bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of praziquantel has been maintained over four decades (from 1977 to 2018): A systematic review and meta-analysis of factors influence its efficacy
Authors: Fukushige Mizuho , Chase-Topping Margo , Woolhouse Mark E. J. , Mutapi Francisca 
Published: March 2021

Background
The antihelminthic drug praziquantel has been used as the drug of choice for treating schistosome infection for more than 40 years. Although some epidemiological studies have reported low praziquantel efficacy in cure rate (CR) and/or egg reduction rate (ERR), there is no consistent robust evidence of the development of schistosome resistance to praziquantel (PZQ). There is need to determine factors that lead to variable treatment CR and/or ERR. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to review CR and ERR as well as identify their predictors.

Methodology/Principal findings
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a literature review was conducted using Biosis Citation Index, Data Citation Index, MEDLINE, and Web of Science Core Collection all of which were provided through Web of Science. Alongside these, EMBASE, and CAB abstracts were searched to identify relevant articles. Random effect meta-regression models were used to identify the factors that influence CR and/or ERR by considering differences in host characteristics and drug dose. In total, 12,127 potential articles were screened and 146 eligible articles (published from 1979 to 2020) were identified and included for the meta-analysis. We found that there has been no significant reduction in CR or ERR over the study period. The results showed more variability in CR, compared with ERR which was more consistent and remained high. The results showed a positive effect of “PZQ treatment dose” with the current recommended dose of 40 mg/kg body weight achieving 57% to 88% CR depending on schistosome species, age of participants, and number of parasitological samples used for diagnosis, and ERR of 95%.

Conclusions/Significance
Based on a review of over 40 years of research there is no evidence to support concerns about schistosomes developing resistance to PZQ. These results indicate that PZQ remains effective in treating schistosomiasis.
The influence of social support on COPD outcomes mediated by depression
Authors: Turnier Leonard , Eakin Michelle , Woo Han , Dransfield Mark , Parekh Trisha , Krishnan Jerry A. , Kanner Richard , Cooper Christopher B. , Woodruff Prescott G. , Wise Robert , Han MeiLan K. , Romero Karina , Paulin Laura M. , Peters Stephen , Drummond Brad , Bleecker Eugene R. , Bowler Russell , Comellas Alejandro P. , Couper David , Paine Robert , Martinez Fernando , Barr Graham , Putcha Nirupama , Hansel Nadia N. 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to explore the association between perceived social support and COPD outcomes and to determine whether the associations are mediated by depressive symptoms.MethodsSubjects with COPD who were enrolled as part of SPIROMICS were included in this analysis. Questionnaires relating to quality of life, symptom burden, and functional status were administered at annual clinic visits for over a 3 year period. In both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, we examined the association of social support as measured by the FACIT-F with COPD outcomes. Cross sectional analyses used multivariable linear or logistic regression, adjusting for covariates. For longitudinal analyses, generalized linear mixed models with random intercepts were used. Models were adjusted with and without depressive symptoms and mediation analyses performed.ResultsOf the 1831 subjects with COPD, 1779 completed the FACIT- F questionnaire. In adjusted cross-sectional analysis without depressive symptoms, higher perceived social support was associated with better quality of life, well-being, 6 minute walk distance, and less dyspnea. When also adjusting for depressive symptoms, all associations between social support and COPD outcomes were attenuated and no longer statistically significant. Mediation analysis suggested that depressive symptoms explained the majority (> = 85%) of the association between social support and measured COPD outcomes. Results of the longitudinal analysis were consistent with the cross-sectional analyses. There was no association between social support and odds of exacerbations.ConclusionHigher social support was associated with better COPD outcomes across several measures of morbidity including quality of life, respiratory symptoms, and functional status. In addition, these associations were largely attenuated when accounting for depressive symptoms suggesting that the beneficial association of social support with COPD outcomes may be largely mediated by the association between social support and depression.Trial registrationSPIROMICS was approved by Institutional Review Boards at each center and all participants provided written informed consent (clinicaltrials.gov:NCT01969344).
The short-term impact of 3 smoked cannabis preparations versus placebo on PTSD symptoms: A randomized cross-over clinical trial
Authors: Bonn-Miller Marcel O. , Sisley Sue , Riggs Paula , Yazar-Klosinski Berra , Wang Julie B. , Loflin Mallory J. E. , Shechet Benjamin , Hennigan Colin , Matthews Rebecca , Emerson Amy , Doblin Rick 
Published: March 2021

Importance
There is a pressing need for development of novel pharmacology for the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Given increasing use of medical cannabis among US military veterans to self-treat PTSD, there is strong public interest in whether cannabis may be a safe and effective treatment for PTSD.

Objective
The aim of the present study was to collect preliminary data on the safety and potential efficacy of three active concentrations of smoked cannabis (i.e., High THC = approximately 12% THC and < 0.05% CBD; High CBD = 11% CBD and 0.50% THC; THC+CBD = approximately 7.9% THC and 8.1% CBD, and placebo = < 0.03% THC and < 0.01% CBD) compared to placebo in the treatment of PTSD among military veterans.

Methods
The study used a double-blind, cross-over design, where participants were randomly assigned to receive three weeks of either active treatment or placebo in Stage 1 (N = 80), and then were re-randomized after a 2-week washout period to receive one of the other three active treatments in Stage 2 (N = 74). The primary outcome measure was change in PTSD symptom severity from baseline to end of treatment in Stage 1.

Results
The study did not find a significant difference in change in PTSD symptom severity between the active cannabis concentrations and placebo by the end of Stage 1. All three active concentrations of smoked cannabis were generally well tolerated.

Conclusions and relevance
The present study is the first randomized placebo-controlled trial of smoked cannabis for PTSD. All treatment groups, including placebo, showed good tolerability and significant improvements in PTSD symptoms during three weeks of treatment, but no active treatment statistically outperformed placebo in this brief, preliminary trial. Additional well-controlled and adequately powered studies with cannabis suitable for FDA drug development are needed to determine whether smoked cannabis improves symptoms of PTSD.

Trial registration
Identifier: NCT02759185; ClinicalTrials.gov.
Development, manufacturing, and preliminary validation of a reusable half-face respirator during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Anwari Vahid , Ng William C. K. , Mbadjeu Hondjeu Arnaud Romeo , Xiao Zixuan , Afenu Edem , Trac Jessica , Kazlovich Kate , Hiansen Joshua , Mashari Azad 
Published: March 2021

Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread shortages of N95 respirators and other personal protective equipment (PPE). An effective, reusable, locally-manufactured respirator can mitigate this problem. We describe the development, manufacture, and preliminary testing of an open-hardware-licensed device, the “simple silicone mask” (SSM).

Methods
A multidisciplinary team developed a reusable silicone half facepiece respirator over 9 prototype iterations. The manufacturing process consisted of 3D printing and silicone casting. Prototypes were assessed for comfort and breathability. Filtration was assessed by user seal checks and quantitative fit-testing according to CSA Z94.4–18.

Results
The respirator originally included a cartridge for holding filter material; this was modified to connect to standard heat-moisture exchange (HME) filters (N95 or greater) after the cartridge showed poor filtration performance due to flow acceleration around the filter edges, which was exacerbated by high filter resistance. All 8 HME-based iterations provided an adequate seal by user seal checks and achieved a pass rate of 87.5% (N = 8) on quantitative testing, with all failures occurring in the first iteration. The overall median fit-factor was 1662 (100 = pass). Estimated unit cost for a production run of 1000 using distributed manufacturing techniques is CAD $15 in materials and 20 minutes of labor.

Conclusion
Small-scale manufacturing of an effective, reusable N95 respirator during a pandemic is feasible and cost-effective. Required quantities of reusables are more predictable and less vulnerable to supply chain disruption than disposables. With further evaluation, such devices may be an alternative to disposable respirators during public health emergencies. The respirator described above is an investigational device and requires further evaluation and regulatory requirements before clinical deployment. The authors and affiliates do not endorse the use of this device at present.
COVID-19 Evidence Accelerator: A parallel analysis to describe the use of Hydroxychloroquine with or without Azithromycin among hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Stewart Mark , Rodriguez-Watson Carla , Albayrak Adem , Asubonteng Julius , Belli Andrew , Brown Thomas , Cho Kelly , Das Ritankar , Eldridge Elizabeth , Gatto Nicolle , Gelman Alice , Gerlovin Hanna , Goldberg Stuart L. , Hansen Eric , Hirsch Jonathan , Ho Yuk-Lam , Ip Andrew , Izano Monika , Jones Jason , Justice Amy C. , Klesh Reyna , Kuranz Seth , Lam Carson , Mao Qingqing , Mataraso Samson , Mera Robertino , Posner Daniel C. , Rassen Jeremy A. , Siefkas Anna , Schrag Andrew , Tourassi Georgia , Weckstein Andrew , Wolf Frank , Bhat Amar , Winckler Susan , Sigal Ellen V. , Allen Jeff 
Published: March 2021

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant global threat. However, despite urgent need, there remains uncertainty surrounding best practices for pharmaceutical interventions to treat COVID-19. In particular, conflicting evidence has emerged surrounding the use of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, alone or in combination, for COVID-19. The COVID-19 Evidence Accelerator convened by the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA, in collaboration with Friends of Cancer Research, assembled experts from the health systems research, regulatory science, data science, and epidemiology to participate in a large parallel analysis of different data sets to further explore the effectiveness of these treatments.

Methods
Electronic health record (EHR) and claims data were extracted from seven separate databases. Parallel analyses were undertaken on data extracted from each source. Each analysis examined time to mortality in hospitalized patients treated with hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and the two in combination as compared to patients not treated with either drug. Cox proportional hazards models were used, and propensity score methods were undertaken to adjust for confounding. Frequencies of adverse events in each treatment group were also examined.

Results
Neither hydroxychloroquine nor azithromycin, alone or in combination, were significantly associated with time to mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. No treatment groups appeared to have an elevated risk of adverse events.

Conclusion
Administration of hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and their combination appeared to have no effect on time to mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Continued research is needed to clarify best practices surrounding treatment of COVID-19.
Male partner involvement in HIV testing and counseling among partners of pregnant women in the Delanta District, Ethiopia
Authors: Chanyalew Haile , Girma Eshetu , Birhane Tesfaye , Chanie Muluken Genetu 
Published: March 2021

Background
Only screening a pregnant mother is not satisfactory to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). A male partner’s involvement in HIV testing and counseling is also critical for PMTCT, however, it is one of the biggest challenges in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess a male partner’s involvement in HIV testing and counseling and associated factors among partners of pregnant women in the Delanta District, Northern Ethiopia.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in the Delanta District from March 15 to May 10, 2018. During the study period, 609 male partners were involved. A binary and multiple logistic regression model was used to examine the association between variables.

Results
Out of all, 325 (53.7% at 95% CI: 49.6 to 57.5) of male partners were involved in HIV testing and counseling in the District. Male partners who were living together, ever heard about HIV from health professionals, pregnant women’s antenatal care (ANC) visit, partner visited the PMTCT clinic with wife, and partner and wife discussion before HIV testing and counseling were factors associated with male partner involvement.

Conclusion
The proportion of male partner involvement was found to be low as compared to the national standards. Local health authorities and health care workers need to develop and conduct interventions that help partners with their wife to live together, improve their awareness about HIV and testing, ANC visit by pregnant women, and encourage having home discussion before HIV testing through counseling, by so doing finally raise the level of male partner involvement in HIV testing and counseling.
Prognostic role of perioperative acid-base disturbances on the risk of Clostridioides difficile infection in patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Rzucidło-Hymczak Anna , Hymczak Hubert , Kędziora Anna , Kapelak Bogusław , Drwiła Rafał , Plicner Dariusz 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundIt is unclear whether acid-base balance disturbances during the perioperative period may impactClostridium difficileinfection (CDI), which is the third most common major infection following cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that perioperative acid-base abnormalities including lactate disturbances may predict the probability of incidence of CDI in patients after cardiac procedures.MethodsOf the 12,235 analyzed patients following cardiac surgery, 143 (1.2%) developed CDI. The control group included 200 consecutive patients without diarrhea, who underwent cardiac procedure within the same period of observation. Pre-, intra and post-operative levels of blood gases, as well as lactate and glucose concentrations were determined. Postoperatively, arterial blood was drawn four times: immediately after surgery and successively; 4, 8 and 12 h following the procedure.ResultsBaseline pH was lower and PaO2was higher in CDI patients (p< 0.001 andp= 0.001, respectively). Additionally, these patients had greater base deficiency at each of the analyzed time points (p< 0.001,p= 0.004,p= 0.012,p= 0.001,p= 0.016 andp= 0.001, respectively). Severe hyperlactatemia was also more common in CDI patients; during the cardiac procedure, 4 h and 12 h after surgery (p= 0.027,p= 0.004 andp= 0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that independent risk factors for CDI following cardiac surgery were as follows: intraoperative severe hyperlactatemia (OR 2.387, 95% CI 1.155–4.933,p= 0.019), decreased lactate clearance between values immediately and 12 h after procedure (OR 0.996, 95% CI 0.994–0.999,p= 0.013), increased age (OR 1.045, 95% CI 1.020–1.070,p< 0.001), emergent surgery (OR 2.755, 95% CI 1.565–4.848,p< 0.001) and use of antibiotics other than periprocedural prophylaxis (OR 2.778, 95% CI 1.690–4.565,p< 0.001).ConclusionThis study is the first to show that perioperative hyperlactatemia and decreased lactate clearance may be predictors for occurrence of CDI after cardiac surgery.
Medical students’ perceptions and motivations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tempski Patricia , Arantes-Costa Fernanda M. , Kobayasi Renata , Siqueira Marina A. M. , Torsani Matheus B. , Amaro Bianca Q. R. C. , Nascimento Maria Eduarda F. M. , Siqueira Saulo L. , Santos Itamar S. , Martins Milton A. 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThere has been a rapid increase in the number of cases of COVID-19 in Latin America, Africa, Asia and many countries that have an insufficient number of physicians and other health care personnel, and the need for the inclusion of medical students on health teams is a very important issue. It has been recommended that medical students work as volunteers, undergo appropriate training, not undertake any activity beyond their level of competence, and receive continuous supervision and adequate personal protective equipment. However, the motivation of medical students must be evaluated to make volunteering a more evidence-based initiative. The aim of our study was to evaluate the motivation of medical students to be part of health teams to aid in the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods and findingsWe developed a questionnaire specifically to evaluate medical students’ perceptions about participating in the care of patients with suspected infection with coronavirus during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire had two parts: a) one part with questions on individual characteristics, year in medical school and geographic location of the medical school and b) a second part with twenty-eight statements assessed on a 5-point Likert scale (totally agree, agree, neither agree nor disagree, disagree and totally disagree). To develop the questionnaire, we performed consensus meetings with a group of faculty and medical students. The questionnaire was sent to student organizations of 257 medical schools in Brazil and answered by 10,433 students. We used multinomial logistic regression models to analyze the data. Statements associated with greater odds ratios for participation of medical students in the COVID-19 pandemic were related to a sense of purpose or duty (“It is the duty of the medical student to put himself or herself at the service of the population in the pandemic”), altruism (“I am willing to take risks by participating in practice in the context of the pandemic”), and perception of good performance and professional identity (“I will be a better health professional for having experienced the pandemic”). Males were more prone than females to believe that only interns should participate in the care of patients with COVID-19 (odds ratio 1.36 [coefficient interval 95%:1.24–1.49]) and that all students should participate (OR 1.68 [CI:1.4–1.91]).ConclusionsMedical students are more motivated by a sense of purpose or duty, altruism, perception of good performance and values of professionalism than by their interest in learning. These results have implications for the development of volunteering programs and the design of health force policies in the present pandemic and in future health emergencies.
Estimating the basic reproduction number for COVID-19 in Western Europe
Authors: Locatelli Isabella , Trächsel Bastien , Rousson Valentin 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveTo estimate the basic reproduction number (R0) for COVID-19 in Western Europe.MethodsData (official statistics) on the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 at the start of the outbreak (before any confinement rules were declared) were retrieved in the 15 largest countries in Western Europe, allowing us to estimate the exponential growth rate of the disease. The rate was then combined with estimates of the distribution of the generation interval as reconstructed from the literature.ResultsDespite the possible unreliability of some official statistics about COVID-19, the spread of the disease appears to be remarkably similar in most European countries, allowing us to estimate an averageR0in Western Europe of 2.2 (95% CI: 1.9–2.6).ConclusionsThe value ofR0for COVID-19 in Western Europe appears to be significantly lower than that in China. The proportion of immune persons in the European population required to stop the outbreak could thus be closer to 50% than to 70%.
Autoimmune Hepatitis in a Patient With Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Myneedu Kanchana , Chavez Luis O. , Sussman Norman L. , Michael Majd , Padilla Angelica , Zuckerman Marc J. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by defective immunoglobulin synthesis because of impaired B-cell function. Liver abnormalities including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have been described in up to 10% of patients. We report a 27-year-old woman with CVID who presented with liver dysfunction secondary to AIH. AIH is both uncommon and challenging diagnostically in patients with CVID because they have low IgG levels and often have low or undetectable autoantibody levels. Liver biopsy and response to therapy play an important role in establishing the diagnosis. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of therapy, with or without immune modulators.
Stomach This: Autoimmune Atrophic Pangastritis, a Rare Type of Gastritis
Authors: Lee Sean , Varshney Neha , Taleban Sasha 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Atrophic gastritis can be environmental in origin and involve the antrum or autoimmune in origin and involve the body and fundus. We present a rare case of autoimmune atrophic pangastritis, a distinct type of autoimmune gastritis affecting the entire stomach, which should be considered in patients with other autoimmune disorders.
Spending Fast and Furious: Political Advertising in 2020
Authors: Ridout Travis N. , Fowler Erika Franklin , Franz Michael M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This article is a “first look” at political advertising in 2020. Spending on political advertising in the United States in 2020 obliterated records, and Democrats held huge advantages in the presidential race and in most congressional and senatorial races. In addition, all indicators suggest that spending on digital advertising continued to rise. Political advertising was largely similar in tone to past years and, in the presidential race, was substantially more positive than 2016. In addition, interest groups remained heavily involved in federal races in 2020, airing more ads than ever before, though their spending as a percentage of total ad spending was slightly less than in 2016. Political ad spending in 2020 may have been historically high because of the impact of COVID-19 on how campaigns could reach voters, suggesting that paid advertising may decline in 2022 and 2024, at least as a percentage of total election spending.