bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seroconversion rates following COVID-19 vaccination amongst patients with malignant disease- the impact of diagnosis and cancer-directed therapies
Authors: Thakkar Astha , Lugo Jesus Gonzalez , Goradia Niyati , Gali Radhika , Shapiro Lauren C. , Pradhan Kith , Rahman Shafia , Kim So Yeon , Ko Brian , Sica R. Alejandro , Kornblum Noah , Bachier-Rodriguez Lizamarie , McCort Margaret , Goel Sanjay , Perez-Soler Roman , Packer Stuart , Sparano Joseph , Gartrell Benjamin , Makower Della , Goldstein Yitz D , Wolgast Lucia , Verma Amit , Halmos Balazs 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAs COVID-19 has been shown to adversely affect patients with cancer, prophylactic strategies are critically needed. We determined the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccination in a cohort of cancer patients that had received full dosing with one of the FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines. 201 oncology patients underwent anti-spike protein SARS-CoV-2 IgG testing post vaccination and demonstrated a high rate of seroconversion (94%) overall. When compared to solid tumors (98%), a significantly lower rate of seroconversion was observed in patients with hematological malignancies (85%), particularly recipients of anti-CD20 therapies (70%) and stem cell transplantation (74%). Patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (97%) or hormonal therapies (100%) demonstrated high seroconversion post-vaccination. Patients with prior COVID-19 infection demonstrated higher anti-spike IgG titers post-vaccination. Relatively lower IgG titers were noted following vaccination with the adenoviral when compared to the mRNA-based vaccines. These data demonstrate generally high immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccination in oncology patients and identify vulnerable cohorts that need novel vaccination or passive immunization strategies.
Restricting carbohydrates and calories in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of the effectiveness of ‘low carbohydrate’ interventions with differing energy levels
Authors: Nicholas Anna P , Mota Adrian Soto , Lambert Helen , Collins Adam L 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThere are two proven dietary approaches to shift type 2 diabetes (T2D) into remission: low energy diets (LED) and low carbohydrate diets (LCD). These approaches differ in their rationale and application yet both involve carbohydrate restriction, either as an explicit goal or as a consequence of reducing overall energy intake. The aims of this systematic review were to identify, characterise and compare existing clinical trials that utilised ‘low carbohydrate’ interventions with differing energy intakes. Electronic databases CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE and Scopus were searched to identify controlled clinical trials in adults with T2D involving low carbohydrate intake (defined as <130g carbohydrate/day) and reporting weight and glycemic outcomes. The initial database search yielded 809 results, of which 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. 12/18 studies utilised low carbohydrate diets with moderate or unrestricted energy intake. Six trials utilised low energy diets (<1200kcal/day), with all except one incorporating meal-replacements as part of a commercial weight loss programme. Interventions using both restricted and unrestricted (ad libitum) energy intakes produced clinically significant weight loss and reduction in HbA1c at study end-points. Trials that restricted energy intake were not superior to those that allowed ad libitum low carbohydrate feeding at 12 and 24 months. An association was observed across studies between average weight loss and reduction in HbA1c, which strengthened with trial length, indicating that sustained weight loss is key to T2D remission. Further research is needed to specifically ascertain the weight-independent effects of carbohydrate restriction on glycemic control in T2D.Graphical abstract
SARS-CoV-2 lineage dynamics in England from January to March 2021 inferred from representative community samples
Authors: Eales Oliver , Page Andrew J. , Tang Sonja N. , Walters Caroline E. , Wang Haowei , Haw David , Trotter Alexander J. , Viet Thanh Le , Foster-Nyarko Ebenezer , Prosolek Sophie , Atchison Christina , Ashby Deborah , Cooke Graham , Barclay Wendy , Donnelly Christl A. , O’Grady Justin , Volz Erik ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium, Darzi Ara , Ward Helen , Elliott Paul , Riley Steven 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGenomic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 lineages informs our understanding of possible future changes in transmissibility and vaccine efficacy. However, small changes in the frequency of one lineage over another are often difficult to interpret because surveillance samples are obtained from a variety of sources. Here, we describe lineage dynamics and phylogenetic relationships using sequences obtained from a random community sample who provided a throat and nose swab for rt-PCR during the first three months of 2021 as part of the REal-time Assessment of Community Transmission-1 (REACT-1) study. Overall, diversity decreased during the first quarter of 2021, with the B.1.1.7 lineage (first identified in Kent) predominant, driven by a 0.3 unit higher reproduction number over the prior wild type. During January, positive samples were more likely B.1.1.7 in younger and middle-aged adults (aged 18 to 54) than in other age groups. Although individuals infected with the B.1.1.7 lineage were no more likely to report one or more classic COVID-19 symptoms compared to those infected with wild type, they were more likely to be antibody positive 6 weeks after infection. Viral load was higher in B.1.1.7 infection as measured by cycle threshold (Ct) values, but did not account for the increased rate of testing positive for antibodies. The presence of infections with non-imported B.1.351 lineage (first identified in South Africa) during January, but not during February or March, suggests initial establishment in the community followed by fade-out. However, this occurred during a period of stringent social distancing and targeted public health interventions and does not immediately imply similar lineages could not become established in the future. Sequence data from representative community surveys such as REACT-1 can augment routine genomic surveillance.
Monitors to Improve Indoor Carbon Dioxide Concentrations in the Hospital: Background, Rationale and Protocol for a Randomized, Sham-controlled, Cross-Over, Open Label Trial
Authors: Laurent Michaël R. , Frans Johan 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused considerably morbidity and mortality worldwide, mainly among older adults. Hospital outbreaks contribute to the burden of this disease, despite optimal hand hygiene and personal protective equipment such as masks and face shields. Ventilation with fresh outdoor air has emerged as an important strategy to reduce indoor aerosol transmission of COVID-19. Carbon dioxide (CO2) monitors are increasingly advocated to facilitate ventilation in schools, long-term care facilities, offices and public buildings. Moreover, several health authorities have issued guidelines for target CO2 values in work as well as clinical environments. Given that modern hospitals have superior indoor air quality control systems, it remains however unknown whether feedback from CO2 monitors is needed and/or effective to improve ventilation further. Here, we describe the rationale and protocol for a randomized, sham-controlled, crossover, open label trial of CO2 monitors in double-bed hospital rooms in two acute geriatric wards. Based on pilot data, Aranet4 Home® monitors will be used to alert nurses and other staff to raised indoor CO2 concentrations. Practical limitations in implementing CO2 monitors are discussed, and will be surveyed among staff as additional study outcomes. The Monitors to Improve Indoor Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Concentrations in the Hospital (MICH) trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04770597.
Evaluation of Statistical Illiteracy in Latin American Clinicians and of the Efficacy of a 10-Hour Course
Authors: Soto-Mota Adrian , Maravilla Eduardo Carrillo , Cárdenas Fragoso Jose Luis , Lozano Cruz Óscar Arturo , Herrero Alfonso Gulías , De Leon Rosales Sergio Ponce 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTIntroductionAll medics require statistical interpretation skills to keep up to date with the scientific advances and evidence-based recommendations of their specific field. However, statistical illiteracy among clinicians is a highly prevalent problem with far-reaching consequences. The few available studies that report statistical literacy improvements after educational interventions do not report for how long these benefits last. We measured for the first-time statistical proficiency among Latin-American clinicians with different levels of training and evaluated the efficacy of a 10-hour course at multiple timepoints.MethodsUsing an online questionnaire, we evaluated self-perceived statistical proficiency, scientific literature reading habits and statistical literacy (using an adaptation of the Quick Risk Test) across multiple levels of medical training. Separately, we evaluated statistical proficiency among Internal Medicine residents at a tertiary centre in Mexico City immediately before, immediately after and one and two months after a 10-hour statistics course using the same adaptation (allowing for “I don’t know” answers) of the Quick Risk Test. Scores across multiple time points were compared using Friedman’s Test.ResultsData from 392 clinicians from 9 Latin American countries were analyzed. Most clinicians (85%) failed our adaptation of the Quick Risk Test (mean score = 2.6/10, IQR:1.4). The 10-hour course significantly improved the scores of the Internal Medicine Residents (n=16) from 3.8/10, IQR:1.8 to 8.3/10, IQR:1.4 (p<0.01). However, scores dropped after one and two months to 7.7/10, IQR:1.6 and 6.1 / 10, IQR:2.2, respectively.ConclusionsStatistical Illiteracy is highly prevalent among Latin American clinicians. Short-term educational interventions are effective but, their benefits quickly fade away if they are not periodically reinforced. Medical boards and Medical schools need to periodically teach and evaluate statistical proficiency to ameliorate these issues.
In-hospital cardiac arrest in Intensive Care Unit versus non-Intensive Care Unit patients with COVID-19. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mavrovounis Georgios , Mermiri Maria , Chalkias Athanasios , Sheth Vishad , Tsolaki Vasiliki , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos , Pantazoulos Ioannis 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo estimate the incidence of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in COVID-19 patients, as well as to compare the incidence and outcomes of IHCA in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) versus non-ICU patients with COVID-19.MethodsWe systematically reviewed the PubMed, Scopus and clinicaltrials.gov databases to identify relevant studies.ResultsEleven studies were included in our study. The pooled prevalence/incidence, pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) were calculated, as appropriate. The quality of the included studies was assessed using appropriate tools. The pooled incidence of IHCA in COVID-19 patients was 7% [95% CI: 4 – 11%; P < 0.0001] and 44% [95% CI: 30 – 58%; P < 0.0001] achieved ROSC. Of those that survived, 58% [95% CI: 42 – 74%; P < 0.0001] had a good neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category 1 or 2) and the mortality at the last follow-up was 59% [95% CI: 37 – 81%; P < 0.0001]. A statistically significant higher percentage of ROSC [OR (95% CI): 5.088 (2.852, 9.079); P < 0.0001] was found among ICU patients versus those in the general wards.ConclusionThe incidence of IHCA amongst hospitalized COVID-19 patients is 7%, with 44% of them achieving ROSC. Patients in the ICU were more likely to achieve ROSC than those in the general wards, however the mortality did not differ.What this paper addsSection 1: What is already known on this subjectMortality in COVID-19 patients ranges between 20% and 40%.it has been reported that patients with COVID-19 have a high incidence of IHCA and higher mortality.This paper aimed to calculate the proportion of COVID-19 patients who experience IHCA and their outcome, as well as compare the outcome of IHCA between ICU and non-ICU patients.Section 2: What this study addsApproximately 7% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients suffer from IHCA and 44% of those achieve ROSC.The rate of ROSC was higher in ICU patients, but the rate of mortality did not differe between ICU and non-ICU patients.
Electrical Stimulation and Time to Radiographic Healing of Acute Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nicksic Peter J. , Rymut Kevin , Dingle Aaron , Verma Nishant , Doro Christopher , Shoffstall Andrew , Ludwig Kip , Poore Samuel O. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if electrical stimulation (ES) reduces days to radiographic union of acute fracturesData SourcesMEDLINE database search using the terms combinations of “electric stimulation AND bone healing”, “electric stimulation AND fracture,” “electric stimulation AND fracture healing,” full articles, English language, without publication date restrictionStudy SelectionInclusion criteria were (1) randomized-controlled trials concerning electrical stimulation for the purpose of healing acute fractures with (2) outcomes on radiographic union at regular time intervals. Exclusion criteria were (1) studies involving skeletally immature patients or (2) ES for non-unions, spinal fusions, and osteotomies.Data ExtractionStudy quality was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration tool for risk of bias assessment by 2 independent reviewers. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed with the χ2and I2tests.Data SynthesisThe mean days to radiographic union was calculated as a continuous variable with standard deviations. The meta-analysis was performed to compare the ES and non-ES groups across studies using Metafor ® software (Bell Labs, Murray Hill, NJ, United States).ConclusionElectrical stimulation does not reduce time to radiographic union in acute fractures. However, an improvement in the healing time was noted in the semi-invasive method of ES in which the current was delivered directly within the fracture site. This finding provides evidence that innovative methods of ES delivery may demonstrate the promising results found in smaller animal studies.Level of EvidenceLevel I
Cost-effectiveness of a whole-area testing pilot of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections with lateral flow devices: A modelling and economic analysis study
Authors: Drakesmith Mark , Collins Brendan , Jones Angela , Nnoaham Kelechi , Thomas Daniel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundMass community testing for SARS-CoV-2 by lateral flow devices (LFDs) aims to reduce prevalence in the community. However its effectiveness as a public heath intervention is disputed.MethodData from a mass testing pilot in the Borough of Merthyr Tydfil in late 2020 was used to model cases, hospitalisations, ICU admissions and deaths prevented. Further economic analysis with a healthcare perspective assessed cost-effectiveness in terms of healthcare costs avoided and QALYs gained.ResultsAn initial conservative estimate of 360 (95% CI: 311-418) cases were prevented by the mass testing, representing a would-be reduction of 11% of all cases diagnosed in Merthyr Tydfil residents during the same period. Modelling healthcare burden estimates that 24 (16 - 36) hospitalizations, 5 (3-6) ICU admissions and 15 (11-20) deaths were prevented, representing 6.37%, 11.1% and 8.2%, respectively of the actual counts during the same period. A less conservative, best-case scenario predicts 2333 (1764-3115) cases prevented, representing 80% reduction in would-be cases. Cost effectiveness analysis indicates 108 (80-143) QALYs gained, an incremental cost ratio of £2,143 (£860-£4,175) per QALY gained and net monetary benefit of £6.2m (£4.5m-£8.4m). In the best-case scenario, this increases to £15.9m (£12.3m-£20.5m).ConclusionsA non-negligible number of cases, hospitalisations and deaths were prevented by the mass testing pilot. Considering QALYs gained and healthcare costs avoided, the pilot was cost-effective. These findings suggest mass testing with LFDs in areas of high prevalence (>2%) is likely to provide significant public health benefit. It is not yet clear whether similar benefits will be obtained in low prevalence settings or with vaccination rollout.
Exploring the extracellular transcriptome in seminal plasma for non-invasive prostate cancer diagnosis
Authors: Hulstaert Eva , Morlion Annelien , Nuytens Justine , Ponti Giovanni , Maccaferri Monia , Lau Susan , Diamandis Eleftherios , Keith Jarvi , Prassas Ioannis , Lumen Nicolaas , Mestdagh Pieter , Vandesompele Jo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA diagnostic non-invasive biomarker test for prostate cancer at an early stage, with high sensitivity and specificity, would improve diagnostic decision making. Extracellular RNAs present in seminal plasma might contain biomarker potential for the accurate detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. So far, the extracellular messenger RNA (mRNA) profile of seminal plasma has not been interrogated for its biomarker potential in the context of prostate cancer. Here, we investigate the mRNA transcriptome in seminal plasma samples obtained from prostate cancer patients (n=25), patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (n=26) and individuals without prostatic disease (n=6). Seminal plasma harbors a complex mRNA repertoire that reflects prostate as its tissue of origin. The endogenous RNA content is higher in the prostate cancer samples compared to the control samples. Prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3), a long non-coding RNA with prostate cancer-specific overexpression, and ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1), known to be involved in the prostate cancer pathogenesis, were more abundant in the prostate cancer group. In addition, twelve high confidence fusion transcripts could be detected in prostate cancer samples, including the bona-fide prostate cancer fusion transcript TMPRSS2-ERG. Our findings provide proof-of-principle that the extracellular transcriptome of seminal plasma can reveal information of an underlying prostate cancer.
Methods for identifying culprit drugs in cutaneous drug eruptions: A scoping review
Authors: Bose Reetesh , Ogbalidet Selam , Boshra Mina , Finstad Alexandra , Marzario Barbara , Huang Christina , Fahim Simone 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundCutaneous drug eruptions are a significant source of morbidity, mortality, and cost to the healthcare system. Identifying the culprit drug is essential; however, despite numerous methods being published, there are no consensus guidelines.ObjectivesConduct a scoping review to identify all published methods of culprit drug identification for cutaneous drug eruptions, compare the methods, and generate hypotheses for future causality assessment studies.Eligibility criteriaPeer-reviewed publications involving culprit drug identification methods.Sources of evidenceMedline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.Charting methodsRegistered PRISMA-ScR format protocol on Open Science Forum.ResultsIn total, 135 publications were included comprising 656,635 adverse drug events, most of which were cutaneous. There were 54 methods of culprit drug identification published, categorized as algorithms, probabilistic approaches, and expert judgment.Algorithms had higher sensitivity and positive predictive value, but lower specificity and negative predictive value. Probabilistic approaches had lower sensitivity and positive predictive value, but higher specificity and negative predictive value. Expert judgment was subjective, less reproducible, but the most frequently used to validate other methods. Studies suggest that greater accuracy may be achieved by specifically assessing cutaneous drug eruptions and using combinations of causality assessment categories.ConclusionsCulprit drug identification for adverse drug reactions remains a challenge. Many methods have been published, but there are no consensus guidelines. Using causality assessment methods specifically for cutaneous drug eruptions and combining aspects of the different causality assessment categories may improve efficacy. Further studies are needed to validate this hypothesis.
Analysis of 472,688 severe cases of COVID-19 in Brazil showed lower mortality in those vaccinated against influenza
Authors: Sardinha Daniele Melo , da Costa Lobato Diana , da Silva Ferreira Ana Lúcia , Batista Lima Karla Valéria , de Paula Souza e Guimarães Ricardo José , Costa Lima Luana Nepomuceno Gondim 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the severe cases of COVID-19 in Brazil in 2020 and compare those vaccinated and unvaccinated against influenza in invasive ventilation, admission in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and deaths.MethodCross-sectional study with public data from the OpenDataSUS platform, regarding confirmed severe cases for COVID-19 in Brazil in the year 2020. Data were analyzed by SPSS, from the chi-square test of independence and binary logistic regression.ResultsThe population was 472,688 cases and 177,640 deaths, with a lethality of 37.58% in severe cases. The test of independence was highly significant in vaccinated survivors (<0.0001), and regression showed an almost twofold odds ratio for invasive ventilation, ICU admission, and death in unvaccinated cases.ConclusionWe recommend mass influenza vaccination as an adjuvant in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.
Systematic Testing for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Essential Workers in Montréal, Canada: A Prospective Observational and Cost Assessment Study
Authors: Campbell Jonathon R. , Dion Cynthia , Uppal Aashna , Yansouni Cedric P. , Menzies Dick 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDEssential workers are at increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We did a prospective study to estimate the yield, acceptability, and costs of workplace-based systematic SARS-CoV-2 testing of asymptomatic essential workers.METHODSWe recruited non-healthcare essential businesses, in Montréal, Canada. Mobile teams, composed of two non-healthcare professionals each, visited businesses. Consenting, asymptomatic employees provided saline gargle specimens under supervision. Mobile team members self-sampled weekly. Specimens were analyzed using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). If an outbreak was detected (≥2 positives), we retested all initially negative participants. We did logistic regression for factors associated with a positive test. We estimated costs ($CAD) of this strategy.RESULTSFrom 27 January to 12 March 2021, 69 essential businesses were visited. Of an estimated 2348 employees onsite, 2128 (90.6%) participated. Across 2626 tests, 53 (2.0%) were positive. Self-reported non-Caucasian ethnicity (aOR 3.7, 95% CI: 1.4-9.9) and a negative SARS-CoV-2 test before the study (0.4, 0.2-0.8) were positively and negatively associated with a positive test, respectively. Five businesses—3 manufacturing/supplier and 2 meat processing— were experiencing an outbreak. At these businesses, 40 (4.4%) of 917 participants were positive on the initial test. We repeated testing at three of these businesses over 2-3 weeks: 8/350 (2.3%) were positive on the second test, and zero were positive on the third and fourth test (148 tests); no employer reported new positives to 26 March 2021. In all other businesses, 1211 participants were tested once—5 (0.4%) were positive at three childcare enterprises, one grocery store, and one manufacturing/supplier. Per person, RT-PCR costs were $34.00 and all other costs $8.67. No mobile team member tested positive.INTERPRETATIONOnsite sampling of essential workers with saline gargle is safe, acceptable, and inexpensive. Repeat testing appeared to eliminate outbreaks. Systematic testing should be considered part of SARS-CoV-2 preventive efforts.