bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards the global equilibrium of COVID‐19: Statistical analysis of country‐level data
Authors: Last Mark 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn our study, we explore the COVID‐19 dynamics to test whether the virus has reached its equilibrium point and to identify the main factors explaining the current R and case fatality rate (CFR) variability across countries. We present a retrospective study of publicly available country‐level data from 50 countries having the highest number of confirmed COVID–19 cases at the end of September 2021. The mean values of country‐level moving averages of R and CFR went down respectively from 1.118 and 6.3% on June 30, 2020 to 1.083 and 3.6% on September 30, 2020 and to 1.015 and 1.8% by September 30, 2021. In parallel, the 10%–90% inter‐percentile range of R and CFR moving averages decreased, respectively, from 0.288 and 13.3% on June 30, 2020, to 0.151 and 7.7% on September 30, 2020, and to 0.107 and 3.3% by September 30, 2021. The slow decrease in the country‐level moving averages of R, approaching the level of 1.0 and accompanied by repeated outbreaks (“waves”) in various countries, may indicate that COVID‐19 has reached its point of stable endemic equilibrium. A regression analysis implies that only a prohibitively high level of herd immunity (about 63%) may stop the endemic by reaching a stable disease‐free equilibrium. It also appears that fully vaccinating about 70% of a country's population should be sufficient for bringing the CFR close to the level of the seasonal flu (about 0.1%). Thus, while the currently available vaccines prove to be effective in reducing the mortality from the existing COVID‐19 variants, they are unlikely to stop the spread of the virus in the foreseeable future. It is noteworthy that government measures restricting people's behavior (such as lockdowns) were not found to have statistically significant effects in the analyzed data.
Characteristics, complications, and a comparison between early and late tracheostomy: A retrospective observational study on tracheostomy in patients with COVID‐19‐related acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Hansson Anna , Sunnergren Ola , Hammarskjöld Anneli , Alkemark Catarina , Taxbro Knut 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsAs the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic spread worldwide in 2020, the number of patients requiring intensive care and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) has increased rapidly. During the pandemic, early recommendations suggested that tracheostomy should be postponed, as the potential benefits were not certain to exceed the risk of viral transmission to healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of tracheostomy in patients with COVID‐19‐related acute respiratory distress syndrome, in terms of patient and clinical characteristics, outcomes, and complications, by comparing between early and late tracheostomy.MethodsA multicenter, retrospective observational study was conducted in Jönköping County, Sweden. Between 14 March 2020 and 13 March 2021, 117 patients were included. All patients ≥18 years of age with confirmed COVID‐19, who underwent tracheostomy were divided into two groups based on the timing of the procedure (≤/>7 days). Outcomes including the time on IMV, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, and mortality 30 days after ICU admission, as well as complications due to tracheostomy were compared between the groups.ResultsEarly tracheostomy (<7 days, n = 56) was associated with a shorter median duration of mechanical ventilation (7 [12], p = 0.001) as well as a shorter median ICU stay (8 [14], p = 0.001). The most frequent complication of tracheostomy was minor bleeding. With the exception of a higher rate of obesity in the group receiving late tracheostomy, the patient characteristics were similar between the groups.ConclusionThis study showed that early tracheostomy was safe and associated with a shorter time on IMV as well as a shorter ICU length of stay, implicating possible clinical benefits in critically ill COVID‐19 patients. However, it is necessary to verify these findings in a randomized controlled trial.
A prospective study for evaluating the effect of gastric targeted biopsy sampling with I‐scan optical enhancement on the diagnostic yield of CLOtest for Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Dawod Hosam Mohamed 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and Aim of the WorkHelicobacter pylorigastritis can cause serious adverse effects in the short and long term. I‐scan optical enhancement (OE) has a potential role to distinguish areas of infected mucosa and allow for targeted biopsy. It improves visual contrast and mucosal pattern characterization. The work aims to determine if the diagnostic yield of the CLOtest could be improved by using endoscopic I‐scan OE technology for targeted gastric biopsy sampling.Patients and MethodsA prospective study recruited 112 adult patients with active H. pylori infection diagnosed by C13 UBT at Nizwa General Hospital from March 2021 to January 2022. The patients underwent a careful examination by nonmagnifying upper endoscopy and I‐scan OE 3 moods, then randomly allocated into two groups. Group A: nontargeted double biopsies from the antrum and mid corpus. Group B: I‐scan OE‐directed targeted biopsy from abnormal mucosal patterns. The biopsy specimens were inoculated into CLOtest kits; the reading time of the positive results was at 1, 4, and 24 h.ResultsGroup B had a 92.8% positive CLOtest compared to 89.3% in group A (p = 0.501). One‐hour CLOtest was positive in 78.5% of the patients in group B compared to 60.7% in group A (p = 0.047), while group A had a significantly more positive CLOtest at 24 h.ConclusionSampling a targeted gastric biopsy with the aid of I‐scan ‐OE for CLOtest significantly hastens the positive reading time with high sensitivity.
The relationship between cleaning product exposure and respiratory and skin symptoms among healthcare workers in a hospital setting: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dang Kelly T. L. , Garrido Ameth N. , Prasad Shivonne , Afanasyeva Marina , Lipszyc Joshua C. , Orchanian‐Cheff Ani , Tarlo Susan M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsSeveral studies from multiple work settings have reported an increase in asthma and asthma‐like respiratory symptoms in workers exposed to cleaning or disinfecting agents. Hospital workers perform many cleaning and disinfecting activities and may be vulnerable to respiratory and skin symptoms caused by these agents. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aim to quantify the risk of asthma and asthma‐like symptoms in hospital workers exposed to cleaning/disinfecting agents. A secondary aim is to assess associated risks of skin symptoms in those studies.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, CDSR, CENTRAL, CINAHL databases, and references of relevant review articles were searched. NHLBI quality assessment tools were used to assess the quality of the included studies. A total of 2550 articles were retrieved and 34 studies met criteria to be included. The software R version 4.0.5 was used to perform the meta‐analysis. The random‐effects model was used to pool the results due to within‐studies heterogeneity.ResultsMeta‐analysis of 10 studies evaluating the association between occupational cleaning exposures and asthma demonstrated a 35% increased risk in exposed hospital workers (meta‐RR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09–1.68). The risk of asthma increased when workers were exposed to bleach compared with nonexposed workers (meta‐RR = 1.51, 95% CI: 0.54–4.18), but was not statistically significant. Two studies investigated the relationship between respiratory and skin symptoms and produced mixed results.ConclusionsThe results suggest a need for preventive practices to reduce the risk of asthma and asthma‐like symptoms in hospital workers exposed to occupational cleaning/disinfecting agents. Trial registration number: CRD42020137804.
Melatonin is effective in attenuating cisplatin‐induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Bayraktar U. Arda , Arıhan Okan , Atalay Özbeyen , Gök Müslüm , Çiçek Çiğdem , Bodur Ebru , Tuncer Meltem 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCisplatin (Cis) is a chemotherapeutic agent that has many side effects. Neurotoxicity is one of the most important of these side effects. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are the best‐known mechanisms in the pathogenesis of neurotoxicity development. In this study, we aimed to determine whether melatonin (Mel), with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects, is effective in preventing Cis‐induced neurotoxicity. Forty‐eight male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into six groups (n = 8) as follows: control (0.9% NaCl), vehicle (5% ethanol), Cis (6 mg/kg), Cis (6 mg/kg) + vehicle (5% ethanol), Mel (20 mg/kg), and Cis (6 mg/kg) + Mel (20 mg/kg) groups. Cis was administered as a single dose on the 3rd day of the experiment while Mel was given for 5 days. All administrations were performed via intraperitoneal injection. After injections, T‐maze, rotarod, and hot plate tests were performed to evaluate cognitive, motor, and sensory functions, respectively. Following sacrification oxidative stress markers, cholinergic function, and proinflammatory cytokines were studied from brain homogenates. Cis impaired cognitive function and motor performance in the Cis and Cis+Vehicle groups. The drug also increased oxidative stress in the brain. Mel significantly improved brain oxidant/antioxidant status and also decreased the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines (superoxide dismutase activities in Cis+Vehicle and Cis+Mel groups: 104.55 ± 9.50 µU/mg protein vs. 150.13 ± 4.70 µU/mg protein, respectively, p < 0.05; tumor necrosis factor‐α levels in Cis and Cis+Mel groups: 40 pg/ml vs. 20 pg/ml, respectively, p < 0.05). It seems that Mel can improve Cis neurotoxicity. For a more firm conclusion, further studies using Mel at different doses with larger groups should be performed.
Activation of cell adhesion molecules and Snail during epithelial to mesenchymal transition prior to formation of the regenerative tail blastema in lizards
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAfter few days from tail amputation in lizards the stump is covered with mesenchymal cells accumulated underneath a wound epidermis and forms a regenerative blastema. During migration, some keratinocytes transit from a compact epidermis into relatively free keratinocytes in a process of “epithelial to mesenchymal transition” (EMT). EMT is also induced after damaging the regenerating epidermis by cauterization, whereas keratinocytes detach and migrate as mesenchymal‐like cells among the superficial blastema cells and reconstruct a wound epidermis after about a week from the damage. In normal amputation or after cauterization, no malignant transformation is observed during the transition and migration of keratinocytes. Immunolabeling for markers of EMT confirms the histological description and shows a unique pattern of expression forl‐CAM (E‐cadherin), N‐CAM, and SNAIL‐1 and ‐2 (SLUG). These proteins are present in the cytoplasm and nuclei of migrating keratinocytes. It is hypothesized that the nuclear labeling for E‐cadherin coupled to cytoplasmic SNAIL‐labeling is somehow related to an initially regulated EMT. After the migrating keratinocytes have reached confluence over the stump, they reverse into a “mesenchymal to epithelial transition” (MET) forming the wound epidermis. The basal layers of the apical wound epidermis of the blastema show some nuclear E‐cadherin labeling, while the tail regenerates. It is hypothesized that, together with other tumor suppressors proteins, the apical epidermis and mesenchyme are kept under a tight proliferative control, while in proximal regions the prevalent effect of tumor suppressors determine the differentiation of the new tail tissues.
Cultural adaptations for disaster response for children in Puerto Rico after Hurricane María
Authors: Baggerly Jennifer , Ceballos Peggy , Rodríguez Mónica , Reyes Ana G. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAdaptations for specific cultural populations are needed to respond to children affected by natural disasters. After Hurricane María, we provided disaster response training to mental health professionals and Disaster Response Play Therapy services to children in Puerto Rico. In this article, we describe culturally specific, field‐tested preparation and procedures to promote Puerto Rican children's mental health after disasters. We recommend cultural adaptations for training mental health professionals and providing children's disaster response in Puerto Rico.
Dynamics of influenza‐like illness under urbanization procedure and COVID‐19 pandemic in the subcenter of Beijing during 2013–2021
Authors: Wang Chao , Yang Yan‐Na , Xi Lu , Yang Li‐Li , Du Juan , Zhang Zhong‐Song , Lian Xin‐Yao , Cui Yan , Li Hong‐Jun , Zhang Wan‐Xue , Liu Bei , Cui Fuqiang , Lu Qing‐Bin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractInfluenza‐like illness (ILI) varies in intensity year by year, generally keeping a stable pattern except for great changes of its epidemic pattern. Of the most impacting factors, urbanization has been suggested as shaping the intensity of influenza epidemics. Besides, growing evidence indicates the nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 offer great advantages in controlling infectious diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of urbanization and NPIs on the dynamic of ILI in Tongzhou, Beijing, during January 2013 to March 2021. ILI epidemiological surveillance data in Tongzhou district were obtained from Beijing Influenza Surveillance Network and separated into three periods of urbanization and four intervals of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Standardized average incidence rates of ILI in each separate stages were calculated and compared by using Wilson method and time series model of seasonal ARIMA. Influenza seasonal outbreaks showed similar epidemic size and intensity before urbanization during 2013–2016. Increased ILI activity was found during the process of Tongzhou's urbanization during 2017–2019, with the rate difference of 2.48 (95% confidence interva [CI]: 2.44, 2.52) and the rate ratio of 1.75 (95% CI: 1.74, 1.76) of ILI incidence between preurbanization and urbanization periods. ILI activity abruptly decreased from the beginning of 2020 and kept at the bottom level almost in every epidemic interval. The top decrease in ILI activity by NPIs was shown in 5–14 years group in 2020–2021 influenza season, as 92.2% (95% CI: 78.3%, 95.2%). The results indicated that both urbanization and NPIs interrupted the epidemic pattern of ILI. We should pay more attention to public health when facing increasing population density, human contact, population mobility, and migration in the process of urbanization. NPIs and influenza vaccination should be implemented as necessary measures to protect people from common infectious diseases like ILI.
Single‐center experience on progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) cases, neuroimaging relevance, and management at West Virginia University (WVU)
Authors: Yu Hongxuyang , Wu Hongyan , R Subapriya , Kaur Arshdeep , Pasham Shreya R. , Upadhaya Roshma , Sriwastava Shitiz 
Published: April 2022

AbstractProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an increasingly common and rapidly fatal demyelinating infection of central nervous system caused by the highly prevalent John Cunningham (JC) virus in immunocompromised individuals belonging to all age groups and genders. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the most common predisposing factor among other immunodeficient conditions leading to reactivation and multiple neurological symptoms. It has varied findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diagnosis is confirmed by positive JC virus in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We report 12 confirmed cases of PML from a single academic center. We comprehensively described clinical presentations, risk factors, CSF and neuroimaging findings, treatment and outcome for these cases of PML, a rare disease. The cases were almost equivalently distributed among young and old age groups and both genders. Positive JC virus on CSF was present in the majority of cases along with mild to severe reduction in lymphocyte counts. Significant MRI changes were present in all cases ranging from T2 hypertense signals to white matter lesions in various regions. Treatment with the reversion of immune‐modulators, optimization of antiviral therapy (ART), plasmapheresis (PLEX), IVIG, Mirtazapine, oral steroids, and others was started as soon as the diagnosis was made in the majority of the cases. However, PML is a rapidly fatal illness and hence, survival was only seen in 4 cases in our study. The objective of this article is to highlight the importance of early diagnosis of PML with CSF findings and neuroimaging, early reversion of immunosuppressive medications, and careful monitoring and treatment of HIV cases with goals to reduce mortality, long‐term morbidity, and deficits.
Evaluation of sex differences in rodent anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Liu Yake , Rodeo Scott A. , Deng Xiang‐Hua , Song Zhe , Chen Daoyun , Casey Ellen 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe relative contributions of sex differences in anatomy, biomechanics, and hormones to the increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in female athletes remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate sex differences in anatomy and biomechanics of the native and reconstructed ACL using our established murine model. A total of 140 12‐week‐old wild‐type C57Bl/6 (70 male vs. 70 female) mice were used for this study. ACL reconstruction was performed on 120 mice who were split into four groups: Group 1 (30 males sacrificed at 14 days), Group 2 (30 females sacrificed at 14 days), Group 3 (30 males sacrificed at 28 days), and Group 4 (30 females sacrificed at 28 days). Tendon graft‐to‐bone healing was assessed by biomechanical, histological, and micro‐CT analysis. Twenty mice were used for baseline testing. Females showed significantly higher anterior (p < 0.05) and total displacement (p < 0.05). Males demonstrated a significantly higher load‐to‐failure force of native ACLs compared to females (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in load‐to‐failure force in the ACL autograft. There were no significant sex differences in histological analysis of graft integration or tibial slope. The increased knee laxity and reduced load‐to‐failure of the native ACL observed in the female mice are consistent with some of the proposed risk factors driving the increased risk of ACL injury in females. Understanding the relative contributions of factors driving sex differences in material properties of the ACL will provide insight into the sex differences in ACL injury and future prevention strategies.
Gingival landmarks and cutting points for gingival phenotype determination: A clinical and tomographic cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rodrigues Diogo Moreira , Petersen Rodrigo Lima , de Moraes José Rodrigo , Barboza Eliane Porto 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThis cross‐sectional study assessed the role of gingival landmarks (GLs) and cutting points (CPs) for gingival phenotype (GP) determination.MethodsSix maxillary anterior teeth (70 subjects) were evaluated using soft tissue cone‐beam computed tomography (ST‐CBCT). Gingival thickness was measured at different GLs: 1) tissue zone (gingival margin [GM], 1 and 2 mm apical to GM, cemento‐enamel junction, above the bone crest); 2) bone zone (buccal bone crest [BBC], 1, 2, and 3 mm apical to BBC). CPs of 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.5 mm were used to discriminate between thin and thick GP. The clinical determination of GP was made based on transparency of the periodontal probe (TRAN).ResultsThe prevalence of thin and thick GP depended on the GL and CP. Considering the CP (1 mm), thin GP at the tissue zone ranged from 99% at the GM to 10.2% above the bone crest. In the bone zone, thick GP ranged from 28% at the BBC to 6% at 3 mm apical to the BBC. The predictability of a correct assessment of GP by TRAN compared with ST‐CBCT was influenced by the GLs and CPs. A slight agreement (kappa <0.2) and low accuracy (area under the curve <0.7) were found between methods.ConclusionsThe determination of thin and thick GPs is related to the gingival landmarks and CPs. Further studies are required for a well‐defined treatment protocol considering different gingival landmarks in tissue and bone zones. An ST‐CBCT may be useful for this purpose.
Reply to ‘Challenging the hypothesis of an arctic ocean lake during recent glacial episodes’ by Hillaire‐Marcel, et al
Authors: GEIBERT W. , MATTHIESSEN J. , WOLLENBURG J. , STEIN R. 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTHillaire‐Marcel et al. bring forward several physical and geochemical arguments against our finding of an Arctic glaciolacustrine system in the past. In brief, we find that a physical approach to further test our hypothesis should additionally consider the actual bathymetry of the Greenland–Scotland Ridge (GSR), the density maximum of freshwater at 3–4°C, the sensible heat flux from rivers, and the actual volumes that are being mixed and advected. Their geochemical considerations acknowledge our original argument, but they also add a number of assumptions that are neither required to explain the observations, nor do they correspond to the lithology of the sediments. Rather than being additive in nature, their arguments of high particle flux, low particle flux, export of 230Th and accumulation of 230Th, are mutually exclusive. We first address the arguments above, before commenting on some misunderstandings of our original claim in their contribution, especially regarding our dating approach.
Oncoplastic breast reconstruction: Principles, current techniques, and future directions
Authors: Salibian Ara A. , Olson Blade , Shauly Orr , Patel Ketan M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractOncoplastic breast reconstruction has improved esthetic results after breast‐conserving surgery with low complication rates and stable oncologic outcomes. Basic principles can be applied across different volume displacement and replacement techniques including restoration of breast shape and symmetry through esthetic incisions while eliminating dead space. Technique selection is guided by several factors including breast size, resection‐to‐breast ratio, and patient desires. A surgeon familiar with all techniques will allow individualization of treatment and optimization of outcomes.
Neighborhood socioeconomic status and low‐value breast cancer care
Authors: Chen J. C. , Li Yaming , Fisher James L. , Bhattacharyya Oindrila , Tsung Allan , Obeng‐Gyasi Samilia 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study is to examine the association between neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) and receipt of low‐value breast cancer procedures.MethodsPatients with breast cancer diagnosed between 2010 and 2016 were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. Low value procedures included: (1) axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for patients with limited nodal disease receiving breast conservation therapy (BCT); (2) contralateral prophylactic mastectomies (CPM); and (3) sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) in patients ≥70 years old with clinically node negative early‐stage hormone‐positive breast cancer. The cohort was divided by nSES. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis compared the groups.ResultsThe study included 412 959 patients. Compared to patients in high nSES areas, residing in neighborhoods with low nSES (odd ratio [OR] 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0−2.42) and middle nSES (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.20−1.56) was associated with a higher probability of undergoing low value ALND. Conversely, patients in low SES neighborhoods were less likely to receive low value SLNB (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.85−0.94) or CPM than (low nSES OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.73−0.77); middle nSES OR 0.91 (0.89−0.92) those in high SES neighborhoods.ConclusionIn the SEER Program, low nSES was associated with a lower probability of low value procedures except for ALND utilization.