bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research Methodology to Define the Introduction of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.429 Variant in Hawaii
Authors: Maison David P , Nerurkar Vivek R 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Here, we present a methodology to define the origin of SARS-CoV-2 variants as exemplified by defining the introduction of the B.1.429 variant in Hawaii. We used 187 B.1.429 variant sequences from Hawai’i deposited in the GenBank and GISAID as of March 20, 2021, as an example to develop the methodology. Briefly, i) acquire sequences, ii) perform multiple sequence alignment, iii) trim the alignment, iv) remove incomplete sequences, v) remove duplicates, and vi) generate a phylogenetic tree. The tree defined the most recent common ancestor as the origin. Further, the multiple sequence alignment used to generate the phylogenetic tree identified 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the B.1.429 variant genome. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines B.1.429 as a variant initially found in California. This variant was introduced in Hawai'i multiple times in early 2021. Based on the phylogenetic tree, we conclude that the B.1.429 variant has entered Hawai’i at different timepoints from at least seven different states in the continental United States. This information provides a tool for policy makers and public health officials in applying precision public health genomics.
Discovery of potential drugs to treat aggressive pituitary adenomas through text mining
Authors: Cai Xintao , Sun Zhixiang , Shao Dongqi , Li Yu , Wang Yu , Jiang Zhiquan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Aggressive growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas (GHSPAs) account for 20–45% of GHSPAs. Although they are benign, treatment of GHSPAs is usually unsatisfactory.We wished to identify existing gene–drug interactions and expand the potential indications for new drugs to treat GHSPAs.
Methods

We used text mining with the keywords “growth hormone” and “visual disturbance” to obtain a common set of genes. These genes were analyzed using Genome Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases, as well as protein–protein interaction networks. Finally, important genes clustered in PPI networks were selected for analyses of gene–drug interactions to identify potential drugs.
Results

Through text mining, we obtained 2848 genes related to growth hormone and 220 genes related to visual disturbance, and 157 genes were common to both. Common genes were clustered in significant gene modules. Finally, 12 of the 17 genes were targeted against 46 existing drugs: APOE, TRH, MMP2, ACE, CXCL8, MMP1, ALB, VEGFA, EDN1, TNF, PTH, and VWF.
Conclusion

Drug–gene interactions increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of invasive GHSPAs, and could be used in their prevention and treatment.
The Cancer Treatment Helpline – a retrospective study of the NHS Tayside Experience
Authors: Trip Ilse , George Sherie , Thomson Michael J. , Petty Russell , Baxter Mark 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background: Treatment related toxicity and delays in the management of this toxicity can impact cancer patient outcomes. In Scotland, a national cancer helpline was established to provide triage assessment for patients receiving systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) in an attempt to minimize delays in toxicity management. In this article we describe the use and impact of the helpline in our region over the last 5 years.Methods: Patients who contacted the NHS Tayside cancer helpline between the 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2020 were retrospectively identified. Patient demographics as well as the reason and outcome of each call was recorded. A descriptive analysis was performed.Results: 6,562 individual patients received SACT and 8,397 calls were recorded during the time period. Median age of callers was 63 years (range 17-98) and 59.2% were female. Use of the helpline increased by 83.6% between 2016 and 2020, driven by an increase in in-hours calls. 41% of calls required review by a healthcare professional only, 24% required review and admission and the remaining 35% telephone advice only. The majority of cases (85%) were either assessed or advised solely by oncology. The proportional use of General Practitioner services has decreased. Conclusions: The helpline provides a way for patients to report symptoms directly to their clinical team and receive appropriate specialist advice at an early stage. We demonstrate that most of these calls can be managed solely by our oncology team. This system can reduce pressure on other parts of the local health system.
Predector: an automated and combinative method for the predictive ranking of candidate effector proteins of fungal plant-pathogens
Authors: Jones Darcy A. B. , Rozano Lina , Debler Johannes , Mancera Ricardo L. , Moolhuijzen Paula , Hane James K. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
‘Effectors’ are a broad class of cytotoxic or virulence-promoting molecules that are released from plant-pathogen cells to cause disease in their host. Fungal effectors are a core research area for improving host disease resistance; however, because they generally lack common distinguishing features or obvious sequence similarity, discovery of effectors remains a major challenge. This study presents a novel tool and pipeline for effector prediction - Predector - which interfaces with multiple software tools and methods, aggregates disparate features that are relevant to fungal effector proteins, and ranks effector candidate proteins using a pairwise learning to rank approach. Predector outperformed alternative effector prediction methods that were applied to a curated set of confirmed effectors derived from multiple species. We present Predector as a useful tool for the prediction and ranking of effector candidates, which aggregates and reports additional supporting information relevant to effector and secretome prediction in a simple, efficient, and reproducible manner. Predector is available from https://github.com/ccdmb/predector and associated data from https://github.com/ccdmb/predector-data.
A Relationship Between Unexplained Dizziness and Beta-amyloid Plaques Among Older Adults – Mayo Clinic Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: FAKIR RAZAN AL 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background and ObjectiveBeta-amyloid (Aβ) plaque deposition, which can be detected by amyloid C-11 labeled Pittsburgh Compound B (11C-PiB) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, is a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and occurs years before the onset of symptoms. It is well-documented that the onset of AD initially involves degeneration of cholinergic systems in the posterior parietal-temporal, medial-temporal, and posterior-cingulate regions, which have a strong relationship with the vestibular labyrinth. In the context of an aging population, the symptoms-related vestibular system ranks among the most frequent complaints in primary care but remains unexplained in 40–80% of cases over the age of 65. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between the symptoms-related vestibular system and Aβ-PET imaging among older adults.MethodsA retrospective study design. The study included 5707 participants without dementia, enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (mean age (SD) 74.4 (9.7) years) with cognitive evaluation and information about symptoms-related vestibular system, mainly dizziness or lightheadedness, at baseline and for every 15 months.ResultsOf the 5707, 924 (16%) participants were complaining of ‘unexplained’ dizziness or lightheadedness. The estimated risk of developing symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness at 10 years was 49%. Data suggested that AD-related risk factors including, age, male gender, lower education, high comorbidity index, high-density lipoprotein, balance problems, presence of neurocognitive and neurobehavioral outcomes, and brain-related changes can contribute to the risk of developing ‘unexplained’ dizziness or lightheadedness among older adults. Adjusting for the risk factors, a statistically significant association between ‘unexplained’ dizziness or lightheadedness and Aβ-PET imaging was evident [HR = 1.8, P = 0.009]. This association seems to be significantly modulated by psychological outcomes including, depressive symptomatology and anxiety [HR = 1.0, P = 0.001].Conclusions‘Unexplained’ dizziness or lightheadedness was associated with Aβ plaque deposition among older adults. This association seems to be modulated by psychological outcomes. Although these symptoms can be linked by a common cause, it may suggest functional dizziness, also known as psychogenic dizziness or persistent postural-perceptual dizziness. Further studies are needed to support the findings.
Survival of eight LLIN brands 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after a mass distribution campaign in rural and urban settings in Senegal
Authors: DIOUF Mbaye , FAYE Babacar Thiendella , DIOUF El hadji , DIA Abdoulaye Kane , KONATE Abdoulaye , FALL Fatou Ba , SENE Doudou , DIOUF Mame Birame , GADIAGA Libasse , KONATE Lassana , DIONE Demba Anta , TINE Roger Clément , FAYE Ousmane 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Long lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) are one of the core components of global malaria prevention and control. The lifespan of LLIN varies widely depending on the population or environment, and randomized studies are required to compare LLIN in households under different field conditions. This study investigated survival of different LLIN brands in Senegal.

Methods

10,608 LLINs were distributed in five regions, each stratified by rural and urban setting. As part of the longitudinal follow-up, 2,222 nets were randomly sampled and monitored from 6 to 36 months. Using random effects for households, Bayesian models were used to estimate independent survival by net type (Interceptor®, Life Net®, MAGNet™, Netprotect®, Olyset® Net, PermaNet® 2.0 R, PermaNet® 2.0 C, Yorkool® LN) and by area (rural/urban). In addition to survival, median survival time and attrition of each LLIN brand was determined. Attrition was defined as nets that were missing because they were reported given away, destroyed and thrown away, or repurposed.

Results

Three net types had a proportion of survival above 80% after 24 months: Interceptor ® 87.8% (95% CI 80-93.4); conical PermaNet ® 2.0 86.9% (95% CI 79.3-92.4) and Life Net ® 85.6% (95% CI 75-93). At 36 months, conical PermaNet ® 2.0 maintained a good survival rate, 79.5% (95% CI 65.9-88.8). The attrition due to redistributed nets showed that the two conical net types (PermaNet ® 2.0 and Interceptor ® ) were more often retained by households and their median retention time was well above three years (median survival time =3.5 years for PermaNet ® 2.0 and median survival time =4 years for Interceptor ® ). Despite this good retention, Interceptor ® had weak physical integrity and its median survival due to wear and tear was below three years (median survival time = 2.4 years). The odds ratio of survival was 2.5 times higher in rural settings than in urban settings (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.7-3.7).

Conclusions

Differences in survival among LLIN may be driven by brand, shape or environmental setting. In this study in Senegal, conical PermaNet ® 2.0 were retained in households while rectangular PermaNet ® 2.0 had lower retention, suggesting that net shape may play a role in retention and should be further investigated. Distribution of preferred LLIN shape, accompanied by good communication on care and repair, could lead to increased effective lifespan, and allow for longer intervals between universal coverage campaigns.
Treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections in children: multicenter double-blind placebo-controlled randomized comparative clinical trial
Authors: Lukashova L. V. , Afanasyeva O. I. , Portnyagina E. V. , Khmeleva A. N. , Chernyshova N. P. 
Published: April 2021

The article presents the main results of a randomized clinical trial of the efficacy and safety of Panavir®, rectal suppositories 100 μg, in children with influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI).Characteristics of children and research methods. The trial included 40 children from 12 to 17 years old, the children were randomized into 2 groups: 20 children were treated with Panavir®, 1 rectal suppository per day for 7days, 20 children received placebo according to Panavir® regimen on the background of standard symptomatic therapy. The scientists monitored the efficacy criteria: the primary criteria: recovery time and the number of patients with successful treatment (normalization of axillary body temperature no later than 48 hours of therapy); the main secondary criteria: the timing of the normalization of body temperature, the disappearance of intoxication and catarrhal symptoms and satisfaction with the results of treatment by the parents /adoptive parents of patients on the IMPSS scale.Results. In the Group of Panavir®, the authors registered shorter mean recovery periods (4.5 days versus 7.4 days in the Group of Placebo), normalization of body temperature (39.1 hours versus 76.1 hours) and regression of intoxication manifestations (2.9 days versus 4.3 days) and catarrhal (3.4 days versus 5.6 days) syndromes (with statistical significance of intergroup differences). The treatment success was achieved in 85% of cases in the Panavir® Group versus 30% of cases in the Placebo Group; according to this criterion Panavir® exceeded placebo by at least 24.7%. At the end of the therapy course, 80% of the parents /adoptive parents were satisfied with the treatment results in the Panavir® Group versus 25% of cases in the Placebo Group. The authors determined a comparable incidence of adverse events in the Panavir® and Placebo Groups. There were no adverse events associated with the administration of Panavir®.Conclusion. This study established the efficacy and safety of Panavir® in the treatment of children of 12-17 years old with influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections. This drug with a combined antiviral and immunomodulatory effect is promising for pediatric practice.
Sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease: which comes first?
Authors: Nikitin A. V. , Volynets G. V. 
Published: April 2021

Sclerosing cholangitis is one of the most common hepatologic extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. The article discusses the phenotype of the combination of sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease. The authors present their theories of the etiopathogenesis of sclerosing cholangitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, as well as some features of the phenotype of both mixed and monogenic forms of diseases.Sclerosing cholangitis in combination with inflammatory bowel disease is commonly associated with pancolitis, but the endoscopically visualized activity of inflammatory bowel diseases is significantly lower and clinical symptoms are less pronounced. The authors have established that the patients with the combination of sclerosing cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease are at the increased risk of developing malignant neoplasms. The formation mechanisms of a combination of inflammatory bowel disease and sclerosing cholangitis remain poorly understood, although this pathology is influenced by lymphocytic cross-reactivity, aberrant recognition of microbiotic epitopes and intestinal microbiota imbalance. New biological agents aimed at correcting the interaction between the immune system and target organs may provide new ways of treatment for sclerosing cholangitis associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
Effectiveness of thiamphenicol glycinate acetilcysteinate in inhalation treatment of children with rhinosinusitis
Authors: Bogomilskiy M. R. , Radtsig E. Yu. , Pivneva N. D. , Kuyanova V. E. 
Published: April 2021

The article evaluates the effectiveness of thiamphenicol glycinate acetylcysteinate for inhalation versus systemic antibiotic for oral administration in complex treatment of uncomplicated rhinosinusitis in the outpatient conditions.Characteristics of children and research methods. The prospective, single-center, randomized, pilot, open-label comparative study included 61 patients from 3 to 9 years old with acute rhinosinusitis meeting the inclusion criteria. Group 1: children were prescribed thiamphenicol glycinate acetylcysteinate (0.125 mg per inhalation twice a day), Group 2: patients received amoxicillin clavulanate at an age-specific dosage of 40-45 mg/kg orally 2 or 3 times a day. At each visit (Day 0 and Day 7–8) the scientists assessed such symptoms as nasal breathing and rhinoscopy findings (edema, hyperemia of the mucous membrane and nasal discharge) on a 10-point visual analogue scale. At the repeated examination (Day 7-8), they assessed the effectiveness of the treatment (recovery/improvement/cure), the duration of treatment (in days) and the number of drugs taken simultaneously, as well as the tolerability of treatment by the presence/absence of undesirable or side effects. The Python language (Python 3.8.) was used for statistical processing of the obtained data. They used the built-in functions from the Scipy module for calculation.Results. At the time of inclusion in the study (Day 0), the condition of the patients in both groups was comparable (p>0.05). When comparing condition of the patients on Day 0 and Day 7-8 there was a therapeutic effect in both groups for all studied symptoms (p<0.01) and for the duration of the treatment course (p=0.2302). Thiamphenicol glyceinate acetylcysteinate reduced the need for other drugs in the complex treatment of sinusitis (p<0.001). In most cases the result of treatment was assessed as recovery. None of the observed patients had undesirable side effects.Conclusion. Thiamphenicol glycinate acetylcysteinate (Fluimucil-antibiotic IT) in the form of inhalation is as effective as amoxicillin clavulanate for the treatment of children with acute uncomplicated rhinosinusitis. A decrease in the need to take additional drugs (p<0.001) can be considered as the advantage of thiamphenicol glycinate acetylcysteinate in complex treatment for uncomplicated rhinosinusitis.
Medico-social study of the opinions of parents (legal representatives) on the medical care for children with cancer in the Russian Federation
Authors: Rykov M. Yu. , Manerova O. A. , Turabov I. A. , Kozlov V. V. , Reshetnikov V. A. 
Published: April 2021

.Objective. To study the opinion of parents (legal representatives) on the problems of medical care for children with oncological diseases.Methods. The study was based on the Questionnaire for parents (legal representatives) on medical care children with cancer. The questionnaire consisted of 27 questions, the respondents were asked to choose one or several answers or to enter their own option.Results. This medical and social study demonstrated that 81.1±1.9% of respondents are not satisfied with the attitude of doctors and nurses towards them and their children, 15.9±1.8% of respondents are partially satisfied and only 3±0.8% of respondents are fully satisfied. The reasons for dissatisfaction were as follows: rude communication (35.8±2.4%), inadequate attention of medical personnel (21.3±2.0%) and lack of interest in the treatment success (19.7±2.0%). The combination of these options was noted by 23.2±2.0% of the respondents. 63.7±2.4% of respondents would prefer to treat their children at a medical organization of federal subordination, 33.9±2.4% – at medical organization outside the territory of the Russian Federation, of which 57.4±2.4% would like to receive a patient-oriented service and simplified routing between medical organizations during treatment. 12.7±1.6% mistrust in the qualifications of medical personnel in the Russian Federation, 11.8±1.6% of respondents indicated the lack of comfortable conditions for examination and treatment, 5.3±1.1% of respondents indicated the lack of necessary diagnostic and treatment methods and 12.8 1.6% of respondents indicated a combination of the above options.Conclusion. The results obtained indicate the need to implement patient-oriented approaches and to improve the routing of children with cancer.
Community-acquired﻿ pneumonia﻿ in﻿ children﻿ –﻿ problems﻿ and﻿ solutions
Authors: Tatochenko V. K. 
Published: April 2021

Pneumonia in children remains one of the most serious diseases. Despite intensive study, the diagnosis and treatment still present a variety of problems. The article is aimed to identify these problems and show the ways of their solution.One of the criteria for the diagnosis of pneumonia is pulmonary infiltrate on the X-ray image. Community-acquired pneumonia is often caused by Pneumococci and mycoplasma; respiratory viruses, influenza usually serve as contributing factors for bacterial infection. The high level of hyperand underdiagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia is associated with its similarity with ARVI; the registration of general violations (signs of the severity of the disease) improves the quality of diagnosis. The clinical and radiological picture helps to distinguish pneumococcal pneumonia from pneumonia caused by mycoplasma. To improve the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia, it is necessary to study inflammation markers during the first examination of the patient, which is impossible in the conditions of home care. Due to the growth of resistance of pneumococci to macrolides a community-acquired pneumonia of pneumococcal (and unclear) etiology requires the use of amoxicillin in high doses and macrolides (in case of atypical pneumonia). Gentle therapy of destructive pneumonia, steroids for metapneumonic pleurisy allow avoiding invasive interventions and help to repair lung tissue.
O Direito Humano à Água e a Regulação do Saneamento Básico no Brasil: Tarifa Social e Acessibilidade Econômica
Authors: Reis Camila Antonieta Silva , Carneiro Ricardo 
Published: April 2021

O acesso à água potável e ao esgotamento sanitário é notoriamente reconhecido como uma condição essencial à proteção da saúde e à preservação da vida, tendo sido definido, por resolução da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU), de 2010, como direito humano essencial. Essa essencialidade ganha contornos particularmente nítidos no atual contexto, marcado pela pandemia da Covid-19. Para a promoção de objetivos sociais e econômicos relacionados à provisão dos referidos serviços, o marco regulatório do setor de saneamento básico brasileiro introduziu a necessidade de instituição de agências independentes com a atribuição de disciplinar e fiscalizar as atividades das empresas atuantes na área. Dentre os diversos desafios postos à atividade reguladora ressalta-se a dificuldade de acesso, pela população de baixa renda, aos serviços setoriais. Um dos instrumentos usualmente empregados para oportunizar esse acesso é a denominada Tarifa Social. Nesse contexto, o artigo busca traçar uma visão panorâmica de sua utilização, em âmbito nacional, na prestação dos serviços setoriais, utilizando-se de dados do Sistema Nacional de Informações sobre Saneamento – SNIS. Verificou-se que o instrumento se faz presente na maior parte dos municípios, constatando-se, entretanto, grande heterogeneidade nos critérios adotados para sua concessão que, muitas vezes, se dissociam do principal objetivo de sua instituição.