bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dermatophytic Diseases: A Review of Tinea Pedis
Authors: Julien Gyamfi Agyemang , Adiyaga Wezena Cletus , Saaka Rahmat Alela-Emoma , Sunyazi Samuel Sunwiale , Batuiamu Abraham Titigah , Abugri Daniel , Abugri James 
Published: July 2021

AbstractStudies in skin diseases, particularly Tinea pedis are very rare in Ghana leading to low investment in dermatological services in the country and the African continent. Globally, Tinea pedis affects about 15% of the world’s population. Importantly, it is a major public health problem and socioeconomic issue. Currently, the most recommended treatment for Tinea pedis infection are polyenes, azoles, allylamines, and fluorocytosines. Although these drugs are effective, they do have adverse side effects and are limited in the clinical settings in developing countries especially Ghana.MethodResearch papers were collected from Pubmed, Google scholar, chemical abstracts, and journal websites, reporting both in vitro and in vivo information on Tinea pedis. General information on Tinea pedis, the methods of infection, transfer, treatment options, and resistance were obtained after screening the articles. Many agents are involved in cases of Tinea pedis but are predominantly caused by Trichophyton rubrum which feeds on the keratinous layer of the topmost skin of the foot causing skin discoloration, itching, and maceration. The disease is influenced by individual lifestyle, environmental conditions, and individual factors such as age, sex, and host immunity and is prevented by the maintenance of good personal hygiene.Tinea pedis like other tinea infections are treated with both topical and systemic agents. The classes of medications used in the treatment of Tinea pedis are polyenes, azoles, allylamines, and fluorocytosines. Tinea pedis antifungal resistance development could be partly associated with incomplete medication and misuse of antifungal medications. Additionally, patients with serious underlying health conditions such as compromised immune systems like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, radiotherapy for cancer, and transplantation could complicate resistance.ConclusionAlthough, fungal diseases do not cause epidemics the increasing rate of fungal infections and therefore Tinea pedis has to be checked and prevented. High budgets are made in the development of medications which mostly lose their effectiveness over time due to resistance development. Good personal hygiene is very effective but the available medications must be used appropriately for effective treatment and resistance avoidance. Infection prevention and control, tracking and data sharing, good and easily accessible antifungals, vaccines, and maintenance of personal and environmental hygiene are the topmost preventive measures against resistance development.
Infection spread simulation technology in a mixed state of multi variant viruses
Authors: Koizumi Makoto , Utamura Motoaki , Kirikami Seiichi 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTATLM was extended to simulate the spread of infection in a mixed state of mutant virus and conventional virus. It is applied to the 4th wave of infection spread in Tokyo, and (1) the 4th wave bottoms out near the end of the state of emergency, and the number of infected people increases again. (2) The rate of increase will be mainly by L452R virus, while the increase by N501Y virus will be suppressed. (3) It is anticipated that the infection will spread during the Olympic Games. (4) When mutant virus competes, the infection of highly infectious virus rises sharply while the infection by weakly infectious ones has converged. (5) It is effective as an infection control measure to find an infected person early and shorten the period from infection to quarantine by PCR test or antigen test as a measure other than vaccine.
Convalescent plasma for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and the effect of plasma antibodies: a randomized controlled, open-label trial
Authors:   The CONCOR-1 Study Group,   CONCOR-1 writing committee, Bégin Philippe , Callum Jeannie , Jamula Erin , Cook Richard , Heddle Nancy M. , Tinmouth Alan , Zeller Michelle P. , Beaudoin-Bussières Guillaume , Amorim Luiz , Bazin Renée , Loftsgard Kent Cadogan , Carl Richard , Chassé Michaël , Cushing Melissa M. , Daneman Nick , Devine Dana V. , Dumaresq Jeannot , Fergusson Dean A. , Gabe Caroline , Glesby Marshall J. , Li Na , Liu Yang , McGeer Allison , Robitaille Nancy , Sachais Bruce S. , Scales Damon C. , Schwartz Lisa , Shehata Nadine , Turgeon Alexis F. , Wood Heidi , Zarychanski Ryan , Finzi Andrés , Arnold Donald M. ,   for The CONCOR-1 Study Group
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe efficacy of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 is unclear. While most randomized controlled trials have shown negative results, uncontrolled studies have suggested that the antibody content may influence patient outcomes.We conducted an open-label, randomized controlled trial of convalescent plasma for adults with COVID-19 receiving oxygen within 12 days of respiratory symptom onset. Patients were allocated 2:1 to 500 mL of convalescent plasma or standard of care. The composite primary outcome was intubation or death by 30 days. The effect of convalescent plasma antibodies on the primary outcome was assessed by logistic regression.The trial was terminated at 78% of planned enrollment after meeting stopping criteria for futility. 940 patients were randomized and 921 patients were included in the intent-to-treat analysis. Intubation or death occurred in 199/614 (32.4%) in the convalescent plasma arm and 86/307 (28.0%) in the standard of care arm; relative risk (RR) 1.16 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94-1.43; p=0.18). Patients in the convalescent plasma arm had more serious adverse events (33.4% vs. 26.4%; RR=1.27, 95% CI 1.02-1.57, p=0.034). The antibody content significantly modulated the therapeutic effect of convalescent plasma. In multivariate analysis, each standard log increase in neutralization or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity independently reduced the potential harmful effect of plasma (OR=0.74; 0.57-0.95 and OR=0.66; 0.50-0.87, respectively), while IgG against the full transmembrane Spike protein increased it (OR=1.53, 95% CI 1.14-2.05).Convalescent plasma did not reduce the risk of intubation or death at 30 days among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Transfusion of convalescent plasma with unfavourable antibody profiles may be associated with worse clinical outcomes compared to standard care.Trial registrationCONvalescent Plasma for Hospitalized Adults With COVID-19 Respiratory Illness (CONCOR-1); NCT04348656; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04348656
The development and usability testing of digital knowledge translation tools for parents of children with acute otitis media
Authors: Le Anne , Hartling Lisa , Scott Shannon D. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAcute otitis media (AOM) is the most common bacterial ear infection affecting up to 80% of children before the age of three. Despite the common occurrence of the illness and the wide range of material available at clinics and online, parents are not always aware of these resources and they are often difficult to understand. We worked with parents to develop and assess the usability of a whiteboard animation video and interactive infographic for AOM in children. Parents rated the tools highly across all usability items, suggesting that creative tools developed using multi-method development processes can be useful, relevant, understandable, and will be used by the intended audience.Following the completion of the English-language products, our team culturally adapted the tools for the Pakistan context and evaluated the usability of these adapted tools. During usability testing, parents indicated that they felt the tools were useful, demonstrating that culturally adapted version of knowledge translations tools are effective in ensuring that parents could understand complex health information.
Current therapeutic trends for tinnitus cure and control – a scoping review
Authors: Chhaya Vatsal A , Patel Divya G , Mehta Shamik P , Rajvir Jignesh P , Jhinjhuwadia Vinodkumar J , Sehgal Pranshuta , Khambholja Kapil M 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionChronic tinnitus treatment has been an enigma due to a lack of practice insights. To date, there has been limited evidence-based research on tinnitus therapies available. Our objective for this scoping was to assess the latest knowledge update in the field of tinnitus treatment and/or management and inform the clinical fraternity with evidence-based knowledge.Materials and MethodsWe retrieved randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies from 2014 to 2021(starting from 1 Apr 2021) on chronic tinnitus patients within the context of evidence-based guidelines available on tinnitus therapies. We considered free, full-text, English language articles from PubMed, Cochrane, and Google using an AI-powered evidence synthesis tool named VOODY. We excluded studies on epidemiology, technical objectives assessing other than efficacy/safety outcomes, or review articles. Charted data from selected sources of evidence (related to study characteristics, intervention, sample size, efficacy and safety data, and quality of life-related outcomes as applicable) were presented in the form of graphs, tables, and other visual representations.ResultsWe retrieved two evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (US and EU regions). Of total 3923 results, 119 underwent screening based on eligibility criteria and 52 were included for the final charting. Out of these 52 articles, three major treatment trends emerged: 1. Acoustic therapies 2. Stimulation Therapies and 3. Herbal, Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Nutrition Therapies. However, none of these were recommended to practice as per the latest EU guideline in 2019 due to no to limited strength of evidence. Other therapies included drugs, cognitive/habituation therapies, and digital interventions.ConclusionAlthough tinnitus guidelines did not recommend stimulation therapies, tinnitus research is seen focusing on stimulation. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consider existing clinical practice guidelines and orient tinnitus research focus on digital interventions and multidisciplinary therapies over the standalone therapies for better outcomes.
The drop in reported invasive pneumococcal disease among adults during the first COVID-19 wave in the Netherlands explained
Authors: Dirkx Kirsten , Mulder Bert , Post Annelies , Rutten Martijn , Swanink Caroline , Wertheim Heiman , Cremers Amelieke 
Published: July 2021

AbstractStreptococcus pneumoniae is the main bacterial pathogen causing respiratory infections. Since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, less pneumococcal disease was identified by surveillance systems around the world. Measures to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 also reduce transmission of pneumococci, but this would gradually lead to lower disease rates. Here, we explore additional factors that have contributed to the instant drop in pneumococcal disease cases captured in surveillance. Our observations on referral practices and other impediments to diagnostic testing indicate that residual IPD has likely occurred but remained undetected by conventional hospital-based surveillance. Depending on setting, we discuss alternative monitoring strategies that could improve sight on pneumococcal disease dynamics.
SARS-CoV-2 vaccine breakthrough infections with the alpha variant are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic among health care workers
Authors: Rovida Francesca , Cassaniti Irene , Paolucci Stefania , Percivalle Elena , Sarasini Antonella , Piralla Antonio , Giardina Federica , Sammartino Jose Camilla , Ferrari Alessandro , Bergami Federica , Muzzi Alba , Novelli Viola , Meloni Alessandro , Cutti Sara , Grugnetti Anna Maria , Grugnetti Giuseppina , Rona Claudia , Daglio Marinella , Marena Carlo , Triarico Antonio , Lilleri Daniele , Baldanti Fausto 
Published: July 2021

AbstractVaccine breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection has been monitored in 3720 healthcare workers receiving 2 doses of BNT162b2. SARS-CoV-2 infection is detected in 33 subjects, with a 100-day cumulative incidence of 0.93%. Vaccine protection against acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 infection is 83% (95%CI: 58-93%) in the overall population and 93% (95%CI: 69-99%) in SARS-CoV-2-experienced subjects, when compared with a non-vaccinated control group from the same Institution, in which SARS-CoV-2 infection occurs in 20/346 subjects (100-day cumulative incidence: 5.78%). The infection is symptomatic in 16 (48%) vaccinated subjects vs 17 (85%) controls (p=0.001). All analyzed patients, in whom the amount of viral RNA was sufficient for genome sequencing, results infected by the alpha variant. Antibody and T-cell responses are not reduced in subjects with breakthrough infection. Evidence of virus transmission, determined by contact tracing, is observed in two (6.1%) cases. This real-world data support the protective effect of BNT162b2 vaccine. A triple antigenic exposure, such as two-dose vaccine schedule in experienced subjects, may confer a higher protection.
Subgenomic and negative sense RNAs are not markers of active replication of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs
Authors: Chamings Anthony , Bhatta Tarka Raj , Alexandersen Soren 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly in the global population since its emergence in humans in late 2019. Replication of SARS-CoV-2 is characterised by transcription and replication of genomic length RNA and shorter subgenomic RNAs to produce virus proteins and ultimately progeny virions. Here we explore the pattern of both genome-length and subgenomic RNAs and positive and negative strand SARS-CoV-2 RNAs in diagnostic nasopharyngeal swabs using sensitive probe based PCR assays as well as Ampliseq panels designed to target subgenomic RNAs. We successfully developed a multiplex PCR assay to simultaneously measure the relative amount of SARS-CoV-2 full length genomic RNA as well as subgenomic N gene and subgenomic ORF7a RNA. We found that subgenomic RNAs and both positive and negative strand RNA can be readily detected in swab samples taken up to 19 and 17 days post symptom onset respectively, and are strongly correlated with the amount of genomic length RNA present within a sample. Their detection and measurement is therefore unlikely to provide anymore insight into the stage of infection and potential infectivity of an individual beyond what can already be inferred from the total viral RNA load measured by routine diagnostic SARS-CoV-2 PCRs. Using both an original commercial and two custom SARS-CoV-2 Ampliseq mini-panels, we identified that both ORF7a and N gene subgenomic RNAs were consistently the most abundant subgenomic RNAs. We were also able to identify several non-canonical subgenomic RNAs, including one which could potentially be used to translate the ORF7b protein and others which could be used to translate ORF9b and the ORF N* which has arisen from a new transcription regulatory sequence recently created by mutations after SARS-CoV-2 jumped into people. SARS-CoV-2 genomic length and subgenomic length RNA’s were present in samples even if cellular RNA was degraded, further indicating that these molecules are likely protected from degradation by the membrane structures seen in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells.
Mendelian randomization analysis identified potential genes pleiotropically associated with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Sun Qian , Yuan Gao , Yang Jingyun , Lu Jiayi , Feng Wen , Yang Wen 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTResearch questionPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder with unclear etiology. Are there any genes that are pleiotropically or potentially causally associated with PCOS?DesignWe applied the summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) method integrating genome-wide association study (GWAS) for PCOS and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data to identify genes that were pleiotropically associated with PCOS. We performed separate SMR analysis using eQTL data in the ovary and whole blood.ResultsAlthough no genes showed significant pleiotropic association with PCOS after correction for multiple testing, some of the genes exhibited suggestive significance. RPS26 showed the strongest suggestive pleiotropic association with PCOS in both SMR analyses (β[SE]=0.10[0.03], PSMR=1.72×10−4 for ovary; β[SE]=0.11[0.03], PSMR=1.40×10−4 for whole blood). PM20D1 showed the second strongest suggestive pleiotropic association with PCOS in the SMR analysis using eQTL data for the whole blood, and was also among the top ten hit genes in the SMR analysis using eQTL data for the ovary. Two other genes, including CTC-457L16.2 and NEIL2, were among the top ten hit genes in both SMR analyses.ConclusionWe identified multiple genes that were potentially involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Our findings provided helpful leads to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying PCOS, and revealed potential therapeutic targets for the effective treatment of PCOS.KEY MESSAGEPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder, and its etiology can be multifaceted. We found that multiple genes were potentially involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. The findings revealed the genetic mechanisms underlying PCOS and potential therapeutic targets for the effective treatment of PCOS.
Autonomic dysfunction after moderate-severe traumatic brain injury: symptom spectrum and clinical testing outcomes
Authors: Li Lucia M. , Vichayanrat Ekawat , Giovane Martina del , Lai Helen HL , Iodice Valeria 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveSurvivors of moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (msTBI) frequently experience chronic, debilitating somatic symptoms, which are largely unexplained. The phenomenon of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity, reflecting hyperacute autonomic dysfunction, is well-documented after msTBI. Limited animal and human studies, using experimental measures, have found evidence for autonomic dysfunction after msTBI. However, no studies have investigated the range and type of autonomic symptoms and autonomic dysfunction existing in msTBI.We set out to investigate the presence and type of subjective and objective autonomic dysfunction in msTBI.MethodsWe conducted two cohort studies. Cohort 1 comprises msTBI patients prospectively recruited from a national TBI outpatient clinic, in whom we assessed burden of autonomic symptoms using the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS31) autonomic symptom questionnaire. Cohort 2 comprises msTBI patients who had standard clinical autonomic function testing (supine/tilted catecholamine levels, head-up tilt, Valsalva manoeuvre, respiratory sinus arrhythmia assessment), retrospectively identified from the database of a regional clinical autonomic unit.ResultsCohort 1 comprises 29 msTBI patients (6 females, median age 40 years, range 19-76), with a median time since injury of 19 months (range 4-105). There was multi-domain symptom burden, with all but 3 patients reporting symptoms on the COMPASS31 questionnaire, and 17/29 reporting symptoms in 3+ domains. The most commonly reported symptoms were gastrointestinal (22/29), followed by orthostatic (17/29), pupillomotor (14/29), secretomotor (14/29), bladder (12/29) and, least commonly, vasomotor (6/29). Cohort 2 comprises 18 msTBI patients (7 females, median age 44 years, range 21-64), with a median time between injury and testing of 57.5 months (range: 2-416). The majority of patients (15/18) had orthostatic symptoms as part of the reason for referral. Clinical autonomic function testing revealed a broad spectrum of autonomic dysfunction: 3/18 had evidence of sympathetic dysfunction, 10/18 had evidence of parasympathetic dysfunction, of which 6 also had evidence of mixed dysfunction.DiscussionOur results provide evidence for clinically relevant autonomic dysfunction after moderate-severe TBI at the chronic stage. Our study advocates for routine enquiry about potential autonomic symptoms in this population, and the utility of formal clinical autonomic testing in providing diagnoses.
BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine Effectiveness Given Confirmed Exposure; Analysis of Household Members of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Gazit Sivan , Mizrahi Barak , Kalkstein Nir , Neuberger Ami , Peretz Asaf , Mizrahi-Reuveni Miri , Patalon Tal 
Published: July 2021

AbstractImportanceWhile the mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine effectivness was demonstrated in general population, the question of effectiveness given confirmed exposure has yet been answered, though it has policy implications, as the need for self-quarantine when exposed and protective measures for vaccinated in high-risk areas.ObjectiveAssessing the BNT162b2 vaccine effectiveness in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection given high-risk exposure, through analysis of household members of confirmed cases.DesignRetrospective cohort study. Data of household members of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases between 20/12/2020 and 17/03/2021 were collected.SettingNationally centralized database of Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS), the second largest Healthcare Maintenance Organization in Israel.Participants2.5 million MHS members were considered, of which we included only households with two adult members, given possible lower transmission and susceptibility among children. Households with no prior confirmed infections and a confirmed index case during the study period were included.ExposureParticipants were classified into three vaccination groups in time of the index case (the confirmed exposure)-Unvaccinated; Fully Vaccinated(7 or more days post second dose) and a reference control group of Recently Vaccinated Once(0-7 days from the first dose, presumably still unprotected).Main Outcomes and MeasuresAssessing the probability of an additional SARS-CoV-2 infection in the household occurring within 10 days of an index case, calculated separately for the three vaccination groups. Main outcome was vaccine effectiveness given confirmed exposure. High testing rates among household members enabled us to estimate with a high degree of confidence effectiveness against asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection as well.ResultsA total of 173,569 households were included, out of which 6,351 households had an index infection (mean [SD] age, 58.9 [13.5] years; 50% were women). Vaccine effectiveness of Fully Vaccinated compared to Unvaccinated participants was 80.0% [95% CI, 73.0-85.1] and 82.0% [95% CI, 75.5-86.7] compared to those Recently Vaccinated Once.Conclusion and RelevanceThe BNT162b2 vaccine is effective in a high-risk, real life, exposure scenario, but the protection rates afforded in these settings are lower than those previously described. Household members of COVID-19 patients and any individual with a confirmed exposure to COVID-19 are still at a considerable risk of being infected even if fully vaccinated.