bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sofosbuvir-based hepatitis C therapies in patients with chronic and end-stage kidney disease
Authors: Sise Meghan E , McQuaid Thomas , Martin Paul 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSofosbuvir (SOF), a nucleotide inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) polymerase, is a component of several all-oral HCV therapies. GS-331007, SOF’s predominant metabolite, is renally eliminated and accumulates 5- to 20-fold in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or undergoing hemodialysis (HD), respectively. Preclinical data did not determine whether these exposures represented a risk for toxicity. Therefore subjects with advanced CKD were not included in registrational studies and SOF was not initially approved for use in advanced CKD. Nevertheless, after initial licensing, off-label use of SOF at full or reduced doses was reported in patients with kidney disease. Two clinical trials of SOF-containing therapies were conducted in patients with end-stage kidney disease, demonstrating safety and efficacy. These led to expanded US Food and Drug Administration approval in 2019 for the use of SOF-containing regimens in patients with advanced CKD, including dialysis dependence. Even so, given the availability of protease inhibitor–containing direct-acting antiviral regimens, there was a reluctance by some practitioners to use SOF-containing regimens in moderate to severe kidney disease. Here we review the existing data on SOF’s pharmacokinetics, toxicology, efficacy and safety in patients with kidney disease. Data from both clinical trials and real-world practice settings indicate that in patients with moderate to severe kidney disease, full-dose SOF-based regimens have high rates of efficacy and acceptable safety and tolerability profiles, without increased risk for cardiac adverse events or clinically meaningful changes in kidney function. SOF-based regimens are safe and effective in patients who have moderate to severe kidney disease, including those undergoing HD.
Lymphopaenia at diagnosis of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-vasculitis with renal involvement is correlated with severity and renal prognosis
Authors: Wacrenier Samuel , Riou Jérémie , Jourdain Pierre , Guibert Fanny , Henry Nicolas , Djema Assia , Coindre Jean-Philippe , Crochette Romain , Cousin Maud , Croue Anne , Subra Jean-François , Piccoli Giorgina , Augusto Jean-François , Brilland Benoit 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Lymphopaenia is commonly observed in autoimmune diseases, where it has been associated with disease activity or prognosis. However, in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) only a few small-scale studies have been targeted towards this issue. Research has not yet focused on AAV with renal involvement (AAV-RI). Thus the aim of this study was to analyse the association between lymphocyte counts and outcomes in a large cohort of AAV-RI patients.

Methods
We used the Maine-Anjou AAV registry that retrospectively gathers data on consecutive patients affected by AAV in four French nephrology centres, recorded since January 2000. We analysed clinical, biological and histological data at diagnosis of AAV-RI. Risk factors for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) were analysed. Event-free survival was also assessed.

Results
Among the 145 patients included in the study, those with lymphopaenia at diagnosis had a lower renal function at baseline [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 13 versus 26 mL/min; P = 0.002] and were more likely to require kidney replacement therapy (51% versus 25%; P = 0.003). Lymphopaenia was correlated with histological lesions and especially with the percentage of sclerotic glomeruli (P = 0.0027). ESKD-free survival was lower in lymphopaenic patients (P &lt; 0.0001). In multivariate Cox analysis, lymphopaenia was an independent risk factor for ESKD [hazard ratio 4.47 (95% confidence interval 2.06–9.72), P &lt; 0.001].

Conclusions
Lymphopaenia correlates with the severity of AAV glomerulonephritis at diagnosis and predicts poor renal outcome. In this view, lymphopaenia could be used as a simple and cost-effective biomarker to assess renal prognosis at AAV-RI diagnosis.
A large-scale experiment demonstrates that line marking reduces power line collision mortality for large terrestrial birds, but not bustards, in the Karoo, South Africa
Authors: Shaw Jessica M , Reid Tim A , Gibbons Bradley K , Pretorius Matt , Jenkins Andrew R , Visagie Ronelle , Michael Michael D , Ryan Peter G 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Line markers are widely used to mitigate bird collisions with power lines, but few studies have robustly tested their efficacy. Power line collisions are an escalating problem for several threatened bird species endemic to southern Africa, so it is critical to know whether or not marking works to adequately manage this problem. Over 8 yr, a large-scale experiment was set up on 72 of 117 km of monitored transmission power lines in the eastern Karoo, South Africa, to assess whether line markers reduce bird collision mortality, particularly for Blue Cranes (Grus paradisea) and Ludwig’s Bustards (Neotis ludwigii). We tested the 2 marking devices commonly used in South Africa: bird flappers and static bird flight diverters. Using a before-after-control-impact design, we show that line marking reduced collision rates for Blue Cranes by 92% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77–97%) and all large birds by 51% (95% CI: 23–68%), but had no effect on bustards. Both marker types appeared similarly effective. Given that monitoring at this site also confirmed high levels of mortality of a range of species of conservation concern, we recommend that marking be widely installed on new power lines. However, other options need to be explored urgently to reduce collision mortality of bustards. Five bustard species were in the top 10 list of most frequently found carcasses, and high collision rates of Ludwig’s Bustards (0.68 birds km–1 yr–1 uncorrected for survey biases) add to wider concerns about population-level effects for this range-restricted and Endangered species.
Army-ant following in Neotropical birds: A review and prospectus
Authors: Martínez Ari E , Pollock Henry S , Rodrigues Patricia F , Touchton Janeene M 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Army-ants (particularly swarm-raiding species Eciton burchellii and Labidus praedator) are keystone predators in Neotropical forests. Hundreds of associated species from diverse taxa depend on them for survival, the most conspicuous of which are the ant-following birds. These birds forage on cryptic arthropods and vertebrates as they attempt to escape raiding army-ants. Despite capturing the attention of tropical biologists for centuries, research on ant-following birds has been largely limited to natural history observations until more recently. Here, we argue that this complex system provides unique and underappreciated opportunities for testing hypotheses in 5 main areas of interest: (1) competitive interactions among attendant birds, (2) cognitive and behavioral adaptations for locating swarms, (3) evolution of ant-following behavior, (4) biogeography of ant-following behavior, and (5) conservation of ant-following birds. For each research area, we review the current state of knowledge and make suggestions for fruitful research avenues that we believe will help address important questions in the fields of ecology, evolution, and behavior.
Police Accountability in the United States: A View from the UK
Authors: McDaniel John L M 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the article entitled ‘Police Accountability in the United States: Gaining Traction or Spinning Wheels?’, Professor Carol Archbold addresses many of the obstacles facing police reformers in the USA; this commentary reflects upon two of the areas from a UK perspective: (1) the use of civilian arbiters of police misconduct and (2) the release of police misconduct data to the public.
The impact of economic crisis on mortality due to mental health illnesses
Authors: Zilidis C , Angelopoulos N V 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
The financial crisis affected several aspects of health. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of the crisis on mortality of mental illnesses in Greece and the socioeconomic determinants of mortality trends.

Methods
Mortality data of 2000–16 were analyzed and sex-and-age-standardized death rates (SDRs) were calculated. The Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) before and after the time point of slope change was computed. The crisis impact on SDRs was explored with interrupted time series analyses and standardized rate ratios (SRRs). The correlation of mortality with socioeconomic and healthcare-related variables was investigated with correlation and regression analyses.

Results
A significant change in SDR trend was observed after 2012. The AAPC reversed from −2.9% to 94.5%, while the SRR was calculated at 6.1 (5.5–6.7). Income reduction, unemployment rise and health budget cuts were found to be significantly correlated with mortality rise.

Conclusions
Financial crisis had a significant impact on mortality due to mental illnesses, especially in females and elderly. The findings indicate that mortality increase is more driven by socioeconomic and healthcare-related factors that affect access to appropriate healthcare than by morbidity trends. The findings have implications in planning interventions to provide appropriate healthcare to patients living with mental illness.
Individual and organizational health literacies: moderating psychological distress for individuals with chronic conditions
Authors: Li Ang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
People with chronic conditions experience high psychological distress.

Methods
Using the National Health Survey in Australia during 2017–18, the study assessed whether and which health literacies moderated the relationship between chronic conditions and psychological distress for diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), arthritis, other musculoskeletal conditions, asthma, other chronic lower respiratory diseases and cancer. Psychological distress was regressed on chronic diseases, health literacy domains and their interactions, controlling for demographic, socioeconomic and health factors.

Results
Of 5790 adults, 4212 (72.75%) aged 18–64; 846 (14.6%) had high or very high psychological distress, 1819 (31.4%) had diabetes, CKD or CVD, 2645 (45.7%) musculoskeletal conditions, and 910 (15.7%) lower respiratory conditions. Having sufficient information from healthcare providers was associated with the lowest level of psychological distress for CKD and cancer. Social support was associated with significantly lower levels of psychological distress for cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and lower respiratory conditions. Understanding health information was associated with the largest improvement in psychological distress for diabetes.

Conclusions
Higher health literacies were associated with reduced risks of psychological distress among individuals managing chronic conditions. Interventions for improving self-management and health inequalities should incorporate disease-specific health literacy enhancement strategies at individual and organizational levels.
Responding to the fear of dying alone during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Corpuz Jeff Clyde G 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A recent correspondence published in this journal rightly argues the meaning of creative ritual practices during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Recent researches revealed the ‘creative ways’ to augment the need for spiritual and religious longing, complicated grief and different ways of coping with loss and coping mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper further adds the ways on how to mitigate the reality of dying alone during COVID-19 pandemic.
Research and the real world: Analyzing the short- and long-term impact of knowledge transfer
Authors: Caves Katherine , Lueling Sarah 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Knowledge exchange interventions are an important driver of research impact. This study examines 5 years of intensive knowledge-exchange ‘reform labs’ in the field of education policy. Using qualitative analysis and a regression analysis approach applied to rich case data and quantitative results, we find that the reform labs have a significant impact on both participants and their reform projects in the short-term immediately after the event and in the medium term up to 5 years later. We also find evidence that the impact on individuals and projects drives broader social impact. We take a holistic approach to the knowledge brokerage of designing the reform labs and find that across contexts and project phases, but highly costly. In comparing the reform labs to best practices identified in the literature, we find evidence that knowledge exchange interventions of longer duration, with case-focused teamwork, and involving intensive researcher–participant interaction are more impactful. Additionally, we observe that diverse participants can drive impact and their needs must be considered.
Probiotics in food allergy
Authors: Mennini Maurizio , Arasi Stefania , Artesani Maria Cristina , Fiocchi Alessandro Giovanni 
Published: April 2021

Purpose of review
To perform a nonsystematic review of the literature on the possible role of probiotics for food allergy (FA).

Recent findings
Animal model and in vitro evidence suggest that the gut microbiome could protect against FA and that probiotics could be a valid instrument. There is no consistent evidence in identifying the specific species, the dosage, and the optimal duration to obtain the correct immunomodulation. Early life supplementation with specific ‘missing’ immunomodulatory microbes – derived from machine learning approach to birth cohort studies – might represent a novel approach to the primary prevention of multiple human atopic diseases. However, further studies are needed.

Summary
Currently, there is no positive recommendation from the main scientific societies to use probiotics neither for the treatment nor for the prevention of FA.
Physeal Fractures of Distal Tibia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Jalkanen Jenni , Sinikumpu Juha-Jaakko , Puhakka Jani , Laaksonen Topi , Nietosvaara Yrjänä , Kosola Jussi , Stenroos Antti 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Fractures involving the distal tibia growth plate are common in children. Injury or treatment that damages the growth plate may result in progressive angular deformity or leg length discrepancy. There is no consensus on treatment and follow-up of these injuries. This study aims to describe which factors increase the risk of premature physeal closure (PPC).

Material and Methods:
A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. Altogether 395 articles were reviewed, and ultimately 12 of them were found eligible, comprising 1997 patients. The most usual type of fracture was Salter-Harris (SH) II (n=855, 49%) followed by SH III (n=296, 17%) and SH I (n=261, 15%). The risk of PPC according to number of reduction attempts, method of treatment, and residual displacement was the primary outcome.

Results:
The total rate of PPC was 13% (n=245). The PPC rate varied from 0.2% to 42% across the studies. Patients with SH IV fractures were most likely to develop PPC (20%), followed by those with SH II (12%) (P<0.05) and repeated (>2) reduction maneuvers were associated with a higher risk of PPC (pooled odds ratio, 8.5; 95% confidence interval, 6.3-12.17; P<0.05). Open reduction was associated with a lower risk of PPC when analyzing only displaced fractures (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.91; P<0.05).

Interpretation:
This meta-analysis implies that residual displacement after reduction is the most significant factor in predicting PPC. It seems that open reduction might reduce the PPC rate among patients with dislocated fractures. In addition, there is some evidence that a higher number of reduction attempts correlates positively with the risk of PPC.
Correlations between alterations of T-helper 17 cells and treatment efficacy after concurrent radiochemotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer (stage IIB–IIIB): a 3-year prospective study
Authors: Liu Yi , Guo Qiu-Fen , Chen Jin-Long , Li Xi-Rui , Hou Fei , Liu Xiao-Yan , Zhang Wen-Jing , Zhang Yan , Gao Fu-Feng , Zhang You-Zhong , Cui Bao-Xia , Liu Nai-Fu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background:
Recently, T-helper 17 (Th17) cells have been proved to play an important role in promoting cervical cancer. But, till now, few study has been carried out to understand the involvement of these cells in efficacy of anti-tumor treatments. This study aimed to investigate the alterations in the percentage of circulating Th17 cells and related cytokines in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients before and after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT) and to analyze the correlations between the alterations in Th17 cells and treatment efficacy.

Methods:
A prospective study with 49 LACC (International federation of gynecology and obstetrics [FIGO] stage IIB–IIIB) patients and 23 controls was conducted. Patients received the same cCRT schedule and were followed up for 3 years. Circulating Th17 cells (CD3+CD8– interleukin [IL]-17+ T cells) and related cytokines IL-17, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), IL-10, IL-23, IL-6, and IL-22 were detected before and after cCRT. Correlations between alterations of circulating Th17 cells and treatment efficacy were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results:
We found that 40 patients finished the entire cCRT schedule and met the endpoint of this study. The percentage of circulating Th17 cells in the LACC patients was higher than that in the controls, and it significantly decreased after cCRT (P < 0.05). After cCRT, patients were divided into two groups based on the average of the Th17 cells declined. The subgroup of patients with a prominent decrease in circulating Th17 cells after cCRT had a higher treatment efficacy and longer PFS and OS times. Compared with the control patients, LACC patients had higher IL-6, IL-10, IL-22, TGF-β levels and a lower IL-23 level (P < 0.05). After cCRT, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-23 level significantly increased and TGF-β level significantly decreased compared with the levels before cCRT (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Circulating Th17 cells in the LACC patients (FIGO stage IIB–IIIB) were higher than those in the controls, but they generally decreased after cCRT. A more pronounced decrease in circulating Th17 cells after cCRT was correlated with better therapeutic effect and longer PFS and OS times.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF RETINAL VASCULAR OCCLUSION IN MOYAMOYA DISEASE
Authors: Seong Hyo Jin , Lee Ji Hwan , Heo Ji Hoe , Kim Dong Seok , Kim Yong Bae , Lee Christopher Seungkyu 
Published: April 2021

Purpose:
Although moyamoya disease primarily affects the carotid artery in the ophthalmic artery bifurcation area, retinal vascular abnormalities in moyamoya disease have rarely been reported. The purpose of this report is to describe clinical findings of patients with retinal vascular occlusion in patients with moyamoya disease and present its clinical significance.

Methods:
We reviewed and analyzed patients with moyamoya disease with retinal vascular occlusions. For this, a retrospective medical chart review was performed in a tertiary medical center and a literature search was performed using PubMed and EMBASE until September 2020.

Results:
Patients with retinal artery occlusion (RAO) were significantly younger than patients with retinal vein occlusion (25.0 vs. 40.1 years, P = 0.023). Of 14 patients, retinal vascular occlusion was the presenting sign of moyamoya disease in 8 (57.1%) patients. The occlusion site at the carotid artery was proximal to the ophthalmic artery bifurcation area in 8 (57.1%) patients. Legal blindness occurred in 8 (57.1%) patients at final visits.

Conclusion:
Retinal vascular occlusion is a rare but sight-threatening ocular complication in patients with moyamoya disease. Overall, younger age may be a risk factor for RAO, whereas older age for retinal vein occlusion. Retinal vascular occlusion can be an important indicator of moyamoya disease screening, especially in relatively younger and healthy patients.
OPTIC DISK COLOBOMA AND CONTRALATERAL OPTIC DISK PIT MACULOPATHY TREATED BY VITRECTOMY IN A PATIENT WITH NOONAN SYNDROME WITH MULTIPLE LENTIGINES
Authors: Van den Heurck Jonas J. , Boven Kim B. , Claes Carl C. 
Published: April 2021

Purpose:
To report a case of Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines with unusual ocular features.

Methods:
The authors describe a case of a 7-year-old girl with Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines and anomalous optic disks.

Results:
A 7-year-old girl with genetically proven Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (PTPN11 gene mutation) and anomalous optic disks was referred for treatment of persistent macular detachment after 1 year of conservative follow-up. The right eye demonstrated an optic disk coloboma with the best-corrected visual acuity of 20/32, the left eye demonstrated an optic disk pit with serous macular detachment (best-corrected visual acuity 20/50–20/80). Optical coherence tomography demonstrated a neurosensory detachment. Twenty-five gauge pars plana vitrectomy was performed with posterior hyaloid detachment, drainage over disk pit area, and SF6 20% gas tamponade. Surgery resulted in subretinal fluid reduction and improvement of the visual acuity to 20/32.

Conclusion:
A case of Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines with optic disk coloboma in the right eye and optic disk pit with related maculopathy in the left eye. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case describing the association of Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines and congenital optic disk anomalies. Optic disk pit maculopathy was managed surgically because of its longstanding nature with the deteriorating visual acuity.
Telemedicine Medical Screening Evaluation Expedites the Initiation of Emergency Care for Children
Authors: Friedman Jonathan , Lame Maria , Clark Sunday , Gogia Kriti , Platt Shari L. , Kim Ji Won 
Published: April 2021

Objective
Prior studies show that staffing a physician at triage expedites care in the emergency department. Our objective was to describe the novel application and effect of a telemedicine medical screening evaluation (Tele-MSE) at triage on quality metrics in the pediatric emergency department (PED).

Methods
We conducted a retrospective quasi-experimental pre-post intervention study of patients presenting to an urban PED from December 2017 to November 2019 who received a Tele-MSE at triage. We analyzed 4 diagnostic cohorts: gastroenteritis, psychiatry evaluation, burn injury, and extremity fracture. We matched cases with controls who received standard triage, from December 2015 to November 2017, by age, diagnosis, weekday versus weekend, and season of presentation. Outcome measures included door-to-provider time, time-to-intervention order, and PED length of stay (LOS).

Results
We included 557 patients who received Tele-MSE during the study period. Compared with controls, patients who received a Tele-MSE at triage had a shorter median door-to-provider time (median difference [MD], 8.4 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.0–11.0), time-to-medication order (MD, 27.3 minutes; 95% CI, 22.9–35.2), time-to-consult order (MD, 10.0 minutes; 95% CI, 5.3–12.7), and PED LOS (MD, 0.4 hours; 95% CI, 0.3–0.6).

Conclusions
A Tele-MSE is an innovative modality to expedite the initiation of emergency care and reduce PED LOS for children. This novel intervention offers potential opportunities to optimize provider and patient satisfaction and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.