bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploratory Assessment of Levosimendan in Infants With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Schroeder Lukas , Gries Kristina , Ebach Fabian , Mueller Andreas , Kipfmueller Florian 
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVES:
Infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia frequently suffer from cardiac dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension during the postnatal course. With the use of the inodilator levosimendan, a therapeutic approach is available in situations with catecholamine-refractory low-cardiac-output failure and severe pulmonary hypertension.

DESIGN:
Retrospective single-center cohort study.

SETTING:
University-based, tertiary-care children’s hospital neonatal ICU.

PATIENTS:
Cohort of 24 infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and levosimendan therapy, without underlying major cardiac defect, treated at the University Children´s Hospital Bonn, Germany, between January 2017 and December 2018.

INTERVENTIONS:
None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
Twenty-four infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia were treated with levosimendan (41% of hospitalized congenital diaphragmatic hernia infants in the study period). In 88%, the congenital diaphragmatic hernia was left-sided. The median observed-to-expected lung-to-head ratio was 36%. About 60% of the infants were supported with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and the mortality was 38% (9/24 infants). Levosimendan administration was associated with improvement of pulmonary hypertension severity (p = 0.013 and p = 0.000) and right ventricular dysfunction (p = 0.011 and p = 0.000) at 24 hours and 7 days after treatment. Similarly, the prevalence of left ventricular dysfunction decreased from 50% at baseline to 10% after 7 days (p = 0.026). A significant reduction in the peak inspiratory pressure was observed after drug application (p = 0.038) and a significant decrease of the Vasoactive-Inotropic Score was apparent (p = 0.022). A relevant arterial hypotension as a drug-related adverse event occurred in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS:
This is the first study exploring clinical and hemodynamic changes after levosimendan treatment in a cohort of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. An association of levosimendan application and an improvement in pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular, and left ventricular dysfunction were observed within 7 days after drug infusion. However, due to the retrospective design of this study, the results should be interpreted carefully.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound Facilitates Management of Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Moake Matthew M. , Price Amanda B. , Titus M. Olivia , Barnes Ryan M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Abdominal pain in the pregnant adolescent presents a diagnostic dilemma with potential life-threatening etiologies. We present a case where point-of-care ultrasound was used to facilitate diagnosis and expedite lifesaving management of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. We further review the technique and literature for first-trimester transabdominal point-of-care ultrasound.
Verification of Usefulness of Pediatric Head Trauma Imaging Protocol Combining Computerized Tomography, Observation Unit, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Nozawa Masahiro , Matsuura Jun , Iwata Kentaro , Shiomi Naoto 
Published: February 2021

Objective
This study was conducted to investigate computed tomography (CT) scan rate and diagnostic accuracy of our protocol combining CT, observation unit, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and compare them with other clinical decision rules (PECARN, CATCH, and CHALICE).

Methods
This prospective observational study conducted in our hospital between October 2016 and September 2019 included 1946 patients aged 0 to 15 years with head trauma, of whom 1137 were analyzed. Computed tomography scan rate and imaging examination (CT or MRI) rate of our protocol were investigated. Sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. We also compared our protocol and other clinical decision rules with respect to CT scan rate, sensitivity, and NPV in the same cohort and outcomes.

Results
The CT scan rate of our protocol was 7.9%, and the imaging examination rate, including MRI, was 12.2%. When the outcome was set to intracranial injury, the sensitivity and NPV of our protocol were each 100%. The CT scan rates in each cohort were 14.5% for PECARN (8.1% for our protocol), 34.7% for CATCH (23.2% for ours), and 13.6% for CHALICE (7.9% for ours). The sensitivity and NPV in each cohort were 100% and 100% for PECARN (92.3% and 100% for ours), 64.7% and 92.6% for CATCH (100% and 100% for ours), and 83.9% and 99.5% for CHALICE (100% and 100% for ours), respectively.

Conclusions
The protocol we created by combining CT, observation unit, and MRI was considered to be useful for practice in pediatric head injury cases.
Increasing preexposure prophylaxis use and ‘net prevention coverage’ in behavioural surveillance of Australian gay and bisexual men
Authors: Holt Martin , Broady Timothy R. , Mao Limin , Chan Curtis , Rule John , Ellard Jeanne , O’Donnell Darryl , Grulich Andrew E. , Prestage Garrett , Bavinton Benjamin R. 
Published: February 2021

Objective(s):
To assess trends in HIV prevention strategies among Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM) since the introduction of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the level of net prevention coverage (the use of safe strategies), and the characteristics of HIV-negative and untested GBM who remain at risk of HIV.

Design:
Repeated behavioural surveillance of GBM recruited from venues, events and online in seven Australian states and territories.

Methods:
Participants with casual male partners were included. Trends in sexual practices, prevention strategies, net prevention coverage and the characteristics of ‘at risk’ participants were assessed with binary and multivariate logistic regression.

Results:
A total of 32 048 survey responses (2014–2019) were included. The proportion of participants who reported consistent condom use declined (44.6–23.2%). The proportion who reported any condomless anal intercourse with casual partners increased (37.4–62.0%) but net prevention coverage also increased (68.1–74.9%), with higher levels of undetectable viral load among HIV-positive participants and rapidly increasing PrEP use by HIV-negative participants. PrEP became the most commonly reported prevention strategy in 2019 (31.1%). The analysis of ‘at risk’ participants showed that they became more likely to report frequent condomless anal intercourse with casual partners but had fewer partners and more partners with undetectable viral load or on PrEP. ‘At risk’ participants became more likely to identify as bisexual and to be born overseas.

Conclusion:
There has been a rapid, historic shift in HIV prevention among GBM in Australia. Net prevention coverage has increased among GBM and ‘at risk’ GBM have become less at risk of HIV, facilitating reductions in HIV transmission.
Prospective evaluation of blood Epstein–Barr virus DNA load and antibody profile in HIV-related non-Hodgkin lymphomas
Authors: Lupo Julien , Germi Raphaële , Lancar Rémi , Algarte-Genin Michèle , Hendel-Chavez Houria , Taoufik Yassine , Mounier Nicolas , Partisani Marialuisa , Bonnet Fabrice , Meyohas Marie-Caroline , Marchou Bruno , Filippova Anastasiia , Prevot Sophie , Costagliola Dominique , Morand Patrice , Besson Caroline 
Published: February 2021

Objectives:
The value of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) biomarkers on the prognosis of HIV-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) has been poorly explored in the combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) era.

Design:
We evaluated EBV DNA load and EBV antibodies in HIV-NHL patients enrolled in the French ANRS-CO16 Lymphovir Cohort between 2008 and 2015.

Methods:
Whole blood and plasma EBV DNA load and serological profiles were analyzed in 76 HIV-infected patients at diagnosis of NHL and 6 months after the initiation of chemotherapy.

Results:
Prechemotherapy whole blood (WB) and plasma EBV DNA loads were positive for 80 and 45% of HIV-NHL patients, respectively. Pretreatment WB EBV DNA positivity was associated with a positive plasma HIV-1 RNA load (relative risk (RR), 4.42 [1.33; 14.72]) and plasma EBV DNA positivity with EBV in situ detection (RR 10.62 [2.38; 47.49]). Following chemotherapy, the proportions of patients with positive WB or plasma EBV DNA declined from 81 to 23% (P < 0.0001) and from 43 to 8% (P < 0.0001), respectively. Estimated 2-year progression-free survival did not differ according to prechemotherapy WB positivity (82% versus 67%, P = 0.15) or plasma EBV DNA positivity (76% versus 81%, P
= 0.52).

Conclusions:
The plasma EBV DNA load correlates with in situ EBV detection. The WB EBV DNA load correlates with HIV load. WB and plasma EBV DNA loads at NHL diagnosis do not constitute prognostic markers for HIV-NHL patients in the modern cART era.
Patient-Reported Outcomes: Quality of Care on a Neurosurgical Ward
Authors: Sadrameli Saeed S. , Chan Tiffany M. , Vaziri Sasha , Murad Gregory J. A. , Hooten Kristopher G. 
Published: February 2021

Background and Objectives:
Patient experience has become a quality measure in hospitals across the United States. To improve our understanding of our neurosurgical patient populationʼs satisfaction needs, we undertook a detailed survey to identify areas of needed improvement.

Methods:
Upon institutional review board approval, a detailed survey adopted from the Swedish quality-of-care patient questionnaire was distributed to all patients being discharged from the neurosurgical ward over a month period. From June 2014 to July 2014, all patients admitted to the neurosurgery service through the emergency department, clinic, or other facilities were enrolled. There were no specific inclusion criteria except for age older than 18 years, intact cognition to complete the survey, and return of a completed survey. Data were collected in 6 major categories, including information availability, patient accessibility, treatment received, caring perception, hospital environment, and overall satisfaction. Patients were evaluated by age, gender, surgery, and admission type.

Results:
Our analysis demonstrated an improved overall satisfaction in those patients being admitted electively from the clinic as compared with emergency department admissions or hospital transfers. In addition, patients admitted on an emergent basis reported a lower satisfaction pertaining to receiving information, specifically test results.

Conclusions:
Emergent admissions represent a subpopulation that may require additional strategies to improve patient satisfaction survey scores.
Findings and Resolution of Melanoma Perineural Spread Along the Greater Auricular Nerve on FDG PET/CT and MRI
Authors: Nguyen Jennifer , Barber Thomas W. , Cameron Rhoda , Haydon Andrew , Mar Victoria 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We report an unusual case of a 59-year-old man with recurrent right ear melanoma resulting in perineural spread to the right greater auricular nerve. Direct perineural spread to the greater auricular nerve is not commonly reported in melanoma. Our case demonstrates perineural spread along the greater auricular nerve on 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI. This finding was supported by intraneural invasion noted at the surgical margin of the wide local excision of the right helix melanoma. Resolution of FDG activity and improved MRI appearances of the right greater auricular nerve were seen after immunotherapy treatment.
Practical Approach to the Tele-Neuro-Ophthalmology and Neuro-Otology Visits: Instructional Videos
Authors: Calix Rachel , Grossman Scott N. , Rasool Nailyn , Small Leslie , Cho Catherine , Galetta Steven L. , Balcer Laura J. , Rucker Janet C. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract:
A collection of instructional videos that illustrate a step by step approach to tele-neuro-ophthalmology and neuro-otology visits. These videos provide instruction for patient preparation for their video visit, patient and provider interface with an electronic medical record associated video platform, digital applications to assist with vision testing, and practical advice for detailed remote neuro-ophthalmologic and neuro-otologic examinations.
Early Antibody Responses Associated with Survival in COVID19 Patients
Authors: Zhou Zhao-Hua , Dharmarajan Sai , Lehtimaki Mari , Kirshner Susan L. , Kozlowski Steven 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNeutralizing antibodies to the SARS CoV-2 spike proteins have been issued Emergency Use Authorizations and are a likely mechanism of vaccines to prevent COVID-19. However, benefit of treatment with monoclonal antibodies has only been observed in clinical trials in outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19 but not in patients who are hospitalized and/or have advanced disease. To address this observation, we evaluated the timing of anti SARS-CoV-2 antibody production in hospitalized patients with the use of a highly sensitive multiplexed bead-based immunoassay allowing for early detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. We found that significantly lower levels of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the first week after symptom onset were associated with patients who expired as compared to patients who were discharged. We also developed a model, based on antibody level trajectory, to predict COVID 19 outcome that is compatible with greater antibody benefit earlier in COVID 19 disease.Author SummaryWe evaluated antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 over time in patients that were hospitalized with COVID 19. Early detection of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was associated with survival in patients hospitalized with COVID 19. Early antibody levels predicted outcome in our study. This result is consistent with the benefit of therapeutic antibodies early in the course of COVID 19 disease. With additional study, early antibody levels may be helpful in deciding on appropriate therapies.
Non-pharmaceutical interventions and inoculation rate shape SARS-COV-2 vaccination campaign success
Authors: Galanti Marta , Pei Sen , Yamana Teresa K. , Angulo Frederick J. , Charos Apostolos , Khan Farid , Shea Kimberly M. , Swerdlow David L. , Shaman Jeffrey 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNearly one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the first SARS-COV-2 vaccines received emergency use authorization and vaccination campaigns began. A number of factors can reduce the averted burden of cases and deaths due to vaccination. Here, we use a dynamic model, parametrized with Bayesian inference methods, to assess the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions, and vaccine administration and uptake rates on infections and deaths averted in the United States. We estimate that high compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions could avert more than 60% of infections and 70% of deaths during the period of vaccine administration, and that increasing the vaccination rate from 5 to 11 million people per week could increase the averted burden by more than one third. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining non-pharmaceutical interventions and increasing vaccine administration rates.
ExOrthist: a tool to infer exon orthologies at any evolutionary distance
Authors: Márquez Yamile , Mantica Federica , Cozzuto Luca , Burguera Demian , Hermoso-Pulido Antonio , Ponomarenko Julia , Roy Scott W. , Irimia Manuel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSeveral bioinformatic tools have been developed for genome-wide identification of orthologous and paralogous genes among species. However, no existing tool allows the detection of orthologous/paralogous exons. Here, we present ExOrthist, a fully reproducible Nextflow-based software enabling to (i) infer exon homologs and orthogroups, (ii) visualize evolution of exon-intron structures, and (iii) assess conservation of alternative splicing patterns. ExOrthist not only evaluates exon sequence conservation but also considers the surrounding exon-intron context to derive genome-wide multi-species exon homologies at any evolutionary distance. We demonstrate its use in various evolutionary scenarios, from whole genome duplication to convergence of alternative splicing networks.
Can we harness digital technologies and physiology to hasten genetic gain in U.S. maize breeding?
Authors: Diepenbrock C. , Tang T. , Jines M. , Technow F. , Lira S. , Podlich D. , Cooper M. , Messina C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGenetic gain in breeding programs depends on the predictive skill of genotype-to-phenotype algorithms and precision of phenotyping, both integrated with well-defined breeding objectives for a target population of environments (TPE). The integration of physiology and genomics could improve predictive skill by capturing additive and non-additive interaction effects of genotype (G), environment (E), and management (M). Precision phenotyping at managed stress environments (MSEs) can elicit physiological expression of processes that differentiate germplasm for performance in target environments, thus enabling algorithm training. Gap analysis methodology enables design of GxM technologies for target environments by assessing the difference between current and attainable yields within physiological limits. Harnessing digital technologies such as crop growth model-whole genome prediction (CGM-WGP) and gap analysis, and MSEs, can hasten genetic gain by improving predictive skill and definition of breeding goals in the U.S. maize production TPE. A half-diallel maize experiment resulting from crossing 9 elite maize inbreds was conducted at 17 locations in the TPE and 6 locations at MSEs between 2017 and 2019. Analyses over 35 families represented by 2367 hybrids demonstrated that CGM-WGP offered a predictive advantage (y) compared to WGP that increased with occurrence of drought as measured by decreasing whole-season evapotranspiration (ET; log(y) = 0.80(±0.6) − 0.006(±0.001) ×ET;r2= 0.59;df= 21). Predictions of unobserved physiological traits using the CGM, akin to digital phenotyping, were stable. This understanding of germplasm response to ET enables predictive design of opportunities to close productivity gaps. We conclude that enabling physiology through digital methods can hasten genetic gain by improving predictive skill and defining breeding objectives bounded by physiological realities.
Parental attitudes towards mandatory vaccination; a systematic review
Authors: Smith Louise E. , Hodson Ava , Rubin G. James 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWhile mandatory vaccination schemes can increase vaccine uptake rates, they can also cause backlash among some parents. We conducted a systematic review investigating parental beliefs about vaccine mandates and factors associated with support for mandatory vaccination schemes. We searched Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, Global Health, APA PsycINFO and Web of Science from inception to 17th September 2020. Seventeen studies (five qualitative, twelve quantitative) were eligible for inclusion. We synthesised results of qualitative and quantitative studies separately. Studies were heterogeneous with regard to schemes investigated and factors investigated. Quantitative studies found little evidence for any factors being consistently associated with support for mandatory vaccination. Qualitative studies found that parents perceived mandatory vaccination schemes as an infringement of their rights and that they preferred universal, compared to targeted, schemes. To optimise engagement with existing child mandatory vaccination legislation, schemes should be designed with parental beliefs in mind.
Heterogeneous Mental Health Development During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ellwardt Lea , Präg Patrick 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic and the mitigation measures by governments have upended the economic and social lives of many, leading to widespread psychological distress. We explore heterogeneity in trajectories of psychological distress during the pandemic in the United Kingdom and relate this heterogeneity to socio-demographic and health factors. We analyze nine waves of longitudinal, nationally representative survey data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (N=15,914), covering the period from early 2020 to mid-2021. First, latent class mixture modelling (LCCM) is used to identify trajectories of psychological distress. Second, associations of the trajectories with covariates are tested with multinomial logistic regressions. We find four different trajectories of distress: continuously low, temporarily elevated, repeatedly elevated, and continuously elevated distress. Nearly two fifths of the population experienced severely elevated risks of distress during the pandemic. Long-term distress was highest among younger people, women, people living without a partner, those who had no work or lost income, and those with previous health conditions or COVID-19 symptoms. Given the threat of persistent stress on health, policy measures should be sensitized to the unintended yet far-reaching consequences of non-pharmaceutical interventions.
Calcium-Sensing Receptor Polymorphisms at rs1801725 are Associated with Increased Risk of Secondary Malignancies
Authors: Actkins Ky’Era V. , Beasley Heather K. , Faucon Annika B. , Davis Lea K. , Sakwe Amos M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeDysregulation of systemic calcium homeostasis during malignancy is common in most patients with high grade tumors. However, it remains unclear whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that alter the sensitivity of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) to circulating calcium are associated with primary and/or secondary neoplasms at specific pathological sites in patients of European and African ancestry.MethodsMultivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of CASR SNPs with circulating calcium, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, and primary and secondary neoplasms.ResultsCirculating calcium is associated with an increased risk for breast, prostate, and skin cancers. In patients of European descent, the rs1801725 CASR SNP is associated with bone-related cancer phenotypes, deficiency of humoral immunity, and a higher risk of secondary neoplasms in the lungs and bone. Interestingly, circulating calcium levels are higher in homozygous patients for the inactivating CASR variant at rs1801725 (TT genotype), and this is associated with a higher risk of secondary malignancies.ConclusionsBreast, prostate, and skin cancer patients with homozygous inactivating variants (TT genotype) at the CASR rs1801725 locus have a higher risk of developing secondary neoplastic lesions in the lungs and bone, due in part, to cancer-induced hypercalcemia and/or tumor immune suppression.
Long COVID neuropsychological deficits after severe, moderate or mild infection
Authors: Voruz P. , Allali G. , Benzakour L. , Nuber-Champier A. , Thomasson M. , Jacot I. , Pierce J. , Lalive P. , Lövblad K-O. , Braillard O. , Coen M. , Serratrice J. , Pugin J. , Ptak R. , Guessous I. , Landis B.N. , Assal F. , Péron J.A. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundThere is growing awareness that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can include long-term neuropsychological deficits, even in its mild or moderate respiratory forms.MethodsStandardized neuropsychological, psychiatric, neurological and olfactory tests were administered to 45 patients (categorized according to the severity of their respiratory symptoms during the acute phase) 236.51 ± 22.54 days post-discharge following SARS-CoV-2 infection.ResultsDeficits were found in all the domains of cognition and the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms was also high in the three groups. The severe performed more poorly on long-term episodic memory and exhibited greater anosognosia. The moderate had poorer emotion recognition, which was positively correlated with persistent olfactory dysfunction. The mild were more stressed, anxious and depressed.ConclusionThe data support the hypothesis that the virus targets the central nervous system (and notably the limbic system), and support the notion of different neuropsychological phenotypes.