bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Kawasaki Disease and COVID-19 in children
Authors: esmaeilzadeh hossein , Mortazavi Negar , Salehi Alireza , Fatemian Hossein , Vardanjani Hossein Molavi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Kawasaki Disease (KD) is most common childhood vasculitis and cause of acquired heart disease for no apparent reason. There is some evidence indicating infectious agents as possible triggers for KD. During the COVID-19 pandemic, vasculitis has been a presentation of COVID-19 in children.
Objective
We performed this study to assess the association between KD and COVID-19.
Methods and Materials
We evaluated KD hospitalized children during February to September 2020 for COVID-19 (group one) and compared their demographic, clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic findings with KD patients from the same period of time in 2019 (group two). We also compared the same data in COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative KD patients in 2020 pandemic period.
Results
68% of KD patients in group one were positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic period. KD Age of onset in the group one was lower than group two (4.38 years VS 5.5 years, P-value= 0.044). There was no difference in the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic features of the patients during and before the COVID-19 pandemic (p-value > 0.05). Moreover, Comparing COVID-19 positive and negative patients, the incidence of rash was higher within COVID-19 positive cases (p<0.05), and coronary artery abnormalities were more prevalent in COVID-19 negative cases (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Admission rate of KD does not have significant difference during the COVID-19 pandemic but 68% of KD admitted patient were COVID-19 positive. Age of onset for KD during the COVID-19 pandemic was lower than the same period of time in last year.
GDF11 expressed in the adult brain negatively regulates hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Mayweather Brittany A , Buchanan Sean M , Rubin Lee L 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a transforming factor-β superfamily member that functions as a negative regulator of neurogenesis during embryonic development. However, when recombinant GDF11 (rGDF11) is administered systemically in aged mice, it promotes neurogenesis, the opposite of its role during development. The goal of the present study was to reconcile this apparent discrepancy by performing the first detailed investigation into the expression of endogenous GDF11 in the adult brain and its effects on neurogenesis. Using quantitative histological analysis, we observed that Gdf11 is highly expressed in adult neurogenic niches and non-neurogenic regions within the hippocampus, choroid plexus, thalamus, habenula, and cerebellum. To investigate the role of endogenous GDF11 during adult hippocampal neurogenesis, we generated a tamoxifen inducible mouse that allowed us to reduce GDF11 levels. Depletion of Gdf11 during adulthood increased proliferation of neural progenitors and decreased the number of newborn neurons in the hippocampus, suggesting that endogenous GDF11 remains a negative regulator of hippocampal neurogenesis in adult mice. These findings further support the idea that circulating systemic GDF11 and endogenously expressed GDF11 in the adult brain have different target cells or mechanisms of action. Our data describe a role for GDF11-dependent signaling in adult neurogenesis that has implications for how GDF11 may be used to treat CNS disease.
Meta-analysis of randomized trials of ivermectin to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Hill Andrew , Abdulamir Ahmed , Ahmed Sabeena , Asghar Asma , Babalola Olufemi Emmanuel , Basri Rabia , Chaccour Carlos , Chachar Aijaz Zeeshan Khan , Chowdhury Abu Tauib Mohammed , Elgazzar Ahmed , Ellis Leah , Falconer Jonathan , Garratt Anna , Hany Basma , Hashim Hashim A , Haque Wasim Ul , Hayat Arshad , He Shuixiang , Jamshidian Ramin , Khan Wasif Ali , Kirti Ravi , Krolewiecki Alejandro , Lanusse Carlos , Levi Jacob , Mahmud Reaz , Mangat Sermand Ahmed , McCann Kaitlyn , Mohan Anant , Niaee Mortezza Shakshi , Okumus Nurullah , Pilkington Victoria , Podder Chinmay Saha , Qavi Ambar , Raad Houssam , Rezai Mohammaed Sadegh , Sasank Surapaneni , Spoorthi Veerapaneni , Suri Tejas , Wang Junzheng , Wentzel Hannah 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug being investigated for repurposing to SARS-CoV-2. In-vitro, ivermectin showed limited antiviral activity and a COVID-19 animal model demonstrated pathological benefits but no effect on viral RNA. This meta-analysis investigated ivermectin in 18 randomized clinical trials (2282 patients) identified through systematic searches of PUBMED, EMBASE, MedRxiv and trial registries. Ivermectin was associated with reduced inflammatory markers (C-Reactive Protein, d-dimer and ferritin) and faster viral clearance by PCR. Viral clearance was treatment dose- and duration-dependent. In six randomized trials of moderate or severe infection, there was a 75% reduction in mortality (Relative Risk=0.25 [95%CI 0.12-0.52]; p=0.0002); 14/650 (2.1%) deaths on ivermectin; 57/597 (9.5%) deaths in controls) with favorable clinical recovery and reduced hospitalization. Many studies included were not peer reviewed and meta-analyses are prone to confounding issues. Ivermectin should be validated in larger, appropriately controlled randomized trials before the results are sufficient for review by regulatory authorities.
Gynecological Neoplasms are the Major Cause for Malignant Effusions
Authors: Krugmann Jens , Lang-Schwarz Corinna , Sterlacci William , Nikolaev Svetlana , Ozalinskaite Agne , Steppert Claus , Adler Werner , Vieth Michael , Lermann Johannes 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Malignant effusions occur frequently in gynecologic neoplasms and may worsen the prognosis for these patients. Therefore a more detailed analysis for the different cavities is necessary to describe the association between the various histological subtypes and the time related occurrence of malignant effusions in gynecological malignancies. Methods: Malignant effusion specimens from patients diagnosed at Bayreuth Hospital from June 2013 to December 2018 were reevaluated retrospectively and correlated with the histolgogical subtype of primary tumors and with the clinical follow-up.Results: 435 patients with malignant effusions were analyzed, including 273 women and 162 men. 54.2% of patients developed malignant effusions in the pleural space in (54.2%) patients, in the peritoneum in (43.9%) patients and in the pericardium in (1.9%). Gynecological malignancies appear most common in (n=147, 34.0%; mean age 67.3 years) patients with predominant occurrence of ovarian carcinoma in malignant abdominal cytology in 75/191 (39.3%) patients, mostly of high-grade serous papillary subtype in 72/75 (96.1%), and only breast cancer in malignant pleural effusions in 49/236 (20.7%), frequently of 39/49 (79.6%) invasive carcinomas of no specific type. Both involvement of pleural- and peritoneal cavity in 244 female patients with gynecological-, lung- and gastrointestinal neoplasms we obtained in 37 (15.2%) patients, most common in 31/37 (83.78%) gynecological tumors and exclusively of high-grade serous papillary subtype. Malignant ascites occured in patients with lower genital tract tumors in 81/86 (94.2%) within one year after primary diagnosis, whereas breast cancer involves the peritoneum in 2/10 (20%) and the pleural cavity in 11/49 (22.4%) after 12 months. Conclusions: Gynecological neoplasms were the major cause of malignant effusions in our study. The high-grade serous papillary subtype of lower tract gynecological is most aggressive with predominant occurrence in the peritoneum and exclusive secondary involvement of the pleural cavity. Therefore, an alone/exclusive/sole involvement of the pleural cavity characterize the invasive breast carcinoma of no special type compared to predominant occurrence of the lobular subtype in malignant ascites. Breast cancer showed a statistical significant late occurrence in effusion fluids 12 months after primary diagnosis in contrast to early involvement in gynecological- as well as pulmonary- or gastrointestinal malignancies.
Feasibility Study To Assess The Delivery of A Novel Isometric Exercise Intervention For People With Stage 1 Hypertension In The NHS: Protocol For The Isofit-BP Study Including Amendments To Mitigate The Risk of COVID-19&nbsp;
Authors: Wiles Jonathan , Rees-Roberts Melanie , O’Driscoll Jamie , Doulton Timothy , McInnes Douglas , Short Vanessa , Pellatt-Higgins Tracy , Saxby Katie , Gousa Katerina , West Alan , Smith Maggie , Santer Ellie , Darby John , Farmer Chris K 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Hypertension (HTN) affects approximately 25% of the UK population and is a leading cause of mortality. Associated annual health care costs run into billions. National treatment guidance includes initial lifestyle advice, followed by anti-hypertensive medication if blood pressure (BP) remains high. However, adoption and adherence to recommended exercise guidelines, dietary advice and anti-hypertensive medication is poor. Four short bouts of isometric exercise (IE) performed 3 days per week (d/wk) at home elicits clinically significant reductions in BP in those with normal to high-normal BP. This study will determine the feasibility of delivering personalised IE to patients with Stage 1 hypertension for whom lifestyle changes would be recommended before medication within NHS primary care.Methods: This is a randomised controlled feasibility study. Participants 18+ years, with Stage 1 hypertension, not on anti-hypertensive medication and without significant medical contraindications. Trial arms will be standard lifestyle advice (control) or isometric wall squat exercise and standard lifestyle advice. Primary outcomes include success of intervention delivery and change in BP. Secondary outcomes include accuracy of protocol delivery, execution of and adherence to protocol, recruitment rate, attrition, perception of intervention viability, cost, participant experience, and accuracy of home BP. The study will last 18 months. Sample size of 100 participants (50 per arm) allows for 20% attrition and 6.5% incomplete data, based upon 74 (37 each arm) participants (two-sided 95% confidence interval, width of 1.33 and standard deviation of 4) completing 4 weeks. Ethical approval IRAS ID: 274676.Discussion: Before the efficacy of this novel intervention to treat Stage 1 hypertension can be investigated in any large randomised controlled trial, it is necessary to ascertain if it can be delivered and carried out in a NHS primary care setting. Findings could support IE viability as a prophylactic / alternative treatment option.Trial Registration: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) 13472393 registered 18 August 2020. http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13472393
The climate change mitigation impacts of active travel: Evidence from a longitudinal panel study in seven European cities
Authors: Brand Christian , Goetschi Thomas , Dons Evi , Gerike Regine , Anaya-Boig Esther , Avila-Palencia Ione , Nazelle Audrey de , Gascon Mireia , Gaupp-Berghausen Mailin , Iacorossi Francesco , Kahlmeier Sonja , Panis Luc Int , Racioppi Francesca , Rojas-Rueda David , Standaert Arnout , Stigell Erik , Sulikova Simona , Wegener Sandra , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Active travel (walking or cycling for transport) is generally good for health, the environment and the economy. Yet the net effects of changes in active travel on changes in mobility-related CO2 emissions are complex and under-researched. Here we collected longitudinal data on daily travel behavior, mode choice, as well as personal and geospatial characteristics in seven European cities and derived mobility-related lifecycle CO2 emissions from daily travel activity over time and space. Fixed- and mixed-effects modelling of longitudinal panel data (n=1849) was performed to assess the associations between changes in lifecycle CO2 emissions and changes in transport mode use (primary exposure), main mode of travel, and cycling frequency (secondary exposures). Daily mobility-related lifecycle CO2 emissions were 2.8 kgCO2 per person at baseline, with car travel contributing 69% and cycling 1%. At follow-up, mobility-related lifecycle CO2 emissions were -0.52 (95%CI -0.82 to -0.21) kgCO2/day lower per additional cycling trip, -0.41 (95%CI -0.69 to -0.12) kgCO2/day lower per additional walking trip, and -2.11 (95%CI -1.78 to -2.43) kgCO2/day lower per ‘avoided’ car trip. An average person cycling 1 trip/day more and driving 1 trip/day less for 200 days a year would decrease mobility-related lifecycle CO2 emissions by about 0.5 tonnes over a year. Those who changed from ‘not cycling’ to ‘cycling’ decreased daily CO2 emissions by -2.54 (95%CI -3.90 to -1.17) kgCO2/day. Mobility-related CO2 emissions decreased by -9.28 (95%CI -11.46 to -7.11) kg/day for those who changed their ‘main mode’ from car, van or motorbike to active travel. Extensive sensitivity analyses by city, journey purpose and key personal characteristics largely confirmed our results. Active travel is shown to substitute for motorized travel, with significant climate change mitigation effects. Even if not all car trips could be substituted by active travel the potential for decreasing emissions is considerable and significant. Investing in and promoting active travel should therefore be a cornerstone of strategies to meet net zero carbon targets, particularly in urban areas, while also improving public health and quality of urban life.
At the downstream of the RF cavity of the electron storage ring there is emission of abnormal ultra-high energy electrons with energy up to 105&nbsp;times of the beam energy
Authors: Qian Dapeng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
After considering Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, the mass-speed relationship of special relativity i.e. the Einstein-Lorentz mass formula can be extended to a more complete equation, which predicts that abnormal ultra-high energy electrons will be generated with a small probability when the electron beam passes through an accelerating electric field. The author used the accumulating detection method of a large number of events to test at the electron storage ring of BEPCII, of which results show that under the beam energy of 2GeV there is emission of abnormal ultra-high energy electrons with the highest energy reaching 400TeV at downstream of the RF cavity. For this reason, it is recommended that particle physicists conduct more experiments to fully verify this previously unknown phenomenon and further discover new physics.
Long-term radiographic outcomes and functional evaluation of ulnar shortening osteotomy in patients with ulnar impaction syndrome and reverse oblique sigmoid notch: a retrospective case series study
Authors: Huang Hui-Kuang , Lee Steve K. , Huang Yi-Chao , Yin Cheng-Yu , Chang Ming-Chau , Wang Jung-Pan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) is an effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome. However, there have been reports of osteoarthritis (OA) at the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) when USO was performed on patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid notch. This study aimed to evaluate the radiographic and functional outcomes following USO in patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid notch.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients having a reverse oblique sigmoid notch who underwent USO for ulnar impaction syndrome between 2002 and 2013. We evaluated radiographic changes of the DRUJ and functional outcomes of patients.Results: We enrolled 22 patients (22 wrists) with an average age of 49.6 years and a mean follow-up of 93.2 (range, 36–179; standard deviation [SD], 38.2) months. We found that there were changes in the inclination angle of the sigmoid notch, from an average reverse oblique of 14.9o (range, 11o–23o; SD, 3.4o) preoperatively to a more parallel 5.1o (range, 0o–11o; SD, 3.2o) at the final follow-up. The functional results at the final follow-up were good, with a mean visual analogue scale for pain of 0.2 (range, 0–1; SD, 0.4) at rest and 1.3 (range, 0–3; SD, 0.9) during activity, QuickDASH of 15.1 (range, 2.3–34.1; SD, 8.8), and modified Mayo Wrist Score of 91.6 (range, 70–100; SD, 6.4). Seven wrists (31.8%) had changes compatible with OA, but the wrists did not exhibit a significantly worse function when compared to wrists without OA changes, except for supination motion and grip strength.Conclusions: For patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid inclination following USO, we observed that the inclination angle had a tendency to become parallel and some patients developed OA at the DRUJ. However, long-term functional outcomes could still be good. The reverse oblique sigmoid inclination does not seem to be an absolute contraindication for USO.
Health anxiety and related factors among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study from Iran
Authors: Saadati Najmieh , Afshari Poorandokht , Boostani Hatam , Beheshtinasab Maryam , Abedi Parvin , Maraghi Elham 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many countries around the world and Iran was no exception. The aim of this study was to evaluate health anxiety of Iranian pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 pregnant women in different trimesters (n=100 in each trimester) were recruited. A demographic questionnaire and the Health Anxiety Questionnaire were used to collect data. Scores of <27, 27-34 and more than 35 were defined as low, moderate and high health anxiety, respectively. Due to nationwide restrictions, data were collected through social media groups. Chi-square tests, ANOVA and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results: Mean (SD) total anxiety scores were 22.3±9.5, 24.6±9.3 and 25.4±10.6 in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. 9%, 13% and 21% of women had severe anxiety in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Women in the third trimester had significantly higher health anxiety scores than those in the first trimester (p=0.045). Conclusion: At the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were more worried about consequences of disease, but total health anxiety scores were significantly higher among women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Health care providers should pay more attention to the mental health of pregnant women in times of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Retrenchment in public health unequally affects access to healthcare for income groups: a quasi-experiment during the Great Recession
Authors: Torfs Lore , Adriaenssens Stef , Lagaert Susan , Willems Sara 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The Great Recession, starting in 2008, was characterized by an overall reduction in living standards. This pushed several governments across Europe to restrict expenditures, also in the area of healthcare. These austerity measures are known to have affected access to healthcare, probably unevenly among social groups. This study examines the unequal effects of retrenchment in healthcare expenditures on access to medical care for different income groups across European countries.Method: Using data of two waves (2008 and 2014) of the European Union Statistics of Income and Living Conditions survey (EU-SILC), a difference-in-differences (DD) approach was used to analyse the overall change in unmet medical needs over time within and between countries. By adding another interaction, the differences in the effects between income quintiles (difference-in-difference-in-differences: DDD) were estimated. To do so, comparisons between two pairs of a treatment and a control case were made: Iceland versus Sweden, and Ireland versus the United Kingdom. These comparisons are made between countries with recessions equal in magnitude, but with different levels of healthcare cuts. This strategy allows isolating the effect of cuts, net of the severity of the recession.Results: The DD-estimates show a higher increase of unmet medical needs during the Great Recession in the treatment cases (Iceland vs. Sweden: +3.24 pp; Ireland vs. the United Kingdom: +1.15pp). The DDD-estimates show different results over the two models. In Iceland, the lowest income groups had a higher increase in unmet medical needs. This was not the case in Ireland, where middle-class groups saw their access to healthcare deteriorate more. Conclusion: Restrictions on health expenditures during the Great Recession caused an increase in self-reported unmet medical needs. The burden of these effects is not equally distributed; in some cases, the lower-income groups suffer most. The case of Ireland, nevertheless, shows that certain policy measures may relatively spare lower-income groups while affecting middle-class income groups more. These results bring in evidence that policies can reduce and even overshoot the general effect of income inequalities on access to healthcare.
Diclazuril-induced expression of CDK-related kinase 2 in the second-generation merozoites of Eimeria tenella
Authors: Zhou Bian-hua , Ding Hai-yan , Yang Jing-yun , Chai Jun , Guo Hong-wei , Tian Er-jie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Diclazuril is a classic anticoccidial drug. The key molecules of diclazuril in anticoccidial action allows target screening for the development of anticoccidial drugs. In the present study, a diclazuril anticoccidiosis animal model was established, and the transcription and translation levels of the CDK-related kinase 2 of Eimeria tenella (EtCRK2) were detected through quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The localisation of EtCRK2 in merozoites was examined with immunofluorescence techniques.Results: The mRNA and protein expression levels of EtCRK2 decreased in the infected/diclazuril group compared with those in the infected/control group. In addition, immunofluorescence analysis showed that EtCRK2 was localised in the cytoplasm of the merozoites. The fluorescence intensity of EtCRK2 in the infected/diclazuril group was significantly weaker than that in the infected/control group.Conclusions: The anticoccidial drug diclazuril against E.tenella affects the expression pattern of EtCRK2 molecule, and EtCRK2 is a potential target for new drug development.