bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased vulnerability to COVID‐19 in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Carlson N. , Nelveg‐Kristensen K.‐E. , Freese Ballegaard E. , Feldt‐Rasmussen B. , Hornum M. , Kamper A.‐Lise , Gislason G. , Torp‐Pedersen C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe significance of chronic kidney disease on susceptibility to COVID‐19 and subsequent outcomes remains unaddressed.ObjectiveTo investigate the association of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on risk of contracting COVID‐19 and subsequent adverse outcomes.MethodsRates of hospital‐diagnosed COVID‐19 were compared across strata of eGFR based on conditional logistic regression using a nested case–control framework with 1:4 matching of patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 with controls from the Danish general population on age, gender, diabetes and hypertension. Risk of subsequent severe COVID‐19 or death was assessed in a cohort study with comparisons across strata of eGFR based on adjusted Cox regression models with G‐computation of results to determine 60‐day risk standardized to the distribution of risk factors in the sample.ResultsEstimated glomerular filtration rate was inversely associated with rate of hospital‐diagnosed COVID‐19: eGFR 61–90 mL/min/1.73m2 HR 1.13 (95% CI 1.03–1.25), P = 0.011; eGFR 46–60 mL/min/1.73m2 HR 1.26 (95% CI 1.06–1.50), P = 0.008; eGFR 31–45 mL/min/1.73m2 HR 1.68 (95% CI 1.34–2.11), P < 0.001; and eGFR ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73m2 3.33 (95% CI 2.50–4.42), P < 0.001 (eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73m2 as reference), and renal impairment was associated with progressive increase in standardized 60‐day risk of death or severe COVID‐19; eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73m2 13.9% (95% CI 9.7–15.0); eGFR 90–61 mL/min/1.73m2 16.1% (95% CI 14.5–17.7); eGFR 46–60 mL/min/1.73m2 17.8% (95% CI 14.7–21.2); eGFR 31–45 mL/min/1.73m2 22.6% (95% CI 18.2–26.2); and eGFR ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73m2 23.6% (95% CI 18.1–29.1).ConclusionsRenal insufficiency was associated with progressive increase in both rate of hospital‐diagnosed COVID‐19 and subsequent risk of adverse outcomes. Results underscore a possible vulnerability associated with impaired renal function in relation to COVID‐19.
Assessment of thirty‐day readmission rate, timing, causes and predictors after hospitalization with COVID‐19
Authors: Yeo I. , Baek S. , Kim J. , Elshakh H. , Voronina A. , Lou M.S. , Vapnik J. , Kaler R. , Dai X. , Goldbarg S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere are limited data on the characteristics of 30‐day readmission after hospitalization with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).ObjectivesTo examine the rate, timing, causes, predictors and outcomes of 30‐day readmission after COVID‐19 hospitalization.MethodsFrom 13 March to 9 April 2020, all patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 and discharged alive were included in this retrospective observational study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of 30‐day readmission, and a restricted cubic spline function was utilized to assess the linearity of the association between continuous predictors and 30‐day readmission.ResultsA total of 1062 patients were included in the analysis, with a median follow‐up time of 62 days. The mean age of patients was 56.5 years, and 40.5% were women. At the end of the study, a total of 48 (4.5%) patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge, and a median time to readmission was 5 days. The most common primary diagnosis of 30‐day readmission was a hypoxic respiratory failure (68.8%) followed by thromboembolism (12.5%) and sepsis (6.3%). The patients with a peak serum creatinine level of ≥1.29 mg/dL during the index hospitalization, compared to those with a creatinine of <1.29 mg/dL, had 2.4 times increased risk of 30‐day readmission (adjusted odds ratio: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.23–4.74). The mortality rate during the readmission was 22.9%.ConclusionWith 4.5% of the thirty‐day readmission rate, COVID‐19 survivors were readmitted early after hospital discharge, mainly due to morbidities of COVID‐19. One in five readmitted COVID‐19 survivors died during their readmission.
Association of mitochondrial DNA copy number with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in 14 176 individuals
Authors: Fazzini F. , Lamina C. , Raftopoulou A. , Koller A. , Fuchsberger C. , Pattaro C. , Del Greco F. M. , Döttelmayer P. , Fendt L. , Fritz J. , Meiselbach H. , Schönherr S. , Forer L. , Weissensteiner H. , Pramstaller P. P. , Eckardt K.‐U. , Hicks A. A. , Kronenberg F. ,   the GCKD Investigators
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundMitochondria play an important role in cellular metabolism, and their dysfunction is postulated to be involved in metabolic disturbances. Mitochondrial DNA is present in multiple copies per cell. The quantification of mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA‐CN) might be used to assess mitochondrial dysfunction.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the cross‐sectional association of mtDNA‐CN with type 2 diabetes and the potential mediating role of metabolic syndrome.MethodsWe examined 4812 patients from the German Chronic Kidney Disease (GCKD) study and 9364 individuals from the Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) study. MtDNA‐CN was measured in whole blood using a plasmid‐normalized qPCR‐based assay.ResultsIn both studies, mtDNA‐CN showed a significant correlation with most metabolic syndrome parameters: mtDNA‐CN decreased with increasing number of metabolic syndrome components. Furthermore, individuals with low mtDNA‐CN had significantly higher odds of metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.025; 95% CI = 1.011–1.039, P = 3.19 × 10−4, for each decrease of 10 mtDNA copies) and type 2 diabetes (OR = 1.027; 95% CI = 1.012–1.041; P = 2.84 × 10−4) in a model adjusted for age, sex, smoking and kidney function in the meta‐analysis of both studies. Mediation analysis revealed that the association of mtDNA‐CN with type 2 diabetes was mainly mediated by waist circumference in the GCKD study (66%) and by several metabolic syndrome parameters, especially body mass index and triglycerides, in the CHRIS study (41%).ConclusionsOur data show an inverse association of mtDNA‐CN with higher risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. A major part of the total effect of mtDNA‐CN on type 2 diabetes is mediated by obesity parameters.
Early neonatal death review from two provinces in Papua New Guinea: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Vallely Lisa M , Smith Rachel , Laman Moses , Riddell Michaela A , Mengi Alice , Au Lucy , Polomon Cherolyn , Vogel Joshua P , Pomat William S , Vallely Andrew J , Homer Caroline SE 
Published: January 2021

AimTo determine the causes of early neonatal death and the avoidable factors associated with these deaths among women participating in a cluster‐randomised crossover trial in Papua New Guinea.MethodsEarly neonatal deaths were identified by retrospective chart review of the Women and Newborn Trial of Antenatal Interventions and Management study participants between July 2017 and January 2020. Causes of death and avoidable factors were identified using the Perinatal Problem Identification Program system.ResultsThere were 35 early neonatal deaths among 2499 livebirths (14 per 1000 births). Fifty‐seven percent (20/35) of deaths occurred on the first day of life. Idiopathic preterm birth was the leading obstetric cause of perinatal death (29%; 10/35). Extreme multi‐organ immaturity (23%; 8/35) and hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (17%; 6/35) were the most common final causes of neonatal death. Forty‐six avoidable factors were identified among 26 deaths, including delays in care‐seeking, insufficient resources at health facilities, poor intrapartum care and immediate care of the newborn, including neonatal resuscitation.ConclusionIn this study, potentially preventable causes and avoidable factors were identified in the majority of early neonatal deaths. Addressing these factors will require health system strengthening, particularly the upskilling of primary level health staff, as well as targeted health education of women and the community.
Paediatric presentations to Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department during COVID‐19 lockdown
Authors: Bothara Roshit K , Raina Aditya , Carne Brennan , Walls Tony , McCombie Andrew , Ardagh Michael W , Joyce Laura R 
Published: January 2021

AimTo describe the variation in volumes and types of paediatric presentations to a tertiary emergency department in New Zealand during the national level 4 lockdown for COVID‐19.MethodsA retrospective, comparative cohort study in Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department, New Zealand.ResultsThere was a 37% reduction in all emergency presentations during the 33‐day lockdown period. Paediatric presentations reduced significantly more than non‐paediatric presentations (53% paediatric vs. 34% non‐paediatric, P < 0.00001). The decrease in both overall and paediatric presentations was significantly different than similar periods in 2019 and 2018 (P < 0.00001). The proportion of New Zealand European paediatric presentations during lockdown increased by 6.09% (P = 0.01), while Pacific peoples decreased by 3.36% (P = 0.005). The proportion of <1‐year‐old presentations increased by 5.56% (P = 0.001), while 11–15 years decreased by 7.91% (P = 0.0001). Respiratory‐related paediatric presentations decreased by 30% and proportional decreased by 4.92% (P = 0.001).ConclusionThis study has identified a significant reduction in paediatric presentations to a tertiary emergency department in New Zealand during the national Alert Level 4 Lockdown for COVID‐19. The proportional increase in the <1‐year‐old group may suggest a greater need for community‐based child health services during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Mental health support services may also need to adapt and expand to provide adequate psychological support for children during this crisis. Recognising the needs of these vulnerable groups will be critical during the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic in addition to informing response plans for similar events in the future.
Selenium supplementation improves nutrient intake and digestibility, and mitigates CH4 emissions from sheep grazed on the mixed pasture of alfalfa and tall fescue
Authors: Pan Yueting , Wang Yongjia , Lou Shanning , Wanapat Metha , Wang Zhaofeng , Zhu Wanhe , Hou Fujiang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLow selenium (Se) in soil and forage can adversely affect on the quality of animal‐derived foods, and hence on human health. Lambs grazed on mixed pastures of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) were supplemented with five levels of Se [0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 µg/kg body weight (BW)]. The intake of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) varied with the level of Se supplementation, with a peak at 6 µg Se per kg BW (p ≤ 0.05). Gross energy (GE) intake, digestive energy (DE) intake and metabolic energy (ME) intake were higher at 6 µg Se per kg BW than at other Se levels (p < 0.01); in addition, methane energy (CH4‐E) output was lower at 6 µg Se per kg BW. Supplementation with Se significantly increased nitrogen (N) intake, faecal N and urine N, for which the peak values were 20.2 g N/, 5.62 g N/day and 7.92 g N/day, respectively, at 6 µg Se per kg BW. Se intake, blood Se, faecal Se, urine Se and retained Se were negatively correlated with forage crude protein (CP) content (p < 0.001) but were positively correlated with the content of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (p < 0.001) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) (p < 0.001). Thus, we recommend the addition of 6 µg Se per kg BW to sheep grazed on pastures in regions with low soil Se.
The role of CRISPR‐Cas in advancing precision periodontics
Authors: Barbour Abdelahhad , Glogauer Judah , Grinfeld Lis , Ostadsharif Memar Rouzbeh , Fine Noah , Tenenbaum Howard , Glogauer Michael 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe significant advancement of molecular biology has revolutionized medicine and provided important technologies to further clinical research development. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) are DNA sequences derived from bacteriophages which have previously infected the bacterial species. The CRISPR–Cas system plays a key role in bacterial defense by detecting and destroying DNA fragments during subsequent bacteriophage invasions. The Cas9 enzyme recognizes and cleaves new invading CRISPR‐complementary DNA sequences. Researchers have taken advantage of this biological device to manipulate microbes’ genes and develop novel therapeutics to tackle systemic disease. In this review, we discuss the potential of utilizing CRISPR–Cas systems in the periodontal field to develop personalized periodontal care. We summarize promising attempts to bring this technology to the clinical setting. Finally, we provide insights regarding future developments to best utilize the CRISPR–Cas systems to advance precision periodontics. Although further research is imperative to evaluate the safety and potential of using CRISPR–Cas to develop precision periodontics approaches, few studies showed promising data to support the investment into this important technology in the dental sector. CRISPR–Cas9 can be a useful tool to create knockouts in vitro and in vivo as a screening tool to identify cellular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Alternative CRISPR systems such as CRISPRa, CRISPRi, and Cas13 can be used to modify the transcriptome and gene expression of genes involved in periodontitis progression. CRISPR systems such as Cas3 can be used to target the periodontal biofilm and to develop new strategies to reduce or eliminate periodontal pathogens. Currently, the utility of CRISPR–Cas applications in clinical settings is limited. Through this review, we hope to foster further discussion in the periodontal research and clinical communities with respect to the potential clinical application of novel, CRISPR–Cas based, therapeutics for periodontitis.
Dependence of the apparent bicarbonate space on initial plasma bicarbonate concentration and carbon dioxide tension in neonatal calves with diarrhea, acidemia, and metabolic acidosis
Authors: Trefz Florian M. , Lorenz Ingrid , Constable Peter D. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundMarked strong ion (metabolic) acidosis in neonatal diarrheic calves usually is corrected by IV administration of NaHCO3. The distribution space for IV‐administered bicarbonate, called the apparent bicarbonate space (ABS), appears to depend on initial plasma bicarbonate concentration (cHCO3) and varies considerably in calves.ObjectiveTo determine whether ABS was associated with initial plasmacHCO3and other acid‐base variables.AnimalsTwenty‐five neonatal diarrheic calves with acidemia and metabolic acidosis.MethodsProspective observational study using a convenience sample. Calves received NaHCO3(10 mmol/kg) and glucose (1.4 mmol/kg) IV in a crystalloid solution at 25 mL/kg over 60 minutes. The ABS (L/kg) was calculated at 4 time points over 2 hours after the end of the infusion. The relationship between ABS and initial acid‐base variables was characterized using nonlinear, linear, and stepwise regression.ResultsThe median value for ABS calculated from the initial plasmacHCO3increased from 0.53 L/kg (range, 0.40‐0.79) at the end of IV infusion to 0.96 L/kg (range, 0.54‐1.23) 120 minutes later. Data obtained at the end of infusion provided the best fit to initial plasmacHCO3and jugular venous blood Pco2, such that: ABS = 0.41 + 1.06/cHCO3and ABS = 0.87‐0.0082 × Pco2.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe observed median value for ABS of 0.53 L/kg in our study was similar to the empirically used value of 0.6. However, ABS values varied widely and were increased in calves with severe metabolic acidosis. We therefore recommend calculating ABS using the initial plasmacHCO3or venous blood Pco2, if respective measurements are available.
Leaf turgor loss point shapes local and regional distributions of evergreen but not deciduous tropical trees
Authors: Kunert Norbert , Zailaa Joseph , Herrmann Valentine , Muller‐Landau Helene C. , Wright S. Joseph , Pérez Rolando , McMahon Sean M. , Condit Richard C. , Hubbell Steven P. , Sack Lawren , Davies Stuart J. , Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina J. 
Published: January 2021

Summary

The effects of climate change on tropical forests will depend on how diverse tropical tree species respond to drought. Current distributions of evergreen and deciduous tree species across local and regional moisture gradients reflect their ability to tolerate drought stress, and might be explained by functional traits.

We measured leaf water potential at turgor loss (i.e. ‘wilting point’; πtlp), wood density (WD) and leaf mass per area (LMA) on 50 of the most abundant tree species in central Panama. We then tested their ability to explain distributions of evergreen and deciduous species within a 50 ha plot on Barro Colorado Island and across a 70 km rainfall gradient spanning the Isthmus of Panama.

Among evergreen trees, species with lower πtlp were associated with drier habitats, with πtlp explaining 28% and 32% of habitat association on local and regional scales, respectively, greatly exceeding the predictive power of WD and LMA. In contrast, πtlp did not predict habitat associations among deciduous species.

Across spatial scales, πtlp is a useful indicator of habitat preference for tropical tree species that retain their leaves during periods of water stress, and holds the potential to predict vegetation responses to climate change.
ABUSE, REUSE, RECYCLE: THE USES OF BASALT ORTHOSTATS AT HAZOR IN THE BRONZE AND IRON AGES
Authors: Bechar Shlomit 
Published: January 2021

SummaryThis paper investigates the use of basalt orthostats in Syro‐Anatolia throughout the Bronze and Iron Ages, focusing on the changes in their consumption at Hazor. Used to reflect the wealth and power of city rulers in the Middle and Late Bronze Ages, this practice continued in the Iron Age in Syro‐Anatolia, while at Hazor it stopped entirely. By applying the modern concepts of counter‐monumentality and spolia, it is suggested that, at Hazor, the orthostats were used by the Iron Age inhabitants of the city to glorify the destruction of the Late Bronze Age city and to humiliate the previous royalty of Hazor, thus exhibiting their victory over its Canaanite rulers.
Management of Failed External Fixation by Two‐Staged Internal Osteosynthesis in the Lower Limb
Authors: Kornah Bahaa Ali , Abdelaziz Mohamed , I Abulsoud Mohamed , Abdel Ghani Tharwat , Seleem Nagi , Alshal Ehab A. , Abdel‐AAl Mohamed Aly 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the result of a two‐stage (delayed conversion) management of nonunion after failed external fixation of the lower limb.MethodsA case series of 25 patients (19 males and six females) enrolled in this study between February 2008 and October 2016, mean age 33.4 years (range, 22–65 years). Eight had femoral fractures, and 17 had tibial fractures. All were due to high‐energy trauma and were open fractures. All cases were presented by non‐union after external fixation in the lower limb long bones. All patients were managed by two stages (delayed conversion) osteosynthesis. The patients have been assessed for rate and time for union, range of motion of adjacent joints, the Modified functional outcome score of Karlstrom‐Olerud, and Trauma outcomes measure score.ResultsThe mean follow‐up was 36.5 months (range 24–54 months). Twenty‐two cases (88%) were fully united on an average of 5.3 months. According to the Karlstrom‐Olerud scores, the final functional outcome score was excellent 12 cases, good 9 cases, accepted 2 cases, and poor in two cases. As regards the trauma outcome measure score, the mean TOM after 3 months was 26.1 (25.3–27.3), 30.4 (29.3–32.1) after 12 months, and 33.4 (32.3–40) after 24 months.ConclusionsThe technique of two‐stage treatment of nonunions of long bone after external fixation is a successful tool to achieve bony union. It could be a favorable option with a low risk of complications and a high level of functional outcomes.
Readability of online patient education materials for juvenile dermatomyositis
Authors: Nickles Melissa A. , Ramani Santhoshini L. , Tegtmeyer Kyle , Zhao Jeffrey , Lio Peter A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this study, we sought to analyze the readability of online patient education materials (PEMs) related to juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). We analyzed the top 100 Google results and using six different readability scores, found 53 PEMs which had an average grade reading level of 17.4 (graduate level). PEMs by health care providers were written at higher grade levels than those by non‐health care providers. Our findings demonstrate a clear need for online JDM PEMs that are written at an appropriate reading level and can be comprehended by patients and families of all levels of health literacy.
Eltrombopag for treatment of thrombocytopenia after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in children: Single‐centre experience
Authors: Yaman Yöntem , Elli Murat , Şahin Şifa , Özdilli Kürşat , Bilgen Hülya , Bayram Nihan , Nepesov Serdar , Anak Sema 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDelayed recovery of thrombocytopenia is a well‐known complication after allogeneic HSCT. Eltrombopag (ELT), a thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TRAs), induces platelet maturation and release. Mostly conducted in adults, some of the previous studies have shown that ELT seems to enhance platelet recovery for post‐allogeneic HSCT thrombocytopenia, appears efficacious, and offers transfusion independence. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ELT in pediatric patients with prolonged isolated thrombocytopenia (PIT) or secondary failure of platelet recovery (SFPR) after alloHSCT. Retrospective analysis of childhood patients who received treatment with ELT for persistent thrombocytopenia after alloHSCT between May 2016 and August 2019. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of ELT in 18 childhood patients with PIT or SFPR after alloHSCT. Eltrombopag (50 mg/d) treatment was started in all patients, above 6 years of age and 20 kg weight, who had thrombocytopenia despite neutrophil engraftment on the 30th day of HSCT. Our objective was to decrease the need for platelet transfusion and have a platelet count of more than 50 000/µL. The overall response rate was 77.7%. The median time to achieve a platelet level above 30 000/µL and 50 000/µL was 21 and 44 days, respectively. In four patients, platelet count never reached 30 000/mm3. In two patients, the treatment was discontinued due to grade 3 hepatotoxicity. Our study supports the efficacy and relative safety of ELT use for the treatment of PIT and SFPR seen after alloHSCT in children.
Evaluation of soybean genotypes for resistance against the rust‐causing fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi in East Africa
Authors: Murithi Harun Muthuri , Namara Mercy , Tamba Mussa , Tukamuhabwa Phinehas , Mahuku George , van Esse H. Peter , Thomma Bart P. H. J. , Joosten Matthieu H. A. J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSoybean rust, caused by the biotrophic fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is the most important foliar disease of soybean (Glycine max) worldwide. Deployment of resistant soybean cultivars is the best option for managing this disease. Genes conferring resistance to P. pachyrhizi have been identified, but pathotypes of the rust fungus overcoming these resistance genes have also been found. To identify novel resistance genes, soybean genotypes from both local and international sources were screened at multiple locations in Tanzania and Uganda in 2016 and 2017. The results from this screening revealed that infection types, disease severities, and sporulation levels varied among the genotypes and locations. The majority of the genotypes had tan‐coloured (TAN) lesions and developed moderate sporulation, implying susceptibility, while only seven of the 71 lines had reddish‐brown (RB) lesions and showed low disease severities in all of the screening environments. We identified seven genotypes that were the most resistant to rust in the most locations over the two years. These genotypes will be useful for further studies and, ultimately, for rust management, as they show broad resistance to various pathotypes of the rust fungus.