bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BNT162b2 vaccine booster dose protection: A nationwide study from Israel
Authors: Bar-On Yinon M. , Goldberg Yair , Mandel Micha , Bodenheimer Omri , Freedman Laurence , Kalkstein Nir , Mizrahi Barak , Alroy-Preis Sharon , Ash Nachman , Milo Ron , Huppert Amit 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundOn July 30, 2021, a third (booster) dose of the Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccine was approved in Israel for individuals 60 years or older who had been fully vaccinated (i.e., received two doses) at least five months previously. Here, we estimate the reduction in relative risk for confirmed infection and severe COVID-19 provided by the booster dose.Methods1,144,690 individuals aged 60y and older who were eligible for a booster dose were followed between July 30 and August 22, 2021. We defined dynamic cohorts where individuals initially belong to the ‘non-booster’ cohort, leave it when receiving the booster dose and join the ‘booster’ cohort 12 days later. Rates of infection and severe COVID-19 outcomes per person-days at risk were compared between the cohorts using Poisson regression, adjusting for possible confounding factors.ResultsTwelve days or more after the booster dose we found an 11.4-fold (95% CI: [10.0, 12.9]) decrease in the relative risk of confirmed infection, and a >10-fold decrease in the relative risk of severe illness. Under a conservative sensitivity analysis, we find ≈5-fold protection against confirmed infection.ConclusionsIn conjunction with safety reports, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of a third vaccine dose in both reducing transmission and severe disease and indicates the great potential of curtailing the Delta variant resurgence by administering booster shots.
Short-Term Immune Response After Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (CoronaVac®, Sinovac) And ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Vaxzevria®, Oxford-AstraZeneca) Vaccinations in Thai Health Care Workers
Authors: Jantarabenjakul Watsamon , Chantasrisawad Napaporn , Puthanakit Thanyawee , Wacharapluesadee Supaporn , Hirankarn Nattiya , Ruenjaiman Vichaya , Paitoonpong Leilani , Suwanpimolkul Gompol , Torvorapanit Pattama , Pradit Rakchanok , Sophonphan Jiratchaya , Putcharoen Opass 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundInactivated SARS-CoV-2 (CoronaVac®,Sinovac, or SV) and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Vaxzevria®,Oxford-Astra Zeneca, or AZ) vaccines have been administered to the health care workers (HCWs) in Thailand.ObjectiveTo determine the short-term immune response after the SV and AZ vaccinations in HCWs.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, HCWs who completed a 2-dose regimen of the SV or AZ were included. Immune response was evaluated by surrogate viral neutralization test (sVNT) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibody. Blood samples were analyzed at 4 and 12 weeks after the complete SV vaccination and at 4 weeks after each dose of the AZ vaccination. The primary outcome was the seroconversion rate at 4-weeks after complete immunization.ResultsOverall, 185 HCWs with a median (IQR) age of 40.5(30.3-55.8) years (94 HCWs in the SV group and 91 in the AZ group) were included. At 4 weeks after completing the SV vaccination, 60.6% (95%CI:50.0-70.6%) had seroconversion evaluated by sVNT(≥68%inhibition), comparable to the patients recovered from mild COVID-19 infection(69.0%), with a rapid reduction to 12.2%(95%CI:6.3-20.8) at 12 weeks. In contrast, 85.7%(95%CI:76.8-92.2%) HCWs who completed the second dose of the AZ for 4 weeks had seroconversion, comparable to the COVID-19 pneumonia patients(92.5%). When using the anti-SAR-CoV-2 total antibody level(≥132 U/ml) criteria, only 71.3% HCWs in the SV group had seroconversion, compared to 100% in the AZ group.ConclusionA rapid decline of short-term immune response in the HCWs after the SV vaccination indicates the need for a vaccine booster, particularly during the ongoing spreading of the SAR-CoV-2 variants of concern.
Longitudinal tau PET using [18F]flortaucipir: Comparison of (semi)quantitative parameters
Authors: Visser Denise , Tuncel Hayel , Ossenkoppele Rik , Yaqub Maqsood , Wolters Emma E , Timmers Tessa , Weltings Emma , Coomans Emma M , Hollander Marijke den , van der Flier Wiesje M , van Berckel Bart NM , Golla Sandeep SV 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTPurposeSemi-quantitative PET measures can be affected by changes in blood flow, whereas quantitative measures are not. The aim of the study was to compare semi-quantitative(SUVr) and quantitative(R1, BPND) parameters of longitudinal tau PET scans with [18F]flortaucipir, with respect to changes in blood flow.MethodsSubjects with subjective cognitive decline(SCD; n=38) and Alzheimer’s disease(AD) patients(n=24) underwent baseline(BL) and 2-year follow-up(FU) dynamic [18F]flortaucipir PET scans. BPND and R1 were estimated using RPM and SUVr(80-100min) was calculated (cerebellar gray as reference). For each region-of-interest ((trans)entorhinal, limbic and neocortical) and parameter, %change was calculated. Regional SUVrs were compared to corresponding DVR (= BPND+1) using paired T-tests. Additionally, simulations were performed to model effects of flow changes on BPND and SUVr in different binding categories. Thereafter, %bias for SUVr with respect to underlying binding and flow were evaluated.ResultsIn SCD, there was a difference between %change in the (trans)entorhinal ROI (DVR 2.56% vs SUVr 1.85%) only. In AD, a difference was found in the limbic ROI (DVR 6.61% vs SUVr 7.52%) only. R1 changes were small(+0.7% in SCD and -1.6% in AD). Simulations illustrated with increasing flow a decreased %bias for SUVr in low binding conditions, whereas a slightly increased bias was observed in high binding conditions.ConclusionSUVr provided an accurate estimate of specific binding for [18F]flortaucipir over a two-year follow-up. However, simulations showed that flow changes can affect [18F]flortaucipir SUVr, hence DVR/BPND should be preferred in more advanced disease stages and/or conditions that could induce significant flow changes like pharmacotherapeutic interventions.
Projected resurgence of COVID-19 in the United States in July—December 2021 resulting from the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant and faltering vaccination
Authors: Truelove Shaun , Smith Claire P. , Qin Michelle , Mullany Luke C. , Borchering Rebecca K. , Lessler Justin , Shea Katriona , Howerton Emily , Contamin Lucie , Levander John , Salerno Jessica , Hochheiser Harry , Kinsey Matt , Tallaksen Kate , Wilson Shelby , Shin Lauren , Rainwater-Lovett Kaitlin , Lemaitre Joseph C. , Dent Juan , Kaminsky Joshua , Lee Elizabeth C. , Perez-Saez Javier , Hill Alison , Karlen Dean , Chinazzi Matteo , Davis Jessica T. , Mu Kunpeng , Xiong Xinyue , y Piontti Ana Pastore , Vespignani Alessandro , Srivastava Ajitesh , Porebski Przemyslaw , Venkatramanan Srinivasan , Adiga Aniruddha , Lewis Bryan , Klahn Brian , Outten Joseph , Schlitt James , Corbett Patrick , Telionis Pyrros Alexander , Wang Lijing , Peddireddy Akhil Sai , Hurt Benjamin , Chen Jiangzhuo , Vullikanti Anil , Marathe Madhav , Hoops Stefan , Bhattacharya Parantapa , Machi Dustin , Chen Shi , Paul Rajib , Janies Daniel , Thill Jean-Claude , Galanti Marta , Yamana Teresa , Pei Sen , Shaman Jeffrey , Reich Nicholas G. , Healy Jessica M. , Slayton Rachel B. , Biggerstaff Matthew , Johansson Michael A. , Runge Michael C. , Viboud Cécile 
Published: August 2021

SummaryWhat is already known about this topic?The highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant has begun to cause increases in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in parts of the United States. With slowed vaccination uptake, this novel variant is expected to increase the risk of pandemic resurgence in the US in July—December 2021.What is added by this report?Data from nine mechanistic models project substantial resurgences of COVID-19 across the US resulting from the more transmissible Delta variant. These resurgences, which have now been observed in most states, were projected to occur across most of the US, coinciding with school and business reopening. Reaching higher vaccine coverage in July—December 2021 reduces the size and duration of the projected resurgence substantially. The expected impact of the outbreak is largely concentrated in a subset of states with lower vaccination coverage.What are the implications for public health practice?Renewed efforts to increase vaccination uptake are critical to limiting transmission and disease, particularly in states with lower current vaccination coverage. Reaching higher vaccination goals in the coming months can potentially avert 1.5 million cases and 21,000 deaths and improve the ability to safely resume social contacts, and educational and business activities. Continued or renewed non-pharmaceutical interventions, including masking, can also help limit transmission, particularly as schools and businesses reopen.
Melodic Intonation Therapy for aphasia: A multi-level meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and individual participant data
Authors: Popescu Tudor , Stahl Benjamin , Wiernik Brenton M. , Haiduk Felix , Zemanek Michaela , Helm Hannah , Matzinger Theresa , Beisteiner Roland , Fitch W. Tecumseh 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMelodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) is a prominent rehabilitation programme for individuals with post-stroke aphasia. The present meta-analysis investigated the efficacy of MIT while considering outcome measure quality, experimental design, influence of spontaneous recovery, MIT protocol, and level of generalisation.An extensive literature search identified 606 studies in major databases and trials registers; of those, 22 studies, overall 129 participants, met all eligibility criteria. Multi-level mixed- and random-effects models served to separately meta-analyse RCT and non-RCT data.RCT evidence on validated measures revealed a small-to-moderate standardised effect in non-communicative language expression for MIT, with substantial uncertainty. Unvalidated measures attenuated MIT’s effect size compared to validated tests. MIT’s effect size was 5.7 times larger for non-RCT data compared to RCT data. Effect size in non-RCT data decreased with number of months post-stroke, suggesting confound through spontaneous recovery. Variation from the original MIT protocol did not systematically alter benefit from treatment. Progress on validated tests arose mainly from gains in repetition tasks rather than other domains of verbal expression such as everyday communication ability.The current results confirm the promising role of MIT in improving trained/untrained performance with unvalidated measures, alongside validated repetition tasks; whilst highlighting possible limitations in promoting everyday communication ability.
Definition of a new blood cell count (BCT) score for early survival prediction for non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with atezolizumab: Integrated analysis of 4 multicenter clinical trials
Authors: Zhou Jian-Guo , Wong Ada Hang-Heng , Wang Haitao , Jin Su-Han , Tan Fangya , Chen Yu-Zhong , He Si-Si , Shen Gang , Frey Benjamin , Fietkau Rainer , Hecht Markus , Carr Shamus R. , Wang Ruihong , Shen Bo , Schrump David S , Ma Hu , Gaipl Udo S. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionImmune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is a major breakthrough in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. However, valid predictive biomarkers are lacking. Blood cell count test (BCT) provides a direct quantification of various types of immune cells (ICs) to reveal the immune landscape to predict ICI treatment.MethodsThis study analyzed four international, multi-center clinical trials (OAK, BIRCH, POPLAR and FIR trials) to conduct post-hoc analyses of NSCLC patients undergoing atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1) single-agent treatment (n = 1,479) or docetaxel single-agent treatment (n = 707). BCT was conducted at three timepoints: pre-treatment (T1), the first day of treatment cycle 3 (T2), and first day of treatment cycle 5 (T3). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify early BCT biomarkers to predict atezolizumab treatment outcomes in NSCLC patients.ResultsThe BCT biomarkers of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) at timepoint T3 and neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR) at timepoint T2 were identified as strong predictive biomarkers for atezolizumab (Ate)-treated NSCLC patients in comparison to docetaxel (Dtx)-treated patients regarding overall survival (OS) (BCTscore low-risk: HR Ate vs Dtx = 1.54 (95% CI: 1.04-2.27), P = 0.036; high-risk: HR Ate vs Dtx = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.62-1.12), P = 0.236). This identified BCTscore model showed better OS AUC in the OAK (AUC12month=0.696), BIRCH (AUC12month=0.672) and POPLAR+FIR studies (AUC12month=0.727) than that of each of the three single BCT biomarkers.ConclusionThe BCTscore model is a valid predictive and prognostic biomarker for atezolizumab-treated NSCLC patients.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Algerian medical students: a cross-sectional study in five universities
Authors: Kerdoun Mohamed Amine , Henni Abdellah Hamza , Yamoun Assia , Rahmani Amine , Kerdoun Rym Messaouda , Elouar Nazia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractVaccine hesitancy is a limiting factor in global efforts to contain the current pandemic, wreaking havoc on public health. As today’s students are tomorrow’s doctors, it is critical to understand their attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine. To our knowledge, this study was the first national one to look into the attitudes of Algerian medical students toward the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine using an electronic convenience survey.383 medical students from five Algerian universities were included, with a mean age of 21.02. 85.37% (n=327) of respondents had not taken the COVID-19 vaccine yet and were divided into three groups; the vaccine acceptance group (n=175, 53.51%), the vaccine-hesitant group (n=75, 22.93%), and the vaccine refusal group (n=77, 23.54%).Gender, age, education level, university, and previous experience with COVID-19 were not significant predictors for vaccine acceptance. The confirmed barriers to the COVID-19 vaccine concern available information, effectiveness, safety, and adverse effects.This work highlights the need for an educational strategy about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. Medical students should be educated about the benefits of vaccination for themselves and their families and friends.The Vaccine acceptant students’ influence should not be neglected with a possible ambassador role to hesitant and resistant students.Graphical abstract
SIOP Ependymoma I: Final results, long term follow-up and molecular analysis of the trial cohort: A BIOMECA Consortium Study
Authors: Ritzmann Timothy A , Chapman Rebecca J , Kilday John-Paul , Thorp Nicola , Modena Piergiorgio , Dineen Robert A , Macarthur Donald , Mallucci Conor , Jaspan Timothy , Pajtler Kristian W , Giagnacovo Marzia , Jacques Thomas S , Paine Simon ML , Ellison David W , Bouffet Eric , Grundy Richard G 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundSIOP Ependymoma I was a non-randomised trial assessing event free and overall survival (EFS/OS) from non-metastatic intracranial ependymoma in children aged 3 to 21 years, treated with a staged management strategy. Chemotherapy efficacy in ependymoma is debated and therefore the response rate (RR) of subtotally resected (STR) ependymoma to vincristine, etoposide and cyclophosphamide (VEC) was an additional primary outcome. We report final results with 12-year follow-up and post hoc analyses of recently described biomarkers.Methods74 participants were eligible. Children with gross total resection (GTR) received radiotherapy, whilst those with STR received VEC before radiotherapy. DNA methylation and 1q status were evaluated, alongside hTERT, ReLA, Tenascin-C, H3K27me3 and pAKT expression.ResultsFive- and ten-year EFS was 49.5% and 46.7%, OS was 69.3% and 60.5%. GTR was achieved in 33/74 (44.6%) and associated with improved EFS (p=0.003, HR=2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-5.1). Grade 3 tumours were associated with worse OS (p=0.005, HR=2.8, 95%CI 1.3-5.8). 1q gain and hTERT expression were associated with poorer EFS (p=0.003, HR=2.70, 95%CI 1.49-6.10 and p=0.014, HR=5.8, 95%CI 1.2-28 respectively) and H3K27me3 loss with worse OS (p=0.003, HR=4.6, 95%CI 1.5-13.2). DNA methylation profiles showed expected patterns. 12 participants with STR did not receive chemotherapy; a protocol violation. However, chemotherapy RR was 65.5% (19/29, 95%CI 45.7-82.1), exceeding a prespecified 45% RR.ConclusionsRR of STR to VEC exceeded the pre-specified criterion for efficacy. However, cases of inaccurate treatment stratification highlighted the need for rapid central review. Prognostic associations for 1q gain, H3K27me3 and hTERT were confirmed.
WHAT FUELS SUBOPTIMAL CARE OF PERIPHERAL INTRAVENOUS CATHETER-RELATED INFECTIONS IN HOSPITALS? – A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF DECISION-MAKING AMONG SPANISH NURSES
Authors: Blanco-Mavillard Ian , Castro-Sánchez Enrique , Parra-García Gaizka , Rodríguez-Calero Miguel Ángel , Bennasar-Veny Miquel , Fernández-Fernández Ismael , Lorente-Neches Harri , de Pedro-Gómez Joan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundPeripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) are commonly used in hospital worldwide. However, PIVC are not exempt from complications. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) increase morbidity and mortality rates, and costs for the healthcare organization. PIVC care is shaped by the complex mix of professional and organizational culture, such as knowledge gaps, low perception of impact of PIVCs on patient safety, or lack of hospital guidelines.AimTo explore determinants of decision-making about the prevention of PIVC-BSI among nurses in Spanish hospitals.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive qualitative study with semi-structured interviews in three public hospitals, the Balearic Islands Health Care Service in Spain. We considered hospital ward nurses working routinely with inpatients at any of the three hospitals for enrolment in the study. We approached relevant informants to identify suitable participants who recruited other participants through a ‘snowball’ technique. Fourteen inpatient nurses from the hospital took part in this study between September and November 2018. We employed several triangulation strategies to underpin the methodological rigour of our analysis and conducted the member checking, showing the information and codes applied in the recording of the interviews to identify the coherence and any discrepancies of the discourse by participants. We used the COREQ checklist for this study.FindingsWe identified four major themes in the analysis related to determinants of care: The fog of decision-making in PIVC; The taskification of PIVC care; PIVC care is accepted to be suboptimal, yet irrelevant; and PIVC care gaps may reflect behavioural shortcomings, yet solutions proposed to involve education and training.ConclusionThe clinical management of PIVCs appear ambiguous, unclear, and fragmented, with no clear professional responsibility and no nurse leadership, causing a gap in preventing infections. Furthermore, the perception of low risk on PIVC care impact can cause a relevant lack of adherence to the best evidence and patient safety. Implementing facilitation strategies could improve the fidelity of the best available evidence regarding PIVC care and raise awareness among nurses of impact that excellence of care.
Correlation between times to SARS-CoV-2 symptom onset and secondary transmission undermines epidemic control efforts
Authors: Linton Natalie M. , Akhmetzhanov Andrei R. , Nishiura Hiroshi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSevere acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections have been associated with substantial presymptomatic transmission, which occurs when the generation interval—the time between infection of an individual with a pathogen and transmission of the pathogen to another individual—is shorter than the incubation period—the time between infection and symptom onset. We collected a dataset of 257 SARS-CoV-2 transmission pairs in Japan and jointly estimated the mean generation interval (3.7–5.1 days) and mean incubation period (4.4–5.7 days) as well as measured their dependence (Kendall’s tau of 0.4–0.6), taking into consideration demographic and epidemiological characteristics of the pairs. The positive correlation between the two parameters demonstrates that reliance on isolation of symptomatic COVID-19 cases as a focal point of control efforts is insufficient to address the challenges posed by SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics. Accounting for this dependence within SARS-CoV-2 epidemic models can also improve model estimates.
LED transillumination of the chest and abdomen in the diagnosis of neonatal conditions
Authors: Abreu José , Baldacci Michelle , Tarenzi Gladys , Villegas Karla 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAir leak syndromes, such as pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum, are commonly diagnosed in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. However, this finding is usually detected with radiographic studies when the neonate is in poor condition. LED transillumination is an alternative method that allows a fast, inexpensive, and non-invasive diagnosis.We aimedto evaluate the clinical utility of LED transillumination in neonates by comparing the results to chest and abdomen radiograph as reference test.Methodologydiagnostic and prospective study that included 56 neonates. We used a simple and inexpensive handcrafted LED transilluminator to evaluate the chest and abdomen of patients, blind to the final diagnosis. The findings were compared to the radiographs.Resultsthe study presented 3 true positive pneumothorax cases (sensibility 100%, 95%CI 29.24-100; specificity 100%, 95%CI 93.28-100), 1 true positive pneumoperitoneum case (sensibility 100%, 95%CI 2.50-100; specificity 100%, 95%CI 93.51-100), 10 true positive and 5 false negatives cases of gastric dilation (sensibility 66.67%, 95%CI 38.38-88.18; specificity 100%, 95%CI 91.19-100; negative likelihood ratio 0.33, 95%CI 0.16-0.68) and 4 true positive cases of dilation of bowel loops (sensibility 100%, 95%CI 39.76-100; specificity 100%, 95%CI 93.02-100).DiscussionLED transillumination is a safe, inexpensive, and easy-to-use clinical tool that may be employed to promote early intervention during severe cases of air leak syndrome that require immediate action, especially in low-income and rural areas. Further research with larger sample sizes is required to properly define the efficacy and usefulness of LED transillumination in routine use.