setting in the honeycomb grouper Epinephelus merra, which is a typical lunar spawner with full moon preference. qPCR analysis revealed that when fish were reared under alternating light-dark conditions, the transcript levels of cry1 and cry2, but not of cry3, in the diencephalon and pituitary gland showed daily variations. Weekly collection at midnight showed increases in the transcript levels of cry1 and cry2 in the diencephalon, but not the pituitary gland, from the first quarter moon through the last quarter moon. In comparison to the new moon, these transcript levels were significantly lower at all other sampling times. The artificial full moon conditions for 1 month resulted in increased cry transcript levels in both tissues at 2 (cry1) or 2 and 4 (cry2) weeks after the initiation of full moon conditions.

Conclusions
These results indicate the importance of transient changes in “brightness at night” in the response to moonlight for the phase shift and of “darkness at night” during the new moon for the phase set to the determined moon phase. We concluded that the moon phase-dependent oscillation of clock genes plays a role in lunar cycle-dependent behaviors in fish.
Theorizing interactions of migrant transnationalism and integration through a multiscalar approach
Authors: Erdal Marta Bivand 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe aim of this article is to theorize interactions between migrant transnationalism and integration using a multiscalar approach. For migrant transnationalism scholars, attention to simultaneity in transnational social fields is given. However, much migration research in Europe continues to suffer from an ‘integration bias’, which under-appreciates the salience of simultaneity within transnational social fields in many migrants’ lives, and implicitly assumes a zero-sum approach to societal membership. Drawing on interviews with migrants in Oslo (Norway) a multiscalar analytical approach is adopted. The salience of where things happen and how they are understood, depending on the perspective of involved actors, across time, space and position, emerges when using this multiscalar approach. Identifying the roles of nested, taxonomical, but also emergent and perspective scales allows a fresh theoretical engagement with interactions between migrant transnationalism and integration, showing how simultaneity and (productive) friction result from additive, synergistic and even apparently antagonistic interactions.
Effects of smoking cessation on biological monitoring markers in urine
Authors: Kawasaki Yuya , Li Yun-Shan , Ootsuyama Yuko , Nagata Kazuhiko , Yamato Hiroshi , Kawai Kazuaki 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionUrinary nicotine and cotinine levels are often measured as biomarkers for tobacco smoke exposure. However, these biomarkers are not appropriate to evaluate the effects of quitting smoking for several days, because of their short half-lives. In this study, we focused on the changes in the urinary 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) levels of 55 patients in a smoking cessation program, because of the long half-life. At the same time, urinary 7-methylguanine (m7Gua) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), as DNA damage markers of cigarette smoking, were also measured.ResultsIn the subjects who completed the quit-smoking program (18 subjects out of 55), the urinary nicotine and cotinine levels decreased to 1.7 and 0.2% at 8 weeks after the first visit to the clinic. By contrast, the NNAL levels decreased to 12.3% at 8 weeks after quitting smoking. During the same period, the urinary m7Gua levels significantly decreased, from 27.32 μg/mg creatinine to 14.17 μg/mg creatinine by the elimination of subjects who showed increased levels of NNAL during the smoking cessation program. The 8-OHdG levels were also reduced within the same period, but were not significantly different. From the all data analysis, the urinary levels of cotinine and NNAL positively correlated with the level of m7Gua.ConclusionsNNAL may be an appropriate exposure marker for evaluating the smoking status of patients in a smoking cessation program. The urinary cotinine and NNAL levels positively correlated with the m7Gua levels.
Impact of iodine concentration and scan parameters on image quality, contrast enhancement and radiation dose in thoracic CT
Authors: Solbak Marian S. , Henning Mette K. , England Andrew , Martinsen Anne C. , Aaløkken Trond M. , Johansen Safora 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
We investigated the impact of varying contrast medium (CM) densities and x-ray tube potentials on contrast enhancement (CE), image quality and radiation dose in thoracic computed tomography (CT) using two different scanning techniques.

Methods
Seven plastic tubes containing seven different CM densities ranging from of 0 to 600 HU were positioned inside a commercial chest phantom with padding, representing three different patient sizes. Helical scans of the phantom in single-source mode were obtained with varying tube potentials from 70 to 140 kVp. A constant volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) depending on phantom size and automatic dose modulation was tested. CE (HU) and image quality (contrast-to-noise ratio, CNR) were measured for all combinations of CM density and tube potential. A reference threshold of CE and kVp was defined as ≥ 200 HU and 120 kVp.

Results
For the medium-sized phantom, with a specific CE of 100–600 HU, the diagnostic CE (200 HU) at 70 kVp was ~ 90% higher than at 120 kVp, for both scan techniques (p < 0.001). Changes in CM density/specific HU together with lower kVp resulted in significantly higher CE and CNR (p < 0.001). When changing only the kVp, no statistically significant differences were observed in CE or CNR (p ≥ 0.094), using both dose modulation and constant CTDIvol.

Conclusions
For thoracic CT, diagnostic CE (≥ 200 HU) and maintained CNR were achieved by using lower CM density in combination with lower tube potential (< 120 kVp), independently of phantom size.
COVID-19 outbreak and beyond: the information content of registered short-time workers for GDP now- and forecasting
Authors: Kaufmann Sylvia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe number of short-time workers from January to April 2020 is used to now- and forecast quarterly GDP growth. We purge the monthly log level series from the systematic component to extract unexpected changes or shocks to log short-time workers. These monthly shocks are included in a univariate model for quarterly GDP growth to capture timely, current-quarter unexpected changes in growth dynamics. Included shocks additionally explain 24% in GDP growth variation. The model is able to forecast quite precisely the decrease in GDP during the financial crisis. It predicts a mean decline in GDP of 5.7% over the next two quarters. Without additional growth stimulus, the GDP level forecast remains persistently 4% lower in the long run. The uncertainty is large, as the 95% highest forecast density interval includes a decrease in GDP as large as 9%. A recovery to pre-crisis GDP level in 2021 lies only in the upper tail of the 95% highest forecast density interval.